082018 / 25 To Life

September 9, 2018

Ganni floral skirt, black floral outfit, summer style, dark florals, transitional style, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY

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
Easy summer outfit, black linen dress, ruffle black linen dress, square neck linen dress, wrapped dress, summer black dress, ancient greek sandals, pearl studded sandals, simple summer style, Tokyo style, personal style blog - 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY

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 yukata, yukata and sneakers, Japanese summer festival, wearing a yukata for summer festival, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNYYakatabune yukata, yukata and sneakers, Japanese summer festival, wearing a yukata for summer festival, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY

"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?

Olive cargo pants, highwaisted olive pants outfit, olive oversized pants, Tokyo style, streetstyle on Harajuku, transitional style, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNYOlive cargo pants, highwaisted olive pants outfit, olive oversized pants, Tokyo style, streetstyle on Harajuku, transitional style, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY

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

Photo by Shun S.

Fashion
August 19, 2018
Ganni floral skirt, black floral outfit, summer style, dark florals, transitional style, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNYGanni floral skirt, black floral outfit, summer style, dark florals, transitional style, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY

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

Sunflower festival Japan, Tokyo sunflower fields, Akeno Sunflower Festival, sunflower photo ideas, golden sunflower field, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY
Sunflower festival Japan, Tokyo sunflower fields, Akeno Sunflower Festival, sunflower photo ideas, golden sunflower field, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNYSunflower festival Japan, Tokyo sunflower fields, Akeno Sunflower Festival, sunflower photo ideas, golden sunflower field, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY
Sunflower festival Japan, Tokyo sunflower fields, Akeno Sunflower Festival, sunflower photo ideas, golden sunflower field, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY

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

Photo by Shun S.

Fashion
August 29, 2018

Ginza style, what to wear on Ginza, linen blazer, white pleated skirt, top knot hair style, transitional style, midi skirt and sneakers, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY
Ginza style, what to wear on Ginza, linen blazer, white pleated skirt, top knot hair style, transitional style, midi skirt and sneakers, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNYGinza style, what to wear on Ginza, linen blazer, white pleated skirt, top knot hair style, transitional style, midi skirt and sneakers, personal style blog, August street style outfits / 082018 / 25 To Life - FOREVERVANNY
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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072018 / Home Sweet Home

August 24, 2018

/
Retro vibes, milkshake, diner photography, diner editorial - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

Life seems to have gone full circle this month. As I was about to embark on a totally new life venture, I somehow found myself experiencing some of the things I’ve never done before from the different places that I considered, home, sweet home.

It's almost September and yet I've just recapped July. I've been doing a terrible job at keeping up with these posts monthly, but I'm giving myself time to internalize it all. Bear with me for now.

Top: Bershka
Denim Skirt: &OtherStories
Shoes: Common Projects

Photo by Christina L.

Travel
July 1-4, 2018
Catskill, Upstate New York
Upsate New York, Woodstock New York, Editorial Cabin, Woodstock Weekend - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home
Fireworks, sparklers, Fourth of July sparklers, Sparklers photo ideas, Sparklers editorial, - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeFireworks, sparklers, Fourth of July sparklers, Sparklers photo ideas, Sparklers editorial, - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home
Fireworks, sparklers, Fourth of July sparklers, Sparklers photo ideas, Sparklers editorial, - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

Despite being a hyphened American for the past 15 years or so of my life, I don’t think I’ve truly had a 4th of July that truly felt classic until this year. We did the whole firework she-bang at a quaint lodge upstate, with sparklers too. And it ended with a cozy family BBQ at Christina’s home.

Dress: Topshop
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles
Bag: Muun

Photo by Christina L.

Woodstock New York, Silvia restaurant, green velvet interior - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeWoodstock New York, Silvia restaurant, green velvet interior - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

I don't generally write about restaurants, but if you find yourself Upstate New York then I highlight recommend dinner at Silva.

Life
July 4-8, 2018
Retro vibes, milkshake, diner photography, diner editorial - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

The next day we drove back and even had breakfast at a diner in the middle of nowhere - so of course, we had to do the typical milkshake photo for that vintage American vibe.

Later on that week, I crossed off another pretty iconic American thing (or I guess New Yorker thing); picnic in Central Park. The girls and I haven’t been together in a while, so it was pretty nice to catch up and spend some outdoor times as I’m the least outdoorsy person in our group.

To end the day, we all went to get our aura reading - somehow mine was as green as could be and that accordingly signifies big changes ahead…

Central Park Picnic ideas, Central Park Picnic with friends, girls picnic in Central Park, Picnic cheeseboards, Picnic editorials - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeCentral Park Picnic ideas, Central Park Picnic with friends, girls picnic in Central Park, Picnic cheeseboards, Picnic editorials - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeCentral Park Picnic ideas, Central Park Picnic with friends, girls picnic in Central Park, Picnic cheeseboards, Picnic editorials - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeCentral Park Picnic ideas, Central Park Picnic with friends, girls picnic in Central Park, Picnic cheeseboards, Picnic editorials - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

Travel
Phan Thiet / Ho Chi Minh City / Can Tho, Vietnam
July 20, 2018

I used to stress myself out so much deciding whether or not I should bring my camera around with me for the sake of getting “content’ for whatsoever social obligations I might feel like I have; but it was only recently that I kind of started to get used to the idea that maybe some memories don’t actually need a physical snapshot. And, whenever I find myself with no photos to show, I'll be comforted by the idea that, if it was a good time, it WAS a really good time; if it was not, then I no longer have to look back and lie to myself that it was an okay time (because let’s be honest, I’ll never post a photo of me frowning/crying).

Vietnam was kind of like this… The good times, were great times. So good that I’m already thinking of the next time I’ll be back.

Vietnam travels, Can Tho Vietnam, Floating market Can Tho - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home
Vietnam travels, Can Tho Vietnam, Floating market Can Tho, Noodles on floating market, Floating market experience in Vietnam - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeVietnam travels, Can Tho Vietnam, Floating market Can Tho, floating market vendors, floating market noodle boat, eating on floating market in Vietnam - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home
HCM city streets, Vietnam travels, Saigon, Motorbikes Vietnam - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeHCM Vietnam, Walking street Vietnam, Vietnamese style, Travel style for Vietnamese girls - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

Of all the times that I've passed by HCM, I've never actually gotten the chance to explored much. On our way back from Can Tho, I actually asked our driver to stop by for a rest break while I went out to take a short walk with my two oldest cousins. We got caught in the rain and literally did know what to do so we ate Vietnamese McDonalds and went for bubble tea after. It was actually really nice to catch up with my little ones since I haven't seen them in 5 years.

Not going to lie, I always leave Vietnam with such overwhelming emotions that's just not from saying goodbye to my grandparents - but I don't know... In a way, it's like saying goodbye to a side of me that I don't really get to fully live when I'm anywhere else but Vietnam.

Top: Free People
Pants: Aritzia
Shoes: Ancient Greek Sandals
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11

Photo by my little cousin/s.

Outfit
July 27, 2018
Akihabara girl, streetstyle Tokyo, weekend style, Mint dresses, &Otherstories dress, Tokyo style - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeAkihabara girl, streetstyle Tokyo, weekend style, Mint dresses, &Otherstories dress, Tokyo style - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

Dress: &OtherStories
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Staud Clothing

Photo by Shun S.

Outfit
July 28, 2018

Shinjuku style, leather shorts and shirts, top knot bun hairstyle, Tokyo streetstyle - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet HomeShinjuku style, leather shorts and shirts, top knot bun hairstyle, Tokyo streetstyle - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home
Shinjuku style, leather shorts and shirts, top knot bun hairstyle, Tokyo streetstyle - FOREVERVANNY / 072018 / Home Sweet Home

Just like that and I'm finally back in Tokyo. Something about being here feels really comfortable now, and I completely switch from country life to a city girl overnight. I guess I can now feel a little of how some people feel in New York - something about the energy in Tokyo breathes life into me. And I look forward to every chance I get to devour a meticulously plated set of sashimi. Really, I think I now know what I want for my last meal (if that ever comes up).

The next couple weeks will be mostly focused on moving into the new apartment. I really can't wait to finally have a small place, all to Shun and I.

Shirt: Undercover
High-waisted Leather Shorts: Similar Here
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11

Photo by Shun S.


Wearing
All pieces in this post



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062018 / Briefly New York

August 1, 2018

New York Summer Style, Yellow Silk Cami, New York Fashion Blogger, Personal Style Summer / 062018 Briefly New York / FOREVERVANNY.com

Wow, first things, first... looking back at all of the content that I was able to gather into this June post, I am more embarrassed than ever, that this was not published sooner (especially after the title of the May's superpost). I know, I'm the worst.

Anyway, now that I've finally started catching up with you, I hope that you don't mind giving me a few minute to share some of the things that took place and happened during the month of June that are somehow still fresh in my mind, after all this time.

Long story short, I decided to head back to New York in the middle of apartment hunting in Tokyo at the end of May because my sister's graduation and a close friend's wedding was taking place the first couple weeks of June. Unfortunately, due to a series of event, I was unable to capture any photos from both of these major events that I flew half way around the world for because I accidentally erased my entire SD card. Typical.

Onward, it was between catching up on sleep due to jetlag that creeped up on me a good 2 weeks after I was back in New York, and catching up with some close friends who I won't be seeing often for a while.

Outfit
June 21, 2018
Floral White Top, Summer Crop Top, New York Summer Style, How To Style Boyfriend Jeans, PVC Staud Clear Tote, Clear Tote Outfit Ideas, Chanel Espadrilles Summer Look, New York Fashion Blogger, Personal Style Blogger / 062018 Briefly New York / FOREVERVANNY.comFloral White Top, Summer Crop Top, New York Summer Style, How To Style Boyfriend Jeans, PVC Staud Clear Tote, Clear Tote Outfit Ideas, Chanel Espadrilles Summer Look, New York Fashion Blogger, Personal Style Blogger / 062018 Briefly New York / FOREVERVANNY.com

Top: WAYF via Shopbop
Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans: Similar
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles
Bag: Staud Clothing

Photo by Christina L.


During some of the days that I managed to get myself into the city- I usually found it really hard to decide what to eat this time around more than ever. Somehow, the trendy restaurants and the hip happy hour places just didn't felt right. On most days, the girls and I end up finding ourself at a small hole in the wall in Chinatown for some duck noodle soup and rice paper shrimp rolls. It was simple, and really nice - and it was quite nostalgic of how most of my high school days were spent (but back then it was because us kids didn't have money for the fancy smancy places).


Outfit
June 24, 2018

How To Wear White Denim, One Shoulder Top, C/meo Collective Ruffle Top, Summer Look, New York Fashion Blogger, Personal Style Blogger / 062018 Briefly New York / FOREVERVANNY.com
Top: BNKR
Pants: GRLFRND Denim
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Givenchy Antigona / Beige

Photo by Christina L.

Outfit
June 30, 2018
White Linen Dress, Summer Dresses, Button Up Bardot Dress, River Island Linen Dress, Summer Style, Personal Style Blogger / 062018 Briefly New York / FOREVERVANNY.comWhite Linen Dress, Summer Dresses, Button Up Bardot Dress, River Island Linen Dress, Summer Style, Personal Style Blogger / 062018 Briefly New York / FOREVERVANNY.com

Button Up Bardot Dress: River Island
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Chanel

Photo by Christina L.

Wearing
All pieces in this post



Looking back, it didn't seem like much happened, but in fact maybe it was because a lot did take place that I didn't manage to leisurely jot down everything that happened day by day. I was pretty happy about some of the work that I produced as well, like this self-portrait series for SILKNY, a cinamograph for EVERSKINCARE and a little something something for the launch of David Yurman's pinky ring collection.

I'll be starting the recap of July right after this just because I owe it to myself to stop procrastinating so hard - and also there's so much I need to sort through from Vietnam! But, I'll spare you any promises this time because, at this point, I'm just disgracing myself at my lack of self discipline to work on these superposts.



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Weekend in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

June 24, 2018

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