chérie liquor

By any means, I'm no style wizard, and certainly not in the current salary range to satiate my purchase desires. My inspiration, however, is thankfully abundant. As many of you saw through my fashion in film post earlier this year, much of my wardrobe expression takes root in my favorite fictional characters. Today I've narrowed down the women in real life who've had a considerable influence on much of what I wear now or aspire to dress more like in the near future.

CHER

Cher is my #1 beauty and fashion icon. Although I've been timid about releasing my inner '70s diva glamazon to its full capacity, Cher's looks courtesy of the extraordinary Bob Mackie give just about everyone goosebumps and that's something I wanna accomplish someday. Glitter, diamonds, and sparkles galore are only the beginning; her off-duty casualwear is effortless and the perfect crossover between Elvira Hancock and Tony Montana from Scarface. If it wasn't obvious enough with the long, black hair, dangly earrings, puff-sleeved blouses, floral dresses, silver eyeshadow, and blazers... yes, I want to be Cher.

DIANA ROSS

Passed onto me from my dear mother was the idol craze, and while I have IU to fawn over, she had Diana Ross, and I'm eternally grateful for the impeccable taste. I grew up listening to her's and The Supremes' discography along with watching every film from Mahogany to The Wiz, already recognizing as a child what a true diva looked like. With a background in fashion, Diana was guaranteed to look phenomenal at every turn. Slip dresses paired with cropped fr jackets, flowy organza and chiffon gowns, elegant millinery from hats the size of the moon to those with lacy veils, and the SCARVES. It's no wonder all her children are so fabulous.

DONNA SUMMER

All hail the queen of disco who gave us luxurious furs, swishing sequins, flower crowns, and the sickest sunnies in the game. She would eat all of your nightclub and Coachella outfits guaranteed. Rest in peace goddess.  

CHRISTY TURLINGTON 

There is nothing quite like Christy in a Chanel skirt suit and I want that power. The first time I ever cut my hair short was based on hours of staring at her gorgeous bob in the '90s aka the supermodel golden years. Women in suits for the win.

RIHANNA

The modern god of style is none other than Rihanna and I will accept zero arguments on this. Before she ever launched her design collaborations or her own Fenty line, she had already established herself as a maestro both in street and red carpet styling. It helps that she looks mesmerizing in any and everything.

ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY

The sleek, strong vibe Rosie HW has is an absolute dream. Often shopping at brands like Bottega Venetta and Tôteme has built a closet of clean lines, pantsuits tailored to perfection, modern silhouettes for tops and shoes, and numerous boss bitch shades. Also great to see someone around my height with a healthy body that's more realistic to aspire to.

AIMEE SONG

Aimee has been my blogger fave since I was only a fashion-illiterate high schooler. As her style has matured and evolved, so has mine thanks to admiring her for so many years. It's clear she has a knack for putting herself together, especially in her fashion week vlogs when she pairs items I would never even think of and emerges front row at a show looking like a page off Harper's Bazaar. Her clothing line with Revolve features a tantalizing color palette and mix&match sets that flatter every figure. (Maybe I'm biased since my Clara blouse is adorable beyond compare!)

FKA TWIGS

English singer/songwriter FKA Twigs is underrated both as a musician and a fashion icon. Her unfazed chicness stems from her eclectic art as featured n her music videos and editorials but translates well unto her day-to-day wear and evening garb (i.e. her simple but effective Met Gala looks in 2015 and 2016). 

JEANNE DAMAS

Chansung eventually locates the runaway hotel after stumbling upon a real estate agent in contact with Manwol and fights tooth and nail for his place at her side, even tossing aside a magic pill given to him by Mago to make his ghost vision dissipate. Manwol reluctantly allows him to return to his position as the hotel's manager and does the same for the hotel's geographical coordinates as well.

The hotel's intern and bellhop accidentally uncover a serial killer's victims wandering aimlessly in a forest after spying a trapped ghost in his car. The murderer happens to be one of Chansung's former Harvard classmates who brutally harassed his best friend and housemate in an attempt to drive him to suicide. He uses a hate forum called Hell0 to target people who are wished dead by multiple users on the site. When the bodies are found, the reincarnation of Yeonwoo is miraculously the lead detective for the case.

Chansung finds out and immediately recognizes Yeonwoo from his dreams. He decides to bring Manwol to see that he's doing well and upon seeing her dear friend, she's overcome with emotion, but able to walk away with one less weight on her shoulder.



Now that Manwol's tree is in full bloom, her time on Earth is coming to an end, but after a lifetime of wanting to escape from her own prison of regrets, the idea of leaving Chansung alone and mourning may become her greatest punishment.

Mago appears to remind Manwol of her impending departure and pours salt in the wound by adding that Chansung will have to face insufferable sadness very soon. In the succeeding days, Manwol witnesses those who have become vulnerable and desperate as a result of loving and losing loved ones. Chungmyung isn't who Manwol sees as her life's enemy, but views her own vulnerability as her existential downfall. Seeing this weakness in others reminds her of her cursed past and it boils her blood to think Chansung could end up enduring the same penance.

The tree isn't the only one who's blossomed, but so has Chansung. He has become someone strong enough to confidently ask for Manwol's protection while protecting her from her own demons. I believe it was said at one point that his name in Hanja means "brilliant star" which would make perfect sense as he is someone who has been the guiding light for Manwol to open her heart again and forgive herself.



Forgiveness in mind, lest I forget to mention Chungmyung's story additions. As I had previously theorized, Chungmyung had been waiting to greet Manwol one last time with a hairpin toting her monogram to remember him by. We haven't quite gotten to the bottom of what exactly went down but from the bloody fist pictured during Yeonwoo's death scene, I'd say he was completely set up and forced to "live as a traitor" as the brief narration said in order for Manwol to live. As atonement for his betrayal, Chungmyung has remained by Manwol's side throughout her thousand-year existence as a lonely firefly.


Four episodes could definitely tie up the remaining loose ends regarding the final details of Manwol's past, Mago's intentions, and whether our "ManChan" couple will get their happy ending. What am I hoping for next? One of Mago's kinder facades to grant Chungmyung much-needed closure with Manwol and that episode 12 IU soundtrack to be officially released!

Until next time, if you have catching up to do, all episodes are 100% subbed in English on Viki. xoxo

The Scandinavian epicenter is home to some seriously trendy designer goods and boutiques galore. Some may already be acquainted with the sustainably conscious Ganni, popularly accessed through stockists like ShopBop, Net-A-Porter, and now even Nordstrom. Fashion forwardness flourishes in plenty of other brands on and off the runways at fashion week and I'm happy to share what I've found that caters to an international consumer base.

STINE GOYA

MUNTHE

STAND STUDIO

MARK KENLY DOMINO TAN

CECILIE BAHNSEN

HOSBJERG

COLLECT23

SAKS POTTS

GESTUZ

BIRGITTE HERSKIND