transparency

In honor of this pastel rainbow harness dress's semi-transparent fabric I'll do a little demystifying myself about an annoying trend I've noticed among my peers. It's become a fad obsession, perhaps as a pendulum reaction to accusations of millennial narcissism but serving as no counterexample of it, to claim that it is one's life goal and central focus to "achieve modesty." 

It's already possessive and material to think of 'modesty' as a 'thing' that can be 'achieved.' But what's more irritating about lusting after it is the inherently self-aggrandizing assumption that one is capable of performing morality with such consistency that the title would feel earned. It's that intent to earn or deserve modesty that entails the autoperforation of it . Humility is culturally and spiritually revered, but consideration of it as the most ultimate virtue means nothing when in practice we pay more attention to the egos that perform it than to the characteristics of it themselves. To publicly aspire to possess the most respected virtue seems beyond a moderate estimation of one's abilities. It necessitates the existence of an intended quest for a righteous reputation, thus fundamentally inverting the conditions essential to modesty. To consider reputation is to prioritize (or even so little as acknowledge) an egotistical "image." Efforts to maximize the positive reactions associated with said image also fundamentally block essential conditions. Basically, if one intends to be modest, one cannot be modest, because a modest person cannot even be cognizant of the relevance of the description in relation to themselves. Modest behavior includes selfless efforts to develop trusting relationships for the benefit of others, without regard for the fate of the intending individual.

The actual development of trust should matter more to us than the advantages that come with being well-known as a trustworthy, modest person. I think that as soon as we externalize our 'selves' and attempt to assign to them a preferable judgment from the assumed perspective of 'others' (as if they are not intrinsic parts of our selves), we undo the possibility of modesty and render it an absolutely impossible paradox. It can only be achieved when it is genuinely not desired because reputation is not selfishly considered. 

Ironic that all of this coming from the mouth (fingers) of someone who will proceed to post 8 photos of their privileged body after this text, but hey. The author is dead so leave me out of this. ^_^




ZeroUV sunglasses, UNIF harness dress, vintage heels

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

HEAVEN CAN WAIT

A friend of a friend once said "life's too short to wear boring clothes." Seems like an obvious sentiment, but I don't think most people take it seriously enough to wear something absolutely wild just because they can. But I think I made a pretty earnest effort myself. Mixed and matched all my red, blue, and yellow for a rather 'zany' mash-up of Mickey Mouse print, flames, rhinestones, and tie-dye realness. I've always said that I'd rather be hated than ignored, the subject of harsh criticism than of indifference, a figure of collected resentment than a nobody. A negative opinion is better than no opinion. As long as I'm noticed, I'm happy. And I *hope* there's no way this look will go unseen. ~Love it or hate it I'm flattered either way~



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Flame print beanie - GYPSY WARRIOR
"Heaven Can Wait" Cutoff Tank - UNIF/ Dollskill
"Le Souris leggings" - LOVELY SALLY
Sneaker wedges - Boohoo

My fan-freakin-tastic t-shirt is from the lovelies at UNIF. One of my favorite last minute to pieces to throw on with a bandeau and denim shorts. Had a lot of fun doing something creative with it this time! Went totally crazy when I realized it matched my Lovely Sally leggings... and if you think this pair is cool, check out some of the other styles on the site. Some of my other favorites: Pure Cold, Maya Disco, and Not So Smiley. On point, y'all.

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

SPIRIT OF THE MIND'S EYELESS

Not sure what all this new age "third eye" crap means, but I've heard a million and one people reference it in passing over the years. There's a lyric in a Slipknot song called 'Eyeless' that goes "look me in my brand new eye." I have no idea what that means either, but I'm willing to guess that it has more to do with psychosis than spiritual enlightenment and chakras. Nonetheless, I couldn't resist a sartorial mash-up between the hard shell of a metal band and the soothing nature of Eastern philosophy a la Paul Hardcastle. The result: a party city rhinestone posing as a sparkling tool for clairvoyance, a mysterious velvet robe (one that's made many an appearance here on FTBH), and, yes, Slipknot SHORTS. The genius behind band tees for ya booty is Kay from Look Killer. Check out her Facebook page for the good stuff!



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Beanie - 99 Cent Store
Robe - Frederick's of Hollywood
Necklace - Vanessa Mooney
Mesh insert bodysuit - Ooh La Luxe
Slipknot shorts - LOOK KILLER
"Conquest bootie" - Pink & Pepper

And if you're still not feeling 'out of body' after a meditative Slipknot listening sesh, try this Paul Hardcastle track instead... the second half of my Look. OG Aesthetic.






Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

FADE TO WILD

All I need in this world is a snapback and free wi-fi. Been spending most of my days at home but every once in a while there's opportunity for adventure... that's when I break out the camo crop top and fill my backpack with cameras and a phone charger. I live in such an insane city. Would be a waste to keep to myself instead of marinating in the estranged neon aura, melodic casino rhythm and almost supernatural fluorescence...



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Studded cap - ROMWE
Studded jacket - BOOHOO
Camo crop top - O-Mighty
Leopard shorts - Choies
UNIF Hellbounds - Solestruck
Backpack - Yes Style

Light clothes, big shoes. That's my summer game. The badass top and equally badass happy face pin are from O-Mighty, vintage and wholesale fashion extraordinaires. You need to check out their site if you like rad shit, which invariably ALL of you do, otherwise why are you even here on this blogspot where all I talk and care about is rad shit?? Yeah. And follow them on Instagram: omweekend ^-^

My leopard shorts are from Choies, an online retailer I've featured here on FTBH before (remember BORN IN THE USA?) Like O-Mighty, they stock such insanely dope product that I couldn't resist but to make a collage out of other must-haves from the site... too good. Hope you lurve. <3

"URBAN LUXE" by Bebe Zeva on Polyvore

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

KREEPSVILLE

This February, Kreepsville 666 was kind enough to add this eyeball themed snapback to my cap collection! The team identifies as a source of "scare wear" where you can "stalk in style" -- fitting words for a brand that sells apparel decorated in skeleton bones, spiderwebs, and skulls. You might also know them for their famous neon eyeball bag (Charlotte Free carries one in green). I decided to pair my cap with a perforated black dress from 2020AVE. Check out their site and you'll notice a more sophisticated departure from Kreepsville's horror punk aesthetic. Sleek lines, soft palettes, elegant silhouettes... I gotta get my hands on a pair of these chiffon harem pants! And keep your eyes peeled for a later look that features 2020AVE's baroque leggings. Eyeballs are apparently the motif du jour!



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
"Eyeball baseball cap" - KREEPSVILLE 666
Mirrored sunglasses - 80s Purple
"High Neck Zipper Quilted jacket" - Sheinside
"Netted skater dress" - 2020AVE
UNIF Hellbounds - Solestruck

When I'm not baring knees in an optimistic spring daze... I'm probably wearing a pair of leather leggings or chiffon pants with my Sheinside quilted jacket. It's a piece of classic outerwear that's more functional than it is fashionable, but I think that's what ultimately makes it so chic. Function is en vogue this year. More perforations, mesh insets, and quilted panels please!!

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

TROPIC FEVER

Had to bring back the hibiscus bomber... this time paired with borderline-costume leopard shorts! They're made of faux fur and have a little tail attached to the bum, so they added a bit of feline flair to my otherwise ~luxuriously tropical~ look. Hibiscus print jacket, rainbow gradient laces, and lavish gold chains... the pacific islander aesthetic is strong for spring. I decided to photograph this look indoors so I could experiment with different camera settings and lighting conditions. I'm as novice a photographer as it gets, and I want to start challenging myself with the lens since I have so much free time these days. So if my photography starts to look really terrible, it's because I'm in an annoying 'trial and error' phase where I have to discover what visual themes I don't like before I can identify what works for me. Here's an article for any of my readers who are in a deprecating creative rut and need some wisdom to inspire them out of it.



FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Beanie - Dollar store
Gold chains - ROMWE
Hibiscus bomber - YES STYLE
Leopard shorts - NATURAL COLOUR
UNIF Hellbounds - Solestruck

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

CITRUS RAVER

You might wanna throw some shades on before scrolling down because things are about to get NEON up in here. Citrus brights. Limelight. Straight up rainbow striped leopard print leggings and spiked metallic shoulders. Guess you could say my outfit inspo was literally a watermelon on acid? Elaborate array of bindis because my trip brought me closer to The Oneness and I'm all about my Ajna chakra now. Or something.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Beanie - Dollar store

Spiked sweater / tank - ROMWE
Rainbow chain - CHICWISH

Rainbow leggings - NATURAL COLOUR

Hellbounds - UNIF / SOLESTRUCK
Transparent purse - Claire's

There's only one drawback to dressing like this and it's the INSANE amount of (wasted) time spent acknowledging other people's comments and questions. Yeah yeah yeah I dress like this everyday, no I have never been to EDC, ya I've listened to the Bangarang EP a solid thirty times myself and wait a min did you just say "Tiesto" or "techno"???? Either way where is the nearest exit actually that's a rhetorical question lol see ya.

I realize that in recent months I've sort of "toned down" my style, opting for minimalist silhouettes, sparse accessories, and approachable concepts instead of the signature bohemian craziness that I've (up until this point) been known for. I believe that change is a necessary element to style, and that if somebody resists an aesthetic evolution, they're being cowardly and conservative. BUT, I also believe that changing in a way that symbolizes surrender or regression is even more cowardly and conservative. Maybe I "toned down" my style to avoid being the awkward center of attention at a time when I really just wanted to be alone with my depression. The good news is that I'm phasing out of that sadness (or at least brainwashing myself to believe that I am with cliches about the intoxicating Spring's healing properties) and am looking forward to dressing like a glittering technicolor kiwi more often. Bravery and fear can be very easily reflected through one's clothing choices, and fear is never in style. Chaos is jewelry... layering it on means you're in control and can handle "crazy." 

Happy Spring!

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva