Onions Have Layers

Ogres have layers. And Fashionwrites has layers.

I stand in the snow, and it's tiny, powdery pieces fall gently on my cheeks. They remind me that I am no longer home; I am at my home away from home. Then hail starts raining down from the sky like tiny, pissed off rocks and mercilessly stabs my face. They remind me that it's going to be that kind of winter. Time to get prepared. Let's peel back these layers. I have my Charlotte Russe knee-high boots, knee-high Payless Shoesource socks, a heavy duty Romy's scarf, H&M green poncho, random black gloves I first used in a winter 10 times worse than this in Europe, a white knit dress, and my furry hat. And I can't forget my natural fur coat--my hair. If you've ever had long hair, you know that it makes you unbearably hot on warm days and cozy warm on chilly ones. To avoid looking as big as an ogre beneath all of these layers, simply play with patterns, stick with neutral colors, and make sure to include fitted pieces like my body-hugging dress and socks. A bit of definition goes a long way.

Tra-la-la in the snow, la-di-da....AH! HAIL!

STAMPEDE

"Danger? Hah! I walk on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger. Ha ha ha ha!"

-The Lion King

The stampede is rapidly storming into my winter wardrobe, and I'm staring it down with a smile. Bring on the faux fur lined coats, full-length fur, leopard spots, reptile skin, wooly boots, and furry shrugs into my fashionable jungle. Who the heck in the fashion world has time for hibernation when a fresh quarter, Tahitian dance class, Hawaii Club luau, fashion shows, blogging, and endless work lies ahead in the new year? Take a gander through the safari zone and see these finds in their natural habitats. We've got some rare species in our sights--splurges! To our left is my gifted Allen B. coat, and far down under there's my $50 black boots from the Naturalizer. Look just below! Two kid-sized sub-species: a thrifted leopard print jacket kids large from Goodwill and, in the same size, a GAP Kids shrug. Their range? $7 each. Then there's my favorite Charlotte Russe leopard pumps and my thrifted full-length coat. Time to harness the Animal Kingdom. *No animals were injured in the making of these items or post.

"Ingonyama nengw' enamabala."
A lion and a leopard, come to this open place.

Happy Holidays!

"Hang all the mistletoe, I'm going to get to know you better..."

THIS CHRISTMAS

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of Holidays. 2010 is nearing it's end, and it's been a wild and fun ride in the blogosphere here at Fashionwrites. I'd like to thank you all for the kind support over these past 11 or so months. I appreciate every comment you care to share with me. You're the motivation, the life, and the drive behind every post on Fashionwrites. I hope you all enjoy your vacations, time with family, relaxation, presents, gift-giving, feast feasting and everything else the holiday season brings. Laugh out loud, and laugh with friends. Look back on your year and be proud of what you've done. Then look to the future and make goals, aspirations, and dreams for 2011. Dream Big.

Really BIG.

Mele Kalikimaka! Merry Christmas!

Internship Opportunities

Grab it.

Black Mary Jane, a prominent fashion blog on which I was featured with a guest post a while back, is currently looking for internships for the Spring 2011 semester "in every department." Literally. They've got new positions in General, PR, Photography, Stylist, Advertising, Special Projects, Social Media, and Editorial--basically, they're calling out to all types of fashion fans across the blogosphere globe.

Here's your chance.

Upon clicking the link above, you'll find yourself in a sea of opportunity with a blog that has a strong goal in mind and a talented, creative team behind it. All of the afore listed will be at that link with a summary of job descriptions and the contact information.

Simply taking advantage of writing for another blog allows you the opportunity to experience working and contributing to a cohesive team of fashion bloggers. It also gives you a wider audience and scope across the blogosphere. Each and every blogging/writing/photographing experience can be used in future resumes and interviews, as I have already done with landing my newspaper job. You're writing will improve, you're photography will spread, and your vision of fashion will inspire others. For what more could you ask?

Up Close and Personal

But don't take it personally.

Zoom in on a pink plaid printed tweed blazer and pink tinted big sunglasses. I dare you to say that ten times fast. Yah. That's what I thought. Layered over a Roxy graphic tee and some heavy duty pearls, this tweed jacket's girly tinge is toned down just enough for a public appearance. I've also got some denim shorts layered over peeking stockings and pockets playfully hanging below the roughly ripped hem. Now say that ten times fast. 

Urban Flavor

Power to the people.

 

Warning: this is not a test. Warning: this is not a test. Warning: this is not a test. Warning: this is not a test.

The Urban Apparel is giving you most lovely and deserving fans a nice holiday treat. I now present to you another 15% off discount opportunity! That's exactly right. We're in the ultimate consumerist season. All hail big spending and even bigger savings. All hail long lines and crazy red tags or blue tags or one day only or door-busting sales or, for the absolute hardcore shoppers, all of the above. Sometimes it all seems pointless. You save tons of money (which I love) when you spend tons of money (which I don't have). But not at The Urban Apparel! You've got this 15% discount off of every single item on the site. That means sale items and new arrivals, baby.

Simply type in the code :"Holiday" upon checkout. Offer is valid from December 22nd through December 31st. Perfect timing for that last minute gift and for your Holiday money. Enjoy shopping with and for friends and family--because that is when it is most rewarding. Happy Holidays, indeed.

Dog Days

This is getting Sirius.

The common phrase "Dog Days" refers to Sirius, the brightest and dog-shaped constellation of stars that shines during the hottest days of summer. Well, these so-called winter days in Hawaii are doggone hot, meaning perfect weather for a sheer long-sleeve, Papaya lace mini shorts and Payless Shoesource open-toed wedges. The edgy and border-line rude bra, sheer, and short concept can be smoothed around the edges with a playful dog-eared faux fur animal hat. Though they're everywhere, in different styles, with different animal faces and ears, and in different sizes, I found my comfy and simple hat at Icing's. You've got a wide variety out there, from having panda bear faces on your forehead to arm-length mittens hanging from your ears. These hats aren't simply for teeny boppers--when paired with outfits like these, they make creative and cohesive looks. That outfit isn't too mature and the hat isn't too immature. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks? 

Animal by Fashionwrites featuring beanie hats

I apologize for the poor quality of these photos. I seriously need to read my how-to and what's-this and what-the-heck-is-this manual for my uber complex camera. I swear technology is out to get me. I say this, or write, rather, while I await my Creative Writing in the New Media class next quarter. New Media means I'll be learning about writing in the vast technological universe--including the blooming blogosphere. I know. It's mind boogling (a creative word). I'm excited and hopeful to get more than a crash course of this eternal space. Until then, Christmas is fast approaching, as is my return to Seattle, so floor-length skirts and dresses are on their much-needed way!

She's Seeing Spots

She's crazy. Or seriously ill. Or both. 

I matched this 70s inspired glasses from Zumies with 50s I Love Lucy inspired dress for a current millennium look. I buckled up during my time travels with a Nine West corsage belt, defining my waist in an otherwise (yet still lovable) potato sack of a thrifted dress. As for my buddies, a Decree elephant necklace and a McDonald's Chococat watch, they're newest to my collection of animal inspired jewelry. Girls and women of all ages--especially mine--have been flying like vultures over McDonald's and buying Happy Meal after Happy Meal to collect all Sanrio Hello Kitty watches. I, on the other hand, have the entire set because my father's a McDonald's supervisor, and I've been getting free toys all my life. Oh. Yeah. Speaking of which, Hello Kitty, in it's 50 years of outrageously cute existence, is on the rise again. Hot Topic, McDonald's, Spencer's, Jeans Wearhouse, Forever 21, and every other place imaginable are littered with Hello Kitty merchandise. Is 2011 looking forward to the bombshell beauty or the cute girly-girl? Or both?

When your pattern is busy, it's easiest to keep jewelry and shoes simple for a cohesive and flirty look. I'm a firm believer that a good bolero hat complements any outfit. Frilly ends on my mini refrain from looking too short with some chunky wedges. Skip to my crazy original drumbeat lou. 

Home Sweet Home

Welcome to...

Ever since I've been home, I haven't been home. I've been running around the island from the west to the east, going to Christmas parties with friends, seeing family and wondering how I ever survived another four months without them, going to a wrestling tournament where my little cousin won 1st place (again), staying in Waikiki for a night in a $1200 suite for only $30, eating meat jun and sushi (though I always eat sushi), swimming at the beach in a relaxed determination to tan, and inscribing my baby and my mission into the sand. Welcome home.