Tag Archives: heels

Architecture of an Outfit: Cut Up, Patriotic and Late

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Aloha Kakahiaka, Lovecat. (Good morning.)

There’s nothing wrong with wearing red, white and blue. You won’t look like an American flag or look like a Union Jack if you don’t want to. So, what’s red, white (cream) and blue, striped, cut up to there and super, duper late?

My…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: How not to look like an American Flag–Red low-back tank, nautical stripe slit maxi skirt, nude platforms and a Christmas Wreath }

thereafterish, OOTD, asian street style, mikinola, bamboo sky, how to wear red white and blue

Always, always, always late. How to wear red, white and blue and not look like an American Flag.


thereafterish, OOTD, asian street style, mikinola, bamboo sky, how to wear red white and blue

Our winters here involve wearing light jackets, but even that sometimes feels super cold for us.

I love the look of red, white and blue, especially with nautical stripes. It reminds me of something Parisian, with the combination of the red and the stripes… but it’s hard to wear the colors without feeling a little patriotic or feel like you’re wearing an American flag on your body, and that is the binary opposite of chic, yeah?

I think the first thing to do when you wear red, white (or cream) and blue is to be confident that you aren’t a walking tribute to your country. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, if you think you’re dressed for Independence Day, you will not have the fierceness and bravado required to pull it off. The next thing is to have a grounding color… I prefer to go with neutrals. They’re less distracting than another bold color and will help, well, neutralize the erm, flag-i-ness of the ensemble.

I went with nude. You can never go wrong with nude. And denim, to keep me warm during our “cold” winter season. Hey, it’s all relative. But yes, I know we in Hawaii are terribly spoiled.

And yes, I know I’m horrendously late. I shot this during the holidays and just never got around to posting the pictures… Husby’s computer died and he’s been using my laptop (on which these photos were loaded) all this time (still is). I’m still catching my breath and looking at the calendar thinking, How is it almost spring already? I don’t know where the time goes. Does that happen to you?

thereafterish, OOTD, hawaii living, christmas wreath hawaii

We decorated a wreath in lieu of a tree due to lack of space in our house.


thereafterish, OOTD, asian street style, mikinola, bamboo sky, how to wear red white and blue

Back cleavage. I love the low back of this silk tank, but I don’t have the right bras for it.


thereafterish, OOTD, lace earrings, mikinola, bamboo sky, how to wear red white and blue

One of a kind crochet lace earrings I snagged at a now defunct boutique in Decatur, Georgia.

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE / DETAIL
Silver gate slit nautical maxi skirt, Olivaceous silk low-back tank, via Mikinola boutique. Moda (defunct) denim jacket. Bamboo Sky metal buckle waist belt. Dolce Vita nude platform wedge heels. Lace crochet earrings, Rockit Boutique (now closed).JewelMint Birdcage Bangle.

ALTERNATIVES

TOP: ASOS low back tank. Scoop back tunic.
SKIRT: Stripe slit maxi skirt. Barney’s nautical stripe maxi skirt (similar // high end). Sheer stripe maxi skirt. Nautical stripe knit maxi.
BELT: Gold buckle nude leather waist belt.
SHOES: Dolce Vita nude wedge platform sandal (almost exact). Sam Edelman nude low wedge sandal. DKNY ankle strap nude wedge sandal.
JACKET: Distressed cropped denim jacket.
BRACELET: Low Luv silver cage bangle. Kendra Scott gold filigree bangle (high end-ish). Gold filigree cuff.

thereafterish, OOTD, asian street style, mikinola, bamboo sky, how to wear red white and blue

Go with nude to ground the outfit.


thereafterish, OOTD, asian street style, mikinola, bamboo sky, how to wear red white and blue

What’s red, white and blue and debuting super late? My Outfit of the… Holiday.


thereafterish, OOTD, asian street style, mikinola, bamboo sky, how to wear red white and blue

It’s not Aloha Style to wear shoes indoors, so I carry my shoes to wherever I shoot, put them on on the spot and tread carefully with the timer. Not very Aloha…

It’s customary in Hawaii homes (and most Asian homes) to remove your shoes outside the house or in the foyer. So it is considered so not Aloha style to be wearing shoes in da hale (the home). Doing so is a sign of disrespect to that person’s residence. But because I usually shoot my outfits mostly indoors because of the light conditions or because it’s afterwork and there’s no light outside, I usually tip-toe from my shoe rack barefoot, put on my shoes only when the camera’s focused and almost ready to shoot (or I’ll do the same if Husby is shooting me). Then when I’m done shooting, I immediately remove my shoes on the spot and put them back in my shoe rack. It’s not so very Aloha of me, but you do what you gotta do for fashion, I guess. I’ll always be a Mainlander like that, maybe. LOL.

{ Would you wear red, cream/white and blue? Is it something you would pull off? Do tell, please COMMENT below! }

Rock On, Lover.
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood and A Million Lights

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Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, floppy hat by ETSIS, and A Million Lights. It’s my…

{ Architecture of an Outfit: Oxblood pleated skirt, striped tie-neck blouse, custom floppy hat and an obsession with twinkling Christmas lights }

Aloha, Lovecat. Howzit? OMG, this is my 500th post on thereafterish.! WHOA.

thereafterish, ootd, oxblood, oxblood skirt, Asian Street Style Fashion

Oxblood pleated skirt, ETSIS Custom Hat, Stripes and obsession with Christmas Lights


thereafterish, ootd, oxblood, oxblood skirt, Asian Street Style Fashion

Another canned traditional blogger pose.


thereafterish, ootd, oxblood, oxblood skirt, Asian Street Style Fashion

Close up of the tie neck blouse.

I love Christmas lights. I wish Christmas wasn’t over so I could still drive around Hawaii Kai and stare at the million twinkling lights.

thereafterish, ootd, oxblood, oxblood skirt, Asian Street Style Fashion

:)


thereafterish, ootd, oxblood, oxblood skirt, Asian Street Style Fashion

Arm candy detail

OUTFIT ARCHITECTURE

Striped tie neck blouse, Vince (similar here, here). Pleated oxblood skirt, Mikinola Boutique (similar here, here). Nude belt, J. Crew (similar here). Nude pumps, Steve Madden (similar here, here — most similar, here). Floppy hat by ETSIS Hats (similar here, here).

thereafterish, ootd, oxblood, oxblood skirt, Asian Street Style Fashion

OOTD: Nude to balance the oxblood and stripes.

Are you as obsessed with lights as I am? How will you rock your oxblood this year?

Me ke aloha ~ love + aloha,
Mae Xx

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AOAO – Causeway Mall Belted Waterfall Jacket & Circle Skirt

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I’m in love with Chiffon. I’m in love with this belted chiffon waterfall blazer from Causeway Mall. Worn with this striped Circle Skirt and knock off of THOSE YSL cage boots (Cage Heels), it was pretty much an ensemble I didn’t mind showing here.

Architecture of an Outfit

Causeway Mall, Waterfall Jacket, Waterfall Blazer, Circle Skirt, Cage Heels
Causeway Mall, Waterfall Jacket, Waterfall Blazer, Circle Skirt, Cage Heels
gold circle necklace
Outfit Architecture
Causeway Mall Chiffon belted waterfall jacket (no longer available)
[SIMILAR: Topshop Cropped Waterfall Jacket]
[SIMILAR: Miss Selfridge Waterfall Jacket]
Forever 21 Danny Roberts “Because I’m Addicted” tank.
[SIMILAR: White jersey lace trim graphic t-shirt]
Forever21 striped mini circle skirt.
[SIMILAR: Kate Spade striped full skirt]
[SIMILAR: Free People Railroad Stripe circle skirt]
Luichiny Patent leather black cage heels.
[SIMILAR: Matiko Black leather cage heels]
Urbn circle necklace.
[SIMILAR: Gold circle pendant necklace]
Wendy Mink hammered gold filigree cuff.
[SIMILAR: Gold Filigree Cuff]
Alex and Ani eco gold & silver wire bangles.
[EXACT SAME: Alex and Ani Rock & Roll Jagger bangles]

Wendy Mink Gold Filigree Cuff, Wendy Mink Wendy Mink Gold Filigree Cuff. So gorgeous.

I don’t really have many words other than how much I love the chiffon/polyester waterfall blazer. I could just bow the belt tie in the back and let the thing drape. I could deal with it for sure. This is probably one of Causeway Mall‘s better pieces I’ve received. The shoulder pads were sewn in place, the thing is lined and there are no weird pieces of thread sticking out of any seams. Overall, I’m mostly satisfied with CWM’s items, pretty much on par with Forever21, except for the crazy shipping prices. But that’s because it’s a wholesaler from Hong Kong, and not a regular e-commerce clothing site… Anyway. I love the versatility of the blazer. It can be dressed down with leggings or jeans, worn with a pencil skirt or even a full circle skirt as I did here. It’s pretty day to night worthy. Professional, yet still playful. It can go either way. I think it works with chestless women as much as it does with chesty women like me (and bigger, too!)–it’s the belt.

Circle Skirt, Cage Heels I need a pedicure big time. Feet are nasty.

Worn with my Danny Roberts “Because I’m Addicted tank and INSANE knock offs of THOSE YSL cage booty heels that I scored at a street art fair for TWENTY ONE DOLLARES (YES, I *did*, y’all!)… pretty sweet, yet edgy look. I’m pretty pleased with it.

I just need my hair to cooperate with me. OH HAY, HURRR! WHY YOU NOT STRAIGHT?
Whatev.

And since I’m running out of things to say (who’d'a thought!), I’ll just leave you with a picture of the cutest dog in the history of ever (and if you disagree, well, you’re just effing wrong, and the Universe knows it! :) .

Wheaten Terrier, Dog Superman Pose, Wheaten, Cute Dog Bear[Dog] says, “Oh, HAI, I’m SuperBear.”

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Coming Up Short: Yes, I actually DO wear short dresses to work

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My friend Khatu asked me on a recent Skype date what I wear to work, and my response was “most of what I wear on my blog, I generally wear to work”. But after a short discussions about work wear with her, it got me thinking about my work wardrobe, and I realized that, for the most part, what I don on a daily basis is not always considered standard office dress code.

After working in our office for five years I have not once having been cited, but rather complimented and marveled at for my clothing choices. Combining that with the fact that most of the people I work with often show up to work in sloppy polo shirts, khakis and sweatshirts, or any combination of dress slacks and un-complimentary knit shirts or button downs (and even Crocs–and Uggs in the winter!), I decided that going a slightly outside the lines and boundaries of what is defined as “normal” or appropriate for work wouldn’t land me in hot water.

Having gone to a private Christian high school that required tucked-in collared shirts or sweaters, well-pressed slacks, trousers, well-tailored jeans and skirts as part of the daily dress code, I’ve been instilled with the belief that clothing should never reveal a mid-driff, but conceal that region, should not be super tight, nor extraordinarily low cut, and skirts should never reach higher than three inches above the top of my knees. Within these guidelines, I’ve seen managed to be the most off the wall employee at my 200+ office, fashion-wise.

One thing you should recognize, however, is that within my off-beat choices, I have always managed to stay modest for the most part. I might get a little crazy with prints on prints, loud statement accessories that can border on aggressive (as some work colleagues have mentioned in reference to my rings), and my shoes aren’t always office appropriate, but I never go over the top when it comes to form-fitting pieces. My clothes are always within reason for a business casual setting as my office is, in terms of propriety and constraint. Regarding my body… I keep it professional.

That said, I might’ve gone a little overboard by wearing this shift dress that I wore and did an OOTD teaser of yesterday. The hem did go past my finger tips…but a couple of HR generalists clucked their tongues at me for my “naughty dress”.


I still maintain I was within dress code protocol when I bought the shift. At the time I was exercising a bit more than I am now (read: not at all), and I had a significantly smaller MT (muffin top) then. Um yah, skinny people get MT, too, and for skinny people, even 1% higher body fat percentage (BMI) shows up more severely than for overweight people. My waist was a bit smaller then, which means the hem was a little lower than it falls on me now.*

Fucking muffin top. I’d better get back on that whole Pilates Track–*SHRINK MAH BELLEH*!

Singing to my popsicle.

If the HR Generalists (not actual corporate HR, just local HR professionals we contract out to small businesses) wag their fingers in my face again, I’ll firstly have to bite my tongue at their poor choices of drab and dumpy attire, and then promptly blame it on the muffin top.

{ Have you ever worn something to work or school or an event that was slightly inappropriate? }

*Note: I did NOT wear these sky-high heels with that short hem. I wore the River Island cage heels next to me, which are a full inch shorter than the Jeffrey Campbell Miss Me’s I’m wearing in the pictures. Makes a difference for amount of leg.

{ Outfit Architecture }
Hyden Yoo contrast plaid shift dress [Worn HERE and HERE]
BUY SIMILAR via ShopStyle.com
Gold circles & discs bib necklace by Causeway Mall
Eco-friendly repurposed gold bangles by Alex and Ani via Charlie and Lee
Marc by Marc Jacobs heart locket watch [buy on eBay]
Miss Selfridge wire wrapped stone ring
Kenneth Cole waffle weave gold cuff
Muted gold infinity earring (local boutique), worn singly
Miss Me Cage heels (in the style of Jeffrey Campbell Camp cage heel sandals) via Lulus
Ployy B Blossom Bag
Whole Foods Mango Frozen Fruit Bar [also seen HERE]

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{ Building the Outfit Architecture } Go Big, or Go Home — Big Heels, Bigger Hair

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Building an outfit architecture is all about the details. For me, the highlight of this outfit is the “bigness” of it. Not necessarily gargantuan elements within the outfit itself, but in the ways it’s styled.

The exaggerated contrasting plaid print, big bib necklace, big waffle cuff, humongous wire ring, towering heels…




and stupendously immense hair.




I never taught you how to do the double chignon… so I plan on doing a video of this big top knot and the double chignon. Both are ridiculously easy, you’ll shit your pants when you see.

Full Architecture tomorrow.

Don’t forget to enter my $300 GUCCI/NYX COSMETICS/THE BODY SHOP/BLUE LAGOON SKINCARE/ORIGINS/CLINIQUE/DR. HAUSCHKA/CHANEL GIVEAWAY BONANZA! [ends July 1]

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Pale Yellow….Forever hollow, that’s worse than yellow // Piss is the color of tears

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{Lyrics from “Pale Yellow” by The Ditty Bops}

The lyrics kind of match my mood with the stupid weather, because I rather hate wet, hot sticky summers here in the Great Lakes Land. Yesterday was GREY. Grey and HOT. A rather abominable, loathsome way to spend an afternoon… even if only traversing from the car back to the house and vice versa, let me tell you.

Like I said yesterday, I dress around a singular element sometimes and build an outfit that way. Yesterday, it was the shoes because JELLY SHOES rock in the rain. Plus, they are yellow, which is a perfect way to combat the summer gloom. Um, and the bows. Yeah, bows.

I always feel like a total idiot in front of the camera, and I never know how to pose. So, while I’ve done the traditional Oh-So-Serious posing, and the absolutely bat-crazy Mae posing, I don’t think I’ve done super cute. So here we go. If you stop reading me, I think I might actually understand.



I wore grey because, naturally, I have about 3 other colors than yellow in my wardrobe, and everything else is grey. It’s kind of a go to, since the underlying color in the lace boho blouse is a dove grey. The pop of yellow was enough to bring in color to the ensemble, and the underlying palette is neutral.


{ What do you wear to combat June Gloom? }

{ Outfit Architecture }
Peasant boho lace top (wearing size L), Squash Blossom Boutique, Decatur, GA
Grey tank, H&M
Grey man trousers, Victoria’s Secret
Yellow Jelly bow heels, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania x Melissa Shoes
Braided vinyl leather belt, Target
Brass circles necklace, UO
Gold fringe bracelet, Banana Republic [GIFTED by ML of Twenty York Street. Thanks, Blogger BFF!]
Gold repurposed metal eco bracelets, Alex & Ani
Gold-tone boyfriend watch, Target

Don’t forget to enter my $300 GUCCI/NYX COSMETICS/THE BODY SHOP/BLUE LAGOON SKINCARE/ORIGINS/CLINIQUE/DR. HAUSCHKA/CHANEL GIVEAWAY BONANZA! [ends July 1]

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{ Building the Outfit Architecture } Summer Yellows

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When building an outfit architecture, I often construct the architecture around a singular element.

Today, with the gusty winds and torrential downpour, I decided that Vivienne Westwood Anglomania x Melissa jelly shoes’ combo of yellow and plastic would be perfect for the wet pavements drearily reflecting the dull grey expanses of sky [recently seen HERE, HERE, and HERE]. Such a saturated hue of shoe calls for similarly eye-catching hues in the same color family elsewhere in the outfit.



Instinctively, I reached for the yellow and grey lace top and then everything else kind of just fell into place. Gold/brass-ish buttons? Gold & brassy eco-friendly bracelets and boyfriend watch. Capiz shell earrings I found for $1 at H&M. Brass buckled “leather” belt. Grey lace? Grey pants. Bad hair? Big, big, messy Princess Bunhead top knot.

Different elements come together to combine for a sweet summer Outfit Architecture which just the right amount of girly and bright to combat the fatigue-inducing ugliness we call Great Lakes Weather [i.e., it not always "great"].

Full Architecture tomorrow.

{ What’s your Outfit Building style? }

Don’t forget to enter my $300 GUCCI/NYX COSMETICS/THE BODY SHOP/BLUE LAGOON SKINCARE/ORIGINS/CLINIQUE/DR. HAUSCHKA/CHANEL GIVEAWAY BONANZA! [ends July 1]

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Color Blocking, can we try that again? With a Butt Illusion Trick?

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I’m not very good at color blocking, because my entire wardrobe consists of neutrals like beige/taupe/tan, grey, cream, navy and black, black and yet more black, or black with stripes. So when I used a $100 gift certificate I won from Rebecca @ The Clothes Horse to Shop Ruche, and I spotted this chartreuse pencil skirt with the weird “fin-like” and folded detail pockets, I snatched it up immediately. Being a petite (5’2″ & size xs/2 or s/3), I thought the skirt would be a perfect fit. Instead, it is probably one of the most skimpy skirts I own, simply based on the fact that the fit is unforgivingly snug. If you look closely in some of these photos, I have un-disguisable Muffin Top, only further “enhanced” [shall we say?] by the horizontal wide stripes of my H&M tissue tee. Not really sure if this counts as color blocking, but I’m trying!

But the color, oh god, the color! It reminds me of a washed out Lomo photograph of an early spring morning. Saturated and ready for hot weather.

And the stitching of the lines… The scallop shape of the fin pockets and the central panel give an illusion of curvature to my spindly legs. A direly needed deception I welcome wholeheartedly. The added benefit is that the lines and snugness give me the appearance of having an ass as well. For someone who has suffered the life-long syndrome of Ironing Board Backside, this is another welcome misapprehension. I would wear this skirt to death, if I didn’t actually need to eat whole meals two to three times a day.

I wore this with a newly acquired (shopping ban was lifted for the month of my birth, but it’s back on now, I’ll have you know) H&M tissue boxy tee. The sheerness and the nautical stripes make it perfect for the disgustingly sweltering, sticky summers here in Michigan. And the boxy cut of the shirt not only makes for good draping, but also provides the perfect curtain to cloak a full belly bloat after lunches. That is, unless you wear it this way as I did here, half tucked.

I did this because otherwise the fin pockets would have been concealed, and also, I would have lost a bit of my shape. So I tucked in more than I usually would to give more definition to my waist, and to lengthen my center line. With the nude heels, I look taller and more poised. In addition, the solid skirt gives more counterbalance to the white stripe contrast up top.

What are pieces that give you things you wish you had (ie., an ASS)?

Don’t forget to enter my $300 GUCCI/NYX COSMETICS/THE BODY SHOP/BLUE LAGOON SKINCARE/ORIGINS/CLINIQUE/DR. HAUSCHKA/CHANEL GIVEAWAY BONANZA! [ends July 1] So far, only, like 14 people have entered, and it’s making me sad!

{Outfit Architecture}
H&M Shirt & yellow tank (layering)
Shop Ruche fin pocket pencil skirt
Jeffrey Campbell ruffle T-strap platform nude heels
Marc by Marc Jacobs heart locket watch
Kenneth Cole waffle gold cuff
Madewell mixed metal fringe bib necklace
Alex & Ani recycled / repurposed gold and silver spike bangles

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Striped Celebratory Dance

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{ thereafterish. quietly turned ONE YEAR OLD this week. }




Someone was a bad Bear[Dog]…not supposed to be on that couch… Someone left too much evidence.

Guilty!

In celebration, I’ll be holding a pretty big giveaway with lots and lots of goodies from The Body Shop, Chanel, Gucci, and NYX cosmetics, and a few other fun goodies (would you enter that?). In a few weeks time, probably in early June, I’d like to run a Show Me Your Shoe Porn collaboration as well. Lots of things in store for year two of thereafterish. Also, my blog’s namesake website should be launched pretty soon, so no one keeps incorrectly spelling it… LOL.

[thereafterish. is always lowercased, with the succeeding period at the end. :) it's not There Afterish, or Thereafterish or Thereafterlish. thereafter + ish. = thereafterish.

The idea is "they lived happily thereafter" but as you know, that's never really the whole story. So I like to say "they lived happily thereafter...ish." "Ish" is my thing. "I'll be there at 9AM-ish." "I'm feeling pretty good... ish." "Yeah, they did well...ish on that project!" Everything and everyone has a happy and stylish story somewhere...ish. ]

Stay tuned for this lovely, gratitude-filled, gift of appreciation to the thousands of readers who came to visit me this last year.

I have been blogging for more than ten years [8 with my personal blog which I now write exclusively at my tumblr blog], but I feel like I have learned so much more running this style blog for these 12 months than I have in a decade+ of writing other sites. So… what I am trying to say is Thank You for supporting me, bearing with me, and teaching me this last year. I couldn’t have continued on without you. Though I ultimately blog for myself, I’ve been encouraged, enlightened and lifted so much by all of you! Let’s continue to make this place a fun, interesting, lively place of discussion, interaction about that industry we love so much, Style–together!

{ outfit architecture }
Red striped viscose tank, Forever21 [yes, I broke my F21 shopping ban. No one offers this much striping! I’m back on the ban ASAP, though.
Lace trim tank, Express.
Gold braid belt, Forever21.
Really Skinny ankle trouser, GAP.
Leather heels, 704b Italy.
Circles necklace, UO (I had to break my ban for them, too, when I was looking for cheap feather earrings, and this caught my eye. Ban is back on now, though.)
Feather Earring (worn singly), UO.
Bracelets, Alex & Ani. (Eco)
Antique gold key ring, House of Harlow 1960.

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Shoe Porn: Penelope & Coco, styled by Chriselle Inc

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It’s been brought to my attention that it’s been much too long since I’ve done a proper shoe porn post.

So it was perfectly timed when my favorite stylist, Chriselle Lim posted an article showcasing her stylings for a look book for playful shoe brand Penelope & Coco.

The shoot means to juxtapose two distinct sides of the feminine persona, the playful and sweet personality with a slight masculine edge versus the dark, rock-star seductress with a penchant for bondage gear. The shoes are absolutely perfect… the black wedge kind of reminds me of LAMB shoes. I think I’d wear them all, except the polka dot platform (too horse-hairy & tall).








What are your favorites?? Do you have any shoe porn recommendations? Make sure to link some!!

Thanks, Chriselle!

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Too tired to really think of anything fantastic or clever, so you’ll get pictures and lists and stuff

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This weekend was both a bit messed up and totally rad:

{Messed up}

  • Torrential rains Saturday and all day Sunday
  • Thunder & lightning scared my big Bear dog
  • Temps under 60F/15.56C
  • Lupus flares and neck cricks from the quick weather change (it was 86F/30C on Friday–sunny and absolutely gorgeous)
  • Allergies
  • Headaches.. not sure if it is from the lupus attack or from allergies–either way, on a scale of 1-10, it sucked
  • Sleeping in until 2PM–days gone

{Totally A+ Brill}

  • Met and dined with two amazingly awesome Detroiters at a Vegan/Vegetarian/Organic restaurant in Royal Oak, MI
  • Husby made Vegan Chocolate Chip cookies… and they were f*cking ridiculously good
  • Husby cooked dinner last night – Vegan Pizza… the crust needed a bit of help, but the final product wasn’t as horrendously bad… I could probably do it better, though
  • Husby cooked brunch/late lunch today
  • Husby pretty much cooked all meals this weekend… Um, A+!
  • Afternoon Delight
  • Rockin’ the leggings as pants + crop top look without looking like a total douchey asshole–[Kristy of Monochroma-chic would be very, very proud]–see photo tomorrow
  • Bobbi Brown Powder Foundation
  • Project 808 commencement–AKA our relocation planning project to the State of Hawaii… official countdown
  • Puppy Snuggles
  • Container garden plants
  • Instagram
  • Revitalash from one of my Besties, Lily of Bleed For Fashion… Yes, also A+.
  • Sleeping in until 1 or 2PM.

As you can see, the things that ROCKED my socks far outweighed the suck-ass aspects of the weekend. Especially now that my lupus flare has subsided. I’m not very social, so the fact that we hung out with another couple this weekend was like, way cool. Also that I spent lots of time in my Happy Places, ie., my bedroom, and in front of my computer… This weekend was totes rad, all in all–or, as I’d say, A+. Brill.

{ Outfit Architecture }
Safari style blazer, Satin Scarf, Old Navy (Majorly old)
Silk circle or flounce skirt, Jacob (Gifted by Blogger BF, ML from Twenty York Street–Thanks, ML!!)
Purple cotton T, American Apparel
Cage Heels, modeled after Jeffrey Campbell Camp Sandal, by Miss Me (via Lulus.com)
“Bike Chain” necklace, Banana Republic (Gifted by ML from Twenty York Street! Thanks, ML!<3)
Fringe necklace, Madewell via ShopBop (Won)
Belts, Forever 21 & H&M
Waffle link cuff, Kenneth Cole via Macy's
Costume jewelry bracelet… random boutique
Alex & Ani bangles

**Taken 5/9/2011. Inspired by Blair of Atlantic-Pacific.

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Bored and Bare

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No, I’m not a drunkard. I barely even drink. Drinking certain types of alcohol usually triggers a lupus flare or an inflammation attack in my joints, so for the most part, I tend to stay away from consumption. Every now and again, I conveniently “forget” I have lupus, and I’ll have a cocktail, and the next morning afternoon, I’ll feel like I’ve been strung through the wringer, and joints will be cracking in searing pain. Fun.

I digress… So, no, I’m not a drunkard, or a woman with an alcoholism streak. I’m just bored.

Loopy, strange poses born from boredom. When I’m bored, I get weirder.

See?

Skyped last night with one of my besties, Lily of Bleed For Fashion, and though I tried to illustrate to her the extent of my weirdness, she didn’t seem to see it and laughed it off. I ASSURE YOU, I’m kind of peculiar. Perverted jokes, finding flatulence and poop hilarious, and speak in weird voices and make new, strange vocabulary with Husby. Basically, I have the humor of a 12 year old boy. I swear a lot, and I occasionally revert to speaking like a cartoon. I’m also dramatic and slightly emo, but that’s a whole other monster in my closet.

I’m only telling you all now because you are bound to see it all some day.

On another note, though you likely wouldn’t assume so, I’m probably [book] smarter than most people you’d meet (ie., very, very high IQ, not that that means anything anymore), and I’m a pretty good listener/empathizer. So hopefully that redeems most of the crazy I tend to exhibit once I start to get to know a person better. If I start acting hyper and kind of strange around you, it’s because I’ve finally let you the f*ck* in. Call it a good thing.

Makeup: Actually wearing a whole lot, but the golden evening sun streaming through our sheer curtains washed out the pigments on my face. Technically, the most bare you’ve seen on me. Wearing Bobbi Brown, Pixi and Chanel makeup. Eyebrows are NYX.


{ Outfit Architecture }

Yellow crochet lace panel cardigan, Shop Ruche
Tank, H&M
Braided waist belt, The Limited
Slate grey pencil skirt, Banana Republic (gifted to me by blogger BFF, ML of Twenty York Street. THANKS, ML!)
Patent dove grey pumps, Boutique 9
Mixed metal necklace, Jessica Simpson (gifted by Lauryn of Laureality. Thanks, L!)

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Monochroma-chic wash out

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I love that my friend Kristy’s blog title is such a perfectly stylish way to describe monochromatic outfits.


I might or might not have been influenced by the deceptively fluffy, downy-looking cumulonimbus clouds looming far overhead, unending, pillow-like silver and dove grey cotton pasted onto a faded, pale blue-grey sky. A flocculent host of clouds outside, belying the blustery tempest about to unfurl across the skies, like a freak temper tantrum.

They say your environment conditions behavior, which in turn conditions attitude. Thereby, it’s not too much of a stretch to assume that environment can directly influence your dress, which can, in turn, sway your momentary perspective or attitude. Storm clouds brewing on the horizon, miasma in one’s own head. It’s not too far-fetched of a conclusion. Clothes are just as often a reflection of how we feel as an expression of how we want to feel. It just so happens on this day, that it was the former situation, and not the latter.

Good thing, too. No one should willingly FEEL GREYNESS.





Who could ever feel grey, when looking at this sweet Bear Face?

{ Outfit Architecture }
*Denotes Eco-Friendly & Fantastic piece.
Paisley Print Blouse, Club Monaco.
Tweed Kimono Blazer Jacket, Karnival (Iceland indie fashion label).
Grey man pant troursers, Moda International (Victoria’s Secret).
Citron woven skinny belt, J. Crew.
Grey patent leather cut out pumps, Boutique9.
Gold chain link necklace, Banana Republic (Gifted by Twenty York Street–Love you, Blogger BFF!)
*bangles, Alex & Ani, random boutique.
Wire wrapped ring, Miss Selfridge (UK)
Gold men style watch, Merona (Target).
Feather earring, UO.
Infinity gold earring, Sole Sisters
Deep red lipstick, NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Deep Red.

Enter my TWO GIVEAWAYS in honor of Earth Week!

1.) PerriconeMD $150 Giveaway! Ends April 29!

2.) Vinyl Record Vintage notebook or $20 GIFTCARD CODE from Reware Vintage! Ends May 6th!

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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Southern Belle…? Southern Drunk…? Asian in the South, drunk on life!

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I couldn’t decide what to write about, and I ended up putting my thoughts for today’s article pretty much all up there in the title.

As we speak, all the yummy food we ate in the South gave me a bad case of Gastritis (acid reflux, sort of, but causes pain in the abdomen that won’t fart or belch out–trust me, I tried), and I’m been doped up on meds and flat out on my back in bed, praying the pulsating pain and chest tightness doesn’t come back. I only left the house to go to Urgent Care to find out what the heck this radiating, undulating pain in my chest has been. I kind of wish it had been adult asthma instead of Gastritis. How embarrassing. It’s basically a big, burning ball of gas hurting my esophagus. How sexy is that?

{Answer there: not at all.}

Anyway, you already saw what I look like super drunk and dancing at a wedding, but you didn’t get a good shot of the outfit… so here it is.

Details of the Arm Candy Bling

All of the arm candy I wore to the wedding were things that were either won through blog giveaways, or were gifted to me. #Truestory.

The bejeweled CZ antique style bracelet on my left arm was one of my wedding bracelets, gifted to me by my mother in law. The gold hammered filigree cuff is from Wendy Mink Jewelry that I wear pretty much on a daily, and which I won through a giveaway hosted by Sharon of Elisharon. The two adjustable gold bangles are repurposed and eco-stylin’ bangles by Alex and Ani, which I won through a giveaway from Charlie & Lee through my BFF Lily of Bleed for Fashion.

Don’t you just love free stuff?

{Outfit Architecture}
*denotes Eco-Stylin’ piece
Sweetheart sheer sequin tunic, Club Monaco [ BUY SIMILAR ]
Sheer overlay high waisted maxi skirt, Miss Selfridge [ BUY SIMILAR ]
Faux patent leather high waist belt, Forever 21
Gold strappy 5″ stiletto sandals, Guess Shoes [ BUY SIMILAR, same brand ]
Gold clutch, gifted
bangles: Alex & Ani (via Charlie and Lee)*, Wendy Mink hammered gold filigree cuff (gifted), CZ antique style bracelet (gifted).
House of Harlow 1960 gold antique-style key ring via Shopbop.

I’m not entirely sure this outfit was 100% wedding appropriate–I’ve never gone virtually strapless at a wedding before, nor so low cut. At least the skirt is mostly sheer-ish, rather than straight up see through, so that my “mini/maxi” skirt was really just a maxi skirt. I’m also rethinking sequins. While the look is absolutely stunning, and visually interesting, it is actually really, really uncomfortable. It chafes the arms, and since it was a tunic length… it chafed my nether-yaya region as well. Very Void of Win. #NotWinning. More like #DUHLosing.

5″ stilettos and drunken dance floor debauchery equals one sore footed Mae Lu. My heels didn’t survive the car ride home, and I kicked them off the moment we got my feet onto something carpeted. I was trying to find late night pizza delivery on the phone by calling Dominos Pizza while N snapped Outfit of the Day shots of me. I was too lazy to put back on my shoes and put the phone down, for fear someone would answer while I was acting all vain and what nots.

There didn’t end up being any pizza places that delivered after 1AM. ZERO POINTS on LATE NIGHT FOOD, ATL. We went to Kroger instead and bought microwaveable vegetarian organic ramen (who knew!) and organic vegetarian tamales. Not exactly a win-win sitch, but a lot healthier than Dominos.

I still think the overall effect of the outfit was pretty effective, and much more alluring than some of the other wedding outfits I’ve worn (ie., single dresses) before, and i’m so very in love with the high waisted sheer overlay maxi skirt that I want to wear it every day with Parisian graphic Ts and nude high wedges. EVERYDAY.

{ Are you wearing any maxis this spring? What would you wear to a spring/summer wedding? Would you get anywhere near as drunk as I did? :P }

Have you seen my first real Fashion Interview with my Blogger BFF, Angel, a professional stylist with BR? CHECK IT!

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{ Architecture of an Outfit/OOTD } Bows and Color For Her Waise Choice

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Jen T of Her Waise Choice is a constant inspiration for me with her very sophisticated blend of high street fashion and upscale “professional chic” taste. With structured, mature pieces, incredible statement jewelry, and a bold infusion of vivid color blocking, this girl is such an up and coming talent, a formidable force on the Vancouver fashion scene. Not only is she absolutely refined, her enviable style sense is further enhanced by her very young age (22).

With a sweet demeanor that brings smiles to even this staunch grouch, Jen is the fetching example of how I would like to dress (and behave).

So yeah, once I swallow my jealousy, and down a mug [or five] of coffee so that Mae, Raging Bitchface of Death, transforms into Mae, Slightly Decent Human Being, I then get inspired by Jen’s power Femme Fatale vibe, and try to infuse color and more femininity into my daily sartorial choices.

Jen is a big fan of Zara, and since we don’t have Zara here in Detroit, the next best thing are the amazing skirt choices from Club Monaco and tops from H&M. Inspired by her wardrobe, I put together my feminine best and paired it with yellow for a small pop of color, a la HWC. The bows on my Vivienne Westwood Melissa shoes were an after thought, but also very reminiscent of some of the elements Jen puts into her stylings.

I found this gorgeous lace skirt at CM for a steal, so I snatched it up, because both lace and color are things I desperately need in my wardrobe. I probably have about… 16 pieces of Club Monaco in my closet, and they are some of the few items I get tons and tons of wear out of. Most of my clothing isn’t so heavily rotated.



Leave it to me to look confused, awkward, and as little feminine and demure as possible when posing.



Although this outfit is a bit more to the 4th point of my style square–Feminine With a Chip on its Shoulder style, it’s still essentially inspired by HWC while staying true to my more tomboyish, punky nature. The bold shoulder blazer, the very waist cinching belt, the single statement earring, the asinine poses: all Mae-isms.

{Outfit Architecture}
Bold shoulder blazer, statement acrylic jewel bib necklace & patent fake leather belt, Forever 21
Lace skirt, Club Monaco
Yellow tank top, H&M
Stockings, Target
Sterling silver Asian Fan earring (pair, worn singly), Victoria, BC Boutique
Woven envelope clutch, Waikiki, Hawaii boutique
Pearl flower ring, vintage.
Yellow bow shoes, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania x Melissa Shoes

{How do YOU infuse color and ladylike details into your wardrobe? (Unless you’re a dude, that is.)}

Jen photo via Her Waise Choice.

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