Boyish Charm

 

talula turban - thrifted vest underneath - madewell denim shirt (DIY dipdyed) - tory burch jacket - levi's - wilfred leopard belt - vintage ankle boots - kate spade 'little kennedy' - madewell necklace

grande gracias a mi bueno amigo, jordan.

Ok, no. Seriously. I'm really back. For good! Who's excited? I AM.

Too enthusiastic?

Ok.

Well, I purchased a new camera. It's all mine = I'll be annoyingingly blogging all the time!

So while I've been away, not blogging, I was still being productive - working on myself mostly and working hard in school (recent achievement = B in Spanish. Soy mucho bueno!). And while I thought working out wasn't considered being productive, my older sister, said something so profound: "As long as you're working on yourself - practicing endurance, patience, pushing yourself to the limit and going beyond - you're being productive."

Smarter, older, wiser sister... Where have you been all 20 years of my life? Sheesh.

*Double collar poppin' inspired by Atlantic Pacific. If you haven't already, get inspired here.*

reinvention.

These shoes are missing a few studs but I love them the same. More so because I got them for $28. And this colorblocking trenchcoat with leather sleeves? Oh, you know, courtesy of Burberry Prorsum. NBD. Thanks guys.

MK WATCH, GRANDMA'S + VINTAGE BANGLES, STUSSY RING, VINTAGE RINGS

AA SCARF, H&M MOTO JACKET + TRENCHCOAT (DIY SLEEVELESS), MNG PANTS, JC LOAFERS, WILFRED BELT, TOUR TOTEBAG

There's nothing like getting out of school in the height of the day, spending a couple of hours with people most important to you, and having (unseasonably) nice weather in NYC. I ran some errands, then had lunch (with the creative director of Tour Des Etats-Unis, the brand of my bag. Get your men to visit here) at The Meatball Shop on Stanton St. I have this new love for brioche bread and mushroom sauce.

So about my jacket, I'm just kidding. There's also nothing like saving about three thousand dollars and reinventing, mixing, and matching the things you already own, to make anew! I was heavily inspired by someone via LookBook.nu and compiled this look. Fashion is magic.

MADEWELL CARDIGAN, FORVER21 SHIRTDRESS

MAGIC I TELL YA.

Photography credit to Eustace ShakeyHands Russell. Kidding! 

so... what happened to winter?

ALEXA CHUNG x MADEWELL COAT, H&M SWEATER, WILFRED SLIP, MNG PANTS, DIBA BOOTS

Trust me, I hate harsh seasons as much as the next person but as a fashion major girl, I love to layer. See the confusion and disappointment in my face in the first picture? RIIIIIIIIGHT? Hashtag, shit fashion girls say.

IRREGULAR CHOICE SKULL RING, STUSSY SNAKE RING, GRANDMA'S RINGS + BANGLE, MICHAEL KORS WATCH, SIMONETTA RAVIAZZA SUNGLASSES

So, today was the last day of winter math classes, which means no more staying in a room for 4 hours from 1-5PM, which also means I have more free time to do things like... blog! And sleep! And YouTube videos all day! Who's excited?! *raises hand*

It will never get old.

feelin' different these days

UNDERCRWN SNAPBACK, AA SCARF + BAG, F21 VEST, H&M JACKET, WILFRED FREE TOP, MNG PANTS

Oh, hey. Hey there. Yeah, I don't remember you either. It's been a while I must admit. You'd think I'd have a better camera by now at least.... But, never mind that! You've missed out on my new blonde hair! Sadface. But if it's any consolation, my English is probably a little better with me in school now and all. And! My blonde hair looks way better now than it did in the beginning. What am I goin' come up with next, huh?

F21 FINGERLESS GLOVES + KNUCKLE RING, LULU FROST RING, NIKE 'MISS PIGGY' BLAZERS, ESSIE'S 'LAPIZ OF LUXURY' W/ NAIL ARMOR SILVER SPARKLES

If you're Asian you must (or should!) know that Chinese New Year's just around the corner. So whether it's the big feast, getting those red envelopes, or seeing extended family that you haven't seen in awhile and now dread it because you've dramatically changed your look and you know they're going to judge you because they're Asian ...Oh, well, what I meant to say was, Chinese New Year's exciting. And I for one, can't wait! ...It's probably because I'm a broke college student and I get free food. Honestly, it doesn't get any better than that I tell ya.

No Regrets

THRIFTED TOP, RAY-BANS, ZARA JEANS, JOE'S JEANS SHOES

This weekend, me, my boyfriend, and the rest of his family celebrated his dad's birthday.

It was also the first time his extended family saw my new haircut. I've embraced my non-traditional Asian girl look and I don't regret it, nor do I wish I had my long hair back either but his family was so traditional, it made me nervous; his aunt had said to me that I should be following my husband's wishes and if he likes long hair then I'm (pretty much) not allowed to cut my hair... Did I mention she said all of this in really, really, broken English, so all I did at the moment was smile, and nod my head. I didn't find out what she had really said until my boyfriend and his sister translated for me.

Awkward birthday party I tell ya.

Chopped.

DIY DIP-DYED MADEWELL SHIRT, TALULA SHORTS, JUSTFAB CLUTCH, F21 + CASIO ACCESSORIES, CONVERSES

Finally. A real picture (and by real, I mean clearer) of me and my haircut in a real outfit (and by real, I mean I actually wore it out). It's really been a month since I've really updated my blog with a real post (I have no idea what the last one was about).

Now that we have that cleared up...

Enjoy Balmain's F/W '11 collection (and by enjoy, I mean look that shit up yourself because it's worth it, I'm in love with it, and is indeed the bombdiggity).

I haven't updated in awhile and it took about the same time for me to update last week's (2 weeks ago?) post... There's a pattern here. But hey, I know its summer, school's out and I can't possibly be working this hard, right? Wrong. I've got Jury Duty. And it's ruining my life. Stupid civic duty as an American.

555SOUL, THRIFTED TOP, MADEWELL, ARDEN B., VINTAGE GUCCI, JUSTFAB 'SALLY', SIMONETTA RAVIAZZA

But anyway, I wore the first outfit to my boyfriend's sister's graduation and surprisingly, it was really cold under the tent. Sigh Mother Nature.

And this outfit I wore today to Jury Duty. I know, I know. I did stick out like a sore thumb. But, I mean, c'mon. What's a fashion student doing indicting criminals? Anyway, these pants are awesome and Mango may just be one of my new favorite brands.

UNIQLO, HELLZ BELLZ, MNG, AA, CASIO, JUICY COUTURE

so close, yet so far

H&M JACKET, F21 SWEATER, VINTAGE PANTS, STEVE MADDEN CLOGS, UO BAG, MADEWELL BELT, RAYBAN GLASSES

Maxi skirt? Nope! Maxi... Pants? Wide-legged pants is such a mouthful.

I've been on a pretty long hiatus, but I'm back! But while I watch this post, I'm writing How I Met Your Mother, so excuse me if I seem a bit distracted. But fortunately for people who like looking at pictures, nothing has crossed my mind worth writing about except that my girlfriends are back. You know what that means - it's summa-summa-summa tiiiiiiiime.

JESSICA SIMPSON PONYHAIR LEOPARD PRINT SHOES, COURTESY OF LAST CHANCE SHOES

++ Edit: I made it onto Chictopia's Style Gallery! One of the (weird but) proud fashionista moments.

SO SORRY ABOUT THE HALF NAKED MAN IN TOO-SHORT SWIMMING TRUNKS.

after the storm

JUICY COUTURE SUNGLASSES, H&M NECKLACE, AA JUMPSUIT + SHIRT, UO BAG, JUSTFAB 'SALLY' SHOES

I've got aches all over my body from these drastic weather changes: it's thunderstorming like no tomorrow (so scary) and then it's 80 degrees like it's mid-June. Mother Nature's out to get us for taking our resources for granted.

I've been going through this mental process lately where I'm like, "Why do I even have a blog? Everyone has a blog; do I really think I'm that special or different?" I have heard that many bloggers go through this digital existential crisis. I think I finally have decided, though, what my blogging purpose is. Most bloggers have a lot of stunning expensive clothing and are meticulously groomed with manicures and perfect complexions. They are "aspirational" members of society, as in "My, I aspire to one day look like that." I think that my role in all of this is to serve as the middle ground. My clothing is not expensive, although occasionally I pull a Save-and-Splurge. I never pluck my eyebrows, I rarely maintain the upkeep on my hair. I bite my nails and hate to shave my legs. I have crooked silly teeth. I am very short. I am too self-concious when being photographed to really "model" to any degree. So, I'd like to think that my blog represents reality. Realistically, this is how a lot of girls dress and operate, within our means and motivation. This is how a real girl does it. If nothing else, I try to be a little bit interesting.

Seriously. Well said Madeline of Jean Greige.

I mean, it's nothing new, and I'm sure it's crossed aplenty of people's minds before but it's the way she put it into words that makes this so quote-able. I've never quite understood the "fashion blogs" with photos of six-foot tall, daddy long legged people in ripped denim booty shorts (have got to be vintage Levi's) and flimsy, sheer tops (Wang - duh.) that get a million hits. And they live in Greenland. Or Norway. In December. Nope. Never quite grasped that concept.

the little things

OLD NAVY VEST, MADEWELL SHIRT, JUST USA JEANS, JUST FAB 'SALLY' SHOES + 'SOPRANO' CLUTCH, CASIO WATCH, F21 + VINTAGE RINGS

Don't you love the way a simple and small thing can make you feel different or have the smallest impact to a drastic change only for the better?

*raises hand*

I had my bangs cut, hair layered a bit, and a complementary curling with 30% off at a recently opened hair salon in Chinatown called MessLook. Thanks Haeri! Something about even a slightest trim that'll make you feel brand new. I also had two packages this week sent in from JustFab.com, and am in love. A little thing like a package really makes my day, so a package with shoes and a clutch in it? Oh, might've just made the rest of the month for me. Thanks to my boyfriend and to the good people at JustFab.

I had also just celebrated one of my bestfriend's 20th birthday at Room Fifty 5, and I really enjoyed the small, relaxed lounge even though they charged me $12 for an Amaretto Sour - at least the bottle was free (totally incriminating btw). I'm such a huge party pooper, but for this girl and handful of other people, I'd sacrifice a lot (like from drinking a sip to a cup and a half, and enjoying loud music). I love you Mary Li, and in less than a year, I've felt like we've known each other for a lot longer. I'm so glad we've gotten this close, and you're so beautiful.

much needed + well-deserved

One of my bestfriends swung by the city for the weekend to get away from WestBubbleFuck (Fredonia - basically, Canada) and even though I had only spent ONE whole day with her, I'm extremely content. And it'll last me until she comes back... which is very, very soon for summer vacation.

1. L: RAY-BANS, TORY BURCH FLATS
2. M: AA SCARF, H&M JACKET + SHIRT, UO PANTS, VINTAGE VANS
3. R: LEVI'S x PENDELTON JACKET, H&M DRESS, VINTAGE GEORGIA ARMANI, ALDO

Let's talk about my outfit: I'm not very good at packing. Let's face it: I'm just as indecisive as the next girl. I'll pick out an outfit the night before, and when I put it on the next day, I just "don't feel like it". I know there's someone out there who will co-sign with me.

I've finally finished applying for school - pt. 1. Hey, progress is progress. Baby steps, ok? I swear I'd be the happiest I've been since I met my boyfriend if I could finish all this business before the end of this week.

I've never regretted a retail decision like this since leaving American Apparel. If you're going to own a small business, be as professional as big business people - it only makes sense.

Looks like it's going to be another week of on and off rain, swinging moods, and days spent watching Netflix. The upside? My boyfriend, and a new haircut. Let's hope this goes well.

Reunions with the Past.

H&M JACKET, AA SWEATER, UO PANTS, CHRISTIAN SIRIANO FOR PAYLESS SHOES

I just installed some WiFi in my house. I'm so excited - I wish it could show through typing.

But anyway, this is what I wore for a family reunion dinner in Chinatown with some most relatives from my Grandfather's that I haven't seen for 10-13 years. There were some that I have no recollection of at all... but that's what the first hour of the dinner was for. I got to know most better and remember other memories.

Although, I received a text message this weekend from an ex-something that I really didn't need to be reminded of nor do I ever want to have a reunion with. Some people say that it's never to late to __, but I think there is a deadline for apologies, and once you go past it, I don't forgive and I don't forget. What I will have done, is look forward, appreciate the things/people I have now, and not look back.

Cherry Blossoms

1. FEATURE OF THE POST: 9 MONTHS OLD SHIBA INU, MIKO.
2. KISSING UNDERNEATH THE HUGE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE 4 MINUTES BEFORE THE HAIL/THUNDERSTORM.
3. OUTFIT DETAILS: H&M TRENCHCOAT, SHAE CARDIGAN, F21 SWEATER, BOUTIQUE BRAND TANK + HAT, AA PANTS, UO FLATS, VINTAGE CLUTCH, MADEWELL NECKLACE, F21 + STUSSY RINGS, & MIKO

This post has been way past overdue considering we went on this trip to Washington, D.C. last weekend. It would've been amazing if: 1. it wasn't so crowded, 2. had such little room, and 3. if Mother Nature had made its mind about the weather. It was literally on and off raining, hailing, thunderstorming (if that's a word), then sunshine. I guess I'm complaining till this day because I was wearing flats. Talk about unprepared.

Otherwise, it was beautiful and we had a pretty eventful 25 (straight awake) hours.

In a nutshell: woke up 4:30AM, left the house @ 6AM, got on the highway around 7AM, got lost, arrived in Washington around 2/3PM, left the festival around 4/5PM, drove to get Roy Rogers (since there are none here) then got home around 9/10PM, only to get ready for my boyfriend's sister's bestfriend's belated 21st party at Hudson Terrace. Stayed there until they closed: 4:30AM. Drove to 53rd & 6th for halal food, and got into bed @ 5:30AM.

So much for the nutshell.

Yeah, yeah. I'm a bit whiney, but hey - staying awake for so long can really mess a person up.

P.S. I'm in love with this photo. And not just because it's of me & him.

Only The Brave.

H&M HAT, TORY BURCH JACKET, H&M BUTTONDOWN, F21 SWEATER, UNIQLO JEANS, ALDO BAG, DOLCE VITA FOR TARGET BOOTS

...plus one of my favorite magazines.

After today's 3 hour group interview for Diesel, I realized how much I love being:

• sandwiched between two people over 5'10
• sandwiched between four people over 5'10
• the token Asian girl in an entire group of 16 people
• called "oriental"

Clearly, I'm a rug.

Ok, but in all serious-ness, I love pulling Ted's (you'll come to find I make a lot of HIMYM references) - I mean c'mon people: c-a-s-h-i-e-r, f-r-a-n-g-r-a-n-c-e. Other than that, they didn't lie when they said the interview was going to be fun mainly because it was. And my reward to going through an interview for 3 hours with a bunch of tall strangers? Jamba Juice and Doughnut Plant. Omnomnomnom. 

In the meantime, I'll be in Brooklyn/Queens for the majority of the time being. Wish me luck!