Wishful Thinking

A Wild Outfit Post Appeared!

2012-02-01T18:03:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! I took some outfits photos for once in my dang life. It's been a while!

They are maybe not the best quality because i took them with photo booth, but let’s just be content with the fact that i took them at all. I was really excited about my outfit, I think mostly because I had a really great day in it.

what a goofball

♥ pants: ASOS

♥ top: H&M

&hearts: Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

♥ hat. i've had it for a while...the tag inside says Christy's Crown Series, and then there's another tag that says By Tony Merenda. I LOVE wearing hats, especially to interview to anywhere you're going to meet new people. I think they are comforting and also make you stand out!

These pictures are from Monday. On Monday I went to Brooklyn, had some tea, had an interview for a sweet internship (I start Friday!), walked around in the sunshine, FINALLY got a library card and took out some books, and went to French class. Excellent day.

My roommate asked if my outfit was Reeve Carney inspired (HAHA! maybe subconsciously! the boy’s got style). I might do a Style Crush post with him soon; I haven't done any Style Crush Dudes posts yet, have I?!

See you soon my loves. AND follow me on Tumblr, especially if you like comics. I post much more comic-related things, and just more things in general, on my tumblr than i do here.

Have a lovely week and stay inspired!

Apartment Inspiration 2012

2012-01-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

Decorating for Young Adults with Teeny Homes

What I Wish My Apartment Looked Like And How I'm Going to Make it Happen

My roommate's and my lease ends in June and already I keep thinking to myself, "when we get a bigger place...." Well, that's not always possible if you are a.) on a limited/student budget; b.) living in a big city; c.) both. So I told myself, get with the program, Nikki. You will MAKE. IT. WORK. (Did you get the Tim Gunn reference? I do go to Parsons, after all.) Here's what I'm going to do:

first, post my inspiration.
Then I will talk about some tricks of living in a small space.
Then, I will show some ways that I made my apartment look great while still being functional.

So let's start with the fun part: INSPIRATION YAAYAYAYA

Okay, so what I did first was: I collected a few (a ton of) pictures from The Great and Powerful Interbot that appealed to me. And yeah, I know that last one isn't' even an apartment, it's a tent. I just really like tents, okay? Tents and caravans. No wonder my apartment is so small. And packed with stuff.

You might have also noticed that these pictures all range wildly. Therefore, my next step is to try to figure out which specific elements appealed to me, and what the pictures may have in common. This is clearly a very scientific method of decorating. It's okay, they do it at Frog Design. (This might be true but I may have just made it up.)

That was fun, wasn't it?
Now it's your turn: what does your DREAM HOME look like?
Share in the comments, or on a site like Pinterest. And if these photos weren't enough for you, here's a link to MY PINTEREST BOARD FOR MY DREAM APARTMENT.

See you later!

love and sharing,

2012 Style Resolutions

2012-01-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Style Resolutions for 2012

-put more effort into styling my hair. my hair is very long and wavy, and i really only brush it a few times a week. i have three general hairstyles: topknot, down, and ponytail with a headscarf. UGH BORING. There are so many fun things to do. I really love Willow Smith's hair in the Whip My Hair music video. SO COOL!

-experiment with makeup more. It is so easy to fall into a trap of waking up late every day, smacking on some concealer and eyeliner, and running out the door in the mornings. However, my friend Jack recently did my makeup for a video shoot, and she did an amazing job! Thanks for re-opening my eyes to how flawless and fun makeup application can be. :]

-tutorials and swag videos. I have been saying this for a while, but I'm getting really into videos and I AM GOING TO post some videos! Are there any tutorials that you would like to see? Are there any music, fashion, beauty, or whatever else topics you would like to see me talk about?

I'm gonna make this the best year ever!

What I Wore: Birthday Edition

2012-01-12T15:45:00.000-05:00

Hello there my sweet bonbons. It's been a while! I'm returning from my little Winter Break writing hiatus and my resolution is to have a more regular updating schedule this year.

My birthday was a few weeks ago (okay, it was in December), so I thought that I'd share some fun pics.

Um, this is one of the only picture of what I was wearing at my party....

♥ black tights

♥ purple and gold polka dotted minidress

♥ Hot Pink Sequined Minnie Mouse ears that almost everyone at the party ended up wearing

♥ no shoes! because the party never ended up leaving my apartment, hahha!

Check out this beautiful cake that my friends gave me. Thanks so much Mika and Raj, it was delicious! (Also yes that is a magazine tear out of Ellie Goulding)

SO EXCITED about the X-Men glass that was my gift to myself, and coconut cupcake given to me by my bodega dude across the street! what a sweetie.

This is what I wore during the day of my birthday-it was freezing outside!

Those stripey Uniqlo Heat Tech tights are my JAM in the wintertime.

What kinds of things do you love to wear on your birthday?

Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! ad featuring Dakota Fanning. Is it too sexual for mainstream media?

2011-11-27T14:59:00.001-05:00

Have you guys seen the new ad for Marc Jacobs' most recent perfume? The perfume is called Oh, Lola! and it has been described as a little sister of Lola, "more of a Lolita than a Lola". I think that says something in itself, but what folks are going a bit wild about is the ad. It features 17 year old actress Dakota Fanning, holding a large, flowery and evocative bottle of the perfume in between her legs.

Here's what the ASA had to say about it:

"Due to the fact that Dakota is styled to look a bit younger than her 17 years, and the position of the bottle and hemline of her dress, etc, the ad has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for child sexualization."

Personally, I don't think that the picture is all that bad, although the bottle is a bit strange looking. What does bother me is that it the advertisement reads, "THE NEW FRAGRANCE FOR WOMEN", and then the picture shows a very young looking girl. Nothing about this ad shows that it is for women.

Here's the ad so you can decide for yourself:

Do you think that the ad is too sexual? Voice your opinion in the comments!

What I Wore: New York Comic Con Edition

2011-11-15T01:40:00.000-05:00

Hello all, here's what I wore to this year's NY Comic Con

♥ top, not sure where I got it

♥ white shorts, free people

♥ shoes, jeffrey campbell

♥ comic book earrings

I was trying to look reporter-y! This is not so much Lois Lane though.

My second day outfit photo is missing..womp womp.

Third day outfit...I look super awkward in this photo.

♥ Deadpool t-shirt, Mighty Fine Clothing

♥ skirt, my mom got it for me at Macys hahaha

♥ black tights

♥ Pink glitter Toms shoes

Shareable: In Defense of Dirty Hippies

2011-11-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

Shareable: In Defense of Dirty Hippies

I read this article on Shareable. In light of the OCCUPY movement and everything that goes along with it, I suggest you check this article out. It's interesting and a good conversation starting point. The comments are gaining steam also.

I went down to Occupy Wall Street at Zuccotti Park on Friday morning and it was very interesting... perhaps I'll post my video of it when my friend sends it to me.

What do you think ?

love love love

Comic Con Panel: Marvel Ultimates, part one

2011-11-05T18:18:00.000-04:00

I am a die-hard, longtime Marvel fan in general. So it comes as no surprise that this year at NY Comic Con, I tried to attend as many of the Marvel panels as I could. And one of my favorites was the Marvel Ultimates Panel.

The panel was a discussion and outline of the future of some of the comics in the new Ultimates Universe. On the panel were

Axel Alonso. Former editor at DC comics, current editor at Marvel Comics.
Saba Amana, editor of Marvel Ultimate Comics
Sara Pichelli, illustrator of the Ultimate Spider-man.
Esad Fubic, artist and illustrator
C.B. Cebulski, Senior Vice President of Creative & Creator Development
Arune Singh, Director of Communications

To my great delight, one of the first topics they spoke about was the new Ultimate Spider-man series. I've been reading the first few issues and didn't know what to expect. I actually enjoy it a lot- it's very well written and I'm excited to see where they take Miles in the future.

On the panel, they spoke about Miles representing a great inner innocence and strength. (Spoiler, in 4 he is going to be wearing the costume for the first time!) Miles is different from Peter Parker, they are two separate people wearing the mask!

Sara Pichelli talked for a bit, prefacing her comments with an adorable, "I sound smarter in Italian but, I have to speak English." I was super happy when they began to talk about Miles' look and costume design. She showed some of her original character designs and sketches for Miles Morales. She had some pretty funky hairstyles being tried out there- including Miles in cornrows!- but ultimately decided that they would cause problems under the costume. She talked about her life drawing process, saying that she noticed interesting faces or bodies or the way that people moved. She draws inspiration from people she knows or sees in her life, and practices facial expressions in the mirror! The panel agreed that, for Miles' new costume, "black and red was a natural response. It pays homage to Peter Parker but is very much distinctly Miles' own costume." Sara also said, of the differences in costume, "I think Peter Parker was more comfortable [as a superhero]. Miles Morales is just a kid. If I were in his position, I'd be less relaxed [than Peter]. Often I look at myself in the mirror for expressions. If I was a child, how would I look while I jumped [from the top of a building]? That's why Miles has pads on his elbows and knees."

The question of Peter Parker's death in the Ultimates universe was a big topic of discussion between the fans and the panel. It was asked many times whether Peter would be coming back, why they killed him off, etc., but a lot of support was actually shown by the fans towards Miles. Axel had this to say: "We didn't kill Peter easily. It hurt no one more than Brian to do it but it was necessary and beautiful. We're peeling back the mask to reveal a different face. That's what superhero comics are all about....and Peter has had fans of all races and creeds....at the end of the day, Miles transcends race."

They also showed some sneak peeks of what the future holds for this comic. Some of Peter's friends and family will be reacting to the new Spider-man. Sana Amanat said, "Expect there to be a lot of amazing things happening in the next couple of issues. You'll see who he's gonna become and you'll love it." I have complete faith in the Marvel team, and I'm excited to read Ultimate Spider-man issue 4 and beyond!

Are you a comic fan? What do you think of the Miles Morales becoming the new Spider-Man?

GREETINGS FROM COMIC CON!!!!

2011-10-20T16:20:00.000-04:00

Hey all! If you are a consistent reader than you know that I am a huge comic fan. This year I had the honor of being able to cover New York Comic Con. I spent the whole weekend at the con, from Friday to Sunday and will be covering it for you guys on my blog! (People who follow me on my Twitter know that I live-tweeted a bit all weekend from the con.) I had an amazing time and can't wait to share it with you! I am trying to get notes together and edit hundreds of photos amidst a hectic week of mid-term projects but bear with me. I met some amazing people and saw some really cool stuff!

If you're a college student taking midterms right now, good luck!

INSPIRATION OF THE DAY

2011-10-11T14:29:00.000-04:00

My junior thesis-type project that I'm working on right now is consuming me. Everything I do or say right now seems filtered through this lens of MUSIC and COSTUME as expression.

This might be the reason that, in swimming through #OCCUPY WALL STREET life right now, I am turning heavily to reminders of another type of revolution that went crashing through the nineties- and is still happening! -

: RIOT GRRRL

Which is why today's inspiration are some images that call for REVOLUTION, GIRL- STYLE, NOW!

What's inspiring you this week???

new glasses! xoxo Betsey Johnson

2011-09-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Hi all! How's it going? I just wanted to share some pictures with you!

I have not so great eyesight, but the upside is that I get to wear cute glasses! I got new ones recently...I ordered them without seeing the color in person first and, wonder of wonders, they happen to match my hair perfectly!

They are Betsey Johnson frames that are "rose" colored on the outside and light pink on the inside. The arms have little hearts on them, and the top of the frames have small round metal studs. SO PERFECT, SO NIKKI DEE. I am obsessed.

Sorry for all the goofy quality Photo Booth pictures lately....I am lazy.

In other news, it suddenly got cold here in New York....whattt it's still summer in my book. Do you love fall? It definitely provides us with a lot more fashion choices! Have a great weekend!

Nikki Dee's DUH Style Tip of the Day

2011-09-13T18:47:00.000-04:00

Wearing a long dress or skirt? Is it too long? Is it windy or rainy out? Knot the hem! Knot the hem! SO EASY WHY DIDN'T WE DO THIS PREVIOUSLY?!

Also, it looks pretty cool!

Take this lovely striped maxi that I wore to class today. I'm short, so the dress goes all the way down to the ground. It looks quite pretty but is horribly inconvenient for getting to class through the (dirty) streets of Manhattan. However, once you knot the hem, it is much more manageable and gives off a different look as well.

You don't have to knot it- you can pin it, hold it up with some crazy clip, tie it with bunches of yarn....

Here are some pictures that I took on Photobooth reallll quick to show you guys.

really awkward picture

knotted hem!

the whole dress

me trying to make photobooth work properly to get my whole outfit on the screen....hahhaha

Yeah! Has anyone tried this?

This has beeen....Nikki Dee's DUH style tip of the day! :p

How to Get Back into Exercising After Some Time Off ;]

2011-09-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Hello hello! Okay you guys, this is rather embarrassing, but this post has been sitting half-finished in my drafts since about April. The shame, the shame! So what I'm going to do is post it anyway, with season-appropriate edits in bold brackets. [like this!] So here goes,

If you're like me, you like to feel healthy and fit (duh) but maybe you've taken some....time off lately when it comes to working out. I'm no personal trainer, but I can relate to being totally out of shape and wanting to get back in the game! (I call this time of year Abercrombie Beach Bod preparation season.) [Okay, it's actually the end of the summer and fall is fast approaching. I don't know how I feel about this yet! However, we shouldn't skive off MOVEMENT just because it will soon be getting cold. So!]

1. Do it with a friend! you can motivate each other

2. Start small....don't try to run ten miles on your first day back in the game...you can end up hurting yourself!

moves called Iggy's Pop and Iggy's Punch.....nothin' but pure brilliance

3. COMMIT! Keep some sort of physical activity in your daily schedule, and keep doing it every day. No excuses! It helps to do it at the same time every day, llike in the morning.

4. Make it fun! Some people love waking up in the morning and running around the block. Personally I find the repetitive motions of running a bit boring; it's just not for me! So for people like me I'd suggest joining a class like yoga (Yoga To The People is completely awesome and based on donations, which is rad if you're a student), or dance, or cycling.

Did you know that you can work your abs every day? I have a sit-up routine that I used to do when I danced, and I still do it every day!

[Also, living on the fifth floor of a walk-up building is pretty good for daily cardio, let me tell you! haha]

Exercise TV and YouTube have short videos like "Ten Minute Thighs" or "Bellydance Basics" that are amazing, because the time passes by so quickly! I completely swear by them....even with the cheesy names and scary-perky instructors.

Oh my gosh, do you guys remember PUNK ROCK AEROBICS, those commercials that played on The-N in between Degrassi episodes? Well I think that there is a book, and I heard that in some cities there are Punk Rock Aerobics classes held....can anyone confirm this?

I would go to these classes for sure.

Okay, well, my classes have officially started this week. Therefore I hope to have tons of exciting posts for you soon, but there might be some writing draughts on my side also as I struggle with my self-imposed ridiculous schedule. Have a great week? And also,

how do you get your exercise?

Reader Opinion: Belt Bags and Pouches

2011-08-10T18:26:00.000-04:00

Hello lovely readers! I have so many things swirling around in my head at the moement. Summer is the perfect opportunity for inspiration and starting new. I am so excited for the semester ahead, and for all of the amazing things that are to come in the future! Woohoo!

Okay, that being said, I've been really into a really free, natural feeling style vibe lately. I think it started with my roommate's job at Free People and continued on throughout my trip in Mexico. I always joke around that I'm a punk hippie, which I think is funny because they can be so opposite. Anyway, I've ben really into things like wearing tons of things wrapped around my arms, feather and dream catcher earrings and accessories, and....bags and pouches.

like this pouch necklace! - wow, when searching for a photo of a pouch necklace, I found so many amazing pictures that I think I want to make a few...perhaps I will make a post on pouch necklaces? Would you guys like a tutorial? Or should I just sell some on my Etsy shop? BOTH?

I am going to the Electric Zoo Festival at the beginning of September, and I am searching for an alternative to a purse or backpack. I usually wear either a small backpack or small messenger-type bag to concerts and music festivals. This time, though, I don't feel like being restricted. When I dance, I hate having all of my belongings burdening me. That being said, I am like a Boy Scout when it comes to these things- always prepared- so not having any kind of bag at all isn't really an option.

So I ask you, dear readers:

What is a good, stylish alternative to carrying a purse?

I am open to all ideas! I am your guinea pig!

What do you guys think about belt bags? I am really interested in them lately. I think because they remind me of something a fairy or a Medicine Woman would carry around trinkets and powders in. The leather ones are also quite Medieval Times in an "I collect swords" kind of way. However, do they come across as simply being a souped-up fanny pack? Because I am definitely not a fan of the tourist-at-Disneyland look.

These examples from Etsy and elsewhere on the web seem nice actually! What do you think?

And, an extra question, if you're still with me:

How do you make really girly or natural outfits feel more tough? My instinct is always to wear boots, or studded shoes. It's all in the shoes, sometime!

Bloggers Do it Better- My Arm Party

2011-08-03T23:33:00.001-04:00

ARM PARTY- noun, "all of the crazy shenanigans you wear on your wrists mingling in a fabulous fiesta"

-definition taken from the Nikki Dee Dictionary of Fashion

I am ALL ABOUT the arm party. Now that it has an actual name, coined by the one and only Man Repeller queen herself, I love it so much more.

This week on Pretty Shiny Sparkly they are having a Bloggers Do it Better challenge regarding our own personal arm parties! When I saw it, I immediately decided to take part.

A little background- when I was in Junior High School, I decided that I was SO DARN PUNK. I wore bracelets up and down my wrists and arms like ka-razy. My friend counted them one day in class (yeah we were great students) and according to his questionable math skills, I wore 50+ bracelets every day when I was in the sixth grade. These included rubber 80s Madonna bracelets (the kind you got in trouble for wearing because they were supposed to symblize sex acts), tied-on friendship bracelets, breaded bracelets, LIVESTRONG varieties, rainbow bracelets made of paper clips, and more.

Nowadays, I sport a tattoo on my left wrist that I don't like to cover up, and my right hand is my drawing hand (IN CASE YOU FORGOT THAT I GO TO ART SCHOOL YOU GUYZ) so I don't wear quite as many bracelets as Past Nikki did. However, I do like to indulge in a crazy arm party every once in a while. Oh yeah, it gets pretty out there- in fact I just accidentally typed "wild" at first instead of "while".

Anyway, here's my DAILY ARM PARTY- the bracelets I wear all day, every day, on a constant basis. I never take them off.

Simple and cute.. :]

Now.....for the real ARM FIESTA

Woooo-hoo! If my arm was a party, I think it would be an after-party at a Brooklyn art gallery where everyone gets a little silly and starts wandering in the streets..... YEAH.

Here are the party guests, from the top:
♥ a purple wire bracelet. It was made by my friend Bean (SHOUTOUT-THANKS GIRL!) and given to me for my....17th birthday, I believe?
♥ my most recent acquisition to the party- a stretchy peace sign bracelet on a turqoise- the color of peace and health- string
♥ a tied on seed bracelet that someone gave me in Mexico last summer. The bead is actually a seed called Job's Tears that is often used on rosaries or for medicinal purposes.
♥ a gold bracelet with gems that was passed down from my great aunt
♥ my RockBand cuff that I got in Miami a few years ago. The heart shaped stone is rose quartz, which is said to open the heart chakra, enhance love and understanding, and releases fears. The cuff is white vintage leather.
♥ That bottom one is actually a long, feathered and beaded hair attachment that I wound around my wrist and tied. Groovy, no?

As you might be able to tell, I love all of these wrist accessories. It is like partying with your closest and most treasured friends!

What does your arm party look like? Share a picture or link to your own arm party post in the comments! Happy partying!

What to Wear on a Long Flight

2011-07-29T23:16:00.000-04:00

Hello, hello! Ciao, hola, bonjour, what is good?

I'm just gonna get straight to it: I've heard many requests for help about a certain topic. It's vacation time, summer study time, whatever, and many ladies are wondering:

How can I stay stylish while traveling?

How do I stay comfy yet cool on a long flight?

Well, it's actually pretty easy! There's a secret to comfy travel dressing, an it's all about these three things-

Comfortable, natural fabrics
Basic Shapes
Layering

Also, remember this: shoes are key! Especially when you are traveling, shoes can be the most important part of your outfit. They are the base, and if your feet are uncomfortable, you'll be unhappy and it will show! That being said, there are plenty of cute and comfy shoes out there! NO NEED TO BUY CROCS OKAY GUYS?!?! Also, you might want to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off- TSA regulations require you to take your shoes off while going through security in the USA.

Here are some examples of some stylish, long flight-friendly outfits!

Long Flight? by nikkidee featuring screen printed t shirts

On my recent 6 hour flight to Mexico from New York, I wore basically this outfit. A loose cotton tee with some fun shorts or harem pants, a light scarf large enough to spread out over you on the plane, Toms sneakers, and a cute necklace (it's a paper airplane!) Don't forget that big ol' carry-on bag, and throw a hoodie or cardigan in it. Even if it's hot where you're going, the plane will probably be cold.

Flight Outfit, 2 by nikkidee featuring vintage boots

Here's another outfit idea- a cute midi-length dress with a cardigan. Add some cute bracelets and lace-up boots or flats and you've got an instant cute outfit.

I might add some more later, but I want to see your ideas! What's your favorite outfit to wear on a plane? Share your ideas, pictures, or Polyvore sets in the comments!

“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream. Wandering by lone sea breakers, and sitting by desolate streams. World losers and world forsakers, for whom the pale moon gleams. Yet we are movers and the shakers of the world forever it seems.”

-arthur william edgar o’shaughnessy

I JUST CAME TO SAY HELLO

2011-07-13T01:53:00.000-04:00

HEY you guys! I just wanted to let you know that I'm still here...no te preocupes.

I've been super ridiculously busy...recently moved into a new apartment, working many many hours at my new job, about to have two internships, a big trip to Mexico coming up, meeting new friends and nights sitting around talking about movies and comics and music and relationships and life.

SUMMER!

I'm also working on some cool new art and fashion projects that I'm pretty excited about. I'll hit you guys up with a peek soon enough.

I ALSO wanted to take this time to mention that I finally have my new Etsy shop up!

It is called "palloncino" which means "balloon" in Italian.

Here's the little mini-description I've got up at the moment:

Welcome to my NEW SHOP, palloncino! Here you will find whimsical clothing and accessories made with a lotta love. Think Hello Kitty on Adderall at Warped Tour.

I'll be adding a ton of new stuff up in the coming weeks, so please check it out!

Thanks so much for reading, you guys, and I hope you're all having an amazing summer! How's it going? Personally, I am mentally preparing myself for the midnight premiere of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART TWO on Thursday night. It brings a lot of questions: is this really the end? what will i wear? WILL I EVER STOP OPENLY WEEPING ABOUT THIS?!?!?!?!?

"Body Pressure in the Blogosphere" nikki dee say whattt

2011-06-16T20:34:00.000-04:00

ugh I'm sorry I can't find the source. does anyone know it?

Why hellooo there. Chances are, if you are into the fashion blogging world at all, you've noticed Gala Darling's two recent posts circulating about body image among fashion bloggers. I suggest you read them. There seems to be an astounding amount of people who agree that here on the internet, there is a mainstream pressure to look, act, and BE a certain way if you are a fashion blogger. Fashion is an intimidating business, and yes, it is a business. However, fashion blogging evolved from people who wanted to share their opinions and styles without having to submit conform to the pressures and image of the mainstream fashion world. Now that fashion blogging is influencing the mainstream, these ideals are seeping into this online world as well.

One of my favorite things that I've read about this issue is actually from someone that Gala quoted in her post this morning:

Kylie Cumming

"However, it’s important to note that the fashion bloggers who (usually) attract the most media attention and offers to work with larger brands and companies overwhelmingly skew slender, young, white and fairly wealthy....these images also have the power to make us feel badly about our bodies and our lives; giving us an “Audrey Hepburn complex” of sorts. They still project unrealistic perfection- just a different, tea-party-having/frilly-dresses-wearing/running-around-in-a-field-with-abandon version of perfection. These images not only are pushed in advertising, but they also circulate heavily on all our blogs. And while the images are beautiful, they mainly feature a very narrow standard of beauty. The subjects are still thin, young, and white. (A great website that calls this out is carefreewhitegirl.tumblr.com). A girl might be wearing a unique vintage-looking outfit, but the hair, make-up and dress is immaculate; she’s usually not actively engaging with her surroundings, but looks posed and fragile."

I would like to push this a bit further and say that there are rarely women of color who become mainstream famous because of blogging. This reflects, I think, a problem in the mainstream fashion industry of the same nature that we are experiencing here in the world fashion blogging success.

ugh

We must also remember that this is not a new problem. There are main ways to be beautiful in society: if thin and whitewashed then you must be of the blonde Hollywood variety or of the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" persuasion. If you're not thin and/or white, then you're "curvy" (read: perfect hourglass) and over-sexualized. However, no matter what your size, you will never be good enough! It's a joke between me and my roommate that on the "style" site Lookbook.nu, it is quite obvious that if you are

1. internet famous and

2. classically pretty

then you are a shoe-in to be sent straight to the top of the "hot" list. Posing in a field and looking down also helps. You can be wearing a t-shirt, ripped denim shorts and a scarf (and they usually are) and get thousands of comments saying, "your style is amazing, you are an inspiration!" It's like anyone who is not wearing vintage Chanel or might be a model should not even bother posting their pictures up.

Since this is internet blogging where we share our feelings lol, I just want to say this: I have been running this blog for...three years now and there are times where I'll think, "Maybe people don't read my blog because I'm not pretty enough, because I don't wear designer labels...if they met me in real life they'd realize I'm short and ugly and would stop reading my blog." Real talk, you guys! Everyone feels this way at one time or another. I've seen girls who are insecure post things online like, "I am so le gorgeous ya'll love me kiss my feet." I've also seen girls who are completely awesome and fabulous posting like "ughh I am so fat and gross I cannot afford beautiful clothes." This crazy, shallow, ego nonsense is rampant on the internet.

Fuck this you guys, this needs to stop once and for all. Because us internet people are the gosh dang future, and we are continuing these ideas by posting things like "so and so needs to lose a few pounds to wear that dress" or "you must not have any problems in life because you look like a skeleton". Come on.

I thought that Tami Winfrey Harris, from What Tami Said (I read it on Racialicious) had an excellent point:

"The cult of domesticity defined idealized womanhood centuries ago–and that definition included both perpetual childhood and whiteness. The wide-eyed, girlish, take-care-of-me characters that [Zooey] Deschanel inhabits on film are not open to many women of color, particularly black women. We can be strong women, aggressive women, promiscuous women…we can do Bonet bohemian and Earth Mother (as Andrea pointed out), but never carefree and childish. Even black girls are too often viewed as worldly women and not innocents.

Also, the affectations of the manic pixie are read differently on black women. A streak of pink in the hair goes from quirky and youthful to “ghetto” on a black body. Thrift store clothing leads to a host of class assumptions.

Am I wrong about this? Is there a black Zooey? A manic pixie Latina? Is this a persona that women of color can inhabit?"

Race and body shape shouldn't matter in life, but especially not on the internet! Anonymity on the web has basically gone out the window. I read somewhere that Tumblr users who don't have an image of themselves as their icon picture are less likely to gain followers. It's really getting very silly. At some point blogging became a popularity contest instead of a safe place to share your opinion with strangers as it started out. Though girls and women who are excited about their lives, opinions, and style should be able to share their views and not feel intimidated.

I always think of that line in Mean Girls where Tina Fey is saying something like, "You need to stop calling each other skanks and whores, it just makes it okay for guys to do it".

I learned in fashion class that the purpose of these fashion houses is to create an image and a fantasy that women strive to be. Well, there is a big difference between that and this image today that leads to envy and ever-changing cycles of loathing. Fashion is supposed to make us feel happy, but first we have to be happy with ourselves....and each other! It is up to us to promote an image of strong women with real, active lives and looking all different ways. That's what style is all about, anyway. It is personal because everyone's is different. Being proud of your style starts with being proud of who you are, and includes accepting others as being fabulous as well.

This article on beauty ideals around the world is also super-interesting and puts some things in perspective.

What do you think about all of this?

International Lolita Day NYC

2011-06-11T16:07:00.000-04:00

Heya! So last weekend I went to an International Lolita Day NYC meet-up.

It took place at the

Kinokuniya Bookstore near Bryant Park. The bookstore is amazing! It is two floors of pure awesomeness- English, Japanese, Korean, and other international fashion magazines, art and design books, even some apparel and toys. I met a friendly group of the most adorable girls (and a couple of guys!) that I have ever seen!

I don't own any real Lolita or Lolita designer clothes, so I wore my own interpretation of the sweet Lolita style. :]

Wearing:

♥ H&M Tank Top (I think?)

♥ LF white vest

♥ Rodarte for Target skirt I got on ebay

♥ Jeffrey Campbell flats

♥ white bow in my hair

♥ Fossil bag with Japanese charms I got a few years ago at some store on 14th street

Were you at this event? Did you go to a similar meetup in your area? Share your story in the comments!

Jeffrey Cambell Litas

2011-05-27T23:10:00.000-04:00

Hello hello everyone. My classes are done for the semester and I am sitting at home at my desk !! (this is a big deal because my desk at school was too covered in projects to actually work at it). I wasn't sure which post I should put up first, but then the answer was obvious: write about what you love. When in doubt, always write about shoes. Obviously. ;]

So, after months and months of staring at the Jeffrey Campbell Litas I decided that I need a pair. I stare at them in store windows, I stare at them on people in the street, I stare at them online. It's really very sad. The problem is, I can't decide which pair to get. There are so many options! My friends are no help right now, so I decided to ask for the opinion of you, my lovely readers. I trust you won't steer me wrong.

Which shoes ?!?!

What do you think? :]

PS: as always..... FOLLOW ME ON TUMBLR! I am much more active on there, especially since I got an iPhone :D :D :D :D

FINALS ARE OVER

2011-05-19T21:24:00.000-04:00

FINALS ARE OVER

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This semester is officially done. It feels incredibly unreal! What a relief, though.

Yo bbycakes: Follow me on Tumblr. There is no escape, because now I HAVE AN iPHONE! OOH SNAP! I CAN UPDATE THE INTERNETS ALL THE TIME FROM ANYWHERE INCLUDING LIKE THE DENTIST'S OFFICE

MWA-HA-HA-HA HAAA

PS oh my gosh the Highlights for Kids website has a make your own hot air balloon game...

Unfashion Event and Finals Week

2011-05-11T13:14:00.000-04:00

Greetings, babybeans! Finals are almost over and I couldn't be more relieved!

Having said that though, I had a really fantastic semester and I will really miss my friends and classes this summer. But time marches on!

My UnFashion had an event this past Friday that was a success. Each of us made our own station within the space and created a personal showcase of our journey through the semester in the class- and as a group. I learned a lot about fashion and style, what they are and what they could be.

I created a tent from fabric and some of the outfits that I made. You could actually go inside. :]

Terrible picture, sorryy! But this is what it looked like.

I also made the dress that I wore. :]

PS: RIP Dog Mug

yes that is a Spring Awakening shirt lalalala

How was your weekend?

Oh yeah, and
YOU'VE BEEN BATROLLED!

Happy Easter and Happy Spring from Wishful Thinking!

2011-04-25T14:46:00.000-04:00

gosh I'm so lazy just screen pasting from Tumblr. BTW YOU CAN FOLLOW ME HERE hehehe

Happy Spring Everyone!

PS here's a bonus sketch of my and my roommate bwahaha. I posted it on her facebook wall and our friend commented, "This has to stop if u both want bf"s!!!" What a jokesterrr everyone knows that good friendship is the perfect blend-ship.

(I didn't sleep last night and I'm a bit loopy, sorry!)

Also, my next post will be an outfit post, I promise!

PS I'm obsessed with this song and you should be too: (isn't she so cute?)

Oh, everybody's starry-eyed ★___★

2011-04-17T23:49:00.000-04:00

Tommy from the X-Men (Morlocks) - holy hair inspiration, Batman!

(Okay I know Batman is DC but whatever.) I want this hair!

That is all.

RECYCLED RUNWAY

2011-04-17T16:27:00.001-04:00

omg my life is awesome I love being retweeted I feel internet famous hehehe

so YEAH if you're in NYC tonight PLEASE come to the Recycled Runway 3rd annual sustainable sustainable fashion show at Parsons the New School for Design!!! Lovely longtime readers may remember that I designed for the show last year as well. This is my second year taking part and it's a really fun time. Tickets cost only 3 dollars at the door.

Hope to see you there!

goshhh....a self-portrait video

2011-04-13T22:16:00.000-04:00

Remember how I was slaving over Final Cut to make LIKE TOTALLY THE BEST SELF-PORTRAIT VIDEO EVER!? HAHA well, this is the result. I started out with a very different plan, but I am actually a fan of this one.

This is my first time using TOTES AWESOME PRO VIDEO CAMERAZ and Final Cut, ever.

Oh my gauche I hope my media teacher likes it!!!

Tee hee hee what do you think?

Music:

♪ Mustache TV- Atom and His Package

♪ Smash the Floor- We Bang

WEEKEND UPDATE

2011-04-03T23:52:00.000-04:00

WHAT'S POPPIN you guys?

Just thought I'd check in real quick....

Firstly, this is my life right now:

I'm learning Final Cut for my media class. I have to make a self portrait...my least favorite kind of assignment. But I'll show you guys when it's done.

I found some pretty ace video tutorials for the program on youtube. For example, these.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Secondly, it's time for shameless social media..harassment.

Follow me on Tumblr HERE for doodles and Harry Potter jokes.

----

If you have a Pinterest account, follow me HERE for many inspiration boards of cute apartments and cuter dogs.

----

Follow me on Twitter HERE for links and me complaining about my lack of sleep.

See? I have way too many accounts. Can you tell I really, really wanna be internet famous? SO SHAMELESS. Also, I am soon gonna start posting up videos and also, the real excitement of the day, I'm gonna open an Etsy shop soon. YAY! Also, at first I forgot the other "o" in "soon" so that sentence read: "I'm gonna open an Etsy shop, son."

Also, I went to a rad dubstep concert last night at the club Hiro. Was anyone else there? The music was wubwubwubwub-werrrrr-werrrrr-werrrr-wreeeee fantastic. Unfortanately I didn't take any pictures of my outfit. Which sucks, cause I looked totally cute lols. OH WELL NEXT TIME.

What have you been up to this weekend? DO YOU FEEL SPRING IN THE AIR?

Outfit Photos Holy Snap

2011-03-29T14:29:00.000-04:00

HEY THERE

HOW ARE YOU?

HOW ABOUT SOME OUTFIT PHOTOS

It was cold outside! My classmate took these pictures of my through the window of our school building. I'm wearing:

♥ a shirt from like junior high (if a shirt doesn't fit you anymore...
just pretend it does and wear it anyway. haha!)

&herts; a skirt that i made... unfinished I think, I wanna
make it super-Lolita-esque. What do you think?

♥ pink ballet tights. DanSkin maybe.

♥ my pink converse<3

Yeahh I was trying to look like a little doll. Did it work?

woooooo What's been inspiring you lately?

ELIZABETH and WEBCOMICS

2011-03-24T18:56:00.000-04:00

If you didn't already know, I am a huge nerd. And I read a lot of awesome web-comics. One of them is Hark! A Vagrant which is written and drawn by Kate Beacon. ANYWAY, all of this build up is so I can show you this:

I love Queen Elizabeth.

This comic also reminded me of the 1998 movie Elizabeth starring Cate Blanchett, which is an AWESOME movie with AMAZING costumes and if you have the chance you should go watch it RIGHT NOW. You can really see the way her style changes the more powerful she gets. (See how I am using fashion as an excuse to post comics?)

OK BYE <3

PS do you read webcomics? What's your favorite one?

Did you see ELIZABETH? IS IT GREAT OR WHAT?

PARTY JAM

2011-03-18T16:50:00.000-04:00

Vinny Blanco is a college rapper from NY who claims that his life is a party - I know him personally and can testify that this is pretty much true. He just dropped a new single FaceOff. It's a great party track so take a break from midterms and party it up to this song.

Don't forget to click "Like!" and follow him on Twitter here.

greetings from LA!

2011-03-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

GREETINGS FROM LOS ANGELES!

Hello cuties! I am currently in LA, spending part of my spring break with two of my roommates on a mini-trip. It is my first time in California and I am having a really nice time so far. :]

Things I Love This Week:

♥ sunshine! the weather is about 65 degrees here. ♥ delicious food! om nom nommm I can not wait to go to In&Out burger and Beard Papa! ♥ yellow nail polish ♥ feminism and also, good books :] I am currently reading The Feminine Mystique (got it at Goodwill for like 99 cents....SCORE) and I highly recommend it if you haven't read it. ♥ GIFT CARDS, heck yeaaa. ♥ cute toasts and nights with rad new friends <3 ♥ Tumblr Memes that have to do with art and design students! SO FUNNY

LOLZ these are my life

♥ and most importantly, I am thankful for the safety of my family and friends, and my friends' families who live in the Pacific. Text "Red Cross" to 90999 OR donate to Direct Relief International if you want to help aid relief efforts. My heart and prayers go out to Japan. <3

MIDTERMS

2011-03-05T01:42:00.000-05:00

AAAAAAH MIDTERMS.

It's Friday night and I'm sitting at home knitting (I am learning to knit! YAY) and drinking tea and panicking.

hehehe

Anyways, here is another outfit from my Unfashion class.

As you may or may not know, I am going to LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA during Spring Break with my roomies! I CAN NOT WAIT. I am staying in Hollywood and we are also going to Disneyland. While I was internet creepin on Disneyland things (OBSESSION), I came across some rad illustrations of an imaginary post-apocalyptic Disneyland.

So for my outfit, I was inspired to create something that, if it was the apocalypse and someone was in Disneyland, and they just ran around grabbing things and throwing them on, they might wear.

Dang, I can't find the original images but I have them in m sketchbook I believveeeee so I will post a picture of that later.

lols at my grumpy face

My teacher's reaction to this outfit was "Nikki you are so wild" ahaha. My left side was completely bare except for a bandeau bra I borrowed from my roomie. I sewed strips of fabric together, added grommety eyelet hole things that I had to put on with pliers, and laced it around myself with a leather string. Then I burned all of the edges with a lighter. I almost lit myself on fire a few times, and breathed in a bunch of poly fumes. I would like to take a moment to apologize to the 4th floor of my building! ....the things I do for fashion. ;]

OKAY I have to go. As for my below post: PLEASE REPOST IT//LINK IT.

Also listen to this, it will help you get through your midterms or whatever you got goin' on this week.

♥

Boycott Warped Tour 2011!

2011-02-26T00:29:00.001-05:00

Here's why: (I'm just going to paste the Tumblr post-I reblogged it from @TheRiot, a feminist tumblr, and added my own comments.)

The Riot: Okay, Warped Tour, We Get The Message

theriotmag:

“ Now, I don’t expect any kind of breakthrough message or anything from the Vans Warped Tour, believe me. I mean, it’s a corporate sponsored tour and really, what can we expect from it?
But at the same time, I’ve covered this tour for media outlets the past few years, and I know for many young women it’s how they’re introduced to the idea of “punk” and at least the appearance of activism. It’s a gateway, or at least it could be.
Yet this year, the Vans Warped Tour has made something glaringly clear: girls in bands are not welcome.
But rapists are.
The current band line-up features ONE female-fronted band, the rock group New Years Day, and NO all female bands. While in the past female representation on the tour hasn’t been all THAT impressive (in recent years their nods towards inclusiveness have included Katy Perry and the Millionaires) but there was at least SOME chance that a girl at a show could look up onstage and see another girl making music, fronting a band and getting her feelings out. There was at least some visibility of women making music reaching the teenagers who flock to the shows.
And this year, apparently, they only have one chance to see that. But don’t worry, they have an equally good chance to see a band fronted by someone who has been repeated accused of fucking his underaged fans.
Blood on the Dancefloor frontman Dahvie Vanity was arrested while on tour in 2009 for the rape and sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. While he, his people and his devoted fans have, naturally, denied this, there have continued to be allegations of not only THIS case being true, but of Dahvie repeatedly taking advantage of underaged girls while on tour. One of these cases involved AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL.
Even if Dahvie manages to NOT rape someone on this tour, the fans will still be subjected to Blood on the Dancefloor’s music. A sampling of their lyrics:
Got a monster in my pants.
And if you ever get the chance.
Gunna cram it down your throat.
Watch you gasp for air and choke.
I’m gunna jizz all in your face.
I’m gunna wreck this fuckin place.
Pull my hair, smash the chair.
Break the bed and give me head.
-from “Scream for My Ice Cream”
Bitches get stitches, they end up in ditches, so get the riches
Bitches get stitches end up in ditches, get the riches
-from “Bitches Get Stitches”
I’m such a killer fuck, you’re just a B-rated slut
I’m sharp like Jason’s machete, I’ll slice you into spaghetti
You’re such a cold hearted bitch,
They’ll find you chopped up dead in a ditch
Pin you over your grave, be my zombie sex slave
-from “Sluts Get Guts”
…lovely.
So we get it, Warped Tour. Boys make music, girls suck cock…or else. Fuck you. ”

——————————

And I thought BrokenCYDE was the worst thing to happen to music.

This is sickening. I knew that Warped Tour had gone from an honest punk festival to a popularity contest filled with moneymaking bullshit. I’ve always supported Vans Warped Tour but, ……what the fuck. I remember seeing tons of bands with women in them…Le Tigre, Paramore, Meg & Dia, Joan Jett, Horrorpops. (I don’t include Katy Perry..I like her but she does nothing good. for women.) Don’t they know that the riot grrrl movement is still alive? Definitely not going this year. There is no sincerity or respect left in the scene.

Step your game up. Punk music is supposed to be political. Punk music festivals are supposed to be accepting. KEVIN LYMAN, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER.

I could go on about this for days but I think that now there needs to be more action. Boycott Warped Tour 2011.

Let's take action and support our fellow tourgoers, yeah?

Unfashion

2011-02-20T13:09:00.000-05:00

Here's another outfit I made for my Unfashion class- sorry I'm slow to post these!

I was going for a sort of raggedy sci-fi spy thing.... :p Inspired by the comic Dresden Codak!

Pants and jacket- and eyepatch :p

yussss

OHHH I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

2011-02-14T02:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks for reading my blog you guys!

You are SUCH THE BEST!

i want you so baaaaaad it's drivin me mad.....HAHAH

TODAY: I'm gonna listen to the Beatles all day, wear super-kitschy love-things to my ten hours of class, go for drinks with my friends and then go see the movie Paul which is about the guys from Hot Fuzz finding an alien on the side of the road. It has nothing to do with love.

Do something awesome today, and hang out with someone you love-whether it's your significant other, your friends, your mom, your dog, or yourself..... :]

HEYOO, unfashion and monster hats

2011-02-04T00:55:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! My classes have started up again and true to form, I have been too busy to post. Sad news bears. However, I have some pictures from one of my first projects of the semester! I am taking a class called (UN)fashion, in which we learn about world fashions, challenge our ideas of what fashion is, and make an outfit to wear to class each week. Wearing the outfit is different than designing for someone else because...YOU have to actually feel comfortable wearing it through the streets!

Anyway, last week I found a book in the library about street art and became obsessed for a minute. I watched the Banksy documentary, "Exit Through the Gift Shop"-- have you seen it? I became really inspired by the artist Buff Monster.

My project is a dress I made from a Parsons Student Senate T-shirt. It was like a size extra large, or something. I sewed in pink jersey panels, made new sleeves, tailored it into a dress, and painted some of my own monster characters on the back.

Here is the result:

Also, I made a monster hat!

I will keep you updated on my projects for this class. I am really really excited about it!

I also am running our class' blog, which you can view here!

Ooookey dokes, see you later!

Nicki Minaj on the Cover of V!

2011-01-25T23:08:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the V shoot with Nicki Minaj? I personally thought that the styling and art direction was very lazy. Nicki is CRAZY, they could have done so much more and had so much more fun. Some people were saying that that bottom was the only thing they could fit her booty into...oh come on. She looks fabulous of course, but they could have had SO much more fun with it! The theme was supposed to be a sort of witch doctor thing, which I thought was a bit random. Maybe because she's into the whole spooky thing? Okay, so they could have gone SO crazy with that! The makeup to me also looks more Mexican Dia de los Muertos themed than witch doctor...

Even still, I love her and she looks fabulous.

What do you think?

Thing I Love This Week

2011-01-13T16:29:00.000-05:00

Helloooo lovelies. How are you today?

"Finchè c'è vita c'è speranza"

Where there's life, there's hope.

Here are some things I am lovinnnn this week:

♥ Planning trips! (Spring break in LA?! June in INDIA?!)

♥ Tumblr. - I finally got one and I'm obsessed. Ahh! ♥ Hazelnut coffee ♥ Positivity I am so excited for this year. ♥ the snow was so pretty to walk home in from SoHo the other night ♥ Interning I am learning lots and it's nice to be doing something productive with my winter break. ♥ Gift Cards I recieved some for Christmas and I just used one on the Victoria's Secret site...major sales going on there right now hurry up and check it out! Which brings me to ♥ Sales and coupon codes. Word up student budget. ♥ catching up with friends after being apart for weeks or more ♥ Skype! I still think that it's pretty much the greatest invention ever. So genius! I have friends and family who live all over the world, and I use it every day. ♥ Organizing makes me feel productive..I am not such an organized person in general but right now I feel like I am :] ♥ Pajamas, soft winter clothes and fluffy hats. They are the bestttt

♥ Nicki Minaj. uhh can't stop listening. SHE CRAZY. ♥ Creating for fun. I love winter break because I have the time to explore my own creative ideas. I can spend half a day drawing out some whim just for fun. I did this in Illustrator the other day just for kicks:

♥ planning outfits with friends for an event or going out :] "What are you wearing?" "AGHH I DON'T KNOW" story of my life...

My favorite was when this happened: Me and Mika discussing an outfit- "Well I really like this, the tough grungy shirt balances out the prettiness of the dress..I guess it just depends on the shoes.." etc

Our roommate's reaction: "Whatttt are you guys talking about? It sounds like you're speaking another language."

♥ SKINS. Oh my gosh I am obsessed with this show, it is so good. Season One is the best though.

What are you loving this weeeeeeeeek

I want to go to Disney World

2011-01-08T00:08:00.002-05:00

And wear this

DISNEY 1 by nikkidee featuring polka dot dresses

All Day Errday

2011-01-03T17:13:00.000-05:00

Gala Darling wrote about her daily routine, and it made me think about my mornings as well. I realized that I don't really have a daily routine and while that may be nice for some people, it would probably keep me more organized to have one. Organization skills are something that I'm lacking a bit in and I'm always looking for ways to get better at it. I am in college, and while I can pretend that gives me the excuse to stay up until 4 am on a Saturday and sleep 'til noon, that doesn't make me feel too great! My routine changes constantly and is still changing... I hope to perfect it this semester!

So, during school, this is my average morning/daily routine:

picture from here

ignore my first alarm on my clock at 7:20 am. wake up when my phone alarm goes off at 7:45. (this is why i set 2 ;] )
fall haphazardly off my bed (it's lofted off the ground so my desk fits underneath, because i share a bedroom with 2 other people. Dorms/NYC apartments, amiright?) Check the internets, get ready for class, chuck art supplies into my bag, make some coffee or tea to bring with me. grab my lunch and water bottle from the fridge, and around 8:30 sprint to the subway to get to class at 9
class all day
projects, food, nap, homework homework homework until i collapse

Oh man.

However, here are some things I swear by for keeping me sane and healthy:

♥ Have some idea of what you are going to wear the next day, the night before. I often dress by how I feel that day, but since in the morning I usually feel cold, tired and grumpy when I immediately awaken, it helps to set out clothes, or at least options, the night before. I see many of my classmates get trapped into the artist's uniform of all black, especially in the winter- tights, sweater, scarf, boots... I don't own a lot of black but I do usually end up wearing the same outfit every day in the winter: gray tights, one of my older brother's sweaters, boots, hair in a bun. Picking out clothes the day before often helps me shake up my routine and wear some bright and less sleep-inducing outfits.

Also, it helps to take the time to do your hair or swipe on some make-up. It's a fact that when you look better, you feel better.

picture from here

♥ drink SO MUCH water. Especially if you drink coffee. Last semester I tried to replace some of my coffee with tea and water, and I did feel a lot better throughout the day. It also helps coffee work a lot better when you actually drink it. I actually had some for the first time in weeks today, because I needed to kick-start my brain a bit, and LOOK HOW PRODUCTIVE I'M BEING I'M WRITING A BLOG POST

picturefromhere

♥ EXERCISE. I used to dance every day- I took class from when I was 3 or 4 years old so it felt natural to be in dance class exercising for hours every day. When I came to college and stopped dancing or exercising at all, I felt completely awful! I put on unnecessary weight, got sick more often, and felt tired all the time. Now I try to either go to the gym, run, or do yoga a few times a week and I feel way healthier! I am also looking to start up some dance classes again so if you know anywhere good to take dance class in NYC, please let me know!

picbyme

♥ eat generally healthy. This is super-tough to do on a student budget, I know, and ramen is delicious. But it makes me feel gross. Dude, I am Italian and Cuban so I could never do the raw food thing- pasta is like 80% of my diet and I'm addicted to the moduros at the Cuban restaurant across from my building. Also I love sugar. Weee! But eating a little healthier never hurt anyone- I love Naked brand green juice. It tastes like apple juice but it has spinach and all kinds of healthy veggies in it.

♥ have a real conversation. I spend a lot of time on the computer, or engrossed in my projects, or with headphones on in the subway. It's nice to have a substantial conversation with roomies, or skype a friend from home, or talk to someone new :]

♥ find something that you like to do that has nothing to do with school or work. for some people I know it's skating, for some people it is singing in a choir...I love to go to concerts. It makes my feel happy and refreshed in so many ways.

♥ take some quiet time. I like to take some creative me-time every so often. I hide myself in my room or in the stairwell and sketch, read, finger-paint, write, whateva!

Alternative to this is walking around the city, especially very early in the morning. It makes me feel happy and exploring is the most funnnnnnn thing for me. yaaay.

♥ Another alternative ;] is FUN TIME instead of quiet time...

my friends and I went out for much-needed karaoke after finals

heck yes we're singing Britney Spears "Womanizer"

What's your daily routine?

What Do I Wear on New Year's Eve?!

2010-12-31T00:37:00.000-05:00

Let's face it, sometimes with all of the hype and pressure to have fun, New Year's Eve can be a bit of a letdown. But I am a firm believer in the New Year's ritual getting some closure on 2010 and smashing in 2011 (two-thousand-and-heaven!) with positivity and a great time. So whether you're celebrating the end of this year by courageously smushing into Times Square to watch the ball drop, dancing the night away, or eating chinese food with your cat, I hope you have a great New Year's! I encourage wearing glitter, awesome shoes, and something that makes you feel fabulous-even if you aren't leaving the house.

I'm going to be spending the night partying it up with my closest friends from home in my hometown, wearing this:

Just kidding! I am planning on wearing a white dress- as a symbol of a fresh start and also as a nod to the whole "two thousand and heaven" thing- and also red, since it's supposed to be good luck to wear red on New Year's! I'm also really feeling glitter this year- think super-sparkly make-up and piling on the jewelry!

If you still don't know what to wear, here's some inspiration!

NYE 4 by nikkidee featuring sterling silver bracelets

NYE 2 by nikkidee featuring one shoulder dresses

NYE 1 by nikkidee featuring silk dresses

NYE 5 by nikkidee featuring white vests

NYE 6 by nikkidee featuring blue pants

NYE 7 by nikkidee featuring black jewelry

NYE 3 by nikkidee featuring pink boots

Yes, I do own a pair of 2011 glasses and HECK YES I will be wearing them tonight.

Be safe and have fun tonight!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

bitches, man

2010-12-30T02:48:00.001-05:00

Why is it that almost EVERYONE affiliated with the fashion industry is a total beeeeeeetch? I realize that "that's just how the industry works" and all, but...why? It's completely unnecessary most of the time. And actually, I really think that a lot of this new generation of fashion...uhh i hate the word "fashionistas". Aspiring fashion people? I really think that a lot of the new aspiring fashion people are way more positive and open to change, however many people still have a snooty and bitchy attitude- even among young people. So why are we just letting this continue? People are constantly using the excuse of "well that's just how the industry works"- I hear it all the time, even from people my age and even in school from my teachers. Welllp, my question is why? Why can't we change it? We're the new up and comers, right? We're supposed to be making things better.

I love change.

Seriously though, can we try and be more positive, open-minded, and generally nicer? This world is crazy and fast-paced but there's no need to conform to that fashion bitch stereotype.

I wanted to end this post with a clip of the kid in the movie Say Anything who goes "bitches, man", but I couldn't find it anywhere online. so oh well...bitches, man.

i should probably get a tumblr but i'm too lazy

2010-12-28T18:42:00.001-05:00

One of my friends is doing this on her Tumblr and I thought it was a cute idea. Maybe I'll do it. You should. Maybe I should just get a Tumblr? What on earth is the difference? This actually seems like something that people would do on LiveJournal....8th grade throwbaaack!

EDIT fine I got a freakin Tumblr. it's not my normal urls though so go find it... shouldn't be that hard

What a waste of a post, yeah? Well let's talk about fashion things.... NY Fashion Weeks schedules are up... are you going to any shows this year?

are you excited for NYE? what are you going to wear?!?!? if you don't know yet, then don't worry. I'll post some polyvores or something soon...soon....

IN THE MEANTIME GO PLAY IN THE SNOW (if you live somewhere where it's been blizzarding) Today I did snow activities and it was very fun.

happy holla-days!

2010-12-25T01:46:00.000-05:00

THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER

IS SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

FINALS WEEK

2010-12-09T02:19:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't know, it is currently FINALS WEEK here at the New School. Actually, Parsons pretty much has FINALS MONTH because there is so much work towards the end with projects and studying for tests and AHH. But I just had midnight pancakes in the student center so that was nice of them.

By the way IT IS FREEZING OUTSIDE

also by the way, IT IS ALMOST MY BIRTHDAY. On Saturday I will be one year older. I am actually pretty young compared to most of the people here, as I have come to find out. In fashion digital studio I sit between a woman who is 28 and one who is 21. They are both older than me and upon finding out my age one of them said "Oh goshh you are a babyyy!" Whatever. I think I am old.

SPEAKING OF FASHION DIGITAL STUDIO would you like to see a snippet of my digital studio final project that I am working on? YES?! Well here you go.

Here is on of the merchandising pages for a line that I designed along with digitally rendered flats and digitally rendered fashion figures wearing the designs. I also created those patterns and plaids on the computer....hint hint potential employers....

You guys wanted to see some of my work, right? weeeelllllp. What do you think?

PS I know you bloggers like to shop...wellll if you have Visa or Mastercard I wouldn't use it for a bit! Same goes for Paypal..just to be safe! Google Wiki Leaks!

OKAY I NEED TO GO FINISH WRITING A PAPER WISH ME LUCK BYE

Cell Phone Uploads, My First Parsons Project, and Anna Sui

2010-12-09T02:05:00.000-05:00

Anna Sui came and did an interview at Parsons in the Fashion Building. Uh, she mostly talked about how when she was in school at Parsons she didn't go to class much and went to a lot of clubs! Haha, I don't think that our dean, Simon Collins, was too happy about that. Students at Parsons nowadays could DEFINITELY not get away with that! You'd fail in an instant. She also stressed the importance of internships. It's true dude!

Here is a not-so-great cell phone photo of the interview. Students were allowed to go see it and they recorded it live also.

After it was over, Anna and the dean got into the elevator going up. I also had to get back to class but then the dean jumped out for a minute and my and a few of my friends were in the elevator with Anna Sui! Ahhh, it was so cool, but I froze and couldn't think of anything to say to her besides, "Thanks so much, that was cool." Gosh I am lame. It's like when I met Richard Chai at Teen Vogue Fashion University (oh my gosh I haven't written about that yet have I? I am terrible and sorry.) I ran up to him after his talk and as like YOU ARE SO AMAZING AND INSPIRING ZOMGZ. He was totally sweet about it though. ANYWAY! Moving on...

I finally uploaded some pictures from my phone. Here is my first project in Concepts class for Sophomore Fashion Design. I snapped a picture right before my presentation and critique. I was nervous!

The project was "fall dresses". Here's my mood board, fabric board (HAHA its awful), flats, and croquis. Um, I promise my croquis have gotten much better throughout the semester. My inspiration was the circus.

Here are some terrible-quality photos of my drawing process. The assignment was rendering prints.

And a random sketch from drawing class:

WHEEEE BYE

Sisters on the Runway

2010-11-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

In October I was part of the Sisters on the Runway fashion show at Parsons in October. Sisters on the Runway is an organization started by 3 students to raise awareness and money for women affected by domestic violence.

The show was held at the Fashion building at Parsons the New School for Design- on the same runway that Project Runway is filmed on!

I worked together with my friend Jack to create a mini collection inspired by the women at Safe Horizon, a center for domestic violence survivors. We called it Rebirth and sought inspiration in phoenixes and the sunrise.

Here is the collection description blurb from the program:

This ready to wear collection is about starting fresh. The white symbolizes a new canvas and beginning again again. We took inspiration from Safe Horizon and the mythical phoenix. We worked together to make a collection that represents the rebirth of life and strength in women. This collection celebrates a renewal of spirit.

Original concept sketches:

Our fabulous models were Jennifer, Britt, Becca, and Jules. They were amazing!

Okayyyy picture storm time:

Me and my roomies who came to the show!

Britt on the runway

Jules on the runway

Becca on the runway

Jennifer on the runway

Designers!

Me and Jack backstage! It was crazy back there!

deeeesigners

just chillin backstage on the set of Project Runway

Me and Britt!

precious!

Me and my roomies who came to the show!

Me and Jack a.k.a mini Viktor and Rolf!

I had an amazing time! Thanks to everyone who came out to support such a great cause!

"This is FASHION. We're saving LIVES here." -a student in my history class. ahaha!

i love you all

2010-11-12T20:20:00.000-05:00

I'm going to post some projects and things over the weekend. Also, I now have a sweet internship with Daryl K! I worked today so now it is time to go collapse. In the meantime, watch this video. Guaranteed to put a smile on ya face.

Have you watched any Disney movies lately? I love them forever, but a lot of them are actually based on really messed up stories!

TiLT

2010-10-21T13:05:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the things that I'm lovin' this week!

I still love my tattoo so much. And I love this Stooges shirt!

♥ Walking home from a ridiculously early class, after not sleeping the night before and a really stressful week, and realizing that there is no where else that I'd rather be; ♥ looking forward to the Sisters on the Runway fashion show tomorrow- I have 2 looks in the show!; ♥ being chosen as an alternate for Fusion- it sucks that I didn't make it in, but just knowing that I made it to the top 20 out of over 200 applicants is pretty awesome! (I'll post my application after I know for sure that I won't be in the show.) ♥ pulling all-nighters with friends, it is a lot easier if you're not alone!

a drawing homework assignment- rendering denim!

bahaha

♥ Proenza Schouler talk about Parsons homework, haha! ♥ genuinely nice and interesting teachers (unfortunately so rare); ♥ seeing people walking puppies on the street (! so cute); ♥ naps ♥ webcomics ♥ Comic Con! okay it wasn't this week...cut me some slack. But it was pretty awesome, and crowded!

sweeeet

♥ listening to spanish music. Calle Trece, MEGA Y KENAI SPANISH DOWN! And Christina Aguilera's spanish album, Mi Reflejo, is actually really good! I lahv her.

♥ Joel Burns' speech, "It Gets Better". Okayyy, it made me cry. Watch it, share it! Did you wear purple yesterday?

♥ IT IS ALMOST HALLOWEEN! I am so excited. I watched the movie Hocus Pocus on ABC Family channel last night. It is my favorite Halloween movie! I also watched Friday the 13th with some friends. It is actually pretty funny, the characters are so dumb! Did you know that there are TWELVE Friday the 13th movies?! Alsooo I have my costume picked out, and I'm really amped for it. It's a good one, if I do say so myself. hell yeah Halloweeeeeeeen! And also, Dia de los Muertos! I am kind of obsessed with it. I wish I was going to the March of the Flaming Skeletons. If you are in Oklahoma City, you should DEFINITELY go! It sounds awesome. Does anyone know of any Day of the Dead events going on in NYC?

Wow, a pretty long list this week! yayy! Share your list in the comments! Exclamation point!

internet

2010-10-17T16:43:00.000-04:00

Ohh sunbeams, I love the internet.

And New York City.

They are really pretty similar, you know. A lot of bullshit and a lot of really cool people from around the world.

Speaking of New York City, have you heard or read Gala Darling's Love and Sequins #11- it's Up to You, New York, New York.? It is about her time in New York, her thoughts on the great ol' city, and her favorite places. I enjoyed it a lot! I'm thinking of doing a post on "my" NYC, if anyone's interested. Comments?

My weekend consisted of a lot of sewing, one wild and ridiculous night, going upstate for a total of about ten hours, an apple orchard, car rides and hip hop music stations.

How about you?

Alright. Time to go finish cleaning my apartment and doing homework.

Oh, and my friends made a laser. Here's a picture of it, just for the jollies.

love, vinegar, and splatters of paint,

London Fashion Week Mini-Review

2010-10-13T01:50:00.000-04:00

Here's my lil' London Fashion Week rundown. Sorry it's so late! School. has. been. CRAZYYY. I forgot what sleep is. Anyway.

I thought Christopher Kane’s collection was interesting. It had some crazy prints. One review called it “Princess Margaret on Acid”, which is exactly what it is. I also liked the styling: the shoes were really different and cool, but the models walked strangely in them.

I really enjoyed the Sass & Bide show; it was somethin' different. I don’t know what to think about those strange bird’s nest neck pieces..they were weird buttt kinda cool. Overall it was organic with bold prints and interesting accoutrements. Even if it is not to everyone’s taste, at least it was interesting.

The Henry Holland collection was a bit childish and.. sort of so ugly that it was good sometimes. I liked the Pastel leaf prints and shiny foil-y skirts. It seems like Henry Holland took his cue from Marc Jacobs with the seventies vibe going on.

Betty Jackson began rich textures with simple silhouettes that suggested the 1940s. The collection then broke into more contemporary, light grunge-y feeling pieces, and then back into tailoring and textures with some bright splashy prints thrown in. Somehow it all came together in an enjoyable show, and it seemed cohesive despite the variety.

I was not all too impressed by the Acne collection. I found it to be a bit awkward and boring. The plain silhouettes did not excite me and the strange high wasted short shorts just confused me. I thought that they looked like old fashioned diapers. The collection looked like it was trying for something but I am not sure what. wompp.

Vivienne Westwood usually never disappoints me; she is MY FAVorite designer. This season her clothing was politically charged as usual... She always uses beautiful fabrics the random face paint was a bit distractingg.

Okayyyy back to homework. But first: what did you think of the London fashion shows this season?

Happy Birthday, John Lennon.

2010-10-10T20:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday.

"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one"

"My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all."
-John Lennon

NY Fashion Week Roundup

2010-09-30T19:39:00.001-04:00

Here are some of my quick opinions on a few collections that showed in New York. To be honest, I thought NY fashion week as a whole was a letdown. I just couldn't find anything too interesting. I guess the recession really is showing up on the runways: all of the collections looked the same, and the colors were so bland! All white and tan. Anyway, onward:

Uninteresting-ness aside, I like the Badgley Mischka collection. The lines were simple, yet the clothing found a way to look interesting. I thought that the collection was cohesive without being too monotonous. The cuts was flattering and the colors went well together.

I also liked the Alice + Olivia collection. They are always go for a young “party girl” audience and they have a fun vibe that really appeals to me (as a young party girl ;] ). This season I wasn’t let down. They mixed fun prints in bright colors with neutrals in interesting textures, such as feathers.

I also liked the L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani collection. I thought that she stayed true to the season and true to herself. She had fun with shapes but every garment was something that everyday people could actually wear. She used bold patterns and flirty silhouettes, which I really like for spring. I just love Gwen, okay?

I did not like the Proenza Schouler collection. I was a bit surprised, because usually I like Proenza Schouler, and think they're brilliant. However I feel that this collection was a bit tacky, and there was simply nothing new or innovative about it. Some of the silhouettes were unflattering in my opinion, and the colors were awkward. The Chanel-style jackets and skirts did not go cohesively with the see-through tops, visible bras and bright green dresses. It seemed un-unified to me. Womp womppp.

Though I usually love Betsey Johnson’s clothing, this season’s collection was only okay for me. I found that happening with a lot of designers that I usually like this season. Her collection seemed to be inspired from many sources, with the main one being cycling- Tour de Betsey. I thought it was a cute concept, but it was hard to follow. Some of the pieces seemed to come more from Nascar than bicycling. Some pieces were weirdly styled and it was a bit all over the place. She had neon orange striped racing dresses on the same runway as Big Love style floral maxi dresses. There were also tea party-type dresses along with sailor inspired gear. There wasn’t much substance to link it all together visually. Sadbeanss.

I also was not too excited by BCBG Max Azria. Although the collection was quite, beautiful, I found it to be boring. There were vague shapes and minimal color. Although I admired it, this collection was simply not my style.

And don't talk to me about Alexander Wang. haha

Okay, I'm going to end on a positive note: Marchesa! Definitely my favorite. So. BEAUTIFUL. I wish I could post the whole collection.

Swoon. When I saw these I made actual out loud sounds and my roommate laughed at me. LOVE.

Also, a note: pretty much all of these pictures are from Style.com. Such a great resource!

Okay, what did you think about the New York shows this season?

NY Fashion Week: What I Wore

2010-09-26T16:14:00.000-04:00

♥ gray tank top I've had forever. From Express?

♥ jacket from H&M

♥ Rodarte for Target skirt that I got on ebay

♥ Jeffrey Campbell shoes

♥ belt that belongs to my roommate Niv

♥ brick wall that belongs to my building, haha

Also, I got a haircut.

yaaaaaaay.

what have you been up to?!

NY Fashion Week

2010-09-26T16:07:00.000-04:00

So! Fashion week. Let me tell you a story!

Fashion week went by, and I had class all week. If you ask me, fashion students should have Fashion Week off as a holiday, but we can't all get what we want. So Thursday came around, and I was talking to my roommate Mika. We were discussing the venue change of New York fashion week and how it might affect the events. (This year, New York Fashion Week moved from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center.) It was rainy, and we couldn't decide if we should head up town to Lincoln Center and check it out. Eventually we decided that it was worth the trip just to stand around and people-watch while we took pictures around Lincoln Center. I am so glad that we did.

I'll do a short What I Wore post right after this.

Once we got to Lincoln Center, we forgave Fashion Week for moving out of the Fashion District. It is beautiful. After walking around

Long story short: we sneaked in through the back, networked like crazy, and had a ton of fun! Yes. We met a guy who designs "Fur-Z's", who even let us try some on and take a picture with them.

"Show off ya swag bags!"

And as if sneaking in to fashion week wasn't enough....

"Yeah, Gwen Stefani is giving interviews right now, and L.A.M.B. party is tonight as well."

"Oh, really? Do you know where it is?" "No...."

Don't worry. The fashion super sleuths (TM) are on the case.

Ten minutes and some frenzied sleuthing later, we were heading for the subway, where we took pictures with Elmo.

I love the Muppets, Mika does not.

Anyway, we eventually ended up dangerously trekking to tenth avenue (hint: cobblestone + heels = near-disaster). We sashayed past the club Kiss&Fly to an art gallery. An art gallery, with a guest list and a mini red carpet. We found the party! It was at Mr. Brainwash's Icons Remix show. And once again, uh, long story short....we snuck in. The front this time.

Gwen Stefani. Her dress was from this season's L.A.M.B. collection and it was so cool. Uhhh she walked right past me. She looked amazing.

Tony Kanal from No Doubt. Okayyy, we were creepin' a bit before we began our attempts to get in.

It was an amazing time. As Penny Lane says in Almost Famous,

"It's all happening!"

Love it. Live it.

Dear Coke Talk has smart

2010-09-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

I like her. She speaks the troof.

hustlehustlehustlehustlehustlehustlehustlehustle