How to keep it Classy and Cropped.

I've made some observations about the crop top trend, and as much as I love this style, I personally can't bring myself to reveal so much of my midsection- I think there are ways to pull it off that shows just a *sliver* of skin and it's just so much classier. The trick is to not make it look like you literally put on a bra and booty shorts. Make it show that every piece you wear is intentional!

 How you portray your body says a lot about what you think about yourself, so these are just a few crop top options that show just enough. 

OBSERVE!

1.Fitted crop top with a long flowy high waist maxi skirt 

I am a big proponent of outfits that are well-balanced. Something short and tight needs to be paired up with something relatively long and loose. Tight + tight should be restricted to nights out and loose + loose should be... lazy Sundays or Woodstock.

2. Crop top and high waist trousers/ harem pants.

Such accessories. Much wow. A classic white tee crop with some semi-fitted high waist trousers is such a versatile option- and not to mention the kickass accessories. This. I want all of this. 

3. Boxy crop top and high waist skirt

Now this option is a little riskier and probably intended for girls with an obviously smaller waist- or you risk the crop top giving the illusion that your waist is bigger than it is. However I really enjoy how the silhouettes offset each other- it gives it a little variety. 

4. Honorable mention: Bold crop top and skirt sets

I love, love, love this outfit. Like, so much you guys. It's a problem. The only reason I give it Honorable Mention is because it shows a little too much skin for a casual occasion in my opinion. You could consider getting a longer crop top, but with such a bold graphic print as this, a little break is definitely welcome visually. I'd consider this a perfect outfit for a day on the beach or maybe a music festival? This is a bold option, and I'm definitely going to try and make my fair share of sets for the shop this summer.

Some words of caution:

I'm over crop tops and high waist denim shorts... Maybe because I see so many girls on my campus that choose to sport this option. I feel like there are so many creative wears to sport this piece of apparel, don't limit yourself! Besides, in 20 years your kids are going to think those shorts are ridiculous. (It's okay I love wearing them, too.)

-SOY.

not weird, heaven's no. quirky.

I've always loved that word- quirky. It's so much fun to say, and I love how it looks on paper. So I've compiled a list of some quirky gals that I admire!

Actress Kristen Ritter

 Actress Ellen Page

 U.K. Singer Lily Allen

 Singer Lykke Li

 Singer Regina Spektor

And actress Zooey Deschanel. Zooey has a special place in my heart ♥

Anyone notice that alarming number of quirky brunettes? Is that a stereotype or something? Anywho, I so admire quirky girls because they're so funny by simply being themselves. They stray from the norm not necessarily to feel different, but because that's who they are and they aren't scared to be weird. I mean, I'm gonna be honest. I'm a little weird, so I feel a connection with the weirdos :)

More posts to come, I think I might switch to a scheduled posting routine- it's hard to take pictures in a dorm, I apologize!!

i have a challenge for you...

I've added a few screenshots of classic movie that I think everyone should watch at least once. I have them numbered, so comment back with as much of the movies you know!

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

The purpose of this fun little ditty shall be revealed in due time. :)

Go, my lovelies, type away!!

♥Soy.

Blogger Luxury Award?!

She looks like Anne Hathaway a la Audrey Hepburn! I'm quite excited for this- I got this lovely Luxury Blogger Award from Ashley over at Topography Toward a Parallel Universe and she is incredibly friendly and her blog posts are so entertaining :) If you haven't already, check out her lubberly piece of webspace!

Now for the rules!

The rules are:

1) Link back to the person who passed you the award.

2) Share 7 random things about yourself.

3) Award 7 blogs. (Originally it was 15 but I guess it varies?)

4) Drop them a line and tell them about it.

Here Goes:

1. I am hopelessly awkward in 99% of all social situations. You know, the girl who you feel embarassed for when she falls and trips or says something completely unrelated to a topic.. That's me.

2. In respect to the first confession, I am a total geek. Like for realsies. I play Maplestory, love my Kindle, and freak if I don't get A's on my report card!

3. I can't stand plain milk, coconuts, and whenever people hit their sternums- I know, I'm reeeally weird.

4. I'm a vegetarian! I made the switch in November after I read Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. It definitely changed my whole perspective on how agriculture works. Please read if you need a few recommendations for the summer :)

5. I am going to Arizona State University this Fall. You've most likely heard that it's the "party" school, but I definitely will not fill that stereotype- I'm mostly likely transferring after two years anyway!

6. I'm going to a Bridal Convention this weekend and pretending my friend is the bride!

7. I love Robin Hood: Men in Tights. LET IT BE KNOWN! I get so much crap for that..

Alright, now onto naming the 7 blogs that I'll tag! This is definitely going to be tricky because I actually do not know a lot of blogs that I readily keep up with, ten tops, so a few blogs might be ones that I just found and like!

cheapfrills
luxe-rose
soapymermaid
Crimson Rosella
Food from Thought
Voodle
Bows and Brownies

I love...

Time to get back on the blogging wagon! I've made it a personal goal to record every day of my summer starting with graduation. I still have a few days of chaos before that so hang with me here..
I used to do a series of posts that recapped things that I've been diggin on lately, and because I am a creature of whimsy and impulse, I shall do this!

Things I'm Diggin On ♥:

Music:
Adele
Jack Conte
Ellie Goulding


Etc:
Maxi Dresses (You look cute and you don't need to shave! :D)
Long socks and heels (Reasons mentioned previously)
Water for Elephants (The book, thank you very much)
Books. Reading be good.

That reminds me, I want to start a book club, possibly a blogger book club! Who are some artists you've recently discovered/love, I want to know!!


-Soy.

The Religion of Gaga: a Guide of Sorts!

Oh, Gaga. You may hate her, you may love her, but let's face it- she's doing something right. What makes her so appealing/popular, and more importantly:


how can I be like her?!

Alright, not exactly like her. Wearing latex and lingerie concoctions in freezing NYC weather hardly seems like something worthy of emulation, but you know, how can a girl be like the Gaga that her fans see? A fiercely independent and caring icon that uses her influence for things she believes in? Does the answer lie in her purple teacup or platinum blonde wigs? What about her armadillo heels or maybe... her-her-her-telephone?! Okay, I'll stop. But I have a few tips here that might help bring the inner Gaga that we all have, out into the world.


1. Don't be scared of changing things up a bit.
Think of her predecessors Madonna and maybe even Christina Aguilera. Their looks changed so many times they all looked like completely different people! Sometimes I give myself crap for not having a definable 'personal style' yet and that I'm all over the place, but that's a process that takes time and experimentation! Some days I feel like wearing a maxi dress and flats, and other days I just want to be all primped up in heels, skirt, and blouse. Deal with it.

 2. Stand up for your beliefs.
Gaga's all for the gays- and that's pretty much indisputable. It's in her songs, in her speeches, she even uses her fame to reach the goal! (Which makes me feel a little denied of my Gaga attention- let's not forget about the fabulous heterosexual fans who put you there...) So whatever moves you to take action, adopt it wholeheartedly. Not to the point where you argue with everyone you meet that might not completely agree because that's downright obnoxious. Here's a few things I believe in: Christianity, Vegetarianism, Nerdfightaria, and Superforest.

3. Sometimes, making sense just doesn't matter.
I don't need examples for you, do I? I mean, what the dookie is "Alejandro" even about? And who the heck is Roberto? Fernando? ... Cilantro? Forgo all of the things that were told to you about common sense (That's super easy for me!) and drive the super long route to work. Who knows, maybe the scenery will be nice. Wear heels while walking the dog just because it makes you feel pretty. I think we've all deserved our moments to be completely irrational.

4. Be upstanding & GRATEFUL!
Have you seen her Tweets or Twits or whatever they're called? Just about every one of them is for her "Little Monsters" or fans. I'd prefer to be called a Monster than a Lamb by Mariah Carey. Just sayin. She's never lost sight of how important the fans are to her which makes her such an amazing performer. I know that she goes around clubs doing things I never ever want to know about, but when it comes to other people, she will do anything. Here's a little trick I learned: instead of saying "I have to" just change it to "I get to". I get to go to school, I get to go to work, I get the opportunity to do so many things.

5. Don't doubt yourself for a minute.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that 99% of us doubt ourselves just about every day. We're never completely confident about something, but we can work towards it. If you're wearing your favorite maxi dress or heels to class and get some weird looks, brush it off. You're a G. :) Although I hate the slightly accusatory glances I get when wearing my favorite things from Goodwill, I secretly love it because it makes me stand out in a non-negative way. I'm wearing a vintage batwing dress that makes me look like a Chinese schoolgirl. So-freaking-what?! It could be so much worse, and you can't blame me for being myself.

picture creds: one two three four five six

There you have it. You just Gaga'd yourself. And if you didn't realize by now, I do like Lady Gaga. And if you don't, I hope that this post eased your hatred... I do realize that this has been pic overload but you have to agree that it's entertaining to see her outfits, no? :) Have a beautiful day, dear reader!

-SOY

Five Weird Movies You Must Watch (By Me, of Course)

 1. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

I'm willing to admit I'm a total n00b and didn't know this comic existed  until the movie. I remember seeing this in the theater with my two older brothers and thought it was the weirdest, stupidest thing I ever saw at the beginning. But then it got better and better. One of my favorite movies of all time. (I cannot resist Michael Cera. I know.)

 2. Kick-Ass

Yep, didn't know it was a comic until the movie either. I think I like movie adaptations of comics. Anyway. This movie was hilarious in a stupid way of course, and there was plenty of over the top action scenes too. However, little disclaimer- there's quite a lot of violence. It's kind of disgusting at some parts, really. But overall, it was a good movie.

3. The Hangover                                                                                                                                     

I bet half of you groaned and questioned my intelligence/sanity. But, I freaking love this movie. The characters are so ridiculous I can't help it. Especially that Zach Galifinakis feller. The things that happen to them.. I can honestly tell you I laughed until I cried. Ohohoho. Fun fact: I saw this with my family. Never again. Never, ever again folks. 

4. Rocky Horror Picture Show

I guess I've always had a thing for the macabre. It kind of explains my love for Alexander McQueen, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, you know. Again, I saw the beginning with my family and then, understandably, I stopped it until I could see it on my own. (It's just too awkward to see with your parents...) The first time I saw this movie I was so utterly confused, but I went with it. I don't know what it was I loved about it- it was over the top, undeniably unique, and weird. And let me just say, Tim Curry could WORK. IT.  

5. Amelié

 This movie made me wish I were a French hermit. Audrey Tatou is absolutely charming and adorable in this movie. It's definitely an independent film- just watch it and you'll see what I mean. It's a very honest, cute movie that I loved so much. I've seen it quite a few times already and never get sick of it. 

*Another Disclaimer: All of these movies save for Scott Pilgrim are rated R. And trust me, they're R for a reason...

She & Him

Oh, how I love Zooey Deschanel. I always get so upset when people mistake her for Katy Perry- they look absolutely nothing alike!
Although I used to get Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire mixed up all the time... Don't ask why, I was like, 12!

But anyways. I love her voice, even when she talks, it's very comforting to me, I have no idea why. :) She & Him is the collaboration band she created with her friend Matt and their songs are all quite good.



The perfect song to relax to after the horrible, sadistic, evil ACT. Just glad it's over, then finals and it's onto Christmas!

-SOY

If I Could Be Anything in the World... Pt.2

Jazz singer. No doubt in my mind. So maybe I don't have the voice, but if I were blessed with a good voice, I would definitely become a jazz singer happily!

I think I love jazz because it's got such attitude and emotion in every song- Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole both show that quality incredibly well.

 

 

I also love the freedom that jazz singers get to possess. They could rehearse with one version of a song and perform it completely different and still sound amazing. It's the excitement of improvising that gets me- you can be so creative with singing jazz. I love how Michael Buble made this song his own. :) It's so hilarious!

Oh, Frank Sinatra. Jazz is almost always about love, and isn't always about the gushy mushy stuff, it's usually about heartbreak and sorrow. It's not morbid or anything, jazz to me is really powerful because it's so emotional. It's like you can hear their own secret confessions through their songs. Frank Sinatra has such a, excuse my gangster vernacular, 'swagger' about him. It's confident and genuine, which I appreciate so much in music.

-SOY

If I Could Be Anything In The World...

I'd be a ballerina. I've always been terribly jealous of all ballerina's posture- the effortless way they glide when they walk, their shoulders back and heads high, I can honestly say that I have never walked like that (well, naturally) in my entire life. I've always tried to emulate the posture but I gave up. It hurts. I favor my fetal/couch potato position!

 I love all the screenshots from the upcoming movie The Black Swan. I had to read the synopsis and read what it was all about and am mildly interested! But heck, I'd watch it for the aesthetics itself... I like looking at pretty things.

 Gotta love Natalie Portman! The photos below are from The Ballerina Project. It is described as a "collaborative work of dance, fashion design, and photography played out against the city's landscape", and holyshamolies it is just GAWGEOUS. Just look at all the pictures- they made me so happy looking at them, you won't regret it!

Photos: adrants, mydisguises, The Ballerina Project

-SOY

Black Friday & Michael Bublé

I have been hammering out blog posts lately... The weekdays are just too busy for me to post or take pictures so I will be taking advantage of this Thanksgiving break!

So just in case you guys live under a rock or maybe another country, today is Black Friday, every American's personal death wish. No one wants to be trampled on the floors of a Wal-Mart or maimed in a line outside of a Kohl's but somehow it always ends up happening. I'm proud to say that this year's adventure went quite well and *gasp* I MIGHT have some money left over after all the gift-buying! I'll just be buying a bunch of gift cards, which brings me to my next point:

I don't like gift cards. Call me old-fashioned but I love opening a big box and seeing my gift, the exact thing I asked for. I don't want a measly envelope with a piece of plastic. I want something that someone actually took some effort in buying for me! But alas, my friends are painfully ambiguous when telling me what they want for the holidays so gift cards it is!

So this is what I wore for the outing.. Comfy jeans and top, huge (and quite irrationally-sized) scarf and some boots. No heels I decided... Boots are easier to run in and kick people with. A few friends and I went to our local mall at about 10:30PM where we waited in a huge line for an hour and a half. There were obnoxious people behind us cussing up a storm and being rude so that part was no fun. In the end we only went to a few stores because the lines were getting ridiculous. I waited 30 minutes at Charlotte Russe (Which wasn't that bad, really.) and bought some stuff at Icing and that was pretty much it!

I wear straw fedoras in the winter, I'm a rebel. I got home at around 3 and went back to bed where I dreamed about Michael Bublé. Needless to say, I slept very, very well. :)

Outfit Details!!

Boots: Charlotte Russe, $20

Knee Highs: Icing, $2

Dress: My trip to Korea, $8

Sweater: My mom's!

Tee: Nordstrom Outlet, $3

Hat: Target, $5

Vintage Purse: Dad collects old things :)

Ring: Icing, $2

-------------------------

Sam Levenson was an American journalist, writer, humorist and television host. He was a guest on the Ed Sullivan Show back in the day and would co-host The Price Is Right. In addition, Levenson wrote a few best-sellers which included: Sex and the Single Child, Everything But Money and You Can Say That Again, Sam! He was also a philanthropist, donating to the Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center. His name is forever in my memory because he wrote my favorite poem entitled "Time Tested Beauty Tips" who he wrote for his grandchild. It garnered much attention when Audrey Hepburn said it was her favorite poem as well:

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;

Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."

-SOY

The blogs in my life. :)

Yes, yes. I'm aware my Photoshopping needs work. Patience now!


1- Keiko Lynn has such a whimsical, girly style and she dresses up even when she has nothing to do that day! That's my kind of thinking. Her posts are very well-written and her style is so true to herself! I love checking every day to see what outfit she decides to put up on her site!
2- Painfully Hip is based off of Arizona. I always hope that I'd run into her someday. :) Her blunt bob and edgy style gives me something to look at and she takes part in photoshoots and promos constantly!
3- Casey's Musings is all about the vintage. Casey Brown used to be a costume designer but now she works on vintage patterns to make the most amazing recreations! And to top it all off, she is incredibly sweet. I would ask her questions about vintage patterns and she is always prompt and polite. I love nice bloggers!!
4- Apricot Tea's blog to me is much more than outfit posts because she really has insightful things to say. This blog is more of a diary format compared to others. She talks about her life much more than any other blog I follow- you can't stop reading because you can really tell that she's a genuine human being. And I love her laid-back style, too.
5- Rockstar Diaries by Taza & Husband is probably the cutest blog in the world. Referred to me by Hilary, these two are the cutest couple ever! She's a dancer who's now pregnant (eep! :DD) with a serious sense of style, and He's a Columbia grad who loves wearing bowties. It's meant to be. They talk about food, their bulldog, and their family.
6- I Am Donald is Donald Glover's blog (You know, the guy in Community and Mystery Team?!) He's freaking talented: a rapper, a writer, comedian, actor. I have a crush. Officially. He recommends music, videos, restaurants, and I personally think it's ALL good. And I always appreciate a guy who doesn't mind wearing shorts ABOVE the knee.

Artist I Love: Sia

This is Aussie singer Sia.

She is amazing.

Her voice is quite unique, almost jazzy in a way, and all of her upbeat songs have great beats and stick in your head all day. Her slower serenades are endearing and you can feel the emotion by just listening to it.

I think that her infectious childishness is what makes Sia so great. She never wears makeup (save for the costume makeup so beautifully illustrated below), and always likes to have fun in her music videos. She has an indominable spirit, both on and off the screen.

*Also, she suffered heat exhaustion from wearing that bunny outfit. If that's not suffering for art, I don't know what is!

If the video freaks you out a little bit, just close your eyes, browse another site, I don't know! Just listen to the music! :)

-SOY.