This is normcore

Honestly, I can't help but laugh. There is literally a new fashion trend based on not following fashion trends. Normcore, which I've heard described as hardcore normal people. Hmm, someone up there is running out of ideas, no? Just because a certain look is not all over the runways or filling the manufactured streets of LA does not make it any less cool; it actually makes it cooler. So I guess the wardrobe expressionist elite are suddenly realizing this and subsequently taking a crap all over it. If Normcore means dressing the way you want despite the notoriously overpriced, unoriginally inspired, often try hard trends of the fashion world then I'd have to say I've been a fan before the club even existed.

It always seemed like a serious contradiction to me, fashion trends representing personal style. It is similar to all the goths and supposed freaks in high school that were supposedly so different, yet all dressed the same.

I say it so much it will probably be on my tombstone, but personal style is supposed to be personal, not redundant in the form of all the cool peeps that run this oh so coveted world of fashion looking like different adaptions of the same novel.

You know, I actually thought about Photoshopping this photo because of my lower stomach. But then I laughed because I don't know how to use Photoshop, I never edit my photos in any way, shape or form because I don't know how, and also, that'd just be weird. As we nitpick at all our supposed flaws, we don't register in the fact that most of the people all over magazines and other media look a lot more like us than it seems. Did you see the Huffington Post article about the biggest Photoshop bloopers major corporations committed in attempt to create thigh gaps, Barbie waists, and toothpick arms? I loved it because it affirms what we all need to realize, and that is that we're all human, meaning we're all imperfect. Let's just all be imperfect together, it'll lighten the load, and likely lessen the eating disorders.

In other news, my afros' back! I think I like it better than other hairstyles because it's freeing. This may sound really cheesy but I feel more in touch with myself when donning my natural hair, though for some reason, I get a lot of attention for it.

These bootcut jeans (oh my gosh, I'm wearing jeans!) are from The Gap, but I actually got them thrifting in San Fran. This little crop top is from Forever 21. I often wonder about the whole crop top thing. Because of wear it stops, your lower stomach (the most problematic problem area) is on full blast, like who, other than the bourgeois of body composition can get away with this? I must have felt pretty slim the day of purchase. Either way, I just shrugged and put it on, I mean Normocore is in, right?

Throwback Thursday: Thankful Edition

So apparently there are actual statistics proving that acknowledging what you're grateful for makes you a happier person. I've been reading Creative Mind and Success by Ernest Holmes, and along with a surplus of other beneficial live well information, Holmes explains how your thought life creates your daily life. It's a concept that everyone should utilize. It'd literally change the world. It's really funny, yet more so sad how most seem to think that more money is what will make the world a better place, yet fail to realize that the condition of our society begins and ends with the spiritual condition of its citizens.

Last Thanksgiving I finally discovered what I then thought of as the holy grail that is Gossip Girl. I think I was on Season 3 when this look came together. The whole prep meets a touch of posh was really Blair Waldorf-y in my eyes. I never made it past Season 3 though because when pretty much everyone started hooking up with pretty much everyone, the whole needing to throw up mid episode thing kind of took away from the entertainment factor for me. But the outfits definitely had their inspirational qualities.

This faux leather accordion skirt is from Forever 21. The length makes it classy yet the wannabe leather kind of juxtaposes that so it is easily one of my favorite pieces. The sheer button down is by Gianni Bini. I really love how their pieces are so classic yet always feature a little edge element to lament the freshness of the line. My favorite thing I wore is this little velvet esque wine colored piece. One of my friends dubbed it my Jimi Hendrix jacket so I call it that now too, but I had originally thought of Carrie Bradshaw when I got it. I'm really into wine lately (the color, I mean) which is rather interesting because it previously reminded me of my grandma's old Volvo.

Fame 'n Fashion

Sometimes you don't have to go shopping to wear a new outfit. Creating a fresh ensemble can be as simple as a bright pair of pants landing next to a cool graphic tee in the midst of actually trying to find something to wear; and suddenly realizing how good these two pieces look together.

The fun of fashion, er, personal style (what exactly is the difference again?) is that in its most authentic sense, it is a garment gilded potion concocted exclusively by the wearer. True style is creating a no-rules-barred look that needs no validation or explanation. It is simply a statement about the wearer made by the wearer; that no trend-of-the-moment can harness.

This oversized "Fame is Boring" tee is from Forever 21. I loved it the moment I saw it because I agree so earnestly with its statement. While fame may not appear boring to the everyday person, having any sense of a personal life eradicated from you in exchange for money gets pretty dry after a while I'm sure.

And much like the other 97% of my wardrobe, this tee eventually went on clearance, which led to audible excitement on my part. I guess not many people agreed with its statement, though I really wish they did because I think it'd make life a better, less trash filled place.

Oh and these red-hot animal print pants are from Rave; a shop that went through a billion different names and ownerships so I'm not sure what it's actually called now. Of course I slashed up the front of them for that distressed look which I personally like best layered over fishnets.

Small Talk

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: I can't really say specifically how I would define the way I  dress because I just wear what I'm attracted to and don't attempt to fit a category or whatever. I believe that style is/should be an extension of the wearer so for me my emotions and personality play a big role in what I put on every day.

 I guess my style is pretty funky but chill. I love bright colors, cool prints, and stuff that is either kind of eccentric or will allow me to make it that way. I'm really attracted to effortlessness though, like oversized tees, leggings, beanies and Chucks- I think that might also be because I'm a hip hop dancer too though, so naturally I like comfort and mindless mobility; always gotta be ready to bust a move.

 

Q: Where do you shop? 

A: Not to sound all hipster or whatever but I really don't like shopping at mainstream stores, well except for Forever 21 in Palmdale because their clearance section is ridiculous.

 I really love thrifting, Goodwill, and those little cheap boutiques that have random stuff that's really cool- like $3 neon green little boy sweaters that I can thankfully fit, even though my long arms make the sleeves look three quarter length.

I'm super cheap when it comes to clothes because getting dressed is just fun for me, I firmly believe in fierce fashion minus the fuss. I don't need the expensive stuff because that's just not my life right now, I'm a little bit of a wild child bum that runs all over the city and just likes pulling cool stuff on without having to think twice of how to care for it. I dance pretty much everyday and run around stuffing clothes into messenger bags, it would kind of suck if they were expensive right? The price isn't important anyway, it's all about the presentation.

(all fotos taken with iphone4, 2012)

What's Done in the Dark

Late nights after eventful evenings..
serene
natural
ellicits a beauty that is only found in complete effortlessness
uaware of self
unabashed angles
nothing really matters when everything feels right

f21 bodysuit $1 store tights

Life Itself is the Proper Binge

I've been wearing skirts a lot lately, although I don't know if it counts if they're grunged up with Chuck Taylors and spiky accessories. The floral skirt is actually a dress, I just pushed it down some because I didn't feel like dealing with the halter top part. I've also been making good use of my specs lately, I think they add an extra dose of character, not that there's a shortage on that.
Also, as aforementioned, I just moved to San Fran and wow, it's so different than the Antelope Valley. I constantly feel like I moved to a different planet rather than just a few cities away. Admittedly though, I kinda felt like I was from a different planet before too. If you're in the area, let me know, I need some fashiony friends.

(pretty much everything is from f21, I work there, what can I say? Except for crop top, spike bracelet, and specs- all Downtown LA random boutique purchases)

I'm Not Dead

It's been a minute. Life has seriously been in fast forward lately with moving to San Fran next week and all. Anyone live in the area? More specifically Downtown? Because I would love an official fashion featured tour of my new area code. Oh, and I changed my hair, which comes as no surprise to absolutely anyone I'm sure. I've been consistently inspired by edgy, free spirited, rocker-ness and I needed a look with that feel in mind. Now, I must get ready to go teach Zumba; more soon..

(top vintage, jacket/fishnets/pants forever21)

Fashion Wasn't Built in a Day

When I'm not a student, model, freelance writer or Zumba/dance instructor, I'm a visual merchandiser at Forever 21; but you knew that already though, right? I focus on the visual aspect of the store; like merchandising apparel, dressing mannequins, and pretty much constructing the way the store looks.

Every quarter we do a massive floor set where new merchandise comes in and it is set up by theme. You know, F21 stores are merchandised based on trend and style. To recycle these leftover plans and because my camera is still m.i.a, here's a peek at some of Forever 21's new, themes; which one is your style?

Saaay Chic

Fashion and photography have always gone hand in hand, it may even be safe to say that you can't have one without the other; well I suppose you can, it just wouldn't be as chic; enter in the Forever 21 photobooth. Being that my boss throws any exclusively fashion based project or promotion my way, I'm in charge of the new Forever 21 Photobooth in my area; and as much as I sometimes despise being randomly whored around the store as the mascot whenever it's time to wear promotional items or the fashion consultant, or in-house personal shopper whenever customers need advice; I must admit this new F21 photobooth thing is actually pretty cool.

Here's how it works:

I should've snapped a photo of it but it looks just like a standard photobooth, aside from having F21's signature yellow and black coloring and red lip color laden models plastered all over it.

• The booth allows you to take four shots and it prints out two photostrips.
• The photobooth also prompts you to create a 30 second video on why you love Forever 21, your favorite trends, or pretty much anything your fashion frenzied little heart desires.
• Once the photostrips print out, there is a code at the bottom that allows you to access both your photo/video online and post them to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• Then you enter your video into a monthly 210$ F21 shopping spree competition, and winners are chosen based on the quality of the submitted video.

Surprisingly, many girls are really timid and self conscious when it comes to seeing themselves on film. As cool as the Forever 21 Photobooth seems to me, I'm often met with variances of "No, I look like crap" or "By myself? Oh no, I can't!" Hmm..I guess daily bouts of posing awkwardly in random places to get outfit shots for this blog has really deadened the whole "Oh my gosh, I look like a monster on camera" thing for me.

Is there a Forever 21 photo booth at the store in your area? I' love to see some videos! Try not to judge mine too harshly, like this one and especially the one of me solo here where my voice is unexplainably, super annoyingly five octaves higher than normal.

Hue Haiku

Ode Haiku to Electric Blue

The Color of Cool

Dreams and Raindrops, Mod Party

Dance to Your Own Beat

(sunnies- $1 store, hk beanie, bodycon dress- f21, tights- target, boots- timberlands)