IT’S SPOOKY SEASON AGAIN! My favorite time of the year (after summer, of course)! Let's change it up a little and have some fun.
Read MoreOutfits
Your Classics Aren't My Classics! Deconstructing Literary Canon For Asian Americans
I grew up thinking that the most important books were written by white men and women. I was wrong. Entire generations of Asian Americans have been erased or misrepresented. It wasn’t that we were voiceless all these years. It’s that we weren’t being heard.
Read MoreSupport Asian owned businesses! Little Heart Tee by ThreadTank (Asian-owned!).
The Dark Arts Of Manipulating The Media
When trolls and media repression represent the dominant culture, how can we have faith that our news hasn't been manipulated for the sake of hits?
Read MoreWith my mentor, Filipino American activist/journalist, Jon Melegrito, and Dr. Jennifer Marana at the Filipino American Studies (FAST) gala at University of Maryland - College Park last month.
Join Me In DC April 6-8th
Join me in D.C. from April 6-8 for the National Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in the Philippines. I will be a speaker at the Defending Press Freedom panel.
Read MoreBlondie tee by Berhska. Copper sequined leggings by Boohoo. Zebra double buckle belt by Sacred Hawk Clothing. Red cowboy boots thrifted on Poshmark.
The Backlash Against Marie Kondo is So Stupid (and Racist)
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?
Read MoreWhite button down linen dress by Free People. Faux fur jacket by Patricia Field. Black patent leather belt by Bebe. Black bustier by Forever 21. Black stiletto heels by Colin Stuart. Blue nail polish by Sinful Colors. Photo by Kate Christofano. Hair color by Sarah Vitek for Artistic Edge Studio.
Events in January 2019
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.
Read MoreMilitary hat by Sacred Hawk Clothing. Leopard coat by ASOS. Lavender lace set by Free People. Black lace-up boots thrifted from Poshmark (I added my own white laces).
The Best of 2018: My Greatest Hits
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.
Read MoreCorporations That Encourage Charitable Giving Are Only Helping Themselves
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.
Read MoreYellow checked sweater by The Ragged Priest. Floral embellished scuba miniskirt by ASOS. Black embellished leather jacket by Blank NYC. Silver metallic boots by ASOS. Red leather fortune cookie handbag by Le Accessories. Black fishnet tights from Amazon.
We Need To Change Course, But What's That Mean?
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?
Read MoreWith my brilliant cohost, Brian Marana. Outfit details: Green velvet flare pants by ASOS. Black cupped bodysuit by Cosabella. Faux fur shawl by Bebe. Dragon earrings by Bebe. Pink felt hat by Free People.
King of the Yees at CenterStage
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.
Read MoreSweater by Dolls Kill. Leopard miniskirt by ASOS. Queen bamboo earrings by Dolls Kill. White ankle boots thrifted about 5 years ago. Black On The Prowl sunglasses by Quay Australia.
The Oscars Have Always Been My Super Bowl And This Year Is No Different, Damnit
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.
Read MoreFloral satin cut-out maxi dress by ASOS Design. Gold studded skeleton clutch by Bebe. Rings by Kelzdidit. Faux fur scarf by Bebe. Earrings by Bebe. Makeup by Revlon, Urban Decay and Buxom.
Wearing More And Going Out More - November Events
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.
Read MoreAll makeup by Revlon, Urban Decay and Buxom Cosmetics. Faux fur leopard coat by ASOS Design. Red plaid peg pants by Mango. Black bodysuit by Cosabella. Zebra double buckle belt by Sacred Hawk. Black boots by Dolls Kill (purchased from Poshmark and I added my own white laces from Amazon). Gold Queen bamboo earrings from Dolls Kill. Black lace fingerless gloves from Amazon.
Happy Glamoween 2018
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.
Read More#DitchWithLyft, Hanging out in Mount Vernon with photographer and Gordon Parks Fellow, Devin Allen.
Hanging Out In Baltimore - #DitchWithLyft
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.
Read MoreMilitary hat by Sacred Hawk Clothing. Yellow tie blouse by Free People. Sequined bike shorts by Missguided. Black lace-up platform boots by Dolls Kill (purchased from Poshmark and added my own white laces). Painted leather jacket by Blank NYC. Earrings by YSL. Honey necklace from Dolls Kill.
October is Filipino American History Month
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.
Read MoreBlack custom, hand-painted jacket. Jacket is from Milk and Ice Vintage in Hampden, Baltimore. Handpainting done by Lily Ertel. White tee from Forever 21. Leopard cami is from Urban Outfitters. Bike shorts are from Amazon.com. Boots are from Dolls Kill via Poshmark. I added my own white laces. Fanny pack is Nautica x Urban Outfitters.
Ask Me Anything Part V
It’s that time again! Last July, I collected a bunch of questions from my readers and here are all of my answers!
Read MoreVoluminous hair by Sebastian and Verb. Verb Sea Shampoo and Conditioner followed by Sebastian Potion 9 as a leave-in conditioner. Verb Ghost Oil to the ends and flyaways. Then Verb Sea Spray. I always air dry my hair. Makeup: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in Sand Beige, Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder, Elizabeth Arden FourEver Glow Highlighting Palette, Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in High End Coral, Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pango Peach. Revlon InstaBlush in Nude Kiss. Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow Palette in Moonlight Jewels. Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow Quadrant in Harmonious. Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Classic.
Tribal Instincts: The Case Against Assimilation
The question isn't, why is tribalism so attractive to us? That seems obvious based on the human desire to connect and belong. The question is more, what makes modern American society so unappealing?
Read MoreWhite bikini bandeau, Amazon.com. Skinny track pants, PUMA. Pool slides: Ivy Park. Royal blue fanny pack: Nautica X Urban Outfitters. Sunnies: Quay Australia.
September Events: Baltimore Book Festival and The Charm City Night Market
Some of my favorite things about my blog and the online activism I do are the opportunities that come along for me to advocate for the Asian American community in real life. This month, I'M HOSTING TWO EXCITING EVENTS in the Baltimore area.
Read MoreMy homage to Cher Horowitz from Clueless. One Above Another yellow checked halter top. One Above Another high waist yellow check flare pants. Gold star earrings from Amazon.com.
Why Is Everyone So Pissed Off About Cultural Appropriation?
Cultural appropriation is a topic that never goes away and one where the goalposts are constantly moving. And when people talk about it, it turns into a furious debate almost immediately.
Read MoreHigh-waist skinny blue pants: ASOS. Coral peach off-the-shoulder crop top: ASOS. Multicolor surfer fanny pack: ASOS. Purple high-top sneakers: Converse (via Poshmark). Lime green laces: Amazon.
Representation Matters And It's Not Just About Hollywood
For people of color, especially Asian Americans, representation shouldn't just be about Hollywood, television, or pop music. It starts way earlier and much closer to home. It starts before your kids even begin kindergarten.
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