b-a-n-a-n-a-s

Do you ever look through someone's tagged photos on Facebook and feel frustrated? Like, in your mind you can't reconcile how someone functions independently in society, or how they could possibly be able to get away with such a publicly reckless lifestyle while still supported by their parents? I feel like this is a crucial stage in 'becoming adult;' trying to map out the sustainability of a complete stranger's lifestyle. Part of the process is accepting that it's totally possible to 'get on in the world' without having your shit together. It seems affirming because it ensures survival despite disorder, but it's also terrifying because it ensures survival despite disorder. It is totally possible to get on in the world without having your shit together. So what if you become one of those people? How will you know your universe isn't an alienated mess if you're blissfully living in it? Acceptance of that axiom probably happens when you exit 'becoming' and actually become. You admit to the reality of imposing your own image of order and alienation onto others. And your frustration dissolves into a calm... the reliable knowingness of permanently imperfect judgment. I know what you're thinking. This shit is bananas. 



OASAP banana print dress, Rings & Tings necklace, vintage bomber jacket, Zero UV sunglasses, Romwe timberland inspired platforms

Everything is infinite,

Bebe

spring persueded

Paisley. Velvet. Suede. Spring. Spring. By the look and feel of things, this season won't be any peppier than the others (which is not at all if you're me). But I'm hoping that great weather will bring greater incentives to walk outside and soak up some vitamin D for an extra 'happy kick' here and there. Maybe this time of year will change me in more ways than sun exposure... after all I am turning 22 in May (the 7th to be exact, just in case any of you wonderful people are considering throwing me a *surprise birthday party* wink wink). I don't really know how to go about processing my age because it doesn't match my lifestyle or attitude or expectation. As a kid, the '20s' seemed pretty old, sophisticated, fun, sexy. I imagined myself in a maxi skirt attending college in Boston, already working on my second or third novel in the courtyard grass. I thought I'd already be published, well-known, independent enough to live in a dorm room, disciplined enough to even get into an ivy league at all. Instead I'm wearing yoga pants, living with my mom, bitter about my academic failure and nowhere near publishing anything except this blog post. My net worth is even identical to what it was in sixth grade when my only expenses were Starburst and Orbit gum. I know life is full of surprises but I didn't realize they'd all be this... unflattering. My only solace, my constant respite, is clothes. They make me feel good about myself even when my track record doesn't.

My mom and I arranged this outfit together. I find that including my mom in the process of arranging a look, choosing complementary locations, and photographing the whole shabang is SO much more gratifying than riding solo. I might be bossy but lord knows I could use a reality check every once in a while from mama-knows-best. ;)



Romwe sunglasses, Etro paisley and velvet scarf, vintage turtleneck and suede miniskirt, Jimmy Choo Rhea purse, Missguided platform boots

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

mama tropic

Baby girl needs a vacation. It's already the end of August and I feel like I haven't done any REAL traveling in months... can't decide if it's the fault of my agoraphic tendencies or simply no opportunity. Either way, this tropical print two-piece from AX Paris puts me in the zone. You know what zone I'm talking about. Imagined pina coladas and a hammock. This outfit deserves a debut on an actual Polynesian island, not my local tiki bar.



"Tropical neon crop top pencil skirt suit" c/o AX Paris, ZeroUV shades, Pink & Pepper heels

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

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

FLORAL PANTHER

Backstory about these leggings: when I first saw them on Romwe maaaaany months ago, I was immediately floored by the fuchsia and purple, panther and pastel pattern. I ordered them without hesitation  assuming they would match everything in my closet because they were so freakin' cool. They were as cool in real life as they were online, even cooler in fact... and that ironically became the crux of my frustration with them. They were too cool to pair with just anything. For months I felt like I didn't have a single article of clothing to do them justice. All my shirts were either too short or too plain, and I didn't want to wear the leggings under a dress where they'd be overwhelmed. So I finally came to terms with the fact that I'd have to shop around for a very specific garment to wear exclusively with these pants. I wound up with this chain print sweatshirt from Yes Style in the PERFECT color scheme - fuchsia, yellow, blue. Months later, the outfit has finally taken shape.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:
Spiked snapback - YES STYLE
Chain print sweatshirt - YES STYLE
Panther print leggings - ROMWE
White patent pumps - Daily Look

Couldn't have topped off the ensemble without a signature spiked hat! And posh white pumps from Daily Look tie the entire look together - "glam sophistication" seems like a super trendy fashion buzzword but it definitely works for this get-up. Streetwear luxe 2013 y'all.

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva

GAP STYLD.BY + FATED TO BE HATED!

Today marks an especially exciting milestone in my career as both a blogger and Lookbooker -- I was asked to collaborate with Gap for their Spring styld.by campaign! Not only am I deeply thankful for having been included in this project, I am starstruck and dazed by the journey it took to get here. Through Lookbook, I've arrived at a creative place where I am able to express myself in a sartorial language that is not only true to myself and relatable to my readers, but valued by even the retailers who inspire that very language every day. The styld.by campaign offers real consumers the chance to speak for themselves, and that's makes a brand like Gap so much more accessible and intimate. I extend my sincerest thanks to the teams at Gap and Lookbook.nu for affording me this incredible opportunity!

I named my look "Cool as a Jewel" because lapiz and sapphire tones play such a bold role in the ensemble. Most people don't associate the spring season with mellow blues, and that's why I was so attracted to the pairing. It's unexpected but fitting... novelty en vogue!

I included a few other photos rocking Gap's pastel staples -- a lush citrus cardigan, lilac khaki and stilettos. The look is as sleek as it is fresh. 



Mint slacks keep my uptown ensemble cool while a cardigan warms me up on a breezy day. A seafoam and sapphire color block looks sophisticated every season.
"Broken-in Straight Khakis"


A pair of lavender trousers embellishes the classic monochrome mod look with a pop of pastel.  



There's no better way to celebrate Spring than with an orange creamsicle color palette. Printed pants and a cardigan in sunburst hues make for the perfect picnic uniform.
"Luxlight Crew Cardigan"

Check out my official styld.by feature on Gap's website! Thanks again to all my readers for making this experience possible - you've kept me grounded at my highs and inspired at my lows. It is a privilege to be able to share a proud moment with this amazing community. <3

Everything is infinite,

Bebe Zeva