THE ROOTS

I have spent the better half of my tax paying years working at different jobs that required a dress code. Sometimes these dress codes were full fledge uniforms; ugly aloha shirts and itchy polyester pants. Other times, specified components; covered shoes and company t-shirt. How the hell are you supposed to feel your best when more times than none these types of out fits look the worst. I am a firm believer in making sure you are presentable for any type of public appearance. You never know what opportunities you may step into, so you better have your game face and gear on.

Of course there are a few exceptions to the rule; sicker than a dog and in no way shape or form capable of getting it together just to pick up some meds. I let this one slide. I am also starting to be a lot more lenient when it comes to working an early morning job. Most days I am up and ready to take on the day. Some days I can barely open my eyes long enough to start the coffee maker, let alone put any effort into what I am going to wear for the day. This stems from years of working night time bar tending/cocktailing gigs.

So this early morning issue has started a new adventure for me. I am on the hunt for the perfect root pieces that are the beginning of any fabulous/effortless outfit. My very first root piece is a cute closed toe shoe. Covered shoes are a definite safety issue at my job. My office is nestled oh so conveniently in a motorcycle service department. Majority of the time I am seated at my desk messing with the computer, but there are the moments when I need to be running around the shop cracking the whip. And what goes better with whips than cute "closed toe" high heeled boots?! I mean really, that was an easy one.

Alright, maybe hooker heel boots are not so practical, so I let my self splurge and go on a little bit of a spree. I manged to come home with about 10 different style of shoe. All of them with in criteria (all 10 of the little piggies hidden safely inside). I have flats, heels, platforms, and wedges.

This brings me to my next perfect root piece, the plain wife beater tank top. I am finding that with the addition of this root piece to a couple of my favorite outfits, new looks are created. The wife beater is a good way to transform a "night look" into a "day look". It also adds an edge to an outfit that is coming off to frilly. Needless to say, I have one in every color. I like to have options.

I know that this is probably one of the most over researched topics in today's magazines; "Wardrobe Staples for Winter pg 352". Those articles are true, everyone needs a little black dress and patent leather mary janes. I have most of the garments mentioned over and over, from season to season. I am now on the hunt for the not-so-obvious-but-cant-believe-I-have-gone-this-long-and-didn't-think-of-it-before root pieces. So, until my next epiphany moment....................

Tis the season

So everywhere I look, I have another friend showing off that little piece of jewelry every little girl dreams about, a sparkly engagement ring. Now, I could turn completely cynical, and start bitching and complaining about the marriage issue and what the point of it is (my defense mechanisim for being nowhere close to getting engaged). Or I could drop the attitude and get into the spirit of things. Yes yes, that day is supposed to be about you and your lovey, and how much you mean to eachother. Lets face it though, it really is about the outfit.

Every female wants to look the best they have ever looked on that day. That takes a little time and planning. In the past there were the basics- white dress, veil, bouquet, and your groom. Now, in this day and age, all the rules have changed. Theme weddings are all the rage, and dresses have evolved with the addition of "non-traditional" colors and lines. There are so many different routes a bride to be can take. In the end though, it is all about the how you feel.

For example, lets take my best friend Mo. She has planned a weekend getaway in Las Vegas. Now Mo has spent most of her life being labled as "cute". She is petite with a little voice. Growing up boys either loved it or hated it, more the former than the latter. She always managed to pull off the craziest of fashion statements with no regrets. Now, she is a little bit older and about to get hitched. On our first outting for a dress, our discussion turned to what it is exactly, that she wanted to look like at that moment. "Classy, not cute" was her instant reply.

5 hours and a lot of stores later, we came home with the first draft. A strapless, lace, empire waisted dress. She stayed close to a traditional look with a cream color. The whole thing looks very antique. But does antique equal classy? Its a fine line between the two.

Like most brides shopping for an ensamble, her shopping didn't stop there. About a month later, while out looking for "classy" jewelry, Mo found draft #2. The shimmery satin caught her eye as she browsed. Following her intuition, she lunged for the piece of fabric sticking out of an overcrowded rack. (Cue music and lights) There it was in all its glory, a dress that was very wedding like and classy without the heavy wedding price tag. She almost couldn't get the damn thing on fast enough she was so excited. And what do you know, a perfect fit. The length showed just enough leg to be sexy, but classy. Instantly, the original antique was forgotten.

Being an emotional shopper myself, (retail therapy works wonders,) I was moved by the out pouring of feeling Mo had for the new found dress. You could see an instant transformation in her whole attitude when she modeled the garment for me. Every part of her being radiated how she was feeling and would feel, like the most beautiful girl in the world. Mission accomplished.

I just want to take this moment to thank the fashion gods and goddesses for bestowing that kind of pleasure on myself and my fellow fashion adventurers. When an everyday occurance such as shopping can turn into a euphoric state of mind, who could ask for anything more.

A DEEPER THOUGHT

I want to take time right now to elaborate on my most favorite fashion moment at the Hula-A-Go-Go event. I had lots of favorites, but this paticular one made me stop and let out the ever famous "Oooohhh, CUUUTE!".

Maybe it was the way she walked in, hips swinging to the beat of the bongo drums. Or maybe it was how high her head was held with confidence. Or just maybe it was the kettle one and crans that gave her such allure. Either way the whole thing just looked effortless. I was just blown away at how simple a look it was and at the same time how big of a style statement she made.

In my opnion it was punk chic. I had to ask who was responsible for contributing to her style. Just as I suspected, she rattled off a list of heavyhitters; Dolce and Gabanna denim skirt and an Armani Exchange Denim Jacket. The jacket I adored, it just added that right amount of romance to the whole thing. The suprise answear came from the origin of the boots; Forever 21. Usually, I try to stear clear from outlets like this one. Nothing against the chain, its just that living here on Oahu, I feel like we as a fashion community only have so many options to choose from. Yes yes I know, there is a whole world of online shopping, but nothing is as much fun as going and trying on all the garments that tickle your fancy. This results in mass consumers shopping at the same places, buying the same things. Where is the originality in that?

Well there I go again, ranting and raving. My point in all of this blah,blah, blah is that every once in awhile I am humbled and given a new perspective on what this island really has to offer. In this case, a beautiful girl named Zara who does not discriminate when it comes to commanding her style.

AND AWAY WE A GO-GO......

I have been contributing lately to the Hawaiian Chopper magazine under the pen name "Jesse the chopper chick". Not exactly what I wanted to be known as, but I gotta start somewhere. The column is about the different influences of the motorcycle and car culture here in the islands. Only thing is these influences are not easily found as it is in the mainland. Or so I thought. I guess I was contemplating it so much that by way of "the law of attraction" I discovered the Cherry Blossom Cabaret group.

This lovely group of ladies were exactly what the magazine editor in chief (I wonder if he got to pick his own title?) had ordered. Lucky me, they were putting on a couple of shows over the weekend. After rounding up a babysitter and a partner in crime, I set out to Don Ho"s Island Grill for some tantaliizng tiki teasers.

The production was appropiately named Hula A Go-Go. In associaton with the burlesque babes, there were a medly of bands adding to the atmosphere. All styles of music were represented, surf sounds, rockabilly, punk, and even some get up and move your feet ska. It was fabulous. The girls, dressed in the cutest 1950s inspired garb, entertained the crowd with shimmy shimmy shakes and sychronized swimming performances.

I myself was more impressed with the audience. I don't know what exactly I was expecting but this crowd exceeded it. I was really blown away by the range in ages. I guess though that this is reminicsent of a 50-60 year olds hey day. And the fashion was fierce. Traditional to the updated version of vintage was on display. There were a few blunders, you know when the clothes are wearing the person. Overall though it was all light hearted and fun. I managed to get a few shots of what I thought were the key fashion staements for the evening.