Hitchcock Blonde

Timewise

I recently watched The English Patient for the first time. I loved it, just as my mom, who has been suggesting I watch her favorite film for years now, repeatedly said I would. Why had it taken me so long to sit down and watch it? I dedicate hours each day scrolling through various news feeds and websites, always up to date on the latest news and happenings, but is that really the best use of my time?

Despite having my wisdom teeth removed last week, I feel like the whole experience has actually made me wiser. Rather than waste my days scrolling through Twitter and Instagram (and Pinterest – I’ve added two new boards in the past week), I finished a book (#GIRLBOSS, which I highly recommend), and started Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, read magazines cover to cover (I finally understand everyone’s Jon Hamm obsession after reading the latest Vanity Fair; at 38, Charlize Theron looks better in a bikini than I do in the latest Vogue), and watched movies (The English Patient, The Wolf of Wallstreet) that were each about 3 hours in length, allowing me to engross myself in them entirely. I’ve also watched enough episodes of 30 Rock that I sometimes catch myself thinking in Tracy Morgan’s voice.

Doing something with my time – really doing something – has been so gratifying. We’re all guilty of wanting to be the first to know about the latest and greatest things, but it’s important to take a step back and actually do something that’s worth your while. Going forward, I want to expose myself to new films, especially some classics, and read more books. I'm also dying to visit Italy and Egypt after watching The English Patient, but it looks like I'll have to hope I make it there someday in the future. Until then, I'm excited to see what this summer will bring and where it will take me, sans wisdom teeth and all. 

Ralph Fiennes is unbelievably handsome in this film, but it's a little unsettling to refer to He Who Must Not Be Named in that way. And Kristin Scott Thomas will give you major cheekbone envy. So stunning! Also, Juliette Binoche is wonderful; the haircut will grow on you, trust me.

2013 Emmy Awards

As I did with the Oscars, I watched the 2013 Emmy Awards a mere thirty or so minutes away from where they were held. In this case, at the Nokia Theatre at LA Live. I actually drove past the venue en route to a pref for one of the fraternities at my school on Friday night. As I watched Neil Patrick Harris do his thing, I wrote the treatment for the first act of my screenplay I’m working on for my screenwriting class. As an English major (and now amateur screenwriter?), I appreciate shows that have good writing. Who doesn’t? As of now, I’m really into Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal, but I am desperately trying to make time to get into Breaking Bad. If it doesn’t happen during the semester, it will be my go-to show over Christmas break!

Here are my picks for this year’s best dressed: 

 

Kerry Washington, Marchesa

Rose Byrne, Calvin Klein Collection / Michelle Dockery, Prada / Jessica Pare, Oscar de la Renta

Malin Akerman, Marchesa / Mindy Kaling, Georges Chakra / Allison Williams, Ralph Lauren

Linda Cardellini, Donna Karan / Ireland Baldwin, Amanda Wakeley Atelier / Kiernan Shipka, Delpozo

Well-Spent Weekend

I’m still waiting for a lot of my friends to come home from college, the reason most of the Snapchats I’ve been sending to my friends are of me either on my couch or in my bed. Maybe this Buzzfeed article is more relevant to my life than I thought. I’ve been catching up on TV shows (Revenge, Game of Thrones, The Mindy Project), but the best television I watched last week was the season finale of The Office. It was bittersweet; I knew it had to end, but I didn’t want it to. What happens is I grow attached to television characters and assume them to be good friends of mine. (Hopefully this isn’t just me?) When I watch reruns of Sex and the City, for example, I feel like I’m catching up with old friends. This is why watching The Office come to an end was so sad – I feel like I said goodbye to friends I’ve seen every week for a few years now. Though saddening, the finale was perfect. I’ve already watched it twice, and have cried my eyes out both times. Dunder Mifflin forever!

Off of the couch and outside of my bed, I ventured to Downtown San Francisco on Saturday. It was a beautiful day and being back in the city was awesome. On Sunday I went to Stanford Shopping Center with my parents and, again, was blessed with ideal, sunny weather. It was a great first weekend back in the Bay with many more to come! 

Photos from the weekend [taken with my iPhone]:

^ Perfect day in Downtown SF. 

^ Can't get enough of this trendy twosome. (Thanks for the link, Shannon!)

^ New running shoes from the Nike store at Stanford. No more shin spints!

^ Salad I made with Sunday night's dinner.

My saladspiration came from Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam, a new blogger I discovered and absolutely love. Check out her blog here and lust over her adorable outfits, pretty pictures, and handsome husband. The best part? She lives in San Francisco! 

A Dolla Makes Me Holla

I don't even have to ask if you need a little Honey Boo Boo to wrap up your Monday. You're welcome. 

What's New

Sorry for abandoning you, Hitchcock Blonde. Getting back into the school routine has been overwhelming and exhausting – as was last weekend’s sorority recruitment. I’m now a Delta Gamma (yay!) and have developed a sudden obsession for all things pink, blue, and nautical. My love for striped shirts has reached new heights! I love my school and sunny Los Angeles, but still long for foggy San Francisco frequently. I did leave my heart there, after all. I’m looking forward to my mom coming down to visit me in a few weeks, and spending Spring Break with her just a few weeks later in New York City! I’m way too excited for that trip, but have a Philosophy paper, various American Politics quizzes, and a History Midterm to look forward to before that. My plan of action in getting through these next few weeks until then includes going to Core Barre classes with my roommate (and really feeling the burn the day after), treating myself to episodes of Freaks and Geeks and Girls , and repeating the words “Keep Calm and Carry On” (naturally) to myself on a daily basis. Yes I can! 

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PS. I'm not really a football fan, but can't wait to watch the 49ers play in Sunday's Superbowl!!

 

Girls

Lena Dunham is my idol. I frequently toss around career ideas, but all of them have one thing in common: writing. My love for writing was the prime component in starting this blog, majoring in English, and attempting to shape a future that revolves around something I love so much. The ability to articulate oneself in a polished, educated manner is extremely important in today's society, both in person and in writing; Dunham has mastered both of these crucial traits. Between interviews, the second season of HBO's Girls of which she is creator, writer, and director, and a book titled Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s Learned due out (hopefully!) soon via Random House, I - and everyone else, it seems - can't get enough of the talented 26-year old. Though "almost getting it kind of together" is the tagline in the promos for the second season, I'll be the first to say that she definitely has it together. Lena Dunham, you are living my the dream.

Be sure to watch the Season 2 premiere tonight on HBO!

Downton Abbey

It’s a blessing and a curse that when I really like a television show, I will eat, breathe, and sleep around it. In this case it’s Downton Abbey, a British period drama set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey. The show’s filming is impeccable; each episode is more like a short movie than a television show. I can’t stop watching, nor do I intend to. I need to catch up, as the third season premiered in the US yesterday and I’m still on the first, but am thoroughly enjoying doing so.

To enhance the already delightful viewing experience, I’ve been enjoying tea and biscuits in accordance with the characters. I have also been hard at work perfecting a British accent, but it seems I’m far better at making a sterling pot of tea… 

Violet Crawley, played by the one and only Maggie Smith.

Work Hard, Play Hard

    As has become the norm, last week was insanely hectic, this week being no exception. With a plethora of projects, exams, and meetings, I've been doing my best to stay on top of everything. Putting my time-managing skills to good use, I've also learned the importance of making time for work and play - to keep my sanity, people! It's essential to balance my time between academics (and college applications, ahh!) and doing fun things, whether it's attending my boyfriend's homecoming dance (as seen below), spending time with my friends, or catching up on the latest episodes of The Office and Modern Family, two of my favorite television shows.

My current motto: Work hard, play hard. 

I don't know about you, but I think bunny ears are a good look for me?

Lauren Conrad Style

    Lauren Conrad has always been one of my favorite role-models. She's smart, successful, fun, fashionable, and always stays true to herself. I was a huge fan of The Hills, and even though it ended, the episodes are still fun to watch (mtv.com, people!). I recently purchased one of Lauren's books, Lauren Conrad Style, which my friend refers to as "the Bible". The book provides Lauren's insight regarding everything from packing for trips to key wardrobe staples. It also mentions Lauren's favorite items that are fundamental pieces for the majority of her outfits - black pumps (her favorite are Louboutins), dark-wash skinny jeans (she prefers J.Brand), a pair of oversize shades, the perfect white t-shirt, and a handbag that goes with just about anything. And to top it all off, a natural-looking (but faux!) bronze, California glow. Voila! California-chic courtesy of L.C. herself!

Kate Middleton: Pretty in Pink

    Kate Middleton ranks at the top of my list as someone who consistently looks amazing. Whether she's casually strolling through town or attending a high-profile event, Kate always manages to look flawless. Maybe (just maybe) it has something to do with the fact that she's now Duchess Catherine, married to Prince William, and is one of the most photographed women on the planet? Hmm... 

    For the first post-wedding appearance for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the two attended the Absolute Return for Kids gala dinner. William kept it simple in a black tuxedo, while Kate shined in a floor-length blush pink gown designed by Jenny Packham. Both looked incredible! 

I can't help but wonder if Kate's hair always looks like this; it's so perfect!

If the name of the product she uses ever emerges, I'll be all over it. 

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Leighton Meester (playing Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl) wore the same dress this past season in the episode titled "The Princess and the Frog."

I can't choose who wore it better because both wore it so well!