Thursday, June 30, 2011

[TOP 10 TUE THURS] Student Finalists Show at the 1st Annual Scion Driving Fashion

A couple of years ago, Toyota (tired of being called old and dependable) launched a modern car brand aimed at the 20-something-year-old hipster generation that had just started to take hold. Armed with rounded corners, neon lights, and shiny online marketing, Scion is more than a car, it's a lifestyle. If you have doubts, think about anyone you know that owns one or check out some of the videos on their YouTube channel.

As a brand, two good things to consider are how you're reinforcing your brand and how you're evolving it. By sponsoring a student fashion show and scholarship competition last week, the Scion of Lewisville did both.

In hosting a fashion show, Scion is basically saying that their customers are stylish people. And while Mercedes-Benz is associated with the hi-glam fashion of NY Fashion Week, Scion is linking itself up with indie fashion and it's (young) demographic. They've already said that this one of many shows and there was talk about other cities. Now that's brand evolution.

The competition centered around creating a collection inspired by the Scion brand. It had a lot of entries, all vying for $10,000 in scholarships but only the Top 10 made it to the runway. You can click on the pictures to get a better look.

1: Cesar Arzola
Scion Driving Fashion, Student Fashion Show, Toyota Scion Scion Driving Fashion, Student Fashion Show, Toyota Scion Scion Driving Fashion, Student Fashion Show, Toyota Scion

Monday, June 27, 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

[BLOG GEEK] Tips for Bloggers With Writer's Block

A-Kon might be a big social event for people who like anime and Japanese culture but there's also informative, thought-provoking panels scattered throughout the weekend such as Fabrics of Costuming 101 and The Cruel Reality of Professional Webcomics.

I don't attend as many panels as I would like to and sometimes certain ones turn out to be a big flop, but the ones that stick in the back of my mind are worth it, i.e. "And the Band Played On: Is Writer's Block Real or a Myth?"

I dragged my girlfriend out of bed for this one as she is an aspiring fantasy novelist. And as a blogger, I tend to hit writer's block quite often.

There were four panelists - all published authors - who provided as much amusement as they did information. The three main points they made throughout the discussion made me realize that there is no writer's block just like there is no spoon - it's all a mind game with yourself.
  1. Writer's Block is more like a wall you hit inside a labyrinth because you went the wrong way. Retrace your steps and try a different path.
    (And don't be afraid to tackle any minotaurs.)
  2. When you're in the writing zone, beware non-creative distractions like chores, phone calls and the Internet. If you feel stuck, do something creative like drawing or crafting. It's important to be in a creative mood to stay in a writing state-of-mind.
  3. Remember, in the end, the reader takes what s/he wants from your writing.
Pic via WeHeartIt.com

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] 10 Plus Size Tops Under $10.99

I love getting accessories at mall stores like Forever 21 and A'Gaci X but I have found them lacking when it comes to plus-size tops. Forever 21 has some of the cutest shirts I've ever seen but most stop at size L - I fall somewhere between XL and 1X. A'Gaci has some great stuff in their store as well but they can't seem to translate that style to their plus-size store. Maybe I've been shopping at the wrong mall.

So I'm going to try the Ebay mall. I bought a few things online before and they fit okay - and fit is the main thing that keeps me from buying online. But I recently stumbled on this Ebay store (DealZone) that offers lovely shirts cheaply and with no shipping. I have to try it. And if you're a plus-size, full-figured lady that also falls somewhere between XL and 1X, join me in trying one of these tops. For under $12, what have you got to lose?

Fashion Tops, Plus-Size Fashion, Plus-Size Shirts, Online Shopping Fashion Tops, Plus-Size Fashion, Plus-Size Shirts, Online Shopping Fashion Tops, Plus-Size Fashion, Plus-Size Shirts, Online Shopping

Please ignore the obvious color palette as some shirts have other color choices. Also



Fashion Tops, Plus-Size Fashion, Plus-Size Shirts, Online Shopping Fashion Tops, Plus-Size Fashion, Plus-Size Shirts, Online Shopping Fashion Tops, Plus-Size Fashion, Plus-Size Shirts, Online Shopping


Fashion Tops, Plus-Size Fashion, Plus-Size Shirts, Online ShoppingAnd number ten is the one I've order for myself along with a red skirt because I've been wanting one for a few months. All for under $20. I'll probably get two more next paycheck.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

[STREET SNAP] Awesome Personal Style via A-Kon 22 Con-Goers

Most who walk around A-Kon in interesting and colorful ensembles are cosplaying [dressing up as] characters from their favorite anime, movie or show. However, there are always a few who who incorporate the fashion from anime or the very streets of Tokyo into their own personal style.

A-Kon 22, Anime Convention, Japanese Style, Fashion Inspiration, Anime Fashion, A-Kon 22 Style

A-Kon 22, Anime Convention, Japanese Style, Fashion Inspiration, Anime Fashion, A-Kon 22 Style   A-Kon 22, Anime Convention, Japanese Style, Fashion Inspiration, Anime Fashion, A-Kon 22 Style

A-Kon 22, Anime Convention, Japanese Style, Fashion Inspiration, Anime Fashion, A-Kon 22 Style   A-Kon 22, Anime Convention, Japanese Style, Fashion Inspiration, Anime Fashion, A-Kon 22 Style

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] How To Dress Up a Casual Graphic Tee


I found this shirt via Fasshonaburu and fell in love - the glasses are studded! I have a bad habit of collecting cool or cute t-shirts, like this one, and rarely dressing them up.

So this Tuesday's Top 10 is my ode to graphic t-shirts - casual staples of modern life that we sometimes take for granted. We go for the easy path - jeans and a tee - and forget that they too want to make a statement.

  1. Shorts & Tights


  2. Under a Button-Up


  3. With a Printed Bottom


  4. Tucked Into a High-Waisted Skirt


  5. Over a Frilly, Girly Skirt


  6. All-Black


  7. With Neon Bottom


  8. Oversized


  9. Add a Belt


  10. Add Something Shiny



Pictures via TokyoFashion.com, Hel-Looks, Street-Fashion.net, The Style Scout, Twenty2, Easy Fashion in Paris, Living La Vida Rita, Chictopia, Delightfully Engaged, and We Shop Therefore We Are.

Friday, June 10, 2011

[STREET STYLE] A Lock Of Her Hair

Tokyo Fashion, Street Fashion, Hair, Earrings, Jewelry, Cute Style

While she is completely adorable and has a cute+lovely style, her hair-braid earring peaked my interest. It's unusual, a bit creepy but I love it.

See more close-ups of her outfit at TokyoFashion.com, especially her shoes.

[MARKETING + MEDIA] Rethinking How the New Generation Buys

Marketing, Selling, Youth Marketing

This little comic really stuck with me because all the selling techniques I learned while leasing apartments and in marketing classes are becoming obsolete. Making sure that you use the person's name is the first lesson in selling so you can connect with the potential consumer. I've always found it annoying but I never argued with tried-and-true techniques.

However, buyers nhave become super-informed over the past two years and younger buyers can usually see through a salesperson. Just something to consider if you're thinking about going into marketing.

Go to the The Oatmeal to see full size.

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Mistakes to Avoid While Blogging


Picture via WeHeartIt.com


I've been doing a lot of reflection on this blog and the direction it's going (or not going). Consequently, I've been reading a lot of help posts for bloggers - what to do, what to do more, how to content... I think I'm oversaturated.

One of the the posts I really like, however, featured Seven Mistakes You Should Avoid:
  1. Not Planning Your Steps (Good Planning = Goal Achievement)
  2. Subscription Options are Nowhere to be Seen
  3. Neglecting ‘About’ Page Importance (GUILTY So Don't Read It)
  4. Not Having a Posting Schedule (Frequent Posting = Good SEO)
  5. Your Only Motive is Money
  6. Not Being Patient (Overnight Success? You Wish)
  7. You Hate Being Criticized

via Reviewz 'n' Tips. Make sure to click the blog to read more.

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

[COOL MARKETING] Got Coffee?


I saw this while driving to work a little while ago. It reminded me how much I was craving coffee because I was in my car at 7:30 AM - the time I usually get out of bed. Kudos to Pilot for teasing the morning zombies.

Thumbs down, however, because there was no Pilot gas station on that highway. That's one of the P's of marketing: Position - how close is your message to your location.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] Fashion Items Inspire Pirate Nostalgia

Pirate Fashion, Pirate Inspiration, Pirate Style, Fashion BlogFor almost two months now, I've been searching for a skull-printed dress in my price range and size. But those numbers just don't seem to be adding up. While skimming some ebay results I found this dress on the right. I wanted something a little bit more glam and badass but after a few days, this dress has grown on me.

It's incredibly hot in Texas right now (you start sweating before your car A/C comes on) so piling on heavy fabrics and sequins seems like a bad idea. Also, I can cut it shorter and hem it.

Watching the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie on Saturday cemented it for me. I'm a big fan of Captain Jack Sparrow and my girlfriend has turned me into a pirate geek like her. By the way, I totally recommend the movie ... and not just because Johny Depp is my straight crush.

Inspired by the movie and the Jolly Rogers dress I will be ordering when my paycheck rolls around, my Top 10 for this Tuesday is about swashbuckler style - pieces for the modern day buccaneer.

1: Long Leather Vest
It's a little outside the price range I was hoping for this post but it really looks like Sparrow's vest. The cut looks like it would fit amazingly on many body shapes. $233 @ BlueFly.com



2 & 3: Get Captain Jack Sparrow's Hair
I always thought colored hair extensions were cute but beads and feathers make them Sparrow.
$6 Printed Scarf @ Forever21 & $4 Hair Extension @ Etsy



4: Sexy Lace Up Corset
$78 @ Guess



5: Peasant Blouse
This is a great staple for the summer (FYI). Pair it with some leggings or short shorts. The printed ones are a little less pirate-y but just as cute. $80 @ The Outnet



6: PEEP-TOE Ankle CUFF Boots
These were really popular this past Fall season and the peep-toe makes them great for summer night dates. $33 @ Ebay



7: Ornate Buckle Belt
Belts haven't been big accessories for a while but trends always cycle through. Also, it's a little eerie how well The Buckle's belt looks like Jack's. $40 @ The Buckle



8: Medallion Necklace
Medallion necklaces by themselves are very pretty and great statement pieces. The pearls on this one are just added booty. $30 @ ModCloth



9: Skull & Crossbones Ring
$40 @ Kohls



10: Skull On Sword Necklace
$85 @ Noir Jewelry - This is actually from their Pirates of the Caribbean Collection.

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Magical Makeovers vs. Individual Beauty: Which Package Do You Favor?

Make over, makeovers, how do I look, what to wear, fashion thoughts, beauty, makeover

Confession: I’m addicted to makeover shows. Not just the popular ones like "How Do I Look?" and "What Not to Wear," I also watch the Maury episodes like "From Trashy to Classy" - which are pretty trashy themselves. But lately I’ve been kind of bored with the repetitive message of these shows.

Will a new dress and a little lipgloss really make these people’s lives better?

While I agree the occasional physical transformation can help you move beyond a certain stage in your life, the transformations on TV seem to eliminate the person’s individuality.

Make over, makeovers, how do I look, what to wear, fashion thoughts, beauty,

"Each one of us is only as beautiful, as deserving of the life we crave, as we believe ourselves to be. No matter what we wear, that is a fact that doesn’t change simply by slipping into a nicer pair of shoes."

The shows go beyond fixing the skimpy skirts, saggy pants and work-appropriate mistakes. At the end of it, the person seems less of who they are and more of who other’s want her to be. They still have the same issues, same doubts, same heart – just different packaging.

But should this packaging be more deserving of the life the person craves because it’s more socially accepted? No, but society tends to favor those who are more socially (and visually) pleasing. Makeover shows seem to reinforce the idea that you have to fit in so you don’t miss out on opportunities in life – which is funny when you think of how many times we’re told to "think outside of the box."

Make over, makeovers, how do I look, what to wear, fashion thoughts, beauty,

Sometimes I feel that this "box" is made out of the same socially acceptable tops, skirts, shoes and styles. What we don’t see in this "box" is self-love, self-acceptance. We don’t see people who think that they’re beautiful just the way they are. We don’t see people who believe in themselves. I think that’s why the "box" always requires therapy.

But this argument is made over and over in the fashion and entertainment industry: those who believe themselves to be beautiful vs. those others believe are beautiful, those who want to be themselves vs. those who support a consistent standard of beauty. Does anyone fall in the middle? Does it matter when it’s all about money in the end? Drastic makeovers pull in ratings and telling people that they’re beautiful won’t sell makeup or clothes.

Yet, with all this said and done, why am I still a makeover show junkie? Why do I still help these shows with their ratings? Maybe it’s the guilty pleasure of yelling at the TV when I disagree with the makeover.

Pics via WeHeartIt