Asian Fashion

I have to admit that I am in love with asian fashion. Chinese, Japanese, Koorean clothes in asia are sooooo cute. Here in America, I believe that most girls just wear really nice statement pieces; for example, a really well designed shirt with sequins or ruffles. You know what I mean. And those shirts are paired with plain dark jeans. In contrast, I see most asians wear a lot of simple things; for example, plain t-shirts, simple graphic tees, solid colors, cute hoodies. Asians layer more than Americans, and I think those layers are adorableee. I applaud their styling skills because I think it takes a lot of thought to make all those clothes cohesive in one look.

It is SO difficult to find asian clothing where I live. I mean I am near New York and there is Flushing, Queens (the new home of the asian) where they sell SUPER cute stuff, but my mother is convinced that the clothes there suck balls and have no quality whatsoever. She also thinks that it is overpriced which is the only area where she is right. Also, since I am asian the clothes in asian stores do fit me better since well...the clothes are made by other asians. Isn't it natural for someone of the same race to be better at tailoring clothes for the same race? I think sooo~~ Most of the clothes are flattering on my kind of short frame, and it's a rare occurance. *applauds asian clothing once more*

The first time I really saw asian fashion was in Japanese fashion magazines my sister bought from Kinokuniya. Previously, I had no idea what asians wore. When I asked my mom she would always say that they dress trashy and what not. (insert insulting, degrading, and supercilious words from my mother~)But!!!! when my sister (Stephanie who is a coool person, sometimes) brought home issues of Japan's Seventeen magazine and a Japanese magazine called Cutie, I was love at first sight. The girls all had their own personality, their own sense of style, they weren't afraid to wear weird things (such as huge overalls, socks with flats, and every other no no in American style). Maybe the reason I was so excited was because it was something new, but I seriously think that asian fashion needs to be more appreciated, and not just for the underground fashion such as harajuku, but the everyday style too.

I think in general, fashion in America is getting a little bland. It isn't the design, but the way girls are styling themselves. (I'm talking teenagers since I am one..and I can only relate to teens...) girls that wear plaid shirts with skinny jeans, oversize shirts with jeans, lace shirts with jeans, a blazer with jeans. there is a pattern, but...most people just wear jeans with a nicer top. It's not that those combos aren't cool and stylish, but I think it's jaded and I hope more girls branch out more and experiment with something OTHER than a nice top and Jeans. I'm talking about normal everyday street fashion, not editorial fashion. Because obviously in magazines...those outfits are more..styled. professionally.

This turned out to be more of a rant. I'll post some pictures of what I'm talking about. :D

pictures from Cutie magazine. (okay these pictures are a little dated.. .i think they are from 2007? I was inspired 2 years ago okay? don't judge my ... non-current pictures from JAPAN!!!)









here are some sites that my friend gave me. She said they are mostly punk sites, but I'm using these as examples. Omg I want so much stuff from these places. :(

http://saigo.co.kr/welcome.html

http://gattogirl.com/

http://www.bloodycat.co.kr/

http://www.rowky.com/

http://www.beetlejuice.co.kr/


This is one site from me.. :( I don't know many azn sites.

http://www.angiehearts.net/AboutUs.asp


http://www.myoneechan.com/categories/Women%27s/Sets/?sort=newest



By: TRACEYY

Alexander Onizawa

One really big fail by Alexander Onizawa, the amazing guitarist of One Ok Rock. I really like this Japanese rock band called One Ok Rock. (You should check it out. I like their songs Liar, Living Dolls, and Koi no aibou kokoro no cupido. Also, the lead singer used to be part of NEWS, but he left them because he wanted to sing different music. So, he regrouped his old high school band, One Ok Rock!!!!!!)

Anyways...Alex Onizawa was arrested in April 2009 for groping a prep school girl's leg in a train in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Supposedly, he was drunk and he even admitted to the charges.

Alex delayed One Ok Rock's new single at the time, caused One Ok Rock's nationwide tour of Japan to be cancelled, and caused One Ok Rock's song not to be chosen for a drama.

Alex wasn't prosecuted since the matter was settled outside of court.
That's what I call a super fail.

Here are some really. HOT. photos. (he's also a model and can draw really well)


omgggg sexxyy Alex o__o;


model alex~


One Ok Rock <3

Oil Spill and Obama Kicking Arse

Pretty authentic, huh? Obama is samurai-ninja. Don't believe me? I can prove it! FYI: for those who don't know who Jeff Goldblum is, he is an actor and was in a movie called The Fly. His character was bitten by a radioactive fly and turned into a fly. So they're saying Obama didn't swat and kill a fly, he swatted at and killed Jeff Goldblum.

As we all know the Gulf Oil Spill Disaster has been going on for about 3 months, making this the worst oil spill disaster that has ever occurred! When it began, the spill was the "thing to talk about" on every news source and Obama made a special appearance on the Today Show stating that he has to talk to the experts so he knows "who's ass to kick". Epic words Mr. President and now he will go down in history as the Black Ass Kickin' President (who's also half white). Nah, I'm just joking, it has nothing to do with race, but everything to do with Obama's efficiency to bring up a team of experts to kick someone's ass! (Mr. T? Expert! Chuck Noris? Expert! Bruce Lee? Expert! Betty White? expert. Al Pachino? expert! Tinky-Winky?.....expert!)



All jokes aside, the Oil spill has been the worst oil spill disaster that the world has ever faced and for the first time in months BP has found a way to stop the oil from flowing out. Thank the Heavens!! Now that the oil has stopped pouring out due to (a) new cap(s) put in, now, BP has new problems such as the remaining oil in and on the water, clean-up, what happened that led to the explosion (officially), and costs.

Until BP answers or does anything official, you can help to by Cleaning-Up the Gulf on your own by joining National Wildlife Federation , Deep Water Horizon Response , Natural Resources Defense Council or just donate any hair or fur you have or just keeping up with it's progress then here.

Bringing up the Oil Spill may seem like "old news" and I'm sure many others have covered it as soon as the spill occurred, but the reason Petite Cup of Tea brings this "old news" back is to make sure people are remembering old events as well as current ones such as Haiti. Yes, Haiti is still destroyed and still needs to be rebuilt, even though it has been 6 months!

Let's not forget about all the problems that have been occurring in this world instead of only taking notice of the ones that are currently occurring. Let's give equal attention to all the problems and work together to find the best solution with an open mind and open arms. Oh and don't forget Obama has talked to the experts, so he knows who's ass to kick, kick, kick. (straight from the parody I love so much, mainly due to my love for Bruce lee R.I.P!)

~A.Phoenix

It is unhealthy!!

I found this model (Nkosi Myers) by accident and I know nothing about him other than his lovely skin tone, flushed and high cheek bones, and curly hair. I think he's an up-in-coming model, but I hope he becomes a supermodel because he has the face for it!!

Did you know it's unhealthy to stare at the computer screen too long? Especially if there's a hot male model on the screen?.... It's bad for your health. So Stop Staring!





Lars Burmeister (German model) known for being a HUGO BOSS model and being the hot model in the GIORGIO ARMANI CM. I can't stop staring at him especially after watching this CM for ARMANI and it doesn't help that the cologne smells really good! It's a girl magnet! Lars is good looking with a cute pout!

And here's a parody of it.


Wish I was in the CM with him. A girl can only dream.






Someone who really pouts is Brazilian model, Bruno Santos. He's known for being a GUESS and ARMANI model and is also a nature lover (gotta love a man who wants to save and protect nature). Bruno said when he was little wanted to be an ecologist because he would cry whenever a tree was cut down. His life story is pretty interesting and accessible on his site. It's a true rags to riches story, even though his heart lies with his nature and those he loves, he appreciates all that the modeling and fashion industry has done for him. Bruno is not only good looking, but his eyes hold a touch of mystery and he's humble. If you don't believe me read his bio on his official website.

He wants to protect nature, can he protect me too?



Travis Fimmel, a former Austrailian model, he used his angelic face and golden locks to get into an acting career, which he's currently in (and cut off all his hair)! He came to L.A with only $60 to become a Calvin Klein model (a very successful CK model, like male version of Kate Moss successful CK model), Tarzan, and later an actor. He seemed to have gambled with life and seemingly won. More on his site...or fan-site?








This was my share of male-models-that-will-ruin-your-eyesight-because-you-were-staring-at-them-too-long list. Wait for the next edition! Next month!!! Now Google these men! >0

Made in Brazil

God, why does Brazil have so many beautiful people? They are known for getting the hottest models, look at Adriana Lima or Giselle or Alessandra! The newest model to hit the scene is-waddya know- she's a beautiful Brazilian, Gracie Carvalho. From Victoria Secret catalogs to J Crew to editorials in Vouge Magazine (Brazil) to High Fashion run ways. This model is moving up the Fashion "food chain" FAST! I simply love her simple but beautiful features. high cheek bones, soft eyes, and even her nose are distinct features of Gracie.

More Pics:

Un-thinkable pt. 2 Loving Day

I talked about "Un-thinkable by Alicia Keys and how she tackled Interracial couples and now I will speak about those who really did the Un-thinkable.

On June 12th 1967, The Loving V. Virginia law was passed, allowing whites to marry those who were not white. This was all due to Mr. and Mrs. Loving-Mildred Loving, a black woman and her husband, Richard Loving, challenged society and the law in Virginia when they decided that they wanted to marry. This would lead to a series of events where they changed History, they brought their impregnable love to the Supreme Court and they passed the Loving V. law, allowing interracial couples. Since then, the numbers of interracial couples has sky-rocketed. Due to this the Race of the Future theory came about,it says due to the mixing of races (miscegenation), all the races blending to become one race in the future.

Anyway, to celebrate LOVING DAY (June 12th) A Petite Cup of Tea, shows, those who have done the Un-thinkable or the children of the Un-thinkable.

1. Machiko Harris (Black/Native American/Japanese)
2. Katja Schehkina (Black/Russian)
3. Kidada and Rashida Jones (Black/Irish)
4. Alicia Keys (Italian/Black)
5. Dwayne "Rock" Johnson (Black/Samoan)
6. Jessica Szohr(Black/Hungarian)
7. Sesslie Lopez (Portuguese/Dominican)
8. Vanessa Williams (Black/White)
9. Devon Aoki (English/Japanese)
10. Dennis Oh (Korean/White)
11. Daniel Henney (English/Korean)
12. BOA (Korean/Japanese)
13. Mylene Jampanoi (French/Chinese)
14. Amira Ahmed (Filipino/Somali)
15. Jhene & Mila J (Native America/Black/Japanese)
16. Marlon Teixera(Brazilian/Portuguese/Japanese/Indian)
17. Celeste Thorson (Korean/Scottish/Lebanese/Spanish)
18. Sarah Shahi (English/Iranian)
19. Thania Peck (Black/White)
20. Megan Ewing (Mexican/German)
21. Aydin Momtaz (Iranian/Spanish)
22. Boris Kodjoe (German/Ghanaian)
23. Noeme Lenior (French/Black)
24. Nese Sayles (Black/Turkish)
25. May J (Japanese/Iranian)
26. Aline Serpa (Brazilian/Japanese)
27. Channel Iman (Black/Korean)
28. Tyson Beckford (Chinese/Black)
29. Darla Baker (Polish/Native American)
30. Crysal Kay (Korean/Black)
31. Amerie (Black/Korean)
32. Naomi Cambell (Jamaican/Chinese)
33. Leah Dizon (French/Chinese/Filipino)
34. Sabina Karlsson (Black/Swedish)
35. Wentworth Miller (Black/English)
36. Waed (Black/Saudi Arabian)
37. Chrystele Saint-Louis Augustin (Black/French)
38. Jasmine Sanders (Black/German)
39. Jenny Sweetney (Norwegian/Native American (sioux)/Irish)
40. Caroline Ribeiro (Portuguese/Amazonian Indian)
41. Chole Goodrun (Black/Russian)
42. Denise Vas (Black/Greek)
    

Un-thinkable pt. 1

Alicia Keys' newest video for her hit song "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" recently came out and I'd have to say, I loved it. In this video, Alicia Keys tackles Interracial couples and the difficulties her and her love interest (Chad Michael Murray, One Tree Hill) face throughout the years. This is directed by Jake Nava. Written by Alicia Keys, Aubry Graham, Kerry Brothers, Jr., Noah "40" Shebib.

The video goes through a time line, starting with the 50's, with a fight about to start and Alicia running to the scene, watching Murray and her brother get into a gang fight, and being unable to do anything- she puts her head down. Then, it flips to the 60's with her in a cute outfit (almost reminds me of Hairspray) walking in the grocery store, looking through the shelves, eying Murray down and he's giving her the same look. (I kind of giggled when I saw him, he looks like a Ken doll.) And a white woman and man looking at them, obviously disturbed by the two looking at each other like that.

The camera still on the two people, it flips the time to the 70's and back to Alicia keys and Chad Michael Murray, who are rocking the styles from that era. (I think he looked the hottest with this era, longer hair and the rugged look. Alicia Keys rocked those hip hugging, bell bottoms) They walk past each other in the store and continue to walk. Then, at her house,he throws a rock at her window and she goes outside and they have a cute moment together. (obviously keeping their love a secret).

Then to the 80's and she's in a car with her brother and friends and they go past Murray, in a mullet (ew!) and Alicia stares, longing, as does he, while everyone else is expressing their obvious distaste for the other. Finally, sliding into the present, 80's Alicia gives her brother a tape and that turns into a Cd. (Finally in the 2000's) And it returns to the fight that we saw in the beginning of the video, but not in the 50's. Alicia is trying to run in, but is being held back by friends, while her brother and Murray are fighting (along with others).

There's a break in the song, and her brother yells "It's my sister!!!" and then pans to Alicia who's walking away, escorted by friends, and Murray is yelling at her from the background "Am I not good enough?" And the song continues, with her, now, in her house, with her family and Murray pulls up in a truck in front of her house, waiting for her. Alicia walks to the door, with her brother staring at her as if he was telling her to make a choice ,black or white, and the camera zooms in to her hands as she hesitates to the door. and it ends... does she open it and go to him, is she ready?

I love this song, because Alicia is vulnerable in this, the way she sings and how the video plays out. You want these star-crossed, Romeo and Juliet, Orthello-like couple to be together, but you see the obvious problems in regards to that. Also, Interracial couples is one of the fastest growing forms of couples nowadays. Sects that once hated each other are now couples and even other races are now mixing and having children. But interracial couples today still face stigmas of being the way they are, and Alicia focuses on this in her video. Maybe her parents faced this because her father is Black and her mother is Italian. (Go Watch the Video! Even though I told you all about it!)

Celebrity Babies!

I was recently reading STAR magazine and it was talking about "BILLION DOLLAR BABIES!!" and the top children that caught my eye were the children of the Jolie-Pitt's, Cruise's, J.Lo/Marc, and Berry-Aubry's . And they are such cute kids but, boy, are they spoiled!!! Geez, these kids are spoiled!!


Nahla is the daughter of Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry. I read that Halle Berry makes sure that her daughter "eats better than most queens!" she even said that she's never had fast food or even soda. Also, she has an organic bedroom for her and make sure that it was organic and that Nahla has "cool designer stuff".

Next, the twins, Max and Emme the children of J.Lo and Marc Antony. Um.. does a $38,000 toy car sound like a good price for these two? $100,000 girly themed play room for Emme? The twins even have their own massage therapist! Burberry swimsuits! Anything money can buy! ...anything J.Lo's $$ can buy!


Shiloh, Zahara, and the Jolie-Pitt gang Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are the paternal parents of Shiloh (Knox and Vivienne), and adoptive parents of Zahara (Maddox and Pax). I read that Brad brings them to toy stores and "lets them loose"!! Spending $15,000!!! (wish I had that much $$ to spend) Shiloh likes swords so Brad got her a custom made suit of armor to play as a knight of the round table and gave Zahara 50 porcelain dolls ($300 per doll). But, to keep them "well adjusted" they have psychiatrists at their beck and call 24/7!

And Suri she is the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. And OMG she gets. Whatever.She. Wants. Definatly going to be a Diva when she grows up! Um... wow, she has a $3,000 day-to-day personal shopper, wanted to be a princess-parents got her a $25,000 diamond tiara, she gets fresh baked cookies when she wants it, she has a $38,000 kid size convertible (and it's pink!), she loves Disney-so she is getting her own Disneyland playground.


wow, these kids are spoiled!! So who do you think is has more of a chance to be a DIVA when their older? (my vote is on Suri)

Ice Skating Costume Evolution!!

I have to say that this year all the competitors in the 2010 Olympic Women's figure skating had fantastic costumes. They had nice sparkle with sequins, hard core crystals, and bright hues. Finally, fashion has reached the ice skating costume industry. Before, costumes were tacky, cheap, and ew.

Exhibit A:


*shivers* Do I even have to explain that one?

Exhibit B:



what....?

OKAY! Here are the three 2010 olympic women's figure skating medalists' costumes. I thought all three were amazing.

Exhibit A: Yu-na Kim's outfit for the 2010 Olympics. Nice crystals and blue! Suits her well.



Exhibit B: I thought Mao Asada looked the cutest! Her dramatic outfit and gestures. The outfit is nice witht he feathers on the bottom. The red makes her look seductive. :)



Exhibit C: Joannie Rochette looked beautiful in her short program performance.



Look at the difference... It seems that skaters today have become increasingly concerned with their appearance. Costumes can cost up to thousands of dollars! All that sparkle and cool stuff. See the evolution?

<3 Tracey

Vera Wang extends her talent to the ice

I was recently told that Vera Wang did ice skating costumes and that she previously competitively ice skated. Since when?!?!?!?!?! I was totally shocked and so I researched some of her costumes. They're beautiful * q * <- my drool face that my sister taught me. See the drool from the q? haha okay back to the amazing Vera. Apparently, she designed Evan Lysacek, Olympic Gold medalist figure skater's costume. Isn't it beatiful?



Oh my Vera. You've done a wonderful job! Those awesome clear Swarovski crystal covered snakes that accentuate his body and pop amongst the black canvas. Then the black snake just adds harmony and balance; thus evening out the elements. Not too little, not too much. I'm in love~

Vera also did another skater, Nancy Kerrigan. Nancy is so pretty in Vera's designs in the 1994 Olympic games. Vera also designed for ice skater Michelle Kwan.



This is my second favorite of Nancy.



It looks like a cute mini wedding dress~

Good job Vera. I'll do another post about the 2010 Olympic women skaters' outfits!

<3 Tracey

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen the genius

Alexander McQueen's Spring 1998 show

February 11, 2010, Alexander McQueen, a brilliant and wildly creative fashion designer committed suicide at 40 years of age by hanging himself. He was devastated at his mother's death. McQueen and his designs stormed the London fashion scene in the 1990s; London again became a chic and cool. He was the youngest of 6 siblings and did not grow up to a wealthy childhood. No one will forget McQueens unforgettable fashion shows, clothes, and the impact he made on society with his out-of-the-box ideas. His ingenous and beautifully made clothes were worn by many celebrties on the red carpet. Many designers and celebrities including Vivienne Westwood, Lady GaGa, and etc said their condolences. He also made Lady Gaga's famous lobster shoes from her video "Bad Romance". His vision was the impossible made into reality. London's Fashion Week, coming soon will sincerely miss Alexander McQueen's great contribution to the fashion industry. Flowers from fans were placed in front of his shops in London.








<3 Tracey

Black History Month Spotlight: André Leon Talley

André Leon Talley, born in Durham, North Carolinaon on October 16, 1949, is the editor-at-large for American Vogue. He has earned an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Savannah College of Art & Design. He has been the fashion industry for 25 years now. André advocates new fashion designers; to name a few, Tracy Reese and Rachel Roy. He was also ranked 45th out of Out magazine's "50 Most Powerful Gay Men & Women in America". He is also responsible for introducing Jason Wu to Michelle Obama. Eventually, Michelle Obama bought a couple of dresses from Wu. André works for Anna Wintour (editor-in-chief of American Vogue)



He is also friends with Diana Vreeland (former editor-in-chief of American Vogue, now Costume Institute consultant), Mariah Carey, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Venus Williams. André has written an autobiography entitled, A.L.T.: A Memoir

André is also known for his outrageous dressing. Interesting Mr. André~~


October 29, 2005 the Fendi 80th Anniversary All Hallow's Eve party hosted by Karl Lagerfeld.



<3 Tracey

Black History Month: Tyra Banks

TYRA BANKS

Known For: her eyes, her body (thanks to Victoria Secret), and (now) her shows

Tyra Banks is one of the most widely known (ex) models to date; known for her career as a Victoria Secret Model and now as a talk show host, on Tyra, and a judge on America's Next Top Model.

She first began by signing with ELITE modeling agency in 1990 and in 1992 had a series of shoots beginning with Harper Bazaar's magazine spread, then ended up on Harper Bazaar Germany's cover , following being put on Elle, Vogue, and other magazines. Later, she dabbed into acting and became spokes person for the Oprah show.

She is mostly known for being the first African-American woman on the cover on Sports Illustrated Magazine in 1997. Also, for having and ending her feud with Naomi Campbell and having her own shows, the Tyra Show and America's Next Top Model.

In recent years, she was honored by BET in 2008, modeled for the Black Issue in Italian Vogue, modeled on V Magazine along side rising supermodel, Sessilie Lopez, and modeled as Michelle Obama in Bazaar Magazine, in 2008 as well.

Noticing trends

I was shopping in a store and I suddenly saw this girl who was wearing this dress! I rather like Philosophy's collection for Spring 2010. I was confused at first, but then I thought the red lips were really adorable! I don't know, it has a nice neutral tone, and the lip color is a good color accent.



i'm starting to warm up to these dresses by Philosophy. Lately, I've been buying cute patterns like these. They make a cute innocent look for Spring.




that's heavy duty Mr. Oscar de la Renta




I enjoyed this piece by Derek Lam. It has a 40's polka dot vibe going on which reminds me of a good movie I saw recently. Revolutionary Roads with Kate Winslet and Leonardo di Caprio! Oh Katie an Leo~

I saw a lot of ruffles. i guess Spring's going for the feminine neutral/pastel style again. Everything's technically in bloom since none of the colors are super bright. They're mostly dulled down like spring and morning dew! :D Thank you Style.com for picturess

<3 Tracey

FEBUARY: Black History Month

A PETITE CUP OF T - Is going to celebrate BLACK HISTORY MONTH by showing the people of color who have affected the Fashion industry. And tell you a little about them!


(left to right: Chanel Iman, Sessilie Lopez, Jordan Dunn, Arlenis Sosa)