Things My Sister Would Wear

Orientalist Halloween Costume?- 30 October, 2010

2010-10-30T10:15:00.000-04:00

...No, I guess this this just what you wear on field trips to Indonesian rice fields. God.

Oops- 20 September, 2010

2010-09-20T13:48:00.006-04:00

THIS is where my textbook money has gone.

I realized that my poor (and cheap-- or is that me?) little camera has died. Bad timing, because I saw some amazing outfits Saturday night (Dinner party! Dancing! Random parade on my street with lots of balloons!). So I had to take this with the computer.

WHERE IS THE 'FLIP PHOTO' BUTTON ON iPHOTO?!

I think you can figure out what the titles are, anyway.

Also, on your recommendation, I watched two episodes of True Blood this weekend. I'm kind of "meh" about it, so far. Spending as long as they do fetishizing women who are beaten up and covered in blood didn't really up the sex appeal, and it's blatantly obvious that that guy in the diner is actually that dog that hangs out around the back of the bar (which I haven't googled yet, so it isn't a spoiler, just totally over-the-top in its non-subtlety).

However. The way the vampire guy says "SOOKEH" makes me lol.

Uncontrollably.
Every.
Time.

So for that alone, I might give it another chance. I saw Arrested Development for the first time, too. Though I did not want to punch Michael Cera in the nose, as I usually do, I am still undecided.

Aku merindukanmu, dan berharap semuanya sempurna di Indonesia! (dan saya mencintai Google Translator sekarang ...)

Thrifting- 11 September, 2011

2010-09-11T13:42:00.000-04:00

Better picture TK, but I just found best, cheapest vintage store. So sorry I had no idea about it when you visited-- you would LOVE, and it's definitely on the itinerary for your next trip to town.

Note rhinestones on navy jacket's collar. Obsessed.

Also, the magenta jacket might be a late birthday present for you. It's wool, very 90s, and fabulous (from when Dior released their American suit line): lined in hot, hot pink, and you'll need it for grown-up type events on campus.

My friend Thao found this beautiful brooch.

FOR SERIOUS- 10 September 2010

2010-09-10T23:19:00.002-04:00

Bali HI!- 10 September 2010

2010-09-10T03:01:00.007-04:00

Hey Megga,

As I told you earlier, I almost bought one of those headdresses (the head scarf) that boy was wearing, but it was part of the pakaian (I think thats spelled right) adat (or formal clothes) for boys, and I didn't want to look like a stupid tourist. I'll def get one before I leave though.

So here are some of my Bali obsessions.

1) The Thai fisherman pants that I bought, they are the general travel gear here, very touristy but so comfortable. I go mine for 5 dollars but my host mom, who is an amazing seamstress, told me I got ripped off. My shoe collection is stuff of legends in my house, its too embarrassing. You can google them, but I couldn't find a good picture.

2)The school uniforms here are sooooo cool, all the boys' shirts are awesome patterns and colors

3)The dutch colonial plates that they use to decorate family shrines, walls, and temples.

I wish you were here, there are so many things so many so many times a day that I want to show you.

Love you,
Amanda

Bonne chance!- 5 September, 2010

2010-09-05T16:36:00.002-04:00

I failed this summer, in that I actually went to places where people wore v. interesting & (quite frankly) cray-cray clothing. But did I blog? No. We know who to blame for this, but no matter. There's really no excuse.

And now you've LEFT to go somewhere BEAUTIFUL and SCENIC and that is FULL OF INTERESTING CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS and MONKEYS alike.

Maybe, since I'm back in the midwest, I'll start a counter-blog of "Things My Sister Would Not Wear." I have been re-reminded of what some of these are in quite dramatic ways in the last week, and have compiled a small, but evocative list.

College football memorabilia as formalwear. (Do not ask me how this is possible. It is.)
Platform rubber flip-flops with questionable brown stains
Juicy Couture sweatpants, with the +10 bonus of "Juicy" spelled "Jiucy" on the ass

But, I know you don't really want to see all this (it's like that time you didn't want me to live-blog The Lost Symbol for you), and it is because you have a hard heart and selfishly refuse to share my pain. S'okay.

Don't worry, I'll step up my game.

Love you, P.

Girl, You Wish- 31 March, 2010

2010-03-31T23:41:00.000-04:00

Image via XXL/RapBasement.com

Ohio- 27 March, 2010

2010-03-27T21:45:00.004-04:00

Every visit means a new playlist.

Selections:

No Hassle- Robyn, f. Diplo
Go Outside- Cults
Me and The Devil- Gill Scott-Heron
ONE- Yeasayer
Churches Under The Stairs- Brendan Canning
I Knew- Lightning Dust
Orange Shirt- Discovery
My Darlin' Baby- Lil Wayne, f. Drake
Summertime Clothes (Dam-Funk Remix)- Animal Collective

And adorable clothes.

You are a much more careful searcher of the Urban Outfitter Sales racks than I.

An accessory shot, obvi. My springtime resolution: formerly-hipster-but-now-evidently-mainstream-after-several-celeb-accessory-lines headbands, comme ça. Do not be surprised if yours (worn more conventionally, here) is missing from your luggage tomorrow. Sorry in advance.

One of my new favorite photos. I love how you've made such good friends with my Audrey poster. This cropped sweater was clearly made for a Gay Pride parade.

It looks like you've worn nothing but leggings ALL WEEK. Whatever, I totally approve, and firmly believe that leggings=pants.

It's been real, baby sister. You even had me wearing multiple patterns/textures. And vintage! Je te manques already.

BUT FIRST! "Julie and Julia" screening that you are trying to get me to pay attention to because you can't figure out the DVD player. Sigh. Teenagers.

Ohio- 25 March, 2010

2010-03-26T09:43:00.001-04:00

This is your going-to-the-doctor's look. Sorry you are allergic to Ohio.

Lacoste glasses, Calvin Klein leather jacket (bought at an employee-discounted 50% off at the outlet when I worked there one summer...I am taking my credit for your wardrobe where I deem it is due), Old Navy cardigan, Gap pinstripe blouse, Old Navy tights, Michael Kors boots, your friend's button bracelet.

All that in my kitchen!

Ohio- 24 March, 2010

2010-03-26T09:39:00.003-04:00

Lacoste glasses, Old Navy cardigan, thrift store dress, H&M hoodie, TJ Maxx laptop satchel, loafers from God-knows-where (could ask you, but you're napping).

Look how clean my kitchen is, Mom!

Newsflash!- 19 March, 2010

2010-03-19T01:47:00.001-04:00

BABY SISTER, YOU ARE COMING TO VISIT NEXT WEEK!

Bit of a dilemma, though. The entire point of this blog is for me to document things you WOULD wear (Though lately, have been uninspired...but it's sunny again! So that'll change, and soon, I hope), not necessarily things you actually DO wear (Again, mostly. Rules=there to be broken. And it's MY blog).

So, the question: do I take pictures of you while you're here? Because I know you'll be bringing Mandy-style to Columbus, and I'm sure I'll want to document. But would posting them be against my dubiously-defined blog guidelines?

Honestly, chime in on this one. You've already vetoed one of my fabulous ideas today-- a wise move on your part, since yes, my emailing you every time I cringe in The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown would have been much more a vehicle for me to share my amusement than it would be for your benefit-- but still.

Clearly, have been thinking too hard this week. But I've gotten three final papers, an annotated bibliography, and a blog post out of it! So there!

Also, you are super talented, and I'm so proud of you for your achievement du jour. I will definitely buy you an ice cream when you visit. I cannot wait to see you, pookie!

PS- 11 March, 2010

2010-03-11T19:50:00.003-05:00

Photo: Hanneli Mustaparta/Style.com

As stated, this girl is you in three years. And not just because she is tall, pretty, black, and wearing outfits I could never get away with wearing.

However, this article is still hilarious/pretty ridiculous. Let's do a minor deconstruction, shall we?

1- Leaving college to pursue an internship. I repeat. An internship.

Ha. Mom would kill you. Plus, you would not be able to afford Balenciaga.

2- Wearing black instead of grey and patterned tights makes one a fashion professional, in this blogger's view.

Really? 'Cause in that case, I think Grandma might qualify.

3- VERSACE cuts the glamourous mood?!

Enough said.

Sigh. Oh, Vogue. I'm not really hating, because the magazine she works for looks sweet, and I have finally accepted that I will never be a fashion editor by age 22 (Progress! Maturity!).

Still.

I hope you, too, inherit/can afford Alaïa so you can share with me. Psh.

FYI- 24 February, 2010

2010-02-24T13:18:00.001-05:00

Dude. Jimmy Choo makes high tops. What would you do without me to search Style.com for you?

In Honor of Fashion Week Fall 2010...-17 February, 2010

2010-02-17T23:48:00.006-05:00

...some goodies from Fall 2008 RTW.

I know I'm supposed to be taking pictures of stylish people I'm seeing now, but I keep leaving my camera at home. And everyone's wrapped up in coats and sweaters, and other practical things I don't own enough of. (There was a girl at the coffee shop today who was dressed absurdly/fabulously enough for you, but alas. No camera, and got distracted analyzing my friends' love lives/discussing safe words/realizing I didn't know how to spell 'Hemingway'. These things happen.)

Ugh, it's cold. Oh, to go back in time: I could be harried and adorably dressed while playing at being a fashion assistant instead of freezing and in-desperate-need-of-a-haircut in grad school right now.

Hats! You need more of these.

I think it says something that Fall 2008 Marc Jacobs is almost too understated for you. However, the pictures of the gold lame jumpsuits from this season didn't come out in the lighting as nicely, so that could be it.

M.I.A. is a little more like it. Of course, you can't really see her outfit here (this is before her baby-daddy stepped on my foot).

So, look! I did research! And am being slightly less self indulgent/pitying! And am not still rubbing it in that I was sitting six rows behind Anna Wintour a little more than 2 years ago today!

Gold round-toe booties + purple socks + zip-up orange romper with an amazing collar/hood that I can't even begin to describe, as it's a little too late at night + fab leather jacket = so very you.

And as you can see from this lovely close-up (via Getty), her eyeshadow matches her socks. Too much? Maybe. But don't even try to deny that you'd wear this.

Oh dear, I just wrote a long post about absolutely nothing. Except the merits of matching one's eyeshadow with one's socks. It's very late. Forgive me, dear sister.

Valentine's Photoshoot- 15 February, 2010

2010-02-15T13:19:00.001-05:00

My love for you very nearly surpasses my love for Necco Sweethearts (the old-school, chemically-tasting ones, not these newfangled attempts at real fruit flavor). I shouldn't front, though, with the "Call Me"s. They would usually be highly appropriate, but I actually DID talk to you on the phone twice yesterday. It might be a record.

Ohio- 6 February, 2010

2010-02-06T11:55:00.002-05:00

MFA party, part 3.

Airplanes! On a dress! Cheap beer! Orange! Strapless!

Duh.

Ohio- 6 February, 2010

2010-02-06T10:55:00.004-05:00

MFA party, part 2. If only we could find a scarf that is nearly twice your height.

Ohio- 6 February, 2010

2010-02-06T09:51:00.003-05:00

MFA party, part 1. The DIY headband: similar to this, but made from the bottom of an over-long sweater. You do this with vintage skirts that you-cut-too-short-by-mistake-but-want-to-wear-anyway.

From the Archives- 30 January, 2010

2010-01-30T10:15:00.004-05:00

Another photo from my computer, which I don't think you've seen.

Not you. But these layers... it definitely could be.

Ohio- 28 January, 2010

2010-01-29T00:50:00.003-05:00

See, this is what I get for paying attention in class.

Velvet metallic brocade. Its owner (who was wearing a very stylish black-and-white plaid coat) didn't want to photographed, or else this photo would have been an even more amazing mix of patterns and textures. Thanks to my model, though!

Things My Sister Would Read- 28 January, 2010

2010-01-28T08:36:00.002-05:00

(I got it signed, like a nerd.)

The Newport, Ohio- 23 January, 2010

2010-01-25T10:54:00.005-05:00

Goodness, I wish you could see the drummer in this shot. He looked like Screech from 'Saved by the Bell,' except with hipster glasses, a light brown 'fro, muscles, and a penchant for red singlets. So, kind of not. But still.

Anyway, this band. Down With Webster. You know your friend Renzie? I imagine he could have provided their wardrobe, simply by digging into his closet. He might have a career as a stylist for Canadian hip-hop pop-rock bands who get signed by Timbaland.

Point being (as evidenced from the J. Brand denim and cashmere v-neck you "borrowed" from that same closet over winter break)-- definitely things you would wear.

Miss you, by the way.

Ohio- 23 January, 2010

2010-01-25T08:24:00.005-05:00

Bangles, hot-pink tights.

You know how I feel about light denim generally (right?), but I feel like you (and Taneem) can pull it off as a stylish going-out topper, especially with such a lovely dress.

Ohio- 23 January, 2010

2010-01-24T10:50:00.006-05:00

Very Audrey Hepburn-does-Marcia Brady. The buttons are non-functional (I asked), but I still thought you'd approve.

From the Archives- 21 January, 2010

2010-01-21T21:37:00.003-05:00

Found while organizing my iPhoto library. Don't kill me.

Ohio- 14 January, 2010

2010-01-18T16:11:00.008-05:00

So, I have quite stylish Midwestern friends.

They even managed to coordinate- accidentally, of course, because it's cooler that way- when we watched the Project Runway premiere last week. I was loving the purple and grey color scheme.

Shea's is really nice, especially with the checked scarf. What makes it really "you," though, is the fact that that awesome cinched high-waisted sundress is actually a cleverly repurposed night gown.

J. Brendan's was another favorite (you would also like his blog). Bright layers, obviously, and love the odd/awesome pseudo-houndstooth checks on his hoodie. They really pop in the detail shot.

Loved seeing you this weekend. Was especially impressed by what you wore at the ballet. Who knew cropped grey puffer coats went so well with motorcycle boots and bright green mini-dress muumuus? Also, kind of want that huge white cardigan you wore to vegan brunch (the waiter was totally checking out your décolletage, by the way).

Ohio- 8 January, 2010 (Advice?)

2010-01-08T23:05:00.016-05:00

Okay, check the ridiculously HOT draping and pleating on this bodice. Freaking. Out.

You are not allowed to steal this next time we're home. Like, seriously. The Converse were one thing, but this is wholly other.

How do I wear this?! With the belt, it's more you but, typically, I like the shift look, as well.

Obviously, will be worn outside of my apartment once it's a bit warmer.

It's from their winter line, though, and I know this because last time I had it on, it was summer in Kobe, and I was wearing:

-pair of knee high socks

-open-toe, three-inch oxford booties

-white tee underneath

-tweed blazer with a flower corsage

-fuzzy earflap hat

-flower corsage.

Seriously.

(Sorry for how blurry this is. And there was nowhere I could hang it for a clear picture. I feel silly modeling it, but ends > means.)

Kobe- 23 July, 2009

2009-07-26T09:05:00.005-04:00

85 degrees farenheit. Two dresses, a 3/4 sleeved top, and a flowy vest.

And of course, an umbrella so she doesn't get too warm.

I'll miss Japan.

Hiroshima- 20 July, 2009

2009-07-20T14:03:00.000-04:00

I hope you and your next boyfriend wear fabulously coordinating nautical outfits like these.

Harajuku, Tokyo- 19 July, 2009

2009-07-19T09:28:00.004-04:00

Thoughts on white tights/black dress? You can't tell, but they're thigh-length socks. And 6/10 girls in Harajuku had these straw fedoras. Note the ubiquitous scrunchy- even Marc Jacobs had them. I think they were called "chou chous"

Asasuka, Tokyo- 18 July, 2009

2009-07-19T09:24:00.010-04:00

Harajuku, Tokyo- 18 July, 2009

2009-07-19T09:20:00.007-04:00

There were literally red velvet ropes for crowd control outside the Forever 21. Evidently, there was a sale.

This girl was waiting. She told me I could take her picture, so I think this is her attempt at a Tyra face. Yours is better.

Scarf with shiny, shiny top (from Forever 21- you should try to pick it up, it's v. you) and shiny, shiny leggings, with D&G belt over little khaki shorts and hot pink clutch (that here, somehow looks orange...).

The Great Geisha Hunt: Kyoto- 16 July, 2009

2009-07-16T11:21:00.004-04:00

Kyoto has a lot of places where women can go and be dressed up in kimono (the summer ones are called yukata), and sometimes even have their makeup and hair done like geisha. It's a big tourist thing, and not just for Westerners: Japanese ladies do it all the time. Plus, a lot of people like to wear kimono anyway-- Kyoto is a more traditional city with a lot of history, so it's not uncommon to see women wearing them.

So, you have to be able to tell who are the actual geisha, and who are just pretty girls playing dress up.

Not geisha.

Not geisha again (these women looked kinda uncomfy in theirs, so I figure they're rentals.)

AND THEN: We were on this street where a lot of geisha live and entertain, and all of a sudden see a bunch of people crowded around a taxi. I'm assuming they're all waiting to see a famous athlete or something. So, I ask this woman (Angie from Sydney who is wearing a WOLLONGONG polo!) what the fuss is. She said she didn't know, she just was curious.

And then....

REAL geisha. Who were treated like rockstars.

You is proud of big sister? Advantage of being tall in Japan #4.

Kyoto- 16 July, 2009

2009-07-16T11:17:00.003-04:00

Fuzzy street shots from Gion Matsuri.

Vest and leggings under shorts, obviously. Though you would have a lot more color.

And the Ducky hat! In straw. With the flower. Perfect.

Osaka- 12 July, 2009

2009-07-12T11:07:00.002-04:00

I'll be the one on the left, you can be the one on the right.

Kobe- 12 July, 2009

2009-07-12T07:25:00.007-04:00

Not the dress, I think, but YES on the bag/shoes. Maybe not the umbrella, but just because it's a little plantation mistress, and we can do without those colonial connotations.

Takarazuka- 11 July, 2009

2009-07-11T09:53:00.010-04:00

Was trying to be sneaky and take this one, then realized there was no flash. Sorry it's so blurry-- just think of it as my digital impression of Mary Cassatt (that's what I'm doing, anyway). The colors are kind of nice, though, right?

Hm. Description is clearly necessary: black peep toe slingbacks, tiered white skirt, hot pink belt, black blouse, and black headband with a bow on the side. Best part is definitely the heart-shaped patent purse. She's was, like, a Japanese Blair Waldorf, and I know you would have approved.

These two women were about mutti's age.

Do you think she'd dress like this if she lived in Japan? Or, for that matter, join a fan club devoted to a male impersonator in an all-female revue, and crouch outside the theatre waiting for her to appear, wearing a scarf that matched the rest of the fan girls'?

Kobe- 8 July, 2009

2009-07-08T10:06:00.002-04:00

From the toes of babes. Meet M, 2nd grade.

Osaka Umeda- 7 July, 2009

2009-07-07T05:11:00.001-04:00

The Great Headphone Hunt: Osaka- 7 July, 2009

2009-07-07T04:56:00.005-04:00

Alright. Starting with the most expensive (about $70). Orangey-red, nice-sized ear parts (what are they called? Mind blank.) and they're square. Gold plated input plug. I thought they were very comfortable, though Tom's ears were bigger, so he had doubts.

This pair I quite liked, because of the shininess. Also had a gold input. But I don't know how much you'll dig the skull thing. $63, and they also come in a silver and pink, silver and green, silver and red, silver and lilac, and an all grey.

A different set. The version I like better is below this one. It's bright pink, and they fold up really conveniently... I just took this shot to show you another option, and how they look when compact.

$50. I had Tom try them on so you can see general size, etc. Sound quality wasn't bad.

My faves are these below. They had a tan headband-part, which was kind of unusual. But you know me. I like my beige. The colors on the ear were what got me, too. They had a really cool lime green (though I think you said to avoid that), as well as this teal, and hot pink below. These were also the cheapest, at $40.

Good size, though I couldn't listen through them, so not sure on that front.

I guess the Japanese really like making "girl" things that are really shiny and cute, and no guy would be caught dead in. Seriously, there were earbuds made of jewels, and with horoscope signs, and glitter... it just went on.

Anyway. I also thought you should see these. They're much smaller than all the ones you showed me, but I was kind of fascinated by them. They're buttons!! And only $20-ish.

Osaka- 4 July, 2009

2009-07-06T08:25:00.004-04:00

The singer's costume change #2. Can you see the copious amounts of silvery jewelry (earrings, cocktail ring, giant bracelet), paired with silver sparkly top and vaguely bondage-y belt with chains? Unfortunately, I only thought to take this picture after she'd already taken off the shiny leather jacket.

Osaka- 4 July, 2009

2009-07-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

This girl was at the jazz club tonight. Turns out, she's a singer-songwriter.

Can't speak for her music, but I highly approve of her dress and the hot pink bag. The earrings and beaded necklace combo reminded me of you, too.

(Also, her friend in the background? Dressed exactly how you suggested I dress, except with pink blouse. Good thing I didn't.)

Suita- 3 July, 2009

2009-07-03T02:11:00.001-04:00

Listening to a ton of your music while I was walking around...and voila.

Song on iPod: "Must be a Devil"- Diplo

"Can I...[point to camera]...I think my little sister would like your skirt."

Also the hat and orange bag.

Song on iPod: "Desperate Guys"- The Faint

Maybe the colors are a little too me, but with the vest and belt, it's very you. And I thought you'd like the little daisy sock liners with mary-janes.

Song on iPod: "Kick Push"- Lupe Fiasco

I think his shirt says "We have good choice clothes".

Plus, he kind of has your haircut.

Kansai University library- 3 July, 2009

2009-07-03T02:05:00.002-04:00

Sparkly jacket, of course.

Osaka- 2 July, 2009

2009-07-03T02:00:00.001-04:00

Waiting for our train to Kyoto- I had to pretend to be very interested in taking a photo of the train timetable. Black leggings, platform gladiators, pleated shorts, pink tee, purple plaid jacket. But I think you'd like these the most:

(She was moving, so that actually looks a lot cooler blown up...)