Month: February 2017

Why I Blog: The Effects of Internalized Oppression on Style Choices

Musings

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A close friend of mine posted this story on Facebook yesterday, and it’s one of those things that you’ve thought about before, but never really thought about it.  After reading this story, it just reconfirms why I wanted to start this blog in the first place.  I don’t necessarily wear crazy prints and colors like Lauren Stardust, but that just means I haven’t freed myself from the very thing Lauren is talking about.  My own internalized misogyny (which Lauren describes as an “”involuntary internalization by women of the sexist messages that are present in their societies and culture”) is completely intertwined with my internalized prejudice.  In fact, I would say it might even be stronger than my internalized misogyny.

Again, it just validates the whole reason I started this blog.  It’s no mystery who some of the more famous non-white bloggers are, but for years I’ve felt like they never casually talked about how being a POC influenced their lives – and more specifically style choices, the very thing they’re famous for.  And maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe it doesn’t. But for me, being a POC influences so much of my life. Both good and bad of course. Bad: I try to steer clear of flouncy fit and flare dresses to avoid looking too doll-ish.  As a Chinese American female, “doll-ish” is something I’ve actively avoided my whole adult life in order to be taken seriously.  Good: A lot of times people thing I’m innocent because “hey, I’m a small Asian girl and what harm could I do?” Really plays in my favor whenever I want to be a little mischievous.😈

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Being Asian American…love it and hate the internalized oppression.

Other than giving myself the space to create, I also wanted to use this blog as a platform to talk about how internalized misogyny and prejudice really does affect my style choices and influence how I perceive and navigate the world.  And I really applaud Lauren for being able to confront those internalized oppressions head on.  I have yet to get that far.  But maybe, that journey is about to be written right before your eyes.  Now wouldn’t that be something?😏

ABW

Styling the Beastie: Layers and Boots

Disney Style, Musings, Style

dsc06104The countdown has begun!  Disney’s live action Beauty and the Beast will be in theaters in next month and I’m excited to finally see Emma Watson don those iconic Belle outfits.

To celebrate the film’s release, a lot of brands have been producing tons of Beauty and the Beast merch, including Danielle Nicole Handbags.  Early last year, I picked up their Beast clutch, BUT when a friend told me about the Beast backpack they released a couple months ago, all reasoning went out the window.  So yes, now I have 2 Beast bags in my closet.😅

And I’m not gonna lie, a good number of times, I buy these quirky, yet amazing bags and then just set it on a shelf to admire it for days without ever really using it. So this is going to be just like trying to get back to the gym post holiday season😪…I’m going to document different outfits in order to keep myself accountable.😌  Sounds like a solid plan, right?👍🏼  On to the outfit!

dsc06077Beastie: Danielle Nicole, Dress: Free People, Denim jacket: Gap, Top: American Apparel, Boots: souvenir from Stockholm, Sunglasses: Quay, Watch: Michael Kors

The Beastie (oh, that’s my nickname for him btw) is surprisingly roomie. I could fit my camera, fat wallet, 2 phones, and car keys in there and still have room to spare. So when my sister asked me to help her take some photos around Japantown a couple weeks ago, it was the perfect carry-all bag. I wore it with an olive green dress that’s complimentary to Beastie’s tan colors and layered on a denim jacket, which if you look, closely picks up on his blue eyes.👀 It was also a little sprinkly in the city that day, so I wore some tan knee high boots that matched Beastie’s fringe.dsc06088

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Even if I didn’t need to bring my camera with me, this is still a perfect outfit for exploring Japantown. There are SO many places to eat or grab your favorite Asian snacks. One of my childhood favorites are Taiyaki red bean fishes! And there are a couple Asian beauty shops that I love perusing whenever I’m in the area. But most importantly, DAISO!! And look at that, you have a roomy backpack to bring back all those small trinkets and sundries that you didn’t really need, but kinda do at the same time.

Anyways, Japantown will always have a special place in my heart.  The community has pretty much been a part of my life in one way or another growing up. As toddlers, my siblings and I went to preschool there.  When we were tweeners, summer camp. And from the age of 5 to 18, I played in an Asian basketball league that was based out of Japantown’s Buddhist church.  It really felt like we grew up with the community.  I think I will always value and feel connected to the Japantown community.  And, to reiterate, they also have delicious snacks.

ABW

 

 

Pastel Pink Outfits for Valentine’s Day

Style
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Will you be my Valentine, Kalbi?

Valentine’s Day isn’t usually my thing, but it’s kind of amazing how much pastel pink stuff I’ve bought recently.  Maybe I’m subconsciously prepping for the occasion?🤔  But since I’ve been in a long distance relationship for almost 10 years now, I try not to put too much pressure on myself to celebrate the holiday since more often then not, I’m in a different city than the SO.  But I can’t have all these pink clothes go to waste now can I?😏

 

dsc06174Sweater: Sears, Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Leggings: Forever 21, Socks: Cotton On, Mug: VooDoo Doughnut

With the inception of Netflix and chill (like actual chill, not “chill”), it’s sociably acceptable now more than ever to spend a cozy night in.  Crowds and expensive fancy food is overrated anyways.  Well, crowds are at least.  And I usually prefer to be surrounded by huge piles of blankets instead of a tall wall of people. Please don’t elbow me in the face accidentally…🤕

Anyways, cozy and cute are not mutually exclusive.  Picked up this light pink knit sweater and it’s the perfect long cardigan to snuggle up in. Pair with stretchy leggings and fuzzy socks and you’re ready to binge watch Friends for the millionth time.  Bonus: You get 2 pigs as friends.🐷🐷

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And let’s say by some miracle, I actually end up going out for Valentine’s Day. Maybe during Valentine’s Day weekend I’ll go to an art gallery or do dinner and a movie with some friends.  Either way, might as well dress it up a smidge to show how special it is to actually have me out and about.😬

While in Hawaii, I picked up this faux leather shift dress from the Zara sale.  I love that even though it’s pink, it still reads a little tough because of the texture. And to not make everything too sweet, decided to pair it with a bomber and booties.  Substituted my warm blanket for a turtle neck and added matching pastel accessories to complete the look.

dsc06239Dress: Zara, Jacket: Members Only via Wasteland, Shoes: Sam Edelman, Short Sleeve Turtleneck: American Apparel, Clutch: Marshalls, Sunglasses:Quay, Bracelet: Kate Spade, Earrings: Old Navy

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I’ll be honest, I felt a little bit like a Pink Lady that day.💁🏻😎

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Go out and fill the world with pastel pink-ness!💕

ABW