Atlantic City + Other Updates

I’ve been MIA on ABC. I packed my favorite weekenders (the theme was hot pink and black, so it seems), hopped in a car, and drove off to Atlantic City with a group of some of the best people—and dancers—I’ve yet met. Snippets of the week are up on my Instagram, but there’s this long-standing rule that whatever happens in A.C., stays in A.C. I don’t kiss and tell. But I do spill…a little.

Buying

I haven’t been. At least not much—aside from the necessities, meaning vanillery or matcha teas, saltwater taffies from the Atlantic City boardwalk, and loungewear of course—by my standards. I currently have been living on The Republic of Tea’s Vanilla Almond black tea and Yogi’s Chai Rooibos, and living in lacy, racy set by Timpa (which is everything). All worth your pretty pennies, I promise.

Actually, I did buy a new pair of salsa shoes. And can’t wait to break them in. (I know, I know. I’m highly undeserving of the “fashion blogger” label, which, coincidentally, is fine by me.)

Eating

You would think that having spent an entire week in New Jersey’s own Vegas equivalent would equate to five days’ worth of gluttony—but alas, no. Self-restraint (or masochism, one might say) is everything… during the day. Freshly tossed spinach salads and a colorful fruit smoothie on the daily, washed down with something generously spiked. My idea of the perfect meal.

Doing

I’ve been consumed with school and dance. Dance, school; school, dance. Ask me a question and I just might answer with (a) a bachata or salsa step, (b) something about Solver or optimization, or (c) all of the above. Welcome to my fabulous, fabulous life.

But there’s a silver lining in every cloud. I’ll have you know that there indeed exists a god, or some sort of karmic goodness, in this life. I had just one short week off for spring break and the Universe granted me one of the best week-long getaways I’ve had to date. You the kind I’m talking about: where it’s just you and a handful of good friends (and then some). One week, ten people, Atlantic City. What happens in A.C., stays in A.C.

… and there was no debauchery (at least no the kind typical of good ol’ Atlantic City!) involved. No clubbing, no gambling—just an amazing time with a great group of people. I’ve come to the conclusion that if you put a group of dancers together in a confined space, nights are guaranteed to be never-ending regardless of where you are. Good food, good beats, good people. It’s all you need in life; I’m convinced. But a round of glow-in-the-dark mini golf never hurt the soul. (I won, by the way.)

A week has since passed and I’m still left with remnants of James’ saltwater taffies, tired feet, and insatiable urge to bachata at every corner.

Listening

Bachata. Is. Everything. Right. Now.

Loving

Dancing again. Sometimes I forget just how much I love it—how much my body loves it—when I let it become a task I’m meant to perfect rather than to just enjoy. All it takes is one good song, a good partner, and/or an unforgettable week away to remind me to stop thinking, and just be.

Armour Beauty lip glosses. I’ve written about them before; they’re incredible. Not ideal for kissing, but for every other moment in between for a beautiful, pillow-y pout. I’m mildly obsessed.

Timpa Duet Lace Demi. It’s the perfect antithesis to the notorious Victoria’s Secret bombshell bra. It’s minimal, it’s comfortable, it’s sexy. I’m no lingerie blogger or connoisseur of all things lacy and racy, but I know a good thing when I see it.

Uniqlo men’s flannel shirts. I live for them. And now that they’re on sale, it’s impossible to say no to. I’ll forever stand by belief that menswear, regardless of brand or price range, is always superior in construction (and overall quality) relative to womenswear. Hemlines fall perfectly; collars are exceptionally executed; cuffs are cut beautifully. Even on checked, flannel shirts. It’s very Dries if you’re into the whole trend thing, but when push comes to shove, there’s no denying that a well-tailored men’s shirt on a woman’s figure is irresistible. Wear it to bed, wear it out.

… but always with a lacy set underneath.

Topshop Mighty ankle boots. Living and loving in these. Really.

ASOS high-waist, wide-leg trouser. I affectionally call them my balloon pants, but if you’re looking for something more helpful/referential, they’re very Rochas Fall 2013. They’re quite the shiny, thin fabric that skims the skin beautifully. Plus, who am I to say no to a super-high waist and a silhouette that makes my legs look 10 times longer than they actually are? My only qualm is that the waist is a little big on me (typically with my body type), but it’s nothing that can’t be worked with. This is the type of pant I’d wear for the rest of my life post-college, but for now, it plays well in my evening wardrobe repertoire paired with a cropped top.

Reading

Paco Underhill’s Why We Buy. I understand it’s largely research-based, but a good portion of the book turns correlations into highly sexist assumptions. It’s still an interesting read, though, for those who are interested in marketing or the retail environment.

Wearing

Right. I vaguely categorize myself as a fashion blogger writer and I’m almost ready to duck under the covers. You’re curious as to what I’m really wearing? Four days a week I’m in lecture from 8:40 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., followed by dance rehearsals until god knows when, so if you must know, I’ve been in some variation of a silk blouse, leggings, and ankle boots. Excuses, I know, but I’m a creature of practicality. I’ll wait for my post-graduate days to indulge in fantasies of pretty pencil dresses and high-waisted trousers. Honesty, people. It’s the foodstuff we live by.

For the days I’m expected to look decent (ha!), however, I’ve been reaching for those ASOS trousers (mentioned above) relentlessly. For performances, for nights out, for meetings in the city (!) with More magazine. Perfect with a black tank tucked in, a turtleneck cropped top, or with a little vintage blazer. Never underestimate the power of a basic.

Watching

What’s that meme going around the web? #Aintnobodygottimeforthat. (Be still, my grammar-loving heart!). When I do have the time, though, it’s this incredible video by Ataca y La Alemana that I have on loop. I’m not kidding when I say bachata is everything right now. I don’t apologize for my obsessions; I’m an Aries and creative type by birth, so when I love something, I love something.

Yes-ing (!)

I’m keeping my eyes, heart and mind open right now. I am.

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