a. wang, 60's fashion, and one of my favorite bands

Lately I've been re-falling in love with The Kooks.

love at first sight

Browsing through the newly posted photos from Couture Week in Paris, none of them caught my eye like Elie Saab's. Slightly sheer and lots of lace, questionable trend as it's being done and done and overdone lately, but the light, delicately flowing fabrics of his ethereal billowing gowns create a playful yet elegant balance. A bit of softer romanticism is definitely no stranger to this collection with Elie's use of subdued colors such as bois de rose, thistle, and a palette of other dusty pastels. Beautiful.

back to the future

Wearing | coat from sister's closet • New Look drapey striped cardigan •
Arden B tunic • Hue 100 denier tights

Unless you've been living under a massive rock, I'm sure all of you have seen or at least heard of Alexander's McQueen's crazy Spring 2010 collection by now, either through Lady Gaga's Bad Romance video, hundreds of bloggers, or any other source... but have you seen the new campaign shot by Nick Knight?

Everyone else just says "beautiful" but I believe it deserves so much more than that. How Raquel Zimmermann managed to lie under 30 live snakes for who knows how long on the sand for this ad is otherworldly beyond me. I would instantly pass out on the spot if I had to do this! Respect is due.

Although, to be simply realistic and sincere, I can't envision myself wearing any of the garments or shoes in this collection—especially not those claw-like platforms—on the streets, as artistic and unique they are. Except this:

Masculine and feminine flawlessly converged by the combination of rusty gold utilitarian hardware and soft baby pink patent leather. Eye candy.

Too bad I don't have $2000 nor do I think I afford the dangers of walking in 10-inch heels...

sunshine at last

via Tumblr

Since last Sunday, I experienced 6 out of 7 consecutive days consisting of a never-ending series of rainfall, not likely considering I live in the southern region of the Golden State. I found myself debating over what to wear every morning but when rain meets school I have the perfect excuse to live in the comforts of worn-out jeans and the infamous American Apparel hoodies. I really have to applaud all you folks living in a place where it rains months at a time. How do you get used to this?!

I think it's so amusing when I'm walking to class and there's always at least a group or two of girls standing and staring at a giant puddle of water shrieking and whining about how they cannot walk across it for dear life... even when it's merely a centimeter high. Well, I'm not like that. I'll just walk through it. My friend Shon says I'm brave. Then again, I'm not fatuous enough to wear a pair of brand new overly expensive shoes on a rainy day. (Especially not to a school that's practically flooded!) Actually, scratch that. I'd walk in a pool of water with Louboutins on if you dared me. Really, who cares about fashion in the rain? I kind of love the cold feeling and splish-splashy sound. Maybe I'm just a kid at heart. I loved jumping in puddles and dancing around in the rain when I was little. I still kind of do. I miss the days when everyone was carefree. Why are some teenagers so afraid being in the rain? Maybe I'm not an insecure, superficial little girl. Maybe I don't hide behind 5 layers of make-up and how you see my hair is how it is naturally 95% of the time, so I don't know about you but I look about the same in and out of the rain anyway. The rain can really show certain people's true colors...

try and fail, but don't fail to try

Wearing | French Connection shorts • DIY Chanel bag t-shirt

How I went about upon the do-it-yourself process of this tee was actually a lot easier and simpler than it looks! I first made this image and printed it (as it is) on transfer paper and ironed it onto a 100% cotton t-shirt; refer to the directions for whichever brand of transfer paper you use as they all vary. The entwined chain that I sewed on was a necklace I bought from Forever 21 a few months ago. I questioned whether I should glitter the CC, but as a clumsy person with a lack of poise, I preferred not take the risk...

open your eyes

The other day, my U.S. History teacher showed us a movie called, "Iron Jawed Angels." To be quite frank, I wasn't initially drawn to it judging from the title, but the minute I saw Hilary Swank—the same star of Million Dollar Baby, Boys Don't Cry, Freedom Writers, etc—I knew it was going to be interesting. She played the role of a real woman in history: Alice Paul. This film not only gave me a newfound respect for the lady, but also made me realize how inspiring Ms. Paul was as a person, suffragist, & woman's right activist. She was determined and passionate, she was smart and educated, she stood up for what she believed in and was driven with high amounts of motivation to go after what she wanted no matter what the sacrifices were she had to risk. She is basically the main reason why women have the rights we often take for granted today. She was truly the definition of a hero.. and it made me realize, how often do you find such people nowadays?

I should really be studying for Chemistry

This just about sums up how I feel about Chemistry at the moment:

I know.






Visit this Aussie label here

I couldn't pick just a few favorites, it's like everything was made for me! I can see myself wearing every look exactly as styled. Maybe, minus the big coats as it hasn't felt anything close to the reminiscence of winter lately. Seems like spring is approaching a bit quicker here this year. I like it. Hopefully, rain doesn't return with a vengeance anytime soon...

Inspiration: Karl

I spent a--ahem... productive--hour and a half watching Karl Lagerfeld videos on YouTube this morning which, if you're familiar with his continuously recurring black & white palette, really set me in the mood to dress in a monochromatic color scheme as I was fixing to go out this early afternoon.



Wearing | Forever 21 tunic • Zara studded suede skirt

Speaking of Mr. Lagerfeld, I'm a step away from finishing that Chanel bag t-shirt that I planned a DIY on so I'll be showcasing that sometime in a (hopefully, if procrastination doesn't become the thief of time) non-distant future post!

shine on me

Next door to a French cafe, a bookstore with everything, and an inexpensive movie theater, I acquired this dress for $8 at a little consignment shop called Squaresville in the heart of Los Feliz, Los Angeles awhile back. Probably one of the most mod-looking thrift stores I've ever been in. You'll see hoards of standard consignment finds from denim to floral skirts and plenty of plaids. But this is thrift done hip, so expect to find a $20 vintage Marc Jacobs cardigan & a gold blazer from the 80's sharing rack space with sequined tops, leather vests, tassled velvet jackets and the like. Not to mention they have a killer collection of shoes, especially boots upstairs!

happy 2010!

I never really got the point of resolutions... why wait for a whole new year to set a list of goals when you can make them anytime? I set goals for myself nearly everyday and calling it a "resolution" doesn't make a difference.

This year, I'm not asking for a fresh start. I don't need change. 2009 was a good year for me and I'm content with everything the way it is. All I could use are improvements. & I know 2010 will bring them.

I hope you all had fun last night; Happy New Year, everyone!
& I think it's so cheesy whenever someone says this haha, but-- may all your hopes, wishes, desires, & cherished dreams be reality :)

Remember,