Liberate Fashion

snippets of my life in the past 3 months (via instagram)

2012-03-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Jewelry for the taking

2011-12-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Tagged along with the boutique owner I work with to a jewelry designer's (Micha Kuechenhoff of Micha Design) studio. It was an interesting visit. Learned lots on social media and jewelry making. Got an inside look on how the studio looked like and the basics of the jewelry trade.

Wished I had the talent to design jewelry so I could fill a studio full of jewelry for the taking.

I can never spell jewelry right without spell check....

Burrr

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Burrr... it's getting colder and colder here in LA. Perhaps this is the reason why I've been loving hats recently. They keep your head warm and saves you time from doing your hair (lol). A couple of style of hats I'm determined to add to my desperately in need of an update hat collection...

(The Cheap Chica's)

(The Vogue Diaries)

(Paradise for Your Eyes)

What's your favorite winter accessory?

Take me to a sparkly place

2011-12-05T23:27:00.000-08:00

I've been seeing DIY tutorials on glitter shoes, heels and pumps tutorials everywhere, (fabsugar, BurdaStyle, or Honestly WTF) so I decided to transform a pair of beat up flats into sparkly new flats. However, instead of mixing glue and glitter to create the sparkle, I decided to use what I had at home, glitter paint.

What I used:
1. Glitter Paint
2. Black fabric paint
3. Paint brush
4. Pair of shoes

(My beat up flat, with pieces dangling)

The difference between using the glitter and glue method vs the regular glitter paint is the number of coating you'll need to use to cover the shoes. With my method, I had to do about three coats of it to get to the sparkling stage.

It's easy as putting on your foundation. Clean the surface of your shoes then just simply paint on one coat of glitter then let it dry (which should take about two hours depending on the weather). Then reapply glitter paint until you've reached desired result. Now, as other tutorials have mentioned, you can use masking tape to tape over areas where you don't want the glitter to avoid going over the line. Since I'm painting all over the surface, I didn't use it.

(This is after one coating of glitter)

After I've covered all the surface with glitter, I used the black fabric paint to paint over the bow strip so it'll be as shiny as the other parts of the shoes. To finish off the shoes to insure the glitter won't come off, some tutorials suggest using an acrylic coating but since I used the glitter paint, I didn't bother with that either.

Voila, a brand new pair of flats.

Alternative Apparel Spring 2012

2011-11-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

It's been quite cold these days in LA. Wish Spring/Summer was here? I can't make time go by faster (although it sure feels like it's going by quite fast) but I can show you pictures from the Alternative Apparel Spring 2012 fashion show. It will bring a sense of Spring to your wardrobe.

The fashion show was produced by Style Fashion Week LA which they had a series of events for Fashion Week at Vibiana. Outside of Vibiana, people were found mingling with a drink in their hand prior to the show. Indoors, people sat in rows of chairs or stood behind to get a view of the runway. The fashion show featured both women and men Spring 2012 collection. To me, the collection seemed like a combination of American Eagle and Urban Outfitters. It was mostly beachwear, so to me, it seemed more like a summer collection. Nonetheless, it was still a good collection for Alternative.

To see more pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/liberatefashion/sets/72157628044613047/

(Please excuse the quality, first time trying blogger video upload)

in the mean time

2011-11-13T23:40:00.001-08:00

Went on a vacation recently, still trying to recover from vacation mode. Working, slowly, on more posts and my website. So stay tuned!

In the mean time...

Check out my photo blog, A Tiny Speck's View

Boo!

2011-10-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner, have you chosen your costume yet? It seems in recent years, whether you're buying your costume or making your own, Halloween has become sexier rather than scary. Women no longer want to be scary, they want to be sexy. Sure, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be sexy but I miss the scary. (Does this remind you of Mean Girls? ) A friend and I have even made a pact among many other Halloween costume ideas, one year, we'll be scary instead of pretty makeup with sexy outfits.

But what if you could be sexy AND scary? How? Easy, just zombify your costume. Are you a sexy rabbit? Be a zombie sexy rabbit. Are you a nurse? Be a zombie/killer nurse. It's all in the makeup. You CAN be sexy AND scary and unique. Here are a couple of makeup videos that I've found that can come in handy if you should decide to become scarier with your outfit.

Bat woman

Sugar Skull
http://youtu.be/EpgIScofGX8
(Unfortunately, couldn't embed the video)

Rag Doll

Psych Doll

Creepy Doll/Chucky

Add a claw mark

If these videos aren't enough for you, check out Promise (dope2111) and Audfaced for more costume ideas.

So what will you be for Halloween?

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

What to wear to a fashion show

2011-10-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

Before heading out to Alternative Apparel Fashion Show (review coming soon!), I decide to research on what to wear to a fashion show. Given that it was my first ever large capacity venue fashion show, I wanted to be prepared and dressed appropriately.

Here are some tips for your to put together the perfect outfit for your first fashion show:

1. Dress to impress. Why? Because you're going to a fashion show (duh! :p). People in the fashion industry knows and loves about fashion, you don't want to dress sloppy. Another good reason to dress impress, if you're working to build a career in fashion, by dressing to impress it will help you create new network and get yourself out there. How? When you dress to impress, you are more likely to get noticed by photographers, stylists, and others. It is a good way to build networks in the fashion industry.

2. Dress appropriately. Is it an outdoor venue or indoor venue? You want to look fashionable and stylish but not freeze your butt off or melt your face off from the heat. Also, take into consideration of the type of fashion show you are attending. Is the collection/brand known as casual or formal wear? Wear an outfit that will most likely go with the brand. (Same as how some celebrities would wear Dior dresses to a Dior fashion show.) If it's hard to determine if it's casual/formal or cold/hot, mix it up. Wear something that can be pulled off as both.

Casual

(Chictopia)

(Chictopia)

Formal and Casual

(Chictopia)

(Chictopia)

Chic

(Chictopia)

(Chictopia)

(Chictopia)

3. Trends. If you can't determine what pieces of clothes to wear, wear something trendy. It doesn't mean you pile on all of the current trends of the season. It means pick out one or two trends that you love and make it work, make it you.

Fringe/feather trend

(Chictopia)

Animal Print

(Chictopia)

4. Overdress rather than underdress. This way, you'll be overqualified not underqualified. A little black/red/white dress (with blazer if it's cold out) can never go wrong. Even more, you can always accessorize to glam up the dress or tone the outfit down.

Little Red Dress

(Chictopia)

Little White Dress

(Chictopia)

5. Research. If you still have trouble deciding on what to wear, do what I did, research. Research pictures of outfits you like and wear something similar or use the clothes you already have and put together something similar. Here's my go to link http://www.chictopia.com/what-to-wear-fashion-show/clothing They got tons of pictures that ought to inspire you to come up with your own outfit.

6. Confidence. This might sound quirky/chessy/cliche but the best accessory to make your outfit work is your confidence. Be confident in what you wear and you'll be able to pull off any outfit. Remember, you wear clothes, clothes don't wear you. Put on a smile, and you'll be ready to go.

Let's go LA!

2011-09-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, I attended Pop-Up at EM & Co which showcases collections from PetroZilla and Lisamichelle plus jewelry designs from Tiffany Kunz Design, Tatianna, and Black Tree Couture.

The collections from PetroZilla and Lisamichelle are modern and chic. They both look simple yet stylish. They're definitely suitable for the career women out there who can wear their collections both for work and then glam it up for the night time.

The jewelry are also simple not too over the top and wearable for everyday.

What I really love is the idea of supporting local designers. The Pop-Up is a monthly event where they feature different LA designers each month. A good way to promote the not well-known designers out there. You never know, maybe you'll see the next big designer before he/she became famous!

Want to see more pictures? Click http://www.flickr.com/photos/liberatefashion/sets...../

yay or nay?

2011-09-08T00:24:00.000-07:00

I'm all about color blocking, although i don't do much of it, (which is something i'm trying to work on) so when I saw it, I just had to ask, yay or nay?

(Celebuzz)
Sarah Jessica Parker for David Letterman

(Celebuzz)
To see more pictures just click on the Celebuzz above

For me, it's really hard to say if it's yay or nay. Yay, because it definitely works (in the same color genre etc. etc.), it's a bold statement, and you don't have to worry about clashing with someone else. Nay, because it's just so much red and pink! So, what do you think? Leave in the comments below, yay or nay?

famous

2011-08-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

The next starlet to watch out for, Emma Stone. Love her acting, sense of humor, her voice (yay, for deep voice), and her style. Perhaps it's because of her skin color but she can pull off almost any color and look fabulous in them. Not to mention her hair color, she can pull of any color too. Jealous!

(tfs,upperimage)

656. Celebrity Style: Emma Stone by amber-nicki-rose featuring diesel jeans

(tfs)

Didn't notice until I was looking at the pictures above, she kind of looks like Michelle Williams with her blonde hair, doesn't she?

Beads, threads, & bracelets

2011-08-09T02:58:00.000-07:00

I recently came across Honestly WTF's DIY Wrap Bracelet tutorial, they looked so simple I decided to make my own.

(image from Honestly WTF)

Mine turned are a bit different than theirs (remember to read the material list carefully if you do decide to make your own) but I still love wearing mine.

After making the wrap bracelets, I decided to look up ways of making other kinds of bracelets and came across these bracelets.

I've always loved the chunky and multiple bracelets that many bloggers wear. I've even tried looking for similar bracelets, but they just end up being too expensive. So mine might not look as good others, but they're definitely more affordable.

I've got to say, after making these bracelets, I'm very into making your own stuff now. They're so much more affordable and you get a sense of accomplishment when they actually turn out decent (haha).

Check out Honestly WTF for more DIY ideas.

Blank Inspiration

2011-07-21T00:40:00.001-07:00

It's been so long since my last post... why? you may ask...

Well, reasons are simple.

1. I haven't been fashion inspired recently. That means, don't know what to blog about and simply wearing comfy clothing not necessary fashionable or stylish(= t shirts and shorts) being that it has been pretty hot in LA.

2. I've been devoting most of my time on Good Night LA

but mostly because I haven't been fashion inspired.

So, here's my question to you "What inspires you fashion-wise?"

and now I leave you some pictures....

Hilarious Kristen Wigg. Love Bridesmaid & her eye makeup

a young Kate Moss

My go to celebrity. love her style & hairstyle

Can never have enough

2011-06-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

We all have an addiction or two in fashion. It could be bags, shoes, wallets, or anything really.

My name is BloggerCupcake and I have sunglasses and rings addiction.

If you haven't noticed from my previous posts (example here) I've been wanting and buying sunglasses. I didn't even realize I had a problem until my sister pointed out I should buy a new wallet instead of new sunglasses (since my current one is getting worn out). My collection isn't big, but it's definitely more than what one needs.

(can you see me?)

Rings are definitely an addiction I have. I could never stop buying them. I still remember when I went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market, scored a couple of rings for around $1 each, vowing I'll stop buying rings after these, only to buy another one at F21 the very next day. Rings are just such a good way to dress up your fingers and accessorize. Not only that, but they definitely help me with the urges to buy new clothes when I have no money to spend (being so cheap at F21 and other places, it satisfies the urges to shop).

(older rings collection)

What's your addiction?

Pictures are worth a thousand words

2011-05-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Off I go to enjoy my three day weekend out in the middle of the ocean.
(Can you guess what I'm going to be doing?)

Here are some pretty and hopefully inspiring pictures for your enjoyment. Have a great weekend everyone!

fashiongonerogue

Christian Summers (tfs)

they still need our help

2011-05-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, I attended a Japan Relief Benefit and Fashion Show, a fundraiser for Japan Emergency Relief Fund of America (JERFA). It's a reminder that even if we don't see it on the news anymore, it does not mean everything's okay. People in Japan still need our help. They're still recovering from the devastating event.

The fashion show featured Japan inspired clothing (designers Mayumi Bradshaw, Ahrniimura, Tsubomi, and Queenie4ever) and jewelry (Preco)

For more pictures click here

T-shirts from the fundraiser are available at EM & Co and you can make donations to the Shin Koyamada Foundation. For more detailed information on the event, read.

fade into the light

2011-05-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

A trend I'm not sure if it's an "OMG" or "eek", ombre hair.

Fashiontoast -"Low Key" (she explains how she gets her hair in this particular post)

Ashlee Simpson

Lauren Conrad

Rachel Bilson

Ombre hair has been here before but it's definitely making a come back. I first saw ombre hair on Fashiontoast (blogger effect? stay tuned! ) in recent years and I've got to say her hair is definitely one of the prettiest ombre hair I've seen. Simply put, ombre hair is basically having lighter tips and darker roots. Personally, it's a trend I'm still iffy about due to the prior impression I've always had on ombre hair, in which ombre hair was described as "pudding hair" (because it looks like flan) and it wasn't always associated with fashionable/stylish/good looking. Thus it's not a trend I would easily take on, although it does look good on some people and it's definitely healthier for your hair.

What's your take on ombre hair?

How I wish you were mine

2011-04-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's official, the first pair of designer sunglasses that I actually want...

Chanel 5018

I mean how cute is it? I first saw it on the Olsens

Now I'm seeing it more and more...

Which makes me want it more and more. Unfortunately, it's not something I can afford :( Unless somebody wants to sponsor me... anybody? :) For those interested, you can buy the glasses on Sunglasses for $189.

Sparkle

2011-04-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

A tip on extending the life of those gemstones on your ring, simply apply clear nail polish over the gem stones. The nail polish will act as glue to ensure the life expectancy of those stones. Plus, it will make them shinier. I used to do this for the little screws on glasses so they won't fall off as easily. (A tip my mom told me about)

Hop like a flea

2011-04-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

I recently visited two flea markets around the LA area (Pasadena to be precise). Being new at flea markets, I can't really tell you how they are compare to other flea markets around the area, but here's my experience.

Pasadena City College Flea Market
Available first Sunday of every month. Free admission.

(Hometown Pasadena)

The flea market was rather large with vendors on different levels of the parking lot and to the sides of the parking lot. We arrived later because I read on Yelp that you either go early for best merchandises or go late for best prices. So by the time we got there, some vendors have already started packing to leave. The vendors were all "vintage", meaning, you can't expect to find something wrapped in its sealed package. Cute stuff (clothes, books, furniture, records, and jewelry) can definitely be found but there were also things that you don't really understand why they ere there (toys that's very beat up, almost like out of the trash can, screws or hardware pieces that seem to be a missing piece from furniture). The good thing about it all was the price. I left with a couple of good finds all pieces not over $10.

(Scarves: $1/each, Earring: $6, Belt: $5)

Rose Bowl Flea Market
Second Sunday of every month. General Admission, $8.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is definitely overwhelming. I got there expecting just booths circling around the coliseum, but boy was I wrong. Not only were there tons of booths around the coliseum, but there were booths in the parking lots too (free parking available on the grass area). The place was massive. To make things easier, booths were separated into categories. Around the Rose Bowl were vendors with their own merchandises (their own brands) while around the parking lots were vintage vendors. There were also booths selling food (a hot dog and a drink was only $1.50). We got there toward the afternoon and we couldn't even really finish the whole market. It is no wonder people go there early. I would definitely recommend going there earlier because you can spend the whole day there and take your time looking around.

We bought the tickets near the entrance and got these little paper clip holders for free.

One trend I noticed at the market was feathers. Feather earrings, feather hair extensions, and feather hair clips

The prices there ranges from 50 cents to $30, depending on the merchandise. The merchandises with their own brands were more expensive than vintage merchandises. I left a happy girl with items not exceeding $20.

The most expensive thing we got was this faux fox tail for $15

Rings were 3 for $5

take me to a special place

2011-04-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

My new obsession of the moment, shoes. Been looking at shoes for the past couple of weeks and have decided, it's time I wear heels. Yep, I didn't wear heels before, but now I'm starting to wear them, or at least trying to. So I decided to start off with wedges and lower heels and got this baby from Cotton On (very comfortable by the way).

Also, very excited about the shoes I just ordered from Target.

Short hair don't care

2011-04-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

This post is going to be a bit different than usual. Ever wonder what's the fascination between women and hair? It seems one bad hair cut can ruin us and one good hair cut can instantly cheer us up. When we're desperate for a change, what do we do? We go to hair salon and change our
hair, whether it's color, cut, or perm.

I recently got a hair cut. I went from long hair (to the waist) to short hair (shoulder length).One week in and I'm still debating whether i like the hair cut or not, perhaps I just need to figure out a way to style it and get use to it. I got to admit though, I do miss my long hair.

A few celebrities who went from long to short...

Nicole Richie

Emma Watson

Victoria Beckham

Funny thing is my hair stylist kept saying "big change" (he just recently moved to the US) then when another girl came over to style my hair her first question was "What happened?"

Hat as a form of art

2011-03-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Finally able to upload the pictures I took during L.A. Fashion Week. Here's the pictures I took when I attended the ALAKAZIA=Hat fashion installation. The hats were amazing needless to say.

To see the whole album visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/liberatefashion/sets/72157626244734039/

California Girls

2011-03-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Nanushka

(Pictures are take from the Autumn/Winter 2011 collection )
Visit http://www.nanushka.hu/ for more information

Quail

(Pictures are taken from the Spring 2011 collection)
Visit http://www.qisforquail.com/ for more information

Two new lines I encountered during L.A. Market Week. Both are simple and stylish, reminds me of California girls. I was able to see the Fall '11 collection for Quail (got some very cute pieces) but couldn't find any pictures for it, but their Spring collection is equally cute and stylish.

Fashion evolution 1900s

2011-03-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

1910

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s