12.27.2011

a new year, a new yet same of everything

Amy Stroup, one of my favourite singer/songwriters in 2011 updated her fans in an e-mail with her mantra, "Alas, We Aspire." As I read Stroup's mantra, I couldn't help but think of Laura Marling's "Alas, I Cannot Swim." These are two opposite quotes and meanings, only shared by the exclaiming and exquisite classic remark of 'alas'. Still, there's a part that draws me in.

As 2012 draws nearer, I think of how I want to overcome some of my greatest fears. I think of how I want to approach this new and upcoming year. I had second thoughts about having any resolutions or goals until I read [this] and decided I want to become the same, but an evolved and better person.

I'm not sure what the future holds, but I can only hope for the best and know I want to aspire and be.

A soon to be HAPPY NEW YEAR in 2012!!!

"Cause life without revision will silence our souls."
-Sleeping at Last

12.25.2011

greetings from a holiday without snow

a few random iPhone photos and random thoughts

I climbed the Great Wall of China for the fourth time. 
But it was the first time I saw the grandness of 
the serpentine landscape going for miles and miles. 
At the Great Wall, I made this new furry friend of a happy camel.

Retail therapy never felt better, especially when in Hong Kong.

I am obsessed with glasses.
I'm also going for the indie/nerdy/cool look in 2012.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

12.22.2011

an interview with Autumn Sky


Autumn Sky is a multi-instrumentalist and multi-award winning singer/songwriter from Sacramento, California. She has released an album, All Which Isn't Singing and a recent single, "I Light Afire." Although I have never met Autumn in person, I feel as though I know her bubbly personality through the early days of MySpace to Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Earlier this year, Autumn graciously allowed me to interview her via e-mail (it's later this year, but I thought I really need to post this now). Besides her music, I wanted to know more behind Autumn's colourful and playful style, which I love so much. Here are her words...

Where did you get your bright and happy sense of style?
From story book characters, actually. I read a lot of classic literature and I always wanted to be like the heroines in my stories and wear pretty, old fashioned things.

Which fashion era is your favourite?
France in the 1950's. I love the simplicity of it all. It all appears very streamlined without losing its sense of beauty, shape and sometimes even coolness. That's the things about French fashion, is that it doesn't need all the extra accessories to work. Americans really love their accessories but that doesn't mean that an outfit can't live without them.

What do you think is the trendiest style? What do you think is the worst style and should be banned?
The trendiest style right now is probably the music-festival-in-the-summer thing that's been happening lately, with all the shorts and neon and experimenting with deconstructed t-shirts and jeans. It's actually kind of cool because it started out with regular people, instead of starting in fashion houses somewhere out in a huge city. All these kids had to find something to wear that was hip, but wasn't going to cause them heat stroke, so they cut up their t-shirts. And now they sell them at Urban Outfitters, it's kind of funny.

And the trend I dislike the most right now is probably the futuristic look, with the painful heels and millions of spikes everywhere. I can't imagine ever feeling comfortable in stuff like that. But, that being said, to each their own. I'm only saying this because it's not my personal favorite, there are definitely girls out there in the world who make the look really good.

Coco Chanel said, "fashion is in the sky, the way we live, what is happening."
Do you believe that fashion is found in music?
Absolutely. I actually buy mostly dresses now because when I started out I didn't have any money, and so to make sure that I had the right clothes for performances, I would only buy performance clothes. Now my at-home style is a lot more like what I'd wear on stage, which is actually nice. I don't feel like I have two wardrobes anymore and I actually really like feeling more dressed up. Dressing up makes me feel like a lady.

Have you ever found yourself writing a song about one of your dresses or a favourite pair of shoes?
Yes, I have; I have a song called "Lovers Theme" where I mention buying a new dress and green shoes to wear on a date, and a song called "Jacket" about a boy who looks very handsome in one. :)


(I have also interviewed Autumn Sky on music at my other blog here.)

12.15.2011

Starfish of China + love.




I miss and love these babies SO much.

12.13.2011

2011 Christmas letter

It's done! And just for the record, I didn't mean the colours to match my blog.
It just happens I love colours.

12.03.2011

some lessons to be learned

 photo via Lyla and Blue

This past week has been a whirlwind. Literally. I have learned a lot about life through various everyday people, creating a documentary and a wild wind blowing through a city of salty snow. Empowered by talking to a guy named A and rock and roll, I decided to have the attitude of Jimi Hendrix. I figured something out which is, I'm gonna do what I wanna do and nobody is going to stop me. Suddenly, all these doors of possibility opened and I was optimistic about what I will to do and who I will become. If I want to be a rock star tomorrow, then I'm going to do what I gotta do. I instantly became stoked for life. A gentleman with Harry Potter glasses who says hello to me by fist bumping and waves made me realize that all I need at the end of the day is a genuine good-hearted someone who can make me smile. Two days earlier, I was sitting in the Union, where live music was being played. There was a fiery glow about the trumpeter's face and I knew right then and there that doing what you're passionate about is far greater than the money. It just had to be true. Then two later after I premiered my documentary, I got thinking that just maybe film chose me. I hope this is true and maybe my dreams about Sundance will one day be a fulfilled reality. And in a terrifying wind storm, who knew something could be so dramatically scary? I can say I am incredibly grateful for where I have been and all that I have.