hobovogue .

starry nights

2012-02-10T11:03:00.000-05:00

top & leggings: forever 21 | platform wedges: dolce & gabbana (thanks risi <3) | yankee candles

When it's all rainy and icky out I play dress up... pretty standard for a girl. My semi sheer f21 top/lingerie/god knows what it is finally came and I'm obsessed! It's the lightest thing ever (warning - not weather friendly) but sooo comfy so as long as you're inside, you're fine. Perfectly happy-dream-inducing and cozy up before bedtime with a candle with your go-to reading material (homework much?) for, hem, "relaxation time" (senior year of college is NOT that easy... ha).

Missing the blogosphere quite a bit. Bah. At least it's Fashion Week in NYC!

the beauties of photoshop

2011-12-18T14:59:00.001-05:00

Glitter pumps - Candie's | One shoulder asymmetrical dress by Catharine Malandrino

Sorority formals = excuses to get dolled up, so what's not to like? The only thing about this one was that I literally had class until 8:30pm not to mention a lab report that I had to re-do because it went mia from my documents 2 hours before it was due; good stuff. Anyway I had to miss pre-formsies dindin but more importantly, missed the photos (duh)... so me and my friend decided to do a great crop and paste job on this, second photo above. I'm pretty impressed myself, looks like I was right there with her minus my left arm, whoo!

Alex and Chloe Designs for Forever 21

2011-12-08T13:29:00.004-05:00

Check out the Alex & Chloe for Forever 21 collection!

This email was dropped in my inbox and the collection actually looks really cool if you're into edgy bordering goth accessories (I know totally overgeneralized but some of these could be great styling pieces).

HootMag 2011 Fall/Winter Issue

2011-12-06T16:51:00.004-05:00

Hey y'all, Columbia University & Barnard's latest issue of HootMag is out (cover girl is Kelsey Chow)! I styled & photographed a shoot, Best of the Boroughs (see below), and also contributed some trend pages with my amazing team of Style Assistants, so check it out :) There are limited print copies available so reserve yours now if you go to Columbia University / Barnard or e-mail me at vivianluo@hootmag.org.

lace and sheers: lingerie picks for winter 2011

2011-11-29T08:40:00.002-05:00

In honor of tonight's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (way too excited), I've been flipping through so many pages of beautiful lacy delicates.... lingerie. I knew I had to revive this little blog when I came across the sheer romper - I've been looking for one forever! The star print and ruffles makes it innocent flirty fun while the sheer makes it just a teensy weensy bit more unique. The other picks are a variety of soft, padded bras or (mini) corsets... just the right variety to have in your closet for maximum comfort or support this winter, depending on the occasion, with mixed prints and degrees of sheer to match :) Most of these colors are shades of pink / purple / blue indicating that my heart is always in spring/summer mode (à la Sunnyvale, California)... whoops. Forgive me. Anyway, here are my picks from left to right, top to bottom:

1. Sheer Stars PJ Romper, Forever 21, $12.80
2. Chantelle Icone Demi Bra in Blue Aqua, Journelle, $88
3. Velvet Dots Mesh Padded Bra, Forever 21, $8.80
4. Shimmer Lace Boyshort, Forever 21, $3.80
5. Eberjey Delirious Triangle Bralet in Orchid, Journelle, $32
6. Push Up Lace Corset, Forever 21, $8.80
7. Eberjey Emmanuelle Bralet, Journelle, $41
8. Star Print Corset, Topshop, $70

slouchy preppy

2011-11-11T21:29:00.001-05:00

Stole someone's polo shirt, so oversize and baggy to perfection, to match with my bright blue & black plaid skirt. Preppy Ivy League look dressed down.

fitted florals & faux fur

2011-10-08T10:01:00.001-04:00

dress - f21 | faux fur vest hoodie - street fair | boots - steve madden

In love with my faux fur vest hoodie because it's so perfect for brisk autumn days... even when the sun is out it's chilly :[

whites brights & burnished trinkets

2011-10-05T22:01:00.003-04:00

top - amarcord vintage | jeans - ?? | gladiator wedges - charlotte russe | belt & accessories - vintage, f21, thrifted

One top, two looks. Started wearing my rings ago for about a day and then decided I'd forego the whole ring accessorizing ordeal since I hate washing my hands with them on... sigh. Laziness.

cemitas & brights

2011-10-01T12:21:00.000-04:00

dress - urban outfitters | circle scarf & oxford wedges - f21 | rug coat - thrift

A beautiful day walking east towards Café Ollin in East Harlem to try their cemitas (pictured is the bbq pork). It's a sesame bun sandwich about the size of your head (or bigger) and general om-nom deliciousness... more details to come.

clowning in color

2011-09-15T22:20:00.000-04:00

top - thrifted | skirt - intermix | boots - wellies

Say hello to my thrifted rainbow clown shirt. It's semi sheer, has ruched shoulder accents (hence making me look like a really ripped swimmer with wide shoulders whoo), and banded trimming at the ends of the sleeves/bottom of the shirt. There's also strangely placed buttons on one side of the top... I'm kind of obsessed with how misplaced and awkward the whole thing is.

On another note, I got to see the Nanette Lepore SS12 show! Check out my very jumbled/wordy/terrible post here - you can skip my terribly written editorial review and just check out the photos!

sheer moments

2011-09-14T21:48:00.000-04:00

top - nine west | ring - f21

Who knew that Nine West sold clothes? Not me. Anyway simple outfit with a bit of blingtasticness to it (I know, so tacky but I love the feeling of this bendable knuckle ring. It's as if it's molded to my finger perfectly... anyway). Abandoned the blog, yet again, whilst I escaped the city by flying home for a solid two and a half weeks and soaked up Sunnyvale sun. Oh those days.... all moved in now, back in the same dorm, and senior year is off to a slowww start (still in denial of how... unpredictable...NY weather is. Bleargh.)

mission resurrection

2011-08-07T14:55:00.002-04:00

blouse - t.j.maxx? | belt - amarcord vintage | maxi skirt - thrifted

Been MIA thanks to something called a "banking internship" which I actually really enjoyed.... enough about that. Here's my resurrection post, animal-style with a snake print maxi dress if that's what you can call it. My friend Shelly took me to this Goodwill in Queens where they sell clothes/textiles "by the pound." This is not a joke. I took home 10 really random pieces of cloth/clothing (if that) that I'm trying to figure out what to do with... including some random leather skirt that looks like a potato-sack except out of leather. Dress potential = quite high...

summer beginnings & my new crib

2011-05-26T02:28:00.000-04:00

skirt as one-shoulder top: thrifted & diy | necklace as bracelet: vintage | leggings: f21

Temporarily moved down a little so officially in Upper West Side territory (so close to Central Park Reservoir!) :) My sublet for the summer I guess. Hmm.... I miss being in Chelsea but it's convenient, somewhat, to be uptown since all my friends are close by.

So I've worn this top before but still love it since it's semi-DIY in that I pinned it to be a one shoulder top. Haven't worn my chain necklace in a while and decided it'd make a good bracelet... hmm starting to be creative with my outfits again since the weather last week in NYC was disgusting. Eeep. Netflix = new best friend... oh boy.

hobovogue redefined

2011-05-22T15:40:00.000-04:00

Just some eye candy (ha... sunnies & easter morsels, get it?)
Just a capture of the aesthetically pleasing things that light up my life :]

freedom at last

2011-05-21T09:14:00.002-04:00

blazer - vintage | dress - f21 | boots - hunter

Not the most iconic blog title, but pretty much sums up my disappearance for the past month... thanks to school. Had an amazing semester though and miss my floor/family terribly; am in denial, withdrawal, everything all at once, and the terrible weather (shaping up today though) is not helping in the least. Outfit - kept it simple with a blazer, leggings, boots, and a dress. Why does that sound so winter-ish? Oh, it is winter... in NY at least.

Stopped by the McQueen exhibit yesterday at the Met in the evening, now THIS was iconic. Divine. There were so many people just admiring everything; I was too, except I literally was soaking it all up. Spent 2 hours and actually didn't even make it all the way through the exhibit since they were closing at 9, so I'll be back... every detail, the construction, the designs, they're actually works of art. Don't know exactly how to put it in words, but seeing his designs up close really just brings them to life...

obsessed: shakuhachi

2011-04-27T14:58:00.001-04:00

Obsessed. Amazing silhouettes, draped, loose, flowy, streamlined, layers and layers of beautiful layering that just define beautiful. A really interesting collection with so many different looks yet so cohesive.... prints vs solids, and both are incredible. Love it.

rain rain go away

2011-04-08T02:44:00.001-04:00

raincoat - Old Navy | tank - wet seal | wellies - hunter | socks - friend

Pretending that it's spring in NYC even though the weather (40 degrees wheee) tells me it's not. Last year Old Navy was selling these incredible jacket in a pocket piece of genius, I have one in kelly green and this bright banana yellow. The material obviously isn't fantastic but it's a bright pop of much needed color on gloomy rain days.

P.S. Why do the trees look so eerie??? Horror movie perfect, actually. Hmmmm good photoshoot location....

maxi dresses in winter

2011-03-24T07:33:00.001-04:00

dress - soho | sweater, wedges, necklace - f21

Who says you can't wear maxi dresses in the winter? They're actually incredibly warm (to the extent that they can be... mine's sheer) given how thin the fabrics often are. Decided to wear this a few weeks back when it was probably around 40-50 degrees out but actually it's pretty good at keeping the wind out because of sheer length. This sweater's also kind of cool, it's asymmetrical and hooded (gasp) so just really fun to play with. Wish I'd gotten it in a lighter color though seeing as how my wardrobe is quickly turning... black. Sigh.

breezy ponchos

2011-03-21T14:43:00.000-04:00

top - f21 | running shorts - old navy | wellies -hunter | necklace -diy

Black & white. Nothing too interesting but I guess it's a strange combo... the poncho has this big hood so it fits right into my wardrobe. In love :)

caracas: glass and mirrors

2011-03-20T04:04:00.001-04:00

Was at Caracas Arepa Bar in Williamsburg last week. Really cool location with amazing decor and such, artsy as hell and totally hipster at the same time...obsessed! Even the bathroom was way cool, covered in newspapers and cool arrangements of glass & mirrors. Pictured is the « La Sureña » (grilled chicken and chorizo, with avocado slices and the classic and always enigmatic spicy chimi-churri sauce) ; also had the « La de Pernil » with roasted pork shoulder with tomato slices and spicy mango sauce. Food coma proceeded a few hours later, well worth it though :]

[non]edibles

2011-03-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Another round of pretty things to look at in the meantime while I scrounge up some more fashion-y things to post for tomorrow (promise it'll happen). My friend Serena showed me this really cool Etsy shop and I'm obsessed; I don't think I need to explain why :)

spotted on the subway:

2011-03-14T04:06:00.001-04:00

Some really cool studded man boots. I'm thinking...DIY project?

b&w vs arcobaleno

2011-03-10T04:49:00.001-05:00

top - pookie and sebastian | skirt - f21 tank | ring - diy | scarf - jcp | shoes - harlem?

Couldn't decide between the classic black and white or my inner desire for rainbow world (rainbow = arcobaleno in Italin, according to a friend studying for midterms). Rainbow socks... I know, so tacky right? Lesigh. Anyway, this top is ridiculously perfect for my wardrobe because it has kimono flutter sleeves, a v-cut front and back, and overall it would probably look flattering on anyone. Nail polish is this metallic purple with glitter (wet n' wild kalediscope) layered over it. Festive, kind of :] Matches my ring that received a much-needed makeover...with dusty pink and purple sheer nail polish.

a view from marie claire

2011-03-08T07:27:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, hoot [hootmag.org] was able to visit Marie Claire for a features workshop! Super exciting :] The view from the higher floors at Hearst is seriously to die for - much better than Condé Nast I'd actually say. A few snapshots of the incredible view and others below!

spring shoes: floral cutouts, laceups, chunky heels

2011-03-07T04:24:00.001-05:00

Selections from teeny bopper / wallet-friendly stores that could pass for something more:

Charlotte Russe, Forever21, Wet Seal, and Payless.

2011 fw rag & bone rtw

2011-03-02T16:49:00.001-05:00

Rag & Bone's fall and winter collection 2011.

Dying for the intense stripes, patterns, and colorblocking. Plaids, asymmetrical pleats everywhere, eye-catchingly magnetic pops of brights perfectly aligning these models on the catwalk against some seemingly larger force that makes everything just appear ... taller. Saturated true blue and daring auburn oranges. Oversized collars hanging loosely, perfectly haphazard and unknowingly "je ne sais quoi" - chic. Hooded jackets with fur trim, shaggy oversized carpet-like coats, and the perfect blend of sporty and sexy that somehow just oozes from the thigh high chunky boots, intimidating modernism, and nonchalant attitude seeping through...in love.

metallic purples and patchwork pastels

2011-02-28T07:21:00.002-05:00

Say hi to my clogs! I've never featured them before but will be featuring in another blog post later so you'll get to see more detail. They're actually kind of hideous but give a good 1.5 inch platform. Painted my nails this metallic purple-blue last week and layered glitter over, Ke$ha inspired I guess but it's chipping now so I'll be playing around with some new color this week...

The shirt is thrifted from my 96th street store but it's so SOOO soft and smooth and comfy that I could live in it for a week. Except that might be kind of gross...anyway it also has a pretty cool silhouette from the side and all. The scarf's from JCP; don't know why I haven't really featured it yet since I actually wear it more than 24/7, it's SO warm and goes up to my ears and just keeps me sane during cold wintry days :)

sales treat(y)

2011-02-26T23:02:00.003-05:00

Forever 21's always having sales. I mean, it's cheap enough as it is. But some of their leftover winter inventory got really cheap this weekend (and it's still going on!) so I spent more time than normal (as compared the daily once browse through) weeding through to see what items would make the cut.

Also note: midterms season is here. Conclusion: online shopping study breaks were / are unavoidable, so a few quick clicks and some transitional items from winter to spring will soon befriend the rest of my closet :]

From left to right / top to bottom:
Headphone Necklace  •   Sweet Treat Charm Necklace  •   Modern Sweater Cardigan
Fringed Shawl Cardigan   •   F1874 Sunglasses (in both shades)  •   Mushrooms Everywhere Ankle Socks
Distressed Leatherette Skirt  •   Tie Waist Sweater Cardigan w/ Hood

You can never go wrong with too many sunnies, especially when you're clutzy like me and sit on them so why not the plastic ones? Leatherette skirts = must for any closet, and the fringed rug like cardigan was too hobo perfect to pass up. I'm not usually a big sweater / cardigan person but the brown and black ones on the side were hooded so... go figure. And I have an obsession with socks. These are mushroom print. I love mushrooms... and cupcakes and headphones. :)

frumpty dumpty

2011-02-24T04:29:00.003-05:00

trench - thrifted, 96 st | tank - sorority gear... ha | gloves - american apparel
jeans, socks, & sunnies - f21 | scarf - gift from sister

Some days I wake up feeling like wearing really weird clothes and colors. Like a few days ago I was experiencing a post Vday need to wear red and pink even though twas a bitter 20 degrees out (but really sunny). So yeah I know I look ridiculous with the pink socks gray fingerless mittens and a rumpled up red trench (I don't have enough hangers, or hanging space, for that matter, in my closet...). I mean you can even see the crease lines. But I thought, screw it, I need my colors for today. The trench has potential for a très chic look but I don't have an iron. Can you even iron trench material? Whatever. I'm really digging the prints on my socks and fingerless gloves anyway. P.S. I look so... short. This is why I usually abide by my 4-in-minimum heel height rule ...

So yeah I guess this is hobovogue presents: frumpty look of the week.

vogue italia january 2011

2011-02-22T21:16:00.000-05:00

Proof that Hunter boots DO go with everything!

And a testament to how absolutely stunning Keira Knightley is :]

layered yellow jackets over sheer prints

2011-02-21T03:35:00.006-05:00

suede jacket - thrifted | old yellow jacket - vintage | sheer print tunic - f21 | boots - Hunter

Hunter boots go with everything. Okay maybe not but I like pretending that they do, especially when there's still ice out and I have a constant fear that I might trip and fall and die and get cold, wet feet. Anyway I think they're pretty rockin with my suede yellow brown jacket, even more so with this pastel washed out soft jacket inside (notice the cool round gold buttons), and then obviously with some semi sheer tunic to top it off. I can't seem to stop wearing sheer even in winter.... god what a terrible addiction. But sheer always looks so ethereal when the sun bursts through (aka in NYC when it can be 15 degrees out but yet still sunny as hell. I mean, it gets even sunnier than it did back home in Sunnyvale. Ha, witty I know...)

PS. My blog got a facelift! Kind of. Decided its ugliness was too potent for the time being, so a mini-upgrade for the moment.
May re-vamp completely within the next month or so...

craftsiness & southern fooding

2011-02-19T17:28:00.003-05:00

I tried going for a run a few days ago in Riverside Park ... lazied along. Ended up picking up some of these cool tree bur seed things that I'm making into a crown. Decorated with Michael's glitter glue (click here!) - totally Ke$ha inspired. Will post photos when I'm done but still trying to figure out the wiring :)

Lunched at Miss Mamie's Spoonbread (clickie!) which has the most adorable interior inside! It was so bright today so the colors just really popped and it felt so homie. My first plate of chicken & waffles ever, drenched in syrup and all buttered up. Nom nom nom...

happy vday!

2011-02-14T15:18:00.003-05:00

It's feeling like 70 degrees in NYC today and I woke up to a gorgeous sunrise. I guess that's a good enough Valentine's day for me =) ♥

skirt cape dress

2011-02-12T22:03:00.001-05:00

Skirt that I thrifted from my trusty 96th street thrift shop. Worn as a cape on Halloween and re-worn here as an over the shoulder top / dress. Functional, right? :) The necklace is a combo of large hoops courtesy of my friend Margaret, a keychain with a stone on it, and the original necklace chain minus owl charm.

And my friend got a free zebra manicure at Topshop today. Dying from how cool it is so I had to post it... ahhh jealous!

new bidz on the block :)

2011-02-10T15:41:00.000-05:00

Okay so not the most fashion-oriented post but we have our new biddies, 48 Alpha Etas and they're all SO GORGEOUS. Probably the most exciting night of the week so far :) Also, note that our tanks are pretty much rainbow. Hobo heaven? :)

candlelit rings

2011-02-05T00:57:00.001-05:00

Some rings from forever 21 and 34th street/broadway, christmas magic scented candles, and College Walk lights to go along with everything :)

photo diary of an insomniac

2011-02-03T02:57:00.001-05:00

[ 1 ] View from my dorm on Broadway & 114th looking downtown.

[ 2 ] View "................" looking uptown (Harlem!).

[ 3 ] Glitter, stars, and wish bottles (classy Ke$ha) & stone keychains from my childhood.

[ 4 ] Cool silhouette of my bracelet chain thing.

[ 5 ] Bracelet chain thing, worn with dangling $1 earrings and my hooded wizard coat.

[ 6 ] The room & my new haircut. (Actually it's the same hair just 5 in shorter).

[ 7 ] Fending off panic attacks for my 9 am interview by boppin to "Princess Ke$ha."

Productive, right? Anyway I don't have clothes for this summer internship interview tomorrow that's at 9:00 am.
I think it's supposed to be business casual. (Aka non-existent in a hobo closet, damn). Oopsies. :[

winter crystals and glitter

2011-01-29T05:36:00.004-05:00

So as a friend pointed out, my beach inspired inspo isn't really NYC appropriate.

Reality: sloshing around in Wellies and buying too many pairs of popcorn glove-mittens aka hobo winter.

But....here's winter wonderland in couture world I guess? Shine, sparkles, and all covet-worthy!

(And I sit here in all black - leggings and an oversized long sleeve t-shirt pretending to study... ohhh college love).

P.S. Photos coming soon once I learn how to use my new camera :)

Harper's Bazaar, January 2008 | Model: Angela Lindvall | Fashion editor: Brian Molloy.

beach inspo

2011-01-27T09:33:00.002-05:00

I woke up today morning and looked out my window (which I couldn't even see through the night before)... and saw white. The trees are completely white! Fluffy powder goodness is beautiful but not when I need to go to class sadly... anyway, as I await the arrival of my memory stick, I'll leave with some beachy inspo to keep me going. Somehow thinking about sunny happy places like home always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Add in gorgeous to-die-for accessories and life is complete. (Also this is just really good inspo for an accessories shoot... hmm :))

Images from www.totalworld.us. Photographer: Thomas LaGrange.

resurrection: canon EOS rebel t1i

2011-01-24T08:06:00.003-05:00

This little beauty is coming my way via Amazon in 2 days:

Resurrection of hobo world commences. :)

hobovogue on hiatus .

2010-12-19T12:50:00.001-05:00

I know, sad times. Hobovogue shall be on hiatus for a bit because

1. It's F.I.N.A.L.S.week (Frick I Never Actually Learned Shit).

2. My laptop died (meaning loss of all prior hobovogue memories... I don't know how to feel about this).

3. My camera's lost downtown in NYC aka gone forever.

So until I get a new camera / laptop / etc there won't be posts for a while!
But some early new years resolutions in case I don't get to that post either:
re-format weekly postings on here to have some more structure, do more DIY posts and how-tos,
outfit layouting via photoshop, and more designer features / fashion spreads along with outfit posts! :)

Until next time,

✌V

carpet and rug inspired

2010-12-03T00:15:00.002-05:00

dress - old navy | "coat" - junk | tights - tjmaxx? | wedges & gloves - f21

Same pose different photos thanks to strange lighting issues when you wake up early (hemmm actually it was 8 am so not that early) on Sundays (this was taken 11/27).

I know "carpet and rug inspired" doesn't sound the most fashionable but it's winter and sometimes I get cold (rarely though...). I've been wearing these fringed hobo-like purple and black striped fingerless gloves everywhere, they're so practical and actually do provide a fair amount of warmth.

Now the jacket. It comes from Junk, Williamsburg, and who knows where they found this piece of magic. It's like my magic carpet ride except in semi-coat form and with tassel-like ends on the arms and even a strange rug-like collar. Way too amazing to pass up, ever. The texture is basically... like a rug. Semi-furry actually. Hmmmm delightful right? Also note the new addition to my shoe army, 2 inch platform and a 5.5 inch wedge, potentially the most comfy pair of platforms to exist and gosh they add some much-needed height :)

silhouettes and colors

2010-11-30T14:38:00.000-05:00

shirt - thrfited | leggings - forever 21 | boots - alice & olivia for payless | fingerless gloves - american eagle

Love fall colors and shirts with cool silhouettes. And warm boots :)

gloves boots and some sheer cheer

2010-11-27T06:55:00.002-05:00

gloves - american eagle | tunic & slip - vintage | boots - steve madden | nail polish - f21 & wet n wild

Spent Thanksgiving at my friend Zara's! Her room is the prettiest shade of green ever.... Anyway, dug through my closet for clothes that wouldn't scare off her family. First impressions, right? Ended up picking out my cozy slouchy brown boots from Steve Madden - you just can't go wrong, and this iridescent tunic dress. Funny thing is though my friend actually has like 10 versions of this tunic kaftan thing in her closet except less sheer and in brighter colors, hahaha .... anyway. Nail painting is so therapeutic in the mornings when you finally have time to just wind down... the red is Cherry from Forever 21, and I layered on some Kaleidoscope from Wet n' Wild (like a dollar from any drugstore!). Hmmm sparkles phase isn't over yet...feeling too festive ha.

denim, faux fur, autumn morning spectrums

2010-11-22T17:02:00.000-05:00

jacket - thrifted | dress & bag - forever 21 | necklace - gift from my sister

All I need to say is that this jacket is undeniably my favorite winter item at the moment. The faux fur lining is detachable and can be worn by itself (applies to denim outside too... anyway).

dorm exposé & sheer dots

2010-11-21T06:24:00.001-05:00

jacket - urban outfitters | tunic shirt & shoes - thrifted | running shorts - ? | necklace - vintage & diy

Columbia is bearable in Morningside (Boringside) Heights because my room is oh so cozy when it comes to fall/winter time. Ikea lights and sheer mesh curtains, balloons, and dalmatian blankets ... ha. Anyway! One of my stranger outfits this past week, didn't really have time to get dressed in the morning... or look in the mirror apparently. I mean, orange-red and sea green don't really look amazing together.

But my sheer dotted tunic! In love. It's like a size 3x or something ridiculous that is way oversize (as seems to be the trend with my clothing choices recently) but I can move around SO easily in it and it's lightweight. I mean it's cold but I'm always running late to things so I actually don't ever feel too cold since I'm ... running. Late. To activities / classes / appointments. Hmmmmmm haha.

Oh and if you're interested, sort of reminiscent in this ... I think 2008? Sonia by Sonia Rykiel dotted tee:

my harry potter blazer

2010-11-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

tie die dress & harry potter blazer- salvation army | shoes - steve madden | backpack - roxy

In honour (ha) of the Harry Potter movie coming out I'm posting this schoolgirl-ish outfit from last week. School girl in the sense that my jacket has some sort of crest on it and really cool shiny buttons to make it look fancy even though it's not too fancy of a blazer...hehe. But I do feel smarter when I wear it. Not intentionally but good morale-boosting right? Anyway paired with this boho tie die dress I also pulled from the Chelsea salvation army during this summer.... and 5 inch Steve Maddens. Can't go wrong with a tapered heel to add major height and some studs for rockstar status (in my head at least).

silk pastels and bandaged boots

2010-11-16T23:52:00.000-05:00

coat & oversized silk shirt - 96th st thrift store | leggings - forever 21 | boots - alice & olivia for payless | accessories - f21, h&m

Nothing like leggings to make outfits less... wintery and more chic, right? I love layering oversized shirts over leggings and adding some tall shoes (hemmm wedges with 5 inches!) to add some heights. This shirt is so comfy thanks to the oversize and silky material. It's flowy too and creates a really interesting, loose sense of movement. The print was really unique and colorful... hobo happiness right?

blanket hoodies and cloud prints

2010-11-12T09:40:00.000-05:00

popcorn jacket -thrifted | shirt - vintage | boots - thrifted | skirt - f21 | rings & necklace - f21

Found this strange looking popcorn-textured hoodie at the thrift store last year and never wore it once until... well, 2 days ago. The weather's getting pretty nasty as in bitterly cold here even though it can be cloudless and gorgeous out... ohhh deceptive blue skies. Anyway, this jacket is SO ridiculously warm. It hugs my arms so tightly (it actually makes them look kind of fat because it's such a thick fabric) and feels like a blanket... whee. Nothing like staying warm and cozy to make the onset of winter more bearable ... even exciting :)

splashes of rainbow

2010-11-11T07:05:00.000-05:00

dress - intermix | boots - steve madden | trench - vintage | hooded jacket - f21 | bag - roxy

Nothing like spring colors to brighten up cold and wet rain days. Found this brilliant red trench at a vintage store somewhere last year and fell in love - the sleeves are slightly short but the silhouette is gorgeous, and it's definitely a classic that can be worn anytime. It has these strange pearly-gold double breasted buttons adding that extra touch, and it's the perfect length to layer over dresses ...or even other rainjackets. If only it were hooded! Sigh. At least it has convenient pockets?

The silk rainbow dress is pretty much shapeless but since it's worn under the coat it really doesn't matter. In movement it's probably the closest thing you'll ever come to seeing floating rainbows in action... ha. Rainbow fetish satisfied =)

coat check?

2010-11-08T23:08:00.001-05:00

coat - thrifted | tunic dress - jcp | shoes - diy payless | necklace - wet seal | belt - mommy's

Not much to say except this coat keeps me warm. It's hooded and long and so cruella like but way cooler... faux fur sleeves too. Everything I'm looking for in a winter jacket =)

vintage suede jackets

2010-11-06T18:19:00.000-04:00

jacket - thrifted | skirt - express | scarf - gifted | boots - steve madden | chain - vintage

Found this incredible suede jacket at the thrift store and it's so perfect for fall. Thankfully my body doesn't get cold easily so fall = skirt & boots basically everyday for me.. haha so boring. But somehow the saturated colors of this skirt and scarf just make me really happy =) Also did I mention how incredible the silhouette of this suede jacket is? It's fitted at the bottom but has a really roomy backside. Hmm no photos unfortunately of the back... will do next time :)

halloween 2010 : little red riding hood

2010-11-02T06:56:00.000-04:00

Ran into my friend Shelly at my favorite 96th street thrift shop and tried on crazy clothes with her. Amongst the finds... polka dotted red dress + top that I wore as a semi-cape / hood combo for Halloween. Dug around my shoeboxes where I store useless things such as these strange floral tights (I'd never wear these probably on a normal day unless my inner Gossip Girl violently burst out from me... dear god lets hope that never happens) and finally put them to good use. Wet Seal wedges as always :)

Anyway I'm really loving the draped effect of my skirt-cape. Which I'm actually going to wear on a regular basis I've decided once I chop off enough of the top to make a hood out of it to attach to the skirt... diy excitedness! Except I probably won't do this until I feel like I have nothing to wear again :(

coats and balloons

2010-10-26T06:58:00.000-04:00

dress - urban outfitters | shoes - steve madden | coat - thrifted | necklace - laila rowe

I found the comfiest and warmest coat, HOODED, from my regular upper west side thrift store the othe day. Chopped off a good 5 inches form the bottom (it was looking too granny) and we're good to go... played Sunday dress up before proceeding to some semi-depressing bouts of reading and cramming. Whee. Nothing like being dressed up to kickstart some crazy studying.

OH and those balloons are from Columbia's homecoming game, which we lost, as usual. Yikes. :[

bathroom break & electric shock

2010-10-19T10:58:00.000-04:00

top - Angel Street Thrift | necklace - MJ | bottoms & rings - f21 | boots - thrifted

Grabbing some homework in the VERY far away International Affairs Building and made a quick trip to the bathroom. I guess this is how my mind works - cool mirrors, cool lighting, wait, cool moment for photos! Good thing is hardly anyone ever goes inside this ghost of a bathroom so I had 10 minutes to spare before running off to the next class and these are the results. Funny how these 10 minutes were probably the best 10 minutes of my day yesterday.

sheer embroidered kaftans

2010-10-15T15:03:00.001-04:00

kaftan - thrifted | slip - vintage | shoes - diy payless | bag - hype

One of my favorite sheer blouses / kaftans worn as a dress. Couldn't find my tights yesterday but it was nice out until rainy ickiness. Hmmmm simple accessories since the kaftan's actually beaded and has really beautiful embroidery on it. Don't you love it when the garment's already accessorized? Makes life so much easier!

green spectrum & skeletal accessories

2010-10-14T07:53:00.000-04:00

jacket and dress - vintage, thrifted | accessories - diy f21 | ring - f21

Green! I think this thrifted dress as every possible shade of kelly lime moss olive green possible. Maybe they tie-dyed it? Regardless it doesn't have the most incredible silhouette hence cover-up by another green jacket... haha. So I've featured this jacket HERE before, it's just really interesting because it's this dull, washed out gray-green when indoors but once it catches any natural light at all it turns into this rich moss green, saturated beyond belief. Which is really exciting but also mildly disturbing when my outfit looks one way indoors and another outdoors. More excuse to escape my dorm room I guess since I look way cooler outside than inside when my jacket just... fades.

Hooked my skeletal structured bracelet onto a chain for a necklace creation and paired with my disco ball necklace that I found lying at the bottom of my unused accessories pile. Yay? I think it looks kinda cool when they overlap perfectly but otherwise mildly strange. Hehe as per usual. :)

philanthropic fashion

2010-10-09T20:30:00.001-04:00

tank - ΣΔT PR tank | blazer - vintage | leggings - forever 21| shoes - diy payless

Wearing a PR tank for our philanthropy while staying fly. Haha that's the term a friend used today for fashionable/trendy I guess. Don't know how I feel about that just yet. Anyway wearing a lot of black somehow seems to be really easy nowadays, I think the nyc trend is taking over.... but keeping it simple with black always ends up looking presentable at the least =)

starry study days

2010-10-05T00:49:00.000-04:00

blouse - vintage | shorts - wet seal | shoes - decree | fingerless gloves - f21

Study days and trekking across campuses to foreboding buildings... not exactly my idea of fun but when you're dressed in comfy clothes it's worth it. Missing from these photos is my forever 21 hooded jacket that kept me warm throughout the evening; will post next time! Oh and yes it was raining but I have this strange mechanism where my body doesn't get cold unless it's wet, and thanks to platform chunky heels my feet stayed dry. YAY. =)

Also the headband was to prevent my noticeably FRIZZY hair today from further frizzification in rainy weather.

circus accessories in fall rain

2010-10-04T01:58:00.000-04:00

top - jcp | vest - vintage / thrifted? | shorts - wet seal | booties - christian siriano payless | scarf - friend's gift

Sorry I've been so M.I.A. First set of midterms this week, yay for psychology and corporate finance. Actually the classes are incredible it's just lots and lots of reading / lots of me lazying in my room and not charging my camera and failing to take photos. But hmmm Friday morning I woke up and decided to not look like a slob and actually threw something together. Not sure how I feel about the white top against the dark vest and blues/purples in my shoes scarf and shorts but somehow the colors aren't too sickening or nauseating imo... or maybe that's just the caffeine speaking.

diy tie dye dress

2010-09-29T01:09:00.001-04:00

top - thrifted & diy | boots - urban outfitters | hoodie - urban outfitters

Great oversized shirts for slobby Mondays and rain. More safety pin work later throughout the day (first few photos) and stapling of fabric to make it more fitted. Ummmmm I think my wardrobe is about to be replaced by oversize tie dye shirts. Officially.

safety pinned butterfly

2010-09-26T09:31:00.002-04:00

tunic top - thrifted | shorts - chinatown | shoes - decree, jcp | earrings - vancouver street market

The top you've all seen before but belted instead. This time I safety pinned the sides to make it form fitting and strangely enough the side view is actually really cool... the safety pins don't show at all since there's so much fabric. Accordion pleats and long butterfly-like sleeves have never made me so happy... and geometric prints too. If I remember correctly it was "family savings day" at Salvation army in chelsea aka half off everything so I think this top was ummm $3 or something fabulous; the fashion gods were def in my favor that day, ha :)

midday wardrobe change

2010-09-24T22:52:00.000-04:00

silk blouse - amarcord | top - tjmaxx? | skirt - vintage | wedges - wetseal

Same outfit as earlier in the day (last post), except I switched the top and put on a silk blouse as a faux-jacket. Same shoes, same backpack but worn as a messenger instead of a backpack (yay for versatile strap functions, I love ROXY)... yep. When life gives you homework, play dress up I guess !

preppy artsy

2010-09-23T07:57:00.000-04:00

denim shirt, belt & striped shirt - amarcord vintage | pleated skort - thrifted | shoes - wet seal

Denim, pleated white skirts, and wallpaper print shirt... hmm.

embellished pullover sweaters

2010-09-21T12:06:00.001-04:00

sweater - thrifted | shorts - ? just some denim shots | sandals - f21

Welcoming the onset of autumn with some thrifted sweaters... have recently come to love soft, oversize knit pieces that are so easy to put together/interesting on their own. This is why I love thrifted and vintage junk. They're so awkward and random with unexpected embellishments and quirks to the point that accessorizing isn't even necessary sometimes... like with this sweater. Pearls / gems / sequin patches and perfectly placed dolman sleeves, thank you for making my hectic days easier & more functional. Eternally grateful I am :)

lower east side ready

2010-09-20T04:14:00.001-04:00

hoodie - bdg | shorts - chinatown? | tank -target | backpack - vintage/thrifted

I love the lower east side. So much thrifting/vintage shopping/hoboing to be done. Visited a few galleries for an article that I'm writing soon and stopped by Piada for an amazing sandwich with speck, brie, and tomato... mmmmm. My travel & adventure ready outfit I guess, didn't really feel like dressing up. Sometimes sporty is cool, kind of, in my head anyway :)

pocahontas days

2010-09-18T18:13:00.001-04:00

dress - thrifted | shoes - flip flops, diy wedges | chain - vintage | belt - thrifted | backpack - roxy

Wore this amazingly cool tie-dye / i don't even know dress that I thrifted this summer. It's amazingly lightweight and the kind of material that swishes unnecessarily but I love the way it moves. Hahaaa okay so we had a disney themed mixer the same night and initially I was aiming for dumbo but realized my wardrobe is limited... so I just wore the same thing I wore to class. Except with a headband. Success?

gold collars, rolled up sleeves

2010-09-15T21:59:00.005-04:00

top - vintage stretchy shirt | blazer - vintage | shorts - wet seal | shoes - alice&olivia heels, random flip flops | accessories - f21, thrifted, vintage

Reviewing my recent posts I've realized I usually switch every other day from some feminine sheer find to something edgier the next. Haha gotta keep it real... or just not boring. I'm a huge fan of 1/2 or 3/4 length sleeves for some reason, I think I've convinced myself that somehow half sleeves are the way to go. Before switching into flip flops for the afternoon since it got warmer I sadly once again felt awkwardly tall in class. Like a lumbering giant in a room full of fellow economics majors who didn't understand my 5 inch heels, sigh. Ummmmmmmm pretty standard nowadays...

autumn leaves summer rays

2010-09-15T02:55:00.002-04:00

Sunny weather merits sunny outfits, hence the pink and yellow sheer kaftan over a semi-hot-pink/barbie pink slip. Decided to forego the backpack since it looked a little heavy with the outfit so I brought out a leather messenger instead, and accessorized with a chunky gold vintage chain to keep things simple. Would have worn heels except I had an awkward moment the other day where I felt like I was looming above everyone on campus for no good reason...plus I don't think I have anything nearly strappy/delicate enough to make the look summery enough. Haha delicate heels just aren't my thing.

worn again and again

2010-09-14T05:13:00.001-04:00

I know I've worn this shirt like 1000 times recently but I finally wore it with pants and some boots instead of a skirt. Jeans in fact. I actually am not a huge fan of denim bottoms since I always feel like they're so constricting but these are a different story; I guess you really do have to just find the right fit...

red cherry blossoms against gray & gold

2010-09-13T01:03:00.000-04:00

top - wet seal | skirt - intermix | gold chain - vintage | cuff - wet seal

Mixing some prints against solids; pulled out this red floral shirt from a while ago, 10th grade actually (wait that's 5 years) but I literally wear it like... once every 6 months. Haha. Somehow the color combinations and different textures really made sense to me when I threw these thing on together. Too office-y though which was I picked out my silly forever21 sandals that I wore practically every day this summer. Nothing like dressing down via flat sandals haha... brings up the comfort level a notch too.

fashion's night out 2010

2010-09-11T08:37:00.006-04:00

top - men's shirt, thrifted | shoes - decree from jcpenney | bag - hype | earrings - vintage from my sister!

Escada, Gucci, Tiffany's, Palace (Gossip Girl!), Dorm.

About my oversize shirt - yikes, looks like I wore the same thing as Thursday. Hmm this shirt is slightly moe flowy I'd like to think but the sleeves are gigantic so solution = stapling for a faux-draped effect, reminiscent slightly of my 3.1 Phillip Lim resort sweater. Hehe. Regardless of how it looks though it's sooo soft and comfortable I felt like I had to choose some louder shoes. The shoes actually tie up in the front with laces and zip in the back for easy slip on/off.... and the heel's chunky enough to make them super easy to walk & run in, definitely hobovogue-friendly.

Oh! And meet Serena, friend from Columbia / sister in ΣΔT :)

sweetest goodbye

2010-09-10T03:27:00.000-04:00

hooded top - thrifted | shorts - fire denim | shoes - diy payless | backpack - roxy

Hmmmm didn't feel like color today. Black and white outfit (besides the dark wash denmi) basically; sometimes that's all you need. Oh and gold detailing on cool wedges to complete the look =)

sailor collars, wallpaper prints, faux ostrich

2010-09-09T14:08:00.000-04:00

top - vintage | skirt - old navy | shoes - sears | backpack - roxy

Second school day. Ten minutes to get dressed means picking up the first skirt I could find (not unpacked as indicated by that suitcase ... there's another duffel and box full of clothes unpacked in the closet. yikes). The top has this interesting wallpaper floral print (I seem to be unconsciously collecting awkward floral print shirts) and the sleeves are super flowy/soft/comfortable; the shirt's made of this flowy silk-like material. Not quite sure what it is.. Was hesitant about the prissy looking puffed sleeves but I think the ostrich print skirt offsets the grandma vibe of the shirt. Or I hope... haha.

mystify me

2010-09-07T16:56:00.004-04:00

shirt - thrifted | skirt - forever 21 | shoes - diy payless | necklace - laila rowe | other accessories - vintage, f21

All moved in and reunited on campus with everyone!!! :)

Bright and sunny days + first day of classes = happy outfit needed. Found this button down sheer flower print blouse at a thrift store down in Chelsea (I think it was salvation army?!?) but practically brand new with the original tags on it. Love how soft and flowy it is, opened up the buttons at the end of the sleeves so it's easy to move around in. Been stomping around in these amazing shoes that are SO comfy even at 4 inches.. everywhere.. recently. Haha so no I don't only have one pair of shoes, these just happen to go with everything and the comfort level = fantastic. I love Payless...

ikea exploring

2010-09-06T04:46:00.002-04:00

Simple outfit for a day full of packing and errands-running before my hectic move in... a few hours.

Tips on moving: don't plan a trip to Ikea the day before.... haha. It's okay, was planning on finding these cool garment racks I spotted in another blogger's photos, checked online and saw it was in stock, then headed over with a few friends and... it was out of stock :[ It's okay I officially have a flower shaped ice cube tray. Makes me happy enough. Even though I also need a fridge... okay, incoherent blog post ends now.

hobovogue living : les arcs en ciel

2010-09-01T19:43:00.003-04:00

La vie en... les arcs en ciel!
[ life in rainbows ]

Influences / inspo / ideas : rainbows, cupcakes, lightweight lingerie, sugar sprinkles, rainbow silly bandz, ocean silly bandz & Jersey Shore (sorry but the weather permits shoreworthy clothes ie. lame tanks & simple shorts). My life clearly is unraveling at this point as my separation anxiety deepens (hem hem.... stressed to the point where allergies & sickness have befallen, sigh) but the rainbows are getting me by. Songs of the moment: Rainbow Veins & Saltwater Room, Owl City =]

And some more rainbow inspo (watch the video for beautiful photos!)

wallpaper prints under mens hooded windbreakers

2010-08-30T08:15:00.001-04:00

shirt - vintage amarcord | jacket - f21 (men's) | shoes - diy payless | ring - forever21 | backpack - roxy

Saying goodbye is always kind of rough. Dressed as normally as I could for my last day of work so it wouldn't be as hard. Hmm. Anyway this jacket is my faux spiderman find, it has this red detailing on the sleeves and in the front that reminds me of Spidey himself. Pretty cool. For some reason before I left my apartment I decided to have the sleeves from my shirt stick out from under the jacket...ummm I guess the layered effect is passable. Most likely my favorite wallpaper print shirt cause it's actually surprisingly soft and functional.

Might fail to make meaningful posts on here in the next few days as I'm packing and getting ready to leave my crib :[

falling into autumn in chunky knits

2010-08-27T23:33:00.002-04:00

sweater - 3.1 phillip lim | skirt - old navy | shoes - diy payless | bag - hype | rings / bracelets - diy &f21

So I posted about this incredible $40 bargain 3.1 Phillip Lim 2008 resort collection piece - from Angel Street Thrift Shop in Chelsea - a few weeks ago. Mmmmm so I finally got to enjoy the wonderful softness & warmth of this heavy sweater a few days ago when it actually got cold here in New York! Not cold enough for me to put on tights yet but a sweater's a pretty big leap for me. Can you believe it's a resort piece?? I love its silhouette, the amazing draped loose sleeves, perfectly placed shoulder side tabs, and the huge buttoned pockets. It's unfortunately a tad big on me (M instead of a S) but it's just sososo comfy. Can't wait for autumn now... if only I had a few capes! Shall go probing various vintage & thrift stores this coming week for one before I move out of Chelsea.

Oh and I'm starting to have anxiety attacks. Separation anxiety from summer, Chelsea, work, everything... major boo. The mid-smirk/laugh attack caught so ungracefully in that last photo is definitely lost now =((((( The far away land of Morningside Heights/Columbia/SCHOOL is so stuffy and makes my brain throb. The impending doom... only intensifies the necessity of some comforting capes to hide away in. Ughlughugh. Ickityickick.

fountains spilling with secrets

2010-08-27T09:03:00.003-04:00

Has any read the children's book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? [ wiki here ] Totally random but that's what popped into mind when I was sitting by these fountains at Washington Square Park by NYU the other day. Actually it just so happens that the museum they run away to was the Met. Kind of mind boggling now that I've actually been there, makes me want to re-read it since it'll make more sense now.

Hmmm so threw this outfit together, without the hoodie it's actually very work friendly but I suppose it was raining. I think that's why I brought my striped jacket... or maybe just for the pop of color. Who knows. Anyway the necklace is this long lanky gem-encrusted vintage chain from Amarcord that I used as a leg bracelet thing a few posts ago... I found this keychain my ex roomie gave me from one of her care packages hehehehe anywwhooo decided the silhouette looked kinda cool and hooked it on to make an awkward necklace. UMM yeah turns out the keychain is actually two guns at the bottom?! Whatever I still think it makes sense.... visually anyway.

burlington coat factory expedition in DIY tick sandals

2010-08-25T06:51:00.004-04:00

shoes - f21, DIY | shirt - thrifted | tank as skirt - f21 | bag - hype

Headed over to Burlington Coat Factory in search of pretty things. Hmmmmmmm so I found this $300 St. John cape that I'm dying for, I put it on and it screamed for me to never take it off, it's SO comfy and warm and ahhh I can see myself wearing it everywhere in the winter. Sad about the price tag =( Also snapped some quick photos of potential shoe inspo. I love chained detailing so that may be my next project... just have to find the shoe with the right silhouette.

Anyway I found these amazing stretchy platform wedges at forever 21 that are surprisingly comfortable, 5 inches, and decided to ... cover them in thumbtacks. Haha yet again. Except this time I did the whole shoe. Feedback? :P (P.S. Sorry for the outfit repeat I had like 5 minutes to toss on something in the morning).

rain-saturated denim

2010-08-24T02:03:00.000-04:00

denim shirt - amarcord vintage | necklace, bag, rings - forever 21 | shorts - tjmaxx | shoes - alice & olivia for payless

Running errands on a Sunday. Hence the...running shorts. I know, what was I thinking? But somehow I think this outfit works, at least for me, in terms of functionality and comfort. These heels are SO easy to walk/run in so despite being completely rained out (check out how saturated my shirt was after getting soaked... intense colorfying no?), I could still walk 20 blocks home. That's 5 inches y'all, which basically = dedication... to... hobovogue. Anyway. The bad news... my shoes got kind of soaked and I didn't notice until I took them off but the fabric lining the insoles/cushioning tore since it was so wet =( NOOOOOOO I guess that's what you get for buying $5 sale shoes from Payless. Thinking of investing in some super glue and seeing if I can glue it down.... any other wallet friendly suggestions for repair?

ALERT : hobomobile / fashion mobile?!?!

2010-08-23T13:25:00.001-04:00

So this isn't 100 percent fashion related, but I do have a hobo fetish (I mean, I practically am one). This entails subscribing to all twitter posts that mention anything hobo related. Trending... the HOBO MOBILE. Can I even describe how amazing this design is?!?! Take a look for yourself here. It's incredible! So innovative, a stunning design and beyond creative concept, I would actually stretch it to say it's pretty damn chic, and omygod best of all it's WARDROBE FRIENDLY. Look at all that potential hanging and wiring with a design that allows for so many things to just... hang from it. I'm obsessed. Officially. Like... don't even mess with this right now, I think this is the most exciting and inspiring thing I've seen EVER. I mean... imagine... "hobovogue on the go", except REALLY. I might even start up a hobochompe mobile. It's all about dreaming big, everyone... [photos from fastcodesign.com].

Oh and not to worry; outfit post will come later today... this was just too exciting to pass up a post.

sheer sequined embroidery & ankle chains

2010-08-22T16:47:00.001-04:00

black tunic & ankle chain - vintage | blue tunic under - jcp | rope belt - thrifted | necklace - f21

My thrift and vintage finds can cure sicknesses, I swear. Found this sheer black tunic that's so grandma-like yet completely wearable on a day-to-day basis if styled right (belted). Sheers are definitely taking over my wardrobe at the moment. The sequined embroidery on this particular find though is actually incredibly beautiful and sparkles when the sun hits it properly.... Found a silver red gem-embellished chain lying around and decided to wear it as an ankle strap since it's too thin and winds around awkwardly when I try to wear it as a belt. My feeble attempt to get creative with accessories when I'm too lazy to stack on six rings.

knit black lace & some preppy

2010-08-21T19:51:00.002-04:00

black skirt as dress - thrifted | bgray skirt under - express | plaid vest - mommy's creation

So wasn't feeling too inspired by anything in my closet so decided to wear a skirt as a dress. Which I actually happen to do more often than you'd think... anyway the lace is over a nude-colored layer so that's why the detailing kind of shows up. Really pretty fabric but the pattern's kind of weird - it's this handkerchief hem so the sides are way longer than the middle, so I had to wear another skirt under. Threw on mom's vest to make this work-wearable.

Sorry haven't been responding to comments / your blog posts lately, have been fainting/dying/ recently for unknown reason... basically I'm in bed all day just too tired to do anything :( . OH summer sicknesses, how I love thee.

marching band elephant vests

2010-08-20T15:55:00.001-04:00

vest - vintage | wifebeater - f21 | tank as skirt - don't remember | backpack - roxy | rings - f21

This awkward Tibetan-like vest is so ripe with potential. It's a bit oversize but it's nicely loose so that I can still move around comfortably in it. I feel like I'm wearing artwork when I wear it. Hehe. The elephants are actually cushioned/puffy and there's two in the front and one in the back.... Just have to figure out what else to wear it with... I'm feeling combat boots or maybe some black platform wedges.Thoughts and recommendations? :)

oversized tunic with flutter sleeves

2010-08-18T13:22:00.001-04:00

oversized tunic - thrifted | leggings - intermix | coin belt - vintage | bag - hype

Found a gigantically oversized tunic this weekend, semi-sheer with a geometric print, and fell in love. The sleeves are basically scalloped and have incredible detailing on them, flutter like no other, and are just so... butterfly-like. The rest of the tunic is basically pretty loose fitting hence the coin belt... it's a size 2x but comfy as anything and I don't look too hobo-like with it on. I think. Ha...

circus couture: tsumori chisato fall 2010 rtw

2010-08-17T20:05:00.002-04:00

Tsumori Chisato Fall 2010 RTW

Where do I even begin? So I guess I didn't really pay enough attention to Japan Fashion Week because I discovered the magic of Tsumori Chisato's fall collection just today. You all know by now probably that I'm obsessive over intense colors, prints, textures, layers, and silhouettes. Chisato really just takes it to the next level.

Disregarding the wearability of the collection as a whole, I just have to commend him for elevating my notion of the circus theme as silly and elementary to one now of glamorous frivolity. Incredible bold striped pants in both neutral and vibrantly colored sheer silk, oversized capes creating wondrous silhouettes, layered scarves in solid and prints adding that extra flair to already intensive layers... Feathered dresses, psychedelic and hypnotizing zigzag prints, playful yet elegant side updos all captured in an atmosphere of fairytale fantasy. I can't even imagine how this looks coming down a runway in movement, with the billowing sleeves, trailing trains, and soft flowy fabric, fantastical, mystical, mysterious, charming, & captivating all at once.

outfit on the move

2010-08-16T21:51:00.003-04:00

shirt - vintage | skirt - f21 | bag - hype | accessories - diy, vintage, street fairs

Pulled out my semi-sheer blouse with crazy purples, magentas, and sublime greenish-blue hues and threw it on over my go-to faux leather skort. Paired with some loud rings and hairties, friendship bracelets, and street finds in a somewhat sad attempt to spice up my semi-boring outfit. Ohhh well. Loud shirts don't need crazy accessorizing I guess :) Simple Sunday outfit before heading over to Long Island City to hear Julia Haltigan at a taxi garage concert (who by the way has an incredibly powerful & beautiful voice)...

a mix of rugged and sheer

2010-08-15T11:02:00.000-04:00

sheer tunic - jcp | slip - vintage | flip flop jellies - f21 | backpack - roxy | bracelets - DIY

I've been playing around with mixing different textures a lot recently. My backpack from Roxy ordered through Amazon came a DAY after I frantically ordered it from them since they were finally sold out on roxy.com. I have a fetish for backpacks since they're so convenient and this one is no exception - in different lighting it shows up differently, but basically it's this rugged looking black-brown faux-leather outside with incredible zippered pockets for everything and rope&button snap closure at the top and on the sides. Totally in love with it... was heading to Chelsea Piers for some quality reading time on a not too hot and humid day (FINALLY) so I just put on those awkward jellies. Ha.

lace, leopard, and chains

2010-08-14T11:49:00.001-04:00

lace top - tjmaxx | nude bodysuit - american apparel | purple tank as skirt - canadian store?
bag - tjmaxx | wedges - alice & oliva for payless | necklace - forever 21 | chain belts - vintage

Couldn't figure out how to wear this beautiful sheer cream lace top for the longest time, and finally decided to give it another go yesterday by wearing over a nude bodysuit from AA. Pulled out a purple tank that no longer really fits me on top and... wore it as a skirt. Have been doing this a lot recently because I've been lazying around and avoiding laundry meaning no skirts to wear...I know, yikes. Thankfully I stock up on anything I see that's chained and it just so happened that these chains hit at exactly the right place to make my outfit not so.,.. awkward. Still in love with the different dotted and floral patterns of lace for that top... wish it weren't banded at the bottom though. Hehe thoughts?? :)

summer evening rainfall

2010-08-13T11:56:00.002-04:00

men's rainjacket - housing works thrift shop, chelsea | leggings - intermix | belt & chain necklace - vintage | shoes - wet seal

Attempted to not look a disaster before/during the rain last night. Escaped to a little French cafe on 9th Ave luckily before any unnecessary mess of accidents occurred (I'm quite accident prone especially in 5 inch wedges and wet ground.) Sorry the lighting's so inconsistent, it's so interesting actually to figure out how which lights are caught in a photo really impact the hues and coloring though.

Other happy news: Angel Street Thrift Shop had their monthly private sale yesterday.
Can I say... prepare for a 3.1 Phillip Lim 2008 Resort Sweater in upcoming posts!!
For $40 only. Oh. My. God.

faded yellows against ombre pinks & reds

2010-08-12T02:23:00.004-04:00

scarf - gift from my sister | chain bikini top - victoria's secret | wedges - a.n.a, jcp
yellow shirt jacket - junk, williamsburg | halter dress, necklace, & bag - f21

I've been newly inspired by Thakoon's amazing fall collection to attempt layering even in 90 degree weather. Slightly crazy but thankfully a possibility when you have yellow blazer-like jackets with the lightness of regular shirts. It's definitely oversized but rolling up the sleeves actually gives the sleeves this billowy draped effect. The buttons / closure on it are incredible! I'm still madly deeply enamored with my Victoria's Secret chain bikini top... I know the strawberry-banana palette is almost sickening but for some reason I was craving a color overdose today. In romantic valentines shades too... yikes.

So in retrospect the grandma vibe given off by the jacket really does NOT complement the knee grazing halter. I probably should have paired with some shorts because the almost knee-length dress makes me look so short, but oh well.....Talk about an outfit fail. Yikes. I just really like the color pallete & lighting in these photos. HMMM yeah sorry if this blinds anyone.

falcon fierceness with forest prints

2010-08-11T11:32:00.007-04:00

dress & necklace - forever 21 | bracelet - h&m | heels - christian siriano for payless

Just realized yesterday when I tore apart my closet that the print on this jungle/tropical/tribal dress would go amazingly with my claw-like heels from Christian Siriano for Payless. Quite an exciting moment. Love it when my shoes actually somewhat make sense, because usually I opt for the easy way out - casual sandals or some black boots / heels. Needless to say I failed to wear the shoes to work (can't bear these beauties to undergo the mile long trek) but I wish I could have. Love the sequined ankle straps that make them so easy to walk in & the angled cutouts, with a perfect peeptoe.. perfect little details.

Side note. Christian Siriano is so fierce. “I'm kind of a novelty, and I'm kind of a big deal." Damn right he is.

thinking of Thakoon, Fall 2010

2010-08-10T14:29:00.008-04:00

There's something about Thakoon's fall collection that made me mildly obsessive about it when I first saw it a few months ago. Somehow wandered onto style.com again today and decided to re-visit the collection.

A suit with perfect tailoring and immaculate colorblocking on velvet, slouchy sweatpants with huge pockets, ruffled capes with fur underlaying and ridiculously draped tops. Grey socks layered over satin midnight blue pants. Oversized fur hoods with long windswept hair peeking out under, elongating side stripe pants, white tights. Ethereal capes in cream, bold rope belts in neutral shades, angled skirts creating chic silhouettes, whimsical shoes to go with every outfit. A transformative progression from the dark to the light with uniquely layered pieces ... all incredibly beautiful.

Thakoon - pure genius: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2010RTW-THAKOON .

Which looks are your favorites?
Note to self: must create DIY pants with side stripes. !!!!

limelight.

2010-08-09T11:35:00.002-04:00

In front of & inside limelight marketplace, 20th st& 6th ave.

dress - urban outfitters | sandals - f21 | bag - vintage | necklace - laila rowe

Sometimes all you need is a simple black dress with a splash of colour & long dangling necklaces.

back to black and white

2010-08-08T13:09:00.005-04:00

white shirt - vintage | faux leather skort - forever 21 | wedges - DIY payless | chains - thrifted

Sunday funday photo editing moments. Photographed in Lerner Hall at Columbia University while I picked up some mail (Elle & Harper's!) uptown yesterday. Simple white oversized shirt with a leather skirt and leather bag and my favorite DIY thumbtacked wedges at the moment, took me a record two minutes to get dressed and out the door.... that's what happens when you're perpetually running late.

Sorry to rant about my wedges forever but .....
I LOVE how sometimes the light hits them so perfectly that they just look like they're
glowing and reflect off shiny floors (first photo). It's almost... magical =)

stylist inspiration : rachel zoe

2010-08-05T11:48:00.004-04:00

i don't have cable so couldn't watch the rachel zoe project until last night.
thank gosh hulu.com exists. watched the episode TWICE.

first can we all admit that the Harper's Bazaar cover was exceedingly incredible? that was a real giraffe?!?!? i had no idea before i watched the episode. i love love LOVE the concept & process of styling even more now.... and the mcqueen dress and shoes topped it off so perfectly. the perfectly captured expression in the second image. and those platform stilettos in that last photo are so fairytale-worthy and beautiful. completely and perfectly iconic, just as brad & rachel mentioned.

so now that i'm even MORE enamored with rachel zoe (and styling!), i've been reading up on some interviews and looking at some past spreads. found some amazing excerpts from her book Style A to Zoe at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/21253791 that really exemplifies how knowledgeable she is. definitely a good read (it's a little long). some inspiring excerpts:

"Style can be empowering when you understand your own limits and strengths and know how to exploit them favorably. It is not limited to the rich and famous. We’re all looking for style cues in the way we live. An adjustment here or there or something new (even if it’s really vintage) in your life provides a sense of renewal."

"If I’m dressed in clothes that allow me to navigate my wild world without a thought of feeling uneasy or constrained — or downright unpresentable — I feel like me. Comfort nurtures confidence. With my marvelous clients, I strive for clothes, accessories, and jewelry that let them feel their most comfortable. Glamour should be effortless. Or at least look it. High style is also very much about ambience."

rachel roy: quilting bee backpack & fall 2010

2010-08-04T23:37:00.002-04:00

wandered into t.j.maxx after my 5th or 6th set of headphones this year decided to RIP on me. somehow got lost in the handbag section and spotted the coolest bag ever by rachel roy: the quilting bee backpack. it has an asymmetrical zip, two sectioned pockets, chain straps, and a zipper to create the backpack straps. quilted faux-leather (sigh) but studded with an incredible silhouette. for $35. debated for literally an hour whether i should get it or not and decided to postpone decision to today... my only problem with it is its size - 9" L x 5" W and 3 1/2" D [slightly small for my taste]. i am SUCH a sucker for backpacks/bumbags.....if only it were real leather, too! thoughts?

anyway, decided that since the backpack was so amazing, i should take a look at her fall collection again. didn't really pay that much attention to it previously. oh my god. incredible. the prints (peacock, wall print, midnight crushed silk) are beyond mesmerizing. an impeccable crocheted sweater dress. rich & vibrant "nile" and "pomegranate" jersey bodysuits & dresses, knit cardigans and tailored trousers. amazing coats... ethereal gowns. please please PLEASE take a look at the collection for your own sake. so stunning. http://www.rachelroy.com/

the real world: hobovogue .

2010-08-03T11:35:00.006-04:00

yesterday a friend / ex-coworker e-mailed me a link that i thought was pretty cool :

i mean, it's nymag.com's The Cut, and i shamelessly admit that i'm completely addicted...
PLUS i get my own picture next to tim gunn and heidi klum? score!

then i proceeded to read the comments under, and my happy moment died a little. some fellow nymag.com reader feedback (see more here) :

"I thought it was Cut editorial policy to support pants.."
"...This outfit looks terrible though. Especially the shoes."
"She could've atleast acted like she liked it herself HAHA I know nobody else can. Hideous."
"Who you trying to fool?"

yikes.

yeah, no big deal it's the fashion world right? it thrives off of criticism, critique, & controversy. i don't really expect everyone to see clothes/outfits/fashion/style in the same way i do. that's why i blog and upload photos occasionally to chictopia, lookbook.nu, or in this case nymag.com. to share my own idea of what aesthetically pleases, intrigues, & charms me while documenting my adventures and discoveries along the way, for me, friends, family, and anyone who's interested / inspired by these things. posting fantastical and outlandish envisionings of potentially wearable outfits; sharing fashion spreads and photoshoots that inspire me; exposing trinkets and places that i've discovered and come to treasure; documenting hobovogue .

ultimately, i try to dress myself so that there's some sort of alignment between my aesthetics and my appearance; in a way, my outfit becomes part of my everyday life - my lifestyle, my vogue. because at the end of the day, what you're wearing does impact your life. i have to be able to walk in my outfits for distances, hop over fences, etc depending on what errands i have to run, the places i have to go. all without compromising my need to satisfy my aesthetic vision because simply, i can't and won't .

whatever that means. anyway, just some food for thought. original hobovogue post here:
http://hobovogue.blogspot.com/2010/07/green-raincoat-in-pocket.html

speaking of fashion & controversy, some interesting reads if you're interested:

[ 1 ] rodarte's nail colors and the ensuing controversy

[ 2 ] anna wintour and her witty remarks about bloggers
[ 3 ] tavi (stylerookie) & her rise to fame
[ 4 ] plus-sized crystal ren & photoshopping scandals
[ 5 ] bloggers voting at CDFA awards (semi-old)