Reality Sets In

College started exactly three weeks for me and already I am beginning to feel the strain of disappointments setting in. So many wrong decisions over entertainment and school, juxtaposed by high expectation and confidence that I will do well. Unfortunately, you can't have your cake and eat it too. The grades stare at me in the face, reminding me of how poor my performance was. I slept too late, study too little, and have too much fun. Now is when I settle into a mega-mode of anti-social and nerdy me. I'm trying to look at the positive things around me, the fact that it has only been three weeks and not five or six weeks in that I realize how screwed I am. Also, I guess mistakes do make my journey much more interesting and memorable. It reminds me to remember my philosophy that if you try hard and dedicate, anything can and will be accomplished. Plus, there's the pattern to the good and the bad--maybe my era of bad events will end and the good will commence soon. So my goal is to start working hard and hopefully my grades will be pulled up to the desired point: above an A-. NO PRESSURE.

Five Reasons to Thrift Thrift Thrift!

Whether it is the smell, the idea of second hand, or the fellow shoppers, people not acquainted with thrift stores will find a reason or two to express their repulsion. Quite frankly, I do not plan to change the attitude of these consumers (more treasures left for me!), but in the defense of thrift shopping, here are five reasons why YOU should give it a try.

One word: Economical.

Two words: Renew and recycle.

More importantly, most thrift stores stand behind a meaningful cause, giving their funds to charities that support others in need. For example, Goodwill is a nonprofit organization known for providing training or jobs for the unemployed that are at a disadvantage (disability, lack of education, financial challenges). And the name Goodwill is always dear to me because it is perhaps one of my favorite thrift store chains. It feels good to know that your purchase will be processed to something that serves a charitable purpose instead of feeding the black hole of mere profits.

To be honest, one of the main reasons for my frequent thrifting is creativity. The mass and chaotic arrangement of a thrift store compares to a retail or even retail store opens a new creative pathway to selecting your clothes. Customers are not constantly bombarded by the displayed clothes strategically hung on the mannequin or the hanger in stores such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. It's not about following trends and learn from others what is in, but what inspires you and defines your style that you picked a certain piece of clothing article.

But of course, at the end of the day, I love thrift stores for its one-of-a-kind finds. Embrace uniqueness.

Hervé Léger Spring/Summer 2012 Runway

If you notice, there is a strong theme of tight body-conscious dresses that stride on the runway. That is only because the bondage dress is the signature design of the Hervé Léger brand. The idea is to mold the clothes into the shape of the woman body, accentuating all the curves and the femininity of our anatomy. Bondage is sexy but remember to balance it out with a more subdued pair of shoes or accessories. No one wants to be mummified.

I DIE

The Hervé Léger S/S 2012 show was AMAZING. The dress is so fierce and sexy, with a tint of urban touch through the Navajo prints and textures. Another tip to wear body-con dress that I picked up is to play with metallics and shiny but luxurious materials. Last but not least, I am officially obsessed with fringes now! The shoes take a while for me to get used to but what the heck, the rest is just too perfect. 

Ichi Maki

Shopping date + sushi <3

Project Runway: the Fashion Begins!

Season 9 on Project Runway has been an exciting one for me, especially in the range of styles and skills that the designers had to offer. The past Friday marked the finale filming of this current season, which display nine different collections of the remaining participants. Of course, we do not know who are the few that are actually being judged. Anyway, on to my very own judging!

Olivier Green: he's definitely my favorite throughout the entire season. I like his modest personality, minimalistic and tasteful approach to fashion, and of course, his superb dedication in constructing quality clothing. Anyone would be at awe at the beautiful tailoring he did on that jacket in episode 7! For this specific collection, what I love most would probably be the sleekness of the clothes and the makeup and also the color palette, which some might think to be lacking the colorful burst appropriate for spring. But fashion is not supposed to follow rules and reject the artist's perspectives, and I do like the subdued colors for spring myself. Honestly though, he already got me at leather.

Anya Ayoung-Chee: Wow, this lady is TALENTED. Considering her lack of experience in designing and creating, Anya manages to please the judges and surprise her fellow participants in almost every single episode up till now. I was so glad that she finally won a challenge in episode and am crossing my finger that she is in for the finale. One thing about Anya, from her name to her look to her accent, is the exotic vibe that she naturally gives off to the camera, which is then also seen in her clothes, particularly for this collection. The woman that Anya dresses is bold and sexy and simply pleased in her own presence. I adore the prints and flow of dresses, but I do wish to have seen separates or just more variety in clothing pieces. 

 

Bert Keeter: From how the show portrays Bert, in his mumbling and isolation, I really did not appreciate Mr. Grumpy from the start. But you know what? He is a designer and I should just like him for what he does, not what he's implied to be. So I look at his pieces in an open mind and I have to say, I really like it. Bert emphasizes on his taste in simplicity and executes it on a fresh note. His collection is very elegant and feminine, accentuating the curve and the comfort of the woman with light and breathable material. I cannot get over how well the fabric falls on the models and I just want the clothes! 

 

Joshua McKinley: The great thing about this season is that the designers seem to be able to express themselves very easily, making their pieces recognizable. I knew right away that these designs have to be from Josh M, who has an exuberant personality and likes to lever his boldness to stand out. I'm not sure how well that could lay out in terms of social interaction but through his clothes, it makes a positive and distinguished statement. I like that he started the show with a solid vibrant royal blue off shoulder dress, almost like to prepare the audience for the crazy prints and colors that follow suit. However, I think the collection could be more well accepted if he had just toned down a little bit and throw a neutral surprise along the way to assert a sense of balance to the other blaring and busy designs. Or better yet, he should've just completely avoided the lime green. 

Laura Kathleen: I truly love Laura's style in almost every episode. She seems to know the trends and how to dress herself comfortably but still trumps the chic card. This might also be how she succeeds in her designs, as she relates to her own bohemian style and extends it to the women out there with her creations. I love, no wait...LOVE her maxi dresses in this collection, especially the cream-color dress that flutters so appealingly on the model. The dress has a great neckline and an even better straps. Yes, there is an good emphasis on the maxi (even Laura is wearing one!) but there are some great separates in the beginning of the show that wraps it into a well-balanced masterpiece. She makes skirts that fit like a charm and her top is praise-worthy in both the color and texture department. It's so hard to choose the four I like most!

 

 

Anthony Ryan: Sometimes I wonder if he really is colorblind, because his clothes always explode in prints and color combinations that take my breath away. I think this collection has a quirky flavor--power shoulder, spray-painted wrists, disheveled hilly billy, big nerd glasses, and let's not forget the splattered white blazer. While it is fun and memorable, I feel like one or two outfits take on such silhouette that is just not pleasing to the woman's body (I'm sorry hilly billy). However, he is redeemed for many other beautiful pieces on the runway and his risk taking. Oh, and I adore the print mixing. 

Viktor Luna: This guy can make clothes that look expensive and ready to wear. He seems to have a lot of fun with gowns, sheer tops, and subdued psychedelic prints. I think I scream when I saw the leather pants--I would buy it any day now and would never look back from there. I mean, not only is it the leather pants, but the details on it are to die for. I just wish he didn't pair it with that tattered white jacket. It's going nowhere for me, as well as that one maxi dress that has the gray color extending to the crotch...*cricket sound* ('nuff said). I'm also a little disappointed that he reused the shoulder that he designed for the black shirt in episode 4 on the printed shirt (or dress?) in this collection. But of course, his execution has lots to offer and I truly enjoy the collection overall. 

 

Kimberly Goldson: Her collection was not unique or memorable to me. They even lack cohesiveness-what was the common theme besides the bold colors? Also, the styling is simple, not inspirational at all. However, I do appreciate her construction skills. 

Bryce Black: I wasn't too in love with Bryce's works throughout the show, but I think he shows improvement in this collection. I especially love the pastel blue and how the show transitions from light fresh color of spring to darker and grungier designs. He really tries to stray away from the casual put-together of his product and I believe that should be well-received. But of course, his collection is not without criticism. The fitting of the some of the clothes is quite unappealing on the models' bodies (or anyone's)-too loose, too boxy, too awkward. 

Phew, I think that's about it. Check out the complete collections on nymag.com. 

Foster the People-Pumped Up Kicks

This song is going to be an overkill on the radio soon but I don't care. I like it and I'll probably overkill it for myself before anyone else does.

There's a heavy tone in the lyrics of this song which is something I don't agree with. The words pinpoint to tragedy of childplay and even individual isolation, produced by modern life (clearly suggested by the dinner "packed in ice"). Though I have to say what mostly attracted me to this is the relaxing, up-in-the-cloud melody of the song. How's that for irony?