inspiration

Like I said, I've been learning a lot from my roommates, and the other day I was pretty inspired by her. Suddenly, I had the urge to really do something with myself. I currently don't have something in the world that's tangible or any substantial evidence that I'm going somewhere/done anything. I'm kind of really yearning for that to change!

Who provokes such thought in me? My roommate. I've linked her blog that features a bunch of cool places that she's been to and recommends. Many of these entries have been published in newspapers, and she also has her own handbag business, NoLaceAccessories. She's also successfully balancing school, jobs, and a social life. She's pretty rad :]

My other roommate is also working as a designer at a Canadian accessories company and is slowly moving up the work ladder!

I think a lot of things will change once I move next semester. I'll have more time to myself to do things, maybe start making my own things (bags and belts, anyone?) to sell, getting a part time job, etc. We'll see, but I'm feeling good energies.

Obviously, being in fashion, I'm inspired by what I'm immerse in everyday. In the beginning of the semester, I was all about the cremes, taupes, and off whites. I still love them, but now I've made a turn for navy. It may be the cold weather and the upcoming winter, but a great source is also a new buttery to the touch navy cow hide I bought at a recent flea market for my projects. I've already got patterns cut out for my self framed bag and my corset belt, both that are going to be paired with navy suede and some silver/antiqued silver hardware. Here's a more visual representation of the navy that excites me:

I'm so thankful for being around good people that influence me positively. They make me want to be better, to succeed, and to do things NOW. I mean yeah, I'm not one of those transformation stories where I've turned from bad to good...but I guess from good to better? hahah. I think growth and learning is the most important part of living. That may be my personal point to life...that, and being happy.

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I guess it was a fitting time to mention that! I can't wait, my roommate and I, along with some of our friends will be engaging in some Pregiving Thanksgiving festivities before classes end and we all go home. I'm looking forward to some quiet times at home and spending time with the family away from the city, and I hope everyone enjoys their holiday too!

second year

it's been a really long time since i last blogged, and i don't know what gave me this urge to make a post now. i guess a lot has been going on, non stop, mostly school related and i need something somewhat tangible to focus myself and look back on.

the first semester of my second year of college is almost over...it's the beginning of the end in a sense (well, once Thanksgiving rolls around, which is in about a week!)

I can honestly say it's been a really productive and knowledge-gaining couple of months, ever since the beginning of summer actually. The learning continues in this second-chapter, if you will, of my higher education, about the industry, the art i'm practicing, and about life in general.

I'm learning so much just from the girls i'm currently living with. They're both older and they're teaching me a whole lot about how to live, and just opening up my eyes to different things. It's really amazing how great they are too, being able to relate to them and to have these girls care as much about me as i them. I'm really going to miss them next semester, but I can tell we'll stay close. (I'm moving out next semester, more about that later).

Being a third semester in accessories, I guess I could say that I'm making more advanced things (belts and boots have been added to my curriculum), and sketching/rendering has been thrown into the mix. I'm really enjoying everything, and I can see my work improving a lot compared to last year. My designing abilities have really grown since this summer since my internship opened my eyes to many things. Here's a little glimpse of what I've completed:

What's to come:

A corset belt
2 self framed bags (i'm just being ambitious and greedy that i want 2!)
A pair of sandal boots

Unfortunately, my homework before the semester ends contains a lot more, along with the liberal arts!

Nonetheless, I've been feeling super grateful lately for the life I have, along with the fact that I'm doing something that makes me happy and i have friends and family here to support me. AHH for the future though, but that'll be another post.

celebration at hand!

So…I have a really fabulous blogette friend named La Couturier. Of course, I have many fabulous friends from all over, but this coquettish fashionista is also my sister (by bonds, unfortunately not by blood – even though that doesn’t matter), and you’ve probably come across her blog…if you haven’t then I’m super honored to introduce her to you.

In celebration of her blog’s first birthday, she’s teamed up with Chickdowntown for a giveaway of Current/Elliot The Legging Denim Skinny in Black. As you should/will know, La C. features inspirational images, what to wear advice, and a favorite among others; Le Petite Novellas. So, for this contest, she asks you how you would wear this giveaway item, and to write a small story to go with it.

As a personal friend, I don’t think I should enter for possible ethical reasons ;D , but anywho, I’m sure those pants wouldn’t fit me or my body type. Nonetheless, I have written a little something along with a collage, La C. inspired. I had a fantastic time making this (though I probably should have been completing some summer reading), and I can truly understand she loves doing this.

Everything I feature can be found on chickdowntown - they really have some fabulous things!

And here we go…michtseng’s own petite novella, perhaps my own dream for the future.



Mici took one last look in the mirror, tucking her some loose slightly waved strands (otherwise put into a loose bun) behind one ear while reaching for her scarf. Since it was morning, and she would be riding the PATH into the city, it would be chilly, but definitely not cold enough for any type of full coverage. The chiffon would be able to protect her from the harsh morning winds coming in from the Hudson at Newport, Jersey City.

She would be heading into her studio office today, checking up on a few things, and then meeting with a buyer who was also a personal friend. In the evening, she would be going out with a few ladies from her college days – at a bar lounge uptown. The work day didn’t include anything too serious, and the night served for some innocent fun with the girls.

Therefore, the night before, Mici decided on a pair of black skinny jeans, which were ever so classic for any occasion, and a sheer brown v-neck with a simple black lacy bra peeking through. She was feeling the muted tones today, but couldn’t help being a little coquettish, possibly inspired by her roommate. The booties she wore balanced out the light-weight of her upper half, and the jeweled bracelet added to the sense of class, and the shine mirrored the little sparkles in her eyeshadow. The final detail was a Rachel Leigh Olivia Ring, gifted to her by a sweet and dedicated man-friend. (mhm okay, I know what you’re all thinking…hahaha. Shush, it’s my story!)

She was ready for the entire day of festivities, without any need to make any alterations from day to night. Today, she chose convenience and sheer simplicity over anything else.

With a short goodbye to her roommate, who would eventually be heading into her own editorial office, Mici stepped out of the apartment, into the elevator, and was on her way to a day she was grateful to have.


aw. i kind of don't want to stop. hahah.

significant others, love, and all that

since we were young, i think we all had the preconceived notion that we would be falling in love with the right person, finding prince charming, getting married, having kids, and being successful at whatever we put our hearts to.

even nowadays, we talk about how many kids we want, if we want girls or boys, and what their names are going to be. we talk about our ideal wedding, the cake, the colors, the decor. we'll talk about our future homes, the picket fences, the household pets.

but really, how is everyone so sure that whatever they're dreaming about will happen?

honestly, i'm getting skeptical.

in actuality, i don't plan on getting married, and i don't want to have kids.

i don't think i'm the type of person to rely my entire life on someone else's. I don't want to completely devote entirely what I am to one person, and if anything ever happens, to be absolutely broken. (Don't get me wrong, I am undividedly against cheating and being unfaithful, but I just mean throwing all of myself into a relationship without reserving anything)

I just want to be happy, and I'm not sure if I will be, being alone, but maybe marriage just isn't the answer for me. Permanently tying myself to someone kind of reflects that complete dependance that I fear and want to avoid.


i had dinner with a friend the other night, and we talked about relationships and guys. she actually said "honestly, i think there are more amazing girls than there are guys. Many times, I'll look at a girl and say, Wow, she's perfect. Whoever she's with is really lucky. For guys, not so much."

I'll admit that I can see some really good guys in my group of guy friends, but I can also vouch for where she's coming from.

no, i've never been in a relationship, and i haven't had a crush in a long time. i'm starting to lose hope and possibly making the excuse that i'm not completely satisfied with myself yet, and that's the reason why i haven't been able to be in one, or find a compatible guy. Another excuse is also with the school I'm attending, but it hasn't stopped a lot of my friends. Let's not get into the insecurities in this entry.

I'd like to see what love feels like...in terms of having a significant other. I want to experience saying "I love you," and totally meaning it.


am I being totally confusing and contradicting myself? what i've just written is essentially the thoughts of love and relationships that have been floating around in my mind lately. it's getting kind of lonely in that aspect, as my friends engage themselves in new relationships and look so happy. I'm happy for them too, of course, since I think that's the most important thing in life (being happy, and doing what makes you happy, as long as you're not hurting someone else).


haha, I've been listening to a lot of Elliot Yamin's "Fight for Love," and Keri Hilson's "Knocks You Down"

cliche reminiscing

i can remember my first day at FIT like it was yesterday. well, no, not really.

But I do remember that the day I moved out of home and to FIT, it was an exciting day where I believe i was wearing a long white knitted v-neck tank, my marigold yellow Madewell 3/4 sleeve cardigan, blue skinnies, and gold flip flops. My hair was in a loose pony tail and i had a black headband on to control my newly cut bangs. Did I plan this outfit days in advance? I'm sure of it. I'm cheesy like that :]

I remember walking into my brother's room even though he was still sleeping and woke him up to tell him that I was leaving. He turned over towards me and said "ok, goodbye. I'll call you. have fun." that was the first time I wanted to cry.
I could spend another entire paragraph or more talking about the relationship my brother and I share, but that's a whole different entry to be shared later.

I was never upset about leaving home, I was ready to get out and start a new chapter.

Despite the madness at FIT that day with the thousands of students moving onto 27th street, I remember when Olivia and her parents first stepped into our new home, when I ran into my first friend Jason on steps of the C building (who I first started talking to online and established a no-expectation meeting), and when I first called him to start our adventure.

Then, we met some new friends...I think. Ok everything after that is just fuzzy.

My gold flip flops broke that day after my parents returned back home. Talk about symbolism of new beginnings.

That night, I was all alone because my suitemates went home and Soo A hadn't arrived yet. That was the first time I actually stopped feeling the excitement of the city and being independent. The Independence kinda got lonely.

All I had were the sounds of cars honking and people chatting outside. I found that puzzling since I'm on the 17th floor.

Luckily, I received an unexpected call from a really good friend, and we talked about everything as he made sure I was okay. It was my first night sleeping alone in my small dorm that became so large with just myself in it. I didn't know anyone around me, and it was still light on with all the lights of the city.

Really, I cant' believe how it's already been a year.
It's insane how fast the time has gone.

as the stress dies down

so this little blog has been neglected for a long time now, and if i were super responsible, i should probably continue to neglect it until school's over. I still have a couple finals to go, and by monday, my first year of college will be complete!

A lot has happened since I last posted, such as going to see Cirque du Soleil's Kooza, the completion of my handbags and oxfords, an interview for an internship, and some good news!


I've never seen Cirque live before, only some videos and tv showings. Kooza was absolutely amazing. EVERYTHING, everything, was breathtaking. My friends and I enjoyed it so much, and honestly, I don't know who wouldn't. My Presidential Scholars and I set out from FIT to go to Randall's Island, which is just beyond Hoboken, I believe, and we made it just as the sun was setting.

Prior to the start of the show, it was a typical circus environment (My parents took me to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey when i was much younger) with food stands and funky decorations. When we entered the venue, I was immediately entranced with the dark and open environment. I could see millions of lights peaking from the sides, and a vast curtain that I knew housed something for later. About half an hour before 8:00, clowns began running around the place, making lots of noise, and as showtime got closer, all the clowns became more cohesive and almost started performing.

Spoilers will proceed from this point on!



A fake alarm kept sounding whenever a different character stepped on stage, and king clown continued to chase them off and with a remote control shut the alarm off. They had various clowns such as the delivery guy, two HOT police officers, a dog, a balloon guy, the tourist clown, and a ballerina.

Finally, the show started and the king clown came out and started lip sync hing in all different languages to welcome us to the show. A little boy clown came out with a kite that just wouldn't fly for him. Then, the delivery guy gives him a box, and a special clown with a wand jumps out, and the magic begins.

The large curtain opened up, revealing a huge carousel like platform that slid out further onto the stage. A whole crowd of amazingly costumed people came out and lit up the stage with color and dance. The band, which is usually located in a pit was actually on this moving platform, along with two singers. it was AMAZING. and I love the music, i considered getting the soundtrack but decided not to due to monetary reasons!

The show continued with many acts of jaw dropping talents and laughter. I swear, if we weren't laughing, we were probably shocked with our mouths opened. Highlights include these 3 beautiful contortionists (who i'm sure could show up the best break dancers in the world...haha, the people who saw it with me would know that one insane move), aeriel acrobats, a romantic unicycle set, a hilarious clown magic show where they actually lifted a woman out of her seat (her seat was mechanized), a free for all of everyone, and men on wire (oh my goodness, one of the men actually almost fell, and managed to hold on and swing himself back on. while they were going to retry the act, they got into an argument on the strings and just continued the show. they were still amazing though).

There was a 30 minute intermission that allowed the crowd to take the necessary breaks, and for us to reflect on how absolutely amazing the show was. After the intermission, we are greeted with a completely different change of scenery. Everything became dark and mysterious, and the dancers who were primarily clad with oranges and purples were now in skeleton costumes! One of my favorite and heart-attack inducing acts of the night was next, 2 huge hamster wheels came down from the ceiling, and 2 masculine men wearing masks came out. It was seriously two hamster wheels revolving around and these two guys running on them! SO RIDICULOUS. My friends and I were practically holding each other. I literally said "SHUT UP. JUST SHUT UP. COME DOWN FROM THERE NOW.

Then, a Lee Thompson (haha, I actually know a guy with that exact name) stepped out, and brought up a volunteer and proceeded to con him and steal things out of his pockets. It was fantastic and funny. Then an amazing juggling act followed, a Chinese man who stacked up chairs WAY too high and performed his outrageous tricks on them, and then a finale with the whole cast doing see-saw launches on stilts.

I honestly didn't want to leave. Other high lights include the dog actually pee-ing on audience members, the clowns messing and harassing people, and the woman they did the disappearing act on, actually becoming part of the show. Past all the tricks and laughter though, it was truly about that first clown, the little innocent clown who was trying to find his place in the world. The show ended with him being able to fly the kite up and up :]



As if this entry wasn't long enough, I just needed to share some good news. After many many internship applications from february through april, i finally heard back from one that i applied to on March 10. The perfect one too, with a small high-end designer accessories company. They were interested in interviewing me, and of course i was more than willing to go in and meet with them.

First, I had to set up an outfit :P My friend accompanied to Macy*s and on my lucky day, I found a darling little nude colored top with a sheer nude overlay and flowery satin decoration. Long black dress pants were the must. Then I just covered up with a black cardigan and put on a pair of black pumps. I went that day with my portfolio in hand, and was greeted by a :p very nice looking security desk man.

Upon arriving to the 10th floor, I was at first confused with where the door was, since their company occupied the entire floor. The designer of the company actually opened the door for me, but I was a bit too flustered at the time to notice. An adorable white dog also greeted me and sat down at my feet to wait with me as I sat in their show room. (while cluttered with boxes filled with bags, it was an amazing sight with dark walls decorated with mirrors and shelves of their bags and shoes)

The interview went well, and she kept talking to me as if I had already gotten it, but she alerted to me that they would contact me the next week. She then introduced me to everyone and showed me around their offices and factory. It was amazing. I could see myself working there, and really felt the environment. I left feeling optimistic but realistic as well.

Well, I got an email yesterday, and I start next Tuesday!

I'm super excited with the experience I'll be getting (learning about the industry and things not taught at FIT), and just continuing to stay in the city. Not to mention the fiiiine security desk man ;D

I'll end this extremely long post now, probably filled with errors, but before I do, I'd like to share two of my favorite blogs with you now.

First, is La Couturier, the blog of an amazing friend and fashionista for all you need to know about fashion: http://lacouturiernyc.wordpress.com/
and The Traveling Pickle, also a dear friend, and future suitemate, who blogs about her adventures and findings: http://thetravelingpickle.wordpress.com/

eye opener

i really love experiencing things i've never been exposed to before - whether it be gaining new skills, learning about something foreign, or meeting new people.

Just like I wrote about in the last entry, I've been super stressed with a bunch of things to do. I feel like the more I accomplish, the longer my list of things to do gets. It's also probably because everytime I make new lists, I make them more detailed as to what I need to finish.

With stress and bad days, I've learned that I become really easily irritated and really sarcastic if it's an awful day. I really try to turn my bad days upside down and to remain positive, but it really just wasn't working out on Thursday. More details later.

I've also learned some things that I want to focus on for the future. Being more detail oriented and meticulous is something I've wanted to strive towards for a while, and I want to work towards that by thinking more about the next few steps that need to be completed when I put myself to it. Haha I want to get my stitches perfectly straight. I shall practice in the summer! Maybe you'll see more creations from me in the next few months.

I also need to get into the mindset of accepting that friendships built here in school will always be subject to feelings of hurt when competition comes along. It would be stupid to give up an opportunity for friendship, it seems, and I just really need to understand that, and to become ignorant of that feeling of betrayal. Life goes on, and everything happens for a reason. Better things will come for me, and it'll all work out.

Another example of how everything happens for a reason revealed itself to me this past Thursday, yes the one that wasn't that ideal. I was invited to a Fraternity banquet event (though a long story dependent on short notices goes with that one) and I eventually kept my priorities straight and declined it. I needed to do a lot of work in the work room and a whole lot of other things after that. Good thing too, because the minute I got to the work room and I opened my tool box, I found my Petronios (permanent glue used to keep our bags and shoes together) wasn't closed correctly (my bad) and had soaked a good portion of my tool box and the tools in it. I was lucky enough that the majority of it spilled into a plastic baggy that only had some bulls eye clips and my grey thread (that was crap anyway). The rest was coated along the bottom of the tool box.

Had I decided to have fun instead, I wouldn't have been able to salvage those expensive tools and other items! Thank goodness. It was still upsetting, but I cleaned it, and after I go home, I will invest in a new tool box and throw this one out. I mean, it would've been okay anyway, because I had received this tool box from a previous Accessories Design major who returned to his home country. I'm a lucky girl...through and through.

Thursday still was still pretty frustrating though, due to the fact that all the sewing machines were taken and I couldn't continue with my work until certain things were finished. What's a girl to do though. I got over it, did the sewing this morning, and will continue tonight. I will finish everything. It will happen!

Um, I'm totally supposed to be doing ecology research right now. This debate is kind of freaking me out at certain intervals. I suppose I've also learned that the work I need to do for my liberal art courses now require more breaks because I can't focus as much. If I were working on my creations though, I'll continue straight through till I'm done. Some music always helps. Sigh, this ecology and enviromental problems stuff is just more difficult.

Like I've always said, i'm living and learning, and loving it all.


though no lie, RIGHT NOW, i really just want to curl my hair for fun, paint my nails and toe nails, make some leather bracelets out of my scrap leather, go out for a run, play some tennis, and curl up in a warm bed and watch a movie, read a magazine, and a book, and just laugh.