The Long Awaited Jet Rag Post.

You've all been a patient bunch, but finally you may relax your furious constant checking because the long awaited JET RAG POST is finally here. Can a get a whoot whoot?!

No? I'll give myself one. WHOOT WHOOT! That was awesome.

I have many reasons for why it took me so long or aka another excuse at why I'm such a lame blogger. So I did have my Sunday rendevous fitting room adventure. I changed the clothes like a model on speed and posed my butt off. It was midnight and I was running around my room, sweating like crazy but at the same time my oodles of treasures kept my spirits up. I didn't realize that I had set my camera on a really high quality setting, but I did and for a few days I was running low on disk space and that means photoshop freezing up and the computer not being the friend that it promised to be. Third excuse was that I had to combine images in photoshop and that takes quite a while. I could go on with a list of excuses, but you're probably not here looking for excuses. You want the pictures, as my KC drug dealer says to me, you want the goods right?

Okay you got the goods. Note, I'm working on revamping the blog and that means larger pictures! Can I get another whoot whoot?

No? Fine fine, I'll get to it now.

/////////////// THE BEFORE: a big pile of dirty smelly clothes//////////

I spent $24 in total, but I counted and ended up with 26 items. If you do the math, that's two free items. Free?! I like free. Like a lot.

/////// ALL THE AFTERS: not a big pile anymore but still sorta smelly and dirty///////

::::: Ruffle White top::::

This top was a mighty tricky top. When I tried it on Sunday night, I swore it didnt fit. As in I couldn't get it past my mammary glands. Not one to be easily defeated I wore the top as a poofy collar over a white t-shirt. Then just yesterday, I tried the top on and low and behold, they fit. I'm so glad I did try it on again and didn't do the unthinkable of giving it to my petite sister. Those are my Charlie Brown boxers. Yes they are comfortable.

:::: Polk dot clown jumpsuit ::::

This has to be one of my favorite pieces I found because seriously, where can I find something like this? No where else. Exactly. Actually, you might see something similar at Party City during the Halloween season but is it as cool as this mighty fine piece? The answer should be no. I'll admit, it's a bit ridiculous, but ridiculous is what I'm all about. If I wore it out like it is, I'll bet I'll get a lot of people telling me the circus left a few weeks ago. That's cool, I've always wanted to be a circus performed and since I'm no good at aerobics and aerial stunts, I've always figured I'd end up being the clown. First row is as is and belted. Second row is with a black blazer. I finally realized the magic of having a black blazer, it seriously changes the mood of every outfit. And third row is worn strapless with sleeves tied in the back.

:::: Black Jumpsuit ::::

I had a lot of fun with this one as well. It just looks like a piece of black in the pictures, but there are some nice pleating details near the bodice and the neck piece is totally awesome in a 80's modern way. I can leave it down or be all ganster and pop the collar. First and second row is worn as is with collar up and down. Third row I rolled the pants for some shorts and added that handy blazer. This one deviates from my rainbow wacked out style, but I like it. Oh noes, does that mean I'm headed towards maturity?

:::: Little people embroidered button up top ::::

The first thing I saw and grabbed. It has these cute little people down the middle! I'm all for cute little people. Should have taken a detailed shot. Drats. It should match well with my hairclip that also has little people on it.

:::: Wool top with sequins/beads ::::

I got this top because somehow it reminded me of the Christopher Kane Fall collection with those gigantic round sequins. The sequins aren't as gigantic but they are round. Okay okay, it's a big leap but whatever. I added the ruffle top over my gold BCBG skirt (that was also a $1 at the buffalo exchange sale) for some strange reason.

:::: Mexican satin embroidered top ::::

It's colorful and flowy and did I mention it has rainbow flowers? Worn with a belt so I don't look like a 20 year old going preggers.

:::: Another Mexican top ::::

Once again the embroidered flowers drawed me in. Worn again with a belt.

:::: Boho top ::::

I don't know why I bought it. I was sure I was over my peasant top phase back in the 9th grade but maybe I'm reminiscing about my once youthful stage in life? I hope this piece doesn't end up collecting dust in the lonely corners of my closet. The first row is the top and the second row is a coat I got thrifting last Friday. It's amazingly awesome!! It reminds me of a mix between a hippy groupie and something a little less extravagant that David Bowie would of worn as the evil goblin in Labyrinth. I bought it at this store next to the thrift store. It's this dollar store but they had all these clothes for 99 cents. I believe it is the place where thrift store clothes go to die. Luckily I rescued this coat.

:::: Nautical dress ::::

A mix between uniform and sailor. Theres some major discoloration on the top but I think a nice paint and paint brush could fix it up in no time.

:::: Red Ralph Lauren "skinny polo" ::::

The only non-vintage-esque piece I got. I used to be all into the polo shirt again in the 9th grade but I never had a Ralph Lauren one. Now I can teleport back and fit in with the cool rich kids! Or not. I like how on the label it says "skinny polo". It makes for a great self esteem booster. Boots were also thrifted last Friday for $5.

:::: Pink Cocktail Dress :::

I think I have too many dresses. First row worn as is and second row I added this men's vest that I also got at Jet Rag. I should have tried it on because I didn't it was that big. But I guess it adds to that nonchalant mood that I am desperately trying to pull off but fail oh so miserably at.

:::: Country Bumpkin square dancing dress ::::

I look like a maid ready to go squeeze out some milk from my cows. This one might go under some reconstructive surgery but I haven't decided yet. Row one is normal. Row two I added this faux fur vest that I think is for kids because obviously it looks like a non-vest when I wear it. But I kind of like the look. It screams cavewoman going to the countryside. I feel a trend coming on.

:::: Blue Mod dress with buttons ::::

Electric blue with buttons? I'm sold.

:::: Country Squaredancing sailor dress ::::

One of my favorite finds because it is super cute. And fits like a banana peel over a banana. I like to twirl in it and watch the colors spin into pink. I look like a little girl wearing it but as long as pedophiles don't follow me, it's all good.

:::: 80's floral dress ::::

I saw potential in this one like I do many pieces. It has already undergone reconstructive surgery and I must say it is recovering well. I shall post a picture soon of all my latest sewing adventures and there sure are a lot of sewing adventures.

:::: 80's lace dress ::::

When i bought this I was sure it was a super fug dress with the over the top lace and those sleeves with sequins! But when I tried it on, somehow it turned a little magical because I sort of like it as is. The sleeves are less 80's power woman and more like big flowers protecting my shoulders from the sun's UV rays. I felt like a little flapper in it, hence the red bow. Second row I added the black blazer again. Magic I say!

:::: Nerdy dress :::

A little big but the colors are just saying happy. The skirt part has a really cute lime floral pattern.

:::: Floor length floral dress ::::

I saw potential in this one as well. It has finished it's surgery and I must say looks deliciously awesome. When I bought it, it was in such great condition that I had to have it even though another part of me was telling me to gently put it back for it's whole lot of mess. Thankfully, I listened to my other side because my recon looks pretty cool.

:::: Pink floor length lace dress ::::

I always grab things that have lace or sequins for some reason. Those items are just so easy to spot that I can't resist. This one has also finished it's surgery.

:::: Silk beaded dress ::::

It's a bit formal and over the top but it was new with tags and silk! So I scooped this baby up. The bustier part makes me feel like a burlesque dancer but the bottom makes me feel like I'm going to some fab 80's party or the high school prom.

:::: Jeans ::::

Okay their high waisted. Their pleated. Their tapered. Stacey and Clinton (what not to wear) would totally have a fit over this one, but I kind of like it. It's super soft and worn in and it's great for going to a buffet.

:::: Strange hat ::::

It's quite an interesting hat or headpiece but I love it. It might look like I have a paper bag on top of my head but I swear it's not!

:::: Givenchy men's Speedo piece::::

First I would like to say, that no, I do not have a fetish for men's underwear/ swimsuits and no, I will not be wearing it anytime soon. I think I became a label whore when I bought it. But still, maybe my future husband will look smashing in that teeny tiny piece. KC was shocked by my find and asked me why?? I told her it's okay, whatever had touched it must have dried up by now. She said I should make a purse out of it to match my underwear wallet. Maybe not. There is only one piece that I could not wear because it was too small. A hot pink 80's silk dress with beads!

/////////////////////ME BY THE END OF THE NIGHT or BEGINNING OF THE MORNING //////////////////////
Super tired.

So I went a little crazy.

Busababe and I might go again next Sunday.

I'm revamping the layout and look of my blog so bare with me as things shift and change. And thanks to all those who have responded to my personal ad. I didn't know it would be that effective. I didn't know that my strange tendencies would have a match.

A Quest For New Friends

My name is Lala Liu. 20 F. Human. Homo Sapien.


I enjoy not so long walks on the beach and prefer skip filled walks on freshly cut grass. I am currently a student mastering the art of how slice a squid and how to make money. I am also currently in the mafia, the fashion. mafia. I like hot dogs, but not real ones. I like people, but not fake ones. Hobbies include stare down contests with kids, laughing, sleeping with eyes open, and the occasional attendance of nudist resorts.

Non-smoker. Heavy drinker. Of non fat milk that is.
Current residence of Art Geek and Fashion Freak

I am looking for...

• Serious Stalking
• Friendship
• Not so random play
• and new link buddies for my lonely link list.

Contact me? Just leave a comment below.

Lala's Style of the Day and Another Adventure to Jet Rag

• Yellow & white striped top: 0.50 thrift sale
• Shorts: 0.98 thrift
• Yellow skinny belt: tjmaxx
• Panda bag!: $3 Taiwan
• Heart watch necklace: $5 thrift
• Shoes that are already falling apart?! curse you cheap Taiwanese shoes: $5 Taiwan
• hot pink tumor in hair? organza heart that I was going to use in my collection but didn't safety pinned and tied to a shoelace. Such a recycler I am.

Today I woke up at 6 in the morning, probably the earliest ever this summer. I went with my sister to her orientation since I had to go to the newspaper office for production today anyways. Little freshman don't look so little. I felt an evil happiness when these three freshman were so confused about where to check in that they got lost. They made it there eventually, so I'm not that mean.

It was only 8:30 and I had like 4 hours to kill, the perfect excuse for another jet rag excursion. The last time I went to Jet Rag was last summer. I lived so close to the place but never went until now. This time my mom and sister weren't there so I had the pleasure of hunting without worrying that someone was bored. If you didn't know Jet Rag is famous for their $1 parking lot sales every Sunday. At 10:30 they open like 10 bales of untouched clothing which means that you can find some great treasures that were untouched by elitist vintage store hands. Now the problem is, I am a slow one. I would be the tortoise in the tortoise in the hair - minus the hard shell, I'm really a softy. People were already surrounding the packages so I was left staring at the sweaty backs of bargain hunters. A lovely sight. Seriously, within 3 seconds of opening the plastic, everything is gone. People just take a whole bunch, anything they can grab. They then go into their little corner under the hot LA sun and take their time looking through it. Because my plan A was unsuccessful, I opt for plan B. I follow the boys and wait for them to throw back the girls clothing. Perfect yeah?

Jet Rag is located on La Brea near the Melrose intersection. If you ever want to do some vintage shopping, this area is totally the place. I saw so many vintage stores along the way plus the Fairfax flea market.

I went a little crazy and walked out with $24 dollar trash bag filled goodies. I plan to put some things up on lalaliu.love anyways so I have a good reason.

Afterwards I went with my dad to the famous Pinks hot dogs which is right next to Jet Rag.

The line was sooo long. To me, it was only okay. I just think I'm not a hot dog person. Too salty for me. After gorging down my mushroom swiss dog, I hurried to work and designed my first page by myself ever. Pat on my back.

Be ready for lots of pictures of my finds. I have a dressing room rendezvous in my room tonight. I totally went over my limit this week.

Freeing my Ugly.

--------Readers be forewarned of the horrors that lie ahead.----------

In my self deluded world, I believe that everybody has an ugly. Whether we are born with the genetics of gods and goddesses or with the genetics of the opposite of gods and goddesses, everyone has those uglies. Sometimes ugly is clearly visible displaying itself 24/7, other times it's hidden, only emerging after the night has slept and you are alone ready to face the ugly yourself and only yourself.

What do I mean by an ugly?

Well, you know, it's just when people get ugly. And I refuse to believe that nobody never gets an ugly every once in a while. If you believe that you do, contact me ASAP. I need to know your secrets, or better yet, just tell me what plastic surgeon hooked you up.

An ugly is not a bad thing. It's just simply a part of life. It's a human thing. And recently, I've been facing a whole lot of ugly everytime I look in the mirror.

Now most fashion bloggers would never let their readers see their uglies. Afterall, they do have to maintain an image of a glorious fashion gal that looks so fashionable in whatever duds they throw on. Fashion is an image. They take pictures, post their daily outfits, pose with poise and awkward grace. All the while keeping their uglies hidden; locked away in the bottom cellar only able to come out when the lights are out and the camera is switched off.

I, however, am not most fashion bloggers. While I don't find myself gifted with genes of gorgeousness, my ugly has come out and has overloaded my normal level of ugliness. I would like to show readers that I too am human and have an ugly. Hey now, no nasty comments.

Actually, I the real reason isn't to prove that I'm human, because I'm sure you can tell, I'm human all right. The real reason is I think I look quite funny fugly tonight and I just had to post a picture. Take a look if you dare.

If you are blinded by what you have just witnessed, you have no right to sue me because I warned you in the beginning.

The collage totally screams, "WTF, am I back in 8th grade?!!>?!" and I think I look like a teenager going through puberty. My sister made fun of my retainers and told me to talk properly. Hey! I can't help that I have a lisp. I tell her to shutup, but as you know my "shutup" turns out funny and ruins the whole power of the word.

I had a dentist appointment yesterday and my dentist finally caught me in my not-wearing-retainers crime. I haven't been caught until now, it's been what, 5 years? Hence, I am wearing them 24/7 hoping that my teeth will shift back to its straight shape or else dear mommy and daddy will be shelling out a few more Benjamins for a pair of new retainers. I didn't know I had to wear them forever. I did know after I found out a few years ago, but I'm a ortho rebel. Rawr.

There you go. I have revealed my ugly to the whole wide world and it has never felt better. Or maybe my ugly has been out all this time in my posts and pictures except that I was too biased to notice. The picture may not seem all that bad, but trust me, if you zoom closer, it's all there. I got the pimples, the dried pimples, the dead pimples that won't go away. There's the un-smooth skin, blotchy red spots, spotty dirt filled pores, boogers, extra long nose hair, eye bags, and good ole retainers. I've got the works. I call it combination like combination pizza, I got combination ugly.

In a way I think being ugly gives you character. I prefer old people with their massive wrinkles and sprinkled on aging spots to young people because their unbeauty gives them character.

Free your ugly. It's dying to get out every once in a while and it'll save you the hassle as well from trying to keep it hidden. Smile big with your colorful retainers, wear your retainers out to town, leave your eyes unlined. But don't do it too often because, well, then that'll just be ugly.

I shall go to sleep soon. Resting and dreaming and letting my ugly roam the night. Hopefully, the morning will come and my ugly will have wandered back to it's home. But I do not mind if it doesn't peacefully go back. I'll let it hold on to me as long as it needs because as my theory goes, everyone has an ugly.

Having an ugly is nothing to be ashamed of. After all it's just natural beauty.

Frankstein Boots.

It was a dark and stormy night. Thunder roared in the darkness and crackled like the sound of my laughing uncle when he tries to pet my hair. (He's balding, so the poor man can't help it.) The lightening was also very very frightening as it spliced the colorless sky with it's wicked nails. And in my lab, my mind was flooded with unholy plans and bizarre ideas. With the addition of my anger filled state of the moment, I knew it was time for me to destroy something, to hack apart life as if it were a freshly picked zuccini ready for the grill.

Like a madman I skipped down the stairs quietly as to not disturb my sleeping parents.Being caught in my maniac phase would surely disappoint my parents's notion of my a quiet although slightly odd asian girl. I hit the tile floor and rummaged through an old bag filled with shoes. My dog lifted his head up and stared at me. It was as if he was telling to stop, but I couldn't. The madness in my veins were beyond my control. And there they were. A pair of brown boots. It was unassuming and silent. It knew what fate lied ahead. It was scared. I was scared.

Carrying up the stairs I lied them down onto my peach carpet and strapped them down. I didn't want them to run away. Like a kidnapper who takes a picture of their hostage for ransom, I took a picture of the brown boots. But not for ransom. Or for any strange shoe fetish I may or may not have. But for the purpose of showing the transformation. Of showing the fashion blogging world of what my monster looked like before I made it into a monster.

With my scissors I stabbed into it's pleather flesh. At that point, I had truly gone insane.

I cut and I cut. Slicing and dicing like a skilled master defending his title on Iron Chef. The boots were no match against my meticulous hands. With the help of a few of my lab assistants (scissors, sewing machine, and hot glue gun) I was able to create a pair of Frankenstein boots. They are part boots and part gladiator sandals. Part grandma and part teen hipster. Part fug and part not fug. I felt so proud to have given birth to such hideously awesome shoes.

The end of my semi psychotic story.

So I lied when I said in my Style of the Day post that I made these boots. Technically they were already made and I just re-made them into better things. I had these boots that I bought from Old Navy's clearance rack for way cheap, like $3 cheap. It's one of those buys that you only bought it because it was cheap and you tell yourself you'll actually wear them, but you never do. It was also a time when boots over jeans were all the rage. Remember that? They're made from a pretty cheap quality synthetic leather. I basically cut out pieces and reattached pieces. Everything I used came from the original boots. I think they might fall apart in the near future. It depends on how good my gluing and sewing skills were. But for the moment, they are my pride and joy.

Before and after. Or After and Before.

Streets, be prepared for these Frankenstein boots to stomp all over pavemented sidewalks!

Lala's Style of the Day.

I haven't done one of these in a mega long time that I got all cam whored up with all these pictures of me, myself, and I. Still lacking the fashion inspiration that I need to get me out of my slump, but hey, Rome was not built in a day. My semi angry psycho girl stage is still lingering but I think it will leave soon. Thank God, I'm starting to miss my do-goody happy self.

• Khaki tunic top with fake jewels: $3 from Taiwan.
• Pink shorts of fury: A thrift-redo. It's a good feeling to wear these babies out again.
• Lips belt: my first collection. It's the only thing that I can actually wear from everything I made. Soooo sad.
• Suspenders: 0.50 st. vinnies.
• Panda Bag: $3 from Taiwan. My baby will always be by my side forever.
• Sunglasses: $2 wet seal
• Frankenstein Boots: My new favorite booties made by me.

A few comments about the outfit...

So the suspender belt combo on top of a tunic is little weird. It made me look like I was strapped to a harness or a backpack now that I look back. But weird is usually what I aim for since I'm naturally already so good at it.

The sunglasses was unintentional. One of the lens popped out and made me cry tears of sorrow.

Finally, the boots! My Frankenstein boots that I created last night are out in the day light and living up the good life. A post on them to come!

I went to watch Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants with little stooge. It was a dud-fest but at least there was air conditioning. I had to sit all the way at the front because we were a little late. Excuse me if peeing before a movie is important. I felt sorry for the guy sitting next to me because his girlfriend must of dragged him to it. But once again, the added air conditioning made it semi worth it.

Retail Therapy at Target.

Ever since coming back from vacation, I've been fed up with a lot of things. For a few days I've had the greatest urge to beat up random strangers or scream so loud as to popping my lungs. Sadly, both things never happened because I don't want to go to jail. Orange doesn't complement my skin. I have clear anger management issues. Thankfully, retail therapy is always there when I need it. And need it I did.

We drove down the hill and the instant my eyes saw the red bulls eye, my heart calmed a bit. The smell of Target's shiny clean floors flooded my nose with poisonous cleaners. I smiled as I passed by the micro food court as people stuffed their faces with hot dogs and less than gourmet pizzas. Oh the gluttony! It was magic. Right across from the food was the women's clothing. My home Target does not have good business sense because why would you put swimsuits and bikinis next to the food court. I wouldn't want to eat anything if I'm forced to face posters of girls romping in water.

To the clothes I went. And I actually remembered this time that a new Go International Collection was out: Richard Chai. A skipped around the small area like a hippy on mushrooms in a grassy field. I laughed with laughter and frolicked without care. I have to say I was pretty impressed with the collection. It looked nicely made and most pieces had wonderful details. There were many well-tailored pieces. They excited me. My eyes were already transforming into a green lust filled color. They were taunting me and clearly taking advantage of my current fashion slump state. If only I were made of Benjamins.

I took a handful into my hands and off to the dressing room I went. I really do hate how stores limit it to 6. If I were ruler of the world, master of the universe, I would change it. And make it 7. Take that.

Never have I bought anything from the Target Go Collections when they are not on sale. All my finds usually end up in the 75% off rack, so not expecting anything and just for the fun of it, I went to try things on. In many experiences, the collections always disappoint when I actually try them on.

I brought my new camera with me hidden in my new panda bag. From now on I shall bring my camera with me everywhere I go.

Uno.

The first piece was a lambskin vest. I wore it over a leftover Rogan one-piece that was only $5, but too bad it was too small. The vest was nice and all but no way was I going to spend $80 on it. I'm sorry. Maybe next time when I actually make money.

Due.

A top and skirt. I don't think they were meant to go together. But whatever. Both pieces were cute as well.

Tre.

I thought the design of this dress was really cool. It's a little surprise in the back with the racer back style. It had some nice seams and lines. The only thing is this satin fabric that proudly glorifies my non-existent flat abs.

Quattro.

A weird dress. It was when I realized it was sort of difficult to pull the zipper past my boobs, that I had worn it backwards. Oops. I reversed it. the style is alright with a "V" in the back. But the material felt like I was wearing some 80's ski jacket or something.

Cinque.

Dress with awesome blue flowers. It fit so well. It has nice lines and sweetheart necks are my favorite.

My mom really liked dress cinque on me and so did I. But was I really prepared to spend $40? I held the dress in my hands around Target for another half hour as we browsed the clearance racks and I picked up two super comfy t-shirts and a jacket. The dress was still in my hands. I kept debating. I must seriously be the most indecisive person on the Earth.

As we headed towards the checkout, the dress was still in my hands. I placed it onto those plastic black slidey thingies (what are those called?). I felt guilty that I was spending money, or my mom's money. That is the story of my life, guilt. I don't know why but whatever I do, there is always a sense of guilt. Okay, enough emo-rambling. So I bought it.

My first ever Target Collection piece not from the clearance rack. Is this a step up or step down? I walked out Target with a plastered grin and my stomach aching for food. Retail therapy sure does work. For some great reviews on the Richard Chai collection check out Fashion Trend Guide.

And notice my use of Italian numbers baby. I'm practicing and that's all I seem to remember. Less than a month away!

Oh yeah, one more day left!