amplified existence - "big magic" book review

When a book comes out with an aesthetically pleasing cover, you get it, if not just for blog props. When said book is about creativity, and is written by Elizabeth Gilbert, it's an even better reason to get it!

While I definitely judged Big Magic by its cover, I was not disappointed in the least.

An overview
Gilbert separates the aspects of creativity into 7 parts: Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity. Within each part, there are mini "chapters", a few pages long at most. She includes personal anecdotes, as well as stories of other creatives.

The way it was written is startlingly readable and fresh. It does technically fall into the category of "self help", but it had none of the sappy, easy to predict advice I'd expected. But I mean, we are talking about the woman who wrote Eat Pray Love...

"Hey Liz..."
It feels as though she is actually sitting there, talking you through how to be more creative - something we've all tried to do at some point. And it's not from her high up stoop as a successful and published writer, it's from the passenger seat. It's the kind of book that gives you tingles in your toes, and itches in your fingers, the kind of book that makes you get in your car and drive to new places.

I actually developed my own routine with this book; it became my constant companion while I was wandering through its creamy, white pages. I'd plunk the book on my desk, and ravenously devour a couple of chapters. Then I'd pause, make my way downstairs for a cup of tea, letting Gilbert's ideas really sink in.

Inspiration is fickle
Her ideas are like nothing I've ever heard before about creativity. For her, inspiration is a live being, a spirit who travels through the universe, like a nature spirit or nymph. It'll come to you if it senses openness and a willingness to try new things, but it won't wait around forever. Sometimes it'll come and drop an idea in your head, but the idea just won't be compatible with you. This idea might wait around, or it could pack its bags and head over to someone else.

After a few chapters, I'd sit and let inspiration come to me. Surprisingly, it was quite willing. I'd had a previous habit of denying its ideas quickly, judging them on the spot, and over time, inspiration would only peek out from around a corner. But after Big Magic, I welcomed whatever idea it was willing to throw to me, and I went with it.

Wearing: Topshop cropped sweater (similar), Lush envelope soft pant (similar), BP. teardrop necklace (similar), VANS white slip on

It was a novel experience, having ideas flow quickly and endlessly. I didn't question anything, I just took pleasure in the simple act of putting pencil to paper, and used that as my validation, rather than how "good" my art turned out. And it ended up turning out better than anything I'd created before.

A day in the city
I rarely venture up to the city, but when I do, it's a day of adventure and new sights. This was my first time at Baker Beach; I can see why it's such a popular tourist site. One of my favorite parts about San Francisco, and cities in general, is the wide range of people there. There is so much creativity and innovation, it's bound to rub off right?


The takeaway
Elizabeth Gilbert is wise. I love what I've been able to do since, just keeping these ideas in the back of my head (inspiration is always at the front of the table as thanks):

*Don't turn inspiration away, even if you don't like what it's telling you
*Take pleasure in creating art, not just the art itself
*Some ideas may not be right for you; thank them and let them go
*Don't be a "starving artist", love your art and it will love you
*Treat you art like an affair - you can definitely make time for it everyday
*Fear is healthy, to a certain extent

Without a doubt, this is a book well worth your time. And really, it's not just because of the pretty cover.

Have you read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert? What's your take on living creatively? Where do you get inspiration from?

xx
Angelina

p.s. I've got more book reviews! Books by strong women or art/photography/fashion books.
p.p.s. here's a more creative piece I wrote and really liked. it's on idealization, and how I feel about it. let me know what you think of it!

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photography by Serina

i'm basically wearing a fancy blanket + book review

While I'm unsure of exactly what field I want to work in yet, I'm sure it'll be related to the arts or fashion. Both are difficult fields, and I've been reading books by women I admire to get a feel of how they reached their goals.

Along the way, I dress for success with my fancy scarf, aka a blanket (and not just because I forgot to take photos of the books before returning to the library).

Introducing Sophia Amoruso, Diane von Furstenburg, Mindy Kaling, and Kate Betts:

#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
This book blew me away, and it's one of those that leaves you feeling like you should go out and do something big! While Nasty Gal isn't one of my typical brands, it's undeniable it's risen in the ranks of mass retailers, and has quickly become a well known fashion house.

Amoruso seized opportunities along the way - she credits her success to a hernia. You'll have to read it to find the connection.

My Takeaway: Be aware of new platforms, be thrifty, be authentic and real.
Style: Autobiography, with a strong emphasis on how to become your own GirlBoss, and achieve your dreams.

Wearing: Forever 21 camel shawl, Hollister collared top, American Eagle jeggings, Sam Edelman Petty suede booties.

The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane von Furstenburg
A beautifully written memoir. It reveals details about von Furstenburg's life that I hadn't known before; her mother, who was a Holocaust survivor, her own wild boarding school experiences, and the loves of her life. In contrast to #GIRLBOSS, this reads more like fiction, though it includes many historical tidbits, such as the rise of the first supermodels.

I found von Furstenburg's story to be reminiscent of a Gossip Girl storyline - full of drama, expensive things, and lots of attractive men. She actually married a prince, so it may not be a stretch to call her a real life Blair Waldorf.

My Takeaway: I didn't feel like I got too much out of it career wise, but it was fascinating to read, nonetheless.
Style: Autobiography, almost fictitious.

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
How can one not love Mindy Kaling? Out of all the women above, I can relate to her the most, and her voice is more humorous. More than once, her stories made me laugh out loud, and garnered strange looks from those nearby - especially when there is hot pink text that proclaims "I have the Angelina Jolie of vaginas".

There are few women in general in media or entertainment, much less women of color, and Kaling has a TV show with her name! Along with Constance Wu, she's one of my favorites.

My Takeaway: Work hard and don't settle.
Style: A collection of stories and thoughts, reads almost like a blog.



My Paris Dream by Kate Betts
I have a bit of an obsession with Paris and the stereotypical French woman (I'm not sure if any of it is true for the general population). I love the natural makeup, the food, and of course, the fashion! As I've always dreamed of living abroad for some time in France, Kate Betts' story about her own time there was eyeopening and engaging to read.

Betts describes her first few moments in Paris, her journey up the corporate ladder, and the people she encounters in a relatable and thoughtful way. I felt like I was watching a movie similar to Boyhood. 

My Takeaway: Life doesn't always take you where you think it will. Don't be afraid to make hard choices.
Style: Autobiography, with a cinematic feel. Not lacking in the sensory descriptions.


A Rude Awakening
This comes as I had recently had an experience with a female CEO whom I highly admired. Listening to her speeches and interactions with others, she seemed like someone who was a great mentor and willing to not only open doors for others, but to pull them through. However, when I talked to her, that was not the case.

While I'm not taking it personally, it's a stark contrast between what I hope to be like should I ever reach a position in which I can help others, especially women. What's the point of being at the top if you can't help others at the bottom?

Kudos to me for not naming this post "Bop to the Top".

What are some good books you've read lately? Who do you admire? What do you think makes a good leader?

xx

Angelina

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p.s. my last book review post is here!

it's just peachy

It's been a wonderful few days, though very hectic as well. I haven't written a lifestyle type post in a while, where I just talk about what's new, and it seems like with the start of a new month, this is a common theme throughout the blogging community.

Plus, a lil poem I wrote a few years back - and am still quite proud of to this day. 

My Halloween weekend was busy in the best way. On Friday, I went to Halloween Haunt with a friend; I was a bit apprehensive as my horror threshold is pretty low. The only horror movies I've seen are The Purge, the older Poltergeist, and The Woman In Black. My sole reason for being able to sit through these was that it was highly unlikely to actually happen to me, or the I knew the visual effects wouldn't be as realistic.

There were "mazes" set up, each with a different theme - an insane asylum, toy factory, zombies at a high school, that sort of thing. As with most amusement parks, getting there early is key. We got through a decent amount within the first 30 minutes, then the lines became astronomically long, and it wasn't as fun because of all the people, and it didn't feel as haunted. 

Wearing: Silence&Noise white blazer (similar), BP. striped crop tee (similar), American Eagle hi-rise jeggings, DV by Dolce Vita oxfords, BP. gold pendant necklace (similar)

Beforehand, I had the genius idea of watching Buzzfeed videos of ghosts, researching MacKamey Manor, and Googling criminals in my area. Good one, Angelina.

With more people and a decreasing horror factor, I had a better time appreciating the sets. There's so much detail and thought that goes into everything, though sometimes I favor a more minimalistic type of horror. A blinking eye behind a curtain, or a long dark hallway are more intimidating for me than jump scares and zombies.
 

On Halloween Eve (if there is such a thing), I watched Psycho with friends. I admit to shying away from older movies, because of the black and white factor, and how different they are from movies nowadays.

The pace is a lot slower, and obviously the visual effects are not as advanced, so they told the story in other ways. The scenes in which Lila is driving, and voices are heard were different and an interesting take. The reminded me of how the characters would speak directly to the camera in House of Cards. 


I couldn't help noticing how her teeth weren't completely straight - which is so odd now, since almost everyone where I live is obsessed with teeth. Apparently, it's an American thing?

I would definitely watch more old movies when I'm more inclined to think, rather than just to relax. I feel like they're more like pieces of art that require and deserve your full attention.

 


My first day of November was spent running around - taking pictures, then later, trying to find my phone. Serina and I have shot previously, and this time we planned a monster meet up - I have 5 outfit series from this day! It was lovely, and I really enjoyed it. More on that later.

I love having blogger friends.

The not so lovely part? Losing my phone. I dropped it while crossing the train tracks, and didn't get it back until 2 days later when the stranger who found it called the number I had texted to my phone. I had just been about to erase all the data and buy a new one - thankfully I didn't have to deplete my Black Friday funds. 



And in case you read through this whole post waiting to hear my stab at poetry, I couldn't disappoint. Heck, I even read it in case you wanted to listen to it, because I think poetry is best appreciated out loud. Preferably when the speaker doesn't have a severe congestion and a bit of vocal fry. But oh well. 

it’s the flush of your cheeks

after a day in the sun,

long palm lined streets,

or grabbing fresh from the oven, a cinnamon bun.

it’s the taste of names

like Jane, Grace, or Kate,

and the sense of homework

finished far before the due date.

it’s turkish delight, piled high on a dish,

and also the hope

of a shooting star wish.

it’s the texture of an inside joke,

laughing with your best friends

or the sweet zing of sipping a Coke.

it’s all things girly, 

like charms, hearts, and bows,

buying new books,

or bright polish on toes. 

it’s milky polaroids,

saved in envelopes and drawers,

also lush, white, carpeted floors.

it’s the sound of the hours before the summer bell rings,

the rush of a bungee jump,

and the elation shopping brings. 

it’s finding the time to try out baking,

drinking a glass of cold milk,

or finishing a run, shaking.

it’s picking strawberries not yet ripe,

and finally being happy,

with your own body type.

it’s running through the waves at the beach,

or sleeping under the stars,

it’s just peachy.  

How has November been for you so far? Classic movie recommendations? Podcast/reading thoughts (I'm hoping to get a bit better and less monotonous haha)?

xx

Angelina
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book review: fashion, art, and photography edition

Since I was little, I've rarely bought and kept books, because I would go through them so quickly it didn't make sense to spend money on something I'd read once. But now, I've started to appreciate certain "coffee table" books, and have started growing my collection again. 

This month, I'll be reviewing NYC: Basic Tips and Etiquette by Nathan Pyle, Isms by Stephan Little, The Teen Vogue Handbook, It, and Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton. 

it by alexa chung

I'm a big fan of Alexa Chung's style, and the way she always looks chic without trying to hard. She seems like a fun, bubbly person - an older, more sophisticated version of Taylor Swift basically. I happened to receive this as a gift, but I probably wouldn't buy it with my own money. 

There are some short anecdotes, but they're sort of rambling with no real sense of direction. It's how I imagine looking into Alexa's diary might be like. There are some polaroid-esque photos, as well as drawings, but nothing too mind-blowing or high quality. She does write a decent amount about her early influences, and fashion at that time. 

All in all, this book is mainly for the aesthetics and Alexa Chung, not the reading. 

-isms by stephan little 

I originally came across this book while researching for a school paper, and I'm really glad I did. It's chock full of information about art history in a reference style layout, but it's not dry or boring (at least for me). It covers from Renaissance to Post Modernism, with each art style taking up a page. 

It's light and small, so it would be perfect to slip into your back at a museum, so you really sound like you know what you're talking about. There are lots of full page artworks, and some sections for specific museums. 

I would definitely buy this - it's worth the money and it makes you look well educated ((:

nyc: basic tips and etiquette by nathan pyle

I've always wanted to live in New York, so I got this book from the library hoping to gain a little more insight into what it's like there. It's a much smaller book than I imagined, and a very quick read. The tips are all accompanied by drawings, and there are about 135 in total. 

Many of the tips were things that should be common sense, but probably aren't in today's world. It basically reminds you to be conscious of others, along with some sightseeing tips specific to NYC. 

I would get it as a gift for someone moving there, or for my room, especially since it's so cheap. I'm not completely sold on the usefulness of it though - there are probably many blogs about living in New York. 

the teen vogue handbook

I've always been interested in the fashion world, and curious about whether I could make it as a photographer, designer, or blogger. Although I'm sure the fashion insiders covered in the book have all done many interviews you can watch on Youtube, it's helpful to have them compiled in this format for me. 

It's sectioned into designers, models, beauticians, bloggers, editors, etc, so you can definitely find whatever you're curious about in the fashion industry. The trends are a bit old (~2009), but the advice is timeless. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who's even considering the fashion industry as a career, or just interested in fashion. It would be a great gift as well (I know I'd love to receive it ;))! 

humans of new york by brandon stanton

Over the last few years, you've definitely heard of Humans of New York - even if you're not on social media at all. The basic idea is interviewing strangers on the street in New York, and then getting a photo to accompany the quote. It's always surprised me how much people will share with a random person, and I love reading new posts on the Facebook page. 

There are many spinoffs of HONY for different cities, and I'm actually a part of the team in my city. It's completely independent of HONY and we take the same idea and apply it to our city. I've loved the experience, and it's helped me become a lot more outgoing and bold. For those of you who are good at photography or talking to people, I would definitely encourage you to see if there's a Humans Of group near you, or create your own! 

Although I love HONY, I'm not sure I would've bought the book with my own money (I received it as a gift). Many of the interviews are repeats from ones posted previously, and there weren't many long ones included. About a quarter of them were "Seen at ___" posts. The photography was great in print, and it'll be a nice coffee table book though. Apparently, he's coming out with a new book this fall with longer stories, so that might be interesting to try. 

Please do let me know if you've read any of these books and what you thought of them! I'd also love to hear any suggestions for books to read in the future.

xx

Angelina

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