Update and Hair Poll

*NOTE: I noticed that the "cuts" picture is wack. I'll try to fix it sometime by the end of this week, but ... not till then :P* I haven't posted in awhile. On one hand, I've been going through a lot of major life adjustments this year. However, on the other predominant and less-extenuating hand, my latest fashion choices have been on the, quote, cozy side. 

I haven't really gone shopping at all since the summer, save for a few (very few) purchases. On a side note, I suppose I can post about them later? Anyway, I hope that, by next year, I can start anew, purchase some much-needed alternatives to my wardrobe, and post a bit more regularly on this blog.

---end of update---

Though my fashion has been a bit comprised, as of late, my hair has been adjusting quite well to the erratic Atlanta weather. After 22 years of lusting over my mother's stick-straight hair and straightening each strand between 450 degree ceramic plates, I've finally come to accept that my natural curls suit me just fine.

HOWEVER, I want to try to something new-- very new. I've been playing with a few of these more radical hair ideas: 

• getting an asymmetric cut/ cutting my hair 5+ inches
• hair color (light reddish-brown)

Here are some choices for cut and color: 

CUTS:

 COLORS:

To cut or not to cut? To color or not to color? -- or even both?

I am aware that there are at least two people who will read this blog post, so I ask that both of you-- even if you're sitting right next to me, watching me type this, I ask that you comment on this post and let me know which cut and/or color you think will suit me.

Until next time, Mel out.

Head Scarves

Though some (*Monica) are innately adept at securing head scarves/ turbans, not all of us are.

It took me a good 10 minutes to don this scarf neatly on my head; this video helped. (embedded below)

How To Tie A Turband 3 Ways from LEAFtv on Vimeo.


Headscarves/ turbans have been trending for awhile now, but I've only gathered to courage to wear it in public fairly recently.

Deets:

• Madewell Cityblock Storyteller Scarf 

Practical Pros:

• keeps bangs in place
• hides all evidence of greasy roots 
• quick and simple, once you've mastered it

OOTD: A Claritin D Type of Day

     

    

Outfit Deets: 

• Madewell Navy Floral Lace Crop Top
• Madewell Boyfriend Jeans
• Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply Denim Tote
• Steve Madden Nude Patent Flats

What to Wear: Senior Reception at SweetWater Brewery

Outfit One Deets: 

• Top: Zara
• Jeans: Zara
• Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Outfit Two Deets: 

• Top: Madewell
• Jean Shorts: American Apparel
• Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I plan to wear my new Zara platforms with either outfit. 

Zara: Platform Ankle-Strap Sandals

 

I am obsessed with my new Zara platform sandals! For the past year, my infatuation with nude-colored shoes got the best of me, and my shoe collection is primarily of that color. Don't get me wrong-- nude is extremely versatile and will never go out of fashion. But still...

The heel is 4.57 inches and extremely light. Also, it has rubber soles! Given my poor track-record with high heels, not having rubber soles is a major deal-breaker for me. I love the ankle straps. They add a little femininity to counter the chunkiness of the heel. They're easy to walk in, and overall, great!

Shoe Deets: 

• $79.90
• Zara Basic Spring/Summer 2013 Collection
• Link to Item

Kiehl's Haul

Today, I bought the 3 Steps To Ultra Moisture Kit ($26.50). It included a full-sized Ultra Facial Cream (1.7 fl. oz.), and travel sizes of the Ultra Facial Toner (1.4 fl. oz.) and the Ultra Facial Cleanser (1.0 fl. oz.).





I fell in love with Kiehl's moisturizer last year, when I spontaneously bought a travel- sized Ultra Facial Moisturizer. It was great for the winter, but as the weather is getting warmer and humidity is rising, it was time for me to invest in a new formula. According to the sales rep, the facial cream is a lighter formula, but virtually identical to the moisturizer. I certainly hope he's right. Last winter, the moisturizer could clear my face overnight. With the past few weeks of non-stop stress and exams, my skin is not looking too hot right now; I'm hoping this cream will do the trick.










Also, since the facial cream (same size) alone is the same price as the kit, I opted for the latter. I've tried samples of the toner and the cleanser before, so I'm excited to have them in semi-greater volumes.


Finally, there's a great promotion going on right now! If you sign up for their text message alerts (which, by the way, you can opt out of at any time) you will receive a full-sized Lip Balm #1, which is typically priced at $7. It's odorless and seems to be a good formula, so it's definitely worth the two seconds it took to sign up for the alerts.

OOTD: Poppin' Tags

Details: 

Collar Necklace: TOPSHOP

Green Wool Sweater: BROOKS BROTHERS, bought from Goodwill.

Pale Wash Skinny Jeans: ZARA

Makeup:

• URBAN DECAY Naked Palette: Virgin, Naked, Buck, Creep
• URBAN DECAY Bronzer: Toasted
• MAYBELLINE Mascara: Colossal Volum'Express Cat Eyes
• MAYBELLINE Pressed Powder: 310 Sun Beige
• CHI Hair product: Silk Infusion

Nails: BORGHESE B355
Stellare Notte

Brown Combat Boots: KELLY & KATIE, bought from DSW

It's a cold, rainy day, but I'm really tired of wearing coats. I opted for several layers underneath an oversized wool sweater, instead!

Last week, a friend and I rummaged through the local Goodwill and I happened to nap two AMAZING Brooks Brothers wool sweaters for-- wait for it-- FOUR DOLLARS. I could not believe my luck!

Macklemore def' knew what was up.

Rave: Topshop Online Shopping Experience

I am in love with Topshop's online store.

First of all, every single item is true to size. The size number may be a bit off-- as Topshop is a UK brand-- but once you've tried one Topshop item on, you're good to go!

Earlier this January, I ordered a Topshop blazer for approx. $70. Though the delivery process did take awhile (it only arrived yesterday), I was in no hurry to receive it, so I did not mind.

But why the love, you ask? Czech out their packaging.

I know, I know-- it doesn't seem too crazy, but I really do appreciate the care Topshop puts into their online orders. Although cardboard boxes give additional protection and are, for the most part, more aesthetically pleasing, I really do prefer the plastic bag. It's less bulky, less hassle, and less difficult to rip through and get at your new clothes!

(NOTE: The random blocks are just hiding my name, mailing address, and whatnot.)




There was an additional layer of clear plastic wrap encasing the product, but I didn't bother to take a picture of it.

















And here's the blazer! It's the grey PONTE JET POCKET BLAZER (here it is in white).

I already own one other Topshop blazer (STRUCTURED BLAZER in PALE ORANGE). I had bought it on sale in the Topshop in Soho and fell in love with the fit and quality. When I heard about the Free Shipping promotion (Sorry, it's already over =__=) I knew I had to get another one!

As I had mentioned earlier, the sizes are constant, so this fit me as well as the other one! Plus, this blazer is soft and, to a degree, warm-- definitely perfect for fall weather!

What really impressed me, though, is the fact that the blazer came in a plastic hanger. A hanger-- this takes online shopping to a whole new level of class. Am I over-excited? Could I be feeling this way only because my closet is currently undergoing a serious hanger drought? Maybe-- but so what? I have a new hanger, and it came in the mail for free. 

This was definitely a good day. 

Prabal Gurung X Target: The Aftermath

After a late start, Shar and I finally got going and arrived at Target at 9.30 AM. Much of the collection was still there, so we definitely had a good selection to choose from. I bought three items (from the collection) overall. Here's a quick rundown of what I bought, in no particular order.

• "Meet the Parents" Print Dress: $44.99

This dress fit, for lack of better words,  fabulously. It's  pattern and cut is instantly slimming, the design is unique, and, in my opinion, the material is well-worth the price. Although it's a bit longer than the dresses I typically wear, it falls perfectly. I'm 5'2", so I typically get away with shorter dresses. Also, given my stature, non-mini dresses typically fall mid-calf on me, and in the most unflattering way possible. This dress, however, falls just a little below my knee and even gives my legs a slimmer look. I will update with a actual picture, as soon as I wear it out. 

• "First Date" Print Sweatshirt: $29.99

I love this sweatshirt. It's the perfect solution to when you're overcome with lethargy, but refuse to look like it. It's as comfy as any other sweatshirt, but the pattern is just couture enough to indicate a certain degree of effort. I wore this yesterday with skinny jeans and nude flats, and received many compliments. Not bad for someone who took a grand total of fifteen minutes to get ready! Why exert any additional effort?-- let Prabal Gurung do the job!

• "First Date" Print Sleeveless Tee: $26.99

This tank is great on. At first, I was hesitant about the boxy cut of the sheer black fabric, but surprisingly enough, it fit my shoulders perfectly. My only complaint is that the rim of the sheer fabric is itchy and mildly uncomfortable. I'm worried that this may deter me from wearing it more often and, given its price, I'm considering on returning this purchase. I'm hesitant, though, since it really looks good on.

I originally purchased this for Mon, my little sister, but she didn't really love the pattern. I think I need a few more days to think it over. I really don't want to let it go, but other buyers have already complained about the itchiness on the Target website. Decisions decisions...


And there's my haul, folks! I'll upload pictures of me wearing these outfits as soon as I wear/ launder them.

PrabalGurung X Target: Hit List

 Hopefully the quality is a bit better than the Jason Wu X Target collection. I know, I know-- I should be grateful Target is making these brands affordable/ my expectations shouldn't be too high-- it's Target! But really-- many of the pieces I've picked are $40+. Their being from Target does not merit for fabric tears after the second wash. Either way, I'll be keeping the receipts. 

Favorite Youtube Gurus

So how exactly did I get interested in fashion? If you've read my Intro Paragraph page, you know that fashion/ beauty are relatively new interests for me. One of the biggest-- if not the biggest-- inspirations for me is Youtube. It all started with one make-up guru and one Youtube video about creating the five minute smoky eye. Then, hours of video tutorials later, I emerged a fanatic.

Now, I'm that girl-- the one who buys dry-clean only tops, lusts over Proenza Schouler, and stalks Gilt on a daily, if not hourly, basis. 

This post pays homage to the individuals who got me on this crazy train.

Today, I'm just posting my favorite fashion gurus. Beauty gurus will follow in a different post. 

• Jenn Im, Clothes Encounters
  
  



• Chriselle Lim, The Chriselle Factor
  
  
  



• Melissa and Stephanie Valenzuela, The Fashion Citizen
  
  

OOTD: Diffusion

Today, I successfully used a hair dryer-- only a hair dryer-- to style my hair. I styled my bangs using a nylon vented brush (a la Goody©), and I styled my curls with a hair dryer diffuser. I prepped my tresses with Chi© Silk Infusion. 

I didn't do anything too exciting. Just slipped into some comfort clothes, and studied at a local cafe.

Picture taken via Instagram, so please excuse the size/ quality/ filter.


Outfit Deets: 

• Forever 21 crop top
• Madewell boyfriend jeans
• Steve Madden flats
• Izod jacket

OOTD: "You Look So Serious Today"

I intimidated a few friends with my blazer today. For a 5'2" nerd with a high-pitched voice, I consider this quite the accomplishment. 

Outfit Deets: 

• Topshop pink blazer
• Zara black top
• Zara pale wash jeans
• Steve Madden nude flats
• Marc by Marc Jacobs hourglass necklace