Monthly Archives: September 2010

“My Style” Guest Post: Lauryn, Laureality

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Today’s guest is another lovely lady named Lauryn (2 in one week!), who is also a fellow Detroiter/Detroit Blogger. She is a dark, mysterious beauty with enviable curls/waves and lush long eye lashes. She probably gets annoyed with me, because every time I see this woman, I stare at her eyes. Luckily we’re both happily attached, otherwise she might think I’m hitting on her! :P

She blogs her thoughts, and posts examples of her amazing photography at Laureality.com. A recent grad, she is actually more than just a budding photographer. She captures the joyful and colourful essence of her subjects, enhancing their natural beauty. A real skill, honestly. But I think her photography style is just an extension of who she is as a person, naturally beautiful and delightful, bringing out the better in those around her.

—

Hello all! While Mae is off enjoying her much overdue and well-deserved honeymoon with her hubby, she’s invited me over to her beautiful blog to talk about style. Actually, not just style, but my style. When I first heard the subject we were supposed to write about I experienced a moment of panic. Fashion and style have always been pretty intimidating to me, so could I really write about them and have anything significant to say? I’ve always felt like I’m missing the fashion gene.

It’s not that I have a hard time shopping. HAH. If only that were the case. When I walk into a store I know exactly what I’m drawn to, but for me the major struggle comes from not knowing what the heck to do with everything. What goes together? Can you really pair that belt with that dress? What about earrings? A purse?? I have a closet full of things I like but for some reason I either lack the creativity to combine them or am just plain scared to try.

Because of this major intimidation factor, there are certain trends I’ve been reluctant to try.

Exhibit A: SKINNY JEANS.

I see other women pull them off beautifully. The right figure can really rock a pair of tight fitting pants like nobody’s business, but my short-legged Italian frame didn’t have me convinced that I could join the crowd. Recently I decided that it was time to invest in some good quality denim so I headed to the Gap and quickly found what I was looking for. During that same trip I met face-to-face with those questionable skinny jeans and figured that the very least I could do was try them on.

After trying a pair that was about ten inches too long and therefore covered my entire foot, I finally found the size that complimented my short legs perfectly. Paired with an oversized t-shirt I had to admit, it was a pretty cute combination. I took the plunge and made the purchase and I haven’t looked back since.

I learned that when worn with a slouchy or otherwise attention-grabbing shirt, skinny jeans work quite well, no matter how tall I’m, er, not.

Maybe style isn’t a matter of right or wrong, but rather finding the random combination that works for you.

What can I say? I’m learning. One swipe of my debit card at a time.

~~~

For more of Lauryn, visit her blog, Laureality.com, and be astounded by all the beautiful “scenery” and profound musings of my fellow Detroiter.

Thanks, Lauryn!

Photo credit: Lauryn G, Laureality.

{ Architecture of an Outfit, Guest Edition 2.0 } by Emily the Panda

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My lovely fellow Midwestern Asian style blogger (originally from Chicago, but now DC-based), Emily from The Lesser Panda (Emily the Panda).

She is doing a series of Architecture of an Outfit-type posts, modeled after my own Architecture of an outfit series. A tutorial of sorts, for budding stylistas.

~~~

Architecture of an Outfit: Night

Part two of my three part Architecture of an Outfit series. I’d like to keep in mind that night looks should be simple. Which is why I only chose three items for this night look.

First, you have to have a sexy dress. There is nothing like a beautiful sexy dress to show off your shape. I chose a simple black leather bucket bag and grey pumps to complement the dress. It doesn’t take much to be stylish at night, one thing that I really want to point out, is that you also do not need to show heavy amounts of skin to look good. I think this dress is flattering for many body types because of the cut and ruching of the dress. Finally, I choose grey pumps because grey is a neutral color which wouldn’t detract from the goddess dress.

What do you think of these pieces? Would you wear something similar on a night out?

Dress from Intermix, pumps from Nordstrom and bag from Shopbop.

photo credits: intermix, nordstrom and shopbop.

For more of Emily’s wisdom and her many food porn posts, visit her blog, The Lesser Panda (Emily the Panda). And stay tuned for two more of Emily’s Architecture of an Outfit tutorial posts over the next few days!

Thanks, Emily!

“My Style” Guest Post: Air, Clouds of Tulle

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Today’s guester is my lovely E-BFF “Air” from Clouds of Tulle. This Houston-based beauty has the most perfect hair, skin and eyebrows I’ve seen on the I-nets. Other than being drop-dead beautiful, she is one of the sweetest creatures I’ve had the honor of befriending through the blogosphere.

Air’s style is easy, downtown chic. Most of her pieces could look totally hot on a dance floor, but they can transition easily to a sexy art gallery opening. She knows how to shop for amazing pieces from inexpensive sources (UO, Forever 21), but puts them together with a panache and flair lots of people cannot muster.

Here, she outlines her evolution of style.

—

Since this post is supposed to be about “style”, I started thinking about how my style has evolved through the years.

Back in college, Japanese fashion magazines were my thing. Layers, colors, urban, and cute. I use to buy them religiously every month and since I can’t read Japanese, I would just look at the pictures and study the clothes and street wear. That was where most if not all of my inspiration came from and Urban Outfitters was of course my go to store. Not only was it right by campus but the aesthetic of the store was very urban, just what I liked.

As for make up, I wore a lot less of it back then also. Sometimes I only wore blush, not even powder! Just blush. Although in this picture I think I am wearing powder. =P

And now, well eyeliner is a MUST. The darker the better!

I can definitely see changes in my style as the years went by, but I think the core of it is still there just more refined and polished.
M said he likes the how I dress before better but I just told him that it’s the same now, just a mature version!


~~~

Air is one of the most thoughtful, caring, open-hearted people who has befriended me on the I-nets, and she and I got along from the very first comment exchange. She is the first beautiful person who has shared my interest in Animé down to the specific series (Bleach), in addition to a mutual love for Joss Whedon TV shows (I.e., Buffy, Angel, etc). So not only is she absolutely radiant on her exterior, the fact that she’s a nerd in real life–like me–makes her absolutely righteous. And this is why I call her one of my E-BFFs. She’s just awesome.

/end mushy love-fest

You can find more of Air’s style evolution and her many professional photo shoots (she plays model a lot to local Houston photographers), visit her fashion blog Clouds of Tulle.

Photos credit: “Air” H, Clouds of Tulle

{ Architecture of an Outfit, guest edition 1.0 } by Emily the Panda

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My lovely fellow Midwestern Asian style blogger (originally from Chicago, but now DC-based), Emily from The Lesser Panda (Emily the Panda).

This brilliant girl is probably one of the most politically aware, involved activist citizens I’ve ever seen in my style blogging history (I started blogging in 2000 or just a bit before, and style blogging in like, 2006). For a brief period, she worked with the Obama campaign in Chicago (I think), and now I believe her work in The District is politically related as well.

In addition to taking a real interest in the state of this country’s politics, she also nurtures a true food appreciation. Her FOOD PORN photos leave a herbivore like me (vegetarian), salivating after medium rare grilled flank steaks and garlic broccoli and the like.

Inspired by my “Architecture of an Outfit” series, Emily has down her own architectural breakdown of outfits in different environments–a sort of tutorial for a budding stylista.

~~~

Architecture of an Outfit: Work

There are all different types of offices, workplaces and dress codes. But, I think that it is still important to dress to impress. Here is the first part in a three part series of my own, Architecture of an Outfit series.

It’s important to have simple pieces that can go a long way when it comes to one’s work wardrobe. That’s why, I chose simple pants and a blazer. You can can simply change your blouse which would create as many looks as you like. It doesn’t take much to be stylish at work, all it takes are some good basics. Also, it is important to have a simple handbag and comfortable shoes.

Blouse, pant and blazer from J.crew, overcoat from Need Supply, handbag from Chloe, shoes from Nordstrom.

photo credits: needsupply, J.Crew, Nordstrom, Saks.

~~~

For more of Emily’s wisdom and her many food porn posts, visit her blog, The Lesser Panda (Emily the Panda). And stay tuned for two more of Emily’s Architecture of an Outfit tutorial posts over the next few days!

Thanks, Emily!

Sonia Rykiel Resort S/S 2011

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Being on my honeymoon in ICELAND and all, I’m obviously dreaming of warmer weather, at the same time being grateful that we just ended our hot season in Detroit.

However, the art deco goodness of Sonia Rykiel’s Resort collection 2011 has me drooling for summers in the French Riviera, mooning over buff, bronzed lovelies on the beach with an exotic and deliciously decadent cocktail, wearing a delightfully charming hat.


Thanks, Rebecca! (Source via Style.com)

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“My Style” Guest Post: AsianCajun Lauren “Lar”

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The second guester at thereafterish. is the lovely “Lar” Lauren of AsianCajuns. Lar is a brilliant, vibrant graphic designer with some serious urban/downtown flair, based out of Decatur, Georgia (the extremely trendy/stylish suburb of Atlanta).

Here, Lar dishes one of the elements that is quintessential in her style:

The Hair Pouf

I remember when I was about 14, I was pretty sure I would know myself completely (or close enough to it) by the time I was 20. This was a somewhat arbitrary age, but 20 seemed a safe distance away from 14. Knowing myself would also include my more superficial attributes. By 20 I would be completely comfortable with myself AND have an iconic style.

It sounds arrogant, but I think I was just being naive and/or overly ambitious. I am now 27 and do not have a definitive style let alone an iconic one. What I do have is… a hair pouf. As you can see in the photos pulled from my blog over the past year, I am rarely without that gravity-defying swoosh of hair on top of my head.

How did it get there? I have no idea. I don’t remember being inspired by Suzy Menkes, or anyone else in the fashion world for that matter. I’ve always hated to have my hair in my face (one reason my twin sister Cath can pull off bangs with aplomb and I can’t). I remember pinning back the top bit of my hair one day and thinking it looked weird pulled flat against my head. I teased it a bit underneath, scrunched the hair forward, and clipped it in place. Voila! The hair pouf was born.

If you would ask me if my hair pouf is fashionable or trendy, I wouldn’t have an idea (though I’d probably lean towards “no”). However, I think it’s enough of a fixture that most would consider it part of my style.

Now I’ve just got to get everything below the neck figured out.

I beg to disagree, Lar, I’m quite certain you’ve gotten it all figured out. Maybe you just don’t realize it yet.

For more of Lauren and her twin sister, Cath, you can catch up on their style and exploits at AsianCajuns.

Photo credit: Lauren, AsianCajuns.

Thanks, Lar!

“My Style” Guest Post: I Am Khatu

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As you know, I am currently on my long-awaited honeymoon, so while I am away, I have a few guest posters whose styles I absolutely adore and admire.

The first guest is Khatu H of I Am Khatu, a fantastically dressed professional who brings colour and vibrance to the world around her.

Here is her style philosophy:

Hello thereafterish. readers! It’s Khatu of iamKhatu and I’m very excited to be guest blogging for Mae while she is away on her fabulous vacation.

The best way to describe my personal style is bright! If you frequent my blog, it is apparent that my wardrobe is very colorful. I like to experiment with different looks but mostly with colors.

I believe color can affect your mood, therefore I wear lots of happy colors. Simple theory right? Try it!



You can read more of Khatu’s style at her blog, iamKhatu.

Photo credits: Khatu H, iamKhatu.

{ Architecture of an Outfit } Peace out, y’all

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N and I will be on a plane on our way to Iceland by the time most of you read this. Gone, baby, gone.

Bon Voyage, Mis Amis!

I have nothing to say other than, I wish you all much peace and happiness.

And continue watching this space. I’ve got some really awesome stylish and wise mavens lined up who are guesting over the next two weeks. In addition, I’ve got some fashion week snaps, as you’ve seen so far. I’ll also try to blog a few photo heavy “Stylish Stories” from our honeymoon trip.

We’ll be in Iceland for 8 days and London for 4.5 days. The rest of the 2 weeks will be wasted in transit. The first leg will take about 22 hours and three layovers before we arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland. But it will be worth it.

I leave you with some mellow yellows. I’ve been wearing a lot of yellow, black, brown and grey lately. Guess I’m just drawn to the combos for Autumn.




{ Outfit Architecture: Cardi, UO. T, “Giving back is the new black”, Forever 21. Belt, J. Crew. Man Trousers, Victoria’s Secret. Bow tie, Old Navy sash. Bow heels, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania x Melissa “Dragon Lady Bow” Shoes. Carpenter Bee Bag, Spotted Moth. }

FOTD (Face of the day)

And yet more yellows (taken today).


{ Outfit Architecture: Anthropologie cardi. Joe Fresh mesh Florette applique T. Target Belt. Nine West heels. Victoria’s Secret Man trousers. }

I’m going to miss this most of all when we’re gone.

Our Bear Dog, Max.

Peace out, y’all. More posts from guests starting tomorrow!

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{ Fashion Week } DVB Spring Summer 2011

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Victoria Beckham revealed her new collection for her Spring Summer 2011 line of DVB at New York Fashion Week.

Surprisingly, the line was full of shapes much more comfortably and loosely drawn, which would appeal to and flatter women with body shapes other than the traditional gaunt, tall, long-legged, bone-protruding types who strut hard down the walkways. In bright, citrus and exotic spring bouquet-inspired colours of vibrant daffodils, citron, royal purple, and blushing rose, the dresses were both professional sheaths and frocks as well as evening gowns to make even the most naive ingenue actress catapult to the top of best dressed list. Having dressed a slew of varied body-types, such as Jennifer Hudson (voluptuous & curvy), Eva Longoria (Petite), to Demi Moore (hourglass bombshell), it appears as though Posh Spice has learned to value of more comfortable dresses than the skin-tight pieces we normally see her clad in.

These pieces have easy, effortless movement with a timeless, clean-lined grace that other lines during Fashion Week eschew, yet with some modern, current details such as beautiful gathering, exposed zippers, iridescent sheen, studding and diamond bling to keep the look modern with a slight edge.














Which are your favourite?

Photo Source: Huffington Post

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{ Eco Stylin’ } London Fashion Week: The Sustainable Show s/s 2011

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London Fashion Week this year held its first ever Sustainable runway show, showcasing looks by top designers which places emphasis on sustainable and ecologically friendly manufacture and design practices. The show is a result of a partnership between British Fashion Council’s initiative Esthetica and START, a project of The Prince’s Charities Foundation, with a commitment to promote, celebrate and advance sustainable living.

The show, held in St. James Palace on Friday the 17th, was the culmination of a festival by START, “A Garden Party to Make a Difference”, in which the public were invited to come learn about greening one’s lifestyle. The festival, dedicated to raising awareness of sustainability, ran September 8th – 19th, and was held in the gardens of Clarence, Marlborough and Lancaster Houses in London.

Top designers who contributed designs to the Sustainable collection included, but not limited to: Dame Vivienne Westwood’s World’s End Collection, Stella McCartney, From Somewhere, People Tree, Junky Styling, Henrietta Ludgate and Christopher Raeburn.













Photo Source: Glamour UK

Cited Article source: London Fashion Week, BFC.

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{ Stylish Story } Traipsing about Europe… hopefully in style? Episode 1.0: Iceland

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The prospect of finally taking my honeymoon thirteen months our wedding has filled me with such incredible joy and anticipation, that it’s been difficult to muster the motivation to function in every day life as of late. I equate it with the syndrome that affects high schoolers with the impending freedom from the rigid, serial academic environment of secondary education. I’ve contracted a senioritis-like affliction of everyday life and work: Ordinary life-itis.

We’ll be spending the majority of two weeks in Europe.

2 days are wasted in transit, but, our itinerary looks something like this:

22 hours flight/transit. Land in Reykjavik, Iceland.






2 nights at Blue Lagoon Clinic & Spa, bathing in volcanic mineral hot springs, getting revitalizing and refreshing full-body massages, and getting invigorating, skin purifying facials.



6 nights at CenterHotel Thingholt in downtown Reykjavik, where we are right on the main artery of the city’s shopping, restaurant and nightlife. What we’ll do for 6 days for the rest of the time in Iceland? Who knows, but I bet a lot of it will be spent in Iceland’s lounges, bars and clubs, as Icelanders party until 6:30 in the morning. No belligerence and surliness here; citizens just know how to enjoy themselves with wine and dance and conversation. These are some of the most peaceful socializers on the planet.

Other than drinking, eating, and being merry, there is so much more to Iceland than what can be found in Reykjavik. I mean, other than shopping, what’s a girl to do?

I’m strapping on my waterproof trail running shoes, because I’d LOVE to see some of the following:

Glacier watching, The Jökulsár Lagoon

Hiking, Thingvellir National Park

Sky gazing – Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Hot Tubbing. There are geo-thermal pools and “hot pots” all over the city and in the surrounding landscapes.

Sight-seeing. Reykjavik is chock-full of museums, good movie theatres, bars, good shopping.


I’m sure there’s other tons of things to do in Reykjavik, we’ll have trouble fitting it all into eight short days.

After our Iceland leg, we’ll be jetting to London for five days. But that will be left to Episode 2.

One quandary I have is how to travel in chic. The last and only time I went to Europe, back in 2006, I was not really much of a style lover. I managed to be somewhat stylish, but I’d say most of it was hit or miss. The wrong shoes threw off every single outfit. This year, I want to be comfy and stylish.

This is one of the styles I’ve test driven, which I hope is warm enough. What’chu tink?



{ Outfit Architecture: Peppermint Cardigan, Doki Geki at Spotted Moth. Striped shirt, H&M. Scarf, Vintage. Jeans (Born to Fit), GAP. Boots, … uh, I don’t know. From DSW. Heart Locket Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs via Luuux.com. Beret… uh… random London boutique. }

Photos via: Blue Lagoon Clinic, Matthew O’Connor, Kathika.com, Lunch.com, TravelPunk.com, Flickr

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Checked out, Going East

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I've mentally checked out of my life, on the precipice of a long vacation.

It’s getting colder lately. It is time to put away flouncy, gauzy skirts and break out the opaque tights and thigh high socks.

~~

The cooler temps lately give me the true feeling of the transitional phase that is summer to fall… this is a time that speaks of falling in love, budding romances, sweet cuddles and kisses and warm embraces. Fall is a time or romance and fairy tales, where the wind blows magic through the trees and leaves trace stories on the ground as they dance a slow, sweet waltz with the wind currents.

I want to revel in this feeling forever.

–

I leave on my long awaited, almost mythical, fabled honeymoon in five days.

So, even if I cannot revel in this warm romantic glow forever, I can at least for the next month or a bit more.

{ Outfit Architecture: Polka dot ruched sleeve shirt, H&M. Flouncy gauze skirt, Club Monaco. Braided belt, Target. Teal tights, camel cardigan, J. Crew. Nude Mary Jane heels, Steven by Steve Madden. Bow Necklace, Modcloth.}

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{ Fashion Week Shoe Porn } Christian Siriano S/S 2011 Shoe Collection

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The teaser I released the other day was of Christian Siriano’s Spring Summer 2011 shoe collection.

During New York Fashion Week runway show, Siriano debuted a Spring Summer 2011 line of flowy and space-agey dresses and separates. His casuals were in lush leather in velvety tans and deep reds, with metallic animal prints and neon tribal patterns. Rounding out the collection were flowing, swishy confections to rival miss tiered and ruffled gowns herself, Vera Wang. In the collection were a few sexy, well ruched body con dresses that would make Reem Acra tilt a well-groomed eyebrow.




More photos to come.

This show is some of Siriano’s best work yet, yet somehow I find myself feeling as if this collection is still an accumulation of really “fierce” things we might have seen elements of before in various other designs. It’s ferocious and stunning, but it isn’t ground breaking, either. Nothing in this collection would I consider “breakout” in the way we would have expected, with his triumphant win of Project Runway.

By far the star of his show were the tribal space cadet-like platform cage heels, pumps and booties. Featuring towering wooden heels shaped like elephant trunks, or red lacquer architectural beam-like cone heels, with strap patterns that scream sex-pot; strong, determined platforms and edgy, tribesman meets downtown cut-outs on nude suede and snake skin; these shoes showcase Siriano’s true talent for detail and boundary pushing vision. The shoes have a modern, futuristic element with a West African influence. The shoes definitely are appropriate for next Spring and Summer season, with a straw sole above the platform, much like this year’s thin straw platform espadrilles.







These are not your ordinary warm weather shoes. These are more fitting in a gallery shoe than on a sidewalk.

But any fashion forward, aspiring space diva can attain her own Siriano artwork. The 2011 Spring/Summer collection will be available for about $80-$90 each pair. The shoes will be for sale at fine Payless Shoes retailers come next season. Yes, Payless Shoes Source.

At last, I am speechless.

Photos credit: Zimbio and Jezebel.

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{ Beauty Tuesday } Faux Bob by Love Maegan

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Our lovely DIY guru at …love, Maegan is such a genius with her how-tos and tutorials. And she’s done it again, even out-doing herself this time.


The bob is more of a big-haired 40′s bomb-shell kind of style–the exact look Maegan is more than capable of pulling of, being a bombshell herself. It is not an everyday sort of look, due to the fact that voluminous curls and big, big hair are requirements and also the results. This style is best worn on the weekend or on a night out, rather than to the office or to school, because 1., it does require curling, and 2. generally hair this big and sexy is more appropriate for a night out on the town, rather than the conservative, somber environments of the professional or academic forum.

I think my favourite part of this hair style is that it liberates long haired femmes from the occasional desire to chop the tresses. It’s also a nice departure from normal straight styles I’ve gotten used to.

My second favourite part of the faux bob? Maegan’s voluptuous and gorgeous self modeling the hair in that body hugging vintage dress and Loubs. She is the picture of absolute perfection.

Thanks, Maegan!

For more style DIY and outfit shots, visit the brilliant fashionista at her site.

Video and photos credit, Maegan S of …love, Maegan.

—
Shoe Porn full article on Christian Soriano’s S/S 2011 shoe collection is tomorrow!

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{ Shoe Porn Teaser } Christian Siriano S/S 2011 – HOLY FUCKING SHIT

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Just a teaser of tomorrow’s Shoe Porn Article.

Christian Siriano’s S/S 2011 shoe collection is full of orgasmic space details and honest to goodness bondage sexy cages and lines.

Photos by Zimbio.