you wanna be on top? + zaful review

Yes, I just ripped off the America's Next Top Model theme song. But it's almost all I've been watching the last few weeks - why are the bad shows so addicting?

While my IQ hasn't increased from hours of TyTy tips and "tooching", an upside is how inspired I've felt. Seeing all the different shoots and challenges the models go through has helped me come up with ideas for my own shoots, which I've been slacking off on for the longest time.

Slowing down
Photography is something I've been doing for a long time, but I never had as many real accomplishments as I'd hoped for. While I did make a good amount of revenue with it as a side business, my end game is working with clothing companies, established models, and growing my Instagram following.

It's slowly happening; I'm putting ads back up on Craigslist to meet up with people, posting regularly on my Instagram, and jotting down editorial ideas when they come to mind.

I do want to be on top, and I'm gonna make it happen.

Hopefully my determination lasts a little longer than usual (~1 day)!

Zaful review
Thank you to the Zaful team for sending me this lovely, dreamy, red dress.I’d been eyeing something similar to this from Free People, but couldn’t justify the price - story of my life.

Shipping time was average, it arrived in about 2 weeks of placing my order. I’d also chosen a floral, ruffled dress, but unfortunately, this one was much too sheer to wear as anything other than a coverup, and was not my size either. I always recommend checking the size chart when ordering from Asian retailers especially, but items that aren’t adjustable can be difficult.

Quality was better than expected, the dress wasn’t sheer and seams were finished well. Now I just need an event to wear it to!

What do you want to be "on top" for? How do you keep yourself inspired? Guilty TV show pleasures?

xx
Angelina

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12 gratitudes with sammydress

July has been really, really good so far. Not sure whether I've been cashing out my good karma, or something about my horoscope, but it's just been one great thing after the other!

I thought I'd repay the universe by sharing what those have been:

1 | I spent a lovely day in San Francisco with some friends I hadn't seen in a while. We found an adorable, although expensive, coffee shop to sit in for a while.

2 | Read Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Cried a lot. Watched the movie. Cried even more.

3 | Halfway to hitting my goal of clearing out 80% of my closet. Sold a couple of bundles to some sweet girls!

4 | Scored very well on an Art History exam - validating the hundreds of flashcards I made.

Wearing: V Neck Floral Maxi Dress c/o Sammydress, Converse High Tops in Optic White

5 | Finally received my license! My examiner was the kindest and most understanding person; we chatted the whole time about dogs, and she really calmed me down.

6 | Stumbled upon some really cute clothes on sale - snagged them immediately of course!

7 | Was able to find $10 parking for Carmen at the SF Opera. Ended up being late though, and had to stand in the back for the first two acts - 85 minutes in heels!

9 | Found a local ceramics class for affordable classes, planning on making some cute vases!

10 | Started listening to podcasts while at the gym, especially Serial and 99% Invisible.

11 | Took advantage of Spotify's $.99 Premium trial. No regrets and no scary commercials to startle me while I'm showering!

12 | Am still interacting and talking with lovely people through the blog <3

Sammydress Review
I've already worked with Sammydress in the past, but this time, the quality of the clothing seemed better! It fits as pictured on the model, and though the seams weren't perfect, they don't seem in danger of falling apart either. The fit and shape remind me of something from Revolve.

Shipping as usual, is a bit slow, but the items arrived in decent shape. The website is easy to navigate, though the wide variety of images can create a bit of an illegitimate feel.

Customer service was manageable, sometimes a bit difficult to explain throughly.

Until next time (with a break from sponsored material ;))

What's been good in your life lately? How do you feel about sponsored content? What's your favorite brand to work with/in general?

xx
Angelina

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"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

5 accessories to complete an outfit

Me a few months ago would've scoffed at the idea of paying more than $10 for accessories. I considered them "add ons" to the main ensemble, and would rather drop $50 for a basic tee, than $20 for a pair of studs.

But I stand corrected. The little things really do make a difference, so here are 5 accessories that can elevate your look instantly.

Pearl earrings

Nordstrom BP. faux pearl stud earrings

They may seem a bit antiquated, but that's the best part. With things that have such strong associations, it's easy to upend the typical ideas attached to them, and create something of your own. Overalls are no longer reserved for farmers, and sneakers are regularly paired with dresses.

Why delegate pearl studs to special events only?

Statement bag

Sammydress french bulldog bag*

More often than not, I wake up behind schedule and can't figure out what to wear. I give up, and throw on a simple top and jeans, which is easily given more interest with a statement bag.

'Statement' can mean different things to different people - it could be a unique cut, color, detail. Whatever floats your boat!

I picked an animal bag from Sammydress, because dogs are the sweetest. The prices are quite low, and the quality isn't too bad for what you pay. Shipping took a while, and the tracking isn't always accurate, so order ahead of time. The bag itself is made of decent material, a bit plastic-y, but it seems like it'll hold up. When I received it, there was some fraying on the zippers, so light use would be best here.

Mixed earrings

Nordstrom BP. 'Charm' earrings

My favorite thing to do with earring packs, especially studs, is to mix them together. I'm always losing single pairs, so this works out well for me too!

You can even do it by accident, and people will assume you're on top of the trends.

Eye-catching necklace

Nordstrom BP. stone choker (similar, more similar)

Undoubtedly, my favorite necklace of all time. It's a conversation piece, without being too in your face. It slips on easily with a slightly bendy wire "chain", and it's held up well so far.

I like to wear it with tops that show off my collarbone.

Layering necklace

Sammydress circle lariat necklace*

With bright or busy outfits, a simple chain necklace can be the best compliment. A lariat necklace is adjustable to all lengths, so it works perfectly with any neckline.

The quality of this one is beyond what I expected for the price. It's similar to more expensive brands, and would be great if you were looking to try out a trend.

What are your essentials for adding interest to your outfit? Which one was your favorite? Do you have a signature item, scent, or look?

xx

Angelina

p.s. I still have a giveaway for a pair of Polette sunglasses going on! Check it out here. All you need to do is answer my reader survey!

by the ideal that we live

Smoothed wrinkles, age dialed back, features perfected. Idealization is rooted in art, especially in Classical Greco-Roman. Like the marble busts and dynamic statues, idealization too, has withstood the test of time. 

It lives in me. I walk the line between idealizing those I admire, and simply admiring them. Sometimes admiration turns into something darker.

I slip through phases, changing my mind about who to become as I meet new people personally, online, or the alternate universe of literature. I fill in the gaps of what I don't know, painting a shimmery, pastel coat over it all. 

But what's underneath eludes me. Those people aren't me. I've only earned a look at their pristine cover, perhaps a peek at the first few pages. Rarely deeper, where the plot starts to twist and turn, and their monsters come out of the shadows. I simply see their exterior they choose to present, or even the exterior the author has chosen to create. 

Wearing: Kimchi Blue Bella gray sweater (similar), Sammydress retro style high waisted skirt*, MICHAEL Michael Kors black kitten heel pump

In the moment, it's difficult to remember. I'm naturally competitive, and admiration and awe can quickly turn into jealousy if I don't control it and keep myself in check. Does she have better clothes than me? Why doesn't he struggle as much as I do in this class? How does she have such clear skin?

And I'm pulled in so many diverging directions, influenced by the myriad of people who seem to have more than I do. 

Wearing: Zara Kids suede cowboy boot (similar)

I'll want to be a free spirit, who is capable of quick forgiveness, who doesn't hold a grudge, and knows who she is. I'll want to feel secure in who I am, in what I look like, while simultaneously appreciating others as well. I'll want to trust that the universe has a plan for me, that the weight of my future isn't resting on my decisions today. 

Then logic and reality set in. And I'll want to climb, even claw if necessary, my way to the top. I'll want people to respect what I have to say, to know I mean business in what I do. I'll want to be remembered, to be the one at that party who needs no introduction, the one who elicits the sought after "I know who you are". 

Is it even possible to have so many characteristics crammed into a tiny, 5'3" frame? Or will I implode from the sheer force of the distinctive traits, tumbling around inside me?

A knock to the head, and I'll remember that these are just stereotypes, like the old Manic Pixie Dream Girl. These aspects I've pulled from those I admire are single facets of a large, complex system. Only in my mind have I constructed these intimidating, idealized versions. 

I imagine a city of glistening, crystal skyscrapers, when in actuality, there lies a colorful, welcoming village.

Do you tend to idealize people as well? What are the positives of idealization? Constructive criticism?

xx
Angelina

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p.s. I have a giveaway for sunglasses going on here! enter before feb 1.
p.p.s. if you're feeling up to it, I'd love to get your thoughts on the blog with a reader survey. thanks so much!

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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*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.