Look of the Day: Hello Sailor

First of all, I would like to apologize for the lack of updates for the past week. I am now officially moved in to my new house along with my four other housemates and the beginning of my Junior year of college is right around the corner. The past week I have been busy with my job training, new student orientation planning, and just catching with friends and running errands around the house. But I have yet to neglect this blog, and I will be writing an update post very soon. 

For now, here is another Look of the Day post. In this outfit, I played around with black and white and rocked these new white boyfriend jeans. I never even thought about wearing boyfriend jeans because I always thought that my body type didn't allow me to (I have curves that I though wouldn't make boyfriend jeans flattering). However, these white distressed boyfriend jeans from Gap are really comfortable and rather flattering. And they were even more awesome because they were on sale for $13. 

I paired a striped top along with a masculine belt for that nautical look. I think this look is fresh and a nice transition into fall.

Top: Forever 21

Pants: Gap

Belt: Goodwill 

Shoes: Franco Sarto

Again, I apologize for my lack of activity on this blog and also my lack of participation recently in the blogger community. However, be on the look out for more Back to School posts!

Have a Wonderful Friday!

Grace

Look of the Day: Out on the Shore

It's a rainy day here in southern Minnesota and I have only two more days until I go back to college. While summer has been great and relaxing, I'm so excited to go back to the routine and order of school. Coming up I will be doing a back to school basic makeup look and also my new college room tour, so be on the look out for that! 

A couple of weeks ago, my family and I took a short trip to the Mississippi river shore where the view was amazing. I wore a flowy and light weight maxi skirt so it could flow effortlessly with the wind. 

Top: H&M

Bralette: Aerie

Maxi Skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: Topshop

Bag: Vintage Coach

Belt: Thrifted

I never really found a way to wear my lace tank top from H&M on its own, but this time I tried to wear it with a delicate bralette and I think it looks pretty casual and nice. This is more of a summer beach and a stroll out in the sun kind of look but I won't think it will be appropriate for situations such as school and work.

How do you wear see-through or lace pieces? Feel free to let me know!

Happy Thursday!

Grace

Back to School 2014: Trendy Styles for Fall

It's almost back to school season (or it might have already started for you) and it also means that it's almost time to rock some fall fashion! Fall is my favorite season and I am so excited to share some of my favorite fall styles. I have put together some outfit ideas surrounding three key fall essentials that is necessary in my fall wardrobe. Hope this post will give you some ideas about how to transition your summer pieces into a new fall look.

Trend #1: Plaid

Entire outfit from Forever 21

Shoes: Dr. Marten's 1461

Here I paired my crop top/muscle tee hybrid with what I think is one of the quintessential staples of fall - a plaid shirt. You can go ahead and throw on your flannel as well! Here I layered my plaid shirt with a denim jacket (which I'm holding in the picture, but if the weather is chilly, a denim jacket is the perfect layering outerwear.) I wore my pleather leggings from Forever 21 (which is on sale now for $8) along with some comfortable flats that go with everything I have. 

Here I have some outfit ideas that incorporates a plaid shirt. Plaid with leather gives an edgier look, while paired with boyfriend jeans and some black booties gives a casual and tomboyish vibe. 

Trend #2: High-Waisted Pants

Cardigan: Thrifted

Top: Loft

Pants: Forever 21

Belt: Thrifted

Shoes: Dr. Marten's 1461

Bringing the high-waisted trend into the fall, a pair of high-waisted jeans will add just a bit of attitude into any normal outfit. I got these high-waisted jeans on sale from Forever 21 and they fit like a glove. I recently thrifted this heavy and warm cardigan from Clothes Mentors and I am absolutely in love with it. I rolled up the sleeves to give the sweater some shape and paired it with a simple white botton-down. This monochromatic look is perfect for those days when you want to look nice but you don't want to stand out. 

Here I have two different looks incorporating high-waisted jeans. The outfit on the left is what I normally would go for: a little darker, a little edgier and rebellious. The outfit on the right is very cute in my opinion as well, a bit more girly with softer and lighter colors and a bright blue backpack.

Trend #3: Denim Vest

Tee: Aerie

Denim Vest: Forever 21

Shorts: Forever 21

Belt: Thrifted

Shoes: Topshop

Scarf: Aldo

Since it is not quite fall yet, there is still time to wear some shorts and tees. In this very casual look, I paired my denim vest with some high-waisted paper bag shorts and a decorative scarf. This was my go to casual -I'm doing nothing today but going to the grocery store- look for the summer. 

When you have the right denim jacket, it will be super easy to style because it would match everything. Here are two different outfits where, again, I incorporated two different styles. The outfit on the right is a good summer look, which I paired this awesome denim vest from American Eagle with a cute, flow-y dress, a sun hat, and some cute white oxford flats. The look on the left is my fall look, which I paired the same vest with a cropped gray sweatshirt, some distressed high-waisted skinny jeans and a red beanie. 

Hope this Lookbook/outfit ideas was someone interesting and helpful! Let me know which trend you like the best and which look you preferred. Also, what are some of your favorite fall essentials that you can not live without! Feel free to comment below!

Have a gorgeous Sunday :)

Grace

Liebster Award Nomination

Nominated by Suzii from http://sparklydaydreamer.blogspot.com/
First of all, thank you very much for the nomination! Second, I'm just happy that people are coming to my blog and actually (possibly) enjoying my content. I appreciate every view and I am working hard to provide better quality content with every post. This post will help spread more facts about me and my blog on the internet! Also, I respond (either as a reply or a comment on your blog) to every single comment, so feel free to contact me directly and we can connect! I love discovering new blogs and meeting new people! Well let's get started!

Rules:

1. Post eleven facts about yourself.

2. Answer the eleven questions provided by the person who nominated you and then create an eleven-question set for the next group of nominees.

3. Choose eleven people to nominate them and link them in the post.

4. Let your nominees know they've been tagged- and no tag-backs

5. Nominate blogs under 200 followers.

11 Facts About Me!:

1. I was born and raised (until I was 9) in Shanghai, China.

2. Now I live in Minnesota and am in my 3rd year of college.

3. I don't really like any patterns clothing wise besides stripes and plaid.

4. I really like Topshop, but since there is no Topshop anywhere near me and also it is rather expensive, I mostly shop at Forever 21 and H&M. I also shop occasionally at Urban Outfitters, Pacsun, and Gap
5. I am emotionally attached to my kitchen appliances [My Kitchenaid & Nutribullet(I use it every day!)] mainly because...6.
6. I love to cook and bake
7. I have no food restrictions and am very open to new things. If it's edible I will eat it (or at least try it). However! I am very strict on processed foods. I try to eat clean and avoid anything processed with chemicals/preservatives/high fructose corn syrup etc.
8. I have two adorable cats. So I am a cat lady. I also like all animals and don't discriminate between cats and dogs.

(Sophie)

(Toby)

9. My biggest style inspiration comes from Jenn Im of ClothesEncounters on Youtube
10. My favorite band at the moment is Onerepublic. I'm also a K-pop fan and am very much into EXO.
11. I am easily obsessive with things. (Including movies, actors, music, food, fashion, etc)

Questions from Suzii:

1. What's your best memory?
I wouldn't say that I have one favorite or best memory, because every moment to me is a memory that will have an impact on my life. I am very blessed with majority good memories, and even the bad memories don't seem so bad when I think about my life as a whole. 

2. Do you prefer cold or hot weather?

Definitely cold weather. I prefer temperatures around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. That way I can whip out my boots and jackets and style them accordingly! 

3. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I needed a creative outlet from my school/summer life. I am currently majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry in college, so this is a good way for me to balance between my career passions along with my hobbies and recreational passions.

4. What's your favorite quote?
"It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop" - Confucius 

5. If you had a wish, what would you wish for?
More wishes. Yes, I am that kind of person. 

6. Do you like to read? Why?
Yes I do! I used to not enjoy reading as much as I do now, but now I really enjoy it. It's a nice way to go through someone else's experiences (with nonfiction). And also stories are just better than real life. 

7. Dresses or jeans?
Jeans. Not the biggest dress person, but I do like some of them. They also look great on others. For me, I like mixing and matching, and with dresses, they kind of give me less room to work with and to layer. Also I just think that my personal style leans more towards jeans and pants, shorts, etc.

8. Do you like Mexican food?
Yes! I love it! I crave it once in a while. I love the freshness of it.

9. Do you prefer to buy something or do it yourself?
I think it depends. If doing it myself really saves me a lot of money (and I'm talking at least less than half the cost as if I were to buy something) then I would do it myself. 

10. Bracelets or necklaces?
Bracelets probably, although the only jewelry I ever wear are earrings, 

11. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Mint Chocolate Chip 

Questions from me!:

1. What's your favorite food?

2. If you could have one super power, what would it be?

3. Fall/Winter clothes or Summer/Spring clothes? 

4. What's your favorite movie?

5. Who/what is your favorite fictional character?

6. Where is your dream vacation?

7. Who inspires you the most? 

8. Are you a procrastinator or do you like to plan things out?

9. Dream career?

10. Favorite drink?

11. Gold or Silver? (As colors and as jewelry tones)

My nominations:

http://oh4foxsake.blogspot.com/
http://luaksidmood.blogspot.com/
http://dekiah.blogspot.com/
http://mizzrubiiee.blogspot.com/
http://sickchicksblog.blogspot.com/
http://itsamadsmadsworld.blogspot.com/

Sorry I cheated and couldn't nominate 11 people who I hadn't seen this from with less than 200 followers! I promise I will try to meet more people in the future!

Happy Friday!

Grace

Look of the Day: Only In Darkness Can You See Stars

"I really can’t wait for winter because then I can start wearing the other 97% of my clothes." I saw this quote on Tumblr the other day and I have to say, I really could not relate more. I have been trying to put together some nice summer outfits, but I often find myself wearing the same thing every single day: high-waisted shorts and a cropped top. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with that, but I'm more of a cardigan, sweater, pants, and boots type of gal. 

However, this summer I really got into cropped tops. I think they are rather flattering because they seem to slim the waist and elongate the body. I think this outfit represents my day to day style pretty well. Dark + Denim with rather masculine footwear. 

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Topshop

Shoes: Dr. Martens 1461 in Pewter

Sweatshirt: H&M

Lips: Wet n Wild's Cherry Bomb 

This is the third appearance of my light wash denim skirt from Topshop, because honestly they represent me like nothing else. I really like the fit and it is made out of a super comfortable stretchy material. Don't be surprised to see more of it. I think it's a really great basic "no brainer" piece to have in your closet. 

What are some of your favorite basic key pieces that you like to always have around? Please feel free to share!

I will have some "Back to School" outfit essential ideas coming up! So stay tuned!

Have a lovely Tuesday :)

Grace 

Review: Innisfree Long Wear Cushion

Innisfree Long Wear Cushion SPF50+/PA+++

[Promotional Poster]

Price: You can get it anywhere from $14 on Ebay - $24 on Amazon

I got it from [this seller] for $16 (With Shipping) 

Product Description: A long-wear cushion formulated to keep the skin looking bright and smooth all day while staying strong against sweat and sebum. 

Contains: 15g of Product

Color Selection: #13 Light Beige, #21 Natural Beige, #23 True Beige [My Shade]

This product claims to be long wearing so I expected it to have a matte finish. I was also a little worried about the color because I had seen that it runs a bit lighter than BB creams with the same numbering system from other brands. But #23 is the perfect shade for me.  For a reference I am normally MAC NC25 and NC30 at my darkest. I am Medium Beige in the CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation, Urban Decay Naked Skin in 4.0 (which was slightly dark for me), L'Oreal True Match in n3-4. 

Here are some key observations that I have noticed when I was using this product: 

• The finish is very matte. No powder is needed (Really, even if you do have oily skin like me, you do not need to set this foundation/cushion with powder)
• You can't really "blend" this product. Product is best applied by patting the sponge to distribute across the face.
• I would say it's a light-medium, more towards medium coverage. Slightly buildable. Also you are able to apply concealer on top without any problems.
• It has an herbal scent. Not too heavy and goes away after 15-30 min. 
• Doesn't oxidize on face like most face makeup. The color you apply is the color that will be maintained throughout the day

I will now do my normal Pros and Cons and try to describe what I like and what I don't like about this product.

Pros:

• Looks very natural. Despite that it has a matte finish, the coverage and finish looks like I'm not wearing makeup at all. 
• It does not oxidize. The color stays nice and bright the entire day.
• Very long wearing indeed. It lasts all day on my face without getting oily. (I would say I have pretty oily skin) 
• Easy to use
• Doesn't feel like I'm wearing any makeup/not heavy or cakey
• Performed well when I touched up with product. The packaging is also compact and light with a nice mirror.

Cons:

• Lack of shade selection. If you are darker than a medium skin tone, this product is probably not for you.
• Clings to dry patches. Make sure to moisturize well prior to application. NOT for people with dry skin, or even normal skin. I think this is best for people with combination to oily skin. 
• I've only noticed this once, but when I sweat a lot with this product on, it sometimes might clump in areas such as around my nose, in fine lines, etc.

Depending on who you are (This could be a pro or a con):

• Coverage wise, this is not going to cover severe acne scars, hyper-pigmentation, or really dark under eye circles. Keep in mind this gives a natural look, and it covers redness, slight darkness around the nose, etc. It will even out the skin tone. 

Final Verdict: 

I give this product an overall thumbs up. Because simply the pros outweigh the cons. Personally I find this product to be the best oil controlling foundation/makeup that I have ever used. It looks so nice and fresh, but at the same time it controls oil and stays matte all day. I don't have to set this foundation with powder which is extra awesome because it saves a lot of time, and I also don't feel the need to blot or reapply through out the day. Over all I would recommend this product ONLY if you have combination or oily skin. If you have dry skin feel free to try out the Innisfree Water Glow Cushion. 

Hope this review was helpful!

Have a great Sunday, I have many other reviews coming up so stay tuned!

Grace