This is my Fashion Inspiration Board.

I think I've drawn from a lot of good sources:

• Philadelphia sunset
• La Nouvelle Vague
• Toile de jouy
• Amelia Earhart
• Jazz Age
• Floaty puffs
• Urban residential
• Cafe life
• Umbrellas
• Interesting tartans
• Neon lights
• License plates

If anything, I love adventure, and I really believe Amelia Earhart embodied that, not only in her personal style, but her legacy s well. I would love to travel more, but since I really can't right now, the license plates will do. I love the glamorous days of the Roaring 20s and would like to have been part of the partying. I think cafes are great places to meet people to exchange ideas about life. My meditation is basically walking in residential areas of the city during the afternoon. I love the whimsical things in life and would like to believe that romanticism still exists. I'm drawn to Asian-inspired things because I'm Asian. I love watching movies from the 1960s and find inspiration in their way of dress. I'm inspired by vintage fashions and coming up with ways to transform them into something modern. This board reflects my personal style, but it doesn't begin to cover everything I like because I'm sure you guys would be bored if I never talked about anything new; I would be too.

I have a very random hat collection,

but they are absolute necessities for bad hair days, keeping anonymity, and completing a look. I try to keep the color of my hats neutral because I want them to be versatile enough to coordinate with my mood and the season. Now all I need is a fedora, bowler, or maybe a crown. (Oh, and the glass head I'm using as a mannequin is the same one I was talking about from Pier 1).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Mushroom Hat $18.00

This is the most expensive hat I own because it's "designer." That being said, I got it because I liked the shape, not to mention I had store credit after returning a bad purchase. What I don't like is that it's made of acrylic, which is pretty bad for the environment and I have to dry-clean it.

H&M Beret $6.99

I've always wanted a beret but had no reason to wear one because it seemed too pretentious for someone like me. But I ended up getting it because I wanted to be a Beatnik for Halloween and the beret was the most important piece of the costume. Unlike the Marc Jacobs hat, this is actually made of 100% wool. I found it in the women's section at H&M because there were no berets for men. The only real problem I have with it is because it's a woman's piece, it doesn't fit my head that well.

Juno Beanie Free

I got this beanie when I worked at Blockbuster. Basically, if you bought a copy of "Juno," you'd get this beanie as a gift. I have never worn this beanie in public before because even though I like the movie, I don't like it enough to advertise.

Dockers Bucket Hat $8.00

This is my favorite hat because I feel a sense of comfort when I wear it, even on the worst of days. Although a lot of people tell me I look like a fisherman in this hat, it has given me an identity in a culture of conformity. People just don't see it the way i do.

H&M Newsboy Cap $5.50

It's important to have a go-to hat because you never really know what life throws at you. This is one of those hats that you can never really go wrong in, which is why I wear it almost everyday.

My taste in music must be pretty good if:

Hi TAs,
A number of you made various musical suggestions for my collection. Would you be so kind as to email me titles and artists?
Cordially,
Dr. Carrington

Bookshop Casanova The Clientele
Breakin' Up Rilo Kiley
Creator Santogold
Human Racing St. Vincent
I'm in the Mood for Love Julie London
L'Amoureuse Carla Bruni
Lips Are Unhappy Lucky Soul
Love Letter to Japan The Bird and the Bee
Rise Up With Fists!! Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
Two Way Monologue Sondre Lerche
The World Should Revolve Around Me Little Jackie
You're So Vain Carly Simon
You Are the Light (by which I travel into this and that) Jens Lekman

Hi Alex,
This music is fu**ing amazing. Thank you!

Whoopi Goldberg is someone I really admire.

I love that she stood up to a bunch of fashion critics who use style to judge character. You don't not take someone seriously because they dress in a style not pertaining to your taste. You judge character first and add on whatever style comes with it. I mean, I do believe there's such a thing as "bad style," but what is considered "good" anyway? I'm sure a lot of people would call my style "bad," but perhaps I'm just blinded by own taste. To me, it's not exactly a bad thing because I hate trends. Plus, if you can look good and own up to what you wear, more power to you. I definitely think Whoopi defintiely has a sense of style. There are a lot of people who claim to know what style is, but I really don't think imitating what people wear is considered style; it's called trendiness.

Courtesy of ABC, Youtube

In my Color and Design class, we had to make a torn-paper mosaic.

We had to come up with an image, tear pages from magazines into tiny bits, and group them into similar color categories to glue. It took my group about 5 days to finish. I found this painting in a vintage Architectural Digest and thought it was somewhat abstract, not too defined. I wish I could keep it, but it would unfair to the group and it would be too big to put in my room anyway. Right now, it is hanging in the lobby at SFSU Burke Hall if anyone wants to see it up close.

Public art is always in fashion because, well, it's free.

I also really like art that can be simple, yet says a whole lot. I guess that's a literal description of Martin Firrell's art. I really appreciate all the witty little sayings that mean so much.

The place I call home is supposed to be a very liberal part of the world. But what I see nowadays is pretty much unrecognizable. I personally feel that we live in a state of fear, so the government can control us. This should not be just public art; it should be a monument.

Yes, it's a pessimistic message, but it's universal. I'm sure no one stays 100% positive all the time, especially when we're hit with so many things everyday. I guess all we can really do is look for the light at the end of each day and say "I lived it."

It seems that a lot of people do not use their minds these days. It's as if we're all too busy sulking in our own comfortable situations. I feel like people believe more than they think, which is scary because I don't want my life to be based on prediction.

We all have power; it just depends how much of this pie we all get. However, it's hard to really have power at this moment because when you have power, you also have major responsibilities. What sucks is, certain people have power even though they really do not deserve it. We live in an unfair world.

When you live in a corrupt system, the only way to resolve it is to go against it. Otherwise, the wrong will always make it seem like they're right. I hate that.

Even though Obama is president, I still think the government is still run by fools, or rather by people who think we are fools. Personally, I think the government calculated this financial mess to screw with our minds. But we never get to really investigate these things because we don't use our minds.

I often find that 1984 is becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's hard to really find originality anymore, especially with a growing human population, and people wanting the same things. I could apply this same concept to fashion. It's challenging to be original these days without forking over some serious cash, but if you are creative enough, you can totally do it.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

I've been paying attention to Paul Smith for a while now,

and the crap they carry from him in department stores suck. Anyway, they've finally opened a store here in the city, and let's just say, it could be the coolest hang out spot if I had the money that is. They sell pretty much everything here from colorful fashions, vintage books on Chanel, Dior, YSL, whacky chess boards, funky umbrellas, to whimsical tea sets. There is a very retro 1960s feel to it, which is completely nostalgic to the senses. I also love that he is able to add much needed color to "classic pieces"; he's basically the only one I know to do so. Hence, my sudden Paul Smith fascination has gotten me to talk about it.

Wallet $228.32

Sometimes that signature Paul Smith coloring can be a bit obnoxious sometimes, but they worked that perfectly with this wallet. It looks like rainbow wood patterns. I've been thinking about getting a new wallet, especially one that is zipped, so nothing will fall out; this is a potential buy when my current one completely dishevels.

Cora Heels $253.69

I'm sure I've seen these heels somewhere. Anyway, I have a thing for t-straps; they're so 1940s. The patent with the pop of yellow from the sole are very cute; it's what I would call "innocent dominatrix."

Cardigan With Bow Tie Neck $229.73

I like that everything on this cardigan is off-kilter, otherwise, it's a K-mart staple. That bow is also absolutely adorable. The color is nothing special, but I guess it's still more interesting than black.

Frill Fronted Blouse $181.81

This blouse is a little bit weird by itself. Then again, you won't be able to understand this blouse's magnifiance until you see it with some outerwear; it's like a gorgeous drape for you neck. I much prefer this green over a typically feminine color; it makes a strong woman.

V-Neck Cardigan with Contrast Color $119.80

This cardigan is a geriatric take on youth. It's old, but the yellow trim livens it up. The last button is very fun and quirky.

Printed Flight Bag $267.79

I returned that Givenchy bag a while back, so I'm on the lookout for another one. This bag has so many artful elements to it that it's a definite potential. I like "wearing art." For a canvas bag, the price is a bit too high; I'd totally get if it was less than $100.

Shadow Floral Sock $19.75

Flowers on men's socks. Now that's something unheard of, which is exactly why I want them. I'm kind of a sock collector, and so far all I'm missing are florals. $20 is too expensive though.

Men's Watch $324.44

There's soething so Curious George/The New Yorker about this watch. Everything is so modern vintage about it. I'm not sure what the font is called, but I really like it.

Slim Fitted Formal Shirt $169.27

The pattern is a spin on polka dots. Polka dots are usually so perfect that they forget they're supposed to be a fun print. "Polka Dots Gone Wild" LOL! I want this shirt now.

Miller Brogue $282.12

Ya'll know how I love me some wing-tips, or brogues as the British call it. These come in several colors: green, red, blue, which is perfect if you ask me. This store is all about color, so save your money on neutrals if that's all you dare to experiment with. They would be 100% if they were round-toed instead of pointed.

Courtesy of Paul Smith

I've finally been to the Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit at the de Young!

So this exhibit has been displayed for a few months, and I just had to go before I missed my chance. Before going, I had just expected it to be a select few pieces from YSL. Man, was I wrong. The exhibit had so many originals from Monsieur St. Laurent, like the Mondrian dress, knitted cocoon dress, the pre-Gaultier coned breast dress, etc. I always knew YSL was a talented designer, but I had no idea he was a GENIUS! I later had the same mindset when I went to see the Andy Warhol exhibit. I wasn't able to take too many pictures because the museum security was high, but I did what I could:

R.I.P. Yves Saint Laurent.

I think YSL was ahead of his time when he created this giant bow of a dress because I'm not sure many people back then would've worn it. I'm just surprised by how modern it is; it's a two-toned dress done right.

It's a little bit of French and colonial America at the same time. I bet those ruffles took forever to make. This is a picture I considered deleting, but after a few glances, I think it's ab interesting angle. I've come to realize that YSL was one of those designers who didn't see beauty from the front, but rather from different perspectives. Designers today should learn from that.

I don't think these stockings were ever really in fashion, but they are so cool. I think it's because hosiery is hardly ever considered a luxury good. They'd look crazy if the typical Joe/Joanne wore them, but you've got style, be my guest; I'd gladly applaud anyone for being so brave.

I got to see the famous Mondrian dress, which was quite spectacular in person. I loved how YSL was inspired by artists like Matisse and Picasso and was able to interpret art into fashion, which is not very common nowadays.

Graphite Objects is an interesting concept to make from art.

They are designed by local artist Agelio Batle. What I like about them is they do not require any kind of sharpening, so that itself is a sustainable practice. It also does not smudge onto your hand when you use it. They're a bit pricey, but if you ever want to give someone a nice graduation gift, this is the way to go.

Olive Branch $36.00

This is the cheapest one of the bunch, but I understand why. It just doesn't require as much skill to make it to look like what it's supposed to be.

Calla Lily $48.00

Calla Lilies are definitely one of my favorite flowers. They're so simple and elegant, which is why I love this piece. I'm sure when you use it, you'll feel a lot more sophisticated.

Asparagus $48.00

Asparaguses are on my list of favorite vegetables. They're like flower buds that you can eat. They also kind of look like paintbrushes, which gives this piece a great meaning.

Quill $42.00

I love design that reverts modernity to antiquity. Whenever I think of quill pens, Benjamin Franklin pops up. It's so prim and proper, except this requires no ink.

Carrot $56.00

If I had to choose a vegetable to be a writing utensil, a carrot would be perfect. It's pointed, so it'll only get dull when you don't slant it. There's a reason why it's so expensive; it's the best investment.

Pea Pod $48.00

Pea pods are just cute in general. Actually, this is my favorite from the whole collection. The design is so simple, yet so elaborate with the little peas popping out.

Courtesy of Sattva Gallery