Abundant Praise

Hello to youuuuuu, beautiful stranger. I came across these babies via Need Supply in my search for a pair of suave sandals to take me through the upcoming summer months. After my initial reaction of being struck by both exquisite shoe and matching price (retails from $385-545), I had to know who these mystery fairy shoemakers were and what they were doing adding to my ever-growing, tantalizing list of premium goods an ordinary college student has no right throwing perfectly good money on, that is of course, unless you absolutely must. This is where I twiddle my thumbs, until the topic courteously shifts (buahahaha).

A couple easy minutes of perusing the interwebs resulted in a thorough interview, conducted by Footwear Plus, of the work ethic and ethos behind the brand Wal and Pai. What I discovered was a heady vision by LA-based pair, Hsuan Pai and Harel Waldman, to "look at the past and think of the future to make a perfect hybrid of recognized aesthetics with modern interpretation." They cite inspiration from the likes of Martin Margiela, Helmut Lang, Rei Kawakubo, and Anne Demeulmeester, all of which is apparent in their own quirky, abstract, minimalist design. Whatever the case, I'm completely enamored by this selection's chalky hues, slouchy ballerina meets astronaut theme, and the pair's obsession with delivering premium quality goods. Waldman ends his interview with a bit of counsel that I have come to (against my better judgement?) internalize - "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."

   

xx, a Christina who knows not when to say no

April Appetite

April Appetite by christinaoo

TIBI cotton a line dress / Scotch Soda sweater / Scotch Soda polyester shirt / Dolce Gabbana short sleeve top / Wanda Nylon nylon motorcycle jacket / Opening Ceremony slingback sandals / Marni slingback sandals / STELLA McCARTNEY foldable backpack / Benedetta Bruzziches woven backpack / Carven snap closure wallet / Aurélie Bidermann 18k ring / Aurélie Bidermann bracelet bangle / Marni rose jewelry / Carolina Bucci clover jewelry / Chloé enamel bangle / STELLA JEAN hair accessory / Giorgio Armani tortoise shell sunglasses / Sunday Somewhere / VALENTINO / SENSO

Voila, my treat to you - a spry collection of saliva-inducing goodies to keep you hungry through the month of April. Forgive my lack of posts, a quick weekend trip to NYC has left me high and dry amidst a pile of research papers and dirty laundry to attend to. But don't give up on me just yet, I've got Round 2 of oo-clears-her-desktop in the works! Until then, join the lust party and enjoy these pretty things avec moi.

xx, a Christina THAT close to solving 2048
but also, this hyp song

Abstract Lull

Sorry about the lack of posts; a sudden tidal onset of midterms has me gasping for life on some distant stormy shore, with only a far-fetched dream and one volleyball friend named Wilson to guide me through these most turbulent days. Kidding, I'll never be as cool as Tom Hanks.

I offer you this, oh gods of blogging prosperity, as tribute until my return.

xx, a Christina looking forward to Friday, Friday
ps - On a style related note, this is what I'm wearing on said island (via Vivienne Westwood SS 14). Just try to question the functionality of this garb because even in my most tempestuous dreams, I can assure you I am looking oh so fly.

Mid-Semester Daze

In the midst of my mid-semester high/daze/exhaustion, I've decided to shift a bit of the inspirational clutter gathering on my desktop onto here, lucky you! First to take the stage is an American sweetheart blessed with the voice of an angel, Karen Carpenter. Lead vocalist and oft highlighted drummer in the sibling duo, the Carpenters, this 70's flower-child that captured the attention of millions was undoubtedly a major player in contributing to the world of music as we know it. From "Close to You", which remains a desperate fixture within rom-com films, to songs like "Superstar" which essentially highlight the singer's haunting "basement" voice, her impact is visibly unshaken despite the decades gone by. Passed all this, what remains the biggest mystery to me is the lack of attention the broad receives for her obvious grasp of the freedom-seeking aesthetic of her times. References to the 70's often hark towards French style, citing iconic favorites like Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot, Francoise Hardy, and all for good reason, but how about turning around for a quick sec and sharin' some of that same love with this groovy American honey?

xx, a Christina yearning for the sweet embrace of slumber

photos via tumblr

Bomba Estéreo In the House

This post is late in coming, but so is my exit from puberty. Everything about Bomba Estéreo is too hip, from their hypnotic electro-infused tropical tunes to their most appropriate name (translates to really cool, awesome badass party) to gorgeous lead singer "Li" Saumet's rad style - seriously though, she makes my heart flutter like no other. Her vibrant adieu to traditional norms of Hispanic female aesthetic, as witnessed by spotted face paint, literal eye of the tiger print cowgirl getup, Chia-pet gown, pet flamingo and more,  forever inspire me to jump up and click my heels together. Their latest album, Elegancia Tropical, dropped in 2012 so it's been a baby bit but hey, it takes time to produce magic. Rarely do my head and shoulders act of their own accord, but lately Bomba Estéreo's groovy numbers have claimed them captive and I'm not complaining, so what are you waiting for? Balmy elements, swaying palm trees, braided rainbow hammocks, childhood tans…

xx, a Christina-ita Oo-nez envious of her Latina counterparts
photos ℅ NPR and tumblr