Too Haute to Handle

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2011-05-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

New Blog. Visit me <3

http://flexibletruth.blogspot.com

That's Like Chasing Rainbows

2010-10-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful song. Listen to it.

If you strip me, strip it all away.
I'll be alright.
Take what you want, steal my pride,
Build me up or cut me down to size,
Shut me out but I'll just scream,
I'm only one voice in a million,
But you ain't taking that from me
-Natasha Bedingfield

I love this song. I love this picture of me too. It's just Morena. Not showcasing any outfits, my hair undone, no makeup (not that you can tell). This picture and this song solidifies how I've been feeling.

So I haven't posted in 3 months.. Time really gets away from you doesn't it? Well it's been a busy, wonderful, crazy, exhausting, difficult, amazing, beautiful, couple of months.

Nothing too significant has really happened. I've had a lot of fun, I look a little different, my wardrobe has been updated, I've spent even more time dancing. But when all that's "stripped away," nothing has really changed. I sometimes still feel the weight of the world on my shoulders, but I still feel so free at the same time. Although I have many, I am not bound by my fears or worries. Honestly... I feel free.

I was going to slowly let this blog go. I no longer felt it was necessary in my life, nor was it relevant in any one else's. But then I received some emails thanking me for my thought provoking words, my unabashed voice, and beautiful perspective on life. I've decided to continue writing and posting on here.

It's so easy for us to forget the influence we have on people. Because it's so difficult to understand how much one person can affect their surroundings. But like Natasha Bedingfield says, "sometimes all it takes is one voice."

Don't forget that.

-Morena

She Was Left Alone

2010-07-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

We're Always Running Away

2010-06-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here's your daily dose of fashion photography..

Photos are subject to copyright. Do not re-post.

They End up Empty

2010-06-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Photograph of me taken by: TIffany Moore

I love this song.. It's so true. You wont' ever get to fully understand who someone else is. People live parallel lives but they don't live the same lives. People put up facades, people lie, people hide, but it's up to us to judge what's real. We just have to trust. The world is mysterious, no? I like that though. I like wondering more than knowing.
Do you have tales that you'll never tell?

Happy Summer! Enjoy it, because yesterday was the Summer Solstice, and the days only get shorter from here.

See you,
Morena

Right In My Path, In My Grasp

2010-05-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

Don't LOVE Beyonce as much as everyone..but a very lovely song.

Time's going by way too quickly. I can't even believe that the last time I posted was February (again with the apologies). Life got really interesting.

This school year is ending very bitter sweet, to say the least. I realize that things are about to change. I don't why, but I guess there must be a purpose. I know I'll be starting very new things over the summer, as well as moving into a new home, and then there's also the moving away of someone very important to me.

I don't know how to complain about life though, but I can complain about time. There's never enough when you want there to be, but when you're anxious to move on, it decides to go by horribly slow. But for all intents and purposes, I think people should realize that life does go on. And when you think about it all retrospectively, you want to be happy with what you've done.

I guess I'm just trying to say that I'm not letting myself get stuck this time. Although I'm tempted to because I miss things too much. But I heard once that missing something is part of what makes it a good memory.

But yeah, I'm way too nostalgic for my own good.
Moving on...
Well at least trying to. More like forcing myself to.
Oh well.

Anything change for you guys?
Been a while, let's touch base.
Talk soon!

xx, Morena

P.S. More cut little Polaroids:

Guide Us With Your Grace

2010-02-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

You know that a wish is much like a prayer?

Do you ever think about who you're wishing to?

I wish...
(Thanks Jennifer for this idea.)
I wish I could help you when you felt like this.
I wish that I knew you'd be okay. I'm pretty sure he'll watch over you. You'll be okay. You'll be safe. I wish I knew that for sure.
I wish I could save you from all this.
I wish all this never happened.
I wish they were just good to you.
I wish they knew you didn't ever deserve this. I wish I knew that you knew that. Because you didn't deserve it.

That's what I wish for.
Let this be my prayer.
(Listen to the song above. I love it.)

What do you wish for?

Have a beautiful evening.
-Morena

Giveaway Day! Enamor's Premiere Issue.

2010-02-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

My Magazine has launched!
CLICK HERE to view it.

I am giving away a special printed copy of my magazine as well as a gossip girl inspired headband (handmade by yours truly). You can enter by:

1. Following this blog and commenting this post that you are one of my followers.
2. Commenting this link with your thoughts: The Premiere Issue
3. Posting this link on your blog: http://enamormagazine.blogspot.com/search/label/Current%20Issue and commenting this post with the link to your blog so I can check out your post about Enamor.
4. Posting Enamor Magazine on Polyvore and commenting this post with the link to your Polyvore account.

Won't Let the Sunshine Go to Waste

2010-02-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

Fashion: My hair's gotten a bit longer and I've been so obsessed with Gossip Girl-type headbands. That's all I ever wear now! Anyway, I took this picture sans makeup (with no makeup). But I like the headband so I'm posting it! Deal with it.
Philosophy: "Did you know that a smile at 7 in the morning can make a difference in someone's day?" Someone said that to me. Don't you just agree? When someone smiles at me in the morning it feels like I'm "waking up to love, " hence the song I posted above.

You don't have to know anyone to smile at them. Smiles make friends out of people that are strangers.

Have a wonderful day.
Don't let the sunshine go to waste!
-Morena

When Presented Like a Genie

2010-01-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Another Regina Spektor song. It's really good. Come listen...
I took this picture last month. The clouds were so beautiful but the sun was in my eyes so I stuck out my hand and took two pictures with my eyes closed. As I looked over the photos after, I saw this one. It looks like heaven peeking out. If I ever doubted my religion in the past, I know I always believed in heaven. I don't know if anyone could ever convince me otherwise. For me, heaven is a symbol of hope. No harm in believing in hope right?

Have a lovely rest of the day.
-Morena

Again, so sorry for not posting.
I meant to post in December but the holidays were a tad bit chaotic. I hope everyone had a good holiday. It seems that the people I cared about most had a horrible holiday. I wish I could've done something because I had a great one.

You Are My Sweetest Downfall

2009-12-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

Fashion: A while back I posted that gray was going to be a trendy color this fall and winter. And it's time to toot my own horn! Okay. Over it. Philosophy time.

Philosophy: I love the line in this song, "you are my sweetest downfall." You know when something's not so great, and it makes you scared? But then you do it anyway? That's what "sweetest downfall" means to me. A physical metaphor of all this is when I walk around in the rain. It's been raining here lately and I just love walking in the rain. Something about the very gesture makes me feel free. It's almost like the feeling of a delicate-type of rebellion. Hard to explain.

By the way, I had another epiphany today. I've said it numerous times but it really dawned on me today that all of this only happens once. And yes I mean my life right now. I was sitting in the corner of my dance class earlier and watched the whole studio filled with these people just laughing and smiling and just being so satisfied. I kept watching, breathed in slowly, and said "thank you." I wasn't talking to anyone, I just kind of whispered it aloud. Why? I just wanted to thank whoever gave me that moment.

Have a wonderful start to the Holiday Season.
I'll be posting before the end of the month.
Thank you for everything.
-Morena

It's Your Final Last Call

2009-11-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

I really love the song "Battle" by Colbie Caillat. It's such a beautiful song, but the lyrics I don't exactly agree with:

"This is a battle and it's your final last call. It was a trial, you made a mistake. I'm feeling like we've missed out on everything. I just hope its worth the fight."

The way I've interpreted it, I feel like this song is talking about how life is a battle. I disagree for only one reason...life isn't a big battle. If it were, we would have to fight to win so the others lose. And that seems to make sense until you start to think about what are we trying to win? Nothing really. I actually can't speak for you, but personally I don't believe we have to battle anyone or anything to be happy. Life can't be that hard, can it? It can be inconvenient and challenging, but you need to remember:
You should live to find the light in your life, not to render darkness in another person's.

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Don't worry.
Have a wonderful Veteran's Day.
Love, Morena

The Sky Was Bright and Wide and Blue

2009-10-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

*Disclaimer: The writing below these photos shouldn't worry you. I'm okay. Trust me. Thanks anyway for the concerned emails.
Fashion: I don't have any outfits today because I can't find my camera. Sorry. But here are some photos for your pleasure. These photos are beautiful, and they reflect my mood.

Philosophy: All week I've realized that no matter what happens to a person, they never disappear. Ever. I don't mean to bring up death, but just think...when someone dies or when someone has to go away, are they really gone? Or are they still inside of you? You remember them, you feel them there...why? Because they are here. And do you want to know something? Moving on doesn't mean forgetting, it means remembering but pushing forward. Don't think goodbye is forever. It isn't. Goodbye just means you're parting for now. You'll always love them the same. Because time shouldn't change what's already been.
Time determines the future, but it does not erase the past.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Love, Morena

(If you haven't done so yet, listen to the song at the top of this post, it really is beautiful beyond comprehension.)

P.S. A shameless plug but a favor nonetheless to a good friend. CLICK HERE. It's a pretty good place.

There's a Beat in my Heart that Sets me Apart

2009-09-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

Listen to this song please...so adorable.

Fashion: I love this outfit. The skirt is vintage United Colors of Benetton and the top is thrifted and the shoes are Chinese Laundry.

Philosophy: I've been feeling lucky lately. It's not even just happy anymore. I just feel lucky and grateful. A bit strange but I like it. I just keep looking around to make sure everything's real. I feel like I'm in a fantasy land where I'm just smiling all the time. It's great though. Anyway again I must apologize. I've been sick on and off, and I guess the rest of life has gotten me quite occupied. I hope all you are well! Thank you for sticking with me.

Have a wonderful evening!
Love, Morena

P.S. Please go to: MyFashionPlate.com. It's an amazing new site I discovered! You all would love it.

Time to Get up and Do Something

2009-09-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

Listen to this song please and keep reading...

Picture Created on: Polyvore.com

I think we all need some lightening up.
So I created Operation Solace.
Basically every time you complete a task on the following list, I will enter your name into a giveaway, but the ultimate prize is secret. But even if you don't win the giveaway, at least we know we contributed to some solace, especially in this economy.
Now you must submit a photo or video every time you complete an item on the list. And send that photo or video here to WithLove.Morena@gmail.com
If you for some reason can't send a photo or video, email me and let me know. Thank you again!

Now for The List:
1) Take a sticky note, put the words "You're still beautiful" (or something to that effect) on it. And then place it in a public restroom's mirror, OR in the weight watchers, diet pills, slim fast etc. sections at the grocery store. This requires a photo.
2) This one is for you. Play your favorite dance song, and dance to it any way you want until you feel even a blip of joy. If you send in a video for this, it's worth three entries.
3) This one requires no photo or video, but you have to be honest in doing it: I want you to give a random compliment to someone you wouldn't normally pay attention to.
4) Go out one day without any makeup at all and dress simply. And maybe you'll realize how wonderful you really are, without any of that extra stuff. This requires a photo.
5) Smile your most genuine smile. This one definitely requires a photo.

Remember to leave a separate comment for each task you complete. I'll post more task periodically throughout the following months.
Thanks! And sorry I've been MIA. I'll reply to all comments soon.

Have a wonderful time doing these!
Love, Morena

P.S. If you don't want to be entered in the giveaway and just want to do this for fun, still send me photos/videos. I want to put them together in a post to see what we've accomplished.

It's Like Rain on Your Wedding Day

2009-08-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

Listen to this song during this post.
Fashion: I've been dressed really simply lately.
These photos I took inspired the simple grey tulle dress above:

Philosophy: Nothing really philosophical today. How about another word that starts with a P? Poetic. I've been very poetic lately. Just in the way I feel, dress and in my writing as well. I find that I keep staring out the window with Alanis Morissette or Imogen Heap playing in the background. It's a bit strange honestly. Usually I'm really obnoxious blasting "Just Dance" on full volume. (Which I still do, but less than usual.) Anyway, point is, I've been very somber in recent days, and I think I like it.

***I'd like to apologize for being such a bad blogger and responding to emails slowly. So very sorry. I promise to be better.

Have a Lovely Day.
-Morena

Pitter-Pat the Angel on My Shoulder is Haunting

2009-08-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Listen to this song during this post:

Picture Credit: Here

I'm so very easily indulged, and I fall in love easily.
I've fallen in love with ballet all over again.

When I'm in class I feel like anything bad that I've ever felt, I get to leave outside the studio. In studio, I just feel bliss. Nothing else exists. I'm insuperable. Each turn, each leap, doubts fall away. All of a sudden my belief that everything's going to be okay, is confirmed.

It validates my desire to be alive
and my willingness to believe in hope.
What makes you feel this way?

Have a wonderful day.
Love, Morena

P.S. It's a beautiful song, no? I'll return my normal music player soon. Oh and thanks to everyone that entered my giveaway. I backdated it so it won't show up on my homepage anymore.

A La Leslie Hornby

2009-07-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Fashion: Leslie Horby is Twiggy's name. This dress gives me the pleasure of feeling like I'm vicariously living through Twiggy. I had fun twirling in both these pictures. Does it look like I'm twirling?
Dress: H&M, Shoes: Vintage via the Vintage Collective, Clip: Claire's

Philosophy: Belle inspired me (when I read this post) to answer a question that I've honestly not given much thought to before. What is my definition of friendship?

Friendship to me is when you've made enough of a connection with another person, that they know every way to make you cry, yet they do everything to try to make you smile. The end.

What's your definition of friendship?
I'm looking forward to hearing it!
Have an amazing day.

Love,
Morena

Homage to Cammila

2009-07-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have made many friendships in my past year of blogging. And I've discovered blogs that I just adore because they excite me, keep me smiling, or maybe just because the blog is so cute! Well for a while now, I've been so fascinated by one particular blogger.

Her name is Cammila, and she's an amazingly sweet and inspirational person...on top of being so stylish and absolutely gorgeous. (She's one of those people that won't let you stop smiling when you speak to them.) I was captivated by her blog the minute the page opened up. If you check out my magazine's blog, you can see her pictures in the header.

Here's a montage of my favorites from Cammila's Archives:
She's adorable, no? And a lovely personality to top it all off.
She has many more outfits that are amazing. I swear she really does remind me of Audrey Hepburn sometimes. Just her over all vibe screams iconic to me.
Photo Credit: Cammila & Ryan Hyde

Have a Lovely Day,
Morena

P.S. On my post below, I'm still awaiting to hear everyone's dreams! I'm so intrigued by what I've heard so far.

I've Never Had a Need to Explain Myself

2009-07-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Woah, two weeks without my fashion/philosophy posts?

Fashion: Emma Watson for TeenVogue was stunning and styling was amazing. I'm proud of TeenVogue. My favorite cover yet.
Philosophy: "What I really like about your blog is that I can see how you're so full of happiness when you write. You can tell it's your passion. Every time I read your blog, I wish that I loved something so much, and I could have a whole website about it. " A girl named Taylor had said that to me.

Hearing that made me think...

You see, no one ever actually asked me if "I loved fashion." It was always just assumed, I guess. My vocabulary does not consist of that phrase to be honest. So hearing Taylor tell me that, it made me think, DO I love fashion? The obvious answer is yes. Because it's like duh, how can I have a fashion blog and not love the fashion industry? But when it comes down to it, my answer is no. I do not love the fashion industry. How can I possibly love something so based upon superficiality, competitiveness, and backstabbing?
I don't love fashion, I love the feeling it gives me.

You know those people that say "fashion chose me." And it sounds so cliche when they say it, but now I've come to realize that that's true in my case. I didn't choose fashion. I didn't choose the feeling I get every time I talk about or live in it. (And yes, I do live in fashion. It's consumes my life.) We don't really have much control over our emotions anyway.

I can hardly find a way to explain this with words, but here is how I feel every time I get dressed, read glossy pages, or just anytime I indulge in fashion in any way: I start to get butterflies in my stomach, and I can't stop smiling and all that's running through my head are the same two sentences:
"This is my future. This is my life."

I believe more than anything that I have a future in fashion.
It really is my passion. It really is my dream.

What's your dream?
I'll be waiting to hear...

Love, Morena

Time After Time: Happy Blog Birthday to Me

2009-07-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

So it's my one year blog anniversary? Wow, July 7th already.

I didn't think this day would come so soon.

Let us reminisce...(the bolded words are links)
I've changed so much since my first post on this blog.
If you compare this post, to this post, you can see how I've matured in terms of just writing, and how my spirit's just grown as well.

During this one year, I've reached my happiest point, and my lowest point. And I've been lucky enough to have amazing readers with me through it all. And when I say amazing, I really do mean it. Honestly, I do mean it, all of you are amazing.

I remember this outfit post, it was the point where my blog was established as a fashion blog. It's probably one of my favorite fashion posts, and it was the first time I got so many comments.

And then the blog evolved when I posted "The Art of an Innocent Child." It was the first time I had posted something that was not so superficial. And that's when it all started...the posts about life, love, and inspiration. The blog went from a shallow fashion blog, and became this blog full of my fashion/philosophy posts.

Remember this? It's one of my favorites as well.
This post was beautiful.

So you see? So much has changed, no?
I went from this little girl desperately trying to get readers, with my hideously wrong grammar (which I thought was so cool)...to this young girl who's indulged by the mere idea that she's lucky enough to be alive. (And of course now she uses perfect grammar. Well not perfect, but she's close enough.)

The only thing I can say to you now is...
THANK YOU for everything.
My life was definitely better this year than any other.

Oh! And I had a little surprise for you...
I started my own online magazine. (Enamor Magazine)

Again, thank you for everything.
Your comments enlighten my already bright spirit.
Here's to another great year to come.

With Love,
Morena

Now I leave you with my favorite photos from this past year:

(Yes I'm wearing the same top as above. What can I say? It's my favorite top.)

We All Need Some Sunshine

2009-06-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Fashion/Philosophy again. Sorry I haven't posted in a week.
Fashion: Here's what I call my Sunday Brunch Dress.
I love how it fits.

Philosophy: My take on death...
This week has brought up many thoughts that we often like to avoid as living human beings. We don't like to think that any day can be our last day here. We don't like to think about the fact that this is our one shot because this life doesn't happen again. I personally have accepted that we all will die someday. I just make sure that at the end of each day, no matter what's gone on, that I still look forward to tomorrow... if I'm fortunate enough to even have a tomorrow. Death happens, you know? It's a fact of life. I find it quite ironic actually that death is a fact of life.

So although Farrah Fawcett's death was expected, it was still a tragedy but now she's a real angel. Although Michael Jackson's death was unanticipated, let's focus on celebrating his life, not his end. Even though we lost Ed McMahon, let's be happy he lived a long life until 86. And although Billy Mays died this morning from an unknown cause, we will always remember his bright spirit.

I must say however, Farrah Fawcett resonated with me the most. I loved her. And most the promos on TV about her are saying, "Farrah loses her battle to cancer." I cringe everytime I hear that. Farrah didn't lose. How could she possibly have lost when she kept fighting until the end? In her documentary (Farrah's Story), she kept saying that her "desire to live was something she'd never compromise." She is my biggest inspiration for her courage and faith. Farah Fawcett was quite amazing. ♥

Have a great evening.
Love,
Morena

P.S. I'm so sorry for not replying to all comments.
I've been a bit distracted.

Beatiful Painting, Unfathomable Crimes

2009-06-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Hello. Please excuse the mini hiatus. I was a bit busy to say the least.So it's that time again, Fashion/Philosophy.
Fashion: Claudia from Painterly Pig painted me in an original design of hers! Thanks Claudia! It's absolutely beautiful.
(Please do not repost. This is copyrighted.)

Philosophy: This past Tuesday I was introduced to a charity called Love146. Basically what it is is a charity dedicated to prevention of child sex trafficing in different countries. However, they also provide what they call "after care" for children who've gone through the traumatic experience of trafficking. As I browsed their website I came across: this video. When I saw it, it didn't make as big an impact on me right away. But I guess I was subconsciously affected because I had a dream about it last night. I woke up this morning and I looked into it even more. I am absolutely disgusted by sex trafficking. And now I know that I'm meant to do something about it. I have no idea what, but it has to be something. Educating you and posting about this has to count as a start. And watch the video. They're an amazing organization, and the founder seems so kind-hearted and sincere. So please, go find out more.

Have a great evening.
Love,
Morena

P.S. Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I adore you for that.

Happy Birthday to That Lovely Someone

2009-06-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

Guess who it is...
It's this lovely lady:

Okay well Happy Birthday to me. :) This is my first birthday having a blog. I've lived another year, and it was better because of people like you who come visit me and comment.

Hope you had a good Monday.
Love,
Morena

P.S. I did so much shopping today so expect some new vintage outfits posts coming up soon. I had an amazing day.
P.P.S. The Lakers won...and I'm happy.

INSIDE MORENA'S CLOSET: BoHo in SoHo

2009-06-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

I was watching ANTM reruns today, and of course I was inspired. So now you must indulge in my cliche "model 101" poses. ;) I wore this outfit to go bowling. It was a fun night.

Top: Mossimo thrifted
Leggings: Target Kids
Shoes: Chinese Laundry
Necklace: Vintage

Have a Lovely Evening.
Love,
Morena

P.S. Enter this lovely giveaway: CLICK HERE

"Story Book Endings, Fairytales Coming True"

2009-06-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Fashion: I made yet another collage for you...

Philosophy: I love the song by Carrie Underwood, "Ever Ever After." It's the abridged version of my life story.
My favorite lines are:
Sometimes you reach what's real just by making believe
Unafraid, unashamed
There is joy to be claimed in this world
...
No wonder your heart feels it's flying
Your head feels it's spinning
Each happy ending's a brand new beginning
Let yourself be enchanted, you just might break through

I want everyone to believe in Happily Ever After because it does happen. But I don't think people are afraid of believing it, I think they're afraid of being disappointed. Life's too amazing to not have hope and faith though.

I always wished that people could see the world through my eyes. Because from where I am, I never once saw a barrier in front of possibility. I see an open world awaiting the story I'm about to offer them, which is my story. Every moment we're alive, we're in the process of creating ourselves and our story. The point of life was never to find yourself, I always saw it as a place where you can create yourself. So, whether or not you will experience a happy ending...well that's up to you. You really can not leave everything up to fate right?

Have a Lovely Evening.
Sincerely,
Morena

...This was for you Jennifer.

This Marks The End...

2009-06-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

So it's almost official. The school year is over in two days.

Of course I'll miss the girls moving, as well as the ones graduating.
I'll definitely miss these two:

Here's the same picture above but from a long shot.
The view is gorgeous:
This was definitely my favorite "photo shoot." It was amateur, but so fun. I think the pictures turned out very cute. Dress up is twice as fun when you take pictures right after. Another reason this was so amazing was because I quite enjoyed my time with my fellow models. ;) What a pleasantly spent day.

Have an amazing day yourself.
Love,
Morena.

P.S. I just found out Chelsea created a blog yesterday. (She's the one in the blue dress.) CLICK HERE to see her blog. I'm sure you'll love it. She has just as much perspective and talent as I...maybe even more. ;)

P.P.S. I had to answer an interview question yesterday. And I pondered over the answer for a while, and then I realized how hard it is to truly say who you are and then translate it into text. So here's the Q&A:
5. What do you think sets you apart from other girls in your community? I would have to say the one thing that definitely sets me apart is my spirit. I have a free spirit full of unbelievable amounts of hope and ambition. I discover beauty in everything I encounter, and I truly find this world as such a wonderful place despite the cynics surrounding. I have an inevitable appreciation for life; I think I've fallen in love with it.

That paragraph took me about an hour. Silly me.
It ended up being such an easy answer in the end.

***One last thing, I just wanted to say thanks to all my readers. I didn't notice that I have 56 followers now. I can't even believe that. And I also can't believe that I renew that hit counter every day, and I get over 10,000 hits a day! Ridiculous. I am really not that interesting. ;) Thanks so much for just being the nicest people in the world. I seriously look forward to coming home and reading all your emails and comments every week. Summer's here so I will definitely be spending more time on your blogs.
*sigh* How come I was so lucky to meet you guys?

C'est La Vie: Je Ne Peux Pas le Changer

2009-06-06T10:19:00.001-07:00

Another Fashion/Philosophy segment. Enjoy.
Philosophy: Mistakes are made. I'm over that fact of life. It's just important that we learn. Recently someone very close to me made an irreversible mistake, and even though I can't change it, I now know to stray away from the same path.

Yesterday, very insightful individual said to me,
"You live to make the world better, not the same."
Personally I live by example, and I have every intention to make this world "better." I will not do the same things my friend did. I can't be angry at her because it's her life and she can do what she wants. I can just thank her because I now fathom the effects of her actions and I won't repeat them. Too bad she didn't know better. Mais, c'est la vie, n'est-ce pas? I still love her of course.

And now the...
Fashion: Don't these just make you want to play dress up?

Courtesy of: Elle Magazine

Have A Lovely Day.
Sincerely,
Morena

P.S. Do you like the new song you hear? I changed it.

Honey, it’s the Camera That Loves Me

2009-05-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

I'm really not all that interesting you guys. But I was tagged by three different people last week so I assumed someone wanted to know more about me. I decided to do this tag and will post the answer to your "tag" questions later this week. A special thank you to my "taggers" Sarah, Brooke, and Emmy.

So now, here we go...fashion and philosophy time.

Well for the fashion, how's this?

(Picture Taken by our friends: Tiffany Moore and helped by Tiffany O'dwyer.)

Is that not such a cute shot? Someone asked me if it was professionally done. Nope! That's just my gorgeous friend Chelsea and I taking some pictures at lunch. I thought it was really pretty. Especially considering it was not lighted correctly and it was an amateur shot. (Chelsea's pretty right? I told you guys. I'll be doing a post about her and two other people soon. They're my picks for my "fashion icons in real life." Post should come in about two weeks.)

In other news...

Here's my Philosophy bit for the day: It's an essay I wrote about an event in my life that left a "mark" on me. Read it if you'd like. I'd love it if you did. This essay was an exercise in writing a narrative with sensory details:

“You may just start a chain reaction” were seven little words that changed my life. Cliché but it’s so true. They were said by Rachel Joy Scott whom was the first victim in the Columbine shootings back in 1999. Those seven words not only impacted me personally, but it helped me better the world surrounding us.

I remember the day quite well. It was near the end of February on the twenty-fifth which I believe was a Wednesday. It was an even day, so as always I went to my second period class. I sat in Drama with the rest of my class awaiting my teacher’s arrival. We were anxious to know what the agenda was for today, because in Drama anything goes.

Right as the bell rang, Ms. Hubbard appeared in front of us with her prospective smile. She announced that today we were going to attend an assembly. The class of course was enthusiastic about the change in plans, and an assortment of whispers accumulated in the classroom. No one could sit still as Ms. Hubbard took roll. I finally decided to be the brave one and asked her what this assembly was about.

“We don’t really have much time so you will just have to wait and see,” Ms. Hubbard had said.

About ten minutes into class, we were instructed to line up at the door and then head to the auditorium. The walk to the auditorium seemed to be dragging on for the longest time. When we finally got there, we sat down in the ninth row on the left side of the auditorium. I recall sitting in between Sarah and Alex. We decided to start talking about Tyra Banks to pass the time before this assembly started. Then finally, the lights dimmed and a nice lady in a pale green sweater emerged from backstage. She started talking to us about the Columbine shootings and explained what it was to those who didn’t know. The minute I heard the lady mention Columbine, I knew this assembly would intrigue me because of the importance of the matter. She went into this whole spiel about how scary the event was for her community. I found myself quite empathetic as usual; it’s how I naturally react to everything.

Subsequently, a video was put on telling the story of one Columbine victim in particular. Her name was Rachel. The video showed us some of the passages she had written in her diary. Most of which were about eliminating prejudice, choosing kind words, as well as “starting a chain reaction.”

Right then and there I decided that this girl was more like me than I could ever imagine. I do not exaggerate when I say that everything Rachel had written was something I had written myself. I have proof of that on my public blog. As the video progressed, I sat there crying. It wasn’t like one of those heavy crying moments where you feel like you can’t stop. It was one of those light-teary cries where at that moment, you feel truly touched. I remember turning to Sarah a few times because she was crying as well.

“Oh gosh this is really sad,” Sarah had said, briefly laughing off her tears.

“I know, but I’m not crying out of sadness. I’m just really inspired,” I replied.

This was very true. I decided that I have never been more inspired in my life. In the middle of that thought, the lights came on. The lady in the pale green sweater talked a little more, but I remember her last words vaguely. I sat quietly with my chin rested on my hand, just thinking.

Before I knew it, the assembly was over, all the lights were on, and everyone was ready to go or already gone. I got up and walked out to nutrition still quiet with my head down. Still in deep thought, I bumped into a closed door. That’s when I was fully aware that I wasn’t in that auditorium anymore and I got back into my normal state.

At nutrition, I told those who did not get to attend the assembly about who Rachel was.

“She was such a beautiful girl and the things she said were so amazing,” I said.

“Aw, I feel awful missing the assembly to make up a test,” Lauren replied. “But from what you’ve told me, she sounds a lot like you.”

I only hoped that I was anything like Rachel. Throughout the rest of the day I made it a point to say hi to everyone I knew that passed me. That was one of the things I picked up from the assembly. They had told us that sometimes one little wave or smile can really mean something. I made sure to wave and smile at everyone. I vowed to continue that everyday.

In my head I just thought, “Wow, Rachel really is starting a chain reaction through me.” I never heard her voice, but I listened to her words. Since that day at the assembly, I know I’ve made the world around me a much better place. All of the conceited jokes aside, I really believe that. Rachel Joy Scott is someone I look forward to meeting in heaven. I truly care about her because even though I didn’t get to meet her physically, I can sense her spirit through her writing and that’s all that is important to me. I think it’s the same concept behind finding ourselves “loving” celebrities whom we’ve never met. I’ve come to find that it really is about your spirit. Rachel brightened mine, and I only hope I’ve done the same to others.

The End.

Thanks For Reading.

Sincerely,

Morena

INSIDE MORENA'S CLOSET: A Dollop of Daisy

2009-05-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

Skirt: Thrifted $6.25 Top: H&M
(Gosh, look how perfectly tan I look. PhotoBucket is amazing. I thought the olive skin tone went great with the skirt.)

Dearest Blog Readers,
I'm fine. Thank you for your lovely comments on my last post. I'm really okay. Can't you tell from the above pictures? Just a little rough time last week, but I'm back to my old self. Did you all notice? I got bangs and cut my hair. I'm loving it. And also, I thrifted that lovely yellow skirt. I love it. Anyway, thanks again for everything. You are great.
My life is back to it's sunny self, and I'm back to my endorphin filled brain. (Oh except for that earthquake last night here in Cali. I'm still freaked about that.)
Hope you are all great.

Sincerely,
Morena

An Unwelcome Remembrance

2009-05-13T16:09:00.001-07:00

I made this image on Polyvore today.
Hope you all are okay.
Sincerely,
Morena

P.S. Yes the song on my blog changed. The new one fits my mood.

You Know They Say "Never Say Never..."

2009-05-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well I can say never...just this once.

I can say that I never can look at a person and say, "gosh they're ugly." See, I may view some objects as "ugly" but I could never see "ugly" in the presence of a human being. I seem to be good at finding the beauty in people. However, when I say beauty...there's so many different perspectives riding on that one word.

I'm not as into external beauty like you probably assumed I was. I mean, of course I quite obviously care about my external "beauty" (some may even argue it's vanity), but I don't judge others in that way. The only time I ever create preconceived thoughts about a human being because of the way they look, is when I believe that they're exceptionally pretty or something to that effect. (And then I make it a point to tell them that. Everyone likes a confidence boost right?) I've come to find that the whole external beauty ordeal doesn't last, you know? Eventually you start to discover the interior of that person.

Do you ever think about why judging people by their looks has become a norm in our society? I was truly thinking deeply about this today. Here was my internal conversation with myself as I was walking into school today:
"How does being a certain race make someone any less of a person? How does dressing nice make someone any better?"
To be honest with you, I realized that the answer is:
it actually doesn't.

So I can definitely and honestly say, I have never found a human being whom I have deemed as ugly. They may be unattractive in YOUR terms, but to me...they're just another human being who has feelings and likes to be loved and cared about.

The End.

Love,
Morena

P.S. Speaking of beauty...

Is that not the most beautiful scene to look at?
I guess it was from a Philadelphia flower show. And you all know my obsession with flowers.
Picture Credit: HERE

Oh and also, you remember my friend Emma? She gave me the nickname Daisy because she said it matched my personality perfectly. It's actually catching on. I love that name...Daisy.

It Came Simultaneously

2009-04-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

(Yet another fashion and philosophy post, as always. Enjoy. P.S. Don't just skip to the photos at the end, read the writing first. Thanks, I appreciate it.)

Yes, a theory emerged in my head as I was daydreaming. I looked up at the ceiling and simultaneously this thought pops into my head in the midst of picturing myself at the Alice and Wonderland Tea Party. It was actually more of a quote that I of course came up with myself. (I'm sure those of you who are avid readers of this blog have noticed that I quote myself quite a bit.)
The quote was this...
If the light doesn't come, it's up to you to find the switch.

We really don't have that much control over our lives, but we know and understand what makes us happy. If you just take that extra initiative in the morning when you wake up, just think "Yes, I GET to be alive today." I say that every morning. And why? Because I realized that I don't appreciate life enough. And I used to have this false idea that an event outside of my control had to occur in order for me to even feel primarily "happy." But I've come to find that if I can't control anything else, I still have control over my own perception of the world. I speak about that a lot don't I? The whole "perception" of the world. But it's so true anyway.

So there goes my philosophy bit for the day. Here's my quote again in case you missed it:
"If the light doesn't come, it's up to you to find the switch."

Now I leave you with the fashion...here are some gorgeous Vogue editorials that I discovered today. Some are from the 70's.

There you go. Have a great day.

Je vous souhaite le meilleur.

Sincerely,
Morena

P.S. Thank you to everyone for their support on the Girl's Life article. I can't wait for you all to see me on TeenVogue.com.

The Big One Hundred

2009-04-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

So I said I had a surprise for you all for my 100th post.
But I decided to postponed that post until further notice.
BECAUSE....
GIRL'S LIFE.COM DECIDED TO FEATURE ME ON THEIR HOMEPAGE. (And my school fashion club that I founded myself and am President of.)
This was a surprise to ME. I can't believe they did and I'm so excited about it. It was such a sweet article. I came home to this email from the website's editor herself saying they featured me. And my jaw just dropped. I'm so excited because I'm ACTUALLY on the homepage.

Anyway, myself and my fashion club will also be featured on a couple of other websites. TeenVogue.com is one of them. ;) I'll let you know when THAT article is up.

So yes, CLICK HERE to read the Girl's Life article all about yours truly. Oh and since this is my hundredth post, I'd like to say thank you to all my readers. You guys make my day all the time. And I've been more than lucky to meet you in this blogosphere. Hopefully you never get tired of me and keep coming back.

Love,
Morena

"Hotness" and Its Different Sides

2009-04-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

An article in TeenVogue has inspired this post. They were talking about what's "Girl Hot" and VS. "Guy Hot." So I decided I will show you what I think is "girl hot."

But first...a little note:
If you type in "pretty" into Google Images, this comes up:

If you type in "beautiful," this picture comes up:

Ironic isn't it? We're in a Male dominated world and that's apparent even on Google Images. Because when you type in "pretty" or "beautiful" you see pictures of what's considered "guy hot."

So now let ME show you pretty and beautiful and "hot."

What's PRETTY:

(Natalie Portman in Marie Claire)

What's BEAUTIFUL:

(Kate Winslet)

What's Girl HOT:

(Coco Rocha)

So believe it or not, I asked a lot of guys and most did not respond to Coco Rocha, Natalie Portman, or Kate Winslet. I beg to differ. Don't you?

Sincerely,
Morena

P.S. Please excuse my mini hiatus.

INSIDE MORENA'S CLOSET: The Actual Closet

2009-04-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

I've done all these "Inside Morena's Closet" segments and I realized...why don't I show you my actual closet? After all I must say it's my favourite room in my house.

Have a Good Day/Night.
Sincerely,
Morena

I Wish Alice Were My First Name

2009-04-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

(But I also LOVE my name Morena. So that'll do.)

I always post fashion and philosophy on this blog. So I decided to combine them today. So first the FASHION...

(As seen on: LOOKBOOK)

So now the PHILOSOPHY segment...
Picture this image in your head: Yours truly sitting in her living room on a lovely Thursday morning with a sunflower clip in her hair. As she's consuming her pancakes with little syrup and some strawberries on top...she's watching some old speeches on television made by Natasha Richardson. (Bless her lovely, amazing soul.) So then one line from Natasha's speech REALLY stuck out to her. And if you knew Morena, you'd know exactly why she just adores this line.

Natasha Richardson said, "There's no such thing as false hope. There's only hope, and you either have it or you don't." Now isn't that just beautiful? And isn't that something you just know I'll be quoting for the rest of my life? I'm so inspired now. Oh gosh you don't even understand the impact of that quote on me. It epitomizes my whole soul and everything that I believe in. I grew up watching Natasha, and now that she's gone it's real sad for me that I never got the chance to meet her. But now I carry a little piece of her with me and try and keep her alive. Her advocacy was amazing and I only hope to follow in her footsteps.

"There's no such thing as false hope. There's only hope, and you either have it or you don't." (It was so beautiful I just had to say it again. ♥)

Have a lovely day.
With Love,
Morena

P.S. This is my 95th post. When I reach a hundred I have a surprise for all.
Thanks so much to everyone who reads. Your comments and emails really mean the world to me. I really do mean that.

I Like to Pretend All of This is A Movie

2009-04-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Subject of Beauty by MorenaDoll on Polyvore.com

Hope you like.

Sincerely,
Morena

That And Then Some

2009-04-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

***Edit: Pictures have been deleted.

Just in case you ever wondered what I looked like on a Saturday afternoon. Here you go... just for you. No MakeUp:

(This is my favourite hair accessory I own. )

And here's some more Random Snapshots...
Enjoy.
(Picture Credit: Me...ask permission to repost please.)

Happy Saturday.
And Happy Easter tomorrow Lovely Dolls.

With Love,
Morena

I Guess You Could Say I'm It?

2009-04-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to post this as a whole new post so I backdated it so that it won't show up at the home page. Anyway, I've been tagged at least eleven times during May/June.
I am truly sorry I've been neglecting your tags. Thank you to everyone who has tagged me. I am truly flattered when you do. So if you're interested for some reason in learning about me, read on...

Thank you: Hayley for giving me this:

I pass this on to: Cammila and Jennifer

(You don't have to answer any questions.
Just post this badge on your blog if you'd like.)

Thank you: Cesc for giving me this:

And this I shall pass on to: Victoria
(You don't have to answer any questions.
Just post this badge on your blog if you'd like.)

A thank you to: Jaisha & Meaghan for this:

I pass the honesty tag onto: Franca
(Just write ten honest truths about you
and post this badge. Tag others if you'd like)
So 10 Honest Truths About Morena:
1. My blog posts take hours. If they seem effortless, good. But each post definitely takes a whole process.
2. I have this obsession with creating email addresses. I only have two main ones, but I seem to get these impulses to create new one every once in a while.
3. I'd kill to be Carrie Bradshaw.
4. I watch more TV than I should. I like television.
5. I over indulge in ANTM and Project Runway reruns.
6. I spend hours shopping online each week, but I have never once bought anything off the internet. I prefer to try things on and see how they feel.
7. I try to act as modest as possible. But I'm not conceited, I just have a lot of amour-propre.
8. I absolutely never get tired of "The Devil Wears Prada."
9. I think the sun is probably one of the most fascinating things in this world.
10. One of the best things that's ever happened to me is this blog where I got to meet all of you.

A thanks to Bucca for giving me this award:

I pass this on to: Dionne
(You don't have to answer any questions.
Just post this badge on your blog if you'd like.)

Last but not least, thanks to :Sarah, Emmy, Brooke, Imogen, and Magdalena for tagging me to answer questions. And since I've done this tag before, I shall only answer a few questions.
1. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go ?
I would love to take Chelsea to Tuscany with me. It's a random place but I know she'd love it and it'd be such a fun adventure.
2. What is your favorite quote?
"There's no such thing as false hope. There's only hope, and you either have it or you don't." -Natasha Richardson.
3.Why do you keep up your blog?
Because it's a form of self expression that I love. And you meet amazing people that actually want to hear what you have to say.

...The End

There's Not Really a Logical Answer

2009-04-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

(I've shown this picture before, but I came across it and just had to post it again.
It's so beautiful, you know. )

Sometimes I wonder why you all are reading this as of this moment. I wonder why people take time out of their day to listen to anything that I have to say. Then I realized that the only reason you're even remotely interested in reading these words that I put out is because...I want my words heard, therefore I get you to listen.

Some say that what I write is completely irrelevant and seems a little fake. But some also say that what they like about my writing is that it's real, and that they actually want to believe me. Contradicting opinions don't you think? Well I give the matter no attention because in the end, I write not for others, I write not for the approval, nor do I write for the praise. I write to replenish my soul, and guess what...it works.
You see...in life, sometimes there are aspects beyond your control. But what you can control is how you view the world and also what you make of yourself. What do I want to make of MYself? I can't tell you. It's one of those secrets that I have decided to keep withheld inside of me. But I think it's pretty easy to figure out. Words could not do it justice anyway.

...Thanks again to everyone who reads this mess of self expression that I call my blog. It really does mean a lot. And to the sweet emails and comments that I receive almost daily, I promise those don't go unnoticed. They really do make a difference, even if it's just an extra smile that you get me to make.

Sincerely,
Morena

P.S. Happy Birthday Kristina. <3>

Nobody Said it Was Easy, Take me Back to the Start

2009-04-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

You don't realize how lovely someone is until you think about the fact that they may not always be there. Sometimes even just thinking about losing someone is hard. I tell you guys all the time that I don't hate anything. But I now think that I have lied all this time. The one thing that I DO hate is saying goodbye. I attended a dance show tonight and a friend of mine was in it. It's her last dance show (at our high school) because she's graduating this year. So before the last dance of the night someone made a little speech about her. I started crying. And during the actual last dance, I cried even harder. I've known Kristina not even for a year, but she's amazing. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like next year. Not seeing her every week in fashion club just sitting there with a big smile ready to just give me her ideas.

What will I do without that beautiful Russian dancer who couldn't look more like a model if she tried? Well...I just don't even know.

So during the last dance they played the song "The Scientist." This is the first time I've heard this song and I know it won't be the last. It's sad for me to hear it only because it does remind me of Kristina...and now it always will.

I'm dedicating this blog post to her.
She made the dance show amazing and memorable for me.
Her beauty and talent are inevitable.

Here's "The Scientist" for you all: (I removed my music player on this blog temporarily so that you can watch this video.)

The Beautiful Lyrics:

Lyrics | Coldplay Lyrics | The Scientist Lyrics

*Sigh* I had a great time tonight.

With Love,
Morena

I Like To Think It's Going to Be Okay

2009-03-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Once Upon a Time...There was a young girl who met life and fell in love with it. Then she met another young girl who has yet to discover how beautiful life is. In this "bitter world," I will be the one to help her discover the truth.

(Picture Credit: MORENA.)
Ask before you can repost.

And the ending to this story you ask? Well to be honest, no one knows the end. I don't think anyone will ever know the end because I don't believe a story like this has an ending. I believe it will finish, but not end. Nope, not this story...it's just getting to the best part anyway. We'll worry about the finish later.

With Love, Morena

"Your Belief System Amazes Me"

2009-03-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

Chris said...

Pesonally I think just your smile would be enough to write a blog post about!? :) Let alone your excellent blog full of great postings.

March 27, 2009 5:43 AM

^That was a real sweet comment that someone made on my last post. And THAT made me smile. I was actually smiling all day today. You remember last time when I was raving about how I found new friends that I actually liked a lot? Well I realized I meet new people and make closer friends everyday of my life. However, today in particular was absolutely wonderful. I spent a lot of the day with a lovely lady named Emma. We have enough in common to get along however we are very different and it's great because it keeps everything interesting. So today I spent the day with her and it was one of my favorite days of this school year to be honest. You all know I'm a happy person however today was different. Emma very much reminds me of an old best friend of mine but I like Emma so much more. I haven't been happy like that because of a friend in so long. Usually I'm happy because of things that I do for myself. It was real great to have vise versa for a change, and this girl is real pretty you guys. You would love her. If she had a blog you'd dump my blog for hers. ;) Her personality is a lot like mine and I love that. It's easy to get along with her. She's very lovely and I was quite pleasantly surprised with how great my day went because of one person. I found an adorable, open-minded, and wonderful girl that I know is a potential best friend. She could pass as an older sister actually. I feel like I've known her for years, and it's actually only been two weeks. She actually said to me today, "You make me laugh. You really do." And that comment stuck with me because I always believed that anytime I make someone smile or laugh, I'm doing everything right.
Isn't that a nice feeling?

Look at my Horoscope from Elle.com: March the 27th has a few 'don't you DARE touch me' moments, but manages to end on a very loving, friendly note.

^ That horoscope is just SPOT on. Because my friend Tiffany and I got into a few arguments, but my day DID end on a loving friendly note. Emma's an amazing person. I believe in horoscopes so much. I also believe in beautiful days and happy endings. Forget about those skeptics...

I hope your day was as great as mine. I really do.

With Love,
Morena Doll

Oh AND Emma took a glass bottle today and stuffed inside some petals from a pretty rose that I picked out. I kept it to put in my room. I'm going to replace the rose petals every week. <3
I absolutely adore it.

She's Super Chic...and Super Sweet

2009-03-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was scrolling down my blog roll list and all of a sudden I see the "La Femme Chic" blog with a picture of myself on it. So then I clicked the link to see what the whole ordeal was about, and guess what...she did a whole post...about ME.

She just made my day. Check her out: HERE
She was basically my first "blog friend" as well as a big inspiration for me when I first discovered this place we like to call the blogosphere.

So go read the post: HERE
It really made my day. I've come down with a bad flu, however it doesn't affect me anymore. This girl made me smile. :)

Her name's Jaisha, and she's just as stylish, or I think maybe even more stylish than myself. She's a great new read if you have not discovered her already.

I have been Tagged. Learn more about me...

2009-03-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

If I tagged YOU, scroll down for the rules. But read about me first since I know you just adore Morena Doll. ;)

I was tagged by the adorable Hayley from: Ready to Leave Reality
So now I'm going to answer the following questions...
-What is your current obsession? Empire waists and my black wedges.
-What do you see outside your window? Beautiful rose bushes in my backyard.
-Do you nap a lot? I wouldn't say a lot. But yes I nap.
-Who was the last person you hugged? A friend.
-Which animal would you be? A dog
-What’s for dinner? My dad's making my favorite soup at the moment.
-What was the last thing you bought? This gorgeous green knit sweater. I actually just bought it today. I love it. (I'll post pictures later.)
-What are you listening to right now? Breathe by Anna Nalick
-What is your favourite weather? Warm with warm breeze. (I love Santa Anna winds.)
-What’s on your beside table? My amazing cute chunky Juicy Couture Necklace.
-Say something to the person/s who tagged you. You're amazing hon. Your profile picture inspires me a lot. It's so cute! It makes me want to be more spontaneous. Thanks for this.
-If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? I would have to say I'd want it to be in New York.
-Where are you typing from right now? My computer room. Go figure.
-A book you're currently reading? I just finished Style A to Zoe. I'm about to do a post about it later this week.
-What would you like to have in your arms right now? My friend. She's going through things and I can't stop thinking about her. I only wish it gets better. I'd give her a million hugs 24/7 if I could.
-What is your favourite tea flavour? Hm. Can't say. I've only started to drink tea just recently...as in this past week. I keep drinking Green Tea with Honey...I used to hate that stuff.
-What would you like to get rid of? The inability of people to understand that we are all HUMAN.
-If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? I would have to say Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
-What did you want to become as a child? A princess. However as reality started to set in and I realized I wasn't in the royal family, I naturally progressed into an aspiring model. I still do want to be a model.
-What posters/pictures do you have on your bedroom wall? None. My mom thinks my walls are too delicate to post items on. (We just remodeled it. She'll come around.)
-What is your plan for tomorrow? Go to Wet Seal (the store) and hand them my application for the 2009 Wet Seal Model Search. Hopefully I win and get 500 dollars and am featured on WetSeal.com. (It's funny I've gained even more confidence this past month or two. I'm not even worried like "will the other entries be prettier than me?" I just enter the contest with hope and I don't care about the rest.) :)

I would like to know more about these people. So I tag...
Pretty Exquisite, For the Price of a Cup of Tea, Bucca, Stylista Kate, Stars are Purple, Something Just Happened, A cat of Impossible Colour, A forte for Fashion.

The rules are:
1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.
2. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

IN MORENA'S CLOSET: Through the Seasons

2009-03-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder why seasons exist? Ever wonder why we must separate the year into 4 quadrants?
I don't know either. Nonetheless, I'm loving that it's the first day of spring. J'adore spring. J'adore flowers.

(click picture to enlarge)

I hope you all are happy. I am.
I wore a floral outfit today just because it's the first day of spring.
(Note the empire waist...yet another nod to the 60's.)

Have a lovely day.
xx, Morena Doll

My shoulders are so MOD

2009-03-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

The 60's Mod Child - by MorenaDoll on Polyvore.com

This is my favorite Era. The 60's. Seriously.
I adore Twiggy, and Audrey and Bridget Bardot.

Hit me up on POLYVORE sometime.

FREELANCE STYLING: The Classic Chic Edition

2009-03-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

(I had yet another amazing chance to style someone for an event, keep reading...)

My lovely dear friend Lauren understands my love for fashion, as well as my love for styling. She has a quirky style that's very out there, full of patterns and loud colors. Lauren knew to come to me when she had any type of fashion crisis. So as we were debating last night between two floral dresses, and a red satin one, I helped her channel her inner Classic Chic side. Lauren is a very petite girl so there was much more to be considered than just the color. I convinced her that the red satin dresses' cut was so ridiculous amazing on her. And seriously, it was. It made her look ten times smaller in the waist especially, even though she's already skinny we could all use some tricks right?

So here's Lauren's testimonial where she lets you know why you should use MORENA for any styling issues you may have.

Oh but first here's her lovely self, the face is cropped since I don't want to fully invade her privacy:

Lauren says... "On march 14, my cousin Lisa and her husband from France were having an evening wedding. I had four different dresses to choose from and I'm super indecisive so I decided to contact Morena! I sent her pictures of me via texting in each dress and gave a quick breakdown description of it. she got back to me even though it was her just getting out of church. With a quick call and a little debating, she helped me pick out a red satin dress with a tie in the back. I'm glad i chose to wear that because i got so many compliments by relatives on such a simple dress! Morena, you're amazing!"

(***Thanks Lauren, it's always a pleasure to style people. Especially the pretty ones like yourself.) ;)

With Love,
Morena

P.S. If you ever need ANY help with styling, send a shout out to:
WithLove.Morena@gmail.com
Include: Your name, event, time, setting, options (if any), and any other preferences.

IN MORENA'S CLOSET: Back to my Forte

2009-03-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Haven't done a fashion post in quite a bit.
So I think it's the appropriate time for a
light-hearted, stylish, and chic refreshment.
So it's back to my Forte, enough with this
Philosophy spiel I've been blogging about lately.

Wearing a vintage floral dress from Imonni inc. and gray sash that I tied around the waist.

xo, Morena

About The Girl...

2009-03-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am currently a contributor for:

Je Veux Te Voir Magazine
And Style Sample Magazine

And I'm also the Editor-in-Chief of Enamor Magazine.

Aspirations:
My aspirations include becoming a stylist as well as an editor for a magazine such as Vogue. You should know that I'm very career oriented, and I hold two essential qualities in life: Hope and Ambition.

I was asked once, "have you changed you mind about your future?"
And I replied, "what do you mean?"
She said, "in terms of your job. You want to edit TeenVogue right?"
My reply: In terms of my future, all I could ever want is to be able to stay the same person I am now, for the rest of my life. I want to stay this open-minded and positive person that's just so fascinated by beauty in life. Now when it comes to my job, it's not really about the actual occupation anymore. It's not the job, it's how I feel when I'm at the job. Do I get butterflies in my stomach the way I do now when I wake up and the sun is shining? And I feel truly happy and like I've fallen in love with life?If the answer is yes, then I know I'm in the right place.

Ideals/Beliefs:
I truly believe that the world is a beautiful place. I am easily amused and bewildered by the amazing things that I discover in life. I am holding on to the child-like innocence that compels people to label me as "naive."

Features:
La Femme Chic:

Savile:

Girl's Life:

Reason I Started this Blog:
It started out last year, when I turned 14. I thought, "what's the best way I can get famous without having to do much?" And then my cousin suggested I start a blog. So I did. But eventually this blog evolved as a form of self-expression that I use to at least attempt to inspire other people. So out of my "undying need for fame" phase that I went through, I started this wonderful blog. I'm very glad it happened.

If you have any questions at all...I'd love to answer them.
Email me: WithLove.Morena@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Morena

You know That Girl, Right?

2009-03-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

~The one who's life seems so perfect.
~The one who's so happy all the time, smiling and such.
~And she always says hi to you, and random people say hi to her.
~She seems to have all the luck. She seems to just have it all.
~But we all know she secretly doesn't. We all secretly know that her life isn't perfect. We all secretly know that it's just her attitude that takes her places.
~That girl that people talk about, in both good and bad ways.
~That girl who people say that they want to be like. Which is happy. And that they're jealous of how much she enjoys being alive.
~The girl who's style everyone either loves or hates. But we all know she could care less.
~She's the one who doesn't play hard to get, because she IS hard to get. She just doesn't fall for anyone.
~You know that girl who is so innocent. Doesn't drink, smoke pot, or anything remotely close.
~The one who plays up her innocence because she doesn't see anything bad about it.
~The one who's hair is the same color as her eyes.
~The one who's not too tall, and not too short. Just at 5'4, and you know she's loving it.
~She's the girl who seems dumb, but when you listen to her and get to know her, she gives you a look into her soul and you see way past your preconceived perceptions of her.
~Come on, you still don't know her? That girl in the circle that tells all the stories, and makes everyone smile and laugh.
~She's the one with the crazy, and embarrassing stories that she's not ashamed to tell.
~This girl that has such a passion for her future, and she's always loving life.
~The girl that walks around, HAPPY to be alive and telling that everyone who crosses her path.

...that girl is me.

The Perception of that Matter

2009-03-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, I've been this floaty and happy person. I realized this, when I wrote that "blissful" post this past Friday, I wasn't expressing happiness, per say. It was all just joy that was driven by small events. (Read below post for details.) Today I realized that I really actually AM happy. Because it was just a regular day, and yet I felt so amazing. This is why I'm grateful to be living in California, because the weather can be just absolutely perfect in the beginning of March. Just enough sun, but just enough breeze, you know? So now I know, happiness and joy are two different things. Luckily, I have possessed both emotions in the recent days. I don't know what's been happening but everything just actually been going well. Between Monday and today, 3 random guys opened the door for me. I'm thinking maybe it's my attitude. I've always believed what you perceive the world as, is what the world will become for you.

You see, I've had a recent epiphany. I realized that most people are just space fillers on this planet. I want to actually be productive and make use of my time here. I want to be happy in the little time that I'm here you know? So that's why I've just been living with high spirits, positve energy, and a replenished soul.
Try that sometime. It could be a very good thing for you.

xx, Morena

P.S. I made a new Polyvore. Check it:

Walk a thousand STYLES - by MorenaRena on Polyvore.com

If only I could Title such a Blissful Post

2009-02-28T21:25:00.000-08:00

When I see you Smile - by MorenaRena on Polyvore.com

"If I could be you, I totally would."
^Is that not the compliment of all compliments?
Someone said that to me today.
You'd think by now that compliments would mean nothing to me. However, I must confess that compliments are what keep me smiling all day.

Do you ever just have one of those days where everything is just pure and utter perfection? You know when you're feeling extra fabulous because you love your outfit, your hair is flipped the right way, the weather was ridiculous amazing, you go to your favorite classes, you make a new friend, your favorite song is playing as you stare at your computer, and a nice little boy in English hands you your favorite chocolate from Germany at the end of the day? Well that's how I would describe the reason I feel so amazing today.
I always say perfection is boring, but it can't hurt every once in a while you know?

If I could bottle up this feeling that I get every now and then, no one would ever need drugs. No one would ever need alcohol. They would feel good because they're alive. Wouldn't that be wonderful? If everyone could feel this way at least once every week. That's why I do my best to try and make other people happy, in any little way that I could. If it's as little as a smile and a greeting, or maybe even a hug. That's something I truly wish for, and try to make happen...for the world to feel like a good place that's meant to make you happy.

I may not be helping large masses of people, but this is me trying you know?

With Love,
Morena

P.S. I forgot to mention this lovely email from a fellow blogger, it also contributed to my lovely day. She said:
...And it's funny because when I first read your blog I thought you were in college. But then I realized you were a little younger. And it really impressed me. You're so mature for your age! And you have amazing fashion sense, which amazes me even more. It's awesome. ;)

Thanks Jennifer! Check out HER blog: I know, Right? (Which you all know is my favorite expression. So go check her out.

A Voice for the Girl we Never Heard...

2009-02-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

Today we had an assembly about “Rachel’s Challenge” which is basically about a girl named Rachel that was shot during the horrible Columbine shootings. I saw a lot of myself in Rachel. She was one of those people that you’re easily touched by...because judging from her writing, you knew she wanted to make the world a better place. She stood for everything I believed in, it was amazing.

What wasn’t so amazing was…

A close friend of mine talked to me after the assembly and had said, “inspiration should not come from what some girl that was shot wrote in a school assignment about spreading kindness.” He had said a couple of other things as well, however this statement stuck out to me the most.

I comprehend what he said, however I’m not sure I quite understand. How can that not be inspirational? I get that he’s mad because the whole assembly was a bit biased because it made Rachel out to be this amazing person, and it didn’t even show the shooters’ side of the story. The assembly was basically saying that those two guys from Columbine were just bad people who decided to shoot students, not even explaining THEIR side of the story. I understand that he’s upset about that part, with the bias. However, the fact of the matter is…Rachel WAS an amazing person. That you can’t deny. As we heard her diary entries and excerpts from her essay, each word reminded me of something I had written on this blog or something I had told another person. It was nice to see that there were other young people out there who saw the brighter side of life.

Most teenagers don’t really get to see the bright side to life. They feel as if the world is against them, and in many ways…they have a right to think so. But you can really only take that state of mind so far, letting that affect your life is not healthy. It’s such a shame too because life is so beautiful, but the effects of bad surroundings keep young people from seeing that. There’s so much to appreciate but the little time that we have to live is sometimes wasted by anger and hurt.

Just know this, each day that you wake up and think either:

“I’m going to have a good day.”

“Today’s going to suck.”

You’re making an impact on your surroundings. Know that every little choice you make is noticed, even if you're not aware of it.

What makes the world a better place?

It’s the little things.

It’s the good intentions you hold in the silence of your hearts.

Remember that sometimes, it the silence that speaks the loudest.

With Love,

Morena

REVIEW: NY Fashion Week Fall 09 RTW

2009-02-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

***LAST Day of Fashion Week added just now. (Feb. 20, 2009)

I was writing this up as I watched each show. For some reason, a lot of my opinions for the various collections were the same.

Last Day of Fashion Week:

Isaac Mizrahi: CLICK HERE

Love the purse hats. What happened to the rest?

Libertine: CLICK HERE

Johnson and Pamela have such a je ne sais quoi about their clothes. They can pull off the feel of an androgynous look, yet still keep every piece uber feminine. Style is their strength.

Rebecca Taylor: CLICK HERE

Can I just say how wonderful she is? The slight not to the femmes were amazing. I loved the unfinished hems. Effortless chic went a tad too far though on some looks. One word: Steamer.

Vera Wang: CLICK HERE

Oh Vera. *yawns* How boring hon.

Zac Posen: CLICK HERE

Dear Zac, you made my life with this look: click This one too: click

How is it that you NEVER let me down? After this very disappointing season, I opened your collection already Fashion Weeked out. But you excited me all over again. You reminded me why I'm even doing this.

Earlier this Week:

Donna Karan: CLICK HERE

AMAZING evening dresses, however the rest of her collection was uninspiring. To me, it was a tad reminiscent of a Philosophy by Alberta Ferretti collection from past runways.

Which brings me to the Philosophy collection…

Philosophy by Alberta Ferreti: CLICK HERE

oh gosh I adored some of the uber feminine pieces accessorized with chiffon scarves or silk belts. However, again I was quite disappointed with the rest of the collection

Rodarte: CLICK HERE

This collection was uninspiring and got too monotone. After a while, you start to see the same dress over and over again. And also…hated the hair and make-up.

Pamela Roland: CLICK HERE

Very cliché and so predictable for a fall runway.

What happened Pamela?

Badgley Mischka: CLICK HERE

Did this not remind you of Romney’s collection from project runway? Too reminiscent for me. Why do these designers keep disappointing?

Okay, so I just finished reviewing Halston. CLICK HERE

Now that’s what I needed. When a collection is put out, you should feel inspired and feel the need to improve YOUR style because of what you saw. That’s how I know a collection is amazing. Because right after I see it, I’m inspired to play around with my own wardrobe and style. Halston wasn’t utterly amazing, but the collection was innovative and cohesive.

Derek Lam: CLICK HERE

There were unique patterns on certain dresses that I just adore. However, the rest of the collection looked like it came out of a forever 21 and The Gap. Disappointing. Again.

Max Azria was definitely a breath of fresh air. Not too much to say. However, a bit more color please? CLICK HERE

Behnaz Sarafpour: CLICK HERE

Hated the hair, first of all. Second, it was just okay. This collection is one of those that you just shrug.

(***Side Note:I agree with what a friend of mine said. Some of these designers are a little TOO reminiscent of Balmain, spring 2009 couture.)

Marc by Marc Jacobs: CLICK HERE

He redeemed himself finally. Je j’adore (I love) the quirkiness of this collection. Amazing Marc, very cute. Love the tights and scarves. The little hint to vintage was lovely. Finally a breath of innovation hits me.

G-star: CLICK HERE

Boring. Sigh. The. End.

Oh gosh, just finished seeing Erin Fetherston. CLICK HERE

LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Her collections are always styled so amazingly. And I can see the thought process that goes into the styling of the overall look. I loved. She never disappoints me.

DVF: CLICK HERE

So so lovely. So much better than spring. Great Diane, you got your mojo back…oh and your florals! The styling was impeccable. She had fun with this one and I like that. Considering how long she’s been in the business it’s nice that you can still sense her passion. (Although I didn’t know what to sense with that velvet leopard suit. Not working.)

3.1 Phillip Lim: CLICK HERE

LOVED this. I loved this Phillip! The models looked like dolls, and the looks were so inspiring. Nothing was too monotone and it was lovely.

Oscar de La Renta: CLICK HERE

It takes time to learn to love this season’s collection. But after a while I started to see that genius again that Oscar puts into his clothes. It was a well paced show and I did not once question his color choices like I did with my other designers this season.

Proenza Schouler: CLICK HERE

Although I must admit some pieces were boring, I’m loving the comme de garcon feel of the whole line. The cohesiveness of the collection was definitely evident, but the pace of the show wasn’t that lovely. I wish certain looks came more towards the beginning so that the more complicated looks could be built upon.

Tory Burch: CLICK HERE

I see she went for the very urban, effortless chic look. It worked with certain looks but once the metallic dresses came out, you lost the whole essence of the line. Certain pieces were extraordinary, as always. But the whole show did not look like one collection from one season. However I must admit, Tory is one of the few brands that can maybe get away with it. Not this season though.

Anna Sui: CLICK HERE

My heart stopped at the very third look. She even had Daisy Lowe who looked amazing by the way. But okay, what is up with that velvet black suit? Not liking that. What’s going on with the velvet people? At the end of the day, Anna is Anna. And styling was impeccable as always.

Nanette Lepore: CLICK HERE

By far my favorite collection this week. The whole show was very Morena. Just enough of a hint to vintage and yet it was so quirky. This is the first time this season that I would wear every outfit put out on that runway. Amazing. Impeccable Styling. Lovely. Can I just say, the feminine edge is quite wonderful. Nanette, you did wonderful. Wonderful indeed.

Marchesa: CLICK HERE

The avant-garde(ness) of a Marchesa dress usually is breathtaking. So why am I sensing a bit of tackiness? I’m not liking that. Oh and can I mention that the attempted effortless hair and makeup just came off as messy. There were only about three looks that I actually liked. What happened girls?

Betsey Johnson: CLICK HERE

Okay, Betsey is my second favorite this week. Some outfits bordered on tacky, but she's Betsey Johnson. It's how she rolls. One thing is for sure, she never disappoints.

It'd be lovely to know your thoughts and favorites.
Now that fashion week's over, what else is there to do anyway? So comment.

XO~Morena

Think what's AFTER the Rain

2009-02-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

You know how they say "things have to be bad before they can be good?" Well that's why God invented the Rainbow. How many times in your life do you get to see something so majestic? Well today I can add one more thing to that list.

Picture Credit: Morena

Just remember, after the rain there's that rainbow.
Beauty can emerge from darkness.
Just hang in there.

XO~Morena

Happy Give and Share LOVE Day

2009-02-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

Picture Credit: http://www.favorstudio.com/

Spread the love, but don't be hateful if you don't have a Valentine. A holiday is just that...another holiday. Celebrate and be merry. Happy Single Awareness Day! Or Valentine's Day.

With Love,
Morena

Under That Same Star

2009-02-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

Article down below. So don't just stop after the pictures. ;)

Picture Credit: Morena

Setting: 6:52 AM

Excuse me if I'm wrong but don't we all live on the same earth?
We are all human. So why does discrimination occur?
I live in the most diverse city in California, yet in my high school, so much discrimination occurs. I've heard stabs at "fat" people, and gay people, and African-Americans and so much more. So I wonder why this happens. Then I realize it's because the world is "tolerant." And that's about all we can say for that matter.

One thing that would make the world a better place is if people learn that there's the biggest difference between tolerance and acceptance. I got into conversation about this with my Health teacher today. In the time that I was talking to him, it was such a wonderful realization process. Most human are like this, "I hate your kind of people, but I'll let you live here because I'm a tolerant person." That makes no sense at all.

In our younger generation we have learned to be more open-minded in terms of controversial issues. My favorite is definitely Prop 8. I talked about this today with him too. I told him that with myself, I believe NO all the way on Prop 8. However, of course my parents were a YES. It's just because I am from this generation and values slowly evolve. Hundreds of years ago inter-racial marriage wasn't allowed either right? But then people just started to accept it.
Acceptance is really all it takes. You see, there's this kid that I know, Derek, and we discussed him as well. Derek is very religious and he was a YES on Prop 8, amongst all of us "liberal" students that were a NO on Prop 8. So many people got angry at Derek for his opinion. However, what the other students didn't realize is that they are doing the exact same thing as Derek. They are discriminating against him because of who he was and what he thought, just like Derek discriminated against gay people. See? So we must just leave Derek alone, just like we want him to leave gay marriage alone. His opinion does not make him any less of a wonderful person.

Just think about this...
EVERYONE is different. Accept it. Move on. No discrimination necessary.
We all live under the same sun anyway right?

With Love,
Morena

A Valentine's Touch

2009-02-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

I Heart You - by MorenaRena on Polyvore.com

Leave Me a Message

2009-01-27T16:35:00.000-08:00

You can Quote me...

2009-01-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

An ongoing collection of my favorite quotes that I have made up myself and have written on this blog, the italicized words indicate where you can find these quotes.

"My dreams don't drive me, I drive them." -Profile

"Vintage is my love. Negativity is not." -Profile

I like to think I'm the modern day Audrey Hepburn. -Profile

"If my life were a piece of art, it would be one of those that you think is easily figured out and you point the obvious. Then you look deeper and realize that I had some hidden secrets."
""I may act open book, but who says I haven't torn out any pages?"
-Thoughts Post (Both quotes above)

"To other people I'm a little girl HOPELESSLY devoted to an
IMPOSSIBLE DREAM.

In my mind, I'm a little girl HOPEFUL and devoted to my quite
POSSIBLE FUTURE."
&
"Ambition is something I was born with, therefore my belief in myself is inevitable."
-Fashion Post (Both quotes above)

"What we have here is a dreamer. But I'm different because I'm a dreamer that makes things happen."
-Sidebar (Part of this quote was courtesy of my friend Raven.)

"What makes the world a better place? It’s the little things. It’s the good intentions you hold in the silence of your hearts. Remember that sometimes, it the silence that speaks the loudest." -Thoughts Post

"That's something I truly wish for, and try to make happen...for the world to feel like a good place that's meant to make you happy. I may not be helping large masses of people, but this is me trying you know?" -Thoughts Post

"I've always believed what you perceive the world as, is what the world will become for you."-Thoughts Post

A Playful Affair

2009-01-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

I attended a play last night with Chelsea and it was hilarious and very suggestive. "A Flea in Her Ear" is a French Farce that was written by George Faydeau. Loved it.

Here's the ensemble.
(This is not a dress, they are separates.)

The Encouragement Factor

2009-01-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

Picture Credit: Morena

Many things can be uplifting for the spirit. Weather it's a sunrise, or compliments. Just read on...

I'm President of my own fashion club at my high school and we did a model casting for our fashion show yesterday. I cast the most gorgeous girls on campus and they had amazing walks. A couple of these girls were absolutely, exceptionally beautiful.

There were 4 special girls named: Chelsea, Kristina, Avalon, and Katharine. They were just a different kind of beauty and I was more than ecstatic to become friends with them through this casting. Anyway, I literally think Chelsea is one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen in my life. And Kristina had the most amazing walk I've ever seen, even better than the models that I'm constantly studying in Vogue and various fashion shows.

So all day yesterday after the casting, I felt so happy that I found these girls, but I felt a feeling of inferiority that I have not felt since I was about 12.
I just kept saying how pretty these girls were but then two of my friends, both named Tiffany gave me the most amazing compliments I've ever received.

Tiffany O. : "I think you, Chelsea, Kristina, Avalon, and Katharine are pretty in your own different ways.

Tiffany M. : "No, I think you're all pretty in the SAME way. You and Chelsea are the prettiest ones there."

Words may easily hurt people, but words with a sense of encouragement are so uplifting when it comes to my spirit. It's so amazing to even be compared to these girls, especially the beautiful Chelsea and Kristina, it made me smile. Life is amazing right now. Amazing. And so I'm very encouraged to start modeling now, I'm not going to say how yet, but I already have an idea. Knowing me, it will happen very soon.

With Love,
Morena

P.S. The door of modeling just opened up for me because of these girls. Inspiration comes to me yet again.

The Art of an Innocent Child

2009-01-13T17:03:00.000-08:00

I like to dry up flowers in big heavy books.

-Morena

I may not be the most amazing photographer, nonetheless, art is a huge part of my expression and pure existence and any form of it is just soul satisfying.

(These flowers had fallen off and were in the driveway, about to be swept away by the gardener. It's a shame how humans are constantly wasting inspiration. I'm so glad I saved them, they were just too beautiful.)

(Sunshine makes everything more breathtakingly gorgeous.)

If my life were a piece of art, it would be one of those that you think is easily figured out and you point the obvious. Then you look deeper and realize that I had some hidden secrets.

I may act open book, but who says I haven't torn out any pages?

How do you like the new song by the way?

The Hopelessly Inspired

2009-01-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

Going through life, I think I'm way too inspired for my own good.

The world around me inspires me everyday.

Picture Credit: http://edsphotoblog.com

And I have such a long list of people that inspire me and it just makes me want to be a stylist and Editor-in-Chief already! If you don't already know it, I want to, and will become a stylist (like Rachel Zoe) and Editor-in-Chief of Elle (like Robbie Myers) or TeenVogue (like Amy Astley)...but most likely Vogue, as Anna Wintour. A lot of the time I think about giving up the Editor-in-Chief position, however I have many years left to debate over it so I'm leaving it alone for now. Either way, I get inspired so easily and by the littlest things and fashion ends up being all I think about. Whether that's a good or bad thing is up to your judgment.

I personally LOVE it. What is so wrong with always dreaming about the one industry that I'm absolutely in love with? Every time I think of what my future will be like, it just splashes a smile across my face. It's quite amazing.

Ambition is something I was born with, therefore my belief in myself is inevitable.

To other people I'm a little girl HOPELESSLY devoted to an
IMPOSSIBLE DREAM.
In my mind, I'm a little girl HOPEFUL and devoted to my quite
POSSIBLE FUTURE.

Did you know everywhere I go, I carry around Rachel Zoe's book, "Style A to Zoe?" And whenever I look at it, I get the weirdest feeling almost like an adrenaline rush. Observing Rachel Zoe's life through her show and book feels like looking into a crystal ball, in a sense. It makes me crave the fashion industry and I end up doing things I would've never attempted. (e.g. Becoming founder and President of my own fashion club my Freshman year of high school.)

Purely passion and ambition has led me down the path of positive ascendancy. (Look it up Dictionary.com/ascendant) I now have control of my own life and where I'm going. If you had told me last year that I would have my own fashion club, have had the chance to meet Steve Madden, Ashley Paige, and have gotten to talk to one of the sweetest people ever from my favorite show... I would've thought you were not well, or at least a pathological liar. But now I believe in a lot more.

I can't even wrap my head around having a "normal" life. It would be quite odd seeing Morena sitting in an office doing data entry. There really isn't anything wrong with a normal life (my mom's even an accountant), it's probably better than life in the fast lane. But I want to be able to say "I do what I love, and Love what I do." I'm definitely getting an internship this summer, I have too much of a work ethic to be sitting around. Being serious, in my fourteen years of life, I never once considered having a normal job, I would go psycho. I really can't even imagine at all. (if you knew me, you'd understand.) Big things will happen because they CAN, and I will make them happen.

The world can just watch out for Morena Doll.
She will become one of them:

It took me almost an hour to put this together. Picture Credit is on the actual picture. Enlarge for better view.

With Love,
Morena

GIRLY is an OBSOLETE style now?!

2009-01-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

I’m starting to wonder what universe I’m in. Since when has “girly” become an atypical style? Don’t get me wrong, I like being unique amongst the crowd of torn up jeans, safety pins and Hollister t-shirts. However, I’ve been noticing for quite some time now that the world is focusing on the “punk” look as well as the generic Hollister and Abercrombie brands and I’m not sure if I like it. What’s wrong with being girly?

Now, you all know that I worship TeenVogue but lately it’s been just pages and pages that are so one note. Almost every spread has a perfectly girly piece that would look super feminine and cute when styled right, but NO they have to style it in a way that makes it so “edgy” and punk.
I just want to tell TeenVogue that YES, we get it! Will someone show us something that’s actually high fashion like TeenVogue used to be like? The style in TeenVogue was always a natural progression that got better and better. Now it’s just like, here’s a chiffon Cynthia Rowley top paired with torn jeans and a plaid headband embedded with safety pins. Don’t get me wrong, I really love when people wear outfits like this, however I don’t understand why we need to focus on it SO MUCH. TeenVogue used to be such a high fashion magazine, now it’s just a magazine showing what’s “in” and popular.

Everything’s getting less and less innovative, it’s almost sad.

Well, I’ll just be here with my girly-self and I will tell you one last thing:

I used to be in this punk and gothic phase, but I eventually (within the course of a couple months) found my own style again. Just be true to who you are and always have been. Until you get to the point where you start to accept yourself the way you really are, life really isn’t too much fun. Who cares what anyone thinks? You probably shouldn’t even be listening to me if you don’t agree you know? Just find yourself inside, and live according to that.

It will be soul satisfying.

Goodnight and Sweet Dreams!

<3 Morena

P.S. I still love TeenVogue though, I just want change!
And no this is one thing Obama can’t control. ;)

Who is this Morena person?

2009-01-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

This blog in itself is basically an epitome of who I am, do you agree? However, I DID realize yesterday that I never actually did a post on who this "Morena" (that's me) person is. That's going to change right now so here goes...

MORENA...

MINI EARLY LIFE SUMMARY:
I grew up Catholic and I still am. I'm not ashamed to say that sometimes I stray away from my Catholic roots, although it's not something to be PROUD of. Growing up in this day and age, I have taught myself to be more open minded. So this past November, not many approved of the fact that I was a "NO" for Prop 8. I really didn't mind because I am who I am, and I believe no opinion is ever really right so I'll just stand for my own. I also grew up not necessarily "poor" but I wasn't as well-off as I am right now. I don't really play victim because of the way I grew up, because I am only 14 now and I'm a pretty happy person. :)

HER DREAMS:
-Become a Stylist like Rachel Zoe.
-Become editor-in-chief of TeenVogue or Vogue.

HER LIKES:
-The fashion world.
-Sales.
-Taking pictures.
-Drying up flowers myself.
-Giving or receiving flowers because it makes me happy.

WHAT SHE WANTS TO ACCOMPLISH:
-I want to be able to change the fashion world in a way that makes it more open minded. So many people now tend to focus on what's "in style" rather than what's their style. Becoming the editor-in-chief of a magazine will give me the network I need to be able to influence the fashion world. Plus the fact that my loves are writing, art, and quite obviously fashion.

FAVORITE THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED:
-I've had a chance to meet Steve Madden along with Chantal (cycle 9? of ANTM) at a Nordstroms fashion event down in L.A.
-I've also had the chance to talk to and meet designer Ashley Paige.
-I LOVED that I started this fashion blog. It's such a great way to express who I am without actually having to say anything about me. (Except on this post)
-I really loved that I got to talk to Katie from Stylista. I've mentioned it a lot because it really makes me smile when I think about how nice she is. Hopefully I'll run into her down here in Southern Cali one day.

***Do you realize that all my favorite things that have happened, I made happen MYSELF? This brings me to my last topic...

STANCE/BELIEFS:
I've never been a person to let fate control me. I'm very much a free spirit because my personality is very happy-go-lucky and I DO love it. And I may go with wherever life takes me, but I know that I'm the one that can really move myself along. So as I said on the sidebar of my blog...I'm a dreamer that makes things happen and that's really all I can say.

With Love,
Morena

REVIEW: 2008 Fashion, Drama, Events, etc.

2008-12-31T18:36:00.000-08:00

PICTURE CREDIT: http://www.creativityandcognition.com/

"In with the old and out with the new."
HAPPY NEW YEARS!

Let's Reflect shall we?

NEW AND EXCITING EVENTS:
1. I joined the TeenVogue forums in March.
2. I graduated 8th grade on June 12th.
3. I turned 14 on June 15th.
4. I started a fashion blog in June!
5. I met and got to know designer Ashley Paige September.
6. I started a fashion club and became President in September.
7. I started high school in September.
8. I got to talk to Katie from Stylista!

NEW STYLE:
My style definitely went through a series of changes and it evolved. I think it got better and better as time went on, and yet it is still ever changing. I wear what I want according to my mood. My style ranges from:
Bohemian to high fashion, to girly, to edgy/punk, to preppy to simplistic chic, and to iconic and timeless. My fashion icons are scattered into their own little labels from: Audrey Hepburn, to Sarah Jessica Parker, to Shalom Harlow, to Rachel Zoe to P!nk, to Kate (from Stylista) to Greta Garbo, to Marilyn Monroe, Twiggy, Madonna to Chelsea Handler and SO much more. These women are so different yet I channel them when I'm in a fashion dilemma.

NEW DREAMS:
This year I rediscovered my old self and found who I am. Ever since I was little I have LOVED fashion. However as a seventh grade girl, I lost track of myself in the midst of all my "punk" friends, therefore I kind of through fashion out the window. It was right when I entered 8th grade that I started to find my fashion-self again. I REALLY found it during the course of this year and part of the reason is this fashion blog. So my NEW DREAM is to become a Stylist like Rachel Zoe and become the editor-in-chief of TeenVogue.

NEW CONFIDENCE:
I never had it, until now. I learned that confidence didn't come from whether or not people THOUGHT you were, you just had to not care. And once you accomplish that and are happy with yourself, there you go...that's what you call confidence!

DRAMA and TROUBLE:
I got into A LOT of friend drama as well as a LOT of trouble. That's all there is to say. ;)

My year was great, only one word to really describe it: blissful.
I had the most amazing, as well as the worst moments of my life this year, but no regrets this time around. I wouldn't change a thing.

So friends, as this year ends, all I can wish is that my fabulous readers will keep following this blog for this upcoming year and hope you all have a great one! Heres to a new beginning!

With Love,
Morena

P.S. My ONLY New Year's resolution is: Let the world around me know how beautiful and amazing it is and that I appreciate every moment of it. So basically I need to stop complaining and show more gratitude. That's my best resolution yet. <3

REVIEW: The City (with Whitney Port)

2008-12-31T08:55:00.000-08:00

PICTURE CREDIT: http://www.celebrity-gossip.net

So just this morning, I finally got around to watching "The City" on my TiVo. Of course it was a lot like The Hills with how it opened scenes with little inside looks into the nooks and cranny's of New York City. I definitely liked the IDEA of this show because you get a small peek of what it is like to work in a "designer's world." The only other show that did that was "Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust." Anyway, back to the main topic, The City.

So I took a close observation of each character, or they would say cast of "The City" and here's a little review of my thoughts on each person.

WHITNEY: She's quite obviously the main character and although I wasn't too fond of her on The Hills, I think it was only because I was too distracted by LC whom I adore. Watching Whit on this first episode made me smile. I liked that she kept her Cali girl style while stomping around the streets of NYC. You don't see anyone around her walking with a chiffon mini dress and ankle-strapped heels. I LOVED that she didn't change herself just for her surroundings. My prediction (as the weather gets colder) is that she will eventually evolve into at least a coat-wearing girl but she will always stick to her Cali roots.

OLIVIA: All I can say is that she has the potential to start all kinds of trouble, yet you know everyone else craves her lifestyle. Oh and she looks like little mixes of LC AND Lo at the same time, but she has Heidi's voice. Ironic.

JAY: He can be either very good or very bad for Whitney. It's hard to tell from this first episode.

ERIN: She's what I call a "mover-along" girl. The type that moves the show along and makes Whitney elaborate more on the drama that goes on. Whenever she talks to Whitney all they talk ABOUT is Whitney. So basically Erin is the new Whitney for The City and Whitney is the new LC, although NO ONE could ever replace Lauren.

ADAM: Yet another "mover-along." He and Jay are Spencer and Brody, however I can't tell which one is which yet.

EPISODE TWO THOUGHTS:

1. Jay definitely looks like trouble now.
2. Erin looks so cute with her bangs up and out of her face.
3. Olivia looks like Leighton Meester.
4. Adam's girlfriend Allie will definitely start coming into the picture.
5. It's weird hearing Whitney's voice instead of Lauren's narrating.
6. SINCE WHEN did Kelly become "friend" to Whitney? It's a bit confusing how all of a sudden they have this "personal relationship."

What a way to start the year huh? Heres to yet another show to obsess and blog about.

That's it for now...

XOXO,
Morena

P.S. I take back what I said earlier last month when I said Whitney was not qualified for this new DVF job. You see I thought she'd be involved with the designing aspect of the House of Furstenburg, however she's working the PR! She is most definitely more than qualified for that.

Holiday Shopping: DAY ONE

2008-12-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some outfits I just got with Christmas Money. :)
Click the picture to enlarge it. (EVERYTHING I bought was on sale!)

By the way, I FINALLY bought a curling iron. Here is me starting to curl my hair:

Oh and here's yet another daily amusement.

You're probably like "What the heck is that white thing on her face?" right? Well it's facial mask and as I was about to put the rest on my face, I saw what I had put on so far on my forehead. Then I almost screamed when I realized it looked like a bird/dove!! Here's a closeup, do you see it?

I know right? It's so amazing.
Anyway, that's all for now. I'll post more outfits after shopping day two.

XOXO,
Morena

Freelance STYLING: Coco Edition

2008-12-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm going to start styling people through my blog since I've done it for others over the internet as well. Danielle was all the way across the country when I helped her out, so if I can do that, I can do anything.

Testimonial From: Danielle K.

"In preparation for a Thanksgiving dinner party, I almost forgot I had to dress myself. Luckily, at that moment I was online with Morena, and she quickly offered her assistance with a chic, classic outfit that was also right in my comfort zone. An A-Line skirt, ruffled cami, and simple cardigan in a black and white palette was just simple enough for dinner but super classic, paired with tights and simple patent flats. It was like channeling Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel and I was complimented all night long. It's amazing to have her fashion knowledge available for exactly those types of moments. You just know you'll look good."

***Thanks so much Danielle, it was easy working with you so that's why we came up with such an Audrey/Coco Chanel-esque outfit you know? You're an amazing person to work with.

(Check out Danielle's Blog: My Style Life)

With Love,
Morena

To get styled email me at: WithLove.Morena@gmail.com

Picture Credit: http://www.wmagazine.com/

In MORENA'S CLOSET: The Magestic O

2008-12-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

I went to the GROVE: L.A. yesterday and got these shoes from a store called Shoe Bliss.
I picked up their business card for you guys:

So anyway, I have a little story with these shoes. You see, I was casually strolling around at the Grove and suddenly, the sign "sample sale" caught my eye at this little hidden store called "Shoe Bliss." Literally the ONLY shoes on Sample Sale were Isaac Mizrahi OR Oscar de La Renta. The sale was basically each shoes was only $35.00 and if you buy TWO you get ONE free. So, my mom got some pumps, my sister got some flats, and I got MY SHOES. :)

Long story short, each shoe was about 24 dollars because it was two for $70 and then get one free. I thought it was RIDICULOUS AMAZING that I could get Oscar de La Renta's for less than one hundred (at THE LEAST).

Your fashionista still keeps getting lucky.

<3 Morena

Kate FROM STYLISTA

2008-12-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

(Photo from: StylistaFanatic)
YOU HAVE NO IDEA how happy I am.
I have just been talking to Kate from Stylista today! (via email)
Oh my goodness you guys, she's so hilarious and just as wonderful as I thought. She was definitely a favorite of mine from the show and she's actually been talking to ME. Oh and she commented on this blog too! Katie's an amazing girl, and she made me laugh and smile today. I love ya Katie, thank you!
You are so beautiful and so sweet.

With Love,
Morena

Spring '09: Fashion Week

2008-12-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

If you scroll down this wonderful place that I call my fashion blog, you will see a post about:

JOHANNA COX (the winner of Stylista)

and a post on a new fall trend. I was reading my own blog and then I realized something was missing.

In the mass chaos of starting high school this past September, I never got to discuss the Spring 2009 shows during Fashion Week...such a shame.

The biggest disappointment I had this season came from the House of Classic American Designer, Michael Kors. Most of the articles in the show seemed quite silly and looked like it jumped right out of a Jughead or Betty and Veronice Double Digest. Although I DO love those books, I don't like how it translated on runway. Kors has done better, and I hope he will in February during the Fall 09 shows. One piece that I DID love though, was the yellow polka-dot bikini. That was ridiculous adorable. There really were some highlights in that show, however it wasn't as great as it could be.

One of my favorites was definitely Luella during Paris Fashion Week. Each piece had so much thought put into it. The entire collection was very quirky and just smart, almost too smart because some people had criticized it as "granny-like." The only thing I could possibly say is that it was missing a little fetish quality that would've given the timeless pieces, an edge.
Judge for yourself:
fr_story=a9140a217adb9a0558df1ad32d54d64d8e239444&rf=ev&hl=true' width=404 height=463 scrolling='no' frameborder=0 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0>

Now with DVF, I was somewhat disappointed. I adore Dianne but the collection didn't seem like it was very her. I felt a different vibe when I saw highlights from the show. I didn't hate it, however I wasn't jumping in my seat as I do when I see a Furstenburg collection. Here it is:

Of course this past September, Oscar did not disappoint. As always, I had to gasp for air when I saw the De La Renta gowns walking down that ramp. He didn't play into too many trends this season, however, that is what I loved about the collection. It is yet another timeless omnibus for the House of De La Renta. You MUST see it for yourself:

Tell me what you thought.

Looking forward to it

XOXO,
Morena

The Couture HUNGRY: Johanna Edition

2008-12-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

So Anne Slowey finally chose "the right fit."
Anne chose my favorite little STRUCTURED STYLISTA, Johanna Cox. I knew from the very beginning Johanna was going to win, however as the competition progressed…I actually felt like she needed to win. After hearing she had her own fashion blog, I hunted it down and searched all over the internet. After about 2 hours, I FINALLY discovered what it was called. While reading her blog, “A serious Job is no Excuse,” I saw even more how much alike Johanna and I were. I saw a lot of my personality in herself and her writing. Writing is my second love next to fashion. And I could see in her eyes that she feels the same passion for the industry as I do. Johanna and I are both couture hungry. One thing that really stood out to me last night was when Johanna said, "I just want something that feeds my soul." That’s when it hit me that she (as well as I) not only wanted nor needed her to win this job, but it was almost do or die. I’m so glad Johanna won. I applaud Anne Slowey (Fashion Director for Elle) for making the right decision. If only Anne and Johanna knew how genuinely happy I was to see the RIGHT person win.

(I circled who Johanna was for you.)

EPISODE RE-CAP:
As it came down to only three finalists, it would be hard to choose which two would compete to win the VERY sought-out job of becoming a Junior Editor for Elle magazine. So it seemed as if only one person could make that important decision…Roberta Myers who is one of the few virtuosos of fashion left in this world. Roberta is the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and in the end, she chose DeShaun and Johanna to compete. I didn’t completely fall in love with that decision, but I was quite satisfied with Johanna moving forward. So after being chosen, the two finalists shot an actual cover shoot for Elle with Grammy winner Eve. And as I stated earlier, Johanna Cox was chosen for the job.

I was literally SHAKING minutes before finding out who won. The episode was going to end at 10 and it was about 9:54 PM when I started literally shaking and my head started to hurt because I was nervous (to put it in simple terms) for Johanna. I felt like if she had not been chosen, it would’ve made HER really sad, as well as myself. I really DO hope the best for Johanna. I'd die for her job, and I'd die to meet her someday. If there was anyone who inspires me as much and maybe even more than Rachel Zoe and Anna Wintour, it's Johanna Cox (the NOW Junior Editor for Elle Magazine)...and that's a really great compliment coming from me.

I can't wait to meet Johanna someday. I will always keep her in my mind because she is so amazing. I don't know her, but in a way I feel like I do. I feel as if Johanna is myself, but at a different age. Looking forward to talking to you someday Johanna. I wish you all the happiness in the world.

With Love,
Morena

P.S. Here's Johanna's wonderful blog just in case you wanted to see.
http://aseriousjobisnoexcuse.blogspot.com/

"Why so Serious?"

2008-12-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

That line seems to be famous now and every time I hear the word "serious" I associate it with the color gray. So speaking of that wonderful color, I have a trend report update.

Do not ask me how, but I just know that gray is going to be huge this fall.

(http://www.orangebeautiful.com/blog/pics/601.jpg)

Black nails are completely out, however gray nails are moving their way into the empty spot left as a Fall trend. This trend has been a natural progression because the punk look is on it's way out, and high fashion on it's way in. Gray is such a representative of high fashion because it is a neutral that works with absolutely any color.

Here's a conversation I had with my friend Sam:

[17:45] SammN:Going to get my presents tomorrow. getting mani pedi as well
[17:45] MorenaRena: OH that's amazing. I'm going shopping as well.
[17:45] SammN: have fun. Any color ideas
[17:46] MorenaRena: Color ideas for your Mani-Pedi?
[17:46] SammN: yep
[17:46] MorenaRena: Gray is huge this fall.
[17:46] MorenaRena: Gray nails are going to be huge. Might as well be fashion forward NOW.
[17:46] SammN: cool, might just do that. They are so tacky
[17:49] MorenaRena: What are so tacky?
[17:50] SammN: my nails, they have looked better
[17:50] MorenaRena: Well yes, gray is very in this fall.
[17:50] SammN: thanks, bud .

That conversation inspired this post. I hope you girls listen because you know you can trust me. Gray is the color of the fall, IF you wear it you will be more fashion-forward than them all.

Morena's Fall MUST HAVES:

Well that is really all for right now. Happy Holidays everyone.

With Love,
Morena

IN MORENA'S CLOSET: "You're gonna get the boot..."

2008-12-17T16:31:00.000-08:00

I have recently added new pieces to my already profound closet. First off, I got this new jacket/coat last week and I absolutely love it. And I got these new gray boots because it rained on Monday and it was way too cold to be wearing flats around again on Tuesday. (You see, I don’t really own tennis shoes.) So on Monday night, I rushed over to target and bought these cute little ankle booties and I wore them for the first time today (since it rained again).

When I first bought the boots I had NO IDEA what to wear with them. I got home and tried to put together outfits, but nothing seemed to work. I couldn’t find any tops that I thought were complimentary to the boots, so I decided not to wear them on Tuesday.

However, today (Wednesday) was a different story…

This morning, I found this cute purple top that I haven’t worn for about a month and I was more than ecstatic to re-discover it hanging in the back of my closet. I always say that my favorite outfits come from my impromptu “pull-togethers”…and today, I proved that again. Anyway, after I found that top, I put on my new jacket and some jeans, and ran out the door. I’m so glad to have FINALLY found an outfit to go with my booties. All my girls from the TeenVogue forums are probably saying “I told you so.” (Because I thought I would have to take the boots back, but they gave me ideas on how to wear them.)

Thanks Girls! You’re such dolls,
XOXO,
Morena

Yet ANOTHER Rachel Zoe post...

2008-12-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Turns out I've been completely MIA with Rachel Zoe's situation.
Her Hollywood Hills home/studio was broken into late October.
Thousands of dollars worth of clothing and jewelry were taken.

I feel bad because everyone keeps making fun of the fact that she's "totally freaking out." I'm SURE she is! Losing important pieces could ruin her relationships with certain designers. Whoever robbed Rachel was very smart but cruel. She's the most sought after stylist in the world, and they have the audacity to try and bring her down by robbing her. Well I just have ONE MESSAGE to those people:
(and you can quote me) Rachel Zoe runs a fashion empire and it won't end until SHE herself, gives up on it. Fashion mavens may feel broken sometimes, but they are never shattered. Nothing can bring down the Zoe Camp.

Rachel feels so victimized by the press, but she really shouldn't. She's too amazing for that. So anyway, in OTHER Rachel news:
This past month everyone's been talking about Rachel Zoe getting "scary skinny."
Read this article from OBSERVER.COM

I don't believe Rach is an anorexic. I think she's just skinny(like she always has been), and the pressure of her life is pushing her dramatic weight loss.

I just hope Rachel will be fine. Bravo! has granted her yet another season of "The Rachel Zoe Project" coming up. I really can't wait.
Well that's all for now,

XOXO,
Morena

Take me to the ZOE CAMP...

2008-12-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

There are many things that I will give you criticism on, however I draw that line at Chelsea Handler and Rachel Zoe. She's an amazing amazing stylist and she has such a passion for what she does.

Every single time that I re-watch a TiVoed episode of "The Rachel Zoe Project" on Bravo...I feel as if I regain my love for fashion. I see the show and I crave the industry more than ever, even though I thought that'd be impossible. She has the most impeccable taste and the way she puts her looks together is harder than you think. It's not just finding a cute dress and throwing it on her client, she really has trouble finding "The ONE." She KNOWS whens it's "The ONE" when she gets something called the "witch vibe."

Some of Rachel's Clients include:

Actress/Model JOY BRYANT

Actress/Model MOLLY SIMS

Actress DEBBIE MESSING

as well as
Actress DEMI MOORE

Rachel Zoe is my inspiration and the reason I keep going for my goal to be in the fashion industry. She is in my number two on my TOP FIVE list of people that I WANT to and WILL meet someday. Rach is pretty, smart, wonderful, sweet, assertive, and obviously STYLISH.

Rachel Zoe is truly amazing, and being part of the "Zoe Camp" will be MY DREAM internship. I'd be more than ecstatic.

Watch out for when I do meet her. Hopefully SOON.

<3 Morena

I was tagged...

2008-12-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Both by New York Chique and JUJUHearts

Thanks girlies for the "brillante web blog award." <3

Love Ya too,
Morena

Now I tag...
Heroique,
Stars Are Purple,
New York Chique,
La Femme Chic
Life As we know it
Pink Tartan and Tweed
Lamaa

Happy Late Birthday Brit...

2008-12-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

I watched Britney Spears' documentary two days ago. It was absolutely amazing. Last year and this past one, when Britney was at a point where no one believed she could make it, I DID. This documentary proved me right and that every perception people had of Britney was wrong, and only she could show that. Britney said she was "alone" and "sad." She feels like her life is in TOO MUCH control and I definitely agree. Who ever said therapists and psychologists could help her after the longest time? I love Britney so much and through this documentary...I realized that when she was famous as a young person, no one REALLY knew who she was. We saw Britney the performer. When I was young and growing up watching Britney, I was most definitely a fan of "Britney Spears" the character and image.
Which was this girl:

However now, I'm an admirer of Britney Spears...the human being. This lady right here:

I admire the fact that she can get through a lot in her life and yet still CHOOSE to be happy. Also, when she performed on Good Morning America for her 27th birthday, it was the first time in a long time that I saw her happy to perform. She was radiant. After singing "Circus" she smiled and she was just glowing and shining...and that was not just because there was a ring of fire behind her.

Here's an excerpt from my diary last year that I had to type up for english class...nothing too personal, but it says my feelings towards her:

January 20, 2008

Dear Diary,
All week my mind’s been accumulated with my thoughts about Britney…and I think you know which Britney I’m talking about. Today, I was actually watching something on VHI called Britney: Worst Year Ever, it was a 30-minute segment showcasing all the bad things that have happened in Britney’s life this past year. All the editors of major gossip magazines, like Us Weekly and Ok! were there doing commentary. They kept saying “Britney should turn her life around…” blah, blah, blah. The only reason people say that is because they know it’s what they have to say. But in reality, most people don’t want Britney to stop because they’re so fascinated by her, and they don’t want to stop talking about her. And I know that because people keep criticizing Britney right? Well, do you think that encourages her to want to do something better with her life? No! People say she should turn her life around, but then they name all the bad things she’s done wrong. She KNOWS what’s she’s done, all she really needs to hear from people is that she still has a chance. She really doesn’t care about the people who hate her, or disapprove of her choices. She just has to know that she has a chance and that’s it. If I could say one thing to everybody who takes even the least bit interest in Britney, it would be…if they want her to stop setting a bad example, then they need to stop with the negativity, especially the press. But again, people don’t want her to stop, they’re so fascinated by her. Now don’t get me wrong, I am too, and there’s no way I’m defending her actions, but I’m just thinking past everything. Unlike other people, who are so closed minded and don’t believe that Britney has even the smallest chance to put all this behind her. You know what I think’s going to happen though? If people don’t stop with the negativity, Britney will keep on going with her supposed “bad” choices. Then, she’ll lose custody of her kids, then commit suicide because she no longer has nothing to live for. People just really need to stop and mind their own business. I know I am…

XOXO,
Morena

That was from way back in January and yet I still feel exactly the same. Britney's an amazing girl. This time in her life should not be considered her "come-back" because she's always been here...but her "turn-around."

I only wish the best for her.

With Love,
Morena

It's been a huge blur...

2008-12-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

Today as I was in the car waiting to get home and all of a sudden I notice that we were already on my street. I thought to myself that I didn't even notice my surroundings and how fast everything was going...it was all just a big blur. Then I realized, that's how my life's been lately. My first year of high school is going by too fast. It's DECEMBER now and at this time last year, everything was wonderful and it seemed like it was such a long way from when we first started in September. As of right now, it feels like September was just last month. I don't know what's happening but it's not fun. I hate when time goes by too fast. It's like I'm riding by life in a Ferarri but going 200 Miles Per DAY. I need a change, either that or I just need to go shopping. I get this major adrenaline rush when I shop. It's amazing, I love it. I'm funny in that way...

With Love,
Morena

Do YOU need OUTFIT HELP?

2008-11-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

click the "Contact" link at the top and tell me all about it. I've helped girls through the internet numerous times with outfits, prom dresses, or homecoming dresses...so I'm sure I can help you. I'm starting a new "stylist" section on my blog so this will help me get it started.

I look forward to hearing from you!

XOXO,
Morena

THE most important night...

2008-11-04T15:50:00.001-08:00

of our LIVES.
I hope you voted.

Let's reflect on the election shall we? As January comes closer, this whole process is coming to an abrupt end. It's been a fun rollercoaster ride, has it not?

Aspects of the Election:

FASHION aspect: From Sarah Palin's Oscar De La Renta suits,

to Cindy's priceless pearl jewelry. Fashion has played a big part in this election.

ECONOMIC aspect: Regardless of who wins, our economy and the whole existence of our free market, is on the line. Let's hope things get better.

HISTORICAL aspect: From the Obama, to the Clinton campaign this has definitely been a historical time. Can you believe Hilary Clinton stayed in the race for that long? I think it's wonderful! And just when everything stopped being interesting, McCain brought Sarah Palin into the picture...is there any more to say?

PALIN aspect: This election is everything AND nothing because of Sarah.
She's priceless.

And how can we ever forget...
SNL aspect: I tivoed this last night. Gosh, this has been amazing. Amy Poehler as Hilary and Katie Couric...amazing. And obviously the Tina Fey resemblance? wow.

So...as much as everything's coming to an end, this is only a beginning for America. Nothing's going to happen overnight, but we will try to make it through.

Things are changing so...
PLEASE vote.

XOXO,
Morena

Congrats Ash!

2008-10-30T16:03:00.001-07:00

Hey girlies,
Ashley Paige now has an online store now!

check it out please?
tell me if you purchase something ok?

http://secure.ashleypaige.com/store/

XOXO,
Morena

P.S. Did you know that I met Ashley? Make sure to check this out on my fashion club's website (I have pictures):

CLICK HERE

Enjoy!

The Sky is endless wonder...

2008-10-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

These are my own pictures. I love capturing the stillness and beauty in life, so I'm starting to want to be a photographer. The following pictures are not professional, but don't they look like it? ;) You see, I look up at the sky every morning to find a beautiful site. But on this very morning, it was extra amazing. So I am going to share it with you.

Also, today I saw a bird flying so briskly and I was wondering where it was going. Then I realized it was flying towards the sun, because in all the badness happening in our world, it's the one place you can find light. I thought it was a beautiful scene against the rising sun at six this morning. Life is sometimes amazing. It makes you smile in the most random moments. I hope you had a good day today.

With Love,
Morena

P.S. Happy Birthday Jess.

Easy, Breezy, ELLEN?

2008-10-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Ellen is going to be a CoverGirl you guys! I think that's awesome because it's unconventional, and it's going to be gorgeous. Ellen has the most effortlessly charming and witty personality. I love it. I'm so glad CoverGirl chose her! <3

XOXO,
Morena

Whitney Port...

2008-10-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

has a new show called "The City." It's all about her life in New York, which all happened because she scored a MAJOR job with Dianne Von Furstenburg. To be honest with you, I don't understand why she got that job. I think she got it because she was "Whitney from the Hills." I don't see anything she's done to deserve it, considering she worked at People's Revolution for less than a year. I also don't see why she has her own show, she's not nearly as interesting as LC.

Now, don't get me wrong, I do like Whit, but I just think that "The City" and her new job is all scripted and just will clone the hills.

Girls should get major jobs like that because they're passionate about it. I don't see that in Whitney's eyes and the way she works.

Although I think a big part of this rant is due to myself overdosing on the jealousy pill.
But that's all I have to say about the subject for now.

XOXO,
Morena

Sarah Is just IT.

2008-10-20T16:44:00.001-07:00

GET ME THIS FOR CHRISTMAS!!

2008-10-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

Mod Strapless Dress

Puple Sweater Dress

Mademoiselle Dress

Striped Cute Dress

Candy Cane Dress

Enchanted Forest Dress

Gorgeous Dress

CUTEST Pink dress EVER

Floral Tunic

Sunday in The city

The little WHITE dress

XOXO,
Morena

P.S. Sorry I haven't updated for a while! I will soon!

Music

2008-09-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Celebs

2008-09-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

CHELSEA HANDLER

KARDASHIANS

MADONNA

Review: Ashley Paige

2008-08-20T15:47:00.001-07:00

Truly truly amazing girl. She's the greatest bikini designer EVER, and she has a non profit dog organization. I think she's such a great person, and her dogs are so good. Ash said on her show "Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust" that she was humanitarian first, and a designer second. Is that not the sweetest thing you've ever heard? I LOVE Ashley Paige, and I constantly get emails from her website. Today I got an email asking me to send a comment to this website:

TLC on DISCOVERY

to ask them to return with a second season of "Ashley Paige Bikini or Bust" on TLC. Please visit this website and comment. Even if you have not seen the show, please help out by at least requesting to have a second season.
Thanks very much,
From Morena and Ashley...
This show will bring awareness for dogs in need. You can also visit one of AShley's websites:
www.AshleyPaige.com

www.MySpace.com/RuffHouZen_Rescue
or
http://www.ruffhouzen.org/

Happy Birthday MADONNA <3

2008-08-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

My Madonna Wall <3 (which took me 30 min. to make LOL, I'd put that much time in and more for Madge)

Just wanted to send a shout my favorite singer/fashion icon/pop icon!! It's her 50th, yet she still doesn't look old. I hope there's another 50 years to come <3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADGE.
OH and a little fun fact: for her 50th, she adopted another child from Malawi, her name is...
Mercy James. How cute. So yeah, that's it for now, and remember!...always keep it clean, keep it cool, and ALWAYS keep it "Too Haute to Handle!!!"

XOXO,
Morena

P.S. Happy birthday to Ms. Collins too. Sorry I didn't have a picture of HER.

IN MORENA'S CLOSET: Radiant in purple haze

2008-08-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

REVIEW: Shalom Harlow

2008-07-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier on, I posted a whole entry on my fashion icons, and I neglected to mention many astounding, stunning, fashion mavens, with goddess-esque looks. Well I'm going to make up for that today. First up, Shalom Harlow. She was not only the face of DKNY in the early 1990's, but come 1995, she's also the face of Isaac Mizrahi, and none other than the matriarch of all Haute Couture brands themselves, Chanel.

She might as well have graced the covers of Vogue and Harper's BAZAAR. Oh WAIT! She had already done that. You don't believe me? Here's the proof. There she is on the right:

And here she is all by herself, in a whole different element. Simple, like your girl next door and yet she still captivates me.

And here she is again on MORE Vogue covers. Believe it or not...

(haha, you know how long it took me to put all the Vogue covers together into one picture? I had to use a whole bunch of different programs. It took forever *sigh* The things I do for my blog.)

Anyway, Ms. Shalom Harlow also graced the covers of Elle ('96), Marie Claire ('96), W (twice in '97), Dazed & Confused ('99), New York Magazine ('o1) and there's MANY more.

And if you're going to ask for the designers she's walked the ramps of Haute Couture for, here are a few:

Chanel, Givenchy, Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior (you know, just your run-of-the-mill SUPER POWERFUL designers and brands)

But yes, Shalom has accomplished so much more than I could mention. And her status right now is (technically) retired. However, come 2007 she landed an ad campain for Chloe with Freja Beja and Anja Rubik. Here's one of the ads that spread all over many magazines and I first discovered in TeenVogue:

These are only a few of the many accomplishments she's made in life. I still think she has more to come. Ms. Harlow has this timeless look that just tranforms like a cameleon. Yet, she's so recognizable. Now, as a girl that studies fashion every second of her free time, I get so excited when I see her face. It's like "If all else fails and you no long know what you're doing, Shalom will be there." She's a familiar face that I'd be honored to meet someday. She hasn't yet ceased to amaze me She's truly wonderful.

So yes, unfortunately, that's it for now. But I'll leave you with my usual farewell.

Remember to: keep it clean, keep it fabulous and ALWAYS keep it TOO HAUTE TO HANDLE!

XOXO,
Morena

P.S. The pictures used in this post were courtesy of NY Magazine. <3

Unbelievably INSPIRATIONAL

2008-07-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

"We Can" by LeAnn Rimes!!! This is ultimately my FAVORITE song. Usually I can't pick one, but then, one day on a warm little Saturday here in Southern California, I changed my mind. I was watching "Legally Blonde 2"...yet AGAIN. I truly LOVE this movie and have seen it alot. However, this past weekend was the first time I noticed all the inspirational songs embedded in it. Anyway, watch the video and judge for yourself: (courtesy of Yahoo! Music)

Here's the lyrics:
They'll try to stop the dream we're dreamin'
But they can't stop us from believing
They will fill your head with doubt
But that won't stop us now
So let them say we can't do it
Put up a road block
We'll just run right through it.. Cause...

We can, do the impossible
We have the power in our hands
And we won't stop 'cause we've got
To make a difference in this life
With one voice, one heart, two hands, we can

They say the odds are stacked against us
But that can't hold us back, we will be relentless
There's a voice they're gonna hear
A voice so loud and clear
So let them say we can't do it, give us a mountain,
and we're gonna move it.. cause..

We can, do the impossible
We have the power in our hands, and we won't stop
Cause we've got to make a difference in this life
With one voice, one heart, Two hands, we can

We're gonna make a change today (make a change today)
Because we've got the faith it takes
To win this race, so let them say we can't do it
Put up a road block
And we'll just run right through it cuz..

We can, do the impossible
We have the power in our hands and we won't stop
Cos we've got to make a difference in this life
With one voice, one heart Two hands, we can

I can (oh I can)
Do the impossible (do the impossible)
I have the power in my hands, and I won't stop
Cause I've got to make a difference in this life
With my one voice, one heart, two hands, we can

I hope you LOVED it! Are you not inspired as well? This song is what keeps me going for my dream to become editor-in-chief like I had mentioned in one of my posts. LeAnn Rimes is truly truly amazing. I would give everything to see her sing this song live.

XOXO,
Morena

Finally, a Chickdowntown Giveaway

2008-07-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

***EDIT: I backdated this post one year so it won't show up on my home page anymore. It was originally posted on July 23rd 2009.

Hey everyone, I've finally gotten the chance to host a Chickdowntown Giveaway. I'm giving away:
by BB Dakota. It really is an amazing dress, and Chickdowntown has many other brands I know you'd love, like Rojas Clothing. For more giveaways, go to their Twitter and Facebook.

BB Dakota is probably one of my favorite brands that Chickdowntown carries because it's one of those brands that just presents a medley of fashionable pieces. Their designs consist of many different styles that would appeal to almost anybody. They're quite amazing.

I want to give it away as fast as I can! It really is a beautiful dress.
You can enter two ways:
1) Follow my blog and leave a comment saying you are following. (And if you're already a follower, still comment.)
2) A little game called snap cup from Legally Blonde. Where we say good things about each other. So let's make this giveaway a chance to make each other's day! Leave me a nice little comment about what you like about my blog, and I will return the favor! Good Luck! I will choose the winner at random. Have a great day. (***Winner will not be based on how sweet your comment is. Sorry! It really is random.)

OMG...BARBIE WAFFLES!!

2008-07-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

You guys, I have found a new obsession! (It might be kinda stupid but...) OMG SO, this morning I go into my fridge for something to eat right? And guess what I discovered?! I saw a box of eggo right? And it also had a picture of Barbie on the back of the box...and that's why I picked it up because I thought it was an ad for Barbie. But then...I look INSIDE the box, and there it is! Barbie's pictures ON the waffles. It was the coolest thing ever! They were limited edition though, so I don't know how long I'll have them. Anyway, I took pics so here they are:

Is it kind of blurry? SORRY, but aren't they cool!! OMG they're fabulous!

Here's another pic. They're so cool to me! What do you think?
Anyway, that's all for now! And remember...always...keep it clean, keep it fabulous, and ALWAYS too haute to handle!

XOXO,
Morena