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. 

Inspiration. Freedom.





Hello friends,

And I'm back! Since my ankle sprain two weeks ago, I haven't been able to do much moving around. So instead, I thought I'd share some inspiration with you all.

This is a mini collection of my personal inspiration curations. Everything vintage and retro had always made me tick, and with that came a deep appreciation for iconic photographers of the past. It's fascinating to see the way fashion photography has evolved, from the powerful simplicity of Irving Penn, to the rebellious colors of Guy Bourdin. These influencers continue to give creative minds new thoughts, even today.  

Along with some photos of style inspirations, this last photo I included is a painting by the Italian artist Francesco Clemente. His exhibit at the Rubin museum of art was one of my exploration destinations.. if my ankle hadn't been injured! I absolutely love his boundary-less exploration of mediums and styles, extending in many different directions, and undefined by a "title" of artistic categories. 

Hopefully my ankle heals soon so I can check it out before it's gone!

Last but not least, I want to talk about my latest inspiration. A graphic designer and an activist with a true voice. I've been watching James Victore on his youtube channel as he talks about creative courage, living life and doing work with a purpose. So much about this guy inspires me- his bold yet forceful design work, his own story of becoming who he is today, and his empowering philosophy of acting on our passions and having an opinion.

 I know I already think a lot. But listening to his words made me think a lot more about my own life and where I'm going with it. I am in a constant battle with myself about my ideal work, life, and the tradeoffs that come with it. So are my current foot steps taking me to an eventual journey that I want to be a part of, and are my burning passions are being given a chance by... me? 

It's not an easy answer.
But as I continue my creative journey on this blog (which is something I do have a burning passion for), his words about "freedom" will help me figure the rest of it out.










Seaport Saturdaze








 It's been such a long time since I've ventured into the charmed land of South Street Seaport. A place that often reminds us of how wonderfully energetic, eclectic, and amazing summer in NYC is. Whether you're a foodie, fashionista, or a photographer, there is something worthwhile for everyone.

As a combination of a bit of all three, I decided after reading an article about the Dossier Outpost that I needed to come for some inspiration seeking myself. This outpost was way cool. With a roof deck bar on top, it also hosted a variety of art/fashion/design related shops. From the $1,100 Petra Collins works I can only one day dream of being able to afford, to authentic eyewear from the 1960's, there were plenty of quirky things every corner you turned. 

Of these muses, I stumbled upon a collection of beautiful handmade jewelry from Lila Rice. With a little bit of bohemian romanticism mixed with a tough brass toned warrior feel, these pieces felt delicate yet full of mystery and attitude. I definitely fell instantly in love, and will be on the lookout to watch this made in Brooklyn brand grow!

p.s. did I mention I got a pair of sweet sunnies from her shop too?! 

For future seaport visitors, I highly recommend you stop at the Dossier Outpost and also try the salmon fajitas at the nearby Mediterranean food truck. 


Outfit details: t-shirt from H&M, asymmetrical skirt from Forever21(has also been seen from Urban Outfitters & Zara), and earrings that were a gift my cousin brought me from Czech Republic