Photography, creative direction and styling by me. Intern: Kate Christofano. Model: Felicia Dona. All clothing by Missguided. Shoes: model's own. Hat: Eliza's own.

The Crush: Carli Bybel x Missguided

July 30, 2016 in Photoshoots

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Events in February 2019

about a week ago

If you are in the Baltimore/DC area this month, here are some events where you can find me!

Are Superhero And Comic Book Franchises Ruining The Film Industry?

about 2 weeks ago

With streaming services like Netflix producing Oscar-nominated masterpieces like Roma and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, what we are witnessing is a dismantling and changing of the guard in Hollywood that is on par with the end of the silent film era and the collapse of the studio system. In the meantime, Hollywood will continue to pump out franchise features and movie “events” to grab our attention and lure us out to the theaters.

The Backlash Against Marie Kondo is So Stupid (and Racist)

about 3 weeks ago

Have we really progressed as a society when it comes to how we view Asian women? What is really behind the backlash against (very benign, very gentle, very sweet) Marie Kondo?

The AASLE 2019 Conference

about a month ago

Yesterday was an amazing experience at the AASLE (African American Student Leadership Experience) conference in DC. I participated in a discussion panel about being an Asian American creative and facilitated a workshop with students from all over the country. I left feeling so inspired and motivated!

Events in January 2019

about a month ago

Happy New Year!! I can’t believe Aesthetic Distance is in its 5th year now! I hope everyone had a wonderful, restful holiday. I know I did. And now I’m ready to get back in action. Here are a few events that I’ll be hosting or am involved in this month.

The Best of 2018: My Greatest Hits

about a month ago

As 2018 comes to an end, I had a look back at everything I wrote, shot, podcasted, and collaborated on this year and boy did I have a lot of projects. I learned so much and met so many amazing people. My brand is constantly evolving to become more and more of a community and providing a perspective not often found in mainstream media. And I wrote A LOT of essays.

Decolonize Your Bookshelves

about a month ago

My book club is coming soon. Get ready to decolonize your bookshelf in 2019. I hope to host some great, thought-provoking discussions and open people’s eyes to what they’ve been missing by relegating Asian American writing as “special interest” and therefore, inessential. To us Asians, these works are absolutely necessary to discovering our own identity and liberation.

Corporations That Encourage Charitable Giving Are Only Helping Themselves

about a month ago

Since it's Christmas, be wary of any corporation that encourages charity (like Walmart and countless universities across the U.S.). They could just, you know, pay their fucking employees a livable salary.

My Favorite Filipino Christmas (Pasko) Traditions

about a month ago

With the vast majority of Filipinos being Catholic, the most prominent holiday celebrated in the Philippines is Christmas (“Pasko” in Tagalog).

The Bmore Creatives Gallery Opening: December 13th

about 2 months ago

Thank you so, so much to The Bmore Creatives for naming me among the city's most influential figures. As part of this recognition, the above portrait of me will be on display on Dooby's gallery wall alongside an inspiring group of other Baltimore makers, artists, and movers and shakers.

We Need To Change Course, But What's That Mean?

about 2 months ago

During the Trump presidency, many Americans have found themselves desperately trying to not just point out the longstanding problems in our society but actually find pathways to fix them. But what does that mean?

Coming soon...The Aesthetic Distance Podcast

about 2 months ago

I’ve been collaborating with so many of my friends and colleagues that I’ve met on this huge project of mine and it’s almost ready for launch! Get ready….

King of the Yees at CenterStage

about 3 months ago

While the last event was about revitalizing the historic Chinatown neighborhood here in Baltimore, the event at Center Stage was about understanding where your parents came from and in doing so, discovering your own origin story.

The Oscars Have Always Been My Super Bowl And This Year Is No Different, Damnit

about 3 months ago

Once autumn hits, my interest in going to the movies really starts to pick up. October is the beginning of what many people such as myself refer to as Oscar Season — typically beginning when summer blockbusters wrap up and ending on December 31, which is the eligibility cut-off.

Wearing More And Going Out More - November Events

about 3 months ago

Once the sun goes down, I have a hard time staying put. I’ve always been social and love to go out. If you’re like me, here are some events I’m involved in for this month.

Happy Glamoween 2018

about 3 months ago

Halloween is fun because it’s an excuse to wear a ton of makeup and for many of us more flamboyant types, a chance to finally be ourselves. Trust me, the rest of the year, we’re just toning it down.

Hanging Out In Baltimore - #DitchWithLyft

about 3 months ago

This month me and Devin Allen are giving up our cars and taking Lyft everywhere we go as part of the #DitchWithLyft campaign, where we use transportation services like Lyft, Zipcar, bike sharing and mass transit to get around as part of a bolder step towards creating a better future for our cities, our planet and the next generation.

I'm Sharing My All-Time Favorite Scary Stories With You

about 3 months ago

Let's change it up a little and have some fun.I can't stomach most horror movies and avoid watching them at all costs. But I LOVE reading scary stories.

October is Filipino American History Month

about 3 months ago

If you follow me on Instagram (especially my Instagram Stories, where it ALL goes down), Twitter or Facebook, then you know that October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM) and across the nation, my fellow Pinoys and I have been celebrating, hosting events, boosting our favorite Pinoy artists, musicians, writers, and activists.

Ask Me Anything Part V

about 4 months ago

It’s that time again! Last July, I collected a bunch of questions from my readers and here are all of my answers!

INSTAGRAM

Last year, Prof. Mary Anne Alabanza-Akers and I were inspired by the works of @joseiswriting and @_elainecastillo and we applied for a grant from @mdhumanities. Last week, we found out that our organization, @katipunanmd, was awarded the highest amount, $10k. .
The money awarded will go towards our yearlong project, “Locating Filipino Americans in Maryland: Our Immigrant Journeys”, which will document our multifaceted experiences as a people who left our ancestral homeland to settle here in the U.S.
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Book discussions, a documentary film of personal interviews, a live storytelling forum, an art exhibit of portraits taken by me, author Elaine Castillo’s visit to Baltimore, and a book launch, are all activities that will take place this year, thanks to the help of our grant.
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📷 @k.christo11 .
#aestheticdistance #pinoystrong #katipunanmd

My article about why the backlash against Marie Kondo is xenophobic and racist is now one of my most-read pieces ever. You can check it out in the @manilamail and @resonatevoices. It’s also on my blog.
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#aestheticdistance

Part cookbook, part manifesto, @nicoleponseca and @chefmigsnyc want to change the conversation around Filipino food. For Filipino readers, this book is a statement of pride in Filipino identity and culinary heritage. This might be the first cookbook that I actually read cover to cover.
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Nicole and Miguel are also the owners of @jeepneynyc @maharlikanyc and @titababys in NYC and leaders in the Filipino food movement.
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🇵🇭✊🏽#aestheticdistance

Tonight my friends and I got to meet Filipino-American, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, filmmaker and activist @joseiswriting. So proud that he is a voice for our community.
Photo credit: @marisa_dobson .
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🇵🇭✊🏽#aestheticdistance #defineamerican #joseantoniovargas

It’s freezing so I’m spending all my time writing essays and staying indoors. .
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Photo by @k.christo11 .
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Showtime maxi dress @freepeople
Silver metallic ankle boots @asos @asos_us
#aestheticdistance

Does anyone else think that this year’s Oscars is going to be an absolute disaster?
Red cowboy boots @poshmark
Sequined leggings @boohoo
#aestheticdistance

My outfit inspiration was Borderline-era Madonna.
Lavender two-piece @freepeople
Belt @sacredhawkclothing
Leopard faux fur coat @asos @asos_us
Military hat @sacredhawkclothing
Black boots @poshmark .
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#aestheticdistance #asseenonme

Yesterday was an amazing experience at the #AASLE19 conference in DC. I participated in a discussion panel with @atomicgoofball and @garrett_taira about being an Asian American creative and facilitated a workshop with students from all over the country. Special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Maraña for organizing and moderating our panel! .
Side note @shelliepea We forgot to take a picture together at dinner!! 😫
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#aestheticdistance

This is the image that’s up on @thebmorecreatives gallery wall at @doobysbmore. I had such a great time at the opening last night!! Thanks to everyone who came out!
#aestheticdistance

Ok so how did you do in Bandersnatch?
👩🏽‍🎤Face:
Prep with Glow tonic @pixibeauty
Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation R370 Medium Beige @makeupforeverofficial
Contour with Santa Fe Bronzer by @colorescience
Photoready Highlighting Palette in Sunlit Dream @revlon
Vermillion Blush Artist Face Color @makeupforeverofficial
Veil Translucent Setting Powder by @hourglasscosmetics .
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👀Eyes:
On the Run Palette in Shortcut @urbandecaycosmetics :
Sin, Afterhours, Gash, Zone
Perversion Waterproof Fine Point Eyeliner @urbandecaycosmetics .
💄Lips:
Plumpline Lip Liner in Intrigue @buxomcosmetics
Va-Va Shiny Liquid Lipstick in Heat Wave @buxomcosmetics
Va-Va Shiny Liquid Lipstick in Kiss & Tell @buxomcosmetics
Holographic Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Top Coat in Camila @buxomcosmetics .
🌈Details:
Birthday Bitch Space Jam body glitter @lemonhead.la
Hair color and cut @sarahwv_stylist
Brows microbladed by Emily Joy @dollistic .
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#aestheticdistance #glowbeauty #pixiglow #pixibeauty #revlon #liveboldly #urbandecay #pixiperfect #pixipretties #makeupforever #buxombabe #buxomcosmetics #glitterforadults

Since launching Lyft Community Grants in March 2018, Lyft has selected several outstanding local nonprofit each month to receive $1,000 in Lyft ride credits. This year, I'm proud to announce that @lyft has chosen Red Devils, Inc as the non-profit to support in their mission to fund support services that improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families. .
Lyft ride credit allows these organizations to schedule safe, reliable rides for members and clients of the communities they serve. Ride credit has been used to transport patients to medical appointments, volunteers to community-oriented events, and as a more efficient transportation option for people to use in-house services provided by these organizations.
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#LyftHealthy2019
#LyftlovesBaltimore
#LyftBaltimore
#aestheticdistance

Since it's Christmas, be wary of any corporation that encourages charity (like Walmart and countless universities across the U.S.). They could just, you know, pay their fucking employees a livable salary.
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#aestheticdistance

In the latest episode on my podcast, me and @therheemix talk to @mskristinawong about her viral web series, Radical Cram School, being targeted by Alex Jones, why yellow fever is the most useless Asian American topic ever, and her feud with James Franco. Available on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Photo by @ramon_jamar
Taken at @thebluebirdbaltimore
Special thanks to @loucatelli for arranging this shoot!
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#aestheticdistance

My favorite books that I’ve read this year. I discovered so many amazing Asian authors and read so many different perspectives and stories. What’s in your top ten?
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#aestheticdistance #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Been thinking about movies a lot lately. With Netflix producing masterpieces like Roma and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, what we are witnessing is a dismantling and changing of the guard in Hollywood that is on par with the end of the silent film era and the collapse of the studio system. .
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To listen to more on this topic, check out the latest episode of my podcast, The Aesthetic Distance Podcast, on iTunes. .
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Jumpsuit @bershkacollection #aestheticdistance

Aesthetic Distance

RT @sairasameerarao: White newsrooms are white supremacy’s BFF. Nick Sandmann is a hero. Meanwhile, Jussie Smollett is not officially a victim of a hate crime.
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

RT @ScottWamplerBMD: Filmmakers also currently/recently working with Netflix: the Coen Brothers, Jeremy Saulnier, Cary Fukunaga, Martin… https://t.co/N19doW8mq2
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

RT @cogitatotomato: If you’ve been following along in a wordless rage over the treatment of Marie Kondo by the same slavish love/haters… https://t.co/Y6vSDz1nqz
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

RT @anthonyocampo: Publishing the word “possible” behind the words “hate crime” on a news headline is an act of white supremacy. #JusticeForJussie
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

Yes! Shrimp chips are still one of my favorite snacks to this day!! https://t.co/mwTsMZezEU
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

RT @anthonyocampo: The hate crime against #JussieSmollett clearly illustrates that no amount of assimilation will safeguard you from t… https://t.co/W4C2CIUW9P
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

RT @EmmaDabiri: This is precisely why #activists demands have to go deeper than #RepresentationMatters as some sort of end goal
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

RT @seventhmiachan: Also more books by Filipino authors! 🇵🇭 Big Little Man: In Search of My Asian Self by Alex Tizon Rolling the R's… https://t.co/WKRF6PKPHM
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

RT @rgay: I need journalists to stop calling racism "racially charged." There is no such thing as racially charged. That is a… https://t.co/l13VsQVlfG
about 2 weeks ago
Aesthetic Distance

Does anyone want to talk theories for True Detective season 3 (*cracks knuckles)? DMs are open.
about 2 weeks ago