






Growing up, I was always a bit of a hustler - but we'll go with "entrepreneur" because it sounds less like I was picking pockets and swindling innocent people out of their money. Whether it was drawing portraits of horses for boarders at the ranch (a veritable bargain at ten cents a piece), selling Airheads and Blow Pops, dog or bird sitting (I did both, regularly), cleaning stalls or making friendship bracelets, I always had sporadic sources of income. I also used to do extra current events projects and sell them to my slacker classmates. Unless, of course, Mr. Pressey is reading this...because if he is, I never ever ever did that.
The second I turned 15, I went and got a job at the mall. To this day, that was the only time I worked directly for a company and had a normal (albeit very tiny) paycheck. I traded the friendship bracelets and horse portraits for sewing, the homework for actual paid writing jobs, and retired from bird sitting as soon as one of the weaker baby birds passed away and wrecked my teenage world.
My point? There really is none, but upon seeing this young girl turn her hobby into an Etsy venture, I started thinking about my own youthful enterprises and became nostalgic. I wonder what younger-me would think about present-me making clothing (p.s. the new site and merch will be up at the end of the month!) and maintaining a blog. I never even thought I would wear dresses, let alone make them. Ugh, what a girl.
Truly, I think the thing I would be most surprised about is that the whole, "I want to be Paula Abdul" thing didn't work out...and that I'm not married to Leonardo DiCaprio. I thought at least one of those was a sure thing.

I love that you did extra current events projects for your classmates!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the new site will be up and running soon ;)
your style has changed so much since i've first found your blog! i liked it them and i still like it now cause even though it's quite different it's still unique and it's still you! guess i'm a fan for good. haha.
ReplyDeleteWell, you're super talented so I'm sure you would've succeeded in whatever it is that you did! Love this outfit, the belt is my favourite piece.
ReplyDeletex Michelle | thefeatherden.net
As a kid, I was sure my grown-up life would be like Jem and the Holograms. But I didn't end up a rock star with bright pink hair. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteYour outfit is lovely! I'm liking the flower ring.
Gorgeous outfit!
ReplyDeleteI love the florals, I love the colour combo, especially this beautiful red bag! <3
This post is too cute! It seems as though you're doing what you were meant to do! You look absolutely amazing! I love the sleeveless trench and the lace skirt is too sweet. I still have hopes of marrying Leo, so dibs on him! ;) xxAnisa
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented then and now! I wouldn't have thought about selling my friendship bracelets, I guess I was too shy.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have been looking for a tan trench everywhere but only found a black.. *sigh* The outfit looks good on you! Can't wait for your updated online store!
XOXO
Shels
Gorgeous outfit!
ReplyDeleteI want to marry Leo too haha :)
www.blahblahbecky.co.uk
Ok so I already identified with you in the past with the temper and brusies and such.
ReplyDeleteBUT I used to sell gumballs from my desk in school. I was always wheeling and dealing. Someone likes my scrunchie the next day I would have one for them for a buck.
But you sure have paved a tremendous path for yourself Keiko...reaching millions upon millions that you would never know...You're such a constant source of inspiration with your fashion and everyday inflections! Love your integrity...really shows through and through...
ReplyDelete...that's why you're one of my faves!!
xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
Haute Khuuture Blog
you look amazing! love your shoes!
ReplyDeletewww.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com
This outfit ist sooo gorgeous ;-)
ReplyDeleteNice skirt and floral shirt !
ReplyDeletehttp://cuteredbow.blogspot.com
Love your skirt! So fun, different (good different).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.afoolforfashion.com/
I love your style! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://astoryaboutmem.blogspot.com/
ooh I just LOVE your skirt! And those rings are beautiful!
ReplyDeletejustQUACHit
Beautiful blouse and belt! <3
ReplyDeletereally love the braided leather belt coupled with the soft, delicate crochet skirt.... great mixture of textures.
ReplyDeletecannot wait to see some merchandise....
http://dallianceswithsuitsandskirts.blogspot.com/
Lovely outfit and I adore the bag too.
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit so much - you look stunning!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
B
Not only do you have great style and are beautiful but your writing is really captivating! I love reading your posts...all your little stories are told so well! I hope you are proud of all that you have accomplished, you inspire and help (yes help!) people all the time with your blog and you have your own clothing line! Not to mention the BILLION awesome opportunities blogging has given you. I think younge BabyKeiks would be pleasantly shocked and happy to see what you have accomplished!
ReplyDeleteand try to break in.
that top is so beautiful, i like the florals
ReplyDeleteLove this outfit, I think everything of it it's just perfect.
ReplyDeletethis post made me laugh. it's a good question 'what would the younger me think of present me'. i think younger me would be kind of shocked and hopefully impressed? who knows.
ReplyDeletethanks for writing and keeping me entertained, keiko. :)
hannah
I really love the way you write. It's so heartwarming and funny. I was always trying to sell things to everyone as a child too =)
ReplyDeletebtw- gorgeous outfit! I love that trench!!!
♥ Gina Michele
CrochetClouds.com
I love the shirt and almost bought that same ring from F21 about a month ago. It's so awesome that you were such a hard worker even as a child. I was definitely *not* that way at all. I wish I was, though. I also wish I was married to Leonardo DiCaprio, but I'm glad I'm not, though. His choice of women is a little sketchy.
ReplyDeletethat's such a great vest! perfect for all seasons and layering! lovely!
ReplyDeletexxx
www.ladyalamode.com
It's nice to find inspiration and motivation from others. Oh, and I think many of us though Leonardo DiCaprio was a sure thing. ;)
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Love your red bag!
ReplyDeletehttp://sweetraspberryjam.blogspot.com/
That floral motif top is a beauty. You’ve already done so well for yourself, and your beautiful drive to get things done and make ends meet will only provide you with more successful dreams, girl! Can't wait to see the new shop!
ReplyDelete♥, Jamie
www.TheFancyTeacup.com
Amazing look!
ReplyDeleteI love your shoes!
http://blogheloisamuller.blogspot.com/
Dearest Keiko,
ReplyDeleteI am such a huge fan of your style and you live my 'dream life' ;)
I am 47, a relatively newbie, but often get inspirations for my outfits from you!
Thanks for inspiring us women of all ages and I am sorry for the loss of your beloved horse. I too am an animal parent and it is such a painful experience.
xXx
Reva
I love reading your posts! You're so upbeat and always a great read!
ReplyDeleteCute style, your skirt is lovely :)
Beautiful outfit!
ReplyDeletex
http://givemetruthloveandfreedom.blogspot.com/
You look gorgeous! Such a beautiful outfit!
ReplyDeleteXoXo
Plami
http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/
really great post! I was the same kind of kid, though I haven't turned to making/selling anything, I do have a lot of extra sources of income in addition to my full time job. :) You look great and your photos are really wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit! that skirt is super cute. The bag is awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit !Looove your ring *_*
ReplyDeleteLovee your outfit! ♥
ReplyDeleteYou're living the dream lady!
ReplyDeleteLove this outfit, the skirt is very nice!
ReplyDeletexx
It's great to see that you even had the entrepreneur spirit as a kid! Such a great thing to have. I love this look too.. great layering and colors.
ReplyDeletewww.stylecomb.com
I love your outfit, especially your bag and shoes.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had been like you when I was younger, but alas, I never thought about doing anything like that! xx
Sirens and Bells
I was similar to you when I was very young. I wonder what my younger self would think of my present self....hopefully she'll like me. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteLove your outfit! Everything is wonderful! (:
struckbywonder.blogspot.com
beautiful! :D love the skirt & the gold bracelet with the black ribbon :D so cute!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.style1509.blogspot.com
Live.Laugh.Love. - everyday.
I just discovered your site. I love your style, especially your make-up! I am so picky about make-up and always want to help people learn how to wear it to show off their real beauty. You do a fabulous job on your make-up I love the expressiveness of it!
ReplyDelete♥
Lillian
I used to sell drawings of people in elementary school. I have no idea why they would pay me 25 cents for a picture when I was so awful at drawing that I couldn't even draw shoes.
ReplyDeleteSuckers.
Amazing outfit as usual. I love the bag especially.
Cute outfit! I love your eye makeup!!
ReplyDeletexoxo Denise
http://allthingsnew-denise.blogspot.com/
all of your jewelry is gooorgeous!
ReplyDeletexo Julia
galmeetsglam.com
i was counting on leo too. guess we're both outta luck.
ReplyDeleteYou've accomplished so much Keiko, I wish I could work myself instead of others!
ReplyDeleteLove all the layers you've got going on. That top is so pretty, too bad it's sold out.
xo, alison*elle
So many gorgeous elements in this outfit. Bee-yoo-ti-ful. Your style seems to range the whole spectrum that is fashion yet you stay so true to yourself. I don't know how you do it, but I love it!
ReplyDeletexo Sarah Willow
www.sarahwillowhere.blogspot.com
Right?! I thought I'd marry Leo too! Tsk.
ReplyDeleteLove how you put everything together!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat use of colors and textures!
ReplyDeletehttp://alelasirah.blogspot.com/
I often think about my teenage self. I reckon she'd be pretty blown away that "grown up" (ha!) her is a writer and stylist.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outfit!
ReplyDeleteKisses from Hong Kong,
Nicole
I love your blog not just because of inpirational outfits and beautiful photos but because I love to read your texts :) Keep up the good work :D
ReplyDeletehttps://mollystylebook.blogspot.com
Love your skirt!!!
ReplyDeleteThe outfits of my dreams
Your're amazing! I love your blog, outfits, clothes, and ending-post statements. Thanks for blogging!
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed reading your post its nice to be nostalgic once in a while and figure out that your childhood \ youth were stunning and full of good things.
ReplyDeleteBTW, i love the outfit and the pink listick is absolutely fabulous! fits very well to the whole thing :)
wow the photos are just gorgeous! Love your style girl :)
ReplyDeletexoxo, Jasmin
http://fashionflirtblog.blogspot.com/
Love this post!Wow how inspiring that you've basically worked freelance your whole adult life : )
ReplyDeleteBeautiful outfit and the bracelet young Dana made is wonderful! It's great to see younger people be creative! x
ReplyDeleteAmazing trench!
ReplyDeletehttp://iammeggy.blogspot.com
xx
you look great.
ReplyDeleteMy blog♥mfashionfreak
You look gorgeous in this outfit!
ReplyDeleteReally nice ♥
you look absolutely gorgeous! love the outfit!!
ReplyDeleteand Leo is definitely missing out ;]
Hi keiko!
ReplyDeleteI love your outfit!=D I've been looking for a cute crochet skirt like that everywhere. I love how you styled it with a flowery blouse and sleeveless trench! I'm actually new to the blogging world - I just started my own style blog! I hope you don't mind that I tagged you and one of your entries in my post! If you'd like to check it out, here is the link!
http://sensiblestylista.blogspot.com/2011/08/technicoloroutfit.html
love your style, love this outfit !
ReplyDeletekiss from France
Aurélie
http://slowfashion-street.com/
http://deals.dailycandy.com/deal/2407/jazz-age-lawn-party-ny-70-percent-off?nagtrack=LD:Email:SOLO:NY:20110810:Edit:c:2&vwink=LD:Email:DED:NYC:20110810:15
ReplyDeleteJust spreading the word..
Great photos! I love your outfit and the blue hair is rad! XOXO, www.NatalyasCloset.com
ReplyDeletePretty outfit, the blouse is beautiful! Love your post - who didn't want to marry Leonardo DiCaprio at some point? ;-)
ReplyDeletehttp://thesignaturebow.blogspot.com/
NEW OUTFIT POST: A Touch Of Pink
you pull this off too well!! amazing :)
ReplyDeletehttp://always-fashionably-yours.blogspot.com/
love this style and i loved reading this post. i'm sure the "young girl" in you would be beyond proud to be who you are today. except for the part about leo. there might be a teeny tiny bit of disappointment with that. ;)
ReplyDeletelove the skirt, love the top, love EVERYTHING about this look!
ReplyDeletexx Allie
I really admire your style Keiko!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.afrenchinlosangeles.com/
LOVE that crochet belt and leather skirt combo!!
ReplyDeleteI'm following you now! Please check out my blog and do the same if you like!
www.everythingbuttheshoes.blogspot.com
You look fabulous! I made and sold bracelets too, haha, those were the days...
ReplyDeleteCourtney
Http://Icanbemanythings.blogspot.com
you look very chic!
ReplyDeletemy first time here and i absolutely love you! your gorgeous and have great style/look. loving those joie platforms
ReplyDeletelove
kat
www.paperdolltheory.com
I love your hairstyle! I tried to do something like that but I didn't work out. Pretty outfit, bag and skirt are amazing! I love your jewelery. Love!!
ReplyDeleteI just became follower number 9,000. Roxy of Effortless Anthropologie recommends you. I can see why. Your style is joyfully timeless.
ReplyDeleteyou look gorgeous! love your platforms and red bag! have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletexo ~ kristina
love the outfit!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all those jewelry!
ReplyDeleteWow! So amazing! Love it :)
ReplyDelete---------
http://margariii.blogspot.com/
great outfit, you have such a great taste!
ReplyDeletexoxo
lovely outfit, i LOVE the glasses
ReplyDeletehttp://girlynote.blogspot.com/
Very sweet post!
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit, I love the bare midriff and skirt, the rings and the trench too!
Delaney
xx
I love the outfit and that skirt is to DIE for. Your post was very inspirational to me or are ray of sunshine
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you've always been your own boss, except for that stint working in the mall. I would love to have the dedication to do that.
ReplyDeleteThis outfit is so amazing! :D
ReplyDeleteHave a Good Day!
David
VirtuallyStunning.blogspot.com
love the acessories!
ReplyDeletehttp://mandarin-stories.blogspot.com
I think I'm actually starting to do what my teenage self would have wanted. Just wish I trusted myself and started sooner but loving the journey.
ReplyDeleteLove that sleeveless trench