Category Archives: Lar’s Style

10 February 2011

“Don’t be a drag, just be a queen”

Mario Testino for Vogue (see source and slide show here)

Sooo I know not everyone is gaga for Gaga like I am, but I feel kind of compelled to blog about her today. Her single “Born this Way” is going to be released tomorrow. I’m usually pretty stoked for any new Gaga anything, but I’m particularly giddy because I already love the lyrics. Elton John has called it our generation’s anthem and the gayest song he’s ever heard. So that’s a lot of hype, I know, but considering the lyrics, I think I’m gonna love it:

Don’t be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you’re broke or evergreen
You’re black, white, beige, chola descent
You’re lebanese, you’re orient
Whether life’s disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
‘Cause baby you were born this way

No matter gay, straight, or bi,
Lesbian, transgendered life
I’m on the right track baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made
I’m on the right track baby
I was born to be brave

(Lyrics: Lady Gaga)

If you are wondering why I’m so Gaga obsessed, I think Vogue’s article “explains” her really well. Read it here.

Happy (almost) Friday, little monsters!!!

Category: General AsianCajuns Info, Lar's Style
11 Comments
26 January 2011

Statues, A Cat, and A Sneak Peek at One of Cath’s Dresses

This is one of my favorite places to take photos in Decatur. It’s right next to a popular pub and used to be home to the Gypsy Camp. It’s it a little eerie, but it’s not Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil eerie because the nymphs have cute little round bellies and I can’t imagine them ever killing someone in Johny Mercer’s house. Oh but I do love a good dose of Southern Gothic, don’t you?

The details: Long jacket, TJ Max | Red orange tunic, AA | Buckle Boots, Asos

Oh, and here are few more random things for your Thursday/Friday:

Last week when I stepped out of my car, this friendly neighborhood kitty jumped right in and decided it was for her (or him? didn’t get a good look). I’m sure it is my divine Franciscan way with the animal kingdom that convinced her this was a good idea (and not the recently warmed interior and seats). It was like watching a kid in a ball pen, except no balls, just lovely leather that must feel sooo good to kitty claws paws. After she had explored the front half of the car, she headed for the back. Once she seemed through, I opened the back door for her like any good chauffeur would. She seemed quite pleased with the whole experience:

Oh! And before I forget, Cath’s third option for maid-o-honor dress came in yesterday. I’m going to grab a photo of her after work tomorrow and then we can have your brilliant minds help us choose which is best for zee wedding in an upcoming post. In the meantime, here is a sneak-peek at one of them:

Category: Decatur/Atlanta, Lar's Style
10 Comments
22 January 2011

The AsianCajuns Meet The Selby!!!

It’s like the Sartorialist all over again – except this time it was at Jackson Fine Arts and there were more photography people and fewer fashiony people. (For those of you not familiar with The Selby, check out his blog here. It is the ultimate in voyeuristic sophistication – I mean what’s more sophisticated that greedily eying wealthy, eccentric peoples’ closets?!).

Todd Selby was very nice, even when Cath and I didn’t recognize him at first- whoops! He even let us take a photo of his shoes- aren’t they lovely?

Ohhh and look at this! Last night was not the first time we “met” Todd. Way back in the day, August 25, 2008 to be exact, Cath and I did a tribute post to The Selby and look who commented!!! Here is the faux Selby shoot we took back in the day- click here.

Below Cath is waiting to ambush talk to Todd with his book in hand- which I stupidly forgot to get signed in my oh-so-cool way of meeting celebrities (“Hiii Hi Hi! Love your work! Your shoes are awesome ohmygosh can we get  a picture with you? Oh cool cool yeah awesome Thank YOU!” Just a warning to you readers-who-will-be-celebrities, my charming way will make you weak in the knees).

Oh yeah! And this is what we wore.

On Cath:
Necklace, Rockit Boutique in Decatur | Sweater is H&M | Top is from LA | Skirt is from???

On moi:
Necklace is also from Rockit | Shirt is thrifted | Skirt is from a small boutique in Birmingham | Belt is a gift from this lovely lady | Boots are over-the-knee Jeffrey Campbell

Lastly, in the spirit of seeing Mr. Selby last night, I took a pic of Cath’s apartment. I just love it there. It’s teeny but in a cozy way not in a claustrophobic way, and it always smells so good. Cath is, I guarantee, the neatest person you’ll ever meet (I mean “neat” in every way possible) and she has such a good eye. I’m definitely having her help me when I move to Matt’s place.

Speaking of which (are you guys still there? Sorry this is such an epically long post! Way to go if you made it this far!), Cath ordered three possible maid-of-honor dresses, and we want you guys to tell us which you like best. Keep an eye out in the next few posts!

Happy Saturday, Readers! Tell us what you’re up to this weekend!

Category: Cath's Style, Decatur/Atlanta, Lar's Style
22 Comments
18 January 2011

Two Things I Never Thought I’d Do: Wear Polka Dots, Get Married

Dress, thrifted via Ramona West; Sweater, Rockit Boutique in Decatur; Necklace, J.Crew; Flower pin (on necklace), “borrowed” from a past ballet costume; Boots, Target.

So here it goes, guys – wedding news! Please, tell me when you get bored. I know I’m not the first person/bride (ack! I’m a bride? That sounds so wrong to me) to feel this way, but hearing what you guys have to say about it has been so helpful and supportive. Thank you, thank you!

– – – – – –

After much debate and a few tears (of frustration), we have decided to. elope! Well, more like “elope” (I do air quotes whenever I’m explaining this in person). And air-quotes-elope actually means “a reallllly teeny tiny wedding.”

We knew it would be too hurtful to not invite our immediate family to our elopement, and we really do want them there! And then we also realized we didn’t have much money. So “eloping” with the family in tow to Barbados or Ulaanbatar or Cyprus was out of the question. So, we are getting married at my parents’ house. In fact, we are having the ceremony in the room where I take my outfit photos (see above). Really! And it’s not a big room, but it just might fit Matt and I and our parents and siblings.

In my dream of dreams, I would have a big gorgeous party for everyone I know and love: lots of cake and delicious food, dancing, sparklers, people carried around on divans or elephants. fountains. you know, the works. We would make Carnival in Italy during the 18th century look like a modest soiree. But because I can’t afford that ever, I will hope that everyone will forgive me for having such a teeny, intimate shindig.

We will have a ceremony, a professional photographer, and food shipped in for the fam the day-of. So in some ways we are like a legit wedding wedding, but I still prefer to think of it as an elopement because it will be so small and not include all of our loved ones.

Most of the decor will be DIY. You might be wondering, does a teeny wedding/elopement need decor? Well, no. But that is the most exciting part of the preparations to me! I’m hoping to style this thing like mad and get some really good pics to share with you all. I want to create an ambiance that makes it feel like we are in fact running off to some place exotic. Cross your fingers that it looks like a bohemian French farm house, rather than the ATL (I love me some Atlanta, but not for an “elopement” – please).

Okay- I’m off to bed before I babble your ears (eyes) off with all this talk. Again, thanks for all the supportive and uber-helpful comments about this daunting process.

Oh! And I will definitely post one of the two dresses soon (the second one will be a surprise until the day-of). I plan to wear the surprise dress during the ceremony, and the other for the rest of the day. Why? Because I can! Muah hahahaha!

Category: Lar's Style, Lar's Wedding Stuffs
29 Comments
15 January 2011

Cabin Fevahhhh!!!!


Necklace/Collar, gifted from Cath; Sweater, Old Navy; Checked  button-up, thrifted here; Jeans, Madewell; Boots, Frye.

Oh I know you guys feel it too, right? Cabin fever! Too many days trying to work from home in my pjs. Working from home always sounded dreamy to me until I realized, without much human interaction, my personal hygiene deteriorates much more quickly than it should. I ventured out Wednesday – cautiously (crunch, crunch, slip! crunch, crunch, %$@#!) – to go to work.

The good thing about escaping to work? I had to actually get dressed and  put on real people clothes (see photos for proof!).

And today (Friday!) I got to see Cath in for the first time in a week! I’m actually staying over at her place tonight so that we can get up bright and early and go volunteer together for the Martin Luther King Project.

What are you guys up to this weekend? I hope you are all staying warm and safe – and if you are south of the equator, dry and cool.

p.s Wedding Update: I bought my second wedding dress today. Yup. Number deux. It’s not as crazily bridezilla as it sounds (I think/hope). 1) One dress was under $250 and the second was under $400. Shoot! That still sounds excessive. How about 2) I did it for you readers! The more fashion/style, the better, right? So really I bought them for blog research. Legit. Totally. If you ever need a reason to buy something you love because it makes your eyes roll back and your tongue loll, start a fashion blog. Research is a great excuse incredibly valuable.

Oh, and I’ve also figured out (knock wood) what I’ve decided to do wedding-wise. Are you interested in my wedding/elopement plans, readers? Please let me know if you are like “heard one bride story, heard them all.” There will be another Wedding Update installment if this seems interesting to you. Do tell!

Category: Lar's Style
29 Comments
10 January 2011

When The South Freezes Over

Supposedly it snowed here over Christmas, but as Cath and I were at the beach and saw no proof (apart from the occasional FB photo), we doubt it actually happened. This is certainly the most snow I’ve seen since moving to Atlanta/Decatur ten years ago. We might have one or two days of snow a year in the South, but it almost never manages to stick to the ground, and our snowmen are usually more mudmen (30% snow/ice, 70% Georgia red clay). But this is for real! Most Southerners I know don’t own a snow shovel or have ever seen a snow plow lumber down their streets. Three inches and some mean ice means we are essentially house bound.

So like all snow-excited Southerners, I bounded(ish) out of bed this morning and ran around taking photos of the snow. I warn you snow-weary Northerners, your facebook news feed will be flooded with Southern friends and their snow photos (mine included). I took a few moody shots for you all to enjoy or skip depending on your scale of wintry jadedness.

P.S. Thank you again for all the supportive comments and advice about my wedding planning (or lack thereof). I’m still in turmoil over what to do. Every time I feel like ripping out of my hair, I’ll come back to your comments and reread them while cuddling my shoes.

Category: Decatur/Atlanta, Lar's Style
13 Comments
2 January 2011

Drumroll Please. . .

www.sacredheartbahamas.org viagra My dearest twin sister and her boyfriend Matt are engaged!

Many of you picked up on my “schmen-magment” hint in the last post. Sorry to keep you in suspense. I was going to wait for Lar to break the news herself, but she’s been so busy with work and I was getting impatient so she gave me permission to post the engagement photos.

Matt’s uber-talented sister Pam (check out her blog here) took these photos on Tybee just a few days after Matt proposed to Lar on Christmas morning. He proposed to her right beyond this bridge just before sunrise.

With some strong hints from Lar, I helped Matt find the perfect ring(s) by Kristin Coffin on Etsy. Lar was adamant about having a cruelty-free diamond so we settled on these two twig-shaped, white gold rings with a cognac solitaire diamond – all cruelty free and recycled. The wedding band will be a gold version of the white gold band.

Lar didn’t know she’d be taking engagement photos when she packed for Tybee before Christmas, but I think she pulled together a great outfit – it’s very Kiera Knightly and Sienna Miller in The Edge of Love. She’s wearing a 10-year old sweater from Wet Seal, a $15 dress of T. J. Max, necklace from Rockit Boutique, and her beloved Frye boots. The only thing I know about Matt’s outfit are his awesome glasses, which are from Warby Parker.

Out of all the photos, I think this one captures Lar and Matt the best:

I’m currently trying to convince Lar to have something more than a courthouse wedding, but I seem to be losing the battle. Nevertheless, we’ll be sure to cover any fashion bits that may pop up in regards to a wedding whether it’s big small or small really small.

Welcome to the family, Matt! I’m so glad we could all be together as a family on the day you popped the question!

Category: Lar's Style
42 Comments
26 December 2010

Bauble Twins

So these necklaces aren’t actually Christmas presents, but Cath and I noticed the other day (pre-Christmas) that we were both wearing our Madewell baubles. (Who else still thinks Madewell is the jam? Me! Me!). We both bought ours on sale because we usually can’t afford regularly priced Madewell items.

Did you guys have a good holiday? Cath and I are still on Tybee Island (it snowed on the beach today!), but Cath is going back to work tomorrow (sniffle). I’ll be here another couple of days – woohoo!- and then have to make up my time off over New Years – le boo.

p.s. As per the last photo of this post, don’t you think Boo wears these baubles the best?

Category: Cath's Style, Lar's Style
17 Comments
20 December 2010

Red Tights and Recycled Wrapping Paper

Blazer, H&M; Shirt, AE; Skirt, H&M (circa 2002); Scarf, gifted; Red tights, Carrefour (the European Walmart); Purse, thrifted at Finders Keepers, Boots, Frye.

It’s a short week, Christmas is just around the corner, and DADT was repealed. this is a good Monday, people! I decided to celebrate with bright red tights (shown) and a few well-executed jigs (not shown- count your lucky stars).

Poor Kitcath (aka Cath) has been sick for about a week now. That’s why the blog has been very Lar-heavy lately- and I apologize for that! Know that she looked really cute today even while slumped in her chair with the sniffles. Next time I will sneak some photos of her sinus congestion or no.

Oh! Another less globally applicable positive to the week? I finished my Christmas gift wrapping! Most years I try to get creative with newspaper (generally I hate the look of wrapping paper and feel bad for killing all those wrapping paper trees- so festive). This year I used old paper shopping bags and craft paper (the kind you wrap your breakable IKEA stuff in after you check out), glitter, gold tissue paper and burlap as ribbon. I’m really happy with the result. What I’m less happy about? The four plus hours it took me to do it. Next time, present recipients, I’m tossing it in a plastic shopping bag and calling it a day.

P.S. I did a guest post on The Owl’s Closet today about what to get your book wormie friends (or me) for the holidays. Thanks for asking me, AB!

Category: Lar's Style
26 Comments
18 December 2010

Yeahhhh Burgers and Cartoon People!

So last weekend Matteo (also known as “bf” ’round these here parts) and I finally made it over to Yeah Burgher! Atlanta loves a good burger (hello, Grindhouse and Farm Burger, we drool for you too).

The burgers were indeed mighty fine, but what really sold me were the illustrations on everything: the walls, the menus, my burger (via a sticker). As a graphic designer who would secretly love to do more illustration, I kind of drool and get green with envy when I see stuff this gosh-darn perfect.

Hat: H&M, Coat: Victoria Secrets (ironic to buy outerwear from them, non?), Sweater: Lands End, Boots: thrifted via Finders Keepers, Jeans: Madewell, Purse: Ann Taylor.

Glasses: Warby Parker, Blazer: H&M, Mustache curls: the opposite of gravity.

That’s my veggie burger on the left and Matteo’s real deal beef burger on the right. Yarmmmm.

Crispy, flaky onion rings

Awww just look at that guy! I couldn’t eat him! Well, actually I could and I did, but I thanked him (silently) the whole time we were there.

There’s another reason I feel an affinity to Cartoon People (the general cartoon population be they Adult Swim or Disney), I’ve been told I sound like one. On multiple occasions, in different settings, by different people. I guess that’s better than looking like one, right? One guy actually said I needed to stop my current job and get a job at the Cartoon Network (conveniently located in the great city of Atlanta). By the look on his face, I can tell you, he thought that was a compliment and would go over really well. like me saying “Whoa, Sailor, let’s start with dinner first.” It didn’t.

One day you might hear me on a vlog, and you will probably agree (I tend to get squeakier when I’m more excited or nervous). In person, that’s one way people tell Cath and I apart. Her voice hits normal, soothing octaves, and mine makes dogs wince at times. Wait, is it that bad? I don’t really think about it until someone says, “You sound exactly like.” And then I wince.

Category: Decatur/Atlanta, Lar's Style
15 Comments