The smell of last year

Blouse- secondhand  ::  Belt- Thailand  ::  Skirt- so long ago, since ... 9th grade! geez  ::  Sandals- TJMaxx  :: Lipstick- Revlon Lustrous Lipstick "Plumalicious"  ::  Horse- THE LAND OF EQUESTRIA

Can you ever believe that this statue is made out of metal, not wood? 

Though I wore this shirt primarily for the practical reason to cover myself without collapsing into a pool of tired sweat, nostalgia managed to permeate my skin as soon as I put it on. I couldn't help but recall that around the same time last year, I wore this shirt (and sandals) on my first day out in a thrillingly new country. Just looking at the pictures I took back then make me smile. They remind me of the smell of frangipanis, the tropical flower that grew almost everywhere in fragrant clusters. 


Here, there are no frangipanis. But there are ... whatever these flowers are. I'm no botanist, so if anyone can kindly point out what flowers they are (I know they're not lavender, unless my nose is broken and I couldn't easily tell), I'd appreciate the extra bit of knowledge. These might not hold the same sweet scent, but they still had the sweetness to attract many bees. 


Wait, crap. That's not a fair trade-off, is it? Shit.


Anyway: is it weird that I find myself occasionally missing a place that isn't home? Have you ever found yourself in the same or similar position? Most importantly, will the bees leave me alone?

Win from the Giveaway Tree!

So funny story: I walked outside my house a few days ago when lo-and-behold! this curious wonderment of the giveaway tree appeared before me. I knew it was the special giveaway tree that only blooms every once in awhile because the fruits were bits and bobs of pretty jewelry straight from Thailand. How did I know they were from Thailand? The tree and I go way back.

Two of the jewelry included-- the double black and red necklace and the red-orange ring-- were given to me as a gift from the lovely Paulena from K&J Classy Closet. She's Pink's cousin who recently started a new clothing business that I'm excited about. Did you know that I actually modelled for her? True fax. You'll see if you click on that site, but you can ignore how dour I look. You can also see that the prices are decent; and I know Paulena's hoping to ship more overseas! Anyway: I need to make it perfectly clear that I'm not sponsored by her nor am I being paid in any fashion. I'm just someone who's helping out a friend. And who knows? Maybe you'll find something there you'd like.

As for the other jewelry-- the giant lock necklace, the owl ring and my own Ms. Jaspy (that I wore here)-- I bought at various outdoor shops in Thailand. So I can confidently say that these are all from Thailand, so you can sound verrrrrry exotic. :)

Note: I have very scrawny fingers, so the jaguar ring fits my middle, index and ring finger fine; but the owl ring is very large and slips off easily. Click here for a photo reference.

The rules:
- Giveaway goes from now till July 11, at 11:11 AM US Eastern Time.
- You must be a follower to enter
- Leave a comment here with your email address
- Just for fun, why don't you give me what name you'd give the owl ring?

Good luck! And thanks so much for making this blog awesome!

"Bye, Bangkok."

Those were the words I said under my breath (thankfully no one seemed to hear me... the window seat next to me was free) right when the plane was lifting off and flying away from the place I stayed for three weeks. It's silly, but I couldn't help but feel that I was missing something, that I wanted to experience so much more. Don't get me wrong: I had a kickass time that occasionally kicked me in the ass (more like digestive system, but ladies don't talk about that, amirite). Mostly, it was an eye-opening time. I had the unique experience of staying in the same city where certain political unrest brewed and blew over; the same city where recovery from said political turmoil was a record bat of an eye. I saw the high and low, the rich and poor and the modern and traditional aspects of Thailand, while having the best tour guides I could ask for (though Pink couldn't always answer my incessant questions). In the end, I was grateful for this trip that I never would've gone on had I not taken Pink seriously when she first asked, "Do you want to come to Thailand with me?" several months ago.

What's Lovely for Wednesday, June 2, 2010: Though there's the thrill (but mostly fear) of having to travel by myself for the first time halfway across the world... nothing beats a hug from a friend at the airport.

I think this guy thought I was taking a picture of him or something, because he kept on whirling his head 'round when I was standing there trying to get the shot at the Bangkok airport. Geez, buddy.

While wiling away the hours at the Tokyo airport, I put my camera to good use. I actually really like the airport: it's super clean and well organized, and I loved how I could recognize the area (meaning I WASN'T LOST).

The airport has this pretty cool spot where you can rest and admire the amazing Pollock-esque decorations. Here, I'm surreptitiously entertaining myself with the self-timer.

I had the luck and misfortune to have the window seat on my flight from Tokyo to Chicago; at least it enabled me to see beautiful rainbows like this. The kind-looking Japanese man sitting next to me enjoyed the view, too.

What's Lovely for Thursday, June 3, 2010: HOME.

Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllluh.

What's Lovely for Saturday, June 5, 2010: Seeing (and mostly hugging) a slew of friends, buddies, compadres, amis, after you haven't seen them in so long.

It's a wonder we're not professional interpretive dancers.
On Grimsay>> Wearing the T-shirt that I bought in Thailand
On me>> V-neck- Avenue @ BKK : Bow tie- K&J Classy Closet : Skinnies- Gap : Flats- Thailand

What's Lovely for Sunday, June 6, 2010: Finding a hidden DFTBA in a copy of Will Grayson, Will Grayon at Barnes & Nobles. This so made me smile. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I strongly suggest you go to the site the nice person wrote in that note.

What's Lovely for Monday, June 7, 2010: Decorating my room with pages and pages from magazines (pictures later), so now my room is dedicated to art and fashion. Wow, what a girl I am.

The last second made me go AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

What's Lovely for June 8, 2010: You knew this was coming.... ALEJANDRO. Oi, I'm terrified and awed at the same time. Mostly terrified. In a good way. (I love how Poppy immediately thought of me when she was linked to this video, oh Lawdy)

Buddhas and Condoms

What's Lovely for Monday, May 31, 2010: Just the simple act of-- chillaxing.

To be honest, yesterday was not much of anything. I stayed inside all day and lounged around and fried my eyes slightly thanks to the computer. Today however, was a totally different story...

What's Lovely for June 1, 2010: Spending my last full day in Bangkok with a reclining Buddha and condoms. Lots and lots and LOTS of condoms.

I think that I should rewind.

I know you must be sick of temple photos by now, but I can't help but take dozens of photos every time I go. This time we went to the famous Reclining Buddha temple, famous for its large scale Buddha and sheer number of tourists.

I'm ridiculously dumb and forgot that adding the time stamp on my photos wouldn't be reversible. Thus, please try to ignore the blaring date and time on most of these photos.

Bigfoot has nothing on him.

I evidently dressed like A HUSSY and was required to wear this sarong wrapped around my waist before I entered the temple. That is the smile of a Jezebel, people.

We also saw the lesser attraction, the Reclining Kitty.

I got to ride the famous tuk-tuk for the FIRST TIME today! Granted, it's slightly dangerous what with not having seat belts or anything, BUT... for short distances, it was both fun and practical to travel.

I'm just as surprised as you that the glamorous-wind-in-hair shot actually worked out well as it did.

On Pink>> Dress- marketplace @ Bangkok : Shoes- pretty sure "borrowed" from her sister : I'm afraid I don't have very specific sources on her clothes

On me>> Dress- TJMaxx : Belt- Avenue shop @ Bangkok : Ribbon- from Pink's sister : Flats- Outlet mall @ Thailand : Bag- Mom's

After a lot of sweating (what else is new, I'm near the equator) and resting, we both showered and gussied ourselves up for one of the most famous and well-regarded restaurants in Bangkok: Cabbages and Condoms. No, I am not kidding, that is in fact, the name. Apparently the food is guaranteed to not make you pregnant. I dunno about you, but that's a sweet deal. I mean, how many restaurants offer that service? Can Applebee's do that? I'm pretty sure their steaks can cause babies to happen, but don't quote me on that.

The restaurant was set partially in and outdoors and was all beautiful. I love that we ate dinner here, because then we could see all the pretty lights that lit the whole place up. Here I am, enjoying my mocktail of Pina Colada.

A toast to my trip in Bangkok, you, me, them, everyone and all the puppies in the world. Note that Pink has a legit cocktail; I'm apparently a wuss.

Meal: One of the best deep fried sea bass that I've ever had (with mango sauce) with yummyyyyy morning glory. Oh yum, did I love that fish.

They even had live entertainment!

Pink and I had a go. I think she got herpes, and I got pediculosis (which I just found out is lice infection. ew).

[Insert inappropriate "Santa's Coming to Town" joke here]

They really went all out on the decor.

Finishing off with a nice banana chocolate crepe next door at Crepes & Co. was a creppin' good idea.

I can't believe I'm going back home tomorrow.

Work those bitchy gams

Wohp, almost having a Marilyn Monroe moment there. No, I didn't get into several affairs with several Kennedys. No, I didn't... just the dress, ok? The dress.

Dress-Market @ Hua Hin : Heels- borrowed from Pink's sister : Belt- MBK in Bangkok

What's Lovely for May 30, 2010: Remembering the weird mixture of nostalgia, euphoria, little bit of sadness, fear of change and a whole lot of relief that came with graduation. Maybe it'll be the same next time around, only with a lot more fear.

Apologies for the bright, glaring flash photo (don't glare at me for that, har har), but I wanted to share an outfit post that I thought was poignantly fitting. This was the first thing I bought in Thailand, and today (as my trip draws to a close) was the first time I wore it. Not only is the pleating gorgeous, but it makes walking hella fun (walk walk fashion baby). Though these shoes were murdering my feet, I think they were getting a little bit of Stockholm's syndrome, due to the fact that I kept on wearing them for the sake of "long legs." Yeesh.

Or in gay man speak: work those bitchy gams. Fierce. Chic. Yeah.

Is it weird that instead of the actual "Bad Romance" song, I had this tune stuck in my head for awhile? Even in parody, Gaga rules all.

Speeeeaking of music, this song makes me really want to work those gams up on the dance floor. My love affair with Janelle Monae and her epic (I use that definition aptly) videos continues.

Not only does Janelle mix this odd combination of music together, she's just fabulous down to a tee-- or rather, down to that formidable puff. THE PUFF.

We all float on (in the Floating Market)

Note: These photos were taken yesterday. Just to clear that up. Yeah.

What's Lovely for Friday, May 28, 2010: Going to a legit floating market (I apparently went to a "fake one" earlier in this trip) and actually floating in a boat and stuff. Like a Thai Venice. Or perhaps Venice is the Thai Floating Market, I'm pretty sure they've been afloat for longer. But don't quote me on that, the non-history major.

This was my point of view from where I was eating a scrumptious lunch of kale and pork. That's totally not in the picture, but I figured I'd keep you informed.

It was kinda hard to balance a coconut ice cream (in a coconut shell bowl!) while not rocking the boat, not rocking the boat, baby.

This will be the first of many photos I took of "people rowing in front of us" while on our route around the market. The perks of sitting in front, right?

What I marveled at was each shopkeeper's remarkable sense of balance.

Waterlogged traffic jam? I say yes.

Another amazing thing about Thailand: I can almost never identify what native fruit I see in front of me.

Once we turned around the river bend (subtle Pocahontas reference there), it suddenly became a very quiet place, since we arrived early in the afternoon and missed the busy morning business.

I've seen a forest of trees, but of coconut trees? Nice.

Don't ask me what's on that man's face, I have nooo idea myself.

What's Lovely for today, May 29, 2010: Dancing like a fool to Hall and Oates' "You Make My Dreams Come True."

I wish I could tell you where Pink got her clothes, but... I think a roughly accurate guesstimation is: from various marketplaces and shops in Thailand for all of them.

I apologize for the wonky expression, or lack thereof, on my face. I apparently forgot how to properly smile.

I was eager to try out denim and lace together after I saw a girl wearing an all-jean/chambray outfit with lace tights.

Lace top & tank- JJ Market @ Bangkok : Shorts- secondhand : Sandals- TJMaxx : Pearls- Night bazaar @ Hua Hin : Bag- borrowed from Pink

We found these amazing sunglasses whilst browsing the outdoor markets at Siam Square. It's a good look for her, no?