Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Finals Are Not Fun.





Forever 21 headband. Urban Behavior coat and cardigan. Abercrombie jeans.

Two down, three to go....

Monday, January 28, 2008

I Was In A Spending Mood....

On Saturday I went on a much-needed trip to the mall and I got quite a few things, considering the fact that I didn't really need anything.

I found a cute brown and white herringbone coat on sale in Urban Behaviors (a store that is full of horrible tacky things but occasionally has something nice) and a grey and black zebra-stripe cardigan (á la J. Crew). At Hollister, I got some gray and white arm warmers for only $7. Well, I had to buy something.... At Forever21, my visits are usually hit or miss, and today was a hit. I got this headband (except mine is completely black):

as well as a similar one on which the feather sticks up with some netting. I also got this sweater:

with the knowledge that it is a complete knockoff of the Balenciaga Fall 2007 collection that I am still in love with.


Well anyway, I also bought a bunch of makeup from Clinique and almost bought Chanel Blue Satin (but then thought better of it). I also tried on a bunch of Chanel lipsticks, and fell in love with Dazzling and Vamp. But $28? Pssh no!

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Amy Winehouse Eyes

For the record, Amy Winehouse herself is a nutcase, or at least a drug addict (I hope she's going to stay in rehab this time!). However, I do happen to have a thing for her black beehive and winged eyeliner. So I decided to try the eyeliner on myself! (Of course, I don't think my hair will go into a beehive any time soon.)

It's a bit less extreme, but I like it! I'm going to freak out the people at the mall, though. (warning: do not click on this picture unless you want to look at my face double life sized!)

American Apparel dress and leggings. Hollister skirt. Marc Jacobs socks.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Boring and Lazy

Yep. That's me right now. Apparently I've strained my glute, so I haven't run track for over a week. You know when you get used to exercising a lot, and then you stop? You feel like a great heap of crap. I broke out (due to a switch of lotions), and I just cried because I got a 94 on a math test. Yeah. Seriously. Also, it's been really cold lately, so I've just been bundling up a lot. My outfits aren't terrible, but they aren't terribly interesting either. I just feel like lying down and sleeping. But yeah, I should just shut up.

Anyway, my need-to-be comfy mood has made me realize I'm in need of a good hoodie. I have several old ones from Abercrombie/Hollister, a cool (but not very snuggly) one from H&M, and a giant royal blue lacrosse one. I need some new life, people!




I think I like American Apparel a bit too much. But yeah, they have cute sweatshirts. I have a mild (okay, serious) obsession with gray, as seen in the first two pics (plus the model has almost the same color hair as me!). I also like the purple and black color combination (though I think two girls at my school already have this one! oops!), and the subtle polka dots of the last one are nice too.

I'm too lazy to find more websites with sweatshirts that I actually like. I think it's because sweatshirts are for lazy people. Which reminds me! I'm getting my (black) track sweatshirt soon! Yay! So stylish!

p.s. Why are the bottom two girls not wearing pants? Oh right, it's American Apparel....

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Not Fair!

Though I was somewhat of a late adopter, I love the GO International (not that many of the designers are "international", though) collection for Target. I mean, what's not to love: designer clothes at Target prices? (other than the less-than-designer quality [which honestly isn't that bad... mostly] and the sometimes poor fits... and the time I got stuck in one of the Behnaz Sarafpour tops.) Plus, the Erin Fetherson has just gone on clearance. Usually, the line goes on clearance as soon as the next collection comes in. BUT, for whatever reason, the next collection (Jovovich Hawk, I think) doesn't come out until March 2nd! That's well over a month away! What is this?!

I am absolutely in love with my Alice Temperly blouse....

Time to go study atoms and their molarity!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Shooting For The Sky High (Rise)

For a while, I've been wanting a pair of high-waisted jeans. I first became interested this summer, when I saw some cute corset-style high-waisted shorts. Despite the fact that they were half-off (but still $60), I didn't buy because I didn't think I'd wear them. But, since my ideas of what I will and will not wear have changed somewhat since then, I now regret not making the purchase. Up until recently, anything high-waisted immediately denoted "mom jeans" and "steer clear!" But now they're pretty trendy again, at least in places far, far away from where I live, and I'd love to try some. A quick search on Shopbop brings up 64 matches for high rise denim jeans! Unfortunately, getting the fit right seems to be difficult as some of them look hideous. However, a few seem quite wonderful:

These ones, from 18th Amendment, are really, really high waisted, but they look could cute and they're on sale! The problem is they don't have my size.

These ones from Anlo aren't quite as high, which is probably a good thing, and they are very cute. However, they're a bit more flare than wide-leg, and also they're $240.... However, they do have the rare, special quality—the back actually looks decent.

I also like the high-rise/skinny combination. Actually, on my body type, it might be more flattering. These ones from J Brand look like they're well-tailored and I would love to have them. They're also cheaper—only $187! Oh, who am I kidding....

Best for last! These 18th Amendment ones are absolutely amazing in my opinion, though I would probably look really weird in them for some reason or another. The back pockets are cool, too, but $218.... which leads me to these:

or even these:

(9" rise is high waisted, right?) These are both Cheap Monday, and both $65. Not exactly cheap-cheap but much more so than the other ones I liked. Besides, I've been wanting black skinnies for a while. The unfortunate thing is, the Urban Outfitters I go to don't stock Cheap Mondays in-store, and I prefer to spend my money in person (and try on the jeans!). Well, maybe Forever 21 will make a decent pair soon....

Friday, January 18, 2008

Haute Couture

Now, I am by no means rich, and chances are I never will be. But still, I love to dream that I can one day afford to wear haute couture. Chanel, Dior, Gaultier, Valentino.... The names everyone knows but very few people can actually afford. The other day Fashionista posted a link to a BBC television special called "The Secret World of Haute Couture". In addition to clearing up pronunciation problems (haute is like "oat", except more French), it gives an inside view of the ateliers and the amazingly rich customers who actually buy this stuff. I highly recommend it!

Anyway, of the official couture houses, my favorite would have to be Christian Dior. Oh. My. God. It just takes my breath away.

This is just like one of those dresses from the 1700s or something (sorry if I get my dates wrong... you know what I mean!) with the huge, floor-length poofy skirts that I have always wanted to wear. But additionally, it brings up the point that the pieces that are shown on the runway are not what the couture customers end up buying (because honestly, this dress would be a costume). They get it custom-designed and made to fit them perfectly. What a dream!

Nude bodysuits and sheer black lace will always be a wonderful combination. Also, this dress is interesting because it looks like one of the dresses from Dior's New Look collection, except with revamped materials.

A fitted brocade dress with padded hips, a skirt that flares at the knees, and a giant bow. It honestly doesn't get much better than this.

This dress is a full-on goth masterpiece. Also, it's from the show that the reported attends to in the BBC report.

A basic mini dress swathed in sheer black material. Amazing! (I do like things that are sheer and black!) And if I were a queen, I would totally wear that crown.

A ball gown with origami folds—completely beautiful and unique. Plus, it reminds me of those paper cranes I never could make—but in a good way.

I saved the best for last! This is, hands down, the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. Everything about it is gorgeous—the delicate, petal-esque layers, the colors gradient from scarlet to deep, mysterious black, the ruffled shape and flowing train. I would kill for this dress. It is perfect.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Back To School Fashion Lab Report, Conclusion

Conclusion:
Since the first day of school, I have been carefully getting dressing and planning my outfits, while at the same time wearing what I felt like wearing. Some days, granted, I might have gone the lazy route, but most days I'm completely comfortable wearing what used to be reserved for my "weekend outfits." But now I've really getting it down. I feel comfortable in just about whatever. I think people are used to it. And it's not like I'm outrageously eccentric. I haven't gotten to that point yet. But I have something for almost every circumstance. Wake up late? I'll repeat an interesting outfit. Cold, lazy day? That's what wide-leg pants are for. I have to say, I've been pretty good. I've also found that I'm not totally in love with Hollister and A&F anymore. I mean, I still like to go and look at the stuff, but I've been wearing it less and less lately, and buying things from those stores seems like a waste of money, because I know five other people will have the exact same thing. But I still want these jeans. I'll keep that in mind next time I have a spare $80 burning a hole in my pocket.

As far as the reactions of others to my outfits, it hasn't been bad. Sure, random people comment on my clothes (particularly my bright blue skinny pants) but as far as people I actually know, little is said, and it's mostly good. This year, I have really learned that I can't care too much what people think of me. I can't be fake and boring just because I'm trying to avoid ridicule. I stepped out of my comfort zone about, and I found that it wasn't nearly as bad as I think. My friends didn't shun me, and I even managed to make new friends who don't think I'm a total weirdo. I'm glad I took the risk.

This may be the "conclusion" but I'll probably be in school for another 7+ years, and of course my style will continue to evolve.

Monday, January 14, 2008

I'm Not Crazy

I'm just colorful. Or rather, oddly dressed.



I live in a dream world of primary colors and butterfly cloth. Okay, what am I talking about? Who knows....



What's more punk than insanity? And my expressions are far better! (but way to go Agyness for making me seem really short!)

p.s. I'm knocking of Susie Bubble, I know! But imitation is the greatest form of flattery, right?

(click for bigger pics. Sorry the pics of me are so blurry!)

Photo Credit: Terry Richardson for "Vogue Nippon". Steven Meisel for "Fashion Rocks" (from foto_decadent)

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Flowah Powah

Apparently one of the biggest trends for spring are floral prints of any kind. While I do love flowers, floral patterned clothes aren't something I own a lot of (when I was little I had loads of floral print clothes, but that's another story...). I managed to find a grand total of three floral print items in my closet, including the aforeposted (haha I'm making up words!) skirt/dress.

Dress sewn by me. Hue tights. Steve Madden oxfords.
The first item that came to mind was this dress that I made for an English project last year. Because brighter colors are "in" for spring, I added the hot pink tights to contrast the rather drab color scheme of the dress. I also think if I padded my hips, the dress would look just like the latest Balenciaga, except brown.

Merona jacket. Paramore band t-shirt. American Eagle skirt. Hue tights. Jeffrey Campbell oxfords.
This skirt was a hand-me-down from my neighbor. I (my mom) thought it was cute, so I decided to keep it, though I haven't worn it yet (and despite the fact it's 2 sizes too big). I actually like it with these tights, though the jacket makes me feel like a homeless lady for no apparent reason.

p.s. the picture quality is horrible for some reason when my camera is on self-timer!

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Cheap Saturday...

Dumb joke, I know. But anyway, my outfit today was actually inspired by a runway look, then pared down for day.
(DKNY)
Actually, I lied. I didn't have a cool hat, striped scarf, or sequined top, so I just wore this instead.

Abercrombie knit. Old Navy (yes) wide-leg pants. H&M flower hair elastic.

I also broke out my reddish pink lip pencil that I got for a dance performance, and pulled my hair back with a flower pin/hair elastic (which I got for sale for $1!). It felt nice, even though I didn't go anywhere today.

Shinyyy


My amazing (but still overpriced...) Marshall's find.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

January Heat Wave

Yesterday the high temperature was 65 degrees, 3 degrees above the previous record, and today high was 62. Pretending it's summer is nice, but the image is tarnished by the fact that it is soaking wet everywhere despite the fact it hasn't rained due to the large quantity of melting snow. And the snow itself, once a smooth white blanket, is now interspersed between brown patches of dead grass.

My outfit yesterday was decidedly boring (blue plaid headband, blue A&F knit, A&F denim mini, black and white checkered Vans), so I had to make up for it with something interesting today.



H&M jacket. Dress from Marshalls. American Apparel bra. Target tights. Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

This was my first time wearing the silver lamé bra from American Apparel that I bought a few weeks ago. Under this dress, it wasn't too skanky but I still felt incredibly exposed. Originally I was going to wear it with black tights, but mysteriously all three pairs of mine have gone missing... (could have something to do with the fact I tend to wear them all at once).

Why does my camera have to be so crappy? :(

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Thrift Dreams

If you only read magazines and blogs and never actually went thrifting, you would expect a thrift store to be a wonderful place full of cool, if preworn pieces of clothing available for next to nothing. Of course, real thrift stores are nothing like that. As much fun as I have sifting through things in a thrift store, I rarely find anything that I would actually wear in my size and price range. ($60 for a sequined top? No thank you!) Maybe it's just where I live, but thrift stores aren't as cheap as you'd think. I mean, $15 for a pair of pants is still a bargain, but $15 for high-elastic-waisted poofy-butt pants? No thank you.

I've only made two non-Halloween costume purchases from thrift stores. One was a little houndstooth jacket, which I never wear simply because it looks weird. It's fitted, but a bit wide on me, and much too short. Also, the print is small so it looks too formal or something. But I might just be scarred from the time in 8th grade my mom made me wear it to school. It was a positively traumatizing experience. The other thing I got was a floor-length navy floral-print skirt. I got the brilliant, original idea of wearing it as a dress, except it didn't quite work out. The dress positively ballooned out around my stomach and hips. I tried cinching it with a belt but none fit around my waist AND matched the dress, and the dress still poofed out stupidly. I have yet to wear it.

Maybe I'm just not meant to be a thrifter. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places, or hard enough. Maybe eventually I'll find something great!

Maybe I should just become goth instead.



p.s. It's the jacket!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

I Love Magazines. I Need Help.

I have an addiction, and it is to magazines. Some people may laugh, but my mom sure doesn't.

In all seriousness, I absolutely love reading fashion magazines. I'm subscribed to Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Teen Vogue (basically all the big ones except for Elle, which I still have to buy), Lucky (I'm not sure how I became subscribed, but I'm not complaining), Nylon (did anyone else take advantage of the free year available on the Urban Outfitters? It's still up as of 1/3) and maybe Seventeen, not that that's exactly a fashion magazine (I did a quick survey thing but I'm not sure if I get a free issue or whole subscription...).

But I HAVE to read each issue cover-to-cover or I might miss something. And I'm really bad at throwing them away. I have huge piles accumulating around the house. Finally, my mom got me to throw away all the old Luckys and InStyles because they seemed slightly more disposable than the others for whatever reason. But recently, I keep thinking of things I want to find in them and then I realize that they're gone. Anyone else have any idea what I'm talking about?

Oh and by the way, Happy New Year!