Shop With Me

I'm bored.

I know the semester just started, but with only four courses (most of which don't require heavy essay writing), I find myself - probably for the first time in all my years of university - sitting at my desk with nothing to do. I've finished all my homework, completed my weekly job search, spent hours catching up with Kingsley, watched award-nominated movies, surfed the web, and published a blog post. And yet I still have hours left in the day. Being the kind of person who likes to remain busy, my mind starts thinking of what I can possibly do next. Read a book? Skype some friends? Find the cure for cancer? 

Aha! Of course. I can go shopping.

I had been meaning to go to the mall last semester, but schoolwork always got in the way. Now with significantly more time on my hands and uncharacteristically warm weather, I decided to make the trip out to window shop. The last time I took actual pictures of the things I tried on was back in May, so let's get another round of my ever-classy change room selfies. Come shop with me!

Forever 21

Those who know me will notice I'm rarely, if ever, in a crop top. But that doesn't mean I'm against these abbreviated pieces. I liked the long sleeves on this cut-out crop top I found, but as you can see, it's a size too big for me. As are the shorts, which I picked up for their porcelain print (love!).

Fringe is everywhere this season, especially on skirts. I had high hopes for this fringed number, but the strings hit below the knee, making it too overwhelming on my shorter frame. This skirt was also a size too big, although I don't think the proper size would have made much of a difference in this case.

For yet another instance of something being too big (story of my shopping life), here is a dress I took off the rack for its pretty illusion neckline. I had to pull up the chest area for the photo, and the skirt was so ill-fitting it wasn't worth including in the photo.

A grey turtleneck maxi dress. I instantly thought of cool, trendy street style gals when I saw this. Once I put it on, I also started getting visions of Kim Kardashian. Of course, I lack the voluptuous curves of Kim K, but I imagine throwing on a pair of grungy shoes and round shades, and emulating the hip ladies of Fashion Week. Surprisingly, this was my favourite piece out of everything I tried on.

Edit: Love that I'm almost twinning with YouTuber Marzia Bisognin (ie. CutiePieMarzia) in one of her lookbook videos!

Guess

I really adore lace inserts on dresses, but I felt a bit mature in this piece from Guess. For something more age appropriate, I think the dress could have benefited from being either sleeveless or shorter (having both might make it tacky). The sleeves also needed to be better fitting, although I did like the design on the torso.

Express

Another fringed skirt, but this time in asymmetrical suede - just to amp up the trend factor. I also happened to grab a button-up in a great floral pattern with matching bordeaux tones. While I wouldn't actually pair the pieces up like this for an outfit, this was an efficient way to show them both off. The top fit really well, although the quality of the fabric gave me pause. The skirt, while cool, looked awkward and overwhelming on my short legs. I find I can rarely pull off such dramatic asymmetry, but perhaps what I needed was a pair of heels. Either way, I can imagine someone tall and modelesque wearing this skirt really well.

All-American

On October 5, American Apparel filed for bankruptcy. From a customer perspective, I can't say I was all that surprised. Recently, I researched deeper into the company's reputation for a report (which I ended up doing well on...writing about fashion for school is always a good idea), and after learning more about the situation leading up to the bankruptcy, the future does not look bright for American Apparel.

Naturally, the first thing I want to look at is design. American Apparel used to be quite popular among university students a few years back, although I personally never understood why. I reckon the label's skin-tight bodywear catered nicely to club-hopping females, but besides that, the store had nothing exciting to offer. The designs not only varied minimally from season to season, they themselves were fairly basic. For the money American Apparel asked for its products, I didn't find the design pulled through.

However, with more research, I can appreciate that higher prices were justified based on the fact its manufacturing is vertically integrated in California. The company also has a commitment to fair treatment of its workers through higher than average wage.

But of course, design is not the real reason American Apparel floundered - founder and former CEO Dov Charney is. Throughout the 2000s, Charney faced multiple lawsuits from former American Apparel employees for sexual harassment. Coupled with the company's infamous sexually-charged advertising, American Apparel's reputation took a hit (and surely, the legal fees didn't help its bottom line either). The company's share price peaked in 2008 at $15, but over the next six years, began steadily declining to just over $1.

Interestingly enough, I came across an article that suggested the toning down of risqué American Apparel advertising will only hurt the company further - that in some ways, offending people was exactly what gave the company sales. There may actually be value in this argument. American Apparel advertising had always been provocative, and even by 2008, the company had still been named “Marketer of the Year” by LA Fashion Awards, “Label of the Year” by The Guardian, and “Retailer of the Year” at the 15th Annual Michael Awards for the Fashion Industry. Therefore, the downfall of the retailer can be attributed more to Charney than its salacious advertising. However, at the same time, that does not mean continuing with business as usual is going to serve the company well. In light of Charney's scandals, American Apparel's advertising will have to change. It will have to be provocative, but in a different way. I recommend focusing more on its existing campaign of using regular, unphotoshopped women on the streets as models, provoking through constructive social discourse, and using LGBT models/brand ambassadors.

Nonetheless, bankruptcy cannot be solved through mere adjustment of reputation. American Apparel will have to reorganize its finances. I have read many who think the company's commitment to local production is a hindrance to profits. It is expensive to manufacture in Los Angeles, but I do not think that is an area American Apparel should consider compromising. Its reputation is already tarnished; the last thing it needs is to throw away one of its big bragging points.

At the time of writing this post, news was released that American Apparel will be closing its original store location in Echo Park, and has received an extension to its period for filing a reorganization plan. Looks like there is a long road ahead for the once highly-regarded company.

Image Source: JPDA,The Gaurdian,PurrinCup

Game On

The gamer, holed up at home playing video games, caring more about graphics, gameplay and leaderboards than the latest designer collections. The fashion fanatic, weaving in and out of runway shows, caring more about the intricacies of an outfit than how to defeat enemies and achieve objectives. 

The gamer and the fashionista. Two types of people you wouldn't expect to come together.

And yet they have. 

The beautiful thing about fashion is that it is pervasive. Even those who say they care nothing about fashion still have to get dressed in the morning, and their very disregard of clothing is in of itself a style statement. Fashion collaborates regularly with the entertainment industry, and that relationship is widely celebrated. Yet even though fashion plays a similar role in gaming (hello, cosplayers!), that particular relationship appears to be less of a talking point in both industries.

I do have some basic, surface knowledge of gaming from watching YouTuber PewDiePie (although I watch him more for his comedic personality than his gaming), but beyond that, I am definitely not a gamer myself. However, a number of my friends are, and recently, one of them sent me a couple of links that helped open my eyes to the dialogue between fashion and gaming.

First of all, if there's one way I'm going to relate to gaming, it's through fashion. My friend sent me this hilarious article from Polygon that pits the various outfits of Final Fantasy character Sid against a panel of editors from Racked. I, like the editors, have limited knowledge about Final Fantasy, and so I loved all the quippy commentary provided by women whose eyes are fresh to the game, but well-versed in fashion. From breaking Cid's looks down into fashion terms, to analyzing his mix of textures, to referencing runway shows, this article was an absolute delightful read.

But what really piqued my interest was learning Louis Vuitton is featuring Final Fantasy character Lightning in its Spring 2016 ad campaign. Now, I would have had no idea who Lightning was if my friend had not explained to me a while back she is the older half of a sister duo (and after looking at a picture of both sisters, I must say the edgier older sister is definitely more in line with the Louis Vuitton brand). For someone who never thought knowledge about gaming would come in handy, I found myself grateful for being able to recognize the reference one of fashion's most ubiquitous labels was making.

Furthermore, Nicholas Ghesquière also highlights Minecraft and Tron: Legacy in his Spring 2016 runway show. Judging from the pink-haired model who opens, Ghesquière also likely had Lightning as his muse very early on.

This is not to say I'm suddenly into gaming, but as can be seen, when both industries are more open-minded about each other, great collaborations and projects come out of it. While those who are fans of both Final Fantasy and fashion may be few and far between, this at least starts a conversation between the two groups - like it has with me and my friend - where each can learn from the other.

Image Source: Rainer Tachibana, Hard and Soft Gaming, Adland

Boxing Day Breakdown

In Canada, December 26 is Boxing Day, a day of year-end sales and buying frenzy. Realistically through, nowadays Boxing Day is more like Boxing Week and the sales are quite meager. With the weak economy and rise of online shopping, the malls are hardly as packed as they once were. Nonetheless, going out on Boxing Day is almost a family ritual for me even though we often leave empty-handed. For our shopping trip this year, I tried on a number of dresses, but found nothing I wholeheartedly wanted. Along the way, I came across a couple of pieces I found interesting - some of which I tried on (and bought!), some of which I simply admired.

Self-Portrait High-Neck Column Dress

Let's start off with something bold! I saw this Self-Portrait dress in Holt Renfrew, and was impressed by the quality of the thick teal lace overlay. At first I thought it was entirely see-through and meant to be used as a layering piece, but then noticed the bandeau and skirt inner. This is clearly a daring dress, but I like the plentiful display of skin juxtaposed against the midi-length and high-neck silhouette.

French Connection Slick Chain Mini Dress

Hudson's Bay was one of the stores this year that had fairly good sales. My mom found this French Connection chain dress discounted to around $40. What I found really unique about this dress was the string of chains across the chest and along the hem. The dress fit me perfectly, but as usual, I felt uncomfortable with the way the arm holes cut in. Shame!

Banana Republic Chiffon-Fringe Blazer

I saw this chiffon-fringe blazer hung up on display and thought it was a great update to a wardrobe basic. I would style the blazer differently than shown here to make it classier and draw focus onto the fringe, but I would have to try it on to really determine if it's as good as it looks on the rack. I did notice the fringe tended to stick to whatever is underneath, so it could be a nightmare trying to keep the strips nice and aligned.

Burberry Kensington Trenchcoat

At long last, I have tried on a Burberry trenchcoat! My mom picked up one of Burberry's classic Kensington trenchcoats in my size, and I was surprised by how well it fit. I always thought I was too short to pull off a trench, but the impeccable tailoring of the world's most famous trenchcoat maker balanced out the length perfectly. One day, if I ever buy a trenchcoat, I know there's only one place I'll get it from.

Banana Republic Red Full Skirt

At last! The only thing I bought during my trip. I have always wanted a full skirt because I think it is a staple for the sophisticated woman. I tried on this Banana Republic skirt I found on sale for around $20 (and in size 00P!). Not only did the skirt fit well, I liked the sturdiness of the thicker fabric and the standout shade. I practically made a split-second decision to buy it (I am rarely such an impulse buyer), and only realized once I got home that the skirt comes with the added bonus of pockets!

Banana Republic Shirred Drop-Waist Skirt

This is another skirt from Banana Republic I would have bought if it came in my size. I generally don't think I look that good in looser, shorter skirts, but the fitted waistband above the ruffled drop-waist helped create a more flattering shape on my frame. The skirt was short, but not too short for my comfort zone. I absolutely adored the soft pink colour and lightweight fabric - it made the skirt pretty and feminine, but also flirty.

H&M Glittery Skirt

I've always wanted a sequin skirt because it can add such great texture to an outfit, but it's difficult finding a unique design in both good quality and price. I found this sequin skirt from H&M in a cool iridescent shade on sale for only $10, so I thought I'd give it a try. While it fit pretty well, the quality was too obviously lacking. As you can see in the photo, the inner lining is actually shorter than the skirt, leaving a portion of the hem a little sheer. Even though I like the concept, the execution does not pull through on a skirt of such cheap quality. The sheer edge emphasized the thin material and the hem easily puckered into a wave in the back. An example of why I always shop with a discerning eye in fast fashion stores - sometimes quality can be cheated, sometimes it's just too obvious. 

Gucci Fur-Lined Slingback Pump

We started with something bold, now let's end with something bold. These Gucci fur-lined slingbacks are absolutely crazy! These are shoes that keep on giving - first the red leather, then the kangaroo fur, then the gold heel, then the two large crystals behind the heel. It's sensory overload, and although I initially thought it was a bit much, I've seen some brave ladies sporting these in street style pictures, and they look like the ultimate fashionistas.

Image Source: ASOS, Revolve Clothing, Drez, WhoWhatWear, Lyst, H&M, Gucci  

Product Review: Green Tree Jewelry

Long, long ago, I once mentioned I never leave the house without a pair of earrings on. That remains true to this day, although lately I have also been getting more into necklaces and rings. Regardless, an issue I have always had with earrings is that as gorgeous as they are, larger drop earrings can be very heavy. You look and feel great, but boy, do your earlobes pay the price. By the end of the day, the sensation of removing those earrings becomes akin to that of removing a pair of vertiginous heels.

As a result, I only wear my particularly heavy earrings on special occasions - which is a shame! However, when I came across Green Tree Jewelry, I learned their earrings are not only made of laser-cut wood harvested from trees through sustainable methods, they also promise to be feather-light. Since the brand appears to specialize in large drop earrings, I was looking forward to putting their claim to the test.

Green Tree Jewelry graciously sent me three pairs to test drive

Considering their earrings are made of wood, I decided to select pairs in darker tones and more geometric shapes to complement the material. After wearing each pair for a day, I can attest these earrings are incredibly lightweight, especially for their size. It feels as if you aren't wearing earrings at all!

I thought the size of these earrings would go great with winter dressing, and so I matched each pair with a cozy sweater of mine.

Chevron Deco Earrings in Purple

The Chevron Deco earrings feature a unique teardrop design, and I like how there are two shades to the earrings, allowing me to have a subtle pop of colour against my darker hair.

Interlocking Diamond Earrings in Cherry Red

I thought the intricate lattice design of these Interlocking Diamond earrings would look great in a brighter colour. I chose the red knowing it would perfectly match my go-to floral scarf.

Fountain Pyramid Earrings in Cinnamon

Finally, I couldn't be trying out wood earrings without getting a pair in a natural wooden colour. I knew instantly these geometric Fountain Pyramid earrings would go well in a darker brown, as well as paired with my classic camel sweater.

Green Tree Jewelry's other earring designs cover a wide range of styles, from adorable animals to elegant scrolls (which I find so unique!). While some may suit those with more eccentric style, with over 600 designs, there are certainly options for those looking for something more minimalist. As for me, I'm just happy I get big impact earrings without the pain.

If you're interested in getting a pair for yourself, or think this could be a great holiday gift for someone you know, make sure to use the promo code FASTSHIP15 after registering to receive free shipping in the United States.

Financial compensation was not received for this post. The earrings were gifted to me by Green Tree Jewelry for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smile for the Camera

Yesterday night, Essena O’Neill became the latest viral topic. O’Neill is a teenage Australian Instagram star who decided to break past her façade and quit social media. After years of obsessing over 'like's on her flawless candid shots - and feeling the pressure of making those very candid shots flawless - O'Neill finally cracked under her lack of authenticity. To her fans, she appeared to live the perfect life. She had corporate sponsorships and modelling gigs, and as far as her social media made it seem, she lived a gloriously happy life. But in reality, O'Neill was far from happy. Her life on social media was a careful construct of lies and deceit. She felt addicted and consumed. She had lost a sense of her self.

And so, O'Neill quit social media. She deleted a large portion of her online presence and edited her Instagram captions to reveal the true behind-the-scenes of her life. She could very well be jeopardizing her social media career, but there's a more fulfilling life to be gained in exchange.

I have most certainly been victim to letting the shiny veneer of Instagram get to me. I've spent more time than I would like to admit scrolling through Instagram accounts of girls who appear to have it all. Girls with enviable wardrobes, fantastic bodies, photogenic visages, incredible photography skills, glowing confidence, and of course, a seemingly glamorous life. These are the kind of girls I look at and think, she is more fashionable than me, she is more successful than me...she is better than me.

I had written last year about the moment it finally hit me how fabricated glamour and perfection really were in fashion editorials, but Instagram is a different monster to tackle. The thing with Instagram is that it is a platform for everyone. It is not an elite, industry publication, but rather a platform for the 'everyday' girl. We all know deep down that comparing ourselves to media portrayals of women is futile, but when it's a girl you know from school staring back at you with her pearly whites, expensive dress, and long lean legs, the feeling of inadequacy becomes more real. I see them in the hallway and I wonder how it is they live such a 'perfect' life, whereas I end up in my sweatpants, alone in front of my laptop, slaving over homework - day in, day out. What part of my life did I not work hard enough in to stray so far from the path of my peers?

But O'Neill is a noble reminder that things are not always what they seem. Even our peers smile for the camera and put on a face for show. The type of perfection Instagram is characterized by is not innate; no one truly lives like that. A mere collection of photos does not, and cannot, represent all the intricacies of someone's life - and so I shouldn't let Instagram fool me into thinking that it does.

Although let me admit I am not entirely pure. I, too, post photos on my Facebook page that attempt to paint my life as more stylized than it really is. Of course, a significant part of why I do so is simply wanting to share my excitement with others, but another part of me does feel the pressure to validate myself as a "fashion person". Yet hopefully, I keep it real often enough to remind all of you that I'm honestly just your average girl. I'm not a model; sometimes I pose awkwardly. I'm not a photographer; sometimes my photos are blurry. I'm not wealthy; sometimes my clothes are boring. My photos aren't professional enough to land me a sponsorship, but that's just fine. This is who I am, and while lives on Instagram do indeed appear quite pretty, I know I can find happiness on my own terms.

Edit: O'Neill has deleted her Instagram account

Image Source: Photo 1, 2

Campus Collective

Now that I've been back on university campus for two months, there are some very definitive trends that have arisen. In fact, spend just one day walking around campus, and you'll have acquired a full trend report by the end of it. This is where trends become amplified, and we sometimes spin inexorably towards a campus of carbon copies. Nonetheless, below are some trends I observed during September and early October. Entering the meat of autumn, new trends have already begun popping up (I've already seen four UGG boots on campus...why do people continue to wear boots that resemble loaves of bread?), so let's get started!

Ripped Jeans

Ripped jeans were cool when we were angsty teenagers, and now they're back for the grown up stylish set. There are two versions of this trend: boyfriend jeans with tears along the leg, or skinnies with rips across the knees. If you ask me, I prefer the former because the sight of two bare kneecaps can sometimes chop up the flow of an outfit. Plus it's not particularly flattering when one has to sit and one's bent knees cause the seemingly narrow rips to become gaping holes. But while ripped jeans generally elicit cries of confusion from people who don't understand the concept of buying ruined jeans - you know what, I get it. These aren't just any ol' rips. These rips don't resemble regular wear and tear because they are consciously created as part of the design. I call it "strategically ripped" (a phrase to which a guy friend of mine looks at me like I'm insane and cackles in dismay at the state of the world). But regardless, these rips are done just so and placed just so to make it a visual statement rather than a sign of sloppiness.

Blanket Scarves

So forget about tying a button-up shirt around your waist, the trendy thing to do this season is drape a scarf across your shoulders. Instead of a shirt flapping nonchalantly against your hip, now it's all about the dynamic movements of a scarf fluttering in your wake. I'm pretty sure this is a remnant of Burberry Fall/Winter 2014 (those blanket shawls!) finally catching on among the younger crowd. I do enjoy this trend, though. Its ease and oversized stature are really hitting the current cultural mood: cool and carefree. I can attest this trend is definitely worth a try; I felt amazing when I tried it out earlier this summer. Although, as a word of warning, if you are using a scarf as a poncho, it can sometimes be difficult to keep the scarf in place and arm movements can be limited. But hey, you only need a still shot for your Instagram anyway.

Sperrys

This was not a trend I had at all anticipated, but here it is, materializing before my very eyes on campus. I knew sneakers were all the rage over the summer, and I had expected to see more rubber pounding the pavement, but instead, girls are taking the comfort trend in another direction: Sperrys. In all honesty, I haven't seen Sperrys cropping up in any street style photos (or elsewhere, for that matter), so I'm guessing this is simply localized within the campus crowd. Coincidentally, just this summer, I discovered my grandmother's pair of old cognac leather loafers in the basement. I've been giving those loafers a second life, and although they are a great way to add colour and texture to an outfit, they can sometimes be too chunky and casual to do some outfits justice.

Thigh-High Socks

Admittedly I haven't seen this look happening too often on campus, but because of its complexity, it's worth a mention. The mini skirt - thigh-high socks - ankle boots combo. It's a look that can be cute, sexy and indie all at the same time, but it requires many parts of the equation to align flawlessly in order to work. Frankly, there are certain leg shapes that will pull this off better (ie. long and lean), and you have to be comfortable wearing a short skirt because you'll need to ensure you show off enough skin to achieve the look (tip: go with a romper!). Shoes can be heeled or flat, but generally look best when they hit the ankle bone or slightly above, and fit snugly around the ankle. Socks should be of thicker material and not look to be pinching your thighs. But despite these guidelines, the look can be quite hit or miss; sometimes girls look great in it, sometimes the outfit looks choppy and awkward.

Bodycon/Ribbed Dress

I have an inkling this trend was inspired by Kim Kardashian and her curve-hugging dresses, although, bodycon dresses have been around for years; what makes them so special this year? One, the fabric. The latest bodycon dresses are often done in ribbed fabric or thin material (quite unforgiving!). Two, the colour. For some reason, grey is the go-to shade. A Google Image search of simply "ribbed dress" will give you almost two entire rows of grey dresses. Perhaps people are drawn to its casual yet steely vibe, or grey just so happens to be a great neutral for pairing with other pieces. Three, the neckline. Necklines that cut in like a halter with two spaghetti straps are quite popular, and even if they don't cut in, the dress is at least sleeveless. I am personally not a fan of this neckline on myself because I don't like how my shoulders and marshmallow-soft upper arms look in it, but all the more power to girls who rock it. Last but not least, the hemline. I suppose to combat the seductiveness of va-va-voom curves, the latest bodycon dresses tend to hit at the knees or below. A surprising move to modesty, but I'd say it's a good design decision to keep this trend just the right amount of classy.

Image Source: Jeans,Scarf, Sperry, Socks, Dress