Working Girl Series: Black & White

Oops sorry I've realised that obviously I've missed the last week (hehe)~ But so I've decided to just pick favourites like the one I'm showing you (: (: Don't worry, over this weekend I'll take more pictures of the outfits I wore to make up for them :P

This was one of my favs because not only is it super cute, but also matches with basically any kind of shoes.  I'm also very excited about the vertical & horizontal stripe contrast on the top and the bottom outfit.  If you're a little smaller like me, the horizontal stripes on the bottom help to give you a somewhat fuller shape, which is always welcome.  The top was also great because it was a slightly shorter than normal top-- it wasn't a crop but definitely not a top long enough to tuck in-- which was also helpful for giving the illusion of a fuller body shape.  

Then, because everything was black and white, I chose a bright pink necklace to add some colour.  I'm a huge believer of no-monochrome, and so its helpful to add a necklace, sweater, or bag, etc to look less dull.  (I actually have a sweater but its in the wash right now).

Top: Ralph Lauren

Skirt: Forever 21

Necklace: Forever 21

Let me know if there's any sort of outfits you wanna see!! :) :) 

Back to School Essentials: Makeup!

Since many of us are going back to school in the next few weeks (or have already started), I thought it would be super appropriate to start a Back to School Essentials Series!  It will focus on various aspects about "back to school",  like makeup, skincare, stationery......whether it be uni, junior school or high school, I hope you find this series super useful and gives you more ideas (and excitementt!!!) about going back to education and learning :):)


This post, it's all about makeup! When you're going back to school, makeup is not necessarily the #1 essential, but its nice to look forward to doing something in the morning.  I started wearing proper makeup to school when I was about 15, but I didn't really know what I was doing and I was just trying out different styles and kinds of products.  But now looking back, if I were a more experienced make-up guru, I would've gone for the basics-- pinks/nudes/cover ups.  Nothing too fancy and nothing too overdone-- after all, you are at school to learn and not show off your beauty skills! (And also, imagine the time you'd need to have for quick fix ups in between lessons!)

                                                             1. Mascara

With eyes, its always important to keep in mind that less is best.  Too much eye makeup may not be appropriate in some schools, but if you're looking for something that makes your eyes pop and give you some confidence, mascara and lashes is the way to go.  I've always found that a good mascara is a great investment because it has an amazing effect on your eyes and really makes your eyes stand out.  I've also chosen a waterproof mascara because you don't want your mascara melting all over the place as you're changing from class to class! Also, I've chosen Maybelline because if you're a student and on a budget, its a great place to start looking for basic mascaras that really make a difference.  Here, I've opted for:

VINYL eyelash curler

Maybelline The Falsies (waterproof) and Maybelline Colossal Volum

2. Blush

Blush is a cute way of adding colour and life into your tired, worn out complexion. If your school doesn't approve much makeup, a subtle pink shade will do the trick.  I've also shown a Illuminator from L'Oreal (with a built-in blush), which is another great way to brighten up your skin or give yourself that extra oomph factor (who says makeup needs to be for other people??) that makes you feel more confident and ready to face the multitude of tests and meetings that are waiting for you.  Here I've opted for:
                                L'Oreal Illuminating Powder in 02 Rose Radieux
                                        Bobbi Brown Blush in Nude Beach #28


                                                           3. Brushes!

With makeup, its important to have basic tools to help you apply your makeup properly and evenly all over your visage.  To keep it short and simple: here is a Body Shop Face & Body Brush and Mac 129SE blush brush.  They are versatile, not too expensive and a great long term investment.

4. Products for your Nooks & Crannies

Here, I've featured miscellaneous products (again, from Maybelline) that help perfect the nooks and crannies of one's face (;  The brow pencil and concealer fall into that category because they cover some of the most unco-operative portions of your face, ie. eyebrows and pores/spots/eyebags.  Now, here's a disclaimer: I do not have perfect eyebrows, but the brow pencil helps me pretend I do.  It comes with a brow brush, which helps me keep my ridiculous brow hairs in order (most of the time).  However, that isn't a negative review on the product; just a testament to how unruly my eyebrows can be.  This concealer is also great because although it says "Eraser Eye", it works basically everywhere else that you feel like you have blemishes.  I personally find that although its targeted for the eye area, it actually does a better job covering up spots (especially since my skin has been ridiculous in humid weather).  The only thing I'd caution about is that because the concealer comes in a sponge, sometimes it may be more hygenic to use your (CLEAN) fingers or a brush, because applying the sponge to the area that you want to cover up may cause bacteria to be stuck on the concealer (; and you definitely do not want that.......

 These products are also both from Maybelline and are, as a result, more affordable for students on a budget (:

Maybelline Brow Pencil (in blonde)

Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Concealer

FINALLY, YOU NEED A CUTE PURSE to store all your products and keep them away from dirt.  Here are some super cute options for girls on the go:

This classic and chic Forever 21 pouch

This sleek & simple design from Topshop

And for those of you who are willing to open your purse strings even further...... some more super sweet options compiled by The Zoe Report 

Of course, these are all just ideas.  Feel free to use your own makeup purses, or just random purses lying around! This is a great opportunity to use the purse you bought ages ago but never had a chance to use it.  There is no wrong answer when it comes to makeup bags!

What are some of YOUR essentials? Do let me know <3 Happy learning!

Tuesday OOTD!

Featuring one of my favourites: Red high waisted shorts from F21!

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Top: Vero Moda

Shorts: Forever 21

Fragrance: Victoria Secret (Bombshell)

July (Fashion) Favourites!

EEEEEEPPPP sorry its been forever since the last Favourites but this is the Favourites to tie up the July portion!  This post will be able fashion favourites.  When it comes to clothes in the hottest months of the summer, I tend to go for:

1. COLOUR: Blacks and monochrome and dark, dull colours are reserved for when its dark and dreary outside and not when you're experiencing a heatwave or sweatwave (ew).  That means prints, pops of colour and odd there designs and shades.

2. Comfort: Its hot, its sweaty, humid, you're sweaty and everything is just going wrong.... which is why in the summer, comfort is the key. So for me that means a lot of dresses, flowy skirts, fluffy shirts and of course sandals.... no closed toed shoes for me, thanks!

3. As for away from the winter as possible: I try very hard not to wear clothes that I could possibly wear during the winter months-- like staple tshirts, skirts, etc.  Summer closets are summer closets for a reason. Don't mix and match!

4. NO LAYERING. Its already sweltering as it is.

Fashion Favourites! 

3 pieces that I've found to be the epitome of all that is summer clothing, yet cute enough to wear a few times with variations of necklace or sandals.

I got this dress while I was on holiday in Thailand ages ago.  The bizarre geometric print, the colour contrasts of the bright blues and the light blues, and the hues of bright red make it the perfect colour combination for frolicking in the sea, a day out, or a brunch with your best girls.  I love the eecentric design and one of a kind pattern that you would never find anywhere else, making this not only a summer staple but a prized possession in my closet (:

I'm willing to bet that this is a pretty basic summer staple in everyone's closet.  I don't always find trousers (let alone shorts or skirts) in my size at Forever 21, so this was a huge accomplishment in my relationship with them!! I love this not only because it fits into my "colour" and "comfort" requirements, but also because high waisted shorts are great in terms of versatility.  Ie. for going for a night out where you want to wear something more comfortable but not necessarily a skirt. You can pair this with a cute top and sandals for a day out, but if you're gonna be out for the whole day just pop on a pair of cute heels and you're good to go!

Another old find from Forever 21! Its been mocked for being a "rave" shirt, but since I don't go to raves much, I'll just wear it for a beach/pool day/party, hanging around an amusement park, etc... basically any days that you're gonna be out and having fun but its gonna be hot and you're possible going to be soaking wet.  Its a great coverup, but also a cute design and a pop of colour that'll make you stand out anywhere.  Plus the yellow looks great in pictures under the natural sunlight and brings out your summer skin tone (;

What are some of YOUR fashion faves? I'd love to know (: 

To see the other favourites (skincare and beauty), click on the links below!

Beauty

Skincare 

Fashion Friday: Top Picks of the Week

Friday is the best time for the top picks of the week! This week I'm going to focus on jewellery-- particularly 2 pieces of jewellery that I've been LOVING these past few weeks.  I'm not a very jewellery/accessory orientated person, mainly because I'm quite small in size and a lot of the jewellery that I'd wear would just make me look like I'm drowning in objects.  I've only ever stuck to basic stuff, like pearls, single pendant necklaces... basically very basic looking necklaces.  Its been very difficult to find necklaces that add to an outfit yet don't make me look like their weighing me down (literally and figuratively).


You'll notice that both these accessories are: 1. necklaces 2. from Forever 21.  I'm not entirely sure why that is... I have been spending a lot more time in Forever 21 this summer and I've also been on the hunt for very popping colours that can either add more brightness to outfits or that can make a look more polished.  I've also been looking for necklaces that I can keep throughout summer and even into the winter months, because I'd love to start accessorising more often despite the fact that its so hard to find jewellery that fits.

Reasons why I love this:

1. Black = versatile.  Wearable in the day with a casual outfit and at night when you're going for a more polished colour.  Its also great for in the wintertime because it matches the darker tone of winter clothes.  2.  I am also quite impressed by the weird quadrilateral shape because I feel like it could either add more geometrical-ish edge to a more mundane outfit or a formal/night out look to a more casual combination.

Reasons why I love this (excuse the massive atrocity that is a scratch on my cabinet):
1. Pink is my #1 favourite colour ever 2. It can add a pop of colour to a minimalistic top and bottom, it can accessorise well with beach/bikini wear/its a summery colour
* Also, I realise that the colour that it looks like in this photo is quite misleading, as its not actually such a bright pink and looks slightly duller and pastel-y in real life.  Unfortunately I used my iPhone camera for this because I'm on holiday, so you don't get the actual colour scheme.  I've already used this in one of my outfit of the days, so I'll link the description here so you can click on that or go on my instagram to have a better look at what the colour actually is.


What are some of YOUR summer favourites? Let me know!  Also look forward to July Fashion Favourites that I'm currently working on now (:

Wednesday OOTD Inspiration: Rachel Green!

Inspiration from "Friends" Character Rachel Karen Green! The One After Joey and Rachel Kiss (10x1)

Top: Uniqlo
Skirt: DKNY
Purse: Louis Vuitton (strap has a ribbon tied to the end)
Necklace: Forever 21

Scent in the right picture: Life by Esprit
It's fun, flowery and a casual scent for chilling.

How to make it more?

Jewellery: Preppy with either the Butterfly by Matthew Williamson or this pale pink (almost nude) Jasper Conran.  The Butterfly will add an edge to the otherwise simple ootd with the triangles, whereas the J by Jasper Conran is a more classic look.

Shoes: Any summer shoe goes with this summer look.  Sandals are of course the best option and depending on the occasion, the sandal will make the look.  Two options are: Tory Burch Metallic Thong Sandal  for a more polished look (because of the gold), or a more casual/running errands sort-of- sandal from the Miller collection.  Now, I'm not exactly the massive-est fan of Tory Burch, but I do like the Miller collection-- it seems like something most Mums would wear, but at the same time, the colours are very appealing and summer-y without being overly bright and colourful.  

What are some of your favourite OOTDs and inspirations? Do share!