Striped shirt, F21; Pencil Skirt, H&M; Two toned kitten heels, BCBGirls

Now that I think about it, this look seems more like quirky Parisian kindergarten teacher. Well, t could be both. Either way, I’m sticking with the pun. Teehee! One of the great thing about fashion is the shameless puns. Today, I was trying to form a look around my DIY necklace from my high school days. I’ve been waiting for Beer Bike to give it its well deserved comeback.

Polka dot scarf, Ralph Lauren; F21 chain belt; Pearls (a gift); DIY cork necklace

I think people might’ve been distracted by the scarf though, oh well. This will be my submission for the polka dot contest on weardrobe too; just trying to kill two birds with one stone. Back to the necklace, it was inspired by Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, her and her butterbeer cork necklace. This is what I imagined a more fashion-y version would be like. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an interview to conduct for a class project.

Grey Knit Blazer, Gap; White T, Puritan; Suspenders (worn as harness), Walmart; Denim skirt, Guess Jeans; Tights, Hue; Nude Heels, Nine West

When I put this look together, all I wanted to do was wear the shoes with chains. I had worn them for the fashion show a week ago, but didn’t get very good pics of them, so I was giving them a second chance. I began thinking of things, like how do I make my white tee more interesting, started playing around with a pair of suspenders, and came up with this. I was thinking it was Alexander Wang (the shoes were definitely Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte) inspired, but no, I was subconsciously thinking of this woman:

Kate Lanphear, US Elle Senior Stylist

And while I try not to copy icons because I’m always thinking about how I wouldn’t be able to do them justice, I couldn’t help this reference. The grey blazer and the chain armory were too similar not to.

My process in “dealing” with icons, especially style ones, goes something like this: it starts with a bang of obsession and dissipates quickly. I look up all their photos and absorbs. I get consumed with jealousy of their money or their talent. Then I get bored with them, save them on a bookmark or in an “inspiration” folder and I continue to go about doing my own thing. These tend to last from 15 minutes to a couple of days.

It parallels my restlessness with my outfits too, I get bored within a span of 5 hours. I generally strip back down to tee and no-visitors-except-friends look or change completely. I also criticize my outfit, deeming it so-5-minutes-ago shortly after I ‘ve strutted around feeling amazing and gushed over it in a post. I assure today is no different and that what is exactly what is going on in my mind right now.

Misc chain belts/bracelets worn on shoes and wrists, F21; Studded cuff, Wet Seal; Bow Chain, DIY

My left foot’s chain is all bunched up, but it did have a nicer tiered effect prior. All the walking jumbles it about.

Oh and if I look like I’m scowling a bit, I probably am. I’m cranky and it’s very bright outside.

Grey Bow Headband, F21; Blue cardigan, F21 (borrowed); Black sweater vest, H&M (borrowed); Lace Top, BCBG Max Azria; Plaid Dress, Wet Seal; Lace Tights, Leg Avenue; Boots, Boutique 9

Cute was what I aimed for today (no I don’t listen to the band but I find their name adorable). I haven’t been feeling very styled lately (understatement, I feel like a slothy hobo), so I decided to throw myself back into the game today. It’s easier on MWF because I have morning classes, whereas I have afternoon ones on TR.

I feel like I just popped out of Urban Outfitters, but I’ve gotten a variety of other comments, the most popular being “Whoa! You have a purse around your neck!” The most unique, from El Rebelde, being “You look like Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service!”

Kiki's Delivery Service

Though it doesn’t really look like it, for some reason, I totally get where he’s coming from. Also, Arindam gave me a free boba tea on the premise of me being cute. So I’d say today’s outfit was a success, even without the tea.

As for the purse, it was a 17th birthday present from my mommy to me. I love love love it, but it’s so useless. Maybe that’s why I do. It can’t hold a cell phone or even a credit card and it’s chain is heavier than the purse itself. But I was going through a Ferragamo craze that year on eBay (I got 3 pairs of Vara pump) and this was just one of the best presents of that time. A lot of the older luxury brands like Hermes, Bruno Magli, Ferragamo included are some of her favorite brands and she’s passed it down onto me. When I grow up and get an amazing job, I would love to be able to buy her a Kelly Bag. Or anything that she wants really. But, I digress.

Coin Purse, Ferragamo

At the time, it didn’t occur to me to wear it as a necklace; this was a recent development. I just slung it futilely around like a real purse. Well it has a new ornamental function now. This is stupid, but I’m much better thinking on my feet when I’m rested. Yes yes, I knoooow, but it was such a big difference this morning that I felt I had to say it.

Melissa + Zaha Hadid Melflex Rubber Shoes, $350

Um. I want these so badly it almost hurts. I saw them first in the March issue of Teen Vogue and though Jen-Jen is not impressed, I am smitten silly. It’s seriously jeopardizing my promise to not buy things until after Easter. Meep! I’m such a weak Jedi, I swear.

Btw, I covered a fashion show last Thurs!! Yanorite? Omg so exciting. Now I’m just waiting on the clearance/ok-go for posting the pictures from the Simon Mall’s Fashion Now fashion show at the Galleria. Then I can finally gush about it without worrying about print space! Sorry sorry, very rushed right now. Got the article to hash out, a screenplay to pull from my ass, AH!

Knit Blazer, Gap; Cream hoodie, Lux; Grey balloon hem dress, F21; Scarf, Gap; Pink tights, Hue; Lace tights, Leg Avenue; Boots, Boutique 9; Panda bag, Pandorama

Note to self: getting pictures taken after you’ve worn the outfit, removed it, then put it all back on hours later is not the best idea. The result is far too sloppy for my taste. The scarves are arranged all wrong and hurried. My make up that I had put on out of boredom looks like a mistake that is sort of trying to melt away but not before getting caught doing so. Plus, by this time, the bird’s nest that was my hair had fallen flat and it no longer possesses the initial intrigue. Thus, we are left with somewhat of a picture failure, which is a pity because I like everything from the waist down. Esp my tights combo, its my first time wearing the lace ones and I love the edge they add, despite their delicate nature.

My blogging has been mostly trial and error and thus far, I haven’t found a way to communicate to photographers about what it is that I want out of my pictures. I don’t like it to be angled too high or too low, but in between enough so that it’s interesting. I like looking as long as possible being on the short side. I’m picky about lighting and the way my hair looks. I get iffy about a picture if a single detail on the clothes is out of place. I hate it when my face looks too spacey and emotionless. In other words, I wish I could split into two peopel, the subject and the photographer, so I can stop haggling with my friends and feeling awkward about it.

I should probably invest in a decent camera along with a remote (to eliminate the middle man), not like my  $180 one, who’s best function is probably the fact that its pink. It’s a good on the go gagdet, but for this? No no, I need something with substance and staying power. Which means, I’m gonna have to save. Again with the saving pep talk she says! Oye oye oye.

Zippered Heels, F21

All I wanted to wear was these shoes today, but I could not for the life of me come up with an interesting ensemble to compliment them. I was about to turn my closet inside out. You know those moments where you feel like you have nothing to wear and your heart sinks in frustration? Totally happened to me. Augh. It was like I was creatively constipated or something. I ended up wearing them anyway.

I bought some Dr. Scholl’s shoe pads for these but they are still too uncomfortable. My heels feel fantastic but the balls of my feet huuuurt. I wish they were just a little longer in the toe area, in fact, reaching them, then they’d be perfect. But for now, they’ll have to be a date option shoe only, where I’ll be sitting more than standing. Le sigh.

My mother retired recently. She made more money than my Dad and the comforts that I’ve been used to are now gone. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; my mom has been working hard all of her life and battling Parkinson’s, so she deserves this more than anyone I know. But, her retirement plan was cut by like 60%, interest rates suck so much right now, so you can imagine what that means.

It means I need to cut down my spendings. I haven’t been very smart lately and just buying things on a whim. I didn’t use to be like this; I used to just rework things, make things. I made my jewelry out of toys and old belts and bought lots of socks to play up my shoes. I lived for second hand. I think that’s what made me creative; my monetary constraints. So that’s what I’m going to do, go back to DIYing and making more of my own clothes. It’ll be better for my family if I do and better for me. I need to start paying myself again.

So with that, I’m going to make a rather difficult promise. I’m going to stop buying new clothes for awhile. I guess you could say I’m giving up shopping for lent (I’m technically Catholic, it’s a good excuse), but I’m hoping I can go longer than that. No more trips to F21 for awhile, no more eBay, nothing. Going cold turkey. God help me.

I finally used up the fragments of a Borders Gift card by buying the famed and much talked about British mag “POP.”

For a 20th anniversary edition, it sure didn’t have a lot of amazing editorials like I had anticipated and I was kind of disappointed (this thing was $15! :O). Upon a second look, it seemed like I had walked into a party I wasn’t invited to, a party that celebrated the life and love that was put into such a zine that could only be understood between the constant reader and the writers. I’m neither, so I felt left out and awkward. But with the 3rd look through, there were definitely articles I want to pour over, fashion characters I want to meet, and ideas I want to embody.

So yes, it was worth the extra cash. I could easily get addicted to this, buying foreign magazines. Ha, I already am (see Japanese collection), too late!

Today I did yard work with my family, as opposed to yesterday when I ran around with K-Drama in our high school reinacted date. I also made a lot of phones calls to fashion related people. It made me scared for a bit, thinking I’ll never get a job in the industry let alone internship if I can’t even get a hold of them to ask a few questions about their life. I’ve been lapsing like this lately, but that’s ok cause I need to get used to feeling like this. Gotta build a strong backbone!

Navy Blazer, BCBG Max Azria; White collared shirt, Express (gift); Black Tank, Express; Light blue pencil skirt, Lea Rome (gift); B&W kitten heels, BCBGirls; Gold stud belt, F21; Panda Bag, Pandorama (gift)

My mother takes the best photos of me, hands down. There’s something about the way she conducted this shot; it was as if she knew exactly what I wanted and more. It’s got to be a mother thing.

This is the outfit I wore to get my hair cut yesterday. My stylist and I discussed in depth this cut and again, she is another woman in my life who’s creative direction is remarkable, especially since this cut cost me $14 + tip = $19. I’ve always used a different lady at this place and now I can’t imagine trusting anyone else.

So my look that day was to be really corporate cool and with this new do, I think it’s very Korean-esque, as in more on the frilly fashion-y side rather than realistic. Besides, who’s going to take me seriously with my panda purse?

PS- these are my absolute favorite pair of shoes.

I have always been experimenting with (read: screwing up) my hair. Now, I can honestly say I’m quite satisfied.

I’m loving how it looks very much like Sun Ye’s hair (leader of Wonder Girls). Um I’m too tired to actually write a meaningful post (though I’ve had this one in mind for as long as I’ve wanted to be happy with my hair) so I’ll write it later.