Month: December 2014

geek style

Tacky Holidays

Nina Penalosa4 Comments

It’s already 2015 in some other parts of the world. How weird is that? I’m still hanging out in 2014 as I’m in California, and since I finally found my SD card with the one lone outfit picture I took on Christmas Eve, I figured I might as well have my last blog post of 2014 be an outfit one. Also, Christmas decorations are still everywhere so why can’t I do a Christmas related post six days after Christmas? Plus, my Christmas Eve outfit was SO AWESOMELY TACKY.

  • Vintage velvet dress in a Christmasy shade of green? Check.
  • Tacky Christmas vest? Check.
  • Santa hat? Check.
  • Boba Fett Christmas pin that can’t be seen in this picture? Check.

I found the velvet dress for $5 at a thrift store a couple years ago and it simultaneously screams Christmas and ’90s, don’tcha think? I would’ve died to have this dress in fourth grade, which is when my velvet obsession started. Hey, don’t judge me. I am a child of the 90s afterall. Velvet is coming back with a vengence anyway.

And earlier this year, probably in March, my mom and I went to the American Cancer Society thrift store and happened upon tons of tacky Christmas sweaters and vests! Jackpot, riiiight?! I think my mom bought all of them and sold a few. I was going to just wear the velvet dress with a gold Peter Pan collar, but then I thought I should just go all out tacky because why the eff not? I love kitschy things!

Despite the fact that it was ridiculously hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit this year, I had a great time this year compared to last. Christmas Eve was spent at my cousin’s house and we all kept taking selfies with our grandma like she was Santa Claus. And there were a couple rounds of white elephant and I ended up with a floral teacup and a clear mug with marshmallows, hot chocolate mix, candy, and a gift card to Yogurtland <– my favorite land right after Disney. 😀

Wherever you are, I hope you have a splendiforous time saying goodbye to 2014! And if you already celebrated the New Year, I hope you had a splendiforous time doing so. 🙂 I’ll be spending my New Year’s Eve packing for a little family excursion to SoCal. We’re leaving bright and early in the morning. Of course I’m put off packing at the last minute.

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY LITTLE PONIES!

Cheers,
Nina

 

5 fandom friday

5 Fandom Friday: New Years Blogging Resolutions

Nina Penalosa4 Comments

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Happy Holidays my little ponies!!! If you happen to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa (that started today, I think) I hope you had a wonderful time with the ones you love! And if you don’t celebrate, I hope you found something fun to do 😀 My family and I celebrated on Christmas Eve at my cousin’s house and on Christmas morning we all wore our Kigurumis (hella adorable onesies in case you don’t know what I’m talking about), ate waffles, opened presents, and then watched Into the Woods. 😀

I missed last week’s 5 Fandom Friday post which was to supposed to be about my favorite Christmas movies. I’ll quickly share my favorites here and then get onto this week’s theme of blogging resolutions!

  1. A Christmas Story (I mean, duh)
  2. Love, Actually
  3. Home Alone (1 & 2)
  4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (I love how this is a twofer for Halloween & Christmas!)
  5. Gremlins

Okay, so… blogging resolutions. Most of my blogging resolutions have more to do with making certain types of posts more often. Or just write more content on my blog in general I suppose.

1. Make more outfit posts

The reason why I started this blog was to record all my cute geek (and not so geeky) inspired outfits. Plus I was feeling really good about the way I looked when I first started out because I had lost like 50 lbs or something like that, and then I fell in love and gained it all back. Then I had my heart ripped out Temple of Doom style and gained mad bouts of stress acne on top of all that! So yeah… I haven’t been feeling all that great about myself lately. But I do recall how at beginning of the year I wrote about how I would probably be doing a lot of remix outfit posts because my friends came up with this wacky idea to limit the amount the money we spend on clothing and accessories — something like only spending $7 or less on an article of clothing.

And you know what? I did really well for the first two and a half months, but then Portland happened. We were like, “TREAT YO SELF TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEEEN. PORTLAND EDITION!” And then New York happened. And Los Angeles. And San Diego Comic-Con International. So I basically just said, “f*ck it.”

But um… yeah. The point is, whether it’s remixed or not, or whether I’m full of acne and feeling bloated, I want to be able to chronicle more outfits!

2. Write book and movie reviews more often

I love books. I love movies. They’re two things related to geekdom and I’ve written about books and movies I’ve read/watched in the past and how I liked or didn’t like them.

3. Come up with more topical posts

I feel like I need to write a bit more about the things I geek about on my blog such as things I collect, or toys that are coming out that I’m geeking over like crazy.

4. Write more about the geek art I love

I don’t even remember when, but I started a series called Curator’s Corner where I would talk about an artist whose work I really liked. I did about 4 posts probably, and then just stopped for no good reason. Whenever I go to conventions, Artist Alley is always my favorite part to walk around because that’s where I get to see all kinds of great art! I met Katie Cook at WonderCon ages ago and now she’s an effing rock star — there’s always a ridiculous line to get a custom piece done by her at SDCC. And she writes the official My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic comic books! I feel like I’m digressing. Anyway, the point is I want to start Curator’s Corner back up.

5. Comment on other blogs more

I try my best to write comments on other blogs, particularly with bloggers who I like to thing of as my “bloggy friends” or “bloggy homies.” But sometimes I just can’t think of anything to say, or sometimes I say a whole lot and then hit send, but then something weird happens and then my whole comment vanishes! D:

Do any of  you have resolutions you’d like to make for your blog?

Cheers,
Nina

To find out the origins of 5 Fandom Friday, go here. And check out The Nerdy Girlie and SuperSpaceChick to get caught up with the latest prompts! 

 

5 fandom friday

5 Fandom Friday: Presents I Want Santa To Bring Me

Nina Penalosa1 Comment

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Today’s 5 Fandom Friday post is about presents we’d love for Santa to bring us. I can think of a bevy of clothing items, books, toys, and whosits and whatsits galore that I want for Christmas, but there is really only one thing I truly, truly, TRULY want.

What I really want Santa to bring me on Christmas day is… A NEW CAR!

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Or a slightly used one that’s still fairly new. Whatever. As long as it works!

I currently drive a silver 2002 Corolla that I named Amy (full name Amy Good Corolla like that gorilla in Congo), and as good as she runs, she is falling apart. My sister originally got her when we were in high school, but she has since been passed down to me. Someone tried breaking into her a few months ago and completely jacked up the driver’s side door from the inside. My dad had it fixed, but the person didn’t do a very good job and the handle became very loose. I’d always have to be careful whenever I opened it. And then my dad broke it with his Hulk-like strength! Now I have to roll my window down and open it from the outside in order to get out. As if living in Stockton didn’t make me feel ghetto enough, this only intensified it! The CD player also decides if it wants to actually play music, or stop all together and switch to the radio. It’s so creepy when that happens!

So really, all I want for Santa to bring me is a new car! I also can’t open the trunk anymore, and I think the guy who fixed the car took out the seat belts in the back, so I can’t even have more than one passenger in my car at all times.

PLEASE, SANTA! I just want a car that looks nice in gun metal or TARDIS blue, but isn’t flashy, has good mileage, and isn’t a gas guzzler. PLEASE!!!! I like Fiats like the adorable mint green one pictured above, but a Corolla or a Camry might be more fitting.

What presents are you hoping to get from Santa this year?

Cheers,
Nina

To find out the origins of 5 Fandom Friday, go here. And check out The Nerdy Girlie and SuperSpaceChick to get caught up with the latest prompts! 

geek style · le fancy geek boutique

Everyday Cosplay: Star-Lord

Nina Penalosa5 Comments

pullover: Uniqlo // boots: Carlos by Carlos Santana // studs: Studio Silver
jacket: Guess // necklace: Le Fancy Geek Boutique
belt: Forever 21 // tote: Forever Wars // pants: ModCloth

Right after I watched Guardians of the Galaxy (GOTG) back in August I immediately thought, “I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS TO COME OUT ON BLURAY!!!” <– ALL CAPS NECESSARY. And it finally came out on Tuesday and I couldn’t be happier to have my very own copy so I can watch it as much as I please! Shout out to my friend Caitlin for grabbing a copy of the special limited edition tin case that looks like a Walkman from Best Buy for me 😀

Obviously, I’m on a GOTG kick. I’ve also been lacking in creating Everyday Cosplay posts, so I figure it would be a good idea to start it up again with good ‘ol Peter Quill a.k.a. Star-Lord. His outfit can easily be translated with a simple grey sweater, a burgundy leather jacket, blue skinny jeans, and some brown boots. However, some people, mainly Oncers (that’s what fans of Once Upon a Time are called in case you didn’t know), will think you’re channeling Emma Swan since she often sports the leather jacket/skinny jeans/boots combo.

I added a few accessories related to GOTG to make it clear that this is all inspired by Star-Lord such as a pair of gold star-shaped earrings, because STAR-Lord. Durr. Also, when I think of the word “galaxy” I immediately think of stars — I have a tendency to make literal references whenever I put geek inspired outfits together. I also came across this Awesome Mix Vol. 1 tote on Etsy that’s just absolute perfection! And of course, the outfit wouldn’t be complete without a Star-Lord necklace (made by yours truly). 🙂

Ugh. Now I wish actually did have this outfit so I can go outside and listen to the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack on my iPhone (because I don’t own a Walkman anymore (does anyone?)) so I can dance around to “Come and Get Your Love” and stomp in puddles.

If you haven’t seen the movie (OH MY GAWD, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!), you probably have no idea what I’m talking about. So please watch this:

Cheers,
Nina

PS: I can’t write a Guardians of the Galaxy post about Star-Lord without mentioning how fuggin’ hot Chris Pratt is! I thought he was adorable when he had chubs on Parks & Recreation, but in Guardians of the Galaxy? DAAAAMMMN. Okay, that is all.

geek style · le fancy geek boutique

Le Fancy Geek Boutique Shop Update: New Guardians of the Galaxy Necklaces!

Nina PenalosaLeave a comment

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Hey my little ponies! In case you’re still scrambling to get Christmas presents for your loved ones, I just wanted to let you all know that the necklaces in my Etsy store make perfect stocking stuffers for your geeky friends and family members. And I just added new Guardians of the Galaxy necklaces today!!

For US residents, be sure to place orders by Sunday to ensure that your order will come in time for Christmas 🙂

Cheers,
Nina

PS: Sorry to all Drax the Destroyer fans — I couldn’t quite find an image of Drax that I liked for a pendant, but I do want to eventually add him to the store!

geek style

The Funday Post

Nina Penalosa1 Comment

♥ A little girl disapproves of Tesco’s superhero alarm clock being advertised just for boys. We like superheroes too, dammit!

♥ 27 things you probably didn’t know about Clarissa Explains it All. Way cooool!

♥ This little girl puts Gaston in his place at Disney World. So many little girls are kicking ass these days 😀

♥ My good friend just launched her online store featuring her handmade enamel jewelry! Right now she has monogram necklaces up for sale. Check her out!

♥ What malls in America looked like the in the ’80s! Oh, nostalgia.

♥ Benedict Cumberbatch has officially been cast as Doctor Strange. Marvel is just giving me all kinds of reasons to live!

♥ The ladies of Buzzfeed test out “one size fits all” products.

♥ Take this quiz to find out what your Star Wars job would be. Apparently I’d be a smuggler, and the description is actually quite accurate!

In case you’re wondering what the description for smuggler is:

Life is… complicated, yes? So far it’s been one big scramble to find out who you are and where you’re going – let alone who will take the journey with you. People like you need a niche, a position of belonging and purpose. People like you also happen to possess an unmatched amount of charisma and wit – which becomes invaluable in a galaxy rife with unrest and gray politics. Smuggling may not be the most glamorous (or legal) of jobs, but it suits you to a T. And it pays. Boy, does it pay. Just keep your friends close, your enemies closer – and your blaster closest of all and you’ll be just fine.

Cheers,
Nina

5 fandom friday

5 Fandom Friday: My Favorite Holiday Songs to Spread Cheer

Nina Penalosa6 Comments

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Like many people, Christmas is my favorite time of year! But I’m still in disbelief that 2014 is nearly over so I’ve been a bit bah humbug-ish. Thankfully, this week’s 5 Fandom Friday prompt is to share our favorite holiday songs, so maybe this’ll snap me out of Scrooge mode.

1. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” – *NSYNC

This is a no brainer! It may not be the best song off of *NSYNC’s holiday album Home For Christmas (that would probably be their a cappella version of “O Holy Night”), but this song is just so damn infectious with holiday cheer!

2. “Last Christmas” – Wham

Okay, so this isn’t the cheeriest Christmas song ever written. It may be the saddest. It probably IS the saddest Christmas song ever. But it’s always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, so it makes perfect sense to have it on this list. It doesn’t feel like Christmas time unless I hear this song while I’m out and about.

3. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause” –  The Jackson 5

I remember listening to “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by The Jackson 5 while helping my parents decorate the freshly cut Christmas tree in the living room. Such a classic!

4. “All I Want For Christmas (Is You)” – Mariah Carey

How could I make a list of Christmas songs and not include Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”? I found the song kind of depressing last year since my ex and I broke up a couple weeks before Christmas (who breaks up with someone before Christmas? A$$HOLES, that’s who), but now I’m able to listen to it without wanting to throw my face into a tub of ice cream. Now I just think of Benjamin McKenzie or Tom Hiddleston when I hear it. 😀

5. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Michael Buble

Remember how I said that Wham’s “Last Christmas” is probably the saddest Christmas song ever written? Well, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” is pretty sad too. WHY AM I PICKING ALL THE SAD CHRISTMAS SONGS? I was first introduced to this song by Hanson’s Christmas album Snowed In, but my favorite version is Michael Buble’s.

SCROOGE FOREVER. SAD SONGS FOREVER.

Or like Sally Sparrow said in that one episode of Doctor Who “it’s happy for deep people.”

I tried, you guys. I tried. * le sigh *

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs — happy or sad, contemporary or classic?

Cheers,
Nina

To find out the origins of 5 Fandom Friday, go here. And check out The Nerdy Girlie and SuperSpaceChick to get caught up with the latest prompts!