Jackets Required

11:00 | Labels: , ,

After searching for what seemed like forever, I found the perfect black blazer. Then I went to Hong Kong, realized I didn't have room in my closet, chickened out on wearing the blazer out of the house, and returned it. So now I'm still blazer-less. Seeing how effortlessly put together these ladies look though (whether in a vintage grandpa style blazer or a tuxedo jacket/blazer), I'm thinking it's time to search again...


Images courtesy of THE INTERNET.

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Wardrobe Essentials

11:00 | Labels: ,

My friend Janelle over at The Style Eater recently posted her top 10 essential things to have in her wardrobe and I realized I had never seriously thought about my own wardrobe. Just like when someone asks me to define my music taste or fashion taste, I am a complete loss of words when it comes to what is essential to my wardrobe. When I boil it down, I suppose wardrobe essentials means what I have the most of and what I always buy no matter the season. Taking a note from Janelle, here are my top ten items (and a few photos from my own wardrobe!):


While picking a few to take photos of, I was only in the "dark" colors of my dresses when I realized I needed some light color dresses to show. Clearly, I have too many floral dresses!
1. Floral dress: It’s a given for warm weather, but it’s a great pick-me-up on those really cold, rainy days. A spot of color on those days when you're just wishing for some sunlight!
2. Anything with a Peter Pan collar: Just the best detail/cherry on top to a piece of clothing.
3. Or a dress with pockets: Cute and functional. I never have any idea what to do with my hands, so yep, they go in pockets!

Cardigans from l-r: Super slouchy, WASP-y, too twee to function, and a regular solid one.
4. Cardigans: I can seriously wear a cardigan every day because it just goes with EVERYTHING. Cropped and 3/4 length, long and big, patterned, solid...I have them all!
5. Sleek leather (or faux leather) jacket: Sometimes I need to toughen up my look and a leather jacket really does the trick. Plus, if the weather is too cold for a cardigan but not cold enough for an actual coat, I can always rely on a leather jacket.

Such a mess. You can't even see the totes and purses underneath! haha
6. Tote bags and small leather purses: I have a serious addiction to tote bags (seen here...although I have to guiltily admit that I have amassed a few more since then) and they go with everything. For fancier events, it's the small leather purse (usually thrifted or vintage) to the rescue. I don't know why I can't find a "grown up" purse that can actually fit everything I need.
7. Oxford shoes: A vintage and menswear wink, and it always classes up an outfit. I always have to stop myself from buying another pair (whether at a thrift store or at a regular retail store) because I already have a few pairs...and I own waaay too many shoes already.

Not pictured: the other half of my tights collections
8. Tights: Gives me a way to wear dresses in the winter and stay decent when hemlines start to creep north. Plus, it's an easy way to accessorize!
9. Black skinny jeans: They make my legs look a mile long, they’re versatile, and sometimes you can get away with wearing jeans because they look more elegant than denim-colored jeans!

10. Camera: I usually have a camera (whether it’s an expired disposable camera, my DLSR, or my number of various film cameras) on me so I consider it part of my wardrobe!

So now you tell me, dear readers: What are some MUST HAVES in your closet?

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Isabel Toledo endorses walking

13:43 | Labels: ,

As much as I love admiring shoes I cannot afford, even given the chance to have them for free I don't know if I'd be able to take them. I am extremely clumsy (I can be seated, and still bump into something) and I probably suffer from weak ankles or something, so any shoe with a heel over 2 inches is out. So when it was announced that designer Isabel Toledo was going to design a shoe line (made for walking!) for Payless, my heart rejoiced!

Unlike Lela Rose or Christian Siriano, I am guaranteed to actually walk, trot, and dance impromptu without falling over. This watercolor sketch alone makes me think about what I can wear these shoes with (everything?). I can't wait for a look book to appear in the coming weeks and to actually see it in September (birthday present to myself?). Hopefully the image translates to real life and they will be more quirky and less touristy!


Image courtesy of Refinery 29; info courtesy of WWD.

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Memory Lane: In mixtape form

13:00 | Labels:

Like the previous months, here is a mix I made for the Mixed Tapes blog I'm part of. This month's theme is ~getting to know each other.~ There was a list of questions (First concert, song that makes you think of an ex, etc.) and you can pick and choose which songs fir whatever question.

Here is my entry!


Thinking back to what I listened to before I listened to ~cool~ music is embarrassing, but I couldn't have it any other way. I mean, isn't childhood (and mostly high school) all about awkwardness and learning from sad, sad mistakes? I think so. To make it more lols, I will probably post a few photos too. It's not as cohesive as a "mix" nor is it anything cutting edge (expect a lot of "entry level" stuff), but I hope you still enjoy it!
DOWNLOAD HERE.
1. Patrick Wolf: A Boy Like Me
My first concert: I had just met one of my best friends (foreverrr) Cecily, and we went to Amoeba to see Patrick Wolf perform. This was for his record launch party (sort of) for "Lycanthropy." This was the first concert I went to on my own free will. The first EVER concert was when I was in Hong Kong but I honestly don't remember who I saw. All I remembered was my cousin jumping up on her chair and screaming like a crazy fan girl. It was not cool.
Here I am with P. Wolf. I think I was 15?

2. Xiu Xiu: Suha
My most recent concert: Since graduating, I haven't been to as many shows mostly because I'm lazy. But if Xiu Xiu is ever in town (or Jamie Stewart solo), I will go, no questions asked. Easily one of my top 5 favorite bands. And for fun, here is a photo of the first time I ever saw Xiu Xiu! I think I was 15 or 16. Hahah, look at how awk-awk Jamie is.

3. Joy Division: Love Will Tear Us Apart
Favorite song with "love": This was a pretty difficult one to choose from just because I have at least 450 songs with the word "love." I decided that Xiu Xiu's "I Luv the Valley, OH!" was out because it's "luv" (although I guess we can argue the TitSJ version). And although I hold Björk's "All is Full of Love" near and dear to my heart, the impact that Joy Division had (and has) on me is stronger. I could listen to "Love Will Tear Us Apart" every single day and can always find another thing I love about the song.
4. No Doubt: Spiderwebs
First CD: The first CD I ever got was No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom." I didn't listen to the radio then, and the only music I did listen to was classical (I started playing the cello when I was eight) or Cantonese pop (parents). I think No Doubt's last single for this album came out in 1998 and I was like WHAT IS THIS???? I was in fifth grade and I found the CD in my newspaper one day. I guess someone who was packing our newspaper accidentally left it in. Sucks for them, but great for 9 year-old me. The late '90s also happened to be the revival of ska. I'm pretty sure at least one of our contributors knows VERY WELL the effect ska had on their lives.
5. Avi Buffalo: Truth Sets In
Most recent CD: When I buy CDs, I buy a few at a time so it's hard to just choose one. However, this was the newest CD I listened to. I enjoy it a lot. Hah, from No Doubt to Avi Buffalo. Life!
6. Radiohead: Idioteque
Band that changed my life: Yep, I'm just like EVERYBODY ELSE. But whatever, I heard Radiohead for the first time (not counting "Creep") and it was just like nothing I had ever heard before. It was then that I decided to seek out bands that were also unconventional...and by unconventional, I mean they weren't being heard on mainstream radio. Haha
7. The Smiths: This Charming Man
Favorite song to dance to: Every single indie club I go to, I go crazy when I hear "This Charming Man." I love The Smiths, but this song just makes me incredibly happy and I can't help but grin like the Since U Been Gone kid anytime I listen to this song.
8. The Velvet Underground: I Found a Reason
Song I want played at my wedding: This is so cheesy and I can't believe I'm sharing this with you guys, but I want my first ~dance~ with (ugh) my husband-to-be to be this song. It's not original, but whatevs, I don't claim to be cool. It's a great song and it's romantic.
9. Joanna Newsom: Peach, Plum, Pear
Song to make me feel shittier: I suffer from (teen) angst a loooot for no reason (sometimes) and if I want to feel even shittier, I listen to this song. Nothing about unrequited love and lyrics that I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND 100% to make me feel worse!
10. Sigur Rós: Ný Batterí
Song with great songwriting/lyrics: I don't understand the lyrics of this song, but I feel making up my own lyrics and meaning transcends (ho ho!) it. I mean, the beauty of the song is that it can mean different things to different people. Listening to this song brings back so many memories, thoughts, and ~feelings.~ In general, this band makes me feel this way more than any other band has.
~Bonus~
I need this song to soundtrack some random scene in a movie based on my life.
Belle & Sebastian: I Don't Love Anyone
No explanation needed, really.

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lazy sunday

17:25 | Labels:


This is my lazy Sunday outfit (obvs) because I spent a whole day in downtown L.A. (and Los Feliz...and Glendale) from morning to (technically) the next morning. By the time I got in bed and tried to force myself to sleep (the coffee I had 4 hours ago didn't help matters), birds were already chirping. Needless to say, although I couldn't look like a slob, I didn't have the energy to think of ~outfits for today.

It was worth it, though; Saturday was loads of fun! The morning, Anam, Cecily and I traipsed around the California Market Center on 9th street to check out independent vendors at Unique LA. My favorites were the little jewelry trinkets, the re-worked vintage dresses, and adorable stationary. A lot of it was ridiculously pricey, but I did pick up a light blue and white dress with a scalloped collar that will get considerable wear once we hit summer. After that, a failed attempt to visit the Griffith Observatory which ended up with us walking around the Americana in Glendale. Then, Hungry Beat! at La Cita. For those who don't live in L.A., Hungry Beat is a bi-monthly dance party, where DJs spin 60's indie pop, yé-yé, and Northern soul. It was two of my friends' birthdays, so a bunch of us hung out and (sometimes purposely) dance awkwardly.

Floral shirt: random mall boutique | Cardigan sweater: bday (or Christmas?) gift from Samra! (Pins and Needles via UO) | Black skinnies: Uniqlo | Wedges: Aldo

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Pierre Hardy x GAP

22:43 | Labels:

I am still angry at myself for not getting these shoes that Pierre Hardy did for GAP a few seasons ago. Of course it's out of my budget, but seeing it on so many blogs and girls makes me want them more and more.
However, there could be a consolation prize! Not only is creative director Patrick Robinson designing new pants (hello chic and affordable trouser pants!), Pierre Hardy's shoe collab with GAP this Fall is crush-worthy. Peep toe wedges and lace up booties? UHHH YES. FOREVER.


Images courtesy of Nitrolicious and Refinery 29 via Geometric Sleep

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Miu Miu

12:38 | Labels: , ,

First of all, a big Hello! to my new readers and followers over at Swap-Bot. Hopefully you'll continue to keep coming back and commenting. It does mean a lot to me!

Second of all, does anyone else have an Interview subscription? Their February issue still hasn't been mailed to me and although they've given me two more months extension, it's like...I still want my magazine! I did finally receive the March issue and lo and behold, there is a gorgeous editorial featuring Miu Miu's Spring 2010 looks. It looks AMAZING in print, especially since the magazine is a lot larger than most magazines. I'm still obviously obsessed with this collection.

Anyway, I thought I'd share the photos so you, too, can bask in the glory that are clothes with cats/naked ladies/daisies/sparrows pattern.



Photographer: Mark Segal | Models: Ann Kenny and Tura Kenny | Stylist: Ludivine Poiblanc

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my weekend in photos

14:00 | Labels: ,

Just a little glimpse into my Las Vegas weekend. I'm a nerd and sleep early, so these are all flower/garden and food photos. haha.





And of course, a blog entry wouldn't be complete without an outfit post! Here I am about to join the ant fight you see behind me!

Top: Liberty of London x Target | Shorts: F21 | Brogues: Aldo (I feel like this is the 10th post with these shoes!) | Tote: God Help the Girl

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all black

16:00 | Labels:


I always admire girls who can create a unique all black ensemble. I like that, from afar, it doesn't look like anything too special, but once you get closer, you see all the great details that just MAKES the outfit. It's difficult for me to do that since I just love florals so much but I recently got this lace top (not cream-colored lace, so I'm still on the hunt for spring!) and decided to give the all black a try.

Lace top: Kimchi Blue (via UO) | Cardigan: "Play" by Commes des Garcons | Necklace: Hong Kong | Black pants: Uniqlo | Socks: Target | Brogues: Aldo

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trip time!

10:04 | Labels:


I have some family over from Hong Kong so we're off to Las Vegas for the weekend!
I have a scheduled post set for tomorrow but...don't expect anything (else) new til the weekend is over. Talk to you later!

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Rooftop dancing and balloon twirling

16:00 | Labels: ,


Refinery 29 recently wrote about Keller's new look book and I loved it so much, I thought I'd share it here, too. I'm a sucker for ~whimsical~ photos but not only are these photos gorgeous and fun, the clothes are great too. Great for spring but super perfect for summer. Light and breezy, these outfits will make you forget how unbearably hot it is outside. Also, I can never say no to socks with oxfords...




If photos aren't enough, here is a video!

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sweaters and skirts

15:00 | Labels: , ,


I recently watched "An Education" and let me tell you...no matter your opinion of the movie, you can't deny how fantastic the wardrobe is. Of course, I probably loved it 10x more than the average person due to my obsession with 60's style (if only I could pull it off every day of my life!). The ease Carey Mulligan's character has with an outfit like an ankle-length bottom with a slightly over size sweater or the sleeveless shift dress she wore in Paris...ah, all divine!
Anyway, I think after I looked at these photos of my outfits, I realized that I may have been a little influenced by those two outfits in the film. Over-sized sweater? Check. Blue/green watercolor print? Check again. School-girl oxfords? Yep. It's there.

Sweater: vintage courtesy of Mama's closet | Necklace: vintage courtesy of Fairfax flea market | Belt/Oxfords: Hong Kong boutique | Skirt: Kimchi Blue (via UO) | Tights: DKNY
Oh, and in case you were wondering, my hair is long enough to be braided! This is cause for celebration!

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Zac Posen for Target advert

16:00 | Labels:

OK, so I know I said I wasn't really wowed by Zac Posen's collab with Target and I still stand by that statement. Obviously, my opinion could change once I see the looks in person as the look book I saw a few months ago can be deceiving! BUT, this video of The Like posing in Zac's Target clothes really makes me want to backpedal my statement...and I think it's because of the 1960's girl group undertone in this video. Damn you, Zac! You totally know my weakness!


Note: That tuxedo top that is super cute? Actually a body suit. :(

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Happy Birthday to you, Bloggerson!

14:00 | Labels:


I can't believe it's been exactly a year since I started this blog. What started as a little segue from my Irvine Style blog has really turned into a place to chart my evolving and growing style history/knowledge. Anyway thanks to everyone who started reading from the beginning and stuck with it. Also a thanks to those who have discovered this blog but have stayed! And of course, always for the lovely comments. Without getting too cheesy, they always mean a lot to me. So anyway, yay for a year and yay for all of us!

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