Saturday, April 23, 2011
Springtime
Spring is in the air, and I'd really like to start this back up. The two are completely irrelevant, but the sun puts me in a delightful mood. Blossoms are blossoming left and right and I just spent a day in the city, doing minimal shopping but a lot of strolling and it just felt so nice. I'm ready for summer
Saturday, July 31, 2010
I wish I wrote more in this, I really do
because no matter what my parents say or do, I still long to be a journalist. Not exactly a fashion journalist per se though it would be quite thrilling, but more likely to be in magazine or the Times' Fashion/Style, the Arts, or Dining section. I really like eating and though I'm not sure my palette is sophisticated enough to be a critic just yet, it could happen....right? Or just some job that allows me to eat out often on someone else's tab while also maintaining a good looking weight. Hence this blog about various things.
Etiquette. Something I love and adore. Though my cousin once described me as "classy but chumpy", in which I wholeheartedly agree, there are times where you must bust out one or the other. Though I can't say I have read countless etiquette books or even touched any of Emily Post's writings, I have read enough material to generally know some odd tidbits on how things should be. The most recent, a fairly new book by Derek Blasberg entitled Classy: Be a Lady, not a Tramp is a somewhat fun presentation of some very basic manner rules with many colorful pictures/illustrations that make it fun for the little ones. Apparently the book is aimed towards the modern day teenager but in my opinion, what teenager wants to know about etiquette? Aside from me of course. And at that I would scarcely call it etiquette. Though some parts (however, very few) parts made me laugh out loud, many were just your stereotypical gay male sayings and frankly, stupid similes/metaphors that made no sense whatsoever, trying to fashion himself as if he were Chelsea Handler (To take inspiration from his voice: Trust me honey, you ain't). Which, by the way, I have read Are you there Vodka, it's me Chelsea since the last time I blogged about her and I am also currently reading My Horizontal Life: a Collection of One-Night Stands. Terrific. Though I read her books in reverse order, the order I like them in is probably in which they were written, though all are stunning. As typical, I digress. Blasberg's statements many times come off as "know-it-all"esque, as if females didn't know that thongs above the pantline are utterly vulgar. Though some may not realize I guess, but then again they are most likely hoochie mamas that shop at Cache. His book is name-dropping in the manner of a teenager girl-- he mentions countless times about how he is such close friends with so-and-so and went to a ______ themed party with ya-di-yada; it's absolutely exhausting! I had no idea who Derek was coming into this aside from the fact that he moved from the Midwest to the Big Apple as he mentioned, say, every five pages. Not sure how it was relevant. Coming into the book I asked for manners tips, not your autobiography.
Though I should've been tipped off by the title, I actually expected more basic etiquette rules to be in there, or rather more scenarios such as Kate Spade did in her book. Though he mentions things such as place settings and throwing a gathering, there was a lot of Don't do this if you want to be classy and the Classy vs. Trashy comparison, something not very hard to decipher. Upon ending the book, I basically assumed he was some random social climber just waiting to actually be famous. I wondered how he was able to sign on to write this book and of course, googled him.
Revelation moment---what? He's an editor at V magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and style.com?!! This isn't for real (automatically gain remote sense of respect). So odd, I thought...and so young! This gives hope for me of course, after all, he is only from the Midwest...and with a Bachelor's in journalism only. I was planning to get a Masters; theoretically I would go to NYU for the bachelor's (where you are forced to double major if pursuing journalism) and then I would go to Columbia for graduate school. Aka have better odds than him. I'm personable, it could happen!
So screw the book/personality, thank you Derek Blasberg for giving a gal hope. I would recommend your book to others anyways so regardless of my semi-harsh criticism, at least you tried to make a difference with the younger set and for that, I commend you.
Etiquette. Something I love and adore. Though my cousin once described me as "classy but chumpy", in which I wholeheartedly agree, there are times where you must bust out one or the other. Though I can't say I have read countless etiquette books or even touched any of Emily Post's writings, I have read enough material to generally know some odd tidbits on how things should be. The most recent, a fairly new book by Derek Blasberg entitled Classy: Be a Lady, not a Tramp is a somewhat fun presentation of some very basic manner rules with many colorful pictures/illustrations that make it fun for the little ones. Apparently the book is aimed towards the modern day teenager but in my opinion, what teenager wants to know about etiquette? Aside from me of course. And at that I would scarcely call it etiquette. Though some parts (however, very few) parts made me laugh out loud, many were just your stereotypical gay male sayings and frankly, stupid similes/metaphors that made no sense whatsoever, trying to fashion himself as if he were Chelsea Handler (To take inspiration from his voice: Trust me honey, you ain't). Which, by the way, I have read Are you there Vodka, it's me Chelsea since the last time I blogged about her and I am also currently reading My Horizontal Life: a Collection of One-Night Stands. Terrific. Though I read her books in reverse order, the order I like them in is probably in which they were written, though all are stunning. As typical, I digress. Blasberg's statements many times come off as "know-it-all"esque, as if females didn't know that thongs above the pantline are utterly vulgar. Though some may not realize I guess, but then again they are most likely hoochie mamas that shop at Cache. His book is name-dropping in the manner of a teenager girl-- he mentions countless times about how he is such close friends with so-and-so and went to a ______ themed party with ya-di-yada; it's absolutely exhausting! I had no idea who Derek was coming into this aside from the fact that he moved from the Midwest to the Big Apple as he mentioned, say, every five pages. Not sure how it was relevant. Coming into the book I asked for manners tips, not your autobiography.
Though I should've been tipped off by the title, I actually expected more basic etiquette rules to be in there, or rather more scenarios such as Kate Spade did in her book. Though he mentions things such as place settings and throwing a gathering, there was a lot of Don't do this if you want to be classy and the Classy vs. Trashy comparison, something not very hard to decipher. Upon ending the book, I basically assumed he was some random social climber just waiting to actually be famous. I wondered how he was able to sign on to write this book and of course, googled him.
Revelation moment---what? He's an editor at V magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and style.com?!! This isn't for real (automatically gain remote sense of respect). So odd, I thought...and so young! This gives hope for me of course, after all, he is only from the Midwest...and with a Bachelor's in journalism only. I was planning to get a Masters; theoretically I would go to NYU for the bachelor's (where you are forced to double major if pursuing journalism) and then I would go to Columbia for graduate school. Aka have better odds than him. I'm personable, it could happen!
So screw the book/personality, thank you Derek Blasberg for giving a gal hope. I would recommend your book to others anyways so regardless of my semi-harsh criticism, at least you tried to make a difference with the younger set and for that, I commend you.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Picnic in the Park
Today, me and friends trekked to our local waterfront for an outdoor picnic with a view. Potentially take a dip in the fountains even if the weather pertains. WRONG. The weather did not comply by any means and actually even sprinkled a bit, aka fuck our lives. It turned out fine though and was good fun because of the company. Screw the girl that decided on the date though because it's been sunny for the last two weeks. Anywho, what is the ideal picnic outfit? A gingham dress to match the gingham blanket you're sitting on? Or rather, that frolicking through the field frock? Perhaps something on the in-between, not too flowy and ethereal but not too retro cutesy. Let us observe.
Number 1 staple- the ideal picnic basket. It should be wicker or woven, and lined for that matter (with your own cloth or sewn on). If it's not, throw it out! It's not worthy of eating with. If you're feeling extra romantic, you'll have the kind of basket with the wine bottle holder(s), which is cool looking but a little clunky/inconvenient. If it were me...My ideal would probably be woven with only one wine bottle holder (though it'd look awfully unsymmetrical) because amongst a pair or few people, how much alcohol do you really need during the day, right? And if not, that's what flasks are for...because I would know being well under 21 and such). I was just shopping recently and came along a perfect basket at Kate Spade. Known for the kitschy designs and conservative but colorful New York persona, they have everything a Charlotte York could ever want. And this includes a designer picnic basket, one that also attaches to your cruiser Schwinn bicycle, or if you're lucky, your Hermes/Chanel/Gucci one.
Number 1 staple- the ideal picnic basket. It should be wicker or woven, and lined for that matter (with your own cloth or sewn on). If it's not, throw it out! It's not worthy of eating with. If you're feeling extra romantic, you'll have the kind of basket with the wine bottle holder(s), which is cool looking but a little clunky/inconvenient. If it were me...My ideal would probably be woven with only one wine bottle holder (though it'd look awfully unsymmetrical) because amongst a pair or few people, how much alcohol do you really need during the day, right? And if not, that's what flasks are for...because I would know being well under 21 and such). I was just shopping recently and came along a perfect basket at Kate Spade. Known for the kitschy designs and conservative but colorful New York persona, they have everything a Charlotte York could ever want. And this includes a designer picnic basket, one that also attaches to your cruiser Schwinn bicycle, or if you're lucky, your Hermes/Chanel/Gucci one.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Alas, it's here
Grey Gardens and Bobby! Hurrah. and 5 days until the traveling Lion King Broadway show. Could I be anymore excited? Why yes, yes I could actually, but I think once I get out of my sulking state and embrace my (cheaper) semi- once in a lifetime chance then I will be! However, the question is, what to wear? As I simply googled "what to wear to a broadway show", two eHow links showed up as the first results. No, I will not trust some anonymous, straight male who takes time out of his life to tell others what to wear via a cheapie website. The third result was a bit more credible, luckily. From Glamour.com, this video shows a fun makeover of one of the tourists looking to go see a show. As I read the comments on the website, the (I assume to be) women spoke about how they got dressed up tfor their shows and felt overdressed; another spoke from the stage's perspectives and said that the cast liked when the audience dressed up. As I consulted my cousin, Mama O, on what she would wear, she replied to me, "Nothing too dressy but more than casual; perhaps a babydoll top?" Hmm, perhaps a babydoll top, I thought to myself. I don't own any babydoll tops, though I really should because my midsection is freakishly large.
And as I continue this blog post a day later, I still feel the same way and I'm ready to pick up my holds from the library already! Though berry picking on someone's tab is quite fantastic, it just doesn't seem to bring me the same amount of joy that shopping/dressing up does. Well it really depends on the situation because berry picking in a flowy dress is nice to say the least. Though my "frolic through a field of flowers" ideal frock hasn't been completed yet, this dress will have to suffice in the meantime. But as for a show, what is dubbed as apropriado? Should I wear this dress that I got on sale from Urban outfitters that hasn't had a chance to leave my closet yet or even be rid of its tag? It's a thicker cotton (I'm too lazy to search up what the material is actually called) with a V in the back that could be interchangeably be put to the front for a plunging neckline. There's a high neckline if you're wearing it the correct way and shoulder pads with square silver studs on top, one little guy hanging loose but nothing that can't be fixed. It has cropped 3/4 sleeves and there is a waistline where the skirted part begins which bounces up a bit. I really need to learn some more technical lingo around here if I'm going to be a budding seamstress/clothing designer! If only I could get that sewing machine fixed...Tomorrow I love the thing to death, but it shows my bra bulge roll, which is why I must get a belt. Though I have a perfect pair of "ferosh" heels, my feet are starting to dangerously outgrow them. Though how often does a girl wear heels, right? I can handle it though really prefer not to. But they're edgy, strappy, black patent, and have silver zippers going down the middle. This means I must have a wide black belt, potentially patent, to go with it (aka 2 birds 1 stone-- hide the roll, cinch the waist, look good). But I feel like the theatre is a place for more traditional dressy dressing, can the Lion King handle (especially on July 4th) a girl with studs and zippers? Especially downtown? The world may never even see Kimberly Q in that dress at the rate she's eating at.
Would you dress up for a show?
And as I continue this blog post a day later, I still feel the same way and I'm ready to pick up my holds from the library already! Though berry picking on someone's tab is quite fantastic, it just doesn't seem to bring me the same amount of joy that shopping/dressing up does. Well it really depends on the situation because berry picking in a flowy dress is nice to say the least. Though my "frolic through a field of flowers" ideal frock hasn't been completed yet, this dress will have to suffice in the meantime. But as for a show, what is dubbed as apropriado? Should I wear this dress that I got on sale from Urban outfitters that hasn't had a chance to leave my closet yet or even be rid of its tag? It's a thicker cotton (I'm too lazy to search up what the material is actually called) with a V in the back that could be interchangeably be put to the front for a plunging neckline. There's a high neckline if you're wearing it the correct way and shoulder pads with square silver studs on top, one little guy hanging loose but nothing that can't be fixed. It has cropped 3/4 sleeves and there is a waistline where the skirted part begins which bounces up a bit. I really need to learn some more technical lingo around here if I'm going to be a budding seamstress/clothing designer! If only I could get that sewing machine fixed...Tomorrow I love the thing to death, but it shows my bra bulge roll, which is why I must get a belt. Though I have a perfect pair of "ferosh" heels, my feet are starting to dangerously outgrow them. Though how often does a girl wear heels, right? I can handle it though really prefer not to. But they're edgy, strappy, black patent, and have silver zippers going down the middle. This means I must have a wide black belt, potentially patent, to go with it (aka 2 birds 1 stone-- hide the roll, cinch the waist, look good). But I feel like the theatre is a place for more traditional dressy dressing, can the Lion King handle (especially on July 4th) a girl with studs and zippers? Especially downtown? The world may never even see Kimberly Q in that dress at the rate she's eating at.
Would you dress up for a show?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Walk o' Shame.
I broke my consistent bloggerness! I'm disappointed in myself. And what have I even been doing? Besides going to Ikea and some brief shopping? And having my nose glued in a book? Not very much frankly, though I will admit there has not been a dull moment yet. After our success of a film festival, I plan on many more. The agenda?
Grey Gardens (not the actual documentary but rather the movie on the documentary with Drew Barrymore) and other Kennedy-based films (one with a B/C-list star-studded cast that there was a trailer on before Factory Girl. Has Shia Labeouf) while peering over some of Jackie O's fashion...and maybe JFK and Marilyn's scandal while we're at it (Marilyn Movies, Some Like it Hot? Never seen one of hers before and I've been meaning to see what's all the rage on this woman).
Chloe (a movie we saw thanks to the trailers of An Education) and Brothers (I've decided) because of their cheating themes
Fred and Ginger marathon + Cats Don't Dance, I could go on forever with this era. We'll listen to some music of then and now, Andrews Sisters and Puppini Sisters, and then watch Mad Men.
Some time when we venture into the 60s (era of An Education) we'll listen to Frank and then Mike Bubble, may as well watch his many movies and then Audrey movies topped off by Bewitched, the movie. Because I adore that movie for no apparent reason. Somehow, Judy Garland's movies/music will fit into this and we'll watch the Tower of Terror only for the black/white glamour (<--It says that "glamour" isn't a word. Bullshit, update your spell-check) clips and watch the history channel in anticipation of a Modern Marvels special on The Stock Market Crash. Not of the 80s obvs, but the other one. In which decade I have no idea even though I did a report on it. Methinkeths...20s? I find it awesome that Golden Hollywood could still go on, wooden Oscars or not. And because my thoughts are so jumbled, Pleasantville must be added in the 60s one. Where are all the Grease-like movies? Poodle-skirts and leather jackets? Grease doesn't actually count because it was made in the 80s. I just remembered something really good too, and now I lost it. Great!
Aha! French film fest. Chocolat, La Vie en Rose, and all those Chanel films that are coming out. We'll do the Lifetime Coco Chanel one even though I've already seen it (and thoroughly enjoyed it, and proud to say that I knew much of her life already), Coco Before Chanel if I could get it from the library already, and the one that's coming out this summer, Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky, with frankly quite a frightening trailer. Watch it. After reviewing the Coco Before Chanel trailer, it seems so similar to the lifetime movie. Is this good or bad? Throw Moulin Rouge into the mix and Ratatouille and boy do I have myself a day/two. Maybe we can pretend to be a little sophisticated and for me, a little less sophomoric by feasting on some goat cheese and if heaven allows it, champagne. Though my parents never keep bubbly around the house, I'm not sure why; we like throwing occasions! And frankly champagne is much more festive and lighthearted than your average red wine from Costco. At a non-sit down party that serves buffet style, it is definitely in call. I"Ll hafta talk to mama about it. JK I won't, though my knowledge of etiquette and events hints at me to push it, some day I'll make a legacy for myself. Then we'll talk.
Kimberly Uong, great thrower of dinner and cocktail parties alike. Always dressed to please and her place impeccably decorated; very modern but with traditional roots. Contemporary but retro. Classy, but chumpy.
P.S. Throw Pearl Harbor in the mix as well since I haven't seen the whole thing and would very much like to do so. Also some Grace Kelly films for good measure.
Grey Gardens (not the actual documentary but rather the movie on the documentary with Drew Barrymore) and other Kennedy-based films (one with a B/C-list star-studded cast that there was a trailer on before Factory Girl. Has Shia Labeouf) while peering over some of Jackie O's fashion...and maybe JFK and Marilyn's scandal while we're at it (Marilyn Movies, Some Like it Hot? Never seen one of hers before and I've been meaning to see what's all the rage on this woman).
Chloe (a movie we saw thanks to the trailers of An Education) and Brothers (I've decided) because of their cheating themes
Fred and Ginger marathon + Cats Don't Dance, I could go on forever with this era. We'll listen to some music of then and now, Andrews Sisters and Puppini Sisters, and then watch Mad Men.
Some time when we venture into the 60s (era of An Education) we'll listen to Frank and then Mike Bubble, may as well watch his many movies and then Audrey movies topped off by Bewitched, the movie. Because I adore that movie for no apparent reason. Somehow, Judy Garland's movies/music will fit into this and we'll watch the Tower of Terror only for the black/white glamour (<--It says that "glamour" isn't a word. Bullshit, update your spell-check) clips and watch the history channel in anticipation of a Modern Marvels special on The Stock Market Crash. Not of the 80s obvs, but the other one. In which decade I have no idea even though I did a report on it. Methinkeths...20s? I find it awesome that Golden Hollywood could still go on, wooden Oscars or not. And because my thoughts are so jumbled, Pleasantville must be added in the 60s one. Where are all the Grease-like movies? Poodle-skirts and leather jackets? Grease doesn't actually count because it was made in the 80s. I just remembered something really good too, and now I lost it. Great!
Aha! French film fest. Chocolat, La Vie en Rose, and all those Chanel films that are coming out. We'll do the Lifetime Coco Chanel one even though I've already seen it (and thoroughly enjoyed it, and proud to say that I knew much of her life already), Coco Before Chanel if I could get it from the library already, and the one that's coming out this summer, Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky, with frankly quite a frightening trailer. Watch it. After reviewing the Coco Before Chanel trailer, it seems so similar to the lifetime movie. Is this good or bad? Throw Moulin Rouge into the mix and Ratatouille and boy do I have myself a day/two. Maybe we can pretend to be a little sophisticated and for me, a little less sophomoric by feasting on some goat cheese and if heaven allows it, champagne. Though my parents never keep bubbly around the house, I'm not sure why; we like throwing occasions! And frankly champagne is much more festive and lighthearted than your average red wine from Costco. At a non-sit down party that serves buffet style, it is definitely in call. I"Ll hafta talk to mama about it. JK I won't, though my knowledge of etiquette and events hints at me to push it, some day I'll make a legacy for myself. Then we'll talk.
Kimberly Uong, great thrower of dinner and cocktail parties alike. Always dressed to please and her place impeccably decorated; very modern but with traditional roots. Contemporary but retro. Classy, but chumpy.
P.S. Throw Pearl Harbor in the mix as well since I haven't seen the whole thing and would very much like to do so. Also some Grace Kelly films for good measure.
Our personal indie film fest
compiled of An Education and Factory Girl. Both fairly decent movies and I enjoyed them...equally? I now find Andy Warhol to be a very fascinating character and would like to find out more about him. He's funny, and really queer seeming. He was probably bi. You can't just have a voice like that and not have a remote attraction towards the same sex. I don't know what lesbians sound like, but I imagine that they are highly terrifying. But he seems awesome and I want to watch more of his short films. Intriguing. My girl Gaga uses part of his clips in her opening for the Monster Ball Tour which I am due for attending...if my parents would let me. Though it'd actually be quite easy to fake it but it's so far in advanced that it's rough. But prices are so cheap right now! So I must lunge. But anyways, An Education, nominated for approximately one thousand Oscars, was pretty good. I started this post the day I watched it and I wish I finished it then so that things were fresher in my memory. An Education had wonderful costumes and soundtrack/score, I love...not sure what the style would be called, but I guess retro-jazzy but modern music with lots of brass..basically something rihgt out of Mark Ronson. and England. Amy Winehouse one would think? No, but on the right track. Duffy! Who had that one hit song a few years back that I quite enjoyed. I have it in my head but not the title. I really like that British rockers are taking America by storm, if not a little slowly. Not completely mainstream, but if you watch MTV (which many do), very popular there. Aha! Mercy. That's it. Jump for some music from An Education and how to buy what I just told about. I'm still at a loss on the genre. If you know, anonymous ghost person, feel free to tell me. Doo-wop?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The (Supposed) Retro Revival
More retro folks! There's no such thing as an overload with it honestly. As for this blogging business, I've been pretty good with at least one post a day, though that's nothing compared to most normal blogs but hey, I'm a n00b so this is a whole different story. Also, what's (un)comforting is that Google Chrome isn't spell checking on this, so Ill actually have to run through the regular spell checker with ugly highlights as opposed to the neater red underlines. AWESOME. Anyways, as I skimmed my New York Times Skimmer (Fashion & Style, but of course. I do look at other interesante things though. Wait a second, it does underline! N00b is a word yet interesante is not? This is twisted. But, as I skimmed the skimmer I ran along an article that talks about how basically, retro or things of times' past will inspire Americans to open their wallets and shell out the money to buy goods. Dumb. And for that matter, untrue. The article continues to talk about Sperrys ((Sp)erries? The American language is a mystery.) and brands such as Eddie Bauer and LL Bean taking schtuff+shiz niz from their old catalogs and revamping it and puttin' it in store. A concept so unfamiliar I'm almost rolling over on the floor in awe.
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