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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how to get through finals week sane

For me, finals week is next week, and I'm definitely dreading it. I've been trying to study (mostly unsuccessfully), but hopefully I'll turn a new leaf in time to make it through my classes.

Here are some tips I've found helpful for concentrating, relaxing, and making it through finals (and dead week!)

1. pandora's classical for studying station
My house isn't completely quiet, and I find it hard to concentrate when there are people talking, kids playing, or cars driving by. So I use Pandora's Classical For Studying Station with my speakers, on low volume, to block out unwanted noise.

I personally can't listen to songs with lyrics because they distract me, and studies have shown the lyrics take up space in your brain that could be used to exam material, so I wouldn't suggest it, but you do you!

2. (25/5)x2, 15
While this looks like some fancy math equation, it isn't! It's how I find is most productive to chunk time for me. I spend 25 mins concentrating on my material, reviewing the textbook, homework, and tests, and I take a 5 min break after that time is up. After 2 of these 30 min chunks, I take a longer, 15 min break.

I usually use my short break times to stand up, walk around my room, and go to the kitchen to restock. Sometimes I'll do some basic yoga stretching so I don't cramp up. On my longer breaks, I'll go talk to friends, walk outside, or play with my dog. I wouldn't recommend trying to squeeze in a TV episode or Youtube videos, as it's impossible to stop once you've started. Trust me, I've been down that hole many times!

3. be comfy
For me, this means no pants, sitting in my sleeping bag. It's always a little chilly in my room, and I like to be able to feel my toes without layers of socks or heating on full blast. Sleeping bags are made to be warm for subzero temperatures, so they work out for my room perfectly.

If this means clearing off your whole desk, turning on the fan, making sure you have food stockpiled, whatever, then go for it! My favorite thing to drink is Spicy Chai from Trader Joe's, even when it's 80 degrees out. It's hard enough to concentrate for long periods of time, much less in an uncomfortable environment.

4. make study guides/cheat sheets
Some classes let you have a page/index card of notes to use for finals. Even if they don't, I would strongly suggest making a page (or pages) of notes to study from. I try to do these 1-2 weeks beforehand, and I study exclusively from these. It's a lot easier to learn from your own words, and it helps really cement the material.

I also color code my notes for dates, names, and vocab (both specific to that time and in general). Develop a system that works for you and what you're learning, and try to stick to that. It'll save you lots of brainache if you choose the same thing for all your classes.

5. study with a friend (or don't!)
Study parties sound so fun, at least in theory. I've never gone to one, although I've been invited many times. I know I can't study as well with other people, and I'm bound to be pulled off task. My type of studying is alone, with music playing, through notes and review. However, I know some people study better out loud or with friends. If that's your thing, go for it and use it to you advantage! You just have to try it out and see what works best for you.

6. calculate your finals grade
I love this website. It has every possible way your finals may be scored, and it's been pretty accurate for me so far. Sometimes, you're really worried about a certain class, and once you put in all the numbers, turns out you could get a 50% on the final and still do alright.

7. realize that finals are not everything
Cliche as it sounds, grades and school are not the end all, be all. A bad grade one year will not drastically impact your life afterwards, and everything will be ok.

Much luck sent to everyone taking their finals soon!

Please let me know if you have any tips for making it through finals week, as I'm still struggling with that...

xx

Angelina

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what to wear for a fancy events (no heels or dresses!)

I admire anyone who can wear heels comfortably for longer than 3 hours. Personally, I can't, and haven't yet mastered how to walk on anything other than concrete. Don't even get me started on cobblestone.

Other days you just don't feel very dress-like - they definitely have more potential for wardrobe malfunctions.

If you have a fancy event coming up, and don't want to wear heels or a dress, keep reading for three outfits made for you!

collared shirt + dark wash jeans + oxfords

pros: lots of movement, can be dressed down for hanging out after, looks good w hair up or down

cons: can get hot with a tank under, collars + jackets are difficult, half tuck falls out

wear to: business events, conferences, after-work meetings

details: shirt - hollister, jeans - american eagle, oxfords - dv by dolce vita

A few months back, I had a wedding, and wore this. I know, a shirt and pants to a wedding? But this was a special occasion, as I was working as a photography assistant, and needed maximum movement, while still looking put together.

I was able to put my hair into a ponytail (this was pre-lob) while maintaining the look, and didn't risk wardrobe malfunctions. 

I considered wearing flats at first, but decided I didn't want to risk the embarrassment of losing a shoe while running around, so I went with oxfords instead. Fun fact - the shoes are called oxfords, and the details on it are called broguing. Although it seems they're somewhat interchangeable? 

black chiffon tee + black pom-pom trim shorts + leopard d'orsay flats

pros: doesn't show stain easily, slimming, accessorize to your hearts content

cons: a lot of black, flats can slip off, cannot sneak due to accessories clicking

wear to: girls' night out, eating out, date night

details: shirt - nordstrom (lush), shorts - urban outfitters (ecote), flats - steve madden

Some days, all black is the only way to go. I love how chic black on black is, and the leopard flats keep the outfit from being too dark. I would encourage lots of accessories in this outfit to make it more visually interesting as well.

I'd been in love with these leopard print flats ever since I first saw them on Youtuber Eva Gutowski's Instagram, and I finally got them during Black Friday last year! Steve Madden always has these surprise sale cards they give out in store, and I happened to get one for 30% off. Unfortunately, the shoes hurt my feet when I wear them for too long. They ripped up the backs of my heels very bad the first time, and it was slightly better the second time I coaxed myself into wearing them, but I still haven't been able to spend a whole day in them.

pink maxi shirt + white cropped sweater + t-strap sandals

pros: unshaved legs are ok, skirt flows behind you like a goddess, ultimate twirling power

cons: tripping is likely, wind can blow the skirt the wrong way, hard to dance

wear to: garden party, brunch, daytime date

details: skirt - forever21, sweater - h&m, sandals - sam edelman

While technically, a skirt is very similar to a dress, with a maxi skirt, you have no possibility of flashing anyone, and wardrobe malfunctions are limited. The flowy aspect can be challenging - it'll either flow behind you as you walk, or the wind will blow it so it sticks to the back of your legs in a not completely flattering way. 

In the summer, I swap out the sweater for a thinly striped crop top. This also dresses it down, and makes it perfect for school or work!

I wore this outfit to a ballet, and it was absolutely perfect. It was in the city at night, so it was a little chilly outside and in the theater, but the skirt covered my legs and kept them decently warm. It looked great with a tan leather jacket. 

Hopefully these outfits have proven you don't need to wear heels or a dress in order to look put together for special occasions! Do you have anything coming up you'd be able to wear outfits like these to? What's your go-to special occasion uniform?

Let me know in the comments!

xx

Angelina

p.s. have nothing even vaguely fancy? check out how you can get almost new clothes for super cheap here! 

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my first time modeling + how to get started with your own clothing company

For a few years now, I've been into photography, and by association, a little bit of modeling as well. Modeling has always been an add-on, and it's something I'm not as good at, but happy to do.

Recently, it just so happened that someone I was shooting with started designing her own clothes! Referred to as S in this post, she asked me to model for her, here are some photos from our shoot as well as what I learned, after the jump.

We found this amazing roof top when we were shooting, and I love how well it goes together with the prints. It's sort of a juxtaposition between more rural and wild, and urban and edgy. I was surprised to find such a unique location; where I live is quite tame, and I hadn't expected it. It just goes to show what amazing things you'll find if you keep your eyes open!

The tops of parking garages also make great locations, especially if you get there at a time when there aren't many cars. Just be careful of your surroundings - always. I've seen way too many movies with kidnappings in parking garages!

While walking, peek into alleyways - sometimes you'll get a great surprise! I fell in love with this little nook we found, it looked like something you'd see in Greece.

Later on, I met up with a larger group of people, mostly her friends. We walked around the city, and took some photos there as well. It wasn't as productive as our one-on-one shoot, but still quite fun, and I had a chance to meet a lot of lovely creatives.

There were a few helpful lessons I learned from this experience, both from a model and a designer's perspective. I'd love to share them with you, and hopefully inspire any of you considering modeling or designing to get started!

1. Connections from one experience can lead to something completely different!
When I met S, it was because she contacted me wanting to do a photo shoot. I was very comfortable with taking photos, as I have a lot of experience in this field, but I hadn't expected we'd click as much as we did, and she'd ask me to model for her.
Grabbing a coffee with someone whose style you admire at work or school may lead to opportunities you'd never consider later on! Of course, this is different from taking advantage of others, or going into situations expecting to get something out of them.

2. Likewise, pay attention to what people say/do, it can come in handy later on
In S's case, by meeting me, a stranger on the internet, she was able to have one more model, and photographer as well. I hadn't asked to be part of her clothing label, but when she noticed I was somewhat decent at modeling, it was helpful for her brand.
If one of your friends consistently posts high quality Instagram photos or has a talent for picking the best songs to accompany videos, consider how their talents might be used in a business sense! They could potentially be your photographer and videographer.

3. Be flexible - assume at least one thing will go wrong when you first start
At the shoot, one of the shorts didn't fit a model - it was too big and kept sliding down. Luckily, S had brought shoelaces, which she used as a makeshift belt. We were also planning to have a beach bonfire, but that didn't happen because someone else had arrived earlier and snagged the spot already.
However, we were flexible, and walked around the houses near the beach instead. We found an interesting location we otherwise wouldn't have.

4. Make sure everyone you're bringing really has a purpose
A few of the girls who came to model were lovely people, but they didn't really have experience with modeling. When you're first starting a company, and trying to get the word out, pictures can make or break you. It should be a priority to make sure your models really know what they're doing and represent the look you want. Of course, the clothes are what truly matters, and it's important to check that they fit your models well. Lastly, a photographer who knows the ins and outs of lighting, composition, and portraiture is a must. There's no point on having amazing models and gorgeous clothes only to have an amateur photographer butcher the lighting.
It's like the Triangle of Health, but for fashion/design; you need clothes, models, and photography.

5. Even if nothing goes as planned, you still have that experience
When starting out, it's easy to feel discouraged, and want to quit if nothing is going your way. The model had a breakout the day of, someone accidentally spilled on the dress, the camera ran out of battery, whatever you can think of. It's important to remember that even if you don't get a single usable photo out of the shoot, you've still learned what to do, and what not to do.
This knowledge can be applied to a future shoot, which will undoubtedly turn out much better.



Are any of you thinking about starting modeling or designing? Do any of you already model or design? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below.

xx Angelina

p.s if you're wondering how I got my white hair, read the first part in the series here!

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where to get cute, cheap stickers + redbubble review

(Note: Some of this post has to do with feminism. I recognize that not all people identify with this idea, and that is fine. However, I request that you keep any negative comments about feminism to yourself. Thank you for respecting my views.) 

Recently, I was scrolling on Tumblr when I saw these super cute stickers promoting feminism, and I just had to get them! After Googling around, I decided to buy them from RedBubble. After the jump, read about my experience, and what I did with my stickers.

Redbubble is a website where artists submit designs, and you can buy them printed on stickers, laptop and phone cases, and almost anything you can think of. You could probably have your whole apartment decked out in one Redbubble print.

The stickers range from $2-$4 usually, but after 6, they become 50% off. Much more reasonably priced then. Shipping was about $2.50, which I find pretty overpriced considering it took about a week and a half to deliver, the shipping address was quite close to where I live, and it comes in a small, unpadded envelope. As a reference, when I ship clothes I've sold online, it's about $2.10 for a large padded envelope (8 oz - about 2 iPhone 5's).

They arrive in twos, like pictured above. I'm kind of tempted to order an odd number to see how they print them. 

Some of them are cut closer to the design, while others have a large white space around them. 

The material is smooth and seems like it would hold up even if wet. It's definitely not vinyl though, so I wouldn't recommend putting this on anything that regularly is wet. 

I didn't like how the borders were differently sized on each sticker, so I went ahead and trimmed most of them off. It also saves a lot more space so I can cram more of them onto my laptop. 

The stickers seem somewhat tough to remove, so I first laid everything out on my laptop the way I was planning to stick them on. 

I have to say I really like how unique they make my laptop look now, although the proximity of "Love Your Body" to the Apple logo is sort of bothering me. A tip for future use would be to keep your laptop on, so you know where the logo is. 

Personally, I'd love to receive stickers like these as a birthday or holiday present. They're on the cheap side, but still show you've thought about their likes and dislikes and really know them as a person. 

Are you planning to get any stickers from RedBubble or other sites in the future? Will they be for yourself or others? Let me know in the comments!

xx

Angelina

(Disclaimer: I was not reimbursed in anyway for my stickers from Redbubble. All opinions are my own). 

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