Showing posts with label Michigan state university. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan state university. Show all posts

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Moto Fashion Live

Note: I had promised to put a post about my moto fashion up some time ago, and here it is, finally. Sorry for the delay.

""You're not going to get me on that thing!" I screamed while banging my fists on my boyfriend Steve's chest. My new boyfriend Steve had invited me on a date; transportation was to be via his motorcycle, however, now I had chickened out. The invitation had sounded romantic and enticing at first, plus it would give me a chance to try out my extensive collection of moto garments for real. Now, looking at Steve's squat, low slung Ducati, not so much. " Come on, Naomi" Steve wheedled, "We'll take it slow at first..." "I bet you say that to all the girls" I responded with a playful elbow to his ribs.

Moto fashion. It's a big fashion trend, at least as far as PU/Fake leather jackets and pants go. I've already written a couple posts about it, though not included my daily lifestyle take on it, or at least, not very much. Basically, summing up, moto fashion can be divided into a number of different groups. The first group is clothing designed for and intended to be worn by, people who ride motorcycles. The next two groups are based on the two families of motorcycles available: Harley Davidson/Triumph motorcycles, and BMW/Ducati/Japanese motorcycles. Because of the different types of motorcycles, two different styles of clothing have developed for each motorcycle group. The last moto style fashion group is clothing influenced by one or all of the above groups, but worn mostly for the fashionability of it.
When I received Steve's  invitation I wasn't sure what group he fell under, though I had an idea from his own clothing style. I played it safe and mixed things up a little.
First off, moto pants:


Bodycon to the max PU pants. These pants don't just hug the body, they're so tight they shape it a wee bit. Fortunately, the PU stretches more than real leather, so they aren't a pain in the toockus - literally - to wear.
Next up a pair of moto boots:
The platform and stiletto might not be the most practical, though the over the knee style might come in handy.
Finishing my outfit off, a PU bralette, gauntlet moto gloves, and a fake leather baker boy hat.
So. We took it slow at first, as Steve had suggested: a couple slow loops around the MSU dorm garage. Then, Steve wanted me to try his cycle solo, why, I don't know: I didn't have the attachment to my license to legally ride on my own, so what was I going to do? Steve explained that maybe I'd feel more comfortable. Fortunately, I did not ruin his expensive Italian bike:
Lessons over, we head out for our destination: Mexican Town in Detroit. Steve had already become acquainted with my fondness for Quesadillas, so, thoughtful him, he was looking out for me. What a sweetheart!
 The first part of our 45 minute was fun, a little scary, since it took only 45 minutes (if you know what I mean), but fun: hugging Steve's muscular back, the wind, the noise, the not usual vibration; it was something new. About half way through the trip, it started to get old, as fast as Steve was driving. Riding perched on the rear fender, in these  ultra tight moto pants, well, pain in the toockus was all I could think of. Still, once we reached our destination, I had to compliment Steve on the exhilarating ride.

We had a lovely romantic evening, though the quesadillas weren't especially to my liking. No matter, it was being with my new friend that counted most. Plus, got some cool looking fashion shots in, too.
Steve had sensed my discomfort riding on his bike, and after dinner, he suggested a couple stops alternate to the long trip back to East Lansing. It was getting too complicated, plus, since my car was still at MSU, I'd have to take the bus back from Detroit, so I said I'd manage. Sweet Steve made a couple other suggestions, but, no problemo, was my response, and back on the back of his bike, back to MSU we went.
So. There you go. Moto fashion outside of the closet. I've got a few more moto fashion styles I've explored, so look for those in the recent future. Well, guess that's it for today. If you've got a cycle, or ride on a friend's, make sure to get a few rides in before the weather turns frigid.
Catchya later.
Ciao.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Groovy Boho

Haven't posted anything recently except Polyvore  stuff. Speaking of Polyvore, I've won a couple of contests; thanks to all who supported me. Unfortunately, for various reasons, I was unable to collect a prize. Nevertheless, thanks again to all who liked my styling creations.
So, here's an example of something I've been wearing.
It all started with a bet between my good friend Denise and I. To win the bet, I figured I needed a killer outfit, something very cool, no, groovy. Something "groovy boho." The first pic seesme strutting the whole outfit through the lobby of Michigan State University's Owen hall:
You'll probably note first the super shiny PU tribal pants. Now, "tribal" mostly refers to a type of pattern on boho pants, dresses, purses, what have you. It's also a type of pant, check out these stills from "Star Trek" (sorry, the best example from the '60's I could find.)



You'll notice the actress' costume has a distinct, American Indian influence: of course, most of the costumes in "Star Trek", or for that matter any TV show or movie, are inspired by or taken from the closet of various periods in the world's history. Tribal pants don't seem to have originated in American Indian culture, but somehow the moniker "tribal", stuck. For this episode of "Star Trek", wardrobe thought the tribal pant style would seem, well, tribal.
Next up, my purse:

Looking this purse over after I bought it, I bet the same thing that was coming to my mind then,is coming to your mind, now: Dabuwawa, fairy fashion, Japanese anime looks, or maybe something inspired by Marc Jacobs earlier stuff. You know, those are nice
but not exactly my cup of tea. Some how this purse popped into my mind when I was assembling my outfit: its glossy, bright red, fake patent leather shinyness, and giant PU flower embellishment was a perfect complement to the rest of my outfit. To go along with this bright, shiny red purse, I picked out a pair of equally red, shiny PU gloves, normally a part of the B&D crowd's wardrobe, the gloves work perfectly with the other garments.
Now I needed some knockout footwear, and I decided on these outstandingly groovy boots:
"Love Boots" from The Love Boot Company (get it? 'Love Boots', like "The Love Boat"? The '70's TV show?)
I actually received these expensive, PU, thigh high, tall platform, stiletto heel boots with ginourmous pull loops near the uppers' top lip, as a gift (that's another story in itself.) Also, dig the wonderful PU flower appliques. Couldn't fit them in full length (tribal pants too tight around the thighs), so I had to fold over the upper.
Next up my hat, you've undoubtably seen boho hats before, but how about a PU one with a metal heart band. Definitely cool.
Next up, my jacket:
I didn't buy my jacket from www.sofalee.com. How come? Because, well, it's about $2000, and check this out:

If you compare these photos carefully, you'll note identical fabrics in the PU, fake reptile purses, and sofalee.com's supposedly real leather jacket, besides, I'd seen similar jackets on Aliexpress, too. So. What happened was: I contacted one of these sellers, who put me in contact with a manufacturer, who referred me to a store in Goudzung province China, who sold me a similar jacket in gorgeous PU for about $25. Yay! A word about Aliexpress: I've mentioned it quite frequently, yet one should always adhere to the advice: when in Rome do as the Romans do, and in Aliexpress' case, caveat emptor. Check this out from an Aliexpress seller:
Never, ever buy from a seller who does not accept returns. I'm surprised this seller is still on Aliexpress as it goes against Aliexpress' general policy. Enough said.
So, looking at the outfit as a whole, I look a wee bit more, say, buxom, than usual. Not unlike this model:
Or maybe Kim Kardashian. Probably even Ms. Kardashian's staunchest fans are sick of her by now: example: you want to buy a new cell phone; "kim has the cutest IPhone pics of her new baby!"; want to find a local restaurant: "Kim ad Kanye out to lunch at McDonald's, try the new Kardashian quarter pounder!" hmphf.)
Something's missing here: oh, yeah, my blouse! You can barely see it poking through my jacket in the photo so far; so here's a better view:
Wound up at one of MSU's biology buildings for this shot - bet, you know. The blouse is a bell sleeve, very sheer, very décolletage crop top with no buttons, just a PU belt embellishment for a hem. With, I might add, a very nice peace sign belt buckle.
Here's another view from behind:
Wound up at a local watering hole and romper room, "The Tequila Cowboy". You'll note, the tribal pants aren't too tight, and you can see the big bells in this pic. Tequila Cowboy is obviously trying to make a buck off the whole U of M Ann Arbor/MSU rivalry thing, a smart business move since so many from U of M come to Spartan stadium for the games, and need a post play joint to wet their whistles.
Lastly: hair, makeup, and jewelry. Jewelry was simple: my usual Star of David and menorah necklaces and truly cool, brass peace sign hoops. Speaking of hoops, had on a cool ringed belt.
My hair? Well, that's a different kettle of fish. Wanted a strawberry blonde perm, but the hairdresser at the salon rendered it a sort of off orange. At first I  was going to be upset, then, I started liking it, so no complaints; just watch it in the future.
My makeup and nails are Covergirl: Lavalicious Lip gloss over Blast Flipstick lip color, didn't do the mascara - on falsies number; straight Mega Curl, Eye enhancers, Cheekers, about sums it up.
Well, that's all folks. More stuff coming soon, check back again.
Catchya later.
Ciao.