Ugly Shoes

I bought some Sperry's.

These are not my first pair of ugly shoes. My beloved chocolate brown Birkenstocks circa 10th grade are still with me today and are worn to work or out walking.

Then there were the chocolate brown Uggs. Nowadays in the fall and winter, I will only wear them around the house or if I am in an incredibly depressed mood/PMSing. But those things are as ugly as hell and everyone knows it.

And how about Crocs? Granted, I won't wear foam/plastic/whatever shoes under any circumstances, but they are comfortable. How come that all the ugly shoes are always the most comfortable? Hm?

I have wanted to get my hands on a pair of Nike + Cole Haan heels for the longest time, but at this point in my life, I really cannot justify the price tag. And even some of THOSE shoes are pretty hideous. Up until now, Aldo has produced some of the most comfortable shoes for me, but only for a year or so until they get worn down.

I am sure there are stylish & comfortable shoes out there, and believe me the Sperry's were only bought {okay, my dad bought them for me} for work since I am on my feet for so long.

This article today made me feel a lot better about my Topsiders though...and got me thinking about what "true American style" really is...

But I'll save that for another time.

3 Weeks in 1 Post

A few days after I was back on American soil, my best friend Lizz came to visit for a week! It was a great time full of cupcakes, vintage shopping, and general silliness. When she left, I was sad to be all alone without my biff.

Over the next few days, Aaron had told me I would be getting a package in the mail on Monday.

Well, I came home from work that day to learn that the "package" was him! My parents had been in on it with him for weeks; it was the biggest surprise I have ever received. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time he was here {4 days}. He really is the best there is.

Tuesday morning took a turn for the worse when our phone rang at 2:30 in the morning from my uncle. My 27 year old cousin, Angelina, had been fighting colon cancer for a few years and she had died. A night earlier, her hospice nurse had said that her time would be coming very soon and I like to think Angelina waited until her best friend drove through the night from Pennsylvania to New York to see her one last time.

We flew into Rochester and then drove to Syracuse Thursday. The wake and funeral were lovely; Angelina planned 99% of them while she was alive. I could not believe how strong her twin sister, sister, brother, and mother were. But as it was said throughout the weekend, Angelina is now with her father {both God and her dad} in heaven.

One thing that Angelina encouraged before her death was the "celebration of life." Because of her, I am trying to remember every day how valuable life is and how it can be gone in an instant.

5/31/09

What I wore pre-work today.

Starbucks is losing its luster for me. Especially after I ordered an espresso hoping for one of those cute little cups, but got a regular-sized one! What?!

Oh yes, so I am working now. And back in Texas. And I have a to-do list a million and a half things long.

Necklace H&M
Top Promod {Firenze}
Belt Borrowed from the mother
Jeans UO
Purse AA

Happy June tomorrow!

5/12/09

Lately my life has been defining the word "exhausting."

Yesterday: My History of Costume final, watched Gossip Girl, tried "After 8" & Peanut gelato, began watching Atonement {again}. Note- Peanut gelato does not equal peanut butter gelato, unfortunately.

Today: Went to the Boboli Gardens and got attacked by gnats and flies. Met up with my roommates and a mutual teacher for a tour of her new apartment {which was absolutely amazing with its 360 degree terrace and crazy Dutch plants}. Ate a fresh baked bagel with jam at Mama's Bakery and then got chocolate soymilk gelato and mint gelato. Took a wonderful nap, had dinner, and packed...

I don't understand how I have so many things but my suitcases are overflowing and I still have to pack everything I wear within the next three days plus makeup and last minute electronic things. I'm terrified that since a BUNCH of students are flying out Saturday morning, they will be strict with the weight limit.

What I wore yesterday:

Necklace H&M
Top Pacsun
Shorts Zara
Flats Aldo

Last exam tomorrow...someone want to lend me some motivation?

And yes, I know that is sort of a boob shot. Or lack thereof.

5/11/09

First day of finals. The good news is that I'm getting 3/5 over with today. The bad news is that I studied for approx. 2 hours last night.

Also, I woke up at 7:30 today. WHY? I'm going to be dead tonight when I need to be studying hardcore for History of Costume. I did watch The Duchess this weekend {18th century costume}...does that count? I think it does. Cravats, cutaway coats, etc, etc.

Green top Pacsun
Pink top Urban Outfitters
Jeans Cheap Monday
Purse AA
Sneakers Converse

Off to Rio Cafe for a bagel and xxxxxxxlarge coffee. How American of me.

Home in FIVE days!

I'll Miss This

Hours old pane Toscano with olive oil, salt, and fresh basil + mozzarella and tomato salad with fresh basil = one of the best lunches in the world.

The smell of fresh basil transports me back to the first week here, making fresh pesto as part of our "orientation." Because of that, as well as my cooking class this semester, basil is now one of my favorite smells {I used to hate the smell of herbs, but I think that's because I never smelled them fresh, always dried!}.

This time next week, I'll be in Texas!

Two Weeks

St. Moritz, Switzerland

I feel like I post more about being MIA than anything else. I know I'm a horrible blogger.

Anyways, here's the usual update:

• I have two weeks left in Florence.
  
• I'm now on the hunt for a maxi-dress to wear on the flight back {Florence, Frankfurt, JFK, Dallas; it will be a loooong day}
• There's this nightly street show right outside our apartment that is so loud and obnox. Go away!
• Switzerland last weekend was quite lovely. I would be a little freaked out to live there {living in the middle of nowhere just scares me for some reason} but I would love to go back for an extended period of time.
• Thank you so much to all the bloggers who let me interview them for my Anthropology of Fashion final project! I got a 99 on the presentation, so hopefully the the paper was good, too!
  
• I found out while in Switzerland that I got into FIT and am now in the process of withdrawing from Marist. I will be in New York City next year. My dreams are coming true.

Hope everyone else is enjoying life!