082713: Typical Tuesday

I love nothing more than a make-over, so I decided to take the extra step to do so for this blog. Do you notice the difference? As much as I love floral-girly prints, it is time for this to age with class. Plus, it's all organized and user-friendly; I learned how to use HTML just for you guys!
In addition to my new layout, I made a youtube account along with my very first youtube video! I always wanted to get into, I guess, "vlogging (?)," but I'm ridiculously camera-shy. (Did you realized that I tried to omit my face in my earlier posts?) After 8 months of running this thing, I am starting to get more comfortable in my own skin thanks to y'all!

Alrighty, back to the usual stuff: today was nothing more than typical, so I decided to play with the day by being spontaneous and trying new things. I must admit, this blog definitely helped me with my confidence. I always had a different take on fashion compared to the norm, and it's about time I take control over it. I had this faux fur vest in my closet for some time now, way before this blog was created, and not once did I take it out for a spin. I tried, but failed as I wondered what others would think about me. "What is she wearing?" "She is trying way too hard." "Better safe than sorry", I thought as I put it back in the closet.

Today was different. I felt different, a good different. I swear, I felt like a million bucks when I wore the vest...or maybe that's because this is my most expensive outfit up to date.

Kudos to my friend from "An Outfit at a Time" on Youtube for sharing this idea: wear your v-neck backwards! It goes great with a collar shirt underneath. 

Oh, say hello to current fave shoes. With the price that I paid for them, they better be my fave shoes. I've been looking for a pair of classy loafers with a pair of tassel, and I could not believe it when I found them in my size!

 

Elle Faux Fur Vest--Rummage Sale: $5

Forever 21 Polka-Dotted Top--Facebook: $5

Aeropostale V-Neck Long Sleeve Sweater--Garage Sale: $0.25

Mint Pleated Skirt--Ross: $10

Dolce Vita Loafers--TJ Maxx: $35

Ecote Canvas Backpack--Urban Outfitters: $30

Necklace--Hobby Lobby and Michaels: $3

Total: $88.25, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$20

My ten cents #24: Fashion is a community that shares its good and bad trial-and-errors, so I encourage you to seek inspiration from others. Heck, that's one of the main reasons why I established this blog. With technology being an incredible and power resource nowadays, it doesn't take much to expand your style.

Haul: Forever 21 and Cotton On Monochromatic Additions!

Hola lovelies, it has been awhile since I teased about the Monochromatic Monday's post on my instagram. I was busy studying for a midterm and now that that's out of the way (for now), I am back on the posting grind.

I recently went on a little haul at Forever 21 with their 50% off on clearance sale...I mean, you cannot put the combination of 50% off and clearance together and not expect me there. I believe the double-negative is relevant here to express my excitement! Anywho, after my struggle with the Rainbow Tag, I thought, "Why not flaunt my neutrals that I always rave about." Thanks to my recent haul, I have a couple of additions to my neutral palette.

Photo credit: Fanny L.

As teased on my instagram, here's a typical monochromatic outfit that I would put together. You can never go wrong with black and white. Not only are those colors flattering on any body type, but they are so classy. I feel mature and sophisticated without trying too hard. Personally, I am not a huge fan of pants; I would wear dresses 365 days a year if the weather cooperated with me. However, these pants that I recently got at Forever 21 for $8 are a great alternative to my skinny jeans because they are roomy and fitted! I paired them up with a simple black J. Crew crop top that my momma got for me from a rummage sale, which was practically for FREE because it was from those sales where you can stuff a huge bag with anything for about $3. Lastly, to give myself some height, I included my black Charles David wedges that my momma got for about $1 at a garage sale.

To continue my haul post, here is something I came up with on Tuesday: what I wore during the day and what I would have worn during the night if I did not have to study for a midterm..tehee. A girl can dream.

Photo credit: Fanny L.

Here we go again, another monochromatic outfit...tada! This time, however, I added various patterns into one outfit, which is usually a no-no, but I think it works. Although each piece is a different pattern, they all have a circular shape, which I am obsessed with recently. I paired my newly bought polka-dotted high-waisted F21 shorts that I got for $6.50 with The Beatles shirt from Kohls that I got for $4. To finish it off, I included my closest essentials: black cardigan from H&M that I got for $10 and black velvet Steve Madden loafers that I got for $2 at a garage sale.

Photo credit: Fanny L.

If I didn't have a midterm to study for, then this would have been my "going-out" look. I felt like I was ready to go out to some retro party or something, haha. Finally, I added color to an outfit! However, I wanted the pattern and texture to do the talking. I have been looking high and low for a turtle neck crop top at a price that I am happy with and I was so happy when I found this blue turtle neck crop top with black polka dots at F21 for $2.50! Then, I made my way over to Cotton On Outlet for the very first time and I found this black crochet-textured pencil skirt for $2. I finished the look off with my favorite black oxford heels that I got at Ecothrift for $10.

My ten cents #23: If you don't already, have your essential pieces in black and/or white. They are easy peasy staple pieces that give a nice foundation to any outfit. They are worth the investment, so don't feel bad if you have too many black and white pieces!

#SSP: Introduction

During my first year of college, I took a sociology course where we had discussion once a week and during that time, we discussed our identifications through labels. As much as I don't like the idea of characterizing a person with stereotypical labels, they play a huge part in distinguishing a person among different communities. I am an Asian American female who's trying to live the American dream (whatever that is) while trying to keep some sort of cultural lineage within the new generation. As part of my American dream, education is key for success. A stable major for a stable job is emphasized. Anything beyond that realm was unnecessary, which in my case was art. I was not exposed to art of any kind until high school. Due to graduation requirements, I took a few courses on photography, and as an extra curricular, I joined Asian Club where I perform cultural dances. Unlike many people who are glad to be done with high school, I miss and yearn for the moments where I added new labels to my being. In addition to being "Asian," "nerdy," and "introverted" came "culturally-driven" and "artistic."

Some people may describe art as hip and new, but to me, it is ancient. "New" art is recycled by "old" art, just like how I believe fashion is timeless. It is culturally enriched and it is being forgotten as we speak. With that said, my passion for keeping culture alive has inspired me to join a project with some inspiring individuals in hope to bring back a positive influence into our generation. It's going to be a long journey, but sooner or later, it shall surpass us.

Here's a little glimpse into the future:

Photo credit: James L.

Photo credit: James L.

Photo credit: Diem L.

This lovely model happens to be one of the forces of the project. She is taking the art of accessorizing to the next level! Why use necklaces, bracelets, and etc. when you have a pair of dancing fans, umbrella, and lantern? She paired each prop with a light pink/almost white flowy dress that she borrowed from her sister...I call that a FREE outfit! Sharing is caring. ;) Oh, and I cannot forget the cute teal Forever 21 wedges for $20.

Photo credit: Diem L.

Photo credit: Diem L.

This beautiful gal happens to be the other force to be reckon with. Not only is she bold enough to jump in a dress, but it is a bright yellow one! If you read my Rainbow Tag post, then you know that I don't own much in yellow. That is because my complexion does not go along with yellow, unlike her's. She bought the bright yellow dress from Wetseal for $15, and she added a black belt above the waist to emphasize the dress's A-line. Curse me and my horrible skills with stop-motion, but just trust me when I tell you that her wedges are way too cute.

Photo credit: Kim F.

Photo credit: Kim F.

Photo credit: Kim F.

I took this opportunity to wear my newly bought blue Rue 21 high-low dress with a criss-cross back, which I got for $10. I paired it up with my black Ninewest wedges that I got at a garage sale for $1. I gotta work on that PPW because it's $10 as of now. :(

My ten cents #22: I don't know what's cooler and hipper than adding culture into your wardrobe. Fashion is an outlet for self-expression, so why not flaunt those labels? 

How I Wear It: What the heck is a rainbow tag?!

Tag, you're it! This morning, I guess I was rainbow-tagged (?) by a good friend of mine. I never heard of such thing, so I looked it up and apparently it was the thing a couple of months ago. It's a tag where you pick out your favorite items, let it be garments or make up products, out of the rainbow spectrum. It looked interesting enough, and with this length, it makes up for all the lost time since my last post. I thought it wouldn't be too hard to find my items and quickly shoot some photos, but my goodness, it took awhile. My closet is full of neutrals! After thinking long and hard, I was able to find everything I needed except for the multi-color category...whatever that category is. Regardless, it was kind of fun putting outfits together on the fly because it takes me more than 10 minutes to be satisfied with the results.

RED: This was kind of a toughie because I dislike the color with almost all of my heart. Although it can symbolize love and all that good stuff, I actually think of blood when I see anything red. Not being a fan of blood since it reminds me of needles, I try not to wear it too much. The only exceptions are lipstick and nail polish because those stuff are shimmery. Tehee ;) However, I adore this Forever 21 cutout dress because of the criss-cross design. Oh, and may I add, it was only $10. I paired it up with my new Dooney & Bourke crossbag (as if I don't have enough) that my mother got me for about $7-8 at the flea market and my fav pair of boots from Ross for about $23. Do I look like T-Swizzle yet?

ORANGE: Thank goodness for my Ecote canvas backpack, or else I would not have anything orange to show. I like this shade of orange just because it's almost neutral; it's not bright or vibrant. It's almost like a brown shade, which I dig. I got this as a Christmas gift for myself from Urban Outfitters for about $30; thank goodness for clearance or else I would never afford this. This bag has been through a lot with me and boy, did I beat this thing up bad. It looks like it's about to die, but not on my watch! Gotta work on its PPW! Side note: this is my OOTD, which includes a black H&M cardigan that I got for $10; a grey H&M legging (?) that I got for $10; a floral Ann Taylor top from Ecothrift that cost me $2; a pair of black velvet Steve Madden loafers that cost me $2 at a garage sale; and lastly a lavender H&M infinity scarf from Facebook that cost me $5.

YELLOW: Again, these colors are tough! Yellow, yellow, yellow...I was so tempted to just show my beautiful collection of Forever 21 bags, but I had my "aha" moment when I remembered my yellow Gucci bag that I got as a gift from my aunt. It's like a mustard yellow, which isn't too wild for me. I only bring this baby out to play on special days/events. I paired it up with neutral pieces so it can pop including my Guess LBD that I got at a garage sale for $1 and Nine West heels that I got at another garage sale for $0.50.

GREEN: I don't have anything legitimately green, but I have items that would belong in that family including my mint-colored polka dotted F21 top that I got off of Facebook for $5 and teal F21 canvas shoes that cost me $10.

BLUE: Yes, finally, a color that I did not struggle with. Blue denim, it is! I recently picked up this Gap Denim Jacket for $7 from a rummage sale that I'm head over heels with. It's a bit small, but it's super soft. I think my current favorite pairing is the denim jacket plus red Toms kind of deal. I've always wanted to own a pair of Toms, but my father talked me out of it due to its quality. Luckily, I found a red pair of Toms for $0.50 at a garage sale after my mom talked me into it. :P Lastly, I finished the look with my long time lova, brown replica Coach bag, which I got way back in the day for $2 at a garage sale.

PURPLE/VIOLET: My favorite color! Woot, no struggle here! You cannot go wrong with a button up; it's like a blazer-super sophisticated and chic. I paired this purple Express dress shirt/button up that I got at a garage sale for $0.25-0.50 with a $10 black pencil skirt from Ross. Lastly, I sealed the deal with a pair of black Steve Madden heels that I got a garage sale for $1. 

My ten cents #21: This is kind of a tip to myself- ADD MORE COLOR TO YOUR WARDROBE. Color can compliment your neutrals and they are so easy to mix and match to make completely different outfits.

073113: Wistful Wednesday (BEST DAY EVA)

This week has been beyond amazing and absolutely nothing can compare to the day I had. Many firsts were done including my first (fake) tattoo, first bart trip, and most importantly, my very first concert. On July 31st, I witnessed the glorious One Direction on the big stage for their "Take Me Home" tour. If you are an avid reader of my blog, then you would know about my "minor" obsession with the hottest boy band eva. If you know me personally, then you would know how long I've been waiting for that day to come. My friend bought the ticket for me way back during April 2012 (?) and she managed to convince me to seize the VIP ticket and boy, am I glad she did. Now, you are probably thinking, "Uhh, cool, you went to see 1D...but where are the weird poses of your outfit?" Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take pictures of my whole outfit on the night of because my memory space was filled with One Direction, but I have a couple of pictures that were taken on my friends' and my phone. As for the 1D details, I'm just going to include them before I forget them when I'm old and married to Liam Payne. This way, I have something to tell our beautiful babies... :P

During 1D's "Up All Night" days, each member had their own distinct look. Liam had this plaid thing going on. Harry wore a lot of blazers. Zayn had his fair share of pictures with his Letterman jacket. Niall wore his classic red polos with khaki chinos. Last but not least, Louis might have been obsessed with stripes and red pants. Being a Liam and Louis type of gal, I sported Liam's face on my forearm, so I thought I can represent Louis and his love for stripe shirts. The addition of Toms was a nice touch that was not expected because I got my hands on them literally the weekend before! It's a little tribute to his red pants and how he's a fan of the brand too:

I guess the boys are ditching the past looks because they kept it relatively simple with neutral tees with minimal wardrobe change. Although they were too cute with their stereotypical looks that they would sometime switch clothes, I kind of prefer their "new" look just because 1) they had more stage time and 2) I focused more on their music and performance rather than their outfits (However, I believe Liam's hat is converting him into a gangsta, but I don't mind :P)

 

Releasing my inner 1D, especially Harry and Zayn, with my new tatts. Thank you, Alyssa, for the coolest accessory!

This is the only full body shot from that night, just so you have an idea of what I assembled. Excuse my overly excited face; the thought of seeing them during sound check was running through my head.
                                                                              

Jones New York stripe shirt--Ecothrift: $2

Forever 21 tan high-waisted shorts--Facebook: $7

Dooney & Bourke crossbody--Garage Sale: $30

Toms--Garage Sale: $0.50

Total: $39.50, Price Per Wear (PPW): ~$5
                                            

My ten cents #20: Since this is my first (VIP) concert, I struggled a wee bit with what I should wear. I really wanted to wear a dress because I wanted to look amazing for my boys. I mean, we made eye contact multiple times (or at least I would like to think so). However, looking back at it now, I'm glad that I didn't wear my go-to garment because I definitely jumped and "danced all night to the best song ever."