PLATED PEARLS

Pastry Party

Nov 12, 2015

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

November is a stressful time of year for those of us studying. It marks the end of midterm season, most due-dates of major essays and assignments, the eerie knowing that exam season is just around the corner, and (in the case of 4th years) the scramble to complete Grad School applications in a timely fashion. As I've said in a previous post, the unknown of where you will be in under a year is a nerve-racking thought – though it has been my reality since a young age, I’ve never fully grown accustomed to the idea.

Unlike the exciting applications from high school to undergrad (the elevating feeling of finally becoming ‘somewhat adult), I’ve found applying to a Master’s program significantly more nerve-wracking. With acceptance rates as little as 2% in some cases, it has been a tense couple of worry-filled nights and nauseous hours spent in library corners. Juggling exams, assignments, composition portfolios, essays, and dreaded personal statements has never sounded remotely enjoyable, though it’s definitely a lot worse than I ever anticipated. A new unknown, a new uncertainty of what is to come (both in the next few months and under a year), a new uncertainty of where I will be (mentally and physically, if you dare), and what grad school will be like (if you can answer this last question, please do let me know!).

As I sit on my couch, sick from both stress and a slight cold, looking over photos from the summer holiday, I do not have a feeling of relaxation in the slightest (usually something that always happens when going over old shots of pleasant times). Rather, (during a case of personal-statement-writers-block) I’ve found they’ve made me feel considerably more erratic than before. My days are planned out to the last minute, from the moment I wake up to the 20 minute lunch I consume on the way from class to a library corner, to my evening shower. Yet still, I’ve found myself wishing there were more hours in a day to finish everything on my to-do list. I’m dreading December 1^st (deadlines) but subsequently exceptionally cheerful for the idea of both seasonal and accomplished assignments bliss.

Background on these shots – they were taken at the beautiful “My Little Paris LA” Airbnb during my road trip. I stayed at this pretty spot for about a week and a half. The photos truly don’t give the atmosphere and decorations of the Parisian style spot justice. If you watched my snap chats during the trip (username is xmouna) you probably also noticed how much I had been eating. Beautiful breakfasts (sample, sample, and sample), brunches, lunches, and pretty desserts usually consisted of one or two elements from Bottega Louie – a stunning Italian restaurant and patisserie with treats as beautiful as they are delicious just a few blocks away from my then home (all pretty pastries at this tea party are from there). Also, they have Nutella stuffed beignets. Yah.

And now, back to the grind. Ciao!

Dorothy Perkins Dress | Style&co Heels | Tommy Hilfiger Watch

comments: 22

Venice Beach

Nov 6, 2015

Location: Venice Beach, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

I want to put it out there, right off the bat before continuing; I am in no way a "style and/or fashion expert." The generation of self-proclaimed *insert any profession here* is at its peak; and though, I digress; at times these proclamations are nothing less than admirable - oftentimes they are far from accurate. Yes, I'll admit I know my way around a Holt Renfrew and I can have a rather in-depth conversation with you regarding Stuart Weitzman's (rather fabulous) A/W boot collection, but in no way does that make me a Grace Coddington, a Vera Wang, or a Karl Lagerfeld. I'm a speck of mere dust in a grand array of style icons.

But heck. I can still have opinions, eh?

And so, to my point. In my most humble opinion, skirts and dresses keep me much cooler than shorts ever have. You'll rarely see me in a pair of shorts - not because I'm apposed to the idea or the extra peak of skin, but because (I'll be completely honest with you here) I always find myself sweating profusely in them. The few pairs that I do own are reserved for layering in the colder months - to be worn with thick tights, warm sweaters, and over sized coats.

In the California heat, I'll dawn my floor length maxi any day if it means beating the harsh midday sun. I wont say I didn't cast an envious side-eye to the much cooler than me girls in their (adorable, might I add) high wasted jean short-shorts and their knitted bralette crop tops a few times during the trip, but alas, at least I stayed mostly dry during the long day. Dry and jealous.

During a week shrouded in continuous rehearsals, deadlines, and mid term assignments, it's always refreshing to look back at days in which we had very little cares. Photos on the beach always allow me to unwind (at least a bit) which has been nice amidst the grad-school application stress. On this specific evening (Friday night, I'll add) you'll find me hunched over my laptop working madly away at a piece I'm composing for Wind Ensemble. Saturday's plans? A flute lesson, personal statements, assignments, and no rest. Sleep is for ~~the weak~~ winter holiday.

Abercrombie and Fitch Dress

comments: 7

Happy Halloween!

Oct 31, 2015

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Most unknowingly to the vast majority of individuals, there are four educators who have had a significantly positive influence on my life. Firstly both my flute instructors (the most hardworking, caring, and artistic folks I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, I assure you). Secondly, my third and fourth year composition instructor – a brilliant man more interested in the music itself than in writing obscure pieces with the goal of being ‘unique’ (occurring within the majority of University students - more than you’d think). Finally, my high school history teacher. I never adored studying history, per se – memorizing lists of facts and dates never settled well inside my artistic mind (which, as an entity continuously attempts to find its’ own meanings and patterns, does not enjoy lists of incredibly detailed facts being thrown at it) but I’ve always enjoyed learning it.

Blasphemy! What on earth is the difference between learning and memorizing you say?!?!

Allow me.

Our education system is based around the idea that you must study x, y, and z to pass set exams. We cram our minds with so much (oftentimes useless) information until they quiver in pain and beg for no mercy – usually it is 2am by now. Typically, after set exams, we habitually purge our minds of all impractical material that we’ve crammed so tightly within a small portion of our cerebrum.

*disclaimer, I am not a neuro-scientist and am not knowledgeable on the functions or parts of the brain.

Learning, on the other hand, is much more useful. We learn, in my most humble opinion (as always), by choice. Remember reading The Great Gatsby in grade nine? How much did you actually read? Fast forward two months. Same book, same you, choosing to read it on your own without the requirement of scrawling in-depth annotations all over the pages (I cringe at the thought). Suddenly, it is infinitely times more enjoyable – no “skimming”, no Sparknotes, and no frantic "I must finish this chapter!" thoughts as you turn the pages - *these thoughts are also normal when reading literature you love (and Harry Potter. Always with Harry Potter).

I had a very similar experience with History. History, without a doubt, is one of the most interesting topics to discuss (perhaps after politics?) and observe (perhaps after Renoir). I’ve spent hours online reading various profiles and articles regarding countless historical figures and events - something I'd most likely not enjoy if it was carelessly assigned (see 2nd year University baroque and renaissance church chants' mindless memorization of 42 pieces and countless useless facts. Though I admit, this lecture would have been far more useful (possibly interesting?) if the professor in question discussed how we could implement these structures and ideas in the music we played today. Or perhaps a chapter on how and why it has shaped and/or influenced music throughout the years. Sadly, he was far more interested in a sadistic approach in which he assigned unreasonable amounts of work loads without reason or justification as to why we should study them). Like Great Gatsby, it is incredibly more gratifying when there is no pressure to cram as much information in a short period of time into your mind as possible.

Unfortunately, not many teachers choose to acknowledge this (surprising, as surely they were once students, too). My high school World History teacher did and it has changed the way I approach learning. Her lectures were as engaging as the charming documentaries you stumble upon on Netflix (Planet Earth, anyone?) always approached with an unbiased attitude and an open mind for countless ideas. She was always available to discuss questions or comments after class. Without a doubt, she is the reason I can draft up a successful outline and a killer essay proposal within minutes. (Objectively speaking, she is also the reason I can write any form of convincing text longer than your average iMessage while maintaining all the necessary factual evidence required for such assignments). Truly only an incredibly passionate individual with a broad span of knowledge and a humble demeanor could win so hard at teaching.

Moving on, this Halloween, I'm styling my hair just like mommy did for me circa 1997-2008. Let's face it, those days were terrifying. I'll admit, this Ted Baker dress subdues the spook-y factor and gives for a more grown-up Wednesday Addams-chic (think iconic fictional character goes vogue). What's in store on my end? A few scary movies and some well-deserved popcorn binge eating post midterm hell week.

And (big bonus here, guys) here's a little link to your ever-so basic wiki article on the history (brief) and origins (also brief) of Halloween, since so little of us know why we dress up and "party like there's no tomorrow."

You're welcome.

*Please read for the sake of learning. No exams or pop-quizzes will be administered, though comments and discussion are always welcomed.

Ted Baker Dress | Chanel Lip-stain | Dollar Store Plastic Ring

Have a fun and safe Halloween! xx

comments: 0

Oh, the Places You'll Go...

Oct 22, 2015

Location: Main Quad, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Growing up was always a bit difficult. Right off the bat, I’ll allow you a bit of mental ease so your poor souls can relax. This is not a post on “never really fitting in” or teenage parent angst. Though I’d love to tell you all about my awkward grade school days when my hair braids were thicker than my neck, my enlarged stroppy bobble-head awkwardly sitting atop my malnourished looking build, and my inability to read English (my third language) rendered me nearly incapable of making any friends. Yup...I’ll have to pass for now - those days can wait. It is my personal belief that I’ve grown into my overly large, grotesque teeth. It took years (and a great deal of assistance from braces), but those days are finally over – and, as far as I’m concerned, that’s more than enough to keep me happy for eons to come.

Rather, this is a post on the difficulties of consistent change. The change that takes you from one country to another and back again, only to find that when you return, everything (including yourself) has changed.

Moving from country to country, city to city, has always had its incredible advantages. Eye-opening experiences and immersing oneself in various cultures and traditions should be experienced by all (surely, this would cease racism and prejudice to some extent). Yet what of the disadvantages? I don’t mean to speak of traveling in a negative light at all, rather, I speak of leaving one’s home behind to start countless new chapters in one’s life. What happens when you leave all you know for a place you’ve only read about?

My family moved often when I was young. Just as I would settle in, get back into the rhythm of school, and find a few friends, we were on the road again. In theory, it really does sound nice – I’ve never been one to grow attached to places or things (France and Morocco always being the exception), but it was always a bit of a mental toll. In hindsight, I believe it has shaped me that way – I never

fully let myself get comfortable as I know I’ll hit the road one day or another.

Leaving was always more or less difficult but I found returning to be the laborious part. With friends and family in almost every corner of the world, it’s difficult to see most contacts more than once every three or four years. Though we now have the luxuries of email, skype, facebook, and numerous other social platforms, the luxury of time has diminished. This has left a gap between me and so many. It has always been worrisome to return home after months or years and see old friends. I worry what we will discuss, if we’ve both changed too much, or if we no longer have anything in common. I’ve never been one to keep too many people very close in my life, and those who do seem to overcome these obstacles. I am so reclusive, I need others with the same mentality – the mentality that we don’t have to talk for weeks, months, sometimes even years, but we both know that once we reunite, we will pick up right where we left off.

I’ve been in Toronto for almost four years now. Graduation is just around the corner and I’ve found myself wondering where I’ll have to start anew in the upcoming term. It’s unlikely I’ll remain in Canada, and I ponder how that will affect my relationships in this country. Will I again find trouble settling in to a new city (possibly country abroad?) or will I find that, for once, it comes with ease? Leaving Chicago is never easy - but at least I know I'll always return there, even if for a short visit, as long as my parents are living there. I don't have that comfort with Toronto...

And that, my friends, is the difficulty of moving from place to place. Constantly making and losing those who were (at least for one point in your life) very close to your heart.

Modcloth Dress | Dorothy Perkins Heels | Tommy Hilfiger Watch

comments: 5

Fall Time Sweetheart

Oct 18, 2015

Location: Hart House Building, 7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3, Canada

Layering always seems the ideal fashion option - specifically in the warmer months when I find myself wishing I could layer up (obviously inadequate in the summer humidity). Consequently, I find myself eager for early fall. Blogging-culture is always keen on expressing the utmost joy and appetence for brightly colored leaves, coveted pumpkin spice lattes, and alluring oxblood garments; all a wonderful seasonal commodity. Yet we all, year after year, seem to forget how short lived autumn is and how instantaneously winter rolls in (perhaps it's the Toronto luck - though I hear it's been equally chilly in Chicago and Paris). Each September, respectively, brings around an aura of excitement for the upcoming fall, conveying the impression that perhaps this year will be gentler on us. A week or so are tame - warm enough for a short sleeved sweater, cool enough for a pair of thick tights and our favorite blazer. We then jump straight into winter - our enchanting knee-length jackets swapped for over-sized parkas...our necklaces frantically traded for the warmest scarves we manage to find buried deep within our winter boxes from the previous year. Our grievous underestimation of the upcoming chill leaves most in a melancholy slump until the Christmas season comes around (to which point we are all well used to the sub-zero F weather).

These shots were taken a few days before the abrupt chill, during a time when Toronto's light winds and mildly cool weather made wearing light sweaters, skirts, and faux fur acceptable. The next few weeks, I foresee layers of leather and wool before the mid-November Indian summer (which, to say the least, leaves everyone remarkably astounded). Afterwards, it'll be a downhill spiral of snow storms and frigid wind chill well through late April.

Hope you're having a pleasant midterm season! x

The Limited Sweater | Winners Skirt | HM Boots | RL Socks| Forever 21 Coat

comments: 6