Sun Dec 28th - Happy Post Holidays!

Oh my! I haven't posted in so long! Well the holidays has been a crazy rush of events and gatherings for me, among other things. I really hope that everyone out there has enjoyed this season with the ones they love and cherish the most! (Even if it doesn't turn out to be as ideal as it may originally sound.)

Christmas for me was uneventful. But it was almost exactly how I would have preferred it to be. A nice relaxing night with my siblings (and my sister who flew in from New York!) making a gingerbread house and mulling by the Christmas tree.

In terms of my own fashion, I've been a bit on the lacking side. The chill, as much as it may be mild in comparison to other climates, has gotten me lethargic and unwilling to move out of the comforts of my own cozy home. I did get some considerable shopping done at Urban Outfitters luckily, and I'm planning my next thrift raid before heading back to San Diego next week. So hopefully more updates are to come! I hope you all are having a great and fashion-forward holidays!



Coat - Miu Miu, Thrifted
Top - Urban Outfitters
Skirt - Urban Outfitters
Socks - JCrew
Hat - Forever 21
Shoes - Macy's
Purse - Thrifted

♥ Thanks to Kalvin for the photo

Such Poor Udating Skills, Bug!

Yes yes, I know. My updating has been poor and commenting next to none.

But my laptop's hard drive pretty much fried last week and it was such a disaster in some ways, and a blessing in others. It was finals week so I had to get the distraction away anyways, but it was a hassle to lug around a dead 'top. It's getting fixed now, and it's only a matter of time before I'm back with all the free time I previously had!

How has everyone's winter fashion so far? It's actually getting relatively frigid here in California, so I can't even imagine the chill that's penetrating the other parts of the world! Personally I'm cozying up with scarves and thicker coats, although I still stay true to my vintage blue Lacoste cardi. (I'm planning on taking advantage of my thrifted black Miu Miu blazer though!)

And to part you all with at least some form of small inspiration, I present to you Alessi's Ark.



How utterly quaint is this music video?!

Post Thanksgiving Weekend

Finally I'm free from schoolwork! Unfortunately my quarter isn't over yet, but I've gotten most of the stressful work done and over with.

How was everyone's thanksgiving weekend? For everyone in America, did you guys get any good Black Friday loot?

I went on kind of a binge with everything. Stopped by various spots including Urban Outfitters, Jet Rag vintage, Forever 21, and of course my typical thrift shops. Overall I did spend a lot of money, but I do love my loot! One of my better finds is this darling black Miu Miu blazer for only $2.50 at Working Wardrobes. And of course, my mother found it first and thought that it'd work with my wardrobe. My biggest disappointment was in Forever 21. Their sales were hardly considered sales. Buy One get One Free on SALE items? Their sale items are always of poorer quality, whether through abuse of just neglect, and there was not much of a selection at all. Urban Outfitters had some nice goodies for $10, including leather skimmers and this adorable printed romper.

But the weather over the weekend was nice. It was chilly at some point, but it was also very warm in the way that makes you glow, rather than sweat.

Sat Nov 29th


Scarf - Urban Outfitters
Dress - Forever 21
Cardigan - No Relation Vintage
Tights - Forever 21
Shoes - Vintage

As for today, I decided to really dress down. I've been so tired and stressed with all my papers being due, but luckily all I have left to deal with are finals.

Tues Dec 2nd


Shirt - No Relation Vintage
Leggings - Ross
Heels - Urban Outfitters

Mon Nov 24th - Chills

I've been such an awful blogger lately. :( and I really wish I had the time to sit down and make more thoughtful posts. Today was actually the first day I managed to take a shot that wouldn't have involved pajama's or a half-assed outfit. School is such a menace, especially during this time of the year!

Luckily the weather here's been much cooler. There was an odd warm spell last week, which luckily disappeared some time over the weekend.

Bundling in coats and scarves always feels so...comforting. I love this warmth that hits your skin as a chill bites your cheeks. Then again, it really doesn't get too chilled in San Diego like it does in other places, but I take what I can.



Coat - MetroPark
Dress - Forever 21
Scarf - Urban Outfitters
Shoes - Urban Outfitters

Thu Nov 13th - Lace Loves

A bit of an overdue post, but I've been busy traveling and doing other random business at school.

Now that midterms are over, I have this breath of fresh air that's engulfing me and reassuring me that it's all done with. Of course, I have papers to write and other dabble to deal with, but a momentary relief is in order.

This is actually the first time I've been able to wear this lace number out despite owning it over most of summer and having it over around my closet. Generally the sleeves are very detailed and sequined in typical vintage fashion, but because I thought they may have been a little too much for this look, I just folded them inwards and went out with a "sleeveless" lace dress.

I'm still deathly in love with it. The length is perfect, the condition is AMAZING, and I got it at Salvation Army for a keen under-$10 deal. What more could I want?



Dress - Vintage, Salvation Army
Vest - Trifted, Lincoln Thrift
Shoes - Steve Madden Madalyn's, solestruck

Steve Madden Madalyn's

So the other day I got this nifty email from SoleStruck, an online shoe boutique with this great selection of shoes. They offered me this deal where I got to nab a pair of shoes, so I stopped by and got a pair of Steve Madden Madalyn's and they are fantastic!



They're absolutely lovely! They work with so many outfits in so many different ways.

Which leads to my second point. For my 100th post here at ClosetBug, I decided to do a 4-outfit photo post featuring these lovely shoes.





Outfit 1 - I actually wore this on the day of the mini-shoot. It was a nifty preppy look, and I thought I'd actually bring out a blazer I haven't touched in a couple of months.

Blazer - Thrifted
Top - Urban Outfitters
Denim - Forever 21

Outfit 2 - Wanted to play with something a little more masculine and slightly soft. It just happened to look quite business-exec in overall composition.

Romper - Forever21
Blazer - Forever21
White Top - Urban Outfitters

Outfit 3 - Romantic and Soft with a slight bit of structure. These shoes worked surprisingly well with it, I may have to really wear this out sometime!

Dress - Steve & Barry's
Vest - Urban Outfitters

Outfit 4 - I love denim jackets, so I decided to mix it up with my vintage dress from Jet Rag. It worked out fine, it's a little odd and eclectic.

Dress - Vintage (Jet Rag)
Denim Jacket - Gap

I've been branded!

Denims are probably one of my least favourite things to wear. I have to admit, sometimes its simply just too casual-chic when I want to dress up in a romantic manner or something a little offbeat and kooky. Not only that, but I have more skinny denims than anything, and after months of wearing dresses and tights and shorts having skinny denims cling so close to my calves is an odd feeling.

But despite my own aversion to denim, I took up a challenge where I had to style myself into a pair of jeans.

So I entered Painfully Hip's little side-contest for the Lucky Magazine Denim Makeover Challenge, and the most awesome webmistress Amber chose me as one of the winners for a $250 goodie bag with lots of misc. beauty products and even tic-tacs! So I giddily present my badge of honor Amber has given me....



and present to you the outfit (that I'm frankly surprised did as well as it did! Thank you so much Amber! ♪)



Hat - Forever 21
Scarf - Urban Outfitters
Blouse - Urban Outfitters
Blazer - Thrifted
Jeans - Forever 21
Heels - Michael Kors

Election Day

I know not everyone out there is an American, and some of you out there just can't vote yet.

But for all those who are able to, I sincerely hope you exercise your right to vote. Countries out there have killed for the right to vote like we have, and even if some may argue that there's "no point" or that politics "is corrupt anyways" I believe that it's still important to perform this simple task that is so thoroughly desired in some other places.

And for those who are going to, I hope you trust in your own opinions and beliefs and vote for who you want to. Don't listen to peers, media, or your parents.

That'll be all. May the best man win!

Everything is Illuminated

I watched this movie over the weekend and was thoroughly charmed by it. I'm glad I finally got a chance to see it, it's been on my "to-watch" list for much too long now. It's such an enchanting movie, full of wit and humor.



Directed by Liev Scheiber and starring Elijah Wood, Everything is Illuminated is about a young man who goes to the Ukraine in search for a woman who helped save his grandfather in WW2. Along the way he's escorted by a "deranged seeing eye" dog, a man who tells everyone he's blind and his grandson whose fascination with American pop culture brands him as the lunatic of Odessa.

The movie itself was adorable, and so as a little tribute I thought I would make an outfit inspired by the main character himself, Jonathan Safron Froer.


Jonathan Safron Froer by closetbug

Mon Oct 27th - Messy Hair!!!

I woke up with a mop of messy hair on my head, and absolutely late to my class!

Unfortunately I ditched out. But I'd like to think that I can catch up at some point if I put my mind to it.

I've got a Roman Art midterm to study for, and I am absolutely too lazy to be bothered. I even am lazy enough to mull around and dabble with a notebook I just bought today. I'm planning on starting my own look book, with magazine cutouts and all. It should be fun, and hopefully a project I start and finish thoroughly. (I'm a bit known to start projects and never completely end them...)

So I got this lovely dress over my weekend home in Orange County. It was only $14 at Crossroads Trading Co in Costa Mesa. I was stoked! That store never fails to please me whenever I want to find something for Buffalo Exchange prices and The Wasteland quality.



Dress - Crossroads Trading Co.
Cardi - Banana Republic
Tights - Target
Boots - Vintage

Thur Oct 23rd - A bit Frilly

Lacking a little originally.

I thought of yiquin as I threw this together. She always mentions my use of vests, and I agree! I love layering pieces, always and forever.




Blouse - Vintage, de la Renta
Vest - Vintage
Jeans - Forever 21
Sandals - Urban Outfitters

Evolution of Hair

I got a bloglovin` too

Thought that would be interesting to share! :)



For some reason, the length of my hair suddenly hit me. It was getting significantly longer. Maybe not in comparison to earlier photos of me, but surprisingly this is the longest I've had my hair since I was a Junior in High School! Since then I had a fetish for short hair, but didn't realize the restraints in terms of my ability to style it, and it generally looked wonky with my ever-curly hair anyways.

It's just a nice realization that my hair is soon hitting the desired length. I miss having a lot of hair to touch, even if I take minimal effort to really style it. Plus I get to play so much more with braids whenever I get a chance to. French braids, pigtails, simple braids, the works!

I'm also on a much more romantic high than usual. Watching Paris Je T'aime on repeat sure doesn't help either. But this translates quite easily into my preferences in clothing.




Sigh. How I yearn for the perfect thigh-high socks and loose-fitted tops/dresses.

@foto_decadent
Dazed & Confused, Oct'o5
Richard Bush - We Are the Citizen's Band

Mon Oct 20th - Chilly Weather

Looks like the beach weather has finally affected the winter seasons of La Jolla! Although our version of "chilly" hits the low 60's, the wind is quite biting. I'm so excited to bring out the oversized cardi's and the sweaters! And all my scarves are still at home, so I need to go fetch those. It's so nice to finally have weather that runs parallel to the rest of the fashion world!



Dress - Forever 21
Cardigan - Vintage Lacoste
Tights - Forever 21
Granny Heels - Vintage, thrifted

And on a side note, a few months ago I got a notification asking for my permission to use one of my outfits for a local european street fashion book. Although I got this about a month ago, I thought I would share with you all!





All material taken from What I Wore Today: Fashion Remixed Online From
Beijing to Berlin is (c) Graffito Books 2008.

Sat Oct 11th - Schoolgirl Fancies

I somehow found myself home again in Orange County. I had so many errands to run while I was in the OC that I ended up finding myself in Costa Mesa and running into this nifty store called Crossroads Trading Co., which is this splendid little store with clothes traded in for reselling. Basically it's the equivalent of Buffalo Exchange, or The Wasteland for those who know about those stores. Although I have to say it has the quality of The Wasteland, with the prices of Buffalo Exchange. Love it!

So I indulged and bought myself two dresses for a keen $20. Both were relatively basic in brands, one being Lux from UO and another named Dahlia. I thought they were perfect for layering and playing with for the increasingly chilly weather California is bringing. (It finally hit the high 60's and low 70's!) And they were both mini's, which I have pining after for the longest time.

This outfit was surprisingly fun to wear and play with. It looks generally conservative and schoolgirl-inspired, however the jumper itself is surprisingly short!



Jumper - Urban Outfitters
Blouse - Vintage de la Renta
Socks - ????
Shoes - Macy's
Frames - Thrifted
Bag - Mom's closet

Mon Oct 3rd - Colorless

I was rather drab today. I realized I haven't posted in a while, and it was interesting that I finally chose to start off my outfit streak with a relatively plain look inspired by not much.

Morning was promising with cloudy and gray skies. Unfortunately things got a little warmer and I ended up a little too warm in my black long sleeve top but I was still able to enjoy the beautiful breezy day.

If only fall weather would come sooner! The prospects of colder weather just excites me to the point where every sunny day is a disappointment. Although I should be used to by now, living in La Jolla and all.



Romper - F21
Long Sleeve - F21
Boots - Old Navy

On the Road

I was digging through foto_decadent, and I found a photoshoot from Fall 2007 that really got me going for fall. Lots of layering, long sleeves, prints and patterns, and ughhh the model's long hair just makes me want to grow mine out faster. I can't wait to be able to play with some braiding techniques.....





How can you not fall in love with these?! Even if they are technically "out of season", I see so much potential and romance in these photos that it's almost overwhelming. The most unfortunate thing is that California doesn't get nearly cold enough for this type of fashion until much later in the year, however I will be planning accordingly.

My Break.....

I'm sorry I haven't really been as active as I should be. I've been busy the past two weeks or so getting everything together for my move back to San Diego. I'm partly settled here, but I definitely do not have the wardrobe to go with it. I'm hoping to get all my clothes and possessions settled in by next week since I'll be able to go home and grab the rest of my clothes. Until then, I'll try to make an outfit post and check up on what's new in the style scene!

Fall Direction

Ah, fall is approaching for us in California. It's still quite some ways away, but the idea of the upcoming fall fashion thrills me. I'm brainstorming what I really want out of my fall fashion ideas, and I'm imagining chunky tights, thigh high socks, dresses and masculine blazers or even chunky cardigans as well. I've also been much more fascinated with rolled up trousers, button up shirts of all varieties....and ahhhh there are just so many directions and options to choose from! I guess it'll depend on my mood for the day? Girly or masculine.....sigh. I sometimes wish I had a more definite signature style, but my own inability to choose a consistent "look" has me more into a shapeshifter than anything else.

Of course, it being California and all, I would have to find cooler alternatives.

Also, as a curious question for you all; What're your plans for fall fashion? Anything you're all looking forward to throwing on or purchasing?

Wed & Thu - Sept 10th & 11th

Alright so what I wore today and yesterday are extremely similar. Hat and all. (What can I say, I'm in love with this hat!) So I decided to merge the two posts together, since they're so alike anyways.

Sept. 10th



I was inspired a bit by A Clockwork Orange. Such a riveting movie, and although the influence isn't too....striking, I'd still like to think my mindset can be seen.

Vest - Vintage
Blouse - Vintage
Shorts - Forever 21
Tights - Target
Boots - Vintage
Bowler - Vintage

Sept 11th



This was a more lazy laid-back look for me. Since I was literally spending the entire day by myself, since my sister flew out to Chicago, I decided to get comfy while having a delightful dinner of raw oysters and french fries. (Odd combination, much?)

Tunic - Urban Outfitters
Slip - Urban Outfitters
Vintage Cardi - Lacoste, No Relation Vintage
Belt - Thrifted
Tights - Target
Boots - Vintage

Tues Sept 9th - Day 5

I haven't been updating as much lately! Just a little preoccupied and lazy to take photos to be honest.

Nothing's been going on as much. Just relaxing and enjoying my time here. I've been keeping up to date with what's being presented at Fashion Week, although I don't feel the need to post up any musings on it as of right now.

Wearing this was surprisingly comfortable and fun. The boots were a dream to walk in, especially throughout long distances. (Like the song, "These boots were made for walking", indeed!)



Romper - Thrifted
Floral top - Thrifted
Tights - Target
Boots - Vintage

Sat Sept 6th - Day 2

Today it rained and rained and rained right onto my parade! Well, to be honest, it was a typical nice day. I was headed towards No Relation Vintage, which was AMAZING by the way. Great selection with reasonable and affordable prices. I got a nice blue Lacoste cardi and a nifty 80's sweater for $25 all together. It was a nice gathering of clothes, although I didn't go as overboard as I wanted to.

I was ready to raid more, but then it started pouring and silly me...forgot to bring an umbrella. I scuttled into a nearby pizzeria and lounged about for a few hours. Although my day ended with that note, I still got my taste of New York vintage shops for this year.

And yes, white and slick-slippery sandals were a bad idea.

Sorry for bad image quality. I don't really know what happened. Probably the wrong camera option without me even being aware of it.



Blouse - Thrifted, de la Renta
Pants - Forever 21
Purse - Thrifted
Tank - Forever 21
Sandals - Forever 21
Hat - Forever 21

Fri Sept 5th - Day 1

So today was my first official day of my Manhattan trip! It was....painful? I still don't know how women can do it so easily! Walking around blocks and blocks and blocks in heels must be a nightmare for me, yet it's already a nightmare with just little kitten heels that I previously deemed "My most comfortable heels." So, walking dozens of blocks is just not working out for my shoes, so I have to figure out what to wear with my outfits in the following days. (and with my blisters, ugh.)

So this was the first time I've ever worn this cute vintage number. I got it from Jet Rag Vintage over on Melrose, and it was a dream to wear. The only problem I had was from the zipper. It seemed to have difficulty actually STAYING up.

But for my first day in Manhattan this year, it was enjoyable. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go see any shows for Fashion week. (My sister's friend, who had connections, wasn't able to get me in...although my sister has the luck of attending an after party. Of which designer, I'm not sure yet.) I spent a huge amount of my time wandering around East Village, looking for little vintage and thrift shops to devour. I did indeed find a couple, however they were all closed. For what reason, I'm not sure...it was only 11am. But it was still enjoyable. I had too much fun people-watching and eating delectable cupcakes.

By the way, is it just me or does this photo look nothing like me? Curious....



Dress - Jet Rag Vintage
Belt - Thrifted
Shoes - Thrifted

Inspiration Before Departure

It's almost time! My Manhattan trip is looming up on Thursday, the 4th of September. I'm thrilled beyond words, although I've already visited last year. As I'm packing, I'm considering all the possibilities and outfits I should and can wear for the streets of NYC. I'm not bringing my tripod due to size reasons, so I'm hoping I can sneak in a couple of outfit shots via makeshift forms of a tripod.

So while I'm packing and brainstorming outfits, I figured I'd get in some pre-trip fashion inspirations from others just like me; simple street walkers!



The slouchy pair of pants, blazers, cardigans.....although I'm not sure, the weather may not be the best for the latter two accessories. But I do look forward to lots of layering and having fun with dresses and pants.

Need I mention that I'm looking forward to NY Fashion Week? I'll have so much fun people-watching the walkers around Bryant Park.

Thurs Aug 28th - Blank....

Somehow the days seem to just go by faster and faster as my trip to New York looms closer. I'm utterly excited! I can't wait to fill my days with aimless strolling, thrift and vintage scouring, sips of thai tea as I silently watch people walk by, and neat little pastries from various bakeries all around Manhattan.

I'm still looking for interesting places to lounge about in Manhattan, whether it be a nifty cafe or a neat little live music venue. All suggestions welcomed!

I spent the entire day mulling about with a fellow geekfriend in Pomona today. It was epic and full of laughs, including much jesting of my newly obtained bowler cap. Despite what he says, I am absolutely enamored by it!



Vest-Dress : Thrifted
Blouse : Jet Rag Vintage
Heels : Macy's
Hat : F21
Purse : Thrifted

Tues Aug 19th - Funny Faces

This has been a longggg overdue post. I left my camera at my friend's house after some barbecue fun on Tuesday, and really didn't get it back until recently.

As for the day itself, it was awfully fun. I love mulling about with old friends, and it's always nice to dress up a bit for any old occasion. Although I didn't want to look too dressy, so I ended up throwing together my chucks with my look for a more casual twist. I have to admit, I will be wearing them much more often, I forgot how comfortable they could be!





Dress - Forever21
Tights - Urban Outfitters
Shoes - ???
Purse - Thrifted

Flashback to the 60's & 70's

Been so busy lately, I apologize for the lack of real updates. To be honest I've been pretty drained of inspiration and motivation in my outfits as of late. But I'm hoping this week will look up!

On Wednesday I was able to stop by a vintage spot named Jet Rag over by La Brea in LA. It was pretty awesome, wall to wall affordable bits of vintage pieces from all sorts of decades. I nabbed myself about 3 dresses and a top for about $75, which isn't too bad. That's less than $20 per dress, and the top was only $12!

I really do have to thank Painfully Hip for the link to this wonderful collection of photos from the trends of the 60's and 70's. I spent hours this night looking through the images and daydreaming of such tumultuous and exciting times.

This definitely called for an inspiration board....again. I couldn't help but juts fall in love with everything. Even my typical skepticism for platforms and extremely high boots have been demolished in light of these images.



The site can be found HERE. Enjoy if you have some spare time!

Mon Aug 11th - Frills & Lace

You all may have remembered my small tribute to Cabaret in the other post. Well, today I decided to actually put that inspiration to use!

I didn't want to wear anything too revealing, so I opted for jeans for the first time in a long time. It was pretty uncomfortable I have to say, especially since I've been living off of dresses, skirts, and shorts all summer.

It was fun trying to piece the outfit together while still trying to keep the influence in view. I took a lacy and frilly black top that I had thrifted, worked it in with a slightly masculine vest, and then just paired it up with some more casual pieces like the jeans and the granny heels.





Lace Top - Thrifted
Jeans - Forever 21
Vest - Urban Outfitters
Shoes - Thrifted
Accessories - Forever 21, handmade

Sun Aug 10th - Hello There

I found the perfect pair and cut of shortalls in a local Goodwill recently. I knew immediately that I had to get it. It was the pair that I always dreamt of. Although, the only real downside is that it is very short, and it's a little problematic since my shorts usually never cut up that short. Seeing my tanline in the mirrors and photos make me laugh to myself.

I'm also wearing new frames that I thrifted at a store. However, I had to pop out the lenses since they were prescription glasses and were too strong for me. I'm hoping they don't look too silly since they do lack lenses.

I don't have much to do today other than run errands and catch a flick with my family.







Shortalls - Thrifted
Plaid Button up - Thrifted
Glasses - Thrifted
Shoes - Urban Outfitters
Accessories - F21, Mexico