The Krystel Book

Do Over.

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Krystel) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 06:58:00 +0000

Wished I never stopped creating. That's my biggest regret. Forgive me. I started this blog as a place for fashion, but over time...it became clear that this wasn't for me. I don't regret the people and friends I made; that was the best part. I'm blessed to have met these inspiring individuals. Their fiery passions never left my mind. With this newfound motivation, I'm restarting this blog. This time however it will be focused on what I should have finished long ago. Project 365. Self portrait photography has been the biggest thing I've struggled with all these years. Seeing my flaws, past mistakes, and insecurities on screen just makes my blood boil and yet feeling ashamed. I hope you join me on this journey. It's going to be a rough one. Here's a toast to a new beginning!

Stacey Nguyen

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Krystel) — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 07:51:00 +0000

"...you don't have to spend a lof of money on an outfit...from brand clothing lines to thrifting, any piece of clothing can be worn if you know how to pair it right."

http://lookbook.nu/staceynguyen

Gardon Grove, CA

Photographs by Melissa Krystel

Chiffon blouse: Thrifted | Tube dress: Forever 21 | Belt: Forever 21 | Necklace: Forever 21 | Watch: Kohl's

Shirt: Thrifted | Jeans: Forever 21 | Ring: Forever 21 | Watch: Kohl's | Wedges: Forever 21

Tell me a little about yourself.
I am from Garden Grove, which is in Orange County. I am from the Boiling crab and the Volcano Tea (popular places here). Currently, I am going into my second year at Cal State Long Beach as a psychology major.

What are you currently doing?
I recently finished my first year of college, and I am still working as an AVID tutor at my high school. I enjoy motivating and guiding these students to success. My friend and I have been wanting to start on a fashion project, but we both have been busy lately.

How did you become interested in fashion?
The colors, textures, and trends have always fascinated me. I prefer dressing comfortably and being trendy at the same time. In high school, I usually wear club shirts for meetings and such; I can effortlessly just pair them with jeans. I didn’t really look into fashion trends at that time. It was the transition into college that helped me realize that I have an interest for fashion. I like to look classy with collared shirts, especially at work, so I started to show more effort when college started. At the end of one class I took first semester, everyone has to write a little something for each person. When I received mine back, many people said that they like how I dress. That made me want to continue what I was doing. From there, I realized there are not only categories like shirts and shorts, but chiffon blouses and pleated shorts.

What inspires your personal style?
From experiences in the past, I grew to be fond of the business and the business casual look. I enjoy watching beauty gurus on Youtube, especially ClothesEncounters because they made me realize that you do not have to spend a lot of money to present a pleasant outfit. They showed me that from brand clothing lines to thrifting, any piece of clothing can be worn if you know how to pair it right.

How do you approach getting dressed?
When approaching on getting dress, I have to check on the weather first. I want to make sure I am dressing appropriately to the right climate and occasion. Last semester, I had a hip hop class and so I wore sweats to school almost every day. I rarely dressed up. When it is a cold weather, I like to bust out my scarves and beanies/hats. As the weather shifts to more breezy cool climate, I prefer playing around with skirts and shorts of different colors and details. Since at the moment, spring is about the colors, so I have been experimenting with more bold colors such as for jeans and shorts. Overall, as long as the outfit is effortless and comfortable, any outfit would do for me.

What do you never leave the house without?
I never leave the house without a watch on. I like to pair watches with other bracelets. Besides earrings, I make sure I have some sort of jewelry on, whether it is necklaces, bracelets, or rings when I leave the house. Accessories are like ornaments to a Christmas tree. I think they bring the outfits together, giving the last touch.

What would you never get caught wearing?
I honestly don’t like how jumpsuits look on me. Since I am short, I try to wear bottoms that can elongate my legs. Jumpsuits are not appealing to my eyes, but I do see many people pulling them off.

What are your favorite stores/brands?
There are so many brands I like, but I prefer shopping at affordable places. My current favorite brands are Forever 21, H&M, Foreign Exchange, and Cotton On. It has been a while, but if I were to thrift, I would pick the Salvation Army. I haven’t tried exploring other stores, but I am open to try new things!

Other than fashion, what else do you enjoy?
I enjoy dance, music, crafts, and volunteer work. I have a passion for hip hop. Not only do I enjoy watching people perform and show their creativity through impressive moves, I also love dancing myself. As a kid, I started out with playing the piano. It is a common goal to have their child play the piano in our family. Wanting to add some spice to my music interest, I picked up the guitar not too long ago. I also like to create products for fashion (DIY’s) and just for display in the room. When I have an idea, I make sure it happens. Throughout my high school career, I volunteered every weekend with Key Club. I have less time in college, but I do love helping serve others. When I am with my cousin, we would look up new recipes to bake and cook for special occasions like birthdays and Mother’s Day. Another hobby I enjoy is having road trip/exploring adventures. Enjoying nature and city lights with good company makes me a happy camper.

What are your current goals and dreams?
My current goal is to graduate college with a psychology major. As of now, I enjoy Spanish and Communications. It is possible I will add a minor. Although I may not know what I want as a career, I know what I like. From my job as a tutor, I grew to enjoy assisting the students in their class and pushing them to their potential. I tend to analyze behaviors and why certain things are the way they are. I was thinking of pursuing a career in between a teacher and a therapist. As for personal goals, I want to improve my piano playing and dancing. If the passion and dedication are there, then I shouldn’t let go. My lifelong goal is to travel as many places as possible because I am open to experience different landscape, food, and culture. I also want to save money so I can help my parents enjoy and live that luxurious life.

DeeDee Do

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Krystel) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 07:14:00 +0000

"...as long as you're comfortable in what you're wearing, you look good, and I think that's the only rule I've ever come to dress by."

http://ohhaiidee.tumblr.com

Lakewood, CA

Photographs by Melissa Krystel

DeeDee is a young second year student at CSULB studying sociology. She's a born fashionista at heart who loves dressing up no matter the occasion. Her spunkiness and energetic personality can warm anyone's heart! She's especially talented at nail art and it's always a treat to see what she can come up next! Do check out her creatively awesome nails: DeeDee's Nail Art

Cardigan: Forever 21 | Top: Forever 21 | Shorts: Ross | Socks: Forever 21 | Oxfords: Steve Madden

Where are you from?

I was born in Long Beach, but I've lived in Lakewood all my life.

What do you currently do?

I am currently a student at CSULB, majoring in sociology, and about to finish my first year.

How did you become interested in fashion?

I've always been into fashion, but felt like I couldn't pull off the styles I liked and things like that, so... I just admired from afar. But last year, I met someone who became like a big sister to me, her name is Lenne. She's a fashion merchandising major at CSULB, and she kind of set off that spark for me, and got me to be really interested in fashion, and go for it. It's really easy to see how my sense of style has changed since.

What inspires your personal style?

I'm not sure, actually. I just wear whatever I think looks good on me. I don't even think I have a certain unique style about me. But if you pull bits and pieces from here and there, and put them together, I think that's where you'll find me. Lenne taught me that as long as you're comfortable in what you're wearing, you look good, and I think that's the only rule I've ever come to dress by.

How do you approach getting dressed?

I tell myself I'm going to plan out what I'm going to wear the night before, so I don't have to scramble and waste time the next day... And it rarely ever happens. So when I wake up, it's like... How to I feel today? What am I doing today, and what's the weather going to be like? And on some occasions, who do I have to impress? I'm definitely not the kind of girl that like, never recycles outfits, because I do sometimes, I just change up the top, or accessories, or something like that. I mean, hey, if it looks good, why not? Just as long as I won't be around all the same people as I was when I was wearing the outfit the last time. Yeah, I think that made sense.

What do you never leave the house without?

A bag! If I don't have a bag, I am missing something. Which is true, because I keep all my essentials in my bag - wallet, phone, etc. If I don't have a bag, I'm not leaving the house. And... I hate it when my nails aren't painted. The colors and designs on my nails change weekly.

What would you never get caught wearing?

Polo shirts. It's not that I have anything against them, or people who wear them, I just don't like to wear them. Because I wore them as part of my uniform in high school for four years straight. I graduated, and I've never worn one since. And I don't plan on it any time soon.

What are your favorite stores/brands?

I don't have any specific favorites. If I find something I like, then I like it, the brand doesn't matter. Sometimes, I'll be looking for one thing, and end up finding things that I didn't know I was looking for. I shop at Forever21 a lot though, because honestly, they have some really good stuff. I've recently gotten into thrifting, too. It saves me a lot of money, which is always a good thing!

Other than fashion, what else do you enjoy?

Dance, most definitely. I've been dancing since I was four. I don't do it as much anymore, but I'm definitely picking it back up soon. I'm really into nail art too, but I think that's considered fashion in some sort of way. I like to do my nails all the time though.

What are your current goals and dreams?

Right now, I'm honestly just trying to get through school. I'm still trying to figure out the kinks and quirks in my plans for life. But I can say that my goal will always be.. To be happy. That's all I could ever strive for.

Jessica H. Paek

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Krystel) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 01:26:00 +0000

"My fashion-crazed mother left me no choice but to get sucked in."

Los Angeles, CA

Photographs by Melissa Krystel

Influenced by her mother growing up, Heidi naturally fell in love with fashion and not to mention that she loves to model for the camera! In all fairness Heidi has never modeled before, but as soon as the camera came out, her secret inner modeling abilities naturally took over! Her bold personality and her fun quirky poses made the shoot so much fun that hours flew by in a matter of seconds! But don't let her fool you! She's a multi-talented CSULB grad with a voice that rivals Christina Aguilera's and crazy good horse-back riding skills that can make you drop dead with envy!

Vest: Millau | Long-sleeve top: Foreign Exchange |Earrings: boutique | Leggings: Mom's closet | Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

Pink Cardigan: Korea (boutique) | Top: Desigual | Bracelet: gift from Mom | Jeans: Guess | Heels: MaxStudio

Tell us a little about yourself?

I'm from Los Angeles, born in San Fran, raised in the heart of Koreatown. I graduated from CSULB last spring 2011 with a BA in Communications.

What do you currently do?

I'm a PR & Marketing Intern at an online fashion company.

How did you become interested in fashion?

My fashion-crazed mother left me no choice but to get sucked in. Whether it's the clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags, etc., her love of it all naturally influenced me too.

What inspires your personal style?

Distinct flair would describe my personal style. Even if I'm going for a simple and casual look, I still like having some kind of unique touch.

How do you approach getting dressed?

I approach dressing by using it as an expression of how I feel. If I'm feeling low-key, I'll go for a laid-back look, other times I would go all out.

What do you never leave the house without?

For me, it's important to go out with at least one accessory. That old line saying that accessories complete an outfit is so true. Throwing on that scarf as a last-minute add on can make all the difference.

What are your favorite stores/brands?

Alexander McQueen is a huge favorite of mine. Even with the namesake designer's passing, the designs are still innovative works of art that are actually wearable. Brands never guarantee anything though, and so brands I usually might not prefer could bring out pieces that I'd love. There really are so many, but to name a few, Helmut Lang, Cynthia by Twelfth Street, YSL, Miss Sixty, and many more.

Other than fashion, what else do you enjoy?

I love the arts in general! So music, dance, drawing, painting, and sculpting are my greatest hobbies. I'm also the ultimate bookworm, as my overfilled bookcases prove, and can never stop reading my way into new worlds.

What are your current goals and dreams?

Currently I want to combine my passion into my career as that would be the ultimate goal I have. With that I would walk the path of financial success and emotional well-being. And okay, for anyone that knows me to a certain degree, yes I will get my beautiful ranch filled with my favorite horses.

Lenne D. Tran

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Krystel) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000

"When I was a child...instead of wanting the Malibu Barbie or the next big toy, I'd ask my mom for a magazine I'd find right by the cashier and begged her to get it for me."

Long Beach, CA

Photographs by Melissa Krystel

Born and raised in Missouri, Lenne is currently a junior at California State University- Long Beach studying fashion. No matter what kind of day it is, putting together a stylish outfit is a breeze for this fashionista. Her fun personality and easy going attitude in front of the camera made time slip by so fast, who knew we'd shoot through six outfits in just a little over an hour! Did I mention she's also a stylist on the side? Go hire her.

Grey sweater: thrifted | Leather shorts: Asos | Thigh highs: Forever 21 | Shoes: gifted

Leather jacket: Red Apparel | Muscle tank: thrifted | Skirt: ? | Shoes: SoleStruck

Denim jacket: thrifted | White tank: mom's closet | Shorts: thrifted | Shoes: SoleStruck/Jeffrey Campbell

Hat: mom's closet | Paint splatter tank - Elev8 | Harem trouser pants: mom's closet | Shoes: thrifted

Crochet tank: Love Culture | Red skirt: Thrifted

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am currently 20 years old, I’m Missourian bred, California grown, and currently residing in Long Beach. I am a Fashion Merchandising major minoring in Marketing at CSULB. I am part of a cultural organization called VSA (Vietnamese Student Association) and in my free time I enjoy reading and writing.

How did you become interested in fashion?

This is a long story, but basically when I was a child I always loved clothes and had a driven perspective with it. Instead of wanting the Malibu Barbie or the next big toy, I’d ask my mom for a magazine I’d find right by the cashier and begged her to get it for me. I would then go home and cut the pieces I loved and wanted to wear in a notebook and it started from there. To have it become my lifestyle, that’s another story.

How do you approach getting dressed?

I approach getting dressed nowadays by how I feel in the morning. It’s usually the first item I grab from my closet and I’ll coordinate around it. My mom’s closet is the biggest reference I go to in the morning to figure what I want to wear usually. Other than that I try to stay comfortable because that’s when you’re at the highest stylish point- when you’re comfortable.

What fashion accessory/piece do you never leave the house without?

Lately it has been sunglasses. I feel like sunglasses can always pull your outfit together, and they are pretty useful.

What would you never get caught wearing?

UGGS. I don’t understand the use of this shoe nor how people can wear them with shorts. I admit I have a very bi polar style, but I think this is too much in my opinion.

What are your favorite places to shop?

I really enjoy thrifting and online shopping. Thrifting can just be an adventure sometimes, and online shopping is like a gamble for me and a assignment- if it wasn't as I expect it I try to make it into my style.

Other than fashion, what else do you enjoy?

I also enjoy black coffee, a cup of black coffee or an iced Americano can win my heart.