WINTER INSPIRATION:

No snow? No problem...

My go to look this winter

Need I say more?

Sweaters+skirts/dresses= Me, basically

I would wear this skirt everyday if I could

This campaign tho.. (aka Prada or Nada aka click here to watch)

The sweater I need, but the goggles?

Bold brows & a dark lip, a quintessential look

Bianca & Danielle aka Kastor & Pollux work the winter trends by layering and using monochromatic tones

It's the middle of winter and San Diego has finally decided to let in some cooler temperatures (there was even a wave of fog this week!). Of course, I wouldn't be surprised if it reached past 75 degrees by the end of the week...Anyway, I decided to compile some photos I've discovered from various sites on the internet--Tumblr, Style.com, Google--that contain some essence of winter and all things cool.

These images are actually just some of the trends and random winter-esque things that I've really been diggin'. I haven't been caught up entirely with fashion week this season either, so some of these photos may actually have been from previous fashion weeks...but, who cares? Fashion and trends tend to recycle themselves anyway, right?

I hope this collection of photos has inspired you to create your own board of whatever you have enjoyed this winter season thus far. Check out my Pinterest if you have some spare time as well~
Comment down below and tell me what you've been inspired by this winter!

Hope your day has been splendid,

Rachel

P.S.-I apologize for my lack of blog entries...this quarter in college has been incredibly busy..will blog about that later...
P.P.S.-I FINALLY watched Frozen

REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD:

The end of my first quarter of college definitely calls for a celebratory sleepover party...

Korean-style Vietnamese rolls

Our lovely host <3

All smiles--Happy Holidays from us to you!

Has this year been going by really quickly or is it just me?

Through blood, sweat, and tears, I have finished my first set of college finals, ending my first quarter at UCSD as well. The amount of studying was taking its toll as I stayed for countless hours in our school library behind rows upon rows of books and a laptop screen containing as much information as a whole years worth of any high school subject. The only things that really kept me motivated were: the fact that I was essentially paying for these final tests, the many study care packages filled with food from my upperclassman friends, and the 3 weeks of vacation laid out before me.

After completing my exams, I frantically packed my belongings, rode the northbound Amtrak train, and breathed a huge sigh of relief as I was finally headed home for the holidays.
Some of my friends and I gathered and had a great time catching up (keep in mind, I haven't seen half of them since high school had ended). It was a fantastic night filled with laughter, food, and a plethora of perfectly timed pictures.

All in all, it was a great start to this winter break and I hope that the rest of my vacation will be as fulfilling and happy as this one.

Thanks for reading and have a very merry Christmas season!

Relaxing at home,

Rachel

OPINION: TEA, GYM, & BEING INVOLVED

I can make some semi-quality GIF's now!...

Jasmine green tea is da best-- Trader Joe's

Please excuse my chipping nail polish T.T

My go-to workout jacket--from Target

Representin'

I apologize for the lack of content on this blog-- I was sick all last week due to an intense fever, sever congestion, coughing, runny nose, etc etc...AKA not my cup of tea.

Speaking of tea, I've gotten into drinking more and more of these and have converted my unhealthy iced Starbucks drink days to more body-conscious and herbal teas such as Jasmine and green tea. I think it's the college atmosphere speaking to me, telling me to be more healthy and divert from calorie infested chips and desserts (alas, my love for Hot Cheetos will never expire). With the caffeine included, the teas, I've noticed, have been helping me stay alert in my studies and especially during my Tuesday 8 a.m. class I undesirably get up early for. So, drink tea and one can officially feel more healthy, clean, cozy, and warm. Instead of those energy shots, drink jasmine green tea with a bit of caffeine to help you study. The only time you'll be out of focus is when you have to use the porcelain throne...

Also, I have been going to the gym more frequently even among the chaos of being ill and having loads of readings to do. Waiiiit...Rachel? At the gym? Working Out?! I know, I know, quite a shocker, but I have taken it upon myself to become more productive in my college life (and get the most for what I'm paying for tbh) which also leads to my involvement in student organizations such as: student council (TMCSC), Christian clubs (KCCC/KCM), and others. I think it is very important to take part in one's school community, to be informed, and student council has especially helped me in knowing the politics and events occurring within campus. It's also nice to know that students have the privilege and power to voice their opinions and pass referendums and such to fulfill those opinions. And, having a Christian club to keep me accountable in my faith has encouraged me to remain focus on my priorities in school (God comes first!).

Please keep posted on my site for more updates and thanks for all the support!


Recovering and gettin' ready,

Rachel

OPINION: MODEL OFF DUTY

A little Model Off Duty (M.O.D.) as it applies to the non-models...

Grace Bol

Josephine Skriver

Kasia Struss

Liu Wen

Candice Swanepoel

The "model off duty" style, coined first by Alexander Wang in U.S. Vogue as "the quintessential Wang look..straight from the West Coast," has been adopted by many models as their go-to outfit when in the midst of go-sees and transitions between shows during fashion week. This look is probably one of the most easy to dress oneself in and requires little to no effort, all while encompassing that flawless chic aura of a model.
The key to this ensemble lies within two key aspects: the jacket and the layering. As you can see in the photos above, moto jackets are thrown on above several types of shirts and sweaters. Jac Jagaciak, the model in the first photo, actually wears her jacket with a sheer dress as does Grace, who pairs her leather jacket with a sheer top and skirt. This adds femininity to an otherwise "boyish" look.
In the upcoming colder weather, one can pair their own jacket with a cute printed shirt as Josephine and Liu have done, or with just a simple black tee. It's also quite evident that black is a recurring color that emphasizes not only simplicity, but also a physique that flatters (in my opinion) all body types. Add on some black or dark blue jeans, boots, and you're set!
I took this look and added some pieces of jewelry I've collected (and taken from my mom haha) over the years. While models sometimes have intricate eye makeup or hair-as in the case of Candice-due to the aftermath of fashion shows, the average person can spice up the M.O.D. look with a printed scarf or, as I've done, with complimenting jewelry.
However one styles this look should be completely up to his or her personal approach of fashion itself. Be creative since fashion knows no boundaries! Keep this look simple and clean or add a burst of color (like I did with my lips). Have fun and don't be afraid to wear what you like!

Outfit:
- Black snake print moto jacket-- Korea (grandma sent it!)
- Black long sleeve-- Old Navy
- Jeans-- Pacsun
- Combat boots-- Charlotte Russe
- Necklace-- Mom's closet
- Lips-- Revlon in Siren (677)

talk to ya'll later,

Rachel

BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE?:

  

One of the best nights of my life happened recently...

Sam Lin: aka an amazingly talented violinist and looper

Aijia opening for Clara C

Who else can pull of this costume but her fab self?

I kindadied at this point

Stage list..

Her: "are you going to explain why I am wearing this to your friends?"

"Meet Clara C" has officially been crossed off my bucket list. 

Last month I was informed that Clara C was performing in San Diego. More specifically in La Jolla, and even more specifically in UCSD. I could not contain my excitement and had to purchase VIP tickets (which included a meet-n-greet) as soon as possible.

This past week, unfortunately, has been so hectic: taking midterms, going to different org meetings, and finishing essays were just a few of the many things that I experienced. But right smack-dab in the middle of it all, I went to see one of the very few people that I look up to for inspiration--CLARA C aka the most down to earth, beautiful, and talented artist ever. I discovered her musical genius on YouTube back in middle school and I was completely blown by her covers of "Rocketeer" and "Rhythm of Love" (among many), and since then I have fallen in love with her talent and religiously follow the songs that she herself have written and composed and uploaded onto the internet. It was through her music that I was also able to discover other artists on YouTube such as Tori Kelly, Jayesslee and David Choi.

So, it is suffice to say that seeing her in real life and being in her presence AND standing literally right in front of her as she sang was a near out-of-body experience. She came out decked in a Jesse costume since it was Halloween/her birthday the next day. As she talked about her life and recent marriage to her "fish" (Ahhh, adorable!), I couldn't help but smile like a maniac the entire time. Being able to sing along to all of her songs only added to the immense amount of bliss I was feeling. Her personality combined with her voice creates such a euphoric atmosphere that you cannot help but feel soothed and at peace.

Opening for her were two artists: Aijia and Sam Lin, both of whom were extremely talented in their area of expertise-singing and instrumental, respectively. The night was amazing, filled with nostalgia and awe, but as if it couldn't get any better, Clara C asked if anyone wanted to take a picture for her on the stage and decided to choose ME to do it. ME. I freaked out and couldn't contain my excited, I literally though I was going to pee in my pants. Here's a short clip to show you:

The fish lens she wanted to use couldn't capture a good picture, so I took a video (the reason why I'm moving). She called me a pro and asked for my name *sob*. It was basically the icing on the cake of this concert. I also got to meet her after the show and I gave her the letter of appreciation I wrote and she signed my CDs (I kept my cool the whole time to just in case you're wondering). 

All in all, the night was one of the best experiences of my life and I couldn't have asked for a better break in between midterms. I hope that I can meet her again later in later years, but for now, I will relive these moments and put her YouTube playlists on repeat...

Happy, happy, happy, 

Rachel

**I've included links to YouTube channels within this entry. Please check out Clara C's channel and the other artists as well! Have fun and be mind blown by her talent <3

FAMILY BONDING:

With college days speeding by like no other,
 it was due time that I had a nice relaxing day with my family...

Are you drooling yet?

Of course, my mom and I were the only two excited for this

My outfit for the day

Couldn't have asked for two greater parents than them <3

It's already Week 4 in college which means midterms are just around the corner. There is literally no time to take a breath here in university and the constant reading ( I'm taking 2 history/writing, and a communications class) is beginning to take its toll on me. Of course, I can't really complain as I'm taking classes that I actually enjoy learning in and I don't have to do any, ANY math at all.
But getting to the point of this blog entry, my parents and brother came down from home to visit and have a lovely outing venturing around La Jolla. We ate an incredibly filling meal at a famous place, here in San Diego, called Phil's BBQ. Let me tell you, baby back ribs + onion rings + coleslaw + french fries + baked beans = one happy Park Family. We devoured more than what we possibly could have during a normal lunch break and decided to walk it off at a swap meet nearby.
If there is one thing you need to know about me, it's that I love discounts. I literally thrive off of sale racks and thrift stores. So it was to no one's surprise that I literally ran to this place (my mom is actually addicted to antique/thrift shopping as well). My mom and I happily spent the next hour and a half scouring through old, but valuable items and found interest in different pieces of jewelry as my dad and younger brother trudged along 10 feet behind us. As with all events of shopping, it was a hit-or-miss affair. In this case, more miss than hit: I ended up leaving with just a gold, squiggly midi ring for a buck.
To end the day, we went to Balboa and strolled along the walkway admiring the beach and people-watching. I'm truly so blessed to have such a loving family and I know that by studying my best in college, I'll one day be able to give just as much support back to them.

Outfit:
- Sheer cardigan-- Anthropologie
- Striped dress-- Cotton On
- Black glitter sandals-- Target
- Camera bag-- Ebay

Peace n blessings,

Rachel

THERAPY FLUFFIES:

There's really nothing better than petting some pups when you're stressed out...

It has finally been an full week into college and I am already suffering from post-summer laziness. Who knew assimilating back into that work and studying mode could be so difficult? However, I promised myself to start my college years off strongly and I know that a clean slate will give me many opportunities to not only become a better scholar, but also a better person.
I've met some amazing people these past few weeks (some weird ones as well) and it's made me to really look forward for the rest of my freshman year and what good (and bad) can come out of it.
Also, I can't get enough of my college's location and weather. Beside the fact that I'm a couple hours away from home and good ol' authentic Korean food, La Jolla has a wonderful skyline right beside the beach and each day is the perfect juxtaposition of cold and warm. Plus, our school has pups you can pet whenever you want relief from the chaotic student life.
Can't wait to show you more of my everyday adventures!

Outfit:
- Speckled knit cardigan-- Heavenly Couture
- White tee-- gift
- Pants-- Forever21
- Shoes-- Target
- Necklace-- Guy and Eva
- Bracelets-- Philippines, gift
- Backpack-- Amazon

Cool and content,

Rachel

**Special thanks to my suite mate, Michelle, for taking the pics of me!

A NEW BEGINNING:

Guess who's in college? 

I finally moved in to my university, UCSanDiego, Saturday morning and have settled in to my dorm. I've got to say, it's definitely been an exhausting, yet incredible past couple of days. 

To begin, I have met a plethora of surprisingly very amiable people (some of whom I'm now close friends with) and wandered around the campus enough to realize how out of shape I am in. There are so many hills that I have probably trudged up and down several times, which is a good indication that I need to hit the school's gym soon...

Like any university, a "Welcome Week" is dedicated to all incoming freshman and transfer students in which one could purchase school sweaters for a semi-affordable price (I mean $50 for a sweater, c'mon) and grab tons and tons of free items aka 'swag'. I think I've received one too many flyers and wristbands, but what's there to complain about when there's FREE FOOD involved?

I'm so relieved to have chosen this school to attend for my next four years of life. The weather is perfect, the people are approachable, and the campus is beautiful. I took some photos for you to see a glimpse of what my new beginning is all about:

Lovin' this new life so far, 

Rachel