"the purge" + dezzal review

It's July - isn't that crazy? It seems like January was just yesterday, something I've heard many bloggers relate to. We're more than halfway through 2016, and it's time to clean out anything unnecessary.

This morning, I was clearing out all my inboxes (I'm not the only one who has 4 emails right?), and came across this article by The Cut. Like everyone else on the internet, I'd heard lots about the KonMari method, and tried it out a bit. It was about as much work as it sounds like, and didn't work for me.

This article, on the other hand, was the direct opposite of what the KonMari method is based off of. It's worth a read - short, but funny - but basically, you use adrenaline and rage to clean everything out. I dialed back on the rage a bit, though the quick burst of cleaning was more suited to my personality and work habits.

Yelling "Purge or be purged" at your roommates sounds pretty fun though.

Wearing: Reelop Shoulder Cutout Maxi Dress c/o Dezzal, Converse High Tops in Optic White

Some things I got rid of:

Clothes So, so, so many clothes. With half the year over, it's easier to point out things I haven't worn enough this year, if at all, and let them go to a new home. I find it harder to do in the beginning of the year, because then the excuse of "maybe I'll wear it this year" pops up. I regularly rotate my closet though, so it's much easier for me to get rid of things than most people. Plus, I need the money to shop more ;-)

Books I don't read, especially textbooks or anything school related. Those are expensive, and I'm sure they'd do someone else much better. On a related note, any school papers from the past years too! I always like to reuse them if they're blank on one side.

Beauty samples. My whole countertop is full of beauty samples, and I can't keep up with them every month! You could give them away to friends, use them as freebies if you sell clothes/handmade things, or sell them at a discount if they're unused.

Receipts/train tickets/brochures/papers in general. I was cleaning out my closet, and found a receipt for a top I'd already sold from 2 years ago! The ink was already faded and there was no way I would be returning the top, so obviously I tossed it. I like saving some travel mementos, but those go in an organized journal instead!

People that don't make me feel good about myself. Jim Rohn knows what he's talking about when he says, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with". If they don't make you feel happy and energized, why bother hanging out with them? It's easier said than done, and I'm still in the process of figuring things out myself, but distancing myself is helpful for my mood and self-esteem.


Dezzal Review
Thank you to the Dezzal team for sending me clothes to review! They had a great selection, and the clothes seemed a lot more wearable than some Asian websites.

I liked how easy the website is to navigate, and the photos were higher quality as well. The package arrived in 8 days, and each item was in an individual sealed package.

However, I found the quality of the clothes to be incongruous with the price range. This dress was quite voluminous, and I altered it to decrease the amount of fabric (so I didn't look like a cross between a giant carrot and the Russian lady in the Nutcracker). The pleating as well as some of the stitches on the inside were uneven, and the fabric was much too heavy to move around comfortably.

It does make for great photos though - which can be deceiving!

xx
Angelina

p.s. happy Fourth!

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marching ahead

Hello! Long time no see. I've been having a great time out, and things are moving so quickly, I haven't had time to just sit down and write. Marching ahead, get it (it was too good to pass up)?

It's a novel experience for me as someone who likes to work with a schedule that's not too hectic, as being around people for too long can make me tired. But I've been loving it lately!

Being an extra for a film
This is something I've wanted to do for ages, and I'm so glad I got to cross it off the bucket list! I actually considered bailing, as it was for quite a long time, and I wasn't sure I could handle it. But I knew I would regret not taking the chance, and I'd always wonder "what if".

It was both very fast paced and very slow. The extras waited around for the majority of the time, until they wanted us for a scene. Then we were told to hold red Solo cups and pretend to talk very animatedly, but quietly. I caught a couple glimpses of the footage, but I can't wait to see the whole thing!

Snupped gel phone case, Cuyana mini saddle bag, J.Crew italian matte convertible bikini in hilltop olive (hurry, on sale!)

Designing my own phone case
I'm quite picky with what cases I get. Along with your laptop, your phone says a lot about you, and many people see it throughout the course of a day (if you're like me and constantly on your phone anyways). I was ecstatic when the people at Snupped* reached out to me, and obviously I included a quote about fashion.

Overall, the quality is good. It's made of silicon, but it feels more durable and is soft to the touch. I specifically made it in Rose Quartz (keeping up with the times?), but I'm a bit bummed that the edges have already stained from my jeans over the past month.


Taking new photos
I've been into photography for ages, but I've never been able to strong arm any guy friends into modeling for me. I finally convinced one, and I'm in love with how these photos turned out. I now have 100+ photos of him on my camera roll to post to Instagram..

You can see more of my work here as well!

Abercrombie & Fitch embroidered tank (similar), Lucca Couture floral zip dress (similar)

Spring has sprung
The weather is also much warmer in California now, it's in the high 60s and low 70s. Time to switch out the sweaters for lighter layers (which I'm still trying to get rid of, if anyone needs new clothes ;))! While I love not having to shave or worry about sweat stains, I was also running out of cute ways to stay warm. A sneak peek of some clothes I've yet to debut on the blog!

How have you been in the past 2 weeks? What's on your bucket list? How's the weather where you are?

xx

Angelina

giveaway! angelina is x polette

Have you been collecting some good karma? Now's the time to use it!

I'm finally hosting a giveaway! It seems as almost a "rite of passage" for being a blogger, along with first "free" product or brand collaboration. Nonetheless, exciting things are coming up, like my partnership with Polette.

 In California, sunglasses are more or less a must. I'm quite picky with what I wear, though you'd never guess by my overflowing closet. When Polette, an eyeglasses and sunglasses leader on the French market, reached out to me for a collaboration, I was pretty ecstatic about adding another pair of sunglasses to my collection.

Polette has brought a revolution on the optical world with their affordable prices ranging from $9.99 to $89.99. You could get a new pair of glasses for anywhere between 2 to 20 Jamba Juices!

Founded by a self made man, they're an online optician with no middle-men, keeping costs low for people like me who want to fund more shopping trips stretch their dollars.

Please read this next paragraph in your best telemarketer voice:

But wait! There's more. E-Polette offers eyeglasses to protect eyes from the light emitted by your laptop and phone screens. So you can wear those hipster glasses and fend off actually vision impaired people who snicker at you, because yes, your glasses have a purpose. They're customizable too!

Polette. Where fashion meets affordable (no that's not their slogan, theirs is definitely much better).

I picked out Elegance (*), because it captures my spirit very well (no sarcasm here). I was looking for a pair of oversized, movie star sunglasses that would be able to hold up in my bag, and matched with nearly everything. They're a decent weight and tinted well enough for me to be able to stare at whoever I want.

My sunglasses arrived in a white cardboard box, in about 2 weeks. Because they don't ship from within the US, I had to pick them up at the post office, which was a bit confusing and inconvenient. But I had some extra time waiting in line to play 2048, so who's complaining.

Check out Polette's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Here, I put a banner so you could quickly scroll to the giveaway. No worries, it's what I'd be here for too.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fine print: Open internationally. Ends Feb 1, 2016. Winner will be contacted via email and given 2 days to respond. Another winner will be drawn after 2 days, continuing 4 times. 

Crossing my fingers for you to win! (:

Do you collect karma? Where are your favorite sunglasses from? Has El Nino been messing up your weather as well?

xx

Angelina

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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!

*how to have custom made clothing on a budget

A few weeks ago, eShakti reached out to me to review one of their products, and was so excited! I mean, free clothes will have anyone excited. Here's a little bit about my experience. 

I have a somewhat un-proportional body, so I opted to have a custom size (an additional $7.50). Most of my measurements were exact, though I did add a few to my chest measurement in case I wanted to wear a push up. 

It was a little too big in the chest, and a little too long (my length was "above the knee"), but once I washed it, it shrank just enough to fit perfectly. 

They offer sizes from 0-36W, and their principle is that "all women have the right to wear affordable fashion that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best".

The customer service and turnaround time was amazing! When I first selected my dress and filled out my address, there was an issue, and they weren't able to ship. I checked in 12 days later, and fixed things immediately - my dress was shipped via DHL Express, and I received it in 3 days from India. 

It arrived with tissue paper between the layers of the dress, with plastic packaging in a cardboard box, inside a DHL package. Nothing really special about it, but it did the job, and arrived in one piece. 

I'm in love with the silhouette, and how full the skirt is! I was tempted to pick the most expensive dress just so I could have a really fancy one for free, but the logical part of my mind prevailed, and I decided to go for the Daisy Dress (which does not have any daisies on it, and isn't even the color of daisies), so I can dress it up or down. 

I was trying to decide between this, a long floral maxi, a white eyelet skirt, or a chevron maxi dress. 

The prices are reasonable, especially for custom made clothing that gets to your house in 12 days, but once you factor in all the coupons, discounts, and sales they have, it's like Forever 21 priced clothing, but much better quality! Literally, you get $30 off just for registering. Also, many of their dresses have pockets!

The quality is decent, it didn't blow my mind, but it was what I was expecting. The cotton is on the heavier side, but wrinkles easily. Seams are all well done, and no threads unravelling. 

Check out their website, FB, Pinterest, or Instagram!

Today, I attempted the blogger jump, and let me just tell you, that sh*t is hard to do. I had to remember to do multiple things with multiple parts of my body, and being rather uncoordinated, this was a struggle. One day, I will be able to do this, and the fashion bloggers will accept me as one of their own. 

I've been working on getting some more detail shots, so enjoy this shoe candid. It is a candid because this is how I always stand, and we did not in fact take multiple photos just to get this one at a nice angle. No really. 

Also, this really cute snake ear hanger I got from Urban Outfitters! I love simple accessories, and this one fits the bill perfectly. 

On a more personal (and serious) note, I wanted to thank everyone who responded to my last post on catcalling. It really means a lot to me that you took the time to read or comment on it, and I truly appreciate the support from you. 

Although I will most likely not write about it again, and will be taking a break from my "musings", while I consider refocusing my blog, I love that I have people (who I've never even met!) that I can talk with. 

This is vice versa, of course, and if you're ever in need of anything, whether it be blog questions, style advice, or deep, dark, problems, I'm always available to talk at angeeleena34@gmail.com. 

Lastly, I'm (unreasonably) happy about the fact that if you squint, I almost look like I have arm muscles! Due to my ingrained aversion to the gym and all forms of sweat, I don't work out much, but I have been doing a ton of Blogilates videos. Cassey is always so cheerful and most of her videos don't involve weights, so you can do them anywhere!

What would you guys wear this dress with? When was your first sponsorship? What types of posts would you like to see more of? Finally, what are your tips for exercising for the lazy girl?

xx

Angelina

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*I was sent this dress for review purposes from eShakti. All opinions are 100% my own.