For someone who prefers green grapes over red ones. Chardonnay over Merlot - I sure do make an exception for wine colored dresses.
Space is important for me, in terms of personal physical space, work space, social space, creative space, and just space to be alone in general. My wardrobe is pretty much a reflection of my daily habits and who I am, hence making space for a dress that's deep burgundy means that it must be something special (bravo, Magali Pascal).

A little color in my life is at times necessary to break up certain routines that I inevitably fall into due to comfort.

If you know me, you'll know that I hate a clean background. To fill up the negative white spaces - I created a mirage-like photo-weave with some outtakes that would usually not make it to the blog. It's been a while since I've done some post processing to my photos, so I hope that you guys enjoy this series.

Dress: Magali Pascal
Shoes: Sacai
Bag: Celine


Magali Pascal AW'16 Collection 'Phoenix Shirtdress in Burgundy'
Shot by Sandra L.
Photoset inspired by Molly Dickson 'Coney Island' 2014

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'93 Babe*

Life’s all about balance. Classical with a side of trap. Salad with a can of coke. Humble with a hint of Kanye.

And sometimes you go all tomboy with your hair curled up and your neck decked out in lace and that’s ok.

One of the things about growing up in the Bronx that I cherish most is my ability to be versatile. No bubble, no circle, just full exposure to anything and anyone. Learning to walk around without getting myself into trouble. Growing a thick skin towards stereotypes but knowing better to not let ignorance define who I am.

Being a '93 baby growing up in my area meant Pepe Jeans, South Pole, and Dickies pants, and the must have low and hi-top Air Force 1s that turn yellow after a couple weeks. Recess meant double dutch to Alicia Keys and Usher, sitting in the shade talking about the latest Hey Arnold episodes. No typical Asian Tamogachi or Nintendo Gameboys for me, just legos (which in my opinions were just as cool) and Saturday afternoons were spent at the library playing Neopets.

People are all about their characteristics. Yes, you can learn to be kind, honest, and intelligent. But authenticity is backed up by experiences not what’s on paper. A kind person can also be selfish. An honest person can also lie and some people might not turn out like who they seem on social media.

I took an Uber home the other night and the driver goes, "you don’t look like you would live in this neighborhood," I chuckled and said, "I was raised here" --and he gave me a head nod. Haha.

Sweater: BAPE Japan
Pants: Zara
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel
Accessories: Lace Choker

Photos by Shun S.

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SUMOSIZEME

Fitting shirt for a day at Japan’s infamous Tsukiji fish market, aka one of the world’s biggest fish markets. Not sure about how much it really suits a tiny Vietnamese girl like me, but that day, I sure felt like I was bulking up sushi like I was training to become a sumo wrestler, haha.

For a day of exploring Tokyo, I stuck to my trusty Amo denim with a twisted hem and this (I thought was super dorky) graphic tee that I copped at a Japanese Uniqlo.

The tourist in me at a place as hectic and lively as this could not be any more obvious through the tone of my voice as I’m asking my boyfriend a million questions, and the pace that I walked through a crowd (New York trained me well).

Among a gazillion options for some of the freshest sushi in the world (not even exaggerating), I got to taste an oyster the size of my head (see my insta) and had one of the best sushi experience at a small shop located in a tiny alley.

For such small details, I had such a big day - as this specific part of my time in Japan was one of my best days!

Keep posted on a Japan travel diary (I know I didn’t do one last time, but I will work on one this time)!

Top: Uniqlo
Pants: Amo Denim
Shoes: Sacai
Bag: Proenza Schouler
Jacket: Alpha Industry (similar here)

Photos by Shun S.

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Nonchalant in Sacai

Being casual is the new cool. And effortlessness is the new classy. Yet as far away as I am from primped and polished in this outfit, there's something about comfort that puts me at ease.

Being in Japan is a great reason to just nonchalantly be you. One of the aspects of Japanese culture that's truly intriguing is while there are a lot of restrictions, there are also a lot of subcultures that exist to suit the needs of those who don't exactly fit in with the rest; namely, the designer of these boots that I’m sporting.

Chitose Abe founded Sacai in 1999, and since have earned her place in the fashion industry by uniquely being both the CEO and designer of her brand (which is uncommon for most labels as well-praised and established). I guess one of the reasons why she belongs in a category of subcultures for me is probably the fact that while most Japanese women are expected to be stay- at-home wives/moms, she, in a way calmly started her business and maintained that throughout the expansion of her brand.

Hey, if slow and steady wins the race, I’m sure nonchalantly doing your own thing is something to consider too.

Sweater: Acne Studios
Dress: Thakoon Addition (similar here, here and here)
Shoes: Sacai (on sale)
Bag:Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini

Photos by Shun S.

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Bring Back Gingham

Top: Intermix (extra 40% off)
Pants: A Gold E
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: PS11 Mini Classic
Jacket: Mango (old, similar here)

Photos by Shun S.

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First Date

I've been in a relationship for so long that I don't think I can even clearly recall my first date. I can't even imagine how awkward I would be if I had to go on one, like, tomorrow. Maybe a bag like this would be a great ice breaker?

They say that the early stage of a blossoming relationship is usually the best, and I guess after being through that, after so long, I can see why. Not to say that long-term relationships grow boring, but there is just something quite addicting about someone when you first start to fall for them. They begin to take up ALL of your thoughts and without realizing how gross you act around them, you just can't seem to act "normal" at all. It was also around this stage that I began wearing dresses more often than the time my mother would simultaneously change me in and out of 10 daily when I was 5 years old.

With that being said, I might not clearly remember all of the details of my first date, but I do remember exactly how I felt when my (now) boyfriend leaned in for a kiss at my doorsteps and I went for a hug instead that night. I definitely would do the same now if I had to go back and do it all over again, and yes, I'll keep my sneakers with my dresses too.

The fleeting feeling of being in love is one that I am lucky enough to constantly associate with on this topic -- but everyone experiences love differently. This handbag that I'm wearing is from ParisaNYC's Handbag Collection titled "The Love Affair." Contrary to its' unique design and fun versatility - this bag is part of a series of 5 bags that each represents a different stage of love and was actually inspired by a heartbroken relationship. More than just a line of bags, "each handcrafted handbag is meant to serve as a symbol of independence found through a sense of belonging and empowerment." It is a community that I'm excited to be a part of, either being in love or out of love because self-love is always first and foremost.

The ParisaNYC Handbag Collection is launching on Kickstarter today and I invite you to celebrate love, independence, and growth through your stories with me. If you have a moment, I would appreciate it if you could check out Parisa's story with me!

PARISANYC "THE LOVE AFFAIR" CAMPAIGN

ADDICTED CROSSBODY FROM PARISA HANDBAG "THE LOVE AFFAIR" COLLECTION

Photos by Christina L.

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