Hello Summer (v.2010)

Hello Summer...?  Are you prepared for flesh and more flesh?  It's hot and the clothes are getting smaller.
Here's to my 20-day diet and exercise regimen towards a tighter body.  This means not just calorie-burning cardio and low-fat/high-protein diet -- but also building more muscle to burn more fat (that's that hideous cellulite, ladies!).  Post-regimen, let's hope my bikini and I will be able to be friends again (a nearly decade-old reunion, mind you)!

WHEW, glad that's out of the way.  Summer in New York City isn't filled with beaches or waves, but more rooftop bars and outdoor dining.  This year is a big year for NYC rooftops, because so many new ones are popping up like daisies! Quit 230 Fifth and check out these spankin' new spots:

New Rooftops to Enjoy

I've taken a significant break from Idiostyle, unfortunately, and my ideas are still under construction.  But here's a brief overview of what's to come! 

|| favorite tote bags | plastic-frame sunglasses | pink lipstick is so cute/sexy | let's be rockstar and hello kitty cute at the same time, why not? | tattoo studio | sale rack-phobia? || 

(no specific order)

Love always, 

iStyle

iConographic

Years of media conditioning will ultimately lead women to this -->  

An icon of beauty as the following:

It's criticized by many (anyone recall the "Dove beauty campaign"?), but as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  If beauty as we know it is as depicted above -- then it's simply the sign of the times.  There isn't need to criticize it for the 'harmful' effect it's having on 'young girls' everywhere... I think this is an extremely narrow-minded and naive assessment. Women (as smart women do) should learn to adapt healthily to achieve this beauty.  Men and women seek attention and love from the other gender.  If men of our generation see beauty as what's depicted above, there's no better indication of what 'beauty' means for us, men and women alike.

Shop til you Drop (Online ver.)

I've always been extremely wary of online-shopping for clothing/accessories.  I always opted for the hand-on approach to all my clothes shopping.  Generally speaking, my style has a dual-personality consisting of: super feminine & girly with different colors, bows, and soft fabrics; and monochromatic urban chic, bordering trendy hipster wannabe.  Recently, I discovered two sites that sufficiently cater to these two sides of my personal style, from different designers/brands, at (somewhat) reasonable prices.

1.  ModCloth:  www.modcloth.com .  Their slogan claims to be 'mod-retro' clothing, but I can't seem to really find anything honestly mod or retro about the clothing on this site.  Possibly (very slightly) retro, but you can decide for yourself.  ModCloth will obviously be the girly, the love for bows and poofy dresses, side of my style characteristic.  Here's a peek:

2.  Need Supply Co.  www.needsupply.com.  Here is the other, urban monochromatic side of my style.  Again, a few of my recent picks:

(especially like this satchel for everyday use)

In an ideal world, a sophisticated (and affordable) line of clothing will merge these two fashion preferences into a coherent, classic line of clothes for young women.  I occasionally am lucky enough to find certain pieces of clothing here and there, that match this merging of styles, but usually I'm never fully content.  It's either lacking some femininity, or some edgy statement.

Enough with the rambling, and happy shopping!

Always,

iStyle