tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25000635972213899582024-03-13T10:37:04.321-06:00Red-Soled Fashionista“Fashion is so often presented in the culture as a thing of froth, which, of course, it partly is; but the bubbles are blown with care and a sense of values.” - Anna WintourAngelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.comBlogger383125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-9229527661762272832021-11-20T22:00:00.015-07:002021-12-07T15:18:43.027-07:00PaintByNumbers.shop Giveaway! [Closed]<div><i>Edit: Congratulations to our winner, Alexandra!</i></div><div><br /></div>Last year, I collaborated with <a href="https://paintbynumbers.shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaintByNumbers.shop</a> to host a paint by numbers kit giveaway in hopes of brightening someone's day as we found ourselves staying at home through 2020. This year, with the pandemic dragging on, I notice I have developed some unsettling new habits: I'm letting my smile get lazy behind my mask, allowing physical distancing to turn into social distancing, and becoming so comfortable on my own that I make my in-person encounters brief and brusque. Can you relate? <div><br /></div><div>Inspired by the realization that kindness is something we continually nurture within ourselves, I'm reminded of how meaningful showing appreciation to those who are important to us<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">—</span>or engaging in a random act of kindness<span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">—</span>is. With that in mind, I'm so excited to be partnering with PaintByNumbers.shop again to give one lucky winner a paint by numbers kit of their choice! </div><div><br /></div><div>Whether you gift it to yourself or a loved one for the holidays, a paint by numbers kit is a great way for anyone to relax and unwind. I particularly like PaintByNumbers.shop because their kits come with a pre-stretched cotton canvas and all the supplies you need to varnish and hang your new painting. As for myself, I've gifted <a href="https://paintbynumbers.sale/products/frozen-life" target="_blank">The Enchanted Rose</a> kit to my beautiful soul sister as thanks for being a daily source of happiness, and I hope you'll do the same for someone special this holiday season.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loJSgiYg5ys/Xq3-3NvjkyI/AAAAAAAACcg/XzgG6p4J_4ku8gx-ssIRpvG4OeiJRpDVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BGiveaway.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loJSgiYg5ys/Xq3-3NvjkyI/AAAAAAAACcg/XzgG6p4J_4ku8gx-ssIRpvG4OeiJRpDVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BGiveaway.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p><b>About PaintByNumbers.shop:</b><br /><br /><a href="https://paintbynumbers.shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaintByNumbers.shop</a> aims to help bring out the artist in you by selling art canvasses that have small numbers indicating a corresponding colour for a certain area. The numbers serve as a clear guide for you to follow, but still give you room to improvise or add your own touches.<br /><br />The artworks are sourced from designers dedicated to creating designs that play with varying levels of difficulty. PaintByNumbers.shop offers a number of collections to choose from and have added many new designs over the past year.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lT6ut8W6dQE/Xq8dgj2SrWI/AAAAAAAACc8/Tf8l2nvVU5sA8aMYgK978zwyQEB8nqPiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BCollections.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="837" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lT6ut8W6dQE/Xq8dgj2SrWI/AAAAAAAACc8/Tf8l2nvVU5sA8aMYgK978zwyQEB8nqPiwCEwYBhgL/s640/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BCollections.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p>Each paint by numbers kit comes with everything you need:<br /></p><ul><li>Numbered high-quality cotton canvas stretched on a wooden frame (Size: 20" x 16" / 50cm x 40cm)</li><li>Numbered acrylic-based paint set.</li><li>Paint brush set - 2 thin, 1 medium, 1 wide.</li><li>Varnish to add brightness and preserve the finished painting.</li><li>Hanging kit, including traceless frame hangers, screws and a spirit level.</li><li>Easy-to-follow instruction guide.</li><li>Reference sheet.</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2588/3154/products/5_b2a9d5b4-5caf-4fbc-996f-f1033632a61a_1300x.progressive.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2588/3154/products/5_b2a9d5b4-5caf-4fbc-996f-f1033632a61a_1300x.progressive.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><b>Prize:</b></div><ul><li>One (1) winner will receive a PaintByNumbers.shop kit of their choice. Shipping will be included.</li></ul><p><b>Eligibility:</b><br /><b><br /></b>This giveaway is open internationally.<br /><br /><b>Entering: </b><br /><b><br /></b>To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. The only <b>mandatory</b> entry is to comment below with your favourite painting from <a href="https://paintbynumbers.shop/collections/paint-by-numbers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaintByNumbers.shop</a> and who you would gift it to. For additional entries, simply follow the instructions!<br /><br />This giveaway will end <b>December 5, 2021 </b>at 11:59pm EST.</p>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6664eee45" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6664eee45/" id="rcwidget_pt2dixbj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div>Winners will be selected by Random.org and notified by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note Red-Soled Fashionista is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.<i> </i></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Discount Code</span></b><br /><br />If you aren't a winner this time but still need a last minute holiday gift, be sure to use the promo code <b>REDSOLED </b>at checkout for a <b>15% discount</b>! Coupon code is valid until December 31, 2021.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~~~</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you to PaintByNumbers.shop for sponsoring this giveaway.</i></div></div></div></div>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com217tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-20921600937000302502021-07-06T17:11:00.001-06:002021-08-13T21:17:47.605-06:00When Worlds Collide<p>My worlds are colliding and I'm sitting back to watch the sparks fly. In April 2021, BTS, the biggest music group in the world right now, was announced as global brand ambassadors for Louis Vuitton. As an addict of both fashion and BTS, I was very happy with this news. </p><p><a href="https://wwd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BTS_JOIN_LOUIS_VUITTON_AS_HOUSE_AMBASSADORS2.jpeg?crop=96px%2C2456px%2C4391px%2C2930px&resize=640%2C415" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://wwd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BTS_JOIN_LOUIS_VUITTON_AS_HOUSE_AMBASSADORS2.jpeg?crop=96px%2C2456px%2C4391px%2C2930px&resize=640%2C415" width="500" /></a></p><div>I have been wanting to blog about Louis Vuitton for a while now; I have admired Nicolas Ghesquière's work over the past few years and believe his collections at Louis Vuitton to be underappreciated. I sang his praises during his debut <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2014/03/louis-vuitton-fallwinter-2014-rtw.html" target="_blank">Fall/Winter 2014 RTW</a> collection, and he did not disappoint in the years following. Granted, he doesn't get everything right, but he gets right what he needs to get right<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">—</span>which is to say, he always has standout pieces. His <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2017-ready-to-wear/louis-vuitton" target="_blank">Spring/Summer 2017 RTW</a> collection portrays a sense of elevated experimentation: draped jersey dresses sliced with daring cutouts, and sheer floor-length numbers sprinkled with crystals and glitter. <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2018-ready-to-wear/louis-vuitton" target="_blank">Spring/Summer 2018 RTW</a> gave us rich brocade coats, and beautiful chiffon dresses trimmed with stiff, ruffled sleeves. His work may seem eccentric and messy at times, but I believe it takes a deep understanding of fashion for someone to break the rules with such discerning abandon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Virgil Abloh has also been doing excellent work as artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collections. His work is thoughtful and unique; it upgrades the mundane and makes the lavish approachable. The adorable stuffed animals in Abloh's <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2021-menswear/louis-vuitton" target="_blank">Spring/Summer 2021 Menswear</a> collection were exceptional: a fun way to bring back the childhood innocence we lose through adulthood. His <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2021-menswear/louis-vuitton" target="_blank">Fall/Winter 2021 Menswear</a> show in January was an artistic, relevant homage to his African heritage using sumptuous textiles and a magnificent shade of green that I can't move on from. Best of all, both these collections have been worn by BTS (including, at the <a href="https://imagesvc.meredithcorp.io/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F14%2F2021%2F03%2F14%2FIMG_3844.jpg" target="_blank">Grammy Awards</a>, no less).</div><div><br /></div>And it is this Fall/Winter 2021 Menswear collection that I want to talk about next. Yesterday, BTS's official account tweeted that the group will be part of Louis Vuitton's upcoming Fall/Winter 2021 Menswear show in Seoul, and included a teaser video of each member wearing looks from the collection.<div><br /></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are excited to be part of the upcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LouisVuitton?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LouisVuitton</a> show in Seoul!<br />💜 this tweet to set a reminder to watch on July 7th at 7pm (KST). <br /> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%EB%B0%A9%ED%83%84%EC%86%8C%EB%85%84%EB%8B%A8?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#방탄소년단</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LVMenFW21?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LVMenFW21</a> <a href="https://t.co/mZggkzaG0o">pic.twitter.com/mZggkzaG0o</a></p>— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) <a href="https://twitter.com/bts_bighit/status/1411958040257974275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><div><br /></div>Let's break things down:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jimin (my OG bias) is wearing <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/6009876f367425c0ac61b447/master/pass/00026-Louis-Vuitton-Mens-Fall-21.jpg" target="_blank">this look</a> from #LVMenFW21. I'm glad the stylists kept the fly wraparound sunglasses, because if there's anyone who can pull off playful mixing of streetwear and high fashion, it's Jimin.</li><li>RM is wearing <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/6009874a1219982053d714fd/master/pass/00001-Louis-Vuitton-Mens-Fall-21.jpg" target="_blank">this look</a> from #LVMenFW21. As is befitting of the group's leader, RM suits classically broad and brooding silhouettes, and the hat is a fine choice for him in particular.</li><li>Suga (my current bias) is wearing <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/600987ea367425c0ac61b44c/master/pass/00007-Louis-Vuitton-Mens-Fall-21.jpg" target="_blank">this look</a> from #LVMenFW21. Although not shown in the shot, I have no doubt he is doing justice to the suit's slimmer cut. Besides, his elegantly styled steel blue hair is the real winner here.</li><li>j-hope is wearing <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/600988e60e1b20e2573de696/master/pass/00068-Louis-Vuitton-Mens-Fall-21.jpg" target="_blank">this look</a> from #LVMenFW21. A boldly patterned ensemble with scarlet boots is practically made for him. I smile knowing how much he adores fashion and thinking how ecstatic he must feel to be working with Louis Vuitton.</li><li>V is wearing <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/600987451219982053d714fb/master/w_400/00014-Louis-Vuitton-Mens-Fall-21.jpg" target="_blank">this look</a> from #LVMenFW21. He is the image of refinement in a sophisticated long coat, effortlessly living up to his title as one of the most handsome men in the world.</li><li>Jungkook is wearing <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/6009875611d3fa0821f7fa7a/master/pass/00020-Louis-Vuitton-Mens-Fall-21.jpg" target="_blank">this look</a> from #LVMenFW21. He directs his signature piercing gaze towards the camera as his gleaming accessories riff off the thick ridges of a textured blazer.</li><li>Jin is wearing <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/6009877be1d43c76f12cb9d5/master/pass/00011-Louis-Vuitton-Mens-Fall-21.jpg" target="_blank">this look</a> from #LVMenFW21. What could be more appropriate than ending the teaser with a mysterious glance from Worldwide Handsome in a sharp, crimson plaid overcoat?</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>There will be a lot of eyes on Louis Vuitton's next show<span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>more eyes than runway is normally used to. Runway is not something the general public watches, and even fashionistas may only casually follow runway collections. The BTS ARMY, however, is composed of millions of individuals across the globe from diverse backgrounds. There will undoubtedly be those in the fandom who have little interest or knowledge of luxury fashion, and some may even find it downright ridiculous. So it goes without saying Louis Vuitton will have a lot of pressure to satisfy a much wider audience united in their wholehearted love for BTS, while still fulfilling the features of a high fashion presentation. As Louis Vuitton itself <a href="https://twitter.com/LouisVuitton/status/1411987731413098500" target="_blank">tweeted</a>, "High expectations."</div><div><br /></div><div>Indeed there will be high expectations, but I think it is important to remember to thank Abloh, Louis Vuitton and BTS for participating in this collaboration. I hope we continue see opportunities like this that break boundaries for underrepresented groups, recognize the adversity they face, and celebrate the hard work that has led to their countless achievements.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Update: I almost choked on my <a href="https://youtu.be/WMweEpGlu_U" target="_blank">butter</a>. Louis Vuitton did not let high expectations <a href="https://youtu.be/CuklIb9d3fI" target="_blank">faze them</a>. Virgil Abloh's Fall/Winter 2021 Menswear presentation in Seoul with house ambassadors BTS was so tastefully executed I expect it will satisfy all audiences. Watch the full show <a href="https://youtu.be/KsH_V0D4PyA" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image Source: <a href="https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/louis-vuitton-bts-ambassadors-1234808592/" target="_blank">WWD</a></i></span></div></div>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-19259359550465952202021-05-16T10:07:00.003-06:002021-05-17T08:20:22.449-06:00I'm a Millennial, And Gen Z is Making Me Feel Old<div style="text-align: left;">“According to TikTok, skinny jeans are uncool.” I scoff as I ‘x’ out of <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-ca/2021/02/10309924/tiktok-skinny-jeans-uncool-millennials" target="_blank">the article</a> and make a show of reaffirming my pledge of allegiance to skinny jeans. Years ago, I declared the body-hugging fit to be the most flattering style for my body type and I am not going to let some random Gen Zs pontificating on TikTok convince me otherwise. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Fast forward two weeks and I’m standing in front of the mirror in a cream turtleneck, an apple green oversized linen blazer…and pair of black straight leg trousers rolled up at the ankles. “Honestly, I’m kind of living for this,” I muse as I arrange my limbs into theatrical Instagram poses. And that’s when I realize, skinny jeans <i>are</i> uncool (sorry, fellow Millennials). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ca/6c/00/ca6c0062bba7f78709f63991682c60c9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ca/6c/00/ca6c0062bba7f78709f63991682c60c9.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since learning of Gen Z’s disdain for the skinny fit, I started to notice that everyone who wears skinny jeans are indeed around my age or older. I knew cuts like straight leg, boot cut, wide leg and even *gasp* flared bottoms were in style, but I truly did not expect skinny jeans to ever be considered outdated. And yet, there I was, suddenly seeing skinnies as boring, basic and safe (and being safe in fashion can often lead to blandness). There is something about the way '90s-inspired jeans are “unflattering” that is so decidedly cool. I’m witnessing all these young girls wearing pants that look exactly like the kind of loose pants I would have been (and was) ridiculed for wearing as a kid. But now it’s trendy to wear what used to be shapeless and to go against the laws of attraction by indulging in our attitude of indifference, letting our casual comfort fly in the face of what is conventionally seen as “hot”—which in turn makes it totally hot. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/42/48/0d/42480d025c2e2df1218348db72663712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="575" height="590" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/42/48/0d/42480d025c2e2df1218348db72663712.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And so my outfits as of late have involved baggier bottoms. My straight leg trousers and mom jeans have gained more mileage, and I have even gone out in joggers and sweatpants (my goodness, now those are things I really never thought I would wear outside of the house) styled with denim jackets, glammed up with a stack of silver jewellery, or worn tongue-in-cheek with a matching hoodie for a monochrome tracksuit look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I haven’t gone full-fledged Gen Z though. I have not ventured into the world of teeny tiny tops (eg. cropped shirts, tube tops, short cardigans buttoned only at the bust) because—let’s be real—I don’t have a Gen Z stomach. I did try experimenting with a pair of white flared jeans, yet upon seeing the dirt swept up along the bottom of my pant legs after a walk outside, I was reminded of one of the reasons why I gave up flares many years ago. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/86/19/f0861997b84a1754fcf8493e587cf9f3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="563" height="500" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/86/19/f0861997b84a1754fcf8493e587cf9f3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But all this experimentation led me to a crushing thought—was I making a fool out of myself by wearing trends meant for those 10 years younger than me? And thus, an early-life crisis ensued: I feared I was becoming a cringey old person desperately trying to stay relevant. Was I going to find myself as one of those people who refuse to dress “age appropriately” and are found shopping alongside their daughters and/or bouncy teenagers in a store pumping out boppy pop hits from the speakers? After discussing with my friends, it became clear I was the only one who had jumped on the wagon away from skinny jeans. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I find myself at a weird time in life: the stage when one first realizes they are not young anymore. I’m at the age where I don’t understand the younger generation (90% of TikTok content makes me wish I could go back and salvage the few seconds of time I just lost...the 10% that don't include <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@yoleendadong?lang=en" target="_blank">@yoleendadong</a> and the BTS TikToks a very important person in my life—love you!—sends to me nearly daily), and where wrinkles, grey hair and sluggish metabolism are newfound topics of conversation. I’m no longer the generation that sets trends, but rather the one that finds out about them one beat too late. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/79/b8/f079b8776a2603a5c005c4f188fb2d47.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="476" height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/79/b8/f079b8776a2603a5c005c4f188fb2d47.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And yet a desire to stay youthful never factored into my straight leg endeavours—trying to stay relevant is not the reason I follow trends. Ironically, this goes back to <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2010/11/high-and-low.html" target="_blank">a comment I made over 10 years ago</a>. I’ll let my younger (albeit less articulate) self say it: “I love trying out new things when it comes to dressing up. That’s why I love trends so much. Trends are not all about wearing the latest and the greatest, but rather trends are a way for us to experiment with different styles and to explore the innovations of dressing up.” This statement still rings true today. I love discovering new ways of styling the items in my closet. Not a single year goes by where I don't manage to pull together new outfits and change up my personal style. I’m always on the lookout for not only new ways to express myself, but new parts of myself to express. Trends are my guide in this journey. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />So am I trying to compensate for being past my prime? Am I simply grappling onto my final vestiges of youth? I don’t think so, but people are welcome to think otherwise—it wouldn’t matter much to me. One benefit of age is finally knowing it’s not worth spending time or energy on people who don’t support or enrich you, much less care what they think of you. I will continue wearing what makes me happy, whatever the heck that may be. Besides, another benefit of age is knowing that trends cycle. Eventually, skinny jeans will be back in style—and when that time comes, Gen Z, you ready? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.whowhatwear.com/emma-chamberlain-style/slide9" target="_blank">WhoWhatWear</a>, <a href="http://ceciliajordyn.com" target="_blank">Cecilia Jordyn</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/CreatedByVeronika/listing/949939540/mint-lightroom-mobile-presets-iphone" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/outfits--642748178062557984/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></i></div>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-10741745496959372352021-04-26T20:08:00.002-06:002021-04-26T20:15:38.373-06:00R.I.P. Alber Elbaz<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/a89b3/40353460.ece/AUTOCROP/w620/bpanews_c40b1b20-2eb6-40d1-891a-004bed0c3237_1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="620" height="280" src="https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/a89b3/40353460.ece/AUTOCROP/w620/bpanews_c40b1b20-2eb6-40d1-891a-004bed0c3237_1" width="500" /></a></div><p>Yesterday, we lost a beloved creative in the fashion industry. Designer Alber Elbaz, best known for revitalizing Lanvin during his 14 years as creative director, died of COVID-19 at the age of 59.</p><p>Elbaz was a precious figure in fashion, possessing both humility and humanity—characteristics which in and of themselves are rare in an industry where vanity and decadence often impede the ability to simply be kind. Instantly recognizable in his oversized, thick-framed glasses and an assortment of bow ties, he was a shy yet jovial man whose sincere warmth solidified his status as a respected industry darling.</p><p>Beyond his affable nature, Elbaz is remembered for transforming the house of Lanvin. In my eyes, Elbaz became synonymous with the label: Elbaz was Lanvin, and Lanvin without Elbaz was not Lanvin at all. I still point to <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2010/10/lanvin-springsummer-2011-rtw_14.html" target="_blank">Lanvin Spring/Summer 2011 RTW</a> as a notable collection in the history of runway I will never forget. Elbaz was a master of cocktail dresses: ruffled, shimmery, jewel-toned, and embellished. Yet his designs were neither mawkishly girly nor blatantly sexy; they were romantic in a way that was powerful and determined. Despite being unceremoniously let go from Lanvin at the ruling of the majority stakeholder in 2015 (a decision the company must surely regret in hindsight), I recall reading of Elbaz's genuine excitement over launching his own line, AZfashion, in 2019. We can only wish Elbaz was given more time to showcase what would have manifested under this new freedom.</p><p>Elbaz’s passing is a heartache that comes with the frustrating reminder that COVID-19, as with any disease, does not discriminate—it does not judge, it does not evaluate, it does not stay away from those with gentle souls. As unfortunate and disheartening as it is to know that Elbaz became a victim of this pandemic, I have no doubt he battled COVID-19 courageously with grace and quietly without bitterness, just like he always did in fashion. To the man who slowly built an empire with nothing but modesty, may you R.I.P.</p><p><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/israeli-fashion-designer-alber-elbaz-dies-aged-59-40353461.html" target="_blank">Belfast Telegraph</a></span></i></p>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-65734571906159333182021-02-14T10:57:00.000-07:002021-02-14T10:57:10.889-07:00I Found The One<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/4133604910013_044_b?$feed-zoom$" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/4133604910013_044_b?$feed-zoom$" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear Donna, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were The One. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Spirits of the universe had their hand in guiding our paths that day, taking care to cross our steps in perfect harmony. What else could explain how I went back to Winners to exchange a pair of shoes I had bought only the day before? A little voice in my head told me to go exchange those shoes for a different colour—and only because of that did we meet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />You were not there the day before; you must have been freshly brought out onto the racks for your debut that morning. And I am certain had I visited Winners any later in the day, you would have been gone, whisked away by one of the many others I saw ogling you from a distance. But I got to you first, and once I did, I vowed to never let go. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Shimmering with effervescent energy, you looked divine. Your metallic blue finish lent you such a dazzling glam-rock vibe, while your classic motorcycle cutting grounded you as an investment piece. Your shiny silver hardware, branded with your logo and family name, LAMARQUE (I've always adored French), spoke to your earnest attention to detail. The only one of your kind in the store that day, it was a miracle you came in my size, fitting me like a missing puzzle piece. So luxurious and tender, your lamb leather touch, and at only $90 (down from a retail price of $725), you expected so little in return for your genuineness. There are others out there who demand even more of me, yet upon acquaintance, reveal their faux personas. With you in my arms, I wonder why I would have ever spent all those years desperately searching—why I would have contemplated any other leather jacket—when you were waiting for me at the end of the line. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My dear, beautiful Donna, till death do us part, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With love,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Angelica</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image source: <a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/lamarque-donna-leather-moto-jacket" target="_blank">Anthropologie</a></span></i></div>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-618114814174726802021-01-24T11:45:00.003-07:002021-11-12T21:14:47.147-07:00Lululemon x Roksanda<p>As much as Lululemon can be the butt of the joke at times, it is clearly doing something right to be as successful as it is. From fitness buffs, to work-from-home professionals, to women looking for clothing versatile enough to show off shapely curves and perform lunges on demand, Lululemon has wide range of customers in its loyal, cult-like following. Despite the myriad of other brands available when it comes to workout attire, I can attest to Lululemon’s quality: its bottoms fit like a second skin, its fabrics do wick away sweat, and its Scuba hoodies are breathable yet warm. In terms of style, I think the Lululemon aesthetic is distinct, even if it is simple and repeated every season. Lululemon designs pieces that are interesting and have unique style elements, although overall I find its formula has been to produce functional pieces that are stylish—meaning, function comes first, always. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5da5b85ae2d4ae00085d00c5/master/w_2250,h_3000,c_limit/082319_LULULEMON_LOOK_7_108_V6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5da5b85ae2d4ae00085d00c5/master/w_2250,h_3000,c_limit/082319_LULULEMON_LOOK_7_108_V6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>That formula was flipped on its head when Lululemon released its <a href="https://fashionmagazine.com/style/lululemon-x-roksanda/" target="_blank">first collection</a> in collaboration with designer Roksanda Ilinčić in 2019, and then its <a href="https://fashionmagazine.com/style/lululemon-roksanda-collaboration-part-two/" target="_blank">second collection</a> shortly before the pandemic in 2020. These capsule collections contain stylish pieces that are functional—and I’ll explain the difference. </p><p>Roksanda, Ilinčić's namesake label, is a bold and colourful brand for the feminine yet joyfully self-assured woman. Ilinčić frequently uses colour blocking (or a single saturated tone head-to-toe), and ruching, ruffles or pleating to achieve sculptural shapes. Roksanda is basically a very unlikely pairing for Lululemon, but the result of their meeting of minds is incredible. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lululemon-roksanda-collection-winter-2020-social-crop.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://www.chatelaine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lululemon-roksanda-collection-winter-2020-social-crop.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p>This is the first collection of Lululemon’s I can say is truly fashionable. With punchy neon accents interspersed between rich jewel tones, you get a taste of Roksanda's signature colour blocking. Lululemon is no stranger to colour, but it normally plays with colour in controlled doses, a technique I would consider fairly standard in activewear. It might use geometric colour blocking on a single piece in ways that strategically highlight the shape of the body, or it may offer pieces with stripes, florals, or patterns in varied shades. Never before have I seen Lululemon produce an entire, cohesive look using colour so widely and in such abundance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Roksanda-lululemon-collaboration.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="350" src="https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Roksanda-lululemon-collaboration.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p>However, the silhouettes are really what make this collaboration stand out. Lululemon generally adds flair in subtle, integrated ways, such as through crisscross or double shoulder straps, mesh inserts, or ruched detailing; it doesn't tend to stray from its tried-and-true, form-fitting silhouettes. Hence why I am stunned to see long, flowy skirts, asymmetrical hemlines, exaggerated bishop sleeves, drawstrings and belts made with thick bungee cord, and a puffer/trench coat ensemble that can be deconstructed into 4 separate pieces or mix-and-matched into 26 different combinations. None of these shapes are necessarily meant for hitting the gym—their purpose is to help you look great going to and from the gym—yet that's not to say these designs are impractical. Every Roksanda piece takes advantage of Lululemon's fabric technology, and the aforementioned coat boasts a hidden interior pocket for lipstick and a hood that can be removed and folded into a travel pouch. See what I mean by stylish pieces that are functional?</p><p>I have no doubt some of those who adore Lululemon for its practicality will consider these collections out to lunch, but for those of us who admire displays of artful athleisure, this is a delightful and refreshing collaboration.</p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image Source: </i><a href="https://ciinmagazine.com/fashion/ciin23101902-lululemon-x-roksanda-collaboration/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">CIIN Magazine</a><span><i>, <a href="https://www.chatelaine.com/style/lululemon-roksanda-collection-winter-2020/" target="_blank">Chatelaine</a>, <a href="https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/shop/roksanda-lululemon-collaboration/" target="_blank">Fashion Gone Rogue</a></i></span></span></p>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-91275521468175387222021-01-03T11:45:00.003-07:002021-01-03T11:56:06.494-07:00The Impact of COVID-19 on Fashion<p>I have felt oddly obligated (in a unique way only those involved in fashion, writing and business can feel) to publish a post with insightful and analytical commentary about the impact of COVID-19 on the fashion industry. But then again, there are a plethora of articles written by individuals far more qualified than I available for your perusal on the Internet. I’ll leave the serious business inquiry to those among the likes of BoF, BNN and HBR, and stick with my schtick—which is the view of things through the eyes of an average fashion lover. We may not all be businesspeople or creative directors, but we are all consumers. And at the end of the day, it is the experience of the consumer that matters. So here are my observations:<br /><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Masks as Fashion: Functionality’s Makeover</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f619b5ee3bff6d9211efa6e/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f619b5ee3bff6d9211efa6e/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" width="500" /></a></div><p>At first, they were rare. They flew off the shelves along with toilet paper, and for a brief period, we were using anything we could find around the house—scarves, pot lids, menstrual pads—as makeshift alternatives. Now, they’re in oversupply. You can scarcely find a retailer who doesn’t sell them, and mostly everyone has a proper version of it in any colour, pattern and design their heart desires. I am, of course, talking about masks. </p><p>Although already a commonplace accessory in countries like Japan, South Korea and China, North American culture has been uncomfortable with the notion of hiding one’s face day-to-day. Yet when push came to shove, we all adopted the practice. And when something functional becomes necessary, we have a tendency to try and make it look good (see: <a href="https://www.jaanuu.com/" target="_blank">stylish scrubs</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_XWoBtHYAE/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">designer PPE</a> for airline cabin crews). The introduction of face masks has opened a whole new realm of fashion. In the same way we analyze what clothing is most flattering on certain body types, I found myself fascinated by what makes face masks suitable for our own face shapes (fit and cutting), what designs look best both up close and from a distance (white masks with floral patterns look a bit like diapers, don’t you think?) and the innovative ways we can make masks fun (<a href="https://media.self.com/photos/5fb2ecd953f817b90da0d890/master/w_400%2Cc_limit/rosegold_personalized.jpg">luxe lanyards</a> and <a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fe/41/93/fe419366f59bfc2e1ab7bfb87080b090.jpg" target="_blank">mask jewellery</a>). Will masks stick around after COVID-19 passes? Probably not. But I hope they remain as an option for those who wish to complement their outfits with a new accessory. <br /><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Digital Drudgery: A Reminder of Why We Gather</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/0ff5d2798a3e9c94b287de65a2f2a676e9435c0f/0_0_3909_2606/master/3909.jpg?width=700&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=00b14e94473da35b5d0493136395a17c" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="330" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/0ff5d2798a3e9c94b287de65a2f2a676e9435c0f/0_0_3909_2606/master/3909.jpg?width=700&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=00b14e94473da35b5d0493136395a17c" width="500" /></a></div><p>The start of COVID-19 led to a flurry of speculation about what the future of fashion would look like. The industry started questioning why everyone wastes resources by travelling so much to attend runway shows, meetings or events when we’ve now proven all of that can be done virtually. From <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3bVS4DLpuI" target="_blank">live-streamed performances</a>, to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p49HbjuX9fw" target="_blank">digital audiences</a>, to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J8YW9K8qGU" target="_blank">miniature couture</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQQE9PrcIDo" target="_blank">marionette shows</a>, designers tried their best to convey the magic of fashion—which is so sensorial and physical—through a screen. For a moment, it seemed the interweb advocates were winning. And yet, according to <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/marketing-pr/digital-fashion-week-shows-mens-resort-couture-dior-loewe-prada-valentino" target="_blank">Business of Fashion</a>, the virtual Fashion Weeks over the summer saw reduced online impressions and up to 55% less social media engagement compared to last year, and it’s undeniable people are feeling consumed by wanderlust. </p><p>That brings us to the question of why we gather in the first place. Humans are social creatures, and there is no way virtual viewings will satiate us forever. We gather because we can gain a sense of closeness, community and camaraderie with those we share an experience with. Fashion shows will come back. Travel will return. In-person meetings will still be valued. COVID-19 is a turning point, but it would be a mistake to think of it as a turning point away from everything we have found so fundamentally enriching.<br /><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Slowing Down Fast Fashion</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.rethink.industries/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FastFashion_Hero.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="260" src="https://www.rethink.industries/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/FastFashion_Hero.png" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even back when I was an eager newbie to fashion, I struggled to keep up with its frantic pace. If there is one thing I would like to see this pandemic bring about in the industry, it is a more thoughtful approach to what and how we produce. As COVID-19 forced us to catch our breath, we realized our never-ending thirst for newness had worn us out. We looked at all the unsold merchandise hanging in retail stores every season—the several million tons of textile waste we produce annually—and asked ourselves, why? Fashion can nourish our souls, but at what point does it become reckless and wasteful to not encourage better forms of production and longer-lasting apparel? </div><p>Brands can push out up to eight collections a year; in addition to two seasonal ready-to-wear collections across womenswear and menswear, the traditional industry calendar also includes pre-fall, resort and seasonal haute couture. Are pre-season collections really that different from seasonal collections? Does menswear and womenswear really need to be distinguished? New for the sake of new is not creativity. Some designers have already made adjustments to present collections in the season they’re actually designed for (instead of 6 months before), and Gucci is cutting its five shows a year down to two. As we emerge post-COVID-19, I would be happy to see the industry adopt a slower and more sustainable pace. <br /><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Brick & Mortar Website</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mydomaine.com/thmb/mlFs1g5DuBFLSq16iy5TIdZNUZo=/623x467/smart/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.cliqueinc.com__cache__posts__205438__inside-an-la-fashion-boutique-thats-more-than-just-clothing-1936049-1476307733.700x0c-2f7463ba4ea64a0ea289505ab90bc0e9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="623" height="380" src="https://www.mydomaine.com/thmb/mlFs1g5DuBFLSq16iy5TIdZNUZo=/623x467/smart/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.cliqueinc.com__cache__posts__205438__inside-an-la-fashion-boutique-thats-more-than-just-clothing-1936049-1476307733.700x0c-2f7463ba4ea64a0ea289505ab90bc0e9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><p>Online shopping has shown itself to be extremely handy. Established businesses that didn’t have a robust e-commerce service in place prior to the pandemic were clearly already falling behind the times. So you may be surprised to learn that despite how unparalleled the accessibility and variety of goods online are, <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/global-markets/the-state-of-fashion-2020-coronavirus-update-download-the-report" target="_blank">Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company</a> jointly report that more than 80% of transactions in the fashion industry still happen in brick-and-mortar stores. The industry is actually largely dependent on physical retail—and I believe there is a reason for that. </p><p>Fashion is meant to be a 3-D experience. When it comes to clothing, I don’t trust any image online until I see the item in real life. Only in person are you able to verify the colour and design, feel the quality of the fabric, see how the cutting hangs and moves on your body, and scrutinize the item from every angle (including inside and/or underneath, which are not often shown online). And, most importantly, you can judge how a piece makes you <i>feel </i>once you have it on. You might have a positive emotional response when you see an image of a piece online, but that response is a weak predictor of whether you will actually feel confident once you put the piece on. For these reasons, online shopping is an injustice to what the fashion experience is truly meant to be. </p><p>However, I’m not woebegone over the “good ol’ days.” I refuse to purchase clothing online (unless I’ve already tried it on in store), but I am aware of the limited selection available with physical shopping. I think we are facing a great opportunity for businesses to merge digital and physical shopping by establishing both an online presence and a lower-cost physical presence through “try-on” boutiques. Retailers need only maintain all sizes of each item at bare minimum quantities for customers to try on before they make the purchase online at self-service computer terminals in the boutique. I also hope this lower-cost option might encourage online-only brands to set up a physical presence, thus introducing more variety to the retail space and allowing those businesses to expand their customer base. Brick-and-mortar shopping is not dead; it just needs to be reborn. <br /><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Don’t Sweat It—For Now</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://dayinmydreams.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/02082019-champion-sweats-all-grey-minimal-casual-style-04.jpg?w=840" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="350" src="https://dayinmydreams.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/02082019-champion-sweats-all-grey-minimal-casual-style-04.jpg?w=840" width="500" /></a></div><p>With nearly 40% of the Canadian labour force working from home since the pandemic, as per <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/is-the-great-shift-to-working-from-home-here-to-stay-1.4981456" target="_blank">Statistics Canada</a>, the way we dress on a daily basis has changed. There is simply no reason to don our office attire anymore. I’ve been in my house clothes looking like a schlep for a good 90% of my existence lately. And I’m not alone—loungewear sales are up, with sweatsuits, yoga pants and slippers becoming 2020’s most coveted items. Entireworld, a line of wardrobe basics similar to American Apparel or Uniqlo, saw its colourful sweatsuits fly off the shelves, landing the brand its highest grossing months since it was conceived by Scott Sternberg, former founder of Band of Outsiders, in 2018. On the flip side, Le Château recently announced its bankruptcy, citing the dwindling need for party dresses as a contributing factor (I’ve waited patiently for this brand to be defunct anyway, but that’s a rant for another time). </p><p>Does this signal changing tides in the way we dress? I doubt it. Fashion is fickle that way. Sooner or later, we will yearn for a chance to dress up again. Why else would <a href="https://lirikamatoshi.com/products/strawberry-midi-dress" target="_blank">The Strawberry Dress</a>, a frothy tulle confection embellished with sequined strawberries designed by Lirika Matoshi, have become a viral sensation despite having practically nowhere to wear it? Dressing in sweats all the time doesn’t do wonders for my mental health, and I’m sure others would agree. A global initiative called <a href="https://endpjparalysis.org/" target="_blank">“End PJ Paralysis”</a> encourages hospital patients to get up, get dressed in their own clothes and move around to aid in quicker recovery and overall patient experience. I’m glad for the acknowledgement that fashion can play a role in emotional health, and post-COVID-19, I expect we will have newfound pleasure in the act of dressing again. One day, we’ll be grateful for the freedom to do the things we once took for granted before we realized how precious they were. So don’t sweat it—one day, things will return to normal. </p><div><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaklich/2020/09/16/rebecca-minkoffs-nyfw-fall-2020-presentation-was-an-ode-to-manhattan-and-motherhood/" target="_blank">Forbes</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2018/feb/15/the-view-from-the-front-row-a-history-of-the-fashion-show-photo-essay" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>, <a href="https://www.rethink.industries/article/is-fast-fashion-killing-the-planet/" target="_blank">RETHINK Retail</a>, <a href="https://www.mydomaine.com/boutique-decor-ideas" target="_blank">My Domaine</a>, <a href="https://dayinmydreams.com/2019/02/11/real-fashion-champions-wear-champion-sweats/" target="_blank">Day in My Dreams</a> </span></i></div>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-6816387664552269952020-11-15T11:11:00.000-07:002020-11-15T11:11:25.081-07:00Why I Don't Understand Patten Shoe Covers<p>As I was mindlessly scrolling through social media one day, I came across a sponsored ad for <a href="https://www.pattenplace.com/" target="_blank">Patten Place</a>, a brand that sells rubber shoe covers for high heels. At first glance, I was excited about a possible solution to a problem I have faced many times: the heartache of walking through unexpected rain or snow in a pair of shoes that were most definitely not made for it. And yet, the more I looked into Patten covers, the more bewildered I became about the concept.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a0d07aef9a61eeb63aed212/1574872627027-P5G56E4XY4BRSKEXU641/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kKtijf5x5S0rIV7X_qDH3dB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaZbTVdO5VSPAOxIcVIbmIFLIFeVDbQiz7iBIgNCzklBDD2o6CESiqIlH5ssNFrtmA/IMG_2988-2.jpg?format=1500w" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a0d07aef9a61eeb63aed212/1574872627027-P5G56E4XY4BRSKEXU641/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kKtijf5x5S0rIV7X_qDH3dB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UaZbTVdO5VSPAOxIcVIbmIFLIFeVDbQiz7iBIgNCzklBDD2o6CESiqIlH5ssNFrtmA/IMG_2988-2.jpg?format=1500w" width="500" /></a></div><p>Patten shoe covers are marketed towards the “heel lover” and are designed to work only with high heels. So…you’re telling me these are for people who love wearing heels so much they not only want to wear high heels at the main event, they also want to experience the agony of wearing torture devices <i>on the way to </i>the event? No one is even going to see how fabulous-looking your torture devices are if they’re concealed underneath a shoe cover—so you’d be wearing heels on the way to an event for the pure sake of wearing heels. Look, I know there are people who love their stilettos, but does anyone willingly squish their feet atop two sticks without being able to show off the beauty behind their pain?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/027/489/275/adc989e458d7352a9acf86dcba24206f_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-2.1.0&crop=faces&w=1024&h=576&fit=crop&v=1576167499&auto=format&frame=1&q=92&s=7f83aff8be8d82527608c1e673a89437" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/027/489/275/adc989e458d7352a9acf86dcba24206f_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-2.1.0&crop=faces&w=1024&h=576&fit=crop&v=1576167499&auto=format&frame=1&q=92&s=7f83aff8be8d82527608c1e673a89437" width="500" /></a></div><p>Okay, even if we assume an unwavering commitment to footwear that would make your podiatrist deeply disappointed, what advantage does a Patten cover have over simply bringing another pair of shoes? You could buy your own set of wedged rainboots and change into them before/after an event, or just as easily store them in a drawer at the office or in the trunk of your car in case of flash floods. Pattens still take up the same amount of space as a regular pair of shoes, and you still have to find a way of carrying them around once you take them off, so functionally, I struggle to see a significant advantage of using a shoe cover. At $98 a pop, Pattens are practically the price of another pair of shoes anyway—and yet you can’t actually wear them as another pair of shoes. </p><p>The only marginal benefit I can ascertain is Pattens may be a tad lighter than a normal pair of shoes, and they may save you the time, hassle and possible embarrassing awkwardness of switching between shoes. And I do acknowledge shoe covers allow you to “free up” shoes that would otherwise be relegated to the drawer in the office or trunk of your car, thus saving you from “wasting” a perfectly good pair of shoes by needing to assign it to backup duty. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a0d07aef9a61eeb63aed212/1600356800424-PZVH22LN0KB7BW5PC5TZ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kIyrSAlZw0scgxWGiTRYQWl7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UQDXLzkH-CZ-7QKrQsh4p8lMtwqAKlza9eqEnfdUjYfAWTUnGzk3zJjDKAJuKMwn7w/266A5932+copy.jpg?format=2500w" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a0d07aef9a61eeb63aed212/1600356800424-PZVH22LN0KB7BW5PC5TZ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kIyrSAlZw0scgxWGiTRYQWl7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UQDXLzkH-CZ-7QKrQsh4p8lMtwqAKlza9eqEnfdUjYfAWTUnGzk3zJjDKAJuKMwn7w/266A5932+copy.jpg?format=2500w" width="500" /></a></div><p>Of course, I am only remarking on the concept of Patten covers, and cannot comment on their quality or comfort. For covers designed to fit over heels ranging from 2.5-4.5 inches, I do wonder if there would be the possibility of blisters or scuffing in areas where it may not fit quite right. Aside from that concern, I would be interested in seeing Patten Place come out with more practical covers for flat shoes, or even a regular, wearable pair of rainboots in a design similar to its Pattens. With relatively sleek lines and buttons with its cursive logo in gold, I do think Patten covers—particularly in the camel colour—look chic compared to most galoshes out there.</p><p>As it stands though, I can’t sufficiently rationalize the value-add of Patten covers. Can you?</p><div><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.pattenplace.com/" target="_blank">Patten Place</a>, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/patten/patten-sleek-shoe-covers-for-your-high-heels" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a></span></i></div>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-8250632217080948292020-07-12T10:51:00.000-06:002020-07-12T10:52:19.460-06:00Product Review: Tissardi<span style="text-align: left;">I've always had more of an affinity for shoes than handbags. Regretfully, when I look at my collection of purses, I see this neglect quite clearly. I rotate between a selection of crossbody mini-bags (not practical), a studded faux-leather backpack (starting to fall apart) and a shoulder bag (bad for posture). What I feel like I've been missing is a larger crossbody bag that will enable me to carry my essentials around relatively comfortably and hands-free. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
As a result, I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity by <a href="https://www.tissardi.com/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tissardi</a> to review its designer-inspired <a href="https://www.tissardi.com/en/bags/34-1770-santio-leather-saddle-handbag-with-handle-and-shoulder-strap.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Santio Leather Saddle Bag</a>. Tissardi is an online shop offering affordable access to fashion and luxury products inspired by the most emblematic brands.<br />
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The Santio comes in seven colours and two sizes. I picked out the medium size bag in red.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLBH2c92u0M/Xv_reTQFxHI/AAAAAAAACgg/7Uwaq7E7qaE9u83lE04iOAp_z1Lcc2ApgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Tissardi%2BSantio%2BSaddle%2BBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLBH2c92u0M/Xv_reTQFxHI/AAAAAAAACgg/7Uwaq7E7qaE9u83lE04iOAp_z1Lcc2ApgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Tissardi%2BSantio%2BSaddle%2BBag.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the genuine cowhide leather. I was afraid it would come with a stiff sheen, but the leather is smooth, matte and satisfying to the touch—definitely this bag's winning feature. The cherry red colour is also true to what is advertised on the website, and is a fantastic hue to complement the bold shape. My only concern is the hardware appears to be plated in a slightly duller brushed gold, and while it is hefty, it will likely be the first area to show wear and tear, especially if constantly rubbing against the lobster clasps on the shoulder straps. Brighter, more solid gold hardware would have further elevated the well-constructed leather.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUMvMjDDzyE/Xv_roaWyW-I/AAAAAAAACgk/k6zLnGvN51UgFJyGMORoXC62ZTUNdnDZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Tissardi%2BSantio%2BSaddle%2BBag%2BOutfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1430" height="570" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUMvMjDDzyE/Xv_roaWyW-I/AAAAAAAACgk/k6zLnGvN51UgFJyGMORoXC62ZTUNdnDZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Tissardi%2BSantio%2BSaddle%2BBag%2BOutfit.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dress: Marie Saint Pierre | Tights: Unknown | Handbag: Tissardi</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In terms of functionality, I adore that not one, but two, adjustable and removable crossbody shoulder straps are included: one in leather and one in fabric with metal medallions. This kind of versatility is exactly what a modern woman needs! Additionally, an outer pocket with a magnetic closure along the back of the handbag is convenient for slipping a phone into when in a rush and/or for easy access. A head's up though, the unique saddle shape will pose some limitations in terms of what you can carry. Although I selected the medium size, this purse carries only slightly more than my usual mini-bags. But if you're curious whether the slanted bottom will cause items to slide down to the corner, rest assured the design is narrow enough for something like a wallet or a pair of sunglasses to stay put inside the shorter edge.<br />
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Overall, I am happy with the look of this Tissardi bag and will definitely be using it to fill the gap in my purse collection. The impressive quality of leather and stitching build a firm foundation for the shape, colour and cheeky hardware to make an utterly fashionable statement.<br />
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<i><i>~~~</i></i></div>
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<i>Handbag courtesy of Tissardi in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i></div>
Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-43353768167289111952020-07-05T11:51:00.004-06:002021-05-23T10:38:26.594-06:00I Like ThatK-pop is
having a growing influence on the international music scene, but despite going
crazy for BTS, I haven’t found myself interested in other K-pop groups. I am,
however, aware that BLACKPINK has risen to the top among girl groups, and while
it took some time to warm up to, I did jam briefly to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnPn6At3v28" target="_blank">“Sour Candy”</a>, their song
with Lady Gaga in her latest <i>Chromatica</i> album. So when I saw BLACKPINK
made a comeback with their pre-release song, “How You Like That”, I decided to
check it out.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="280" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ioNng23DkIM" width="500"></iframe>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And my
goodness, that song is tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am far
from being a Blink, but “How You Like That” has been on repeat lately. And it
seems I’m not the only one: the music video for “How You Like That” scored the
biggest premiere in YouTube history with a record-breaking 86.3 million views in
the first 24 hours. I found the styling overall impressively punctuated the
song and dance; nevertheless, there were a few parts where it could have been
refined to give more punch. Let’s break it down.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">0:07 – Lisa
gives grandeur to the opening in a black sequined gown from <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5e597638d8cc8f0008c46974/master/pass/_ALE1275.jpg" target="_blank">Celine Fall/Winter 2020 RTW</a>, strutting down the stairway to deliver the signature line, “BLACKPINK in
your area.”</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://regardnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BLACKPINK-Jennie-MV-768x456-1-e1593194057970.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="768" height="300" src="https://regardnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BLACKPINK-Jennie-MV-768x456-1-e1593194057970.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">0:13 – Jennie
in an aquatic dream scene with a </span>jewelled<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> teardrop, AREA crystal headpiece and Bell
& Nouveau embellished cape to leave her smooth vocals dripping with
glamour. I also love how the crystal strands in her ponytail accentuate her
blonde bangs, a trend I learned of through YouTuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Edvasian" target="_blank">Edvasian</a>’s latest <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU6Gc1Zrsm0" target="_blank">hairstyle video</a> and a trend which Jennie is absolutely slaying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">0:20 – Jisoo
tugging a floral embellished, chiffon blindfold from her doe eyes. The
aesthetic…need I say more?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">0:58 – Lisa
in an embroidered Celine bolero, Stussy bralette, unforgiving manicure and gold
tooth, serving up ‘boss b*tch’ attitude to retort, “<i>Look at you / now look
at me / look at you / now look at me</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5ef688c01dc0fdddf900c3fc/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/blackpink5.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5ef688c01dc0fdddf900c3fc/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/blackpink5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1:12 – Lisa
alternating between a heavily embellished Dolce & Gabbana bustier crop top accompanied
by a cascading Bell & Nouveau waterfall necklace, and a straight-off-the-runway
asymmetrical ensemble from <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5e5810de2561e70008cd4140/master/pass/_ALE0240.jpg" target="_blank">Off-White Fall/Winter 2020 RTW</a>, looking like an Egyptian
empress with swagger in spades. “<i>What’s up, I’m right back / </i></span><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">방아쇠를</span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(trigger) <i>cock back</i>,” hits the spot with precision.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1:27 – Jennie’s
cherry red bodysuit with a crystal chain slip dress has potential, although it
falls short for me because it would have more dramatic elegance in a longer
length. I want to like it, but as it stands, it resembles too much an elevated
child’s dance costume. The </span>jewelled<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> eyepiece, on the other hand, is perfect. It reminds me of the
humorously offbeat accessories in <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5d19f6ee7f8f8a0009a1a11b/master/pass/_VIE9022.jpg" target="_blank">Schiaparelli Fall 2019 Couture</a>, and when she
tosses her head back at 2:08, the swing of the strands heightens the act. “</span><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">그</span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></i><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">미소를</span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></i><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">띠며</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> (With a smile on my face) <i>I’ll
kiss you goodbye.” </i>Powerful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5ef66d86288d2fc80b366e5b/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/blackpink2.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5ef66d86288d2fc80b366e5b/master/w_1600%2Cc_limit/blackpink2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1:35 – On
its own, this pointelle lace dress on Jisoo from <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5dcd4f7030794f000858276e/master/pass/00008-McQueen-Resort-SS20.jpg" target="_blank">Alexander McQueen Resort 2020</a> looks like a presentable
<i>prêt-à-porter</i> runway piece (Alexander McQueen has been killing it
lately), but for a music video, it lacks </span>lustre<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">. This is the kind of dress suited for the red
carpet or worn by fashion editors to the front row, not as a theatrical
showpiece for a K-pop music video.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1:40 – Nothing
particularly exceptional about these looks, besides that Jennie’s chest pops
and Lisa’s body rolls are given the chance to shine in the abbreviated tops.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.hellokpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BLACKPINK-A-660x400.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="660" height="300" src="https://www.hellokpop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BLACKPINK-A-660x400.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2:12 – Unfortunately,
from here on, I think the music video loses its steam. Rosé looks like a
mother-of-the-bride in a feathery dress that is simply trying too hard to fit
the avian theme when she lifts her arms to declare, “</span><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">그때쯤에</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">넌</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">날</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">끝내야</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i><i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">했어
</span></i><span face=""malgun gothic" , sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Malgun Gothic";">(</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">You
should’ve ended me when you had the chance)<i>.”</i> I also don’t understand
why this series of black evening gowns barely make an appearance in the video.
The most consistent screen time they get is for a few seconds at the beginning
in dim lighting, and yet, the dresses are also so underwhelming they should
have been chopped out entirely. The empire waist on Jennie’s <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5d931ff7d467ef000857da79/master/pass/_ALE0782.jpg" target="_blank">Chanel Spring/Summer 2020 RTW</a> frock makes her
look more juvenile than sophisticated, and whilst Lisa had her moment in the
opening scene, her full body shot reveals how the Celine could be shapelier. Jisoo’s
heavily embellished number is most promising, but again, what’s the point?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2:27 – I
appreciate the display of modernized hanbok from the brand Danha, though I wish
the music video allowed us to admire these pieces more. In between the
pulsating lights, background dancers, frequent cuts in editing and energetic choreography,
the details of the outfits are lost—a shame because the embroidery, pattern and
material are intriguing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Regardless
of the wins and wanes of the music video, the song itself is a commanding
comeback that demonstrates full force how BLACKPINK can inspire girls of today
and tomorrow. It’s a song by women, for women—and that’s what I like.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>Edit (August 2020): BTS broke BLACKPINK's record for biggest YouTube premiere with 101.1 million views in the first 24 hours on their MV for <a href="https://youtu.be/gdZLi9oWNZg" target="_blank">"Dynamite"</a>.</i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><i>Edit (May 2021): BTS broke their own record for biggest </i><i>YouTube premiere with 108.2 million views in the first 24 hours on their MV for <a href="https://youtu.be/WMweEpGlu_U" target="_blank">"Butter"</a>. </i>"Know that I got that heat / Let me show you 'cause talk is cheap". <i>BTS works hard for us, and we work hard for them. </i><i>ARMY, it was a pleasure streaming together!</i><i><br /></i>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: xx-small; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>Image Source: <a href="https://regardnews.com/how-do-you-like-it-blackpink-20-million-views/" target="_blank">Regard News</a>, <a href="https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/blackpink-how-you-like-that-runway-fashions" target="_blank">Vogue</a>, <a href="https://www.hellokpop.com/internet/blackpink-how-you-like-that-hits-100-million-views/" target="_blank">hellokpop</a></i></span></div>
Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-38965289559917660792020-06-28T12:43:00.002-06:002021-01-10T13:39:19.902-07:00Product Review: PaintByNumbers.shopLast month, I collaborated with <a href="https://paintbynumbers.shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaintByNumbers.shop</a> to host <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2020/05/giveaway-paint-by-numbers.html" target="_blank">a giveaway</a> for a paint by numbers kit. PaintByNumbers.shop is an online shop that sells art canvasses with small numbers indicating a corresponding colour for a certain area, making painting a masterpiece a piece of cake. In addition to sponsoring the giveaway, they also graciously offered to send me a kit to try for myself. After perusing their varied collection, I landed on Magnolia Blossoms, a beautifully serene and simple floral painting.<br />
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Shipping for my kit took 9 business days, exactly as advertised on the website. What I really appreciate about PaintByNumbers.shop is their paintings come with the canvas already stretched on a wooden frame—something many other companies do not offer as a default. Also included in the kit are varnish, canvas hangers and even a level for when you're putting your finished piece up on the wall. The attention to detail in providing a thoroughly complete kit helps make paint by numbers less daunting for those who are new to it (such as myself).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppXavXPI7S4/Xu7Euoi4meI/AAAAAAAACeQ/N3z_HhVI3wwEVzZ7a21nclsXmB7h5CihgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BKit.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppXavXPI7S4/Xu7Euoi4meI/AAAAAAAACeQ/N3z_HhVI3wwEVzZ7a21nclsXmB7h5CihgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BKit.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
Despite having done art throughout high school and taken private acrylic painting lessons, I don't consider myself either an experienced or talented artist. I can't comment with certainty on the quality of the brushes and paint, but both of them did their job, which is really all I'm looking for. The paint was not dried out, and despite some splitting on the wide brush, I did not encounter any issues with the brushes shedding hairs. There are definitely higher quality brushes out there, but the ones provided were adequate for the task at hand. Although this painting did require at least two coats in areas with lighter colours to fully cover the numbers and lines, there was a sufficient amount of paint provided to complete the piece.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0n3QG5SJl4/Xvfo5P25zVI/AAAAAAAACfQ/UH_0THSnbs4B0l-KrX4BQsPSdr1B3iw7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BMagnolia%2BBlossoms.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p0n3QG5SJl4/Xvfo5P25zVI/AAAAAAAACfQ/UH_0THSnbs4B0l-KrX4BQsPSdr1B3iw7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BMagnolia%2BBlossoms.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Left: Picture on website | Right: Picture on kit</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The only drawback with this particular painting is the colours and composition do not closely match the picture on the website or even the picture on the kit. The paint provided for the blossoms are pinker than expected, and I could tell many areas—particularly the background—require much more finessing to be as subtle as what is depicted in the original picture. However, I have seen reviews of other paintings from PaintByNumbers.shop come out exactly as advertised, so the discrepancy I'm experiencing is just a lesson in how not all artwork is suited to the paint by numbers method. As you can see, I decided to take some artistic liberty and blend the colours together, using the numbers and lines as more of a guide than a strict science.<div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgv1jJa87f0/X_tkVD8anqI/AAAAAAAACjg/Yj1gj5NT5mI3jTHq_WfZ5mqL7uLWreU_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Magnolia%2BBlossoms%2BCompleted.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1663" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgv1jJa87f0/X_tkVD8anqI/AAAAAAAACjg/Yj1gj5NT5mI3jTHq_WfZ5mqL7uLWreU_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h520/Magnolia%2BBlossoms%2BCompleted.JPG" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Overall, the hours flew by doing this activity. I normally don't end up painting artwork appealing enough to hang on the walls, so it was refreshing to be able to enjoy both the process of painting and of seeing the finished product come together nicely into something I actually look forward to displaying.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Discount Code</span></b><br />
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If you'd like to pick up a kit for yourself or someone you know, be sure to use the promo code <b>REDSOLED </b>at checkout for a 15% discount!<br />
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<i>~~~</i></div>
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<i>Kit courtesy of PaintByNumbers.shop in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i></div>
<br /></div>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-6432728196250631612020-06-04T16:35:00.002-06:002021-05-12T11:13:42.591-06:007 Impractical Fashion TrendsQuarantine got me like…trying on my own clothes at home so I have new outfits to wear once I emerge from the cave and look like a civilized human being again. Things going well for you too?<br />
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All jokes aside, I did unearth a yellow Tommy Hilfiger zip-up windbreaker from my closet to see how I could serve up some ’90s vibes this summer (wow, when you’re so old your childhood trends come cycling back…). As I was voguing in front of the mirror, I decided to zip up the jacket halfway and pull down the sleeves so they sat across my upper arms in that off-the-shoulder look all the girls we envy are doing nowadays. I loved the concept as soon as I saw it on the runway at <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/56dc105940a5ec107d06e621/master/pass/_MON0408.jpg" target="_blank">Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2016 RTW</a>, and have since wanted so desperately to pull it off myself. But truth be told, it’s not that practical. And that realization got me thinking about all the fashion trends we fall prey to that are just plain impractical…<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Off-the-Shoulder Jackets</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://cdn1.savoirflair.com/pictures/w/2000/1/95/ffffff/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/trend-shrobing-street-style-12.jpg?x83748" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://cdn1.savoirflair.com/pictures/w/2000/1/95/ffffff/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/trend-shrobing-street-style-12.jpg?x83748" width="500" /></a></div>
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I remember back in junior high when the “oops—I didn’t notice my jacket had slipped off my shoulder” move was a bit try-hard, yet the result of this very deliberate act nowadays appears ironically blasé. While you can choose to bare your shoulders, there’s added appeal when the slight disrobe is done not to expose skin, but rather to give the impression of being vaguely undone. The visual interest of this maneuver rests in the flattering ‘V’ across the chest and the depth achieved by revealing a layer underneath. However, going through life with your jacket off-kilter is more difficult than it looks because…you can’t really move your arms. To maintain optimal positioning, the most you can do with your arms is bend them at the elbow. You’ll risk your jacket slipping on (?) if you lift your arms any higher. And using a shoulder bag can easily ruin the effect—top-handle purses or fanny packs only. But I guess as long as you don’t try reaching the top shelf, straitjackets are stylish, right?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Bell Sleeves</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://theheartsdlite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bellsleeves1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://theheartsdlite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bellsleeves1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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With my fondness for feminine and romantic styles, bell sleeves are in my toolkit when I’m feeling girly. Although depending on how you style them, they can be pretty, hippie or vampy. What does stay consistent, however, is how bell sleeves bring drama to a sway of the arms. I only wish they didn’t have to attract every single particle in their path when all I’m looking to do is reach over to grab something. It’s like my sleeves go fishing in various sauces and dusting off surfaces as a side job. And don’t think it’s any better when I’m reaching<i> up</i> to grab something; reaching up causes the sleeve to flip back and expose an underside of seams and stitching…as well as feeble, totally-not-toned arms I’m obviously not in the mood to flaunt if I’m wearing long sleeves that day!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Mule Flats</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://cdn.cliqueinc.com/posts/255192/flat-mules-255192-1524088422471-main.700x0c.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="380" src="https://cdn.cliqueinc.com/posts/255192/flat-mules-255192-1524088422471-main.700x0c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We can thank Gucci for making mule flats a must-have in every wardrobe. I actually used to own a pair of embellished, brocade mule flats in high school (clearly I was not <i>démodé</i>; I was just ahead of my time…), but their apparent ease is deceiving: they are far from comfortable when you have to pound the pavement. Like flip flops, your toes are constantly grasping to keep the mules from suddenly deserting you. Once, as my friends and I were running across the street to catch a light, one of my mules completely detached from my foot and landed smack dab in the middle of the crosswalk in front of a line of cars. Bathed in the heat of embarrassment, I stumbled and tottered as I wriggled my foot back in. Not cute. I say mule flats are better left for their originally intended use of making the trip from the fridge to the couch.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Shoulder Robing</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://ris.fashion.telegraph.co.uk/RichImageService.svc/imagecontent/1/TMG10661317/m/shoulder-cover_2834128a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="409" src="http://ris.fashion.telegraph.co.uk/RichImageService.svc/imagecontent/1/TMG10661317/m/shoulder-cover_2834128a.jpg" /></a></div>
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Shoulder robing is the act of draping a jacket over your shoulders without putting your arms through the sleeves. The term itself already sounds pretentious, doesn’t it? Yet I confess every time I see a woman shoulder robing, I want to be her. Those who have the power to keep a jacket balanced precariously on their shoulders must surely be blessed by the sartorial saints. Because on mere mortals, a slight twitch of a microbladed eyebrow can send the whole contraption crashing down. Do these enviable beings tape the jackets to their shoulders? Hold them impeccably in place by sheer strength of their CrossFit shoulders? Are there secretly straps they have looped around their underarms? Whatever witchcraft it is, I must know.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Tiny Sunglasses</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/tiny-sunglasses-kleine-zonnebrilletje-slecht-voor-ogen-kendall-jenner-bella-hadid-1529317653.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/tiny-sunglasses-kleine-zonnebrilletje-slecht-voor-ogen-kendall-jenner-bella-hadid-1529317653.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Micro shades had their moment…and I’m glad it was only a moment. I was initially charmed by the potential for these vintage, gothy frames to transform me into someone who looks artsy, cool and bearing a hard edge in the form of a constant grievance against the injustices of life. Alas, teeny tiny sunglasses only look good perched literally halfway down my nose. Anywhere higher and I look like someone out of the Matrix or John Lennon—neither of which make me feel remotely like Bella Hadid. I also love the shield of anonymity sunglasses provide (truth be told, I’ve enjoyed walking out with mirrored sunglasses and a face mask), so sliding them down halfway to leave my eyes fully naked strikes me as counterintuitive. Not to mention I can barely see where I’m going when I have to squint against the deadly rays of nature. What’s the point of sunglasses when they don’t even protect you from the sun?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. Kimono Cardigans</span></b><br />
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I know kimono cardigans seem fairly innocent and they’re probably not what come to mind when you think of impractical fashion trends: they’re lightweight and airy, easy to put on and take off, and don’t require much styling to make a statement. Yet living in a city that has merciless wind even on summer days when the sun is shining brightly, I wish my silky kimono weren’t such a pushover. Forget draping and floating gracefully around me; half the time my kimono is either flailing frantically like a fish out of water, blowing between my legs when I walk like the tail of a frightened puppy, or flapping perpendicular to my body as I clutch onto it with dear life so it doesn’t fly away completely. Verdict: kimonos only look good indoors.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7. White Sneakers</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/guest-wears-white-hogan-sneakers-outside-redemption-during-news-photo-1584365577.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/guest-wears-white-hogan-sneakers-outside-redemption-during-news-photo-1584365577.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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As someone who once <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2015/03/6-teenage-trends-id-rather-forget.html" target="_blank">swore off sneakers</a>, I have now admittedly acquired nine pairs of rubber soles—two of which are white. I still fantasize about adding white and green Adidas Stan Smiths to my collection (thanks to <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/55c651bf08298d8be2273786/master/pass/WAN_0392.jpg" target="_blank">Alexander Wang Spring/Summer 2015 RTW</a>), despite the absolute nightmare I know they would be to keep clean. I take five steps in any pair of white sneakers and they already look like I’ve dragged them through the Sahara Desert. Bless the poor unsuspecting soul who once stepped on my newly cleaned white sneakers during a street festival and had to endure the wrath of my internal monologue. If you see someone wearing white sneakers that haven’t yet turned brown, you know they love their shoes because it takes honest commitment to keep those babies clean.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bonus Items</b></span><br />
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And then there are the usual offenders we already know of so well they require no further explanation, including…<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>High heels</b> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uelHwf8o7_U" target="_blank">Eminem's 'Love The Way You Lie' ft. Rihanna</a> (#throwback) is an apropos theme song: <i>Just gonna stand there and watch me burn / Well that’s alright because I like the way it hurts.</i></li>
<li><b>Clutches </b>– Already talked about this <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-language-of-arm-candy.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li><b>Jumpsuits</b> – Because we all love stripping down and shivering in the lavatory.</li>
<li><b>Short skirts</b> – I do have to, you know, sit sometimes.</li>
<li><b>Large earrings</b> – Does anyone know if Dumbo has room in his circus? Because I’m a clown for literally dragging my ears through that.</li>
<li><b>Nylons</b> – I swear, those things would have the audacity to snag on a cotton ball.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lessons Learned</b></span><br />
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After all this, I came to the gloomy recognition so much effort is spent making ourselves up for our still-frames. Let’s face it—from the wrong angle, we all have three chins. But instead, we adorn and display ourselves in what are essentially costumes for that one snapshot we can share on Instagram. What people don’t see is us tripping over our mule flats as our micro shades slide off the tip of our nose and our shoulder robes disassemble onto the sidewalk. Showing off our edited personas has the unintended consequence of making our followers aspire to the unrealistic…<br />
<br />
…But before I fall too far down the hole of contemplating our sociological realities now that I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with, I think I’ve learned two simple lessons: (1) I’m a sucker for fashion, and (2) I need to get out of the house.<br />
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<i>A word on recent events: we have made great strides but let us never remain complacent in our fight for a better world. We stand together in defending our right to breathe the gift of life. #BlackLivesMatter</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.savoirflair.com/fashion/297309/how-to-wear-shrobing-trend" target="_blank">Savoir Flair</a>, <a href="https://theheartsdlite.com/2016/08/23/bell-sleeve/" target="_blank">The Heart's Delight</a>, <a href="https://www.whowhatwear.com/flat-mules" target="_blank">Who What Wear</a>, <a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/sophie-warburton/TMG10661317/Milan-Fashion-Week-Shoulder-robing.html" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>, <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/a21498340/tiny-sunglasses-are-bad-for-your-eye/" target="_blank">Elle</a>, <a href="https://kimandono.com/products/kimono-robe-peony-butterfly-long?variant=38763987843" target="_blank">KIM + ONO</a>, <a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/g4585/cool-white-sneakers/" target="_blank">Marie Claire</a></span></i>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-36698376483147384322020-05-06T12:38:00.000-06:002020-06-28T15:02:14.362-06:00PaintByNumbers.shop Giveaway! [Closed]<i>Edit: Congratulations to our winner, Anita!</i><br />
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With the current pandemic, many individuals and families are finding themselves staying at home more. Some may even be facing stressful uncertainty. Although I write primarily about fashion, I am hoping to use my blog today to share a bit of joy in other ways<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">—</span>because ultimately, this pandemic affects everyone.<br />
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Last year, I discovered paint by numbers. Paint by numbers are art canvasses that have numbered areas which correspond with their respective numbered paint colours, making painting a masterpiece a piece of cake. I find the concept absolutely brilliant for bringing art to those who may otherwise find painting to be daunting. In these times especially, paint by numbers is a wonderful way to relax and be creative at home.<br />
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For that reason, I am so happy to announce I am collaborating with <a href="https://paintbynumbers.shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaintByNumbers.shop</a> to give one lucky winner a paint by numbers kit of their choice!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loJSgiYg5ys/Xq3-3NvjkyI/AAAAAAAACcg/XzgG6p4J_4ku8gx-ssIRpvG4OeiJRpDVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-loJSgiYg5ys/Xq3-3NvjkyI/AAAAAAAACcg/XzgG6p4J_4ku8gx-ssIRpvG4OeiJRpDVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BGiveaway.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<b><br />About PaintByNumbers.shop:</b><br />
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<a href="https://paintbynumbers.shop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaintByNumbers.shop</a> aims to help bring out the artist in you by selling art canvasses that have small numbers indicating a corresponding colour for a certain area. The numbers serve as a clear guide for you to follow, but still give you room to improvise or add your own touches.<br />
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The artworks are sourced from designers dedicated to creating designs that play with varying levels of difficulty. PaintByNumbers.shop offers a number of collections to choose from:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lT6ut8W6dQE/Xq8dgj2SrWI/AAAAAAAACc8/Tf8l2nvVU5sA8aMYgK978zwyQEB8nqPiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BCollections.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="837" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lT6ut8W6dQE/Xq8dgj2SrWI/AAAAAAAACc8/Tf8l2nvVU5sA8aMYgK978zwyQEB8nqPiwCEwYBhgL/s640/Paint%2BBy%2BNumbers%2BCollections.JPG" width="500" /></a></div>
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Each paint by numbers kit comes with everything you need:<br />
<ul>
<li>Numbered cotton canvas stretched on a wooden frame (Size: 20" x 16" / 50cm x 40cm)</li>
<li>Numbered acrylic-based paint set.</li>
<li>Paint brush set - 2 thin, 1 medium, 1 wide.</li>
<li>Varnish to add brightness and preserve the finished painting.</li>
<li>Hanging kit, including traceless frame hangers, screws and a spirit level.</li>
<li>Instruction guide.</li>
<li>Reference sheet.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2588/3154/products/5_b2a9d5b4-5caf-4fbc-996f-f1033632a61a_1300x.progressive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2588/3154/products/5_b2a9d5b4-5caf-4fbc-996f-f1033632a61a_1300x.progressive.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<b>Prize:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>One (1) winner will receive a PaintByNumbers.shop kit of their choice. Shipping will be included.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Eligibility:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>This giveaway is open internationally.<br />
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<b>Entering: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. The only <b>mandatory</b> entry is to comment below with your favourite painting from <a href="https://paintbynumbers.shop/collections/paint-by-numbers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PaintByNumbers.shop</a>. For additional entries, simply follow the instructions!<br />
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This giveaway will end <b>May 20, 2020 </b>at 11:59pm EST.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6664eee44" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6664eee44/" id="rcwidget_grscwxl1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Winners will be selected by Random.org and notified by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note Red-Soled Fashionista is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.<i> </i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Discount Code</span></b><br />
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If you aren't a winner this time but still want a great pick-me-up for yourself or someone you know, or you're looking for a last minute Mother's Day gift, be sure to use the promo code <b>REDSOLED </b>at checkout for a 15% discount!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Product Review</span></b><br />
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PaintByNumbers.shop also graciously offered to send me a kit to try for myself. I perused their varied collection to land on Magnolia Blossoms, a beautifully serene and simple floral painting.<br />
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<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2588/3154/products/GX9858_1000x.progressive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="500" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2588/3154/products/GX9858_1000x.progressive.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2020/06/product-review-paint-by-numbers.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read my review!<br />
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<i>Thank you to PaintByNumbers.shop for sponsoring this giveaway.</i></div>
Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com359tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-36462497826265982672020-04-08T18:11:00.002-06:002021-07-05T21:56:35.739-06:00What it Means to be a ManSo, how’s self-isolation and physical distancing going for everyone? As someone who grew
up thinking she was an introvert, only to realize with the clarity of adulthood
that I’m actually a shy extrovert, COVID-19 had me coming down with cabin fever
after Day 1. However, as tedious as all of this can be, sooner or later, you
get into the rhythm of it. It’s like running a marathon (not that I’ve ever run
one) or singing 99 Bottles of Beer (not that I’ve ever done that in earnest
either because…why. But you get what I mean.)<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After all,
I’m grateful I can do my duty by simply staying at home. To all those essential
workers who don’t have the option to stay at home, thank you for doing what you
do. And to all those whose only option is to stay at home because they no
longer have a job to go to, we will get through this together. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://niche.style/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/GUCCI-MEN%E2%80%99S-SPRING-SUMMER-2016-4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://niche.style/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/GUCCI-MEN%E2%80%99S-SPRING-SUMMER-2016-4.jpg" width="500" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></span>
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One great
thing to do while <i>chez toi </i>is to read. I’ve been particularly into
non-fiction lately (some personal favourites: <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31138556-homo-deus" target="_blank">Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow</a> </i>by Yuval Noah
Harari<i>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34785422-scarlet-a" target="_blank">Scarlet A: The Ethics, Law, and Politics of Ordinary Abortion</a></i> by
Katie Watson, and <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34114362-what-happened" target="_blank">What Happened</a></i> by Hilary Clinton) and recently finished
reading the book <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30226791-boys" target="_blank">Boys: What It Means to Become a Man</a> </i>by Rachel Giese.
While I wish the book would have delved deeper into its analysis for a more powerful and cohesive thesis, Giese makes an enlightening point about masculinity amid the waves
of growing feminist discourse. I’ve pieced together some excerpts from what I
consider the most fascinating chapter in the book:</span></span></span>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As a
culture, we have poked enough holes in assumptions about femininity and
femaleness that most of us now celebrate the idea of girl power…But when it
comes to challenging gender stereotypes and their effects on boys, we haven’t
been nearly as thorough or thoughtful…we haven’t cast enough of a critical eye
on the demands of masculinity—for instance, the expectations that men be
physically aggressive, sexually dominant, emotionally stoic, tough and in
control—and the impact those expectations have on boys who do and don’t live up
to them…The sexual revolution, feminism, civil rights movements, technological
innovation, globalization: taken together, these movements have altered, to an
unprecedented degree, what it means to be male…And as old notions about
masculinity and femininity fall away, there is a palpable angst about what
should replace them. This time of instability and change has given rise to a
pervasive belief that gains in rights and power for women must mean men are
losing out…in order for change to be real and lasting, feminism can’t stop at
transforming the lives of girls and women; it has to transform the lives of
boys and men too…what can we learn from feminism and the fight for equality for
girls and women, to create more liberating and expansive forms of masculinity
for boys and men?</span></i></blockquote>
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If you’ve
been wondering why right-wing populism has gained traction over the past couple of years, or why some feel they now have permission to unleash words and acts of
intolerance, or why it seems we’ve taken a step back in progress, maybe it is
because we have groups of people who feel that what they have known to be true,
stable and indisputable—their rights, beliefs and identity—is now under threat.
But that’s not their fault. I realize I may be saying this while perched atop my
Ivory Tower, but I believe it’s our responsibility as a society to not leave
anyone behind nor leave anyone out. Everyone deserves a chance to catch up, to
redeem themselves, to find love over hate.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And so I
think we need to recognize and address the expectations we put on men. Not just
for their sake—but for feminism’s sake as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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On a lighter note, let’s look at how expanding the notion of masculinity has played
out in fashion. <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2013/12/boy-meets-girl.html" target="_blank">Back in 2013</a>, I wrote briefly about how women effortlessly step
into androgyny, but that step is more of a leap for men. We were (and still
are) far from the finish line in terms of allowing men to express themselves
through dress in as many varied ways as women could, yet we did see the
slow-but-steady acceptance of men who cared about fashion. At the time, the
term ‘metrosexual’ still existed, but its use was starting to wane. It no
longer seemed necessary (nor in proper decorum) to single out men who paid special
attention to their grooming and style. In 2015, a friend shared with me a
subreddit called <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/" target="_blank">r/malefashionadvice</a>, an internet community where men provided
constructive feedback on each other’s outfits with surprising fervour. I was
astonished to see men speaking so candidly about fit, colour, texture, and
proportion.</div>
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Fast
forward to 2020, and not only are we seeing the runways awash with <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2017/11/blurred-lines.html" target="_blank">blurred lines between menswear and womenswear</a>, we’re finally seeing men express
shameless enthusiasm for fashion.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PewDiePie" target="_blank">PewDiePie</a>, who got his start as a gamer on YouTube, has shown considerable appreciation for apparel.
In addition to uploading two videos exploring the <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2018/10/meme-review.html" target="_blank">intersection of fashion and meme culture</a>, he also filmed two ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTzmUKEPerA" target="_blank">Closet Review</a>’ videos where he took viewers
on a piece-by-piece tour of his wardrobe, supplemented by sincere commentary
that reveals a genuine respect for design. At one point, he brings out a pair of
white Balenciaga Lace-Up Speed Knit Runners, which he lambastes himself for
buying because he realizes he can’t even bear to wear them outside (like <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2017/02/ugg-really.html" target="_blank">my Tod’s</a>).
My favourite part came when he jokes about people accidentally bumping against
his Balenciagas in restaurants, and how he has to brush it off with an
indifferent “it’s fine” when in reality he’s outraged his white runners are
subjected to such careless treatment. OK, RELATABLE. I, too, must put on an
untroubled smile to hide the insufferable pain I experience when anyone or
anything so much as grazes against my most prized footwear. Just. Don’t. Touch.
My. Shoes. And everything will be okay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">j-hope, a
particularly sartorial-conscious member of K-pop band BTS, has also admitted to
abiding by the maxim of “Don’t step on my clothes. Step on my body instead.” OK,
AGAIN, RELATABLE. If an errant blob of ketchup were to ever come hurtling
towards me, I would gladly sacrifice my flesh to shield the precious fibres of
my attire. I never thought I could feel such kinship with men over something like
shared views on fashion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And as a
final shout out, to the men I know in real life who proudly express their
personality through coloured or novelty socks (you know who you are), or who show
remarkable dedication to keeping their shoes clean, kudos to you for giving us
hope men can care about style and for normalizing what it can mean to be a
modern man.
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a href="https://fashionista.com/.image/t_share/MTU4Mzc0NDA1Njc4ODM1MTU3/dior-hommes-tokyo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://fashionista.com/.image/t_share/MTU4Mzc0NDA1Njc4ODM1MTU3/dior-hommes-tokyo.jpg" width="500" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></span></div>
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When we
give men the freedom to define masculinity for themselves, we give them the
freedom to redefine their place in the world. We give them the opportunity to
find equality. One day, the question will no longer be what it means to be a
man, or what it means to be a woman—but what does it mean to be you?
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: xx-small; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>Image Source: <a href="https://niche.style/" target="_blank">Niche</a>, <a href="https://www.ft.com/" target="_blank">Financial Times</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/" target="_blank">L'Officiel Singapore</a>, </i></span><i style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://fashionista.com/" target="_blank">Fashionista</a></i></div>
Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-51108780101297547352020-03-22T10:50:00.001-06:002021-01-21T20:51:00.079-07:00Cheers!We are living in unprecedented times. As the world grapples with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are witnessing massive shocks to international economies, local businesses, tourism, the arts community—you name it—and, of course, the health, financial and social well-being of our people.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/gettyimages-1200813976.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=662" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="662" height="340" src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/gettyimages-1200813976.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=662" width="500" /></a></div></div>In terms of the fashion industry, it has been scrambling to survive the disruption. In my eyes, the moment the severity of the situation dawned on the industry was in Italy when we saw Giorgio Armani, the show that was meant to close Milan Fashion Week, being cancelled and live streamed behind closed doors. Paris Fashion Week cautiously continued on following Milan, but at that point, face masks were trendier than any designer handbag. Shortly after, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic and widespread temporary closures of retail stores and offices began. Even fashion’s biggest annual bashes, the Met Gala and CFDA Fashion Awards, have been postponed until further notice.<br />
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The growing prevalence of online shopping has helped curb the full devastation of fashion retail, but we’re still reeling financially. Burberry, who already suffered a hit at the outset from the loss of its Chinese market, has warned it expects a 70% to 80% decline in sales over the coming weeks. Fast fashion is also hardly immune. Inditex, the owner of brands like Zara and Massimo Dutti, reported a 24.1% sales drop between March 1 and March 16. Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) has echoed the bleak outlook. Its sales have seen a similar plummet since the outbreak, and due to the uncertain situation, the company announced it would be suspending earnings guidance for the rest of the year.<br />
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Yet despite concern for what lies ahead, I see the light amidst the darkness.<br />
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Luxury conglomerate LVMH announced it would start manufacturing disinfectant gel used to make hand sanitizer at facilities that currently produce perfume and cosmetics for donation to French health authorities, and has managed to source an expected 40 million surgical masks to help France cope with its shortage. Countless other major brands, including Prada, Versace, Moncler, Kering, Armani and Sergio Rossi, have offered financial support for hospital relief efforts.<br />
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When it comes down to it, I hope the industry knows what is most important. Hint: it’s not the sales figures. It’s about doing what we can for others who need it. It’s about compassion. It’s about valuing people over things.<br />
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Fashion and clothing can still have a role in our lives right now—just in a different way. When the days in self-isolation seem to stretch into nothingness, we can find little pleasures in dressing up and having fun with fashion, even if we don’t have to (or can’t) leave the house. They say to dress for the job you want. Why not dress for the future you want?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-work-from-home-change-fashion-guide_1553594a.jpg?resize=700,437" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://footwearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus-work-from-home-change-fashion-guide_1553594a.jpg?resize=700,437" width="500" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>
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Looking beyond the fashion industry, we are at a point in history where we have the tools and infrastructure in place to accommodate and reduce the impact of social distancing. Say what you will about the role of technology in creating collective disconnect (I wouldn’t disagree with you), but in this time when self-isolation and social distancing are upon us, social media has given us the opportunity to stay together and come together.<br />
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I also see a globally unifying force that has brought people from around the world together in our shared experience of fighting against this disease. COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate across race, gender, age, socioeconomic status—and so neither should we. Our differences shouldn’t matter regardless, but they certainly don’t matter now in the face of something we can all relate to each other on. Our borders are closing, but our hearts are open.<br />
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Stay healthy. Safeguard others. Spread love. Just imagine the celebrating we’ll do when this is all over.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image Source: <a href="https://nypost.com/2020/02/14/face-masks-are-must-have-accessory-of-london-fashion-week-amid-coronavirus-panic/" target="_blank">New York Post,</a> <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/bof-exclusive/bof-exclusive-how-burberry-is-rebuilding-its-japan-business" target="_blank">Business of Fashion</a>, <a href="https://footwearnews.com/2020/fashion/trends/work-from-home-fashion-guide-advice-coronavirus-pandemic-1202950261/" target="_blank">Footwear News</a></i></span>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-39930394731167779972020-02-14T17:13:00.000-07:002020-03-21T22:21:38.477-06:00Love YourselfI believe women have great power that is so often underestimated, even by themselves. Society took a step forward when it finally acknowledged there are great women who stand behind great men, but nowadays, we don't need (nor want) great men to give us identity. What we want is to take control of our identity and our place in the world. And yet, before we can do so, we must use the strength of believing in our own potential. My fellow females, we must first love who we are.<br />
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Over the past few years, we've had some great music that celebrates, not love for another, but love for oneself -- and specifically, the love a woman should have for herself. So when I'm looking to get pumped up about how powerful and badass women are, I pull up songs like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHLHSlExFis" target="_blank">"God is a Woman" by Ariana Grande</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T2RonyJ_Ts" target="_blank">"Mother's Daughter" by Miley Cyrus</a>, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkujLO17Ez8" target="_blank">"Joke's On You" by Charlotte Lawrence</a>. But the music video for one song in particular, "Nightmare" by Halsey, has stuck with me.<br />
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The whole attitude of this music video serves as a formidable battle cry for women who gear up day after day to prove themselves capable in front of those who are doubtful. I'm enamoured by the scene with Halsey, Suki Waterhouse, and Cara Delevingne as brooding presences in their menswear-inspired pantsuits, dishing out blazing confidence with slackened ease. Queen Delevingne, twiddling a toothpick in her scowl, looks so commanding as she tosses her piercing gaze towards the camera pans. Later on, as Halsey dances in the burning junkyard, the full effect of her oversized suit with rolled up sleeves, a crop top and stiletto boots is on display as a testament to how women can look damn good wearing the pants too.<br />
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I want to acknowledge and extend thanks to all the people who, when a woman says she can do something, reply with, "I believe you can too." These are the kind of people who realize that if a woman loves herself, her love ultimately comes back to the world twofold -- and that's what makes women great.<br />
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Happy Valentine's Day, ladies.Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-29278293482834646792019-10-31T20:10:00.000-06:002020-03-21T22:25:28.376-06:00Out of This WorldIt's the day of ghouls and instead of a blatantly seasonal blog post (like a <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2010/10/trick-or-treat-in-style.html" target="_blank">compilation of spooky clothing items</a>), I'm taking a different approach to the theme of Halloween.<br />
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<b>BEWARE:</b> Not for the faint of heart.<br />
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Over the summer, I noticed the growing prominence of Canadian design duo Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran of the Instagram handle <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matieresfecales/?hl=en" target="_blank">@matieresfecales</a> -- or in less elegant words, Fecal Matter. When first encountering their Instagram, one might oscillate between varying emotions, including viscerally disturbed, morbidly fascinated or creatively stimulated. Infamously known for their skin boots -- high-heeled boots that look like grotesque human feet -- Fecal Matter has tapped into a unique niche of alien fashion.<br />
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I was in disbelief when I first witnessed their images, madly wondering if the most bewildering bits were a result of digital manipulation. But in realizing the couple painstakingly create each look using makeup and fashion, I was dumbfounded. Their work is incredibly unsettling, yet there is an odd otherworldly beauty to it, as if the protruding edges are rounded and softened by artistry.<br />
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Fecal Matter is not alone though. I started noticing more individuals online with similar aesthetic lifestyles, Rick Owens recently transformed models into alien creatures for his Fall/Winter 2019 RTW show, and Valentino took to the unearthly by bleaching models' eyebrows that same season. Of course, my mind goes to Mugler and Alexander McQueen as arbiters of this particular type of extraterrestrial fashion, and the runway (among many other creative platforms) has always been a space for futuristic captivation to cultivate, but we're experiencing recognition of a lifestyle niche that takes nonhuman visuals to out-of-this-world heights.<br />
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So what's making us push ourselves to the outer cosmos? Humankind has always had a burning curiosity about the celestial, but the embrace of it as a form of self-expression I think is largely driven by our modern understanding of <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2017/11/blurred-lines.html" target="_blank">gender identity</a>. We no longer have to be either feminine or masculine -- or even anything in between -- because we now have the liberty to present ourselves as not even human. Does that desire come from a frustration with the limitations or downfalls of humanity? A disappointment with the current state of affairs? An escapist sentiment bubbling over as we become fed up with feeling like progress is regressing?<br />
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Or, is it rooted in an appreciation of the fundamental gift of human life and our potential to achieve so much more?<br />
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On a lighter note, I read somewhere that the alien aesthetic can be traced to the return of nineties fashion. I remember TV shows like The Jetsons<i> </i>or X-Files, and all the lurid alien movies of the decade, and it's as if we're once again going back to speculating what extraterrestrial beings could look like -- but this time with self-aware irony. When the Storm Area 51 raid ended up being a kitschy alien parade, it was clear we can now admit with a sense of humour we truly have no idea what's out there.<br />
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For many years, I have found intrigue in the universe and consider our lives intimately linked to the flow of the above and beyond. I once saw a slogan on an H&M t-shirt that I absolutely loved: Aliens Believe in Us. Let's keep having fun believing in aliens, with the hopes they believe in us too.<br />
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<i>PS: You can bet I'm also using this topic as an excuse to bring up <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/shane" target="_blank">Shane Dawson</a>'s new <a href="https://jeffreestarcosmetics.com/collections/shane-x-jeffree-conspiracy-collection" target="_blank">makeup collaboration</a> with Jeffree Star, the alien queen himself. I have been a fan of Shane for 7 years, through every phase he has had on YouTube. I'm thoroughly engrossed in his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWukx3HGBKI&list=PLDs0tNoNYTz05R0xo7PCVc-RgL2fsJnGg" target="_blank">latest docuseries</a> like a proud mother hen (pig?), and am thrilled to see him finally achieve all the happiness and success he so fully deserves. I stan creativity, hard work and a beautifully genuine soul. The Jeffree Star Cosmetics x Shane Dawson Conspiracy Collection launches November 1!</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matieresfecales/?hl=en" target="_blank">Fecal Matter</a>, <a href="https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/43547/1/rick-owens-autumn-winter-19-paris-fashion-body-modification-salvia-larry-legaspi" target="_blank">Dazed Digital</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/shanedawson/status/1189339817403977728" target="_blank">Shane Dawson</a></span></i>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-29005876028576350652019-09-02T10:42:00.000-06:002019-09-02T10:53:08.931-06:00A Return to RunwayI'm ashamed to say it's been over two years since I've blogged about runway. Can you believe I used to have a series called Fashion Week Marathon, where I blogged daily about the latest collections of the season? Sure, the time I had dedicated to doing my homework took a hit, but I was secretly proud of my ability to take one look at a clothing item and make an educated guess -- if not actually identify -- which brand and season it came from. I remember back in school, whenever we had free time in the computer lab, I would pull up YouTube and start catching up on runway shows. I owe so much of what I know today to the hours upon hours spent watching shows and reading Style.com reviews.<br />
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Nowadays, between doing adult things (whatever adult things it is adults are supposed to do), trying to do more and be more in life (deep, I know), and watching an unhealthy amount of BTS (Jimin is my bias), runway has regretfully done a catwalk into the back burner. However, I still try to keep up with the fashion world in stolen moments, and am thankful I have not yet lost my instinct for noteworthy collections. I know when a collection really speaks to me through gut feeling: I get goosebumps, my heart rate elevates, and I get lost in rapturous reverie. So to share some of my euphoric bliss with you, here are the collections that have me smiling as of late:<br />
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<b><u>Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2019 RTW</u></b><br />
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I debated whether I should save the best for last or hit you upfront with the most splendid of shows. Ultimately, I decided Ralph Lauren's newest collection was far too refreshing to risk leaving until the end. With a palette of only three colours -- black, white and gold -- Lauren had a tightly edited and succinct message: elegance never goes out of style. Cuts were at times roomy yet always refined. Wide-legged trousers were nipped tightly by pristine gold belts, and swishy knee-length skirts were finished off with precise t-strap heels. As much as I appreciate the sardonic streetwear heralded by younger designers, it was a breath of fresh air to once again see clothing made for the grown up, no-nonsense woman. But demure she is not. There were sharp shoulders, sophisticated blazers and even a billowing gold cape to round out the show, reminding us that just because a woman dresses simply does not mean she is without strength.<br />
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<b><u>Fendi Fall/Winter 2019 RTW</u></b><br />
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Even before the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld passed away, I had developed a recent appreciation for Fendi. Fendi has always been one of those staple brands in fashion, but for many years after the release of its peekaboo handbag, I wondered if it really had anything new to say -- particularly as a brand known for fur in a society that is increasingly against it. My question was answered when I saw the debut of its <a href="https://www.purseblog.com/fendi/fendi-fall-2017-bags-runway/" target="_blank">new logo</a>: a powerfully simple yet humorous emblem that didn't replace the quintessential double-F, but rather complemented it to attract a younger audience. Fendi also played so well into street culture's obsession with logomania that I saw it climbing its way back to relevancy. And yet despite having fun with fashion's fleeting fancies, Fendi has remained grounded in its foundation of ladylike clothing. The transparent vinyl raincoats with tan leather trimmings from <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2019-ready-to-wear/fendi" target="_blank">Spring/Summer 2019 RTW</a> blew me away, and I was rendered weak in the knees by the romanticism of fluttering scarves tied back between the belt loops of dresses and coats in this Fall/Winter collection. For a brand that has embraced the irony of obnoxious monogram print, I am impressed with how it still manages to speak with sophistication.<br />
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<b><u>Chanel Fall/Winter 2018 RTW</u></b><br />
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Naturally, I can't talk about Fendi without bringing up Chanel. Lagerfeld was always immensely consistent with his visual messaging for Chanel, but his Fall/Winter 2018 RTW collection made me take notice. The warm autumnal vibes of sheer black nylons (oh, those legs!) worn under knit dresses and knee high boots brought back memories of how I used to dress in high school when the temperatures dropped. It may be a slightly dated, girlish look, but it still feels so comfortingly familiar. I guess I am finally getting old enough to experience nostalgia for styles of the past. This collection was akin to being wrapped up in a cozy blanket -- a sentiment made all the more poignant knowing this was among Lagerfeld's final few collections for the brand.<br />
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<b><u>Christopher Kane Spring/Summer 2019 RTW</u></b><br />
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Of many runway moments seared into my memory is an especially vivid image of Ralph Lauren's Spring/Summer 2015 RTW <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/55c651c108298d8be2276fc2/master/pass/AA2X0130.jpg" target="_blank">waterfall necklaces</a>, which were so excessive they practically became breastplates of glimmering jewels. When I saw Christopher Kane's interpretation of those necklaces in gems the size of rocks strung vertically across the chest or suspended in the middle like Iron Man, I immediately felt a frisson of connection. The tongue-in-cheek glamour granted a subversive power to the high-octane dressing. I find Kane to be masterful at pinpointing singular details that will steal the show. For example, I still salivate over the embellished cold shoulder cutout from <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2014/02/christopher-kane-springsummer-2014-rtw.html" target="_blank">Spring/Summer 2014 RTW</a>, or the mildly kinky transparent PVC patches laced with crystals from <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2019-ready-to-wear/christopher-kane" target="_blank">Fall/Winter 2019 RTW</a> -- simple creative manipulations that transform the existing into the exceptional.<br />
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<b><u>Balmain Spring 2019 Couture</u></b><br />
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Ladies and gentlemen, Balmain is back in couture -- and what a ball it was! Literally. Massive orbs adorned wrists as cuff bracelets, were held in hand like clutch bags, and even worn as futuristic, globular skirts. Why, you ask? I have not the slightest clue, but it doesn't quite matter because the theme is magnificently memorable. Olivier Rousteing's couture debut for Balmain was far from inconspicuous and very deliberate. In a collection that would have otherwise emulated the typical image of couture as a frothy, feminine fantasy, Rousteing infused modern bite with rigid architectural shapes, spray-painted stencil patterns, and encrusted acid-wash denim. The interplay of luxurious textiles in pastel shades with peculiar and exaggerated forms resulted in a collection that was as beautiful as it was bewildering -- a reminder that even pearls come nestled in the gnarly flesh of an oyster. Balmain is off to a good start!<br />
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<b><u>Iris van Herpen Fall 2018 Couture</u></b><br />
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Truthfully, I could feature any one of Iris van Herpen's latest collections, but it was Fall 2018 Couture when I first took notice of her. What a shame I didn't start following her sooner! Van Herpen is one of those inventive designers who continually challenges the notion of what fashion can be. She is a visionary exploring what I like to call the galactic anatomy of movement. Her work is technically brilliant (read: hand-casted transparent polyurethane hand-painted through injection molding, or two-tone dyed organza heat-bonded to laser-cut Mylar and cotton), and oftentimes takes shape in rippling gills of diaphanous fabric, shifting pleats that refract the light around it, and structured yet overwhelmingly delicate vertebrae. I am constantly floored by the gentle, probing beauty she births from her very scientific means. Watching Van Herpen is like a deeply intellectual and spiritual encounter where one witnesses an otherworldly intersection of the biological, the technological and the celestial.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="http://vogue.com/">Vogue.com</a></span></i>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-86260867661138471582019-06-04T22:05:00.000-06:002020-05-02T16:45:43.102-06:00Product Review + Giveaway: Jupitoo Glasses [Closed]<i>Edit: Congratulations to our grand prize winner, Caroline, and our five runner-ups, Sherry, Dynal, Anne, Bilqees and Solange! Keep reading to see what glasses Caroline chose...</i><br />
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Following my <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2017/10/for-my-eyes-only.html" target="_blank">eyewear spectacle</a> last year (pun always intended), I resigned myself to the fact there are just certain styles of frames I will never be able to wear due to my alarmingly high prescription. As a result, I have wondered what it would be like to own some cheap non-prescription frames -- the kind I can simply wear for fun. However, I was wary of buying glasses purely as a fashion accessory. It just seemed so frivolous.<br />
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So when <a href="https://jupitoo.com/collections/womens-glasses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jupitoo</a>, an online prescription glasses retailer, offered me the opportunity to review their optical frames, I jumped on the chance to not only try non-prescription glasses, but also test out an online eyeglasses site. Just recently, I met a woman at a fashion show who I struck up a conversation with after complimenting her stunning clear frames with gold accents. She informed me she shopped for prescription glasses online, and for the price of one, managed to own and alternate between three pairs of glasses. If someone with her sense of style is a proponent of online optical sites, then I was ready to give Jupitoo a go. I went ahead and chose a pair of non-Rx <a href="https://jupitoo.com/products/round-glasses-n7771" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">round glasses in gold</a>:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Product Review</span></b><br />
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My first thought when they arrived in the mail was how incredibly well-packaged they were. The frames were nestled inside a huge shipping package with both air column and foam wrap. No damage whatsoever! As well, a cute glasses case and cloth were included.<br />
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The glasses themselves were exactly what I had hoped for. I wanted a simple pair of gold frames (à la Korean pop stars) that I wouldn't otherwise be able to wear with thicker lenses. I was relieved to see the gold was indeed shiny, the lenses were free of scratches, and the nosepads were non-slip. In terms of durability, the glasses felt lightweight and slightly delicate, but that is to be expected with this particular style of thin frames. They definitely did not feel flimsy, so the quality did exceed my expectations. I also appreciated minor details in the design, such as a decorative wave along the arms and the chic transparent temple tips.<br />
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The only challenge with ordering frames online is the inability to try them on the spot, and the absence of opticians to help offer personalized advice and adjust the fit. I would also have liked to see a wider range of frame sizes and more sophisticated lens options, such as the ability to customize and combine anti-reflective coating, higher index lenses, and different material (glass vs. plastic lenses). Although if you're not too particular about glasses and am seeking cheaper alternatives to traditional optical stores, then I wouldn't hesitate to test out a site like Jupitoo.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Giveaway</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>If this post has got you curious, then maybe you'll want to try your luck at a Jupitoo giveaway!<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWse-rT_un8/XNOj3e_uqSI/AAAAAAAACYk/mMkBC6JBgD0HV0FoFGD8FgnRFn5oZE_OQCLcBGAs/s1600/Jupitoo%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QWse-rT_un8/XNOj3e_uqSI/AAAAAAAACYk/mMkBC6JBgD0HV0FoFGD8FgnRFn5oZE_OQCLcBGAs/s640/Jupitoo%2BCollage.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<b>About Jupitoo:</b><br />
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<a href="https://jupitoo.com/collections/womens-glasses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jupitoo</a> is an online prescription glasses retailer designed to help people find affordable glasses by cutting the costs associated with traditional retailers. Jupitoo is able to offer a wide range of prescription glasses at a very low price.<br />
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<b>Prizes:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>One (1) person will win a voucher for a pair of Rx-eyeglasses. The voucher will cover frames with 1.50 index single vision lenses. <b>The winner will need to pay for shipping & handling and any additional upgrades.</b></li>
<li>Five (5) people will win a $20 voucher. The voucher can be used on all glasses site-wide.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Eligibility:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>This giveaway is open internationally.<br />
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<b>Entering: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. The only <b>mandatory</b> entry is to comment below with your favourite pair of glasses from <a href="https://jupitoo.com/collections/womens-glasses" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jupitoo</a>. For additional entries, simply follow the instructions!<br />
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This giveaway will end <b>June 12, 2019 </b>at 11:59pm EST.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6664eee43" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6664eee43/" id="rcwidget_7kkr5nbm" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
Winners will be selected by Random.org and notified by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Please note Red-Soled Fashionista is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.<i> </i><br />
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<i>~~~</i><br />
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<i>Here is Caroline in her new glasses. Looking great!</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBJEu0TL9ok/XUEE01DMsoI/AAAAAAAACaE/Ff3i0QAgvOA1M63hsWmaR0I3ITERxvtRQCLcBGAs/s1600/4E76F951-4810-4BEC-8753-6E98DB0223B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBJEu0TL9ok/XUEE01DMsoI/AAAAAAAACaE/Ff3i0QAgvOA1M63hsWmaR0I3ITERxvtRQCLcBGAs/s640/4E76F951-4810-4BEC-8753-6E98DB0223B6.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<i>Thank you to Jupitoo for sponsoring this giveaway. Glasses were courtesy of Jupitoo in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.</i></div>
Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-51515076100774193742019-03-24T11:05:00.001-06:002020-11-13T22:10:28.878-07:00Out of TownSick and tired of reading me blog about <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2018/08/nine-west-gone-south.html" target="_blank">retail store closings</a>? Well, I'm not done yet! A mere two months into 2019, retailers across Canada and the US have already announced a total of over 4000 store closures (including <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-source-of-paying-more.html" target="_blank">Payless ShoeSource</a>, hah). While this retail apocalypse spells the loss of countless jobs, I believe the landscape is being rebuilt for the better. Once the dust settles, the brands who truly offer something of value will remain standing. And those who don't -- I'm sorry, but good riddance. We are on the verge of witnessing the rebirth of retail, and while I don't know exactly what that rebirth will look like, I am excited to find out.<br />
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For the most part, I have not been surprised by the stores which have flailed and fallen. They were all brands which I had a hunch would one day face the Grim Reaper. Yet the news of Designer Shoe Warehouse closing all of its Town Shoes stores did give me pause.<br />
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/btoimage/prism-thumbnails/articles/20180829-townshoes.jpg-resize_then_crop-_frame_bg_color_FFF-h_1365-gravity_center-q_70-preserve_ratio_true-w_2048_.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/btoimage/prism-thumbnails/articles/20180829-townshoes.jpg-resize_then_crop-_frame_bg_color_FFF-h_1365-gravity_center-q_70-preserve_ratio_true-w_2048_.webp" width="500" /></a></div>
I wasn't surprised Town Shoes was closing -- it had its weaknesses after all, which I will get to -- but I was surprised it ended up being so vulnerable to the shifting proclivities of consumers. I rarely shopped there myself, but whenever I went on the hunt for new shoes, I always put Town Shoes on my list of stores to visit. It had neither the trendy predictability of brands like Aldo or Spring, nor the eye-bulging price tags of higher end footwear. What Town Shoes managed to offer was variety. It carried shoes I couldn't find elsewhere, and if I hounded a pair of shoes enough, I could catch them on a good sale. In fact, Town Shoes was invaluable to fulfilling <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/search/label/Town%20Shoes" target="_blank">my office footwear needs</a>. Ironically, it was just after I bought two pairs of shoes from them last year that it started to close down.<br />
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<a href="https://www.narcity.com/u/2018/08/29/3bbbcfa9e3612895a58f177e8d204d7d35e635a7.png_1200x630.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://www.narcity.com/u/2018/08/29/3bbbcfa9e3612895a58f177e8d204d7d35e635a7.png_1200x630.png" width="500" /></a></div>
So why did it shutter? To understand the reason, we may want to look back in time at what Town Shoes used to be. In 2010, I wrote a blog post about how Town Shoes engaged in the unsavoury act of <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2010/10/seeing-double.html" target="_blank">ripping off designer wares</a> with its Red Carpet Collection. At the time, Town Shoes had some awfully overpriced, tacky shoes which it hopelessly tried to market as glamorous. Over the years, it aimed to shed its shameful past by portraying a more upscale image with higher quality footwear in what it called 'accessible luxury'. When the most prestigious collaborations Town Shoes ever got a decade ago was with the likes of David Dixon, Kate & Mel, and Barbie, earlier last year it started boasting labels such as See by Chloé, Ted Baker, Kate Spade and Badgley Mischka.<br />
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<a href="https://www.styledemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/town-shoes-closing-sale-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://www.styledemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/town-shoes-closing-sale-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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However, upon closer inspection, Town Shoes still carried some mediocre labels. It still had poor quality footwear that wasn't worth the price associated with it, and thus, continued to be seen by the average shopper as overpriced -- even if a few of its shoes did warrant the higher dollar figure. Ultimately, Town Shoes brought variety to the market, but unlike its aforementioned competitors, it lacked a distinguishable identity.<br />
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And funny story, its identity crisis became even more pronounced when one of its stores desperately tried to liquidate its inventory. I was browsing a Town Shoes Outlet during the final leg of its store closing sale when I came across a horrendous sight: the store was selling shoes which were missing the other pair. As in, a single shoe. A. Single. Shoe. Please tell me what the heck I am supposed to do with one shoe. And guess what? The store wanted $10 for those shoes. So you're telling me I can pay $10 for a complete pair (because yes, they had complete pairs for the same price), or pay $10 for half a pair. Wow, logic. Even if I had wanted a single shoe for a DIY project, or had somehow lost a shoe in a drunken night at the club, or had possibly only one leg attached to my torso...what Town Shoes was doing didn't make a lick of sense to me. Worse yet, on the neighbouring shelf, they were selling BROKEN shoes. I literally picked up a pair of shoes with its heel hanging by tendrils of fabric, exposing its ugly innards of wood and screws. At that point I was so repulsed by the store's vile behaviour that I walked out shortly after.<br />
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<a href="https://www.styledemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/town-shoes-closing-sale-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://www.styledemocracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/town-shoes-closing-sale-6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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After all its efforts to become a place of 'accessible luxury', Town Shoes sure stopped the masquerade when the going got tough and hearkened back to what it was like a decade ago. If it had managed to successfully bring more upscale footwear to the mass market space, it could have carried its relevance into this new age of retail. But akin to putting lipstick on a pig, Town Shoes was trying to be something it wasn't. And as it turns out, we have no room anymore for a store like that.<br />
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<i>PS: On another note, just want to congratulate YouTubers <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/shane" target="_blank">Shane Dawson</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ryanadams7" target="_blank">Ryland Adams</a> on their engagement! I started following Shane 6 years ago when it was clear he struggled with deep inner demons. But finally, over the past few years, I have seen him discover overwhelming happiness with Ryland at his side. I am so delighted these two have found each other and wish them love, joy and continued silliness for the rest of their lives. <3</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.blogto.com/fashion_style/2018/08/town-shoes-closing-all-its-stores-toronto/" target="_blank">BlogTO</a>, <a href="https://www.narcity.com/news/town-shoes-is-closing-all-of-their-stores-across-canada" target="_blank">Narcity</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiY47Xgq5fhAhVLvJ4KHVOlCrMQjB16BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.styledemocracy.com%2Ftown-shoes-store-closing-sale%2F&psig=AOvVaw00T6r9WbfQO2a7nW_H2MJw&ust=1553398479888554" target="_blank">Style Democracy</a></span></i></div>
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Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-53445556172537779842019-02-20T18:04:00.001-07:002019-06-04T22:07:42.521-06:00R.I.P. Karl Lagerfeld<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://media.allure.com/photos/5c6c043cf0446d45fa4565e3/16:9/w_1280%2Cc_limit/Karl%252520Lagerfeld.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://media.allure.com/photos/5c6c043cf0446d45fa4565e3/16:9/w_1280%2Cc_limit/Karl%252520Lagerfeld.png" width="500" /></a></div>
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Of course, I always knew the world would one day lose Karl Lagerfeld. The cycle of life and death spares no one. But he was such a monumental figure in fashion that I oftentimes pondered what his eventual death would mean for the industry. Without a doubt, I knew it would be a cataclysmic moment, shattering what we would have come to know as comfort in his existence. In my mind, his passing would define our eras in the industry: <i>Before Karl </i>and <i>After Karl. </i><br />
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Yet no matter how much I knew his death would one day be brought down upon us, Lagerfeld's passing has come far sooner and far more unexpectedly than even I have prepared myself for. Lagerfeld's larger than life character could have fooled us into thinking he possessed otherworldly immorality. His<i> joie de vivre</i> made him ageless, and his indefatigable work ethic made him unstoppable. Even though I knew he would ultimately leave us, I could never truly imagine it. So it was with considerable disbelief that I woke up yesterday to news of his death. I wasn't ready. We weren't ready. A Tuesday morning that would have otherwise been so simple and quotidian, if it weren't for the fact fashion had witnessed a pivotal change that would alter its course from here on out.<br />
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The inimitable Lagerfeld headed the helm of Chanel, Fendi and his own eponymous label, churning out up to 20 collections a year. While some may opine he worked tirelessly to produce looks which became quite tiring, there is no doubt he remained as steadfastly relevant as ever. He managed to create memorable experiences for women in his clothing, orchestrate awe-inspiring shows, and persist as one of fashion's most respected voices. Lagerfeld's ability to present a succinct vision for Chanel consistently collection after collection was precisely what made him so successful. After all these years of designing (he started at Fendi 52 years ago), there are still countless collections from past and present I hold up as shining stars of each season. I called him Kaiser because he truly was a king -- and like a king, he was both revered as equally as he was feared. His sharp, unapologetic <i>bon mots</i> served as bountiful inspiration and made him an icon in his own right. At 85, while most others would have been far into their retirement, Lagerfeld refused to take a break, working right up until his death. How could one not deeply admire this devotion to a life of fashion.<br />
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Even though Lagerfeld is gone and the world no longer has this extraordinary artist, it does not mean we have lost him. His influence surrounds us, and will continue to for decades to come. Perhaps I wasn't wrong in perceiving Lagerfeld to be immortal. He poured his heart and soul into everything he did, and what he has given us will last an eternity. To the man whose legacy will surely prove to be as relentless as he was, may you R.I.P.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image Source: <a href="http://www.thefashionlaw.com/" target="_blank">The Fashion Law</a></i></span>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-39122161314593739912019-01-27T11:23:00.000-07:002019-03-20T21:49:31.764-06:00The Modern SocialiteAfter giving social media influencers a hard time in my <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-source-of-paying-more.html" target="_blank">previous blog post</a>, I thought it best to even out the playing field. This post was inspired by an incident that occurred back in 2016, but with the still-prevalent ubiquity of social stars today, the fraught battle between old media and new media remains as relevant as before.<br />
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<a href="https://imgix.bustle.com/elite-daily/2016/09/07220332/New-York-Fashion-Week-Gigi-Hadid.jpg?w=1020&h=574&fit=crop&crop=faces&auto=format&q=70" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://imgix.bustle.com/elite-daily/2016/09/07220332/New-York-Fashion-Week-Gigi-Hadid.jpg?w=1020&h=574&fit=crop&crop=faces&auto=format&q=70" width="500" /></a></div>
In a <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/milan-fashion-week-spring-2017-vogue-editors-chat" target="_blank">recap of Spring/Summer 2017 Milan Fashion Week</a>, Vogue.com editors made scathing remarks about the fashion bloggers in attendance:<br />
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<i>"Note to bloggers who change head-to-toe, paid-to-wear outfits every hour: Please stop. Find another business. You are heralding the death of style." -- Sally Singer</i><br />
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<i>"...the professional blogger bit, with the added aggression of the street photographer swarm who attend them, is horrible, but most of all, pathetic for these girls, when you watch how many times the desperate troll up and down outside shows, in traffic, risking accidents even, in hopes of being snapped." -- Sarah Mower</i><br />
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<i>"It’s not just sad for the women who preen for the cameras in borrowed clothes, it’s distressing, as well, to watch so many brands participate." -- Nicole Phelps</i><br />
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<i>"...how funny it is that we even still call them 'bloggers,' as so few of them even do that anymore. Rather than a celebration of any actual style, it seems to be all about turning up, looking ridiculous, posing, twitching in your seat as you check your social media feeds, fleeing, changing, repeating...I have to think that soon people will wise up to how particularly gross the whole practice of paid appearances and borrowed outfits looks. Looking for style among a bought-and-paid-for ('blogged out?') front row is like going to a strip club looking for romance." -- Alessandra Codinha</i><br />
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Clearly, the crows were out to feast! Every single editor featured in that article couldn't help but express utter distaste at the swarms of influencers making a living off online profiles. Not surprisingly, Vogue ruffled the feathers of those they called peacocks. Among the many responses to the provoking assertions, the one that inspired me to write this post was published by Fashion Magazine in <a href="https://fashionmagazine.com/fashion/beckerman-twins/" target="_blank">an interview</a> with Canadian fashion bloggers Sam and Cailli Beckerman:<br />
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<i>"Calling anyone pathetic because they like to have fun with fashion is awful. What we do is a legit job. We’re editors and journalists, too—it’s just on our own platform."</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.inm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Ulyana-Sergeenko-Milan-Fashion-Week-Spring-2013-Intro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.inm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Ulyana-Sergeenko-Milan-Fashion-Week-Spring-2013-Intro.jpg" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="330" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Them vs. us; you vs. me</i> is a disappointing mindset to have, and one which I believe powers much of the world's conflict, intolerance and antagonism. So if you've already pitched your tent in support of one side of the quarrel, I ask that you erase such notions and proceed with me, because we've got some exploring to do.<br />
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<a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5877575537524ae576dd13b8/master/pass/holding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="800" height="420" src="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/5877575537524ae576dd13b8/master/pass/holding.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The fashion editors...they had a point. There are undoubtedly bloggers out there who are paid to wear outfits they probably wouldn't promote if it weren't for the dollars they received just to slide those pieces over their bodies and arrange themselves flatteringly in front of the cameras. Vogue's criticism is not unwarranted. Authenticity has become a precious rarity. Around the time blogging became monetized and bloggers became celebrities, we lost the bona fide feeling of closeness to those whose words and images we scrolled through. And the extent to which some influencers will go to be snapped -- blocking traffic, posturing, grasping for attention -- can be quite unfortunate to see. The show is not about them; it's about the designer. Paid-to-wear outfits can perpetuate superficial style, so I don't blame Vogue editors for their disparaging comments. At least they had the guts to speak up with crushing honesty about what they saw as undignified behaviour.<br />
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But of course, not all bloggers in borrowed clothes lack substance to their style. We can't just assume influencers dress up for the money. I'm sure many bloggers genuinely love the garments they get paid to wear, and if they're like me, probably welcome any opportunity to experiment with different styles, brands and attitudes. A sincere love for fashion can manifest itself as a willingness to wear absolutely anything. And to preen and prance is arguably what these bloggers are paid to do. It is their job to be seen. Did Vogue editors have to attack bloggers with such venomous language? Probably not. They erroneously allowed the actions of a few to impair their perception of the many.<br />
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<a href="https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/46/2018/03/rexfeatures_9072283be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="696" height="280" src="https://ksassets.timeincuk.net/wp/uploads/sites/46/2018/03/rexfeatures_9072283be.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
And the Beckerman twins make a good point: many bloggers have worked hard to get to where they are. Whether a fashion editor or a fashion blogger, we're all just trying to build a career out of pursuing our passions. I would discourage against partitioning out the industry and assuming one group is more elite than the other. Fashion editors cannot boast to have uttermost integrity either. They march to the beat of advertising dollars, and no one reads a fashion publication believing all of its content is unadulterated by commercialism, corporate motivations and obligatory praise. Our modern, self-made socialites have managed to carve a portion of the industry for themselves, and I think we should be proud of that. Fashion is becoming more accessible and interactive. Social media mavens have inspired countless everyday youth to embrace creativity and believe that dreams can be within reach.<br />
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So after all this, whose side am I on? I started off on nobody's side, and I will end on nobody's side. Because ultimately, I am on everybody's side. I respect the calibre of our editors, while still admiring the entrepreneurship of our influencers. Let us recognize our common goal of making a difference in the world by doing what we love -- and support each other in doing so. We are a team, and together, we make up this wonderful thing called fashion.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.iamschick.com/" target="_blank">I Am Schick</a>, <a href="http://www.inm.ie/blog/italys-online-fashion-game/" target="_blank">INM</a>, <a href="http://vogue.com/" target="_blank">Vogue</a>, <a href="https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/best-london-fashion-bloggers-587579" target="_blank">Marie Claire</a>, </span></i></div>
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Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-53808305679851513352018-12-16T16:26:00.002-07:002021-03-29T22:20:23.351-06:00The Source of Paying MoreGet ready for a rant because I am peeved.<br />
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You know how much I adore shoes. They will forever be one of the greatest loves of my life. So when I heard Payless ShoeSource released a commercial where they opened up a fake luxury shoe store and successfully pranked shoppers into believing their shoes were worth up to $640, my inner footwear diva was instantly offended. Yes, I have a bias for high-end footwear. Yes, I sometimes display immediate displeasure at certain shoes without so much as a second glance. But I also like to think of my bias as a heartfelt respect for the art of well-designed, well-made shoes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Payless-Resurrection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="350" src="https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Payless-Resurrection.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
And in reality, your home girl shops at ALDO, which is far closer on the scale to Payless than any luxury brand. I may be a snob, but I am not delusional. I am fully supportive of affordable footwear, and have said before that fashion which appears to be of high quality does not have to break the bank. I strongly believe in clever ways of faking it 'till you make it, baby.<br />
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Before we start peeling apart the situation, let us first take a look at the commercial:<br />
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<b>Initial Thoughts</b><br />
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No way. There is NO WAY you can mistake Payless shoes for something worth anything more than $100. I have been in Payless multiple times before, and based on my knowledge of their merchandise, I am adamant there are no shoes in there which can remotely pass as high-end. As soon as I heard about this campaign, I was absolutely certain there was more to the story than what the headlines led us to believe. Which is why I am going to start breaking it down and showing exactly why Payless managed to pull this commercial off (sort of).<br />
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<b>The Intent Behind Using Influencers</b><br />
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Payless used social media influencers in their commercial. That statement alone pretty much explains the entire situation. I had a difficult time imagining everyone who browsed through Palessi -- whether they be fashion industry folk, affluent shoppers familiar with high-end wares, or even random passersby from the public who wandered into the store -- all being fooled by the façade. But once I learned only social media influencers were invited to peruse the shoes, everything made sense because...well, influencers are a special breed.<br />
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The very nature of being a social media maven is to promote merchandise, and we all know how the allure of sponsorships and paid promotions can propagate inauthentic words of praise. So just imagine you have a bunch of (probably) D-list social media influencers who are invited to a swanky, glamorous party, and you shove a microphone in their face on camera to ask what they think of the shoes. I'm pretty sure no one would dare criticize the shoes, even if simply to be polite. In fact, in order to leave the door open for future opportunities with you, they might actually compliment and rave about your shoes. And heck, if nothing else, they would put on a face to show their followers they're having a fantastic time at this oh-so-luxe event.<br />
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And let me clarify one thing: social media influencers are not necessarily experts in fashion. They are experts in influencing. Many social stars may enjoy nice clothes and looking good, but their understanding of fashion may not go beyond the superficial. Their true skill sets lie, after all, in how to create and promote engaging content -- that's their bread and butter. One particularly pointed, yet not altogether unjustified, comment on Instagram opined, <i>"Great job Payless for exposing the fraud that this 'influencer' movement represents."</i> Ouch. But really, Payless does not stock any footwear that is made from real leather, so basically you're telling me these influencers couldn't even distinguish between synthetic and genuine leather...?<br />
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Payless was deliberate in who they set up. You think the corporate minds at Payless didn't sit around a conference table discussing exactly what kind of individuals to invite? They made a clearly conscious decision to not bring in actual fashion experts, and didn't even run the risk of having random members of the public blow their cover.<br />
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<b>A Shameful Social Media</b><br />
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I feel bad for harping on influencers so much, but they really did paint a bulls eye on themselves here. Being social media influencers, I imagine the first thing they would do upon receiving an invite from Palessi is to...check out the company's social media pages! And yet if they really did, then how could they not have been suspicious from the start?<br />
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Look at Palessi's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/palessi_shoes/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> page. What kind of luxury company would post these grainy, low resolution photos? And isn't it odd how they posted a total of 24 photos on October 25 -- half of which don't even contain shoes?<br />
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And their <a href="https://www.palessishoes.com/" target="_blank">website</a> is laughable. Granted, the site has been edited since the campaign so I'm not aware of what it looked like before, but the shoes currently showcased on the landing page are dead giveaways. The rubber sole, man-made material, and bumbling shape of the stilettos would have been obvious from miles away. Yet hilariously, Palessi has blown up and magnified the images to the point it should have been impossible to miss these details.<br />
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The problem is, the social media influencers probably didn't look too deeply into what Palessi was, or if they did, chose to ignore what they found. There are countless influencers on the Internet who knowingly advertise for (Chinese) clothing companies which have abysmal quality and deplorable customer service, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PLgOaVXmGU" target="_blank">YouTube was rife with recent drama</a> over high profile content creators who just didn't do enough research on what they promoted. Ignorance is bliss.<br />
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<b>Auctioned Away</b><br />
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<a href="http://adtodate.mk/uploads/records/image/Campaigh/palessi%20shoes%20-%2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://adtodate.mk/uploads/records/image/Campaigh/palessi%20shoes%20-%2003.jpg" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="740" height="280" width="500" /></a></div>
Although Payless has not confirmed outright, it does appear some shoes were sold through an auction format, giving Payless that sweet, sweet opportunity to drive home the fact their shoes fetched up to $640.<br />
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This move too is entirely deliberate. An auction allowed Payless to capture inflated dollar figures for their campaign. If you attach an outrageous price tag to an item that can't live up to the figure, shoppers might not bite. But if you pit influencers against each other in a friendly game of bidding, you can possibly get them in the right mood to spend more. The auction was yet another strategic decision that granted Payless the perfect little media snippet.<br />
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<b>Glamour Shot</b><br />
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<a href="https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2018/11/28/87290f3c-0f71-4668-9426-38a5bcab60e9-still001.tif?w=970&h=582&fit=crop&crop=faces&auto=format&q=70" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="290" src="https://imgix.bustle.com/uploads/image/2018/11/28/87290f3c-0f71-4668-9426-38a5bcab60e9-still001.tif?w=970&h=582&fit=crop&crop=faces&auto=format&q=70" width="500" /></a></div>
Let's be honest with ourselves and not deny that the atmosphere of a store can most certainly affect our perception of quality. No matter how much we may try to judge the inherent value of a fashion item, a lot of what we think (and how much $$$ we shell out) is impacted by brand value. Brands in favour have the freedom to demand more in exchange for their promised fantasy. By simply setting up shop in a former Armani store in LA alongside other luxury giants, Palessi gave themselves some leverage against even the more discerning influencers. A poorly made shoe might just seem decently bearable perched on a gleaming glass shelf. Add to that scores of beautiful people at a glamorous party by invitation only, and you have a stunt that is one step closer to believable.<br />
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<b>Take To The Streets</b><br />
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I aim, if nothing else, to be fair. So before I gave myself the liberty to knock on Payless, I did actually go out and try it. I was a girl on a mission as I visited two separate Payless stores to confirm: (1) Could I find the shoes presented in the commercial? (2) Was the quality actually impressive enough to deceive?<br />
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First of all, yes, I was successful in finding most of the shoes filmed in the campaign, with the exception of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqze5KHA4UB/" target="_blank">gold and leopard print sneakers</a> which appeared to be Palessi's pride and glory (though I found many similar styles). The majority of shoes used were, not surprisingly, from the Christian Siriano line, but I do give Payless credit for keeping the stunt honest.<br />
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In terms of quality, Payless was far better than expected, though still hardly exceptional. While some shoes veered towards trendy, the designs were overall basic and banal, lacking the originality of luxury footwear. I was disappointed to see a rubber underside on every shoe (instead of leather soles), and was put off by all the fake leather and textile uppers. However, I will say some of the synthetic leather was smooth enough as to almost pass for the real thing at first brush of the hand, unlike the nauseating polyurethane normally used by bargain stores. And I didn't see as many exaggerated toe springs (often seen on poorly made shoes which need to roll forward in order to compensate for lack of flexibility in the sole) and sloppy stitching as I had anticipated. Yet despite the reasonable craftsmanship, the devil is in the details. Payless pumps all came with -- in addition to a seam in the back -- a <a href="https://www.payless.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-payless-catalog/default/dwd0970baf/images/hi-res/176042_5_1400x1400.jpg" target="_blank">second seam</a> along the arch of the foot, a surefire sign that more than one piece of material was used to construct the shoe. A high quality pump will possess only one seam along the back of the heel. Upon inspection of their ankle boots, I found <a href="https://www.payless.com/womens-american-eagle-ula-block-heel-boot/79871.html" target="_blank">one particular design</a> with braided straps which were cut bluntly near the zipper, leaving a distasteful number of unfinished ends. Any luxury shoemaker would close the loop on such details.<br />
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After my evaluation of the shoes, I pegged their worth at around $40 (not $640!), which turned out to be exactly what most of the price tags asked for. I am happy to say Payless is at least principled in their pricing.<br />
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<b>Final Thoughts</b><br />
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<a href="https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/1280x868/https%3A%2F%2Fblogs-images.forbes.com%2Fwillburns%2Ffiles%2F2018%2F11%2FPaymoreShoot-183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="800" height="340" src="https://thumbor.forbes.com/thumbor/1280x868/https%3A%2F%2Fblogs-images.forbes.com%2Fwillburns%2Ffiles%2F2018%2F11%2FPaymoreShoot-183.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
The news headlines surrounding this campaign were almost farcical:<br />
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<i>"Payless pranks customers by getting them to buy its discount shoes at designer prices."</i><br />
<i>"Payless shoes fools fashion snobs, sells discount shoes at luxury prices."</i><br />
<i>"Payless opens fake luxury store, dupes influencers into paying hundreds for shoes."</i><br />
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In some ways, Payless did manage to dupe a bunch of shoppers -- but not because of how great their shoes were. This campaign was a carefully constructed scenario that took full advantage of the behaviours and motivations of those who were invited. This is not a prank that would have succeeded if a single foot stepped outside of those meticulously drawn parameters. My conclusion? The real dupes are those who think this experiment said anything about the quality of Payless shoes.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://www.pymnts.com/" target="_blank">PYMNTS</a>, <a href="https://www.adweek.com/" target="_blank">Adweek,</a> <a href="http://adtodate.mk/" target="_blank">Ad to Date</a>, <a href="http://www.bustle.com/" target="_blank">Bustle</a>, <a href="https://www.rhtc.com.au/" target="_blank">Rouse Hill Town Centre</a>, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/" target="_blank">Forbes</a></span></i>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-55658760236221486932018-12-02T12:32:00.002-07:002018-12-02T12:32:58.206-07:00Heavenly BodiesI've been very upfront about <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2011/06/versace-for-h.html" target="_blank">my relationship with Versace</a>. Never have I tried to hide the special place Versace has in my heart as the brand that ignited my lifelong passion back in 2007. Though it dawned on me there is one thing about this Italian house I have not yet talked about: Atelier Versace. So here I am today, ready to fully come clean to you about <i>mon amour.</i><br />
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While the core Versace <i>prêt-à-porter </i>collections can at times come across as flashy and tacky, the haute couture arm of the brand, Atelier Versace, is consistently flawless. I first discovered Donatella Versace's brilliance in haute couture when I began to notice time and time again she was behind some of the most splendid red carpet moments over the years. Angelina Jolie is clearly a fan. Her statuesque <a href="https://media1.popsugar-assets.com/files/thumbor/V-GZR_w23co098ZmmYDjU6EYcIo/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:format_auto-!!-:strip_icc-!!-/2012/01/02/4/192/1922564/eddf31f8dea06216_108078758_10/i/Angelina-Jolie-Atelier-Versace-2011.jpg" target="_blank">emerald column</a> at the Golden Globes? Her <a href="https://hauteliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/angelina-jolie-in-versace-2012-golden-globes.png" target="_blank">swipe of red</a> the year after? Her iconic <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/fashion/2016/01/25/angelina-jolie-oscars_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqb3EYpUjNTZ7Up23CMZZJSOxxajWwnrlt5CkSJHzyTxY.jpg?imwidth=450" target="_blank">thigh high slit</a> at the Oscars? All were thanks to Atelier Versace. And it's not just Jolie who looks <i>jolie </i>draped in Donatella<i>. </i>Selena Gomez deserved applause for her <a href="https://styledarlingonline.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/selena-gomez-in-a-white-plunging-neon-accented-atelier-versace-gown.jpg?w=715" target="_blank">brazen gown with fluorescent accents</a>, while Gigi Hadid struck a winning pose swathed in what looked like <a href="https://media.self.com/photos/5846e658f2c50b6163798bbe/master/w_728,c_limit/GettyImages-627981512.jpg" target="_blank">painterly strokes</a>. Atelier Versace is like the Sia of fashion: it is the silent, underappreciated genius who makes other people look good.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dutchgirlchronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dutchgirlchronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/image.jpeg" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="330" width="500" /></a></div>
But, of course, the red carpet alone cannot do justice exhibiting what Atelier Versace is truly capable of. For that, we must look to the collections themselves. Some of my personal highlights include...<br />
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<b>Spring 2012 Couture: </b>Gold metal splicing through with razor precision for maximum extraterrestrial glamour.<br />
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<a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/55c650f108298d8be218be4e/master/pass/00150fullscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="640" src="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/55c650f108298d8be218be4e/master/pass/00150fullscreen.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<b>Spring 2016 Couture: </b>Colour geometry and texture play pave the way for youthful yet thoughtful urban couture.<br />
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<b>Fall 2016 Couture: </b>This elegant dishabille, pleasantly reminiscent of <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2013/08/vionnet-fall-2013-couture.html" target="_blank">Vionnet demi couture</a>, encourages us to slip deeply into the folds.<br />
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<b>Spring 2017 Couture: </b>Deliberate use of mythology as a muse: the incarnation of Artemis through meticulous pleating and angular layering.<br />
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<a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/588619421de7041324ab9ecf/master/pass/16-versace-couture-2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="589" height="640" src="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/588619421de7041324ab9ecf/master/pass/16-versace-couture-2017.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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<b>Fall 2017 Couture: </b>Whether you see liquefied precious metals which harken back to <a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/55c650c808298d8be2160d52/master/pass/00150fullscreen.jpg" target="_blank">Prabal Gurung</a>, or a bronzed up Mystique in mid-transformation, this look is dripping with intrigue.<br />
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<b>Fall 2017 Couture: </b>A collection so strong I had to show it twice. With this embodiment of a winged crusader, Atelier Versace proves that perfection does exist.<br />
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<a href="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/595921b08864811a10a83507/master/pass/15-atelier-versace-couture-fall-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://assets.vogue.com/photos/595921b08864811a10a83507/master/pass/15-atelier-versace-couture-fall-17.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b>Fall 2018 Couture: </b>Natasha Poly serving up lewks which showcase the incredible workmanship behind the earnest art of embellishment.<br />
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What I see from years of couture is Donatella Versace has an acute awareness of shape and placement. She is able to gently trace intersecting lines across the canvas of the body in ways breathtakingly unexpected. She has honed her ability to carry out elaborate adornment by ensuring each and every bead serves a purpose. Wearing Atelier Versace is like indulging in that split second sensation after emerging from a dream where fantasy and reality are still lusciously intertwined. When it comes to haute couture confections, Elie Saab may be king but Atelier Versace is divine, blessing us with pieces crafted by the hands of angels in what may as well be the house of heaven.<br />
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Back when Versace was founded, Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the subject of his logo because it was believed the serpentine sister had the power to make people fall hopelessly in love with her. Turns out Versace had the foresight of a prophet, because boy, am I ever in love.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="http://www.dutchgirlchronicle.com/?p=4355" target="_blank">Dutch Girl Chronicle</a>, <a href="http://vogue.com/" target="_blank">Vogue</a></span></i></div>
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Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500063597221389958.post-9239223404373181922018-10-03T18:39:00.002-06:002018-10-23T18:07:57.334-06:00Meme ReviewHere I am again, in what has unintentionally become my third installment in a series of blog posts about the current state of fashion (click for <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2018/08/times-up.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-remaster-artist.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>). I feel like a peasant version of beloved YouTuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/shane" target="_blank">Shane Dawson</a>, who has been killing it lately with his docuseries (love you, Shane!).<br />
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Speaking of YouTube, you may be surprised to learn I watch the video platform's most subscribed channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PewDiePie" target="_blank">PewDiePie</a>. I actually don't watch fashion influencers, beauty gurus, or lifestyle vloggers...I watch comedy personalities. As someone who vehemently dislikes the comedy genre outside of YouTube (and Mr. Bean!), I realize this is an odd quirk of mine.<br />
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Earlier this month, PewDiePie posted a video about fashion.<br />
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In his video, PewDiePie speaks to what he considers the intersection of fashion and memes. He brings up various examples to support his claim, but as someone who is not immersed in meme culture, I'm left wondering, what makes a meme and how is fashion a meme?<br />
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I first went to trusty ol' Wikipedia for the definition of a meme:<br />
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<i>A meme is an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture.</i><br />
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In essence, pretty abstract. Memes do not have to be through a certain medium, they can convey any sort of concept, and they are not always very obviously a meme because only those who understand or have an awareness of the idea will understand the meme. One could say, however, that memes are most oftentimes humorous and flourish best on the Internet. With that definition in mind, I wanted to determine for myself whether fashion has become a meme.<br />
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<b><i>Memes are...</i></b><br />
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<b><i>...an idea, behaviour, or style.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>Fashion could clearly check off this definition. What we wear is a form of expression representing the ideas and beliefs of the time. So then, has fashion simply always been a meme throughout history, or is there something in particular about our current time that makes fashion a meme? PewDiePie seems to believe the latter. He points to how the loud, colourful clothing we have been witnessing lately is akin to the obnoxious style of memes. He shows us images of older Gucci and Louis Vuitton menswear collections where styling was more pared down and clean cut. While I appreciate his observation, I don't think being "loud, colourful and obnoxious" is necessarily what makes modern day fashion a meme. Fashion has always run along a spectrum of style, and elaborate dressing bordering on the unhinged has shown up countless times in the past. As I have <a href="https://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/2018/08/times-up.html" target="_blank">written about before</a>, what is different now is our anti-fashion attitude. I believe PewDiePie does actually get the same sense, and was trying to capture that point when he said fashion nowadays "doesn't take itself seriously. What used to be a parody is now reality." And that brings me to my next point...<br />
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<b><i>...humorous.</i></b><br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b>People sometimes only see stone-faced models parading down the runways, the snobby air of the glamorous industry, and clothing that seems straight up cuckoo...and they fail to see the underlying humour. Us fashion folk like to have fun. We don't always take ourselves so seriously. I will gleefully snicker while wearing a cardigan that looks oddly similar to a burlap sack (hear ye, my potato brethren!), deliberately donning tasteless logos, and topping off with a free baseball cap my dad probably obtained at some random event. Tongue in cheek fashion has always existed (I'm lookin' at you, <a href="https://thoughtsonelegance.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/vera-wang-wide-belt1-e1389101088698.jpg" target="_blank">Vera Wang</a>), but you could say it has reached a fever pitch in recent years. Ironic fashion has become a thing. Just look at the rise of hideous dad sneakers (the chunkier and more contorted the better, ladies!), Balenciaga's ongoing <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/19/style/balenciaga-ikea-bag-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">luxury parody of 99 cent items</a>, and the plethora of weird and wacky <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHjXwicEwQo&list=PLTJwUfUd8XBhfDNfwpmkJvjkvqWhM-ufT" target="_blank">"ugly" clothing</a>. If memes are humorous, then fashion has memeing down pat.<br />
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<b><i>...part of an inside joke.</i></b><br />
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While humorous, memes also gain value from jokes with obscure origins. You're only cool if you get the reference, hence the "random" humour of today's youth. Inside jokes in fashion are obviously harder to spot, but an example that sticks out to me is Prada's Flame Shoe bag. Back in Spring/Summer 2012, Prada released an It shoe: wedges with flames coming out the back. They were so iconic that after all these years, I still consider them one of Prada's most successful shoes. Lo and behold, for Fall/Winter 2018, Prada pasted its Flame shoe onto a handbag. If you didn't happen to be familiar with the shoe, you may have thought of it as just some arbitrary print -- but for those who were around in 2012, we remember. Another recent example we could consider an inside joke is Christian Dior's new J'adior moniker. Well, new-ish. It is of course a clever play on words with Dior's famed J'adore fragrance. </div>
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<b><i>...shared among many people or replicated in many ways.</i></b><br />
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Memes are meant to be shared. Sharing is arguably what the Internet was designed for: to link, to share, to connect. We have seen fashion shedding its elitist exterior and becoming more accessible in the past few years, but I have never seen luxury fashion as popular among the younger crowd as it is now. Suddenly, we have all these 20-somethings on social media coveting high-end labels. While I'm still shopping at H&M, my fellow Millennials on Instagram are flexing their Gucci slides, Gucci backpacks, Gucci loafers, Gucci tracksuits, Gucci belts, Gucci crossbodies... Luxury fashion has managed to go mainstream, making it more prevalent than ever before. Yet keep in mind there is a tipping point where memes are replicated so much they become stale and die. Not everyone can make a good meme in the same way not everyone can make a good fashion statement. I fear we will soon reach that tipping point where wildly popular high-end items will become so widespread they eventually lose their cool factor.<br />
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So after this assessment, have we decided whether fashion is a meme? I buy it. But I guess I still can't nail down with absolute certainty what makes fashion a meme -- though maybe that's the point. I'm not supposed to get it. In fact,<span style="background-color: white;"> I only make a jest of myself </span>by trying to explain the meme and have probably already been ostracized from the exclusive community of people who simply just get the joke.<br />
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<i>Edit: Following his initial video, PewDiePie posted another one listing out his Top 10 fashion memes. You can watch it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S6lczYYyuk" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Source: <a href="https://fashionista.com/" target="_blank">F</a></span></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://fashionista.com/" target="_blank">ashionist</a></span></i><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://fashionista.com/" target="_blank">a</a>, <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/" target="_blank">Popsugar</a>, <a href="http://www.brownsfashion.com/" target="_blank">Browns Fashion</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryland_Adams/status/986981352258977792" target="_blank">Ryland Adams </a></span></i>Angelica Nghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14351608204609415015noreply@blogger.com1