I originally went to college at 17 wanting to be everything under the sun, particularly in the arts. So, to say the least, I was naive and school was way too overwhelming for me. I decided what was best for me was to sort out all my interests and take a break. I worked REALLY hard that first year away from school, sometimes working 3 jobs at once, and saved up all my money to travel and see the world. It was here when I fell in love with architecture. When I enrolled back into college, 2 years later, I enrolled into a study abroad program in Italy to study architectural history. There I met a professor who saw potential in me + encouraged my application to the LSU School of Architecture. And the rest is history. I am now in my final 5th year and will be graduating in May of next year! Yay!
What inspired you to start blogging?
Like most of us, I'm an avid reader of fashion blogs. I love seeing what REAL people are wearing! It just felt right to join in on all the fun!
What are you doing to look that fit?
Wow! Thank you so much! This question means a lot! Sometimes you work out so hard, and you wonder if anyone even notices. lol
Fitness is a big passion for me. I work out 4-5x a week. It's a struggle with my schedule (because there is never enough time) but I figure if I can commit 90 minutes to Project Runway, I can get a work out into my day.
Who is your celebrity fashion inspiration?
I love love Blake Lively's style. She is always so spot on.
Do you prefer architecture or fashion?
To me, they are mutually exclusive. I live and breath for both.
What are some of your accomplishments as an architect student?
There are 2 major milestones in my academic career. 1. - My school awarded me as "Designer of the Year" of my class once, and I received a scholarship for that achievement. In an industry that's completely subjective, it gave me some validation and confidence as a designer. 2. - Being a volunteer at Cityvision which was a year-long outreach program for middle school students in DC, where we taught the kids the fundamentals of architectural design. That was really awesome! Because at the end of the day, it's all about paying forward.
At what age did you know that you loved fashion?
This is funny to think about. Since I was very little to about the age of 13, I was THE BIGGEST tomboy - and that is no exaggeration (I grew up basically with all boys). I would wear athletic, baggy clothes all the time. In high school, I became ultra-femme as a reaction to those boyish days. I then started experimenting and making my own clothes around 15. That's when I caught the bug. Identity became a huge theme, and I wanted to be sure I "looked" different.
What do you spend most of your past time doing?
Majority of my time I work on school projects. In down time, I try to read, exercise, blog, and I am not going to lie - watch TONS of TV! Although, I only watch while simultaneously working on my laptop. Two birds with one stone! I also try to stretch my artistic muscles from time to time with photography and painting.
Self-portrait, Homage to Picasso
What is your secret beauty regimen?
Before anything I use makeup remover cleansing wipes. I do the Clinique 3-Step twice a day. I have acne-prone skin so for "Step 1" I use their Acne Solutions Cleaning Foam. I also incorporate the Clinique Exfoliating Scrub every other day. Once a week I do the Aveda Deep Cleansing Herbal Masque. I get asked a lot of beauty questions including hair + makeup, so I think I'm going to have to dedicate a post.
What makes you different than other bloggers?
Simply put is that I integrate architecture with fashion. There are so many of us that I feel like you have to have a niche to stand out.
What is your dream job (regardless of feasibility, pay, etc.)?
To be a SNL castmember! Since I was a little girl, I would practice impersonations, and to this day, I can't tell a story without including different voices for different characters and acting them out. I love to make people laugh!
Which city inspires you the most in terms of architecture? And which is your favorite city as a tourist?
For sure, the Dubai area is leading the world in progressive architecture and mind-bending engineering. As a tourist, I will always have a place in my heart for Paris, since I lived there for a semester and consider it to be THE most beautiful city in the world. Although, Barcelona ranks pretty high on my list too. That is an incredible city to visit + highly recommended.
Barcelona, Antoni Gaudi"s La Sagrada Familia
Other than architecture, where do you draw your inspiration to put together all those lovely outfits everyday?
Every day people. That's why I adore fashion blogs so much!
If you were only allowed to keep two items in your closet which two would you choose?
Man, this one's really hard! Maybe one simple basic paired with an over-the-top item. So, a little black dress, particularly my Rachel Pally jersey dress that can be dressed up and down. Super comfortable! And also, my BCBG orange heeled pumps.
Who are your favorite designers?
There are so many, but above all, I really respect Alexander McQueen in terms of his originality and artistry. rest in peace
Have you made your own clothing that was inspired by something you've made in an architecture class?
I haven't! But I intend to. I see architecture + fashion to be most similar in terms of method and production, and I think it would be interesting to work with fabric in order to inspire my architecture.
What is your favorite accessory and why?
Sunglasses. Hands down. Instant chic to any outfit. Also useful if I don't feel like applying makeup. :)
Which came first: your love for architecture or your love for fashion?
Certainly my love for fashion
What is your ultimate definition of swag? What does it take?
Pure and utter confidence! It's like, when you look at someone and think, "She can totally pull it off, but I never could." Well that someone has swag. Swag is taking the usual or unusual and wearing it well! It's also about being you in no matter the outfit, whether it's rocker chic or a pretty dress. Let your personality shine! Fashion is all about personal expression, so be you! xx
As far as architecture goes, which city would you like to visit (that you haven't been to already) for some inspiration?
Tokyo. I was born in Japan and lived there until I was in grade school, so although I have been there many times, I don't remember the city as you do when you are an adult. I'm trying to sell it as a graduation gift to my boyfriend ;)
What is your favorite perfume?
Chloe!! I die for that stuff! Used to be exclusive to Saks, but luckily now it's carried at Sephora. I also wear Chance, Coco Mademoiselle, Burberry London, Armani Black Code, Daisy by Marc Jacobs, and Delices de Cartier. I keep a big collection that is always in heavy rotation. Don't get hung up on just one scent! Btw, great question! I'm a big believer that perfume is the last touch to the outfit. The biggest compliment is that you smell good ;)
Who's closet would you love to raid?
Rihanna's
thegloss.com
What is your worst habit?
Stressing out over things out of my control.
What is the most common and biggest misconception people have about you?
I have a lot of people tell me that they were originally intimidated by me and didn't expect me to be so down-to-earth. Which is so crazy to think the contrary. I would never in a million years think I was better than anybody. My momma taught me better. :)
What do you think is your greatest achievement in life?
I'm not sure that I have lived up to this question yet, but if I had to choose... I'm really proud to be committed to the team at Women for Women International. It's a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women and families in war and conflict areas. I've been sponsoring a woman in the Congo for a few years now. For only $27 a month you can help a woman who will help her family which will in turn help her village. That equates changing lives to the price of shirt on sale. For more information, check out the site! Make a difference. :) 
