Style Portfolio: Kim Kardashian

Although I think Kim Kardashian has been extremely overexposed in the media, I have to admit that some of her looks are fabulous. I love how she mixes and matches colors and patterns and how the looks are very feminine.

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Style Portfolio: Val of Single Ladies

Even though the character of Val on Single Ladies played by Stacey Dash is not a real person, her looks are nonetheless impeccable and the styles are true to the character. If Val were real, her closet would be my Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, and Saks Fifth Avenue. I have to give the credit to her stylist Anthony Williams, he is a genius. I would love to see someone do an affordable recreation of some of Val's looks on the show.
                                           








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New School Year Resolution

In less than one month I will begin my first year of graduate school, and one step closer to beginning my professional career. So instead of waiting until December to create a list of New Year resolutions, I figured why not create a list for the new school year. There are six tips that I have to making this school year better than the last.

• Dress for Sucess

(I know that this term is usually reserved for the workforce, but when you think about, college is supposed to prepare you for the professional world, so why not start early.)
I think that once you get to a point in your college career where you have chosen a discipline and narrowed down your career path, what you wear in certain setting is important. You want your professors to look at you as a young professional and not just a student. I had to learn as a college student that academic and professional networking can occur almost anywhere, so you need to be on your A game at all times. So this means no more pajamas to class and always look your best. Because, even when you think no one is watching, they are!
What is even more important is how you wear your clothing. I think that the way you wear your clothing tells other people something about you. Unless, you have tons of cash to spend on designer clothing, then the pieces probably won't look like they were custom made for you. However, the clothing should fit well, because to other people this exudes confidence. It tells people, that you take pride in your personal appearance, and that you are well put together. On the other hand, if you wear very tight clothing, it translates into "I'm screaming for attention, and not in a good way" and if the clothing is too loose then you look sloppy and unkept.
Lastly, it is important to look good for yourself because it affects how you feel about yourself, which affects your productivity. Basically, when you look better, you feel better; when you feel better, you work better.

• No Procrastination

When you prorastination, you waste so much valuable time that you could be using to do other things. If I stopped, I could get twice the work done, in half the time. Many people do it for many different reasons, I do it because I'm a perfectionist. But my goal is to kick this habit, so that I can lower my stress level and become a better student

• Be a Healthier You

As you get further along in your academic career, you'll find yourself sitting at the computer for longer periods of time. What often happens when you're sitting at the computer for long periods?? SNACKING. And this behavior is very subtle, until you find that your clothing is getting tighter, and some articles of clothing don't fit at all anymore. Then when you see that you are not as in shape as you used to be, it effects your academic work. Take small steps to keep yourself active and healthy. If you want a snack, try and eat fruit instead of chips or candy. When you're on the computer typing a paper, during breaks you can do a few sit-ups or lunges. Remember, your academics are your top priority, but without your health you can't do anything.

• Enjoy Yourself

You only live once! Of we all have school, work, and other responsibilities, but all of that hard work without any time for self will lead to a crash and burn. When that happens you're at a stand still, and you have defeated yourself. The key to being able to work and play is time management. If you get to your work in a timely fashion, and don't procrastinate (see bullet point #2) then you'll have the time to do other things outside of school and work. But if you have a ten page paper due in two days, and you only one page done, then you probably shouldn't be going out.

• Work Hard

Even if you have already accomplished this goal, there is always room for improvement. Sometimes you can work too hard, by putting up obstacles in your own way. When you focus on personal strengths and work hard consistently, then you will be rewarded for it. But don't expect any handouts or a pat on the back. This is where self-motivation will become very important. Because there will be many times where your hard work will go unnoticed, and it will be that self-motivation that pushes you through till the end.

• Create a Positive Environment

The people and the things that you surround yourself with, are just as important as your own actions and character. These things can only help you or hamper you from accomplishing your goals. If you are the type of person who wants to do great things, then you have to surround yourself with positivity, otherwise the negative energy will only drag you down. You have to have friends who are positive and have dreams of their own, so that you are supportive of each other. Remember: Positive people transfer positive energy, which breeds positive thoughts and ideas.

New Beginnings

I can't believe that I finally have my blog up and running. For so long I made countless excuses about why I shouldn't start a blog, but the best way to get over your doubts and fears is to jump right in. I want to offer my own perspective on things. I want to highlight fashionable yet affordable items, showcase the trendy and fashion forward people around me, and discuss what comes to my mind.
Thank you for coming to my blog & all comments are appreciated.


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Summer at Duke University

I spent five weeks at Duke university for a summer research program. I had heard how beautiful Duke was and how much I am going to love it. I would have to agree with everyone. The campus is beautiful and it's spread out. There are trees everywhere and there is a botanical garden not far from the main campus. The only disappointment of the trip is that I was so busy that I did not get to see much of Durham, NC or visit UNC at Chapel Hill. However, I did eat some really good food at the end of my trip at Parizade's. The Salmon was cooked perfectly and Chocolate Praline Torte (picture below) was delicious. It was nice to experience life as a college student at a university far from your own school. I found the city of Durham to be surprisingly slow and laid back despite the reputation and prestige of the school. I got there and expected to find a small scale Atlanta bustling with shops and restaurants, but what I found was a much calmer and quiet city. But I was there during the summer, who knows, maybe it gets much busier when the students come back from vacation.
                                                              The University Chapel
                                                                        On Campus
                                                             Chocolate Praline Torte
                                                        Private Dining Room at Parizade


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Weekend at Niagara Falls

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Niagara Falls (U.S.A.) for a conference. I had been there before, but I stayed on the Canadian side of the border. The Falls were much bigger and more beautiful than I remembered. I had  a chance to get close to the falls on the maid of the mist tour. I even had to chance to get in a little shopping. I went to the Niagara Falls Outlet Mall, and I left with two pairs od shoes. The Outlet mall is completely indoors and it has a store for everyone. They have the NIKE factory, BeBe, Ralph Lauren, Barney's New York, Juicy Couture...and a lot of other stores..too bad I only had a hour to shop..I did not have a chance to go to the Walden Galleria, and I didn't have any great food. (maybe it's all on the Canadian side?)

Niagara Falls

                                                  The Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

                                    
                                                   The Lights Show at Niagara Falls

                                                                       The Seneca Casino

                                                      The Niagara Falls Outlet Mall