I ♥ New York--New York Fashion Week

picture made by: whowhatwear

So, both whowhatwear and allwomenstalk seem to agree that a metallic millennium/space odyssey is going to be a popular trend for the upcoming season. Lucky for me, I have just the right dress for this widely anticipated trend!

Can you guess what fashion event is going to be just around the corner? That's right! The Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, one of the most iconic fashion event celebrated bi-annually. Its audience, only everyone in the entire fashion world! Part of this week is the very Fashion's Night Out, where retailers keep their stores open after hours for the enjoyment of shoppers. If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I entered an American Eagle contest for FNO. Unfortunately, I did not win. But hey! A girl can dream right, at least I tried. Anywho, like in my "what to wear to weddings," I attended Chriselle's virtual wedding and posted what I would wear, who's to say I can't pretend to think about what I could wear to New York Fashion Week? Inspired by the metallic millennium and space odssey trend, this is what I would wear to the upcoming fashion week.

Photos taken by the amazing Phoebe Pan.

I got this dress while I was looking for a prom dress at the Jessica McClintock outlet in this town really close to my house. When I came across this dress, I loved the shininess, and it's very eye-catching! Plus, the neckline is very unique. It was only $16!!! I figured, why not!? I can just wear it for graduation, and I did :) It's such a shame that the Jessica McClintock outlet in Ontario closed, lucky for those in SF, they get to get a great deal and get to look absolutely fab!

So why NYFW you ask? I love New York. Like I mentioned in my About Me Page, I've already achieved one of my life long dream of being a Trojan. Now, I'm working on my next goal, working in the Big Apple.

Look at this skyline, who could not fall in love with this city? I grew up in a very metropolitan Shanghai, and when I set foot in the work force, I want to be in a fast-paced city where I will be constantly challenge myself!

Before I go into fashion, I've got to talk about the food! (For some reason, this part was deleted, so here's me adding it in!) I have a couple of friends who go to school in New York. And one thing they would constantly rave to me about is the street food. One thing I'm dying to try is Chicken and Rice! Want to know a secret? I'm actually subscribed to Groupons New York, so I can get the emails and live vicariously through the pictures :p

Doesn't that look delicious? The quality isn't the best, but the cell phone shot really does bring me closer!

Back to talking about fashion. Other than the metropolitan, urban feel, another reason I want to work in New York is because it is THE fashion capital. I aspire to make a great contribution to the fashion industry, and no city but New York can help me achieve this dream. The trendiness of this city can be manifested in the fact that it hosts some of the most fashionable TV shows and Movies--from the classics like An Affair to Remember or Breakfast and Tiffany's to the modern day productions like Confessions of a Shopoholic, Sex and the City, and Gossip Girl! These are all my favorite shows/movies, no matter how many times I watch the movies/episodes, I just can't get enough! In California, we have 90210, but when the costume design is to be compared to that of Gossip Girl, as much as I would love to channel my inner-californian bias, it just can not on reach the same level of fabulousness or ellegance that is the style of Gossip Girl! It must have something to do with the abundance of art schools in New York, like Parsons or SVA!

And Fashion Week holds the epitome of importance for the fashion industry, and as it sets in the fashion capital or the world, being able to attend and observe just underneath the runway could be heart-attack inducing for the fashion-fanatics! But in all seriousness, it's a big deal because it's like the real-time equivalent of the September Issue, but on steroids. Designers can utilize this opportunity to showcase their brain-children for the upcoming seasons. As for those who would want to break into the world of fashion, like the contestants of Project Runway, it would be a great opportunity to display their amazing talents. (On a side note, Have you been following season 10? Who's your favorite? I love Fabio. I really liked his recent creation of the asymmetrical LBD on episode 7. Hope he makes it to fashion week! And Tim Gunn is awesome :)) Lastly, Fashion's Night Out is a part of fashion week. Like I mentioned earlier, people can attend FNO, and be a part of this wondrous celebration.

Can't wait to see what New York will have in store for us for fashion week! #6moredays #excited

XOXO,

Joanne

neon candies

Top: Forever 21, Ripped white jeans: Forever 21 Singapore, candy clutch bag: Shanghai boutique

Hey there, valentine speaking here :)

Yesterday was my first day of classes, and I couldn't have asked for a better 1st day of semester ✌. Being away for the summer made me realize that I can actually feel like I've missed school. Today, I actually learned so many valuable knowledge already!

My friend Caroline and I was just casually walking around campus when we noticed the huge difference of how the campus looks after the summer. Over the summer, SC did a lot of renovations around campus, and the art buildings were one of them. Caroline and I were just walking around and making a checklist of all the details that changed when we saw the inside of the art buildings. It was so different being in a white art room with no furnitures, it spelled photo op!

Given the art-room environment, I couldn't help but awaken my inner dork, and did a "Scream" pose, just because I was kind of overwhelmed the intensity of the brightness of the white room.

My shirt certainly didn't help made it less bright, but I've been wanting to try out neon for a while, and the collar  made  it class-room appropriate. Yet, it give me a chance to go for an edgy look. I embraced the opportunity because it isn't something I'd normally do. As for the accessories, the clutch was used like a wallet on the day. It's so unpracticle having this tiny--BUT CUTE!--little bag around school on the first day of class. But the candy details is a great contrast with the outfit, which made it a great accessory. The owl necklace is actually the one from cute accessory haul. There's a bit of yellow on the tripes, which is why I felt like it was a great match for the outfit :) and you can't have the owl necklace without the ring!

xoxo,

Valentine



P.S. confused about the change in signature? Read more about me here.

Coco Chanel: A True Inspiration

When it comes to girls picking their most inspirational designer, who wouldn't say Chanel?

Over the weekend, I was in the mood for some movies, and for some reason, I ended up watching Lifetime's version of "Co Co Chanel," which was released back in 2008. I'm so glad that I did! I actually learned a lot.

This movie really made me respect her not only as an artist, but even more as a woman. She came from a time when woman was strictly limited by "proper" social conventions. She didn't care for those limitations and went about her own ways. Most importantly, she was adamant about her own beliefs despite other's discouragements. She stayed true to herself, and maintained a DGAF attitude to the snooty, irrelevant criticisms. Somehow, Garbielle turned COCO just have the foresight of knowing what would be the best. Now look at her success now! With the signature double-C logo and the No 5 perfume, people would line up for hours just to buy her stuff. She built an empire, she established a brand, all while having a rather rough start, too! What I admire about her is her independence. She had a tenacity even when it comes to romance. Though she had a "love-of-her-life" she need no man *snap snap.* #girlpower

But in addition to the life lessons, I've got some fashion lessons from her as well!

I absolutely love Chanel quotes:

"You may have a date with destiny. That might be tonight, and you must be prepared to dress as pretty as possible."

That's something my mom had always repeated to me through out my life. And I completely agree! I guess my mom wasn't the only one who thought of it! Even though it's very superficial to think that if any opportunities--romance or career wise--do arise, one must be dressed nicely to welcome it. But they don't say "dress to impress" for nothing! For all you know, you could be running into the boss of your dream job on the street, and if you're dressed sloppily, they can automatically make a snap judgement, you wouldn't want that! so always be prepared!

"The poetry of fashion lies in the creation of illusion."

That cannot be more true! Even though she said that decades ago, it can still be applied today! For example, I am 5'8'', and if I want to maintain that tall illusion,  maxi dresses is my go-to solution.  Also, I don't have the straightest legs in the world. So to cover up this flaw, I try to wear things that falls below the knees, which looks a lot better than the shorter alternatives.

I even found a great example how popular fashion site, allwomenstalk, was able to pull together a few tricks to make shorter girls look taller! Those were all wonderful illusions!

"A woman can be overdressed but never over elegant."

Take Duchess Kate, for example, even though in the picture above, our beloved Kate is playing ping-pong and looking intense, I still think she looks pretty elegant. Why? She's a terrific dresser.

I think as duchess, she's already at he very top in terms of having elegance and social grace. Yet, whenever the world think she can't get any classier,  she probably can still amaze the world by pulling off something simple, but still looking classy and well, elegant! Here's one of my favorites:

This is a Jenny Packham teal dress our favorite princess wore to an Olympic gala. Her best accessory was simplicity and effortlessness.

However, drawing to the point Madame Chanel made, if one were to deliberately try to feign elegance with pearls, pastels, and tweed, or all kinds of accessories, without having consideration of the overall image, it might end up looking tacky and overdressed. There we have it, Chanel described a true and simple concept in a nut shell!

Lots of famous designers have the great potential to have as much influence as Chanel by creating breath-taking master pieces. But what distinguished Chanel from the rest of the fashion industry is her sharp wit, her tenacity, and an amazing talent.

Now that I've watched the movie, I have the urge to read the book as well!

I would definitely recommend this movie!

So what do you guys think of CoCo's beliefs or her life's accomplishments?! Please let  me know in the comment below. I'm very interested in hearing what you guys have to say :)

Xoxo,

Jo.

What to wear to weddings

I don't know what is it about weddings, people are just obsessed. Three billion people watched THE Royal Wedding back in 2011 (that's half the world's population!), and who knows how many people watched the Kardashian Wedding. But, I guess there's just something special about a little ceremony that celebrates the love of two people who have agreed to be together forever. At least in the Kardashian case, that's what people thought they were watching. But that was down the drain in 72 days. Ok, I'll stop the bashing.

So, I've been following Chriselle for a while now. I really like her style. In honor of her wedding, she's been uploading these "Down the aisle with Chriselle" videos that lets the viewers get the inside scoop on all things her wedding! Today, she uploaded the finale, which is the actual wedding video. And she actually had this special event, which she made this "virtual" wedding very realistic, in which her followers are allowed to upload what we would wear to her wedding. If you go to my facebook page, you can see that she shared my outfit! Teehee! And this is why I was very inspired to write today's post. Also, my friend Cheryl will be attending her cousin's wedding, and she's been asking me for advice on what to wear. Therefore, I'm extra inspired!

These photos are taken by the wonderful Caroline Sykes :)

Here's the look I planned on "wearing" for the virtual wedding. I've actually worn this to a wedding before, too! When I first saw this dress, I was instantly in love. I really like the very chic fabric, but the neckline and the cutting added a bit of elegance to it. I've recently learned this trick of accessorizing navy outfits with red accessories from my friend Jade. I'm really glad I learned this trick because it really brings a new light to the entire outfit! This dress is also very versatile. It can also be worn to other social events. It's rushing season, this could definitely be worn to a rush event. Or, just simply on a date!

Here's what Chriselle wrote:

"Love how ladylike, conservative, yet chic Joanne Zhu looks in her black lace dress with pops of red!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥"

I'm very honored to be mentioned :p

Here are more sets I've created that could be worn to different types of weddings.

Beach Weddings

Beach Weddings by joanneinazoo featuring a silk shawl

Here in California, because we're so close to the water, beach weddings are so common! It's totally romantic. Having the cool breeze bringing the smell of ocean to the ceremony as the couple exchange their vows sounds like a beautiful, not-want-to-be-missed experience. Unfortunately, the messy sands may bring a bit of burden upon the wedding guests.

This outfit is a bit more casual than the usual wedding attire. But it's a beach wedding, everything should be relaxed and chill! I really like this blue dress with the tie-dyed looking white stripes. It rests somewhere between the casual, semi-formal range, but not casual enough to disrespect the about to be betrothed couple. The sand really limits the options for shoes. The wedges matches the outfit well, though! Plus, the heels is a great complement of the weave envelope bag (how cute is that?!) The coastal winds may be a bit chilly, so it's a great excuse to break out the scarf! I like how the contrast of the scarf is able to add that oh-so-important "pop" to the outfit. Lastly, sun protection is important! But that's not the only reason to wear the floppy hat and the aviators!

General Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor Wedding Guest by joanneinazoo featuring turquoise jewelry

No matter how much people say it's okay, I'm very against guests wearing white to weddings. It's so disrespectful to the bride. It's her special day, let her be the only one wearing white! Remember that Friends episode where Monica asks if it's inappropriate to wear something white and lacy to a wedding because she wanted to get back her cousin for not inviting her, and everyone's like totally inappropriate! and Phoebe's like "I've got go do some shopping." Well, they're right! (Sorry, I sometimes subconsciously make Friends references.)

So what I like about this set is that the vibrant pastel colors are great for an outdoor wedding. The heart-shaped neckline dress are just very plain and simple, and the accessories can just add the cherry on top to both of the outfits. As you can see the accessories, bracelets/cuffs especially, contrasts the dress. I borrowed the philosophy from the red on navy, and applied it to these outfits. Again, I think they give the outfits that extra "pop."

Traditional Weddings

Traditional Wedding Guest by joanneinazoo featuring cotton dresses

As you know I'm in a teal/tribal phase right now. When I came across the dress on the left, with the peacock feather-like patterns, I thought I'd add it to the set because the conservativeness and the material makes it wedding appropriate. Black and gold goes well.

I've also developed a new obsession with coral-colored clothes. Of the two, I definitely like the one on the right more. The original white embellishment decorates the dress well. To match with the belt, I added white accessories, but the gold details of the white accessories are very nice, too!

Hope these outfits helped, and that's my take on what to wear to different wedding scenarios.

Have a great weekend!

Joanne

Cute accessories haul

Hey all!

Wednesdays are usually reserved for outfit posts. But today, I'm very caught up with packing because I will be moving into my school apartment, I've decided to do a haul instead.

I've recently went out and did some MAJOR shopping. Most of my finds are mainly accessories (including shoes). So with the pictures, it may seem like a LONNGGG post. But, please bear with me, it's mostly pictures! I promise! :)

Back in Tribal Love, I've spotted these cute oxfords with a tribal trim from zooshoo.com. It looked so great in the set, I could help but get my self a pair. But, I couldn't stop with just one, and I ended up totally splurging. I couldn't stop myself! Here's all the "shoos" I've bought.

I just pulled pictures from their site because their quality's a lot better. But I do plan on wearing them in future outfit posts! Stay tuned.

Trimmed Oxford Flats- $21

So these oxfords were one of the items used in the set in Tribal Love, I actually don't have any oxfords, and I'm really glad I got these to make up for my lack of oxfords! The tribal trim makes it really unique!

black oxfords- $21

So even though I just added a pair of taupe oxfords to the shopping cart, I am still suffering from oxfords deficiency. I figured I should throw in a pair of black ones so it would be easier to match. I originally set my eye own these cute oxfords with pink neon soles, but they didn't have my size. It's still comforting to know that I picked a pair of shoes that many others liked, too!

ballet flats- $19.90

These were also featured in another post, back to school essentials. I listened to Cassandra, and realized a cute pair of flats is an essential piece of the outfit! So another item added to the cart! My only consolation is that the price is very reasonable--I will end up getting a essential pair of flats, without totally splurging!

Navy Flats, $23

 How long have we been obsessing over the sailor/nautical trend? I really love these because of the color. And I like how I can wear it casually to school as well.

That's all the shoes I've bought! Not THAT bad right?

 Onto jewelry!

So like I mentioned in back to school essentials, there are cute accessories everywhere, but the RIGHT accessory is so hard to find. Like the peacock feathered necklace that I really wanted. Fortunately, I was able to find a just-as-cute replacement:

Forever 21 Necklace, $5.80

So you know what they say, can't a peacock? Settle for owls! Ok, they don't say that! But I really like this piece of accessory is because it has very unique colors, which widens my options for pairing it with different outfits. I'm really glad I found this necklace while I was standing in line!

Claire's Owl Ring, $6.50

I think I may have deformed fingers, but it's VERY hard to find a ring that fits. Sure, there are elastic ones, but they always cut off my circulation. Since this fits nicely, and it would go great with my necklace, I couldn't resist. Hate to admit it, but I actually have very little will power when it comes to cute things, clothes, shoes, accessories!

Earrings: Claire's Star cuff, heart cuff, star and moon cuff, $7.50 each, buy 2 get 1 free

I was actually in Claire's looking for other accessories when I came across these. I thought they were really unique, plus they were buy 2 get 1 free. My favorite is actually the star and the moon. It reminds me of the dreamy night time sky. AND it's very unique.

leather bracelets from Cotton On, $3.50 each set

I've been looking for leather bracelets for a while as well. I really like the colors of the bracelets on the right. Together, they really complement each other. But the set on the left has a traditional vibe to it. I really like the heart shaped peace charm as well. Plus I get to donate to charity with these bracelets as well. I'm all for good causes :)

BAG!

envelope bag, $29

You guessed it right! I've been searching for envelope bags all summer. I came across a couple, but I'm glad I got this one because I like the color blocking and it allows me to pair it with different color schemes. Plus, the snake-skin pattern give it a bit of an edge.

HAT :)

"Style for less" sun hat, $6.60

Here in LA, where the sun shines almost everyday of the year, it's important to get sun protection. Having a big hat is an effective way to block out the harmful UV ways. I purposefully got the plainest one so that I could put embellishments according to the outfit I'm wearing. I can't wait to try these on with my Maxi-dresses.

So that was all the accessories I've got during these past weeks. Thanks for reading! Stay tuned as I feature these cute accessories in future outfit posts!

Until Friday,

XOXO. Joanne.

Candy Cane in Summer Wonderland

Top: Brandy Melville, Skirt: Forever21, Bandeau: American Eagle

I know what you're thinking, Joanne has a twin?! Could it be...the cyberspace alter-ego Valentine has taken on a human form?! ROBOTS ARE TAKING OVER THE WORLD! Haha, no. It's the magic of a tripod and photoshop! And yes, I am a bit of a drama queen!

Sundays at the Zoo Zhu family means going out to eat and trying out new restaurants around town. I've been wanting to try on this outfit for days, but I haven't got the chance to because the Sunday tradition have been put on a hiatus. But this weekend, it's finally resumed, giving me the perfect opportunity to try on this outfit.

I first came across this skirt when I was looking on polyvore for Carrie Bradshaw/SJP inspired outfits, and I found this set. Isn't it so cute? At the time, forever21 had sold out of the skirt. However I got lucky for being such a frequent visitor to the f21 website because I accidentally came across the skirt while I was surfing through the site one day. Next thing I know, I was at the student customer center signing off a package.

The tank top's a Brandy Melville shirt I got a long time ago. The fabric feels amazing, all brandy melville clothes feel amazing! The problem is, it's actually a really loose shirt. Initially, I thought a cami would have been better with the skirt. Given the occasion, I wanted something more formal to go with the skirt to go out with the family. I thought of the BM tank top, and I liked how it turned out :)

Tie necklace: Shanghai boutique, Bag: Mulberry, Shoes: Sam Edelman

My favorite part :) Accessories!

I'm lucky I have the tie necklace because it matches the skirt well!

Again, keeping up with the semi-formal-going-out-with-family theme, I threw in this bag I received as a gift over the summer.

Last but not least, shoes! I got these gold Sam Edelman flats while I was shopping at Nordstorm Rack. The reason I picked these is because A, I was going for the semi-formal vibe, and B, there's a gold consistency in the entire outfit, but it's not too over-the-top matchy matchy.

Don't forget to hype + fav on LOOKBOOK and Chictopia ♥

See you Wednesday,

Joanne

May the odds be ever in your favor...

Combat Girls by joanneinazoo featuring a quilted jacket

Hunger Games DVD's come out today! (Well, technically, midnight tomorrow morning.) I will probably wait till Black Friday to get it, but it's still an exciting moment in history! A movie that took millions' breaths away is going to be out on DVD and BluRay with BONUS FEATURES! Yeah, I sound like the Target narrator guy, I blame the commercials. Well, after reading the trilogy, I can't say I'm the biggest fan of the books. Despiste, I've got to admit, as I was reading, I didn't want to put them down even though it turned out to be a huge disappointment when I finished. But, I did enjoy the movie! I was constantly on the edge of my seat as I was watching the movie--even though I knew exactly what was going to happen! So, props need to be given to the amazing cast, including Jennifer Lawrence. Based on the interviews I watched, she is a terrific person, she's genuinely funny. And of course, I can't forget the fellow Trojan, Alex Ludwig, who played Cato. And cute little Rue. Bottom line is, LOVED THE MOVIE, and can't wait for Catching Fire--FINNICK ODAIR (more like OH DEAR!) Melody, if you're reading this, I know you're rolling your eyes at me. So yeah! The reason I'm even mentioning the Hunger Games DVD is because everywhere I go, it's HUNGER GAMES DVD OUT MIDNIGHT 4/18...literally everywhere--TV, youtube, other internet sites. But it was one of the hottest blockbusters! People loved the movies. I mean what's not to like about it? Aside from all the reasons I've already mentioned, the fashion's pretty great! Since this is a fashion blog, I can't forget fashion! Cinna IS a revolutionary designer (pun intended). I, personally, wouldn't wear the burning costume, but it was a really cool concept! I can't wait to see all the beautiful gowns in Catching Fire. Aside from the fictional fashion, the actual costumes designs were nice, too! The costumes of the Capitol freaks would definitely be runway-worthy. Probably not street, but definitely runway.

Anyways, so the other day, I stumbled upon this "18 Terrific Fall Trends 2012" post from allwomenstalk. I couldn't help but drawing the connection from trend #17, "Modern Military" to Katniss's hunting look. There's also some element of trend #15, "Boyish," as well. And before all this, ever since I saw Emily from Pretty Little Liars wearing that military like jacket that Hanna found from the church charity drive (I can't find a picture anywhere), I've been looking for the right jacket myself to prep for fall. With all the anticipation for the Military trend, plus the hype about Katniss's hunting outfit (there's Halloween costumes, where I found the mockingjay pin), I was totally inspired to create a set!

I started out looking for the right jacket. Since I'm trying to honor the Hunger Games, I feel like a cognac leather jacket would be more suitable for this situation that a military jacket would. Next up, I felt like a nice loose fitting white Tee would draw attention to the jacket more. The USA-themed tee was perfect and very appropriate for the military theme. I felt like white pants would go more with the jacket because I wanted the combat boots to match with the jacket, and the boots wouldn't be as effective if paired with dark colored pants. Last but not least, accessories! The dog-tag fitted with the theme, yet it's so girly and cute. I really like the bracelets because of its rockstar edge. To top it all off, Aviators! But the true cherry on top is the mockingjay pin.

As Effie Trinket would say, "may the odds be ever in your favor!" I guess the odds were in my favor as I was able to draw from the DVD release and the fall trend to create a set that I would really like to try out one day.

XOXO.

Joanne

Tribal Teal

As promised in Tribal Love, I managed to put together a tribal-patterned outfit. I was digging around in my closet looking for something tribal related, and I managed to find this dress! I got it at the Forever21 in Singapore. The Singapore F21 really had some different styles! But, I'm so glad I found this dress. Can't believe I forgot all about it, I've been obsessing over teal! Just look at my toe nails :p

I admit, the sandals might have been too much. But I was in a teal mood, and these have been my favorite shoes since I got them in Shanghai (they only about $10 USD!) so I decided to got out on a limb a bit.

Don't forget to hype on lookbook and fav on chictopia :)

Xoxo.

Valentine

Back to School Essentials

I've been following Diamondsandheels14 for a while now. I find her health-related/skin/beauty videos very helpful. But, since she uploaded this back-to-school video, I feel like it's relevant considering school is starting soon. I for one cannot wait to get back to school, catching up with friends after the long summer, and most importantly, FOOTBALL SEASON! Even though I've been shopping and stuffing my closet to get ready for going back to school, I find this video very helpful. I like her suggestions because most of the stuff she suggested were very simple, yet they still have the potential to be nice, eye-catching outfits. Sometimes, I feel less comfortable wearing a flashy outfit to class because that's an environment for learning, and wearing something attention-grabbing may drive the focus away from the learning. Of course, that's just my opinion. Still, I'm really appreciative of her suggestions for the basics. I think for me, I plan on trying to go for the basic looks for a few days of the school week, and for the rest, I would go for something more unique and shows my personality. It's a win-win compromise :)

Here are the things listed in the video:
Basic loose T's
Cassandra (the guru) recommended stylemint T's.
But I think it would be just as easy to find more affordable basic T's from Forever21, Wet Seal, Cotton On, or other stores you go to regularly at the mall.
But there's one thing she mentioned that I couldn't agree more, make sure it's comfortable!

Flats
Ahh shoes! The piece of accessory I couldn't get enough of! In a basic outfit, a cute pair of flats really adds a bit of femininity.

I recently got a pair of ballet flats. And I love it! The neutral blush color is easy to match, and it's a very reasonable price!

Fun Accessories
I love playing with all kinds of accessories. Like in raspberry swirl, the scarf really changes up the originally basic outfit.

Over the summer, while I was shopping in Shanghai, I came across this GORGEOUS peacock feather necklace. I wasn't feeling it at the moment, but looking back, I SO regret not getting them. It's a total dont-you-hate-it-when-that-happens-moment.

But this is the closest one to the one I liked

However, I won't give up! The search for cute accessories continues!

Perfect Fitting JeansOk, that's sort of a given. But the options are still wide open!
A lot of retailers American Eagle, Holister, Aeropostale, and many others have been having jeans promotions. I think it may have something to do with back to school.

But of all the brands, one of my favorites is still AE jeans. Their marketing team must be happy to hear this. They'be been going all out with jeans promotion. With the contests, celebrity endorcements, yesterday, they even had a commercial on TV. But I've got it hand it to AE, they're the experts when it comes to jeans. I own two AE jeans, and they both have really nice fitting--certainly better than the other brands. Plus, there's lots of options, even within each "cuts." Most importantly, their jeans are very reasonably priced.

Last, but not least! Cardigan(s)!
Sure it's still summer, and it's still unbelievably hot (in LA at least). But I remember how the school AC was so cold, I got sick. So! Having a matching cardigan may be the cherry on the sundae, it may potentially save you from a cold!

Aside from these five wonderful suggestions, I may have some suggestions of my own!
Sleeveless Button-Up

I'm absolutely loving sleeveless blouses. The fact that it is a blouse makes it school appropriate. The sleeveless gives it a bit of an edge. And with a high low skirt, or a pair of shorts, it makes the perfect chic look.

SCARVES
I love scarves. If a cardigan is too hot, a nice thin scarf would provide the warmth AND puts the cherry on top.

So, with all these suggestions, I have all the more reasons for being excited to go back to school ♥

xoxo,

excited for school.

Tribal Love

 

Tribal Love by joanneinazoo featuring heart jewelry

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Blake Lively wearing the tribal Marchesa that took everyone's breaths awayWhile I was scrolling through the style section of People, I came across Ashley Tisdale and Elizabeth Banks rocking out some tribal outfits. They were really cute! It reminded me of this Marchesa that Blake Lively wore to "Fashion's Night Out," which I spotted from watching this episode of Style Star. I couldn't help but make a set of my own! I've never made sets on Polyvore--I usually use it for inspiration--so some of the editing is a bit rough. So I tried searching through different retailers looking for anything tribal, and I really like this Brandy Melville tank. I think it goes well with the AE shorts. At first, I was afraid it might have been too much, but based on the set, it seems okay! And the accessories are SO CUTE. The suede bracelets and the fringe bag really complements the tribal vibe of the entire outfit. And THE SHOES! I might get myself a pair of the tribal oxfords. I think I want to try a tribal look of my own.

So the Style Star episode I mentioned earlier, I watched it on the plane ride back to the states. It featured the famous Sarah Jessica Parker and the iconic Blake Lively, two of my favorite actresses.

Both these starlets have played characters that were New York it girls, and I love learning about the city style! But, in real life, they're constantly being compared to their fictional counterparts, but I don't see that as a bad thing! I mean SJP and Carrie Bradshaw has the style that's more mature. But she never seizes to amaze me, I've always been "Carried Away."

But I think Blake Lively, or Gossip Girl's very own Serena van der Woodsen (SVDW), is relatively more inspiring. I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like this golden goddess has a California vibe to her--she is originally from here! Yet, when I see her on the screen as SVDW (try saying that 10x's fast), I love her looks and I would totally believe that she's a born and bred New Yorker. Some of S's looks would definitely be ones I would try to replicate myself (even if I much prefer the style of Blair). Anyways, what really impressed me was that Blake doesn't even have a stylist! All her looks are styled by herself. I mean it's normal for a girl to style herself, but Blake's looks are great! It's no wonder she was named in "Time's 100 Most Inspirational People" list. Most of her looks are breath-taking, and they're actually really simple! For example, if she's wearing a Maxi, she wouldn't go all-out with crazy accessories, she would just put her hair up in a sleek pony tail, and out the door she goes! It's that simplicity that adds that real POP! Of course, her killer confidence might have something to do with it. She is an inspiration! So, in the documentary, one of my favorite looks is the Yellow Tribal Marchesa (showed above), and all the fashion commentators agreed with me. Now I'm even more motivated to try out that tribal outfit :)

Until next week, HAGW (Have a great weekend).
XO.

Raspberry Swirl

Heyy there, Joanne here, your one and only source writing my first ever blog post! (Please excuse the lameness, I'm a TOTAL GG fan)

After spending an entire summer in Shanghai, I really do miss the uniqueness that is LA, which is why I decided to explore Downtown LA. So, my friend suggested that we visit the FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising). When we got there, I was absolutely astounded by the landscaping of the campus. There were beautiful murals, nicely planted flowers, and a very artistically constructed fountain. I couldn't resist getting a few shots on this beautiful campus. Also, I couldn't help but be jealous of the students. They get to learn about fashion, and during their off-time, they get to relax in such peaceful sceneries!

Anyways, about this look. Since I was in an adventurous mood, I felt like simple was the way to go. For this look, it is a great reflection of my style on a regular everyday basis. I was just going for something basic with the black and white color blocking. But, being that one of this summer's hottest colors is coral, I can't just leave this colorful scarf in my closet! I love how the scarf and the matching shades were able to add that extra summery pop to the entire outfit.

Don't forget to hype my look on LOOKBOOK and fav on chictopia. :)

Until Friday!

With love,

Joanne