FestiFULL of COLORS: Holi! (Guest Post by Ambika)

For thousands of years, Hindus have celebrated the festival of Holi all around the world. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated by throwing powdered colors at people, with festivities like singing and dancing. The dance associated with Holi is called Dandia Raas, and is played with a pair of sticks. Depending on which part of India the festival is celebrated, a bonfire is lit in the evening of Holi or the night before it. In many parts of India, people observe a fast by only eating puffed rice and popcorn for the day.

There are many explanations of why the festival exists, but the most famous is the ancient story of the prince Prahlad and his evil father King Hirnakasyapu. It was believed that the King was an Asura, a demon who is a cruel ruler. Being the power-hungry monster that he was, the King wanted everyone in his kingdom to worship him and praise him even more than God. Unfortunately for him, his own son Prahlad was an ardent devotee of the God Vishnu, the god who looked after the entire Universe. When the King asked his son who the most power man in the kingdom was, the song replied that it was he, his father, and king. But when he was asked who the strongest in the whole world was, Prahlad replied simply that it was the God Vishnu.

I'm wearing an Indian suit and the shoes are traditional Punjabi shoes (cotton)

Viewing this to be an undermining of his power, the King set his sights on destroying Prahlad afraid that his son's ideas would become a representation of his kingdom. He enlisted his sister, Holika, to help with this task. Holika had a special sari, a traditional Indian gown that allowed her to be within flames without being incinerated. The siblings convinced Prahlad that if he were to sit on the lap of his aunt while they were lit on fire, he would be safe and fireproof along with her. After all, it was directions by his loving aunt and father. When the bonfire had died down again, they found that Prahlad was saved by the grace of God and his extreme devotion. Holika had died paying for her sins. Therefore, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil while simultaneously glorifying the importance of devotion.

The scarf is called a dupatta or chunni (depends on what part of India)

There are few other legends associated with the origins of Holi, but the moral of the story always depicts the triumph of good over evil within the end. The day is always considered peaceful as enemies and friends alike gather to play with colors in the name of Holi.

~AMBIKA

So Long Winter, We're Springing Forward!

Hello everyone!!! I know it's been a while. It's crazy how we're already mid-way through March--like whoah!! When did January and February happen? To celebrate the imminent transition of season, here's 4 outfits to guide you for spring outfits. Technically Spring Equinox isn't until next Sunday, but it's definitely feeling like spring in SoCal! I don't know about you, but I've been dealing with spring allergies in 80 degrees weather. But that's beside the point. I hope you enjoy this post and maybe you'll find some of my tips helpful!

Off the shoulder blouse: Zara // Floral Drawstring Pants: Polo Ralph Lauren // Sandals: Franco Sarto

Don't tell anyone...but the pants I have on are actually pajama pants that I bought about a month ago on sale. I think it's totally wearable with a plain top. Plus it's comfy!

I'm so strong I can push a tree! Nope, totally kidding.

For this outfit, I thought a black top would be a nice contrast to the red drawstrings. Since there is quite a floral pattern going on, it's better to be simple on the top so the outfit doesn't look like a clutter. As far as accessories, I stacked my usual Seiko watch with an Alex and Ani bracelet and a turquoise stone bangle to complement the turquoise-toned flowers on the pants.

~ Gotta love the City of Trees ~

Black Blazer: Kenzie (Nordstrom) // Magenta Peplum Tank: American Eagle // Boyfriend Jeans: American Eagle // Initial Bar Necklace: Nectar // 3 Triangle Necklace: Forever 21

When it gets slightly chilly, throw on a blazer. It'll do the trick! It is a principle that blazers add sophistication to any casual outfit. I'm not as much of a fan of preppy clothing anymore, but I still like how blazers look on top of a casual combo. 

I'm usually not big on buying colorful tops (like magenta) because I prefer neutral colors that match with everything...BUT it's still important to have a bit of variety. When I buy colorful tops, I usually like them simple with a twist. This magenta top, for example, had a peplum bottom half that I really love. It really pops out in this outfit because it contrasts with the black.  

How cool is this pattern?! I love how there are two separate patterns that intertwine. This dress was my mom's from many, many years ago. The dress originally has shoulder-pads (yes, that long ago), so I cut them out and turned it into my own midi dress. Being resourceful 101 everybody!!!

Slip Dress: Free People

I usually wear this dress by itself, but I also like how it looks with the boyfriend jeans. I got this dress on sale at Nordstrom for like 60 dollars, so it was a good deal considering it's usually 90. The best part of this slip is that it's extremely light weight and flowy. It's perfect for the spring time! It's also easy to work with, so it would look good if I were to wear it with a cardigan or a sweater.

THANKS FOR READING! 

Monkeying Around the Lunar New Year

Happy Lunar New Year everyone! If you're confused about why there is Chinese New Year, Korean New Year, and so on, just know that they are all pretty much the same thing. To be more general, it's called Lunar New Year. Lunar New Year is one the most important celebrations of the year in East Asian culture. It is celebrated by many East Asian countries besides China and Korea. To creatively as well as culturally ring in the year of the monkey, we decided to cover a few of the most important symbols of East Asian culture.

This first picture is a cross-cultural representation of China and Korea. The lantern is the heart of the Chinese New Year celebration as it symbolizes the wish for a bright future. It is quite literally a light for hope. Both China and Korea specifically celebrate their own Lantern Festivals at different times of the year. People release lanterns into the sky as a representation of letting go of their old selves and hoping for good fortune. Just picture that lantern scene from Tangled--it's beautiful.

Besides the lantern, I am also wearing a hanbok, which is worn for Lunar New Year celebrations in Korea. If you haven't read our hanbok post from last year, then click this link right below!!!

http://www.letrendary.com/2014/12/welcome-2015.html

I don't know about you, but I am a flower fanatic. Cherry Blossoms are easily one of my favorites. I didn't realize, but certain kinds of Cherry Blossoms produce actual cherries! Cherry Blossoms are the national flower of Japan. It is fundamentally a symbol of love, joy, and the fragility of life. Japan's samurai culture admired cherry blossoms due to their short lives, and used them as a representation of blood drops. The blooming period of cherry blossoms are very short, so they serve as a visual reminder of how precious and precarious life is. Just as the life of a flower, life is short and should thus be lived to the fullest. A National Cherry Blossoms Festival has been annually celebrated for 80 years in Washington D.C. to commemorate the gift of Japanese cherry trees in 1912 in an effort to enhance the growing friendship between the US and Japan. Although...several trees were chopped down after Pearl Harbor for obvious reasons. Today, there are Cherry Blossom Festivals all over the country. There are a few in SoCal, so check them out if you can!

The final object we wanted to focus on was a sword. A sword represents not only power but also honor and wisdom. Buddhists recognize the sword as a metaphor of cutting through ignorance to reach the truth of all things.

This picture honestly reminds of Mulan. Diana and I share our love for Mulan because she defies the archetype of a warrior always having to be a male. I've read feminist articles arguing that Mulan is not a feminist because she has to dress as a boy for selfhood, but I think they're completely missing the bigger picture. Mulan goes to war because she wants to save her father's life and wants to bring her family honor. She wants to find her purpose in life, and she wants to do something meaningful. Mulan is physically as well as mentally strong throughout the entire movie, and I admire that.


Thanks for reading and Happy Happy New Year!!!

febYOURary's Must-Have Staples

Happy February everyone! Sorry we didn't have a post last Thursday like I said we would (sad face). Hopefully the content from this post makes up for it. I thought it might be helpful to give a suggestion about what you might want to think about wearing this month and/or what you might want to buy if you have some cash to spend. It's supposed to be very rainy and cold this month, so here are 3 must-have staples for the California cold! 

1. Plain Wool Cardigan

This cardigan is very warm because it's real wool. I don't own very many cardigans or jackets, but the ones I have are good quality...and that's all that matters! Black is always a smart choice in the winter because it nearly matches everything, and I personally enjoy wearing darker colors when it's cold.

Tip: Have a summer collared tank top that's sitting in your closet? Button up your cardigan all the way and...voila, it's a collared top!!! See how it looks like a peter pan collared top on the bottom right? It's so easy, simple, and clean. 

Black Cardigan: Polo Ralph Lauren

2. Textured Long Cardigan

I love this cardigan because it's very fuzzy and warm. It has a hipster, relaxed look, which I really like about it. It's also a beige-tan color, which makes it very easy to match.

Tip: Wear a long cardigan with a pair of boyfriend jeans and your outfit will look effortlessly put together!

How cute are the button and pockets?!? I bought this cardigan on sale and I've used it very well. It goes really well with a pair of brown booties I own.

Cardigan: Abercrombie // Patterned Blouse: Nordstrom

 3. Wool Coat

(Photo creds: Abby Lozares & Kaleb Oh)

I bought this coat on sale from Zara and it was still pricy but well worth-it! I love the subtle pink more than anything. I had only owned one coat until I got this a few weeks ago, so it's an exciting addition to my winter closet. If you feel like it's too late in the game to buy a coat, don't feel so hesitant. Better to buy now than never!

Tip: A coat speaks for itself. It's what makes dressing up for the winter more simple in certain ways. A scarf like the one above is more than sufficient.

 Light Pink Coat: Zara 

I was up in Big Bear two weeks ago, and there was so much snow! Most of these pictures were taken in 20-30 degrees weather, so I was literally freezing. There should be a lot more rain and snow on its way because El Nino is just warming up. Brrrr! If there's anything specific you'd like to see, shoot us an email or leave us a comment on Instagram or Tumblr @Letrendary!