So introduce yourself.
My name is Stephanie Zhou, age 15. I will be a sophomore next year at Lynbrook High.
Where do you live? In a totally non-creepy, unstalkerish way.
San Jose. Really, the rumors are true; the place is packed with asians.
How would you say the area influences you?
Well, since I don’t live in the ghetto of San Jose (saying this in a completely unoffensive way), there’s not a lot of crime, bullying, and such going on so I feel it’s safe to just wear whatever I want to. I don’t feel threatened that there’s something wrong with just being me and that reflects in what I do and what I wear.

SHINee, the band known for their cute faces, hot threads, and rocking vocals.
What are your style influences in general? I’m influenced from overseas media, such as Korean or Japanese idols. For example, I really like the SHINee trend, but don’t wear it as often because the bright colors tend to make me look darker than I actually am. So I shop at international stores.
Any influences from TV, other cultures, your friends or family?
Like I said, I wear a typical asian trend. Frankly, I don’t care about brands; if I like it, I’ll buy it. Even if it’s from a thrift store, that’s fine by me. I try not to be influenced too much by other people; they can wear what they want to wear, and I’ll wear what I want to wear.
Who would be your personal style icons?
I don’t particularly like to dress extremely girly-girl, so a lot of guy groups, actually, are my style icons, such as SHINee and SS501. Hmmm but my one style icon would probably be Bae Seul Ki from Break for casual stuff, and Tiffany from So Nyuh Shi Dae (SNSD) for when I’m feeling girlier.

Ba Seul Ki modelling outfits from BomRiche and more.
How would you describe your own style?
Asian? (laughs) Very asian. I like to think I dress in a way that’s unique from everyone else. If I wear a sweatshirt, it’ll probably be either really big, or cut in some unique way. I don’t really like the fitted sweatshirts. I like to dress in a way so it’s obvious I’m a girl, but only with a tougher air.

Sailor girl cosplay from the girls of SNSD.
How would you describe your own style?
Asian? (laughs) Very asian. I like to think I dress in a way that’s unique from everyone else. If I wear a sweatshirt, it’ll probably be either really big, or cut in some unique way. I don’t really like the fitted sweatshirts. I like to dress in a way so it’s obvious I’m a girl, but only with a tougher air.
Where do you usually find yourself shopping? Why?
H&M, Charlotte Russe, or Wet Seal. They have some pretty unique stuff that I really go for.

The boys of SHINee being their usual mature selves in a promotional photo shoot.
How do you think fashion relates to other aspects of society?
Fashion, if you’re good enough at it, can start to set up a character for you. Like, people might know you FOR the way you dress. I believe what you wear builds character; even if people don’t know your name, they’ll still recognize you.

Tiffany from SNSD in a sweets-themed photoshoot.
Why do you think fashion matters?
It’s a way to become an individual. I’m not a conformist. Really, I don’t care about the current trends. If I like it, I’ll wear it; if it’s popular, great. But that’s not the main reason why I buy clothes. I think fashion is part of what makes [someone] an individual.
[photo cred: soompi, popseoul, yeinjee.]
- CG
Filed under: spring/summer 2009 | Tags: actress, bollywood, chictopia, freida pinto, movie, nathan jenden, ossie clarke, paul costelloe, urban outfitters, what i want now

I know Freida Pinto’s been getting A LOT of hype for her fifteen minutes, but you’ve got to admit the girl’s got style. What I’m really eyeing right now is the yellow scarf she wore in the film, coincidentallly in Pantone’s color of the year, mimosa yellow. Her dancer scarf, designed by Slumdog Millionaire’s costume designer Suttirat Larlab, symbolizes hope and optimism.
Mimosa yellow is a gorgeous color, whether it’s worn as an accent piece or head-to-toe. Rich and saturated, it provides an alternative to the harsh black that’s been prevalent on runways this season. Designers like Ossie Clarke, Paul Costelloe, and Nathan Jenden all welcomed mimosa yellow with open arms and design sketches at the ready.

For those who don’t quite feel they can rock yellow all over, try just a touch of yellow in a scarf. And if you’re feeling extra ballsy, a bold yellow dress will do the trick.

[photo credit: 100%Design, Urban Outfitters, and Chictopia]
- CG


It’s Independence Day, girlies! All of you should be in your best patriotic getup tonight, whether you’ll be out partying with friends or spending time at home with the family. Stripes were seen all over the runways this season, from Thakoon to Marc by Marc Jacobs, ranging from bold to subtle.


With the Fourth of July coming round every summer, designers have a tendency to go red-white-and-blue crazy. Even the British megastore Topshop has jumped on the America bandwagon after landing stateside, the addition of patriotic designs complementing the typical Union Jack.

The red and white striped oragami dress is priced at $70, and the cross-body bag is $50. Both are excellent additions to any all-American girl’s wardrobe, and perfect complements to a round of fireworks.


Add a bold accent piece to your outfit with these stellar necklaces from Ben-Amun and Diane Yang, respectively. Go for a multitude of stars with a deep v-neck top or dress in a subtle, muted color to draw attention to the décolletage. Choose a simple drop necklace to play up a bold outfit.
Don’t forget to have fun and take plenty of pictures! Have a great Fourth of July!
[photo credit: nymag.com, stylelist, max and chloe]
- CG


What’s up! This isn’t my first blog, but it IS my first blog with some semblance of a purpose. I’m writing this quote-unquote “style blog” for my pre-college fashion journalism class.
Keeping my fingers crossed that this blog will reach a wider audience than the one that reads my other blog – an audience which pretty much consists of my family and a few friends I’ve bribed and blackmailed into reading.
I call this a style blog, but it’s really an everything blog – music, fashion, indie, arts, photography, pop culture, and the media all rolled up into one friendly, nonthreatening package.
Hope y’all will keep reading!
[photo credit: c'est ma photo, le mérite n'est pas necessaire!]
- CG