Circa November

Long overdue, roopsies. Regardless, this entry, being post #90 (whoa.) marks the very first post in my blog's three-year (whoa...) history to actually feature me. Surprise! Bet you didn't realize I was actually a small Asian. So as I've made redundantly clear over this cherished span of time, my heart belongs first and foremost to fall fashion. These autumn shots courtesy of fayettevillemandy's Nikon D60 recap the day I arrived back to "DR" with a new pair of combat boots and fresh mindset on risk-taking thanks to my bffl, Karen Ashley Fabella. Thanksgiving = Nemo-and-Stitch-a-Palooza, in case you were unaware. As mild as I now perceive this outfit to be, I was initially instinctively cautious of its man-repelling potential...WWJT? (What Would JBiebs Think?) clearly topped my list of concerns.

Clutching onto Kara's NYLON for dear life, apparently.

I love this look because it totally lends itself to a rather significant throwback-- my double-denim obsession of second grade. Yes, with my Arizona Jeans Co. light-wash denim shirt and Kids 'R Us-belted New Legends skinny jeans and hiking boots, I believed full well that I was the shit. (Sidenote: Holy shit. All of these companies are now obsolete. Saauuuu '90's.) Thanks to Singer22 and other sources of encouragement, I'm proud to report the ensemble has been resurrected in a positive light. It goes without saying, however, that there will always exist those trailer park honeys who give double-denim a painfully bad name...but if I started writing now, I'd be the next character featured on thingsidoonaddy. And all I have to say in response is should I make it on that page, I have way better stories to offer than this.

Ilyk2pickleaves, a variation on one of the most epically amazing Facebook passwords of all time.

LOLZ!

Denim button-down: H&M, $30

Grey v-neck: Forever 21, $9

Denim shorts: 7 For All Mankind, $168

Brown leather belt: Target, $13

Tights: Worthington, $4

Black combat boots: Baker's, $70

Sunglasses: Diesel, $120...but for me, gifted as a PGA, aka the upside to being an unpaid intern.

Cross-posted HERE.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Slight attention deficit

I was researching up on my new source of inspiration, Trolley Square's Miss Dallas Shaw (post coming later), when I came across this blog created by image and wardrobe consultant, Greenville's own JoJami Tyler. Sounds like the most fun and baller job EVER. Real life aside, I found a post that featured the most beautiful over-the-knee boots I have ever seen in my entire life. Simple but not bland, worn but not rugged, Tory Burch but not the Reva flat. I'm undeniably in love. Pure fashion perfection.

Elena Over-the-Knee Boot

Tory Burch, $550

And while we're on the topic of visual perfection, why not allot a few minutes just to contemplate how stunning, gorgeous, hot, beautiful, incredible, fabulous and ultimately extraordinary Sienna Miller is? Gawd. These captures are from Alfie, one of the most depressing yet lesson-to-be-learned movies of all time, even if I was enjoying it with the best possible company (second family) in the best possible place (One River Place, apartment #428). But yeah, sucks to be Mr. Perpetual Bachelor, no? Someone cleely needs to watch this movie, maybe learn a thing or two... probz not though. xoxo gossip girl circa summer 2010. The second half of this post is dedicated in its entirety to Theresa Breitton and Yuri Bong. Love you both more than words could ever say lolz.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

We no speak Americano

And here's the follow-up to my first post documenting the sartorially-gifted muses I discovered while abroad. Writing this post kind of makes me miss traveling all too much.

Plaza Mayor

Salamanca, Spain

18 October 2009:

Seriously, I love bright pops of color. Photos like this are the reason I respect Europeans so much. While these girls were just hanging out in between classes, their outfits are just so much more awesome and interesting than those of anyone you would find in the US, particularly at Wake. I don't remember if the glasses belonging to the girl on the left were solely for aesthetic purposes or not, but they just work. I love the interplay between her structured blazer (great metal hardware at the sleeves) and the hot pink pashmina that totally changes the outfit in a great way. The girl on the right has gorgeous haircolor, and she also makes great use of a rich knit scarf. I love her oversized parka for the soon-to-be chilly fall weather, and that pair of brown leather knee-high boots is an undeniable staple item that transcends all seasons.

18 October 2009:

I met this fun pair of British travelers just walking the streets in a student group of their own. After exchanging "do you know this place"'s regarding London and the several tube zones, I complimented them on their concepts of layering and balance (surprise, surprise). While the girl on the left probably was not even planning on being photographed in her ultra-casual outfit, I applaud her use of a zip-up vest over the simple grey hoodie. This look inspires me to try a fitted charcoal/grey hoodie (maybe zip-up, maybe not) under my black shrunken motorcycle jacket with the hood and longer sleeves exposed. I'm a fan of those skinny Keds sneakers they're both wearing, now deemed rather city and hipster by brands like Urban, selling a simple pair of cotton sneakers for upwards of $24. Ouch.

Fast-Food Chain "X" (Help?)

Valencia, Spain

20 October 2009:

Without a doubt, this was probably the most inspirational as well as the friendliest group of individuals I photographed during the entire semester. A brother-sister graphic design team stationed in Valencia, I met this well-dressed group in line for bocadillos and onion rings. Classy, no? While looks like this are just finally starting to surface via fast fashion chains, the girl here dressed innovatively at least a year before her American counterparts... shame on our parts for not hitting the ground running in terms of the international fashion curve. I can't stop zeroing in on the wash of her grey leggings, which contrast sharply with the harsh line of her classic brown combat boots... utter perfection. And those guys are just awesome with the blazer/scarf/jean/sneaker combo. Casual yet put-together, something that 99.9% of straight guys in the US have yet to figure out, let alone master.

Haus Erasmus

Vienna, Austria

9 October 2009:

Boys and girls, meet Loveleen Sull, my fellow petite fashionphile. Currently working at an ad agency in her hometown of Vancouver (yes she's Canadian, but awesome), this girl knows exactly what flatters her enviable slender frame with a studded bodycon dress from Zara. As I've stated earlier, I'm not a fan of cap-sleeves, but this dress not only makes the concept work, but creates a need for it in order to create the very best sense of cohesion. The cut-out laced black patent oxfords are also an incredible touch. Never at Wake would you find such awesome shoes to go with an otherwise classic LBD-- the toes are pointed! Inspirational to the max, I'm planing on style-stalking Loveleen's facebook to find more incredible ideas (thank you, and you better stick to that New Year's resolution so we can be blog bffl's).

12 October 2009:

When I decided to spend a week with Nats in Vienna, I had no idea how many fun people I'd get to party (and engage in otherwise sober activities) with from literally all over the world. And I don't mean east coast to west, but from countries like Sweden (Molly, on the left) and England (Lizzie, on the right). Making use again of my favorite concept of balance, they both exhibit a sense of nonchalant, understated elegance that I respect so much. Instead of grabbing what's easiest and safest (read: ratty old zip-up hoodie) to pair with a pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans and grossly-overplayed UGG's, I'd like to challenge more girls at Wake to utilize a crisp blazer, something that completely transforms an outfit. Entering the most fashionably conservative context possible, let's imagine an outfit constructed of a simple Hanes wifebeater and a pair of dark denim skinny jeans with cognac leather riding boots. Instead of going for the black North Face Denali (don't even get me started on the Burberry scarf, the constant peripheral good of this piece), a blazer brings the outfit full-circle and ensures a much more grown-up, polished look that a fleece zip-up otherwise would not warrant.

14 October 2009:

When else in my life have I ever met people from Denmark? My party-hopping week in Vienna definitely allowed me to soak up as much global fashion as possible, so thank you again, Nats. And all in the kitchen of a university dorm? God, I love Europe. Only a year older than my sister, Tess is probably the coolest 17-year-old I know (16 at the time this photo was taken). I love how she uses the popping colorblock skirt to the outfit's advantage, that fuschia strip bringing to life the entire otherwise-monochromatic palette. Her friend on the right makes great use of those black leather over-the-knee boots, tied with tassels at the back adding dimension and texture.

Place Monge

Paris, France

14 November 2009:

I was introduced to Hillary, a very fashionably-aware NYU student from Atlanta, by the one and only Caitlin Garrigan-Nass aka sophomore-year Rooms. Interning for the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Hillary exudes the sophisticated dress of an UES socialite constructing her outfit from some of my very favorite esoteric labels-- LaROK and Miss Sixty-- and a touch of vintage with the chain-link bag she stole from her mom's closet. Mixing textures of the shiny silk blouse with the luxe white winter coat, Hillary's outfit screams nothing shy of remarkably put-together. In a single word: fabulous. While my tastes are beginning to lean more toward the spectrum of risky and even slightly ridiculous, this look reminds me of how fun it is to dress with some ladylike swag, as well.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Summer's last hurrah

So as summer winds down, I'm at the annual transitional crossroads between summer and fall. It's not quite Indian Summer or autumn yet, but my favorite seasons are approaching and I can hardly wait. The only dilemma I have is exactly how to allot my budget. I've been dying to get a solid pair of cognac gladiator platform wedges. Should I give them a chance now that it's mid-August, or move on to black tuxedo stilettos, something that can be paired with a peacoat and opaque tights? Wow. Maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself.

Regardless, there are still a good lot of sandals that I've been lusting over, the majority of which are by Dolce Vita. I recently purchased a pair of black/gold ecoté flat gladiators from Urban Outfitters for under $30. These will get the job done for pulling together my usual homeless-chic outfits (a term of endearment), but don't provide the extra oomph that a pair of leather wedges do. After searching obsessively for the past three days and nights, below are my options to celebrate the last leg of summer.

Dolce Vita >> Raleigh >> $170: Raleigh wins the "Most Likely to Be Purchased" award. I'm hell-bent on making the cognac color mine, but they're sold out almost everywhere in my size. All three colors are great neutral shades to tie together any outfit combination. I can easily envision myself wearing a simple black crop top with my Joe's Jeans jean shorts uncuffed carrying an oversize satchel and aviators and sporting any one of these shoes. Then again, these wedges could also go well with J Brand cigarette leg dark jeans and a slouchy wool sweater for fall and winter. Sooooo many options, therefore, a must-have. And I'm not just being impulsive.

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent >> Luella >> $405: I am obsessed with Cynthia Vincent's line of wedges for S/S 10. Every single pair makes my heart smile because of all the versatility it could provide to one's wardrobe. These shoes look like they'd go great with cuffed boyfriend shorts and a wrinkled plaid button down as well as any pair of jeans for fall. These pictures make the shoe look a little more rugged than I'm sure it really is, but even then, it gives off a tough-girl vibe and is ready to be paired with more lighthearted pieces for a to-die-for outfit.

Dolce Vita >> Helix >> $173: These shoes are something else. A hybrid loosely reminiscent of grommet-studded clogs, buckled gladiator sandals and espadrille wedges, the Helix is the genius creation of Dolce Vita to serve as the ultimate versatile shoe. These shoes are brilliant, gorgeous, playful and structured-- all at the same time. With the "x" straps at the toes, the parallel buckle straps and the side cutouts, the designers clearly employed shapes as being an important concept to the finished product. I love.

Dolce Vita >> Reno 2 >> $80: Different from many non-espadrille wedges, these shoes don't feature buckles or side straps because of they're basically the girly sandal cousin to high top sneakers. I love these shoes for a number of reasons, number one being that they're totally unexpected. It's certain shoes like these, that are strange upon first glance, but warrant a second look upon turning away. Like the Raleigh sandal, these shoes have those interesting Dolce Vita cutouts on the side that add an extra hint of fun. The platinum silver color is most definitely my favorite-- the black, white or tan are just too Robin Hood for me.

J. Crew >> Cleo >> $165: There are always those families of products, that when presented together, complement each other so well that a customer is rendered helpless but to want to buy the whole lot of them. That's exactly what these wedges do to me every time I look at them together. These shoes give off a much more refined look than the other trendier sandals, but they still reflect summer, romance and femininity. The grey sandal is definitely the underdog here. I first overlooked it, then realized how unbelievably cool that white heel was. The light brown is pretty self-explanatory, but the dark brown might look a little too earthy unless paired with riskier pieces.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent >> Mason >> $350: These are my dream shoes right now. Literally everything about this shoe is perfect (besides the price, ouch). I would wear these shoes every day if I got them; they're that versatile. These shoes are totally channeling petite celebs like Rachel Bilson and Nicole Richie, and that's why I love them. The buttery camel leather paired with the tougher gold buckle detailing is what makes the shoe so high-quality and perfect. Definitely my favorite in this set.

Dolce Vita >> Rozene >> $199: I know, I know. These shoes are crazy at first glance, but when you take a step back, they're definitely more refined than you'd expect. The shoe is covered with cresenct-moon cutouts and studs, but that doesn't detract from its versatility at all. I can totally imagine petite girls wearing this shoe stepping out on Melrose in two long, layered barely-there tanks and jean shorts for daytime, or a vest and skinny jeans bar-hopping at night. This is such a vest shoe, and it's amazing that one look can determine that. It's like being fashion-psychic... definitely a resume booster.

So yes, a loaded post indeed. Now that I've finished raving about all these shoes, it's time for me to go and do something about it. The outfit combos are endless, and I'm just getting started.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Spur of the moment

Versatile pieces to create a surprisingly consistent look. Thank you, fellow New York City fashionistas, for your inspiration. The legitimacy of this outfit in real life is questionable, but I'm sure one with the right attitude and swagger could pull it off... that denim-button down is tricky with the speckled babydoll dress but as always, that's what makes it interesting.

And here I go to Boston...

Matt Shirt

Twenty8Twelve, $131

Speckle Babydoll Dress

Topshop, $90

Logo Clutch with Chain

Tory Burch, $325

Felicity Chandelier Earring

Anthropologie, $28

Crystal and Pearl Symphony Bracelet

J. Crew, $60

Nuisance

Steve Madden, $100

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Summer in the city

It's a given that even though I'll be spending my entire summer in New York City (God, the more I say it, the more real it becomes...), I won't be able to let go of my Greenville roots or the influences I've gained from supreme fratting at Wake. Here's a simple, bare-boned ensemble to transition my real-life style as it stands to the one I'll acquire after weeks and weeks of my coveted position as a Diesel presence marketing intern.

Solid Skinny Oxford

Polo Ralph Lauren, $90

Cuffed Denim Shorts

Joe's Jeans, $98

Sabrina Belt

Elegantly Waisted, $86

Gladiator Wedge Sandal-- Cognac

Cynthia Vincent for Target, $30

Golden Knots Necklace

J. Crew, $55

RB3044 Aviator Small Metal-- Arista

Ray-Ban, $100

Milla Clutch PM

Louis Vuitton, $350

Loving life, remaking the city our playground, a clothing allowance at my incredible internship... could I be any happier? Maybe with a little more fratting (country music, pong and America-loving)... but that can be arranged.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Here's the...

Skinny on dark jeans: they're a staple piece of any petite girl's wardrobe throughout the seasons.

Before my recent post-Thanksgiving bender, I was surviving on a few pairs of trusty bottoms, the most comfortable and sleek of which being a pair of pants I bought last spring at a local boutique for more than 60% off the regular price. Comfortable, sleek and a triple-sticker markdown. Crazy? Not really. Meet my black J Brand skinny jeans.

Katie Holmes wearing "The Deal" from www.jbrandjeans.com

Besides the fact that I had to get the hems taken up a few inches (How standard, yes?), these jeans are perfection in designer denim form. Never before have I owned a pair of pants that fit so well and demanded attention with such an understated elegance. J Brand's simplicity is uncanny. Aside from the characteristic deep yellow stitching (which probably goes unnoticed except to enthusiasts like myself), there is literally nothing else about the brand that can be imitated, especially not the fit, which is probably what entices so many to become loyal customers.

Again, it's an understood treasure belonging only to a particular group. J Brand lovers need not strut around with a label plastered all across the back of their jeans- the fellow select few will notice and appreciate. Plus, with a less-than-30-inch inseam, it's virtually impossible for a pair of these to make a girl look anything but put together. Often, people don't realize this product's true versatility; black skinny jeans can double as a thicker pair of leggings under boots during winter or hold their own paired with a few layered tissue-thin tunic tops and flat gladiator sandals. No matter how you wear them, J Brand skinny's will surely accentuate a slim figure but still permit movement. Really, besides peace among nations and an end to world hunger, what more could you ask for?

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.