June Lifestyle Challenge

Happy summer, everyone!

I don't know about other areas of the world, but everyone in the Los Angeles area is melting from all the heat. But I'm so glad to be out of school, so it's worth it. I'm definitely planning to make this summer one of the best ones I've ever had. You should, too!

This month's lifestyle challenge is:

     experience nature.

I don't mean to get all transcendentalist-hippy-trippy on you guys, but nature is so important! By experience, I'm not saying just sit in your backyard for five minutes; everyone should really take the time to experience nature. Take a hike, go visit a garden, plant a plant!

An appreciation for nature and all its bounty is vital for having a prosperous life. Everyone should be grateful for the beauty all around us! Take your time this month and take advantage of the sunshine--if there's any in your area, that is!

Portfolio Work: Gogh Away

Happy Monday, everyone!

Pretty much all people who know me know I aspire to be a fashion designer. I'm using my free time this summer to work on my portfolio: a collection of ten to twenty of my best work.

Today I had a little photoshoot in my balcony showcasing my latest creations: a crop top and matching skirt in Starry Night fabric.

These are the first additions to my portfolio :) Comment your opinions down below!

Another Day, Another Market

Last Sunday, I went to one of my favorite places to shop--the Topanga Vintage Market! Check out my last post about the market to know exactly what I'm talking about. Going around all the different booths is always fun. I find great bargains every time I go!

But I won't keep ya with all the details. Here's what I wore:

Hat: Target

Blouse: Urban Outfitters

Shorts: Vintage

Bag: Vintage

Shoes: Old Navy

Are there any vintage markets in your area? Comment down below, especially if any of them are around Los Angeles! I'd love to see them.

Summer Beauty Tips

Am I the only one ecstatic that summer's coming up?! Hooray for no school and endless trips to the beach! Here's what I do to make sure my face doesn't look like it's melting off on those unforgivable summer days.

1. Tinted moisturizer 
   
   Instead of caking on foundation and concealer over the summer, I prefer to put on tinted moisturizer instead. I tend to avoid using BB creams because with Western makeup brands, usually they're just tinted moisturizers anyway. Make sure to pick a moisturizer that has SPF!
2. Lipstick blush
   
   To avoid putting lots of powder on my face, I use my lipstick as blush. All I do is dab some lipstick onto my cheeks and blend it out with my fingers. It's super simple, and feels weightless! I don't wear bronzer over the summer because the sun provides a natural glow.
3. LUSH products
   
   One of my favorite skincare brands is LUSH; for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, they make handmade, organic cosmetics that are great for all skin types. Their makeup is breathable and good for your skin! My favorites are their mascara and color perfectors. 
4. Sunscreen
   
   I know this is a given for summer, but lots of people forget to wear sunscreen! This stuff is vital to keep your skin cells healthy during scorching weather. Suncreens with at least 50 SPF are best. Stock up and pile it on to avoid those uncute clothing tans!
5. Tinted lip balm
   
   To keep my lips hydrated over the summer, I use tinted lip balms. They give a nice, soft, natural look. Since the weather is humid over the summer, I usually only need one coat! I use Burt's Bees and Baby Lips.
6. Dry formula mascara
   
   My mascara tends to melt off and smudge my eyelids, especially on warm summer days. Wet formula mascaras, used for length, are infamous for doing this. To avoid this issue, opt for dry formulas; these are used for volume. Currently, I'm addicted to Covergirl's Clump Crusher mascara.
7. Water
   
   I cannot stress enough how important this tip is. Drink lots, and I mean lots of water over the summer--at least eight glasses a day! It's crucial that we stay hydrated because this helps keep our hair and skin looking glowing and healthy. True beauty has to be both inside and out!

That's all for this post! If you have any beauty tips of your own to share, please comment down below! Have a lovely summer, everyone.

I'm So Fancy

You already know!

I love love love formal events. It's always nice to have an excuse to dress up. Last Saturday, I went to a wedding for my sister-in-law's sister. I wasn't part of the entourage, but I had a good time! Naturally, I had to take photos so everyone can bask in my glory see what I wore ;)

Dress: Ryu

Clutch: Forever 21

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

That's all for this post! Have you guys been to any formal events lately? Do you enjoy them as much as I do?

May Lifestyle Challenge

Well, it's the final month until summer break! Let's celebrate properly, shall we?

This month's lifestyle challenge is:

    make a new friend!

Okay, maybe I'm a little cheesy, but expanding your circle of peers can't hurt. For me personally, I think making a new friend would ease my anxieties about my finals and AP tests (which start tomorrow, by the way! *heavy breathing*). 

As we prepare to kick off the start off summer, let's share the celebration with others. I urge everyone to just try; it won't be as bad as you may think!