Even Beauty Fades...

      "There's a blue bird in my heart, but I'm too tough for him"

                                                                 - Charles Bukowski

Funny now things work.

 Through my ups and downs over the years with this blog, I now barely consider it a fashion blog anymore. Seasons and trends all come and go. Having worked in fashion for a couple years now, I almost feel jaded by the growing commerciality of the industry. I found myself moving away from a lot of the craze, designer names, and replicas of "it" looks made popular by media celebrities. For me, the whole point of a creative outlet is to be authentic. And I began to draw inspirations from autobiographical experiences; however random, spontaneous, and non-sensible to others - they are real, and they are mine. 

Though fashion and art still heavily influence my aesthetic, these visual elements have simply become another way to tell a story - stories I may not know how to exactly put into words. It seemed like a natural progression, that this blog has allowed me to get in touch with the intimate and  form of art of photography. Having worked with many different photographers and getting a chance to hear about their passions and creative journeys, I found myself also connecting with photography in a new way.

Beauty fades, youth diminishes. But the feeling that a powerful photograph evokes doesn't go as easily.

These photos are way overdue from early summer, when I found myself stumbling into the charming neighborhood of Gowanus to shoot at Erin and Matt's house. It's been awhile, but I still remember the huge, vibrant green plant in the living room, and their humble and contagious personalities. I loved their story of how they each fell in love with photography, and with each other. 

Erin loved film, so did I. As I rolled around on the floor of their photo studio in that blue vintage Givenchy blouse, I for a moment saw myself traveling back to 1976 in the wilderness beauty of Vermont(where the blouse, amongst a bunch of other vintage treasures, were sourced). There was something especially moving about their photography, Erin and Matt had a special eye for unexpected details, beauty in strange, hidden places. 

Wearing: (first outfit) vintage Givenchy blouse, shorts by Kimchi Blue. (second outfit)top by LF Boutique, leather overalls by VEDA.

Wearing: (first outfit) vintage Givenchy blouse, shorts by Kimchi Blue. (second outfit)top by LF Boutique, leather overalls by VEDA.

I feel so lucky to have worked with talented people like Erin and Matt. People like them who inspire me to also take part in capturing life, in those genuine, sometimes unintentional moments. Will share some of those shots soon in the next post.

I know I'm guilty of forgetting to feel lucky sometimes. Lucky to be young, to have a healthy vision to see colors and light, and to have a desire to dream. 

Sunset Chasing



As the days get shorter, we truly come to appreciate the seemingly endless sunlight taken for granted in the summertime. A photo shoot started at 5:30pm used to be plenty of time for good lighting, and now it all the sudden becomes a race against time.

Ironically enough, these photos were shot in Sunset Park in Brooklyn. Standing in the picturesque bronze sky along with the industrial touch of railroad tracks and factories, there was a magic unable to be described. 

The real inspiration, however, came from the jewelry piece I wore. About a month ago, there was a little pop up stand that caught my eye while browsing at Bloomingdale's. Unlike the David Yurman's and Dannjo's surrounding it, these One Of a Kind pieces were delicately crafted in unique shapes. A bit of vintage inspiration mixed with a touch of bohemian spirit, all having been hand crafted in New York, I quickly fell in love with them all. Sara Reichert, the founder of the brand, is another woman with a story of passion and hardwork that instantly moved me. 

So glad she's back in NYC from Nov.13 to Nov.16, to check out some of her pieces, find her at the One OAK by Sara pop-up shop at the ground floor of Bloomingdale's 59th street!






Photo by Gabriel Brandt

Wearing: One OAK by Sara jewelry, dress from Free People, vest by Saks Fifth Ave, and boots by J.Crew. 

Lost and Foundin'


Sometimes getting lost is the best thing that can happen to us. 

Part of the reason why New York inspires me so much is because there's always room for new discoveries. Getting off the L train at Morgan Ave, I had no idea where I was. But instantly being captivated by the music playing down the block and vibrant graffitis surrounding me, it didn't matter.
From shooting in second hand clothing warehouses to changing outfits in the corner bodega, and then escaping the thunderstorm by just minutes after we finished shooting, the afternoon was a ton of fun.

Thanks to my photographer Gabriel Brandt, who trekked through the streets with me and pulled all sorts of weird things to make these pictures happen! You can check out more of his work on yenesa.com.




Wearing: sunnies bought on the street on St Marks Pl, Forever 21 top, vintage shorts, and booties from Piperlime.com