HerCampus WashU Feature

Thank you, Christine of HerCampus WashU for the fun and thoroughly well-written interview! I am ultra-flattered to be called a "campus celebrity" - now I actually have to be self-conscious in my ZOMGEXAMSTHISMEANSWAR attire (sweaters, skinnies, glasses, "hurricane hair"). Head over to HerCampus and check out my on-the-fly interview responses. We discuss the roots of Pandaphilia (and I know some of you lovelies have been with me during the entire process), where the blog is headed as the journey towards med school continues, and a bit of real-deal advice. If you like what you read, here are some more pieces written by Christine.

Meanwhile, this week has been literally a HURRICANE of work. Exams, papers, meetings, make a research poster in record time, Symposium, flying out to my first interview on Sunday!

Realization: I say "I" way too much. And ... there goes my real identity for all the world to see xD

Readers - are you a local celebrity? Have you bumped into any readers in real life?

I See Right Through You

Pitaya sheer pleated maxi skirt (S) // Pitaya cutout sweetheart dress (S) (worn as top) //

Fioni for Payless cutout zip up heels (5) // Calypso necklace (c/o Jewelmint) // Claires chain ear cuff //

Urban Outfitters double face watch // BCBG silver metallic foldover clutch (c/o ReallyPetite) //
Aldo snake coil ring (5) // H&M black red trim blazer (Euro 4) //
Makeup: Wet n Wild Vanity E/S Palette, Stila eyeliner, Too Faced Shadow Insurance primer

Photography: JJ

JUST DANCE, GONNA BE OKAY. This was my outfit for St. Louis Fashion Week @ Macy's (10/12). I aimed for a classic yet interesting look - sheer pleated maxi worn over a cutout bodycon, accessories silver and snazzy. The sheer and long silhouette made me want to dance and sway and I'm happy to say I got a lot of looks during the party and show. Threw on a blazer for the sake of modesty and staying warm. The dress works as a great miniskirt kind of slip too.

Jewelmint recently contacted me and had me choose two pieces from their collection to try out. I'm wearing the Calypso necklace here - it's really pretty and has three stones that match pretty much anything. I like the shape and length too. A more thorough review coming up soon (I also got the Astoria necklace).

Notes: Yes, I look slightly possessed in the first photo. I had a Photoshop adventure removing plugs and a big black light cable out. CS5's content aware removal is pretty good but not perfect, so a lot of it turned out to be manual clone stamping. Not much else to add, other than I have so much to post about Fashion Week and so little time. This week is exceptionally busy, with multiple exams, papers, prepping for a med school interview, adoption season. When will there be a breather? Notice: stress levels and amount of blogging have a strong positive correlation. Bee tea dubs: You NEED to go see Monet's Water Lilies. It was the highlight of my Fall Break! I was lost in the colours and got super emotional when I saw Agapanthus. Yeah, world's biggest dork award goes to me.

Readers - how do you wear sheer pieces?

STLFW 2011 Runway: Macy's Find Your Magic

St. Louis Fashion Week 2011: I was really impressed by the Macy's show on Wednesday 10/12. Everything from charity to what-to-wear-to-a-Cards game was St. Louis oriented. Luckily we're having a warm fall and the layers are appropriate for our colder days. SEQUINS, faux fur (INC), equestrian/Euro vibe! Every single pair of outfits was well coordinated and Macy's finished off with their classic red incorporated into every ensemble. Afterwards, shopping was opened and we could buy the things we found on the runway (with discounts too)! This show made me feel like fashion is accessible to anyone (including guys!) and if you rock what you're wearing with a smile, you're set in style.

The stage was T-shaped. The models would walk out in pairs, one heads to the left and other to the right. Then they took turns walking to the end of the catwalk, where I was able to snap some shots of every outfit with my T2i kit lens (18-55 mm zoom). They were so freaking tall and I absolutely love that they smiled as they strutted. The lighting was great and considerate towards the media, and I liked the purple/pink aura. Last but not least, the music was popular, commercial Top 40 songs (Party Rock Anthem, Last Friday Night, etc). Read my post about the pre-show party and shopping details.

Brands featured: Bar III, INC International Concepts, Alfani, Rachel Rachel roy, Michael Michael Kors, Kensie, Andrew Charles, Miss Me Denim, Coach, Jones 24/7 and more. Hair by Salon Papillon. Makeup by Urban Decay

Photography: Me

This took many HOURS to edit. Please link back and respect the watermark!

Enjoy this visual runway adventure through fall's wearable styles! (in chronological order)

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STLFW 2011 Event: Macy's Find Your Magic

Fresh off covering my first Fashion Week! Pandaphilia should be renamed "Confessions of a Completionist," as it took me at least 6 hours to produce this and the next post (edited down from over 350 pictures!). I took a photo of every single outfit at the events I attended so if you were busy or are from a land far away, you didn't miss a thing.

It was exhilarating - a fun evening of meeting nice gals and guys, seeing fabulous fall fashion on attendees, models, and mannequins. A section of the 2nd floor of Macy's has been converted for this event, and walking up to the VIP/Media girls and finding my name on the list was the first step. After collecting my "Media" tag (I freaked out happily in my head ... LEGIT) and getting my "woohoo 21+ bracelet," I opted for a Bumble Bee's Knees cocktail. The setting was very intimate, a small section was cordoned off and we were forced to mingle. I met Sara, Korina, Jenna, and of course Gwen and Joey from ALIVE Magazine. Thanks so much for your sponsorship and hospitality!! I had so much fun covering St. Louis Fashion Week.

After the show, I was interviewed about my impressions! I tried to look into the camera and come up with thoughtful responses on the spot, man it's hard. This week has been a long moment of legitimacy for me, for this blog, for my artistic side, and the philosophy that you can have your cake and eat it too. My friend Christine also interviewed me for HerCampus Washu as a Campus Celebrity and I am beyond flattered by the huge dose of support I've gotten through the years. It'll be up soon and I can't wait to see what she writes.

Photography: Me

THE PARTY AND THE PEOPLE:

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