Thursday, January 27, 2011

Send me to WWDMAGIC!

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1. How did you start your blog? What was the creative inspiration behind putting yourself out to the world?
When I first started my blog, I only posted photos of clothes I'd seen on websites and coveted. But I realized that more than the clothes themselves, I loved creating and styling entire looks to express a certain mood, which is what I did every morning on myself! My blog quickly evolved into my personal style diary. I continue to use it to chronicle everything I remain inspired by, such as stylish people, exquisite clothes, mouthwatering food and beautiful photography.

2. From where you began to where you are now as an independent writer, what are three valuable things you’ve learned about your craft?
1. Find your own voice, a way of writing and a distinctive tone that works for you. 2. Networking is not only fun, it's important for growth. Connecting with other bloggers opens the door to opportunity and gives you inspiration to continue working on your site. 3. Update your blog regularly, but not too often so as not to overload your readers. Instead, make each post count with thoughtful words and well-chosen pictures.

3. What is your personal style?
I'd describe my personal style as sophisticated, yet whimsical. I love creating a chic, put-together outfit, but adding one element that's pure unexpected fun. On a night out, you might find me in a lacy top and feminine skirt paired with motorcycle boots, way-too-big-for-me earrings and a seriously messy 'do.

4. What brands are you head over heels in love with?
I adore 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, camilla & marc, Elizabeth and James, Tsumori Chisato, Pencey, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Lanvin.

5. What are three of your favorite websites?
Twitter.com, which is where I first hear about so many current events in the world and happenings in my city; Lookbook.nu, which gives me style inspiration from real people around the world; and WhoWhatWear.com, which I think is a well-written, eloquent fashion site that is never unkind.

6. Who are three people you love to follow on twitter?
@DKNY (the anonymous girl behind this account possesses both a sharp sense of humor and a clear passion for her work), @JimShi809 (though he attends some of the most fabulous and exclusive industry events, he writes about them with a down to earth humility) and @Refinery29 (the site's tweets are always informative, especially about fashion events in my local community).

7. What do you hope to gain from attending WWDMAGIC?
I'm eager to flex my networking muscles and connect with a variety of people in the industry - buyers, retailers, manufacturers, other bloggers. I'd also love to check out the hundreds of new apparel or accessories brands, and learn about the latest emerging trends in fashion!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Yellow fever

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(Katy Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg jacket, Kenneth Cole boots, F21 ring, Fallon earrings, Michele watch)

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Photos by Catharine Acurso.

Last year, I was browsing the racks at a Refinery29 sample sale in Los Angeles, when I unearthed this whimsical number from designer Katy Rodriguez, whom I've long admired for her knack of giving party frocks an edge. The first thing that drew me to the dress was not the exaggerated bow (although that was a close second), but its rich mustard golden-yellow hue. I love the chic all-black and neutral ensembles that I find so many stylish people wearing lately; the look is so classic, effortless and sophisticated. But I feel like life could always use a little more color - a dash of fiery red here, a burst of sunshine yellow there - so I try to incorporate as much as possible in my wardrobe!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Moschino & tulips

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(Free People lace dress, Zara blazer, H&M hat, Moschino belt, Kelsi Dagger shoes, Elizabeth Wahyu ring, Banana Republic bracelet, Sarah Aghili giraffe necklace)

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Photos by Catharine Acurso.


I just had to jump on the Moschino belt bandwagon. After a bidding war on eBay, I scored this vintage Moschino belt and have had a hard time prying it off ever since. The blocky, gold letters against the sheen of black leather make this one accessory that can completely transform an outfit. So I kept the rest of my look simple and sleek with a black lace dress and tights.

The sculpture I'm posing in front of, "Hymn to Life: Tulips" in Beverly Hills, is by Yayoi Kusama and has special meaning to me. I lived in Japan for a year, and spent many weekends traveling throughout the country. The most memorable place I visited - aside from the exciting bustle of Tokyo and the wondrous serenity I found in Kyoto - was a small island in the Seto Inland Sea called Naoshima. The island, every art lover's dream, is littered with open-air sculptures, including a massive yellow pumpkin by Kusama. The fiberglass pumpkin is perched on the edge of a pier by the ocean, and the sight of it against blue skies is awe-inspiring. I visit Kusama's sculpture in Beverly Hills every so often, and whenever I see the whimsical dotted flowers and bright colors, I feel like I'm right back on that beautiful island.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Where land ends

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(Lands' End Canvas plaid pleated scarf, Lands' End Canvas raglan crewneck pullover, J.Crew pants, BCBG shoes, vintage Ferragamo gloves, F21 glasses, James Perse button down shirt, Nadri hoops, gifted Michele watch)

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Photos by Catharine Acurso.

As a Lucky Style Spotter, I recently got the chance to check out Lands' End Canvas, a collection catering to the slightly more urban and hip Lands' End customer. After perusing their sizable selection of classic, affordable clothes, I ordered two items that offered endless styling possibilities - an oh-so-soft pullover sweater in navy and a cheeky plaid scarf. Both proved to be high-quality pieces with an emphasis on stylish detail; I instantly noticed the pullover's perfectly boxy fit and cozy fabric, as well as the the scarf's quirky pleats.

The short-sleeve sweater called for some layering action, so I tossed it on over a button-down shirt. While I love the timeless plaid-and-khaki look, an edgy twist - in the form of leather gloves and platform heels - was exactly what this preppy outfit needed!