Art Geek and Fashion Freak

MOVED AGAIn. wtf

2012-01-20T00:39:00.000-05:00

now i'm on tumblr. so freakin indecisive.

http://lalaliulove.tumblr.com

Moving to another Neighborhood

2012-01-08T19:22:00.001-05:00

After many years on this blog of that has disintegrated into nothingness... I have been reborn.

aka I moved bitches <3

lalaliu.wordpress.com

focusing more on my art since I'm too poor to have cool clothes anymore. oh nyc what have you done to me?

Even tho it smells like pigeon shit outside...

2011-08-15T23:14:00.001-04:00

my room is still a rainbow!

Did I get mistaken for a prostitute?

2011-08-14T21:47:00.003-04:00

I wish someone wrote a book called the guidelines of prostitution and picking up prostitutes. Does a random car pulling up to you, honking, waiting, then driving slowly by and staring with old saggy eyes and then leaving mean you get mistaken for a prostitute? Or was he just checkin out our swaggin style?

Moving in..

2011-08-07T15:17:00.001-04:00

is a bitch. but i welcome it whole heartedly with my flabby arms.

iLLOVESTRATION of the day

2011-07-29T10:19:00.002-04:00

Strut it GURLLLL (or boy.. i don't discriminate).

You are a beautiful person. Strut it like no other. Even when you're feeling sad and negative because you're stressed with work.school.life, because the boy you've fallen for won't text you back, because you're frustrated with the world, because you lost your favorite bracelet, or because you think your period is coming, still STRUT IT, because baby you are the best.

It's only a temporary phase. Be wonderful both inside and out and maybe you'll turn back to your positive sunflower self.

Batman Tells All...

2011-07-27T13:46:00.003-04:00

I'm not actually Batman, although I wish I could be as sexy as Christian Bale.

I've been gone for a long time and here we are almost a year later and I find myself to my dear ole blog. It's like returning to a home after so long except now I find myself a little older, a little wiser, a little more eye-bag filled but still just an almost-adult. That's what I'd like to categorize myself as, an almost-adult.

What does being an almost-adult entail? For starters it means you don't know what the heck you are doing. But you take it like a man. You go on each day with the same level of optimism and ambition. You make mistakes and you can't take yourself or the world seriously, unless it's time to pay rent. An almost-adult still finds themselves lusting for the cute stuff animal in the window, but refrains from buying because once again, it's time to pay rent. An almost-adult still relies on their parents for support, because let's face it a $35 dollar a day job is still poverty. Almost-adults are still curious about the world and are not jaded into the machinery that is daily life. We are like virgins in every sense and we cling on to the last drops of innocence as we face reality. Almost-adults like to wear tutu's and mismatched rainbow socks, dresses with ears, and things that make the world laugh but also buying that black blazer because it's necessary for work but then realizing that it works with your style as well. Almost-adults can only be one of the best periods in life (I wouldn't know for 100% sure since I can't time travel) because it's full of discovery and trials and errors. Almost-adult is when life happens.

Finally, almost-adults would not take my deep paragraph above seriously because they would be smart enough to know that it is all pure bs. In my heart, I believe it to be true.

Batman Returns.

2011-07-26T23:44:00.001-04:00

It's been almost a year. So much to tell.

Why Hello Sexy Beast

2010-09-15T01:59:00.000-04:00

Exciting things to come in my crazy mind.

Art Geek and Fashion Freak: NYC Edition

2010-09-09T03:14:00.000-04:00

Dear world of infinite possibilities,

Hello. I am alive and well (minus the bloody scrapes on my heels... sacrificing fashion for comfort? I don't know...my feet need to be kept in tip-top condition if I want to last in this city.) I know I am liar for saying that I would revive my blog, but how can you revive a zombie? The energy and time I used to have for this poor baby is just gone, but I wanted to give you people out there (those who still read and those who are spamming on my comments with chinese words that I cannot understand even though I'm Chinese. I'm pretty sure it's something vulgar.. but innocence is bliss) a chance to see what's up with Lala.

So I have graduated and moved from west to east. I'm finally living in Manhattan in one of the trendiest neighborhoods and attending one of the best fashion schools in the world. It's funny how life is so unpredictable. Going from one field to another and never really knowing where you'll end up. I like life that way the best.

It's been a whirlwind of craziness since my blog took it's slow decline into oblivion. Perhaps I craved the craziness over blogging. Having priorities suck, don't you agree? Anyways, I have graduated and am attempting to enter the gates into adulthood. I think my shoe got stuck on some gum somewhere so I'm still taking awhile getting there, but boy does it smell close and I'm not sure if it's a pleasant smell I'm smelling or an unpleasant one. I don't want to be all deep and sentimental because I'm rather shallow (yes I did just insult myself) so I won't be all deep and sentimental because I'm tired.

I'm in a one year fashion design program. It's only the second week into the semester and I did not get back to my lovely crooked floor apartment until nearly 1:00 AM. Of course the subway screw ups and a mini midnight dinner to McDonalds prevented me from getting home before the next day, but it was all good. Being in NY makes me realize how badly I want to succeed and to carve myself somewhere in the world. I want people to know me or at least know my company. I want people to worship the ground I walk on and get tattoos of my name over their bodies. Okay maybe not... but yes, NYC I believe is the place that young people who are full of ambition conglomerate to pursue their dreams. Hopefully I stay as optimistic as I am right now a few weeks later. I've been told my optimism is a west coast thing. Oh west coast, you can never be replaced in my heart.

It's my third week in the city and it's been surreal. It's hard to make myself understand that I am actually living-living here and not just traveling abroad and fooling around like I did in good ole Milan days. There's so much to see and so much to absorb. I feel like I need to become mega sponge. But then again sponges ain't too cute so maybe not... (that was an example of my shallowness).

I miss writing. I miss my incorrect grammar. I miss posting pictures of myself for the whole world to see and then having my sister call it ugly. I've been meaning to do more daily posts of my outfits but 1) my camera is hard to focus with self-timer 2) there are so many other great stylish bloggers out there that I really can't compare and 3) I feel like I have become unstylish as of late. But still I will try my best because all the sweet emails and comments I get make me smile. And yes I do get them even if I haven't been the best at responding... sorry. You can smack me in the face if you ever run into me sometime.

I should sleep. It's 3:35 am. I just wanted to type some words on my laptop and this was the perfect outlet. Killing two birds with one stone. Everyone wins.

Goodnight from nyc. My room has no windows so I can't tell you about the sparkly lights. But perhaps you can just close your eyes and imagine it with me.

Revival?

2010-06-15T17:54:00.000-04:00

Lala the art geek, Graduated? Off to NY in a few months. Holy. Cowbells. Time flies by so fast. no?

Look for a resurgence in blog posts now that I have nothing much to do over the summer.

A Short Letter to the Master of the Universe

2010-05-01T19:09:00.001-04:00

Dear Master of the Universe,

I just want the world to be happy.

Thank you.

Luv, lala

A New Calling in Life?

2010-02-17T01:44:00.001-05:00

Apparently, my claim to fame will not be fashion.

The Manllow buzz has started. Now I just need to figure out what to do.

Is any publicity always good publicity? haha

Buzz 1

Buzz 2

Buzz 3

Buzz 4

Feelings.

2010-01-16T00:37:00.000-05:00

Slightly feeling out of this world.

Sophisticated Sophistix

2010-01-13T12:51:00.000-05:00

A while ago, the lovely people over at Sophistix, an online boutique based in South-East Asia, sent me some lovely summer time items. I, the lazy blogger, have not been lovely because I have yet to do a review - until now. I guess I live in a world where time does not matter. Maybe that explains why I'm always late to class.

I wore many of the items they sent me over summer. They were wonderful for my humid, sweaty China adventures as well as my Mediterranean-Climate California adventures.

My favorite item they sent was this Bethany One Shoulder Top. It's super comfortable for the summer. Especially how it kept me temperature-sane during China. What I love about the top was that it was cute and yet was functional for the weather. The material is made of a woven cotton so it didn't stick to my greasy body (ew, the sight I had just made me vomit a little). Better yet, it's under $20! You know how I love my cheap things.

The clothes at Sophistix are a mix of trendy and classic. Perhaps trendy + classic = sophisticated? Fashion and math should merge someday and then I can be the ultimate fashion nerd. I went back to the site to look at some of their newer merchandise. Not everything on the site is particularly my style but I sifting through the images I've found delightful number of pieces that would be a great addition to my (your) wardrobe. Actually, lets stick with your wardrobe because my wardrobe is like a damaged liver to an alcoholic. Too much clothes reside in my wardrobe at the moment that I finally have to admit that I, Lala, do indeed have a shopping problem.

Camille Blouse - $17.14
Although summer time isn't quite here yet (the weather in socal right now however likes to trick us into thinking it is), this top would be such a lovely addition to match things with - tucked in with a skirt or paired with some denim shorts and a nice floppy hat. Take me to the beach now!!!

Zip-Front Tulip Dress - $27.85
I also love this dress because a) I like zippers and b) I like animal prints. The silhouette is very cute and this dress can is very versatile for all seasons.

So check out this cute little online store and you may just find a hidden gem for your own wardrobe!

2009-12-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

lalaliu.com

lalaliu.etsy.com

Style of the Day: I paid 25 cents to pee.

2009-12-16T19:18:00.000-05:00

photographs courtesy of stina

t-shirt dress: $6, LF Warehouse sale
thick sock tights: 2 euros, Milan
green pea coat: mom didn't want it.
my new favorite boots: $35, LF warehouse sale
Pashmina: 5 euros, Milan
Belt: funk master-t's mom didn't want it.
Bag: friend didn't want it.
Floral ears: $3, F21
Blue eyes: 300 RMB, Dalian-China
Going to the bathroom: 25 cents.

2009-12-02T23:38:00.000-05:00

The stress of growing up...
like putting on a pair of heels while standing up.

I'm Alive. with eyes as blue as the ocean.

2009-10-29T23:49:00.000-04:00

Look into my blue eyes and not my fugged up face.

A Random Style of a Day:

and presenting... MISS FANTASY 2009!! Ohhhh yah.

Past Week & Weekend.

2009-10-06T23:26:00.000-04:00

So I have officially turned into a bee. A busy bee that is.

Lame intro? Yeah. Lame is where it's at this season.

We're only on the second week of school and I feel that so much has happened and so many adventures/(mis)adventures have been journeyed upon. But to recap the fashion of me, since we all know that's why you're here. Take a look. I feel a lot more inspired these days. I think the gianormous walk in closet my apartment gives me is partially the reason for that.

TUESDAY:

PANDA SHIRT: DIY t-shirt reconstruct. I love me some pandas.
Bandage skirt: I have succumbed to trends! too bad they're like a season old. This always happens to me. Time is not on my side. $3 F21 outlet.
Leopard Flats: my dedicated babies from Target
Blue Cropped Vintage Jacket: $2 thrift
Necklace: $11 for love
Headband: $3 F21

So the day I wore this outfit, I went to buy a course reader. While walking up to the counter, I was greeted by the cashier with a warm, "You look very pretty."

A bit creepy I must say, but I'll take a compliment where I can get it. I'm desperate like that.

So then he just shoots down the compliment and turns it into a backhanded compliment: "Well, I think you're pretty anyways." What, so I'm like so horribly weird that I can't be considered pretty.

"Are you in a play or something?"

"No."

In a way, I succeeded because my outfit seemed so out of place that it must have been a costume for a play. Nice one Lala.

WEDNESDAY:

My PHOENIX maxidress: $15 buffalo exchange. Once again, late on the bandwagon, but I've recently discovered the joys of maxi-dresses. I feel like a goddess. HAHA
Zipper necklace: $1 venice beach, i love this thing too bad you can't see it.

So I was randomly at Venice Beach walking around in this and one of the street artists yelled at me. "Girl in the fire dress!" I turn around to see a semi-clean bum/artist. "I like you're dress! It looks like my paintings. Come look!" I give him a thumbs up. I like encouraging artists to do what they're passionate about.

This pass weekend has been simply awesome. Starting Thursday, it not only meant the beginning of a weekend but I got to meet Joyce Azria and Lubov Azria the creative directors of BCBGeneration and BCBG! Super exciting. I got free dresses while I was at it and snapped by thecobrasnake.

The weekend was even more exciting as my roomies and I went off to Las Vegas to celebrate the the baby roomie's 21st birthday!

The clubs were so nice even though expensive. I realize the advantages of being a girl now. I'm not so sure if I really want to be a man anymore. I'm way too cheap to go that route. Which is a shame because I'm sure I would make a terrific man.

I got to wear my fancy dresses and dazzle (hehe, just for you dazzle!) it up with sparkly makeup. The thing I love about Vegas is that you can really go all out when dressing up because seriously, people don't really care.

I did gamble. I lost $2 and I was very heartbroken. I could have found a neatest vintage dress with that 2 bucks but now it's gone forever in the money pits of Caesar's Palace.

It's surreal to be back. In general, vegas is such a surreal place. I've been to Paris, Rome, New York all in one night. Plus an igloo as I felt myself being the real life Eskimo at the Icebar.

So it's back to school. Lately I've been loving big hair. Witness my moments of self-obsession with these webcam pics. So MySpace no?

I recently got really into Japanese Fashion magazines thanks to my dazzle and I saw this super awesome hairstyle that I just loved loved loved on Tomotomo that I had to try copying it. Basically I want to be like Hermione Granger to the extreme and asian. I've been trying to curl my hair and then tease it to get the poof but it never lasts the way I want it to look past five minutes. How sad.

I should read now. So distracted by online shopping and misadventures.

Weekend.

2009-10-04T20:13:00.001-04:00

I'm on the cobrasnake? Seriously? This weekend couldn't be more awesome.

Link. hehe.

Chapter Four: Part 1

2009-09-29T02:49:00.000-04:00

Geometric top: $0.50 thrift and reconstructed.
Yellow shorts: thrift
Black Blazer: $1 buffalo exchange
Puma flats that gave me blisters.

Yea. I'm gross. Deal with it.

lol.

Chapter Four of the Life of Lala.

2009-09-23T12:27:00.002-04:00

After climbing the treacherous mountains of China and battling the evil demons residing beneathe the dirt of the Rose Bowl Flea Market, Lala the brave returned back to her second home of Los Angeles for her fourth and final year of misadventures...

Stay tuned.

Excitement is ahead. I feel it in my own pores.

Channeling My Inner Whore Turned Beauty at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

2009-09-15T04:31:00.001-04:00

Some girls dream of dressing like a princess in the gowns that seem to be poofed to perfection as if it were all just one giant balloon. (Balloons are so in this summer. Like in Up! That movie seriously caters to my every desires - old people and fat things.) Others dream of dressing like Celebs that can afford a $10,000 + Birkin bag. I finally figured out how much those babies cost thanks to the Asiana airline's supply of "World's Most Expensive" episodes. But I, the wanderer of the weird, have always admired my darling, the Pretty Woman, aka Julia Roberts as a whore. It's not so much her clothing as it is her transformation. It's like the underdog movie where prostitutes are just not to par with normal classy folk up in Beverly Hills. I like myself a good blond bobbed wig and tight snake-skin printed, spandex microminis as much as the next girl But that also doesn't mean I can't like a sassy hat for the derby.

Oh wait, you aren't into the snake-print spandex microminis? Oops, my bad. I get it. It's about the leopard print this season not the snake skin. What have I been smoking.

In the movie she wears this nice long brown polka dotted dress with this cute little straw hat and on top of that she wears a pair of white gloves like a sunday with a cherry on top. Ever since then, I've had a soft spot for dressing like a sophisticated, uber rich snob, older lady. You know the ones who wear those ridiculous hats with like some out of date white suit and skirt combo and their overly botoxed face? In my twisted way of thinking, I love the look because it reminds me of the derby and derby reminds me of grass and grass reminds me of blue skies and blue skies make me happy. I'm a real simple minded fellow. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

My of all things ridiculous lead me to a huge jackpot in my latest thrift-venture. A hat jackpot I might add because I ended up walking away with 5 hats that afternoon. I tell myself it's worth it because I'm starting a hat museum..someday. So I found this awesomely awesome pink and lavender floppy hat with a giant sculpture-like-thing with feathers stuck on top of it. It reminded me of my Pretty Woman and Barbie and I just loved it. Sure, it's not quite the style of the moment, not quite in-season, not that "edgy" but I was never one to give a flying duck about those sorts of things. (shoot. I'm totally going to fail in the fashion industry)

Like all my purchases, I usually have difficulties coming up with places to wear them because to me I like a little show and tell. I like to go out and be seen in my wackiness because if I look like a clown and act like a clown, then the people around me will benefit from the happiness the clown brings. I don't really understand much of what I just said, but then again... I never do.

Thankfully, last Sunday was the perfect occasion to wear my hat. I called up my pimp mama-

"Yo. Pimp mama, what up?"

"Not much. Not much. Hows you doin?"

"Alrite. Look G. I got some bomb news that the Rose Bowl Flea Market is this Sunday. Ya down fo it homie?"

"AH Shooot. Fo sho yo! Fo Sho!"

"Look we gotta go all out and dress up for this. You down?!"

"I'm always down! what you talkin about!"

(conversation has been slightly modified)

So pimp mama and I drove up to Pasadena last Sunday to what we agree to be the best shopping experience ever because if you're a junk junkie like us, this place is filled with endless, endless stalls of junk. But one man's junk is another man's treasure.

We wore our snazzy attire. With the power of my hat and her hat we summoned the Gods of shopping and they were on our sides. Don't we look so cute?!

An outfit details list? Must you?! Yes. I must. Sorry folks.

Snazziness on my head: $4 thrift
Ruffly shirt: $10 mall
Yellow shorts: $2 thrift
Belt: $1
Shoes: $25
Those giant smiles on our faces?!: priceless

The Rose Bowl Flea Market comes every second Sunday of the month. The only down side to it is the $8 entrance fee (costs more if you go in earlier), but if you have nothing better to do, then just looking at all the cool things alone is worth it! It's like a museum and shopping all wrapped in one.

We arrived around 9 in the morning and left around 1:30 and we didn't even get through half of the market. We mostly stayed around the second-hand, antiques area because once you start there, you seriously can't go back. People there are super friendly and seriously they sell like everything there. If you are looking for a particular thing, I'm pretty sure you can find it somewhere.

Prices were actually not too bad. I was afraid that things were going to be expensive since the sellers know the value of their goods. If you look hard you can find some super cheap deals and some awesome finds! I personally was swooning with all the hats they have there. Most were on the pricier side but they were so fun to try on and look at. Pimp mama found two awesome fur hats her dream come true!

There is a whole area in the back that is filled with vintage clothing and lots and lots of boots. I got sidetracked by the American Vintage clothing stall because everything was five dollars. Oh am I a sucker for cheap things.

I ended up getting that dress in my hands up there (turning it into a skirt. It's awesome!) and this lavender dress that was like a confused dress because it didn't know if it wanted to be a good girl or a slut.

The thing about this place is that there are soooo many cool things that everything just sort of blends in. There were so many cool boots we saw but since there were so many we just sort of passed by them all and only looked at the ones that really stood out.

These were mens shoes and they were awesome but it was sadly $70 and too expensive for me.

So ladies and gents, what have we learned today?

That hats are cool and that you should definitely check out the Rose Bowl Flea Market if you ever get a chance.

Sorry my blog post just sort of declined in it's snazziness. So much to do. So little time.

Ciao all.

hey there pimp mama.

2009-09-07T04:07:00.000-04:00

hey you.

yeah you.

i'm back from a lovely trip with even lovelier friends.

spending up the last bits of my summer and hopefully getting lalaliu up and running again.

peace.

Shabby Apple Ain't Too Shabby & A Little Goodbye

2009-07-30T17:37:00.001-04:00

Summer school is officially finished. Can I get a HoooRAY?! I spent the last 12 hours of my life pretending to be an alien and trying to understand the sex of Americans. When I wrote my paper I tried my best to have a British accent because then I could imagine my paper being some kind of documentary for the Discovery or History Channel.

I'm packing once again and getting ready for a month long adventure into the Eastern wonders of the world. However, my last post before I leave I must do a quick shout out to the lovely new clothing company that is Shabby Apple. As a supporter of indie fashion and new up and coming businesses I was quite intrigued by Shabby Apple's mission - "Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything."

Shabby Apple sent over the Duck Beach dress for me and I must say it is absolutely adorable. I love the wrapped look and the fitted waistline. I love a good 50's silhouette because it is flattering on nearly all types of body types. I dressed up in this dress immediately I finished my paper and the theme was a jet setter. I can totally imagine myself hopping on a plain in this comfy and classic dress. Doesn't it just scream American Explorer? I actually remember doing a post almost a year ago with a photoshoot of the same jet setting theme when I was off for Europe. Oh the lovely memories.

I remember when i was younger I was quite self conscious of how much skin I was showing. I wouldn't wear spaghetti straps without putting a cardigan over it first. Shabby Apple is great because it caters to those people who want something feminine and sexy without revealing too much. They offer clothing for women, teens and even children as well as some wonderful accessories to match. I could find dresses for nearly every occassion. They have some beautiful simple black dresses as well as more colorful pieces.

What I loved even more about Shabby Apple was their sizing. Shabby Apple celebrates all shapes and sizes of women. In fashion is easy to forget that women are not models, we are not all stick thin and as tall as a baby giraffe. Sure I love interpreting the latest runway styles to flatter my own body but what I also love is when clothing is made to flatter the figure. It makes life simple and easy and that is what Shabby Apple does, creates simple and flattering dresses that real women would want to wear. Plus having a dress that states a size Small label makes me feel really happy. Even though sizing is arbitrary, it still makes me smile. A section on their website - the "Flatter to Figure" hand picks out dresses that made to enhance and flatter the body.

Off to packing now. Toodles poodles. I'll see if I can update from China but I'm not quite sure what my internet situation will be. Cross fingers.

Shameless in the Night.

2009-07-24T04:48:00.000-04:00

I am the blogger with no shame. ROAR.

I was going to just leave this post as is with these pictures but I feel that I should explain for the sake of my reputation.

A few hours ago I was talking to CB and randomly decided to dress up. Dress up I did. After weeks if not months of normalcy I think I finally exploded and churned up this tackalicious ensemble. I grabbed my sister and off we went to do an impromptu photoshoot at midnight - the most magical time of the day! Don't believe me? Just take a look as those first to pictures for proof. Magic I say. Zoolander would be proud.

By the end of our 30 minute shoot a grumpy daddy came out the hallway and all I did was ROFL. Literally. I was looking like this:

I was so happy with our shoot that I ran off to show CB and had another good hour of laughing. I will forever keep this in my LOL folder and title it Shameless in the Night, because you folks better believe that I got no shame.

As a fashion blogger, there are standards to uphold. There is an image that is kept. We like to be taken seriously and have people fawn over our impeccable style. We pose our cute, innocent, demure poses. We turn to the camera, and look over our shoulders with the expression Oh, a camera is there? and a seemingly perfect candid shot is created. We like to be stylish and edgy. Throw our head around a bit for our perfect hair to be captured by the click of a camera. Pose in awkward angular poses that mirrors the great fashion magazines. We contrast our photos to make it even more RAWR and edgy. We do it all with great pride and confidence.

But tonight I decided to change it up a bit - just a bit. Makeup free, ready for bed, an oily faced hot mess with a Miss Piggy-esque face and I love it. I ain't ashamed to let my ugly out.

Fashion should be fun and exciting. I wish the whole world one day would just dress up. For one day. I want to see tutus and feathered boas and sparkle. And it would be the happiest day in the world, without fighting, without violence, without pain. We would all come out in our most delish outfits. We would look at one another. Hug one another. And then start laughing at one another, because seriously I couldn't stop laughing when I wore this. It would most definitely be the happiest day ever.

Okay, granted I look like a costume store landed ontop of me during tornado season but you know what, I love this and California doens't have tornados so it's not possible. I have been stuck with t-shirts and shorts and flip flops too long this summer and finally my inspiration is back. I can't wait till fall rolls around. School better be ready because there is no viewer discretion is advised next time around.

P.S. Who would have know that Art Geek and Fashion Freak really emphasizes the freak in me.

P.P.S I ain't dissing fashion bloggers. I love them with all my heart.

Cheap Monday Stud-alicious black pants: $5 urban outfitters
Ruffle top: $1 jet rag
SEQUINED JACKET.. aka God's gift to mankind: $4 thank you mart
Oxford heels: $6 F21
Feathered clip: 1 pound primark.

Obsessed.

2009-07-23T01:53:00.000-04:00

I'm really obsessed with Bjork's Swan Dress at the moment/still.

My fingers itching to make one.

Bid peeps bid!

2009-07-19T00:03:00.000-04:00

One day left. Make you and me happy. Lalaliu.Love

It's a Goodbye Guys.

2009-07-15T02:56:00.000-04:00

I've found my true calling in life as a plumber.

Today I discovered new talents I never knew I had such as how to unclog a toilet and what to do in a moment of crisis when your bathroom becomes a lake for poop fish to swim (sorry for the graphic imagery).

Goodbye fashion.

Just kidding. But you didn't actually believe me right? Or did you...

Cuz I'm Cleaning Out my Closet... with a little update of Lala's world.

2009-07-13T02:22:00.000-04:00

Greetings chicos and chicas. So yes, I am cleaning out my closet and I have a ton of things I need to get rid of. Actually, I would totally keep some of these things just because they make me smile like a clown but alas I am low on the moolah and if I plan to get through my upcoming China trip eating things other than rice, I need to sell sell sell!! A recent realization that I have credit card bills has also forced me to re-examine the things I buy. Sigh.

So here is where you come in! Buy buy buy!!! There are some gem items here, my favorites are the sequined pieces. That hot pink full body sequin dress is totally my dream outfit for my Vegas trip but sadly with the reasoning powers that be my sister and friends she says that it is impractical in my everyday life so I should sell. Sigh. If only I were a showgirl. I could wear that dress and maybe star in that movie too! Nomi watch out! I may be pushing you down a flight of stairs the next time.

If anyone got that reference. Congrats. You have now been accepted into the hall of coolness. I have a thing for tacky movies. And tacky things. But we already knew that.

So yes, please do bid. And if you find a repulsion to these outfits, maybe just imagine that I'm not wearing them. I would rather be the reason for your disgust than the actual clothing itself. I'm really desperate to sell as you can see.

I think have over 25 things up for bid and almost all start at 9.99. And with the economy these days people aren't bidding. So as sad as it may be for me but as good as it may be for you, you could probably win these babies for only $9.99.

Click here to start shopping!

Now if you're still reading this, I'm assuming that you were not completely annoyed by my shameless self promotion. Thank you for your attention span. I appreciate it greatly. So now on to the tales of my life in lalaland- where adventures are so magical that you just might pee in your pants.

Life is full of thinking these days - thinking with a mixture of bumming around. It feels like my last summer summer as in the last summer before I have to get an actual job and work the hours like an "adult." The word brings shivers to my spine. I've been hanging out with friends and just enjoying life. Although I'm a bit afraid that I'm not really doing "anything" I will not take for granted the simple acts of just having fun.

My latest fun adventure was a trip to the beach. In my world, my adventures always seem to be a little bit screwed up. Nothing is ever normal when you travel with me and my homies. Hehe. Homies. I'm so ghetto fab now it's almost scary. So yes, the beach it was last Friday. I drove. By myself! Props to me. But that was the easy part. Now I had to parallel park. And I just couldn't do it despite the generous amount of room I had. I had my friend help direct me but even then I was still unable to get to the side. Hall of parallel parking shame for sure. The street wasn't some quiet side street, it was a pretty busy street. People passing through the PCH drive through that street so I felt the pressure. About ten minutes in my friend pointed to some guys looking at us and I got even more embarrassed. What makes me most embarrassed is when people see me embarrassed. With my I-will-not-be-defeated attitude I attempted again. Fail. Round 8.

All of the sudden in my side mirror I see the guy coming over.

He goes. "Here. Let me do it." Actually he didn't say anything but his face just said it all. Fail. Round 9.

And with a twist of his wrists, he steers my car in. Perfectly.

I thanked him graciously and thanked him that he did not steal my car or kidnap busababe for she was in the car with him.

So we made it to the beach. But before the real beaching began we encountered other problems like witnessing a pedophile run away, having seagulls eat our tortilla chips, and realizing I left my blinkers on the whole time.

The water was worth it though. So win. Round 1.

My latest adventure has got me thinking about the things I love most. One of them is spending time with the coolest friends ever. Sometimes I like to reflect on these little things and it just makes me smile inside. Discovering Susan Boyle as my new hero (I know, a bit late jumping on the bandwagon. Hey what can I say, I can't catch up to such a fast moving vehicle) also makes me smile on the inside.

Other developments in lalaland have been trying to relaunch lalaliu.com which is taking a lot longer than expected. Grand opening 2009? Psh. Try 2010. I'm working hard to create inventory but little things like beach trips or Susan Boyle come up out of the blue and distract me from these other goals. Blogging has also been on the downlow too. But once again I just want to thank all those people who still read. You are the Susan Boyle to the Lala's happiness.

That did not make any sense.

Whatever.

I need to sleep because lately I've turned into an owl. So away to dream land I go. Dream land also makes me smile on the inside.

Take care kids.

Oh yah. And bid/buy.

Inspiration.

2009-07-08T03:45:00.001-04:00

"The happiest people are usually the most unrealistic ones." - Soc. 1 Professor who likes to walk around without shoes when lecturing.

My inspirations of the moment. They ignite my imagination and make me happy.

Celebrations of July 4th in my "Plant" outfit.

2009-07-05T20:55:00.000-04:00

You can call me Ivy. Poison Ivy.

Green dress: $2 thrift store, one of this summer's alterations. I have an alteration shop, come in and get altered.
Brown belt that made my green dress look somewhat like a peter pan costume: non lo so.
Flower Headband: LalaLiu Designs. (yah. that's me. branding is my new business.)

So happy belated fourth of July! I had a BBQ with my glitterati and it was the bomb-diggity (yah, let's bring that word back). I had this crazy dream for many years to host a BBQ. It would involve grass, blue skies, grilled meat, and fun people. I had saved it on my list of things to do in our google doc. Google doc. hehe. And finally it came true!

I was hostess of the evening which meant burning my hands while cutting chicken and making a somewhat spicier version of normal salsa. Yesterday was super fun and made me forget all about how I accidently winded up with a cell phone being washed in a washing machine for forty minutes.

Not only did I BBQ, but I got to play dress up with my favorite sequined pieces that I recently acquired. I totally have a thing for tacky things. What can I say? I'm attracted to the tackalicious.

Case in Point. Me and my crew working out the glitter. Oh that glitter. Oh that flash.

I declared my coat the technicolor dreamcoat if Joseph in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat was set in the 80's and was a party loving whore.

Afterwords we played with FIREWORKS.

Under my own umbrella. Wait. Wait. I feel a song coming from this.

Now for some consumerism. In the morning I went to pick up BusaBabe. We had wanted to go to Walmart to make a tutu for her tutu loving dreams. However when we got there we found that the Walmart we had gone to had no fabric section. Fail.

However, being the A-team that we are we wandered into a gigantic Forever 21 Outlet. Yes. a Forever 21 Outlet. I don't know if it was really an outlet, but the whole second floor was full of past season merchandise at heavily discounted prices. Many items were only $3.99 and they had everything for every season. I would have wandered towards the sweater section but it was just too hot to be in the mood for that.

The place used to be a two story Mervyns so the set up was excellent. Instead of being cramped into racks of clothes because mall loving teenie boppers are everywhere, there was actually space! Lot's of it! And it made the shopping excursion even better. The first floor is full of the current season's merchandise.

Despite of having failed at buying tickets for the American Apparel Factory Sale, I would say finding this gem beats that anytime! We spent a while there and both came out with a hot pink bag full of goodies! $35 got me really really happy. Three pairs of shoes for $5.99 (one of which we call my pimp shoes and the other our stripper shoes). A navy knit cotton tank for $3.99 and a interesting pleated Twelve by Twelve dress for $9.99. I need to come back again.

For all you OC dwellers if you wanna take a trip to the Forever 21 just head to Anaheim.

Summer is going by pretty fast but I have so much more things I want and need to do. Perhaps I should start on my homework.

Oh! Be sure to check out LalaLiu.Love for new auction items. One item is already up because I got frustrated with the ebay error messages that I tried it again until it actually worked. I have yet to figure out which charity to choose this year but in the mean time bid! And support my trip to China and LalaLiu.com.

I suck at marketing myself. Peace out fools.

Suburbian Summer.

2009-06-29T17:53:00.000-04:00

Summer time means time for deep thoughts.

♥ Inspiration collection agency.
♥ Ruffles & obnoxious headbands.
♥ LalaLiu for reals.
♥ Life for reals.
♥ School & job.
♥ China, Korea, Japan.
♥Un-fail july fourth BBQ.
♥ True Blood & Weeds.

Lala's Style of the Day: Suburban Nerd.

2009-06-22T01:10:00.000-04:00

I'm a not so desperate housewife nerding it up - suburban style.

The tale of my garment.

Sisley Floral dress: $1 I saw this dress dangling before me last year at the Buffalo Exchange Earth Day Sale. I never wore it before until yesterday because the pattern and hemline seemed a bit outdated to me. But I felt bad for it, sitting so lonely and afraid in my dark closet, that I knew I just had to put it on. So I did.
Raggedy Coat: $3.99 from Thank You Mart. I was prepared to wear out a black furry vest but my mom told me not to because were going to a vegetarian restaurant and she didn't want me to get paint splattered on. To spite her (not really), I decided to put on the most mismatching, gaudy coat I could find.
Belt: $0 from friend's mom.
Sandals: $15 from Marshalls. I like to call these my bondage shoes. I feel kinky. Just kidding. Let's pretend I never said that.
Glasses: $1 Buffalo Exchange. And the star of the outfit, my poser glasses. I wore them because I felt that my new style persona of weird nerd needed a pair of giant oversized glasses. It perfectly compliments my overly round face.
Ray Bradbury Book: $0.25.

Impromptu photo shoot courtesy of Lala Jr. (aka my sister).

Really Unleashing It All.

2009-06-17T04:15:00.000-04:00

I fail at updating this blog. Okay. Moving on.

The past few posts having been about unleashing it all. Well, I got the theme from the title of this years fashion show theme "Unleased." Yep. There's the answer to the mystery all you readers have been pondering about for hours. (I just like to think that my blog is all you guys think about. It helps feed my narcissistic ego).

So I "unleashed" it all this year for my fashion show. Okay, I'm a bit sick of typing out that word over and over again. I did 12 pieces this year, four mens, and started basically three months later than last year. The week before the show I was up every night till three in the morning but if this is what passion is, then I am definitely passionate because I would not trade it for anything. But this post is not about my show. This brief paragraph is just to explain or give an excuse for my lack of updates.

This post is about something else entirely. Undie run.

At my school we have a tradition that during the Wednesday of finals week each quarter. Students come together and run a brief course around campus in their undies. A bit pervy? Why yes. But fun nonetheless especially when one is a little over elated due to certain substances that alter the brain and one's emotions. Men and women, fat and skinny, dark and pale come out to celebrate and release the stress each quarter by running around in boxers, boy shorts, bras, and dear lord, socks. They run around care free uninhibited by their nearly nude attire. For the past two years I have stayed inside, fully clothed, and criticizing the point of undie run - "why isn't this just a great excuse for guys to see girls dressed all skimpy or isn't it just sexual assault waiting to happen?". That was then.

This last quarter I, Lala, donned my sequined bra that I picked up in a flea market in Milan (my roomie chose the red satin bra with white feathers) and my trusty ole south park boxers and ran around campus like all the other undie runners that I had once criticized. I titled this post "Really Unleashing it All" because literally and figuratively I did. I have never thought of myslef as having a great body. In my happy moods and perhaps after running four miles I would see myself as having a good body at most. Other times it would be decent or average but never would I see myself as someone who would be brave enough to wear anything not covering my tummy or my thighs. I'm not the type of girl who wears bikinis. When I go to the beach with my friends I cover my suit up with a giant tee and shorts. Perhaps it was the conservatism I grew up with in my family or just the fact that I was not comfortable enough with my body to wear something so revealing. But this time with my undie run experience, I was ready. I think I have finally reached to point in my life that I really love my body and appreciate the way I look (although morning mirror scares are still common) that I was able to for that one hour to be free with myself and not care what other people think.

It has been a slow process to loving my own physical appearance. But I think I finally have and it has been the most "unleashing" experience ever. I used that word again. Oops.

If you see my photos, you know that I am not a model figure. In the world of fashion blogging out there, I know that I cannot compare to some of the people out there. I have calves that would make Achilles proud and a bouncy stomach that would mirror the movement of jello. But that's okay. I like to describe my body as womanly with athletic potential (even though I aint no athlete by any means).

In this process I have grown the self esteem to be confident in what I wear. But I have never really been confident in what I had going on underneathe what I was wearing. Being able to look in the mirror nude or almost need is sometimes the hardest thing to look at ever. Something has changed in me this past year. I turned 21 so yes technically I am a fully legal and "mature woman" now but it was something more. Perhaps it was my experience away from everything I knew or just a combination of all these different events that happened this year. But something has changed and it has been for the better.

So that night when I was out on the field in my undies and staring up at the stars (okay I didn't really but it just helps with the message of this post), I realized that I am beautiful and wonderful just the way I am.

I didn't quite realize it then and there because of all the shocking things that I was seeing around me but I didn think those thoughts that night when I went to sleep.

P.S I am a traitor to the anti-mainstream-establishment. I went to the mall for 4 hours. In normal Socal mall wearing gear. and Enjoyed it. terribly.

UNLEASHING IT ALL.

2009-06-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

LalaLiu Spring/Summer 09

Please excuse my fug face. Thanks.

Traitor to Fashion?

2009-06-01T17:32:00.000-04:00

Recently, my style has been a downright slump. If you saw me in my daily gear you wouldn't even bother to take a second look because I seem to just blend in with the crowd these days. When Australian shoe company, Whooga, asked me to review their UGG style shoes, I couldn't help but feel like a traitor to fashion. All my snide comments against girls wearing their UGGs tucked into their blue jeans and equipped with a NorthernFace backpack were put aside as I became one of them.

My shoes arrived in a lovely boxed package which definitely gave the shoes some brownie points. Like in business marketing classes, presentation is key (+1).

So I rushed back to my room. Opened the box and behold, a pair of Classic Short Chocolate Sheepskin Boots.

To be honest, since I must, I had to admit the shoes were not all that attractive (-1).

I slipped them on and then the comfort over (+1).

The weather here in Cali has been on the gloom side lately so the warmth of these shoes felt comforting to my feet.

But comfort aside, the question was now. How do I rock them?

My friends say that I can pull a lot of things off, but this was a new challenge. Could I pull off the UGG boot look?

The simple answer? No. (-1).

However, just because these shoes were not my taste, that does not mean they serve no purpose. I wore them out the night I got them which proved to be a smart choice as I headed back to my room up a trail of stairs at 5 in the morning. They were warm and made my tiredness feel somewhat bearable. (+1).

I have to say, these boots do serve a purpose. My perfect scenario for wearing these would be if I were up on the mountains in my log cabin drinking hot chocolate next to my hunk of burning love (still working on that) and decide to take a stroll around the lake. Hmmmmm UGGS.

I would also compare these boots to sweat pants. Not quite fashionable but when you need to roll out of bed to catch a final in ten minutes and the weather is a bit breezy, these shoes will be calling my name.

UNLEASHED.

2009-05-30T00:56:00.000-04:00

It's just a piece. Stay tuned for more awesomeness.

Sad Shoes.

2009-05-06T23:16:00.000-04:00

I bought these flip flops and declared them my flip flops of the year (ie. the pair that I would where all the time because they were comfy and matched well with everything). Sadly. They have failed me.

Today I was walking and the bottom sole completely bailed on me. So I limped to the student union or it looked like I was limping by my awkward walk and bought super glue. Problem solved.

But then just 7 hours later, the thong completely detached from the shoe. So sad.

Do you guys get sad when shoes die? I know I do.

What goes down must come up.

2009-05-06T00:45:00.000-04:00

SUPER. TIRED.

I hate how all my posts are so lame these days. I don't mean to be lame. I try really hard not to but sometimes I just can't help it. It's week 6 already and that means I'm already half way done with the quarter and that I'm 21 already.

But this is a 'HI' to the girl I met today at our BCBG event who surprised me when she told me she reads this blog! Those encounters are always fun.

Must study now because my first round of grades were a major disappointment and I'm not being all nerdy and over-achieving when I'm feeling disappointed in myself because when only 14 people get B's on a midterm out of 64 people and you are one of the 14 you just got to feel a little disappointed.

Charge on people. Live and laugh like a mad wo(man). Do it. Make me proud.

Pictures are louder than words: What have I been up to

2009-04-30T02:30:00.000-04:00

Nerding it up
(with my new fake glasses from Buffalo Exchange's $1 Sale)

Mannequin as my third roommate

Utilizing my 21 year old privileges with a butterfly on my head.

Woah.

2009-04-22T19:03:00.000-04:00

The art geek and fashion freak turns 21.

oh. sh.t.

What has been consuming my life.

2009-04-20T02:48:00.000-04:00

Dun. Dun. Dun.

Yes, it's that season again. Fashion show season and this year I foolishly decided to do a 12 piece collection with four menswear pieces. Huh.

I'm turning old in three days. It's a mixture of happiness and sadness. Like when you over eat something really yummy. Like it's really good when you eat it but then you realize you will need to spend the next three days in the gym.

Fashion show + work + internship + sleepiness + oh yah school = a very tired me.

Lala's Style of the Day: oh shooot. man.

2009-04-11T03:31:00.000-04:00

Tuesday:

t-shirt: $1 buffalo exchange earth day sale. can't wait.
green silk skirt: 2 euros milan flea market.
green belt: the limited
necklace of awesomeness: cinque terre shop, 7 euro
tights: primark
boots: thrift

Wednesday:

Pinkalicious dress: revamped from an 80's masterpiece
Tights: target
Blazer: $1 buffalo exchange sale
boots: thrift
Belt: rescued from donation bin

Ice Ice Baby.

2009-04-06T02:43:00.000-04:00

For me, the start of a new season means new attitudes, new perspectives, and better yet, new fashions. As you may know, I never quite follow the seasonal trends. I always seem to be one step behind in what I wear because well, I tend to head towards the clearance racks. And clearance racks usually means last season's trash for one man but treasure for me. Wait, when did spring start again? I can't even remember.

Lately, I've been craving jewelry (and shoes, but that's a whole other story). Usually, the jewelry I have comes from three places:
a) thrift stores
b) mom's drawer
c) claire's/icing red sale, you know where it's like 10 items for $5...
d) the decoration ontop of cupcakes (r.i.p. spidey ring)

As you can see, the means in which I source my jewelry is somewhat inadequate. Quality jewelry is hard to find when the b) option has been all drained out and the a) option is either a hit or miss.

So what is a jewelery obsessed girl to do?

Thankfully, ice.com is only a firefox tab away from fulfilling my needs. (Firefox has been my latest obsession...what can I say, I'm slow rolling on the tech ball too).

Ice.com is like the mall of jewelry shopping. The site houses everything from high end jewels and gems to more affordable pieces under the $100 range
Seriously, it takes a long time just going through one specific section within the site. Trust me when I say they have a bunch of options to choose from.

The lovely folks over at ice.com where kind enough to send me this adorable elephant pendant. I may be almost towards that last pinnacle age mark (i.e. turning 21) but I cannot resist the adorable. However, I am more immune to the type of adorable that exists within our own species. Kids just don't do it for me. Unless they are little angels, I say pass, and give me an elephant pendant instead.

I received my little box of surprise last quarter. I love it when I get things in my mail box. It makes me feel special. I always need to feel special even though most of the times I know it's a sort of pseudo feeling.

It arrived in a cute little white box and inside a velvet-esque jewelry box. Super cute and made me feel super special. I never receive jewelry from people so being the girly girl that I can be at times, I imagined my burning hunk of love sending it to me. It's only an imagination, so yeah, the world is still in order.

What was inside the box was even cooler. The pendant is of a shiny black onyx with a single diamond for the eye and 14 k gold. It's super cute and simple and something quirky enough that it can be placed under the category of being lala-esque.

I wore it a few times out and about and the feeling of wearing real jewelry made me feel cool. Oh the power of fashion.

What I liked about ice.com was that there were so many different styles and types of jewelry to choose from that you are sure to find something you like. For more expensive items they have the option of paying in installments. It brought me back to the gold ole days when I used to watch the Home Shopping Network. Hey. Don't judge.

So I have only partially satisfied my jewelry craving. Working at a school newspaper is just not enough when one needs to be downed in the bling bling. Did I really just say that?

For now, I'll be happily skipping along the grass wearing my elephant pendant while I wait for my prince charming to shower me in diamonds. Diamonds are a girls best friend. In my case, diamonds are the popular cool kids that I wish were my best friend.

It feels quite nice to blog again. Maybe this time I really am inspired. Oh and my hair looks the same except red in the light. If Busababe were here should would call it wooden mahogany with a mix of fireman.

Step One

2009-04-05T03:37:00.000-04:00

Hair dye party. Success.

I may not be an Ariel, but a Lala will do just as well.

Springggggg

2009-04-03T02:33:00.001-04:00

So yeah. It's spring. And I still haven't done anything for this blog.

I fail.

A Quest for a new spring.

2009-03-17T01:19:00.000-04:00

Is all this thinking what it means to be growing up?

So yes. I'm a lame lame fighting machine, but I seriously promise that I will bring more lala-ness excitement once my finals finish this week.

Spring is almost here. spring is for the new. I'm ready for it baby.

new fashion collection. new internship. new business. new ideas. new perceptions.

man i need a new laptop. my spacebar keeps falling off. Sad. Sad. Story of my life.

Lala's Style of the Day: I'm Pathetic

2009-03-03T23:43:00.000-05:00

Tucan with beads fab 80's shirt: saved from being placed into the donation pile when my mom was going through her closet. She often wonders why I find an interest in her tacky 80's clothing. What can I say, I like the tacky.
Skirt (hem shortened): saved from being placed into the donation pile of T's mom. The whole day I was afraid I would have a Marilyn Monroe moment except in a less sexy more pathetically lame situation. Thankfully it didn't happen. Unless it did and I was somehow unaware of it. That happens a lot.
Red Leaf belt: $2 Thrift, finally some dollar signs. Still one of my favorite belts I ever purchased. I haven't gone thrifting in mega long like since I left for Italia in August Long. And I don't feel the urge, the need. Maybe I've finally gotten rid of my Thrift shop compulsive disorder addiction.
Tights: 99cent store. I love my granny tights. Flattens the tummy like no other.
Laceup oxford style heels: 6 pounds from Primark. I've always liked these style of shoes but never got any of them until I went to Europe. I think my feet have molded to the shape of heels.
Denim vest: $5? I felt bad it was sitting in my closet without use. Guilt always gets me. Me and me feeling bad makes me do lots of things that I normally wouldn't do.
Turntable BAG!!!: $15 from Marshalls!! Two weeks ago I had a mini-shopping spree and Marshalls was a stop. I haven't gone there since I was like 6 years old. I must say it is my favorite bag ever because... wait for it... wait a little more..... IT PLAYS MUSIC! You can plug your MP3 player in and out comes your fav Britney tune from the little speakers. My favorite part of having this bag is having people saying it's so cool and then showing them how it's even cooler by demonstrating. I sadly was pathetic loser when I didn't cap my water bottle correctly and a little flood occurred inside my bag. Too bad none of my books and papers were inside Noah's Ark because they got drenched to the max. One of the books was borrowed from the library. It was due today. I hope they don't charge me.

I'm somewhat inspired to reblog again.

Taking things one step at a time is the best way to live.

HELLo

2009-03-02T23:30:00.000-05:00

World. I am still alive.

Rawr.

Yes, I did just roar at you. What you gonna do about it?

Lala's Style of the Day: Randomness Makes Me Happy

2009-02-11T20:40:00.000-05:00

So I'm still here. And still "blogging". I'm like the indecisive kid that can't pick between ice cream cake and ice cream.

Michael Jackson's sister jacket aka my red military coat from PRIMARK! 10 pounds. so i finally got to wear this baby out today because the "cold"weather called for it. I bought her when I was in London with my aussie friend. We went a little primark crazy that day, actually I think we spent our whole first day in London at Primark. Can't beat the after Christmas sales. So this hot little jacket attracted attention today because some random band promoter came up to me saying that I was absolutely goregous (um.. sureeee.. ). I think he just had a thing for this jacket. I mean, who doesn't? It's red with ruffles enough said.
Favorite skirt has inspired me to get funky again.
T-shirt has inspired me to get comfy.
Heels from nordstrom rack. They are comfy and make me 4 inches taller. I have a heel/shoe fetish these days. I'm screwed because I don't want to be the asian version of Carrie Bradshaw and have to choose between rent and shoes.
Thick tights.. from Milan fleamarket. Oh, I miss you Milan.

T-shirt, pants, blazer.
Pashmina from street vendor in Milan. I finally bought one a few weeks before i left.
Oxford heels from primark again. I'm so surprised at myself for choosing fashion over comfort. I've been wearing heels a lot lately and walking around campus and up and down heels are not the best for my poor ole feet.

I have a midterm tomorrow and I need to start. But somehow reading fmylife.com sounds so much better.

Changes and Evolution: Fashion and the More Important Things (Yes it's time to get deep and philosophical)

2009-02-02T00:18:00.000-05:00

So things are changing and it's starting to freak me out. As much as I put my best effort forward into creating an optimistic, happy-go-lucky life there are times when I want to break down, stash myself into a corner (preferably my closet) and get all philosophical by having a one on one debate with myself on the meaning of life. I guess this is what life is. Changes. Adapting to the uncertainties that come our way, struggling, dealing, and eventually overcoming. Life feels so real now and it's sad to say it has never felt so 'real' until now. I've been kept in a bubble for too long - partially from my own fear and partially from the environment I grew up in. Now that all these changes are rushing towards me at 1000 mph, it's been difficult to accept them without feeling the harsh blow.

I've found that these changes have started affecting my style and my fashion life. As you can tell from the slow death of my blog, my lack of creative outfits, that more pressing matters are occupying my brain cells. My love for fashion has remained the same if not increased even more now as I realize what I really want to do in life now. I cannot answer why my style has changed but I'm pretty sure that it has to do with all these changes. I must be annoying you all right now with the number of time I've used the word "change". Don't worry, I'm not trying to steal Obama's thunder.

Through the evolution of my style, I attempt to analyze the evolution of myself as a living, breathing, human being.

I actually don't mind that my outfits are not high in the wackiness factor as they used to be. I believe I'm up to the point where I'm trying to have myself speak for myself rather than my clothing speaking for myself. It's a whole process of too much self analysis and reflection that can drive a college student crazy. Wearing jeans and a simple t-shirt can make me feel just as happy as wearing something extreme. Perhaps this is the point in my life that I truly feel comfortable as myself? In that my style is no longer just an expression of my personality, but it is my personality in tangible form? I feel like I no longer need to be wearing a multicolored outfit of love in order to impress people. I can do it alone with or without it.

In high school I was too afraid of showing any creativity in my outfits. The first two years in college, I experimented, getting more and more fearless as the months went by. But now after coming back from having only one suitcase full of clothes to my overfilled wardrobe, I find it odd that I now lack the motivation to get dressed in anything other than my PJs. Perhaps it's just a phase. Perhaps my style slump is symbolically representing the economic slump we're currently facing. But I think the biggest perhaps is that I just don't care anymore. Not that I don't about fashion. Definitely not. Not that I don't care about my style. Definitely not. It's that I believe that there are larger things in life that I need to start caring about other than what I'm going to wear the next day. I want to accomplish so much and want to reach for my dreams as much as I can that I've placed my outfits on the sideline. The old 'me' would strongly object. But I'm not the same anymore, and I'm happy about that.

See, we always end up in a happy note.

I was considering ending this blog because I just don't have the time or motivation to continue it. Plus, as I look back, I realize how narcissistic blogging is. But we're all narcissistic deep down and I think that's why I still do it. But I'm keeping this blog because I want a space where I can always return to if I get a moment of brilliance or want to share something fascinating. I adore all you readers if you are reading because you really want to read or because you want me to return the favor back in giving comments. Truth be told, I don't even read blogs anymore except like one. Oops, the truth came out.

Lala's Style of the Day: It's Time To Get off my squishy BUM

2009-01-29T21:29:00.000-05:00

For me, my clothes tell stories. I would like to share that with you.

White t-shirt that's not so white anymore thanks to my excellent Italian skills that lead me to believe that ammorbidente was just another way of saying detergent. At least I found out half way through my stay. My friend never did. His white shirts must be dusty grey now.
Betsey Johnson skirt that I picked up from St. Vinnies way back when I used to shop there.
Felt necklace that started my obsession with felt jewelry in Italy. My first souvenir from my first trip away from Milan. Oh Cinque Terre let me roam in your waters again.
Shoes that I bought at a Christmas market near the castle in Milan. After seeing so many stalls of ornaments and sicilian desserts it was nice to find the last stall with the true goodies - shoes!

Flower patterened skort because skorts are ugly but so logical. That's the way I like my fashion - ugly and logical. I bought it at the reject for reject clothing place. The owner of this dollar store was smoking a cigarette while ringing up my clothes. She was friendly...I guess.
White t-shirt that went through the same series of unfortunate events that white t-shirt number 1 went through.
Tights that I bought from the flea market in Milan after a night of sin-ly activities. I have a weird habit of going to flea markets to purge my guilt. I think it helps me forget about things I want to forget about.
Shoes from a thrift store. They have fringe. Enough said.

OKay.

2009-01-24T01:11:00.001-05:00

Okay, yeah, I know, I'm a total douche for not updating with anything substantial but let me just come up with a lame excuse like how I got the second series Hep. A shot so my arm is too weak to type.

I will try to be less douche-y starting .. now.. or maybe tomorrow.

Lala's Style of the Day: Let's just stop, stare, and rewind.

2009-01-21T03:55:00.000-05:00

Hacked up top: Some yucky long sleeve t-shirt that I thought would look better even yuckier so I shredded the back and splattered doodles all over it.
Jeans that just might be too tight: $10 loehmanns. They could pass as leggings, but less comfortable.
New Born Wedges: $12.50 nordstrom rack.

Don't you wish there were 48 hours in a day? 24 hours to sleep and 24 hours to live.

Lala's Style of the Day: Back.

2009-01-14T04:35:00.000-05:00

Green t-shirt dress that I did not know was severely discolored until I wore it but I don't mind because flaws make life beautiful: $2 approximately from Taiwan. Yah. Cheeep.
Sheer tights that I bought because I had horrid mosquito bites and wanted to cover them when I wore my dress for an opera in Rome: 0.50 cent flea market
Boots: given/taken from an Aussie friend. A trick for all you materialistic people going to study abroad. Make friends with Australian or Kiwis because they have such a strict weight limit that they will most likely have to throw out stuff in which you then will enter and collect the stuff they don't want like a new pair of cute bow ankle boots.
Tea coaster headband: 1 euro tea coaster from a flea market in Berlin. headband constructed in the good ole US of A
Furry shrug: $1 jet rag
Having an outfit under $5 including shoes?! : priceless

I had a temporary moment(s) of insanity but there's a reason why it's only a temporary moment.

Smile for me world, and I will smile back.

2009-01-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

It's so easy to act fake.

It's so hard to stop.

Lala's Style of the Day: Back?

2009-01-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

As much as I want to wallow in sadness about wishing that I wasn't here and that I was still "studying" abroad, it's time to toughen up and get back to reality. It's hard man. Harder than trying to pronounce pseudonym (hey, that's very hard for me - we all have our weaknesses).

But as for my blog, I am back. I hope I get a wave of motivation in continuing blogging because right now my motivation is about as big as a grain of sand. I moved back to school last Sunday and only brought a suitcase full of clothes with me. When I got dressed this morning I was so sad that I left all my favorite wacky pieces at home. Everything I brought felt too normal. I hope I never become too normal. I tried to make a creative outfit but my mind is not functioning properly at the moment.

t-shirt: zara
Blazer: $1 buffalo exchange sale
jeans
shoes: primark. I discovered the beauty and the sheer crazy cheapness of primark when I went to London. you should have seen my shopping bag that day.
headband: 2 euro, a little shop in Sorrento, Italy...oh Italy how I miss you so.

I'll keep this entry short and sweet. My eyes are closing on itself.

A bit of motivation for myself. and yall.

Holy Shitake Mushrooms!

2009-01-03T11:44:00.000-05:00

I'm back.

Be ready baby.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-12-09T13:04:00.000-05:00

black bag dress: Kohls $8
Target grey tights $1.50
Olive tight socks: 1 euro. I bought these tights at a euro shop in berlin... I didn't realize they were kids sizes until I realized the crotch of the tights could only get up to my knees. Oh well. They make for some nice socks though!
Felt flower clip: 2 euro. I love these felt trinkets. I have bought soooo many since I came here. Felt whore I am.
Jacket: 1 dollar @ buffalo exchange

The most "inspiring" outfit I had in a while which is not saying much. Must study! Toodles my poodles.

It's nearing the end of a beginning...

2008-12-06T16:44:00.000-05:00

It's 10:44 PM. My head is dry and itchy because I haven't showered in two days. Gross, I know. My fingers are cracking due to the dry weather and my sheer lack of motivation to put on some lotion. Gross again, I know. My book on The Wealth and Poverty of Nations is waiting to be read and filled up with redundant post-it notes.

I can't study. I can't concentrate. All I can do right now at this moment in time is blog about my sudden realization that my 4 month experience in this new and completely different environment is coming to a close. But it is one of those feelings that leaves you with a contradictory state of sadness and inspiration. If my feeling were translated to a facial expression: my lips would be curled in a slight smile and my eyes staring off into a space of memories and experiences.

So right now, instead of doing the massive amounts of studying that I should be doing, I am typing out what I should have written down in a diary or whatnot. I wasn't going to do a post about my studying abroad experience until the very end when I actually got back home but right now I'm in the mood for a little self-reflection. I know it must be a major disappointment that my once in a month post ends up being non-fashion related but I must say that fashion can take a ride in the backseat when it comes to selfish self reflection posts. Bear with me?

Many times it doesn't feel like I am in a different continent at all. Sure the languages, the weather and the lack of the oh so Californian flip flop and hoodie combo remind myself that I am not where I belong, but for some weird reason, I feel like I belong. I have surprised myself at how easily I was able to open up, to befriend friends that seem like such a different crowd from my lovely buddies back at home, to not feel the slightest bit home-sick, to actually socialize and move past my anti-social angst. Have I changed? Or have I been like this all along but I was not able to realize it?

Being here and being independent for the first time has made me realize how much I want to accomplish for myself. These past months have really been a self discovery as cliche as it may sound. I felt like I have been living in a white cube for a long time and now I've finally have the guts to open this box I've created and see the rainbow world outside. And you know me. I love rainbow.

As sad as I am to leave in 27 days, in a way I am happy to go back as wiser girl/woman. I am happy to go back and be able to make chicken noodle soup without having to open a Campbell's can. I am happy to see my friends and share my stories. I am happy to go back and live in rainbow.

It's only the beginning for me.

*end of random rant. Must shower now, itchy, dandruff filled heads cannot wait.*

Stressing Out.

2008-11-25T17:25:00.001-05:00

Oh. Man. Am I stressing out.

Lala's Style of the Day: It's just so hard to stay away

2008-11-19T18:44:00.000-05:00

Zara Black Dress (worn backwards because it would have cut off my arm fat circulation if I had worn it regularly): 2.50 flea market.
Scarf: Mom
Tights: 99 cent store and leggings underneath
Flats: $4 thrift store
Belt: Free from friend's mom
Jacket: $6 target
Flower power bracelet: 1 euro barcelona flea market

So I thought I would be too busy/lazy to update my wee lil blog but somehow I found myself acting out my vain instincts again this morning as my self timer went off and did the 10 continuous shots. The weather was sunny but cold. What an odd combination.

Not too much excitement in my outfit but I actually tried today. I think coming back from Paris yesterday made me want to dress nice. Paris has got to be my favorite city so far.

Must think of a new collection for next year. Fashion lovin has not left me one bit.

I know I rarely update with anything awesome, anything slightly intelligent, or anything other than rather uninspiring (to me anyways) outfits, but thanks to all those that keep reading. You are loved by the one and only Lala.

Peace out fools.

Hm.

2008-11-10T18:51:00.000-05:00

My mom says I got fat.

wonderful.

I think my blog is dying.

For now that is.

We'll see when I get back to reality in two months.

Until then, see you in dreamland.

Sometimes...

2008-10-28T18:12:00.000-04:00

you just got to stop, soak it in, and just smile.

Lala's Style of the Day: The Wonders of my Flea market finds

2008-10-24T12:23:00.001-04:00

White sweater top: 1 euro, flea market
Leopard print scarf: 1 euro, flea market
Cap with little pom poms: 3 euro, flea market
Skirt, tights and shoes

I feel my cheeks and chins getting pudgier. I guess this is what happens when you eat pizza and pasta practically every day.

I've got the traveling bug.

Once you start, you just can't stop.

See you in Vienna folks.

Goals are Sometimes Hard to Keep

2008-10-20T18:07:00.000-04:00

I promise I will study.
I promise I will not go out so that I can study.
I promise I will not go out and stay up way late so I can study.
I promise I will stay up way late so I can study.
I promise I will not get distracted by my laptop so that I can study.

Man. I need to study.

Barcelona = bliss.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-10-14T16:40:00.000-04:00

Trapeze t-shirt: 12.90 euro, Zara. Fell in love with the sketch when I walked into Zara. Fancy I know. A great departure from my usual flea market shopping habits.
Skirt: mom
Tights, shoes

I got back from a weekend in Rome and Florence last night. It was amazing. Amazing is not even good enough to describe it. Barcelona in three days. I am willing myself to study. I am forcing myself. I told myself I cannot sleep until I have finished reading my notes and doing sample problems. What the heck am I doing blogging?

Today in my fashion class the creative director of ZZegna came to talk to us. It was quite lovely. It totally made me want to jump up and start my catwalk walk. His ending speech was quite inspirational in a subtle motivational speaker cheesiness that I fully appreciated. He said three things, "Keep going, passion, and use your stomach not your mind."

Then I just had a conversation with a friend who was telling me about starting her own jewelery line for reals.

My dreams are re-awakened again.

I am the Dreamer.

2008-10-07T19:13:00.000-04:00

What happens to your dreams when you realize they're just dreams?

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-10-04T18:54:00.001-04:00

T-shirt: $1 alternative apparel, buffalo exchange sale
Tiered skirt: $7 loehmanns
Tights
Shoes: Thrift
Belt: $1 buffalo exchange sale.

I am in a very happy mood right now. I wish all people out there reading right now much much happiness.

Today I "fancied" up for my mom. She and my auntie came to visit me! They took a detour from their Europe tour. I went to the flea market with the roomie and bought things that were not on my list of things I am allowed to buy which makes me very disappointed in myself. I already went to the flea market yesterday and once again came back with unnecessary things. Tomorrow I'm taking my mom and auntie to one. Thats like three flea markets in a weekend. Not bad. Not bad.

I ate the most amazing dinner tonight. It's nice not a be a poor college student for a night. Booked a flight for Paris. Life is divine. I'm already dreading the day I have to leave.

P.S That weird stuffed animal pirate in the background is actually...wait for it....

a bag! It's awesome. It's only one euro. A person like me cannot resist.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-29T13:18:00.000-04:00

T-Shirt: Target $3
Green silk Skirt: 2 euro flea market
Black tights
Shoes thrifted
Scarf belt
Necklaces
Jacket and messenger bag: Target.
Venetian Mask: I did the tourist thing and bought a tourist good. Love it though. 10 euro.

I've been here for almost a month. At some points it feels like so much longer. It feels like my friends here, I've been friends with for a long time. Other times, it amazes me how quickly everything went. It seems like just yesterday I didn't know what the heck I was getting myself into and packing for a foreign place. Now that I'm here, I'm just going to try to enjoy everything I can because that is a way to live. Enjoy everything while trying to cut down on the costs.

I feel a bit cool studying economics at the moment seeing as how the economy is basically going down the hill in many places. If only I cared about economics as much as fashion, I would be doing more reading than updating my blog.

Must do some reading now. It's so hard to take studying seriously while here because all I can think about is traveling and having fun. Must focus. Must focus. Will focus.

Lala's Style of Yesterday: A DIY Junkie Never Dies

2008-09-26T14:38:00.000-04:00

Dress of pure glory: A skirt that was blessed with my magical hands and turned into a magnificent dress.
Skinny brown St. John Belt
Leopard flats: $3 Target. Oh Target, how I miss you dearly.
Gold mini coat: $6 Target

As the wise say, "You can take a girl out of the DIY, but you can't take the DIY out of the girl."

Being so far away from home has not as much made me homesick as it has made me craving a midnight rendezvous with Mr. Sewing Machine. I found this amazing long skirt at the flea market I went to last weekend. When I saw it, I thought "Oh. Weird." and then that ultimately turned into I had to have it moment although it was a hefty 5 euro. Thankfully, my roomie did the yeah-it's-super-cool-you-should-buy-it- or-else you'll-regret-it guilt trip on me and it totally worked.

Flash forward to Wednesday night or shall I saw Thursday morning. I brought one of those mini sewing kits from hotels with me so all I needed was the time to actually hand sew this piece around. Buying a pack of colorful thread from a dollar store gave me even more motivation to actually do the DIY. So I stayed up till 5 in the morning doing it. Granted, I didn't start until like 2 AM and was distracted with awesomeness that is the Heroes Season 3 Premiere. The DIY was super simple and hand sewing got the job done. I can wear the dress long or pull up the straps and create a bubbled mini or a tunic. I basically just took the snap up and made it into a one strap creation by cutting some extra fabric from the bottom pulls.

I feel uber successful that I was able to make something while abroad with limited resources. Life is good. Except the large amount of reading I have to do and am terribly behind on. But for now, I should go do some lack packing for a weekend trip to Venice tomorrow!

Ciao belle.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-23T17:48:00.000-04:00

Grey V-Neck t-shirt: $3 Target
Proenza Schouler for Target skirt: $7
Brown tights: 99 cent store
Booties: $4 local thrift
Blue scarf: auntie
AWESOME NECKLACE: 7.50 euro from cinque terre.
Jacket not shown was from Target

So today in fashion class we learned about American Brands pyramid. I saw my good ole Target on the very bottom of the totem pole. My whole outfit was basically Target does this mean I'm on the bottom in life?

Such philosophical questions hurt my fragile mind. I was suppose to start reading and doing homework tonight but since I was too much of a procrascinator that I didn't even get my books yet means that studying will be put off for tomorrow?

Things that make me smile.

2008-09-21T18:59:00.000-04:00

Being an overtly optimistic gal, I believe it is important to take some time out of our day and remember things that make you smile. Because as we all know, smiling uses less muscles than frowning.

♥ Going a bit overboard at the Saturday Flea Market. I have found a replacement for my thrifting needs.

♥ My new found friends.

♥ Going crazy at a soccer or football game. I would like to find my own soccer player someday. Big dreamer am I.

♥ Realizing it's been only 3 weeks in Italy and not knowing whether it feels like a lot longer or if time is passing by too fast.

♥ Nice long showers after two days of dirtiness.

♥ Fat things, as usual.

♥ Having class tomorrow but still going on a day trip to Verona.

♥ Life

Italia

2008-09-18T19:27:00.001-04:00

My daily wears have been unimpressive these days. I figured scenes of beautiful Italy would be more impressive.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-18T19:27:00.000-04:00

Top: $3 taiwan
Shorts
Leggings: old navy
Sandals: 5 euro
Belt and necklace.

Leggings and a tunic top? Wtf was I thinking? It's weird to think that school is starting now. I really should get to actual working. But I think I should just delay it for a day. Or two.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-16T19:58:00.000-04:00

Men's White Shirt: 0.75 thrift
Shorts: $2 tjmaxx
Tights with patterns: $2 target
Shoes: thrift
Twisted cloud head deco: made by me
Belt: Auntie's pile of giveaway
Necklace watch: thrift

I had my fashion management class today. It is quite possibly going to be the best class I have ever taken in my life.

I see a definite change in my current wearings. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. Must sleep. Vino tonight makes me sleepy. I never want to leave.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-13T12:07:00.000-04:00

Orange Tribal Tunic Tube top: 1.99 euro terranova!
Jeans: $20 tjmaxx
New sandals: 5 euro
Scarf: 0.50 thrift
necklaces
Cardi: 0.50 rummage sale
St. John belt: from auntie

Milan weather is very tricky. One minute it's raining and thundering and the next its a nice cheerful sunshine. It makes it a little hard to dress appropriately. I can't believe it's almost 2 weeks since I got here. It feels like much longer but thankfully, I haven't gotten homesick yet.

I accomplished a great deal today by getting my Permit of Stay!! Now it's play time baby! School school is actually starting on Monday so perhaps not play all day anymore.

As for this blog, I guess it won't die. But I believe in these few months it will be in a sad sick shape. Most likely it will be me just being vain and posting pictures of myself which is in itself an already holy experience of come upon.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-12T16:05:00.000-04:00

T-shirt: $3 target
black pants
Scarf
Lace up boots: $4 thrift

Once again, rather simple. But I felt a little fancy smancy with my heeled boots making clicky clacky sounds along the rocky roads. The thing about getting back into my old style is that I only brought really simple basics. The only things I can jazz up my looks are accessories. So simple chic is my option for the moment. It's not bad, I like it. But I like my wacky outrageousness more of course. I'll save all my creativity for LA.

A First for Everything.

2008-09-11T18:20:00.000-04:00

I went shopping today. I tried on a Cavalli dress and a Valentino dress. It was heaven. My first time trying on legit designer duds.

Anyone want to donate some money to me?

I did buy some stuff. I was bummed when a lovely Stella McCartney dress for 20 Euro was way small. I ended up with a silk dress marked down to 20 euro from 465 euro. Then we found a really cheap shop and I got a jacket and two tops for 11 euro. Mission complete.

No more buying. No more going out.

Hm. Nah, that won't work.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-09T14:49:00.000-04:00

T-Shirt: Buffalo Exchange Sale $1
Jeans: $20 tjmaxx
Flats: $3 target
Scarf: auntie's donation pile.

I've turned simple. Oh no. What has the world come to?!

The only two 'fashion' things I bought this week. A necklace and a scarf. Yay. I think my blog might be dying soon, but thanks so much to all that still come here to read whatever random thoughts I have.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-09-04T20:58:00.002-04:00

Khaki Tunic Top: $3 taiwan.
Pants: Forever 21
Lovely shoes: $5 thrift
Socks: Target
Scarfs & necklaces: thrift

Way tired right now. I think the adjustment to the time difference is working. My leg now looks more like a Mondrian red square than a Jackson Pollack. I'm too cheap to spend 10 euro on spray so I'm just going to ride it out and see how long I can withstand it. I would have worn a skirt or something more summer-fall but my legs where a hazzard to the public. I was doing people a favor.

I hope my style isn't fading. Whatever. Europe still rocks my grey socks.

Thing I Hate Most.

2008-09-03T21:17:00.000-04:00

My body looks like a Jackson Pollack painting done in all red. And I thought Taiwan was bad.

Lala's Style of the Day in Milan

2008-09-02T19:45:00.000-04:00

Dress: moms
Belt: funk master t's moms
Shoes: Taiwan. I will learn to never buy taiwanese shoes again because they break like that. For me anyways.

My style will be more on the "down low" these few months. I will honor my mom's request to not dress too weird for my safety.

As you can tell, I made it!! With one suitcase! I love it sooo much here. And there's a lot of things happened in these two days. I have a crazy idea to sneak into some Milan fashion week shows with a new friend I met. We'll see how successful that goes.

I will try to update as much as I can for this blog and hopefully comment people back but I think my adventures in Europe will be priority at the moment, but I love you guys still! Here is a picture of the area I live around. I don't have many pictures yet, although I did go to the Duomo (which is so beautiful), I forgot a camera. I have to wait until I get them from this guy on my floor.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-08-30T23:52:00.000-04:00

Mutilated T-shirt: bought at thrift store, mutilated by me.
Shorts
Shoes

A rather plain style of the day but plainess is appropriate for a day spent packing. The last style of the day in America this year. Fascinating.

90% done packing. Must continue on. See you later on the other side of the world!

A Scrapalicious Scalp.

2008-08-29T02:12:00.000-04:00

Being born on Earth Day gives me a certain obligation to follow the eco-friendly trend. I like to imagine myself as Princess of Nature since that title sounds so lovely, don't it? Ever since I learned those three magic words in elementary school, Recycle, Reduce, Reuse I've been adhering those codes to my royal life. Sure I love thrifting and dumpster diving, but I love re-making things from junk even more.

If you have been reading this blog, you must know by now that I am one hardcore DIYer. I am also a hoarder. I can't seem to let go of many things whether it be the stained girl scout shirt still in more drawer or the hubcap I randomly found on my adventure filled night to the Getty. (The hubcap was sadly thrown away during move out day because my dad decided to bring the sedan for all my things. all my things. I have a lot of things). Because of these two tendencies I have two large trash bags filled with fabric scraps that were left over from summers of random DIYing and my recent fashion show collection. I just can't let go. Not even of a little piece of fabric.

Thankfully, I listened to my instinct and saved the scraps because I found a new way to reuse these scraps in my everyday wear. Nothing earth-shattering here, just really simple and easy to do scrap projects for what else - your head. I have a self-professed love for all head deco so this was such a wonderful way to satisfy my craving while saving the last few dollars for Europe.

Some of these require no sewing at all! Perfect for all you DIY hungry fashionistas lacking a sewing machine or steady hands to thread the needle through the eye.

Like what you see? If you picked yes then good for you keep on reading. If you picked no is it because it's too much, too tacky for your taste, too weird for your chic? Then don't give up just yet because you can make anything to suit your own personal taste. That's what I love about DIY. It's your fashion.

So if you like what you see or you want to try to like what you see, I'll teach you how to make these. They're super easy and I bet most you could even do without a tutorial. But I'm feeling generous today. I'm in my mother teresa mode and nothing can stop me now.

First thing, these pieces (except Braidy Bunch) were attached to my head by a black ribbon. If you like, you can put these scrappy treasures on hair clips, headbands, scrunchies, pins or anything you like! Once again it's your fashion.

In my now attempt to be all professional sounding with official instructions here are the materials you need:

Scraps in all sizes, colors, shape. Don't discriminate!
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Ribbon
Safety pins.
Sewing Machine or thread & needle
Yarn
Any other bits and bobbins you want to add.
Hands
Mind
Heart.

I'll start with the Twisted Cloud and Leprechaun Petals since they were the easiest.

First take a piece of scrap, preferrably a piece that is more squarish or roundish in size anything that's not super long and thin is what I'm trying to say.
Fold in the edges toward the center. Just fold. Fold it like you mean it. Twist it like you want it. Shape it as you like it.
Most of the edges should fall somewhere into the center.
Pin down and sew an 'X'.
Done.
Now just add a safety pin on the back size and loop it through a ribbon.

Braidy Bunch and Exploding Veins

Take fabric and cut into long strips. If strips aren't long enough you can always connect more pieces.
Braid it like a normal braid.
Tie the ends together with a little extra at the end so its like a bulbous rash on the top of your head. That's the braidy bunch for you.
For exploding veins, you braided fabric should be a little on the stiff side. Tie it in all random shapes and 3-D if you like.
Glue down to keep shape.
Slip ribbon through.
Done again. Wow that was fast!

Periwinkle Barnacles

For this one, take little rectangular pieces and just tie knots. Knot it like you know it.
The knots should form a circular shape. Cut loose ends.
Make many of these.
Clump together and use yarn to connect together. It will be a puzzle. Just try to make all the pieces attached.
Attach ribbon on left and right side of mass
Done. Now you can have a barnacle on your head.

As you can see, my instructions are rather lame. But that's the point. The point is to just get out your scraps and your trash and just do whatever. Play around with easy techniques like braiding and knotting and weaving and who knows what concoction you can come up with. Just remember there's no such thing as wrong. "Ew" maybe. But never wrong. I thought Periwinkle was super wrong at first but I've come to love it and it's wrongness is so right in my eyes.

Now go play with your scraps, create something "ew-abulous" and show me. I swear I won't laugh. Maybe just a little. But I laugh because I love it.

Off to packing again.

Lala's Style of the Day & Scooter Adventures

2008-08-28T02:38:00.000-04:00

Dress: It was originally skirt I bought from TYM but I got bored of it so I decided to do a little recon. At first I was going to be a little more DIY-lazy and just attach the straps for a loose, flowy dress but I got bored of that too and decided to go a bit more pleat-y fun. I get bored easily.
Shoes: $5 thrift. These are my new babies that I plan to wear to Italy. Super comfy.
Hair Tumor: Made by me. A post on these coming soon!
Red Guy Laroche coat: So I didn't actually wear this out. I would have, but I value my life over fashion and a heat stroke is so not fashionable. I haven't worn it out yet but I've rediscovered my love for it's 80's shape and the hood collar. $2.50 st. vinnies.

Today I woke up to the sun and the rooster call. I put on my clothes, did a mini photoshoot and off to another adventure with KC, Funk Master T, Busababe, Bboi, and their friend J. There was scooter riding, McDonalds Iced Coffee drinking, chinese islamic food eating, karaoking, and random story telling-ing. I was going to post a video of my scooter riding olympic skills but it takes forever to load it up here. I'm too impatient to wait. New Years Eve is such a torture to me. Busababe has got to be the best singer of Under Pressure ever. Second only to David Bowie and Queen of course. I'm awed by her art of music.

I had a big alzheimer moment again when I left my keys in the trunk. Thankfully, there was one of those holes in the backseat and T man used his clean feet to grab them out. I also sold my old clothes to Buffalo Exchange for the first time. They didn't want most of my stuff. I felt rejected both inside and out. But at least I got $42 in store credit. I guess this sort of defeats my goal of buying less. Why am I forever cursed with failure?!

I'm a Model You Know What I Mean

2008-08-26T16:27:00.000-04:00

If you haven't noticed, my octupus modeling face hasn't been around the fashion world lately. The last you've probably seen of me was from the 08/09 Fall fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris. All you fashion hungry folks must be all "Where in the world is Carmen San Diego?" except fill in Carmen San Diego with LalaLiu.

Well, if you must know, my modeling status has jumped from runway to print and editorials. Better yet, I've become my own brand. For reals you ask? Fo real.

Here's a sneak peak at what I've been up to. The shoots have a lets go traveling theme since I'm leaving in 5 days for studying abroad. Although I'm a world famous octopus-faced-muse-to-designers-and-supermodel extraordinarie, I still attend school because what's beauty without brains.

Let me bath in my on vanity once again.

Bandwidth exceeded. WTF.

2008-08-24T04:07:00.000-04:00

GRRRR. All my pretty pictures are gone! I can't log in and admire myself anymore.

Sorry. It should take me a while to fix and transfer my images to my domain host.

Another thing to do on my list of things to do.

The Terror that is Packing.

2008-08-23T23:38:00.000-04:00

In approximately 7 days and 5 hours and 20 minutes I will be saying sayonara to California as I head off for Milan.

Excited? Yes. Nervous? Perhaps. But it's not traveling I'm nervous about. It's the realization that I will be only bringing one suitcase for four months abroad. What is a clothes-whore to do?

I am so lazy when it comes to preparing for travel. I still have a million things on my "list of things to do before I leave". The first one, "write a list of things I need to buy and bring" is still incomplete. I attempted at my cleaning the room first so that I could have a clean desk to write that list of things to bring. The room is still not clean. In fact it got a little messier as I tried to clean my closet. I have way too much clothes.

So now, I need the help of fashion bloggers. What should I bring? I only have one large suitcase and a traveling backpack. I am thinking of keeping it simple and a little more Italian? I want to blend in as much as possible. My mom told me it was impossible unless I get massive facial plastic surgery. What can I say, I just don't have an Italian face.

It's getting closer and closer and somehow I am trying to lie to myself in thinking that I still have a lot of time. Maybe going to Italy will somehow force me to be a little more chic and a little less ridiculous. If that happens, my mom should be really happy that I'm going abroad.

What am I doing blogging! I need to clean. I need to finish an illustration.

Actually, I need to blow dry my hair. It's making my shirt and back wet. Like. So. Ew.

Lala's Style of the Day & Adventures in LA

2008-08-23T02:47:00.000-04:00

Psychedelic-JesusChristSuperstar-Ultra-Flared-Kaleidoscope Pants of Awesomeness: $2 thrift. Words cannot describe how awesome these pants are.
White tank: Guess? outlet
Yellow belt: $2 tjmaxx
Watch necklace
New Lolita glasses: $4 TYM.

I realize I am a bit ridiculous in this outfit. But I love it. so. so. much. I went to LA today to visit my favorite ghetto superstar along with Busababe and KC. We journeyed public transportation style. Yeah baby, going green. I decided I had to wear these pants that I bought a while ago and posted somewhere in the archives of this wee blog. I thought I would never get the chance to show it out in public, but today, I did not hold back. I said I was going for it. This adventure today was as much about my super socially awkward friends as it was the pants. I should seriously make a book about it except I might get sued for copyright infringement since there is another book out there about pants. But these pants beat those pants any day.

When I woke up in the morning and showed my mom what I was going to wear, she gave me a pained expression and said, "Do you have to?". I said, "Yes. I have to."

She gave up. I think she gave up the day I turned weird. Which is like, my birth date.

I carpooled with mom to the train station and she asked me, "How do you pee with those pants?". I made a wtf face. "Umm, they're just like regular pants." I replied.

"Oh, I thought you had to take it all off to pee."

"Um. No. They're just pants. But cooler."

We arrived and I met up with Busababe (she was dressed super cute by the way!!) and off to LA we went. On the way we flipped through Nylon. And we started talking fashion. I started asking her what she liked. She told me. And then I started questioning what my personal style was. I looked down. Definitely, not normal.

KC greeted us with her monkey face. We bused it to ghettosuperstar. It felt like I was being a tourist at my own school. I danced with the bear. Actually, I was trying to smack it's butt. No. I ain't kinky.

We visited the apartment then off to Westwood for a little TYMing. I finally found heart shaped sunglasses! I've been wanting them ever since they became cool but haven't found them anywhere for cheap. Now that they're a little passe, it's the perfect time for me to wear them out. I'm always behind on trends. I tend to pick things up after all hipsters and trendistas have gone through them. I blame it on my genetic procrastination skills.

Afterwards, with my new sunglasses on face, we went to Santa Monica. Walked around and touched sand. It was bliss.

In order to catch the train, we had to leave a little early than I would have liked. We jumped on a random bus that took forever. On the way we discussed many important topics in life. Such as fetishes, afros, and priests. We finally were fed up with the slow-mo bus that we jumped off when we saw a metroline.

The highlight of my day occurred on the metro.

We were standing in the middle, holding a pole. Outside the window I see a face painted man coming in. I thought he was coming back from some baseball game or something. But nope, he was actually a clown. I didn't give much thought, but just kept looking into space. He looked a little creepy and Busababe looked at him and then looked at me and told me that he was looking at us.

I looked over. He saw me look over. And then he asked in a serious manner, "Are you a clown?"

Internally, I exploded with laughter. Externally, I exploded with laughter.

"Oh. No. Sorry."

Dude. I do not have clown pants man. I don't even look like a clown! Okay, don't answer that. I think he was jealous that he didn't have any awesome pants. When I later told my mom, she said, "He must of thought you were stealing his customers."

Highlight of my day. Enough said. I couldn't look back at him for the longest time. I was finally glad that we made it to the station because this clown looked mighty creepy.

We ran to the train, but it left without us even though we were standing right there. Oh well I thought. That gives more time for the three stooges, aka us, to be lame.

I made it home. And so did my pants. That sounds a little dirty or maybe I'm just thinking dirty since busbabe enlightened me with all her human sexuality knowledge.

I really must sleep. Super tired from waking up at 6:30

P.S Remember this. Only two days left.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-08-22T02:56:00.000-04:00

Blue peacock dress: $5 from china. It was suppose to be this nightgown sleepwear sort of thing but the graphic and the colors just called to me and was like "wear me in the day time where the sun shines and the world can see my beauty". I listened. I hemmed it a bit so it's not au natural but at least it's happy with itself.
Belt: mom's closet that I rescued. or maybe stole. they all seem the same these days.
heart watch necklace
headband: DIY recycled scraps of fabric. Seriously, so easy to do and a great way to use those old scraps of fabric instead of tossing them!
Roadrunner bag: 0.50 local thrift
via spiga heels: $25 nordstrom rack. I didn't actually wear these shoes out. I opted for a more feet friendly flip flop but they are awesome and make me taller and make me that much closer to having legs of a supermodel. I'm only 0.05% closer, but still.

I went to OCMA today with J and saw some really weird art, some Warhols, some video with a naked man, and some x-rated winnie the pooh. It was fun. My dad says I get pimples because I don't get enough sleep. I'm going to test that theory. Peace out. Heading to LA tomorrow and waking up at 6:30. Woah. That sounds foreign to me.

And remember to bid!!! Only three days left. Three days left to make your wardrobe complete.

I finally figured out how the tripod works. It was like an angel from heaven came and whispered in my ear. Now I'm afraid I'm becoming even more cam-whorish. Oh well. As KC says, "We are all hoes". True that.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-08-21T04:00:00.000-04:00

Ballons &gun tshirt: LalaLiu Designs
Poofy ridunkulous pink skirt: the bottom part of that one dress from $1 jet rag sale. I added that grey zipper for some strange reason to make it a little less like I'm a 5 year old going to a princess tea party. Did it work? Probably not, but I don't mind being stared at.
Belt: 0.50 thrift
heart watch necklace: $5 thrift
Gold shoes: $15 nordstrom rack
Panda bag

I hung out with KC today and as usual we were being weird. In the last picture she was saving me from jumping into the freezing waters of the Atlantic. We were recreating Titanic in a cooler light. Look at her pained expression. Look at my goofy grin of ecstasy ready to jump into concrete. Priceless.

So from my little hair experiment below, I might keep my mermaid hair at the moment. Hopefully I don't become like one of those guests on the Maury show that have extremely long hair like to their feet that get a makeover. I need to start mentally preparing for leaving but somehow even though it's only a few days away it hasn't quite set in. For me, procrastination works everywhere and for everything.

My butt's itchy. Must sleep to de-itchify my butt.

Too much information to be shared.

Change is in the H'air

2008-08-18T18:55:00.000-04:00

I've always been the type of girl to skip the beauty sections of fash mags. Makeup and hair just didn't quite do it for me as I preferred the more tangible clothing lust I experienced from the editorials. I am now regretting that I've been a bad fashionista because I think it's finally time to admit I need a hair cut.

I've been growing my hair out long for a while. I say I will cut it until I reach the point of mermaid hair. You know, the hair that reaches down to cover certain, ahem, body parts? Don't ask me why. Perhaps I've always secretly admired The Birth of Venus by Botticelli and have subconsciously made her my style icon.

But now I believe it is the time that I trim my locks. I haven't gone to a real haircutting place in I would say almost 3 years. I've always just cut it myself and have been happy with it. The only difficulty has been cutting the back. And now, it looks like I have a tail for hair as the sides get trimmer, that center back keeps on growing like an undying weed.

I realized I needed a haircut when I started getting choked by my hair while sleeping. I've grown comfortable with having long hair. It used to be something I so did not want but now, I just might be one of those people that freak out when getting a haircut.

I feel it is time for change. I feel that this physical change is a symbol of a personal and internal change that I hope to accomplish as well. I don't know if I'll have time to get it cut before Italy but who knows, I just might get fed up with everything that I decided to take a razor to my scalp. I've actually always wanted to know what I look like bald. They say that true beauty is a bald woman who still looks beautiful. Actually, I don't know if they say that but I'll just pretend they do. The only fear I have is that when I do turn bald that I'll realize how horrendously fugly I am. For now, I'll keep on to some hair.

I never could determine my face shape so finding those "Perfect hair for your face shape" articles always irritated me.

My computerized stylist has given me some options. What say you?

By the way, click on this.

Another Batch of Ebay Goodies

2008-08-18T02:16:00.000-04:00

Here I go again with another batch ebay goodies for LalaLiu.Love. My first attempt as an ebay buyer was rather successful. 9 out of 10 items sold. That's like 90%. And that's like an A- right? And really an A- is the same as an A or an A+. It gives you that 4.0. Except now in college they got extra sneaky and decided to make the A- less than a 4.0. Such gradists (stands for people who are grading discrimationists). That was a lot of -ist words that I'm all tongue tied now.

Enough nerd talk.

So yes I finally finished posting some items (16 items) today so head on over, now. That wasn't request. It was a command. I realized that shipping is such a pain in the gluteous maximus. I always knew it was expensive, but not that expensive! I lost money on one item and a few others probably did make that much profit. But truthfully, I'm not doing it for the money. Actually, maybe just a little. But no. It's just a fun thing to do to work on a business. It's like creating art but in a more economic and realistic form. Quite satisfying for my creative brainwaves that have been going bonkers this summer. So go bid and remember it's for a good cause! Portion of the profits will go to charity.

This time, there's some nice vintage clothes of course but some designer duds. Only two, but still. A nice Diane von Furstenburg blouse and Chloe skirt. Remember, all bids start only on $9.99. You might be cringing at the shipping, but seriously, I'm not trying to rip customers off, it takes money to buy the packages, it takes time to make little cute tags, and most of all it takes money to ship.

I'm going to Italy soon, so it would be nice to, you know, have some money for bread and water. Curse you dollar! Why must you be so weak!

And once again, layout is still under remodeling and I will respond to all friend applications soon. But you know me, soon is like next week.

Lala's Style of the Day

2008-08-17T04:14:00.000-04:00

Black and white faux suspender top: $3 taiwan
Eye See You skirt: a mom's closet find revamp. I have a strange fascination with eyes for some reason.
Belt: came with a skort I got in the 8th grade. Yes a skort and I frickin loved it to death.
Heart watch necklace: $5 thrift plus the $6 battery, but it's worth it!
Sunglasses: $1 thrift
Camera: not mine. My sisters. I've seen a lot of bloggers with these cool SLR cameras and boy am I feeling camera envy these days.

Finally, finally, after much waiting, I saw the Dark Knight with KC. And then we went off to a harvest crusade concert. A free concert which makes it even better. Got to see POD and relived my teenage rock phase. Also got to step on the grass of the stadium.

Remodeling is still being done and new friends will be added soon!

Oh if only we had 100 hours in a day.

The Long Awaited Jet Rag Post.

2008-08-15T16:45:00.000-04:00

You've all been a patient bunch, but finally you may relax your furious constant checking because the long awaited JET RAG POST is finally here. Can a get a whoot whoot?!

No? I'll give myself one. WHOOT WHOOT! That was awesome.

I have many reasons for why it took me so long or aka another excuse at why I'm such a lame blogger. So I did have my Sunday rendevous fitting room adventure. I changed the clothes like a model on speed and posed my butt off. It was midnight and I was running around my room, sweating like crazy but at the same time my oodles of treasures kept my spirits up. I didn't realize that I had set my camera on a really high quality setting, but I did and for a few days I was running low on disk space and that means photoshop freezing up and the computer not being the friend that it promised to be. Third excuse was that I had to combine images in photoshop and that takes quite a while. I could go on with a list of excuses, but you're probably not here looking for excuses. You want the pictures, as my KC drug dealer says to me, you want the goods right?

Okay you got the goods. Note, I'm working on revamping the blog and that means larger pictures! Can I get another whoot whoot?

No? Fine fine, I'll get to it now.

/////////////// THE BEFORE: a big pile of dirty smelly clothes//////////

I spent $24 in total, but I counted and ended up with 26 items. If you do the math, that's two free items. Free?! I like free. Like a lot.

/////// ALL THE AFTERS: not a big pile anymore but still sorta smelly and dirty///////

::::: Ruffle White top::::

This top was a mighty tricky top. When I tried it on Sunday night, I swore it didnt fit. As in I couldn't get it past my mammary glands. Not one to be easily defeated I wore the top as a poofy collar over a white t-shirt. Then just yesterday, I tried the top on and low and behold, they fit. I'm so glad I did try it on again and didn't do the unthinkable of giving it to my petite sister. Those are my Charlie Brown boxers. Yes they are comfortable.

:::: Polk dot clown jumpsuit ::::

This has to be one of my favorite pieces I found because seriously, where can I find something like this? No where else. Exactly. Actually, you might see something similar at Party City during the Halloween season but is it as cool as this mighty fine piece? The answer should be no. I'll admit, it's a bit ridiculous, but ridiculous is what I'm all about. If I wore it out like it is, I'll bet I'll get a lot of people telling me the circus left a few weeks ago. That's cool, I've always wanted to be a circus performed and since I'm no good at aerobics and aerial stunts, I've always figured I'd end up being the clown. First row is as is and belted. Second row is with a black blazer. I finally realized the magic of having a black blazer, it seriously changes the mood of every outfit. And third row is worn strapless with sleeves tied in the back.

:::: Black Jumpsuit ::::

I had a lot of fun with this one as well. It just looks like a piece of black in the pictures, but there are some nice pleating details near the bodice and the neck piece is totally awesome in a 80's modern way. I can leave it down or be all ganster and pop the collar. First and second row is worn as is with collar up and down. Third row I rolled the pants for some shorts and added that handy blazer. This one deviates from my rainbow wacked out style, but I like it. Oh noes, does that mean I'm headed towards maturity?

:::: Little people embroidered button up top ::::

The first thing I saw and grabbed. It has these cute little people down the middle! I'm all for cute little people. Should have taken a detailed shot. Drats. It should match well with my hairclip that also has little people on it.

:::: Wool top with sequins/beads ::::

I got this top because somehow it reminded me of the Christopher Kane Fall collection with those gigantic round sequins. The sequins aren't as gigantic but they are round. Okay okay, it's a big leap but whatever. I added the ruffle top over my gold BCBG skirt (that was also a $1 at the buffalo exchange sale) for some strange reason.

:::: Mexican satin embroidered top ::::

It's colorful and flowy and did I mention it has rainbow flowers? Worn with a belt so I don't look like a 20 year old going preggers.

:::: Another Mexican top ::::

Once again the embroidered flowers drawed me in. Worn again with a belt.

:::: Boho top ::::

I don't know why I bought it. I was sure I was over my peasant top phase back in the 9th grade but maybe I'm reminiscing about my once youthful stage in life? I hope this piece doesn't end up collecting dust in the lonely corners of my closet. The first row is the top and the second row is a coat I got thrifting last Friday. It's amazingly awesome!! It reminds me of a mix between a hippy groupie and something a little less extravagant that David Bowie would of worn as the evil goblin in Labyrinth. I bought it at this store next to the thrift store. It's this dollar store but they had all these clothes for 99 cents. I believe it is the place where thrift store clothes go to die. Luckily I rescued this coat.

:::: Nautical dress ::::

A mix between uniform and sailor. Theres some major discoloration on the top but I think a nice paint and paint brush could fix it up in no time.

:::: Red Ralph Lauren "skinny polo" ::::

The only non-vintage-esque piece I got. I used to be all into the polo shirt again in the 9th grade but I never had a Ralph Lauren one. Now I can teleport back and fit in with the cool rich kids! Or not. I like how on the label it says "skinny polo". It makes for a great self esteem booster. Boots were also thrifted last Friday for $5.

:::: Pink Cocktail Dress :::

I think I have too many dresses. First row worn as is and second row I added this men's vest that I also got at Jet Rag. I should have tried it on because I didn't it was that big. But I guess it adds to that nonchalant mood that I am desperately trying to pull off but fail oh so miserably at.

:::: Country Bumpkin square dancing dress ::::

I look like a maid ready to go squeeze out some milk from my cows. This one might go under some reconstructive surgery but I haven't decided yet. Row one is normal. Row two I added this faux fur vest that I think is for kids because obviously it looks like a non-vest when I wear it. But I kind of like the look. It screams cavewoman going to the countryside. I feel a trend coming on.

:::: Blue Mod dress with buttons ::::

Electric blue with buttons? I'm sold.

:::: Country Squaredancing sailor dress ::::

One of my favorite finds because it is super cute. And fits like a banana peel over a banana. I like to twirl in it and watch the colors spin into pink. I look like a little girl wearing it but as long as pedophiles don't follow me, it's all good.

:::: 80's floral dress ::::

I saw potential in this one like I do many pieces. It has already undergone reconstructive surgery and I must say it is recovering well. I shall post a picture soon of all my latest sewing adventures and there sure are a lot of sewing adventures.

:::: 80's lace dress ::::

When i bought this I was sure it was a super fug dress with the over the top lace and those sleeves with sequins! But when I tried it on, somehow it turned a little magical because I sort of like it as is. The sleeves are less 80's power woman and more like big flowers protecting my shoulders from the sun's UV rays. I felt like a little flapper in it, hence the red bow. Second row I added the black blazer again. Magic I say!

:::: Nerdy dress :::

A little big but the colors are just saying happy. The skirt part has a really cute lime floral pattern.

:::: Floor length floral dress ::::

I saw potential in this one as well. It has finished it's surgery and I must say looks deliciously awesome. When I bought it, it was in such great condition that I had to have it even though another part of me was telling me to gently put it back for it's whole lot of mess. Thankfully, I listened to my other side because my recon looks pretty cool.

:::: Pink floor length lace dress ::::

I always grab things that have lace or sequins for some reason. Those items are just so easy to spot that I can't resist. This one has also finished it's surgery.

:::: Silk beaded dress ::::

It's a bit formal and over the top but it was new with tags and silk! So I scooped this baby up. The bustier part makes me feel like a burlesque dancer but the bottom makes me feel like I'm going to some fab 80's party or the high school prom.

:::: Jeans ::::

Okay their high waisted. Their pleated. Their tapered. Stacey and Clinton (what not to wear) would totally have a fit over this one, but I kind of like it. It's super soft and worn in and it's great for going to a buffet.

:::: Strange hat ::::

It's quite an interesting hat or headpiece but I love it. It might look like I have a paper bag on top of my head but I swear it's not!

:::: Givenchy men's Speedo piece::::

First I would like to say, that no, I do not have a fetish for men's underwear/ swimsuits and no, I will not be wearing it anytime soon. I think I became a label whore when I bought it. But still, maybe my future husband will look smashing in that teeny tiny piece. KC was shocked by my find and asked me why?? I told her it's okay, whatever had touched it must have dried up by now. She said I should make a purse out of it to match my underwear wallet. Maybe not. There is only one piece that I could not wear because it was too small. A hot pink 80's silk dress with beads!

/////////////////////ME BY THE END OF THE NIGHT or BEGINNING OF THE MORNING //////////////////////
Super tired.

So I went a little crazy.

Busababe and I might go again next Sunday.

I'm revamping the layout and look of my blog so bare with me as things shift and change. And thanks to all those who have responded to my personal ad. I didn't know it would be that effective. I didn't know that my strange tendencies would have a match.

A Quest For New Friends

2008-08-13T13:40:00.000-04:00

My name is Lala Liu. 20 F. Human. Homo Sapien.

I enjoy not so long walks on the beach and prefer skip filled walks on freshly cut grass. I am currently a student mastering the art of how slice a squid and how to make money. I am also currently in the mafia, the fashion. mafia. I like hot dogs, but not real ones. I like people, but not fake ones. Hobbies include stare down contests with kids, laughing, sleeping with eyes open, and the occasional attendance of nudist resorts.

Non-smoker. Heavy drinker. Of non fat milk that is.
Current residence of Art Geek and Fashion Freak

I am looking for...

Serious Stalking
Friendship
Not so random play
and new link buddies for my lonely link list.

Contact me? Just leave a comment below.

Lala's Style of the Day and Another Adventure to Jet Rag

2008-08-10T23:42:00.001-04:00

Yellow & white striped top: 0.50 thrift sale
Shorts: 0.98 thrift
Yellow skinny belt: tjmaxx
Panda bag!: $3 Taiwan
Heart watch necklace: $5 thrift
Shoes that are already falling apart?! curse you cheap Taiwanese shoes: $5 Taiwan
hot pink tumor in hair? organza heart that I was going to use in my collection but didn't safety pinned and tied to a shoelace. Such a recycler I am.

Today I woke up at 6 in the morning, probably the earliest ever this summer. I went with my sister to her orientation since I had to go to the newspaper office for production today anyways. Little freshman don't look so little. I felt an evil happiness when these three freshman were so confused about where to check in that they got lost. They made it there eventually, so I'm not that mean.

It was only 8:30 and I had like 4 hours to kill, the perfect excuse for another jet rag excursion. The last time I went to Jet Rag was last summer. I lived so close to the place but never went until now. This time my mom and sister weren't there so I had the pleasure of hunting without worrying that someone was bored. If you didn't know Jet Rag is famous for their $1 parking lot sales every Sunday. At 10:30 they open like 10 bales of untouched clothing which means that you can find some great treasures that were untouched by elitist vintage store hands. Now the problem is, I am a slow one. I would be the tortoise in the tortoise in the hair - minus the hard shell, I'm really a softy. People were already surrounding the packages so I was left staring at the sweaty backs of bargain hunters. A lovely sight. Seriously, within 3 seconds of opening the plastic, everything is gone. People just take a whole bunch, anything they can grab. They then go into their little corner under the hot LA sun and take their time looking through it. Because my plan A was unsuccessful, I opt for plan B. I follow the boys and wait for them to throw back the girls clothing. Perfect yeah?

Jet Rag is located on La Brea near the Melrose intersection. If you ever want to do some vintage shopping, this area is totally the place. I saw so many vintage stores along the way plus the Fairfax flea market.

I went a little crazy and walked out with $24 dollar trash bag filled goodies. I plan to put some things up on lalaliu.love anyways so I have a good reason.

Afterwards I went with my dad to the famous Pinks hot dogs which is right next to Jet Rag.

The line was sooo long. To me, it was only okay. I just think I'm not a hot dog person. Too salty for me. After gorging down my mushroom swiss dog, I hurried to work and designed my first page by myself ever. Pat on my back.

Be ready for lots of pictures of my finds. I have a dressing room rendezvous in my room tonight. I totally went over my limit this week.