SELF: Pin(up)Striped

swimsuit - AA
vest - UO
skirt - H&M
necklace + shoes - charlotte russe

INSPIRATION: Fire Walk With Me

I've spent the majority of my summer delving into the mysterious and seductive world of David Lynch's masterpiece, "Twin Peaks." The show is a cinematic gem, like a film broken up into multiple extended segments spanning two seasons. While the revelation of Laura Palmer's killer may have sent the series into a slow, agonizing downward spiral, its film noir stylings and errie paranormal qualities linger on in the mind of the viewer. I've experienced a bit of "Peaksmania," albeit 20 years too late. I began the prequel/epilogue film, "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" today, and I am already enraptured in the stylish mystery only David Lynch can bring to my senses.

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"Remember, Lil's wearing a sour look on her face. Her face had a sour look on it.
We're gonna have problems with the local authorities. They're not gonna be receptive to the FBI.
Both eyes blinking means trouble higher up. The eye is the local authority.
You notice, she had one hand in her pocket. Which means they're hiding something.
And the other hand, made into a fist. Which means they're gonna be belligerent.
Lil was walkin' in place, which means there's gonna be a lot of leg work involved."
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"Let me ask you something, Stanley: Did you notice anything about the dress?"
"The dress was altered to fit her. I noticed a different colored thread where the dress was taken in."
"Tailored dresses are a code for drugs. You notice what was pinned to it?"
"A blue rose?"
"Good. But I can't tell you about that."
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It looks like Vice Magazine was too inspired by the film and published a "Fire Walk With Me" photo spread last year.









Additionally, Vice published another Twin Peaks-inspired photo shoot that was spot on and so much fun. The shoot inspires me to dress up and attend a themed party.
I'll be sure to wear my best 1990s-inspired-by-1940s oversized sweaters, pencil skirts, saddle shoes and half a locket. *wink*

TIPS & TRICKS: Lustrous Lashes

I won't lie... sometimes I spend minutes to hours watching makeup tutorials on YouTube. There is something so soothing about watching a makeup artist create a beautiful and interesting face. It's like watching a painter create colors and shapes from a blank canvas. Some blustery winter days I would shack up in Kent's School of Art building and drink coffee while watching people work. I could get lost in the brush strokes and application of color. The same holds true for watching a makeup master transform her face into something magical.
Aside from the mesmerizing transformation, sometimes these tutorials really open my eyes to a clever and simple trick to achieving a great look. Sometimes I value these tutorials like an instruction sheet or textbook.
This video by Michelle Phan gave me one of those "Ohhh!" moments. I love learning things and solving problems, and Michelle really taught me something about a very simple product: Mascara.



Lustrous, doll-like lashes are something I find appealing, but knowing the ~secrets~ is very eye-opening (no pun intended).
Watch this simple video for choosing the right mascara.

My "Real" Job: Luna Negra Magazine

I have a notebook full of ideas for this blog — many of them old posts I published in the various blogs/xangas/livejournals I've had throughout the years. I created this blog to condense all the things I come across in life which inspire me. Right now, it is fashion, style, literature and music. Broad areas, I know, but differing categories of interests keep things fun and fresh; combining these passions and expressing them through clothing, writing or artwork keeps my thoughts cohesive and inspiration flowing each day.
But! Onto the point of the matter: I wanted to pimp the literary and arts publication I am currently serving as Co-Editor-and-chief for: Luna Negra Magazine!



We've been hard at work this summer on a brand new website and have revamped our posters, business cards, submission criteria and overall promotion and perspective of the magazine. I am beyond excited to share with you all the fantastic submissions we've gotten, and I can only hope to see more!
Sure, this entry isn't about fashion, but as I've stated before: This IS NOT a fashion blog! Fashion-related, definitely. But first and foremost, it is my personal inspiration board.
And nothing is more inspiring to me right now than the hard work I'm putting into Luna Negra.
And don't worry — I don't get paid to pimp the magazine. I get paid to read submissions and format the magazine to reflect partially my vision. This means begging my talented friends, readers, acquaintances and even strangers for their work. So don't be shy! Submit!

INSPIRATION: Prints, Prom and Pin-Ups

Some of life's extravagances have a tendency to be romanticized. My personal teenaged dreamy ideas include a body full of extraordinary tattoos and having a glamorous prom night. Unfortunately, these things become a bit out of reach when life's general blase becomes more and more apparent with each passing, predictable day. However, dreams can still exist, and there's no reason for us NOT to keep lusting after our teenaged fantasies, is there?



















Prints & Pin-Ups - Vogue Italia
Prom - Stephen Marr

INSPIRATION: Boyz Boyz Boyz

I remember envying boys' fashion at a young age when I stole my cousin's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles underwear and wore them over my Christmas present-pattern tights. It was a fashion statement, to say the least. From stealing boyfriends' flannel shirts to purposely buying guys-sized band tees (because they fit better!), taking a nod from the male gender can be a splendid idea. The clothes are generally more comfortable, tough and can highlight a lady's body in different ways than dresses and heels. Let's hear it for the boyz.




Tough, greaser boys in studded jackets, rolled up jeans and the best black boots are classic Danny Zuko dreamboats. Borrow his beloved jacket and wear it over anything. Slick your hair back into a fierce ponytail and get ready to do some drag racing or ass kicking or whatever it is you do.



The Michael Jackson-meets-Adam Ant vibe of this jacket is supreme! This gal's got it right by rolling up the sleeves and pairing it with a dazzling disco one-piece below. A sick pair of tights and heels will add a feminine edge and still show 'em who's boss.



Take a cue from a bad boy's jacket and stud up your jeans! Or his jeans! Cut them into shorts and shine while you shake it. I'd suggest trimming men's jeans about 6 inches past the pockets, folding the bottoms up then studding (and stunting) away.



A sweet guy in a sweater keeps you warm and safe, but nabbing the threads and wearing the top over a courdoroy shirt, tights and boots will keep you cozy all day.





If your lad has a closet full of button-down dress shirts he never wears, ask to steal one and make it into a comfy, lightweight pair of shorts using this killer Threadbanger tutorial.

Think men's vests with babydoll dresses, oversized blazers with a tee and skinny jeans, long band tees and sweaters with leggings or tights. Men's fashion is fun, and it can be feminine too!