Thursday, January 31, 2013

Thoughts on School

Uc Berkeley

Being back at university for my last semester has been interesting. While it's strange to know I'm only here for a few months more, I don't think I could have planned a better semester of classes. I have the most wonderful professors, one of whom I'm taking again because he is my favorite, and I'm one of 8 students in the class. We sit in an incredibly small room and just talk about literature. (how freakin' cool is that?!). And, while I may not have a ton, I'm definitely surrounded by wonderful, close friends these days whom have stuck with me from the beginning. 

So while it's pretty nostalgic to think this is my last semester, I can't wait to see what the rest of it has in store for me. (and obviously I'm excited for graduation!).

Best,
Gent

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Outfit Entry #3


Blouse by F21, Dress by Ralph Lauren, Boots via Nordstrom

I mentioned in this post that when I cut my hair, I found that my look became a little too "precious." I think this outfit post--taken right after my haircut--is pretty good evidence of that. I try to really mix things up to avoid an outfit being too much of one thing, but looking back on this I don't actually think it was that bad. Sometimes you don't want to be defined by something that has both lace and a peter pan collar, and sometimes you just have to do what you want.

x, 
Gentre

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Outfit Sketch #2

Shirt by ASOS, parka and socks by Uniqlo, backpack by Herschel, shoes by Nike, Chinos by Old Navy

I forgot how sucky the weather is in Berkeley and I'm in the need of plenty of rain gear these days. Since I'm usually planning on trekking to class through the drizzling rain, I think this outfit would be perfect. I like that this look is sporty with a mix of color, while also giving a sense of a classic school boy as well. I've been dying to get a weather proof jacket like this for forever, but for now, one can dream, right?

Best,
Gent

Monday, January 28, 2013

Remember the time...

...Gent got stuck on our hike?


After a mother frantically yelled for us to go back, we went a different way and found ourselves somewhat stuck again. A random man then came to our aid. Hiking can be a treacherous, dangerous venture into wilderness...

even when we're in the middle of Los Angeles.

x,
Gentre

Friday, January 25, 2013

Favorite Things

Gentre
Untitled #5
1. I don't think I can say I'm a true Bob Dylan fan because I don't care for anything beyond Blonde on Blonde, but I just love that sweet harmonica sound.

2. Ummm...besides the fact that this was an overwhelmingly tear-jearking film, I'd like to acknowledge that this guy was the hottest Enjolras I've ever seen. Actually, everyone in the movie was hot. Those wigs and high-waisted pants make me go crazy.

3. I have this umbrella. I love it so much that sometimes I even use it when it's not raining. I just pretend that I can't understand that people are saying that it's perfectly sunny outside. My vaguely-German accent is flawless.

Gent
Favorite Things (3)
1. Postcards. I love sending postcards! Or even letters too. I used to love sending my family postcards as a kid and I wish more people still sent them.

2. Pitbulls! I am definitely a proud papa of a pitbull. His name is Roy (Roysie) and he is the sweetest, cutest, fatest puppy I could ever ask for. It's really sad that pitbulls get such a bad rap. If you're a crazy dog lover like me, I totally recommend adopting a pitbull someday because they're the best!

3. Mmm! I can't get enough of avocados. I'll eat them with just about anything and I just love how easy they are to find in California. Definitely one of my all time favorites.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Thoughts on Zadie Smith's White Teeth

Thoughts (1): Zadie Smith's White Teeth


As I mentioned in a previous Favorite Things post, Zadie Smith's White Teeth (2000) has recently become one of my favorites. Known as the debut novel Smith seemingly sprung up during her time at Cambridge University, White Teeth has raised much controversy by many who claim Smith reaches too far for a first-time novelist.

The story is about the friendship of two middle-aged men: Archiebald (Archie) Jones and Samad Iqbal. Archie is a dull Englishman who is introduced at the start of the novel as he unsuccessfully attempts suicide. Samad, Archie's best friend, is another failure: a devoted Muslim who craves power and fortune, yet has waited tables for the past 20 years. The story unfolds to show how Archie's and Samad's London-born children assimilate to their surroundings, together and apart, in ways their immigrant parents never could (though equally as awkward).

While she confronts the hard issues of urban living within an overcrowded London, nevertheless, Smith bravely attempts to mix together a new scene of London-life. She pays less attention to the individual Londoner and carefully focuses on relationships as a whole. And these quirky relationships across cultural divides make the outwardly flat characters stick with us long after the story is over.

Overreaching or not, by taking us into the overlooked corners of contemporary fiction and confronting such challenging themes, it's easy to see how Smith has made such a notable name for herself at just 24-years-old, while proving to be anything but a stereotypical, first-time novelist. Check it out and see for yourself!

Best,
Gent

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

A Walk Into the Wilderness


I went for a light hike on east part the Old Highway, and while not nearly as breathtaking as the west part (towards Portland), I still found some pretty exquisite things along the way. It all culminated at a half-frozen waterfall. On the way back, I listened to music from the Lord of the Rings. Do you know what it is like to listen to "Concerning Hobbits" while looking down from hundreds of feet above the Columbia Gorge? It will take your breath away.

x,
Gentre

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Silverlake and Griffith Park


As promised, here is the full showing our adventures a couple weeks back. Though I am back at school again (for my last semester ever!), and Gentre is out of California again, adventures like these during my breaks make coming back to school okay. At least I got to see all I wanted to of L.A. while I was back at home.

We first visited our favorite, hippest-of-the-hip place, Silverlake! We love Silverlake because everyone is out-there and dresses truly to their own tastes (i.e. 1970's mustaches, bell-bottoms, and Lady Gaga wanna-be's). They also have really cool thrift shops and novelty stores. Vegan, organic, and cheese restaurants, on top of many other quaint little shops line the main street, making Silverlake that much more inviting.

Around sunset, we made our way up to Griffith Park's observatory (our home away from home) and then set off to hunt down the long-lost zoo that the park used to have back in the day. Though, now it's just an old zoo grave yard with dead and rusted animal cages that will creep you the heck out at night.

During one of our adventures, Gentre and I also went to Griffith (again!) to see the city lit up at night, reminding us that much more why we love our L.A. roots.

Best,
Gent

Monday, January 21, 2013

Outfit #2



Jacket by Zara, Blouse by F21, Jeans by BDG, Shoes by Target

I've been a French history nut for as long as I remember, so when I saw a jacket that reminded me of the little Corsican man that could (i.e. Napoleon) I had to have it. I think the best clothes are the ones that come with character, ones that can transport you  and spark the imagination, and to me this jacket does just that. 

x,
Gentre

Friday, January 18, 2013

Favorite Things

Gentre

Untitled #4

1. Plaid. When you watch a little too much Clueless, and you have a little bit of resentment that your private school never made you wear that chic-looking uniform, and you find an old plaid blazer in your mom's closet that you can swear is almost an exact replica to a plaid jacket that ZARA has currently in-store, you start to see in glorious, glorious patterns. 

2. When you're up in the air, Angus and Julia Stone will make you so happy to be on a "Big Jet Plane."

3. I last flew out of the Bob Hope Airport, which has a pretty great collection of retro aviation photography. I've always loved flying, and I am especially fond of the history behind it.

Gent

Favorite Things (2)

As it's that time for me to head back to school again, I thought I'd share with you all my favorite things for school:

1. Herschel backpack. I got this backpack last spring and I'm still in love. It has such a timeless and classic look to it, transforming any student into a classy gentleman (or gentlewoman).

2. Sperry Topsiders have been my favorite shoes since long before college. Though they now seem to be the go-to shoes for most college guys, especially all you preppy frat boys, it still is one of my must-have, favorite things for school. Pair them with a sweet oxford shirt and trousers, and you're all set in my book.

3. My absolute favorite things for school have to be my Moleskine notebooks. I'm a bit of a freak for school supplies and these babies are mainly the reason why. I take notes for my classes in these and they're so durable and classy. I know they'll last me forever. (drooling).

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

A Little Thought

Things have been a little crazy between packing up, moving to Oregon, and then (currently) unpacking, so I will be brief (but everything will be back to normal after today!) and simply, 

Where the trees stretch high,
And the wind swiftly sweeps
O'er where I stand
And where I sleep

Beyond shadowed cliffs
Looming still and sure
So go I 
To the Hood River.

x,
Gentre

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The Entranders' Reunited Week: Sneak Peek!


As Gentre mentioned in an earlier post, The Entranders were able to reunite this past week! What a sweet time it was. Gentre and I will be sharing our adventures with you all soon enough, but here is a quick sneak peek.

It was so great to reunite with Gentre again. We get into quite the creative groove and such giddy spirits when we're together. From fashion shoots to hiking adventures to meet-ups with lovely friends, it was a great week filled with great fun. 

Keep a look out for more of our adventures from this past week, as well as those from Gentre, as I'm sure she has a lot to share once she settles down in Oregon.

Safe travels Gentre! Have a wonderful time.

Best,
Gent

Friday, January 11, 2013

Favorite Things

Gentre
Untitled #3



1. Brothers by The Black Keys. I recently revisited this album and would highly recommend anyone who isn't absolutely already addicted to do the same. The whistle in "Tighten Up" will get stuck in your head.

2. I'm extremely addicted to oxblood-esque lipcolor. That vampy look sort of makes me look like Morticia Addams, but that's cool, right?

3. Since landing in L.A., I can't get enough veggie burgers. After being in a relatively un-vegetarian-friendly state for so long, it's wonderful to see a version of the cow-friendly sandwich offered on nearly every menu. The Sunshine State does it right: lots of avocado, sprouts, mushrooms, caramelized onions.....ain't nothing better.


Gent
Favorite Things (3)

1. Thai iced tea is one of my favorite drinks. There's tons of restaurants and little shops on about every corner at my school that sell thai iced tea. Sometimes, after a late afternoon run, I like to treat myself to a thai iced tea on my way home. Perfect way to end the day.

2. Running. I went running today for the first time in a long time. When I wasn't as lazy, I used to go running almost every day, especially back at school. There's nothing like getting outside and surrounding yourself with the urban graffiti and drunken college scene. No place like home?

3. One of my longtime, favorite artists has been Regina Spektor. She's just so great and I love everything she comes out with. She also has an incredible story to share and more of a personality than any of us.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

California I'm Coming Home



I have landed in Los Angeles for a week and I am in heaven. At the moment I am feeling slightly stressed as I try to unpack everything and then pack up for Portland (at the moment I have no idea where anything is, my camera is dead and I can't find my charger, my phone is dead so I'm using my brother's ipad charger, etc.), but mostly I feel happy to be back in the City of Angels. It is the most luxurious thing in the world to be able to drive around with the sunroof down, music blasting, feeling the sun warm on my shoulders even in January. For a few days I even get to be reunited with Gent! Bliss.

x,
Gentre

Monday, January 7, 2013

Outfit Entry #3



Shirt: Vintage, Sweater: Uniqlo, Trousers: Old Navy, Socks: Uniqlo, Shoes: Nike Vintage Collection


Friday, January 4, 2013

Favorite Things

Gentre

Favorite Things

1. A lot of free time during winter break has resulted in a full out addiction to Freaks and Geeks. I'm not really a fan of television, except for Lost, Arrested Development, and Downton Abbey, but I promise that it's impossible to watch this and not fall in love. With only one season, you can move through it pretty fast.

2. Black-on-black, turtleneck style! Audrey Hepburn looked fabulous in this uniform-of-sorts, but when I wear I still get a lot of wierd looks and a lot of "Why are you wearing that?" Why does everyone hate on the turtleneck? It feels great and makes you sometimes look extremely cool. (Right? Right? Maybe I'll keep telling myself that...)

3. Dolly Parton. Maybe this makes me sound like an old woman, but it's genetic: my mom's enduring love for her was passed on to me. Perfect road trip music. If you don't listen to "Jolene" and love it...I'll eat my hat?  


Gent


Favorite Things (1)


1. Andrew Bird's Noble Beast (2009) is my favorite album of Bird's. I first heard this album back in high school and couldn't stop listening to his soothing voice and sweet melodies. I've been fortunate enough to see him live this past summer and hope to see him again in the near future.

2. Warby Parker has instantly turned into one of my favorite retailers for eyeglasses. If you're on the lookout for new glasses, Warby Parker has great deals. Plus, for every pair you buy, they will donate a pair to someone in need.

3. Zadie Smith's White Teeth (2000) is one of my favorite books and a must-read for all bookworms. For a first-time novelist, Smith has received much appraise (and plenty of criticism) for tackling the hard issues of urban living. Lookout for an upcoming book review!


Thursday, January 3, 2013

Park City




I went up to visit family in Park City last week and spent a lot of time wandering around by myself. We had a family reunion there not too long ago, so the view is fairly familiar. However, I never get tired of the people-watching. If you find yourself there, try the Deer Valley cookie mix--outstanding!