Makin' A Change

Just saw Emotional Creature at Berkeley Rep and was it was amazing! Brought me to tears-and I usually don't get teary at productions. It was written by Eve Ensler, writer of the well-known Vagina Monologues, and addressed many topics ranging from teenage angst to abuses faced by young women around the world, such as rape, sex trafficking, and mutilation. After the show, there was a discussion in which the audience talked about ways we could get our community active on such topics and to make changes. We wanted to find a way to bring the points brought up in the play into our personal lives and those around us. A woman there spoke of an organization she is apart of and how they are petitioning for a 5th World Conference on Women. I looked up the website (5wcw.org) and can say I support having another world conference addressing the issues women around the world are facing today.


So in order to show my support (and my blog's) I'm pasting the following:

“We support holding the 5th UN World Conference on Women and call upon our own UN ambassador and those of member states in the General Assembly to pass the 5WCW resolution needed to hold it in 2015. We want 5WCW to address new and emerging issues affecting women and girls since the Beijing Conference in 1995, to build upon and not re-open previous UN documents.”

I urge you to do the same and also check out v-girls.org an online media hub for young women around the world to show their thoughts and views on the things happening around the world and how young women are affected everywhere.

Also if you're in the Bay Area, check out the show during its last week! It ends on the 15th and will be headed to New York for its premiere in the fall. I got a feeling this show will be BIG.

Click on the link for more show info: http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1112/5846.asp

Someday...

Someday...this blog will be big and great and all the awesomeness I know it can be. But for the mean time, I'm gonna hope I land a summer job in the next week so I can equip myself for college. Sistah can't be entering looking not raw, but I'll need the doh. It's been almost a month since graduation and I feel pretty relaxed. Haven't really contacted many people outside of my group of friends and it's been nice. I think one's in a really good place when they have the option of choosing to surround themselves only by their friends and people they care for/care for them. We don't always have that opportunity and when we do it doesn't seem to last long. I can't say I've changed the world yet or even worked on my writing-things I need to do! But I have spent a great deal thinking and listening to music and gaining a better grip of how I see myself and where I want to be in the next 5 years. 
Exciting things that have happened: I bleached the ends of my hair-well more like half-but I'm liking it. I'll probably grow my hair longer just because the bleach is giving me an excuse-looks a tad better on longer hair in my opinion. Oh! I also went to Pride in SF, saw a lot of rad outfits. Like crazy fits you'd see in editorials in magazines but on the streets! That makes me happy, people need to be a little more bold in how they dress and not afraid. Confidence can boost an image by 20000%


Photos from Pride!

Music I'm currently listening to:


Kid Cudi--Upper Room (whose waiting for his new album , this girl)
Charlie XCX--Nuclear Seasons 


and a lot more Cudi, those two have just been on replay for a while :)

 

Here are a few snapshots from today:

love these sandals so much! They've become a sort of second skin in the last few weeks 

Tropical Occasion

Today's sunny and I'm in a festive mood. To match my outfit with my personality, I'm wearing a print dress that my grandma made (from a pattern, but amazing nonetheless), a tropical shirt I purchased for 3 bucks at a supermarket (!!) and my striped purse. To top it off, I painted my nails a minty shade and I feel just as warm on the inside as it is outside :).


Big things coming up soon: GRADUATION!!!!! in a few days. HOLY COW.

purse-ellevenk

Just a quick snap of my jacket recently turned vest in response to the increase in temps :)

I know I know, Nicki Minaj is usually not what comes to mind when one thinks of  good music, but this song is so catchy! I can't help but feel in a good mood when I listen to this poppy tune :)

New Shoes!

My favorite thing to shop for is definitely hands down shoes. With the multiple heights and forms they come in, they have the ability to make the same outfit look drastically different and alter one's mood instantly. I recently picked up some color-block sandals and love them! They make me feel super summery and laid back-but also put together. Now I just need the sun to come back out so I can put them to more use! (although I have a feeling weather won't be a big deterrent in my wearing them ;))

sandals-rockelles

pants-wetseal

 Oh! I forgot to mention I went to a Drake concert this past monday (the kick-off to his extended Club Paradise Tour). It was incredible--indescribable in that way most good concerts are :)Just pure joy.

Here's what I've been listening to on repeat for the past couple of weeks:

  

Prom

So it's that time of year when the biggest social evening event for school occurs : Prom. It's a week away and as of now I have everything I need and am feeling pretty excited about it :) I love my dress and I think I'm going to do hollywood glam curls and red lipstick to go with it. Here's a pic of my dress. I'll try to take lots of pics on the day of Prom but I wanted to provide a sort of preview (because I'm so excited!)

UPDATE:

Here's a snap of what I wore for prom :) Now, in regards to the actual event, let's just say I had more fun getting ready with my friends than dancing to the music selection... But it wasn't completely bad and overall I'm happy I went!

Outfit Post

Haven't done one of these is a while :p And I swear I have more clothes besides this red skirt, I just happen to feel in the mood to take photos when I'm wearing it! I'll work on more equally representing the rest of my wardrobe, after all I would like to keep a democratic closet ;)

blouse-HM

skirt-Goodwill

flats-Urban Outfitters

purse-thrifted

pearl necklace-gift from neighbor

In other news, I discovered this song yesterday (I know, late but that's just how I seem to roll) and have been mesmerized ever since. I haven't listened to them in a while, but this just renewed my interest.

Chairlift- Amanaemonesia

DIY Shorts

After finally washing my shorts of the bleach, I'm ready to debut my little DIY project. I ended up making two pairs of shorts, one half bleached the other baggy, and am pretty happy with them :) Both were super easy to make and I'll post directions on how to make your own bleached ones if you're interested.

Ok, so to create you're own bleach, semi-destroyed shorts :

1) get a pair of denim that fit a little loosely

2) determine the length you want the shorts to be (I did this by trying them on and making a rough guess ) and mark it with a pencil

3) cut them (if you need to use a ruler for a straight line, have no fear!). If you want a frayed look on the bottom, tug a little on the white threads that appear when you cut the denim (these threads will become more noticeable after washing)

4) put that puppy aside, and fill up a small bucket with about 4 cups of bleach and 2 cups of water

5) gently submerge the shorts halfway in ( I used clips to secure the shorts to the bucket so they wouldn't slide further down)

6)wait an hour, constantly checking on the progress. if you want the denim to be more lighter, keep it submerged longer

7) when you are happy with the coloring, rinse the shorts out with warm water, making sure to get as much bleach out as possible

8) then hang to dry

9) once they are dry, put them in a washing machine to make sure all bleach is gone!

10) once washed and dry, take liberty to wear them with pride

:)

Senior Day!!!

Today was Senior Day (aka ditch day) and it was spent at the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk with my friends and classmates. The day was basically a combination of lying in the sand soaking up the sun, getting on terrifying (and I mean so terrifying that you stop screaming and start making weird faces to soak up the terror) rides and and just bonding with people I see on the daily but don't have the opportunity to get to know better. So all in all it was pretty good. I have to say my favorite ride was the Giant Dipper ( which I ended up hitting my head twice on due to the drop that threw me against my seat) and my least favorite was the Fireball. Now I'm not one to usually write on the negative but I have to say that ride was the longest 3 minutes of my life. Besides spinning around in a circle, the ride went in a swing like motion, halting to a stop when it went vertical--way too much going on. I basically closed my eyes throughout the whole thing, went from screaming to making desperate faces, and praying that I would not fly out of my seat. But I made it (yay!) and left the beach feeling content. Can't say I'm looking forward to the last two weeks of regular school because there's a lot of work to do! But I am hoping to end off the year on a good note and look back on times like these and be like yea, that was pretty sweet. :)

My outfit for the day (taken via computer camera because I was super lazy)

Overall romper &blouse-Buffalo Exchange

(close up of the button detail on side)

Photo Project

So, I decided to try my hand at street photography and took some photos last weekend. After stopping by the local flea market I happened across a thai festival celebrating the new year (and by happened I mean I was walking down the street, saw a crowd, headed over and got to see an amazing show). I took some photos of the dancers and am really pleased with a few. The colors in the photo, while they can't possibly capture the richness of the color in person, are pretty darn close. The costumes were beautifully intricate and I am super glad I had the chance to participate in another culture's celebration on a Sunday afternoon. I posted a couple shots below :) Also posted is the latest music video from one of my all time favorite artist, Marina and the Diamonds. Some say her music is like marmite-some love it and some hate it--and I can definitely say that while some of her songs are not my favorite, they all elicit respect from me. The girl has serious talent!

SOCKS!!!

I LOVE THEM!!! so under-appreciated it seems, yet so important lol

I received this from Chelsea Taylor from Cup of Trend and feel honored to know that someone appreciates this blog enough to award it :) Thanks so much!

The rules are:
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you.
2. Write 7 random things about yourself.
3. Spread the love to 15 more bloggers.

7 Random Facts:

1. I want to go skydiving some day

2. I love lions

3. I plan on studying abroad in Paris and Spain

4. I would like to serve as a diplomat

5. I hope to have a vineyard someday in the south of France or Spain

6. Spiders creep me out

7. Besides food, clothing and music, I LOVE traveling 

Some bloggers I'm spreading the love to:

 Collections

Wickedd Childd

The Violin Style

The Past Weeks

Hey there, so I've been wanting to post on the Jean-Paul Gaultier exhibit I went to and now finally have the time. So it was a Friday night which meant I had to go after school-an excellent way to kick off the weekend if I don't say so. The event started at 5:30 but we got there a little late, needless to say it was packed. People of all ages in wacky costumes and models in these BEAUTIFUL creations, I mean I was seriously jumping up and down with excitement when I got there. My friend happened to be friends with the lady selling hats there and I got one for free! (I've posted a pic below). The night was a blur of excitement, amazing fashion-I'm talking all of Gaultier's most iconic pieces displayed as if on a runway- and me walking the community runway! I was selected as one of the 120 guests and the hair stylists there gave me purple extensions for the honor :) Ummm as of late I am currently on spring break for which I am having a stay-cation. I appreciate it though, I graduate in 2 months!!!AHHHHHHHHHHH

                                                            (the gifted hat)

                                                        (my outfit)

                                                    Nail Inspiration

                                                   (friend's DIY nail art)

(metallic nails I have to try)

                             Huge Hamentashen I made for Pesach (Passover)


With that I bid you a happy spring break, good passover, happy easter and hope that whatever else that is happening in your life happens well!

New Glasses!

Well they came, finally. I've been waiting for what seems like forever but was really only a week and a half, which is pretty good timing for these things. It was long overdue for me to get new frames and here they are:

I like them :) 

In other news, I'll be attending the Jean Paul-Gaultier exhibit at the DeYoung this Friday. So excited to see his work with fellow admirers. I have yet to decide whether to dress up or down--but I'll probably go for up since I like any excuse to put extra effort into what I'm wearing. Can't wait to share the experience with you with an added outfit post. Bye for now!

New Fav Song

First heard this song last night. Fell in love instantly, so good :) What can I say, Marina never fails to surprise me with songs that sound better than the last!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!

Today I turn 18 and have pretty simple plans for the day-seeing The Artist and having lunch and dinner with friends. This past week I've been thinking of what I could do-like some crazy, awesome things that would make this day seem like a true coming of age event. And when those plans didn't happen, I felt kinda down. But I realized today that you don't have to do anything SUPER diffferent to feel different as a person. Do I feel dramatically different? no. Do I even feel 18? not really. But I do feel something, like I might have done a little self-actualization and figured out more about myself. Some people are party people and some like to watch arsty films and shop. I'm the latter although I might dabble in the other at times. So now, I'm pretty pleased with my plans. I get to spend time with friends, some of which I don't see often, and it's a beautiful day outside. And I get to see a movie that will be fantastic I'm sure (well I hope ;) ).

(vintage blouse, necklace-anthropologie, cardigan-mom's)

Oh! and I love this song <3


Miami ft. Kimbra- I Look to You

Birthday Soon!

So my birthday is less than two weeks away and I am that much closer to being 18!!! I'm super excited yet I don't really know what I'm doing yet...Anywho I'vedecided to start a little DIY series, a spruce-up-what-you-already-have section if you will. For my first project I turned my sheer black blouse into a sleeveless blouse. Simple, yet it's like the clothing has been given a breath of fresh air.

Here's some pics:

Before

After

Close up

I like the raw edges-gives it a sort of undone look which will look nice paired with tailored pants :)

AND here's something I'm eyeing for my birthday:

GAHHHHH I'm in love!!!

Current Music Fave

Nail Fun-Ombre Effect

So I know I'm kinda late, which I am on a lot of things, but I wanted to try the ombre effect on my nails. It looks really interesting yet subtle enough that it doesn't scream look at me! i'm distracting! I figured I'd give it a go and I'm pretty satisfied with my first try. I took some pictures along the way in hopes to show you guys how to achieve the same effect. Enjoy!

step 1.

Paint your nails with a base coat. I did two layers to increase the opacity but it depends on the density of your polish.

step 2.

Use a darker shade to make a french tip. If you're going for a more subtle effect, use a shade closer to the base color.

step 3.

For this step you will need a sponge ( I used a cosmetic wedge) and a disposable place to put the drops of nail polish on (I used a napkin). Pour a few drops of the nail polish you used for the tip onto the napkin. Then lightly press the sponge on the polish. Wipe the excess polish off (you don't want a lot of polish on the wedge). Then gently press the sponge onto the nail close to the root while leaving some of the base color visible. You want to do it lightly so that it is barely visible. Your goal is to gradually work from the barely visible shade to the the dark shade on the tip (in this case black). You don't want to be able to see the line of the original tip you made. So keep on lightly dipping and pressing the nail polish on your nails until you get the effect you want. Finish off with a clear top coat.

Yay!

I used the following nail polishes: sinful colors 'black on black", confetti "moonstruck", and a clear base/top coat.

* I got a sort of rough texture on my nails, which I like since playing with texture is going to be big this year. If you want a more smoother finish I would suggest applying the sponge very gently and slowly.

Sunday

Today was pretty good. Hung out with a friend and took some photos for her photography project :)) The theme was image and stereotypes--how people view others based on what they wear. Will upload photos soon!
Lemme just say, with it being fashion week and all I've gotten a new dose of inspiration. So while I may be a coast away from the action, I'm still feeling like a member. Here's what I wore today-

jacket-borrowed, gifted sweater, pants-wetseal, shoes-UO