angel wing

Anyone else hurtin for a makeover? Every once in a while I feel thrown into an intermediate phase (even though every moment belongs to a phase that is impossibly intermediate) and flounder in the insincerity of the 'aesthetic' with which I am currently, accidentally, shamefully associated. Times like these illustrate the self-automating nature of the 'aesthetic' and its role on the internet; I don't need to actively perform it every individual instance I get online. It is already in motion, working in real time to constitute the overall photograph of my 'brand.' My eyes don't have to be processing 'instagram' as information for me to be on instagram. Someone else is looking at my profile when I'm not, and the still lives I upload dance for them without my enthusiastic participation but certainly with my permission. What makes me most insecure is that permission is not static -- it is dynamic and animate. I permit every second I allow images of me to remain, I permit every second I allow my profile to exist without intervention. I authorize the disingenuous aesthetic associated with my online identity by simply not putting a stop to it. So even though I'm not on instagram right now uploading a photo I don't like that much, the crisis is the same... people are still processing the information already present, judging me accordingly, coloring me in with the hues I provide because I don't put them away. I hate that I allow this to go on... more, I hate that I don't overwrite it with material I do enjoy instead. 

This outfit reminds me of a Dior campaign... modish, feminine, bridal but young and rebellious. I fashioned the headwrap out of a pink sheath and flower pin then paired it with earrings from 2001 that actually look like they're from 1960s. Lately I've been pushing myself to explore more DIY approaches to accessorizing... picking out a floppy hat and sunglasses isn't creative enough anymore. Pairing a brooch with a sheet of fabric and tying it together with matching jewelry and lipstick feels so much more rewarding when the result is something as seamless and recognizable as this. The flower girl grows up and gets married... she's in a perfume advertisement, she's bohemian but sponsored...



Chicwish dress, Valentino bag, Dailylook heels

Everything is infinite,

Bebe

root chakra

After a week in Los Angeles, I feel very confused about the word 'home.' I guess it's a place that you take with you, or a tendency to make the best out of what you already have. My home is wherever I am whether I like it or not. Which is why it's so confusing. Sometimes home sucks. Sometimes it's really where the heart is. Sometimes it's a shit motel room with cable TV and yellow lamp lighting, but you share it with someone who makes you feel safe. The way I feel is the interior design of whatever abode I occupy... so I must always be cautious not to give into anger or depression. Home is without morbid architecture. 

Still unsure if my chakras are balanced -- if things were actually working out for me I might believe with intense conviction that every piece is in its right place. Then again... maybe there aren't "right places" for pieces to be. There aren't "right homes." There are only places and homes. And feelings to decorate each space in time. I'm grounded by virtue of being alive.



Chicwish peach dress, OASAP peach kimono, YES Pound sandals c/o Solestruck, Vanessa Mooney jewelry

Everything is infinite,

Bebe

FLORAL MAJESTY

I felt like a seriously swagged out ballerina in this look -- a magenta skirt as poofy as a tutu paired with a lilac vintage blouse from the boos at Tunnel Vision (my favorite online retailer for *legit* vintage apparel sourced from the best thrift stores in America). Snapback was obvious. I hardly leave the house without one. I've been in this dependent condition for about nine months and so far I have NO interest in curing the addiction. As for the boots - I used to be addicted to those, too. About a year ago. Then I kinda stopped wearing platforms because I was more interested in sneaker wedges. Nowadays I'm more open to the idea of variety and less to the idea of sartorial commitment. It's kinda like I have a polyamorous relationship with shoes. 



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
"Skull Embellish Snapback" - OASAP
Vintage hibiscus blouse - TUNNEL VISION
Magenta skirt - CHICWISH
Zigi boots - Karmaloop

It took me F O R E V E R to finally will myself to wearing this outfit (and photograph it). Not because I was too embarrassed to be seen in public wearing something "gaudy" (um, hello, self-proclaimed and proud outcast over here) but because I felt like no occasion would ever be good enough to honor with a match as trill as this one. But after enough deliberation I realized that any event is as good as you make it. And as long as you're surrounded by fun company, the event's 'glamour' (or lack thereof) doesn't really matter.

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

TRIPLE THREAT

I come from the fashion camp that believes there's no such thing as "too much" leather. A lot of people complain that if you go 'overboard' with one element in your outfit, the entire ensemble becomes gimmicky instead of chic. I agree that referencing only one motif without contrast, like wearing head-to-toe lime green or five polka dot accessories, is borderline costume. Not fashion. Certainly not casual (not that fashion needs to be casual every time anyway). But for whatever reason, leather has a charm that renders is exempt from this rule. You could wear a dozen leather accessories on top of a full leather get-up and still look rad. And maybe even casual. At any rate, I'm hoping this leather foursome isn't overkill.



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
"DUMP Cap" - Aloha From Deer
"Cult by Lip Service Lace Cropped Moto Jacket" - 24HRSLeather bralette - ROMWE
Leather shorts - Chicwish
UNIF Hellbounds - Solestruck

This lovely lace-and-leather jacket entered my life a couple days after my birthday as a gift from my favorite person in the observable universe, Madeline. Besides working at 24HRS, the store that stocks this jacket (and two bomb-ass vests that I'll photograph and blog about within the next week), Madeline operates a fashion blog called Jean Greige, where she talks politics, feminism, philosophy, and lifestyle. In completely unpretentious vernacular and with RAD AS HELL pictures of her wearing crazy shoes and chunky jewelry to boot. I'm getting a huge kick out of how I sound like I'm introducing Madeline to you guys, when most of you probably already know who she is because she is literally my queen, and I've already dedicated a blog post to her about what a freakin' superhero she is. But, in the unlikely event that you're new here, FOLLOW MAD'S BLOG and get with the program. 

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

MOD LILAC

When these Barta color-blocked platform sandals entered my life... it was like the world stopped. I know it's silly to invest so much emotion into a material possession, but some shoes make the attachment so totally worth it. These are obviously one of those pairs. Furnished from pastel shades of suede and adorned with a metallic platform border, these heels are the centerpiece of my look. The lilac strip in the heel was destined for a pairing with this crochet Chicwish dress. I styled my hair in a 60s bouffant style to afford the ensemble some mod sophistication. Can only pray that the likes of Brigitte Bardot would approve...



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Silver cuff necklace - OASAP
Crochet lilac dress - Chicwish
"Barta Color-Blocked Platform Sandals" - Guess
Floral clutch - Valentino


Been waiting for the right moment to wear this lilac minidress for over a year! I notice that I'm not much of a "dress" person -- I usually prefer to match separates since it's more creative than wearing one piece. But lately I've been collecting all kinds of dresses for spring and summer... bodycons, chiffon frocks, maxi length tank dresses for a minimalist theme. Saves me a lot of time I would have spent matching tops and bottoms. Better spent playing Temple Run 2, am I right? ;)

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

JUST KICKIN' IT

The highlight of my entire life happened happened the other day when I received a package from PUMA, tore it open, and found these white and beige BEAUTIES inside. Featuring perforated panels, velcro straps, and a hidden platform, these certified bad boys are undoubtedly the most prized pair of kicks in my current shoe collection. They were conceived in collaboration with Japanese designer Mihara Yasuhiro as part of PUMA's black label project, which marries high fashion visionaries and PUMA's signature sports function. The result is a series of designs with couture appeal and practical translation, from all-stars like Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan. Check out the site for more details.



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Sunglasses - Claire's
Rainbow necklace - Chicwish
Personalized vest - Jordache, thrift
Acid wash button-up - 9 CROW STREET
Denim shorts - YES STYLE
"MY-66 In-Heel Trainers" - PUMA X MIHARAYASUHIRO

I am also ~proudly rocking~ an acid-wash button-up from 9 Crow Street, my favorite online vintage retailer! Their site is essentially the greatest thrift store you will ever access online... the good shit has already been sorted out from the riff raff and presented ever so beautifully for your browsing pleasure, it's open 24/7, and there's no line. Ever. So much love for e-commerce, my friends.

P.S. My birthday is in 5 FREAKIN' DAYS PEOPLE!!!! What should I do? What should I wear?!?!

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

FUNK AND FLORA

When I think of Gypsy Junkies, I envision their annual booth at WWD MAGIC -- a bohemian alcove of fringe and fur, rich fuchsia and mustard hues, floor-length floral prints, and jeweled head chains. This structured blazer totally caught me by surprise in their collection! I didn't expect to find tailored outerwear among the free-flow maxi gowns and loose chiffon blouses. The "Zeppelin jacket" is the best darn thing to happen to my Spring wardrobe. I layered it over a one-piece from Lulu*s and added a zany multicolor beanie for a spontaneous look... would probably wear something similar to a festival if I had the energy or income to attend one! Hope you guys have some cool outfits planned for Coachella. I'll live vicariously through your Indio experience via Instagram, of course. ;)



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Beanie - 1717 Olive
V4 Sunglasses - Daisy Potion
"Zeppelin Blazer" - Gypsy Junkies
Onesie - Lulu*s
Fringe bag - Chicwish
"Funky Booties" - Pink & Pepper

Check out Gypsy Junkies' SS13 Lookbook for more inspiration of the free-spirited, festival variety!

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva