Get Ready for School

Who said uniforms will never be cool?

I remember growing up right in the middle of the implantation of uniforms in schools. There were discussions about how uniforms affected our individuality negatively; how they killed our identity. Also, there were those that believed uniforms gave a student a feeling of belonging and helped maintain economical and social uniformity .

What I never thought possible was that a style could evolve from a dress code.

In Japanese Street Fashion, school girl uniforms are actually a style; not only grade school girls wear them just for fun, young adults also do the same. Kogal fashion (school girl fashion) is very popular in Japan, and there are different types according to a girl's personality ranging from very conservative to wacky and wild. Some teens prefer darkening their skin color and applying loads of make up and even dyeing for extreme looks.
Really long socks and ultra short skirts are what make this style so unique.

Maybe I wouldn't walk around with a school uniform on just for fun, but it's still pretty cool!
How about you guys??
=)

Confidence Misplaced...

For the first time in a long time I find myself crying, feeling like I'm going nowhere. I don't want this post to sound like I'm ranting; this is more like me trying to voice something out that I might not be able to share with people around me.

Music and Fashion have both been my refuge in life, though I wasn't ever blessed with an opportunity or support to receive training to pursue my dreams. I was just the type of person that would pick up an instrument and with no instruction could create a song, or pick up a piece of paper and draw a sketch of a gown and try reproducing it for my dolls.

Now, I confront myself with reality. A frightening place where everyone has been doing what they love since forever and have training in their instruments; and I feel a little left behind. Though yes, I have been singing since I could speak, I lack real musical training. I do know theory and such but there is so much more to know that I feel overwhelmed at times. And at times I feel I'm a lot less than everyone else. I thought real talent was enough, but I guess I was wrong.

Sometimes I wish I had a fairy godmother to make it all right...
Because my confidence is misplaced.
Since it's Halloween tonight here in the U.S., I want to magically vanish all my fears away with pictures of beautiful fairies and whimsical creatures...
Thanks you guys for hearing me out.
Hope you are all having a sweet weekend...
=)

Puerto Rico Gulf Refinery under fire

I know this may have absolutely nothing to do with Fashion or Style, but it's news that has gone around the globe and its epicenter is basically in my backyard.
At 12:25 am, the Caribbean Petroleum Corporation exploded, 14 of the 40 tanks that contain bunker fuel, diesel and gasoline are now in flames and almost 24 hours later, firefighters and emergency personnel haven't been able to mitigate the fire.
I live around 3-4 miles away from the refinery, but we can see the flames and smoke clearly from here. My sis, bf and I took some pictures and they are terribly heartbreaking.
I fear for not only the animals in the zone, but also two dams are built around the perimeter, and being an engineer has helped me understand the severity of the problem. The water that is being used to turn off the fire is directly going to those dams, still no action plan has been activated for safekeeping those water bodies. Plus, the possibility of acid rain is imminent, because of the quantity of pollutants that are being burnt and launched into the air.
I don't believe the island is prepared for this, probably the fire will keep on going for days.

I know this post is totally off topic, but I just thought it was something important worth discussing. They still have no idea what could have triggered the explosion, the authorities are still investigating.

Have any of you seen an environmental disaster like this before?

Recessionista 101: how to be a better recessionista

The term Recessionista is a blend of the words Recession and Fashionista; two words that we are totally familiar with and that were totally against each other until these recent times. A recessionista is that who strives to maintain stylish and fashionable in tough economic times, a.k.a. me, and most probably all of you out there.

These hard times of job shortages and financial crisis have forced us fashion and style lovers to morph into these deal - hunting zombies to stay afloat and dress decently (and have cash left over to pay our college debts).

So, there are a few ideas that we can incorporate to our shopping routines that can save us some cash and make us better recessionistas:

1. Shop for what you wear the most.
If you are a jeans lover, get lots of different tops, tunics and blouses to mix and match. You can have only one pair of jeans and be able to fix up hundreds of different looks. It's not worth it to buy a garment you will only wear once just because it's on sale.

2. If it's still good, give it a new look!
If you have a garment that is still in great condition and want to give it a new look, try dying it a different color. Or even better, give it a different cut or paint on it; be creative! Or if you are dying for that new military jacket at a boutique and will never in this lifetime (at least right now) be able to afford it; bring out your winter coat/jacket and change the buttons!

3. If you're buying something expensive, make sure it's a classic.
If you are ready to cough up and splurge it all in one piece, lets say a Chanel bag, make sure that piece will go with your style and anything you might wear. That way you have an excellent quality piece that will last you a lifetime.

4. Be yourself, not a mannikin.
Try to skip trends as much as possible; it's smarter to work on your signature style best, since all that is popular now probably won't be the next season, so you'd be spending your cash in vain.

I hope these tips help you all out some way or another. I know they have helped me keep my closet happy. =)


What do you guys do to deal with the recession and be awesome recessionistas?

This is me...

Hey everyone and a sweet shout out to all my new readers and followers!

I've been working on this post for a while now, sorry for the horrid blogger etiquette; haven't been able to respond to tags and awards properly but better late than never!

So, starting off with my first Q & A!!
These are all questions you asked in previous post comments.

What kpop artist do you like?
Definitely my fave kpop artist is G-Dragon. He has impeccable style and he's sooo cute!
The guys from DBSK are a close second.

What do you like to do in a daily basis?
I love to sleep and practice my singing and now bass playing.

If you could be an animal, what would you be?
Unicorn!! Ok so unicorns aren't real animals but I love 'em anyways!

How about what is your favorite shop?
My fave shop right now is Forever 21, I'm absolutely obsessed with it.

What is your favorite snack?
My fave snack is anything chocolate!!

How tall are you ?
Lol, more like how short am I! I don't even reach 5 feet; I'm only 4'11''.

Who is your favorite designer ?
My forever all time fave designer is Luella.

Do you learn all of music instruments ? isn't it hard ?
In music school you actually specialize in an instrument and get to choose a secondary instrument. My main instrument is voice and I'm still trying to decide what my second instrument should be, I'm considering piano or saxophone. And yes, it is pretty hard. It's not like what you see in movies. It does require lots of practice and patience and time.

Maggie gave me this adorable award, so I'm passing it down to 6 great bloggers I adore! Oh, and I was also required to answer this cute Q &A for the award. =)
And the winners of the award are:
Fashion is my Girlfriend
Ip & Audrey
Louie in Wonderland
Pigtails and Blushing Cheeks
Strawberry Koi
Street Style London

Stuff You wanna know about me! (What I'm supposed to answer, Lol)
1. Where is your cell phone...On my desk
2. Your hair.... in a ponytail!
3. Your mother..... out in the yard.
4. Your father......no clue. =/
5. Your favorite food....Italian
6. Your dream from last night....can't remember.
7. Your favorite drink..... Iced Tea
8. Your dream/goal.... becoming a fashion designer and singer!
9. What room are you in.....my room.
10. What is your hobby......music is my life and my hobby, oh and writing.
11. What is your fear....... being lost and alone. =)
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years.....I'd love to be touring the world with my music, I'd love to be standing in front of a hotel window in London watching the rain fall down. =)
13. Where were you last night..... home!
14. Something you are not.....boring.
15. Muffins?....Haven't had one in a while, umm blueberry!
16. Wish List items..... getting my own place!
17. Where did you grow up.....All over the U.S. and Puerto Rico
18. Last thing you did...... stand in front of the fan, the heat is melting me!
19. What are you wearing......Umm skinny jeans and a black shirt (yeah, that helps with the heat, lol)
20. Your t.v....... what is a tv??
21. Your Pets...... a german shepard named Andy.
22. Friends........got very few of them, but they are the best.
23. Your life....... a whirlpool of stuff
24. Your mood.....sleepy!
25. Missing someone......umm, more like missing something.
26. Vehicle...... a mitsubishi lancer
27. Something your not wearing.......a watch.
28. Your favorite store.......Forever 21!!
29. Your favorite colors...... black, blue and purple!
30. When's the last time you laughed...... just a few minutes ago watching the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie trailer.
31. When's the last time you cried......a few days ago.
32. Your best friend....... more like best friends and they awesome.
33. One place you go over and over.......The Mall almost every weekend!
34. One person who emails me regularly.......My sister Louie.
35. Favorite place to eat?..... Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Parlor =)

Bibs are not for Kids!

Yay! For the First time ever on Diary of a Young Designer, we have a guest blogger! Abby from Abazias will be giving us some pointers on how to use bib necklaces to make your outfit scream look at me!

Bibs Aren't Just For Children Anymore

Bib necklaces are getting a lot of wear recently. Eva Mendes showed up at the Golden Globes earlier this year with a stunning turquoise and diamond bib necklace, four tiers long! Even if celebrities weren't wearing these necklaces, they make a great statement piece of jewelry for anyone's jewelry box. They are exotic and elegant or bold and brassy, take your pick. If you've not tried a bib necklace before, you're in for a treat. Anyone can wear them and they come in all styles and sizes. It is definitely on the list of must-have accessories for 2009.

How to Wear a Bib Properly

A bib necklace is not like other necklaces. It is made to wear flat against the nape of the neck and typically, it works best against bare skin. Even though you can wear this style with a T-shirt as well as an evening gown, you want to make sure the cut of the neckline suitably frames the necklace for the best effect. If you want to be more casual, you can get the simplest T-shirt out there that lies flat against the neckline and then put the necklace on top. Just make sure it lies flat to get the look.

What Are Bibs Made Of?

Here's where you can definitely have some fun with your bib necklaces. You can get some costume jewelry ones with large beads in tiers. You can get some with large floral motifs. If you want to be more elegant, get some with gold, diamonds, or other precious stones. There really is not a single material that works the best with a bib, as long as it is tiered and lies somewhat flat against the skin, you can have a show piece made from shells, if that appeals to you.

Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend

Pearls are a timeless piece of jewelry that no matter the era, they will always enchant and provide a girl that sense of elegance and status.

A gorgeous pearl necklace could be a central piece in an outfit; it can be that piece to totally transform an attire from dull to ecstatic. Pearl earrings can give a girl that air of innocence an outfit is lacking. Pearls are definitely a girl's best friend.

Browsing around for pearls I found this pearl jewelry shop that has the most breathtaking pieces.
I'd love to get these mikimoto pearls someday when I become a famous singer or designer; whichever comes first, lol!
Personally, I think the necklace is gorgeous *drooling here* and would go beautifully with those fabulous gowns symphonic metal singers wear.
uhh, yeah I wanna be a symphonic metal singer just to wear cool gowns, best way to marry my music and fashion passions!


Guys ask me stuff!! I want to put up a Q & A post so ask me anything you'd like to know!

A few weeks have passed and I'm still waiting for my bass guitar that I ordered. I really want to start playing bass (not practicing bass with a guitar, lol).

**Today, I took a test, my brain is a tad fried. Not because of the test, more like I totally over-studied.**
=/

**Special Thanks to Mikimoto Pearls for letting me use their pic**

Turn off the lights and put on a Show

Long ago, early last century, Cabarets were incredibly popular amongst those that loved nightlife. Often sought as immoral; short revealing skirts, top hats and lots of tulle and frills garments are still inspiring fashion today.

* I hope that's not real fur =S*

Ohh! Almost forgot to tell you all: My sis and I launched our FunnyPeopleCo Fall Collection!



Thanks to all you guys that wished me a happy b-day! I did have an awesome time, but I would have loved taking decent pics. My cam misbehaved so badly I was actually yelling at it, yes in public, lol.
I did get a new one so I think I can finally start taking outfit pics that are worthy of posting and don't look like weird blurry smudges on a napkin.
Thanks to all you guys that gave me awards also, I'll be working on a post real soon.
Hope you all have a sweet weekend!
xoxo
me =)

A Little Old, A Little New...

All you need to create something astonishing is hidden in the past. History is a wonderful source of inspiration, of knowledge.

I believe this year's Betsey Johnson Collection has this explosion of the New and the Old. I believe that she not only combined elements from past designs (like the flower on the dress - that was pretty typical of her designs in the 90's) but she has a marvelous representation of past decades of fashion history colliding with modern looks and uncontrollable splashes of color in every piece.

I just had to pick my fave designs from this Fall's collection to show you all. =)
Enjoy!!

j

Isn't she awesome!! Ok, so I love her style and how she does the cartwheel in every one of her runways; so unique.

Oh, tomorrow is finally my 23rd b-day! Yes, I'm ultra excited even though I must go to work and proceed with my everyday weekday tasks, lol. I can't help but feel that I'm getting older and it does somewhat frighten me. Still going to Hard Rock Cafe and I solemnly promise to take lots of outfit pics with whichever camera I can find. =)

By the way, must let you guys know that I'm opening a cute second hand clothes shop. I realized after buying my bass guitar that I needed an amplifier so I had an early "spring closet cleaning" and am getting rid of all those garments that I either haven't used EVER, or have only worn a few times. So if you all have a chance, please check it out. I'll be adding things as quickly as I possibly can.

So, are you totally in love with Betsey's new collection? Which is your fave design?
Hugs and Teddy Bears!
XD

The Amethyst Facade

Please forgive me but, I cannot hear you! I'm busy drooling over this rock!
And while I take a sip from my grape soda, dressed in this elegant gown...


...I gaze into nothingness...


...frolicking around in my dream shoes...
...somewhere off in a land where girls have perfect make up...

... and it is required to own a Chanel Bag...

...wearing a flower in my hair...

...and living like a doll.


Lol, felt a bit creative and made up a little story. Though everything said is somewhat quite true; I'd love to be staring at a huge rock on a ring and sipping grape soda with an awesome gown and wearing flowers in my hair.

It's been an awfully busy week. But my b-day -I'm turning 23- is coming up (it's this Friday) and I'm really looking forward to spending some time this weekend with friends at the Hard Rock cafe we have here in San Juan.

And as a gift from myself, I've bought this beauty on Musician's Friend; it's an Ibanez Mikro Short Scale Bass. I got a short scale because my hands are abnormally small (imagine 22 yr old with 12 yr old kid's hand). Ain't it gorgeous! Yes, yes I am drooling over this also, lol.

I've been wanting to make an Q & A post for awhile, so ask me any questions you'd like me to answer.
See you'll soon!
*all pics from google*

Wait Mom, I'm Not Done Yet!

Sometimes parents and siblings and friends don't understand you just need more time to use the bathroom than the average person!

Ok, so lately I've been having to wake up really early to get to school to avoid the awful traffic. I've been taking my car with me everywhere -finally- and waking up ultra early and rushing down to university before traffic peak hour starts every single day of the week (nope, I don't know what the term "sleeping in" means).

I'd have to wake earlier than 5:00 am to get this make up look. O_o

*killer shoes*

I'm up to writing some new lyrics, I'll probably post some around here sometime soon whenever I get the chance.
Hope you all have an awesome Monday!

*all pics link to their source*

Dream a Little Dream

Little by little, as we all grow older, we keep forgetting all the magic that kept us dreaming and believing in the impossible. Fairy tales are no longer real, dreams never come true and are as unattainable as walking on sunshine. Influences around us dictate what we should say and do and believe; suddenly we find we don't even believe in ourselves anymore.

The beautiful ballet of Swan Lake gave me a breath of fresh air. It reminded me that even in times of adversity one should always allow oneself to dream.
btw, I was watching it off youtube. You all should check it out =)

I think that something that differences us bloggers from everyone else is how introverted we can sometimes be. A month more or less has passed since I started music school and I can finally say that I'm starting to fit in. Ok, so I'm not really a people person; don't get me wrong, I am really nice and fun to be around with (not grumpy or mean at all) it's just that it takes me some time to actually get acquainted and open up to people. Usually I just get lost in my corner of the world and think about pretty things while I try to get used to a new place. *is this me or anyone else does this?*

Fave Song of the Moment - Somewhere by Within Temptation
it's a really sweet song and the band is pretty awesome, plus her dress reminded me of a sweet swan...

Do you dream a little? Oh, and how easily do you get used to new places; pretty quick or slug speed like me? Lol!
=)

You're so Complicated!!!

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?

Definitely, Avril Lavigne is one of the starts that most influenced my early music and style back in my teen years. Growing up, I remember dressing all skater-like, wearing heavy, black eye makeup and rocking out with a guitar everywhere I went (not that I don't do that anymore, lol).

Just as I have grown up, so has she and her style and music sense with her. I recently read about her new fashion line (Abbey Dawn) and perfume (Black Star) and just had to write about her here. The interview's from Teen Vogue's Eva Chen. I'm posting some of the questions here, but if you'd like to check out the rest of the interview, I'm linking to it at the bottom of the page. Which was more enjoyable, designing your clothing line or doing the fragrance?
I really liked both. They're so different, but exciting because they're new to me--I got to expand and be creative and visual, which was really fun. With the fragrance you have to work with ingredients, which is different from fashion. The fragrance has a message, which is to be your own star, to reach for the stars and believe your own dreams. I created it all around that message and I even wrote a song around it. With clothing line you're expressing yourself through your own style, it's a whole totally different thing!

How do you feel your personal style has changed over the years, and how would you describe it?
When I was younger, I was little more skater: more tomboy, no dresses or heels. Now that I'm grown up I have more fun with fashion, I like to wear more dresses and be a little more feminine. I have fun with fashion and I'm passionate about it.

Which was your favorite album to work on?
They've all been really different. The first one I had no idea what would end up happening! The third was a lot of fun, and a lot of goofing around. It was all about guitars and energy and rocking out! The one I'm working on now is about catching the vibe of the song and the vocal performance, so it's different in that sense. This is probably the most chill record yet.
So, any of you guys out there used to rock to Avril's tunes and do that heavy eye make up that would make your moms go into a never ending rant?
*check out the rest of the interview here*
=)

Marry me in a black dress

Guys, don't get me wrong, I'm not getting married anytime soon, lol. I felt like blogging about bridal fashion because I'm just in love with the ethereal beauty of elaborate gowns that are only worn once in a lifetime!

My little sister in law and I were chatting the other day about wedding dresses (she just loves talking about gowns and fairies) and she suddenly said out of nowhere that she pictured me getting married in a black dress. So yes, she is aware of my sometimes strange fashion sense, but black?

I did some searching, and found out that in some European countries, around the early 1900's, the traditional wedding dress was black or of any other dark color. I particularly think it's a beautiful color though it could send a wrong message like "oh, horrid I'm getting married, this is like my funeral". Though, the color makes a beautiful dress.

So the question is, would you wear a black wedding dress, or would you stick to the traditional white gown?

If the skies were blue and the sea were pink...

Honestly, I'm a hair accessory junkie. I adore them, collect them and simply thrive to come up with the coolest designs in hair gear for my shop. Now, when I find someone that shares my same fixation, life becomes so sweet. So, when I found Lindsey's hair accessory line I just had to give in to the sweet temptation. Tattie Tats is the name of her Etsy shop, and all her accessories are made with Vintage neckties; which means she designs killer hairclips and headbands while keeping gorgeous neckties out of the landfill, how awesome is that? I can't wait to come up with outfits to wear it so, in the meantime magazine inspiration is what will keep me sane!

I present to you all my new hair clip! The Kelly Tattie Pin, ain't it cute?

Accessories should bring life to your outfit and your face. Love how the makeup color scheme looks with the clip. =) Lovely pinks and icy corals and blues to match with it.

I am so in love with the Preppy look, I'm planning on teaming the clip with an awesome black blazer, slim skinny jeans and lots of golden necklaces. Oh, and I also think that clipping it to the necklaces would give the accessories a unique look no one has. ^-^

Got the make up, got the look! So why not match it with my gum too?!

*Kudos to this years' September Issue of Elle for all the pics and to Lindsey for such an awesome accessory! *
So, what about you, do hair accessories make you wild?

Rainy days are good luck days...

The magic of being in an unknown place, is indescribable in it's entirety. It's as if every inch of it is uncharted territory and a new celebration goes on as you go about discovering.

Music school is most definitely a different world; uncharted on my map. Suddenly spacing out is now a norm for me, I just remain ecstatic at times, realizing that I'm living my dream; I'm not dreaming it anymore.

My first day of class was an incredibly stormy day, must apologize that I'm not including outfit pics in this post because I misplaced my camera's charger and it's been dead for a while. =( However, I could manage to take only one shot of the weather while I was on the train before it went battery dead. I'm loving these...

Sorry for being such a bad blogger and not posting for almost a week, been so tired lately I've even gone to bed around 10pm this whole week!
How has your week gone??
Take care guys! =)
*all pics link to their source*

PS: just had to add that I got the shirt in my past post at Charlotte Russe for $10.00, it is cute isn't it! XD

PSS: BY this weekend I'll have fixed a surprise post about something ultra special I got in the mail! =)

Turn over a new leaf...

"A crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind" ~ Chinese Proverb

I stare at this blank post, trying to figure out a way to write what I feel without sounding like I'm in a rant (which I'm not really). In recent times I've been feeling somewhat frustrated, discouraged and disheartened. Lots of things have been going on, forcing me to readjust and find inspiration in other things (hence the crazy amount of inspiration posts). Unfortunately, all teachers (including me) got laid off at the tutoring center because of lack of funds, we were told we'd be back by October. I've been trying to get a job in my field of study and been rejected to every position due to lack of experience, (how in the world will a recent grad have experience if no one provides them a chance to show themselves worthy!). I think this point has been what's taken over my sanity lately but...

I want to live life, I don't want life living me!*that's my new shirt*

So, I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm resorting to the first loves of my life, music and design, to keep me sane. Maybe life is sending me a message; it's time to be who you want to be. That's the reason why I applied for music school, I'm answering to the calling I feel in my heart. I'll always design (my love for accessory design will never die and I'll keep more and more busy with the shop now that I'm jobless).

It's time to take this hard time and turn it into something else, something that will change my life forever. Lol, I even prepared a list of things that I want to work on, if you guys have any ideas, share them with me! =)

1) I'm going to work into making this blog a lot more personal, not just inspiration and my fashion/style advice & ideas. I'll add more outfit posts, since I'm going to have more time to.

2) I'm going to be happier about things that occur, see an opportunity to grow and excel.

3) I'll keep you all posted about my new life as a music student (musicians are designers of melodies, lol) and how my personal style goes evolving.

Now about my new style image this semester...
I've been thinking I'd love to add some prep to my wardrobe, so I'm totally inspired by these:

Thanks for hearing me out everyone, any ideas you think I should incorporate or mix with my preppy chic fixation?
=D

A little bit of French and a whole lot of style

John French was an extraordinary fashion photographer. Born in London, he had his own photographic studio in 1948, immortalizing beautiful models and revealing the best of fashion and style.Sorry for all the inspirational posts, lately I've been needing lots of that. I've been tuning into music and magazines now that my new school year begins ( yes, I'm so thrilled to start music school) searching for ideas for songs and of course my style, which I'm working on.

Thanks for bearing with me!
Also I'd like to know if there is anything you'd like to see in this blog, any ideas or suggestions would be great!
*all pics link to their source*
=)

Red is the color of Love...

When in doubt wear red.
--Bill Blass

I've been feeling quite red lately. Although, my wardrobe isn't filled with
this color (it's more or less filled with blacks and blues) it's the color
I've been craving.

I definitely want lip color like that, lol.

Fashion Wonders in Wonderland

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see? ~ Alice In WonderlandI am head over heels, loving the costumes of this new Alice in Wonderland movie. I find it absolutely wonderful that using Alice's blue dress as inspiration, costume designers could come up with such beautiful designs and incorporate them to this new, grown up Alice; which I believe doesn't lack style.
Do you love the new Alice in Wonderland?