Black Spring

.head to toe. NARS matte velvet lip in Cruella, Banana Republic Sweater, Ann Taylor denim, Converse
images by Ben Henry

Often times I'd stay away from sweaters because I NEVER looked good in them. NEVER! Maybe it's me being self-conscious or what not but I just hated how my chest would look. This modern, short, cropped sweater is so perfect for my frame. I was so in love with it that I bought it in two colors. LOL It also has these adorable zippers on the shoulder so you can un-zip for a sexier look. 

 Oh yeah and if you follow me on Instagram you would have already known that I cut my hair.

Don't you just love it?

I thought I was just going to get a colored ombre but I ended up chopping off ten inches. I guess I can always add the color later. 

Short hair has required so much maintenance. I have to wake up an hour early just so I can blow dry my hair. I haven't used a hair dryer in over 3-4 years so I'm so afraid that it's going to damage my hair. If you have any recommendations on how products that I can use to help prevent damage comment below. I would love to know your thoughts and opinions.  

Xx Pretty Woman xX

.head to toe. Tarte "Generous" Lip Surgeon, Zara top, thrifted trenchcoat, Schutz heels

images shot by Ben Henry

There's something about Winter in Charlotte that is just so perfect. It's not like that depressive feeling that I dreaded while in New York. To be honest the weather here is no where near comparable to that of the midwest. I suppose I have no right to complain then. Because of the semi-cold Winters I can still dress fairly light. Like every single year I've had a difficult time finding a Winter coat. I will browse a million stores until I decide that I wanted the first one I saw. I seriously can't just make up my mind. I'm one of those shoppers that needs to see EVERY single thing before I make my decision. I can't help it. Luckily I came across this almost floor-length pink trench coat for less than $15 bucks. It has got to be my favorite "steal" of the season. 

I truly feel so much more at ease being back. I'm very happy with my decision. Charlotte has been treating me so well. Love having Walmart back in my life again. She's the best. As much as I anticipated having my car back I've soon realized that I hate it. My back hurts mostly due to the fact I'm sitting a lot more than I'm use to. 

As I adjust to Charlotte I realized that I can totally shop comfortably. Which is an amazing feeling when you haven't been able to splurge on yourself because you may have to pay that electric bill. I seriously feel like a RICH lady now.  haha just joking. 

Funny thing I realized too...I've grown into a pretty woman as I like to call it. Seeing the growth in myself is astounding. Seriously!!! How did I become what I've always dreamed of? When I was little I always admired such elegant women. I never thought a crazy and obnoxious child would grow up to be so refined. 

(P.S. That doesn't mean I lost my inner child, though.)

My America(na)

.head to toe. f.21 wide brim hat, thrifted dress, Pac Sun denim, boots(?)

^

Who am I? Where do I belong? Where am I going? Do people understand me? Am I doing the right thing? 

^

These are the questions that constantly flood my every being. 

I know I have flaws. 

I am not perfect. I am insecure. 

I am what I am.  

They say you'll never have the answers - one day each moment, dream, laugh, cry, heartbreak, death and birth - will all make sense. As we continue to grow there are special incidents (or reminders as I like to call them) in our lives that reveal our purpose. In the past week I realized that the inner turmoil I have been battling with was an ugly combination of self-hate, unrealistic societal standards, the need for validation and the ever so ugly - jealously. Sounds like quite a big beast right?

As a reflective and self-critical person I wanted answers and I wanted them NOW. 

I titled this post "My America(na)". What does that mean? Technically - Americana is any "artifact or collection of artifacts associated to the history, location and cultural heritage of America". Now what does Americana have anything with my stupid flaws and insecurities? It has everything to do with them. People say know your roots. Know who you are. 

I know the American Dream. But what did it teach me? 

It idolizes people, life, class, sex, etc. I am not going to label and confine myself to satisfy the pedestal I have built. The pedestal that the American Dream has taught me to built. 

^

FUCK THE AMERICAN DREAM. 

^

My CONSITUTION, My America(na)

From every day forward I shall dress how I want to. Sing how I want to. Dance how I want to. Believe in what I want to. 

CREATE THE ART THAT I WANT TO.

And I will not 

I. confine to the ideals of oneself or others

II. live for attention or glory

III. hurt myself with words, labels and images

Signed, 

(WITH MY BIG MOAFUCKA' JOHN HANCOCK)

Zabeth Chang

^

P.S.  Love yourself. Share your love, wealth and knowledge. Trust. 

^

xx

// CHROMA ENLIGHTENING

.head to toe. thrifted Bonworth floral blouse, F21 pant, Mossimo flats, thrifted Martin Sanford coat

I'm loving these images because of course they were shot in my home town of Wausau, Wisconsin. Wausau has always been so good to me. It holds many dear memories - good and bad. LOL Being home was enlightening for many reasons. I was able to have private moments with my lovely grandmother, babysit my nieces and nephews and of course go out and have a blast with my cousins. It was the getaway that I needed.

A day before I left Wausau I wanted to shoot some outfits. I asked my cousins Amy and Vicki to take me to the best places in town. We only had a limited time but they did their best! Let me tell you - it was FREEZING. I'm so glad these two ladies endured the horrible weather with me. We found this spot in one of the newer buildings across the old mall that I use to shop at when I was little. It was the perfect spot. It looked like a greenhouse meets a coffee shop. Not sure why no one takes pictures here but if you're in Wausau you should.  Of course there wasn't the amazing sun glares but the light was gorgeous. Vicki did an amazing job for being an amateur. I hope you enjoy these. I have a few more outfits I'll be sure to share with you all soon.

xoxo

\\ Orange Punch //

.head to toe. F21 plaid hi-lo top, Adidas gym shorts, Artizia camo windbreaker, F21 neckplate, boots

It's always this time of the year where I become so reflective and sentimental. Holidays just have that affect on you I guess. I've been so happy with the way my journey has played out. Life is so precious and every moment that I get to soak in knowledge and life I'm willing to go forth with it. My most favorite moments have been the times where I don't think. It's all about feeling every teensy sensation. Sometimes I catch myself being a bit emotional (especially on a train). And its mostly because of all the the small things. I have the most amazing people in my life. Every time I need anything - I can always turn to these people to shower me with words of wisdom. Words of encouragement mean so much to me. I don't know how I would of made it without a "you'll be fine", "if you need money I can help", "you're an inspiration to me", "don't change - you're perfect just the way you are" and my favorite "can I have your instagram life?".

If you ever get the chance - get off your iphone and explore your neighborhood. Find an exhibit. Crash a concert. These experiences have truly made me 10x happier. And always share your happiness with others. 

RISK TAKER : kimono love

.head to toe. zara kimono, top shop tank, zara skirt, forever 21 heels, celine sunnies

These images are quite different from anything I've shot before. I'm pretty happy with them! Sometimes I think it's crazy that people have the time to shoot an outfit for every day. Like what else do you do? But again I've always wanted to share with my family and friends what life in the city is like, how I've changed, what I wear, etc. In college I was always experimenting with my style and basically wear just about anything. I wasn't afraid. I miss that about me - being fearless. It's not to say that I'm not anymore.  I think I've simplified my taste a little. But I really want to have that fearless attitude again.

Anyways the back story to this shoot : Last year I met one of my favorite fashion inspirational bloggers, Genetic Boi. I remember logging into Facebook and seeing his name pop on my feed. One of our mutual Facebook friends had commented on his photo. I clicked on it and found out he moved to New York City (what a coincidence, I did too!). I was completely estatic. No one knows but I was always a fan of Quan long before his current blog. I use to follow him on asianavenue (popular asian website, kinda like myspace). But by follow - I would stalk his posts and images because he was always posting these amazing photo shoots with these photographer sisters. *Fast forward back to me surfing on Facebook* I added him as a friend and posted on his page saying how much he inspired me and I hope I would be able to meet him. He replied and said hopefully we would. Then a couple weeks later I was working (at Top Man) and I see this asian boy with blue hair(at the time Quan dyed his hair blue). I didn't quite think that much about it but I started to realize that he had the same physical features as Genetic Boi. And that is when I freaked out. He started to walk towards where I was standing and I just started screaming. He looked and me (thank god he recognized me or I would have been embarrassed) and started screaming too. I'm sure at that point he realized that I was the girl who had just written to him on Facebook a couple weeks ago. We both probably looked like the cute asian cartoon characters jumping for joy. HA HA. Since then we've become such great friends. I occasionally help shoot his outfits for his blog and if there is time he shoots me. I'm so grateful to have met Quan. He's such an inspiration to me because I feel like we understand each other. He has a dream and so do I. He needs support and so do I. He is often misunderstood and so am I.

*These images were shot in Summer. I no longer have long hair =X

Top 5 Places I'd Like to Visit

Right now I won't have the funds to go on any extravagant vacations this year but that doesn't stop a girl from dreaming. I will be traveling back to my home state of Wisconsin for my Grandma's birthday celebration and hopefully Vegas in the late Summer. Who knows where else the year will take me! Well I've decided to rack up the top 5 places I'd like to visit outside of the United States and share them with you all. I definitely will be sharing you the reasons for each and I hope you get a better sense of where my mind is at.

1. Morocco - I'm totally in love with the beauty of the people, architecture and culture. If I lived in a place where everything was so brightly colored I think I would be the happiest girl on earth. I love the fact that this country is so modern in design but also holds on to their history. I really want to explore the street markets, historical places, and of course bathe in a luxurious pool.

2. Tibet - Tibet may not have a lot of attractions but I think I really want to meet the villagers. The people really draw me here. Maybe because every photo I see is a scruffy old man with piercing eyes. For me I really wouldn't care if I stayed in a nice place. The experience would be enough for me. I'm also interested in the kind of food. What to expect? I don't know. Never had any Tibetan food.

3. Nepal - I would love to make a stop since it's neighbors with Tibet. The culture is very similar to that of Tibet. I'd really like to visit the national park to see the mountains and gigantic temples. And of course I would love to hopefully try on some traditional Nepal clothing.

 4. Egypt - For some reason I've always had a connection with Egyptian history. I'm fascinated by the ancient ruins and all the mythology. I want to explore the tombs, pyramids, and the temples. I would love to dig in the dirt too!

 5. Pompeii, Italy - I've read about the ruins of Pompeii when I was a little girl. I'd be so elated if I got the opportunity to visit what I could only read about. Some might think I'm weird for wanting to visit a town with towns of dead people. I guess I'm just weird like that. Of course I want to explore Italy too but Pompeii is a must.

Lets cross our fingers and hope I get a chance to see all these places in this lifetime!!! images do not belong to me

PERSONAL: Those DAMN Butterflies

You know that feeling that you get when you meet that special someone? That feeling that doesn't happen very often but when it does you know you're in deep trouble. I'm talking about those damn butterflies. The ones that flutter in your stomach, uncontrollably. One minute you're feeling like you're on top of the world and one minute you want to throw up. I'm telling you these butterflies aren't the same ones you felt in college. They're not the ones that end in one night stands. Or the ones that last two weeks. They're the forever kind, I hope.

I mean I seriously can't make this feeling to go away. It's almost annoying I tell you. Annoying because I can't really decipher what my mind is telling me and why my body is reacting like this. I think I know what I'm feeling but then I don't really know. Anyways here's a glimpse of the conversation that plays in my conscience.

(Brain) - HEYYYYY

(Me) - Hi, wtf is the problem?

(Brain) - Oh, I'm just really happy.

(Me) - Ummm, okay. Why?

(Brain) - Because I really like his brain.

(Me) - Are you sure? You must be out of your mind. It's crazy that this is happening.

(Brain) - Nope I'm not crazy. I like this brain. Let me enjoy this for a little bit longer.

(Me) - I will if you would tell my stomach to stop making me sick every 2-3 seconds.

(Brain) - RELAX you're ruining it for me.

(Me) - Shouldn't you be the one telling me to relax....?

Okay I'm starting to sound psycho. I mean it appears that I find this guy interesting? I really didn't think I was capable of finding any guy interesting. All I'm saying is that no one has really kept my attention for longer than three weeks.

We've been going on dates every now and then. Simple dates. But I find it rather unusual lately. Hours before the date I start to get a little excited. I'm checking the mirror twice. Looking extra cute (even though I naturally am). 30 minutes before getting to the place I break out in a small sweat and those DAMN butterflies start batting their wings. I mean geez I'm really trying to calm myself down. It's as if I'm a first grader going to my first day of class. Nervous and shy. And if anyone knows me - I AM NOT EITHER OF THOSE.

The most awkward part is saying Hello. I know how retarded that might sound but I seem to forget how to hug a person properly. I do the half-hug. The annoying I-don't-like-you hug. What is my problem? I don't know (Kanye shrug). Our conversations start off kind of awkward at first and thankfully for alcohol it allows us to be break into our selves. Finally my brain shuts off and I'm just feeling this "feeling". Don't know what to name this "feeling" or these DAMN butterflies but I'm just going to do what my brain told me to do and relax =)

PERSONAL: 3 things that make me go ahhhh!

1. Student Loans

2. Career

3. Boys

The end.

RUNWAY FEVER: Altuzarra + Tibi

Love me?

Buy these in a size 7 and send them to me.

images belong to Style.com

PERSONAL : New Beginnings

It's 1:07 A.M in the morning and I just can't sleep. Not really sure what's really going on in my mind but I guess it's time to play catch up. As some of you might have noticed, I haven't been vlogging for a while now. Mainly because I don't have a camera anymore. I don't want to go back to my laptop because of the quality. I'm trying to get my hands on some kind of device but to be honest I have so much going on right now. It's hard to make videos/edit/etc. There are so many stressful subjects on my mind like student loans, bills, personal life, etc.

I think the last time I mentioned my current job status was when I last worked at a law company. Law is totally not my cup of tea but it paid the bills. I was able to catch a break and enjoy NYC for a while. Things didn't work out and I'm no longer with the company.

Am I sad? No - because I was never happy there and the place didn't match up with my morals, goals, and ideas.

What am I doing now? Job hunting, interviews, freelance, and interning at shopmaeven.com (so excited).

Shopmaeven.com is this chic online vintage boutique that carries women's apparel and accessories. All products are so hip and modern. I was brought on as a stylist and will help out with the social media occasionally. Totally jumping for joy because you all know how much I love styling! I plan on updating behind-the-scenes images on my instagram (zabbbeyyy). Follow to stay updated.

Alright, that's all for now. Take care lovelies!

Happy 3 years MOAF =)

Today I really had a feeling that I should check my blog for some reason. I know that my 3 year anniversary was approaching quickly but I've honestly haven't had the time to concentrate. Looking back at everything I had written amazes me. It's crazy how words can really stir emotions. Every time I read a post I can remember the exact day it was, how I was feeling, and the reason why I wanted to pour my heart out.

This blog was originally a place to document my fashion story. I recall browsing through blogs back when I first started surfing the net. I was on Xanga, Asianavenue (asian dating site), etc. It's funny cause I followed Michelle Phan's blog way before she ever got onto youtube. Crazy to see how much she's grown. From the beginning I didn't really know what I was going to write about. I'm really a private person when it comes to my personal life. There's things I will be open to talk about but often times I don't talk about much deeper issues. I think there was always the fear of having that thrown back into my face. But honestly I get a lot of positive feedback about my blog. -- I think the reason why I don't talk about certain subjects is the fear of hurting people I love. I don't want everyone to know that I'm completely depressed(not all times) or who I'm in love with. It hurts me to hurt someone else. That probably doesn't make sense but I know some of you understand. But the more I've continued to let my guard down it's become much easier to just express what I feel.

>> first blog post here

I really want to thank my readers and followers. Thanks for being so loyal and continuing to provide me with support. I would love to hear more from all of you. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself. haha. Feel free to comment - tell a joke - disagree. I want to continue to inspire you all.

Enough writing - Happy 3 Years Mastermind Of A Fashionista!

My Week on Instagram - Zabbbeyyy

 

(1) First outfit after getting my hair done.  (2) Zabeth is reborn. Rocking prints again. 

(3) Throwback of me at BKFW last season. I'll be Key Stylist for this season again. 

(4) A night out with my ladies. (5) Labor Day at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom 

(6) Outfit for the Fool's Gold Party
(7) Fool's Gold Party (8) FNO outfit 

(9-11) Working on BKFW windows with Erica. Our vision is complete! 

Follow me on instagram, I'd love to see your photos.

zabbbeyyy

OOTD: Blazin'

This was yesterday's outfit of the day. I decided to play with the editing since some of the pictures weren't to the quality I preferred. My co-worker needs a much steadier grip.Lol

I've been working out every day after work. I'm so proud of myself because I'm actually really dedicated. One of my friends also informed me about a groupon deal - $25 for 5 belly dancing or Zumba classes. Couldn't pass on the offer. I can't wait! I've always wanted to take classes but no one ever wanted to go with me. Anyways have a good weekend! I have lots of plans that I will hopefully be able to update you all on.

White top: Thrifted

Blazer: Thrifted

Pants: Arden B