trina's reality || making eyes, making everything alright...

"You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody." --Maya Angelou

2011-10-26T01:32:00.000-07:00

It seems strange that I'm attending college right now. It's been fun and quite the relaxation to be away from home in new surroundings. I've have had an easy time getting off campus and biking around to classes, everything has become second nature to me within these last few 5-6 weeks.

I don't have that sunlight similar to the one in my room, but it's no longer easy to dress up. The girls with impressive styles in my classes end up in jeggings and uggs within a couple of weeks. But anyways, photos above: previously made desserts. I miss baking. I was able too this weekend, but I have to use the kitchens in another building so it gets time consuming to carry all my baking things. My ice cream is homemade and my signature cupcakes are always chocolate!

"I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year's fashions."-Lillian Hellman

2011-08-25T22:54:00.001-07:00

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

I don't know what happened. Neglection happens to blogs. Anyways, this outfit is from a while back--never got a chance to post. Many things passed these few months: graduation, a taste of college, traveled to Vietnam for 3 weeks (just got home 3 days ago)...

going crazy.

2011-04-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Dress, Marshalls.

My favorite dress; I've worn it to school, dinner parties, as a Sunday dress, on lazy days... with tights, it's my instant go-to outfit. And I want to wear it during the summer, and after that, around my college campus in several months. Until then, I'm going to miss being seventeen when my birthday rolls around in June, but I'm going to miss taking pictures near my window during the sunset too.

There's thieves among us, painting the walls

2011-03-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

Polka-dot dress (worn as shirt), homemade. Skirt, Old Navy (self tailored), Thin black jacket, Marshalls. Scarf, F21.

My chocolate lava cake didn't turn out the right way, considering its was my first attempt; I poured too little into the glass containers, the middle of the cake baked completely once the top was cooked. I used 90% cocao chocolate, which is practically inedible due to the extreme bitterness, but I love dark chocolate, so I added more sugar to suit my tastes (though, I'm not doing that again--I think I'm fairly better off with regular 70%). Other than baking, I'm preparing for graduation and my birthday in several months. I'm prepared for college, and nothing can really jump out and stop me. I just need to do more at seventeen.

She & Him -Thieves

'And me, I ain't ever gonna understand'

2011-03-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Japanese, Used Mix Magazine

scans source: sushi cat

I want nobody nobody but you...

2011-03-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

Dress, H&M. Mary-Janes, from Marshalls. Tights, from Target. Old Headband.

I'm so awkward it hurts, so I threw in an awkward picture to liven it up. Besides that, this dress is just perfection, and very much my style; I was lucky enough to find it on sale for 15$.

For these photos, I had to push the bed a foot to the left and set up the tripod, and since the sunset light was beautiful, I decided put together a couple outfits using the same tights and shoes that I will post later.

some serious inspiration....

2011-02-20T21:36:00.000-08:00

image source: yulisato.com

I want to think again of dangerous things

2011-02-12T12:05:00.000-08:00

Pocket-tee, MileyxMax. Sheer dress (worn as skirt), H&M.

SATURDAY. The sheer dress I'm wearing under my tee is a bit thin, so I wore a cotton pencil skirt from H&M underneath for extra coverage (you can see it in the 3rd pic). Besides that it feels good today. I'm hoping for a great year and constantly wishing at 11:11.

"I want to think again of dangerous and noble things. I want to be light and frolicsome. I want to be improbably, beautiful, and afraid of nothing as though I had wings." -Mary Oliver

I was wrong when I said you were right...

2011-02-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

Vintage tunic, reworked. Tweet shorts, Ha Gattini (Vietnam-based label). Cardigan, Zara.

School work's a little lighter, I'm living a little, and my laundry's not getting heavier. I look a bagful of clothes out of my closet a while ago because I don't touch them anymore, and now the closet feels a wee bit empty. It's all good really because now I can work with my favorite clothes. I'm content my closet isn't big because I'm happy with a small amount of clothes (notice how many times I've worn that gray Zara cardigan?!). I remember reading somewhere that we should all be happy for each piece of clothing because it took us months or years to find what we truly like, and I couldn't agree more.

And somewhere someone sails the ocean
And somewhere someone's running the streets
Somewhere someone's calling out my name
Somewhere they're looking for me

All Day Day Light- Morning Benders

020711

2011-02-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

Blue jacket, secondhand. Skirt, F21. Cardigan, Zara. Button-down, H&M. Old scarf.

Once again, taken a few weeks ago (You can see my violin in the last pic, oops!).

FEBURARY. Down to my last high school semester. I'm unsure how to feel, but it feels good to know all my hard work is paying off. But I haven't gotten my driver's permit yet, so I'm heading to the DMV this Saturday in hopes to pass the test. Being seventeen, I've beening such an introvert; I'm starting to go out more lately and much later into the night. I'm trying to take advantage of everything, but realized I haven't been taking any pictures to save memories, which I should! (Just a bit jealous that my friend's pictures come out with an amazing vintage effect even though she has a bad camera!)

Last month, went to a dance party I didn't think I would even think of going to (had the most fun in the last 30 mins). I went to my friend's surprise bithday dinner, which was pretty darn nice. Bought Winter Formal tickets. Walked to a Lunar New Year festival for the entire day. I have to make it my year.

During the Indian Summer...

2011-01-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

Neglecting my blog for a while!

Taken these several months ago, right before the rainy weathers of December. I know I didn't take shots outside, but the sky and the winds and the feeling of walking outside is the best during this short period. It's the Indian Summer, "an unseasonably warm, dry and calm weather, usually following a period of colder weather or frost in the late Autumn" (source). Winter is not the most content time for me, but the Indian Summer before it makes it very worthwhile. I love the beautiful light it casts through my window.

in need of a dslr.

2010-12-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

Forever 21 skirt (tailored the width of it myself) and hat, MileyxMaxAzria long-sleeve, Marshal's tights.

I don't have a DSLR, so I use my regular digital one, but I'm pretty sure the dial is broken because I took the pictures under "close up" mode without realizing it. And I'm having trouble editing my pictures also, so they still look crappy.

What bothers me is that I don't come home early enough to get the right light during the late afternoon--my window normally gets a very beautiful sunlight glow.

The hat's a recent buy and I love it. The tights are great too because of the coverage.

2010-09-27T16:39:00.001-07:00

Liu Wen: A Super Model's Present Tense

Liu is so gorgeous and she's ranked before all the other Asian models on the top 50 Models list.

Her interview is very interesting and fascinating the way she is modest. I really love when Asian women know what to say and are in charge of their lives. It's such an inspiration for me because she's sounds very down-to-earth.

source: williscrazy @ tfs

hello realization of nature.

2010-09-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one night, but I realized I never had a chance to post these pictures.

Over a month ago, I had the chance to go to a monastery located on a mountain. My friends had told me to come, and next thing I knew, I was in a van with a friend's family on a nine-hour drive starting at 3AM. Besides the monastery building, it was right in the middle of nature, on the top of a mountain. It was very beautiful, though I didn't quite get the chance to take more pictures.

Top, path leading up to the monastery. Last, small view overlooking Santa Cruz, CA.

Taken by me, Trina.

hello difficult times--the art of layering.

2010-09-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

During the last 3 summers, I've visited Vietnam, but this year, money was tighter than usual, so only my mom took the trip for family matters. The funny this is, my mom took the camera with her.

I only camera I have left is the older camera, but the screen has been broken for a long time ago-- so if I am desperate to take pictures, I would have to take them blindly and upload them to view the pictures taken. Then I realized, I can't use the self-timer if the screen's broken. Finally after weeks of being unable to take outfit pictures, I whipped out the camcorder to use the "snapshot" button in front of the mirror(s), in which I actually pushed my two Ikea mirrors together against the wall to create one (hence the curved spacing of the two mirrors down the middle of the following pictures).

The camcorder's "snapshot" isn't very good in quality and I wasn't able to edit the pictures because with all my previous pictures, prefer editing my pictures solely with "brightness and contrast" on imageready or photoshop (my photoshop hasn't been working for the last couple of posts).

cotton black cardigan, old belt, H&M black sheer dress ($12) , vintage skirt as slip (underneath), Target tights ($2).

DIY Fabic Bow pt 1

2010-08-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

This is my tutorial to create a bow made of fabric. You can use this bow for many purposes; for example, a headband or a necklace or a pin for your outfit!

Step 1
-The cut-out of 7in. x 6.5 in. is just a general size. You can cut the piece of fabric any size, but if the length is too long, I will show how to "fix" that in a couple steps.

Step 2
-Use your sewing machine's zig-zag stitch to sew around the raw edges to prevent frayed edges. (This link may help.)
-Fold the fabric length wise, wrong side on the outside.
-Sew the sides of the folded fabric, but do not sew about 1.5 in.--2 in. at the top in the middle. (In other words, do not sew it close--Notice how the straight stitches in the picture leave a gap at the top.)

Step 3
-Use the opening to turn the piece inside-out.
-Pinch the middle of the piece and decide if you like the size of the bow so far.

Step 4
-Decide how much shorter you want to make the length of the bow. Turn it inside-out, and sew the sides in like in the following picture.
-Keep in mind that the little bit of excess fabric on the side will help the finished bow keep its' shape, so there is no need to trim it.

Step 5
-Turn the piece right-side out again.
-Pinch the middle and create several creases for the bow. Use your needle to keep the creases in place.
-Sew through the middle of the piece.

Step 6
-To create to middle part of the bow, cut out a small rectangle. The piece in the picture is 2in x 3.5in.

Step7
-Use the zig-zag stitches on the sewing machine to prevent fraying (like in the first part of step 2). In the following picture it looks like I forgot to sew the raw edges of the top of the piece, but I did after I took the picture! Sewing the edges are important! Don't let your DIYs fray!
-Sew the rectangle so it becomes a tube with the wrong-side on the outside. The sides should be open. (The straight stitches in the picture have sewn the piece closed. The zig-zag stitches are preventing the fabric from fraying.)

-Turn it right-side out.

-Fold the tube.

-Sew it like in the picture.

-Turn the piece so the bit of excess is inside. Slip this unto the bow.
-I recommend sewing the two pieces together with a few stitches.

I know my images are not the best, but I tried my best to explain the steps.

I also made this bow into a headband and a necklace. I will post the tutorial for that part later. ;) If you have any questions, comment it and I will reply.

hello no other...

2010-07-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

I will post a tutorial for this blue DIY hair bow soon.

2010-07-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Liu Wen - Elle China May 2010

Reading War & Peace and Catcher in the Rye at the same time, and I need to buy a copy of Inkdeath.

I enjoy reading novels immensely, but I also have my own stacks of magazines. And today I took magazine pages off my closet door to rearrange them and realized I was missing images of Liu Wen and Daul Kim! Need find a way to get my hands of foreign fashion magazines!

image source: Fashion Gone Rogue

see as the spirit flies.

2010-07-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

F21 dress, H&M tights.

My blog is more of my visual diary, but the reasons I take photos of my outfits or my room is I feel certain emotions (though not limited to being bored) and use my camera to document them. I know how I feel behind the images as I remember each moment.

I have not learned how to properly express myself through words, so instead, there are images, which may not be the best, but it will often express how I feel. Either black and white or with natural lighting like my earlier posts.

Sorrow by name
And sorrow by nature
Working for joy
On overtime

Stuck on a line
Of misadventure
I fear no crime

hello satin pumps.

2010-06-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm going all teen angst now...but it's okay. I just roamed my room again...I can't help taking pictures of the beautiful sunlight.

Bought these a while ago, but do you recognize them? They're Christian Siriano for payless Coast Printed Satin Pumps. Hurts like crap, but very lovely--I love them; I just had a hard time taking good pictures of them.

When the Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys
Cause he's a scumbag, don't you know
I said he's a scumbag, don't you know!
What a scummy man
Just give him half a chance
I bet he'll rob you if he can
Can see it in his eyes that he's got a nasty plan
I hope you're not involved at all

hello birthday.

2010-06-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Turned 17 two days ago. Summer vacation already started so I have plenty of time to rethink everything I have lived up to this point. I don't understand why nearly everything in my life should revolve around school. I'm at the top of my school rank, but I my grades slipped last semester, and I realized it was caused because my mental and physical capacity had enough. I don't know who I am or what I am truly working for anymore with all my hard effort only focused on school--I do not want to handle it anymore, but I'm ill that way, and will go through it all again.

I'm fucking disillusioned right now.

I can't pretend to be happy. But today I read on a random tumblr, "I’m seventeen, and I’ve had enough. -Marya Hornbacher (Madness)". Then I realized being 17 can be a crazy time in life.

I'm just going to do stuff that feels right to me starting now. I have to make time for myself, doing things I will like.

Sky Ferreira - 17

I wonder how long she can last before she falls... to the ground...

(only this lyric applies to me... ironically.)

2010-06-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Left, DIY bracelet, flea market cocktail ring. Top right, vintage bracelet, vintage bangle, DIY safety-pin bracelet.

Charlotte Russe Romper Dress $13, sheer shirt (underneath), H&M socks.

hello excape.

2010-06-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Taken blindly with an old digital camera whose screen is broken.

Edit: These pictures remind me of disposable cameras couple years back.

hello astronomy.

2010-06-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

T Tauri

I love it.
I wanted to be an astronomer.
Then I decided to be an aerospace engineer.
I changed my mind and considered journalism.

But please, if I can capture images like this, it will be my only happiness.

My life this year keeps throwing itself between space and paper.
Why am I worrying about a college major so early?
I can't chose...but I don't need to chose so early.
Yes, I don't need to chose yet.
Why am I worrying myself to death about a career so far ahead in my life?

image source: NASA

hello tweet shorts.

2010-05-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Ha Gattini tweed shorts, Payless tights.

My only pair of shorts and I love these. Bought last summer in Vietnam.

And I apologize for blurriness in the last 2 photos. I'm still an amateur at photography and I really love playing with natural light.

Well I might take a boat or I’ll take a plane
I might hitch hike or jump a railroad train
You’re kind of love drives a man insane
So look for me walking just a any old way.

hello death.

2010-05-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

RIP Paul Gray

Duality - Slipknot

hello life realization.

2010-05-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Realized I haven't been enjoying my life as much as I should be. I see the world in color, but my day is in black and white--so I'm working on it.

And I realized that maybe I'm taking all the wrong classes in school, because I suddenly thought maybe I should have taken an art class. And maybe I'm taking the wrong path in life. Maybe. I just need patience to see what happens.

hello 2 outfits with H&M skirt

2010-05-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

Trenuh loves layers and black & white and this skirt.

H&M jersey skirt $6, stolen from mom- white tunic, old grey tank (underneath), Target tights.

H&M skirt, distressed tee, H&M ankle leggings $13.

The jersey skirt is longer than it looks in my images, but I rolled the skirt up because I'm shorter and wanted my outfits to look more layered. Just realized how slutty that may seem...

And why doesn't my photoshop work? Had to use imageready instead--which does not make my photos look cool as photoshop.

diy sequin headband at night

2010-05-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

I was sleepy as heck when I decided to make this DIY Sequined Headband--in the middle of the night. I rarely have little sleep, but I couldn't sleep (resulted in the first 2 images) and woke up early (resulted in the last 2 images). Shows how crappy amateur photography can be with little sleep.

-Long strip of sequined fabric. Probably 14in. x 3in. (I bought a yard of it at the flea market.)
-Needle and thread. Or fabric glue if desired.
-Old headband.

Make sure the sequined fabric will fit all around the headband completely.

Fold the width of it under the headband--over lap the fabric.

My headband had a grain on the back as show in the second image, so I sewed the sequined fabric onto the grain using a stitch familiar to the blanket stitch.

Or simply use fabric glue--make sure it drys completely!

Loser, loser, loser...

hello inspiration.

2010-05-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Steve Job's Commencement Address at Stanford.

I have never been so inspired. I'm very motivated for my future.

hello i don't really know anymore.

2010-05-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

Bento box I made for myself a long while ago. It was really tasty.

I'm too tired. No matter how much I sleep, my body still aches.

I missed lunch today, and my body was shaking and I my head felt faint because I was so hungry. So I ate, but my arms are still shaking a little.

And I tried putting on fake eyelashes from e.l.f, but the glue that came with it was like shit, so I need to buy a good quality eyelash glue.

I read that anyone can use cheap fake eyelashes, but the eyelash glue should be expensive.

Anyways...

Oh people they don't understand
No girlfriends they don't understand
In spaceships they won't understand
And me I ain't ever gonna understand

hello diy red skirt.

2010-05-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

DIY distressed tee, DIY red cotton skirt, fake leather belt $3, cropped cardigan, and Payless tights $3 for 2.

Lost my favorite "butterfly" ring from Vietnam.

I originally bought the belt from my local swap meet/flea market just for the studs, intended for a future diy, so I wanted to buy an XL for more studs.

The lady said, "Size small belt?"

I said, "No. Can I have an extra large?" The lady paused, but sold it to me anyways. I used some scissors to take all the studs off and punched some extra holes into the belt--a new funky looking belt and a lot of studs for a diy.

The red skirt was originally an old loose, stretchy dress. I had it since I was six, but it was very big on me back then; now it fits comfortably, but decided on a quick diy:

I cut the top of the dress off and kept the bottom for my skirt.
For the waistband, I measured an elastic around my waist and subtracted 2-4 inches. I folded the waist of the skirt down a few inches and placed the elastic along it. Sew it. Make sure to stretch the skirt and elastic as you sew.
Sew several extra stitches on the waistband like my last picture above.

hello gold and polka-dotted vintage tunic.

2010-04-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Reworked polka-dotted vintage tunic, Pacsun jeans, black cardigan, gift watch, flea market gold locket necklace.

Critical

Not sure what to do in society.
Me, having bad anxiety.
Will it ever go away, this condition?
Having too much metacognition.

I was not in a very good place last week, but sewing and lovely clothes soften the bad feelings up--it's good now.
I miss Daul Kim, but I think Karen O just might be my idol musical wise.

Run, run, run away
Lost, lost, lost my mind

tutorial for diy vintage high-neck tunic.

2010-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

I need better editing skills when working with the light from a sunset, but I'm working on it.

This polka-dotted tunic belongs to my mom and I found it in the closet with other clothes she does not wear anymore. The tunic is not typical at all--the front of the collar is actually in the back and the buttons are in the back as well! It was very lovely, but the neckline was up my neck; not that it looked bad, but it looked awkward on me and my chest doesn't fill it out very well. She told she bought it long before she married my dad. My tutorial is pretty much just tailoring the neck hem of any tunic or shirt or dress.

Tutorial for Tailoring the Neckline

Step 1 The image^ is the back of the tunic, but notice the front with it's collar and the "raindrop". I simply cut off the collar completely. I used a razor to remove the stitches (in the inside) at the shoulder strap (I recommend not cutting this area of the straps because you will resew the strap later & want to keep the exact length despite it being minimal). Then I used a pencil to trace the neck hem, going below the "raindrop", but only in the front. Your neckline can be a semi-circle or square-shaped, but mine is circular. Don't forget to trace it up to the shoulders. I recommend using a ruler to make sure your trace is symmetrical. I cut the front and should now have a shirt with a lower neckline. Use a zigzag stitch on the sewing machine to prevent fraying! (Leave the back of the tunic alone for now.)

Step 2 In these two images, I have folded the cut hem down 1/2 to 1/4 inch and ironed it to stay flat. You can see two stitches. The first is a simple, loose, handmade stitch used as a guide (this is not the final stitch but as a guide to sew the final stitches correctly the first time) and I used a sewing machine to make the second stitch. Then, removed the first stitch to leave the machine stitch.

Step 3 Since you have tailored the front of the tunic/shirt, the front and back shoulder straps are not equal! The back of the shirt: fold the hem down (as many times need for the strap to be as small as the front strap) and iron it to stay flat. Use the handmade stitch like in step 2, and machine sew it. In the images, I decided to sew two finished stitches with my sewing machine.
BACK OF THE TUNIC In this image, I had already removed the handmade stitch. Notice that I decided to make two machine stitches for the back, but it's your choice! ;)

Step 4 Remember when you used a razor to remove the stitches from the strap as I said in step 1? It is important to make a zigzag stitch over the end of the front strap and the end of the back strap to prevent fraying (not in images). Fold the front strap of that area back 1/2 or 1/4 inch and iron. Place the front strap over the back and pin to keep in place.

My technique for this step is different than regular shirts. For regular shirts, the ends of the straps are usually sewed from the inside so the outside does not show the sewing, but I wanted to do this different as in this image & please feel welcomed to follow! ;)

Step 5 When you had pinned the two straps in step 4, then use the sewing machine to sew a square over the overlapped straps as shown. Done!

I use the sewing machine to make all my final stitches on my vintage tunic, but I only made loose, handmade stitches when I want to make a guide before sewing with the machine. I did this (as said in step 2) to keep the hem in place, so when I sew the final stitches I would not mess up because the handmade stitches helped. Then I would remove the handmade stitches to leave the machine made stitches.

You can choose to make all the stitches handmade if you wish, but I still recommend the loose stitches! ;)

I would love to post pictures of my tunic with an outfit, but my photoshop has not been working lately, but I will post it asap because the final result is very lovely!

Edit: Click here to see the finished tunic with an outfit!

hello "I think you look really cool and pretty"

2010-03-15T17:11:00.001-07:00

Danni Li. City Magazine December 09

I think Danni has a really cool vibe and she's a beautiful fashion model. She really reminds me of Daul Kim, who I love as I have previously posted. I purchased the latest issue of City Magazine because Danni Li had an amazing editorial in it--I though she looked so beautiful and I loved the styling, so I carefully cut several pages out and taped it on my closet door. Danni Li's pictures are probably going to be on my wall for a really long time because she looks that cool.

Your zero
What's your name?
No one's going to ask you
Better find out where they want you to go

Try and hit the spot
Get to know it in the dark
Get to know it whether you're
Crying, crying, crying, oh, oh
Can you climb, climb, climb higher?

image source: models.com via City Magazine

hello bee & the purple flower and flea market dress.

2010-02-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

taken by myself ;)

Last weekend, I attended a local and annual Lunear New Year festival and it was pretty fun because it was a much needed break from school-related things. My friends and I was looking a little bamboo house the festival set up, and while they were taking pictures of each other, I was taking a picture of a bee on a beautiful flower plant nearby.

I don't see things in black and white, and I'm not a pessimistic person at all, but I see beauty in disappointment and good things in life. I have yet to take full advantages of opportunities in my life, but I would call myself a optimistic girl when I do.

You can't say that I stop to smell the roses, because I'm weirdly allergic to roses and I sadly don't have a strong sense of smell. But when my head is feeling depressed and lacks the energy I need, my heart flutters when I take a good picture of nature. Expect more on my blog.

Flea market plaid dress, H&M over the knee socks, old belt, gift watch, DIY chain bracelet, Kmart red bag sale $7 (bought after seen in Teen Vogue)

hello my favorite outfit.

2010-02-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

14 items - 14 looks competition

I should totally win this look because H&M treggings are literally the bomb and the shoes kill. The city I live in is starting to get chilly and the wind is blowing--and I'm in need of a good-looking jacket that is also practical! I can only imagine how freaking warm and gorgeous the jacket is when I wear it to walk down the street. The structure of the jacket looks organic, as the jacket has a peculiar look-feel to it.

Look at the beautiful color of the bag! It's one of those shoulder bags that can be seen from miles away because of the très belle way the bag looks in the spring sun. I extremely want to win this competition because I can fit many things into this cool bag, for example, it could definitely be a school bag to hold all my notebooks and supplies or it could be a practical weekend bag that contains my wallet, phone, water bottle, etc.

I should win this competition because I love it all. The shirt really grabs my attention because of it is a great basic tee that I can wear under all my jackets and cardigans--and still look darn amazing the way it hangs on the torso. And I can not forget the hoodie! It looks thin enough to wear under the jacket and looks soft enough to wear with edgy clothes for contrast.

In essence, I would love to win this competition to win the outfit because I really need it! I'm low on money, and I'm disappointed and low on energy I haven't been able to buy anything special for myself. I'm already imagining incorporating the various items into my closet. I can literally wear the pieces separately and look good for the whole week. I'm imagining how happy I would be when I wear those amazing heels and I would feel electricity running though my body when when I pair the treggings with long shirts and cardigans.

Thank you. ;)

hello bye again

2010-02-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

RIP Alexander McQueen

This is really devastating for a lot of people, and it is for me also. McQueen is the second person, whom I admired, that has sadly committed suicide, after Daul Kim. This causes me to stop thinking for a few moments because I realize that I admire people because I relate to them. Horrific moments can only make us stronger and make us fight for more beauty in the world.

no breakdowns today and blue flowy dress.

2010-02-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

I was afraid of breaking down during finals--not because of stress, but due to the depression way of my thinking. I'm not scared of anything because there was not anything to be scared of. I don't know why I break down--that's why I break down, because I don't know where my anxiety and depression-like feelings come from, so I bought this dress to cheer myself up.

My style has started changing; not just only black, white, and gray assembles anymore, but rather a little bit of dresses to my closet...and they all happen to be blue. My conclusion to why I am wearing more blue and less shading things is to make myself believe I'm in control--even if I don't know what I exactly want. (But I do have happy relapses.)

Marshalls blue dress $13, Zara gray cardigan, old gray scarf, old but new belt, and black pantyhose.

please be my someone out there.

2010-02-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

Forever21 blue dress $10, Zara gray cardigan $10, Target bright blue scarf $6, old but new belt.

These lyrics hit me every time:

If everything'd stop, I'd listen for your heart, To lead me right to you, yeah, I tried every way I can...

hello sky's beauty

2010-01-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

hello bedroom darkness

2010-01-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

i'm feeling the sky and the light.

2010-01-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

Blue plaid dress from flea market $3, old white dress (worn underneath), black unbranded cardigan $10, black scarf stolen from mom, Target tights $2.

My "butterfly" ring was a inexpensive steal I bought while in Vietnam; I was surprised to find such an amazing ring! And the chain ring is from Forever21, but it was resold at the flea market for a dollar for four.

hello bright ocean.

2010-01-09T18:34:00.000-08:00

Lee Hyun Yi. Vogue Korea Aug 08

Imagine wearing the brightest and fabulous babydoll dress. Walk around the sand and walk onto a big cliff over the big ocean. The waters are clear, but gray. There was a storm and the sky still light gray, but bright. Breath in the fresh and crisp air. The ocean and sky and rock is amazingly inspirational because of its rawness. It's a beautiful world and this one of the best scenes.

This is my dream. This scene will happen someday because the ocean and the sky is very inspirational to me! It only needs the right moment and right feeling.

The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that many people make unrealistic resolutions—especially teenagers. I’ve heard of girls who swear to ditch junk food, drink 8 cups of water, reinvent themselves, act nicer, ect and it never comes through. But for me, my resolutions honesty always get checked off by the end of the year. For my ’09 resolutions, I’ve done them all unconsciously throughout the year and that makes me feel good right about now—and happiness is rare for me...maybe I should make joy one of my resolutions, but it will be a challenge. And I love self-challenges.

New Year’s Resolutions:
Buy and/or borrow a cookbook and cook more this year.
Read more books. Aim for more fantasy, inspirational, biography, and coming-of-age.
Wear my prescription glasses more. Wear my contact lenses less.
Eat less starch. Only because I eat too much starch already.
Read world news.
Wear wedges to school more.
Do more DIYs.
Paint my nails more.
Try more eye-makeup looks.
Wear more lipstick!
Buy more different pattern/colored tights.
Try to thrift a little more.
Find at least 1 vintage dress and wear it and hang it on the wall.
Watch a lot of indie films.
Memorize music lyrics.
Always remember that I am always in control and know exactly what I am doing…even if I am not and do not.

Challenges:
Practice DJing music.
Try to be a little more joyful…around summer.
Lose two pounds. That’s all. 2 lbs.

Keep From ‘09
Keep away from junk food, namely oreos.
Keep boycotting fast food.
Keep ditching soda, keep drinking enough water.
Keep my health up, include eating more fruits and veggies.
Keep trying to learn French.
Keep away from short shorts.
Keep decorating my bedroom wall.
Keep keeping my clothes in order.
Keep listening to a lot of music.

2010: Somehow, maybe I will just discover more about myself. ;)

Constant surprises
Coming my way
Some call it coincidence
But I like to call it fate

image source: vogue.co.kr though Asian Models

hello distressed tee.

2010-01-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

DISTRESSED Bought some basic shirts form H&M and I've been distressing the front and back. I'm pretty good at it, because there are barely any holes and that's how I want it to look.

V-NECK I distressed this on the plane ride to Asia during the summer and I bought for $3. I'm wearing it with an old school uniform cardigan my younger sister used to wear.

I hate school uniforms! 9 years was enough, thank you very much. I always followed the dress code, but for those girls who did too, there was always some people who make it school uniforms really slutty and broke the rules. But I don't really care now, because in high school, there is no uniforms and those girls have horrible style. so. there.

But it's navy blue and really slouchy; besides the fact that it supposed to be a school uniform. I needed another cool cardigan and this was perfect! It's too big, so I bought a packet of big safety pins at the dollar store and diy-ed it on the back.

INSIDE. The pins look pretty edgy, but only I know about it.

;]

hello looking at the past for this year.

2009-12-31T22:42:00.000-08:00

Liu Wen in China Vogue April 07

Hye Park in Wish Magazine July 09

Gwen Lu in Biba Magazine October 08

Daul Kim in Zoo Magazine 09

I love asian models. Too amazing.

image source: models.com & Asian Models

hello model.

2009-12-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

Elle Korea Supplement Cover May 2009

Seriously one of my favorite magazine covers. Han Hye Jin has been around since the 2006, when Asian models became more dominate in the fashion industry. And she's amazing.

source: via models.com

hello bright lights and stairs.

2009-12-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Vogue Nippon November 2009

Tao Okamoto looks fierce but soft; but to me, the city lights and the dress in the second image--too good of an inspiration.

image source: vogue.co.jp

MUSIC

You set me on fire...

hello i heart you.

2009-11-19T19:57:00.001-08:00

RIP Daul Kim

I didn't know about Daul's death until I read it on luluandyourmom's blog. Unwilling to believe it, I doubled checked it. I'm extremely sad, because she was a strong Asian women that I honestly looked up too and she was my absolute favorite model. Before I heard of her death, I felt like she knew what she wanted in life and knew who she wanted to hanged out with. In addition to my previous post, she was kind of part of my life, because she does what she wants and says what she wants to make her life productive, which inspired me. She was dark and emotional, but she was also realistic and bubbly at times, living her life head on; she dyed her hair ash blond and was risky enough to shave her eyebrows seasons ago. I loved her life.

I cried. I can't forget her.

hello to never knowings.

2009-10-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

Du Juan for China Vogue

Selina Khan by James Mahon

I recalled what Huizi said to me: "Fenfang, never look back to the past, never regret, even if there is emptiness ahead." But I couldn't help it. Sometimes I would rather look back if it meant I could feel something in my heart, even something sad. Sadness was better than emptiness. (from Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo)

Twenty Fragments of a Ravenous Youth is such a good and enduring story of 17- year-old Fenfang and her struggle find an identity in a rapidly changing China. I loved how the author made Fenfang's life go beyond the pages, and the fragile but strong story really hooked me.

Stories about a young girl trying to create her own identity are my favorite novels. It relates to me because I know that before I graduate from high school I must choose to stay in the west coast or move the the other side of the country. I want to share my dreams:

What I really want is to study communication and get a career in publication, marketing, or public relations (interning for a magazine wouldn't hurt). I would either attend a state college and continue to do so, and after a year, (or two) transfer to an ivy league in New England. This is the problem. I'm afraid and terrified that I will struggle to live in a place like New York or Boston, but I always have wanted to move over there; but this is the best plan for me: go to college in my state, study communication, then transfer out of state after a year or two.

Of course I can't forget that I will also get a minor in nutrition, as my backup plan, or either combine communication and health together to find a good career.

I don't know what to do with my life right now. I have to take control of it now, which is why I like my blog. Lets wait and see what happens.

MUSIC

G-Dragon's performance for Boy

images via asianmodelsblog

hello star-lit mall.

2009-10-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Ask yourself, are you sure this world is for you? And are you sure you are the right person to survive in this world? The world of fashion; a world with no rules, no laws?
Karl Lagerfeld

Parkson Saigontourist Plaza, Vietnam's capital.

This mall's right next to the airport in Saigon and if don't have family waiting for you, a bus can drive you over there.

I highly recommend to never cross the streets in VN.

The mall has great air-conditioning.

Don't expect high-fashion, except the perfumes.

Beware: If your on the women clothing section of the mall, and the young workers behind the counters sound like they're talking shit on you in Vietnamese, they probably are.

images: trinasreality

hello first asian model.

2009-09-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Du Juan backstage at Diane von Furstenberg

Du is seriously the first model I could name by face. I'm upset she moved from 18 on the top 50 women's model list to 39. As you should know, she has been around since '06, she's Chinese and she's freaken amazingly beautiful. I think I kind of look like her.

image source: style.com

hello diy.

2009-07-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

DIY old black top. white lacy top, from Asia. black straight-leg jeans, Pacsun.

Here's a bad picture (sorry) of a diy I made on an old tank top I had. The first image is the front, and the second is the back. I had wore this black top over my bikini several times (about 2 years ago) to the pool, Wild Rivers, beach during summer programs; likewise it is all chlorine-washed. I was like "Hey, if I'm never gonna wear it again, why not make it up into something I will?" So that's that.

Going to Vietnam later this night. It's two flights and I'm stopping at Taiwan 2/3s there. Hopefully, this year I'll be lucky and the airport is selling Asian (any language) fashion magazines at Taiwan's airport. ;] I'm planning to look around the plaza/mall near the airport in Saigon and buying some things, like quality clothes and two bags for school. ;D I'm going to live in the country side, so I'm not sure if I can find neat stuff as I can find in the capital, but I'll try to look around.

Wait for pictures in a month, please? ^__^

hello doom of my first interest in fashion.

2009-07-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

I was crazy about Harry Potter (watched the movie yet? I have.) and seriously paranoid, in a good way, about health blogs before I discovered an incredible world where you can express yourself through clothes. It was fashion and I got hook and it was all thanks so foto_decadent.

I was a baby born from this community, looking though the archive for hours on end because it first sparked my interest in fashionable photography. I then wanted to know the names of the gorgeous models in the editorials and then I started to move towards actually runway images. But foto_decadent, to me personally, has been sort of a pre-teen childhood something that was there for me. It was a something truly special with many people contributing to it reguarly, it was something of a dream? or something that I can always relate too because foto_decadent was my bfff who was there for me as I started to wonder who I really was and who I want to be.

Today, I signed on my livejournal and discovered foto_decadent has been deleted. It really upsets me. ;[ I'm sorry I've never had the guts to leave a comment. Truly sorry.

Here are two images from flickr under 'foto decadent'.

hello crazy hair/clothes...you should really belong to me

2009-07-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Above all, remember that the most important thing you can take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it's an open mind.
-Gail Rubin Bereny

[L'Officiel Russia #86]

I love this editorial from several years back. Big curly hair? Bold print, soft fabric, lacy, flowers, and geometric impressions? Yes... please suddenly appear in my closet and can someone please give me a free curling iron? ;D

source: foto_decadent

Follow my blog with bloglovin. ;]

hello bold clothing.

2009-06-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

[amica july 2009]
[editorial: mix & match]

How can anyone not possibly not like bold, bright, captivating prints? It's the concept of sometime layering, sometime allowing the print to stand by itself, sometime clashing with different prints, usually with an air of confidence.

[&]

You listen to David A? You must because he sings amazingly well live. Watch the HD below for a pretty interesting mix of two songs.

You have me in denial, in denial; You say it's over, and all these beautiful girls...

photo credit and source: jak and jil blog, mixologies

hello my simple outfit.

2009-06-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

What can I say? J'préfère la jupe violette.

hello white tee.

2009-06-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

It's the end of the year and lets all realize that I sometime want to have that relaxed but rebellious look. For half a year, I been wishing for a white tee like the one Daul Kim is wearing in the first picture--shows what a procrastinating person I am. Then again white tees are made of paper-thin cotton which means I need to buy another shirt to go under it. . .

[korea dazed & confused may 2008]
[editorial: begin]

source:allure2058@tFs

you can try all you want, but the bag will never be found.

2009-05-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

[Push, 2009]

Take a good look at the cream white bag Kira (played by Camilla Belle) has slugged over her shoulder. Why don't I have it?

hello the season's makeup.

2009-05-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

A witty saying proves nothing. -Voltaire

Christian Dior

Giambattista Valli

Gucci

John Galliano

Versace

Remember two-tone shoes? Well apparently, for next season, notice the two-toned eyeshadow makeup at various runways. Amazing, right?

LOUIS///VUITTON///SPRING///09

2009-04-07T12:35:00.000-07:00

Louis Vuitton spring 09 ready to wear

Most likely the shoes of the seasons until fall. These tribal-like shoes are glamorous and amazing and they've been spotted at Paris Fashion week.

source: style.com

TWENTY8TWELVE///FALL09///READY TO WEAR

2009-04-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

"It started off as a grunge collection in one direction, then as a glam collection in the other," said Sienna Miller.

Just look at this collection; it's sleek with glamorous pieces and incredibly street wearable. Look at the shoes!

ANN///Demeulemeester//FALL09///READY TO WEAR

2009-03-07T14:34:00.001-08:00

ann demeulemeester fall 2009 ready to wear

Its dark and beauty in chaos. I love the versatile clothing with the dark pants, the jumbo coats, and the slightly random slash-like white shirts. This line reminds me of the need of a heavy dark coat, a pair of shiny boots, and a wispy white blouse.

It's perfection with the trends I need.

i believe in the future.

2009-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

"For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life." -President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address, January 20, 2009.

i feel like wearing a mini dress and standing in an ac-needed room.

2009-01-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

photographer: LiQi

Doesn't Emma Pei make every girl want to wear an Qipao mini with pulled-back hair and stand in sewing room packed with fabric? I so would.

new year means getting new clothes for the closet.

2008-12-31T16:42:00.000-08:00

This week has been boring, yet I feel it's a lot better than school work...I love winter break, but apparently my goals of the week completely went down the drain. I was supposed to START my two homework assignments to get them out the way for next week, but I just suddenly felt this weird encouragement to do it before dinner...wish me luck.

Christian Lacroix,Sonia Rykiel, Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier
Spring 09 Runway

I didn't go out much, but I did wear some outfits as I was at home. I even curled my hair twice, which I think went really well! :]]

I personally and usually wear plain tees with cardigans and a lot ribbed tank tops, but I pretty much always wear skinny jeans. I know I look dressed up but in a casual way, but I think I need to get some versatile shirts and skirts to change up my wardrobe. And maybe a black bucked heel shoe and a Chuck Taylor. ;D

Rebecca Taylor, Matthew Williamson, Jill Stuart, Marc by Marc Jacobs

i have a feeling i'm totally ready for the new year.

2008-12-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

It's almost a brand new year and I'm seriously excited for 2009.

I can't help but make my New Year's Resolution, but maybe since it’s still a little early, I probably will add some more resolutions later on.

I’m going to seriously stop binging on mini chocolate bars, full-fat ice cream and double-stuf Oreos. I’m a health-nut, but when those junk foods are in the kitchen, I will eat ice cream straight from the carton and eat mini candy bars every few minutes. And the oreos? I only eat the cookie part and leave the white stuffing in the package, so whenever my dad opens that oreo bag, it’s full of leftover white frosting stuffing. ;]]
I WILL buy more skinny jeans! I have other pairs of pants but there're flare jeans and I just hate them. I keep wearing the same two pairs of skinny jeans and they are seriously getting worn out.
I must exercise, even if it’s still winter or spring. For a weird reason, I usually ONLY exercise in the summer, because I don’t know why. There’s just something about summer and my stomach. So for the New Year, I will turn on the heater and exercise because I want to be healthy.
My new phone must stop falling out of my pocket. My Sony Ericsson is half a year old and the keys are already chipping! That’s gotta stop or my kind-of-new-hone will look trashy in no time.
I was just told my family’s going to move by next year and my parents claim my room is pretty big, so my plan is to make my room look magazine-makeover worthy! :D

I’m working on my music playlist on my cell, but at the same time I’m regularly keeping an eye out for good-deal clothes that look similar to the New York and European runways. And because we have a new year coming, I want to share some of my favorite outfits from fall 08 runways.

[Karen Walker, Sonia Rykiel, Luella Bartley, DKNY]

It's all really street-wearable and I'm thinking about rummaging though boutiques to look for some clothes that remind me of fall 08, but completely spring 09! ;)