Happy Graduation -- Dior Homme Jacket with Prada Espadrilles Wingtips

(Below) A peek of my new Prada V Neck Shirt with Embroidery Patch.

(Below) What is it with this pair of shoes that photographs so well?

It's that time of year when newly graduates everywhere celebrating their ends of misery (probably begin or another if you're in business majors) by throwing their caps up into the air. This time last year, I missed my master graduation because I was so eager to get away from Ann Arbor, MI and to move to DC. I missed my only chance to see President Obama in person when he gave the speech at the commencement. And I didn't go to my undergraduate commencement either. But I was somehow invited to two graduation ceremonies last week and I attended both wearing the look above and feeling pretty good.  

A year has passed since my graduation. It's been a wonderful year because I did nothing but relaxing and traveling. It's been a horrible year because I did nothing but relaxing and traveling. It works either way and the feeling is rather complicated. For several intricate and frustrating reasons, I didn't work at all (not that I've worked seriously before). But I feel it's about time for me to start doing something, anything! I guess I'm one of the many unfortunate people who don't know how to enjoy the luxuries of idle time. I had a great time at both graduation and I even borrowed a cap from my friend and let them took a picture of me wearing it (I look terrible in it). For those who are graduating and already figured out your next move, I say BRAVO! For those still pondering and struggling, I recommend enjoying your time and taking it easy. Happy Graduation! 

It Only Hurts the First Time -- Christian Louboutin Pik Pik Flat

 (Below) The Wicked Red Sole That Killed Us All...

 (Below) No More Stepping On My Feet!

How hard I've been trying to restrain myself from the allure of Christian Louboutin was history now. Because I finally succumbed. Still bewitched by the sharp spikes and golden rivets, I present you the most sought-after flat of the season, the Christian Louboutin Pik Pik! With hours of waiting in front of the computer and refreshing the CL on-line shopping site, I was lucky to get the last one in my size. They were sold out in 25 minutes since its posting.

The Christian Louboutin Louis Spikes is truly a show stopping piece; so are its entourage including the glamourous Rollerball and the splendid Pik Pik. Never being a performer of any kind or even knowing one, I unwillingly convinced myself to stay away from sharp edges. But I guess it's the repetitive life that I'm stuck in right now or maybe some inner cosmos just got exploded, my needs for a feel of cold and sharp painfulness just couldn't contain anymore. The spikes ripped this suffocating cloth wide open and I can finally breath. Well, that was a bit dramatic but you see what I'm saying, right?

The Pik Pik is way over what I usually pay for shoes and I honestly can't think of any occasion to wear it. But the hell with it, I'll throw a party just so I can wear my Pik Pik!

You know what's horrible about Christian Louboutin Spikes? They got you addicted once you taste the fresh blood sipping from the soles. I just got the Louis in black Patent leather with spikes even without discussing it with the rational half of me.... - -! So sick & so happy...

In The Spot Light -- Prada Espadrille Wingtips with Thick Micro & Rubber Sole

The moment that I saw this heavenly Prada Espadrilles walking down the runway, I knew that I have to have it. When the first shipment arrived, I did stop by the SOHO store to greet them. Because the limited color combinations available and being a "rational" shopper as I am, I decided to wait. So I left the store, and then the Prada Espadrilles of Summer 2011 extravaganza begun.

The shoe has been featured on every existing media out there. I remember seeing it several times a day just by checking my emails. Soon it was on the news of New York Magazine and the shoe has been sold out everywhere, around the globe...  I was devastated><

So I begin checking the Prada On-line Shopping Site regularly (several times a day) and hoping that there will be a new shipment or something. As far as I know, all Prada shoes are directly imported from Italy and the E-shop has its own inventory system. All of the styles were listed as "Available soon" and then one day, it quietly turn into "Buy". The soles of these espadrilles has been significantly reduced in hight when put into production and the women's version is "less damaged" as to men's. So I got a women's version in size 40 (I'm men's US size 9, and this style does run big). I assume the backlog has been somewhat cleared and there're actually several sizes that are still available here. Get one before it's completely gone!

Gentlemen's Espadrilles -- Phillip Lim Leather Espadrilles from Spring 2011

My First Ever Espadrilles

(Below) Finally, a show box that I don't wanna throw away

because it's beautiful and functional.

(Below) Wearing Band of Outsiders Shorts

& Dries Van Noten Shirt

(Below) Dries Van Noten Fall 2010

On a recent trip to New York,  I tried on this espadrilles at the Phillip Lim store at SOHO and instantly fell in love with it. While I was getting bored with the mediocre spring cloths and disappointed by the spare men's collection, I spotted this espadrilles lying innocently on the display table. Believe or not, I was going to make fun of its odd shape and the fact that it is...em....well.... an espadrilles. 

As an ethnic minority, I somehow developed a dislike for clothes that are too ethnic. My style, if I have any, has been more of urbanized preppy. Among all the colorful and bold prints, I thought espadrilles are "too ethnic" for a "city mouse" >< But my friend insisted that I should try it on since he's more of a "country mouse".

Well, you never know! I'm not sure if it's the buttery soft leather or the plaited rope sole, but my feet has never been this comfortable. I just couldn't hide my fondness for the shoe and with "deliberation", I decided to get it when it's still available. The city mouse couldn't be more embarrassed for his pragmatic opinion about espadrilles... so are you a city mouse or a country mouse? 

Baby Bears -- Adidas Originals + Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear Sneakers 2011

(Below) The Pink Ones Are Not Mine.... I Swear! 

 (Below) Prada Techno Jacket and Acne Jeans 

 (Below) In What Day, I Can Go Out... ... 

The Spring Summer Jeremy Scott for Adidas Originals is as romantically naive as usual. The fire, lightnings, wings that glow in the dark, and of course, the fluffy teddy bears are almost too childish for designer fashion. And I know I'm probably too old for this but who can resist fluffy brown smiling bears?! I bet Anna Wintour secretly owns a pair and wears all the time when at home...

Not to mention that all the fuss about this pair on the blogsphere even before it hits the store. I called the Originals store at Georgetown way back in February, but they didn't have a waiting list so it's basically first come first served. I was lucky to accidentally dropped by the store on its first day of sale. I went there the next day to buy my friend the pink one and most of the sizes were sold out already...

If your inner child is also craving for this pair? Run fast to the store:)

Scary Chic -- Rick Owens Bicolored Sneaker

faye wong / wongfaye.org from 00 o 00

Honestly, I've been a little frightened by Mr. Rick Owens gothic darkness. His perseverance in breaking the "dress codes" for men is beyond admirable. I'm too ordinary and conventional to have the honor to pull off his amazing works. But with the endorsement of Faye Wong (王菲), I finally have the courage to purchase this too-cool-for-ordinary-life sneakers that I've been drooling all over with.

To my surprise, they look amazingly tune-down, with an attitude of nonchalance. The loose fit jeans looks nice with the sneaker but I had to tuck in most of the hem and it was a bit odd looking from behind. I'm still working on my way to try out a pair of harem pants, which would go perfect with the sneaker. The sneaker is on sale at SSENSE.com!

Best cover of Sophi Zelmani's Going Home, Ever! 

"I am going home, going home alone"

Let it Snow Let it Snow -- Band of Outsiders + Sperry Limited Edition Chukka

The first snow scattered DC today, with sizzling rain afterwards. Most people are upset for the sudden temperature drop, but I'm just so happy to bring out this Chukka boots, also called Turf boots, from a continuous collaboration between Band of Outsiders and Sperry Top Sider.

The shearing and the suede surface make it ultra light and comfortable. The crepe sole, a signature style for Chukka, is so thin and soft that it's like wearing a Christmas stocking. You can wear it with tongues sticking out or utilizing the extra eyelets to lace it up as a ankle boots.

I like how the model is styled with this particular boots in Band of Outsiders 2010 lookbook. Very boyish and fun. I hope I could pull of a pair of sweatpants like that: casual but stylish...

If you like the collaboration, you should definitely check out RevolveClothing.com or SperryTopSider.com for more styles :)

Source: gq.com

Converse + Commes Des Garcons + Missoni = Me Dancing Tip Tap Toe & Tripped out of Joy

I grew up never owning a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor and it's like never secretly smoked in your childhood. It's just not complete! I did pick up some cigaret butts on the floor and let myself get lost in the mysterious fume, in case you wonder. I've done some other pretty bad things too, but never bought a Converse. I guess street punk was never my thing and the thought of sweaty barefoot against rubber soles is just ~~!!

Now I've done many things that I swore I would never do, including wearing sneakers barefoot, why not getting a pair of Converse? How about three? I laid my eyes on these three particular styles a while ago. Converse with Commes Des Garcons Play and Converse with Missoni are two most successfully collaborations since the Converse with John Varvatos. Sustaining the street basketball spirits of Converse, these two collaboration brilliantly blend in the style of each brand, one with the signature red hart logo and one with the zigzag fabric.

The Converse plus Missoni for Fall 2010 is extremely rare and only available at AlohaRag.com. I didn't get on-line quick enough to grab my size and the 7.5 that I got was a bit tight so I reluctantly sold it on eBay for a profit~~

I'm grateful that I'm still not too old to pull of street punk and now let's have some funky fun ~~

The Converse + Commes Des Garcons Chuck Taylor is available in these places:

www.barneys.com

www.revolveclothing.com

www.ssense.com (Website that stocks both street and luxe brand names and ships to US)

Gucci Patent Sneaker With Detachable Fringe & Tatoo Print Tie

Gucci Patent Sneaker With Detachable Fringe

I've seen this sneaker in white, black, purple, and blue, all patent and sheen. Since the style is not very much low-profile, I decided to go minimal. This sneaker is perfect with a summer Bermuda shorts that can really show-off the Indian fringe. With Frida Giannini, Gucci has blossomed from a simple black elegant bud to a colorful radiant flower, full of studs and prints. I'm in no place to judge if it is good gone bad or it is just a different path. But I do know that ever since Gucci became so punk and dramatic, I haven't purchased anything from Gucci. I just feel that as a slender Asian, there's no way I can pull off a style so loud and noisy. Mostly Big and Sexy Latina and Africans probably are the targeted audience. I just simply hate to see a small Asian carrying a color palette that is so aggressive that made him totally a fashion victim.
A little bit of this blossom is probably okay. So I bought this tattoo print tie thinking wearing it under a V-neck sweater, to make the maximum out of the minimum or vice versa.

The SA was so kind to give me the just-in catalog for men's AW2010 with a DVD for the runway show!!!