Preto Novo

2009-04-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

Kind of on a serious budget right now for several reasons:

- Brazil Travel Study program (~$6K)

Also need extra dough to be able to spend on souvenirs...Mom thinks they're pointless and thus useless but I NEED THEM.

- Moving into a new condo...meaning $ on renovations, new furniture, etc

I've been considering purchasing a new dining table/chairs with my own money since my parents are unwilling to get a new one although we've had our current one for ~20 years. It's ridiculous. The paint is chipping, the wood finish has lost its luster, and so much more...

- Summer school (that I paid for!)

The fee which is also accompanied by parking for summer school...

I've been incredibly good about now bailing out on work...let's see how long this lasts.

On another note, I ordered a laptop leather backpack since my 4-yr-old 2-pocket Jansport one wasn't cutting it.

2009-02-22T23:26:00.001-08:00

Hiatus, I'd said, but am in complete love/awe with/at these incredible Ann Demeulemeester shoes!

At a whopping $975 for the first pair and $875 for the second, I would have to:
(A) Work 18 hours a week for 2.5 months.
(B) Starve
(C) Be crazy enough to spend money on these.

=(

2009-02-13T11:40:00.001-08:00

On a hiatus.

...not that I ever post regularly anymore.

happy lips

2009-01-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

Lipstick seems impractical to/for me.

I rarely wear lip products, with the exception of Vaseline and sometimes Lush's Cake lip balm because lip products are too difficult to deal with. I have possibly the driest skin ever and the sides of my lips form cracks, causing dead skin to peel off. Attractive, I know.

I remember when I first fell into a heavy, obsessive relationship with make-up, specifically, with the infamous M.A.C. I used to firmly believe that none of my friends knew MAC [products] better than I did as I was on top with its upcoming collections, was more than familiar with their products' finishes (i.e. mattes, satins, lustres, veluxe pearls, frosts, etc.) and religiously frequented cosmetic blogs, forums, & other online communities.

I would work my ass off in the summer, save up allowance, and starve myself just so that I could have the extra penny that would help to feed my addiction. I would purchase a MAC item at least once every week or plan for massive hauls.

Now I will open up my traincase and become a bit nostalgic of this period in my life when I would wake up just early enough in order to perfect a look for class - using the Smokey Eyes quad, Peaches blush and topping off the entree with the signature Hug Me lipstick.
I have now become a slave to sleep and have virtually abandoned make up, only applying the necessities to make me appear decent to enter outside.

I had eventually learned to put aside my dependency on make up for other material desires like saving up $1000+ for tattoos (which I am finished with for a while) and moving on to other things like...wanting to save up for discounted Chloe boots or a lavish Rick Owens jacket or a really amazing asymmetrical skirt from Y's Yohji Yamamoto...

However, I was browsing the net and found myself at Sephora's website and began to take a gander at new collections and what not...until I clicked on NARS's lipsticks (have been intrigued ever since seeing Scarlett Empress lipstick on MissChievous). Now I am swooning over so many beautiful lipsticks:

...and most of these formulas are satin or matte. YUM.

Unfortunately, the price of each is $24. That's $10 more than a MAC lipstick.

Oh NARS, you kill me.

Calling Docta Marten...

2009-01-25T21:45:00.000-08:00

I want more Doc Martens, preferably the classic 8-eye...

in a variety of colors:

And totally not a pink person, but just in time for Valentine's Day:

Aww!!

I don't mind sabotaging my feet for these grungy beauties again....

Just a Peach

2009-01-25T00:08:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to get over the color "peach" since having lain my eyes upon this image:

knighttcat

Alexander Wang

...and now I am obsessed with peachy-hue blouses.

Malene Birger

Tikirani for Urban Outfitters

Victoria's Secret

What a yummy color for spring!

Chloe & the stranger.

2009-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

I've been on the hunt for the infamous Chloe (fall 07) combat boots- preferably in red everywhere.

I found a pair on ebay for $450, but paypal and I do not get along and I really don't have the money to afford that such luxury.
It seems almost impossible to find alternatives (tall, wedge combat boots). Of course, I'd probably be able to find something vaguely resemblant at a punk/goth specialty store, but those would be much too clunky and chunky for my taste.

While I was doing my research for these potential replacement for the Chloe boots, I came across this:

...does this vaguely remind you of these?:

Without the extra long front and gold buckles...yes?

Anyway, I figured if i could find some teeny silver studs (I don't want to try gold. Mixing the gold studs with the silver buckles/zipper would be a no-no.) and attack the shoe above with them, I'd be heading toward a pretty neat direction, don't you agree?

The Likes of the Plummeting Economy & nature of greed.

2009-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

I must have gone "shopping" (using as a collective activity- sightseeing, window-shopping, browsing, researching, purchasing) more than 10 times this past month, not necessarily buying anything, but actually taking the time to drive to stores...

Although I hadn't had much luck purchasing something that I was completely in love with (I had been buying, returning, exchanging, etc. for the most part) today was a rare occasion. I can say with 110% confidence that I am more than glad with all of my purchases.

I don't remember the last time Forever 21 was so awesome. It certainly is a guilty pleasure, but most of the time, I don't even bother walking inside. Especially because I don't respect their "No food or drinks" policy.

I had been eyeing a few items online and when I finally walked into the store today, I was not expecting to find those same items today. However, by pure luck I was able to snatch an awesome dimpled plate ring (by the likes of Elizabeth and James, Adina Reyter, etc.) for $3.80 and a really great sweater/shrug:

It looks way better in person, but the point is, how much does this remind you of Rick Owens?

I had been lemming this sweater ever since seeing this image:

(JakandJil)

I cannot verbally express how much I am inspired by this picture.

While I was not successful in the search for awesome black wedge boots, I did finally get my hands on the Guess Maeve boots- you know, the ones that pretty much everyone on Chictopia and the fashion blogging world has:

But, they were 40% off with an additional 15% off coupon at Bloomie's today. How could I pass them up? Especially when I had a gift card!

Lastly, I made my necessary trip to H&M and scored an amazing wool/angora blend sweater for $15 and a great black tank dress (semi A-line/tent) for free!

Thank you.

I love.

2009-01-11T13:07:00.001-08:00

Pre-Fall 2009:

Alexander Wang

Rag & Bone

...and I love Lanvin's Spring '09 Collection:

Lanvin

How much do I want nude patents (note first collage)??!

Not sure if I'm ready to jump on the Louboutin bandwagon yet...
Notes:
- I love how sophisticated and mature Wang's line up is. The tailored and structured pieces paired with his signature "subtlety of sexual appeal"... Wow.
- There isn't much to say about the Rag & Bone line up. Very me.
- I have decided to save up money to splurge on: one piece of Wang's line up, specifically any of the dresses in that collage (i.e. coral dress, black bandage dress and the last one with the sweetheart neckline), and some nice shoes a la Chloe or Marni.

shoes

2009-01-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

These are shoes available in MY size.

and I WANT/COVET/NEED:

Chloe $248

Chloe $260

Chloe $349

Marni $333

Chie Mihara $233

sold out but WANTTTTTT:

Marni $395

Thanks to my 14-eye Docs and Ghost World (Zwigoff, 2001), I've recently become fascinated with goth shoes.

WANT:

Demonia Revenge- 18 $45

On another note, I finally got my Regal Ring today.
WHOOPDEE. I love.

A New Year, A Turnaround.

2009-01-02T19:22:00.001-08:00

This blog will make a turnaround as of now.
Initially, I was set on strictly blogging about fashion and beauty, but I've been having other thoughts for the direction of this site.

Since it is my site, I've decided to devote this to anything and whatever.

And, to sum up my winter break, I've done quite a bit of shopping:

- Black Cheap Monday Jacket (velcro fastening) on sale for $62
- Black zip-up dress from H&M (a la Alexander Wang) for $17
- Lots of Black tights from H&M
- Black Jeans from BDG for $54
- Black sheer pocket tee (a la Alexander Wang) from Express for $24
- Pale Blue Wool sweater from Lark and Wolff on sale for $20 (although I am considering returning this one)
- Red Mary Jane Heels (vintage) $22
- M.A.C. products: eyeshadows in Mystery, Typographic, and Flourishing; powder blush in Desert Rose (Bloomie's giftcard)...i can't abandon MAC forever.
- Gorjana Regal Ring in Silver on sale for $70
...
and I'm a complete loser so I ordered this:

After having watched Pillow Talk, It Happened to Jane, and Lover Come Back, I'd been itching to get this. I love Doris Day.
Originally $60, Amazon had it on sale for $27.99!!!
I can't wait for this package to arrive!!!!

Speaking of films, I have immersed myself in older films this break including:
- It Happened to Jane
- The Birds
- Butterflies are Free
- Desk Jet
- Holiday
- Cactus Flower
- Curly Top
(I swear I saw more, but I can't remember)
...
and
- Ghost World

I can't spend anymore money knowing that renting an apt. in Brentwood for next year is going to be hell.

Rigid

2008-12-25T22:58:00.000-08:00

So upon further inspection (after not having been able to eat for a week), I've discovered that my dentist stitched the open gum to the inside of my cheek.

...

I really don't know what to say anymore. I've lost so much weight (not that I really had to lose any in the first place) and am hungry all the time (mind you, I am...quite the eater).

Speaking of losing weight, my rings from Disneyland that my boyfriend bought for me on our 1 month anniversary fit quite loosely. My pinky ring was a gold plated band with a flat heart in the middle. It fell off and is nowhere to be found.
I must have "lost" that ring dozens of times, but I've always managed to track it and sorry to say, I don't think I'll have much luck finding it this time.

Having my left hand completely bare (since I rarely wear nail polish) is an awkward feeling and so I've been on the search for a new ring. Not a replacement, but something to revert the offset of balance.

I've been eyeing this Marc by Marc Jacobs script wrap ring for a while, but I'm beginning to think it's a little much. I don't know if it's worth $78 either...

I showed this to my boyfriend and he offered to buy it for me...and since he's adamant about it...I've looked up other options:

St. Kilda Evie Sapphire Ring (on sale for $69)

Gorjana Regal Ring (on sale for $68.60)

Gorjana Kensington Ring $70
(LOVE this one but it's out of stock!!)

I'll have to do more thinking...

Excuses

2008-12-20T23:01:00.001-08:00

I got 2 of my wisdom teeth taken out and I can barely talk, eat and/or stay awake.

Christmas is creeping around the corner and so is my birthday, but at this point I could really care less.

I just want to be able to eat!!!

How to fix a bad bangs-day.

2008-12-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

My outfit makes a debut...
I have really bad hair today so I just put on this Minnie Ears hat before snapping a few photos.

Prior to taking pictures...I watched The Office's Moroccan Christmas episode (the latest) for the 3rd time. Why is it so great?

Close ups of my wingtip oxford heels:

This is a very strange angle of my foot. I know. It wasn't as painful as it looks though, I promise.

Forgive me for the shabby photoshop fix-ups. I should really take a class on how to use the program properly haha. I don't have a white background to take a picture in, let alone a tripod for my dslr...so this will have to do for the time being...

Notice the dark green background that peeps though the holes of my shoe laces hahahaha.

I am wearing:

Black military/band jacket: Zara (on sale for $60)
Grey Deep V-Neck: American Apparel ($20)
Floral tiered skirt: H&M (orig. $60, but got it for $18)
Sheer Black tights: from Mom
Black wingtip Oxfords: Dollhouse (on sale for $60).
Minnie hat: Disneyland $15 (ridiculous, i know, but free name stitching on the back!)

Still not done with finals.

2008-12-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

I have a take-home final to complete by Friday. Gah!
That still doesn't warrant a lack of updates, right?

2 posts ago, I dedicated a post to Daul Kim, the lovely South-Korean model who never fails to look edgy.

This post is all about Siri Tollerød, the incredible Norwegian beauty.
Here is an amazing editorial of her from Lula Magazine:

Courtesy of tfs

Lula Issue #6
Model: Siri Tollerød
Photographer: Ellen Von Unwerth

Enjoy!

I promise to post up pictures of myself soon. Probably Friday night. *crosses fingers*

Consistency

2008-12-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

I am trying my best to be consistent with this blog so even in the midst of finals, I am updating!
I took my Portuguese final this morning and left in 35 minutes haha (didn't even use 1/3 of the time given). I have another final in a few hours, but I have been extremely distracted by tfs (i'm spending hours on there really) and style.com.

Speaking of consistency, while browsing various collections featured on tfs, I encountered a thread for Zac Posen's Pre-Fall 09 collection. Honestly, he was amazing a few years back (remember the hype?), but his S/S 09 collection was...a disaster.

I mean...what the hell is this?

?

or these:

and....THIS:

(style.com)

Raquel Zimmerman looks...FAT?

Case in point.

I wasn't necessarily thrilled to see what Zac has been brewing up for the fall, but decided to give it a go. Take a look:

(click on images to enlarge)

(tfs)

The last dress is personally my favorite. Other than a few of the tailored skirts and satin saffron dresses, the rest of the ensembles are inconsistent- in fabrics, patterns (he needs to stay AWAY from the cheetah print) and obviously the color scheme. My eyes hurt. The satin dresses are especially an eyesore because they look cheap & tacky.

While reading other tfs members' comments, TraiT mentioned a designer named Roksanda Ilincic and extolled her execution of satins. Honestly I hadn't heard of her until a few hours ago so I did a bit of research and learned that she debuted at London Fashion Week in 2005. Rather recent, but she's quickly become one of the top-notch designers in London.

I took a gander at her Spring/Summer 09 collection and WHAT A BEAUTY:
(click on images to enlarge)

(www.londonfashionweek.co.uk)

I drooled all over my laptop as I clicked on each image in the slideshow. Her work is absolutely exquisite. Everything works- the draping, the satin, the tulle, the chiffon, the silk.

Oh my god I want to die.

Doll Kim?

2008-12-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

Finals commence as of tomorrow (I have 2- Portuguese at 8 AM!! and French film).

I'm not wearing anything interesting at the moment, so I won't bother sharing, but there is a bit of news to share...

I am finally a member at TFS!
God, that took forever. A testament that patience wins!

Text-only posts are boring so here are my favorite catwalk/behind the scenes shots of Daul Kim.

(style.com)

I love that she is so versatile- edgy (always), goth, elegant, wispy...
She is quite a character- visit her blog.

With Coffee

2008-12-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

Finals are around the corner and I am updating way too often for my own good. It sickens me.

Anyway, I know this is yet again another non-fashion related post.
What's with me and film lately?

I'm watching [see picture] Xala (Sembene, 1975) a French-African film right now outside of Lu Valle (coffee shop)and it's interesting to say the least. I have not seen any other African-related films before (besides Hotel Rwanda). So far, it has only confirmed my belief that there is no more faith left for humanity.

Anyway, I wanted to compile a list of films I have seen this quarter in classes/outside of class...for my own sake.

Portuguese 46 (civilization and culture of Brazil):
- Eles não usam Black Tie
- Lisbela e o Prisoneiro
- Bye Bye Brasil

Latin American Film Institute Film Series:
- Meu Nome não é Johnny
- O signo da cidade
(...to be continued in the future)

French 41:
- Orphée
- Le Quai des brumes
- Panique
- La Chienne
- Sans toit ni loi
- Ma nuit chez Maud
- Le salaire de la peur
- L'histoire d'Adèle H.
- Xala

Okay, so as to not make this post completely unrelated to fashion...

I would totally post a picture of my outfit today, but I don't have my camera with me. Anyhow, I'm wearing:
- Cream-colored vintage blouse
- Black military/band jacket from Zara
- Black straight legged yoga pants from AA
- Black Doc Martens

Some things that I have to get when I'm in L.A. (aka home, NOT Westwood) so that I can raid Wasteland, Slow (although it sucks a little now), and Jet Rag for some authentic vintage pieces including nautical blazers, brown lace-up brogues, tacky knitted sweaters, and dainty scarves.

A cheap date and good read.

2008-12-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I went on a "cheap&fake" date with my boyfriend.
We pre-dined (half a sandwich and coffee), then walked to campus in the cold for half an hour to watch a great Brazilian film for one of my classes. Around 10 til, we had some HEAVY hot dogs and fries for post dinner.

I am no film critic (for great film reviews, check out So's blog; it's l-e-g-i-t.) and my interest in film is no longer what it used to be, but this film is absolutely worth talking about.

The skeletal frame is similar to the plot of Crash (Haggis, 2004) - stories interconnected with other stories; characters intertwined with other characters. A wink of drama, comedy, romance (duh), and a tad melodramatic, but I believe much better than Crash. I have heard directors of both films speak (Paul Haggis in Fall 2007 and Carlos Riccelli tonight) and perhaps I feel a bit biased, but I believe that Crash possesses many racial elements that invalidate Haggis' motive (which he claimed was to portray the stereotypical "dynamics" of interracial relationships). For example (one of many qualms), Haggis named Alexis Rhee's character "Kim Lee," which according to my experiences and knowledge regarding Korean names is not an authentic name. While I will not delve into the particulars of Korean surnames and what not, this inappropriately named character appears to be much more of an embedded joke rather than Haggis attempting to emphasize racial stereotypes. Due to this small, but significant detail, Haggis does not point out such stereotypes as to call for change, but rather perpetuates them and fails to invoke in his audience the incentive to understand the difference between fact and fiction.
ANYWAY,
enough blabber about interracial dynamics. I only wanted to say that O signo da cidade é muito legal!
Tonight's event also featured the company of Bruna Lombardi (who plays Teca and is also the producer/writer of the film), Kim Riccelli (Gabriel), and another extremely important figure (who shall remain nameless for my sake). Couldn't stay after for the Q&A panel. I had to pee.

Earlier today I finally snagged myself a copy of Amy Sedaris' fabulous "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence."

I wish I had a scanner because the book is full of colorful and gaudy pictures that I would love to share. It is brimming with great recipes - hey, what do I know about recipes? I don't cook although these recipes are tempting me to give it a try - and hilarious jokes. I wanted to type out some samples of her humor, but that would not do her any justice.

Unfortunately, I've never watched Strangers with Candy (due to my inaccessibility to a television), but here are some funny Youtube clips featuring Miss Amy that you may enjoy:

money-bringing storks.

2008-12-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

god, i've been in so much pain all day. I am thrilled to feel TREMENDOUS PAIN once a month for a week.
I really have to be reminded of which gender I belong to...12 times a year.

Anyway, because of this I haven't gone to classes today and stayed in bed.
Tried browsing the Internet for things to spend money on, but the pain was overwhelming so I spent most of today sleeping.

...I still managed to find a few beautiful pieces that I would totally purchase if I hadn't gone crazy at h&m, american apparel and zara this past weekend =(

Mayle Lilly Dress

Mischen Cocktail Dress

Clu T T-shirt Dress

Jovovich-Hawk Yuvonne Dress

Also...here are some looks from the Topshop A/W 08 collection (a little late I know, but I am drooling over these!) Too bad there isn't a Topshop in LA boo!

Bandstand collection:

Ugh these jackets are TO DIE FOR! Especially the last two! Thankfully, I was able to snag a similar military jacket from Zara for $60, but it's not nearly as amazing this one from Topshop!

Sedition Collection:

Wonderland Collection (only 2):

(Only like the jacket for the last one.)

A-muse.

2008-11-27T18:21:00.000-08:00

Really, really like this editorial.
Only posted up the shots I thought were the best.

Muse Issue #15
Model: Erin Heatherson
Photographer: Olaf Wipperfurth

Editorial

2008-11-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been browsing the Internet quite frequently, looking through a lot of fashion and cosmetic-related editorials and came across this one a while ago. It totally looks like Amelie gone wrong.

From: Noi se magazine (Issue 20)
Photographer: Todd Crawford
Model: Sofi Berelidze

2008-11-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

Well, a proper "first post" should never be a measly introduction to yourself/page so here is the real deal.

Having been inspired by Alexander Wang's Fall 08 collection (like every other girl my age), I took a gander at his Spring 09 line up and I must say that I am absolutely pleased.

I love that he combined splashes of pastel colors while maintaining his signature "black palette." It completely worked to his advantage and gives his work a breath of fresh air.

"They wanted color, they got color!" - Alexander Wang

The First Act

2008-11-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my fashion and inspiration blog. Here I will post pictures, links, etc. of all things related to fashion, make up (artistry), and other forms of inspiration depending on my mood. Enjoy!