It's easy to make something beautiful even more beautiful, but it takes compassion, to bring out the beauty that's not visible to the eye. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but beauty is also standardized in our society. Ironic, and sad.

For me, there is just so much beauty in something that appears to be decaying. There's potential for complete destruction or a chance at revival. My obsession for industrial backdrops have taken me to the dirtiest of places, yet some of which have inspired me more than any movie-set cobblestone streets have, or probably ever will.

It's the same with people. Everyone has a story to tell and those who gets the shortest ends of the stick and overcome the craziest misfortunes are privileged to turn the ugliest into the most attractive. It's important to see the light in places we find ourselves in, people we meet, and the obstacles we encounter. My mantra is, your disadvantage should always be your greatest advantage, and true success is when you can turn your weakest characteristic into your strongest quality.

Dress: H&M
Shoes: Schutz Shoes
Bag: Chloe Faye Mini
Accessories: Anine Bing Bralette

Photos by Sandra L.

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Space

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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