Vivian Weng, Co-Founder of FashionStake.com

In high school, blending into the crowd can seem like the most important thing of all. But as we grow up, true fashionistas know they have to create a style that is uniquely theirs. While most of us will always have a special place in our hearts for cheap chic establishments like Forever 21 and H&M, at one point or another, we start craving a little individuality and novelty in our clothing.

Enter FashionStake, an online emporium of independent fashion vetted by industry experts and ultimately handpicked by the community. It’s a trendsetter’s haven for stunning alternatives to mass-produced goods, but on the other side of the business equation are the independent designers who have struggled to share their talent—until now.

“We are not a traditional retailer,” emphasizes FashionStake co-founder Vivian Weng, “but a marketplace and platform for designers to reach an audience that they typically don’t have access to.”

Launched just a year ago, the company is the brainchild she hatched with Harvard Business School classmate Daniel Gulati. With experience in mass retail at McKinsey & Co. prior to grad school, Weng had always loved fashion. Gulati brought an entrepreneurial background to the table, and the two of them began discussing business opportunities in what’s largely been a slow-changing industry.

“One of the biggest trends we saw was an opening up of the industry,” Weng says. “Shows like Project Runway give the average Americana peek into an industry that has traditionally been very closed. Bloggers today are sitting in the front rows of fashion shows, and big luxury houses are streaming their fashion shows online when they used to be strictly invitation-only.”

Jumping on this movement, Weng and Gulati wanted to find a platform to help emerging designers connect with hard-to-reach customers. What started out as a Kickstarter-esque model for fashion, where users chipped in to fund lines they liked, evolved into a voter-based retail site.

Each week, three selected designers are showcased in the Voting Booth, where users decide who will be sold on the site.

“To find designers, the FashionStake team is constantly scouring trade fairs, showrooms, and markets,” Weng explains. “We work with bloggers, PR reps, and different magazines that have local connections to up-and-coming designers.”

The company has also been receiving a high volume of requests from designers, thanks to snagging InStyle’s Best of the Web award earlier this year. Leveraging the expanded knowledge of promising artists from its network, FashionStake now features over 200 designers from more than 16 countries.

“We want to become an online destination where people shop and explore really exciting, cutting-edge new fashion,” Weng says.

But more importantly, FashionStake is aggregating the “long tail” of independent designers, connecting these fresh perspectives with customers who otherwise would have never heard of them. Before the advent of online shopping, department stores and boutiques could only support a limited number of designers due to space and budget constraints. In today’s digital age, FashionStake provides a free e-commerce solution so designers no longer need to worry about building a website or driving traffic. As a one-stop shop for inspired creations, the site helps designers gain attention in the very cluttered web space.

A quick glance at where FashionStake’s designers have landed makes it clear that it’s not just a shopping site, but a venue through which new talent really can grow. After being featured on the site, independent designers have gone on to show at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion—where influencers like Zac Posen and Phillip Lim first showed. Among Weng’s favorite Asian American designers to watch out for on FashionStake are Ann Lee, a Michigan native who was one of the designers at Gen Art, and Yoonmi Lee, whose beautiful craftsmanship caught the eye of InStyle editors working on the web awards.

At the end of the day, Weng emphasizes that when you’re carving out your own path, nothing should be too big or too small for you to take on. Aside from helping designers on the side while she was at McKinsey, Weng actually quit her job early before going to business school to intern at Elie Tahari and Escada.

“I spent some days just steaming clothes or dressing models, but the hands-on internships were the greatest learning experiences,” she said. “You have to have no ego. Just jump into it.”

We’re sure designers and shoppers alike are quite glad that she did.

Click through for a slideshow Weng put together of her current “obsessions,” all available at fashionstake.com

3/4-Sleeve Ruffled Shirt (http://www.fashionstake.com/3-4-sleeve-ruffled-shirt-black-lurex.html): Alice Ritter, of the CFDA Fashion Incubator, is one of my favorite designers. She has this amazing French sensibility that is coy and cool.

3 Colored Shawl (http://www.fashionstake.com/3-colored-shawl.html): I think oversized neckwear gives an instant dose of “downtown cool” to any outfit. This is such a cozy accessory for winter.

Lucky Red Dress (http://www.fashionstake.com/lucky-red-dress.html): I’m really into long-sleeve dresses right now. They’re the perfect day-to-night choice–totally office appropriate but chic too.

Elica Navy Lace Dress (http://www.fashionstake.com/elica-navy-lace-dress.html): I love how this lace dress is made modern and fresh by a contrast back zipper and removable belt. It’s super ladylike.

Coraluxx Necklace (http://www.fashionstake.com/coraluxx-necklace.html): What a unique statement piece. Elvira Sazesh, the designer, uses suede, leather, and rope to create these little pieces of wearable art.

A.S. High Sneaker (http://www.fashionstake.com/a.s-high-sneaker-navy-red.html): I got a pair of these retro-inspired high-tops for my boyfriend, but wish they came in women’s sizes too! This brand has a great history and was originally a classic canvas shoe from Shanghai before it was revived by a French company.

Make Babies Tag Necklace (http://www.fashionstake.com/make-babies-tag-necklace-gold.html): This cheeky necklace is the perfect layering piece

Vivian Weng, Co-Founder of FashionStake.com

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Photo Credit: Hye-Ryoung Min

As the former assistant of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Aimee Cho knows firsthand that life is what you make of it. The former Vogue writer and current fashion designer began her career working in television and print, but soon after, decided to start her own company, Gryphon, which creates cult-favorite trench coats that have wrapped around celebrities like Halle Berry and Beyonce.

Out of college, Cho applied to a number of publishing houses and received an offer from Condé Nast to work as the personal assistant of Anna Wintour. “There really was no other opportunity that I could have had for a first-row seat to seeing someone who’s the best at what she does do what she does everyday,” said Cho. “I wanted to be a writer at a world-class, top-notch magazine and work for people who I thought were smarter and more accomplished than me, who I could learn from. Vogue and Anna were definitely that.”

Then the idea for Gryphon came from a brainstorming conversation Cho had with a Vogue co-worker while they were working on a story about the essential building blocks of a modern woman’s wardrobe. The staples that had came up in their conversation—the perfectly tailored pant suit, great city coat, cashmere sweater, t-shirt—all were sold at different prices from hundreds of sources. Except for trench coats.

“At the time, I thought that there was this classic piece of iconic clothing that every woman looks good in and every woman should own, but there really isn’t one go-to resource that you know you’ll find your great trench coat from,” said Cho. “I thought that, at a slightly lower price line, there was room in the market for someone to be offering trench coats in different ways.”

Beyond the fashion demand, Cho is also inspired by real woman. She thinks about what is practical, what women want to wear, and how to connect to them. “I think that women shop and women buy things because they emotionally respond to them. There’s a reason why you like something—whether it’s the color, the shape or the texture, something about it, makes you respond to it and makes you want to wear it,” said Cho. “I do always try to make clothes that I feel like women will respond to emotionally to, at least. I think that clothes should have souls.”

Having worked in both the fashion and garment industries, Cho believes that the garment industry is one of the most difficult to work in. To aspiring fashion designers and fashion writers, Cho advises doing your research and doing it well.

Photo Credit: Kevin Sturman

“I think that it does a disservice to students in design schools who focus purely on design for design sake; I think a lot of real-world lessons could help a lot,” says Cho. “Ultimately it is about the product and about the design, but there’s so much more to it than that. It requires a business mind and a practical mind—not just a creative mind—that I think that schools don’t necessarily prepare students for.”

That’s not to say school isn’t important; what Cho learned in college has certainly shaped her career, even if she didn’t study fashion. “I am a strong believer in education influencing your life in ways that you wouldn’t necessarily predict,” says Cho, who studied religion in college. “What Brown University taught me was to challenge myself and think analytically and critically to really look at opportunities from many different perspectives.”

With her success at Gryphon, Cho joins a host of other Asian American designers who are taking the fashion industry by storm. She encourages young, creative people to pursue their passions, and cites her parents’ encouragement as one of the reasons she’s been able to pursue her dreams.

“I think fashion is one of those industries where you can really see so many successful role models for young Asian Americans and from all walks of life—males and females,” said Cho. “I think that’s an amazing thing; I can’t think of any other industry that is so visual and visible in which there are so many Asian Americans doing great things.”

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Photo Credit: Carolyn Hsu

While many blogs we come across today were created, well, yesterday, that is not the case with The Daily Obsession, a go-to lifestyle guide that manifested in the blogosphere in 2006. So when I met The Daily Obsession co-founder and editor, Carolyn Hsu, near Madison Square Park, I wasn’t surprised that she was business-savvy, outspoken and confident, with the experience of a “veteran” blogger who was smart enough to start a blog before everyone else jumped on the bandwagon.

Hsu fits into today’s up-and-coming breed of young entrepreneurs, with a multitasking, can-do, adaptive mentality. Since Hsu and her longtime friend Connie Wong, whom she met during high school, started The Daily Obsession six years ago, the blog has transformed into an established media entity, with over 200,000 monthly readers and staffers in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. The site has featured notable figures from designer Rebecca Minkoff to makeup artist Jemma Kidd. Hsu even interviewed actress Kate Winslet in 2009 right before the Oscars during what she calls one of the most exciting experiences of her blogging career. On top of The Daily Obsession, Hsu recently started her own personal style blog, The Hsu Closet, where she shares beautiful photos of her stylish outfits and accessories courtesy of her very own boyfriend-slash-photographer.

The work that goes into balancing not just one but two blogs includes attending many press events and meetings, reading every blog at night (Hsu’s favorites include My Style Pill, Saucy Glossie, The Blonde Salad, and Tales of Endearment) and jamming out blog posts every day. And, up until recently, blogging was a side job on top of her 9-to-7 full-time career—just like the multitude of bloggers that Hsu reveals lead a “dual life.”

Besides being a blogger extraordinaire, Hsu has also succeeded in marketing. After she graduated from the University of Washington in 2006, she was recruited to work at Microsoft in a marketing position in New York City, where she has lived for the past five years. She then moved on to The Economist, until she made her leap into the fashion industry by working in marketing for a luxury retailer.

Between Microsoft and fashion, life didn’t exactly go according to plan. “For me, going to law school always seemed like ‘the safety blanket,’ ” Hsu says of her original path. “But when I realized that I wasn’t even excited enough about the industry to try to get in the door, I decided to pursue what I was really passionate about: fashion and media. It was difficult to divert from the five-year plan, but I’m much better off for it because now I’m doing something that I’m excited about every day.”

While Hsu’s marketing career was taking off, The Daily Obsession was increasingly gaining credibility in the fashion and beauty industry—a status that is hard to achieve in the blogging world where anyone and everyone can call themselves a blogger. “As more and more brands started appreciating the value of social media, we started getting more advertisers and more brand partnerships,” says Hsu. “So it kind of took a life of its own.”

The site began gaining traction in 2008, and, unlike other blogs, brands were mostly reaching out to The Daily Obsession for product reviews and partnerships instead of vice versa—proving that the strong content and unique voice of the blog truly set it apart. “The trick to a long-lasting relationship is really being authentic,” Hsu adds. “I think what brands do appreciate is a strong point of view, because I think that’s why consumers read blogs—because they actually get a point of view.”

Photo Credit: Carolyn Hsu

Hsu was able to overcome many hurdles bloggers face thanks to her ability to quickly pick up skills on her own and her distinct point of view. With The Daily Obsession, Hsu downloaded a blog template, bought a domain and taught herself HTML to tweak the site. She now runs and maintains every aspect of The Hsu Closet herself, even learning Photoshop from Google searches.

Hsu’s hands-on, do-it-yourself attitude paved the way for her parents to accept her career path. Hsu recalls, “Ten years ago [my parents] were like, ‘You should be a doctor’, but I was like, ‘I can’t, I can’t!” Yet as she got older, she realized that you just have to prove yourself to your parents: “I think that once you show that you’re responsible and that you have a good head on your shoulders and you know what’s going on, they tend to trust you a lot more.”

So for the young teens who want to know how to make an impact in the blog and fashion industries, Hsu offers very practical words of wisdom. She urges aspiring editors to do as much freelance writing as you can. “The most important thing is sending in clips and having a point of view,” Hsu emphasizes. “A lot of companies now are looking for someone who has an interesting voice and can convey things in a cool way that actually hooks people.” To fashionistas, Hsu candidly advises, “Fashion is a very personality-driven industry, so work on your people skills and communication skills. Being an effective team player and overall friendly person can take you far.”

As for starting a blog, dedication and perseverance is key. “It’s definitely very hard to maintain a blog. You’re so motivated for a week, and then you’re like, ‘Oh, I had 30 hits this week’—and you’re like, ‘Oh, they all came from me,’ ” Hsu laughs. But she adds, “It’s really easy to drop off, or you get busy. Sticking with it definitely helps.”

Sticking with her hobby has definitely paid off for Hsu, and it’s safe to assume that this is only the beginning for her. With smart instincts and the tenacity to follow through on her interests and simply make things happen, we’ll be eager to hear what new places she will end up in. And luckily for us, we’ll be in the know—since her insight and new obsessions will just be a click away.

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The Classically Chic

Though leggings and skinny jeans are tempting options, the tightness can actually lead to poor blood circulation in-flight. For the chic traveler, we suggest shorts paired with a classy wrinkle-free cotton shirt and flats. We also recommend bringing a light cardigan because it can get chilly in the airplane. Finish the look with a chain shoulder bag (perhaps big enough for your duty free items).

Note: Kensie Tab Sleeve Cardigan is pictured in ivory, but we prefer the gray.

The Punk Rocker

Yoga pants are fabulous when it comes to traveling, since you can sit however you’d like on the airplane and stretch your legs out. Make a statement with a leather jacket and a straw fedora hat.  Add in low-top Converse shoes and a leather buckle satchel and you’ll look like a rock star.

The Casual Bohemian

Boho fashion is loose, relaxed, natural and earthy. Mochi recommends a graphic cotton T-shirt paired with vintage cuffed Bermuda shorts. Mix-and-match leather and metal bangles, then finish off the hippie-chic look with gladiator sandals.

All polyvores courtesy of Jane Choi

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Photographer: Jeffrey Zhang
Stylists: Stephanie Wu and Alexander Liang
Hair: Bobbie Yanoupeth
Makeup: Giro Iriarte
Models: Kevin Paik, Graziella Barrette, Mwaji the dog
Cupcakes courtesy of Buttercup Bake Shop

Where to buy:
Levi’s: levis.com; H&M: hm.com; Miss Me: missme.com; Lyell: lyellnyc.com; Steven Alan: stevenalan.com; Twinkle by Wenlan: twinklebywenlan.com; Risky Wraps: riskywraps.com; Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com; Nicole Baras: jbaras.com; Topshop: topshop.com; American Apparel: americanapparel.com; Uniqlo: uniqlo.com; Hunter Dixon: hunterdixon.com; Issy Salomon: issysalomondesigns.com; Think Closet: 212.228.2282.

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Situation: Meeting with a professor

Hopefully your interaction with instructors won’t be limited to a lecture hall. Maybe you’re meeting up to discuss a research proposal, exam or interesting idea from class, butthey are still your professors outside of class. Show that you respect their time and position by looking put-together.

You don’t need to dress like you would for a business meeting, but it’s also not the time to roll out of bed in your sweats. Wear your typical casual clothes and throw in a fancier piece—swap your T-shirt for a feminine blouse, substitute a cardigan for your college hoodie, or wear nice flats instead of Uggs, sandals or sneakers. Stores like Gap, Uniqlo and J. Crew are great places to find classic, logo-free items.

Image by Keila Fong

Situation: Frat or house party

Weekends on college campuses are always buzzing with social events. Depending on your personal preferences and campus nightlife scene, you may find yourself at a fraternity party on Friday night. Focus on looking relaxed, yet classy. Getting dressed up is a great chance to indulge your inner fashionista, but don’t forget about comfort—parties can be hot and crowded, with a high likelihood of spilled drinks.

The goal is more “going out” than “going to class,” but keep it casual and comfy. You’ll appreciate flat shoes after a long night of walking, standing and dancing. Jeans with a cute top is a foolproof combination—add a statement accessory to stand out. An added benefit: jean pockets are a great place to tuck essentials so you don’t need to worry about misplacing your purse. Fast-fashion retailers like H&M and Forever 21 stock many affordable and trendy options. Look there for accessories, or check out dedicated stores like Nine West.

Image by Keila Fong

Situation: Job interview

Even as a college student, there will be times when you need to look professional. Whether you’re interviewing for an internship, part-time job or club executive position, appearance matters, so show that you mean business with your attire.

Remember to bring a suit or business separates from home for these situations. If you don’t have these pieces, consider purchasing them. They are staples that you will need eventually and the investment is worth it. Black is always a safe and effective color. Depending on the industry and position you’re interviewing for, you can add character to your outfit through by combining classic accessories. For instance, you can wear a black blazer over a blouse and skirt or even a fitted dress as long as you stick with darker or neutral colors. Generally speaking, keep your outfit business-like. Save your stilettos for the weekend, and wear kitten heels or black flats. Great places to shop for business apparel are Club Monaco, Banana Republic and Zara.

Image by Keila Fong

Situation: Semi-formal dance

As a nice change from the typical dance party, your college may host semiformal dances for club events or major holidays.

The dress code isn’t too different from a high school semi-formal. A little black dress is a must-have item since it’s classic, simple and you can always dress it up or down with accessories. If you want to stand out from the crowd, go for a cocktail dress in a bold color or with eye-catching detailing. Just be sure to bring a few options to school with you since you might not be able to find many formal clothes in your college town. Watch your heel height as well—make sure they won’t keep you from dancing the night away. As always, statement accessories are the way to make a look your own. Caché and BCBG are known for their cocktail dress options. For more affordable alternatives, try department stores as they tend to have a large selection.

Image by Keila Fong

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Headed to: Northeast and Midwest

Meet winter—a beast with which you will become intimately acquainted. To the uninitiated, it can be intimidating, especially since there’s so much new gear to buy.

In the Northeast, winter sets in gradually. It may be sweltering when you move in (many buildings don’t have air conditioning, so pack accordingly!), but by October, the weather cools off considerably. Be prepared to bundle up to walk to class every morning for several months during the dead of winter. To counter the elements outside, buildings may be very warm, so be sure to layer.

The same applies to the Midwest, with some unpredictability thrown in. The region is known for its occasionally erratic weather, so be sure to check the weather and pack for a variety of climate possibilities.

Pieces you’ll need:

• A winter coat: Wool is a stylish option, but a sportier North Face may provide more warmth and keep you dry. Check out a ski shop or an outdoors retailer like REI for a range of options.
• Snow boots: Cold, wet feet are no fun. Slogging through slush is more tolerable with a pair of sturdy boots. While snow boots will keep you warm, a pair of rain boots with thick socks is a great alternative. Brands like Sorel are known for their snow boots, but if you’re looking for more stylish options, try Hunter’s Wellies or even Target for classic and cute options.
• Gloves and hat: Keep your extremities insulated. Look for fabric that will block the wind. Again, outdoors stores are great places to find performance gear.
• Scarves: Functional and stylish, these are a great way to add variety to your winter gear. Stock up in different colors, patterns and textures. Stores like Marshalls carry many affordable options.
• Tights and leggings: Great for extending the life of your warm weather wardrobe with layering. For super-cold days, they can also do double duty as an extra layer if you wear them under your pants. Target carries affordable options while American Apparel is great for trendier fabrics like velvet.

Image by Keila Fong

Headed to: South and West

Welcome to paradise, at least compared to the more wintry regions. During the school year, you may be lucky enough to experience relatively temperate weather.

In the South, be prepared for oppressive heat and humidity at the beginning and end of the school year. The upside of this deal is that you get mild winters—cold, but with a smaller chance of snow.

Out west, the proximity to water helps moderate the temperature. Nights may be cool, but you won’t have to worry about blizzards. Particularly in the southern parts of the region, beware of heat and humidity.

Pieces you’ll need:

• Mid-weight jacket: No need for puffy ski jackets or performance outerwear here, but you’ll still want to stay warm. Choose from a wide assortment of stylish options. Uniqlo and Gap are just a few stores that carry lightweight blazers and trench coats.
• Cardigans or light hoodies: For those days when the weather can’t decide, throw on a light layer or stash it in your bag just in case. You can find a variety of styles available at stores like Gap and J. Crew.
• Layering shirts: Thin, long-sleeved thermals under a T-shirt are great for adding extra warmth. You can find performance versions at outdoors retailers like REI or Sports Authority, but any long-sleeved shirt will do the job.
• Tights and leggings: Perfect for squeezing more use out of warm weather clothes on cooler days. American Apparel is the best place to find a variety of colorful, durable options.

Image by Keila Fong

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Courtesy Jeinny Solis S./SXC

Minimize clutter with containers

• Vertical storage drawers are great for keeping makeup, jewelry and small items organized. Place them on top of dressers or desks to use your space efficiently.
• Plastic tubs that fit underneath your bed are perfect for storing seasonal clothes that you don’t need to access often.
• Drawer dividers are a great way to keep underwear and socks separate in your dresser, so you can grab and go in the mornings.

Create more space

• Put your bed on risers to increase storage space underneath. You won’t notice the effect, but you’ll be able to fit much more.
• Use shelves and bookcases to increase the room’s surface area. Vertical space can be hard to use efficiently, so divide it up. Shelves are also more accessible than stacks and piles of things.

Use existing space creatively

• Fill nooks and crannies efficiently. For example, a non-functional fireplace can’t store much, but is the perfect size for a shoe rack.
• Clothes don’t have to hang only in the closet. Tie scarves to the bed frame, hang belts and bags on door racks, and mount additional hooks throughout the room.

Make it work with the roomies

• Agree upon a fair division of space. You may have to compromise the size of your wardrobe for intra-room peace, but that is way more valuable in the long run.
• Decide ahead of time who will be responsible for specific storage items. You don’t want to end up with five (or zero) bookcases on move-in day. Or agree on a roommate shopping trip after you arrive so you don’t overlap.
• Check dimensions before move-in. Determine how much you can bring and what type of storage containers and furniture the room can accommodate—before you get there.

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by Mandy Yeh for MochiMag.com

Q: How can I flatter my petite frame?

A: If you’re on the shorter side, it can be difficult to find clothes that fit, let alone look stylish—but it can be done! The most important recommendation is to avoid baggy clothes that don’t flatter anyone. That being said, the judicious use of volume can give you a more substantial profile. Try belting a blousy top over skinny jeans. You should also keep your hemlines proportional to your height. For skirts and dresses, hems should hit slightly above the knee. Tall shoes are always a lengthening option as well. Ankle booties are a trendy way to add inches in the winter. Avoid chunky platforms, which will visually weigh you down.

Q: How do I camouflage a small chest?

A: Adding visual interest is a great way to highlight your best features—and to enhance those you may not like as much. Look for tops with embellishment over the chest area. A well-placed ruffle can do wonders (and ruffles are trendy and easy to find this season)! You can achieve a similar effect with statement necklaces that highlight your décolletage. This will draw the eye upward. You can also emphasize—or create—curves with structured jackets and other tops that highlight your waist.

Q: My parents (or school dress code) are kind of conservative. How can I satisfy them while still looking good?

A: Layering is key. You can wear a camisole underneath a low-cut top or throw a jacket or cardigan on top. Layering also works on the bottom. For example, tights and leggings can be worn under shorter dresses. This is a great way to extend the life of your summer wardrobe! A general rule: Try to focus on one feature at a time. If you’re wearing a short skirt, cover up on top.

Q: Which colors will complement my skin tone?

A: Dark hair and skin with yellow undertones are common Asian characteristics. The high contrast between our skin and hair means that we generally look good in bold colors. Try bright, rich colors and jewel tones, like teal, purple and cobalt blue. Pastels and nudes, on the other hand, can make you look washed out. Luckily, neutrals like black, navy and white will pop against your complexion. We’ve all been warned to stay away from yellow, but even bright yellow can be flattering–especially on tanned skin. As with everything, the overall look will vary depending on the individual, so try different colors and establish your personal color scheme!

SOURCES

http://www.omiru.com/index.php/2008/04/24/qa-the-best-colors-for-asian-skin/

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3. Fashion Blogger Susie Bubble on the Digital World of Fashion Fashion blogger Susanna "Susie Bubble" Lau is one of the...

Susanna Lau of the Style Bubble fashion blog is better known throughout the blogosphere as “Susie Bubble” — an alias that she garnered from her friend, Sarah Hill, back in elementary school. Incidentally, long before blogging existed, an entire class of children began to call her by her famous nickname because she always looked like she was in a world of her own. “I was in a bubble!” she affectionately recalled.

Nowadays, in spite of her nickname and blog name, Lau is one of the most artistically, culturally and sartorially involved individuals in the fashion media industry — a far cry from the “bubble” of her childhood years. She began blogging because she wanted to “channel random thoughts about fashion” into a space of her own, after “geeking out” on fashion forums such as The Fashion Spot. Lau discovered that bloggers have the ability to cover obscure information with speed and variety that most print publications have not yet achieved. For buyers, public relations agents and trendspotters, bloggers are gems of resources — and Lau is a rare blue diamond. “Blogging three times a day for three years is weirdly enough the most consistent thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

Her passion and keen eye for design led her to become the commissioning editor for Dazed Digital, the groundbreaking online counterpart to the British style magazine, Dazed & Confused. Lau admits that “it’s been tricky to juggle the blog and [her] full time job at Dazed, but it has been really amazing overseeing the development of Dazed Digital.” Because she has never worked with print before, she was recruited to be a member of the staff in order to offer a different perspective and to approach the online relaunch “in a completely different way to print.”

One of the differences between working in print and working in digital is the level of work pace. Lau is able to — and must — work at a faster pace than her print counterparts. Additionally, she must respond to reader feedback in the form of comments and website traffic. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), for print media, instantaneous feedback can be largely ignored. “The pace can wear you down. Also, looking after a website is a 24-hour job. If something breaks, you have to fix it right away,” she admitted.

Lau discovered that some benefits to working in digital include fewer restrictions (for example, no need to make sure all images are in high-resolution) and a bigger scope of topics to cover. However, in spite of digital’s ability to cover vast amounts of information, Lau believes that print media will still remain as a substantial and profitable industry in the future because “the two media are consumed in different ways.” The digitally inclined blogger is not worried about print in this increasingly environmentally conscious world, because “what print excels at is not replicable online, the tactile feeling of flicking through a magazine and reading the lengthy interviews with fantastic people and seeing the fashion editorials.” According to Lau, contrary to popular belief, the core of the fashion industry has not changed much as a result of the digital boom. Instead, the rise of digital has changed the average consumer’s perception of fashion and how the information is dispersed to the general public.

The combination of her love of fashion and her dive into the digital world as an editor and blogger culminated in an unforgettable moment when she was late to the Lanvin Autumn/Winter 2009 show, and tripped on the way in.

“With blood tripping down my knees and tights, I crouched in the front row just as the show started. The models strode out on the wet concrete floor and for about 10 minutes, I forgot I was bleeding and in a bit of pain because it was that beautiful. It’s pretty cheesy to talk about fashion like that, but that’s how it was!” she said. Now, this is why Lau is the it-blogger of the fashion blogosphere.

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Stay fashionable and green this summer by creating new clothes from what you already have!

SCARF TOP

Update a fashion staple by transforming it into a flirty top.

Materials:

• large square silk scarf (look for ones with borders)
• ribbon
• fray check
• optional: beads
• sewing tools

Cut the square scarf along the diagonal to form two identical triangles. Apply fray check to the cut edges.

Measure two pieces of ribbon as long as the cut edge of the triangles. Fold each ribbon in half lengthwise and iron to create a crease. Place the cut edge of each triangle in the crease of a ribbon. Sew along the top edge of the ribbon, stitching through all three layers.

Lay one triangle on top of the other, with the faces together. Stitch along the legs of the triangles, staying close to the edge. On the left side, stitch about one-third of the way up; this will be the back of the top. On the right side, stitch about two-thirds of the way up; this will be the front of the top.

Cut a length of ribbon long enough to form a halter strap. Sew one end to the back of one of the fabric triangles, attaching it securely at the top corner. If desired, string beads onto the ribbon to add detail. Sew the other end to the back of the other triangle.

Turn inside out and wear with confidence.

DRESS TO SKIRT

Reinvent a great print by reworking a dated dress into a fresh skirt.

Materials:

• large dress (look for great patterns)
• wide (about ¾”) elastic
• safety pin
• sewing tools

Cut off the lower (skirt) part of the dress. If there is a waistband, cut just below it. If not, cut at the desired length plus about two and a half inches.

Lay this piece out flat, smoothing out any gathers, pleating, etc. If necessary, trim or even out the cut edge.

Turn this piece inside out. Fold the top edge over like a cuff – it should measure about two and a half inches.

One-inch down from the fold, stitch around the whole “tube.” Leave about one and a half inches unstitched, creating a gap.

Stitch one-inch below the last stitches, creating parallel rows. Be sure to leave a gap as before.

Measure a length of elastic to fit snugly around your waist. Add one-inch and cut.

Attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic. Insert it into the casing formed between your rows of stitching. Use the safety pin to pull the elastic through.

Overlap the ends of the elastic and sew together. Stitch across the gaps left earlier.

Turn inside out and show off your new summer staple.

ROSETTE HEADBAND

Recycle old t-shirts to create this trendy, feminine hair accessory.

Materials:

• old T-shirts
• narrow elastic
• safety pin

Rosette

Cut off the hem of the T-shirt just above the stitching to form a large strip.

Cut into twelve-inch sections for each rosette.

Sew long stitches across the existing stitching, leaving the ends of the thread loose. Pull these stitches to gather the fabric.

Fold the corner of one end of the strip over. Wrap the gathered strip around this center, securing occasionally with stitches.

At the end of the strip, fold the corner over and stitch the end down.

Headband

Measure and cut a section of the T-shirt hem long enough to fit around your head. Measure and cut a length of an elastic a few inches shorter than this section.

Fold the strip lengthwise at the edge of the existing stitching. Iron to create a crease.

Attach a safety pin to the end of the tube. Push the pin through the tube until the tube is turned right side out.

Attach the safety pin to the end of the elastic. Use it to thread the elastic through the tube. Tie the ends of the elastic together.

Sew the rosettes to the band by stitching completely through the base of the rose and the headband, repeating until secure. Rock this Gossip Girl-inspired look like a real Queen Bee.

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Q: You were born and raised in New York, like all the girls on Gossip Girl. Tell us about your experience growing up in New York.

A: There were lots of cliques in my high school. I had my own clique — I’m the type of person who’s okay with a close group of friends. I don’t need 20 million friends; I’m good with five or six close friends. A lot of Asians, when they grow up in a predominantly white neighborhood, feel the pressure of wanting to look Caucasian. I think I had that a little bit early on in high school or late middle school. But now that I’m older, I embrace my culture. I definitely felt at times that all the kids that were popular also happened to be white. Every kid just wants to fit in.

Q: After high school, you decided to pursue a career as an actress. What was the audition process for the role of Nelly Yuki?

A: Actually, her name was originally Sally Yuki. The audition was for all Asian girls, and even some mixed Asian and Caucasian girls. Since there are hardly any Asian roles out there, all the Asians try out for whatever roles they can get. I was really nervous because my mom was like, “If you don’t get this, you’re going to have to start thinking about a real job.” I wanted to prove to my mom that I could last a little bit longer in the industry. I got a callback, and on the second day, I met with the producer, the director, and the casting director. I didn’t show I was nervous at all – I went in and did my thing. It took a week and a half to find out that I got it, and during that week and a half, I could not sleep or breathe. I wasn’t even too aware of the show. I just went in thinking, a job is a job. Sally’s description was that she was going to be Blair Waldorf’s academic rival. That’s all the information I knew.

Q: How did you find out that the character had changed from a popular girl to a nerd?

A: I had already gotten the role, before knowing it was going to be a nerd. I went in to get my clothes fitted, and the costume designer said, “These glasses would be SO cute with this outfit.” And I said, “Glasses? What do you mean glasses?” Apparently, the producers decided to change it up and made her a nerdy Asian. I’ve never played a nerd before, so I thought it’d be fun to stretch my acting range. Of course there are stereotypes, like the whole glasses thing, but I think it just has to be one step at a time, especially in America. Asians having roles and chances in the industry is hard to come by already. I’m not going to complain about the character. I was able to get the job, so I’m really grateful.

Q: Do you think Nelly Yuki is a good role model?

A: In the beginning, I thought she was a great role model, because she was really into her books and she minded her own business. But then throughout the show, they wanted to create more drama and developed my character a bit more, making her surprisingly manipulative and conniving. As an actor, I thought that was really fun to play. It just adds more levels and range to the character. But I have two younger sisters, and of course I wouldn’t want either of them to be conniving or manipulative. But as an actor, I was glad that she was getting some color.

Q: What’s the fashion like on Gossip Girl?

A: We showcase a wide variety of up-and-coming fashion designers and well-known designers. In the beginning, Eric Daman wanted Nelly Yuki to look subtle with neutral brown colors, and then as she started conforming to the group, he added colors like orange and pink. It’s very intelligent of him. It’s a subtle way of showing that she’s becoming a part of Blair’s group.

Q: How often do you hang out with the cast and crew off-set?

A: Outside the set, we go to parties together. Leighton is really sweet and gracious – she always tells the girls to get ready at her place. I’ve gone to her place several times just to chill before the whole party thing. The cast members are all great. We all get along quite well. You work there so much, it becomes a second home. It’s always really great to get along with your castmates; it just makes everything so much easier and enjoyable.

Q: What about the Leighton and Blake rumors?

A: So false. They get along very well. They always joke around… I don’t see where those rumors come from.

Q: What do you do in your free time when you’re not filming?

A: I’m taking classes part-time right now at Hunter College. I got in during the regular high school process, and in the beginning, I was juggling full-time classes with auditions and filming. It was hectic because teachers weren’t happy I was absent, but I wanted to further my career. I was filming a lot for season two, and I had to skip class a lot. And I learned not to overload myself with so many classes. I don’t have to technically be in school, but I would love a degree or two. Also, my parents would be happy. [laughs] Now, I take classes on the weekend. I’m double majoring in creative writing and media.

Q: What was your parents’ role in making sure you get a degree?

A: The whole deal was that if I wanted to do acting, I had to be in school. I had to have something under my belt in case nothing came out of the acting thing.

Q: Do you see yourself staying on the acting path?

A: My dream is to be a working actress. I just want to do the best that I can do, and I’d be really happy with that. Thrilled.

Q: What’s next for you, now that Gossip Girl is between seasons?

A: I’ve been busy going to events. I was asked to be a guest judge for an Asian organization called Kollaboration. It has a great mission: bringing more Asian American entertainers into the American industry. I would love to support them. I really hope that if I do become successful that I can make a difference–-not only by participating in charities and events, but by helping open more doors for Asians.

Interview has been edited for clarity.

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