回 Giving Jello Another Shot 回

I don't know about you, but my most immediate connotation of the word "jello" is probably, well...college. A few too many memories of a few too many shots in solid form, and maybe you're actually thinking "vomit". I'm here to #takebackthenight (sexual assault should not be taken lightly in ANY context, but this pertains very visibly/realistically to college) by taking back the gelatinous sundae (bad pop culture reference, I know) from midcentury antiquity. Also-shoutout to Refinery 29 for already having done so. 

I openly admit: I'm currently trying to lose about 5-7 lbs. Jello is one of my go-to's for weight loss-friendly (& tasty) snacking. Consider it my housewife-inspired gelatinous version of biohacking...inspired by vintage Betty Crocker recipes.

Speaking of snacking, I've certainly enjoyed jello as a snack in various modes...on its own, in coffee, and in my obsession-of-the-moment, snow (otherwise known as Taiwanese shaved ice).

Ever since I saw it on the menu at Boba Time (Koreatown's finest, no doubt!), coffee jelly has been calling my name. Sweetened coffee-flavored jello cubes as a boba substitute? Yes please! (take note any low carbers: coffee jelly is a fantastic boba substitute that remains authentic to the cuisine). 

I am hopelessly enamored with snow, specifically from SNOW LA in Koreatown. The perfect topping to this obsession: (my minor obsession) almond jelly! Perhaps a modern take on a midcentury Jello-made icebox cake? Sure, why not?

I'm no modern Holly Housewife, but I do think it's worth it to put down that popsicle and to give jello another shot ;) 

xo ♡ SFB

◯ Citrus-in' Pretty ◯

Orange you glad it’s finally June? It may not be quite summer just yet, but I find citrus fruit to be synonymous with the season. There's something about its sentience, its color scheme, better yet, its TASTE, that makes citrus one of my favorite fruit choices, during the rare occasions that I do eat it. I may prefer it in confectionary dreamsicle form, but during the rare occurrences that orange finds its way into my wardrobe, I try to keep it refined and dreamy. Loud? Well, I'll save that for festival season n' pool parties. ;) 

If you have taken a look at Russian Dressing in recent weeks' past, it may as well be called "Korean Dressing" simply based on how often I hang out (and shoot!) in Koreatown. This outfit was no exception...nor was the context. 
I haven't blogged about it recently but one of my hobby realms of interest is housewives and the midcentury aesthetic and lifestyle. This dress feels "mod" in that it is a nod to the 60s color scheme and cut, yet the material is so sheer that I have to wear nude undergarments with it. I bought it from Wasteland on Melrose Avenue intended as a "work wear" piece. While I certainly have worn this in a professional business setting (as originally intended), it almost feels more suited to grocery shopping. Can you tell I went grocery shopping in these photos? (Indeed, I actually did). 
Speaking of grocery shopping, what are your thoughts on the anthropological dissection of Upper East Side housewives (NYT article from last weekend)? It's articles like these that remind me as a feminist that we still have a long ways to go. This applies beyond the workforce, and extends into our lifestyles and....fashion. Thoughts?

Everyone knows that our outward appearances, encompassed in our weights/beauty routines/clothing choices, are correlated more or less (with some exceptions) to our socioeconomic status. I will admit as both an aspiring blogger, the high standards for Angeleno "pretty young things", and my "Millenial slashie" career aspirations, I care a lot about my appearance. Don't we all, though? On top of the struggles young people face to financially make it own their own in society, social media reminds us daily, if not hourly, that we have to look pretty doing it as well. This outfit made me feel like a housewife; it brought to mind the archaic, yet simultaneously contemporary, context of the article I mentioned. 

If we think of our self-esteems like food consumption, it's better to shop for sustainable compliments, am I right? Our lifestyle choices extend beyond what we consume, but also in what we create for ourselves. 

Dress: Da-nang (Wasteland LA) | Shoes: Michael Kors | Belt: Pitaya St Louis | Earrings: (also here) Whole Foods
All photos courtesy of Kaelin Bohl Photography

xo ♡ SFB

⌨ Internet Friends ⌨

Hello! I apologize for having taken a slight hiatus from blogging, but I have been a very busy bee these past few weeks. From working two jobs (now reduced to one...more on that later) to moving into my new house...to having pretty much NO free time-a break wasn't just an aha! "good idea"...I was simply in survival mode. That being said, my house didn't have fully-functional Internet until just today. But I'm baaaack.

I find myself spending more and more time in the heart of Los Angeles, in the real "city" sections, around Koreatown and Downtown LA. LA is historically the definition of "urban sprawl"...something that's been changing as of late...and something, or somewhere, that I'm keen to explore. 

Throughout my adventures in Koreatown with my lucky resident best-friend and unofficial blog photographer Kaelin Bohl, it truly feels like the future of LA. As one of the most densely populated regions of the city, it's also one of the few true walking areas of the city...parking is near-impossible. There always seems to be so much going on, the food is phenomenal, and it's a melting pot of different cultures. 

My newest obsession: SNOW. SnowLA Shavery in Koreatown is probably my favorite. 

I mentioned I didn't have Internet for a few days upon moving to my new house. This shirt (purchased a few months back) made me a living paradox. Emblazoned with random doodles of toys like Furby, characters like Moomins, lots of Internet-ready "Tumblr IRL" concepts...this Monki tank called to me. Internet-inspired Tumblr fashion, am I right?

Top: Monki (@ ASOS)

Skirt: Minkpink (@ ASOS)

Bag: Lulu Lemon

Shoes: Jellies: Jelly Beans at Princess Polly (available here...also worn HERE)

How do you feel about Tumblr? What about "Tumblr fashion"/Internet-driven fashion (a la VFILES)?
PS...not to be a terrible self-promoting pest, but check out my Tumblr...the only other place I promote it is on Tinder...but I do happen to have one! ;)

xo ♡ SFB