#MondayMuse (the Notorious RBG)

"I think the simplest explanation [of feminism] is a song that Marlo Thomas sang, 'Free To Be You and Me.' Free to be, if you were a girl -- doctor, lawyer, Indian chief. Anything you want to be. And if you're a boy, and you like teaching, you like nursing, you would like to have a doll, that's OK too. That notion that we should each be free to develop our own talents, whatever they may be, and not to be held back by artificial barriers -- manmade barriers, certainly not heaven sent." -Ruth Bader Ginsburg


Photo from The New Yorker.

The little blog that could

It's not easy being a one-woman show. 

If you've ever started and sustained a blog then you know exactly what I mean. As the founder and editor-in-chief of love, -j. I'm not only the lead writer but also the idea factory, interviewer, editor, copy chief, researcher, fact checker, art director, graphic designer, photographer, photo editor, production manager, line producer and coffee/sandwich girl.

Yes, that's a lot of hats...

Though there are some 150-170 million blogs in the world (the stats vary depending on who's collecting the data) did you know 90 percent of bloggers abandon their sites within the first year? You have a better shot opening up a restaurant. And it's no wonder. Keeping up a blog is really, really hard!

There have been many moments where I'm sitting at my computer wondering if I should just call it quits. Especially on those days when I've worked hard on a post, pouring my heart and soul into it, only to see that all of six people have read it. But something tells me to keep going. That little voice inside my head. The one full of encouragement and inspiration and a little bit of tough love ("Don't stop or else I'm going to kick your ass, you whiny little b*tch!" she says).

Then today you all told me to keep going, too.

From the bottom of this blogger's heart, I say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. And to all of you working, sweating and pushing in pursuit of your passions, I salute you. Don't quit, do it!

love, -j.   


Wearing big girl shoes, thanks to an awesome re-design.

Awkward moments (when you're Asian)

This was too funny not to share. 


Growing up Asian. 

Overalls, three ways

Overalls are back! Well, for this gal with Midwest roots they never went out of style (I guess you can take the girl out of Iowa but you can never take Iowa out of the girl!). 

This fall trend is a tricky one because overalls by themselves are not chic. Dowdy, shapeless and utilitarian -- yes. Modern, fashion-forward and feminine -- no. But perhaps these three looks will change your mind.

The most important thing is the fit.

Look for a pair that will flatter your figure. "Skinny" overalls that are fitted in the waist and slim in the legs will be your best bet. The pair I'm wearing are Mossimo denim overalls from Target (cheap and chic at $34.99). This pair from Madewell is super cute, as are these from J.Crew and Anthropologie.  

Look #1 (above)
My favorite thing to do when I get dressed is to do something unexpected. Who would think a polka dot button-down shirt would coordinate well with overalls and red suede pumps? It's a fun way to simultaneously dress up overalls and dress down high heels. The pumps are from Aldo (no longer available), but you can find similar heels at Target and if you want to break the bank Saint Laurent has a killer pair!

Look #2 (below)
Overalls with a ruffled silk blouse and pointy-toe flats. I love this look because it's versatile. You can do school drop off, casual Friday at work, and date night -- all in one day. By the way, these cobalt blue Sam Edelman flats are everything!     

Look #3 (below)
Admittedly, this look is a bit more Farmer John. But I would take my kids to the playground or run errands in this outfit. My best friend designed this fitted sweatshirt when she worked at Nordstrom, back in the day. You can find something similar, like this shrunken sweatshirt from Urban Outfitters. And you can do no wrong when wearing leopard print slip-on sneakers! Mine are Kenneth Cole Reaction (sadly, sold out) but Vans and H&M make them, too.  

How do you like to wear overalls? 

Send me your looks. I wanna see!


Navy nails and my big hair makeover.

Love and freedom (#Sept11)

On this 14th anniversary of September 11, let us remember that love and freedom will always reign.


Remembering two New Yorkers I met after 9/11.
Why I will never forget.
Explaining Sept 11 to a 5-year-old.