I'm not sure how long it's been since I last had a full style post on the blog but I hope that this one caught you pleasantly surprised. I recently had the chance of coming back to NYC for a quick two weeks for some industry/work related things. Being away from NYC, meant being away from my core closet so it was nice to have a chance to review clothing I haven't touched in over a year and make some adjustments to it.

For the most part, I've always considered my NYC uniform as being more monochromatic and this white on white look couldn't have been more of testimony for that. Transparently, I have been working with &OtherStories for the past couple of years and was stoked when I saw their latest sustainable capsule that included these linen blends and eco-conscious pieces. By now you're probably already familiar with my efforts in pushing towards a more ethical/sustainable approach to fashion and my latest interview with Dialogue really made me want to solidify that from here on out. Hence, another reason why I was eager to share this look and talk about it.

Along with this look is also a pre-owned Chanel bag that I got a chance to borrow from Rebag while I'm stateside. I've always been hesitant towards buying pre-owned designer things knowing well that it's also another great way of practicing sustainability because I honestly didn't feel that it would be as great of a purchase as having something brand new, and prettily wrapped up.

Maybe being in Tokyo for the past year has really had a great effect on me, but I'm now such a sucker for more novelty pieces and things that are one of a kind. How I thought I would feel, versus how I really felt when I received this velvet camellia Chanel in the mail was such a juxtaposing feeling. Despite being so bold and colorful, I actually feel like it's such a character piece to add to any of my outfits that I've been wearing for the past week or so since having it. This bag is going right back to the team when I leave for Tokyo so feel free to snatch it up!

Top: &Otherstories
Pants: &Otherstories
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel Camellia Compartment Flap Bag Velvet/Leather via Rebag
Accessories: Monica Vinader Diamond Signature Bangle

Photo by Ying C.

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A Vacation Dress to Repeat

The general awareness of sustainable fashion brands and conscious consumption of clothing has increased tremendously in recent years. As someone who has been quietly advocating for a more thoughtful approach to participating in this ever-changing fashion industry, I'm really happy to see this shift in mindset. Personally, I think it’s extremely important to consider our consumption of clothing first and foremost while urging for a more sustainable fashion industry. At the end of the day, most fashion brands are businesses and the principle of any thriving business is products and demands.

Plus, let's say you're one of those people who don't believe in the fact that your small action will make a dent in the world, then I suggest looking inward and seeing if being more considerate about your consumption improves your day to day life. One of the reasons why I've always been passionate about fashion is that, I think it extremely poetic that, no matter who you are, you are always dressed in something specific about your life.

I can safely assume that for anyone who has started their journey on creating a staple wardrobe or have established a capsule wardrobe, that getting dressed has gotten much easier and that you now find joy and full comfort in the clothing that you naturally gravitate to. And I'm sure you have started to understand how important it is to have a wardrobe that is easy to access and reliable on a day to day basis.

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Dress by Rixo - in Bali (left) and Mexico City (right).

That said, one thing that I don’t think is talked about enough is a sustainable vacation wardrobe. It’s very common and quite honestly understandable in this day and age to think about going on a trip and being excited to wear all your cutest clothes (that are most likely going to be new). I can't say that I'm 100% not guilty of this either, but seeing how some of my favorite dresses (like the bubble-gum pink dress I'm wearing above) have been repeating themselves on all of my trips in these past couple of years, I noticed a few patterns that I want to share to help you start collecting those vacation pieces to be more conscious of your travel/vacation clothing purchases.

Opposites Attract

While my day to day style consists of very basic and neutral pieces, I noticed that the pieces that I do end up packing (usually as back-up outfits) are louder and are definitely more statement pieces. I think this speaks volume to personal psychology as generally, I want to feel more "dressed up" than my usual when I'm away. I believe this could work opposite for those who have a more colorful and bolder style in the reverse way. I would definitely say if your everyday style is prints and color, a really good solid neutral maxi/midi dress could be that piece that you can safely count on for all of your future travels. And of course, vice-versa if you are like me.

Weather-proof

Ok, I don't mean that your dress is also a windbreaker- so hear me out. I think when purchasing a dress, it's really important to think about how versatile it can be worn. Whenever a dress arrives to me, I always try it on with several different types of shoes, layering pieces (such as jackets, sweaters, and blazers), and either tucked in as a top or worn as a skirt. Having a dress being able to simply go with two different type of shoes already guarantees that it can be worn with knee boots under for fall weather, or with sneakers/sandals in a more tropical location.

Get It On Sale

This one isn't mandatory but happens to be something that I noticed between all of my favorite dresses, and yes, they were all bought on sale. When talking about sustainability, no one really mentions about how inaccessible some brands might be and how that's directly unsustainable for our means of living (depending on your income and tax bracket of course). But, I find that waiting a period of time makes a dress that much more special knowing I have had it in my cart, and have been thinking about it all season long. And that extra attention to the piece helps me make sure that it's not an impulse buy as well. Plus, since I'll be repeating it for trips to come, I don't feel too bad about not being able to wear it right away.

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Dress by Preen By Thornton Bregazzi - in Tokyo (left) and Lisbon (right).

Dress: Solid&Striped (in lime)
Shoes: Common Projects (in white)
Bag: Bottega Veneta Mini Pouch (in raffia)

Photo by Shun S.

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Tropical Layers

Hope I'm just in time to say 'aloha' to the summer season with this shirt that I thrifted a couple of years back in Tokyo. Random, I know, but I definitely think there's always such an affinity for Americana-esque style and culture that makes the fashion cycle in Japan really interesting. When it comes to sustainable fashion/style, thrifting is often regarded as one of the best methods, however, I've always find it a little conflicting since consumerism is still highly encouraged. My personal belief is always, just buy only what you love and can see yourself wearing for a long time. Ok, tangent asides, I definitely think boxy oversized shirt will be making a comeback this summer, especially over all the loungewear and basics that most of our wardrobe is made up of post-covid. There's no better way to stand out from the crowd with something a little more unique and one of a kind. And on that note, I've also included a few option of fun and funky prints for you to browse below.

Shirt: Thrifted
Tank: LinebyK
Pants: Trave Denim (similar here)
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Cleobella 'Aubree Bag'


Photo by Ying C.

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Trifecta

When it comes to clothing, I'm pretty much either in all black or all white. But beige is a color that is just as important in my wardrobe. Making this color-block pair of pants from Petar Petrov a trifecta of those three essentials.

Asides from my usuals of black, white, or blue denim, I rarely add pants to my rotating wardrobe. I've been on the hunt for a fitted pair of pants, and honestly, I just couldn't decide on a color. That said, I also wanted a statement pair- and it couldn't have come at a better timing to the Net-A-Porter sale a few weeks ago. I've been eyeing this whole color-block set from Petar Petrov earlier this season but of course, couldn't justify its full retail price (sorry to all the designers that I love for always only being able to buy your pieces on clearance).

Although this linen pair seems like it's only suitable for summer, I can definitely see it taking part in outfit pairings of ribbed knit and turtlenecks come fall. I'm excited to style and restyle it for seasons to come. At the very least, it totally goes with all my everyday pieces such as a white tee and Common Project sneakers. It's been quite a while since I had such an affinity for a piece like this.

Top: Ninety-percent Tee via Netaporter
Pants: Petar Petrov Color-block Linen-blend Pants
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel WOC

Photo by Shun S.

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082018 / 25 To Life

These are probably not the words you were expecting to read for someone’s internet birthday anecdote. And I think sharing your age’s number worth of lessons or whatever, is super lame.

I’m usually a headstrong person, but lately, I’ve just been so easily wavered by the not-so-nice thoughts floating in the back of my head. I’m no saint, by any means. I’ve been telling everyone that if there’s a heaven or hell, I’d probably find myself in the latter.

We all have our vices, and mine seems to be, grudge. It’s so goddamn hard for me to let things go, no matter how good I am at letting them be.

One of the biggest and last lessons I learned from my dad through his divorce with my mom is that you can’t expect to be able to change anyone, even for the better (because that better is only subjectively applicable to you). With that in mind, versus all of the fluffy things I used to really believe in pre-25, really confused the crap out of me. I still would like to believe that there are Naruto-s in the world.

It's so crazy that I no longer have an interest in fashion. I can barely describe what my style is anymore. And I don't even have an opinion on what looks good versus good enough to be seen in public. Meh.

Anyway, whenever I’m not feeling my best self, I always tend to do less and observe way more than I really need to. It’s the sociologist in me to diagnose, dissect, and find answers that can help me reason more so emotionally than logically. But, in the pinnacle age of the digital world, it all spirals back to social media, and internet celebrities that you just can’t help but compare yourself to. And that brings out a part of me that I really hate - because I can be so goddamn bitter.

I know, everyone says stuff like "no one is really sharing their struggles on their highlight reel" to make themselves feel better about the shit they're going through or justify their envy. But am I really the only person who hates thinking that way? It shouldn't comfort me any better knowing someone might be having it worse. That's just being an asshole.

These days, I'm living my best life. Or so it might seem. I am, I think. I can no longer tell what's great though because I feel like I've been way too spoiled. To the point where I'm even starting to get tired of myself for being so goddamn ungrateful for how little I actually do.

Does it count as a quart life crisis if you were already going through it before you turn 25?

Anyway, here's some things that went down this month that honestly, looking back, really put a big smile on my face despite how dark and irritated my thoughts internally might seem.

Life

August 6, 2018

Where do I start. After countless trips to Japan and frantically freaking out 2x a year to meet at a completely new country with Shun to see each other for 5-10 days at a time. I can't believe we have the whole next year together, and in the same apartment too.

Although I have to say, moving into my very own apartment for the first time ever made me realized how expensive this whole process is (especially in Tokyo). Living at home for so long, I forgot that every little thing in a home costs money, a fridge, a towel, a sponge, a fork (or like 10 because we don't just have one), ect...

It's only been a full one month, but somehow it feels much longer.

Black Linen Dress: Snidel / Similar
Shoes: Ancient Greek Sandals
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini
Earrings: Majorica

Photo by Shun S.

Event

Summer Festival in Tokyo
August 11, 2018

"Yakatabune"

Earlier this year, I made my very first friend on my own in Tokyo. I told her I really wanted to attend one of Japan's summer festivals. Fast forward 5 months later, I'm in a yukata, eating sushi on a boat and watched some epic fireworks from the water in Odaiba.

That night we drank until 4am, and I could barely remember anything - but it was one of the best day I've had in awhile.

Life

August 16, 2018

8/16 for as long as I can remember has always been filled surrounded by lots of people. It's weird to say but this year more than ever, it was nice to have it be a little quieter. Back home, mom would probably have dinner and a cake ready, and that's what Shun did. It was nice not to fuss about what to wear, where to go, who to see, and how can I combine groups of friends together to avoid getting fucked up too many times separately... haha. I don't know, is this a sign I'm getting old?

Top: H&M
Army Green Pants: Solov
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Shun S.

Fashion

August 19, 2018

Top: Free People, Similar
Floral Maxi Skirt: Ganni
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: J.W Anderson Pierce Velvet Mini

Self Portraits

Event

Akeno Sunflower Festival
August 22, 2018

Top: Minkpink via Shopbop
Skirt: &OtherStories Denim Skirt
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Shun S.

Fashion

August 29, 2018

As if moving to Tokyo and turning 25 was not life changing enough, your girl also got to work on a special project with Shiseido's top brand Clé De Peau Beauté on something amazing too. Peep this space for a post coming soon.

Top: &OtherStories
Linen Blazer: Directourie
Pleated Skirt: Aritzia
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel
Earings: Shashi

Photo by Shun S.

Wearing

All pieces mentioned in this post

If you made it this far, thanks for reading and stopping by. Just out of curiosity... What were your thoughts at 25? Or, if you're not 25 yet, what/where do you see yourself doing when you turn 25?

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