Makr Farm Ruck Sack ($185.00), FOTT Lookbook

Model Tilda Lindstam with her Fjallraven Kanken.

Parc Boutique's fleur Spring 2013 Lookbook, featuring the Baggu canvas backpack.

Sandqvist Bob Waxed Canvas Backpack ($213.00)

Everlane Backpack, as shown on Leah Gray.

Before I went to college, I did some research on backpacks—I wanted something functional for the bay area weather yet also stylish. I went with the Fjallraven Kanken because it fit my 14" laptop, was water-resistant, and was pretty cute. Two and a half years later, I'm still pretty happy with my purchase, but the water resistant wax has worn off (more on this and "re-impregnating" a Kanken in an upcoming post) and my things are now getting soaked.

Anyway, since I'm going abroad, it got me thinking again about backpacks. I hate to admit it, but I don't want to be carrying the same backpack as the majority of the people around me (the Kanken and Everlane backpack have gotten really popular as of late!). For the sake of money I'll be sticking with my dirty and worn-out Kanken, but if I could afford it... I think I would opt for the Makr Farm Ruck Sack, which rings in at $185, but is something to consider investing in. It's made in the USA and features a heavy cotton duck canvas body, leather trims, and padded straps. I don't believe it's water-resistant at all, but you could possibly work in a bit of wax to help make it so. It's a beautiful backpack I thought worth sharing.

Style: "Bohemian Chic"

Left to Right: Framboise Fashion, Hannah Sutton, and Forever 21 Surplice Front Romper ($29.90)

Karlie Kloss (Jan 2012) and Anja Rubik (July 2013) for Free People

ViVi 2011 Page Scans from ClosetVoyage

When I think of "boho chic," I think of wide flares, thin layers, crochet/lace trims, and an abundance of mixed jewelry. I think it's the relaxed, free-flow, and summer vibes that really draw me into the style; I've been wanting to try an outfit along the lines of boho chic, but I haven't had the confidence or courage to pull it off. It's also a style that feels more trendy to me, while I'm the type of person to spend their money on staples and basics (greyscale and neutrals). However, the style does lend itself to some versatility, as seen in year-round lookbooks of Free People and the ViVi magazine pages (I honestly believe the Japanese are masters of layering, whatever the season.), and also seems to recur throughout spring/summer, so perhaps I'll grab a pair of loose flare pants to try out sometime.

Missing in Action

I should've known better when I started this blog---I'm always inconsistent with updates and I fall off for months at a time. In this case, it's been just about a year and half since I've started this blog and I've only four posts on here... ha!

In any case, as it stands now, I'll be leaving the US within a month to participate in a study abroad program over at Leeds University in England! I definitely need to keep my luggage to a minimum, so I've been going back and forth over what essentials I need to get and pack. I've narrowed it down to the following: (1) a raincoat, (2) a parka with detachable lining or a thick coat, and (3) waterproof shoes. I started a tumblr as a means of documenting my study abroad experience, but I think I might just transfer it over here so that I'm motivated to blog about something. Or perhaps I'll post on both blogspot and tumblr.

Art Studio Portraits

I did two 18"x24" portraits of people for my summer art studio course... guess who!

Buffalo Exchange

   

Last week my sister and I managed to snag four great pieces from Buffalo Exchange! Check below the cut for more pictures. In case you're unfamiliar with Buffalo Exchange (if you are familiar, skip ahead!), it's a clothing thrift store that also buys from local people. You can bring bags of clothing to the store and they will sort through it and pick what they think will sell; when done, they give you a certain percentage back in cash or store credit. Like Crossroads Exchange Company, they're pretty selective in what they buy and will usually take well-known brands (American Apparel, Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Hollister to name a few) and items that correspond with the current or upcoming season.

I apologize in advance for the poor quality of the images, I only have my phone camera to work with! :(