tears

how come my tear ducts don't have an off switch? i cried twice today.

my dad finally returned a book he borrowed from me 3 or 4 years ago... my most treasured might I add. 

Not only are the contents of this book sacred but the author's personalized autograph inside makes it all the more precious. When I was still attending UCLA, I had the privilege of hearing this North Korean renegade give his eyewitness account of the horrific day-to-days in a concentration camp (yes, they still do exist!) and North Korea in general, where more than 3 million people have died from starvation alone.

i re-read the book in 2 days and felt a mix of emotions linger within me. i can't believe these tragedies are still occurring as we speak and at the moment, i feel all the more closer, being on the southern portion of the once united country. kang chol-hwan is one of the fortunate few that was able to escape this horrible regime... and i have the utmost respect for him. 

my other reason for crying? doesn't really seem to matter. 

oh, for old time's sake!

How time flies... it's been awhile hasn't it? I suddenly felt an urge to revisit my blog of random fashion outbursts and nostalgia instantly swept over me as I read the few posts from years back. I forgot how excited I used to feel about trends and good buys (even though reading my overly excited posts made me blush a bit.) 

anyway, im currently in Korea (and yes, South Korea for all those people that were wondering, and yes admit it--there are many of you that were. For the record, you cannot enter or leave North Korea because it's under the rule of that cruel dictator and it is a completely separate country from the South.) Apologies--I've digressed. so I've been in Seoul for a little over a month now. And as most of you know, a different environment can have you view things in a whole different light. Fashion here definitely shines differently than in the States. One obvious way you can tell is by stepping out into the streets. Without a mistake, an American will stand out like a sore thumb not just by his or her size in comparison to the smaller framed Koreans but by his or her toned-down sense of fashion as well. Another way is by turning on the tube. Celebrities are clad in funky fresh brights, ruffles and lace that would put Queen Elizabeth to shame, unthinkably wild prints or other types of clothing that a typical American would try to avoid at all costs. 

So sparks have been flying in my head. I've been counting down the days till the first Spring 2010 RTW show but examining fashion in a different country is almost, if not just as exciting. A couple looks that I'm eager to explore: (disclaimer for any fashion police-stas: these looks are based off of what's caught my interest during my experience here so far and not necessarily what might be "in" this season although you may see a few overlaps. not that it really matters anyway.)

1. Bleached Denim

So these have been out in the market for a fair amount of time but haven't received the positive buyer reaction that it once got in the 80s. I think this has to do with the fact that this look sits on a very fine line between haute rocker and tacky trailer trash (ouch, that was a bit harsh but that's the harsh truth.) When done right (as in paired with a sexy pair of to-die-for stilettos and a posh blazer or something of its chic equivalent), it can make a girl's head go spinning in fashion fantasy world. so i exaggerate but it does have a captivating appeal. 

Celebrities show the 80s inspired trend some love.

Balmain Acid Washed Jeans  

     

Dark Bleached Denim

2. Lace tights

Please let's stay with black for these. I love colored tights but colored lace tights might be pushing it a little far. I've seen a few on the streets of Seoul and I had to hold back from going Lady GAGa on them. 

yes, yes I know. Megan fox can make almost anything look good. 

DooRi Fall 2009

A more detailed look at the exquisite lace. Could it be that DooRi's Korean heritage had something to do with its popularity in this country, or coincidence? I haven't seen too many people in the States with them. Fishnets, yes (ugh.) Lace, unfortunately, no. 

3. The Mushroom haircut

Han Hyo Joo, the recent star in what was one of Korea's hottest dramas: Shining Inheritance

Song Hye Gyo, the flawless beauty who recently came clean about her relationship with my crush Hyun Bin

 Suh In Young, the pretentious yet lovable Jewelry group member

So this is NOT a look that I'm eager to try out for myself but definitely something that I'm intrigued by. It's not really a flattering look, even on these celebrities who definitely make the above average cut in the looks department. But for some strange reason, the mushroom bug must have bitten the entire nation because there's an influx of commoners who are actually walking the streets with this do aka the bowl cut. Hmm. I did think it looked cute on me--when I was 3! 

I have to admit though, the look has somewhat grown on me over the past month. It's fresh but again, not flattering.  I'm kinda digging Han Hyo Joo's blunt version of the cut but more for its aesthetic value in the editorial than everyday. And depending on how it's blown out, you can have several looks in one: sexy, sophisticated or cute, respective of pictures above. I'm still not convinced but I have learned that the natives here are pretty bold. They're not afraid to try something new even if it means risking looking somewhat like a smurf. 

Nice Booties!

although they made it on the runway last year, it wasn't till this season that people started obsessing over ankle-length boots, cleverly named "booties." i have yet to find the perfect pair even though i have noticed a couple that make the "nice" cut.

steve madden aplegate in black leather... i was pretty close to making the purchase but changed my mind at the last minute. only if the heel was a tad bit higher

me too-"ramira." the fold-over makes for an interesting design. i love them in this color also but definitely not the kind of boots you can sport often

and personally, my favorite out of the three, michael kors' "studio." the higher heel is sexier and dressier but unfortunately a bit pricey-er than the previous ones (just under $190.) it's do-able and it'll be worth it, at least for this autumn/winter season!

and a repeat photo from the previous entry but kate moss is rockin these booties... great way to dress up a casual outfit.

i lovee these black leather ones with the chunky knit jacket/dress on marykate... lovn the chanel with the outfit also!

photo credits: stevemadden.com, nordstrom.com, usatoday.com, boston.com

Kate Moss for Topshop--Autumn/Winter Collection: Better Late Than Never

If there's one celebrity/model's style I really dig, it's Kate Moss's. She has mastered the really chic but I'm-not-trying-too-hard look which now every woman is trying to pull off in her own personal vicinity. and who can blame them for trying?

Like mentioned in the previous entry, everyone needs to discover their own sense of style and adapt it so it becomes personal. However, when someone like Kate comes along and makes such a huge fashionable impression on anyone with eyes, it's inevitable she's going to have followers. And with her second collection of clothes now available at topshop.com and Barneys, she just made it that much easier.

Floral Smock Dress

And the Perfect Pair of Brown Leather Boots to match

Zig Zag Dress--might be a bit dizzying but the cut and scarf is too cute to pass

Scarf Neck Vest

These are just a few of my favorites from her new Autumn/Winter collection. I love how all her pieces seem really strong yet still contain the perfect touch of femininity. Unfortunately, most of the stuff have already been sold out and it hasn't even been a month since its release! AND if you haven't heard, her line doesn't carry any sizes bigger than a 6.

Photo Credits: stylebytes.net; katemosstopshop.com

The Skinny On Wide-Leg Pants

I'm beginning to indulge in the new and improved wide-leg trend. And it seems as though it is gaining more popularity among the masses than the skinny-leg look (although I personally still have a fetish with them and sincerely hope they don't go out till a couple more seasons. but that's for another post.)

The high-waist and the low-rise are both cute in different ways. So far, I have one of each and while I love them both equally, I tend to wear the low-rise more often.

Here's The High Waist Pant from Express. As we all know, Express pants tend to run a little big. I'm in-between sizes 0 and 2 there but I HAD to have a pair of these. The SA had told me while I was trying on these pants that the 2 was a little too bulky and the 0 was "absolutely perfect" on me. Well, they didn't feel absolutely perfect... I had to suck in to get them buttoned and was nearly suffocating to fasten the belt on the last hole. Nevertheless, I made the purchase and after getting the hems altered (they run a little long for me too), I've worn them exactly once. Not because I don't love them, but because they're just so hard to get into. But the one time I wore them, I discovered a funny little secret: I can actually wear them unbuttoned and go unnoticed because the huge belt covers the button area. So I had some breathing space... anyway, if the sizing isn't a problem for you, these are the pair to buy! and even if it is--how can you resist?

7 For All Mankind... Ginger in Mercer wash. I get lots of compliments when I wear these out. The fit is perfect and they're reeaaally comfortable (as opposed to the high waist trousers.)

Gap also has some on the market and the ones from Hudson are so striking that they might just become my next purchase...

While most feel a little timid to wear out the newest trends before the masses do, I say if you try it and it looks good, what's stopping you? These pants are already becoming more consumer friendly... but before it becomes too common for people to notice, turn your sidewalk into your own personal runway with these hot, new pants.

PICK UP A TREND. MAKE IT YOURS.

Everyone needs to discover his/her own style... not every fashion trend will flatter every fashion ethusiast, no matter how chic she might be. Similiarly, not every shopper will be thrilled by every new item for the season even if it is her favorite brand. While I hope many will be able to relate with my taste in fashion, please feel free to use this forum as a place to share some of your thoughts and ideas as well! Shopping with a friend is always more fun than shopping alone...

My very first entry will be dedicated to the new Louis Vuitton bag that'll be coming out in November of this year (or so I hear.)

Despite the label of Monograms as "classic" pieces, I was beginning to get sick of all of the ones that have been out solely because--literally--everyone and their moms seem to own one. Well, I should mention, everyone and their moms excluding me and mine. I have yet to gain the privilege of being in this social league, not necessarily due to financial reasons but because I can't seem to choose one that I absolutely love. I'm a practical girl that loves fashion and I try to make sure that I'm completely ecstatic about (almost) every purchase. I mean, otherwise I'm just taking up my closet space with junk I'm going to be throwing out the following season right?

WELL, I found one that's worth every penny, nickel and dime. It's the new Tivoli!

Isn't it absolutely adorable? While it has the classic monogram print, the shape is a novel design with adjustable handles that can be shortened/lengthened. The slouchy-ness can pull off a casual look but at the same time it can definitely be dressed up! It'll go along perfectly with everything in my wardrobe. What ya'll think?