The Image Incubator

03/19/2021

I know I haven’t posted in a while for many reasons (A new home, re-evaluating business strategies, and mental health to name a few.) However, I did want to pop my head in to say a few words about what’s happening in the Asian American community.

The violence against Asians and Asian Americans in this country is abhorrent and inexcusable. The United States has a long history of such violence going back to about the 1850s when Chinese men were brought over to build the railroads. Some examples are that Asians in this country have been lynched, locked out by the Chinese Exclusion Act, and locked up inside internment camps in WWII (Japanese Americans). This history of violence continues today, unfortunately.

I may be part white, part Arab American, but the fear I have for my husband and the rest of our Asian American family is very real. My brother-in-law, Chris, might be my brother by marriage, but I love him like he was blood. (Both my husband and Chris are pictured here.)

Regardless, this post isn’t about me. It’s about the fact that Asian Americans need to be seen as the true Americans and human beings they are and need to be protected and not ignored.

Consider speaking out, donating to causes (I’ll share some in my stories.), and supporting Asian businesses. My husband and I walk to Oakland Chinatown about once a week to patronize businesses there and support the community. Sadly, we are always on alert. A shopkeeper there told us to always carry cash because if we were mugged, they would be less likely to hurt us if we had cash on us. It was a sobering thought to say the least.

I know it can be nerve racking to speak out in fear of saying the wrong thing, but it’s better to say something and get it not quite right than to say nothing. We’re all learning and solidarity is key.

Thanks for reading.

~Samantha

12/22/2020

I know my posts have been sporadic for several weeks, but I have a good reason... My husband and I just purchased our first home together! We are beyond excited and feel extraordinarily grateful and blessed we were able to find a place in our budget and be able to buy something in this tumultuous year. Honestly, there was a part of me that never thought we could do it in the Bay Area because we’re not tech workers or doctors/lawyers/engineers, but we found a way with hard work, a great realtor, a lot of luck, and many other factors.

We are well aware what a privilege this is when so many are homeless, struggling to make ends meet, or behind on bills. Again, I cannot express how much gratitude we feel over the ability to buy our own place. It may not be a mansion, on the peninsula, or even a single family home, but it’s OURS. We can’t wait to be part of our new community in Oakland.

Right now, we’re in the process of trying to furnish it with basic items like a bed, dressers, and a sofa since we sold all of our furniture when we moved from the East Coast and we’ve been living with family since we arrived here two years ago. And who knew blinds were SO expensive? Definitely DIYing those. 😂

Anyway, if you’re interested in hearing more about our home buying journey or my foray into home decor, let me know! And if you have any tips for new homeowners or have the scoop on great places to buy secondhand furniture in the Bay Area, feel free to leave a comment!

We also fell in love with our realtor, Margaret Ann Thomas, Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty, in Berkeley. We cannot recommend her enough! She’s a straight shooter, doesn’t give you the hard sell, honest, and super knowledgeable about the East Bay. DM me for more about her! And no, this isn’t an ad, we really just believe in her that much. 😁

12/02/2020

Quite often I get asked what my business entails. Here’s a a few examples of what I do for my customers!

🔹Assist you in developing your personal style/signature look
🔹Guide you through a closet audit to get rid of items that no longer serve you and your life
🔹Make sure you’re investing your money in the right pieces that are versatile, last a long time, and that you will actually wear
🔹Help you to create outfits for events and educate you with the proper tools to do it yourself in the future
🔹Feel confident and great in your wardrobe and the image you’re projecting out into the world to bring your life to the next level
🔹Additionally, touch on other items such as hair care, skincare, fragrances, and body language
🔹Consider what I do a master class in YOUR image

As we are in the full swing of the holiday season, consider gifting yourself, or someone you love, one of my packages to bring in positive and self-care vibes for the new year.

Remember, your initial 30-45 minute consult is always FREE! What have you got to lose?

11/24/2020

It’s been a crazy past few weeks in our household and I hope to tell you about it soon! I’ve been doing my best to be patient and practice gratitude, especially this week.

This is a photo of my mom and I at Thanksgiving two years ago. It was my last East Coast Thanksgiving before we moved to California. I wish I could see her in-person, this year, but I know this is a sacrifice of the present for the (Hopefully) not too distant future.

On a positive and style related note, how cute is my teal turtleneck sweater dress? Sweater dresses are a comfy and stylish look when you’re stuffing your face at Thanksgiving and leave room for a little bit of that post-dinner fullness. Another great option is a cozy sweater with a drawstring pant.

I hope this Thanksgiving that you all are staying safe, happy, and full! 💛🧡❤️

11/18/2020

This time of year (Or any time really.) consider supporting small and/or local business for gifting items for yourself and others. Jeff Bezos and the Walton family don’t need any more of your money. Thanks to the pandemic, many small businesses are having an even tougher time than before.

Ways you can support -

🔹 Follow, save, like, comment, and share their social media accounts
🔹Write positive reviews
🔹Talk about the businesses with your friends and fam
🔹Buy physical items or a gift card/certificate

Just a quick reminder that The Image Incubator is a one woman-owned small business and I deeply appreciate any of the above from my followers, clients, or anyone else. Think about giving the gift of style, this season! ❤️

11/12/2020

I found this discussion around the affordability of professional clothing by current congresswomen and congresswomen-elect to be super relatable!

Although I can’t relate on the level of their visibility and responsibility, I remember having just turned 23, making minimum wage at Kohl’s, and buying a $50 suit on sale at Macy’s (Which I never wore again, sadly.) for a job interview in DC, which I ended up getting hired for. I wish, at the time, the thrifting option had been more prevalent.

For those looking for business clothes, or really any clothes for that matter, secondhand shopping, borrowing, and/or renting are all financially savvy and environmentally friendly ways to step your wardrobe game up!

The tweet struck a nerve for many women

10/22/2020

I guest authored a primer on sustainable and ethical fashion for The Realist Woman and I’d love for you to check it out!

The Realist Woman is a news site focused on women and women’s issues, but many of the issues are also human issues overall.

This site was founded by the brilliant and passionate journalist, Aquala Bogan, who is a dear friend.

https://therealistwoman.com/sustainable-fashion-is-the-new-black/

10/16/2020

One thing you might not know about me is that Korean dramas AKA K dramas are a guilty pleasure of mine. They are beautifully filmed, creatively written, wholesome, and many of them have simply stunning costumes. The way most men in K dramas dress is *chef’s kiss*.

The one staple you always see K drama actors wear is a turtleneck sweater. It’s fairly cold in South Korea in the fall and winter months (I was in Seoul a few years ago in November and it was already 25 degrees F!), so pairing thick coats with turtleneck sweaters is an absolute must.

I always feel like turtleneck sweaters never get enough love, but they can be so sophisticated when done right. These examples are of K drama idol Hyun Bin. I recently finished his latest K drama, ‘Crash Landing on You,’ and it was SO good, although keep your tissues handy! 😂 The series’ fashion for both men and women was top notch.

Turtleneck sweaters look great paired with almost any kind of jacket/coat, whether it be a denim jacket, chore coat, suede bomber, pea coat, suit blazer/sport coat - the possibilities are endless! It’s a perfect way to look put together, but not too formal, which is key in Silicon Valley.

10/08/2020

I think we all have subconscious style inspiration in the clothes we love, wear, and emulate. In fact, it’s one of the questions I ask when I send a style assessment questionnaire to new clients.

For me, as a 90s kid (Dating myself, I know), two characters who made a major impact on my personal style then and even now, are Cher Horowitz from ‘Clueless’ and Fran Fine from ‘The Nanny.’

Cher was just so cute, and her yellow, plaid, Jean Paul Gaultier skirt suit is synonymous with the film. I still want her outfit collage software! I coveted almost every look she wore in the movie.

Fran’s outfits were usually over the top and playful, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop wearing her frequent uniform of turtleneck sweaters with miniskirts and black tights until I die. The red turtleneck and checkered Moschino skirt (Pictured here) are still fresh and fun 24 years later.

Considering the original and timeless style of both of these characters, one thing truly stands out and that is you don’t have to be trendy to be stylish. And, honestly, this is key when you’re buying clothing, shoes, and accessories to last you for years to come.

10/06/2020

For those that have been following me for a while, you know I’m always trying to get folks in the Bay Area to drop the hoodie default. There are SO many cooler and comfortable alternatives!

Swipe to see a few sustainable styles I recommend. 😊

Edwin USA - Clinton in Epic Denim Jacket
Outerknown - Tradesman Chore Jacket
Rodd & Gunn - Lake Hawea Suede Bomber Jacket
Taylor Stitch - The Moto Jacket in Whiskey & Cosmos (How awesome is the custom back detail? It’s stylish AND art!)

09/30/2020

One of the things I miss most during the pandemic is travel. I love visiting new places and seeing how people around the U.S. and the rest of the world live.

In this snapshot collage (Clockwise from the top left) I visited Barbados, Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona. These are just a few places I’ve been, but I hope to visit many more throughout my life.

What are some activities you have been missing throughout the pandemic?

09/22/2020

It’s the first day of fall and you know what that means, don’t you? ! Granted, if you live in SF, it’s basically boot season all year round. 😂

I’m showcasing three classic boot styles that are great options for the season and many more to come. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, when you purchase well-made, leather boots with a Goodyear welt, it’s an investment that will last you for years and allow multiple re-soles.

These three brands are well-known for ethics and sustainability.

Top - Red Wing Heritage Moc Toe Boot
Bottom left - Nisolo Mens Javier Chelsea Boot
Bottom right - Adelante Shoe Co Havana Plain Toe Boot