A Cocolicious Song for Your Winter Playlist

February 9, 2022

For those who haven’t strolled out into the Chicago air lately, might I tell you one thing: It is cold. Not just any sort of cold weather. This is an aggressive cold. A cold with an unwavering vengeance on anyone who dares to stand in its charted path. To step out into the wind is to feel as if you are being attacked by a barrage of knives.

Which is to say that winter is upon us, frigid and depressing and — might I add once again — cold. Life feels so dim. The sunlight is out for as long as it takes to get your rapid Covid test results, and the nights are never-ending. Sad music playlists are in, and the world of vibrant pop music has fallen into hibernation while we await the glorious summer sun to return with some fun summer anthems. Yet, despite all the snowy gloom and being stuck in our rooms, the hyper-pop music of Kim Petras has descended through the dark clouds of winter to banish our blues with a bright taste of summer fun.

For those unaware of pop artist Kim Petras, here is a quick introduction.

Born in and raised in Germany, Kim Petras is a singer and songwriter of pop, EDM, dance-pop, and other pop-adjacent genres. Having risen to popularity in the last five years, working with artists such as Charlie XCX and Kygo, Petras signed with Republic Records in 2021 and plans to release her first album in 2022. Recognized as a trailblazer for the transgender community, having transitioned publicly in 2008 at 16. Kim Petras represents a part of LGBTQ+ community underrepresented in mainstream music and makes music for her people— her music having gained extreme popularity in the queer night scene especially.

Her newest single, “Coconuts” released two months earlier, to the shock of her fans, on December 3rd, 2021, following the release of “Future Starts Now” a few months prior. “Coconuts” is a provocative and bubbly pop anthem that celebrates the body, sexuality, and summer.

But before I continue this article, I feel I must affirm what you may be thinking: Yes. This song is a tribute to Kim Petra’s breasts and breasts in general. You may feel jarred by this, but you will come to love it.

“Coconuts” is inarguably a memorable song. With a bouncy melody with whimsical summer-themed lyrics underscored by a deep bassline. While the song follows the well-constructed pop formula—a formula that we are all well acquainted with—the song is fresh and ripe among other pop songs. There isn’t a song closely comparable to “Coconuts” adding to the song’s exciting authenticity. That is to say, the song has created a league of its own. Which in part are thanks to its unabashedly creative and fruity sexual euphemisms, implanted in every sentence and the cherry on top.

The euphemisms are addictive. Paired alongside the melody, they stay with you. They are bubbly and encompass many points of reference. A great example is in the first pre-chorus: “So juicy and so ripe / You wouldn’t believe (believe) / I give em’ different names / Mary-Kate and Ashley”.

In this single pre-chorus alone, Petras draws from many places. From comparison to fresh fruit to a reference to notable twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, there is an array of summer and pop culture references is throughout. Nearly every line in the song is a euphemism, and even the song title itself “Coconuts” has its own sexual connotation. While the song’s euphemisms are on the nose, the song isn’t always direct about it. Instead, Petras opts to masquerade her song as a bubbly radio-friendly anthem that with each listen becomes a colorfully energetic homage to breasts.

The song has exploded online because of how it blurs the line between blatant sexuality and summer anthem. Everyone on Twitter has taken a taste and clearly adores this carbonated summer anthem of sexual confidence that Kim Petras.

Besides the song itself, what is so brilliant about “Coconuts” is its release. The timing is perfect. What makes “Coconuts” the perfect release is that it aims to subvert what we expect of the winter music market and does so by flawlessly opposing the status quo. Following the mass release of somber and contemplative music, such as Adele’s 30, the release of “Coconuts” is the fantastical summer sun among the slippery ice. It is surprising, bright, and opposes winter so avidly. Also, followed by the release of a lyric video and dance video, reminiscent of 2010’s music videos (i.e., California Girls by Katy Perry). By giving us a winter pop anthem, Petras makes the song stand out in our minds and in the eye of the media. She has held our attention with her coconuts.

But Petras knows this. Framing the publicity for the single around this idea of a winter anthem as seen in this Paper Magazine shoot.

Kim Petras clearly understands her audience, what they want, and how to best deliver it. She is irreverent and unabashed and has defined her career in her choice to do what she pleases. Petras isn’t afraid of pushing bounds, having performed “Coconuts” at the EMA’s in Hungary despite intense laws regarding “vulgar content,” risking an arrest. “Coconuts” is a prime example of Kim Petras and her understanding of what her career needs while best releasing this song so it can be best appreciated. “Coconuts” is the perfect winter anthem. That is what is so brilliant, as it pushes past our expectations. We don’t expect pop during this time of year, yet I can’t imagine a winter without “Coconuts” bringing the sun we need. It encapsulates escapism, giving the world three minutes to live Kim Petras’s coconut-filled world of summer and sex when the world outside can’t be that.

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Poetrybounding: How Should You Dress Based on Amy Lowell’s Bath Poem?

June 1, 2021

Here we go again, everyone. This is a new installment of my series called Style-based Poetry: Poetrybounding. If you are new to this series, fret not. In poetrybounding, I try pushing the boundaries of written poetry as a medium of emotional expression into the visual reality fashion presents. There are so many similarities between the aspects of poetry that display the personal language of a writer and the potential of fashion as a visual medium that conveys a person’s image based on who they are and who they want the world to see, that I was able to make a whole series about it, one that could even reach its fifth entry. I tend to pick poems with a lot of imagery because a visual backbone translates nicely into various looks and garments that receive extra meaning from the source material, and this post’s featured piece is no exception.

In this post, I will be looking at Bath by Amy Lowell and how she recreates a relaxing scene invoking the colors and light dynamics of water reflecting the morning sunlight in a bathtub and the fragrances of a summer’s day. This poem does not feature many different metaphorical devices to present transitions between visual scenes, so it does not provide a multifaceted composite album that can be segmented and assigned to various garments. Instead, what Lowell does with Bath is choosing one single space and transitioning between variations of the images presented through her different actions engaging with light, water, and the bathtub. This approach to poetry by action and perception grants me a new challenge to the overall look creation, but one that leaves my “design work” less constrained to the formula I have been using so I can focus on an idea more than all the minute details that make them, and opens more possibilities for those who want to perform poetrybounding themselves.

Here is Bath:

“The day is fresh-washed and fair, and there is a smell of tulips and narcissus in the air.

The sunshine pours in at the bath-room window and bores through the water in the bath-tub in lathes and planes of greenish-white. It cleaves the water into flaws like a jewel, and cracks it to bright light.

Little spots of sunshine lie on the surface of the water and dance, dance, and their reflections wobble deliciously over the ceiling; a stir of my finger sets them whirring, reeling. I move a foot and the planes of light in the water jar. I lie back and laugh, and let the green-white water, the sun-flawed beryl water, flow over me. The day is almost too bright to bear, the green water covers me from the too bright day. I will lie here awhile and play with the water and the sunspots. The sky is blue and high. A crow flaps by the window, and there is a whiff of tulips and narcissus in the air.”

— https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42993/bath-56d221a8c0d0c Source

The poem starts with a gentle rhyming sentence, setting up the atmosphere of the whole bathroom scene through water-related words like “fresh-washed” and the scent of tulips and narcissus, a smell that is later brought back at the end, cyclically encompassing the poem as to infuse its essence in the sensory experience the piece provides. The second paragraph/verse of Bath depicts an almost purely visual scene where the sunlight coming from the bathroom window shines into the filled bathtub, but the way Lowell describes it grants power to the sunlight and the quality of jewelry to the water, encasing the whole scene in diamond or nacre. Words like “pouring,” “bore,” “cleave,” and “lathes” create vivid imagery that pictures the refraction of sunlight dominating the bathroom atmosphere and being concentrated into light beams that perforate the water surface, coloring the spotlight it forms greenish-white, while words like “jewel” and “bright light” serve to qualify the subject of the severing as gems that upon being subjected to light, break into a myriad of shiny reflective pieces. Because of the aquatic motif, I tend to imagine the reflectiveness of pearls more than diamonds.

The third paragraph/verse is more comprehensive, so there is more to uncover. Lowell commences it with a glaring contrast to the previous paragraph/verse. The sunshine is not a powerful force now, but tiny dancing flickers in the water, ephemeral and delicate. I would see this representation of light due to the scattering of sunshine in the gem-like water surface. The sunlight is also reflected in the ceiling, described in an unmighty manner, with the funny wobbles of waves and the playfulness of the lyrical persona interacting with the water. After she starts interacting with it, the poem describes the color of the water in jewelry terms, beryl being the chosen gem. Emeralds and Aquamarines are beryls, so the idea that water acts like a gem, being both precious and shiny, is further exemplified. And then, the lyrical persona mentions that the water becomes a blanket, covering her from the brightness, or the vehemence and vigor of the day, creating this relaxing and fun environment she can stay hours in. Finally, the poem ends with remarks regarding menial things about the day, like how the sky is blue (always a sign of peace and calm) and how a crow flies close to the lyrical persona’s bathroom window, something that grounds the reader in a shared state with her while she is laying in the bathtub, before going back to the scent that closes the cyclical pleasing atmosphere.

So, what will I extract from this poem to bring into the final look? I chose Bath because of its refreshing and relaxing feel and the aquatic theme. It is a spring to summer kind of poem, resorting to scent notes that can be found in both spring and summer perfumes and the healing and fun nature of playing with sunlight and water. Therefore, I will pull from a beach kind of style to build a look that anyone could wear during the day in a city, but that fits much better with a pool/beach/vacation situation, relying on green-white hues, a soft and light feel, glistering touches (when called for), and wavy shapes to invoke the poem’s atmosphere relayed through its imagery.

Firstly, starting with the upper and lower body areas, because of the poem’s approach to imagery describing the bathroom scene in a more open-ended manner with not many specific visual words, besides beryl, the flower scents, and crow (more on them later), I found three different ways to represent the calming, soft sensations of a body surrounded by water.

The first is to build a look with a nude/nacre-colored chiffon or viscose fabric blouse and a mint/seafoam maxi skirt. That would play with the idea that in Bath, the lyrical persona’s body merges with the water, so the nude color would represent, in an abstract way, the human body interacting with the mint colored skirt representative of the liquid, and depending on the blouse’s shade, it could even look like a rose pearl’s nacre. I could be reaching a little in the pearl part based on my perception of the gem line being this aquatic “stone,” but interpretation is the real crux of the exercise, so whatever you find proper concerning the poem’s atmosphere and message goes. The skirt then would be maxi to fully encompass the lower body, almost like a tail formed by the water, and its chiffon fabric both provides the wobbly grooved pattern representative of waves and the soft and light sensations of the body covered by it. The mint/seafoam hues are not emerald or aquamarine, but they are closer to white-green than those beryl hues, so I picked them as the outfit’s base colors.

The second and third ways I approached the upper and lower body sections were to flip the color dynamics, finding both a seafoam-colored organza dress covering most of the body and an off-the-shoulder mint blouse that covers much less. The dress pattern style that you can see above is probably unique, so it may not be easy to find another one that replicates the same effect the mesh details create, which resemble a more grounded version of the specks of light Lowell alludes to when she writes “little spots of sunshine lie on the surface of the water” (the refracted light only creates a minor tint change in relation to the rest of the water).

Therefore, a more accessible look involves a crop top, off-the-shoulder tulle (or any other soft and light fabric) blouse that can be paired up with either shorts or skirts since the water is now being represented at the top instead of the bottom, so there is no need for a long garment covering the legs. The choice of an off-the-shoulder blouse works more towards the idea of summer heat and that the water can be perceived as more of a side piece to the body depending on how much of it is covered by the liquid. My first choice of skirt leaned into the nude/nacre proposition I made before, just to create the opposite configuration from the first style, and because the rosy nude/nacre/beige color tonality is very accessible, works with almost all hues, and combines with the summer palette very well. Still, I also wanted to picture Lowell’s depiction of the water as jewel-like, so I also found a shimmer midi skirt that could exacerbate that imagery. The problem with most silver or shining skirts is that they are both heavy and too strong/vivid of a vesture, so instead of promoting the healing and soothing atmosphere, they try to dominate the look and present too much information. Moreover, they are not very day or summer-forward, even if they do shine brightly in the sun (some may look cheaply made even if they are not), and thus I am not as confident about the mint blouse and shimmering skirt set, even though it may fit with Bath.

The “male version” of the costume could follow suit with the three types of style I laid out before (fully green, green above and different colors below, or nude above and green below). But, for the sake of time and your interest in this post, I will only depict two. I learned something new about male shirts researching this post. I had a summer shirt type in my mind, but I could only search for Hawaiian shirts, which would not fit the poem’s more individual/personal perspective as they usually are too out there for it. So, after entering a cycle of repeatedly finding gaudy patterns, I decided to search for shirts using fabrics as the independent variable. That was an excellent idea because I ended up finding the exact style of garment I wanted, the Cuban short sleeve shirt or guayabera. They are lightweight, worn outside the pants, and fitting to the smoothness felt in Bath. Most constitute linen and cotton, but as seen above, the one I found is made of viscose rayon. Then, onto the lower region, to create the monotonic sensation of the “full-body” covered in water, mint/seafoam green shorts would do the trick, and to replicate the pearl/sand summer palette, “glossy” beige/nacre shorts would fit nicely as the counterpart to the female design above. It is hard to find chiffon, viscose, or organza shorts, so cotton and even polyester are fine here if they don’t weigh down in the waist.

Finally, I should discuss what shoes and accessories could be suitable for the look. In the shoe category, funny enough, I discovered “Tulip flats” from the brand Ilse Jacobsen, which are eco-friendly shoes made out of recyclable microfibers. The light green color is precisely the mint/seafoam hue I have been seeking this whole post, and it features a wave pattern, so serendipity is real. However, the brand is not very accessible in the US, so any mint/seafoam-colored sneakers or sandals would function in this style exercise.

And in the accessory category, the items I found to complement the overall look are much more optional than anything. I believe jewelry is almost necessary to the poem, so I will begin there. On the one hand, replicating the more delicate nature of the reflective brightness of the water surface, a silver narcissus or tulip necklace could be apt for the costume. On the other hand, if you wish to have the crow featured as part of the outfit since the animal is semi visually important to the poem, a bracelet would be a stylistic choice that, even if not very cohesive with the atmosphere presented by Bath, would be more faithful to its contents. Yet, if you are not interested in wearing a crow bracelet, I found a crow-pattern ocean green bandana perfect for the outfit’s summer vibe (it even has embellishments in beige/nacre). Unfortunately, currently, it is sold out. Other options would include pearl jewelry, but most rings and necklaces could cost twice more than the outfit itself, so this is under your discretion. Lastly, of course, perfumes are probably the only medium that could genuinely invoke the scents of the poem to fully complete its atmosphere. To do so is to be a dedicated fan of poetrybounding, but here is a suggestion nonetheless: Carat by Cartier, which features middle notes of tulip and narcissus, a rare combination on itself, entwined with other various flower scents, but that is just subtext.

In sum, the spring/summer outfit I designed this time around benefits from not being singular, following the more scenic approach I took to analyzing and translating Bath, a poem that is as visual as the atmosphere it creates. The driving color was the mint/seafoam hue that I interpreted as the greenish-white tint of sunlit water Lowell mentions, crucial for constructing the bathroom scenery when coupled with the soft fabrics I also picked intended to tactually translate the lightweight and soothing touch of water. In contrast, the secondary colors inside the beige/nacre/nude spectrum and around shining silver, based upon my interpretation of the poem and its visual appeal (pearls, diamonds, the human body, etc.), were less critical to the overall look. The accessories are a mix of different configurations the look could take, which also benefited from the more arbitrary nature of Bath, and because of the Pandemic, any monochromatic mask made with the colors mentioned in this post goes. I was even able to almost fully develop a “male” outfit for this interaction of poetrybounding, which goes to show how many possibilities style-based poetry may present. In the end, a poem can be, and many times should be interpreted differently by each reader, so my guide is only a glimpse into the realm that connects both fashion and poetry.

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Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cameliatwu/5...

Missing Te'Amo? Here's an Easy Recipe for Mango Bubble Tea.

June 10, 2020

I’m usually a frequent visitor to Te’Amo. It’s one of my favorite study spots on campus—I’ve spent a great number of afternoons memorizing Russian verbs and finishing essays while happily drinking Mango Green Tea with Bubbles.

So it came as no surprise that I quickly began to crave bubble tea while quarantining in Columbus, OH. And while lucky Chicago residents can still order boba deliveries via Grubhub, I realized that I would have to make my own bubble tea in order to satisfy my cravings. As such, attached below is my easy recipe for making mango bubble tea from home!

The Recipe (Serves 3-4)

Ingredients and Supplies—all of which are available via Amazon delivery:

*2 Bags of Rishi Organic Jasmine Green Tea
*Le Sirop de Monin Mango Syrup, added to taste
1 Cup WuFuYuan Tapioca Pearl (Black Sugar Flavor)
Cane Sugar, also added to taste
3-4 Bubble Tea Straws
*Feel free to substitute different teas and fruit syrups. Also feel free to add milk to your bubble tea. Mango bubble tea has always just been my favorite, so I ordered mango syrup first. However, the Le Sirop de Monin brand alone sells numerous fruit syrups via Amazon - from raspberry, peach, and strawberry, to more exotic flavors like blood orange and desert pear.

#1) Brew the iced tea. Boil a 32 oz. pitcher of hot water, and add 2 bags of Rishi Jasmine Green Tea. Let steep for 3 minutes. Add about 2 Tb of sugar, to taste. Let the tea cool for a few minutes, and then place in the fridge.

#2) Make the tapioca pearls. Start by boiling 10 cups of water in a large pot. Once the water comes to a boil, slowly add 1 cup of tapioca pearls and stir. Once the bubbles start floating to the surface, cover the pot and cook the bubbles for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Next, turn off the stove and let the bubbles simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes (allowing the bubbles to soften, to preference).

Let the tapioca pearls cool. Remove the bubbles from the pot, and let them sit in cool water for about 20 seconds. Then place the bubbles in a dry bowl and add sugar.

#3) Mix the iced tea, bubbles, and mango syrup to taste. Enjoy!

The Finished Product

Click here for thumbnail image source.

A Complete Guide to Summer in L.A

June 11, 2019

Whether you’ve lived there your whole life, or just have a summer internship, here is a list of cool things to do in LA that are off the beaten path or actually worth the hype. This list is organized roughly by location from West to East.

Santa Monica

Bay Cities: A super highly rated Italian Deli. You can tell it’s good because of the line wrapped around the corner. Order “The Godmother” online (or a different sandwich I guess) and skip the wait.

Santa Monica Beach: I find LA beaches crowded and dirty and therefore don’t go, so this recommendation and instruction comes directly from my friend Laureen Akram: if you are opting for the classic Santa Monica, make sure to make a left at the exit of the 10 freeway NEVER MAKE A RIGHT OR YOU’LL BE IN TOURIST-OVERPRICED-VILLE. Hang out on Main street between Pacific street and Rose Ave, the parking is cheap and steps from the sand and there are no gross tourists, plus the food is better.

Hollywood and Vine

Hollywood and Vine is essentially the Times Square of Los Angeles. To give some context, these are the sorts of things at this iconic intersection; the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Kodak theater, Madame Tussauds, The Magic Castle, Ripley’s believe it or not, and countless tchotchke peddlers and Marylin Monroe impersonators. The experiences I can recommend are the Chinese Theater, The Museum of Death, Musso and Frank’s, and the Frolic Room.

The Museum of Death: A quintessentially instagrammable LA thing, with displays on major serial killers, cultural practices around death, and a good many body parts.

Musso and Frank’s: An old school steakhouse complete with tall red booths, uniformed servers, and plenty of martinis to go around. You are likely to have a celebrity sighting, but even if you don’t recognize them, you are surrounded by Hollywood professionals in “the industry.”

The Frolic Room: This bar started out as a speakeasy and has been the site of an actual murder as well as a filming site for several Hollywood ones. This bar feels authentic, sleazy, but still classy. You can’t miss the giant art deco neon sign out front, so stop in for a few.

Chinese Theater: I think that seeing a movie at the Chinese Theater is absolutely worth it. The theater is beautiful, and they even have costumes on display, including Scarlett O’Hara’s curtain dress from Gone with the Wind!

Hollywood

Melrose Ave: Another instagrammable hot spot in the city. Check out Glossier and the Real Real’s brick and mortar stores and then snap a pic in front of the Fred Segal ivy wall before drooling over designer clothing with insane price tags. Also home to the pink wall and a set of those angel wings amongst other intsa-worthy backdrops. Further east of Fred Segal you start to run into more reasonably priced stores and the Melrose Trading Post (aka flea market) which occurs every Sunday at Fairfax High School.

Tiki-Ti: Step into this tiny tropical bar and step back in time. This bar boasts 94 tiki drinks, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Tiki-Ti was started over 50 years ago by one of the mixologists at the forefront of the tropical drink craze of the 60’s and is now carried on by his family.

The Ford Theaters: Owned and operated by LA County, this is one of the oldest music venues still in use in LA. In the summers they have an impressive list of artists and events that is worth checking out.

The Mint: This music venue has been around since the 50’s and has played host to artists such as Earth, Wind, and Fire, Ray Charles, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. They feature many interesting up and coming artists throughout the summer almost every day.

Burbank

Magnolia Blvd: One of my go-to places to shop. Magnolia Blvd has a stretch of about four blocks filled with antique and vintage stores nicknamed Antique Row. I particularly recommend Playclothes vintage, which is a favorite of costume designers and A-listers, but is still fairly priced. They manage to fill a massive 4,500 sq ft space to the brim with clothing, accessories, décor, and furniture from the 1920s-1990s. Also on Magnolia is It’s A Wrap!, a second hand clothing store entirely stocked with cast-off costumes from movie and tv sets in the city. The stuff worth buying tends to be high priced. After you’ve shopped till you’re ready to drop, crawl into Romancing the Bean for coffee, a sandwich, and a homemade pop tart.

Silverlake

Sqirl: The trendy café that invented avocado toast.

Sunset Junction: Sunset junction is an iconic piece of LA. The intersection is marked by the Sunset Junction Coffee Shop Sign, which is permanently closed. The flagship Intelligentsia Coffee Shop is just a few doors down to satisfy your trendy coffee fix. Find cafés, cute little shops, an army surplus retailer, and a few good vintage stores. The army surplus store is worth a stop. It stocks uniforms and gear from around the world. Another of my favorite vintage stores, Ragg Mopp is a few doors down.

Downtown

Langer’s and Phillippe’s: Two delis in the downtown area. Langer’s is a Jewish deli, while Phillippe’s does french dip. Both are institutions

The Last Bookstore: A must for book lovers in LA. The largest used book and record store in California, and one of the largest independent bookstores in the world.

Grand Central Market: A compilation of amazing food vendors. Stop in for lunch and sample the amazing ethnic food and more classically LA offerings (think avocado toast and gourmet pb&j ). EggSlut is good but overrated.

The Broad: I hate modern art, therefore I hate the Broad, but if I get past my prejudice I can recommend it as an excellent museum for those interested in modern art. Home to two of Yayoi Kusama’s famous mirror rooms. Free general admission is a plus for university students.

Kusama Infinity Room at The Broad. Image via.

Highland Park

Donut Friend: This donut shop offers lots of classic and delicious options as well as some more interesting flavors. It’s entirely vegan and you can also have them customize your donut with toppings like an ice cream store. A favorite of Highland Park and all of LA.

Pasadena

The Rose Bowl Flea Market: my favorite place to shop, also one of the best places for celebrity sightings. Held at the Rose Bowl on the second Sunday of the month, the flea market takes over almost the whole parking lot and is absolutely the best antique and vintage shopping in the area. Plus, it's great people watching. There's always a grown man in a pink tutu milling about, and an old dude in a mini train he rolls around in all afternoon. Doors open at 9, but you can get in earlier for a slightly higher admission fee. Bring water and a snack to avoid extortionary prices and heat stroke.

Roma Market : One of my favorite places on the list. Roma is a legit Italian deli run by an old man named Ross who hangs out at the meat counter in the back, making sandwiches all day. It's also an excellent source of cheap Italian wine. For lunch ask for 'a sandwich' and you will be given a small pink package of goodness (3 meats, 1 cheese, olive oil, fresh bread). For Vegetarians he will make a different, almost equally good sandwich with cheese, olive oil, and artichoke hearts. Consume said sandwich with your favorite flavor of San Pellegrino and experience the simplest of Pasadena pleasures

Hot Box Vintage: This is my little South Pasadena secret. The store is hidden behind a row of unassuming buildings. You must follow the chalk sign that points you down an alley way, through a parking lot, and in a small doorway to find one of my favorite vintage stops in LA. The clothes are well-curated and shockingly well-priced for LA vintage. They sell men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, and some home décor ranging from 1940-1990 with some contemporary pieces thrown in.

Huntington Gardens and Collection: Go for the library, stay for the gardens. The Huntington Library Collection is among the most impressive in the world. They only display a fraction of the manuscripts, scientific drawings, and hand pressed books they have in storage, but it is absolutely worth it to go see what they display. Thousands of books, photographs, and prints documenting the history of Britain, California, the Pacific Rim, Science and Medicine, and Hispanic culture. Stumble out of the Library in a dizzy stupor to recover in their botanical gardens featuring 16 themed areas, several of which have been filming locations for movies and tv.

Day Trips and Stand-alones

Beaches: Some good beaches that are a little further from LA include Marina del Ray, Newport, and Huntington. Malibu and Venice are overrated.

Griffith Park and Observatory: Griffith Park and Observatory is a destination for gorgeous city views, hikes, and for learning a little bit about space while looking into one of the observatory’s giant telescopes. It’s just as beautiful as it was in La La Land. Rather than trying to deal with parking (it’s a nightmare) spend the extra few bucks and take an Uber.

The Hollywood Bowl: The Hollywood Bowl hosts some truly incredible concerts and events throughout the year, but they pull out the big guns in the summer. I saw my first concert here and I will never forget it. You can get bench seating, or if you want to ball out a bit, splurge on a private box near the stage. Either way, bring some sandwiches, a bottle of wine, and a few friends and enjoy a concert or even a movie here.

Museum Row: Located on Miracle Mile (not to be confused with Chicago’s Magnificent Mile), Museum Row is home to the L.A. County Museum of Art, The LaBrea Tar Pits, Craft and Folk Art Museum, and Petersen’s Auto Museum. Each of these (but particularly the Tar Pits) is completely unique to Los Angeles. The Tar Pits are a field trip destination for every elementary school in the vicinity but they are equally worth the trip for adults.

Catalina Island: I have gone to Catalina Island for summer camp since I was 10 years old. Unfortunately, the gem that is Toyon Bay is not accessible to day-trippers to the island. Instead, take a 30 min ferry ride from Long Beach to Avalon. Full disclosure- Avalon is a tourist trap. Rather than hanging out there, rent a motor boat and cruise around the west side of the island to snorkel, swim, and take in the gorgeous views. Catalina has incredible snorkeling. The bright orange California state fish, the Garibaldi, is in ample supply as are sting rays and small sharks (don’t worry they’re harmless as long as you don’t bother them). If you’re lucky you might catch a pod of dolphins or run into a sea lion. You can also take some great hiking trails to see the local flora and fauna which include bison that were left on the island after a cowboy movie used it as a filming location. This is a good day for those into the outdoors.

The last tips I have are food-specific. Have tacos! I don’t have a specific taco place to go to, but a great resource is the LA Times 101 Restaurants We Love list. Check the list for some more of the best restaurants, dives, cafés, and food trucks in the city. Speaking of food trucks, explore the food truck scene! The Grilled Cheese Truck is a personal favorite while Roy Choi’s Kogi BBQ is the most famous. Google LA food trucks to find a map of locations and lists of the highest rated ones.

I hope you fall in love with LA as much as I have. This city is so amazing and terrible and fascinating. Each neighborhood has its own things to do and local hangouts, so enjoy exploring!

Feature image via.

5 Ways to Spend Summer in Chicago

May 23, 2019

Whether you’re excited to spend summer in Chicago or if you’re a little bummed to not be going home, you have the great opportunity to explore parts of the city you didn’t get to during the busy school year. So for those of you staying here this summer, I’ve compiled a list of fun things to do in the city (but you’re a quick Google search from tons more!).

Lollapalooza (Aug.1-4)

A Summer festival staple, Lollapalooza is one the most exciting events to hit Chicago this summer. Boasting a four-day long circuit in Grant Park with acts like Childish Gambino, the Chainsmokers and Ariana Grande, we can guarantee that Lollapalooza will rock your summer to the fullest. Click here to get tickets
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Screen Shot 2019-04-28 at 8.43.43 PM.png — Pitchfork (July 19-21)

Another major music fest, Pitchfork features a three-day lineup of stars from Rico Nasty to Charli XCX. The event - hosted annually in Union Park also features an excellent records sale and a huge array of food and art from across the country. Click here to get tickets
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Chicago Food Truck Festival (June 22-23)

If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out Chicago’s Food Truck fest between 1800 & 1600 S Wabash Ave. It’s exactly what it sounds like, and an awesome way to spend the day with a fellow foodie friend. (Also available: vegan food festival on June 22)
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Screen+Shot+2019-04-28+at+8.50.08+PM.jpg — Chicago Craft Beer Festival (July 20-21)

For the beer connoisseurs out there, Chicago’s Craft Beer Festival is your playground. Featuring over 70 different varieties of craft beer from across the US, with great music and company on the side, the Craft Beer Fest will definitely be something to cheer you up this summer.
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Taste+of+Chicago4.png — Taste of Chicago (July 10-14)

Advertised as the world’s largest food festival, Taste of Chicago is a Summer must to experience this year. Not only does it present five days of mouth watering delectables, but its reputation has attracted the reception of huge musical acts. The best recipe for an amazing summer is always good food and good music.
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Chicago Summer '19 Music Festival Roundup

May 8, 2019

Classes are over in a month, rejoice! What better way is there to ring in summer break than splurging on music festival tickets? A fixture of the Chicago summer calendar, music festival season draws in countless acts across all manner of genres. Into EDM and/or Country? Or maybe you’re a devoted fan of Chicago Blues? You’re bound to find something you like either way. Keep scrolling for some of the major festivals coming to town this summer.

Spring Awakening

June 7-9, Poplar Creek

If you’re looking for non-stop EDM to get you through the end of the quarter (yike), Spring Awakening has everything from small house acts to top 40 regulars like Zedd, Galantis and DJ Snake. Get your tickets here.

Chicago Blues Festival

June 7-9, Millennium Park

Chicago has long-been a haven for Blues artists, and this annual festival is a fixture in the city’s music scene. The full 2019 schedule has yet to be announced, but admission is free and previous lineups included locally and nationally acclaimed artists such as Corey Dennison Band, Mississippi Heat with Billy Flynn and Giles Corey, Selwyn Birchwood and Mavis Staples.

Country LakeShake

June 21-23, Huntington Bank Pavilion

LakeShake is celebrating five years in business this summer with major Country music headliners Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Lauren Alaina, Keith Urban, Brett Young, Luke Bryan and more. Get tickets here.

Ruido Fest

June 21-23, Union Park

Lovers of Latin music should swing by Ruido Fest for performances by Los Tigres Del Norte, Hombres G and Enanitos Verdes, among others. Offering over a dozen food vendors, swing by for an incredible culinary experience as well. Get your tickets here.

Windy City Smokeout

July 12-14, United Center

Windy City Smokeout is an annual mecca for fans of country music, BBQ and craft beer. Headliners this year include Chris Young, Old Dominion and Cole Swindell. Get your tickets here.

Pitchfork

July 19-21, Union Park

Swing by Pitchfork if you’re looking for something low-key and you’re not trying to break the bank at Lolla. Typically drawing acts from the R&B, Hip Hop and Indie world, Pitchfork also boasts a great arts and crafts market where you can peruse band posters designed by local artists, vintage clothing, vinyls and more. Headliners this year include HAIM, Mavis Staples, The Isley Brothers, Belle & Sebastian, Robyn and Charli XCX. Get tickets here.

Lollapalooza

August 1-4, Grant Park

The crown jewel of Chicago’s music festival scene, Lolla is hard to miss. This year’s lineup includes appearances from Coachella headliners Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino and Tame Impala, in addition to Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, Flume, The Chainsmokers and J Balvin. Keep scrolling through the lineup and you’re bound to end up out of breath. Get tickets here.

North Coast Music Festival

August 30-September 1, Northerly Island

The perfect way to wrap up a Chicago summer, North Coast offers an array of musical acts that span musical genres and conventions. Past lineups have included Miguel, DJ Snake, Jamiroquai, Odesza, Bassnectar and Vulfpeck. Stayed tuned for more updates.

Chicago Jazz Festival

August 23-September 1

Hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park and other venues around town, the weeklong Chicago Jazz Fest lineup features Dianne Reeves, Ramsey Lewis, Obert Davis and Kurt Elling among an impressive roster of musicians and ensembles and admission is free! Read more about the event here.

Riot Fest

September 13-15, Douglas Park

Specializing in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop acts, Riot Fest also features carnival rides and exciting sideshow performers. Presale tickets are available now and the lineup is soon to be announced. Last year’s headliners included Weezer, Beck, Young the Giant, Run the Jewels and Incubus.

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Big Earrings, Big Mood

August 20, 2018

Hoop earrings are amazing: they frame your face, bring a little shine, and instantly give the illusion that the sweats you wore aren't just sweats; they're streetwear.

That being said, I've gotten kind of sick of seeing the same giant silver and gold metal hoops smattered across social media. As much as I love dainty gold jewelry, I've been getting a lot more interested in different materials for earrings.

I cannot let go of the classic form of hoop earrings, so some of my favorite looks have been in more earthen-toned colors, like tortoise patterns, wood, or chunky acrylics. With the warmer months coming, linen and light colors pair especially well with these more neutral earrings. Pair them with your Birkenstocks for an especially natural look.

Another look I've been really into are thread earrings. I love, especially the dangling balls of thread. It's an easy way to bring in color, and it screams that warm weather has finally arrived.

Finally, anything that's a funky shape, acrylic, and large and in charge I am a fan of. They make a wonderful statement piece no matter what the outfit, and brings a bit of fun personality into any look.

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5 Easy, Breezy Summer Cocktails

June 11, 2018

This is by far the most difficult post that I have worked on for the Blog and not just because I am a little tipsy after testing a couple of cocktails recipes. In fact, the hardest aspect of this piece was choosing just one cocktail to encapsulate the summer season! It's the time of the year when we dine outdoors, drink with friends at picnics on the Point, and enjoy our well-deserved break–so what's the perfect beverage to accompany these serene summer days?

In the spirit of making my life easier, I have made a collection of five recipes that you can pick your favorite drink(s) of the season from.

All of the recipes are from Serious Eats and NYT Cooking. There are many more refreshing cocktails on their websites waiting for you to explore. Enjoy the weather and drink on!

Moscow-Mule

I might be biased, but vodka is probably the most common spirit in a college dorm or apartment. If you don't already have a lonely, half-empty bottle sitting in your "home bar," stop by Kimbark on your way to Hyde Park Produce for the following concoction.

This is a great option for those of who are not typically keen on vodka but would love to finish up that bottle. Squeeze 1/2 lime to the serving glass, add ice and 2 ounces vodka, pour 4 to 6 ounces chilled ginger beer over to your taste. 3 ingredients, 1 minute, there you have it.

Strawberry-Mint Sparkler

Start off your day with the combination of strawberry, mint leaves, and lime. It's a little bit more complicated to make but absolutely worth the effort.

Ingredients:

about 5 medium-sized strawberries
1/2 oz. simple syrup: 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar cooked over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved; cool before using
the juice of 1 lime
10 mint leaves
2 oz vodka
2.5 oz club soda
lime/strawberry/mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Method:

Muddle the strawberries, simple syrup, and lime juice in a shaker. When the berries are dissolved, add 5 mint leaves and gently combine everything.
Add vodka and fill 2/3 of the shaker with ice. Shake for about 15 seconds.
Fill the serving glass with club soda and ice; pour the cocktail (strain the ingredients in it) in the glass.

In-Sandiary

If you are feeling fancy and want to put in more effort, this simple, refreshing watermelon cocktail developed by the American Bartender of the Year in 2012 Joaquin Simo is for you.

To rim the glass: first, dip it in 1 oz fresh lime juice; then dip it into the mixture of 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
Juice 1 cup of cubed watermelon or muddle it in the shaker; strain the solids
Fill the shaker with ice, add 2 oz watermelon juice, 2oz tequila, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1/4 oz simple syrup. Shake vigorously.
Fill the serving glass with ice and pour the cocktail over. Serve, no, DRINK immediately.

Traditional Sangria

Dear wine lovers, I know you might find the idea of dumping fruits into red wine unappealing, but who said cocktail is spirit-only? Taming the dry Spanish red with some rosé and orange soda, refrigerating it overnight (preferably), and serving with fresh cut apples and oranges–there you have a Sangria that not only preserves, but also showcases the complexity of the wine. Sangria is also perfect to make in large quantity.

Find a big container. Combine 1 bottle dry red wine, 1/2 bottle dry rosado (Spanish rosé), 6 ounces orange soda (preferably not too sweet), 1/2 ounce Torres orange liqueur or Triple Sec, 1 ounces Romate or other Spanish brandy.
Stir with a wooden spoon; let it sit for 5 minutes. Then add sugar to taste.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Serve in glasses filled with ice and fresh cut apples and oranges.

Paloma

I highly suspect you'd also have a bottle of Tequila if you've made it this far. Find a tall glass, (optional: rim the glass with salt), add ice, 2.5 oz tequila, lime juice and top with grapefruit soda. Give everything a gentle stir and serve with a lime wedge.

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Catch the Tail End of Summer with A Versatile Courgette Soup

October 24, 2017

Summer is the time of young vegetables, refreshing herbs, and light food. A long awaited season after many months of jumping back and forth between winter and spring, sunny weather has been in full swing in Chicago for the past few months. It's early October and I am so grateful for the weather. Before it gets cold, all I want to do is to savor the last bit of warm weather.

Inspired by the recipe from SeriousEats, I just had the picture of a perfect dinner in mind when I saw these baby courgettes in the produce aisle. They were not “baby” in size, but so young and delicate that a grasp would be enough to leave a mark on the surface.

Here is a simplified version with variations and tips:

Courgette & Basil Soup

Ingredients:

3 Courgettes (Zucchini)
1 Leek
Basil leaves
A few cloves of garlic
Salt & pepper
Olive oil

Prep
1. Rinse the basil leaves and air dry; chop the leaves right before adding them to the pan
2. Julienne the leek — cut it into small slices
3. Peel the garlic cloves and cut them into small chunks; or just mash them
4. Dice the courgettes — I did this while sweating the leek; when I saw clear juice oozing from the cut, I wanted to preserve the freshness.
Cook
1. Heat the saucepan up a bit and pour enough olive oil to at least cover the base
2. Add the leak when the pan is warmed up; frequently turn it around and season generously with salt to get the moisture out of the leek (add more oil or some liquid if the leek takes on color)
3. Add mashed garlic and mix well with the softened leek slices
4. Add courgettes and a handful of basil leaves when the smell of leek and garlic begins to take over your kitchen
5. Mix well and add liquid (water or stock if you want the soup to be light. I added almond milk and very diluted millet porridge because they were at hand and I wanted a little bit starch in my soup)
6. Simmer till all ingredients are soft and cooked
Blend: Add some more fresh basil leaves and blend
Season: Salt & pepper it the way you like
Garnish and Serve with bread: usually a few drizzle of olive oil and more herbs would do, but this soup is very flexible so however you want; some ideas: lemon/lime zest and peels, thinly sliced red pepper, bacon crisp, more basil leaves… or even add potatoes, peeled and cubed, along with garlic if you prefer a thicker consistency.

As a random cook and firm believer in “use whatever is at hand,” I really love this recipe for its flexibility and seemingly unlimited variations.

This light soup is perfect for a summer evening, be it an entrée or a starter paired with bread, rosé or something sparkling. Toast to the season, bon appétit!

All images courtesy of the author

Summer 2017 Guide to NYC

August 28, 2017

Finishing up an internship in the city or simply stopping by for a weekend? After a summer well-spent in the city that never sleeps, our bloggers have rounded up some of their favorite places to frequent. Keep reading for some of our go-to brunch spots, favorite museums and galleries, and the best places to get all of your vintage shopping done!

Olivia

3.-Klimt-Portrait-of-Adele-Bloch-Bauer-I-1907-1011x1024.jpg

images via here, here, here and here

1. Neue Galerie: This is probably my favorite museum in New York. The Neue Galerie houses Gustav Klimt masterpieces (such as the famous portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, featured above), beautiful art deco furniture and design pieces from the Vienna Secession period and revolving exhibitions that cover everything from Post WWII contemporary painting to famous works by German artists. The museum also houses the lovely Café Sabarsky on the ground floor, which is perfect for brunch, a decadent dinner or just desserts!

2. Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar: What's better than munching on a People's Pop as you stroll down the High Line on a hot summer day? Dunking that popsicle in a glass of Prosecco and enjoying it on the roof of the Conrad Hotel at Loopy Doopy! For sweeping views of the city, head over to Loopy Doopy at sunset and choose from Blueberry Peach, Strawberry Lemongrass or Empire Apple for a delicious end to your day.

3. Cooper Hewitt Design Museum: A trip to NYC isn't complete without making your rounds to all the best museums the city has to offer. Cooper Hewitt curates the best in architecture and design and often incorporates a lot of interactive components into their exhibits. It's located on Museum Mile and within easy walking distance of other gallery and museum must-sees like the Guggenheim, the Met and the Neue Galerie.

4. Brooklyn Charm: As if you need any other reason to spend a day exploring Williamsburg, Brooklyn Charm is the perfect pitstop for DIY jewelry. If you've been on the hunt forever for a certain style of earring, ring or charm necklace, stop by this adorable shop and design it yourself! You can pick and choose the style and sizing of your piece from an endless array of charms and trinkets, and the Brooklyn Charm team will assemble it all for you on site! For other jewelry needs, definitely check out VERAMEAT and Norbu Bijoux.

Laden

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1. Artists & Fleas: Manhattan is the perfect place to experience the city that never sleeps, but I love getting away from the hustle once in a while to boost my energy! As the up-and-coming part of the city, Brooklyn is the perfect escape while offering you an equally entertaining experience. Make sure you stop by Williamsburg and feel the cozy and eclectic vibe of the neighborhood. Even though there are lots of unique, local shops around every corner, Artists&Fleas is a heaven for thrift lovers. The massive indoor market showcases hip, handmade arts & crafts items, antiques, and vintage clothing sold directly by the sellers, allowing you to connect with the artists themselves.

2. Tacombi Fonda Nolita: I can eat tacos anytime/anywhere! If you really crave true, authentic Mexican style tacos, you should definitely check out Tacombi. Even though they have multiple restaurants scattered in the city, the Nolita location has the best setting. It doesn't get any better than ordering your tasty tacos from a retro Volkswagen parked inside a garage while enjoying delicious cocktails.

3. Village East Cinema: Located in the heart of East Village, this historic theater has such a unique vibe to it. The beautifully restored landmark was once the home of Yiddish theater in its 1,200-seat auditorium. With New York City’s lack of a still-operating historic movie palace, the Village East is the closest thing around.

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Summer 2017 Guide to LA

August 12, 2017

Our staff photographer Yamini Nambimadom, a Los Angeles local and chai aficionado, gives us the low-down on all the hottest spots she likes to frequent in LA. From the most mouthwatering food market the city has to offer, to one of Hollywood's most quaint and well-loved attractions, keep reading for some great ideas to add to your travel itinerary the next time you're in town!

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1. Grand Central Market: Located in the heart of downtown, Grand Central Market will satisfy any of your stomach’s desires. Grand Central brings together the vibrant cultures and flavors of Los Angeles, with cuisine hailing from Italy to Korea and Brazil. Not only does the market have a wide array of food selections, it also hosts game nights, jazz concerts, trivia Tuesdays, and other fun events throughout the summer. It’s a perfect place to stop by during any LA adventure!

2. The Broad Museum: Opened just recently in 2015, not only is The Broad an incredible work of architecture, but it boasts a collection of over 2000 rotating pieces of contemporary art. Basquiat, Koons, Kruger, and Lichtenstein are among the many artists whose works are currently on display. The Broad’s Infinity Room is an incredible viewing experience as well. Make sure to go early, as the museum has limited capacity and the wait tends to be fairly long.

3. Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Unlike any ordinary cemetery, Hollywood Forever partners with Cinespia to bring cult-favorite films to Los Angeles every summer. Movie-goers can spread folding chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks across the eternal resting place of former Hollywood legends as they enjoy a very classic summer-in-LA experience.

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Summer Bronze Essentials

June 26, 2016

After experiencing Chicago winter and thus only wearing pants for the past 6 months, it is safe to say that I am about as bronze as an uncooked chicken breast. And while it is officially summer and I have been wearing shorts in hopes of gaining some color, sometimes, we need a little help from products. Here are some easy (and safe!) ways to bronze up your look for the summer:

Bronzer

Add a glow to your complexion by using the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer. Unlike contour, apply bronzer to the highest parts of your cheek as well as the sides of your forehead, where the sun would naturally hit you. Now that it's summer, look for bronzers that have shimmer in them as they add a natural glow. Don't forget to use SPF under your makeup!

Self-Tanner

If you are completely new to self-tanner, Jergen's Instant Sun is a easy-to-use product! Simply rub the self-tanner all over your legs, arms, wherever you need it, and make sure you wash your hands immediately after applications. The best part about this product is that it is buildable, so you don't have to worry about looking too dark.

Scent

There's nothing more summery than the smell of the beach, and this is exactly what Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess fragrance evokes. Warm, fruity, yet creamy at the same time, this will be your go-to summer scent.

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Look for Less: Resort-Wear 2017

June 6, 2016

From Cuba to Rio, this year's Resort-Wear fashions cleverly reimagined previous seasons' tried and true trends, from the ever popular off-the-shoulder look to matching top-bottom sets. Keep scrolling for MODA's comprehensive round up of all the best Resort-Wear 2017 styles–and how you can incorporate these looks into your summer wardrobe for under $50.

Off-the-shoulder looks have been a staple in spring and summer closets for the past couple seasons now. Newer takes on the look, however, transition this popular silhouette from crop tops and mini dresses to more mature styles that benefit from longer hemlines and button-shirt inspired detailing.

Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Midi Dress; $49; image via

Pixie Market Sam Striped Off the Shoulder Top; $40; image via — Pixie Market Sam Striped Off the Shoulder Top; **$40**; image via

At first glance, knit tops may appear more fitting in a spring or autumn wardrobe, but when paired with an airy skirt, culottes or tailored shorts, this timeless classic becomes the perfect evening wear staple for summer nights when the temperature starts to dip.

NastyGal School of Mock Striped Sweater; $34.80; image via — NastyGal School of Mock Striped Sweater; **$34.80**; image via

Forever 21 Contemporary Classic Ribbed Sweater; $19.90; image via — Forever 21 Contemporary Classic Ribbed Sweater; **$19.90**; image via

Coordinating top-bottom sets are an incredibly versatile look for any jet-setter. Wear the set as intended for a more dressed-up look, or mix and match with other items to maximize your outfit options (and suitcase space).

ASOS Glamorous Tall Co-Ord Stripe Crop Top and Shorts; top and bottom: $33 each; image via — ASOS Glamorous Tall Co-Ord Stripe Crop Top and Shorts; top and bottom: **$33** each; image via

M Missoni; image via — M Missoni; image via

ASOS Boohoo Ruffle Co-Ord Set; $42; image via — ASOS Boohoo Ruffle Co-Ord Set; **$42**; image via

This season, designers reintroduced tiered summer dresses onto their runways, updating the playful look with unexpected cutouts and a revolving palette of colorful reds and shimmery silvers. The cropped, mini hemline may be a welcome change after seasons of floor grazing skirts, and pairs nicely with lace-up espadrilles and gladiator sandals.