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Crazy concept for you all: when you're dying to pick up a book but have lost the innate ability to focus for long enough periods that you fly through several hundred chapters you had as a child, there is still hope. That very hope comes in the form of manga. Simply put, mangas are Japanese graphic novels that are often adapted to animation and even sometimes live-action films or stage plays. The appeal lies in a tesselation of captivating storytelling, visually inviting illustrations and chapters fit for those on a time crunch or are in for a non-stop binge. 

A miniature, much blonder version of myself as a toddler had an insatiable, imaginative mind looking to feast upon every kind of artistic media I could get my tiny hands on. Yeah sure I started with watching Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura on TV, but eventually fell upon the Tokyo Ghoul volumes and Hello, I Love You by The Doors rang through the speakers in my head immediately. 

Here are my picks for those new to manga or those avid readers looking for something to add to their roster. Enjoy! x

NANA

Any opportunity to promote NANA I will gladly take! As mentioned in my anime and fashion in animation posts the story lies within the intersection of the lives of two young women both named Nana with polarizing personalities and interests. It's riddled with countless noteworthy fashion moments, angst galore, and even some more than subtle WLW action that adds another depth to the romance-fueled shoujo. Albeit unfinished, this 21-volume treasure is capable of rooting itself in your heart and clinging to your most vulnerable emotions at nearly every turn of a page. This forever changed me as a person, a fashion lover, and even as a fiction writer. Indulge yourselves. (FYI: It's Nana Osaki's birthday today!)

BUNGO STRAY DOGS

Fictional detectives, mafia, and villains with special abilities all inspired by real-life authors from Japan, Russia, and America are what makes up one of the most flawlessly intriguing and beautifully drawn mangas I've ever come across. The characterizations are so intricately crafted that even if you never liked the author in reality, you're bound to be a fan of their 2D persona. Even if you catch up seeing as it's still being updated, there's plenty more to dive into. There are an additional seven light novels, some of which predate the series's timeline, some that are simply derivatives of it, and others that are set in alternate universes. One of the light novels "BEAST" was even converted to manga style recently as well. Even a cutesy "Wan" segment exists along with a perfectly executed anime and feature film. It's a Michelin star multi-course meal over here.

HUNTER X HUNTER

Many friends of mine can attest to this being a god-tier shonen manga and it's hard to top in my eyes too. An exuberant boy sets off to participate in an annual exam to become a Hunter (you can hunt just about anything in this word from fugitives to rare relics to food) like his father who disappeared soon after he was born. Along the way, he makes friends at every corner who both teach him and are inspired by his courage and bright-eyed persistence (even his enemies are motivated by the kid). The Phantom Troupe introduced in the YorkNew City Arc are a personal favorite so keep an eye out.

NORAGAMI

You either love Noragami or you hate it or you are overwhelmed with both emotions at once. Divided into two parallel worlds are the Near Shore where living humans and the like reside adjacent to the Far Shore littered with gods, demons, and lost souls named shinki. The dynamics between the human protagonist and these otherworldly beings make for light entertainment amid some really badass fights and ornate that will charm your pants off. 

HAIKYUU!!

Cannot say I've ever been all that into athletics save for the World Cup and the occasional spurts of ice skating obsession, but after being pushed to give Haikyuu a try, I am now well-versed in both excessive volleyball knowledge and wholesome sports manga feels. Karasuno High School takes the main stage in the series but glimpses of other teams including their interactions on and off the court will have you collecting favorites like those shiny pressed coins at Disney World. It's filled to the brim with uplifting notions and themes of friendship and sharing ambitions as well as hardships as a team. It's also fun to keep an eye out for how the characters of each team resemble their respective mascots.

JUNJI ITO

Could not for the life of me choose just one to highlight here so I'm going forth in recommending Junji Ito's works as a whole. Fans of horror, if you're not already familiar with this man's glorious collection of tantalizingly gruesome tales and hypnotic artistry, now is the time to get acquainted. I'd suggest starting with Tomie, Uzumaki, and Smashed but he also has done an adaptation of Dazai Osamu's No Longer Human (who is, funnily enough, a main protagonist in Bungo Stray Dogs) that's worth checking out. 

JUJUTSU KAISEN

One of my more recent fixations and what I'd say is one of Weekly Shonen Jump's standouts is all about curses, but I'm talking manifested human-like embodiments of curses. They run around with powers that stem from what is essentially negativity of all degrees and can only be defeated by onmyoji which are shamen/sorcerers who each wield their own unique curse technique to counteract the curses themselves. Both curses and curse users are categorized by grade, first grade being the most powerful. Yuji Itadori finds himself in a wrong place, wrong time situation that leads him to be possessed by Sukuna aka the most sinister and notorious curse anyone knows of. Under the guidance of famed curse user Gojo Satoru, he's brought to a magic technical college to learn the trade. Every character is deeply fascinating and there are moments that will surprisingly take shots at your heart, but it's well worth it.

YONA OF THE DAWN

A princess who experiences an enormous amount of growth from spoiled rotten to full-time archer/warrior is enticing, especially when it includes her leading a band of really handsome "dragons" who would all throw themselves on the pyre for her. It's everything charming about historical dramas while being entirely made up and overflowing with honey-sweet and silly tidbits every chapter.  

BATTLE ANGEL ALITA

More strong female leads coming right up! Alita's a cyborg in a post-apocalyptic future who wakes up in an amnesiac haze but is repaired by a cybernetics doctor and soon regains her former fighting spirit that leads her to trials as a bounty hunter and star player in Motorball before tapping into earlier memories that further her journey for answers. The plot has heavy themes of classism and environmental turmoil that can hit very close to home even 30 years after its initial publication.

KAKEGURUI TWIN

My anime post featured a shout out for the Kakegurui anime and so I figured I'd push the narrative even further with the addition of its spin-off Kakegurui Twin that centers around Mary Saotome's time at Hyakkaou Private Academy before Yumeko Jabami transferred to the gambling hell hole. This cemented Mary a #1 spot on my character list for sure, she's wickedly sharp and strong-willed which is explored so much more here. The former student council president Sachiko is almost more fearsome and enrapturing than Momobami by the way.

It seems an extensive period of time has passed since you've had any insight as to what's the deal with my skin and routine these days. In eight months since my last post, a great amount of torture has taken place.

For quite a while I contracted an outrageous (by my standards) case of hormonal acne that was only further aggravated by some of the products I was using. My skin, in particular, is greatly affected by stress and my dietary habits so even a tiny ounce of internal strife or dairy/sugar sets it off. But, I'd never experienced something this drastic.

I debated seeing a dermatologist or investing in some low-grade retinol creams or serums and while I'd recommend others do just that, I weirdly enough had the issue vanish practically overnight when I switched around some components of my routine.

Let's get on with it and bring out the shiny new stuff!



MORNING

CLEANSING

I've shifted gears and started alternating between warm and cold water when I splash my face first thing in the morning. Still not using any sort of cleanser but if I have a gym session bright and early I come back and slough away the sweat with micellar water.


TONER



COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Tone $14 yesstyle.com

Behold, my newest lifesaver. I bought this on a whim because I had run out of Peach & Lily's Good Acids Pore Toner and just rolled into a K-Beauty store asking the clerk for something that would keep my pH balanced, pores refreshed, but safe for sensitive baby skin. I've been using it morning and night and holy hell, the calming effects this has have reduced redness and inflammation tenfold for me. Centella Asiatica has healing properties due to its high potency of antioxidants so for those looking to minimize existing acne, prevent future breakouts, while treating the appearance of eczema, psoriasis, and environmental irritation, add this ingredient to your regimen!


MOISTURIZER



Pyunkang Yul Moisture Serum $23 yesstyle.com

Still using this. Still love it. Great for under makeup. Softening. Chef's kiss.


SPF


Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 $22 bluemercury.com

My first tube hasn't run out and I still enjoy this formula but it has since gone up in price because Sephora doesn't seem to be keeping it in stock anymore. Please protect yourselves from UVA and UVB damage kids!


NIGHT

CLEANSING



Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water $14.90 dermstore.com

My lord and savior that provides the best double cleanse for my skin and makes my cheeks feel like cotton candy clouds. It's likely this is a product I'll never give up.



Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser $16 kravebeauty.com

Krave has quickly climbed up the list of my favorite beauty brands with gentle yet effective products that have easily identifiable ingredients and no harsh additives or chemicals. This cleanser works to hydrate your face while getting out any leftover makeup gunk or dirt buildup. I don't use a brush or a glove, just work it into your skin for 60 seconds and rinse off with lukewarm water.



Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser $32 sephora.com

Got this as a sample and it's perfect for days in between exfoliation when I'm feeling extra congested or gross without stripping my skin or breaking me out. I'll do the first 30 seconds of washing with this, rinse, and switch off to the Krave Beauty one.


TONER

Same as above!


ESSENCE



COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence ulta.com

She's stuck around for now. Juices me up a bit like a pseudo-serum. I have my eye open for other options.


MOISTURIZER



Krave Beauty Oat So Simple Water Cream $28 kravebeauty.com

So the love story between me and First Aid Beauty's Coconut Water Cream came to an abrupt end when I started picking up on the way it was making my skin burn more often than not. Luckily, Krave dropped this baby right around the time I was running low. I love that it's not greasy or thick but delivers just enough moisture even in this extra dry winter season I'm desperately clawing my way out of. It comes with a spatula so as not to worry about germs and it's even considered safe for those suffering from fungal acne.

MASKING


Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask 2X with Super Volcanic Clusters $15 us.innisfree.com

I use a lot of the same masks as some of the ones I mentioned in my previous mask guide but have since swapped clay masks due to to Asarai one being a bit more intense than I'd prefer. This Innisfree volcanic clay mask is creamier and doesn't leave my skin feeling as though it needs a heap of moisture replacement while doing a solid job of attacking all the grime and uneven texture that progresses over the course of a busy week. 



Would love to hear some of your beauty faves as of late as well so feel free to hit the comments or let me know via socials. x

Thrifting can be a daunting task to accomplish knowing it requires the holy trifecta of time, patience, and luck that many of us don't possess. Yet here we are trying our darnedest to shift into an age of shopping that proves ethical on all accounts and a more prominent desire for one-of-a-kind pieces in our wardrobes. What to do... Oh, that's right! I'm here with the answer.

Previously, I highlighted a number of sustainable brands that were on the steep side, with the inclusion of online consignment options like The Real Real and Depop in between. As someone who is pressed for pennies but fashion-hungry myself, I've thankfully since then found more ways to keep conscious about my purchases while keeping them chic and shoppable from the comfort on my bed.

Without further ado, I bestow upon you all my favorite online vintage and consignment shops!



SORORITÉ VINTAGE

Accessories tend to be overlooked outside of ready-to-wear due to their more readily commercial purchase power during these times whilst a greater emphasis on gowns and awards season-friendly garb. That being said, I said screw that and tried to dig through for what eccentric goodies I could find.

Despite losing photos to the void of which is the mess of files on my desktop, I bring to you all a collective of accessories I spotted while catching up on every runway show during this SS20 Couture season. To note, there were also some pretty sick belts I saw from several designers but not knowing whether or not they were attached to the apparel they were fitted to led me to leave them out of this post. Feel free to check them out for yourselves alone with more of the gorgeous pieces on Vogue Runway and Now Fashion.

Schiaparelli

When you want to be the villainess of the third adaptation of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events it's imperative that you save all your future paychecks to collect this entire array of kooky and avant-garde trinkets.  Some references to founder Elsa Schiaparelli were taken into consideration by Creative Director Daniel Roseberry including her favorite flower the iris on the ears, tape measure detailing on sandal straps, and the exoskeletal gold jewels as an homage to her old friend and famed Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti. 

Ronald van der Kemp

RVDK prides himself on bringing sustainability and inclusiveness to the couture runway which are concepts almost entirely unheard of even during less haute times. Recycling leather and overproduced luxury materials, the Dutch designer has amassed an environmentally-friendly glamour everyone else should take notes from.

Valentino

The same satisfyingly saturated palette Piccioli's been dousing Valentino's last few collections with to die for leather mad scientist gloves, oversized phoenix feather earrings and ear cuffs, and coral reef headpieces I can only assume would attract many birds to perch on the wearer's head (not that that particular item is all that wearable in the first place).

Ralph & Russo

The Australian designer duo presented a series of modern ballroom fairytale envy that provide a couturified vision of what Ariel would wear after ditching her mermaid tail for legs and a handsome prince in 2020. The seafoam green and ballet slipper pink adorned with the most delicate ruffles and scaly skin-tight rhinestone sock boots topped off with a bow almost identical to that of the Disney princess's from the animated films is all too exquisite.

Ulyana Sergeenko

Dita von Teese, cats, and sparkles. I'm dreaming. Often I daydream of being a pin-curl donning, precise cat-eye drawing, silk gown and tiara-wearing hotel heiress. This is almost identical to that fantasy, but so much grander than I had even imagined. Yes, I'll take my martini glass crown shaken, not stirred.

Givenchy

Why are coronal headbands so appealing to me? I've seen so many complaints but no matter how many times I'm deterred from throwing my money at one, I can't help but get this babydoll Miu Miu obsessed girl who reads Virginia Woolf and Charlotte Brontë exclusively vibe from them I want to bask in. Clare Waight-Keller definitely agrees. Those sparingly crystal-laden tights are really calling out to me as well, as much as they can be used for weddings and special events, they'd likely perk up any day-to-day fit to work or brunch just the same.

Horror is a much more expansive genre than you'd think at first. It's not all jump scares, demons, haunted houses, or psychological thrillers. Much like taffy, it can be stretched into whatever a writer/director desires it to be and present a dozen elemental factors as well as underlying messages.

Fashion often looks back to horror and gothic eras for inspiration as seen and widely revered in the many collections by Alexander McQueen prior to his passing in 2010. Being a huge fan of his work, but a scaredy-cat nonetheless, I thought it would be a fun idea to compile a list of horror films (some more frightening than others) that had me lusting over fashion long enough to keep me from cowering away from the screen.




The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

I often wonder if steampunk was born out of Rocky Horror because is there anything more iconic than the leather-clad corsets and fishnets combo Frank-N-Furter is most known for? This cult classic has inspired all things queer across the board and to this day shadow plays are done weekly in its honor.


The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Cher, Michelle Pfieffer, and Susan Sarandon as witches with big perms and every level of the '80s best from padded power suits to body contouring gowns and muscle tees. Although I was born nine years later, I''m almost certain this film birthed me.


The Craft (1996)

Nancy Downs is one of the last century's biggest goth girl crushes and wow have her style choices stood the test of time. What I wouldn't give to steal her collection of chokers and ornate cross necklaces. Don't even get me started on the boots. Forget Regina George's clan, this is the clique I wanna be a part of.


Jennifer's Body (2009)

From the second the trailer dropped already ten years ago, I was sold. Megan Fox, I bow to you. You won. Hot popular girl becomes home for demon possession and gets eerily hotter because she's eating boys for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yeah, sign me up. Finding any semblance of that pink heart-patterned hoodie or fighting the urge to turn a white puffer jacket bloody for the sake of worshipping Queen Jennifer breaks my heart even in 2020.


Helter Skelter (2012)

This is my absolute favorite psychological horror film to date and it's also one of the most visually alluring to boot. Erika Sawajiri is captivating in picture-perfect lingerie and ball gowns, but all the more tantalizing masking bloody eyes with bejeweled eye patches and even stumbling in conveniently garment-like bandages post-surgery.


Death Becomes Her (1992)

Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn as rich women who drink a potion that makes them immortal and absolutely glamorous. If the collarbone and cleavage-baring dresses and hair envy weren't enough, Isabella Rossellini in couture collars and halter made entirely of beading with nothing underneath are nails in my coffin.


Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992)

Although the television series is preferred, the original silver screen Buffy was still a major babe with her cheerleading uniforms, crop tops, and one gorgeous ode to Swan Lake for her prom dress. Whoever started the trend of vampires in leather jackets deserves a peace prize too.


Sympathy For Lady Vengeance (2005)

Geumja getting out of prison and swiping on that red eyeshadow plus trading up her previous good-girl wardrobe for looks that kill is the femme fatale trope I live for. One of Park Chan-Wook's absolute best works.


Addams Family Values (1993)

Morticia Addams is shrine-worthy in terms of fashion in horror. She is a pioneer of elegance and goth velour. The mother of all cheekbones.


The Witches (1990)

Yes, Anjelica Huston gets not one but two entries on my list. Even as a grotesque creature the drip never ceases. Look at those rings over satin gloves. That amethyst cape. Can we bring back capes?


The Lost Boys (1987)

If men today took pointers from this film and incorporated the absolute serves these vamps pulled into their daily lives, the world might be a better place. Embroidered jackets over crop tops, oversize blazers, floor-length velvet coats, and beautifully coiffed hair? Yeah, we need this to make a huge comeback.


Scream (1996)

An entire Moschino collection was modeled after this film. What a classic. I need Rose McGowan's whole knit top and plaid skirt number in my closet this instant.


The Love Witch (2016)

Whatever Anna Biller concocted to take this film back 50 years was witchcraft itself. Elaine's like a fever dream as the lovestruck turned murderous witch donning immaculate cat eyes and a wardrobe full of heartbreaking attire.


Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

All hail the 15th-century and Victorian-era opulence. It's almost hard to watch without drooling over Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves being in a single frame together but once you pay attention it's just an aesthetically-pleasing overload. Personal fave is Gary Oldman out on the town when his eyes turn blood red underneath a top hat and those currently very trendy tiny sunglasses.


The Neon Demon (2016)

The Western answer to Japan's Helter Skelter may have been lackluster in its script, but delivered tenfold in both cinematography and an outstanding wardrobe and makeup turnout. Elle Fanning is the picture of innocence and those doe eyes are capable of deadly deceit.


In Fabric (2018)

The entire film centers around one seemingly demonic red dress that terrorizes anyone who wears it or even so much as comes into contact with it. It's truly stunning to watch as much as it is anxiety-inducing as each new victim brings the anticipation of whatever peril awaits them.


Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)

Laura Mars is a photographer who notoriously captures hypersexualized and violent images but one day finds herself seeing through the eyes of a serial killer. Most of the fashion stems from her shoots but it's so worth it, especially to see the way her perspective changes as the plot progresses.


Blood and Black Lace (1964)

The Italian neo-noir touch inspires a captivating visual experience and it's stylistically one of my favorites of the '60s. Set in a fashion salon in Rome, models are stalked and killed by a masked mystery man who looks an awful lot like Watchmen's Rorschach. 


Suspiria (2018)

Yes, the 1977 original is superior, but a great amount of the remake is extremely editorial and as absurdly creepy as Tilda Swinton in head-to-toe prosthetics is, I suffer through for the sake of art.


Jawbreaker (1999)

Although this is marked down as dark comedy, there's a murder and killer clothes so I don't really care to stick to rules. Rose McGowan in this and many of her other '90s films could definitely be categorized as a fashion icon with a myriad of pastel skirt sets, risque mini dresses, and the ability to turn any ordinary object into a runway accessory.