When We Were Young

Beanie: eBay

Sweater: H&M

Jeans: Wholesale Buying

Shoes: Target

From middle school to college, boys would ask me, "Did you pay full price for those jeans with holes in them?" And I'd respond, "Yup, I did." And they'd shake their heads in flabbergasted confusion and chortle a bemused, "I don't get it." Needless to say, I've been befuddling the opposite gender with my choice of denim since the early 2000s. 

For some reason unbeknownst to me (and clearly to the myriad of men who take it upon themselves to question my sartorial decisions), I've always had an affinity for destroyed denim. The sight of abrasions make my eyes sparkle and my bank account weep because "jeans with holes" are ironically quite pricey and no I can't make them myself. Believe me, I tried and epically failed.

But sometimes. Sometimes, the retail gods decide to #bless us plebic consumers with a pair of distressed denim in the perfect fit with the right amount of tears that (gasp!) don't cost an arm and a leg. 

The ones I'm wearing above, for example, are only 9 bucks. No, that's not a typo. They're 9 dolla dolla bills y'all. (See for yourself here.) Like...when does that ever happen? Well, I can tell you it happens all day errday on this Chinese e-commerce site called Wholesale Buying. They sell all the latest trends for basically pennies. Go take a peek for yourself if you don't believe me: wholesalebuying.com

On an entirely separate note, this article from Man Repeller was exactly what I needed this week. Given the alarming number of senseless and heartbreaking acts of violence occurring around the world these days, I think we all need some positive words in our lives. Let's also remember to try to understand and listen to different perspectives with peaceful empathy. Everyone has their own truths. Spread love, not hate.

Music

When We Were Young by Adele

Water Under the Bridge by Adele

Coffee by Miguel 

xx

Minimal Mood

T-Shirt: Target

Jeans: Proenza Schouler 

Sandals: Random Street Stand

Well, this outfit represents my official foray into the minimalist end of the style spectrum. I recently developed a greater appreciation for simpler sartorial choices because: 

1) For most of my semi-young life aka since I was given liberty with my choice of garb, I've used clothing as my form of self-expression to such an extent that I feel that it's become the only thing I use to project my identity to the world. And I know identity and monogamy are mutually exclusive because identity is fluid and constantly changing blah blah blah but I am going through a period of massive change aka I'm growing up and becoming an adult and facing a domesticity I never knew existed (it still kinda doesn't because I'm mostly eating at our cafe at work but I'm sorta cooking for dinner etc etc) so I feel different but not a tangible different that I can mold and project in any graspable way for myself or others. So. I'm embarking on some belated prepubescent self-experimentation and stepping away from the theatrics of my chameleon sartorialism to see if I can express myself without using clothes in order to regain a solid grip on my present self. Does that make sense? I don't know it doesn't completely make sense to me either but I'm trying to rediscover myself in a horribly cliche manner and I can't go on a Kerouacian road trip across the US so stripping my personal style to minimal bones (on most days/for now) will have to do. Ok, that's enough psychoanalysis for one blogpost.

2) Basic is the new black. Just kidding, black is always the new black, but I do think it's impressive when one manages to look effortlessly stylish without being all decked out in various forms of apparel and jewelry. French girls in the fashion industry, I'm looking at you. So yeah, I guess I'm attempting to channel that French girl cool into my daily look, but fear not, I still plan on whipping out my quirky ensembles every so often because my affection for the weird and strange and unique is still here. (Sorry mum. Sorry boys.) 

Before I transition into the music portion of this post I just have to holla at THE OUTNET because I found the above pair of Proenza Schouler jeans on their site for only 44 dolla dolla bills y'all!!! I mean, when does that ever happen?! They were originally almost $300 and I managed to score them for $44. Probs my most successful purchase of all time. If you're looking for designer clothes for insanely cheap deals, I recommend scouring the site. One of my friends recently bought a Moschino phone case for 20 bucks, which is also like WUT cuz they're usually over $100. So go go go! I'll just be here trying to subtly show off my new wrist tattoo in photos. Ha. 

Music

Carrie & Lowell (Album) by Sufjan Stevens

In For The Kill (Cover) by London Grammar

Dancing On My Own (Cover) by Calum Scott 

P.S. I stumbled upon this quote and it really resonated with me so I'm gonna share it here because maybe it'll really resonate with you too: "That detail of yourself that you want to throw away, hold onto it. It will make sense one day."

xx

What I Know Now

Dress: Nasty Gal

Sneakers: Target

Bow: Street Market in Taiwan

Bracelet: Link of Hearts

LA-based street artist Morley recently visited Carlsbad, CA to turn a chunk of wall into a huge chalkboard. In the center of the wall-turned-chalkboard, he painted: "IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW" in large block letters. Below that, he pasted: "WRITE A MESSAGE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF" in quieter letters. I encountered the piece a couple hours after he created it and almost all of it was already filled with colorful chalk messages. 

I think the clarity that comes with retrospection hits everyone over the head at one point in their lives, probably many times actually, so it's no surprise that people flocked to this wall to spill their experience-gained quips of wisdom. 

Although I, personally, believe truth is subjective, I also believe in learning through other people's truths. That's the appeal of art, isn't it? The catharsis that comes from the artist creating their truth in a manner so powerful that it unlocks something in you; thus, allowing you to understand yourself/the world/etc better. At least that's what I always look for in art. 

Anyways, these are the messages I'd write to my younger self:

1) Don't be afraid of failure. As cliche as it is, through failure comes growth and knowledge. 

2) Sometimes people leave. And yes, even the one that seems like forever. But you'll get through it. Life is beautiful even in the chaos. (And sometimes it's not what you think.)

3) Be spontaneous. 

4) Parfois la folie est la sagesse. 

5) Chase the dreams that scare you.

6) Science is NOT your forte. 

7) Float on, always. 

This is definitely not the end of the list. I'm constantly learning and changing my personal truths with the passing of time, but I'll stop at 7 because that's my lucky number. 

Music

Jolene by The Weepies

Perth (Bon Iver Cover) by Daughter

Blue and Grey by Elena Tonra

xx