The Future with a Flair

If dream is truly destiny, then I can only dream that the future woman is one of the image I have visualized.

She is strong. She is brave. She is keen. She is smart. She is eloquent. She is vibrant. She is the new feminine. 

She stands before you, both feet planted, ready for anything the universe throws at her. Her scenery has changed; there are much tall, constructed standing structures on her land. Thankfully, her beloved trees of life have survived, still standing as strong as she, a harmonious relationship that has taken many agonizing years to strengthen and secure. She has found peace in the balance between modernism and naturalism. 

But hold up, this peacefulness doesn't imply she won't be ready to throw down for her planet at any moment. Her arsenal hangs from her ears and she remains alert at all times. They are mismatched, for well rounded protection. Her rings resemble compact portable crystals, for she has evolved into a female that is conscious and spiritual; an oracle. On one wrist, she wears a cuff, a sign of a warrior. On the other, double name tags, a sign of a double identity- one of the world we in our eyes and the other of the world in our hearts. 

I can not express how wonderful of a collaboration this was. Of the many logistical brick walls we were faced with, the power of creative determination remained a common denominator and we prevailed. The productivity is a testament to the soulfulness all of us have applied to our collective vision. 

Sensational jewelry by Lauren Matsumoto, Mitsymoto Designs. Further interest can be directed to this space.

Awesome photography executed by Jeremy Keith Villaluz, Jeremy Keith Photography. Explore more dopeness at his place.

Thank you, Jennifer La for stellar modeling, surely this won't be the last case.

And to Bj Las Ponas, just for bringing around such a warm face.

Last, but definitely not least, Tiffany Hoang, for you are the scallop to my lace. 

This is part one.

New Additions and Editions

Shawl We Proceed?

I've been thinking a lot lately about staples- 

things and people we consider necessities in life.

To me, it's important to recognize the intrinsic value of things and people that we associate ourselves with. It helps us make sense of our existence and brings us closer to a clearer and fuller projection of our inner selves. 

(And I wish there was a way we could all recognize Something in everyone we can associate ourselves with).

James is a former work associate of mine. He's a musician. He is a nomad. He is a free spirit, living according to his own vision with the natural flows of life to guide him. His style is directly correlated to his music. 

This is his staple. It is the focal point of all aspects of his style.

Then, he characterizes himself further by wearing statement pieces. (Statement pieces don't always mean bold, heavy, large accessories that draw maximal attention). 

And on this same day, I wore all of my staples together, while introducing my newest.

Brown tweed Kangal, black/white baseball tee, black shawl cardigan, Levi's acid wash jeans, brown riding boots, and the usual accessories. Now, meet my crocheted shawl. Great addition to my wardrobe now that spring has arrived. Airy enough to wear with dresses during a late breezy afternoon, thick enough to keep me comfortable on nights of outdoor philosophical coffee dates. What does this new shawl say about the progression of my inner self? Hmm. 

The Total Package

What makes a life and a style timeless?

 

I did a double take when I saw this lovely lady on the street. She stood there, in the nook of a tall building, waiting patiently, seeming perfectly content taking in the fresh morning air. She was striking and I loved everything about her. You can tell by the confidence in the way she stands and the eloquence of her outfit that she has crafted a style personal to herself, and she has arrived in her own skin. The simple, yet strong color coordination of her ensemble proves she has learned some lessons in life about refinement and precision. She is a classy lady. This is beauty and this beauty is timeless. 

Bow Down to the Springtime Princess.

We all have those days of sitting and day dreaming, imagining ourselves as love birds, nesting. 

This is the day when I accepted the fact that "reality" is a lot more logical. I realized how much more there is outside of my own life, my own romanticism's. So, I opened those windows, trying my best to escape the cage of my own self serving dreams, absorb the light, and fly forward with the flock's best interests in mind and heart. 

The weather on this particular day was like a fairy tale.

I adore vintage blouses like this one. It feels marvelous on my skin. Silk. Its shape is extremely flattering. Not tight at my arm pits, a little wider, and no shoulder seam. Good colors. Striped pastel, so just needs to be paired with something bolder and solid on the bottom. Only problem was the complications in keeping it tucked in neatly. Eh. 

Okay, so, the skirt. It hits at about my mid calf.  It's length challenges new proportions. 30/70. 

The belt. Good neutral color to mediate and twisted to the back for that sass. Studs for the edge.

How can I forget the shoes? White shoes usually aren't my thing, and wedges are tricky. I'm just lucky because these have a rich texture to them (where as most white shoes look flat) and the wedge is slimmed as it moves toward the back of the shoe, resisting the hulking feel of most others. Plus, the tone of the buckle plays with the belt color.  

All in all, I felt like a refined modern day princess. Now, to my chambers I will retire. 

Becoming

There are moments in life when we know it's time to step it up- 

when we know we have outgrown fits, styles, and perspectives. 

How we dress from day to day is a significant outlet to document our personal growth.

Danielle, a past prom client, contacted us seeking styling help to spruce up her work attire. Unexpectedly employed as a teacher at a vocational school- and the youngest one at that- she sought to project her maturity, but with some flair.  Her sophistication for her age never ceases to amaze me. Fashionably, on usual occasions, one can find her in a solid v-neck cotton T under a long cardigan, belt wrapped over and around both, blue jeans, and flats.  There was no reason to steer too far away from that. 

We found the cardigan first, it's sort of an abstract floral/animal print crossbreed. She wasn't used to wearing tight cardigans, but we all loved this new fit on her. She also foresaw herself wearing it out dancing with heavier accessories. Even better. The cobalt blue blouse under is sheer, which enveloped perfectly without all the bulky fuss.  The gray skinny jeans, her own, allowed her silhouette to shine, and the simple black pumps insist a higher elevation of maturity. Wonderful new proportion and height twists.  

The belt is so much fun. It wraps all the colors together and is a great texture addition without being too over the top. She can also wear it with simple black dresses or looser solid collar cotton button ups for the nightlife. We also found an indigo pencil skirt with a wide waist band and nice pleat details, to wear with her solid color T's, but unfortunately, there are no pictures available. Thanks Danielle for the opportunity! 

Moreover, here are some other noteworthy finds of the day...

She fits boys' blazers. Lucky! 

Now, this sequin top was TOO much fun to wear, so fun that I couldn't see myself ever wearing it, but twirling around in it was satisfying enough...

Curtain closing, the end, for now.