New blog!

I've been commenting on some issues lately relating to women's issues and my boyfriend suggested that maybe I should compile it in a separate blog.

I wrote a new entry concerning what I think should be done about women's objectification in media. I'm okay with cheesecake illustrations existing. But I'm not encouraging mistreatment of women.

Now before anyone calls me a feminazi, please check out my new opinions blog first. My kind of feminism is not about man-hating or slut-shaming. Rather, it's about letting people know that there are sentiments that come from horrible experiences that cannot be invalidated. Thank you so much.

REVIEW: Cocoono Clutch

I prefer purses over clutches but after a couple of dinner dates with Q, I thought I should invest in a clutch. However, the clutches available in the fashion stores I could afford often look too cheap looking or too loud for my taste. Eventually, I found Cocoono on Etsy. Their designs are the perfect "one". However, being the broke college kid that I am, their ~$28 (+$8 shipping to U.S.) clutches were a bit more than what I want to pay for. I understand that it's handmade and inexpensive for what it is but I guess I'm just too used to getting my stuff on outlets, sales and clearances that I held off on getting one hoping that I'll find one cheaper somewhere else.

I got really close to getting one and I turned to my boyfriend Q to either enable me or stop me. I linked him to the one I was looking at and he agreed that it's a nice classy clutch that would work well regardless what outfit I wear. Normally, I would just go for it but I guess Q knew that I haven't because I'm saving my money for something else. It was about less than two weeks before Valentine's Day and he hasn't thought of anything to give me. So he went ahead and ordered me one to my surprise.

However, after realizing that the bag is not going to be ready in time, Q ended up giving me something else.

Quality: 4/5

It's carefully made. The stitches are clean and the fabric was well-chosen in terms of design. I like how it looks and I wish I could give it a 5/5. However, I chose not to because it wasn't as sturdy as I expected. If you look at the photos on their Etsy, it looks like the bags are created with heavier material. It might just be the design I picked out but the fabric used for this clutch is thin and lightweight. It's nice because the clutch is very light but I just expected more for the price. 

EDIT:

Quality: 5/5

I decided to give it a 5/5 because the more I use it, the more I like it. I felt that my concerns before were very nitpicky and unreasonable. The clutch was very carefully and beautifully made. I don't know why I felt slightly ripped off before (especially since it was my boyfriend who got it for me). The clutch is light and not as stiff as I expected but it's still very sturdy and stylish. I feel so fashionable every time I wear it even if I'm just wearing shirt and jeans.

The cool thing though is that it has a pocket inside! I didn't know because the interior of the bag is not in any of the photos on their Etsy. I'm one of those who carry huge wallets around. However, when I carry clutches, I just take my cards with me so that pocket is perfect for that.

The strap is fine but I would've preferred it if it was made with some faux leather material as well.

Shipping: 2/5

It pains me to give a rating this low but I'd like to be honest about our experience with this shop. My boyfriend ordered this on February 3. Their Etsy states that it'll take them 21 days to make and ship the item. On March 16, I asked my boyfriend what happened to it because we haven't received it. He said that it shipped 8 days ago (as of March 16), but there wasn't a tracking info. At that point, it's been 47 days. My boyfriend messaged the seller and he was provided the tracking number the next day, March 30. The tracking stated that "Origin Post is preparing shipment". We did not receive it until yesterday, April 8. That's 70 days! Thirty-nine days late of the 21-days they said it'll take them to make and send the item. 

I understand that each of their items are carefully and individually handcrafted and that maybe it's the Polish mail that was unreliable in this case. However, it's quite a shame that the item took so long to arrive.

OVERALL: 3/5

EDIT:

OVERALL: 4/5

I'm happy with the product itself but was very disappointed with the shipping. I would definitely give this store another chance some other time. Having a handmade piece is really different from buying one that was mass-produced so I definitely encourage buying handmade goods!

Spring Break 2015 Goals

Hello everyone! I'm finally on spring break! But unfortunately, the amount of school work I have continues to hold me hostage.

I recently got in a car accident and today I dropped off my car at the repair shop. The outgoing piece of my soul objects to this but concerning how much work I need to get done, it might be for the best that I'm car-less this spring break.

Anyways, here's the list of homework I need to get done FOR SURE:

• a hand book of twenty-three hand drawings for Anatomy
• progress on my ecorché sculpture for Anatomy
• redo my TV promo submission for Motion Graphics
• work on my website mockup for my Web Art final
• catch up on readings for History

And here are some general goals that I'll probably end up dedicating more attention to:

• Make sure I keep up with #The100DayProject
• Start and finish a sketch for something I'll put out for Animé Expo
• Beat Persona Q
• Finish reading a book (or listening to one)
• Clean my room
• Sew a circle skirt
• Bake an apple pie
• Blog

Obviously, these are probably too many things to try and cram into one week but let's see how productive I'll be!

About that New 52 Batgirl Variant Cover

I tried not to comment about this but of course, I failed in avoiding the comments section. It saddens me that some people cannot do better but express their opinion by calling others names. I prefer to let others know what I think in hopes that maybe they'll see another perspective. I'm not expecting anyone to change their opinion but here's mine.

From a marketing perspective

In an article from Bloody Disgusting, Zac Thompson argues that while "variant covers are for avid fans", this particular one is "tonally inconsistent and it's not very empowering". The New 52 Batgirl is just simply not for the people who were fans of the Joker or The Killing Joke. New 52 Batgirl variants should be for Batgirl fans and therefore should have a cover presenting how much of a strong character Batgirl is.

I don't buy the whole "this cover shows her suffering and how she overcame it". No. It doesn't show how she overcame it. To me, it looks like she's completely dominated by the Joker that there is nothing left for her to do but tear up and fear for her life. The emotions are captured so well that I could feel the fear in her eyes and I, as a woman, imagine myself in her situation and feel for myself too. Is that empowerment? I don't think so.

I'm not being conservative. One of my favorite movies is The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. Heck, I love David Fincher movies. But do we see any movie posters depicting how violent those movies are? I haven't. For Lisbeth Salander of Dragon Tattoo, *SPOILERS* she was sexually assaulted as well. Raped, to be blunt. Despite the recurring moments in the book and movie about how she was repeatedly taken advantaged of, the promos and ads made for the movie, depicted her as the independent, self-sufficient person that she is.

I admit that I might be missing a reference but what reference is the cover really trying to make? If we're talking about the part that Joker sexually assaulted Batgirl, then it was successful. But is that really what Batgirl is about? This New 52 Batgirl, specifically. Like I said, I don't think that the series is for the veterans. Nor was it for people who are completely okay with girls getting sexually abused as long as they move on from it. The title was recreated to have a youthful tone and attempts to get away from the sexist and obscene nature of comic books. Just like Rich Johnston from Bleeding Cool argued, by the end of the day, the real problem is that it disrespected the reboot itself.

I also understand that this is a variant cover and that only "real" fans will be interested in it. Aside from the fact that the New 52 Batgirl is not really for the veteran fans, the comic industry is still...well, an industry. I understand that it's humiliating to have all these references dumbed down for newer audiences when some people spent their lives becoming an expert on it. But then again, an industry cannot solely depend on their existing fanbase. They have to keep expanding. That's just the way businesses work. And if all these veteran fans feel left out with all these reboots and new comics coming out, then welcome to the story of our lives. For once, this industry is trying to cater to newer audiences. For once, we're the ones who don't feel so left out.

Bottom line is, they created the New 52 to attract new audiences. The decision not to release this cover is not because they are weak. In fact, I think it's the opposite. They are sticking to their game plan of catering to newer audiences by creating a comic with an upbeat tone. And since this cover violates that goal, it's no good. It was simply, the wrong cover for the series.


From a personal, as-a-human-being, perspective

Whenever I form an opinion on something, I start with putting myself in the shoes of the other side. I understand why the hardcore fans are so enraged that this cover that referenced The Killing Joke they know so well didn't make it to the shelves. Yeah, it was a nicely drawn cover. Sure, it might have been a really amazing homage to The Killing Joke. But I wonder if they have put themselves in the shoes of the people who felt uncomfortable with it?

And for those who argue that pulling out this cover is "censorship", I wonder if it ever crossed their minds that by NOT pulling out this cover, they are censoring the people who are asking others to be sensitive of such issues. The artist of the cover, Rafael Albuquerque said it best himself that "Freedom of expression cannot be limited only to what you like or want. Freedom must come with responsibility." I'm sorry to those who wanted to own this cover but that's just the way it is. Sometimes you get what you want. Sometimes you don't.

I think, the best way to think about this is to put yourself in it. Or someone you know. Maybe your daughter or your niece. If not, then reverse the whole thing. Let's have a middle-aged woman in the place of the Joker threatening the life of a young boy. Of your son, or nephew, or little brother. I, for sure, can already taste something unpleasant in my mouth.

So what now?

I totally agree with Teresa Jusino of The Mary Sue about how this particular cover is the one way to portray Batgirl's past with the Joker without suggesting the horrendous things he has done to her.

In this cover, Batgirl isn't threatened. She's fighting back. She's not crying for her dear life. She is erasing Joker's print on her and putting that away to confidently don the cape and responsibility of being a superheroine.

As for Rafael Albuquerque, the artist of the controversial cover, I respect him with all my heart. I am extremely grateful that he had the heart and mind to understand why some people didn't like the cover. I also admire him for being able to put away this cover. I think it shows his confidence that he's not a one trick pony. If he was able to create an amazing cover for Joker fans, then he can certainly do so as well for Batgirl fans.

Outfit of the Day: Corporate Salander

It's been a while since I last posted an OOTD! This is actually from a Little Tokyo date I had with a very good friend I had about two months ago. My hair looks a lot longer than this already. Haha.

I love leatherette things A LOT. But what I like better is mixing it with rough or coarse textures such as lace or knit sweaters. Also, I love how versatile leatherette clothing is. I was really into punk rock when I was a kid and that really influenced my fashion choices. As I grew up, I decided to become more adventurous by trying out different looks and I'm glad that leatherette exists. With it, I can go for a Dragon Tattoo/ Nana look or I can totally look like a contemporary company boss. Haha.

After lunch, we went to Kinokuniya, just to look around. I ended up buying a Persona 4 Golden Animation charm blind box though. I'm usually bad at these things but I got Naoto's arcana card this time! That's already so much better than what I was expecting! 

Because I'm cheap, I always prefer validating for parking instead of paying the fee. The fee for this certain plaza in Little Tokyo can go up to $8(?). That's like 3 packs of Japanese snacks! So whenever I go to that plaza, I prefer shopping for $15 worth of groceries to avail the 2-hr. parking validation. I have no problem paying for food.

So here's one of those situations. My friend and I went in with the goal of spending enough to get the validation. Me, the person without any control at all, ended up spening $30. On just snacks. #bye

A Response to Ahotaku's "Cosplay Realities You Have to Accept"

I'm extremely busy with school and it's been a while since I blogged. I have barely any free time anymore but I believe that today's topic is worth responding to. I stumbled on this article about cosplay "realities" and it made me extremely concerned. I'm glad that there's a response to it written by Jessica Walsh which I agreed to wholeheartedly, otherwise, my response would be a lot longer than this.

This blog post originally started as a comment to Ahotaku's post which was written last year but still manages to stay relevant anyways. I realized that it was getting longer and I'm unsure of her settings. I don't want my response to be filtered out. I can say that some of the points she brought up have some truth to them. The problem is, she's presenting it like it's a fact which it wasn't. I think that's dangerous because she would sound reasonable at one point and then express inconsideration in the next couple of sentences. I could see why there are a lot of people who agree with her on the comment section. I have to admit that I agreed with her to some extent but I was aware that the huge part of her argument is hateful, discouraging and discrediting. 

Here are some things I found extremely displeasing about her entry: 

When I read this, I hoped that in exchange for asking people to respect her opinion, she would present her two-cents in a respectful manner as well. This was not the case.

___________________________________________

I understand that there are people out there who just throw a costume on and end up looking horrible. I agree that's annoying especially if you're one of the people who spend the money and take the time to look good. But when I see a cosplayer who's appearance is not up to my standards, I just look away. I always think that I am in no position to assume how much work they put into their costume. Just because it looks unappealing to me, doesn't mean that they have not worked on it. Maybe it's their first time sewing something. Maybe the wig is too small or too heavy that it keeps slipping off their heads. Maybe their skin is reacting differently to the makeup they used.

Alright, let's say that person really did not put any effort at all. So what? Just look away and forget about it. Enjoy the convention by filtering out the cosplayers you find unappealing. I don't see how commenting on those people and talking crap about them is going to do anything aside from the fact that it just makes you disgraceful for being mean to someone.

Going back to the quote above, the most disturbing thing about it is that she's okay with people being discrediting or unappreciative. However, she finds people, who made effort but are unsuccessful in looking attractive, very offensive. Make-up can only do so much and losing weight (or gaining it) is not that easy. Should it stop you from enjoying this hobby? Absolutely no. 

Cosplaying is not a job. If a company hires someone to dress up to promote their product, then that's a different story. Point is, cosplayers are not getting paid for their efforts. They spend their own money and time on making their costumes. They are not obliged to fulfill anyone's expectations. They are attending the convention just like everybody else.

I put it this way. I'm into fashion and when I see someone on the street dressed in an ensemble that I think didn't look good for him/her, it doesn't ruin that fashion for me. So how can a bad cosplay ruin a character you love? 

___________________________________________

THIS. This should have been the focus of the post instead. Being able to appreciate something instead of hating on the whole thing.

I commend Ahotaku if she really does this. What I don't understand is that if she feels that keeping remarks to herself is the way to do it, then why didn't she advocate that? Instead, she tolerated the mean people in the community.

People are judgmental. We all know that. In fact, I am guilty of the same thing she mentioned above. I judge people, but only in my head. Instead of focusing on the bad, I would compliment them on the good. Or if it's really bad, I would offer some advice on how to make it better.

___________________________________________

In this quote above, she talks about how some certain characters call for certain features like a buff build for Cloud etc. Instead of telling cosplayers to give up because they cannot exactly look like a character, why not educate the "OTHER PEOPLE" not to hate too much? 

It seems that she's coming from this point of view: The world is harsh so in order to protect yourself, just hide in a corner and not show yourself to anyone. I don't think that's the way to go. I think that the world is harsh and we should keep making an effort educating ignorant people so that we can live in a world with more kindness and respect. We should make effort to change society towards progress instead of tolerating hate.

___________________________________________

Cosplaying is a hobby, just like she said herself. I have hobbies for my own enjoyment. When I cosplay, I cosplay for myself. When I draw or read books or blog, I do it for myself. I don't understand why she makes it sound like it's all about pleasing an audience.

"Vicious"? How is being confident about yourself and not caring about the haters a "vicious routine"? I think hating on people is the vicious routine here. 

___________________________________________

I'll give the part in bold some credit. Personally, I do my best to find a character that I would look good cosplaying. But that's my personal choice. To people out there who don't care and just want to cosplay a character they're in-love with, kudos to you!

I'll also give her credit for naming some characters that would work on people with specific features. She should have done more of this than advising people who aren't "pretty" to just give up.

"You're doing yourself more harm than good"? Maybe. We all know that putting yourself out there is hard and just like Jessica Walsh said in her post, even if you're Jessica Nigri or Yaya Han, people are going to find something to hate on. You cannot please everyone. So, I can kind of understand this statement but I don't think it's guaranteed that you're only going to destroy yourself if you put yourself out there. I wasn't very confident with myself either. I thought people would not like my cosplay at all because I'm too short or tan for the character or because I'm not pretty enough. But no, there are still people who appreciated my cosplay and that helped me to become much more confident.

"You're doing other people more harm than good"? This one just did not make sense to me. How can bad cosplay do other people harm? Does seeing things you don't like cause eye cancer now? Because if that's true, then I should've died already with all the badly directed films, carelessly coordinated OOTDs, and poorly written books that I've seen.

___________________________________________

I honestly think that haters are going to hate no matter when and where you are. In or out of the cosplay community. But that does not mean that we should tolerate them.

I believe that the world is harsh because people can be ignorant and unhelpful. I'd like to think that Ahotaku wrote this post in order to save people from the drama of being bashed by haters. However, instead of taking the side of haters, I would rather educate them that cosplayers do it for passion and that con attendees should not feel entitled to "good" cosplay. It's all subjective anyways. Some people do care about someone's weight or face. Other's just want to see a character they like cosplayed. Some are just amazed that a cosplayer even pulled off a crazy prop.

Also, if there's anyone who deserves to be shamed, it's those people rude enough to express their hateful remarks out in the public. Those people do not contribute anything to the community or to the society. At least, cosplayers who took the time to attend the convention in costume achieved something. Whether it's learning how to sew or meeting people who like the same things they do, that's a great deal more productive than people who just hates on others.

___________________________________________

There is a difference between being rude and honest. And just because you don't want to sugarcoat doesn't mean you're free to disrespect someone. It's not one thing or the other. You can be honest and still be helpful and respectful. To me, a criticism's function is to point out and correct what was done wrong. If the "criticism" was in no way helpful, then it's just being rude.

To better illustrate what I mean, here's a breakdown:

What I understood from the post 

The cosplay community is judgmental and harsh so if you're not pretty or don't have the money or don't know how to make props and costumes, then you're not welcome here. Expect to be hated on and if you cannot deal with that, then don't even touch this hobby. If you are strong enough to brush off haters, you're committing a crime to this hobby anyways because really, this is just for the pretty, light-skinned, and not-fat people.

Sugarcoated

Everything is going to be fine and you're beautiful no matter what and everyone's going to love your cosplay!

How I would have written it

Putting yourself out there is a hard especially if you're just starting and trying to look like a stylized character. Here are some links to tutorials and work-out routines that might be of use! [insert set of helpful links]

Also, it's normal to come across people who might not appreciate your cosplay but that's ok! The cosplay community is huge and I'm pretty sure you will find a group of people that you have a lot of common with.

See the difference? I'm not all for sugarcoating either but that doesn't mean that the only way left is to be mean and discouraging. I took the time to write this because I believe that she's doing a disservice to the cosplay community by making it sound that it's an elitist group of deliberately unmannerly people. That is not entirely true. Yes, haters do exist and they are everywhere. But so are amazing people who are educated enough to know that they are much better than judging someone for how they look.

Don't hate. Appreciate! And don't be discouraged! Cosplay and have fun! 

And if you're going to Anime Expo, come by and say hi to me at my booth (table details to be shared later)! See you there!

Outfit of the Day: Procrastinator

I have a big project due tomorrow and instead of working on that, I decided that I should post this up.

Sweater (Forever21)

Chiffon Button-up Top (FULL TILT)

Plaid Shorts (Forever 21)

Wedge Sneakers (MIA)

Tights (HUE)

Q's mom gave me a Forever21 gift card for Christmas and I used that to purchase the sweater and shorts. I got them both in January when Forever21 was having their winter sale. Later on, they put their clearance section up with a 50% off discount and I kind of regretted not waiting for that but at least I had these items earlier and I was already wearing them before they put it up for cheaper.

I really wanted to crop the photo to hide our unmaintained backyard but I really wanted to show the tights and shoes. I love HUE tights because the fit is fantastic. Also, the material is very comfortable and doesn't collect dust or lint. I also like how some of my skin color show through the tights. I had the shoes for a while but I haven't really worn them till this day. They're comfortable but still not recommended for extended use. By extended use, I mean about two hours of walking and five hours of sitting on a coffee shop high chair that's not made for short people like me. By the end of the day, my feet and legs hurt so bad that I ended up passing out.

Anyways, it's really time for me to be working on some school stuff.

Outfit of the Day: Silver Bear

My bed is hardly cozy but yesterday morning, I woke up wanting to sleep some more. I know it's because I haven't been getting enough sleep now that school is back up but at the same time, it's because it had this very comforting warmth. I didn't want to go to school but I know I have to so I dragged myself out and got ready. I wanted to feel like I'm still wrapped with my fluffy sheets but I'm never the kind to head over to class in my PJs so I slipped on the new H&M sweater that I got from the clearance section with an additional half off at an in-store sale in Hollywood. Used the gift card that Q's dad gave me for Christmas too so I didn't even have to pay for anything!

A girl in class loved my pants and asked me where I got it but I honestly can't remember. I knew that I got it from one of those Asian fashion sites but it looked so much better in the photos that when I received it, I wasn't so happy with what I got. That's probably why I chose to forgot about that online store entirely. I tend to give second chances if I remember to give one. Haha.

Anyways, I succeeded in feeling comfortable without looking like I just fell off of my bed. If this is your definition of looking "nice", it's not so hard after all!

Outfit of the Day: Space Flower

About three weeks ago, I attended a red carpet screening at Downtown Independent so I dressed up a bit. Yeah, this is my attempt at being fabulous. 

I wanted to wear some heels with the dress just to look a bit official but it was cold and I really enjoyed the Star Trek-ish cut of this scuba knit dress so I thought that I should just wear my knee-high boots to play up that look and also take advantage of the few remaining cold days that we're going to have here in California.

Photo credit to my awesome friend Ray for taking this photo for me. I can't imagine anybody else taking my OOTD photos now. Hahaha.

Gifts from Japan!

I missed her so much that I'm just glad to have her back. She really didn't need to do this but it really warmed my heart that she shopped for me. Thank you so much again, Mochijam!

Syzygy goes to Alcove Café and Bakery!

We arrived around 2PM and we weren't sure where to park so we just paid for valet parking. We expected it to be packed but eventually, we realized that we actually came at a good time since it just got busier and busier. (Read more...)

Syzygy is now live!

Brought together by the harsh circumstances of college life, my friends, Riselle and Alessia, and I now proudly presents Syzygy!

I'm still keeping this blog but at Syzygy, we hope to deliver more content to you! For now, we plan it to be a journal blog of our adventures but we'll see how this pans out. Thanks for the support everyone!

Kinokuniya + Anime Jungle Haul!

I enjoyed doing my last haul video so here's another one! I don't think I have shared my animé fangirl side to you all but I'm throwing it out there now because you'll be seeing more of it! 

I also do toy reviews at my other blog Toy Meets Girl. Thank you so much as always for the support and hope you all enjoy my stuff!

Outfit of the Day: Raspberry Mocha

Contrary to my last OOTD post, I attempted for some color in this outfit. I put this together last year as well, around the time that the semester was ending and we were wrapping up by finishing our final project for Typography class. I was redesigning the Pop-Tarts packaging from childish to environment-friendly and modern so my project consisted of neutrals and splashes of color to indicate the flavor. I would link it here but I'm working more to improve it and I rather show it off once I'm happy with it. 

Anyways, I found myself unconsciously putting together earthy colors accented with a lively color.

Again, I worked with my friend Ray for these photos. He would tell jokes or tolerate silence at the right moments to encourage natural poses and expressions. I totally did not know what I was doing but he totally knows how to work with my awkwardness. Hahaha. 

I really wish I could wear these boots a lot more. I'm in-love with how they look and I had them for a while now but I feel really self-conscious wearing them. The tongue doesn't stay in place very well (as you can see in the picture above where the tongue of my right boot slid to the side). On top of that, the material is still pretty stiff and it makes this squeaky sound when I walk. Hahaha. I thought it'll loosen up after a few days of usage but they didn't. I'll keep trying though. Maybe wear them some place where it's loud and no one has to know that they make weird noises. Hahaha.

UNIQLO Haul!

I'm really happy with what I got. In fact, I went back today to get my mom an Ultra Light Down Parka as well since it's on sale for $49.90 when it's usually $89.90! 

Also, here's some posts with pictures of the American Eagle Outfitters Hollister Abercrombie & Fitch jacket I was talking about: Birthday Trip to Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row.

Outfit of a Day: Salander

Found myself wearing pants this whole week which reminded me of this outfit that I put together last year! If anyone goes to my school, you're most likely to catch me in something like this as I feel most comfortable being a stressed out college kid in this ensemble.

Some might say that this might have been Lisbeth Salander-inspired and I will definitely take that as a compliment. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is one of my favorite movies and Lisbeth Salander is one of my life goals. Hahaha. I'm more than honored to have my outfit reflect her style.

I have my good friend Ray to thank for these photos. He really knew how to make me look good! Hahaha. I've never been more comfortable staging and getting some photos taken. I'm looking forward to working with him a lot more!