And deep inside, her soul...

Happy Monday, everyone!

 

I am pretty much the type of girl who just wakes up and go, so what way is there to hide that non-presentable bed hair? I came across this super light-weight and breathable beanie while I was in Korea, and it is just perfect for the Edmonton weather we have right now (and of course for coverin' that bed hair). If any of you are looking for cool hats and stuff, do check out the collection they have at ASOS. Free shipping. Who doesn't like free shipping?!

 

And so as promised, here's a post that features a shirt from B+AB. Their designs are really unique and you can really dress up or dress down with their line. Nude and earth tones are always the easiest to wear in the Fall, so keep scrollin' down for more images. To play up the oufit, style it with bold colored accessories and there you'll have it. Casual, chic, and again, comfortable.

 

Oh ya, so recently I came across this really inspiring Christian beauty and fashion blog, and so I just thought I'd share it here. I found the blog through my lovely friend, Sarah. For all you women out there, do check it out! Beauty comes from the inside, so keep smiling =) Enjoy the gorgeous weather, everyone!

 

Also for all you ladies out there, I'd really want to remind you with this quote:

 

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. -1 Peter 3:3-4

 

Outer beauty fades. Inner beauty stays. Have a great week!

 

 

T-shirt: B+AB

Vest, ring, bracelets: Hong Kong

Shorts: Forever 21

Watch: Fossil

Bag, shoes, beanie: Korea

 

 

PS: Excuse how wrinkly my stuff is. Apparently, I'm a very lazy person when it comes to using the Iron or steamer. 

A few steps more is happiness but

top  mollyfromspace

denim shorts one teaspoon 

pointy ankle strap boots anna xi

henry skeleton watch marc jacobs

bag celine

 

Hi!

Summer is almost gone and regrettably I didn’t end up enjoying it much. I’m also a bit behind in terms of posting as well…work got a bit too crazy. I haven’t been shopping much except for acquiring a rose gold watch (finally) by Marc  Jacobs (Katy I blame you! lol) and recently, a coat for fall (which you might see in later ootds, but I prefer makeup posts more tbh).

And yes… I know my hair is getting really long but I was hoping to trim it after my cousin got married because I wanted to curl it hehe.

However…makeup wise. I have been constantly lusting over the Suqqu and Tom Ford collections. The quality of Suqqu lipsticks...let’s just say they are in their own league. If you try one, you won’t go back to anything else I guarantee. They are soo pigmented and creamy. The color selection though is rather “safe” but as I find with most high-end brands, keeping it “natural” is key. I’ll do a post on my Suqqu collection later on. But here, take a look at the Suqqu 2013 fall collection at Selphia. And the Tom Ford collection with two trios, one called “She Wolf” here at the beauty look book, and the other “In the Pink” here. God they’re just so pretty. Oh, and I might as well add the Lunasol 2013 Summer one too, by the lovely Reika sadly it’s limited edition and sold out everywhere :(.

P.s. Has anyone picked up anything from the Marc Jacobs range at Sephora? 

P.s.s. I had no idea my smile is so goofy HAHA

- D

Funky Twist ft. Joyee

Hello all you lovely readers out there. Hope everything has been going well as the last few weeks of summer comes to an end. Is it just me, or did summer just zoom right by? Oh man...how depressing.

So for the past few weeks, I've been trying to follow a strict, but healthier diet. On top of that, I've been doing a lot more cardio and some weight training in hopes of toning up, gaining some abs, and losing some of that jiggly wiggly. I must say though, disciplining yourself takes a lot of effort. Some days I would fail and wake up late enough to skip the most important meal of the day-- breakfast. Then just end up being lazy for the rest of the day, and just sit at home. Anyone on the same boat as me?

Anyways as promised, here's a post that's a bit more colorful than some of my previous posts. Ok...maybe not just a bit more colorful...but ya. Some of these pictures might be a bit hard on the eye because of the high contrast, but just bear with me. I've been dying to do a post like this. If you ever want to make your outfit pop, just put together opposites and contrasting colors on the colorwheel, and there you'll have it. Just becareful though, cause it would either be super pleasing to the eye, or you will get horrified stares. This post features my friend Joyee, who put together, styled, and modeled the outfit. You guys can check out her style on her instagram (@joyeecheng).

Many of you might be wondering where Doris went, and I reassure you she's still alive. Haha. She's just busy with work! She will be posting soon! On a random note, I legit need to clean my room...so I guess I'll end the post here. Enjoy the rest of your summer, everyone!

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well- Matthew 6:33

Model, and styling: Joyee

Photography, makeup: Carmen

 

Skirt: From Bankok

Top: Urban

Jacket: Hong Kong

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

 

 

In curiousity, she stares

Happy Monday, everyone! So while I was in Asia, I promised myself not to lay my hands on anything black...and guess what? That did not happen. As I unpacked my lugguage and sorted through my pile of mess, I realized my collection of black clothing literally owned half of my entire suitcase. Nonetheless, black is still the safest color to wear, so nope. No regrets.

 

For this outfit, the focus of this look is mainly the accessories. Oh, and of course the casual, loose, and comfortable fit of the clothing. As a teenager, I've often despised and avoided wearing curve hugging, low cut, attention drawing attire. If that was the way to seek love, and the definition of how a woman should be treating her body- I just could not agree. 

 

 So growing up, that lead to my liking of the unisex style, especially that of Alexander Wang's designs. Therefore, I guess it's safe to say this outfit was heavily inpired by him and a bit of my personality. Ok, enough of my life story. So ya, mix in a bit of the punk/rock style with the studs, and buckles, and...voila! Out comes Carmen's choice of ensemble. Conservative, casual, comfortable, and chic. How else can I describe it?

 

Oh and by the way, one store I recommend going to in Hong Kong would be a store called Maple. They sell trendy clothing at a super affordable price with decent quality. You can literally purchase a pair of stylish pants (like the one I'm wearing) for $8.00 Cdn. They also have quite a few branches of stores, so you really can't miss it!

 

Another store I'd suggest in Asia would be b+ab. It's a fashion brand from Hong Kong (and my ultimate favourite store), so let's just say that I pretty much spent most of my spare time just browsin' through the boutiques while I was in Asia. It features Hong Kong's celebrity model Angelababy's choice of style and collection, so it's for sure worth checking out. Here's a short video of her modeling the 2013 collection. The brand is definitely not as cheap, but I'd say it's more afforable in Hong Kong than anywhere else. The only place online so far I found that carries their collection would be at ASOS. Otherwise, tough luck in trying to get the brand outside of Asia. I'll be featuring some clothing from b+ab, so be sure to keep an eye out! Oh how I wish they'd carry it in North America.

 

Ok, I'm done blabbering for now. Wow, I've never put up so many links in one post. Until next time!

 

PS: I promise there will be more colorful posts next time.

 

PPS: A reminder to not take life for granted! Always cherish and love what you are already blessed with, for it is a gift from above.  

 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows- James 1:17

 

 

 

Model, styling, hair, makeup, edits: Carmen

Photography: Doris

 

Rubber boots, headband and vest: From boutiques in Hong Kong

Studded Doctor Handbag: Purchased in Hong Kong for $30 Cdn, but you can also find it here.

Black shirt: Korea

Lip color: From Korea at Etude House in #5 pink holic

Fly high, but stay grounded

Hello lovely people who actually reads my posts. Carmen here...again! I am finally back from Asia, and oh my goodness...my time there was just AH-MAZ-ING!!! I experienced and tried many new things (such as the food...oh gosh...I can go on and on about the food!). I also had the chance to shadow a studio photoshoot while I was in Hong Kong. For those of you who follow my instagram, there's a photo of me making myself useful instead of just standing around...haha. Everything there was about speed, and of course...quality.

So while I was in Korea and Hong Kong, I couldn't help but to notice the fashion sense of the people there. I don't really know the word to describe it...but they were really conservative with what they wear, yet very attractive. No one was afraid to express their individuality through what they wear, and everyone was just stylin'! For this blog post, again I'd have to thank Doris for modeling and for once again being my rag doll. She sat there diligently without a word of complaint as I did her hair, makeup, and coached her poses.

For this look, I wanted to bring out both the feminine and fierce side of a woman in a mysteriously attractive, yet conservative way. Therefore I put Doris's hair up in a pony tail, curled, and flipped it over to the front as bangs for that androgynous/mysterious look. I then opted for a smokey eye makeup, and skipped out on the fake lashes for a cleaner appearance. Instead, I used a heavy eyeliner technique and extended the wing. To add to the femininity, I used a bright pink lipstick I bought at Etude House from Korea. We couldn't find a nice top for this look at first, but as we rummaged through my closet, this blazer I bought a while ago from XXI definitely caught my eye. The rest of the styling was done by Doris.

Ok, I'm done blabbering. I shall continue about my time in Asia in my next post. In the meantime, follow my instagram (carmen010491) for a more personal side of me, and for more frequent updates. Bye for now!

“Be still, and know that I am God"- Psalm 46:10

Hair, makeup, concept, image directing, photography and editing: Carmen

Modeling and styling: Doris

 

And so we are all made beautiful

 

Hello lovely people out there, Carmen again! As promised, here's my last post in Edmonton before I leave to Asia for a month. I'm actually supposed to be packing...but to be honest, I don't know what to pack!!! I have a feeling I will be packing like 2 hours before my flight, and then to start freaking out and realize I forgot something. Haha, does anyone else have the nasty habit of procrastination like me? Ugh!

 

Anyways, Doris and I promised ourselves to have at least one more photoshoot with Katy before she leaves permanently, so we decided to go with a theme that's natural, yet the oufit still brings out our own unique style. We pretty much styled ourselves (of course, with the help of each others suggestions), and we did our own makeup and hair. I only did the makeup touch-up this time. Their makeup skills are pretty good eh? 

 

 

 Left: Katy, Middle: Carmen, Right: Doris

 

 Left: Katy, Right: Carmen

 

 Left: Katy, Right: Carmen

Left: Carmen, Right: Katy

 

On Carmen- Blue blazer and shorts: XXI, White shirt: Zara, Bag: Coach Coral Pink mini saffiano satchel, Shoes: Nasty Gal

 

On Katy- Coral blazer: XXI, Black shirt dress: H&M, Bag: Tory Burch

 Left: Katy, Right: Doris

 

 Left: Katy, Right: Doris

 

Left: Katy, Right: Doris

 

On Doris- Blazer: Hong Kong

All photos by Carmen, Doris, and...with the help of the handy self timer =)

And that's it, people! Doris will probably be the next one updating next since she hasn't for a while, so keep an eye out. Also, I will be roaming around Asia, and updating myself on the newest fashion. So yup, more cool things to come later on! Keep smiling, because you are all Created beautifully!

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."- Genesis 1:27

PS: Have a safe flight, Katy!

Thankful Hearts

How's everyone's spring/summer going? I am currently sitting here at my computer desk at 2:00 am, unable to fall asleep...so here I am, blabbering away. Oh, and also I will finally be recieving my degree on Wednesday! So Thankful I survived my 5 years of University! I will be leaving to Hong Kong, South Korea, China, and possibly Austrailia next Sunday as a grad trip, and oh my goodness. I am so stoked! 

 

Anyways, Doris and I got together with Katy a few days ago as a farewell (she is leaving to Hong Kong...forever!), and we will have a special post coming up soon! I promise I will have it up before I leave to Asia. Here's a casual outfit that features a military green spring jacket, matched with a brown bag, and a pair of brown lace-up booties. I really love simple styles during the spring/summer, and this outfit says it all. To finish off the outfit, I paired it with a necklace from Moschino Cheap and Chic, a rose gold watch from Fossil, and one of my favorite suede bracelets in black.

 

Also, we got invited to the launch party of Poppy Barley Made to Measure, held at the Bamboo Ballroom down Whyte Ave this Thursday and unfortunately, Doris and I are unable to attend. Poppy Barley Made to Measure is a new online custom footwear company based in Edmonton, and apparently they make uniquely hand-crafted, customized shoes. We are so bummed out that we can't make it because the idea of stylish footwear that are made to measure is just way too cool. On the bright side, they are an online company, so we will definitely be surfin' their site. For all you stylish people out there who have difficulty finding fashionable footwear that actually fits, go check out their stuff!

 

 

 

 Photography: Doris

 

Jacket: Gifted from Korea

Blouse: Gifted from Hong Kong

Jean Shorts: From Streetwear Society

Bag: Material Girl

Booties: Ebay

Watch: Fossil

Necklace: Moschino Cheap and Chic

 

 

Ok, I should go sleep soon. Doris has been working lots lately, so apologies on her lack of update! On a side note, have a joyful summer, everyone! Love and cherish everyone and everything around you, because nothing is for granted!

 

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."

-Psalm 28:7

 

Beyond her cold stare

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Carmen here again! Here's a look that is totally not suitable for daily wear haha. Anyways it involves the use of one of my favorite colors, and I'm pretty sure any of you would be able to guess what that would be. I've always wanted to do a makeup look where the lip color is sharp and out of the ordinary...so here it is! The black liner I used was to enhance the turquoise cream shadow. The silver on the eyes was to balance out the sparkly chips that were used on the lips. To be honest, this look kind of freaked Doris and I a bit after I completed it, but after a while it looked pretty cool. Oh and also if any of you are wondering what those weird things are buried in Doris' hair, they are actually origami stars. Yes, origami stars. I needed something that sorta reflects light to balance out the strong makeup and those were the only thing I could find in my room!

Oh yeah, so I am currently waiting for my University grad status to change from "applied for graduation" to "graduating"...and oh my gosh...what a pain. For any of you out there who are a bit lost in life, I totally feel for you. I legit don't know what I'll be doing in the upcoming years, and I don't know what I'll be doing with my degree. Despite this "mid life crisis" I'm in (haha!), I'm currently learning what it really means to trust. After all, we were all created for a reason =)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

PS: What do you all think of this look? :)

Model: Doris

Creative directing, concept, makeup, hair: Carmen

 

Makeup used:

Make Up Forever flash palette: Turuoise, and silver

Kanebo kate gel eyeliner in bk-1

Sparkly nail chips on lips



What more can I ask for?

Hi lovely people who follow our blog! Carmen here=) Anyways, University is finally over and I am officially free!!! Well, at least for the time being. So for the past few weeks, we've been super busy with school and work...therefore leaving this blog to collect dust. I randomly had an urge to do a look today that has to do with minimal usage of cosmetics, and tattoos. How much more simple can I get with just using eyeliner and a few rhinestones? Oh and also a light brush of blush (Fleur De Lotus by Chanel).

The end result? Scroll down to see! All tattoo art was drawn freehanded.

 



Creative directing, concept, makeup, hair, photography- Carmen

Model- Doris

 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

 

Keep smiling, everyone! Until next time,

Man I promise, I'm so self conscious

Hey guys haha. Wow it's been awhile since I last made a post. I have no excuse, I'll just come out and say it... I'm a workaholic. And no, it's not just your computer screen, there's still snow in April, albeit it's finally melting so I can get some much needed vitamin D.

Finally, all the years of not getting enough sleep has it made near impossible to feel energized or awake.. can't overcome the sleep deficit haha. Alright guys, piano time, I'll catch you later ~

chunky blue scarf & beanie - ebay
jacket - tobi
plaid shirt - mexy
tights - asos
gloves - sakun 

wedge - charles albert

Product recommendation: Keratase Elixer ultime by Loreal

Hey all! Carmen here =) Long time no update! How is everyone doing? I’m assuming all University students are finishing up their last few days of class, and getting ready to dive into a mountain of exams. I feel for you all.

Anyways, since we haven’t had the time to do an ootd, or any creative projects, I have a hair product to recommend for you guys (especially if any of you have dry, or damaged, or thin hair)! I’ve been looking for a solution for my super frizzy and damaged hair for years. I used moisturizing shampoos, loads of conditioner, and tried different types of hair oil but still couldn’t find a way to “cure” my hair. Well, guess what? There’s actually no such thing as a “cure” to damaged hair. Once it’s damaged, its damaged. The only way to “cure” your hair is to actually use products that mask the appearance or conceal the damage.

I haven’t been able to find such a product until I went to my hair dresser a few weeks ago and she recommended me the Keratase Elixer Ultime by Loreal. I honestly thought she was just trying to make a sale, with all that good talk about the hair oil. Nonetheless, I needed a hair oil anyways and decided to go with the product. I’ve been using it for the past few weeks, and my oh my goodness. I think im gonna stick with this stuff for life. It works like magic!!!! The product doesn’t’ make my hair oily, and it makes it super soft and shiny! The oil not only coats and protects your hair; it actually moisturizes it as well! So everytime after I wash my hair, I put 1-2 pumps of this product into my hair and blow dry. My hair is left frizz-free, glossy, lightweight, and instantly livelier. For those of you who share the same hair issues with me…just try this product! I can almost guarantee you’ll love it. Unfortunately, the only downside is the price. It retails for $54 in Canada, for 125mL. Nonetheless, definitely worth a try!

A quote that I’ve been reflecting on for the past week that I’d like to share with all you lovely people out there:

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” - Mark 8:36

Goodluck on all exams, everyone! We promise we will update more in the upcoming months.

There's more to life than you think

Hopefully the week's been going well for all you lovely people out there. Mine? Packed with assignments, work, projects, fashion shows, and events. Someone pause time for a bit please. Anyways, here's an outfit that leans a little more on the masculine side. The scarf was pretty much sort of like a table cloth. I got it from Goodwill for about $3.99. Fashion steal? I'd say yes!

 My hair had been screaming "cut me" for the past 3 months. The ends are split, and it feels like dry grass. Literally. Since it's already so damaged, why not just go all the way to the extreme? So there I did it. I brushed on a tiny amount of bleach (approx. 1 inch) with the Nutrisse intense bleach, and went over with Manic Panic's Virgin snow. I figured if I'm ever going to do something funky with my hair, might as well do it now before I graduate haha. Gonna get a haircut on Saturday, any suggestions on style? Can't wait to cut off all the dead and colored parts!

Western Canada Fashion Week starts next week March 21st - 28th! I will hopefully be refashioning an outfit using some clothing from Goodwill for the opening on March 21st (with Eco-Style). Oh, and Eco-style will also be doing a fashion show at the University of Alberta (Sub stage) using all clothing from Goodwill. Don't know what to wear for business interviews and such? Then come out to the show!

Lastly, here's a little something for you readers:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." -Matthew 11:28-29

Life can be tough and challenging at times, but look deeper and keep searching. There's more to life than you think=)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Jacket and Shorts: Forever 21

Tights: From my mom

Blue blouse: From Asia

Scarf: Thrifted from Goodwill

 

I used to feel my luck was bled from me at seventeen

I didn't even notice until the blood started dripping from my left hand that I had brushed ever so faintly against my spiked litas. I am less squeamish with blood nowadays so I cleaned up all good. Just a couple years ago, I would start losing strength in my hands, and some knee-bucklnig action would have been involved. But taking this picture was slightly messy...okay enough of that imagery.

I went with a friend to watch some Chinese cultural show where I was promised by my teacher of extraordinariness of epic proportions, and that this celebrated group never comes to Edmonton (once in a lifetime opportunity) so I should go etc. He hyped it so much, we went and...was thoroughly disappointed. Probably because none of the actual performers had their own equipment (everything rented out locally last minute due to containers still being in Winnipeg). I guess the show had to keep going to save face...but there was this contortionist though, always a highlight in my opnion.

Some completely irrelevant music: 1, 2, 3

P.s. No idea where my hat came from, showed up as a package from china with my name on it Lol 

oak+fort blazer/cardigan

alternative apparel tank

unif axl pants

report duke boot

In the midst of her dream

The creative side of me had been itching for the past couple of weeks. How else do I express my creativity other than through paint, a pen, and a piece of paper, or crafts? Creative makeup and photography it is. I finally had a bit of time last week to walk through Sephora (my first time in months), and oh my gosh. I was legit so inspired with all the colours, that the first thing I did was text Doris and ask her when she would be free to be my canvas again. Lucky for me, she was free this Sunday afternoon. After countless times of saying “oopsies,” and after going through a million cotton swabs and half a bottle of makeup remover (jk), this was how my artwork came out as. Scroll down for images.

I had quite a few pieces of temporary tattoos left back from a few years ago, and I finally decided to put them into use. Dramatic eyes, bold red lips, red nails, and temporary tattoos. All in one package!

Also, here’s something I’d like to share with all you lovely people out there:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matthew 6:34

Model: Doris

Creative directing, concept, makeup, hair, editing, photography: Carmen

Products used:
- skin79 super+ beblesh balm bb cream triple function
- urban decay 24/7 glide on eye pencil in perversion
- kanebo kate gel eyeliner in bk-1
- estee lauder soft smudge eye pencil in black

- lorac unzipped palette
- yves rocher sexy pulp lash plumping mascara
- etude house moistfull collagen essence-in primer

- make up forever 12 flash color palette (red, coral, & black)
- nail confetti, false eyelashes, chanel-inspired tattoos from ebay
- nyx black eye shadow
- tony moly baby doll pot concealer in #1
- dior diorskin rose diamond
- anna sui lip rouge
- disney cinderella lipstick in lady tremaine
- too faced sweet indulgence palette's exclusive bronzer
- guerlain wulong pressed powder