Adventures of Yoo

February 22 2017

My New Foray into Fashion

Lately, you’ve been seeing a lot of style posts from me. I can’t say I’ve always been into fashion. It was only, just recently, that I found the whole fashion industry interesting. I love spotting trends and I love the artistic element in it like the stunning sparkly dresses we saw at Chanel or the beautiful flower embroidery at Gucci.

A few months ago, I had this idea to start a clothing line based on one item of clothing. I started spotting it everywhere. I own 20 pairs of it yet I don’t love any of them. I researched it and found out that the market for it is booming. Now, I’ll leave you in suspense. What fun would that be if I told you the whole story?

Not sure what to do next, yesterday, during lunch, I asked my mother-in-law and father-in-law for their advice. They said to check out a trade show. I hurried back to my desk and looked up fashion trade shows. It just so happens that one of the top shows is going on right now in Las Vegas.

So where am I going to tonight? MAGIC in Vegas! Let’s pursue this dream. Let’s see where it goes. Will I meet the right people? Can a girl with an far-fetched dream turn it into a reality? Who knows! Wish me luck.

Art & Design

February 17 2017

Fun Links of the Week

It’s been awhile since a Fun Links of the Week post. Sorry! Have had to take the last few Fridays off. I’ll try to be more regular with my posts. I’m actually thinking of turning this blog into more of a “trendspotting” one. I used to be into photography but after a year of pursuing it, I decided that I’m more interested in design, fashion and trends. More on that later.

A big storm is starting to come into southern California. Biggest one in years!

Here are your fun links of the week.

This clock trips me out.

That’s one pretty drink. (Shhh…it’s super secret.)

Isn’t this new chair pretty? Love the pink and gold version.

Which grown up girl doesn’t dream of wearing this?

I recently discovered Outdoor Voices. Excited because I’m big into leggings. Like this design.

Have you seen the new Time cover. Powerful animated version.

The small animal tattoo is cute and not too “in your face.”

This is a cute/cool nails trend.

I love the combination of pink and red. (Especially in shoes.)

Thinking about getting these for my nieces.

Love all things rainbow, especially this watercolor-esque pillow.

This glitter bomb case is mesmerizing to watch.

These five fashion brands are killing it.

I’m into the statement shirt.

Sequins is in and this one is a stunner.

The fishnet stocking is in. With white boots, it looks fresh.

Lately I’ve been obsessed with Scandinavian design.

Can’t wait for this movie’s sequel, even if it’ll only be 10 minutes long. (Can you believe it’s been 14 years?!)

Way to stay relevant, Nike.

Amazon is a beast.

Have you heard of the new catchy word “perennials“? I kind of like it.

I dig Spring 2017’s most important trend. Bring on the pink!

Monday, I’m off with the kids so see you back on Tuesday.

Art & Design

February 16 2017

Binge Watch Worthy Show: Fleabag

Though I like being on the cusp of new things, I’m all about a good recommendation. I admit, I binge watched Stranger Things and Westworld, I wasn’t the first to tell my friends all about them. Rather, I have my “tv-watching” friends give me their top recommendations. That’s how I got into Breaking Bad, Homeland and Mr. Robot.

A show that came up on my radar recently was Fleabag. Before it was an Amazon Prime Show, it debuted on BBC back in August of 2016. Even before that, it was a one-woman show. Interesting fact: The initial idea of the character of Fleabag came from a challenge by a friend, where the show’s main character, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, was tasked with creating a sketch for a 10-minute section in a stand-up storytelling night. The stand up show was a hit and it even won an award. The show got turned into a series for BBC so our UK friends got to watch this hilarious and somewhat dark comedy before us here in the US! So what’s the story about? Fleabag follows the life adventures of a modern woman in London. Think lots of dating, sex, and complicated relationships. She talks into the camera, which is, I think the best part.

If you’re one that likes to fully read about a series before starting it, NY Magazine just wrote a full length story about the show. There’s a lot of spoilers in there, I’m warning you!

There are only six episodes that are about 30 minutes each so it’s not a huge investment on your time. I’m interested to hear what you think about the main character, she’s a complicated one, I’m not sure whether or not you’re suppose to love her or hate her. Maybe both. In either case, can’t wait for season 2!

Photo: Billy & Hells

Fleabag on Amazon Prime

Art & Design

February 14 2017

Colorful Rain Cloud Art Print by Showler & Showler

I’m looking to change out the art piece hanging above my mantel. It’s valuable property, you know? I had this print, by Showler & Showler up for years, then came Christmas and my DIY wreath went up. Now contemplating a few new pieces. This is one of them. It’s called the Multi-Colour Rain Cloud Art Print.

Photography

February 14 2017

New Book: Strong is the New Pretty

It was about two years ago that I wrote about Kate T. Parker’s photo series Strong is the New Pretty where she showed pictures of her two daughters in empowering poses. The actual series started six years ago and it has taken her across the country to meet and photograph girls to show their unique strengths. The series has now turned into an actual, real life book which you can soon purchase. (See Amazon.)

Here’s the synopsis:

“Girls being fearless. Girls being silly. Girls being wild, stubborn, and proud. Girls whose faces are smeared with dirt and lit up with joy. So simple and yet so powerful, Strong Is the New Pretty celebrates, through more than 175 memorable photographs, the strength and spirit of girls being 100% themselves.

“Real beauty isn’t about being a certain size, acting a certain way, wearing the right clothes, or having your hair done (or even brushed). Real beauty is about being your authentic self and owning it. Kate T. Parker is a professional photographer who finds the real beauty in girls, capturing it for all the world to see in candid and arresting images.

“A celebration, a catalog of spirit in words and smiles, an affirmation of the fact that it’s what’s inside you that counts, Strong Is the New Pretty conveys a powerful message for every girl, for every mother and father of a girl, for every coach and mentor and teacher, for everyone in the village that it takes to raise a strong and self-confident person.”

I love her arresting photos and this powerful message.

Style

February 13 2017

Trend: Pretty Ruffles Clothing by Self-Portrait

Lately, I’ve been sort of a style kick. You’ll have to excuse me but most of my posts these days are dealing with clothes. One can find a lot of visual inspiration through fashion, trends come and go, it’s fun to see which ones stick. One of the trends I’ve been seeing lately (that I’m loving) is ruffles. Aimee Song of @songofstyle just sported a beautiful black and white ruffle top, but she didn’t state where it came from. After some digging, I think I figured it out – it’s from fashion brand Self-Portrait. Perhaps Song got a custom made top of the design seen above?

Whatever the case, here are some more clothes with ruffles from Self-Portrait.

Here’s how Neiman Marcus describes the brand: “The emerging London-based brand Self-Portrait has impressed style aficionados with its subtle, feminine, and contemporary designs that are luxurious yet accessible. Founded by Malaysian-born designer Han Chong, the brand produces beautiful designer dresses that are ideal for social events and parties.”

Self-Portrait at Neiman Marcus

Style

February 9 2017

The Most Comfortable Flats

Though I love the look of high heels, on a day to day basis I’m all about flats. Comfort is key, and now that there are so many cute flats out there it’s easy to wear them all the time. I’m not sure where I got tipped off about Sam Edelman flats but they’re by far the cutest and most comfortable flats I’ve ever seen. They look like ballerina slippers, so they have that classic feel to them. Amazon is selling them in a ridiculous amount of colors. I bought a basic black pair about six months ago, they’re my go-to shoes almost every day. Just a few days ago, I decided to spice things up and get the Pink Garnet pair (see above), they’re a pretty fuchsia color. I’d love to buy them in rose gold but I can’t seem to find them anywhere.

Amazon took me to Zappos to buy the shoes. They cost about $70 but they’re a great investment given how comfortable and versatile they are.

Sam Edelman’s shoes on Amazon

Art & Design

February 8 2017

In Hawaii, Stunning New Art That Will Stop You in Your Tracks

My favorite art gallery, Thinkspace, is again teaming up with Pow! Wow! Hawaii to put on heck of an art show. This will be the fourth time the two have collaborated on an exhibition. Located at the Honolulu Museum of Art School from February 12 through February 17, 2017, all are welcome to see the most exciting art in the New Contemporary Movement.

Personally, I love Tran Nguyen’s piece (seen above). Maybe it’s because I’ve dyed my own hair pink or it could be the bright blue tattoos on the woman’s body that draws me in.

Wish I was in Hawaii to see this show in person!

Above: Tran Nguyen, “The Magenta Maiden”, (2017), Acrylic and colored pencil on paper

Tatiana Suarez, “Pink Matter”, (2017), Oil and aerosol on wood panel

Sail, “Long Exhale (Cycle or Staple)”, (2017), Ink, watercolor and acrylic on paper

Molly Gruninger, “The Pursuit”, (2017), Oil on canvas

Amy Sol, “Wayfaren”, (2017), Oil on wood panel

Alex Garant, “From Her Ashes”, (2017), Oil on canvas

Wiley Wallace, “Flying Away”, (2017), Acrylic on wood panel

David Cooley, “Theater of the Mind”, (2017), Acrylic and resin on wood panel

Mari Inukai, “Blue”, (2017), Oil on canvas

Oak Oak, “Flying Donuts Homer”, (2017), Stenciled spray paint on wood panel

Brian M. Viveros, “We Can Do It”, (2017), Oil and acrylic on maple board

Style

February 3 2017

Trend: 8 Stylish Ways You Can Wear Metallic Rose Gold

Lately, I’ve noticed a huge trend toward products made in the color metallic rose gold. (I’m dying my hair that same color, in case you didn’t know.) I’ve seen the color pop up in fashion, home decor and even on nails so today I thought I’d bring together some classic ways to incorporate this beautifully stunning color into your life.

Above: Jennifer Behr Starlight Constellation Circlet Headband
Add a little shine to your head with this stunning constellation headband. Each heirloom-quality piece is painstakingly made by hand in NYC.

Herve Leger Crisscross Sleeveless Bandage Dress, Rose Gold
This Herve Leger metallic bandage knit dress screams elegance. I love the crisscross halter neckline and the formfitting silhouette.

High Top Converse Rose Gold Blush Pink Metallic Glass Slippers
Converse was selling these pretty high tops but now they seem to be sold out everywhere. Instead I got these metallic rose gold Vans.

Universal Fit Lovitt Mirror Aviator Sunglasses, Rose Golden
I like how these aviator sunglasses are in a rose-tone metal. They remind me of a sunset.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Gatsby
This nail polish has just the right amount of shine. Elegant yet relevant.

This floor length sequined bridesmaid dress with a sweetheart neckline and a sheath silhouette is absolutely stunning! Especially in Rose Gold.

Metallic, mirror, handmade leather sandals in Rose Gold leather
These sandals were just too pretty to pass up! I also love this multi-metallic one. It would go great with all kinds of outfits.

Cloud Dancer Flat in Rose Quartz
I have my eye on these affordable flats. They’re “super sleek and chic metallic flat with an open design and a pretty pointed toe. Padded at the footbed for an effortless, comfy step.”

Art & Design

February 1 2017

New Surreal Art is On the Border of Dreams and Reality by Jolene Lai

My favorite art gallery, Thinkspace, is exhibiting new works by Jolene Jai. The show is called Beside You. Here’s how they describe her style:

“Known for her narrative paintings in which characters are caught somewhere between dream and dread, Lai reimagines archetypal stories drawn from myth, Chinese folklore, and fairytale and transforms them into surreal compositions. By combining the uncanny with familiar scenes and contexts from the everyday, Lai arrests our imaginations in a state of suspended disbelief. Her world is full of contrasts, extended metaphors, disorienting manifestations of fantasy, and hallucinatory dreamscapes weaved into otherwise familiar settings. In Beside You, Lai explores a progression of childhood scenes gone strangely awry, where the imagery is both whimsical and increasingly phobic. The playful naiveté of the children’s story ebbs into an ever encroaching sense of darkness and ends, entangled, in shadowy linings.”

You can see more of her works at Thinkspace.

Newer posts Older posts

Sign up for our newsletter!

Popular