nyfw day 7


There are so many things in these photos that symbolize how far I’ve come from my previous circumstances. I grew up with a really rough life. On top of everything, I had to work three jobs at once ever since I was a teenager in high school. I didn’t have a license. I didn’t have a car. I had to bum rides off friends or take the bus, and I’d change out of and into the respective job’s clothes on the way from one job straight to another. And at the end of it all, I would give half of my pay away. (It's also worthy of note that blogging on Blogger was my escape ever since this journey started in 2007.)

The moto and shoes I’m wearing in this post mean so much to me. When blogging and working in the fashion industry took off for me as an actual career, I had serious cognitive dissonance with perpetuating the capitalist machine. What I felt helped me express myself and feel fulfilled, some people couldn't understand.

While on my plane to NY, I reached the chapter in Nasty Gal CEO Sophia Amoruso’s book #GIRLBOSS where she perfectly puts into words the thoughts bouncing around my head (which I'll paraphrase here): Material possessions for many people, including myself, and hopefully including you, aren’t meant to be a showy signifier of my wealth to my peers. What these pieces mean to me are my personal symbols showing how far I've come from my circumstances and what I've achieved thus far. Everything you own, you should be proud to have. Shop smart. Don't get things just because they're "cool". Get them because they're you. Investment and statement pieces are a necessity in everyone's life--especially the life of a fashion lover--and whether they were expensive or affordable (they don't need to be pricey to be great!), for the longest time I just could not afford them. I believe all the work I put into every job I had for the last 7-8 years led up to the momentous occasions when I purchased my first couple big girl pieces--my favorites of which are this Acne Studios moto and these Proenza Schouler gladiators. Granted, they were on sale (I still live by my "shop smart" rule), but it was still a huge accomplishment! Add these to a dress I love made by a person I love who I met doing what I love + photo work from a talented photographer who discovered my blog and wanted to shoot, and you've got a recipe for something magical.

I guess I said all that to say I feel very blessed by the way my life has come together, dare I say even synergistically. I have a lot of people to thank, people like you. Your support means so much to me. Thank you always.

What I'm wearing:
Nun Bangkok Engine Dress
Nun Bangkok Sissy Bar Shorts
Acne Studios moto (similar here)
Proenza Schouler gladiators (similar here and here)
Haati Chai body chain


photography by Van Khai Truong

17 comments

  1. That body chain is a need
    http://dressedbys.blogspot.co.uk/
    S xx

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  2. keep up the good work beautiful-Paul

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  3. I love all about your outfit, you look beautiful as always <3

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  4. You look amazing and I love the message, it's so cool you've come so far too. Your posts never fail to inspire me <3

    The Quirky Queer

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  5. You're posts are honestly so inspiring and reading this one just proved that even though the fashion industry sometimes gets a bad rep, there really are honest, hard-working individuals like you out there who keep it grounded. Never stop doing you and living out your dream because people like me (your fans) see that and support you so much more, especially for having such real and down-to-earth persona. It's hard to come by these days!

    xo
    www.AsToldByFlo.com

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  6. That dress is gorgeous!

    Sophia | sophiebysophia.blogspot.com

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  7. Your style is amazin.. LOVE!

    www.shoprunwaykilla.blogspot.com

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  8. Loving this outfit! I don't usually use the word 'fierce' but it kind of seems to fit here. The chain mail body chain is unreal! :)

    xx Jilli

    www.justjilli.com

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  9. I'm curious, why were you poor? Isn't your mom a successful real estate agent?

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  10. Your message is wonderful; keep following your dreams! And these photos are amazing <3

    http://mrmichell.tumblr.com

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  11. This has been so inspiring. I love it when successful bloggers like you do a post telling how much they worked for just to get to where they (you) are. It really shows that hardwork comes a long way. Posts like these make me not want to give up on what I love doing because no matter how long it would take, something great would come out of it. I love you, Eugenie! I'll always be one of your number one fans ♥

    ROUGH & TOUGH☯ // I`m on Bloglovin! // IG: @jiaachacruz

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  12. I'm so happy for you! Reading this post was really inspiring to me (and to others as well) and you definitely deserve everything you have accomplished. :) <3

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  13. what an inspiring, heartfelt post. i think readers have so many misconceptions about bloggers based all the designer gear and chanel bags they carry, not knowing the obstacles they faced and the challenges that they've put themselves through in order to get to where they are now. like you, I want to work hard in order to earn a few luxury items that I know will be investments and last longer; as well as buying quality pieces over quantity. thank you for this post eugenie, keep on!

    VISIT / 13 FRIDAYS

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  14. This outfit is pure awesomeness!! Absolutely stunning <3
    xx Ama

    PHUCKITFASHION

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