Combat Over Boots

My particular interest in law school is intellectual property. I hope to make a career out of protecting designers', artists' and entertainers' copyright and trademark rights.* That type of practice would include bringing lawsuits against outright counterfeits, but also against designs and naming conventions that tread that line too closely. Case in point, Danner shoes have sued rag & bone for copyright and trademark infringement for creating a shoe that looks quite similar, but what really gives them a case it seems is the fact that they named the shoe 'Danner Combat Shoes by rag & bone.' The picture above is of the two shoes, Danner on the left and the rag & bone version on the right. What do you think? Did rag & bone merely take inspiration from Danner or did they cross the line? It's really difficult to make those determinations in the fashion realm where everyone is inspired by everyone else, but what are your thoughts?

Photo Credit: Ny Mag

*Disclaimer: I am a law student, not a full-fledged attorney. I have not passed the bar in any state and any speculation I have about the legitimacy of any legal claims is not a professional opinion and should not be construed as such.

Resolutions

I spent New Year's Day walking the Brooklyn Bridge with hundreds of other tourists from around the globe. I lost count of how many different languages I heard being spoken. It was a beautiful day, crisp but not frigid, and by the end of the day we must have walked 10 miles exploring Brooklyn, NYU, Soho, Chinatown...Thank God for my new boots. They were warm and didn't kill my feet and slid nicely under my jeans.

I didn't come up with any resolutions by New Year's Eve. And only now, when I have spent the past couple days sick on the couch, have I given it much thought. So far, I have come up with the following:

1. Be More Healthy

General, I know, but I have been more sick in the past year than any other I can remember. I am not sure if it is the air in Philadelphia versus Portland, or if the stress of law school is just getting to me, but my immune system seems to be shot. In my quest for better health I will try to be less of a night owl, especially given the fact that I have to be in class at 8:30 every morning. I will try to tone down my caffeine addiction, switching from coffee to green tea. I need to eat more fruits and vegetables, not processed foods. Lastly, I need to start running again. Maybe more regular exercise will help as well. Hopefully those changes will keep me more healthy and energized in 2010.

2. Fine-Tune my Wardrobe

It has taken me years to figure out what works for my shape (short, tending towards muscular). I think I have been in denial about my height :) Now that I have finally accepted what actually looks good, I need to go through what I own and clear out lots of items that do me no favors. Once that is accomplished, I have to make another list of pieces that I need to add to my wardrobe. I have been filling my closet with work pieces, but I also need to focus on weekend wear. My shoe selection also needs some help. This will all be more easily accomplished once I have a job and a paycheck. Which leads me too...

3. Be Diligent About Job-Searching

I do not graduate until late May, but given the legal market I need to get a head-start. My goal is a mid-sized to large firm that has departments that specialize in either entertainment, intellectual property or employment law. That being said, I will take whatever job I can get! However, to obtain any kind of job I need to put myself out in the market and take advantage of any connections I have and to continue networking.

4. Finish Writing a Book

I have bits and pieces of books that I have been writing saved on my laptop and in notebooks strewn about our place. I want to finish writing at least one of them. Starting is easy, but the middle is hard, even if I already have an ending in mind. I think the key at this point is just to write daily and hopefully the writer's block will fade.

5. Blog More Often

When life gets hectic, this blog is the first thing to go, but it's an outlet I appreciate. I would put a specific goal number on it, like 7 times a week, but that is not realistic and, honestly, if I make at least one entry a month that will be better than my previous record!

Any resolutions on your minds?

NYE in NYC

Tomorrow the husband and I are NYC bound! Living in Philly makes the trip incredibly easy - it's a mere 2 hour bus ride (we are city people without a car). We had a tremendously laid-back NYE last year, but this year we are making an adventure of the holiday.

We will arrive tomorrow morning, meet up with my dear college friend at her place in the financial district and then lunch somewhere tasty. Champagne will be bought and drunk in copious amounts and we will avoid Times Square and instead watch fireworks from her rooftop with the roommates and neighbors.

What to wear has presented me with quite a dilemma as I am feeling the Christmas indulgences all too well around my waistline, my thighs, everywhere! It has made the thrill of choosing an outfit altogether less thrilling. The accessories are fun to select, but fitted skirts are another story...I'm sure after a glass or two of champagne I will not give it much thought tomorrow.

We will be traipsing around NYC the next day and exploring neighborhoods we haven't yet visited, such as Brooklyn. Korean barbecue is definitely on the list in the Murray Hill area as Philly lacks the plethora of Korean restaurants that Portland had and New York boasts. Also on the agenda are Murray's bagels and the Shake Shack.

Hope everyone has a festive and safe New Year's Eve!

Holi-Daze

Philly had a huge snowstorm last weekend. We made a snowman with the help of our landlord's little daughter who is so cute and smart. 'Herb the snowman' looks a little demonic because we had to use radishes for eyes. Unfortunately our snowman is more of a puddle today, but we almost had a white Christmas.

I had to work until 2 o'clock yesterday at my internship, but now I am free for 10 days! We started our Christmas break with cioppino last and garlic bread last night. This morning we lounged in pajamas with coffee and Bailey's while opening gifts. I got some lovely clothes for work from my parents and older sister and lovely baubles and BlueMercury gift certificate from my husband.

I received one of my gifts early because of the snowstorm last week: Uggs. Okay, but not the normal Uggs - they are a leather almost motorcycle-boot version. They have been a lifesaver this past week trudging through snow.

I am in a food coma because of a large breakfast, leftover cioppino for lunch and plenty of chocolates and wine. However, one I come out of this daze, I will take and post photos of my new favorite things.

Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday, or if you do not celebrate Christmas, then I hope you are having a lovely day anyway!

Balance

As I spend more and more time at my internship, I find myself wearing the same combinations over and over again. It's deflating that my work wardrobe is so lacking. When I see combinations like the Australian stock-broker below, I long to re-stock my closet with more fashion-forward choices. It is a tricky balance to strike between being appropriately conservative (as required to be taken seriously when interning at a law office where I am the youngest attorney-type), while maintaining my own sense of style. I see so many law school students with the black suits, white button-up shirts and traditional pearls, and I do not want to be one more clone in the crowd.

Anyone else have to balance workplace demands and personal preferences? How does that work out for you?

Photo Credit: Sartorialist

Christmas Giggles

I love Lady Gaga, but this made me laugh...

Oh Sister!

Natalie Portman arrived at the premiere of her latest film, Brothers, in this lively ensemble. I happen to think that she can really pull off bright color combinations, but I have seen some people commenting that on the whole it was a little too much. What do you think - too many colors or does she get it just right?