numberthirteenbaby

minolta

2012-02-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

Self, good eats at the flushing mall food court, random art/fashion installation on grand street, smoked trout platter at Freedman's, coffee and fresh squeezed OJ at the neighborhood diner

Bought this old film camera off ebay last fall, and didn't get around to actually experimenting with it until recently. I was doubtful that it would even actually work, as the seller said that they literally found it in their basement, and wasn't sure if it was in working condition or not. I bought it anyway. Imagine my surprise when it a) actually turned on after I put some batteries in it, b) ended up producing some pretty cool shots.

still life/portrait

2012-02-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

Clean desk, clean mind.

Just some random shots taken lately via the trusty macbook...it's interesting and pretty funny how photobooth has kind of developed into an art form of its own nowadays. The definite medium of choice for generation Y-ers, I'd have to say.

Detox

2012-02-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

It's been a few days, and I'm still feeling the repercussions of R's birthday weekend, -- a whirlwind of good food (I'm still dreaming about the spinach artichoke dip at O'Nieals), booze, bizarre happenings, more food (ex. a spontaneous trip to Hop Kee in the wee hours of the morning prompted by the drunken birthday boy), and other stuff.

Needless to say, the body's been feeling a bit gross. Whipped up a batch of roasted butternut squash quinoa in attempts to "detox" this week.

I'm having a "moment" with squashes right now in attempts to eat seasonally (read: new years resolutions). I think I've gone through 3 butternut squashes in the last two weeks...I made a pretty baller soup last weekend. Anyway, the recipe is pretty simple:

Roasted Balsamic Butternut Squash Quinoa

1) Peel and cut 1 small butternut squash into small-ish cubes.

2) Toss with 1 medium onion (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), balsamic vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper

3) Bake at 375 for 45-ish minutes until tender/the balsamic has caramelized on the squash

4) Meanwhile, prepare 1 cup quinoa (make sure you rinse it before you cook it, like rice) on stovetop with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, and then simmer. When all the quinoa has basically turned translucent and absorbed all the water, fluff with a fork and put it to the side.

5) When squash/onion mixture is done baking, take it out of the oven and add quinoa to the baking sheet. Toss and mix everything together, and add more balsamic/salt/pepper to taste. Put back into oven for 10-ish minutes.

You can eat it by itself, but I like to keep it in a huge tupperware container so that I can make salads with it throughout the week. My fave: butternut squash qunioa, arugula (using a mixed green + herb mixture above), feta cheese, apples, avacado, red onion, carrots and balsamic vinaigrette.

Happy eating

Raf Simon Rick Owens, usually what I'm dressed in

2012-02-01T11:51:00.001-08:00

It's 61 degrees in New York today...we've been having such insane, rapture-esque weather this season. Snuck out on R's fire escape to take this picture.

Anyway, pretty excited about the A$AP Rocky concert tonight. I'll leave you all with this.

I get gets the freshest.

Valerie

2012-01-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of everyday black boots ever since the untimely demise of my old stand-bys. My criteria are 1) they have to be black 2) they can't be too bulky or motorcycle-esque, and 3) there needs to be a slight block heel.

I stumbled upon this pair by Kurt Geiger earlier today and I instantly had. to. have. it. Yes, I'll shamefully admit that I've that I've been spending the last two hours at the library obsessively combing through google search for a pair of these babies in a UK5/US7. No luck. The style name is called "Valerie" too...seriously? The universe has a twisted sense of humor.

For those who are interested, the gray version is on sale on asos at the mo'.

sunday

2012-01-22T18:30:00.000-08:00

Shirt: Thrifted, Hat: Vintage, Watch: Michael Kors

Really enjoyed zara's take on the moody Altuzzara/Wang/Celine florals that everybody and their mom has been going crazy over on the internet. I was thisclose to buying it when I was at the store the other day, but opted not to for some strange reason (cough nonexistantdisposableincome cough). Kind of regretting that decision, but I think this sheer granny blouse (with detachable shoulder pads) I thrifted last summer will hold me over for now while I drool over the real thing. Isn't Charlotte Free such a babe?

cat lady

2012-01-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats.

Kitsch done the right way, methinks. Subtle enough to warrant the fact that you're wearing cats on your feet.

saturday

2012-01-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

Went out for a late breakfast earlier today and was completely shocked to see a good 2 inches of snow on the ground that had already started materializing (de-materializing?) into sleet. Now all I want to do is stay in bed all day.

home cooking

2012-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

Once in a while, me and my friends like to get together for some good, home-cooked food (coupled with lots and lots of cheap wine). This time around, me and my girl Isabel decided to get together at her apartment to make some lasagna for a mini, impromptu dinner party. Her apartment is pretty cool, no?

I've been feeling so uninspired lately, hence the all black everything. Boring. Note to self: re-introduce color into my wardrobe.

Shirt, Pants: American Apparel, Sweater: Super old...dont remember the brand, Oxfords: Frye, Watch: Michael Kors, Bag: Banana Republic

january playlist

2012-01-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

image: vogue australia feb '12 via fashion gone rogue

1. The Weeknd - Montreal
2. Lana Del Ray - Born to Die
3. Cities Aviv - Jaguar
4. Gotye - Somebody I Used to Know
5. Baths - Lovely Bloodflow
6. A$AP Rocky - Peso
7. Lykke Li - Rivers
8. Big K.R.I.T. - Time Machine ft. Chamillionaire
9. Phantogram - When I'm Small
10. Silent Knight - Stayin Busy

Here's some ear candy to get you through the cold this month, just some stuff I've been bumping on the ipod lately. Thinking of making this a monthly thing? (homemade cover art = true commitment)

simplify simplify

2012-01-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

1. Odette Arrow Cuff
2. Swedish Hasbeens Jodhpur Boot
3. Dasha Zhukova for Illesteva Sunnies
4. Diptyque Candles in Tuberuse and Roses
5. Saskia Diez Pearl Bracelet
6. Maison Martin Margiela Bag
7. Boy by Band of Outsiders Coat
8. Helmut Lang Pullover
9. Akiko Graham Soba Choko
10. Jimmy Choo Gilbert Leather Pumps

Some things I wouldn't mind owning at the moment. Simple and unfussy.

weekend recap

2012-01-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

It's getting so cold in New York.

rip

2012-01-11T00:08:00.000-08:00

vintage woven black booties.

you were the best pair of basic shoes a girl could ever have. the cobbler says you're unsaveable (my big ol feet and the rough new york city pavement completely anihilated you). you'll be missed dearly and I'll be stalking etsy obsessively for your likeness until we are reunited again.

wednesday

2012-01-10T23:43:00.000-08:00

some oldies i dug up

resolutions

2012-01-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

Each year, I fall victim to my own unreasonably high expectations when it comes to resolution-making ("this year, I'm going to go to the gym four times a week...at least!"), which usually leads to me forgoing said resolution by mid February.

This year, I'm keeping my resolutions simple and ambiguous, and hopefully some productivity will ensue.

1) Learn more: read more books and actually absorb information from my classes this year (rather than just bingeing and regurgitating information for finals)

2) Create more: start (and finish) the dozen or so diy projects that I have floating around in my mind, blog somewhat regularly, experiment with cooking more (dying to try out this mashed cauliflower recipe), and take more photos.

3) Be healthier: Eat healthier and more sustainable foods (Michael Pollan would definitely not approve of the out-of-season cherries pictured above...whoops), eat less meat (everybody should read Jonathan Safran Foer's "Eating Animals", pretty enlightening), try to regulate my sleeping habits (finals week doesn't count), and take advantage of the free yoga classes at Yoga to the People more often

4) Treat myself

What are everybody's resolutions this year?

2012

2012-01-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

Picked up this flesh-colored frock at the at the cushnie et ochs sample sale earlier last month. Pretty sure it's a production sample. You can't really see it in this photo, but it has these ridiculous ruffle-like flaps that kind of make me look like I'm in my 2nd trimester when you look at me from the side. Part robo space cop, part labia. Definitely not complaining.

Here's to 2012.

passport to trespass

2011-12-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

Obsessed with Mikhail Kennedy's Passport to Trespass series.

2011-12-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

pokemon & fashion

2011-12-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

genius

extra points for the strategically placed weepinbell.

club kid

2011-12-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

these are actually pretty awesome

ultimate beauty icon

2011-12-01T12:41:00.001-08:00

If I could have 1/100th the steeze of brigitte bardot i'd be a happy woman. Such an effortless and timeless beauty.

#arthistoryjokes

2011-11-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

I think this might be my new favorite blog.

http://uglyrenaissancebabies.tumblr.com/

summer 11

2011-11-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

A visual summation of this past summer... but more importantly, can someone explain to me how it's almost 2012 already? My head is spinning.

6.25.11

2011-06-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

shorts: H&M, shirt, backpack: american apparel, shoes: zara

Back from a long and equally unexpected hiatus. Got momentarily caught up with life happenings: final exams, the culmination of a benefit fashion show that i'd been working on producing all semester, as well as general end-of-school activities.

It's summer now, and things haven't really slowed down much. Currently interning in the closet of a certain fashion publication, which turned out to be surprisingly intense and demanding (but nonetheless interesting). Definitely hasn't left much time for blogging, but I'm going to try my best!

I'm usually afraid of wearing color, but these obnoxious neon shorts from H&M kind of do it for me. Decided to pair it up with a borderline inappropriate sheer blouse (a contender for the most hated piece in my wardrobe by my father) and a pair of impulse-buy zara heels that seem to match my skin tone exactly. Pretty creepy.

4.12.11

2011-04-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Shirt: AA, Shorts, Shoes: Thrifted, Sunglasses: Chloe

I've been so bad with outfit posts lately.

april lust list

2011-04-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

I don't wear earrings but these guys by ioselliani are pretty fly.

baby you summatime fine

2011-04-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Shirt: Jeffrey Monteiro
Shorts: Cacharel
Shoes: Topshop
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Lipstick: Nars

3.22.11

2011-03-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

random shots: socks by mer mandanas, creepy train station tunnel, allyson, the multiple defacing of gaga in soho, me being completely overtaken by some strong ass glare.

How sick are these socks?? (paired with some creepers that are two sizes too big for me due to an ebay mishap). I keep telling Mer to open an etsy account or something. The next big sock designer, you heard it here first folks.

march lust list

2011-03-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

I cannot emphasize how much i NEED those isabel marant boots.

3.17.11

2011-03-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

home for spring break this week. spent some time enjoying the glorious 64 degree weather sans coat.

deets: thrifted skirt, bcbgeneration boots, diabolical H&M sweater that enjoys getting itself snagged on every conceivable object, AA backpack, chloe sunglasses, ubiquitous gray beanie

3.15.11

2011-03-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

some random pictures: shoes of the moment, valentines day treats from Eileens cheesecake, post chinese new years confetti, drinks at one and one

lilac

2011-02-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

cate blancette in givenchy couture. sooooooooo good.

paris/minnesota

2011-02-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

Really digging these photos by Alec Soth. Pretty refreshing to see the "fashion world" through the lens of a non-fashion photographer, especially after the recent barrage of glitzy/glamorous photos that were a by-product of fashion week.

2.24.11

2011-02-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

Forayed into the unfamiliar maxi-hem territory with this newly purchased leopard print silk dress from the UO sale rack. I have to admit that I kind of liked it, minus the constant static cling against my wool tights while walking.

And yes, I've been wearing said hat/scarf/coat combo for the entire winter. Just a heads up.

2.22.11

2011-02-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

Despite the awkward candidness of the photo above, i think it's a pretty good representaion of what I've been living in during this ridiculously cold new york winter. Also, kind of obsessed with these sequined ~~shorts~~ underwear from topshop.

v day essentials

2011-02-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Lust-worthy objects of the moment in romantic rose-colored hues.

need

2011-02-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

unif via nastygal

I have an unhealthy obsession with all things sheer, asymmetrical and/or americana, so naturally this will have to find its way to my closet one way or another.

2.7.11

2011-02-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Weiyi's incredible Cushnie et Ochs top, a lone birthday badge stuck to the wall of the penthouse of the kimberly hotel, W and I bonding over our matching vintage chanels, a fistful of organic lollipops, elevator debauchery and a sliver of my Jessica Simpson Danys that I FINALLY ordered after they went on mega sale on the JS website. SICK.

1.5.11

2011-02-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

Leopard print + kilt combination, a scaredy cat, subway vandalism, and those miumiu clog heels, courtesy of my friend Mer.

1.3.11

2011-02-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

In case you were wondering, yes, I am wearing fur, sequins and sheer chiffon all at once.

best of show: ss11

2011-02-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

So in honor of the fw11 shows that are slowly creeping up on us, I thought I would do a review of my favorite collections from ss11.

1. Acne - Loved how they played around with silhouettes this season. And just when I thought I couldn't look at another studded leather jacket, there goes acne churning out babies like these. So good. They also somehow strangely have made me want to start wearing red. And I hate wearing red.

2. Phillip Lim - Loved the moody color scheme and the play on texture and fabrics. And please don't get me started with those sheer sequined pants, though I've never met a sequin that I didn't like.

3. Ann D. - Two words: white layers

4. Calvin Klein - Perhaps my favorite collection of the season. SO FRESH. SO CLEAN. You go, Francisco Costa, for making CK relevant again.

2.1.11

2011-01-31T23:07:00.001-08:00

Clutch: Alexander Wang, Blouse: Monki, Shorts: Lover, Boots: Chloe Sevigny x OC, Lipstick: Chanel

1) Obsessed with these chloe sevigny x opening ceremony boots. The only reason why I'm not already scheming to get my hands on a pair is because I just bought some super similiar madison harding boots last month during UO's post-xmas sale. Damn.

2) Why is there no monki in the US yet? Unacceptable.

two can dine

2011-01-19T21:28:00.001-08:00

Getting some film developed this weekend. Meanwhile, here are some old photos taken a couple months ago during a spontaneous midnight KFC run featuring some of my attractive friends and this winter's go-to coat given to me by my baller grandmother.

By the way, how sick is this years coachella lineup? Must start conspiring various methods to get my ass to LA come april.

lust list: january

2011-01-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

some stuff i really wouldn't mind having if i had the balls to spend irresponsibly and/or the means to do so. maybe it's the winter doldrums or maybe it's the philo effect, but all i want to wear lately are black and shades of tan/camel.

a friend's take on pp: "dude the woman is a fucking genius. she brought brown back. who the fuck can bring brown back?"

1.12.10

2011-01-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Random shots I took throughout the week.

P.S. Winter, you were cute for a hot second, but I think I'm ready for some warmer weather now.

1.6.11

2011-01-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

home for the holidays. quality time was spent with my cat/friends/family (in that order) and got some much needed thrifting done. back to the city tomorrow.

hope everybody had a sick new years. here's to 2011.

construction

2010-12-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

hey guys,

decided that I'm going to make some big changes around numberthirteenbaby. stay tuned.

-val

exit seraphim

2010-12-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share one of the many projects I've been working on this semester. Styled/directed this shoot for the school fashion magazine. Special thanks to my awesome team. Shoutouts go out to photographer Melinda for shooting the project, Christine for the amazing hair and makeup, Michelle for modeling, Jacobi for assisting and Mike for letting me have access to his apartment building to shoot in.

The amazing pieces were pulled from Katie Gallagher, Audrey Cantwell, Harputs Own and Althea Harper (along with some pieces from my own closet). They are all ridiculously talented and you guys should all go check them out.