style profile: christina ueunten.

We first met when we were about seven years old, and time for us has not moved very fast. The world has always been our constant playground and we were fearless with our imaginations. Together we created vast fortresses in my living room, staged glamorous tea parties, and organized super kawaii fashion shows together. Her naturally playful spirit always translated so beautifully into her outfit choices, and it is something that I've always admired about her. Her name is Christina Ueunten, but to me she has always been Ai, meaning love in Japanese.

She's spent the past years living in Tokyo studying as a fashion design major, but luckily the gods have brought her back to the shores of the Bay. It was my pleasure to feature her for my very first style profile and ask her a few questions about her experiences living in Tokyo.

You just came back from Japan! Tell me how you liked living there.

While I was in Japan, I switched from living on a little island to living in a big city (Tokyo). Although I liked the simplicity of the island life, I love the convenience of living in a big city. I love the busy night life, there's always something to do and lots of good food nearby.

Do you identify with Japanese or American fashion more?

At first I felt more drawn to Japanese fashion, but now that I've lived there I'm definitely more into American fashion. It's more simple and down to the point.

The younger generation in Japan tend to participate in some pretty interesting trends. What's the weirdest thing you saw there?

They tend to do a lot of strange things with accessories. I've seen a lot of accessories made out of doll hair or wigs. I've even seen one guy wear live gold fish as earrings and in his hair. 

Who's your favorite fashion icon?

Twiggy! I love the 60's and all those crazy prints and mini skirts and tights.

Favorite season to dress for?

I love Spring just because I love floral print and the colors are a lot more exciting.

Right now how would you define your current style?

It's kind of like a little kid entered your grandma's closet... and picked everything that was colorful.

Photos by me and Glenn Halog

www.glennhalogphoto.com

Special thanks to Ai-chan <3

thankful.

Topshop Crop Top, Swaychic Skirt, Boyfriend's cardigan, and Faux Fur scarf by h&m.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hope you were all able to enjoy the holiday accordingly by stuffing yourselves with ridiculous amounts of food in the company of loved ones who have come from near and far. This time of a year is always a reflection of how far I've come over the past months and also to look forward to the upcoming future and all the exciting things that it will bring. As each year comes to a close, I realize more and more how necessary it is to let go of all the little petty issues that plague my life and simply enjoy the now. We will only live in this specific moment just once, so live in it, because soon it will be gone in a blink of an eye. 

I leave you with a quote that I've recently been reading over and over. 

“the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” 
― Jack Kerouac, On the Road

Photos by Glenn Halog.

www.glennhalogphoto.com

shadows and shade.

American Apparel crop top, Urban Outfitters jacket, Maxi skirt by Sway, H&M beanie, Oversized RayBan Polarized Wayfarers

After weeks and weeks of searching for the ideal mock neck crop top in the masses of the thrift stores, I finally caved and just purchased the infamous American Apparel one. It's definitely going to become one of the most heavily circulated pieces in my fall wardrobe so I'm glad I got it when I did. I love the combination of making my lower half appear longer with this fantastic sheer pleated maxi skirt that I've had since like forever. That's probably the key with styling cropped pieces, right? Making one part of your body appear shorter whilst the other gets longer. Balance is key..

At the moment the Bay Area is completely swept up in World Series fever, so in the next few days I'll be donning a more sportsmanlike attire because I have and always will be a huge Giants fan. So I'd thought it'd be nice to get this quick OOTD in, since there may not be one for awhile. GO GIANTS!

Photos by Glenn Halog.

www.glennhalogphoto.com

dog day afternoon.

Concho hat by UO, Thrifted Shirt, Cardigan by h&m, Double Zero Pleated Knit Skirt, Accessories by Sway, Brandy Melville, New York City side stall.

This Indian summer we've been experiencing has forced me to gain a real appreciation for Western wear inspired pieces. The different textures makes for easily layered pieces with the option of playing with various lengths. I don't know about you, but the idea of mixing denim cutoffs, with traditional plaid, and various cowboy esque embroidery has me all hot and bothered. Also I can't stop dreaming about wearing this hat, even though I hardly ever have the courage to. The sun has to be overbearingly bright, you see.. otherwise I get all these strange looks.

Photos by Glenn Halog.

www.glennhalogphoto.com

Simplicity on a Saturday afternoon.

Many Belles Down sheer top, Uniqlo corduroy leggings, MAC Diva lipstick

All I need for fall is to be armed with the perfect deep berry red lipstick. 

Everything else comes second in comparison.

On my own.

Lesson learned: going thrifting by oneself is both a dangerous thing and a beautiful thing. I usually get a heavy case of guilt whenever I drag anyone along to go treasure hunting with me, especially if they themselves won't be digging. Today I ventured out on my own and it was like the thrifting gods smiled down on me and said "Yes child, come forth and claim your prize..."

 

 

 

I'm always on the hunt for flannels and button-ups and this one is the most perfectly cut gingham print shirt.

 

 

Knit sweater by Gap, Vintage Levi's cutoffs, Shoes by F21, Accessories by h&m and eBay.

 



 

 

I literally ran and cut off a mother and daughter duo browsing the dress rack when I saw this little number peaking out. I mean... c'mon.

 

 

Crochet knit cardigan by F21, Jeffrey Campbell Litas, Necklace by Sway, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag.

 

 

And my crown jewel of the day goes to this magnificant 100% suede sherling jacket. I've always wanted a coat similar to the one Jenny wears in Forest Gump when they meet in Washington D.C. and I believe I have found it. Very 70's chic and oh so me.

 

 

Thrifted dress, Bag by h&m, Shoes by Sway.

 

N Y C

Forgive my absence, I've just been recovering from the whirlwind experience of being in New York City for the first time. Our trip lasted about 5 days, but it definitely was not enough to fulfill all my silly New York fantasies. We did manage to do the impossible and visit pretty much every tourist-y attraction that the city has to offer, but I really wanted to take a few days and relax and try and imagine what it would be like to be a real New Yorker. Much to my amusement, I was stopped frequently by more obvious tourists asking me where the nearest subway station or museum was located. I guess I camouflaged myself pretty well, but I was sadly disappointed that I did not have more time for outfit changes throughout the day. I feel like there are certain pieces in my closet that have been waiting all their lives to stand and have breakfast in front of Tiffany's, or run across a busy street to see a broadway show. Next time I won't disappoint, but I feel as if comfort had to have been my top priority when dressing for the day. It was the most beautiful experience and I will certainly be back for more. 

View from the our red-eye flight, landing before the sun rose over Manhattan. 

Our daily subway train to and from the hotel, the number 7.

View of Manhattan skyline from Liberty island.

Top of the Rock outfit details: Kenna T leather vest, Day of the Dead Skull Tee by Audrey, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, not pictured Brandy Melville Distressed Denim Cutoffs

Uniqlo in SoHo, fast becoming one of my favorite stores! 

Morning subway rides are the best.

Jars and jars filled with spiders at the American Museum of Natural History.

Bejeweled Cross Crop top from Topshop, High Waist Acid Skinny Jeans by Just USA, Uniqlo hoodie

Overlooking the lake in Central Park.

Helmut Lang Twist Asymmetrical Skirt, Studded flats, Cropped Denim Tie-dye Button-up

Grand Central Station.

Delicious Shanghai style soup dumpings in Chinatown.

Til we meet again!

Some photos by Glenn Halog.

www.glennhalogphoto.com