Philia

I have this theory about friends.
It all started one tiresome morning in philosophy class last year, where my mind was elsewhere. Not that I didn't enjoy the classes, but I was dozing off. Ironically, I don't know how and why, my mind started philosophizing about friendships - more precisely, its structure. As I was doodling, I came up with this diagram that I still use today as visual support to my explanation (haha). With my skillz on Paint, let me depict this for you.

1. Squares: The best friends. Note that the number of these people can vary a lot. You've been through so much with them, have so much in common and connect deeply. You'll definitely want to keep contact with them throughout your life.
2. Triangles: Great friends, who are super chill to be with and with whom you share significant experiences. Definitely feel their vibes, text and can easily hang out together. Life may separate you from them, but if you get the chance to meet up again, things will most likely be as they were when you left off.
3. Swirls: Your entourage, fun people, friends of friends, those you happily say hi to in the hallways but conversation rarely extends to anything deeper. It's always fun to see all of them at events.

I admit I'm quite peculiar but I guess the timing is also right. Being at the end of Cegep, I realize that it is a time when most of us go through a mini identity crisis, or at least start 'filtering' through our friends, choosing to stay close to a few and distancing ourselves from the remaining. I'm sure this is done many times throughout life, but nevertheless, a somewhat similar diagram can apply to one ultimately.

Anyhow, this shoot is a little more editorial. And don't worry, the escalator was shut off.

Photos: Dahye :) (Thanks for another pair of shoes hehe)
Pants: Zara
Mink jacket: my Grandma's

Enjoy!
Katia

My Views on American Apparel

The long post - forgive me - is to compensate for the last short one? READ IT DON'T BE LAZY :)

As many of you know, I have been working at American Apparel for almost two years now, and despite still being one of the youngest, I am the most senior employee of my store, even compared to my manager. When I catch up with friends, one of the most common questions I get is "how's AA?" "You know, the same ol' good thing" I usually reply along those lines. Same? I'm starting to question that now. The company's been going through lots of change and media buzz, and our new CEO Paula Schneider hopes to reform it for the best.   

AA gave me a particular set of ~vibez~ differentiating it from most other mainstream companies. That's what really attracted me to it. Its image was always a more natural and down to earth one, promoting all body shapes and ethnic diversity. It also got sexier, borderline porno (that's been suppressed luckily), than other lines of clothing due to less photoshopping. I mean, for example, other lingerie lines' models are just as naked and provocative, if not even more, but just more plastic looking, that's all. AA's advertisement history remains a controversial one, but these are my views. Totally pro sexy, but anti porno. It also emits a rather 80s retro/artsy image, promoting art by collaborating with all sorts of eccentric emerging artists for its collections. 

When I started working there, my wardrobe lacked many timeless basics - now it's overflowing with them. But since I have all the basics I'll ever need, I find it harder to know what I want from there. They're really good, especially that they're sweatshop free and made in downtown Los Angeles, but I do get my trendier pieces from other stores, and even thrift shops tbh. AA recently had a massive 90% off sale to rid itself from all of its wackier pieces and is revamping its entire wardrobe, so I'm curious to see where that will lead to. Beyond all of the company's external matters, my own store is like a mini heaven where just a whole bunch of awesome people like to work and and chill together. 

I honestly love American Apparel. I've lived through its 'glory years', am now experiencing its 'reform' and hope to see it come through as an even better and successful business in retail.

So here is a head to toe look with some of my favourite basics from there. 

Photos: Dahye (I always add funk and embarrass myself in the bloopers of her amazing YouTube videos) S/O to your Zara shoes for this look.
Outfit: American Apparel

Enjoy!
Katia