justdoz

Yes, I'm still Alive.

2016-02-22T20:35:00.001-08:00

So I never officially broke the news on my blog but (wah-lah) I moved to Kansas!

Totally random I know. This decision came after much discussion. It may have seemed rash but it really needed to happen. During the Summer of 2015 my parents visited my Grandma (my Dad's mother) and Uncle in Tonganoxie, Kansas. That trip revealed so much to my parents and they came back to North Carolina with excitement. Well my Dad was excited. Mom, she was happy but she was worried. She already could tell that Dad wanted to leave her beloved home in North Carolina.

Our family in Kansas are part-time farmers. They grow flowers and vegetables and sell to their local flea market on the weekends. It's quite a daunting and hard-working job but can be very fruitful, financially. Which led me to be convinced that I needed to go.

When my Dad asked if I would go, my immediate response was, "YES, I'm down!".

Many of you know I suffered a depression while I was in New York. Mainly due to my student debt. Which has affected my family severely. I don't want to go into too much detail but I can say that this was the best decision. I was waiting tables in Charlotte for a year and had frankly given up job hunting. I was sick of interviewing with companies that weren't going to hire me for whatever reason.

Within a week of moving to Kansas I landed a full-time job as a Social Media Manager. I'm working at a Lingerie Company which I do find quite odd. It's a great pay and comes with full benefits. Wow, can you believe how long it's taken to get here? But can I just say that every experience led me here. Well I'll just give the credit to him. Because God is good.

But back to the real reason I'm really writing this post. I contemplated for a long time whether I wanted to post tutorials on Youtube. And I decided that it was the right platform for me. I was just sick of having all this talent and not really using it. For example, I use to record my own vlogs and edit the videos. Then I use to freelance graphic design. Then I styled. Also blogged occassionally. Like what's up with all these skills? Like what was the bigger picture?

So far I've uploaded a video once a week.

And for once in my life.

I'm not procrastinating.

I have passion and I have drive.

Come subscribe.

Thanks for your continuous support.

ILY

Enchanting Inspo | Haute Couture 2015

2015-07-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

images via style.com

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2015-03-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. NARS matte velvet lip in Cruella, Banana Republic Sweater, Ann Taylor denim, Converse

images by Ben Henry

There comes a point where one can only take so much. And finally breaks down. Like a dramatic scene in a movie I recall myself sobbing uncontrollably, sprawled all over my comfy bed. My sobs echoed throughout the cold bare walls. My tears wet my blanket. I felt defeated, lost and rejected. I had just left a three hour interview with a recruiting agency. She critiqued my resume by tearing it up to shreds. She told me that I don't make sense. She couldn't tell what I was trying to do. At that very moment I was confused myself. I just don't know anymore.

I always remember this situation so vividly because never did I ever expect myself to ever feel so fed up with rejection.

Never did I expect myself to crave validation this badly.

More importantly, never did I see myself so bruised.

I don't know what God has in store for me. I never will. But what I hope is that I will not listen to those ugly thoughts that bring me down.

I'm not going to lie... I feel hurt. I feel stupid.
I feel like I gave up.

And that's definitely not like me.

Like these arrows I know my life has to move forward. I want to let go of this rejection that I feel. I don't want to doubt myself anymore.

I, Just need to Do Z.

Black Spring

2015-03-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. NARS matte velvet lip in Cruella, Banana Republic Sweater, Ann Taylor denim, Converse
images by Ben Henry

Often times I'd stay away from sweaters because I NEVER looked good in them. NEVER! Maybe it's me being self-conscious or what not but I just hated how my chest would look. This modern, short, cropped sweater is so perfect for my frame. I was so in love with it that I bought it in two colors. LOL It also has these adorable zippers on the shoulder so you can un-zip for a sexier look.

Oh yeah and if you follow me on Instagram you would have already known that I cut my hair.

Don't you just love it?

I thought I was just going to get a colored ombre but I ended up chopping off ten inches. I guess I can always add the color later.

Short hair has required so much maintenance. I have to wake up an hour early just so I can blow dry my hair. I haven't used a hair dryer in over 3-4 years so I'm so afraid that it's going to damage my hair. If you have any recommendations on how products that I can use to help prevent damage comment below. I would love to know your thoughts and opinions.

Bronzed Native

2015-03-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

Credits to models.com

Now that Spring has come upon us I'm looking forward to reviving my makeup routine. Due to my current job, I'm back to wearing heavier makeup on a regular basis. I barely get a day to let my face breath =(

But as always I'm always browsing Pinterest (my makeup board here) for new looks to try. I came across this editorial with these amazing golden eyes and brows. Typically I only use my natural brown colored Anastasia Brow pomade. But seriously these gold brows got me excited. This look is totally perfect for festivals and special nights out with the girls.

I also love the no eye-liner look. Normally I would always feel like my face would look so incomplete. Can we just live a life with no smudge stains when rubbing your eyes?

1989

2014-12-29T15:13:00.001-08:00

.head to toe. Tarte "Generous" Lip Surgeon, thrifted dress/grey knit, Hipanema Necklace, Steve Madden strappys
images shot by Ben Henry

Happy 25 years to me (!)

Aging since 1989.

Xx Pretty Woman xX

2014-12-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

.head to toe. Tarte "Generous" Lip Surgeon, Zara top, thrifted trenchcoat, Schutz heels

images shot by Ben Henry

There's something about Winter in Charlotte that is just so perfect. It's not like that depressive feeling that I dreaded while in New York. To be honest the weather here is no where near comparable to that of the midwest. I suppose I have no right to complain then. Because of the semi-cold Winters I can still dress fairly light. Like every single year I've had a difficult time finding a Winter coat. I will browse a million stores until I decide that I wanted the first one I saw. I seriously can't just make up my mind. I'm one of those shoppers that needs to see EVERY single thing before I make my decision. I can't help it. Luckily I came across this almost floor-length pink trench coat for less than $15 bucks. It has got to be my favorite "steal" of the season.

I truly feel so much more at ease being back. I'm very happy with my decision. Charlotte has been treating me so well. Love having Walmart back in my life again. She's the best. As much as I anticipated having my car back I've soon realized that I hate it. My back hurts mostly due to the fact I'm sitting a lot more than I'm use to.

As I adjust to Charlotte I realized that I can totally shop comfortably. Which is an amazing feeling when you haven't been able to splurge on yourself because you may have to pay that electric bill. I seriously feel like a RICH lady now. haha just joking.

Funny thing I realized too...I've grown into a pretty woman as I like to call it. Seeing the growth in myself is astounding. Seriously!!! How did I become what I've always dreamed of? When I was little I always admired such elegant women. I never thought a crazy and obnoxious child would grow up to be so refined.

(P.S. That doesn't mean I lost my inner child, though.)

Peaceful Goodbyes

2014-10-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. em lipstick passion berries, Sandro mesh top, Reformation dress, Charlotte Russe heels
images shot by http://geneticboi.blogspot.com/Geneticboi

As I write this entry I am sitting in my friend's home in North Carolina. Many of you lovely followers and readers know that I started my fashion blog during college. I attended the Art Institute and graduated with my BA in Fashion Marketing and Management.

Charlotte is where I began my journey in fashion. I didn't grow up with an idea of what I wanted to pursue. Although when I look back at my young diary entries and family photos I do see the humble beginnings of a rock star. Neither I, nor my family would predict that I would have picked up and moved to the amazing New York City in the Fall of 2011. After 4 long but life-changing years I made the decision to return to Charlotte.

I know many of you are wondering why I would even dream of leaving NYC. There are many reasons. Not all that can be explained. Not all that need to be explained. But to leave you with some comfort there's a saying that goes,

"Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you or makes you happy"

For what she (New York City) has taught me is nothing I would take back. She's made me a better person, stronger believer and smarter woman. I come back to Charlotte with a sense of peace. I'm sure I'll miss the friends, the bars, the memories and of course the energy of New York City. But I can say that I'm ready.

Ready to build a better me.

And don't think this is the end. I'll be back to New York to work on fashion gigs. It's not the end. She'll always be there.

Proud Babe

2014-08-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. em lipstick passion berries, f21 pleather shorts, thrifted denim jacket, NARS polish Ethno Run Left

images shot by Geneticboi

I'm bringing out the booty finally. Why?!? Because I'm PROUD of those squats. I got a new gym routine that's been keeping me on my toes, literally.

Lately I've been passionate again. My creative juices are flowing. No procrastination. So yeah, I'm 100% back into styling. Which makes me so happy. It's gratifying to see your vision come to life. Especially when it exceeds your expectations. I've always been a very PROUD person. And by that I mean I've always strived for the best. Expected the best. And sometimes I wouldn't do anything until it was perfect. But you know what?!? Shit is not going to be perfect all the time. And that's okay.

That's what this Summer has really taught me. You have to always leave some room for growth. You will never be perfect. How are you going to improve yourself??!? There's something about myself that I love so much more than before. It's that I've grown into myself. And I know that I won't be the same person in 5 or even 10 years. But one thing is for sure. I love myself more. I love every moafuckin' thing about my personality, body and thoughts.

xoxo

Extension Overload

2014-08-26T14:27:00.002-07:00

Image does not belong to me.

Oh my GOSHHHH. I am so obsessed with this hair editorial. I mean look at THAT HAIR. I'm so inspired to try one of these looks at one of my upcoming photoshoots (I'm back into styling again, woo hoo!) Seriously cannot believe the detail that this person has put into the hair. Love it when creative people push the boundaries and introduce crazy new trends.

I will update you soon with pictures of my latest work. Keep in touch with me on

Instagram @zabbbeyy

xoxo

Because I'm Happy

2014-07-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

images from Jeff Koons exhibit at The Whitney Museum, 2014

(FYI - colors of images have been manipulated)

There are many points in your life where you finally come to the conclusion that you should have trusted your gut feeling. I remember that feeling I would get when I would knowingly waste my time on hopeless relationships. Immediately after agreeing to go along with their decisions I would have a gut-wrenching knot in my stomach. It boggles my mind to think that our bodies can react to "wrong" decisions. Like why can't my body do a gigantic happy dance when I'm about to do something right???

When you're young and naive I liked to think you get some sort of FREE pass. But now that I've gained more experience I find it so much easier to stop myself from making habitual mistakes. For so long I chose to ignore that instinctual feeling. In a way I feel like it was me taking the easy way out. I hate confrontation. I hate losing people I care about. But what if the truth was that I didn't have such a strong self. Maybe??

What annoys me about this "psychic" feeling that I have....(I call it "psychic" because I've been on a crazy psychic documentary spree. Apparently everyone has a psychic ability. I'm just exercising it! lol) But back to my point - It's almost like I can't do anything without having these thoughts like - "this is what will happen" or "this isn't the right thing" or "don't take that second date". Do you call that gut feeling or self-sabotage?

For the first time in forever (cheesy Frozen reference) I feel so empowered. I'm comfortable in my own skin. I know what I am able to take. I know what I like. I know how I should be treated.

And lastly, I'm happy.

Dreaming of Burma

2014-05-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Photography // Tim Walker
Styling // Jacob K
For more click here

One day as I was scrolling through my Intsagram feed (follow my insta here) I came across an amazing photo that W Magazine posted. It was so captivating that I had to see more. I went to the website and I was taken away by the editorial that British fashion photographer, Tim Walker, shot on a trip to Burma. Last year I wrote a post on the Top 5 Places I'd Like to Visit and I didn't even include Burma but after seeing these images it's now on the bucket list!

I am in love with the mood that the editorial conveys. It's as if it was an ordinary day in Burma and someone just shot a picture. And I cannot forget to mention the styling. I'm not a fan of wearing long sleeves and pants. But the layering of long sleeves and short really gave me new ideas that I want to try. The styling was all-in-all very respectful to the culture. There was also a very beautiful color palette that really complimented the city. The clothing didn't over power the overall editorial and made me really feel like I would be comfortable walking around Burma looking all crazy stylish.

You bet that I'm bookmarking this shoot in my inspiration folder.

xx

I will be dreaming of Burma tonight.

My America(na)

2014-04-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. f.21 wide brim hat, thrifted dress, Pac Sun denim, boots(?)

Who am I? Where do I belong? Where am I going? Do people understand me? Am I doing the right thing?

These are the questions that constantly flood my every being.

I know I have flaws.

I am not perfect. I am insecure.

I am what I am.

They say you'll never have the answers - one day each moment, dream, laugh, cry, heartbreak, death and birth - will all make sense. As we continue to grow there are special incidents (or reminders as I like to call them) in our lives that reveal our purpose. In the past week I realized that the inner turmoil I have been battling with was an ugly combination of self-hate, unrealistic societal standards, the need for validation and the ever so ugly - jealously. Sounds like quite a big beast right?

As a reflective and self-critical person I wanted answers and I wanted them NOW.

I titled this post "My America(na)". What does that mean? Technically - Americana is any "artifact or collection of artifacts associated to the history, location and cultural heritage of America". Now what does Americana have anything with my stupid flaws and insecurities? It has everything to do with them. People say know your roots. Know who you are.

I know the American Dream. But what did it teach me?

It idolizes people, life, class, sex, etc. I am not going to label and confine myself to satisfy the pedestal I have built. The pedestal that the American Dream has taught me to built.

FUCK THE AMERICAN DREAM.

My CONSITUTION, My America(na)

From every day forward I shall dress how I want to. Sing how I want to. Dance how I want to. Believe in what I want to.

CREATE THE ART THAT I WANT TO.

And I will not

I. confine to the ideals of oneself or others

II. live for attention or glory

III. hurt myself with words, labels and images

Signed,

(WITH MY BIG MOAFUCKA' JOHN HANCOCK)

Zabeth Chang

P.S. Love yourself. Share your love, wealth and knowledge. Trust.

^ DUMBO, you have my heart ^

2014-04-14T13:45:00.001-07:00

.head to toe. vintage bra, thrifted floral blouse, American Apparel pant, Zara heels

I have made such wonderful memories during my time in Washington Heights. But deep inside I knew my heart was somewhere else. I mean it's obvious that living in the city(Manhattan) changed me. For one - my fashion choices went down the drain. Like seriously... I looked a hot mess. I had absolutely zero inspiration to play dress up. Which totally isn't like me. And in the mess of it all the smallest things like "people" started to irritate me. Like you know it's bad when you want to cuss at every tourist. Basically imagine some adolescent girl who never stopped being on her period. That was me for a while.

Although - I do need to thank the Heights for many things...like my adult (because this can be hard to find ANYWHERE) roomies who were willing to take me in when I needed a place to stay, the tasty and flavorful Dominican food/hott Latin men, the only Chinese take-out spot that made fried cheese wontons the way I like it and the convenience of the "A" express train esp. during my drunken extravaganzas.

Can I also say that I am so blessed to have found this room in DUMBO for a fairly reasonable price. God was definitley with me throughout this difficult time. And of course my fabulous friends and family. Finding an apartment and being unemployed is the most stressful thing EVER. But as always - I ALWAYS find a way to make it work.

This Spring I'm looking forward to traveling light and incorporating more neutral colors in my color palette. This will definitely be a challenge as I was constantly sporting darker shades. Not trying to go all psychological on you all but maybe it can be blamed or reflect the lack of inspiration that I fell into? And as the sun appears brighter each day I will begin to pull out those high-waisted shorts.

Honey, you just don't know how long these legs have been wanting to be touched by the sun.

#Fashion Killa

2014-03-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. Top Shop hat, F21 overalls, thrifted camo jacket, H&M stockings, Steve Madden boots

As promised here is outfit number two that I shot while on vacation in Wisconsin. A few days before my trip I went thrifting in Brooklyn and found this amazing camo jacket for only ten dollars. What a steal! It's taken me so long to find a camo jacket that was fitting to my body. I love the features on this one in particular because the buttons in the back. When buttoned it gathers the fabric at the waist which then creates a slimmer silhouette. I love wearing oversized pieces but sometimes a girl needs to accentuate that waist right? =)

I bought the cheetah print Forever 21 overall dress while I was at the Mall of America. I definitely like the selection at this Forever better than the one in Times Square. Surprising, right?!? I just hate the fact that the Times Square location has almost the same clothing merchandised throughout the store. I found the dress in the sale section and fell in love with it. The dress is quite short and probably appropriate for the beach. So until then I won't be wearing it until it gets warmer in the city.

It's starting to get a little less chilly here and I'm hoping I can pack up my winter coat for good. Praying to the weather gods that they stop bringing this crazy cold weather!

// CHROMA ENLIGHTENING

2014-03-13T09:38:00.001-07:00

.head to toe. thrifted Bonworth floral blouse, F21 pant, Mossimo flats, thrifted Martin Sanford coat

I'm loving these images because of course they were shot in my home town of Wausau, Wisconsin. Wausau has always been so good to me. It holds many dear memories - good and bad. LOL Being home was enlightening for many reasons. I was able to have private moments with my lovely grandmother, babysit my nieces and nephews and of course go out and have a blast with my cousins. It was the getaway that I needed.

A day before I left Wausau I wanted to shoot some outfits. I asked my cousins Amy and Vicki to take me to the best places in town. We only had a limited time but they did their best! Let me tell you - it was FREEZING. I'm so glad these two ladies endured the horrible weather with me. We found this spot in one of the newer buildings across the old mall that I use to shop at when I was little. It was the perfect spot. It looked like a greenhouse meets a coffee shop. Not sure why no one takes pictures here but if you're in Wausau you should. Of course there wasn't the amazing sun glares but the light was gorgeous. Vicki did an amazing job for being an amateur. I hope you enjoy these. I have a few more outfits I'll be sure to share with you all soon.

xoxo

// 2 0 1 4 - " I SEE FIRE " \\

2014-01-03T13:14:00.003-08:00

2013 went by so fast and I can't believe I'm 24 already. Lawddddd. Whatever because I enjoyed 2013. I really did. It was the most spontaneous I have ever lived. I mean I went to a bunch of concerts. Traveled a few places. Splurged on a few goods. Loved a lot of people. That's the life man. That's the life.

Here are a few pictures from New Year's Eve. I spent some quality time with a few friends in Brooklyn. We always throw an annual themed party. This year it was "Back to the 80's". I was really trying not to be a stereotypical 80's celebrity but of course I waited last minute. So all the things I had in my closet could only translate into Madonna. I mean I guess I only own trashy clothing. OOPS.

Looked at my Style Resolutions from last year. I think I did pretty good. I accomplished all of them except for #4 - "Wear more pants" and #5 - "Try new hairstyles". I think I've given up on the fact that I just don't like pants. LOL According to my last laundry day I found that I had one pair of pant. The rest were skirts. Let me remind you it's Winter in New York too! See I just don't do pants. I've accepted that now. As for hairstyles that was a complete fail. I finally learned how to properly take care of my dead hair. It was destroyed by countless curling iron sessions and box dye. Now it's all soft and silky. For one I quit using the hair dryer. Air drying is the way to go! Plus I never sleep with my hair wet. That's just uncomfortable and I hate when my pillow gets all wet. And I quit curling my hair all the time. It was frying the fuck out of it.

This year I've written down my goals. Broke them down into short and long-term. This year I really want to make moves and besides all the fun I need to work harder on building my brand. Time to get to work!!

Let's all have another great year! 2014 I'm readyyyyyyyyy!

\\ Orange Punch //

2013-11-13T13:21:00.002-08:00

.head to toe. F21 plaid hi-lo top, Adidas gym shorts, Artizia camo windbreaker, F21 neckplate, boots

It's always this time of the year where I become so reflective and sentimental. Holidays just have that affect on you I guess. I've been so happy with the way my journey has played out. Life is so precious and every moment that I get to soak in knowledge and life I'm willing to go forth with it. My most favorite moments have been the times where I don't think. It's all about feeling every teensy sensation. Sometimes I catch myself being a bit emotional (especially on a train). And its mostly because of all the the small things. I have the most amazing people in my life. Every time I need anything - I can always turn to these people to shower me with words of wisdom. Words of encouragement mean so much to me. I don't know how I would of made it without a "you'll be fine", "if you need money I can help", "you're an inspiration to me", "don't change - you're perfect just the way you are" and my favorite "can I have your instagram life?".

If you ever get the chance - get off your iphone and explore your neighborhood. Find an exhibit. Crash a concert. These experiences have truly made me 10x happier. And always share your happiness with others.

+ short stop

2013-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. thrifted velvet skater dress, thrifted denim jacket, thrifted shoes, warby parker glasses

My hair has been un-even for the longest time. Because 2 years ago I made the decision to shave half my head, click here for pictures. But I didn't stop shaving it until maybe early last year. Thankfully I'm lucky that my hair grows extremely fast. My hair hit my shoulder by end of last year.

Recently I've had the urge to cut my hair. If you know me - that's the thing that bores me the most. Don't know why. I actually really wanted to color it but now that I'm working in corporate I'm trying to maintain that professional look. Haha. I love the new hair because it balances me out since I'm quite short. Doesn't it look so chic? LOL

**These pictures were taken when the weather was still warm but breezy. Now it's starting to get colder. So I obviously won't be wearing a dress without leggings. Winter will be here soon. Are you excited? Cause I am.

RISK TAKER : kimono love

2013-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

.head to toe. zara kimono, top shop tank, zara skirt, forever 21 heels, celine sunnies

These images are quite different from anything I've shot before. I'm pretty happy with them! Sometimes I think it's crazy that people have the time to shoot an outfit for every day. Like what else do you do? But again I've always wanted to share with my family and friends what life in the city is like, how I've changed, what I wear, etc. In college I was always experimenting with my style and basically wear just about anything. I wasn't afraid. I miss that about me - being fearless. It's not to say that I'm not anymore. I think I've simplified my taste a little. But I really want to have that fearless attitude again.

Anyways the back story to this shoot : Last year I met one of my favorite fashion inspirational bloggers, Genetic Boi. I remember logging into Facebook and seeing his name pop on my feed. One of our mutual Facebook friends had commented on his photo. I clicked on it and found out he moved to New York City (what a coincidence, I did too!). I was completely estatic. No one knows but I was always a fan of Quan long before his current blog. I use to follow him on asianavenue (popular asian website, kinda like myspace). But by follow - I would stalk his posts and images because he was always posting these amazing photo shoots with these photographer sisters. *Fast forward back to me surfing on Facebook* I added him as a friend and posted on his page saying how much he inspired me and I hope I would be able to meet him. He replied and said hopefully we would. Then a couple weeks later I was working (at Top Man) and I see this asian boy with blue hair(at the time Quan dyed his hair blue). I didn't quite think that much about it but I started to realize that he had the same physical features as Genetic Boi. And that is when I freaked out. He started to walk towards where I was standing and I just started screaming. He looked and me (thank god he recognized me or I would have been embarrassed) and started screaming too. I'm sure at that point he realized that I was the girl who had just written to him on Facebook a couple weeks ago. We both probably looked like the cute asian cartoon characters jumping for joy. HA HA. Since then we've become such great friends. I occasionally help shoot his outfits for his blog and if there is time he shoots me. I'm so grateful to have met Quan. He's such an inspiration to me because I feel like we understand each other. He has a dream and so do I. He needs support and so do I. He is often misunderstood and so am I.

*These images were shot in Summer. I no longer have long hair =X

moafucka'

2013-10-10T18:46:00.003-07:00

Wow, it's been months since I've written here. Life has been crazy.

I finally got a good paying job and was able to focus on "living life" as some may call it. For the first year in NYC all I did was struggle and to struggle a little less seemed like the perfect idea. I'm not taking any of this time for granted. I always say to myself that I'm only living my 20's once. Which is damn true! What do I have to lose? I'll always be working and paying bills for the rest of my life. Why withhold myself from an experience?

I've always worked so hard throughout college that I never really relaxed. I was never taking any vacations or spontaneous trips. Working two full time jobs and going to school full time wasn't the best idea in the world. But I think that I really like this new thing about myself. I've learned how to dance in the wind a little more. Go with the flow. Scream if I want to.

Despite the usual struggles I've also managed to put on hold my styling projects. Next year will definitley be the year that I make more moves. This year was really about experiencing life. Traveling has been so fun and it really makes me happy. I use to think traveling was too expensive. Probably cause mom and dad taught me to always save my money. Something that I still have yet to learn.

I've decided to change my blog name to moafucka' simply because I'm growing up. I think part of me really wanted to end this blog and move on to something new. But I feel like I've been identified as Mastermind Of A Fashionista for so long that I didn't want to let it go completely. As you can tell the first part of moafucka' still has the abbreviations for Mastermind Of A Fashionista. This has always been a part of me and I never want to forget it. As you grow it's only common for you to move on. I'm growing as an artist and I want my blog to reflect that. Thanks again for still sticking through with me.

Top 5 Places I'd Like to Visit

2013-03-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Right now I won't have the funds to go on any extravagant vacations this year but that doesn't stop a girl from dreaming. I will be traveling back to my home state of Wisconsin for my Grandma's birthday celebration and hopefully Vegas in the late Summer. Who knows where else the year will take me! Well I've decided to rack up the top 5 places I'd like to visit outside of the United States and share them with you all. I definitely will be sharing you the reasons for each and I hope you get a better sense of where my mind is at.

1. Morocco - I'm totally in love with the beauty of the people, architecture and culture. If I lived in a place where everything was so brightly colored I think I would be the happiest girl on earth. I love the fact that this country is so modern in design but also holds on to their history. I really want to explore the street markets, historical places, and of course bathe in a luxurious pool.

2. Tibet - Tibet may not have a lot of attractions but I think I really want to meet the villagers. The people really draw me here. Maybe because every photo I see is a scruffy old man with piercing eyes. For me I really wouldn't care if I stayed in a nice place. The experience would be enough for me. I'm also interested in the kind of food. What to expect? I don't know. Never had any Tibetan food.

3. Nepal - I would love to make a stop since it's neighbors with Tibet. The culture is very similar to that of Tibet. I'd really like to visit the national park to see the mountains and gigantic temples. And of course I would love to hopefully try on some traditional Nepal clothing.

4. Egypt - For some reason I've always had a connection with Egyptian history. I'm fascinated by the ancient ruins and all the mythology. I want to explore the tombs, pyramids, and the temples. I would love to dig in the dirt too!

5. Pompeii, Italy - I've read about the ruins of Pompeii when I was a little girl. I'd be so elated if I got the opportunity to visit what I could only read about. Some might think I'm weird for wanting to visit a town with towns of dead people. I guess I'm just weird like that. Of course I want to explore Italy too but Pompeii is a must.

Lets cross our fingers and hope I get a chance to see all these places in this lifetime!!! images do not belong to me

RUNWAY FEVER: Short Stuff

2013-02-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

If you aren't following my instagram then you probably don't know that I dyed my beautiful blonde hair to black. I made the decision to keep my wild streak to a minimum. Only because I'm still in the process of looking for a decent paying job. And that would require me to look very corporate like. I will miss the blonde - I already do. I tend to get bored of my hair and like to reinvent myself. This time I'm just regular ole me. Nothing wrong with that. But something inside me screams for change.

So I've been thinking about maybe get a new haircut. My hair is currently uneven since I did shave my hair last year. It has grown out but now one side is shoulder length while the other falls below my breast. I really love my long hair but thi short edgy cut is really cute. I'm thinking my hair would work really well since it's full of volume. But then again I really think I look great with longer hair. And with my face shape I might not pull it off like the pictures below. Decisions, decisions.

What do you think? What should I do?

Personal: Style Resolutions + Urban Denim Chic Editorial

2013-01-17T16:01:00.002-08:00

First post of the year. Seriously can't believe it's 2013. Probably because I'm getting so old. I shouldn't be complaining. ha ha (I'm really not much older than I perceive myself to be)

A few STYLE resolutions I want to play around with this year:

1. Less is more - I'm not really one to be simple when it comes to my personal style but I wouldn't mind giving it a shot. Like I stated last year I feel like my style is gently maturing each and every day. I love it and I'm so excited to continue to explore! Pintrest has really got me addicted to the simple yet tailored look. Btw follow me here!

2. Incorporating my culture - Being a Hmong-American I find that it's really our job to inform the community about the identity of the Hmong people. It wasn't until I moved to NYC did I realize how uniformed or misunderstood we really are. I mean it is great that some know of us due to Clint Eastwood's film but geez we really need to step it up. This year I'm vowing to represent my culture in whatever I wear. Whether it's color choices, an accessory or even a hairstyle.

3. Building heel/pump collection - This one is going to take much more effort. I'm so use to wearing flats, sneakers, combat boots, etc. I let down my shoe game and I really want to try harder on establishing a few good classics that work with my wardrobe. This also means I want to wear them out more! Yay! Must learn to avoid pot holes. Thanks NYC for the shitty sidewalks.

4. Pants, Pants, Pants - I'm not a fan of jeans, pants, bottoms or whatever you call them. WHY? #1 - I feel like a muffin top and #2- I don't like how I look because I have no booty. YES, I am self-conscious of my flat asian booty. (It's growing though! Working out pays off) But I want to try and wear more bottoms. Especially because there are so many options to choose from these days.

5. Experiment with hairstyles - This one might take some effort but I'm kinda bored of the curly hair that I'm comfortable with. When I was in middle school I would always try all sorts of things. What ever happened? I got lazy or maybe I just care less about it.

Veering off topic - I wanted to share this editorial because it pretty much has a few of the style resolutions that I really want to try this year.

For the rest of the editorial click here.

RUNWAY FEVER: Gypsy

2012-11-07T23:41:00.000-08:00

If I you could live one day in my fantasy world this is exactly how you would dress. The more you dress like a gypsy the happier you'll be. Proven fact in my book. (I'm just saying) This editorial was titled "Grand Bazaar". When I think of the word "bazaar" it brings me back to my family vacation to Thailand. There was this local night bazaar that we would attend to every night. It was basically a bunch of vendors selling touristy things, fresh local produce, and fun musical entertainment. Such a memorable experience and eye opening trip. I really do want to go back.

I'm really amazed at how much Asian culture has influenced fashion editorials. It's becoming a norm to see Asian culture and role models in the media now. I'm very proud and love the fact that fashion is moving away from the stereotypes. YES! Besides the asian influence I really enjoy the mixing of the prints. I'm really experimental when it comes to prints. I'm willing to push boundaries. I think the styling was really tasteful. The styling shows that prints are very wearable. Kudos to the stylist!

Photography by Begum Yetis

Styling by Dilara Fındıkoglu

Hair by Tayfun Kaydok

Makeup by Ufuk Celep

Model Kat Cordts @ Joy Models Istanbul For more visit here.