Friday, March 25, 2011
styling class: week 10, post 1
I unfortunately had to miss class this past week, and even more unfortunately it was editorial talk! :( But nevertheless, hopefully my view on Western/Eastern editorials isn't too different from what was presented in class. From what I observed, more high fashion western magazines such as Vogue and Bazaar include spreads that feature fashion as a lifestyle as an artform whereas their eastern counterparts feature fashion as coveted garments.
First picture is from the May 2010 issue of French Vogue, where as the second is from the July 2010 issue of Vogue Korea. Pretty damn near impossible to be wearing on the street vs. I would totally wear that to the beach. I'm sure there are exceptions here and there, but I do feel this is a general trend. I also have to admit I associate "cute", "feminine", "pretty" with eastern editorials and "classy", "edgy", and "avant garde" with western editorials. I'm sure this is just a bias in opinion, but I do continually see evidence of this.
styling class: week 9, post 2
One of the trends I've been seeing on the runway has been the 70s-influenced maxi-skirt and neo-tribalism print infusion.
It's hard not to be jealous of these leggy models sometimes as they can seemingly pull off anything. I guess that's why they're models a.k.a. human clothes hangers. I've been hesitant to try to the same on my much more voluptuous and petite frame. Nevertheless, here we go! (Also influenced by some elements of this look created for the LNY show last week).
[sheer bamboo print shirt | ny & company | $6] [black maxi dress | f21 | $14] [china print scarf | china | gift from grandma] [black clogs | urban og | $24] [elephant bangle | f21 | $6] [green/yellow bangle | ebay | $2] [eagle bangle | ebay | $2] [gold dimple knuckle ring | f21 | $6] [gold jeweled knuckle ring | f21 | $6] [turquoise ring | ebay | $1] [gold leaf earring | ebay | $2] [gray sunglasses | urban outfitters | $5]
Verdict: I like this look, but am not really comfortable wearing this around people. I think part of it has to do with a few too many accessories and the not exactly matching or clashing prints of the shirt and turban. I think I'm going to do another try with this ensemble sometime. Switch up the actual elements, but keep the look.
It's hard not to be jealous of these leggy models sometimes as they can seemingly pull off anything. I guess that's why they're models a.k.a. human clothes hangers. I've been hesitant to try to the same on my much more voluptuous and petite frame. Nevertheless, here we go! (Also influenced by some elements of this look created for the LNY show last week).
[sheer bamboo print shirt | ny & company | $6] [black maxi dress | f21 | $14] [china print scarf | china | gift from grandma] [black clogs | urban og | $24] [elephant bangle | f21 | $6] [green/yellow bangle | ebay | $2] [eagle bangle | ebay | $2] [gold dimple knuckle ring | f21 | $6] [gold jeweled knuckle ring | f21 | $6] [turquoise ring | ebay | $1] [gold leaf earring | ebay | $2] [gray sunglasses | urban outfitters | $5]
Verdict: I like this look, but am not really comfortable wearing this around people. I think part of it has to do with a few too many accessories and the not exactly matching or clashing prints of the shirt and turban. I think I'm going to do another try with this ensemble sometime. Switch up the actual elements, but keep the look.
styling class: week 9, post 1
This blog post is actually coming a week late, but I'm definitely excited to be back and blogging again. We've gotten into the analyzing trends part of the class, which is always fun for me, because I love discovering and trying new trends - often to the expense of my bank account (no pun originally intended?).
As much as I love reading blogs, I wish I had the money to invest in magazines. In fact, I do plan on starting a bookshelf just for fashion magazines once I get my own apartment (which is soon!). I love the tutorials, the spreads, not to mention the glossy sheets gliding over your fingers when you flip through them. Some of my favorite U.S. magazines include InStyle and Lucky, though the offbeat Nylon and the high fashion Vogue can be just as inspirational.
Thanks to Deanne, I've got my hands on these amazing online scans of Korean and Japanese magazines, so I've been downloading and browsing through old issues of Ceci, Vogue Girl, and Elle Girl the past few days. One of my favorite spreads is from the September 2010 issue of Vogue Girl Korea:
I can totally see myself wearing each one of those outfits above. So cute. :) These spreads are a bit more practical than the ones you'd see in Vogue or Bazaar, but that's exactly what I like about them - easily replicable but aware of trends at the same time.
Of course, my daily reads are a huge source of inspiration as well. Many of my favorite bloggers have their own defined style, and I feel that when what they usually wear comes back in fashion again, they suddenly get labelled a "trendsetter". Of course, there are times when they try out certain trends, but I feel like they make the trend, and the trend does not make them. That's perhaps what I perceive a trendsetter to be, and not what is used colloquially.
For example, Susie Bubble takes the bib necklace trend that was wildly popular last summer to another level. Her geometric necklace totally complements the shoes, and she keeps the rest of the palette pretty clean to draw focus on the unique piece (which is not often the case with her). Her way of wearing it is very different from how celebrities would normally do it, as it draws attention to the trendy piece itself, instead of making it an accessory to the rest of the outfit. I often look to her and other bloggers for tips on highlighting certain trends and not making the trend cliche.
As much as I love reading blogs, I wish I had the money to invest in magazines. In fact, I do plan on starting a bookshelf just for fashion magazines once I get my own apartment (which is soon!). I love the tutorials, the spreads, not to mention the glossy sheets gliding over your fingers when you flip through them. Some of my favorite U.S. magazines include InStyle and Lucky, though the offbeat Nylon and the high fashion Vogue can be just as inspirational.
Thanks to Deanne, I've got my hands on these amazing online scans of Korean and Japanese magazines, so I've been downloading and browsing through old issues of Ceci, Vogue Girl, and Elle Girl the past few days. One of my favorite spreads is from the September 2010 issue of Vogue Girl Korea:
I can totally see myself wearing each one of those outfits above. So cute. :) These spreads are a bit more practical than the ones you'd see in Vogue or Bazaar, but that's exactly what I like about them - easily replicable but aware of trends at the same time.
Of course, my daily reads are a huge source of inspiration as well. Many of my favorite bloggers have their own defined style, and I feel that when what they usually wear comes back in fashion again, they suddenly get labelled a "trendsetter". Of course, there are times when they try out certain trends, but I feel like they make the trend, and the trend does not make them. That's perhaps what I perceive a trendsetter to be, and not what is used colloquially.
For example, Susie Bubble takes the bib necklace trend that was wildly popular last summer to another level. Her geometric necklace totally complements the shoes, and she keeps the rest of the palette pretty clean to draw focus on the unique piece (which is not often the case with her). Her way of wearing it is very different from how celebrities would normally do it, as it draws attention to the trendy piece itself, instead of making it an accessory to the rest of the outfit. I often look to her and other bloggers for tips on highlighting certain trends and not making the trend cliche.
Friday, March 4, 2011
styling class: week 7, post 4
I decided to give this menswear trend a second try. Only less minimalistic this time. And more boyish than manly. I've been really getting into ties/bowties/cool things around the neck with button-down shirt buttoned up all the way. It has a really classy-cute vibe to it, and also very crisp and clean but not boring. I pulled out these suspender burlap shorts I ordered from Yesstyle. It's definitely one of the more unique pieces in my closet, but I tend to wear them without the suspenders most of the time, to keep from looking to costumey.
There were these ducks (?) by our house since we have a small river behind our backyard area. I told my sister to get a shot of them too. :) I'm definitely going to try this buttoned-up shirt look a lot more from now on. So work-appropriate too!
[striped button-down | 5-7-9 | $5.00] [black bow tie | Wet Seal | sash from dress] [suspender burlap shorts | Yesstyle | $12.00] [Croc-print beige booties | Christian Siriano for Payless | $20.00]
There were these ducks (?) by our house since we have a small river behind our backyard area. I told my sister to get a shot of them too. :) I'm definitely going to try this buttoned-up shirt look a lot more from now on. So work-appropriate too!
styling class: week 7, post 3
Got to love spring break and all the time for prancing around in new outfits. I've been dying to take my new Vivienne Westwood + melissa knockoffs for some fresh air. Usually matching colors or at least not mistakenly clashing colors factors in at some point of my outfit choice. So when I've got baby pink and lilac shoes to match - finding the right outfit becomes a little bit more difficult. I decided to keep it simple the first time around, with a black lace dress. Just the dress and shoes made me feel a bit naked, so I added a headscarf. I've become more fond of these recently - maybe the fact that the trend is fading and that I'm less afraid of looking like a kid.
[pink polkadot scarf | ebay | $1.00] [black lace dress | asos | $26.00] [pink/purple heart sandals | ebay | $26.00]
I bought this black dress off of asos last spring - my first purchase from asos, actually. I was planning on wearing it to a formal event with some black heels, but I've also been itching to wear it in a less casual setting. Maybe with some black combat boots and utility jacket next time. As for these shoes, I have a nice pair of pink pants and a mint belt I'm looking to wear with them next time. We'll see!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
styling class: week 7, post 2
A second part of our assignment this week is to watch runway shows and give our own opinions. When it comes to fashion, I consider myself an expert with blogs, a jack with magazine spreads/editorials, but pretty much a loony with runway and designers. Granted, I'm familiar with the famous ones and several contemporary/independent designers, but rarely do I follow them consistently season to season. Deanne (or anyone that's reading this), please send me designer suggestions for inspiration!
I did, however, force myself to sit through one full-length Youtube show of 3.1 Phillip Lim. I was unimpressed. Maybe I just don't like the direction he's taking in the past few seasons. He used to be a favorite. Now, I'm not so sure anymore. Then, admittedly, I cheated and just scrolled through photos on Style.com. I tend to prefer S/S shows to F/W shows, just because the floaty fabrics, light and drapey material, and soft prints really catch my eye. While I'm one for muted jewel tones - most F/W shows are too...frumpy...maybe edgy (?)...and just too drab and depressing for me. I did manage to find two that I like though.
1. Alice & Olivia F/W 2011 RTW
Image on the left - I love the neutral palette, but also the variety of textures that make up this palette. The patchwork tweed skirt against the gray fringey-fur top makes a bold yet not over-the-top statement, and I love how the loose black cardigan finshes the outfit off. For the outfit on the right, who says winter can't have color? The skirt is actually very spring-y, but only with what appears to be heavy fabric. I'm also loving the blitz and bling that's very obvious on the shirt, but less on the jacket. Shows that sparkle can be worn during the day and past the holidays.
2. Jason Wu F/W 2011 RTW
So I'm not really understanding the black-lacey thing over the head - but I'll just attribute that to the part of Jason Wu's mind that we're not supposed to get. :) I don't think I'd dare to wear the top-half of the outfit on the picture to the left, but I'm loving the 70s-halter style with the black sheer lace and the ruffle by the neck. It gives the sheerness a sense of class. And I'm a sucker for this mustardy-chartruesey color despite it looking quite awful against my skin. For the picture on the right, I'm loving this update on the LBD. I'm totally thinking of layering my white jersey skirt under a black dress now to give it the same look. Maybe it's the influence of my mom, but I'm loving simple, clean, sleek lines. She's definitely a structural minimalist but very opulent with the colors and patterns of clothing.
3. J.Crew S/S 2011 RTW
This line was all the buzz when it came out last fall, and for once, I did not mind the buzz. I clicked on links that featured this collection over and over again. Everything looked so bright, so cheery, so cute, and perfect for a petite person like me. Words can't express how much I love this one collection by J.Crew. It made me want to try out new color combinations, new silhouettes, and new ways of wearing the same clothes. It's certainly not as inventive as most designer collections, but it gave me the inspiration I needed - and continues to give me inspiration everytime I look at it.
I did, however, force myself to sit through one full-length Youtube show of 3.1 Phillip Lim. I was unimpressed. Maybe I just don't like the direction he's taking in the past few seasons. He used to be a favorite. Now, I'm not so sure anymore. Then, admittedly, I cheated and just scrolled through photos on Style.com. I tend to prefer S/S shows to F/W shows, just because the floaty fabrics, light and drapey material, and soft prints really catch my eye. While I'm one for muted jewel tones - most F/W shows are too...frumpy...maybe edgy (?)...and just too drab and depressing for me. I did manage to find two that I like though.
1. Alice & Olivia F/W 2011 RTW
 |  |
Image on the left - I love the neutral palette, but also the variety of textures that make up this palette. The patchwork tweed skirt against the gray fringey-fur top makes a bold yet not over-the-top statement, and I love how the loose black cardigan finshes the outfit off. For the outfit on the right, who says winter can't have color? The skirt is actually very spring-y, but only with what appears to be heavy fabric. I'm also loving the blitz and bling that's very obvious on the shirt, but less on the jacket. Shows that sparkle can be worn during the day and past the holidays.
2. Jason Wu F/W 2011 RTW
 |  |
So I'm not really understanding the black-lacey thing over the head - but I'll just attribute that to the part of Jason Wu's mind that we're not supposed to get. :) I don't think I'd dare to wear the top-half of the outfit on the picture to the left, but I'm loving the 70s-halter style with the black sheer lace and the ruffle by the neck. It gives the sheerness a sense of class. And I'm a sucker for this mustardy-chartruesey color despite it looking quite awful against my skin. For the picture on the right, I'm loving this update on the LBD. I'm totally thinking of layering my white jersey skirt under a black dress now to give it the same look. Maybe it's the influence of my mom, but I'm loving simple, clean, sleek lines. She's definitely a structural minimalist but very opulent with the colors and patterns of clothing.
3. J.Crew S/S 2011 RTW
 |  |
 |  |
This line was all the buzz when it came out last fall, and for once, I did not mind the buzz. I clicked on links that featured this collection over and over again. Everything looked so bright, so cheery, so cute, and perfect for a petite person like me. Words can't express how much I love this one collection by J.Crew. It made me want to try out new color combinations, new silhouettes, and new ways of wearing the same clothes. It's certainly not as inventive as most designer collections, but it gave me the inspiration I needed - and continues to give me inspiration everytime I look at it.
styling class: week 7, post 1
Warning: picture-heavy post ahead!
This week in class, we covered one of my favorite topics - closet organization and shopping. Very few people, aside from my family and my best friend Jen (who I used to call and list my "closet statistics" back in the day, rofl) know exactly how OCD I am about closet organization. Besides the pictures you're about to see, I admittedly (sort of ashamedly) have a working closet inventory in an Excel spreadsheet with each item and its purchasing origin, brand, and price listed.
With how I treat some of my clothes at Rice, I know this entire blog post might be shocking. That's because at Rice, I've found it difficult to be as creative with my wardrobe as I am with it at home.
I realize from the way I took these pictures it's a bit hard to tell what the items are/see the detailing of the items. Most items are organized by contrasting or similar colors/patterns, depending on how easy it is to see them in my very crowded closet.
This week in class, we covered one of my favorite topics - closet organization and shopping. Very few people, aside from my family and my best friend Jen (who I used to call and list my "closet statistics" back in the day, rofl) know exactly how OCD I am about closet organization. Besides the pictures you're about to see, I admittedly (sort of ashamedly) have a working closet inventory in an Excel spreadsheet with each item and its purchasing origin, brand, and price listed.
With how I treat some of my clothes at Rice, I know this entire blog post might be shocking. That's because at Rice, I've found it difficult to be as creative with my wardrobe as I am with it at home.
- The tiny wardrobe cabinets do no justice to showing off my clothing.
- There's no room for my shoes. And the grove and pebbled sidewalks have ruined the tips of every single pair of heels I've worn at Rice. I gave up wearing new shoes at school after mid-sophomore year.
- I don't have an hour every night to think of an outfit. And outfit-planning for me - at least a creative, inventive, never before worn one - takes an hour, sadly.
- It's annoying and kind of offensive when people ask if I'm dressed up to impress guy(s). No, you idiot, I'm dressed up for myself and myself only. If I was dressing to impress a guy, I would be walking around in lingerie and stripper heels. Interestingly enough, I don't get this question outside of campus walls.
I realize from the way I took these pictures it's a bit hard to tell what the items are/see the detailing of the items. Most items are organized by contrasting or similar colors/patterns, depending on how easy it is to see them in my very crowded closet.
A few pairs of shorts, culottes, and skirts.
More skirts.
My few pairs of pants - working on getting some more trousers, but not of the "work pant" variety.
Several of my casual dresses - formal dresses are tucked behind these.
Tunic-length layering shirts, blouses, cardigans, sweaters, and jackets.
Regular-length layering shirts, blouses, sweaters, and jackets.
I'm not much of a bag person, but here are the practical three I own. I put shoeboxes in the bag to help keep their original shape.
I keep my belts in a cabinet drawer. They're either neatly rolled or folded for convenience.
I keep my scarves in another drawer. On the left are mostly winter scarves, and the right, spring/summer scarves.
In another cabinet drawer are hoisery. My collection of tights and thigh-high socks above.
And my smaller collection of ankle-length and knee-high socks.
I keep my jewelry separated in my bathroom drawers. This is the drawer of jewelry that I don't wear as often.
And this is the drawer with the jewelry I tend to wear more often. I keep rings and earrings aside.
I keep dangling earrings on this asian gazebo earring holder (that my best guy friend Jim got me back in high school - he apparently spent an hour in Claire's by himself picking this and three pairs of rather hideous earrings out - gotta love this guy) and studs in a jewelry box.
My small collection of sunglasses and a pair of fake readers. I wanted to look like a K-pop star...
My assortment of rings. I actually have my suitemate Eva to thank for getting me into rings. They have become my most-hated jewelry to my favorite. I think it's when I said "Fuck my chubby fingers, I'm going to wear these anyway!" that I officially became obsessed with them.
I'm not much of a makeup person, but I love nail polish. Ever since Chanel came out with its Nouvelle Vague, I've been trying to collect all the trendy colors since. That might explain why I have a disproportionate amount of green in my rather limited nail polish collection.
You know you're a slave for fashion when you have an entire wall dedicated to shoes. And a collage in a shape of a high-heeled shoe.
And you've got sandals perched on top of your dresser cabinet.
And flats behind your closet door
And boots lined up along the wall.
And worst of all, you've turned your bookshelf into a high-heeled shoe shelf. My dad literally yelled at me for this: "Phebe-yah, people think you crazy. You supposed study study study, people think you work red-light district!"
[vivienne westwood knockoffs | ebay | $26.00]
I'm not one for blatant knockoffs - but I've been wanting the originals forever and now they're pretty much sold out in the color I wanted. I found this lovely pair on ebay, and I had to have them.
[miu miu knockoffs | forever 21 | $25.80]
And my favorite pair of shoes are Miu Miu knockoffs as well. I swear I don't many knockoffs! I'd love these shoes regardless though, they are so adorable. If only I could walk properly in them! Still working on it.
[Black Floral Dress | Urban Outfitters | $10.00] [Blue Floral Dress | Urban Outfitters | $10.00]
Two of my favorite dresses. I love the back of the second one - it's unexpectedly edgy. There's a wide zipper in a huge black frill on the back of the dress that's a complete contrast to this sweet front.
[Metallic Floral Skirt | Charlotte Russe | $8.50] [Purple Lace Skirt | Charlotte Russe | $5.00]
Two of my favorite skirts I have yet to wear. I tend to usually swear simpler, less frilly skirts - but these would be fun to pull of with some basics.
So that's essentially the tour of my current, but ever-expanding wardrobe. I think I'm in a good place with assessing my closet and additions for now. I would like to do some DIY/modifications to some of my old clothes though. And to conclude this post, some detailed pictures of my favorite items!
I'm not one for blatant knockoffs - but I've been wanting the originals forever and now they're pretty much sold out in the color I wanted. I found this lovely pair on ebay, and I had to have them.
And my favorite pair of shoes are Miu Miu knockoffs as well. I swear I don't many knockoffs! I'd love these shoes regardless though, they are so adorable. If only I could walk properly in them! Still working on it.
Two of my favorite dresses. I love the back of the second one - it's unexpectedly edgy. There's a wide zipper in a huge black frill on the back of the dress that's a complete contrast to this sweet front.
Two of my favorite skirts I have yet to wear. I tend to usually swear simpler, less frilly skirts - but these would be fun to pull of with some basics.
[Tiger Print Blouse | Charlotte Russe | $5.00] [Navy Embellished Tank | Ann Taylor LOFT | $6.50]
I love chiffon and silk pieces for the summer. They look like quality pieces without breaking the bank.
I'm really enjoying all the free time I have during this Spring Break. I've been able to indulge in reading and rereading my favorite blogs, take bubble baths while going through the latest magazines and catalogues, etc. Next up - a recap of some of my favorite fashion shows!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)