[DAILY OUTFIT] It Was Too Cold to Wear Shorts - But I Tried For This New Shirt & Hat

I love the tassels on these hats!

As the title dictates, I just got this shirt from Rue21 and the hat from Walmart - both from the men's section. I was pleasantly surprised to the the necklace print that was so popular on girls' shirts translated to a men's shirt. That, the red-gem-crosses and the 50% off made me buy it on the spot.

Alex and I have been exploring the area we moved into when we discovered Rue21 in walking distance. Although I had a lot of people telling me about this store, I never stepped foot in it until about a month ago. After some Christmas shopping, we're both loving the accessories and the super-stylish mens' clothing.

And yes, that is the Hog's Head wall plaque from Harry Potter hanging in our kitchen. Where else would we put it?

[DAILY OUTFIT] The Little Goth Girl That Use to Read in the Corner Never Grew Out Of It

The title is inspired by a comment by girlfriend made about the outfit having the feel of old school Goth - maybe it was the black and purple combo or the lace peaking from under the skirt. That's another thing I've been trying lately: layering skirts for that pettycoat effect and added warmth since the temperatures keep dropping (yay!). I think a lot of people (especially here in the States) don't really understand wearing a pettycoat for cuteness rather than fetish, but that's a blog for another day.



My daily jewelry has started featuring a necklace made recently by Alex to hold my quartz pendulum. I like to think we all have our pendants and talismans that we keep close for protection, inspiration or courage - mine are the pendulum and a garnet bracelet.



Pictures have again been edited on Pixlr-o-Matic because I have yet to use all the filters, borders and effects.

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] What Xena Taught Me About Life and Style

Lately, I've been permanently attached my laptop in our living room, working long hours on homework and a website gig. We don't have cable but we have Netflix has given us the gift of Xena, also known as a lesbian "must-see." Well, I haven't been watching as much as I would like but Alex has been playing it regularly as I work. She was my hero in my early teenage year, and peeking out from my laptop lately has reminded me.

1. Be Bold, Be Aggressive
   Xena was by no means meek - she was the Warrior Princess after all. She was aggressive, in your face, and she was unapologetic about it. Some people would describe their personalities or personal styles this way, and that's not a bad thing. People like Xena are the ones who get things done, set trends and move civilization along. Even if you don't feel like a complete warrior, you can still try to do or wear something bolder than usual.
   
2. Don't Be Afraid of Higher Powers
   As a Warrior Princess, Xena challenged and was challenged by a lot of people, including the Gods. These weren't easy battles as Gods tended to be all-powerful or pretty damn close. In life, we come across people that we see as "all-powerful" but it's important to remember that everyone has a weakness. And just because a "Higher Power" (like a magazine editor) says it, doesn't always mean it's right. You have to do (and wear) what feels right to you.
   
3. You Can Fight Hard and Still Be Feminine
   Speaking of battles, Xena fought a lot of them - 6 seasons worth actually - and despite her tendency for bashing in heads, she was still actively portrayed as a seductress. She proves that femininity does not equate to submission.
   
4. A Little Cleavage is Not a Bad Thing
   Sometimes I get the feeling that fashion has no room large, prominent breasts. Models all have tiny cleavage and anything bigger gets categorized as obscene. But why are breasts considered obscene? I don't think that a woman's body should be kept hidden but there has a happy medium between modesty and sexual freedom. Xena's outfit confirms you can show a little cleavage and still go about your day (kicking ass, taking names or just having an adventure).
   
5. Everyone Has Critics
   During the series, Xena rescues a lot of people while others criticize her and throw her out their villages. It's a phrase we all heard at one time or another, "Not everyone is going to like you." But that never stopped her from doing what she thought was right, and, most times, those people apologized for being antagonistic. Some people may not like your volunteer job or your outfit or your hair but that shouldn't stop you from doing what you think is right.
   
6. Don't Let Your Past Govern You
   When we first meet Xena, she's got a bloody past and a thousand lives on her conscience. Though this weighs heavily on her, she doesn't let it hold her back. It's true that we are shaped by our past experiences but we shouldn't let them drown us. A fashion faux pas shouldn't keep up from trying new styles the same way a bad grade shouldn't make us give up in the class (and I speak from personal experience on this one). We are more than our mistakes.
   
7. No Matter How Great, You Are Not a God
   Maybe it was her dark past but Xena was very humble about all the lives she saved. In life, a little ego can be good for you but don't take it overboard or you'll annoy people. And just because you get accolades for some things you did right, it doesn't mean that you are incredible at everything. Normally, when we get a big head we miss our own shortcomings and fail.
   
8. When Taking on a Big Task, It's Better to Have a Plan
   Some of my favorite Xena fight scenes are when she's taking on a small army but she wins because she pre-rigs her environment. She lays out traps and funnels the fight so she can stay in control. In real life, it's not that easy to stay in control of a big project or situation but it's good to go into it with some kind of plan and a catalog of your on-hand resources.
   
9. It's All In the Company You Keep
   Finding people who compliment you is just as important as finding a style that compliments you. Xena had Gabrielle, whose naivete and open heart was the perfect balance to her jadedness. She also inspired Xena to keep her dark side in check. In a similar way, we should try to keep those who inspire us close.
   
10. Don't Judge Too Quickly
    This isn't anything new - I just wanted to reiterate something we'd all heard before. In the show, people judged Gabrielle as small and weak although she could defend herself quite well. Xena, on the other hand, looked tough and angry but episode after episode showed her softer side.
    

Pictures via WeHeartIt.com

Is Feminine Fashion Frivolous? Why Can't Manly Men Wear Skirts?

Image via Elle.com

I've watched plenty of fashion seasons come and go that feature "borrow-from-the-boys" trends in women's wear - everything from small, tailored details to full on gender-bending. And while I'm a complete fan of gender-bending, lately I've been wondering why it doesn't go the other way around. Why isn't menswear cited as inspired by women's wear?

"Girls can wear jeans
And cut their hair short
Wear shirts and boots
'Cause it's OK to be a boy
But for a boy to look like a girl is degrading
'Cause you think that being
a girl is degrading..."
~ What It Feels Like for a Girl, Madonna

When guys have "feminine details" on their clothing, the overwhelming mainstream response is "gay" - as in these guys are weak, submissive, feminine and, overall, bad. But when women wear ties, blazers and men's button-up shirts, they are aggressive, dominant and sexy. It feels like an imbalance in gender power. If a girl wants to look like a guy, it's only natural but if a guy wants to look like a girl, there's something wrong with him.

Dressing in "girly" clothing, a guy can be perceived as silly, not to be taken seriously, like in the cases of Halloween costumes and drag queens. Years go, women, however, had to don power suits and wear loafers to be taken seriously in the business world (which is often referred to as a Boy's Club). Does that mean then that clothing typically reserved for the female gender is frivolous?

Image via HotTopic.com

A few years ago, Hot Topic started carrying Tripp's "One-Legged Pants". Anyone could see that it was a maxi skirt - with chains - for men. But why not call it a skirt?

Mainly because their target market for these "pants" are men and men would never wear a skirt. I teased my boyfriend in high school about his one-legged pants - not because he was wearing a skirt but because he would not admit to it. He told me skirts weren't manly.

Is it really so wrong for a man to be wearing a "skirt" while women walk around everyday in pants? Makes you wonder if there is something dirty about femininity that must be kept away from men.

[STREET SNAP] Cute Style May Protect You From Bad Shark Movies

I'm going to start doing my TOP 10 TUESDAY post every other Tuesday so they seem more spaced out and I have to time to to assemble a good, well-thought-out list. So today I bring you a quick street style snap I took Friday night at the discount theater in Plano, TX.

For $4, Alex and I saw Shark Night not in 3D. Confession: we enjoy bad, indie B-movies. What made this a "bad" movie? Apart from the overly aggressive sharks, the antagonists were motivated by the high ratings on Shark Week. It was cheesy suspense and worth it (LOL).


I saw these two ladies walking in right before us but forgot to ask what they were watching. I didn't see them in our theater so I doubt sharks were part of their night. I really liked all the layers and the oversized knit sweaters.

[GEEK OUT] Random Pretty Things

I was recently inspired by Dress With Courage's weekly post "On Sundays I Smile" and Style Me Bad's "A Photo Diary of Things I Love".

Unless I took the picture myself, clicking a picture will take you to it's source.

Damn Priorities! Really Want This Purse @ Ross
Nicki Minaj's Outfit ~ Cosmo Nov'11 Cover	"Halloween" Socks from Party City ~ $1
	Alice and Olivia dress

[DAILY OUTFIT] Old Fashion Outfit Meets New Fashion Projects

This outfit is old - almost a month to be exact - but I've decided to clean up my "TO BLOG" folder by posting everything from event to outfit pictures over the coming weeks. I feel like I started this blog to share these parts of my life and thoughts to anyone who would listen but I've been doing a shitty job at it.

The only good thing about the lack of posts is the increase in design work I've had. I think I should add a whole section in my portfolio dedicated to tattoo artists. Because there are still a lot of people who look down on tattoos, I think their creativity is under appreciated.

  
  
  
Despite all the great artists whose I've been designing cards, I miss working with the fashion industry. It's been a while since I added a designer, stylist or mua(h) to my client list. That's why I was excited when Karen, a local event producer, contracted me for some fashion show flyers (design below). I want to do more of these but I'm trying to figure out how to position myself as a fashion/style graphic and web designer.

[TOP 10 TUESDAY THURSDAY] Random Pretty Things at T-Hee Gift Shop

Last week I attended a small blogger party held at the newly opened T-Hee Gift Shop here in Dallas. I've always liked gift shops because they're normally full of random, pretty things. T-Hee was no different, and the fun spirit behind these random, pretty things was the philosophy for the store.

1: Halloween OwlsThese glitter owl critters caught my attention as I walked into the door. Their Halloween display table was full little decorations but the owls really stood out with those cute purple eyes.

It's Happening - Fashion Week Dallas!

I think this news is long overdue for supporters of the local Dallas fashion scene. This past Monday, the Dallas Weekly newspaper sent out a press release announcing Fashion Week Dallas. That's right - the holy grail of local fashion, which has been whispered and wished, which was happening then not, finally got a date: January 16-22, 2012.

The man spearheading this project is Dallas Weekly's newest fashion editor Mahiri Takai. Takai founded his own production company in 2007 - Mklinks Models/Fashion Shows and Fashion Syndicate Press - and has produced shows in London, Florida, Atlanta, and California.

"The wait is over," says Takai, "We have fashion week in our grasp and we are going to make this one of the biggest and best.“

This event will provide a core focus for the local fashion industry centered around a schedule of major fashion events and activities. Fashion Week Dallas (FWD) will be about celebrating and showcasing our extraordinary talent in the world of Fashion. In turn, Takai hopes FWD will leave a legacy that will support and nurture our fashion stars of tomorrow.

"The concept of this exciting series of shows is to create opportunity for local designers, stylist, make up artist, and talent to truly showcase their skills," continues Takai, "In this glamorous environment, fashionistas, men, women and children alike will enjoy top-of-the-line runway shows and have the opportunity to place orders and interact with the designers."

FWD will highlight the breadth and depth of the talent in the Texas and will position Texas (namely Dallas) as the creative capital we all knew it could be. Among the planned activities, FWD will bring in the world’s most exciting emerging fashion designers to Dallas for the Fashion 2012 International Fashion Showcase. There will also be a major push for Dallas Menswear and an educational project in collaboration with Designing Dreams and FIT.

Takai adds, "Fashion lovers will be in fashion heaven as they spend a stylish week in Dallas soaking up the latest in fashion design."

Designers or their representatives will be available to take orders on the spot. Boutique and specialty fashion buyers, fashion representatives, socialites and corporate sponsors are also sure to enjoy these events. Different designers will be featured at each Fashion Preview, ensuring a new presentation for every audience. And at the end of FWD, attendees will vote for the Top Emerging Designer.

According to James Washington, Publisher of Dallas Weekly newspaper, “In 2012 the eyes of the world will be upon us - we want to show the world that Dallas is the leading force in the global creative sphere. Our fashion reputation is second to none and we will ensure that reputation is showcased and celebrated to the broadest possible global audience and that there are opportunities for the whole of the industry to get involved and participate.”

FWD will officially start on Monday, January 16 2012 at South Side on Lamar with a word from FWD Chair Mahiri Takai. While the bulk of FWD is planned to take place at South Side on Lamar, shows and activities will be scattered around Dallas, including a Wednesday luncheon for buyers and boutique owners.

If you are a local designer who would like to be a part of FWD, please read the Requirements Page and contact Takai as soon as possible.

The FWD website is still under construction but we will keep you posted when it goes live. Meanwhile you can contact Mahiri Takai at mklinks@yahoo.com.

[STREET SNAP] Vitaminwater Uncaps Local Fashionistas

A few weeks ago I attended the Vitaminwater Uncapped Fashion Show, which was a contest between 10 local designers. More info, pics and video (still editing) coming soon, but I feel a tad late in posting some guests that caught my attention with their style.

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] My Daily To-Do List for Becoming a Better Tweeter

I like Twitter. Though sometimes it feels pointless and cluttered with information, I actually like the nexus of quick opinions and observations. Hashtags are also a genius result of Twitter #justsaying. My account, however, doesn't really reflect my fondness for Twitter. Even my live-tweeting of Project Runway has fallen to wayside.

Today I was inspired by DKNY PR Girl's tumblr quote: "Pick one thing, just one - and do it better today than you ever have..." because it's about progress, not perfection. Any social media marketer worth his/her salt will tell you the same applies for Twitter.

As I mentioned yesterday, there is no giant, overall goal when it comes to social media. It doesn't matter if you're wanting 100 more followers or $1,000 more for this quarter, these are both small goals which will later be replaced by other small (but no less important) goals. Working with this theory, I wanted to give myself 10 small goals to complete daily on Twitter in hopes of becoming a better tweeter. Hands down better tweeting equals better content - and I'm sure that my 10 tweets per day minimum will accomplish that if I follow a plan.

1: Tweet a Media/Marketing LinkBecause marketing is such a big part of what I do (at least that's what my resume says), I like to read about how new communication tech and how people are recycling old marketing ideologies for a new generation. If I like it, somebody else probably will.
2: Tweet a Fashion Blog LinkMy Google Reader is 60% fashion blogs so it's obvious to see where my passions lie. I don't think this will be a hard "to-do".

3: Recommendation TweetI've seen a lot of these tweets start off as "I'm currently loving..." Human nature states that when something catches our eye or makes our Wish List, we have to recommend it to someone.
4: RetweetThis one is a given in becoming a better tweeter (just ask the million and one people who've written about it). I'm looking for tidbits that make me smile like inspirational quotes.
5: Reply to At Least One TweetAnd this means more than a "Yes" or "No". A good marketer will tell you that an intelligent response goes a long way

6: Tweet At Least One Instagram PictureIf you look for at least one good, interesting thing everyday day, you enrich your life. If you take a picture of it on Instagram, you enrich your Twitter feed (just make sure they're linked).
7: Tweet a Link Back to Your BlogWhat's the point of social media if you don't promote yourself just a little. My blog automatically publishes to my feed but on days I don't post, it's necessary to reference an older but relevant blog I wrote.
8: Picture of Someone's Personal or Street StyleI'm slightly obsessed with personal style. I love seeing how people translate trends, colors and event the items themselves into their own fashion language. I hope finding and tweeting one pic a day is not too much.
9: Tweet About Something Interesting You're DoingI know this sounds self-centered but so does most blogging and tweeting. There are occasions where I attend cool events or am watching or reading something interesting. I blog about most of them but a quick in-the-moment tweet shouldn't be so hard.
10: Tweet Something RandomThe last tweet is dedicated to me being me. I'm very random sometimes, I tend to yell at inanimate objects, and I was never diagnosed with attention deficit disorder but I swear I have it. This tweet will reflect that.

So what do you think of my 10-Step-Twitter-Plan?
Do you have one? Or is this one you could adopt and adjust for yourself?

Twitter Bird Icon via Icon Archive and recolored.

[MARKETING + MEDIA] The Cycle Continues: The Ever-Changing and Ever-Copying Face of Social Media

I gave in and activated my Google+ account to see what all the fuss is about. There's been a lot of talk about Google+ knocking Facebook off it's pedestal so it must be something new and amazing... Right? But after logging on, it just looks like Facebook. It has prettier icons and a more modern feel but the same overall function and features.

I think the feature everyone was most excited about was Google+ Circles but Facebook has parried with Lists for your Friends. I've slowly started categorizing people but my 300+ Friends looks daunting - I can't imagine people who are past 1,000. The Lists are obvious knockoffs of Circles but social media is made up of the sharing (and stealing) of ideas.
And now Facebook is rolling out with Timeline come October. While Timeline seems to be a response to the attention Google+ is getting, it seems to also be taking from MySpace. It looks like Facebook is going back to it's social media roots and adding a bit more customization (a MySpace feature I personally missed).
Do you even remember MySpace? It was the social network that started it all - the profile page, internet fame, collecting friends and the reach of online advertising. Why wouldn't you take a few examples from it? ...Like modules. That's right Facebook, don't think I didn't notice how your design improved.
I'm still wondering if Facebook has actually reached it's peak yet. Every business and their grandmother has a page, a lot of their recent changes are pissing people off, and, just like fashion, social media goes through dreaded cycles of mass acceptance and death. But there doesn't seem to be a noticeable amount of people jumping ship - at least not regular, non-media types (i.e. the majority of the population needed to make a social network work).

I'm still fumbling through Google+, dreading having to update yet another network and watching my Klout score go up and down like a drunk in a bouncehouse. There is no light at the end of this tunnel, no ultimate goal when it comes to social media because it never stops growing and thus your spot is never guaranteed. Google+ might be what's after Facebook but what's after that?

Twitter: The Next Generation... Tweet Long (up to 200 characters now) and Prosper