Thursday, December 29, 2016

What's Next


Now that I've officially signed my letter of employment and have been approved for my apartment, I finally feel comfortable announcing what I'm doing after graduating: I'm moving to New York!


I'll be working on the social media team for INSIDER. I was actually hired alongside a fellow Influence Her Collective blogger– Tomi from GoodTomiCha! I'll be living in Brooklyn, just a short 45 minute commute to my job in midtown New York. These plans come after months of trying to figure out my post-grad plans along all while doing the work to actually graduate. I applied to 42 jobs (though I have a list of over 100) and contacted the owners or roommates of nearly 70 apartments in my search. In the end, it all worked out.


I've been dreaming of NYC since I was a child. When I announced my plans to one of my oldest childhood friends, she reminded me that we'd planned to move there together when we were nine years old. We used to act out this fantasy with our American Girl dolls, pretending that they were balancing the glamor of the city with the demands of their powerful careers. We'd stay up late talking about what we wanted our apartment to look like, what we wanted to wear, and where we wanted to work. We were growing up in a small town, but we were ready for the big city.


My parents noticed that I was going to be a big-city girl at a young age, and my mom took me to New York as my Bat Mitzvah present when I was 13. This trip only affirmed my aspirations. When I got to college, I began working on ways to make my dream come true. I applied for internships in New York the summer between my sophomore and junior year to no avail. Despite this let-down and feeling of failure, when it came time to make my post-grad plans, I decided to try again. I'm glad I kept pushing for my dream, as my efforts and set-backs are really paying off.


I'm so excited to embark on this amazing journey, and I can't wait to share it all with you.


Monday, December 26, 2016

OOTD: The Cat's Meow








I must say: this is one of the trendiest outfits I've ever put together. Between the hat, the crop top, the plaid skirt, the (faux) leather jacket, and the cat tights, I'm surprised I came up with this look. I've never been able to afford to pay attention to trends (they come and go so quickly, my shopping budget doesn't allow me to keep up with what's "in"). Before I stopped shopping at fast-fashion providers, they made it easier for me to keep up with trends: that's where this jacket and skirt came from. Now, I try to get my trend fix from fast-turnaround sources like Poshmark and consignment stores. This hat was part of a POPSUGAR Must Have Box and these tights were a birthday gift from my mom, making them easy trends to justify buying into. I may not be this trendy all the time, but every now and then I can make looks like this happen with a little bit of smart spending and some help from my friends.


Thursday, December 22, 2016

Best Music of 2016


This was a rough year for women across America. Our bodies were obsessively critiqued and analyzed without our consent, we were consistently denied bodily autonomy and healthcare access, we were called names behind our backs and to our faces, we were harassed and even murdered in the streets, we continued to be paid less than men for the same work, we were told our worries don't matter or don't even exist, and much more, especially for women of color, LGBT+ women, and non-Christian women.
So, it's been a rough year for women and femme-identifying people. Yet, still, here we are today, looking 2017 in the face and hoping it'll be better than last year. Luckily, 2016 was an excellent year for women in music, giving many of us the soundtrack we needed to combat the sexism happening all around us. I've compiled many of my favorite songs by women released in 2016 to inspire us to keep pushing and fighting.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

5 Gifts for Every Zodiac Sign



1. Gold Aquarius star sign necklace– Give the Aquarius in your life a way to show their water-bearer pride.
2. Bananagrams– The perfect Aquarius game: competitive, fast-paced, and clever.
3. Fuzzy socks– I guarantee your Aquarius friend isn't relaxing enough. Let their feet at least take a break in these adorable bear socks.
4. Aquarius notebook– Every Aquarius needs a place to let their feelings out. This journal is a healthy alternative to taking off for the woods for a couple months.
5. Bear travel pillow– Clearly, there's a connection between bears and Aquariuses: they're both really independent. A travel pillow is the perfect accessory for that solo trip to Asia or the spontaneous cross-coast train ride.


1. Rose petal oil– This beautifully scented oil is perfect for a Pisces to moisturize their split-ends, cuticles, and whatever else they deem fit.
2. Pisces shea butter soap– Make hand washing a cathartic experience for your Pisces friends by giving them this personalized soap.
3. Watercolor pencil set– Satisfy a Pisces' creative urges and their craving to immerse themselves in all things water by combining the medium of watercolor and colored pencils.
4. Pisces necklace– A simple way for a Pisces to show off their Pisces pride.
5. Oversized scarf– Any Pisces would love to wrap, warm, and possibly hide themselves in this comfortable (and chic!) accessory.


1. Aries nail polish– This color was designed specifically for your Aries friend (literally!).
2. Inspirational desk sorter– The typical Aries is hard-working and organized. Appeal to both qualities with this super cute office accessory.
3. "You can never be overdressed or overeducated" journal– Both education and fashion require some risk: something an Aries truly values.
4. Fire scented candle– Aries is a fire sign and lover of fine things. This present hits both those requirements.
5. Aries keychain– A cool, casual way to show for your friend to show off their not-so-casual zodiac sign.


1. Taurus shirt– A simple way to show off their zodiac sign.
2. Card holder– A Taurus doesn't like to lose track of their wealth. This sleek, unadorned, quality card holder keeps their cards in reach at all times.
3. Black furry keychain– Appeal to a Taurus' sense of feel with this sophisticated statement piece that demonstrates commitment to fashion without calling too much attention.
4. Taurus mug– If someone in your life doesn't have a mug broadcasting their zodiac sign by this point in 2016, it's about time they own one.
5. "Enchanted Forest" coloring book– Tauruses are creative and love nature. This book requires both these traits.



1. Hair chalk– What Gemini doesn't love expressing themselves in a different way every day? This assortment of different colored hair chalk washes off within a couple days and gives plenty of different options to mix and match for a number of unique hair colors.
2. Gemini leather patch– A cheeky and adorable way to show Gemini pride.
3. Gemini necklace– Do I need to spell it out for you?
4. "Here comes the fun" passport holder– Geminis want to experience everything the world has to offer, and this includes traveling the world.
5. Muse porcelain cup– I was going to make a joke about Geminis being two-faced (thanks, Tumblr), but this is really just a beautiful and incredibly unique addition to a kitchen and can also be used as decor.


1. Star-shaped lights– If you can't afford a telescope, this is a cheap (and adorable) alternative.
2. Cancer necklace– A simple and subtle accessory to show crab pride.
3. "Happiness planner"– Cancers are some of the most pensive members of the zodiac. This planner focuses on channeling that thoughtfulness to find out what contributes to one's good days, weeks, and months.
4. "I think you are wonderful" set– Remind your Cancer friend that they are, in fact, wonderful, even though they may not always think they are.
5. Cancer watercolor print– The colors and design in this print are perfect for any Cancer's aesthetic.


1. Gold polka-dot cocktail shaker– Leos know just what the perfect party entails, and this cocktail shaker is sure to aid in creating that.
2. Lion choker– Extravagant? Check. Statement? Check. Gold? Check. This choker fulfills all the requirements of the perfect Leo accessory.
3. "The master plan" notebook– What used to be the secret of every Leo is now a well-known fact: they want to rule the world. Help them on their way to that goal with this notebook to document every aspect of their master plan.
4. Gold metallic lip– Leos are all about standing out; and what better way for them to do this than with gold lips?
5. Leo keychain– Another statement piece for the Leo in your life.


1. Simple stud set– Virgos can have their moments of standing out from the crowd, but for the most part, they prefer timeless elegance to trends. These studs are the perfect addition to any classic outfit.
2. Virgo candle– A scent and design picked especially for Virgos.
3. Black and white striped 2017 17 month planner– Chances are, your Virgo friend bought their planner for the new year months ago. If they haven't, this classy design is the perfect choice.
4. Virgo notecard set– Virgos are suckers for stationary of all kinds, but especially stationary with a simple, elegant design.
5. Black tote– Another wardrobe staple for the zodiac sign that prefers quality to quantity.


1. "52 lists for happiness"– Another happiness journal (what? Everyone deserves to be happy!), but this one targets a Libra's indecisiveness.
2. Libra necklace– This rustic accessory is perfect for the romantic Libra.
3. "Love" print– Libras are the romantics of the zodiac. This print demonstrates just how much they value love by repeating it across the page.
4. Libra earrings– The best way for a Libra to show off their zodiac sign is by balancing their sign on each side of their face.
5. Cat sleep mask– A cute and flirty piece to help the Libra in your life get some more sleep.


1. Scorpion square scarf– My favorite part of this pick is that it wasn't designed specifically for a Scorpio, but it's edgy and features a scorpion, making it a great gift for any Scorpio.
2. Nude figurine tray– A simple piece of decor to normalize the human body, something Scorpios feel passionately about.
3. Black over the knee boots– Sure, these may just be a piece from my personal wish list, but I'm a Scorpio!
4. Black lace bodysuit– A sexy layering piece to go under any outfit or to wear over a bralette to make a statement.
5. Scorpio patch– Another (more obvious) way to show Scorpio pride.


1. Agate bookends– A beautiful and unique piece of decor to help your Sagittarius friend show off their prized book collection.
2. Salsa growing kit– A spicy, hands-on gift for a spicy, hands-on friend.
3. Sagittarius constellation light– The perfect conversation starter to hang on the wall of someone who loves conversation.
4. Scratch travel journal– An easy and visual way for a Sagittarius to document how much of the world they've traveled.
5. Arrow bracelet– This may not have been designed with a Sagittarius in mind, but it's the perfect minimalist accessory to compliment a fun statement outfit.


1. Savings jar– Give your Capricorn friend a more creative way to do something they do without thinking about: save money.
2. Tech touch gloves– Capricorns love practical gifts. These gloves combine practicality (staying warm and still being able to use your phone) with style.
3. Goat wine stopper– An adorable representation of the Capricorn symbol that doubles as encouragement to leave more half-empty bottles of wine lying around.
4. Capricorn ring– Beautiful, simple, and easy-to-wear.
5. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie– A quick (but essential) read from one of the most influential and acclaimed feminist WOC still alive.


Monday, December 12, 2016

Graduating & Leaving Seattle


I've officially turned in my last ever assignment of my undergrad career, so I can finally publish this post and say, "I'm done!" I've graduated from Seattle University with a BS in psychology two terms early!


To celebrate, Emily told me we'd be going to happy hour, and brought me back to her house for a surprise party instead. To be honest, I wasn't surprised; my friends are amazing at so many things, but keeping secrets is not one of them.




The party was "Hannah" themed: they served champagne (my favorite alcohol), pizza rolls (my favorite food) and Oreos (my favorite snack). They also all wrote "open when" cards and collected them for me to take with me after graduating. There were even some from my mom and some friends who don't live in Seattle!


I felt SO loved and honored. I'm very proud of myself for graduating from college two terms early and graduating from my intensive therapy program. It means so much to me that my friends are also proud of me and celebrated me like this.













Of course Claire made a beautiful "congratulations Hannah" sign for us to take pictures in front of. At least 60% of the reason I throw parties is for the photo opps.



I'm so damn grateful for all Emily has done to support me through these last three years, and I'm so grateful and impressed that she threw me this party!



Of course I had to take some pictures to show off my outfit: I bought this dress especially for the occasion. How amazing are these boots? I spent $50 on them (the most I've ever spent on anything wearable) and they're totally worth it.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Seattle Art Museum: Yves Saint Laurent


The current special exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum features the work of Yves Saint Laurent, an acclaimed haute couture designer. While I try to go to as many SAM exhibits as possible, I made a point of going to this one.


Some quick background on Yves Saint Laurent: he started his career at Dior, where he quickly became the head designer for the fashion house upon Christian Dior's sudden death in 1957. After being fired from Dior, he started his own line with the idea that "fashion is for everyone" in mind.






The exhibit featured sketches, concepts, fabric samples, and the clothing themselves from the start of YSL in 1960 to 2000.


My new first-date dress, which reads, "love me forever."







Me (left) and Maddie (right) out on the town.




Before constructing the clothing, a sample is made from inexpensive fabric, a number of which are displayed here.