Been too long

I've put blogging on hiatus lately... Which sucks cause I love to write in here. I'm either lazy or busy. Referring mostly to the former. But a lot has happened in the long time I have been absent here. Finishing up school, graduating, job-hunting. But hey, I'm a pseud0-working girl now. And I certainly plan to document what I wear to work, at least to the professional one. That's right, I am currently holding down three positions. One is an internship, another is a volunteership, and another is a foldingbitchship. All are unpaid, unfortch. Even the third one that actually pays. I made myself pretty available and they still give me like 4 hours a week. Fuck that entire tyrannical entity. This is not so blind of an item, but at work my duties involve folding all the live long day, wearing their overpriced, homogenous clothing, and greeting people with a dumb tagline. And we're required to conform to some sort of look while we're out on the floor, and I suppose this season, boring grey and navy blue boytanks and denim is the "look" du jour. The smell of the store is abhorrent - we have to spray perfume that is basically the female version of Axe body spray all over the merchandise. And a tagline? Oy. If I walk into a store, and there are two or three rooms to explore, I really don't need each sales associate greeting me with the same obligatory tagline such as "Hey! What's up!?" I dunno whose idea this was, but customer service does not involve hearing the same, unnatural, rehearsed greeting each moment I even dare to go further into a store.

But, I digress. I will also be volunteering at my school's marketing research center for internet retailing - yes , my area of expertise. I couldn't be any more excited! We'll be using Second Life as our main platform, interacting with other avatars and researching consumer behavior in virtual shopping environments and how they can translate into real life. Sounds dorky, but pretty awesome at the same time. My actual internship position involves assistance in market research as well, so hopefully this will turn into a real full-time job for me. Future's so bright, I gotta wear shades ;)

While I'm on a roll writing in here, I am going to post a shopping list here for my own personal reference. Since I don't really get paid, most of these things will have to wait. Sad story ;(

e.l.f. Cosmetics
I have been wanting to try this brand forever. And at a spankin' cheap price of $1-$5 per item, it wouldn't be that risky to try it. They have a higher-end studio line that looks more professional, in the likeness of Bobbi Brown or MAC, and their products cost a couple bucks more each, with a price-point of $3-5, which is still dirt cheap. I also found a sweet coupon code that knocks 50% off any Studio Line product, so I plan to save $13, which is a pretty amazing deal. Will update if any of them are keepers.

Rebecca Minkoff Benjamins Pouch
Cuteness overload. I love the cheekiness of this pouch. It's the perfect size for your "Benjamins" (in my case, Hamiltons and Washingtons), and there are 5 card slots as well. Since it's a zip pouch, and not a conventional wallet, you can fit some change in there too, so it's pretty nifty. I've really been wanting a wallet to go with my Peacock Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini, and a black wallet would be a cute neutral that could go with any of my purses. But $125 is still pretty pricey but it's so rare to find these days that I might have to do some rationalizing, more popularly known as "investment" spending.



Lamixx on Etsy
I am slightly obsessed with this designer. When it comes to clothes, I'm a lover of all things simple and open-ended, much like a basic tee or cotton dress, cause I usually go bolder with accessories anyway. These both appease my interests, but they cost some serious cash ($40+). I expressed my interest to the seller and she's willing to give me a discount, but I'm putting these at the very bottom of my priority of frivolous shopping.



More to add later. I really need rehab when it comes to spending. Getting a job that pays next to nothing sort of makes it less realistic to spend, but dammit it's so tempting to pluck that forbidden fruit...

Awesome

I am obssessed with Chromeo, and I came across this video of them as guest musical stars on little kiddie/stoner Nick Jr. show "Yo Gabba Gabba." Dave1's looking very stylish (as always) and all kinds of geeky dreamy, even when he's singing about how everyone should wash their hands. Fun!

Jason Wu & Freida Pinto

Just like the rest of the goddamn [fashion] world, I am obssessed with Jason Wu and Freida Pinto.




I hardly ever follow Fashion Week, but after a few glimpses at Jason Wu's Fall 09 runway show in NY, I've been hooked, just like our First Lady. Yea, yea, NY fashion week was already a month ago, but just like with everything else in life, I tend to procrastinate. But wow, the entire show was fantastic. Everything looks so wearable... not only current, but can transcend seasons with a jacket or ballerina flats.
Not to mention I'm in love with the choice of shoes he used. He used the same pair with every look, but switched up the colors for certain dresses. I wonder where I can find a pair... particularly the nude one. *drool*

And then, there is the breathtaking Freida Pinto. Fashion is loving her the way every major film-awards show is loving Slumdog Millionnaire (amazing movie, btw). Yep, she's pretty damn perfect.




Oh, change. It's refreshing to see the fashion industry celebrating more folks of the Asian persuasion ;]

22

My birthday is in 11 days :) So after a long absence, I want to document my covet list for my special day.


I've separated my list into two categories, you see.

The following items are what I only intend to admire from a distance:
Mike & Chris hooded leather bomber (almost $1G wtf)
R&R Simon denim shorts (I've never been compelled to spend $100+ on denim shorts, but these could seriously make me reevaluate...)

The next 3 items I don't mind asking for ;)
Vintage 3-collar necklace from day-lab.com ($18)
J Brand 910 in Ink (I've only been holding out for them for more than a year... I think I'm done waiting)
YSL sunglasses 6136/s (I have my very own special pair of these on hold until they get cheaper at Solstice :) Gotta love A+ customer service)

What the fug?

New Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes - coming to a clearance section year you...

Benjamin Buttoned, but not Zipped

Kanye for Louis Vuitton

Everyone seems to be designing for LV these days. Most recently is the Louis Vuitton don himself, who has collaborated with the label to "design" six new styles of shoes. This one is cute, kinda like extra bougie Sperry Top-Siders. At least it's not monogrammed like crazy all over the shoe.

Knit Berets

The first time I got one was 3 years ago while I was browsing through the Anthropologie sale rack -- typical. Hanging by its lonesome self was an interesting, round, light brown cap with tiny, interwoven shimmery threads that, upon placing it on my head, really complimented my hair and face. I fell in love with it instantly, but was just as quickly brought down from my hat high when I noticed the "sale" price. This resulted in my first of very few attempts at a five-finger discount (which was successful, by the way). One can see why this hat holds special significance. I wore it way too much, and loved that virtually no one was wearing anything similar. Then I made the sad, stupid decision of putting it through the washing machine and dryer, and ruined it permanently. So for months I could not find a replacement, until cheap stores like Forever 21, UO, and H&M started selling them. Now everyone and their mother wears it, which at first really bothered me. But now I don't mind too much, cause they're excellent for bad hair days, or just lazy hair days. And since they're cheap now, I can get it in many colors without stealing spending too much. Even though I see it everywhere, it's for good reason... it's (now) affordable and looks great on pretty much everyone I've seen it on, so who am I to criticize that?

Favorite things

In my closet, there are a chosen few things that I wear so often, one would think I don't own anything else. My favorite things thus far:

Nordstrom neckwarmer in plum - This was a splurge, but a good investment since I wear it almost daily.

Forever 21 all the way.
Chinese Laundry over-the-knee boots. 50% dressy, 50% casual, and 0% hooker.
With San Diego being my hometown, I've always wanted a nice shirt to represent that, but the ones in those tourist shops are mostly tacky. Yes, it's a freakin' t-shirt, but it's definitely my most favorite. I've been hooked on it ever since I found it at my local farmer's market.
7 For all Mankind Roxannes in Mercer - Worth the full price, even though I got them for less than $50 (yup). They're the most comfortable and versatile jeans ever. I practically live in these.

T-shirt junkie

I shop way too much for my own good (and credit card limit). And as much I adore the aesthetics of high fashion and runway chic, the kinds of clothing I purchase are often way more casual, due to my obsession with basic, plain t-shirts. I always vow to buy nicer, dressier tops when I go out to shop. Ultimately I find myself buying the same type of basic top, and wearing the same damn thing several times a week. Since I am notoriously lazy, I usually opt for function over fashion. If it's a gorgeous Forever 21 top with too many buttons, I feel reluctant to try it on, because doing so requires too much effort. But a burnout tee? Sure, why not. Trips to the fitting room: 0. Then, when it's time to actually dress up, I complain about having nothing to wear...

Channeling MC Hammer

I love Forever 21, but really?

SNL & fashion

It's so entertaining when SNL takes a jab at fashion trends. These particular videos also happen to be pants-themed:

Mom Jeans - "Cut generously, to fit a mom's body" --only at your local JC Penney.

Bad Idea Jeans - This time, jeans for men. A bunch of dudes get together wearing awesomely acid-washed, velcroed, cargo-pocketed jeans as they discuss some not so wise future decisions.


Jizz In My Pants - Title is self-explanatory. Two guys who get easily "excited" from even the most mundane things (like the sound of the alarm clock going off). There are no direct parodies of fashion trends, but I love their choice of flat-out obnoxious urban streetwear (sunglasses at night, neck bandanas, keffiyeh scarves -- all in loud colors) to go with the technopop-like song.

SNL may have lost its luster in recent seasons, but it's gems like these that keep me watching :D

If I didn't have sticker shock...

A list of things I'd love to add to my closet right now if I was rich out of my mind:

I have this weird thing for rompers and jumpsuits. But these models lack breasts, which means they aren't wearing bras, which makes these outfits rather impractical for girls with cup sizes bigger than double-A. They also cost almost $300 each, but I'm totally hoping Forever 21 will shamelessly copy these styles and sell them for $25.

This Nanette Lepore number -- Forever 21, take note. Going ga-ga over the glam neck embellishments and the mod-inspired design of the dress.
A Mike & Chris leather bomber. The hooded one, preferably.. in chocolate brown. Sticker price is equivalent to 1/3 of a quarter's tuition. I'm glad that college and the recession aren't affecting my hypothetical richness.

Deals du jour

The fruits of outlet shopping.
1) red Ray-Ban Wayfarers: $29.99





2) It's not every day that TOD'S loafers get marked down a ridiculous 90%. -- $35








3) I found three Coach silk ponytail scarves in fun prints and colors for $10 each. A late Christmas present for the boyfriend's mom.

Now and Then

This will be the first of many posts that involve Gossip Girl, since I am totally obsessed with the clothes as well as the trashy character plots.

Gossip Girl has started so many trends in fashion, most notably the infantilized but stylish big headbands and schoolgirl outfits. But I remember back in 1995 when I, along with millions of other girls, was crazy about a similar preppy look, courtesy of the pop culture classic, Clueless.

Though they are from different decades and geographical locations, both Gossip Girl and Clueless gave rise to very similar trends, such as short, preppy plaid skirts, over-the-knee socks, and fetishizing designer threads. The similarities are so close in comparison, I just had to point them out.

Then:


Now:

Pharrell is just cool.

I just want to dedicate this post to Pharrell Williams. I'm a total Neptunes and N*E*R*D superfan. Love his music, love his style. He's intelligent, sexy, creative, and so cool he appeals to everyone, even those in the fashion world. He's so fascinating he even got to design a line of eyewear for Louis Vuitton back in 2006, and in 2008 the fashion house collaborated with him again to design a fantastic line of jewelry, titled Blason. He also co-founded two clothing lines: BBC and Ice Cream, which aren't exactly my cup of tea. But I totally forgive him because I believe that he can do no wrong, not to mention I'd probably trade in my soul to be one of his groupies. And with that said, my boyfriend doesn't even get jealous when I gush about him because he also knows that Pharrell is just that awesome.

Target wins.

Yes. YES. YES!

The new year is looking much brighter already.
For many months, I have had my eye on these gorgeous Steve Madden boots -- named "Intyce." I have checked the website many times each month, in hopes that the $200 price tag would lower to perhaps mm, $50? At the lowest, it has gone down to a little over $100, but I have remained hesitant to spend so much... even though I have spent more on less wise purchases.

So this is where Target has come to rescue me by releasing Mossimo boots that look nearly identical to the Steve Madden ones. For $34.99! Target didn't even try to pretend they weren't straight up copying the design. Hell, they didn't even change the name of the color (Cognac). I've noticed that Target often replicates popular designs of Steve Madden shoes and prices them up to three times cheaper. For example, Target sells a knock-off of the popular Steve Madden Sannibels, which was my main summer staple. Within days of shelling out $30 on my Sannibels (they were on sale, too), I subsequently saw the same damn sandals in varieties of fun colors at my local Target, priced at about $15. Sad story.

The boots are not real leather, and they're not Steve Maddens, but when it comes to shoes, I'm hardly ever brand- or quality-conscious. This is probably the worst approach when it comes to my footwear purchases, since it is always advised to invest in good-quality shoes rather than cheaply made ones. But if I can't have the real one, the Mossimo boots are the best and most affordable alternative. And should I ever one day find them hideous (though highly unlikely), I only wasted $35 on them, as opposed to $100+. Oh, how I love guilt-free shopping :)