quotations on life: January 2013

Thursday, 31 January 2013

uye surana ss13

New York-based brand, Uye Surana has been a personal favorite since I was first introduced to the brand over a year ago. Monica Wesley, the designer and owner, and also my friend since I met her over the summer when I was in New York, is such a sweetheart. This Spring/Summer 2013 lookbook blew me away with its slight nostalgic vibes. I am so infatuated with the bralettes and delicate flowy dresses, that's something that will never change. My favorite pieces are the Plaid Panel Skirt and the blue Denim & Silk Bra. It's really pure love. I can't wait to reunite in New York next week!

Monday, 28 January 2013

polyvore monday: winter sophistication

Neutral Faux Fur Coat | Original

Polka Dotted Blouse | Original

Pleather Skinnies | Original

Strappy Pumps | Original

Brown Handbag | Original

Silver Cuff | Original

New York Fashion Week is just around the corner and I, like everyone else, am nervous about the harsh cold weather that I will have to face while still attempting to look my very best. This week's Polyvore Monday edition showcases what would be my ideal and most basic outfit to embrace cold winds and chills. Faux fur coat, blouse (while wearing a thermal underneath) and pleather skinny pants. A no brainer ensemble, but accessories complete everything else that's needed.

Sunday, 27 January 2013

hands down, I'm too proud for love

Photos by Missy Broome

H&M Cognac Blazer | Nasty Gal Leopard Blouse | Forever 21 Leather Fringe Skirt | To Be Announced Punch Ankle Boots c/o Solestruck | Sheinside Crossbody

Another day, another leopard print piece. This leather fringe skirt is also really something. This is what I wore yesterday to the Andy Warhol Polaroids exhibit which by the way was a complete spontaneous trip. After shooting these frames, my friend mentioned to me about this exhibition and there was no way I was going to miss seeing the work of one of my favorite artists. The exhibit is open until March 23, so if you are in the Los Angeles area, be sure to check it out! You can also get your polaroid taken as a memento like I did here!

Saturday, 26 January 2013

details in a home

Photos via Pinterest

“Basically we wear a room. We choose colors we feel good in, things that make us happy, textures that feel amazing. Consider the cut of a room, so to speak, the way you would choose a skirt or pants that fit you well. Make sure your sofa is comfortable. Don't tolerate things in your home because there are so many things outside the home that we have to put up with. When you're in your home, make sure it's exactly what you want. Style and comfort are only successful when they're hand in hand.”

Wednesday, 23 January 2013

golden leopard

Photos by Missy Broome

Rodarte x Target Leopard Dress via Crossroads Trading (similar here) | Gold Pleated Skirt (similar here and here) | Asos Metal Keeper Bag | Forever 21 Gold Choker (similar here)

Sometimes all it takes is capturing stylish moments in the corner of a late 60s style apartment decked out in cacti and the golden hour glow to feel as if you've been transported to Palm Springs for the time being. I wore my favorite leopard piece from Rodarte's 2010 collection for Target as a shirt under this gold pleated amazingness. Now that's what I call getting the full functionality out of a piece of clothing.

Monday, 21 January 2013

monochromatic stripes

Photos by Blake Jacobsen

Vagabond Lady Breton Stripe Knit | Wasteland Skater Skirt | Going Steady Necklace and Rihanna Necklace and Bangles c/o Karen London | Asos Cat Clutch | Jeffrey Campbell Drexel Buckle Booties

It seems like everyone is going into stripe mode lately, though I've always been a big advocate for everything and anything stripe-printed. Here I am wearing a striped piece from Vagabond Lady, my online vintage shop which will launch at the end of this month! Keep your eyes peeled. Anywho, another update is that I finally made a new video for my Youtube channel (which you can see below)! How's that for productivity? I've realized that I really enjoy making videos and it's going to be something I will try my best to keep up with along with my blog posts. So, I hope you guys enjoy it too! And in other news, I've updated my closet shop with some new pieces. Bisous!

Friday, 18 January 2013

cozying up in winter layers

Photos by Missy Broome

SoCal is warming up, but that's not going to stop me from draping a shaggy jacket over my shoulders to satisfy my winter layering delights. Also, saying that I love this net top would be an understatement. It's basically the perfect perforated top to wear under two layers in seventy degrees. News flash guys, I am now officially an editorial intern for one of my favorite magazines, Foam! If you don't know about them right now, you'll know them soon enough! Foam is a bi-monthly magazine with focuses on fashion, ocean, art and music. A great pick-me-up for those inspiration-dry days. In other news, I really need to cut my bangs.

Tuesday, 15 January 2013

morning routine

Sometimes I will lay in bed staring at the ceiling dreading to get out of bed. But most of the times when I start a new day, I will make myself a cup of coffee with almond milk, write my list of things to-do for the day in my 2013 Moleskine and comb through Vogue archives for quick and tangible inspiration and readings. The white knit sweater pictured has been my temperature saver with the past chilly days here in SoCal. Though I may or may not have put it there purely for photo aesthetic reasons.

Monday, 14 January 2013

polyvore monday: baby birkin

Neutral Knit Turtleneck | Original

Brown Checkered Print Shorts | Original

Blush Tone Satchel | Original

Blush Nude Sandal Heels | Original

Gold Faced Watch | Original

This week I'm trying to break out of my black and white box, but still keeping it mellow by sticking to blush toned neutrals. Having just finished combing through backlogged inspiration folders filled with Bardot and Birkin images, I was instantly inspired to create this "Baby Birkin" set for today's Polyvore Monday edition. If you're a long time reader of this blog, you'll understand how infatuated I am with blush and camel tones and today's outfit was no exception.

Sunday, 13 January 2013

brunch at pete's cafe

Nasty Gal Moto Crop Jacket and Stripe Tank | Black Jeans | Asos Metal Keeper Bag | Vintage Kitten Pumps | Forever 21 Gold Choker

I love spending lazy early afternoons at my favorite cafes when I get the chance and Pete's Cafe in downtown Los Angeles is definitely one that I frequent. I mean, I really can't get enough of their blue cheese fries. Lo and behold, another black and white outfit.

Tuesday, 8 January 2013

on the steps

Photos by David Michael Cortés

Nasty Gal Moto Crop Jacket | American Apparel Crop Turtleneck | Houndstooth Jeans

Another black and white outfit. This look has basically been my go-to uniform for the past week when I don't know what to wear. I'm slightly obsessed with these houndstooth jeans and I don't think I'll tire of them for awhile. They literally go with all my black and white tops.

Monday, 7 January 2013

night moves

Photos courtesy of Wasteland

I can never deny a good lookbook. Or Wasteland for that matter. Here's an exclusive sneak peek of Wasteland's new lookbook "Night Moves" shot by Dove Shore set to launch tomorrow. I love the grimy glamour vibes from the neon lights. That first outfit is kind of amazing too.

polyvore monday: bohemian biker

White Leather Moto Jacket | Original

Black Crop Knit | Original

Vertical Stripe Jeans | Original

Silver Spike Choker | Original

Fringe leather Purse | Original

Gold Cap Toe Flats | Original

As of late, I have been strictly sticking to mainly black and white outfits (with some color here and there), but black and white nonetheless. With black and white there comes so much freedom, especially when it comes down to the details because that's where the fun comes into play. In today's Polyvore Monday edition, I mixed some black and white basics infused with 90s and bohemian details. Give it to a spiked choker and leather fringe to spice up any black and white outfit!

Sunday, 6 January 2013

days spent lingering around fences

Photos by David Michael Cortés

Nasty Gal Moto Crop Jacket | Unif Ashbury Dress via Crossroads Trading | Calvin Klein Stockings | Asos Metal Keeper Bag

On days when I don't feel like dealing with unsatisfying hair situations, I usually throw it in a side braid. Yesterday was one of those days. These photos were shot in Silverlake after making a pitstop for phó. Having been in Los Angeles for over four months already, I have still yet to make my rounds around town, but I will get there. In other news, I have two important announcements. The first one is in regards to the big project I mentioned before I left for San Francisco for the winter holidays. I will be launching my online vintage shop, Vagabond Lady, later this month! Everything is still much under wraps and construction with hopes of getting all details down to a t before launching. Secondly, I've been entered in a contest in collaboration with Fashiolista and Miss KL for a chance to win a trip to New York Fashion Week next month. Vote for me here on your Fashiolista account and you may get to come along! Watch this space folks.