[STYLE SCRAPBOOK] Come On, Get Down With The Sickness

As I'm typing this, I'm coughing up my left lung at Barnes and Nobles.

The guy next to me actually looked up from his computer to make sure I wasn't dying and recommended lemon and honey. That's really sweet ... considering I should have a bio-hazard sign plastered to my forehead.

I've been chronically sick for more than a month now, with only a few days of rest in between. I spent the weekend indoors and only ventured out M-W for work. I'm really tempted to skip class and go home. Maybe if I cough enough, the teacher will get paranoid and send me home.

And that's what inspired today's scrapbook!

I really thought we were past flu season. I'm debating whether or not to buy a surgical mask at the local pharmacy to prevent anyone else from getting sinus headaches and chest pains and coughing instead of laughing. If I do, I'm totally taking out my little box of pyramid studs.

Then again, in my head, I like to pretend that the zombie virus begins with a cold virus that has mutated inside my body. So maybe I'll buy the mask after I get better to prevent any more sickness.





Pics via Japan Pulse, Disco Treats, Inventor Spot, Tokyo Fashion, Japanese Streets, and Trend Hunter.

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] Overused & Hijacked Fashion Words in Lifestyle and Non-Fashion Marketing

We seem to throw around a lot of words to describe our style and other people's but does that necessarily give us a big vocabulary. There are words that I'm getting tired of hearing, especially when they come out of my mouth or keyboard. Lately, I think the fashion thesaurus could use an update.

But it's not just fashionistas who overuse them, there's a recent trend I've noticed where promoters hijack fashion words for non-fashion related events. The nightlife events sometimes have a "fashionable" dress code (where less is still more) and one of the sponsors is a retail boutique. Cocktail waitresses/models might walk around in the sponsors clothing but, other than that, I don't know if it deserves words like "fierce" and "classy" and I don't know if I'd call the models "trendsetters".

Join me in using some of these words less and hitting the books, namely the thesaurus... because that would be the upscale, modern thing to do. (Thesaurus.com - Stylish)

1. FIERCE
   My number one suspect is Tyra Banks but I have a theory that this word became overused once Christian Siriano hit Project Runway. Don't get me wrong, I like Christian as a designer, his winning collection was breathtaking, but I dare you to play a drinking game with that season of Project runway, a bottle of tequila and that word. FYI It's not my fault if you get alcohol poisoning.
2. DIVA
   This word didn't get popular until the movie 5th Element came out, and even then, it was used to refer to women in the music industry. I don't know when it crossed over to the fashion and lifestyle industries but now it refers to any woman who thinks she's all that and deserves the best. The attitude that goes along with this word has gone from haughty to downright annoying.
   
3. CLASSY
   I don't know when promoters hichjacked this word from the fashion industry but it's finally gotten on my nerves. In my mind, "Classy" use to refer to women of elegance, Chanel suits, and timeless pearls. Now every event that features shoes and semi-clothed women thinks it's "Classy".
4. CHIC
   This is probably the most overused fashion word ever. Maybe we should bring it full circle and loop back to to the word "stylish".
5. CUTE
   I am guilty of overusing this word, mainly because of my obsession with the Japanese Kawaii Culture. Here are some words I'm trying on for size: Adorable, Dainty, Perky and Charming.
6. ORIGINAL
   I wonder if there is anything original left in this world. Everything is inspired by something else, whether directly or indirectly, but so many claim that their work is ORIGINAL without trying to explain what makes their work so different, so new. Even this list isn't completely original.
   
   After I started compiling it, I Googled similar topics and found OMGee Online Magazine had done a similar blog last year. It's a bit shorter and we agree on some words, but she does have professionals giving their two cents.
7. COUTURE
   I don't even know where to begin here! Not only is this word overused but it is misused. Via Fashion-Era, we know that couture comes from haute couture, which refers to made-to-measure exclusive clothes are virtually made by hand, carefully interlined, stay taped and fitted to perfection for each client. I think this hardly describes every brand that uses the word couture.
   
   I posted this topic on my Facebook in the morning and designer Natalie Harris had this to say about COUTURE, "The entire bridal industry has taken "couture" and redefined it to mean simply the more expensive collection. I ACTUALLY create couture, by definition (except that I'm not french), and I have to use the word "custom" now to convey that so that prospective clients don't think I'm automatically as expensive as a car."
8. PASSION FOR FASHION
   It rolls right off the tongue and that's probably why we use it so much. While I don't doubt that those who use it really do love fashion, I have to agree with Hilary Moss, Style Editor at The Huffington Post, there is something Dr. Seuss-ish about the phrase. Maybe the next step is note what we love so much about fashion. I have passion for anything shiny, for the way the right dress can make a girl feel like a princess, and how fashion can be a culture representation.
9. TRENDSETTER
   While trends do go beyond just fashion, this word is a lot to refer to stylish people. I think this word should go beyond Red Carpet or random street fashion, a trendsetter should be someone who constantly inspires people to try something new. This is also one of those words used by promoters to make girls go to clubs where guys will follow with money.
   
10. FASHIONISTA
    It's overused but what else are we suppose to call people with a passion for fashion - that's why I'm torn on this one. It's also a very broadly-defined word. What is a fashionista? Does she or he have to like all aspects of fashion or does only a love for shoes or accessories suffice?

Pics via WeHeartIt.com and Flickr

[GIVEAWAY] 2 Shirts Cuz It's More About Style Than Brand

I dropped the ball with my Sapphic Sunday and Top 10 Tuesday lately due to school, work and a need to give my eyes rest from the computer screen. But I did pick up 2 really cute shirts to giveaway.

I was looking for a new pair of skinny jeans when I came across some shirts I really wanted, but, unfortunately, were not my size. I took it as a chance to spread my style aesthetics.



If you like to mix something edgy and different with girly details, please note that the winner gets for both shirts. The shirts are a size M and the brand is called Yom-Yom. I looked up the website and there's not a lot there. It's a denim company so I don't know where these shirts came from, but if you're like me, it's all about how they work with your personal style.

♥ Contest Ends: March 9, 2011

♥ To enter, leave a comment below telling how you would wear one or both these shirts and some way to contact you (i.e. e-mail, URL, Twitter, Facebook).

♥ For a 2nd Entry, become a Fan on Facebook and leave a small comment or Like this post on the Wall.

♥ For a third entry, tweet about this post. Make sure to mention the link http://t.co/XgFO6gN & @stylegeekpr.

Must be a U.S. Resident to Win

[OOTD] Happy Commercial Love Day!

Fashion and love are in the air, and I hope everyone is feeling one or the other. As you can tell I'm not a big V-Day fan but I still hope everyone is spending it with their honey (or at some Fashion Week party).

I know the outfit doesn't really say hearts and kisses but I didn't feel like wearing red and pink. I'm trying to blend my style with a little bit of business, and so far black skirts seem like a great staple for careerwear. Marketing assistant for an international distribution company sounds like I should be wearing blazers but the truth is that we're not encouraged to dress up.

I also just chopped off my hair again - it was getting too long. My mom freaked out - again asking me if I wanted to be born a guy - but Alex really likes it.

Speaking of loved ones, I don't think flowers and candy and special dinners should be reserved for one or two days out of the year. If you feel like buying your significant other candy on April 14th, then you should, just because. If you see a flower on May 18th, pick it up and tie a nice bow around it.

P.S. Maybe I bought in to V-Day just a little... and got Alex a rose.

[STYLE SCRAPBOOK] Cross My Heart

About a month ago, HolierThanNow did a post on over sized crosses as a fashion accessory, asking if it was offensive to religious people. It never crossed my mind that it could be offensive.

I believe that fashion is fashion for the sake of fashion and doesn't always have or need a meaning. While it's true that a cross is a talisman for many Christians, it also holds other meanings to different subcultures and faiths. The cross shape dates back to before the Christian religion, has been a part of Paganism for centuries, and has been adopted (maybe subversively) as part of the Gothic culture.

Just because your talisman or symbol becomes a trend doesn't make it any less meaningless in your eyes, and that's what counts, right? I symbol has the power other people give it but it is most powerful with the meaning that the wearer gives it. If you want to wear a cross as a fashion statement, don't let being PC stop you.



Pics via Blue is in Fashion, Trendy Crew, ZeroChan.net, HNaotoUSA.com, 80's Fashion, Midi-Nette and Poupee Girl.

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] 100 Words on Life via My Favorite Quotes

I saw a 100 Words on Life post on Sugar and Spice who had seen in on Lust, Love, Lose. After seeing how Sugar and Spice presented her 100 Words, I felt it was time to take out my journal of quotes.

I was hard skimming it down to just 10 but even harder to get it right at 100 words without compromising the ideas behind them. FYI: the last one is my absolute favorite. Sometimes when I'm down, it keeps me going.

1. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening... ~ Coco Chanel
2. Style is eternal... ~ Yves Saint Laurent
3. One man’s style must not be the rule of another’s... ~ Jane Austen
4. Dream as if you’ll live forever... ~ James Dean
5. Better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring... ~ Marylin Monroe

6. Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower... ~ Hans Christian Anderson
7. I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand. ~ Confucius
8. Don’t be embarrassed about being loved... ~ Veronika Decides the Die, Paulo Coelho
9. God bless the broken road... ~ Rascal Flatts
10. When you want something, the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it... ~ The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

Pics via weheartit.com

[OOTD] Love Me, Love My Giant Bow

As many may know, Dallas is hosting the Super Bowl this coming weekend so this week should have been hustle and bustle throughout, but Mother Nature had other plans, as she always does, and literally froze everyone's excitement. Except mine. I'm not a sports fan so this weekend will be just like any other... only with more traffic.

The temperature hasn't been above freezing and roads are covered with ice. After three days, however, once cabin fever started setting in, the city started thawing itself. I braved a frozen bridge this morning for $30 before taxes.

Layering is of the utmost importance right now as are boots. The bow, however, is just an extra.

Alex almost refused to go out in public with me wearing this bow. It's one of "those fashion things" she doesn't quite "understand" about me. I argue that there's nothing to "understand" - it's a giant bow, on my head, that hits the top of my car when I get in. Although, I'm tired of being called Minnie Mouse.

[DIGITAL GEEK] Tap Mall for Iphone

This is the #1 game on my iPhone right now. It's strangely addictive. The point is simply to run a small boutique by buying merchandise, displays, decorations and, ultimately, expanding. You start of with a few coins to buy some initial merchandise. You sell it, earn more coins and level up. You can only buy certain pieces depending on your level so the higher the level, the cuter the clothes. There's also really trendy pieces for Mallbucks but you have to pay for those, which I don't.

But there's a tiny thrill I get from this game that I think stems from my desire to own a store. I use to help manage a table at local anime conventions selling art and there was always a rush in the exchange of money for goods. Maybe one day... A fashion boutique is for sure on my Lifetime Goals List.

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] Questions for Local Designer Larry Stewart Following His Debut Fashion Show

If they look at my dress and they say, "Oh my God, its gorgeous" I’ve already done my job because I’ve captured their imagination. ~ Larry Stewart

I had the pleasure of attending a local fashion show not too long ago of an old classmate, Larry Stewart. I remember he had a big personality and an attitude to match. The fashion on the runway reflected that - it had volume, detail and a Whoa! factor. The big Whoa! came, however, when he announced that the collection had taken two years to create by hand! That kind of discipline and patience can only come from an artist truly dedicated to his craft. But he's more than that, he's fighter with long road that lead to this fashion show. I sat down with him afterwards with Ten Questions to see how it came together.

1: How did you get into fashion?I worked with Donna Karen [for eight years], but not as a designer. I actually worked as someone sweeping the floor, like the building cleaner. I did nothing in fashion. I used to watch those streets - see I’m older than you, much older - I used to watch them run down the street during fashion week with these big racks of clothes.