Sun, Sea, Sky, Sand...

November 20, 2015

Pas De Calais Cashmere Wrap Pas De Calais Cashmere Wrap Pas De Calais Cashmere Wrap Pas De Calais Cashmere Wrap Pas De Calais Cashmere Wrap Pas De Calais Cashmere Wrap Pas De Calais Cashmere Wrap

...and you & I.

I would say that I’m a people’s person, but I prefer being alone. It’s complicated. The way I find my solitude is not by isolating myself, but rather, freeing myself. There’s something about being alone but still accompanied that I find quite comforting. It’s a nice feeling to feel like you’re withdrawn from whatever it is that you want to be far away from, yet, not fully detached.

It wasn’t until I started traveling abroad, that I realized that it was not being away that makes me feel less suffocated, but rather being in a place that gives me personal space. I haven’t made a trip to the beach once this whole entire summer, but it was the first place I wanted to go to, once the season was announced over. The trek to Coney Island took nearly 2 hours, but something about long train rides really make me reminisce.

I woke up at 6:30am that morning, shared a breakfast sandwich and a dollar cup of coffee with my partner at 8:30am and by 9:something, I was chasing seagulls on the sand.

Wind and hair all over my face, sand filled up in my shoes and this cashmere wrap as a cape - these are the dates that I truly treasure. The feeling of being free and comfortable was captured effortlessly.


Cashmere Wrap: Pas De Calais AW'15

Photos by Shun S.
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Over The Knee, Over My Head

November 4, 2015

Theory Coat FOREVERVANNY Aldo Olilassa Boots FOREVERVANNY

I went through a period of my life when sneakers, jeans and an oversized shirt or sweater would do. But this was way back in middle/high school, when my parents could barely afford rent each month. As a little girl who grew up wearing a different dress everyday before I moved to the States, this American Dream uniform didn’t really bother me since it was something different than I was used to.

The idea of wearing over the knee boots then would have been thrown completely over my head. Before these thigh high and over the knee boots were introduced, the to-go was ankle boots and knee high socks instead.

Maybe it’s because we’re all basically running out of ideas or getting lazier over the years - knee high boots seemed like they would be a more efficient replacement for the two steps process of wearing ankle boots with knee high socks. In reality though, it takes me about 20 more minutes to put on most over the knee boots as it take to do it the older, cheaper way.

Even so, being a part of this over-spoiled generation, I too, ditched the knee high socks with ankle boots thing, and acquainted myself with the update.


Jacket: Theory
Top: Aritzia
Shorts: Zara
Shoes: Aldo 'Olilassa'
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS1

Photos by Shun S.
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Tokyo Twist with Pas De Calais

September 17, 2015

 Tokyo Twist - Pas De Calais
Stationed underneath this train track for about 40 minutes or so -- I walked back and forth looking half crazy and half desperate. As if the scorching heat wasn't already obnoxious enough, I seem to garner even more attention from locals by staging a photoshoot in the middle of their quiet neighborhood.

I was pretty desperate trying to shoot these looks. I kept waiting for a day when the weather was cooler, but it only got hotter and hotter. I wish I had been in Japan now, during late September through early October, I hear that the weather is beautiful.

So, I could go on to tell you about how great Tokyo is and how I’m head over heels for this city. But, I won’t.

I could’ve shot these in the middle of Shibuya or in a zen garden elsewhere - but instead I decided that an under-construction train station was better. It reflected a Tokyo that I don’t think many people get the chance to see.

Don’t you find it quite ironic that bullet trains are running on these historic stations and tracks that are often times greatly in need of restoration in Tokyo? I do. I think something that is easily overlooked in Tokyo is that despite how nice and modest everyone seems - they too, are in dire need of a mentality upgrade.
Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY

For the longest time, the Scandinavian aesthetic was reigning in the fashion industry thanks to their minimalist ideology, perfectly balanced with clean lines and tasteful details; but, lately it seems as though the Japanese aesthetic is slowly taking over.

The rise in the popularity of Japanese aesthetic clothing is important because it signifies a new era of thinking. While we praise the Japanese, as a whole culture, for being innovative while maintaining their traditional roots - when it comes to some underlining societal problems that are rooted from being over conservative, the tension is widening.

One of the most fascinating things, to me, about fashion is that, it somehow reveals a lot about different cultures. For the Japanese, the tension between the older generation who are overwhelmingly conservative are starting to be challenged by the younger, more open-minded, generation. For example, many girls are now attending their coming of age ceremonies (an extremely important occasion for women in Japan) with the traditional kimono that has somehow been modified to fit their fashion preferences or a completely different version of a kimono that is not qualified for the occasion. (See article: LINK)


Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY Pas De Calais FOREVERVANNY
Still, with influences from the Western world, when people think of Japanese aesthetic clothing, the bat sleeves and dropped crotch pants as shown in these pieces from the Pas De Calais AW’15 collection are characteristics that are staying for seasons to come. The baggy but fitted look of these pieces are what speaks to the modest nature of the Japanese as well as signifying a transition in new thinking.

In the past, a traditional kimono would onion a woman’s body in numerous layers of fabric covering and concealing all that is to show. From this, the younger Japanese generation have adapted a new style that accomplished the same purpose that the kimono did, and that is through oversized clothing. Baggier clothes allowed the emphasis of the body to be hidden while maintaining a fitted form and proper look by focusing on the proper fit of the sleeves and length of pants.

Even though there have been steps taken forward — I believe that there is still refining to do for the Japanese aesthetic that could take them to new heights. This will be strongly influenced by challenging old ideas and coming up with new ones. Personally, I really can’t wait to see emerging Japanese designers break into the Western market and what new styles Japanese aesthetic will spark and how they will shape the fashion industry.

ALL PIECES ARE FROM PAS DE CALAIS AW'15 COLLECTION 
Look 1:
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (CAMEL ON SALE!!)
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles

Look 2: Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Accessories: Fendi Bag Bug Charm and Aritzia Scarf

Photos by Shun S.
Creative direction by Van Le


These images were also featured in a Finnish blog for the September 2015 Issue. Below is a scanned copy of the pages. I hope you guys enjoyed this post!

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Cloud 9

August 31, 2015

Pas De Calais Cloud Dress Forevervanny Pas De Calais Cloud Dress Forevervanny Pas De Calais Cloud Dress Forevervanny Pas De Calais Cloud Dress Forevervanny Pas De Calais Cloud Dress Forevervanny Pas De Calais Cloud Dress Forevervanny Pas De Calais Cloud Dress Forevervanny
I left my house this morning, almost regretting not bringing a light jacket since the air seemed so much chillier. Almost angry, I stopped myself and realized that fall was on it’s way. I had almost forgotten what it was like to be outside, away from any type of air condition, how not breaking a single drop of sweat felt like.

Two weeks ago when I was in Japan, the humidity was at 80% every single day, with the real feel somewhere between 95 to 105 degrees F, this was the only dress that kept me sane. Made of silk, this dress felt so velvety soft that I forgot I was even clothed at one point. I don’t know about you but I get silly grumpy when the weather is way too hot to deal. Just like how I get a little annoyed when I’m hungry and my food is taking forever to come up on my table.

When it comes to clothes, more than just a certain type of aesthetic, I look for wearability and comfort.

Inspired by the French and combined with Japanese aesthetic, Pas de Calais is a brand that makes clothing with thoughtful details while keeping in mind the modesty that is of the Japanese.


Dress: Pas De Calais 'CLOUD SILK DRESS'
Shoes: Common Projects Original
Bag: Chloe Faye Small
Accessories: Prada sunglasses

Photos by Shun S.
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The Rocks

May 11, 2015


Been trying to get into the culottes game for some time now, and finally found the perfect pair to rock from Aritzia. Speaking of rock, these were so comfortable and were a great choice for a weekend date at Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Always feeling a little underdressed since I don't accessorize often, but thanks to this pair of necklaces by Susanna Galantis, my outfit was taken to a whole-nother-level (literally). And there's still more where these necklaces are coming from, look forward to two more looks that I've styled for SG jewelry collection in the upcoming week!

Top: Zara 'Cropped Sweater'
Pants: Aritzia
Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Accessories: SG AMERICANA: Thin vintage brass choker with hammered detailing. SG CLASSIC: Blazing Delight vintage brass choker plated in white gold with smoky crystals. (c/o) Susanna Galantis

Photos by Shun S.
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Warm

March 6, 2015

Uniqlo HEATTECH / Warm - FOREVERVANNY.com
Uniqlo HEATTECH / Warm - FOREVERVANNY.comUniqlo HEATTECH / Warm - FOREVERVANNY.comUniqlo HEATTECH / Warm - FOREVERVANNY.com
Aside from when I am traveling, I am as much of a homebody as possible. There is just something way too comforting about the safety and ease of being in my own home that makes me feel toasty and productive in my limited space.

If you find yourself knocking at my door in the summer, it would probably take me at least 10 minutes to get to the door since I most likely won’t have any clothes on - but it is exactly the opposite comes winter time.

Maybe because I lack the body mass, but I’m one of those who gets extremely cold easily once the temperature drops. I kid you not, even when my heaters are burning, you’ll still find my hands and feet like icicles. As much as I would love to hibernate through the winter, I'm not exactly a polar bear covered in weather-proof fur. For someone who enjoys wearing as little as possible in my own space, I have found that the Uniqlo HEATTECH basics to be a great compromise for my go-to outfit indoor. I love that the material is thin, so it barely feels like I'm wearing anything and how stretchable it is so that I can occasionally warm up my hands and feet by extending the sleeves. I really appreciate how cozy it keeps me without making me feel stuffy while being cooped up inside.


Top: Uniqlo HEATTECH
Bottom: Uniqlo HEATTECH

This post is sponsored by Uniqlo. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Street But Sweet

February 5, 2015


Street but sweet. If I could sum up FOXIEDOX in three words, these would be it. What I enjoy most about working with these FOXIEDOX pieces so far is that while they appear quite edgy on the rack, they give off just the right hint of femininity when adorned over the body. With just enough to give you some street-style creds, this Leanna top is just as alluring as it is interesting with a mesh cap sleeve neckline.

Kept my pants, boots and bag black to create a solid foundation for this look along with the top. Threw over this really luxe faux fur boxy jacket to make the look that much more appealing, especially since Valentine's day is just around the corner.


Photos by Shun S.
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Foxie, Fuzzy Feelings

October 18, 2014


FOXIEDOX Fur Vest via Nordstrom (c/o FOXIEDOX)


Photos by Shun S.
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