Pictures Spree: Philadelphia’s Landmarks

The city of Philadelphia is so rich with history. Not only it was the place where America’s founding fathers declared the nation’s independence from the British. It was  also the nation’s first capital city and many other “firsts” including the making of the first American flag and also the first arts school and museum. I was so amazed by how ornate these old buildings are and how beautifully kept they are.  Some people might find it weird having to see an 18th century buildings tucked between modern skyscrapers, but to me they’re so charming. It also shows how proud the people are to their heritage by preserving these exquisite old buildings alongside new developments.

The city’s very brief history

George Washington statue in front of the Independence Hall

William Penn statue on top of the City Hall

From the City Hall’s quadrangle

PAFA: The first arts school and museum in USA

Mini Vacay

(Wearing: ’70s men sweater, ’50s dress, vintage belt & shoes, Coach bag, gifted tights)

Last week I went to Philadelphia to meet up with an old friend of mine. We used to go to college together before she went back to Indonesia in late 2006, which was really the last time I saw her. When she told me she’s coming to Philadelphia for a conference, I didn’t think twice before I agreed to her offer for a meet up. It was great to see her again and we spent 4 days discovering the city as well as a day trip to NYC. The biggest let down was that Philly’s public transportation system went on strike last week, so we had to depend on our feet a lot. We also lost the chance of going to some places we’d like to go due to the lack of transportation. Though so, it was a great mini vacation for me, especially since my last weekend trip was 7 months ago! *Eeep! I don’t know about you, but a little vacation here and there really help me to get centered and let me do better in my work/study*.

I’d really like to share more pictures from the trip but I have to wait for my friend to send some pictures as her new high tech camera really took better pics than my beloved but old camera. So until then, I should get back to my study mode… finals week is next week, eep!

Halloween – Part 2

One never learns how the witch became wicked, or whether that was the right choice for her~is it ever the right choice? Does the devil ever struggle to be good again, or if so is he not a devil?

(Gregory McGuire, Wicked: The Life and Time of the Wicked Witch of the West)

I was Elphaba for Halloween, without the green face because I really don’t want to have a break out the next day (haha, such a vain excuse). Wicked is one of my favorite musicals. The book is great too but I’m biased towards the musical plainly because I love musicals! I thought my  “costume” turn out great. It was really simple and I got everything from my wardrobe except for the witch hat, which I will certainly use again in the future.. I’m thinking Bellatrix Lestrange for next year’s Halloween .

‘Costume’ details:

’90s dress: thrifted

Turtleneck: thrifted

Nine West ankle boots: thrifted

Tights: We Love Colors

Witch hat: seasonal aisle of a grocery store

Halloween at Wyuka

Mists are heavy in the air

Tree branches rattle,

O they sound so eerie.

In this quiet space,

where souls rest in peace,

what would they release?

One can hear the pace

of someone in a chase,

Can’t we see a face?

Coming out of her lair,

looking at you, semi glare.

Don’t just stare, but be scared.

Happy Halloween! i really wanted to write something that sounds spooky but i really need to practice more on my poetry! Sorry for the cheesy-ness of it . So, what are you dressing up as this Halloween? Brownie points for those who can guess what I’ll be dressing up as.. the last picture should give you more than enough clues . i hope you have a wonderful Halloween weekend!

(Outfit details: thrifted cardigan, ’40s/’50s dress i found at a yard sale, WeLoveColors tights, Seychelles booties).

The Disco Chronicles

Photos found here. Slightly edited by me.

I went to the club with some new friends on Saturday. They just moved to town a couple of months back so we decided it’s time for their downtown club experience. Wow, it had been ages since I last went dancing. Back in college, I used to go quite a lot. After graduation and having a job with weird hours (including many, many overnight cases), the club visits decreases to near zero. Before I know it, the people I used to hang out with have gone either out of state or out of the country. I can’t even remember the last time I went, maybe earlier this year…

Before settling for this outfit, I probably went through a dozen clothing changes. What do people wear to dance nowadays? Oh my!  So I decided to keep it simple with this ’90s black dress and put the fun in the lace tights. Good thing it was a rather warm night, so I was ok without a jacket. Most of the clubs here don’t have any coat and bag checks , which is rather annoying.

Photos found here. Slightly edited by me.

Night life here ends pretty early at 1am, so when we arrived at 11:30pm we only had 1.5 hours to dance and drink. My companions, all just passed the legal age, were excited and danced through the night. I tried to keep up, really.. but I feel rather awkward. Maybe because I haven’t been dancing for a long time or maybe (for tears and joy) because I’m getting rusty?

That night I feel like this dancing cat:

Photos found here.

Maybe I should stick to the lounge next time

Outfit details:

’90s black dress: thrifted.

lace tights & Madden girls heels: TJ Maxx.

wrislet: Coach.