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

NY fashion week favorites.

We're in the midst of New York Fashion Week, the time where each woman must decide for herself which path to take in the upcoming year: will I be trendy and adventurous or will I stick to my staple classics? It's a fantastical glimpse into what to except for the upcoming Spring not only for ourselves, but for fashion. Here are a few of my favorites. 

3.1 Phillip Lim 

A visually beautiful play on patterns, layers, and the levels they create. It's nice to see a hint of 90's grunge maybe as a subtle inspiration and I'm so excited to see the large graphic prints. It's also such a relief to see that he's brought back his "sleeves where sleeves are not found" design which was briefly previewed last spring. 

Jason Wu

"A little bondage never hurt anyone." -Jason Wu.

I strongly agree with his statement.. the juxtaposition of leather and lace, masculine and feminine is so prominent in his collection. It's done without all the typical gimmicks that one might expect when thinking of bondage, but instead in a more sophisticated and mature tone. Divine. 

Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang has taken the overly done trend of cut-outs and completely reinvented it and we gladly, gladly accept this. The sleek, clean lines seem almost otherworldly, which is a very familiar feeling when it comes to his collections. And the best part is of course that it all glows in the dark. If you have a moment, take a time to view details shots on Style.com, because the textures of these fabrics are just the cherry on top of it all. 

All photos from Style.com

Get to know me!

Ok, I know I'm terrible at posting blogs consistently, but this is something that I promise I'll improve! Since I am obviously new at this, and you may or may not be new to me I thought I'd do a fun little "get to know me" tag/questionnaire. Here goes!

1. How old are you?

I am 23 years old.

2. What's your middle name?

Lyn. Which completely breaks up the Japanese-esque quality of my name.

3. What nationality are you?

I'm half Filipino and half Japanese.

4. How tall are you?

I'm about 5'2-5'3 ish. 

5. Favorite subject in school.

Probably History or Sociology, if we're talking about traditional schooling but in fashion school my favorite subject was pattern drafting. 

6. Favorite song of the moment.

Search and Destroy- Sadners Bohlke 

7. My super power would be...

I want Jedi powers man, the Force just sounds so damn cool. More then likely I would go over the the Dark Side though.

8. What make-up products do you use?

Benefit's Porefessional primer, Sonia Kushak tinted moisturizer, Sephora pressed matte powder, Mac Pro Concealer, Elf eyebrow duo, Urban Decay Naked 2 palette in any variation on the eyes, and NYC liquid eye liner. Basically. 

9. Favorite book.

There's so many to choose from, but probably A Thousand Splendid Suns. 

10. Favorite perfume.

I don't like perfume, and I don't wear any. I like more subtle, earthy smells. 

11. Have you been out of the country? How many times?

Yes, I've been to Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Canada, and England. 

12. Do you speak any other languages?

Not fluently, no. I understand Tagalog pretty well though. 

13. Any siblings?

One older sister.

14. Favorite store to shop. 

Thrift stores, but I guess Zara if we're talking about traditional retail stores. 

15. Favorite pizza topping.

Mushrooms and pesto.

16. Favorite Youtuber.

Clothesencounters for sure. 

17. Favorite movie.

La Vie En Rose. 

18. Favorite TV show.

Breaking BAD!!!

19. PC or Mac?

I am a Mac :) 

The woods are dark and deep.

Thrifted fringe dress, Jeffrey Campbell Litas

This is my very first attempt at shooting anything at night, and I must say the experience was a bit terrifying. Within minutes we started hearing the strangest animal noises in the not so far distance and it totally freaked us out. But I've always had this vision of shooting in the middle of a deserted street, lit only by a car's headlights. Must try it again soon, perhaps in a less scarier woods with more sensible shoes. 

The thrift gods blessed me the day this dress came into my life! It has everything you could ever want: that scandalous "is it a dress or is it a shirt" length, rhinestones, a tie dye/acid washy sort of midnight blue pattern, and fringe! Needless to say, it is my absolute favorite and the best part is it only cost me about $2.

Photos by Glenn Halog
www.glennhalogphoto.com

Little Black Dress.

Dress by Brandy & Melville, Tie-Dye Button-up by Sway, Accessories by B&M and F21, Clock Necklace by Marc by Marc Jacobs

I've been searching and searching for the perfect ditzy sort of rumble-tumble looking little black dress and I finally found it. The light weight layers of chiffon are so perfect and airy, it makes it absolute perfection for summertime. I love the fact that it's so short it's almost unacceptable at a dress, but those who know me will accept this fact because I just don't do pants. Don't panic, I do wear shorts underneath! I could honestly live in this dress and die a happy, happy girl. 

Photos by Glenn Halog

www.glennhalogphoto.com

God Bless the British!

Confession: I am definitely guilty of being one of those girls who literally spend hours on end staring blankly at my laptop screen watching those beauty gurus/make-up artists/fashion bloggers, whatever you'd like to call them, on YouTube. I justify this by saying to myself, "I'm learning something new" whether it be a new make-up technique, styling tips, or product reviews. But the truth of the matter is, I really enjoy watching these girls because they are real and honest in what they do and let's face it: they're damn good at it. 

My favorite YouTubers just happen to be British! I think it's because I enjoy listening to their accents as it reminds me of the time I spent on vacation in England. But it's also because I feel as if British girls often have the upper hand in cutting edge fashion, and they aren't afraid to show it. So here they are, my favorite BRITISH YouTubers! 

1. Beautycrush / Sammi 

www.beautycrush.co.uk

I've been watching this girl for awhile now mainly because she seems like a genuinely lovely person. Her personality is real and often times a bit silly which makes her so personable. Her style and haul videos are my absolute favorite, mainly because I feel like I'd purchase similar things (if only I lived in the UK...) 

2. Sototallyvlog / Lexi 

www.fashionfilth.com 

Literally only just discovered this YouTuber a few days ago, but I've already watched most of her videos and she's definitely become one of my favorites. Her sense of humor is quite similar to mine, so I can relate to her. She's got such a fun sense of style and her make-up always looks flawless! Absolutely love watching her videos!

3. StyleSuzi / Suzi

www.stylesuzi.com

Yet another YouTuber who I've watched for quite some time, mainly because she not only uses basic make-up brands but she also uses Asian brands as well. It's so nice to have insight into skin care from different parts of the world! I appreciate how honest she is in her reviews, and her fashion sense is always so on par.  

4. Pixi2woo / Tanya

www.tanyaburr.co.uk

This girl has some crazy make-up skills and she always has such a wide variety of tutorials for every sort of look you could possibly want. Her personality is so adorable and she seems like such a sweetheart! She's my go-to YouTuber whenever I'm unsure of how to execute a look. 

Please check these lovely ladies out, if you haven't already! I'll probably do an American version of this post soon. 

Summer Stand Still.

Top: Day Dreamer LA, Skirt: Brandy & Melville, Accessories: B&M and F21

We are currently in that awkward transition phase of weather where the bay area can't seem to decide which season to dedicate more of itself to; summer or fall? In response to this confusion, I've been in nothing but maxi skirts (or in this case, a very dramatic high-low pre washed knit skirt) and my usual flimsy summer tops. And as the fog rolls in without fail, I just top it all off with a comfortable pull over sweater or a stolen jacket of the mister's. But I definitely wouldn't mind a few more weeks of sun, just so that I can finally perfect my tan before the long winter months come along.

Photo credit: Glenn Halog

www.glennhalogphoto.com