Pet Peeve

Please, please, please. I beseech you. NEVER wear leggings as a substitute for pants. Underneath a dress, skirt or even long shirt is totally cool. But not as pants! For the love of God not as pants. I understand you work out a lot. Or you just have a really nice butt or streamlined thighs. But NO ONE wants to see every nook and cranny of that. Seriously. You look trashy and really anything but sexy. Especially when you wear that ensemble with Uggs. Yeah. They're called "Uggs" for a reason. They're disgusting. Okay. That's all I have to say. I just needed to vent a little.

Fishnet Stockings

I bought my first pair of fishnets the other day and I LOVE them. Fishnets are a great way to make a bold statement. They're edgy, sexy, fun and huge confidence boost to wear. The only problem is that when it comes to fishnets, the line between trashy and fashion statement is very thin. There are four ways to wear fishnets and only two of them are acceptable. We'll start with the never, ever, evers:

1. The Homeless Hooker

Britney, I love you to death. Really, I do. But this is atrocious. You're a mess. Dear Reader, learn from Britney's (many, many) mistakes. Fishnets can be very sophisticated, yes. But they also have a trashy stigma. If you want to be classy, you can't stick fishnets underneath a total mess. A sophisticated little black dress with fishnets is classy and sexy and probably a way better way to go. Think about it- the environment you place the piece in determines its tone.

2. The What The Heck is That Doing There? Look

You can't wear business clothes with fishnets. If you're in any environment that requires a business suit, you are sure as heck NOT in an environment that warrants fishnets. Work is not a place to try to look sexy or trashy... and if for you it is, I really hope it's because you're a supermodel and nothing else. This looks out of place and... strange. Just strange.

And now for the ways you can and should do fishnets.

3. The Sexy Sophisticate

It's hard to tell Scarlett Johansson is wearing fishnets here. The focus isn't on the stockings, it's on the fabulous dress and Scarlett's gorgeous face. I'm a huge Scarlett fan. I love that she added intrigue to this ensemble with the addition of subtle fishnets. It makes the look more interesting and little edgier. However, Scarlett does not look the slightest bit trashy or hooker-like. She pulls it off with total grace and class.

4. The Fashion-Forward Rebel

I think Taylor Momsen is a total poser and she runs her mouth too much. But, gosh darn it does she have a phenomenal stylist. Taylor reminds me a lot of myself strictly fashion-speaking. Taylor is rocking the edgy, punk-inspired look and the fishnets add to the edge and boldness. However, the outfit is clean, put-together and not revealing. This enables Taylor to pull off the fishnets without looking like our friend Britney.

So there you go. Definitely rock fishnets if you feel inclined. They're a ton of fun. But keep in mind that they are not appropriate in every situation with every ensemble.

Fashion- Karen O

I really cannot harp on Yeah Yeah Yeahs enough. They are a really intelligent and forward band. Karen O is Yeah Yeah Yeahs' frontwoman and her style is really reflective of her sound. She is the definition of edgy and confident. Her bold, stylized haircut is one of her trademarks as are the colors black and red. Karen is fearless. All you have to do is watch her on stage. She's been known to wrap herself in her mic cord and pour beer all over herself in concert among many other shocking antics.

Leather is big element of Karen's look. Leather is becoming a little less edgy now since so many people are doing it, but Karen still manages to pull it off in a unique way. Colored or patterned tights seem to be favorites of hers. Karen's onstage outfits are generally more colorful and wild. Offstage, she manages to carry on the edge and stylistic futurism without being too overwhelming.

Since black and red are her colors, Karen often wears a lot of black eyeliner and red lipstick in bold, clean lines to reflect her clothing style. Her hairstyle is very defined and modern. In my opinion, Karen is the future of fashion.

I created some more toned-down and less expensive interpretations of Karen's bold, inventive style. I think red and black is definitely the key to getting this look down. For a casual look, I incorporated some rockstar elements, leather and menswear-inspired shorts (menswear is a big trend right now). Both looks include some interesting tights. The formal look is more simplistic, and very bold. Again, black, red and leather are big themes here.

Casual Karen O-inspired by Ashley Chupp featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Forever21 vest, $20
Charlotte Russe shorts, $8.04
Converse sneakers, $40
Metroparkusa.com, $44
John Lewis, 25 GBP

Formal Karen-O inspired by Ashley Chupp featuring American Apparel tights

Items in this set:
Charlotte Russe dress, $23
Unlisted by Kenneth Cole shoes, $45
Dorothy Perkins clutch, 25 GBP
American Apparel tights, $34
Forever21 necklace, $7.80

Fashion- Debbie Harry

If you know her at all, you know her as the frontwoman for punk band Blondie. Yeah, that’s right. Debbie headed up a punk rock band. Obviously, she had to be fierce. But she also managed to be feminine.

“It was a funny thing being a girl singer during the punk era. It was an odd position to take. Since I was a front for a bunch of guys, it was like some of their perspective came through me… I was cute, but I had to be tough, too. So that helped me in a way. It made me become… uh… schizophrenic.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure that’s like the epitome of sexy. It’s part of the appeal of women like Angelina Jolie. Debbie Harry was a bombshell in every sense of the word. On stage, Debbie flaunted her sexuality when necessary. She was a woman and she didn’t want us to forget it. But she was hardcore. Debbie was one of the first women ever to front and all-guy band. Imagine how rough that wouldbe. Basically, Debbie was the Haley Williams of the 70’s and 80’s only way cooler. Debbie could hold her own with the boys but she also knew how to glam it up.

Debbie is my ultimate idol. It’s because she’s so versatile. She could run onstage in an ensemble that screams “don’t mess with me” and work a classy, sophisticated number and always look comfortable and unique.

And at 64, Debbie’s still got it.

I’m sure you’ve noticed the two-tone hair trend going around. It usually incarnates itself in a bleached blond top layer with a darker color underneath. Debbie Harry definitely was at the foreground of this trend and if it weren’t for her, I’ll bet it wouldn’t ever have been on the radar.

A casual Debbie look would probably consist of some black skinny jeans, a vintage T-shirt and some leather combat boots. A more formal Debbie-inspired look would include a slinky party dress (most likely asymmetrical), some fabulous heels, simple jewelry and bright red lipstick. Below I have created some feasible, modern interpretations of Debbie's look.

Currently listening to: "Rip Her to Shreds" Blondie

Formal Debbie Harry-inspired by Ashley Chupp featuring Lipsy

Items in this set:
Lipsy dress, 30 GBP
Forever21 sandals, $24
Modcloth.com clutch, $30
Torrid.com ring, $12
Torrid.com bracelet, $10

Casual Debbie Harry-inspired by Ashley Chupp featuring Forever21

Items in this set:
Forever21 t shirt, $16
Forever21 jacket, $16
American Eagle Outfitters jeans, $50
Charlotte Russe boots, $40
Ray-Ban sunglasses, 130 EUR

Fashion Blogging

You really should follow www.collegefashion.net

It's good stuff.

Anyway, they're hiring interns right now. College girls, obviously. I wanted to apply, but I think I need more experience. I'm planning on focusing on gaining experience for now and maybe applying for an internship next year!

All that to say, I'm hoping to do a lot of talking about fashion in the future.

Currently listening to: "Heads Will Roll" Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Random, I know

Off with you're head

Dance 'til you're dead

Heads will roll

Heads will roll

Heads will roll

On the floor

Imagine my delight when I paused in the Charlotte Russe fitting room to hear these familiar lyrics being sung through the speakers by none other than Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen O. I was ecstatic. Mall stores don't like to play the music I'm into.

Faces all around me.

They don't smile, they just crack.

Waiting for our ship to come,

But our ship's not coming back.

Imagine my even-more delight when I followed Cassidy into Pac Sun to hear The Bravery (aka my reason for living) sounding clearly through the store.

A good day, for sure.

And here is a list I have compiled of musical artists that have been greatly influential in getting me through certain periods of life:

The Bravery

Interpol

Bloc Party

The Cure

The Killers

The Myriad

Regina Spektor

Rebecca St. James

Taylor Swift

The White Stripes

The Velvet Underground

Currently listening to: "Don't Shoot Me Santa" The Killers

"I'll Be Your Mirror" The Velvet Underground

I'll be your mirror
Reflect what you are, in case you don't know
I'll be the wind, the rain and the sunset
The light on your door to show that you're home

When you think the night has seen your mind
That inside you're twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind
Please put down your hands
'Cause I see you

I find it hard to believe you don't know
The beauty that you are
But if you don't, let me be your eyes
A hand in your darkness so you won't be afraid

When you think the night has seen your mind
That inside you're twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind
Please put down your hands
'Cause I see you

I'll be your mirror...

Currently listening to: "Runaway" Yeah Yeah Yeahs

If home is where the heart is...

Then home is at Cassidy's house.

Haha.

I am enjoying my stay in the 757. It's always nice to see old friends.

And go to Starbucks.

Also, I love love love Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

If you don't listen to them, do so promptly.

Currently listening to: "Heads Will Roll" Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I love planning outfits. It's an addiction, really. I love, love, love fashion.

This outfit is for my IB graduation ceremony in December. We all get our IB diplomas that tell us we scored well enough on our pointless exams to have a pointless diploma from an almost pointless international organization. Woo!

The thing about IB graduation is that it's the biggest event of the year. The recent graduates all come back to their dear old high school to get their diplomas. But also to reminisce and say hi to the people they left behind. It's also the first time a lot of the grads will see each other since summer.

There are a lot of people from high school who dislike me very much. There are also a lot of people who don't dislike me, but destroyed my self esteem. Honestly, I'm a little terrified to go back. I've gained so much confidence in the last few months and I'm worried about going back and revisiting that dark time in my life. It's very important that I feel confident during this ordeal.

One thing I've noticed is that when I dress edgy and BA, I FEEL edgy and BA. It's stupid, I know. But it works for me. If I have to do something intimidating, I throw on my studded belt, my faux-leather leggings and a wild dress. It makes me almost fearless. This outfit is designed to provide optimal confidence.

First, black is the dominant color here. Black makes me feel mysterious and even a little scary. The sequined dress is super classy and that's why I chose it. It grabs the attention without being gaudy. The class-factor is a definite must. I need to feel graceful. The leather jacket adds kind of a tough, rugged element to the classiness that I think is super cool. The leggings... well I just love shiny black leggings. The studded leather bracelets are fun and kind of BA. The shoes are important. The wedge heel means I'll feel taller and more confident, but I'll also be able to walk in them. And it carries on the studded theme from the bracelets. The slouchy leather bag is trendy and I just love it. And finally, liquid black eyeliner. One of my favorite, favorite things. It has this super clean and bold line. I never leave my house or dorm room without black eyeliner and the liquid kind is good for a confidence boost.

So there you go. Wish me luck recreating this outfit and not re-developing that horrible inferiority complex when I set foot in that school with my old classmates.

A Realistic Love Story

There was a girl named Jenny and a dude named Ethan. Jenny and Ethan met in college. They had some classes together, so they hung out sometimes and eventually became friends. One day after being friends for a while, Jenny and Ethan decided they were sufficiently attracted to one another and got along well enough that they would begin a romantic relationship. Jenny and Ethan dated for a few years. They had some good times and some bad times. Seeing as how they'd been together for a few years, they got really close to each other emotionally. Eventually, they decided they were compatible and close enough to be together for a very long time. And so they got married. They fought sometimes, you know. Everyone does. But for the most part they got along okay. They rose two kids together who eventually grew up and produced five grandkids. Jenny died of lung cancer from smoking after a little while and Ethan died of a heart attack as a side effect of his obesity a few years later.

THE END

All without any dramatic airport chases, sappy and ridiculous displays of love or heart-wrenching break up/make ups. And no vampires.

Currently listening to: "Close to Me" The Cure

Believe it or not, sometimes I am too nice for my own good.

It's true.

To help out someone I don't even know that well, I have 2 days to write a persuasive speech when I could have had 3 weeks.

I want to write about why Prop 8 should be repealed. But I want to argue it from a Christian perspective. Well, I have to do it that way. I'm at a Christian school. My whole audience is Christian.

This is an issue that is very close to my heart and I'm terrified I'll mess it up. Or I won't be convincing enough. Or people will hate me for it. Or I just won't have enough time to write a bangin' speech.

It's okay. I did a good deed and God will honor that, I hope.

Currently listening to: "Spaceman" The Killers

Because...

Women's work is never done
& is underpaid or boring or repetitious
& we're the first to get sacked
& what we look like is more important than what we do
& if we get raped it's our fault
& if we get bashed we must have provoked it
& if we raise our voices we're nagging b*tches
& if we enjoy sex we're nymphos
& if we don't we're rigid
& if we love women it's because we can't get a "Real Man"
& if we ask our doctor too many questions we're neurotic or pushy
& if we expect community care for our children we're selfish
& if we stand up for our rights we're aggressive and "unfeminine"
& if we don't we're typical weak females
& if we want to get married we're out to trap a man
& if we don't we're "unnatural"
& because we still can't get adequate contraception
But men can walk on the moon
&...for lots of other reasons
We are part of the women's liberation movement
We are feminists

-Joyce Stevens 1975

Currently listening to: "Eleanor Put Your Boots On" Franz Ferdinand

A Letter

I write letters a lot without ever sending them. This is one of my favorites.

Dear *****,

Hey there, old pal. You know what rocks? That we've been through so much craziness and we're still good friends. Sometimes I wonder how things would have been if I gave a relationship with you a chance. I'm sure it was all for the best. I'm absolutely positive it was. But, still, I wonder. After how I treated you, I'm surprised that you still wanted to be friends. But I'm SO glad you did. You've kept me sane. Watching you grow up is bittersweet for me. It's cool to see you becoming a man and all, but I'll miss your goofy, immature side. I think that's what I fell for back then. That and the care you showed me when no one else did.

We never talk about this. And that's fine. It's good. It makes things less awkward to pretend none of it ever happened. But at the same time, it was so real. Undeniable. Or at least I think it was. It all seems so distant now. Like I could have made it up. But I know I didn't. I really felt those things and you did too. Don't forget it. It's made us who we are today.

Thanks for always being there for me and teaching me so much about life and myself. You taught me to take action when life sucks instead of just moping around. You've always been great to talk to. Really cathartic and at the same time really helpful with giving advice and all. You saved my self esteem from total destruction, you know. I love you to death, man. Really, I do. I hope we keep in touch so I can watch you succeed in life.

Love always,

Ashley

Currently listening to: "Split Me Wide Open" The Bravery

Beginnings

I've tried blogging so many times before and it never lasts long. So here's to attempt number 2,945. Or whatever.

This time, instead of making this my public diary or whatever (because, honestly, who really cares?) I think I'm going to just write out my random musings. Whatever they are. Observations of life, Bible verses, song lyrics. Who knows? Hopefully, someone will read it. If not, at least I'll have the cathartic outlet.

Now... back to that biology lab report...

Currently listening to: "Blank Generation" Richard Hell & The Voidoids