What's next...

So, I have decided to deviate a bit from the typical fashion stuff... I really do miss writing about my daily life and stuff, so this entry will be more centered around things unrelated to fashion.

2008 Resolutions

1. Particularly a goal to be achieved preferably before Senior year even starts... find my real passion and figure out how college is going to work.
2. Connected to before, figure out a career, or at least have something in mind.
3. Work to achieve a significantly better posture.
4. Work to achieve good singing technique.
5. Learn to become more positive.
6. Exercise at least 5-6 times a week.
7. Drink a LOT more water, and less juice and soda.
8. Try to gain a little more weight, preferably more muscle!
9. Become less materialistic.
10. Get a job. (Either now or in the summer.)
11. Cut down swearing to a bare minimum.
12. Get my license.
13. Get a car.
14. Read more.
15. Make/excel at first bass.
16. Make Drum Major.
17. Ride Thunder Mountain in Disneyland at least 8 times in one day (surpassing last year's record by 3 times).
18. Drink milk everyday! (Kind of growing on me now. Haha. Growing.)
19. Grow my hair out ridiculously long and not cut it at all (unless it's subtle layers) to get my dream haircut/style.
20. Pursue dancing. :)

So I only managed to accomplish a grand total of 7 resolutions, out of the barking mad amount of 20. As I look back, I was being a little... far-fetched, I don't know. Just seems a lot to ask of myself, since a lot of the methods seemed to be OKAY, I'm immediately going to change. Once the year changes, I'M going to change. And I have now realized (took me long enough...) that that's pretty absurd.

Some of them were partially fulfilled, like the posture (my back is now much straighter when I walk, but not really when I sit), and my hair WAS ridiculously long (before I decided to chop off about a foot over Thanksgiving break), and some others.

However, it's pretty hilarious to see how different I was only a year ago. Even though I always feel like I am in a stagnant niche, I never seem to be the same person a day, a month, a year later. And I am grateful for that.

So I am going to make some new resolutions, but a bit more practical and healthy for myself.

1. Have more confidence in myself.
So many years I have lived looking down on myself and though I do not expect an immediate self-esteem boost, I plan to work on looking at myself in a better light.

2. Make it a point to work out and stay in shape.
We all tell ourselves that we'll work out and get active and whatnot, but most of us never do. I think I'll start by exercising at least once a week and then every few days then every other day, and so on...

3. Learn to appreciate/not take for granted those dear to me.
Hm, this is pretty straightforward to me, I think.

4. Aim for being less materialistic/shopping-obsessed.
I have a nasty habit of shopping excessively, and I really need to learn how to be fiscally responsible...

5. Maintain a balance between schoolwork and leisure time.
Senioritis is slowly kicking me in the butt. But I shall conquer!

What are some of YOUR resolutions for 2009?
Do you believe in making resolutions?

Another bit: I am also imposing on myself a full-on (clothing) shopping embargo. I have limited my checking account to only ten dollars, and I was initially planning on a month, but let's just see how far I can go! I started this a couple weeks ago but I had a relapse (I tried to justify this by trying to convince myself that I needed these basics [plain tanks, thermals, t-shirts]).

So, here is to a new year, and I sincerely hope for the best for everyone, especially you readers :)

P.S. I am torn about this... should I keep this dress? It's actually more navy irl, it just ended up looking green-y when I tried to fix the color balance. Anyhow, I'm thinking maybe I should save my $$ for the AA u-neck dress...

P.P.S. Stylish, you happy? :P

This post is really good

Because it literally sums up what I've been wearing for... the past... few weeks? Or so?



It's comfortable.
Black is always awesome.
Twilight accessories are always awesome.

But shhh don't tell anyone about the Twilight part.

Foreals though, their jewelry is pretty sweet.

Merry belated Christmas, you guys. Hope your holidays were good.

P.S. New banner, what do you guys think?

And I know you peeps are reading this and just not leaving comments 'cause look at all those views! I implore you, Wanderer-style, leave a freaking comment already!

P.P.S. Vanessa Hudgens is officially... dumbsauce (I can't think of a good word) in my book. In some interview for Seventeen (don't ask me how I got there), she said that "she really enjoys Bohemian, hippie stuff..." and she said something along the lines of, "You know, I like to wear things no one else wears... like those headbands across the forehead and stuff." ????? Wow.

P.P.P.S./Edit I realize I kinda mention Stylish Wanderer a lot. Hm. Well who cares she's fracking amazing (yes, fracking).

PEACE!

12.19 I'm making it a point to tone down my obsession.

Last day before 2 weeks of nothing to do... yayayayay!



Sorry for the blurriness.

Anyhow, finally found a good spot in my house to take photos in! I just have to be home early enough before the sun sets; otherwise, the pictures are pretty darn clear. If not, they end up like this... dark and blurry. I tried to salvage 'em.

The tights are actually a dark purple, they're much more vivid irl. And the dress is actually sleepwear, lawlz.

Many people dressed up in festive colors, but I really wanted to go against it for some reason... the purple still added color though.

CHECK OUT MY SWEET NEW CUFF, YOU GUYS. TWILIGHT FANS IN THE HOUSE?!
Not ashamed to say I also bought a kiddie teen magazine with a Twilight cast editorial. And also the OST for that sweet Edward/Bella poster. (Like I haven't listened to the actual thing 50 times already.)

Dress and trouser socks, Marshall's. T-shirt, Gap (gift). Scarf, selfmade. Cuff, Borders.

12.17

Like most others, I've been recycling the same basics over and over... when you have comfiness and versatility together, what else can you really use?

Recently got these jeans at AE (I had a gift card), and I just about love the wash. Except the fit is being totally... spacey (no pun intended?). First time I washed 'em, they were super loose. Second time I washed 'em, they fit a lot tighter. What the hell, AE?...

Can anyone recommend some good over-the-ear headphones? You know, those that, like... hook around your ear, basically. Price isn't too much a factor. I'm sick of my Sony ones shocking me.

Top, Wet Seal. Vest, f21. Jeans, AE.

Winter! Back!

FINALLY off for break... and I managed to finish my 7-page research paper, and there is just about no homework for me to do (or none that requires extensive time, at least!), which leaves me so so so happy. Now my Express and Amazon packages just have to come in the mail... :)

I'll be sure to hit up the other blogs soon! I haven't been commenting people lately.

I love Threadless

Instead of studying for Calculus

My lovely friends.

Ergh, I have been getting sickness upon sickness... officially been sick for 3 weeks (though it definitely felt longer) now. Ugh. Thus the lack of updates.

But all black seems to suit me just fine.

Fruit of the Loom tank, Target sweater and leggings, CK coat, secondhand boots.

Slight break

Sorry I haven't been a presence in the blogging world lately... so many things to do. Living on energy drinks and Starbucks. I'll be back soon -- I promise!

While you're here... be sure check out the Twilight Soundtrack. It's... friggin' awesome.

Spend spend spend

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of outfit posts lately... with the temperature finally dropping down to winter-status levels (50s and 60s! About time, California!), all I've been wearing really is that CK coat... it's so warm. Mmm.

I've been spending tons lately too.. I tend to spoil my loved ones. It's fun to shop for friends.

So yeah, not really much to say. All I've been doing lately is reading the Twilight series... I'm so hooked. Damn you, Stephenie Meyer.

I promise I'll catch up on all of your posts soon! It scares me when Bloglovin' reaches triple digits in unread posts..

Btw, The Stylish Wanderer is totally amazing too. Her photos/awesomeness/comments are tizzight.

Be sure to sign up for the free one-year subscription to Nylon Urban Outfitters is offering, if you haven't already.

And threadless is having their $5 sale! I already bought tons of stuff, be sure to snag some!

xo S.

Winter Warmth

So sorry for the absence the past couple days. Been so freaking busy all over the place... last night's sleep was a grand total of 2 hours. Thank god for best friends with energy drinks to save you.







If you're looking for a winter coat, this one is so perfect. I haven't taken it off all week. Classic shape and fantastic workmanship and quality. Got it for over half off!

P.S. Total pwnage = Karla AND Rumi leaving comments in two days! Sorry for the nerd-out, haha.

Calvin Klein coat, handmade scarf (gift), old Mervyn's jeans, Target flats, random socks.

Outfit + New Hair

Sorry about the shoddy quality and lighting of the photographs lately... still trying to find a good place with natural sunlight for photos. Hold on tight!

Didn't have much detail to the outfit, but you get the gist of it. Bought this blouse a while ago but never got around to wearing it...

And new hair. What do you guys think? It was literally an impulse after I saw this photo on some blog (Face Hunter maybe? If it's yours please tell me so I can credit you!) and my itch for a haircut became too much to bear. So Saturday morning I consequently went out and got it cut. How weird is that when I cut four inches off and I freak out, but when I cut twelve, I'm fine? Haha.

I kind of hate it/love it. Ambivalent to the max. Most disappointing was that it looked nothing like how I wanted it. "My hair is too thick," the hairdresser said. More like you didn't put enough layers in, woman. I'd hack at it myself but this time I don't have enough room length for error...

Karla is right, chopping all of your hair off IS liberating though. But I'm afraid I look too cutesy now and that no one will take me seriously...

I'm also being compared to a bunch of girls, especially this one girl in band because we both:
1) have blunt-ish bangs
2) have hair a few inches below shoulder length
3) are Chinese

Mainly because we're Chinese. Don't you HATE when that happens? Such a pet peeve of mine... Being labeled/recognized/acknowledged ONLY by my race or most shallow appearances makes me mad.

Venting. Bleh.

By the way... UC/CSU apps are done... THANK GOD.

Secondhand blouse and boots, f21 vest and jeans.

I love Susie Bubble + Bordelle

Ho. Ly. SHIT!

I love I want I need I must have...

Photo from infinitely amazing Miss Susie.

Garance Doré / Black Friday

Can't understand a damn word, but there's some amazing photos to be seen.







So goooood.

Hit up the local jimungo mall today far too early for Black Friday. I had in mind very few and simple things to purchase -- a wool coat for winter, boots, and black skinny jeans. Sounds simple enough, right??

The boots: I stumbled upon a pair of Doc Martens at Macy's (I didn't even know they carried them!!) except the only pair in the entire store was NOT my size (the one just below, of course). My alternative were a pair of these BP boots, but I couldn't get them because apparently my dad refuses to let me get a pair of shoes more than $50. What the hell.

But I got this sweet new CK coat. Clean, simple, and classic. AND 50% off. Even better. I'll post a photo soon.

And black skinny jeans... for the life of me, I could not find a pair that fit. I don't even know HOW many stores we went to... It either fit my legs very well and was totally loose in the top of the pants, or just a huge train wreck. Damn it all. So here is my question.

What brands (available in the US) do you guys recommend for black skinny jeans?

What I'm looking for is very simple: just five-pocket black skinny jeans with a little bit of stretch in them. No contrast stitching, excessive pocket detail... just plain black. Skinny. Denim. Price isn't too much of a factor, as I wear black skinnies almost half of the time. (But still within a reasonable price, of course.)

Seriously. Desperate. Please help.

Still sick

The illness totally kicked me in the ass last night. I'll spare you the gory details. But I am feeling loads better today! Spent the last two days watching movies (what else can you do when you're bedridden?)... Elizabethtown, Little Miss Sunshine, Ferris Bueller, and Twilight. Such good movies.

I thought he was alright until I saw the movie... now I am absolutely swept away by him. SO. HOT! Holy hell.





Okay, ending the fangirldom now.

Happy Thanksgiving. xo

Viktor & Rolf

A couple weeks ago I received a package from Viktor & Rolf consisting of a few samples from their fragrance line Flowerbomb. Not exactly sure as to WHY or HOW I received these samples, but I think I vaguely remember signing up for some newsletter...



They're not kidding when they named it Flowerbomb. When I opened up the shower gel, it really is this super-intense floral scent. Even through my stuffy nose I could smell it... really pungent. The body cream is also very floral, but much more spicy and seductive... I could be crazy, but I dare say it stings the nostrils a bit too. In a good way.

I'll post more when I test 'em out...

P.S. Finally got around to watching Elizabethtown. LOVED. IT. So good.

Any movies you guys like to watch on a rainy day? xo

Clean Stockholm

Perusing on Stockholm Streetstyle, this boy caught my eye. I love the clean, tailored, and oversized silhouette of the coat made casual by the versatile dark wash of the denim and scruffy sneakers. He continues the muted look with the beret, but kept it interesting with a pop of color just barely discernible underneath the coat. Very well put together.

Chainlink

Getting chilly and channeling a bit of the CdG that is so unavailable to me. I find that I exchange hello's with others in the hallway, I get my eyes on my clothes rather than my face. Great, haha.

And my friend recently featured me in one of her personal statements for UC apps, about people that have influenced her style/fashion-wise... she showed me and I felt so honored.

And to leave you with another sneak picture of my teacher again... she wore this wonderful blazer.



It's hard to see, but the pattern is those outlined waves, like old-school Greek. Which reminds me, we DID recently finish reading The Odyssey...

Prominence sweater, thrift dress worn as skirt, random tights and socks, thrift boots.

Dress for comfort

I went to bed at a decent time last night (before midnight as opposed to after) and I still woke up feeling exhausted and shatty. After school, I immediately bought some cough medicine, cough drops, and a liter of OJ. Haha. I am taking this sickness down!!



Sorry for the blurriness, but it gives a better overall look at the shirt. And you can't tell, but the straps are braided.



I initially planned the outfit sans-scarf, but it was so chilly I had to.

And I saw that I've gotten a bunch of views (100+ in the past 24 hours, I think?!), which leads me to channel a bit of The Stylish Wanderer -- just go ahead and leave a comment already! I love all kinds of input, good or bad.

Random UO sheer grey tee, handmade tank and scarf, altered Mervyn's pants, random sports socks, Payless sneakers (friend).

Deadlines in the horizon

UC applications are due insanely soon (I have about a week ><) and my personal statement isn't getting me into ANYWHERE. I spent the day so far being very unproductive, but at least I'm caught up on bloglovin', haha.

Oh, that sounded so sad...

No outfits lately, just tired. But I will leave this photograph of my amazing teacher's amazing jacket. Absolutely love her style.

Boots and hurr

Ghetto song reference.

Anyhow, today's outfit. Nothing special.



Same boots again, can't get enough of 'emmm. The sole support isn't that good though, so my feet tend to get uncomfortable at the end of the day (and I kinda have 12+ hours days...), but they're so cool.

Makes me even more classy with pictures in front of Walgreens.

Was a bit cold this morning so I bundled up in another one of my many handmade scarves.



Not too sure, but I was thinking about getting a haircut too. I have a tendency to get antsy with such spaces in between real cuts (I think my last one was maybe... 1 1/2, 2 years ago?). What do you guys think?

Ugh. Me starting to get sick + long-ass days + UC apps + constant lack of sleep
= not doing me any good.

F21 sweater, altered Mervyn's jeans, secondhand boots, Walgreens sunglasses.

Quick post

A sweltering 74 degree high today. 74 degrees isn't that bad for California, but in November? Seriously... what the hell is up?



I totally hesitated in buying those boots but do not regret it a single bit. One of my best $5 finds ever. Yay Goodwill.

Altered nightgown (from Mom), random grey knee-high socks, secondhand boots, random Walgreens sunglasses.

Out of focus

So I was attempting to highlight the boots, not the pants, in my outfit today...

Unsuccessful.



The pants were way more noticeable! I liked it anyhow. You know you look a little crazy when you get stares traveling down...

And here are my new boots! If you guys like, I'll take a better photo of them later. Go thrift.

(Now that I think about it, they look more like loafers. Hm.)

UO t-shirt, thrifted/vintage (?) NY&Co. trousers, thrifted/vintage(?) boots.

QUESTION:
How do you discern the difference between thrifted and vintage? I've seen both used interchangeably, including labeling thrifted things as "vintage"...

Shredded up

Avoided Calculus this weekend and tackled that shredded tee tutorial of Camille's that everyone and their mom is on.




Wore it to school and I got a bunch of crazy looks, even though I wore a jacket over it. I didn't realize how exposing it was until I was actually in public. Oh well, out of the comfort zone, right?

Fruit of the Loom tank, Hanes strapless bra, Target leggings, Mom's old socks, Payless sneakers from friend.