Gathered Ruched Chiffon Maxi Beach Dress: ASOS. Strapped Black Platform Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell. Green Hipster Bikini Bottom: PacSun. Gold Bamboo Earrings: Urban Outfitters. On The Prowl Sunnies: Quay Australia.

Why Is It So Important To Support The Arts Right Now?

April 05, 2017 in Outfits, Personal

To sum it up in two words: Donald Trump.

Model: Alyssa Clarke. Wardrobe Stylist: Tabitha Snow Philipps. Black jacket with tails by: A.M. Label. Furry pink crop top: Alero Jasmine. Boobie print shorts: House of Cards for Nasty Gal. Yellow sunglasses: Gloss the Label. Earrings: ISLYNYC.&nbsp… — Model: Alyssa Clarke. Wardrobe Stylist: Tabitha Snow Philipps. Black jacket with tails by: A.M. Label. Furry pink crop top: Alero Jasmine. Boobie print shorts: House of Cards for Nasty Gal. Yellow sunglasses: Gloss the Label. Earrings: ISLYNYC. *Thigh-high boots: Nasty Gal.*

5 Myths About Style Blogging and the Fashion Industry

April 04, 2017 in Photoshoots

In the words of the ever-wise Lauryn Hill, “Fantasy is what people want, but it’s reality that they need.”

FAME: One Hell Of A Drug tee shirt: Flex 4Eva. Boxers: Supreme NYC. Black cotton joggers: Topshop. One The Prowl Sunnies: Quay Australia. Gold Bamboo Earrings: Urban Outfitters. White high-tops: Converse. Gold block letter necklace: ASOS. Nails c/o … — FAME: One Hell Of A Drug tee shirt: Flex 4Eva. Boxers: Supreme NYC. Black cotton joggers: Topshop. One The Prowl Sunnies: Quay Australia. Gold Bamboo Earrings: Urban Outfitters. White high-tops: Converse. Gold block letter necklace: ASOS. Nails c/o ImPress Manicure.

Ask Me Anything Pt. II

March 25, 2017 in Outfits, Personal, Ask Me Anything

I answer your Ask Me Anything questions again!

Styled and coordinated by Tori Bouldin of The Stylette. Model: Ashley Maeve. Pink fur coat: NY and Co. Boyfriend jeans: Levis. Pink sneakers: Models' own. Lace choker: Forever 21. Black lace bralette: Free People.

Is Drake Low-Key Sexist?

March 15, 2017 in Photoshoots

If we look past all that crooning and pseudo-feminist appeal, Drake is pretty sexist. Yeah, I said it.

Black sports bra: Nike. Silence + Noise Eve Dolman Bomber Jacket in Blue. Out From Under Fishnet Bike Shorts in Black. Silence + Noise Metallic Runner Shorts. Herschel Supply Co. x Urban Outfitters Fanny Pack in Yellow. On The Prowl Sunnies by Quay … — Black sports bra: Nike. Silence + Noise Eve Dolman Bomber Jacket in Blue. Out From Under Fishnet Bike Shorts in Black. Silence + Noise Metallic Runner Shorts. Herschel Supply Co. x Urban Outfitters Fanny Pack in Yellow. On The Prowl Sunnies by Quay Australia. Gold Bamboo Hoop Earrings by Urban Outfitters. White high-top sneakers by Chuck Taylor.

Shame On You, Tyra Banks

March 13, 2017 in Outfits

Tyra Banks claims her new direct line of cosmetics, Tyra Beauty, will empower young women to become financially independent, successful entrepreneurs. She's so wrong.

Tee shirt: Boobie Power by Paula Graves. To purchase, click here. Gold bamboo earrings by Urban Outfitters. On The Prowl Sunglasses by Quay Australia. Beaded Festival fanny pack by Asos. Hair by Sarah Vitek at Edge Evolution Studio and Spa in Baltim… — Tee shirt: Boobie Power by Paula Graves. To purchase, click here. Gold bamboo earrings by Urban Outfitters. On The Prowl Sunglasses by Quay Australia. Beaded Festival fanny pack by Asos. Hair by Sarah Vitek at Edge Evolution Studio and Spa in Baltimore, MD.

International Women's Day 2017

March 08, 2017 in Outfits

To all the women in the place with style and grace.

*Model: Morgan Evans. Styled by: Christen Johnson of Sophisticated Chic. Jewelry by Sky Mint. Clothing provided by: A Day N June.*

Girl About Town

March 04, 2017 in Photoshoots

I teamed up with Christen Johnson, the stylist behind the popular style blog and newsletter, Sophisticated Chic.

*Model: Elena Bach. Makeup: Faye Whiteman. Hair: Sarah Vitek for Edge Evolution Studio and Spa. Wardrobe Stylist: Snoww. Clothing from: Zara, A Day N June. Berets: Free People Harbor East.*

Beret of Light

February 26, 2017 in Photoshoots

For a while, berets were a bit of a joke among fashion crowds but usually it had more to do with the way they were worn than with the beret itself. This is how to wear one without looking smarmy.

*Model/ballerina Julie Hocking and I shot this on location at the Wax and Wane Fiber Studio in Baltimore, Maryland.*

Runaway: Ballet Shoot with Julie Hocking

February 20, 2017 in Photoshoots

You already know I'm a huge fan of Kanye West. This photoshoot was inspired by his music video for Runaway.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the Perfect Valentine's Day Movie

February 14, 2017 in Photoshoots

If you've never seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, you should watch it for the first time on Valentine's Day. Trust me, you'll never look at the holiday the same ever again. (Slightly NSFW)

Interview with Bilphena Yahwon, Founder of Gold Womyn

February 13, 2017 in Interviews

I met up with Bilphena Yahwon, the founder of Gold Womyn, at the Rawling Botanical Gardens and Conservatory and we talked about her experience since emigrating to the U.S. and the creative's role in social justice.

*Salsabeel Abdelhamid of StrVnge Encounters.*

Interview: StrVnge Encounters with Salsabeel Abdelhamid

February 12, 2017 in Interviews

"Baltimore style has an unapologetic spirit that pushes me to be experimental and stay in tune with my inner self."

*Model: Maider de Emilio Diaz. Silver ski jacket: Zara. White sleeveless blouse: Zara. Necklace and jeans: mode's own. Burgundy boots: Doc Marten, model's own.*

Making Fashion And Beauty Choices As Women In Trump's America

February 06, 2017 in Photoshoots

To people who think caring about fashion and beauty is trivial right now.

Lieutenant Hat by Free People. Moshino logo earrings from Poshmark. Tulle skirt and vegan leather bustier by Nasty Gal. White wifebeater by Christian Siriano. Items available in my online shop.

Happy New Year: New Year, New Me

January 31, 2017 in Outfits, Personal

Ah, it's that time of year again. January 1st.

*Model: Sara Crooks. MUA: Courtney McCormick. Hair: Sarah Vitek for Edge Evolution Studio and Spa. Wardrobe: Milk & Ice Vintage.*

Trainspotting

January 31, 2017 in Photoshoots

In honor of Trainspotting 2 coming out in theaters soon, I wanted to do a shoot inspired by the amazing fashion trends during the time the original was released (1996)

*Saalika Khan at the Nautilus Diner. Photography, creative direction and styling by me.*

Saalika Khan: American as Apple Pie

January 30, 2017 in Interviews

A mutual friend linked me up with Saalika Khan, Pakistani-American photographer, actress, filmmaker, illustrator and publisher of the zine, Bush. I met up with Saalika at the Nautilus Diner to talk about growing up Asian in America.

*The contents of my personal makeup bag (at least for this week).*

What's in my Makeup Bag?

January 25, 2017 in Beauty, Personal

The contents of my makeup bag, at least for this week.

Black turtleneck: Free People. Pullover: Free People. Red leather miniskirt: ASOS. Badge-print crossbody purse: Monki for ASOS. Black platform boots: Jeffrey Campbell for Nasty Gal. Sunnies: On The Prowl by Quay Australia. Gold hoop earrings by Rive… — Black turtleneck: Free People. Pullover: Free People. Red leather miniskirt: ASOS. Badge-print crossbody purse: Monki for ASOS. Black platform boots: Jeffrey Campbell for Nasty Gal. Sunnies: On The Prowl by Quay Australia. Gold hoop earrings by River Island. Frog ring: Bauble Bar. All items available below and in my shop.

Hugging the Block

January 24, 2017 in Photoshoots

So...remember when I said turtlenecks were the move this fall?

Oxblood faux fur jacket: Oasis for ASOS. Metallic gold high-waist jeans: ASOS. Belted charms purse: ASOS. Janet Jackson tee: Urban Outfitters. Platform boots: Jeffrey Campbell for Nasty Gal. Sunnies: On the Prowl by Quay Australia.

Rhythm Nation 1814

January 23, 2017 in Outfits

Growing up, I didn’t appreciate publications that catered to girls that looked like me. I was so used to growing up and not seeing myself represented in the publications I loved, I thought it was normal to be excluded. Let me say that again: I thought it was normal to be excluded.

Model: Joy Jewell. Wardrobe provided by Milk & Ice Vintage. Pyramid jacket custom made by Lily Ertel and Milk & Ice Vintage. Styled by Milk & Ice Vintage. Hair: Sarah Vitek for Edge Evolution Studio and Spa. MUA: Courtney McCormick. Styl… — Model: Joy Jewell. Wardrobe provided by Milk & Ice Vintage. Pyramid jacket custom made by Lily Ertel and Milk & Ice Vintage. Styled by Milk & Ice Vintage. Hair: Sarah Vitek for Edge Evolution Studio and Spa. MUA: Courtney McCormick. Stylist Assistant: Kate Christofano. All clothing is on sale at Milk & Ice Vintage.

Desperately Seeking Susan: Aesthetic Distance x Milk & Ice Vintage

January 18, 2017 in Photoshoots

Just because a certain decade comes back into style doesn't mean you go all costume-y. You still have to modernize the look. With the help of Kate and Angie from Milk & Ice Vintage in Baltimore, we put together this Desperately Seeking Susan-inspired editorial for your viewing pleasure.

Recent Posts

Featured

Feb 3, 2021

Unverified Accounts

Feb 3, 2021

I usually do a write up of the events I’ve organized or hosted and my most-read articles at the end of the year. This was an unusual year (obviously, there is no need to go into it here) so I didn’t bother. Instead I want to highlight a project of mine that I am particularly proud of — it’s my new podcast show, Unverified Accounts, that I cohost with my frequent collaborators, Chris Jesu Lee and Filip Guo. If you're a big movie/TV/book buff, have leftist sympathies, but can't stand 'wokeness' dumbing down our culture, then we're the podcast for you. So far in our 25 episodes, we’ve covered a range of contentious topics.

Feb 3, 2021

Dec 30, 2020

The Best Movies of 2020

Dec 30, 2020

This was an um…unusual year. Movie theaters shut down, every single film festival went virtual, all movies were released directly to streaming services, and I ended up watching more new releases since the summer of Moviepass. This year I watched 459 movies.

Dec 30, 2020

Dec 3, 2020

My 5 Favorite Books of 2020

Dec 3, 2020

This year I read mostly non-fiction. Mostly politics too. I learned more about the dangers of American-style democracy and liberalism. I also learned a lot about the CIA and how just much it has harmed the rest of the world. The books that uncovered the truth about the CIA were my favorites of the year because they allowed me to zoom out and truly see the American experiment for what it really is.

Dec 3, 2020

Nov 5, 2020

A Biden Win Is Not a Win For Democracy

Nov 5, 2020

The Biden presidency will be full of neoliberal austerity, censorship, technocratic rule, inverted totalitarianism, and the most anti-communist sentiment since the Reagan era. This is no win for democracy.

Nov 5, 2020

Oct 14, 2020

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

Oct 14, 2020

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.

Oct 14, 2020

Oct 1, 2020

Two Of My Favorite Filipino Horror Stories

Oct 1, 2020

A little something different since October is also Filipino American History Month! I LOVE horror movies (especially the ones from the 70s and 80s before CGI came along and ruined everything) and I LOVE reading scary stories, especially ones that are based on real life events. The truth is always stranger and way scarier than fiction, am I right?

Oct 1, 2020

Aug 16, 2020

You Will Never Convince Me To Vote Democrat Ever Again

Aug 16, 2020

The Democrat party is not on your side. It has never been on your side. I was just as angry when Donald Trump was voted into office back in 2016 but I’ve learned a lot since then. My politics were much more binary back then and I was naive enough to believe that though both political parties were bad, the Democrats were at least a lesser evil than the Republicans. I WAS WRONG. Ever since I was in college, I always believed that voting was one of the most important things you could do. I don’t believe that anymore. In fact, I’m not voting this year. Especially after finding out that Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris as his running mate.

Aug 16, 2020

Jul 13, 2020

I'm Sick Of The Pandemic Too...Because It's Killing Us

Jul 13, 2020

My 89 year old Auntie Milagros Romero Alonzo died of covid last Friday. She was alone in the ICU because nobody was allowed to visit her. Her nurse held up a phone so that we could all say goodbye to her via Facetime. Now we are planning a Zoom funeral. Take this pandemic seriously.

Jul 13, 2020

Jun 16, 2020

A Personal Post About Our 16 Weeks (And Counting) in Quarantine

Jun 16, 2020

This is a personal post about what my family and I have been up to in the 15 weeks (and counting) that we’ve been in quarantine. This blog has gotten more and more political in the past few years and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon. I know I haven’t written as much since the pandemic started but the truth is that it’s been hard to concentrate. The news cycle moves so fast that it’s hard to formulate any kind of commentary more than a tweet or a blurb in Instagram stories.

Jun 16, 2020

May 25, 2020

Just Because You're Sick of the Pandemic Doesn't Mean It's Over

May 25, 2020

Just because you’re sick of being in quarantine and you’re sick of not being able to go out to eat or go shopping, doesn’t mean it’s safe to go out again. It doesn’t mean that the pandemic is over. Far from it.

May 25, 2020

Apr 14, 2020

What The Hell Happened To American Journalism?

Apr 14, 2020

What the hell happened to American journalism? How did we get to a point where the news is no longer trustworthy? What happened to the fourth estate of government?

Apr 14, 2020

Mar 15, 2020

Shut It All Down

Mar 15, 2020

Allowing people to work from home and shutting down schools isn’t stopping people from going out and accelerating the spread of coronavirus. Warmly inviting people to practice voluntary social distancing isn’t working either. It’s time to take more drastic measures. SHUT IT ALL DOWN. STAY HOME. The only things that should remain open are grocery stores, banks, gas stations, pharmacies and hospitals.

Mar 15, 2020

Mar 12, 2020

What We Need To Think About During The Coronavirus Lockdown

Mar 12, 2020

Social distancing. Lockdown. If you’re like thousands — no, millions — of people around the world, you are most likely at home, avoiding physical contact with the outside world, in the hopes of escaping the coronavirus. This pandemic is bringing to light several things at once.

Mar 12, 2020

Feb 24, 2020

Bernie or Bust

Feb 24, 2020

A Bernie vs. Trump election is a centrist’s nightmare. Fifty years ago, Bernie Sanders’ policies were actually mainstream. That he and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and their supporters are portrayed as "extreme" shows how insanely far-right U.S. politics are now. He and AOC shouldn't be seen as radical at all. They should be the center. Democrats have pushed the center so far to the right that people like Obama, Hilary, and Warren are considered left of center, rather than the conservatives that they really are.

Feb 24, 2020

Feb 2, 2020

On Landmark Movies, the Oscars and the Uselessness of Media Representation

Feb 2, 2020

I’m often not a fan of a first-timer winning Best Actor or Best Actress without a proven track record of great work. Too often, they go on to be nothing more than one-hit wonders. The fact that the Academy has frequently awarded one hit wonders that have no lasting impact is what makes people think of the awards as culturally irrelevant.

Feb 2, 2020

Jan 24, 2020

Cancel Culture Does Exist...And It's Wrong

Jan 24, 2020

The demand for moral perfection from everyone is ridiculous, especially when the goalposts keep changing. People who participate in cancel culture are just acting morally superior and self-righteous. It’s not progressive. It’s not at all liberal. In fact, it’s illiberal. And it doesn’t work.

Jan 24, 2020

Jan 21, 2020

Why Net Neutrality Is Something We Should All Be Concerned About

Jan 21, 2020

Net neutrality is a topic that we all should be concerned about, including those without a computer or internet access at home. Almost everything is done online these days so people without internet access are already at a huge disadvantage. Restricting or blocking the internet will affect every single one of us, which is why the debate over net neutrality is something to be closely followed.

Jan 21, 2020

Jan 20, 2020

Since 2020 Is An Election Year, Here Are Some Things To Remember...

Jan 20, 2020

Politics was once framed as if it might be removed from the stuff of our daily lives, like it was some sort of fringe interest. Declaring a lack of interest in politics was the norm, especially among young people. The last election showed us that every part of our daily lives is political. In November, there is a strong possibility that Donald Trump will be re-elected, that we will have our first woman president if Elizabeth Warren is elected or that we will have our most left-leaning, progressive president ever if Bernie Sanders wins. Whatever happens, no outcome will go unchallenged. Get ready.

Jan 20, 2020

Jan 8, 2020

You Guys, It's MEGXIT: Fuck the Royal Family

Jan 8, 2020

A couple of years ago, I was totally BASHED online for blogging that Prince Harry and Princess Meghan should run far, far away from the Royal Family, especially after seeing what they did to Princess Diana…I’m happy to say that that blog post has aged quite well.

Jan 8, 2020

Jan 2, 2020

2019 Was An Embarrassment of Riches For Movies

Jan 2, 2020

Today is the day that the ballots for the Oscars went out. We haven’t had this good of a year for movies…ever. Critics have long declared 1999 the best year ever for movies, and for a long time I agreed. Until now.

Jan 2, 2020

Dec 23, 2019

My Favorite Filipino Christmas (Pasko) Traditions

Dec 23, 2019

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

Dec 23, 2019

Dec 18, 2019

The Best Asian American Books of 2019

Dec 18, 2019

My favorite books by Asian American authors in 2019, in no particular order. I probably read about sixty books this year. Something that I’ve been thinking about a lot is that for all our fascination with technology, we’ve forgotten how transformative a simple book can be.

Dec 18, 2019

Dec 14, 2019

If We're In Late Stage Capitalism, Does That Mean the End of Capitalism Is Near?

Dec 14, 2019

At this point, the phrase is everywhere. Late capitalism, in its current usage, is meant to describe the stage of capitalism where things get so bad that a revolution happens. The term was popularized by a Marxist theorist and activist named Ernest Mandel in the mid-twentieth century. I think it sounds almost ominous because a “late” period implies that we are at the end of something.

Dec 14, 2019

Dec 4, 2019

Where to Find Me in December

Dec 4, 2019

After a relaxing Friendsgiving weekend bonding with my kasamas, it’s time to get back to organizing! Here are a few things coming up this month. Please check back regularly as this page will be updated as more events are confirmed.

Dec 4, 2019

Nov 30, 2019

Capitalism Sucks

Nov 30, 2019

Our free market is run by selfish, untrustworthy sociopaths. Corruption has become the norm. In the last 30 years, our checks and balances have been badly eroded. And it was only 25 years ago that the world celebrated the “triumph” of American capitalism. Is this a coincidence? No.

Nov 30, 2019

Nov 26, 2019

Only Colonizers Celebrate Thanksgiving: Saying NO THANKS!

Nov 26, 2019

I may not be a politician nor do I have a lot of power. But I will use my voice to humbly say that looking back on the twentieth century, I find nationalism and exceptionalism really creepy. Next week, our country will be celebrating one of the worst holidays of all. To Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning because it is a reminder that in return for their help, they were repaid with the loss of their land and destruction of their people.

Nov 26, 2019

Nov 24, 2019

Decolonize Your Bookshelves with Randy Ribay

Nov 24, 2019

Yesterday was my third Decolonize Your Bookshelves event and once again, I felt rejuvenated by doing my part to bring joy into the art of resistance. At this event, we celebrated the work of Randy Ribay, author of Patron Saints of Nothing, and a 2019 National Book Awards finalist. Randy is also a convener for Malaya Movement and based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His work--which is exhilarating, harrowing, uplifting and redemptive--is a powerful testament to so many of our experiences, and it is deeply resonant for me personally.

Nov 24, 2019

Nov 12, 2019

Public Libraries Are Socialism In Action

Nov 12, 2019

The public library system is basically socialism at its best. It’s one of the few environments that doesn’t judge anyone or take advantage of anyone. It doesn’t try to sell anything and it can’t be bought. It offers people dignity and nobility.

Nov 12, 2019

Nov 4, 2019

The Diversity and Inclusion Industry is Complete Bullshit

Nov 4, 2019

Can you really train people to be more accepting of diversity after making them sit through a 2-hour seminar? No. Let's be realistic. It's too conceptual. And simply outlawing bias doesn't make it go away. Never mind that almost every single training facilitator will do everything they can to avoid actually saying the word “racism".”

Nov 4, 2019

Why Joining An MLM Will Ruin Your Life

Nov 4, 2019

Everyday, people get sucked into the lure of MLMs (“multi-level marketing” or “network marketing”) and I can’t stress enough the need to stay far, far away from them. I understand the need for flexibility, especially if you are a full-time student or are raising young children. Believe me, I also understand getting a job that allows you to create your own schedule and work remotely takes Hunger Games level competition.

Nov 4, 2019

Featured

Unverified Accounts

The Best Movies of 2020

My 5 Favorite Books of 2020

A Biden Win Is Not a Win For Democracy

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

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.

Two Of My Favorite Filipino Horror Stories

You Will Never Convince Me To Vote Democrat Ever Again

I'm Sick Of The Pandemic Too...Because It's Killing Us

A Personal Post About Our 16 Weeks (And Counting) in Quarantine

Just Because You're Sick of the Pandemic Doesn't Mean It's Over

What The Hell Happened To American Journalism?

What the hell happened to American journalism? How did we get to a point where the news is no longer trustworthy? What happened to the fourth estate of government?