Mango Mud Mask

Is there anything better to do on a cloudy Sunday than make yourself a facial? After doing a little research, I decided to make a mango facial since mangoes are in season right now. I discovered that mangoes are filled with beta-carotene (Like I know what that is...) which your body makes into Vitamin A, and Vitamin A is great for skin repair. Plus, mangoes are in the top ten power foods, so they are good for you inside and out.

So here's the recipe:

Mango Mud Mask

2 Tbsp Oatmeal

2 Tbsp Almonds (I didn't have any almonds, so I substituted with a another 2 Tbsp of oatmeal)

2 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream

1 Tsp Olive Oil

1 Tsp Honey

*You will also need a food processor, knife, and an airtight container.

How to make it:

1) Put the oatmeal and almonds in the food processor and blend them into a fine powder.

2) Prepare your mango however you like to. You will only need half of it. I would recommend cutting the half your using into cubes, and then eat the other half. (Yum!) Add the cubes to oatmeal and almond powder in the food processor and process it for a minute. I stopped about every 20 seconds to make sure to incorporate the goo that gets stuck to the sides of the processor.

3) Pour in the heavy cream, olive oil, and honey, and blend for a minute. Again, I stopped every 20 seconds and stirred with a spoon. If your mask is too thick you can just add some water to it, and if it is too thin you can add more ground oatmeal and almond.

Optional Step: Before I use masks I usually like to put a steaming washcloth over my face to open up my pores. 

4) Now you can use your mask! Smooth it over your skin and let it dry for 15 minutes. I think I didn't blend it as well as I should have, because when I put it on my face it wasn't very smooth and it didn't dry all the way, but I think that's ok.

5) After the 15 minutes are up, gently rinse off the mask with warm water and pat dry.

6) Remember to moisturize afterwards, too. I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.

7) You can store your mask in an air tight container for up to three days in the refrigerator.

I thought this mask was great and I hope you will try it! My face felt really refreshed and soft afterwards. I also kind of smelled like mangoes for the rest of the day, but I didn't mind. Maybe the only downside was that it was a little more involved than just stirring up some ingredients, but it beats spending $90 on a spa facial. 

The Importance of Sketching

Whenever I have something I need to remember I jot it down on whatever is close or save a note in my phone. Same with inspiration or a design idea that comes to me. I usually make a semi-okay looking sketch and then save it and make a better one later. All of my old math papers have little sketches in the margins from when I got bored in class. I think sketching out your ideas and learning how to draw the basic croquis is important. In addition, you also have to learn how to use colors and different media and give the form definition. These are  valuable skills to know, in my opinion. I'm not an expert on the subject, but from what I have heard, computers are getting more popular among fashion designers to convey their designs. I think that this is both good and bad. It is good because I think that it could make the design process easier, and give a better visual. On the other hand, I don't like the fact that it's kind of a lazy way of getting the job done. All you have to do is make a few clicks to change the look.  Plus, if you have to rely on a computer to translate your ideas you might not always have your computer with you, and then you are unable to get the design out. And if the technology becomes the universal way to design, it would be unnecessary to even learn how to draw and understand the basic form.

Anyways, here are some of my random sketches:

Trying to figure out different angles

This is a better sketch of a design I came up for my friend's role as  Babette  in Beauty and the Beast

Classic

Evening Gown

My drafting table and inspiration board.

Just fun stuff I put up in my room(:

Summer Staples: White

                                                                                                                                                                     

Summer and the color white practically go hand in hand. They are both crisp, clean, and refreshing. White works in summer because it is light during the hot days (which have yet to come in Washington... boo!), it shows off your tan, and it is always being renewed in different ways for summer. For instance, the July issue of People Style Watch did a spread on white clothing and accessories and a month before, head-to-toe white outfits were featured in the June issue of Teen Vogue.

Teen Vogue, June 2011 issue, Point Blank, Page 129

The Little White Dress:
Number 49 on The 100, the little white dress is the underrated equivalent of the LBD. Women wear it to show off their color during the summer, and fashionistas carry it into the winter to prove that they don't follow the, "No white after Labor Day rule." Just be careful not to spill BBQ sauce on it on the 4th of July! Or any other dangerous foods. One stain can absolutely ruin the look of a white ensemble.
What to pair it with:

• Neutral shoes. But metallics can be included in the "neutral" category for this one. Silver or gold could definitely work.
• You can take the look in two directions. The sweet, flirty side, with delicate jewelry and sandals, or the edgy side. To accomplish this, pair your LWD with a daring piece of jewelry like a gigantic cocktail ring, a gold snake choker, or motor boots.

I'm more of a sweet girl, so I was drawn to the series of lacy dresses, shoes, and handbags in Dolce and Gabbana's summer collection. They are absolutely perfect for summer.

   

White Crops & Shorts:
White pants are perfect for a pulled together, casual summer look. You can pretty much find a pair anywhere during the warmer months. There are different lengths too. If you are confident with your legs, go with short-shorts. If you are a little more modest, bermuda shorts would work for you. I would suggest getting a pair that aren't too light of a fabric, or else your underwear might show through (The horror!). If it is a chillier day, you can even get a pair of white jeans. I found the best pair of Joe's Jeans on sale down at the Off 5th Ave. store in the outlet mall near Palm Springs. 

I liked DVF's shorts and crops. Then I scouted out a pair of Joe's Jeans to share with you.

Diane von Furstenberg Georgianna Cropped Pants
 $285

Diane von Furstenberg Porte Stretch Twill Shorts
$225

Joe's Jeans The Cigarette, Jenny
$158

White Shoes:

White shoes can really pull together an outfit. You can wear white sandals to the mall, to the movies, or anywhere pretty much (Except in a muddy setting). If you are going to a luncheon, white espadrilles or pumps will be perfect. And if its just a casual day, I turn to my white Sperry Top-Sider Van's style shoes. Just be aware of dirt! It would be shame to get your pristine white shoes dirty... I know from experience.

Steve Madden 'Serenite' Sandal
$49.95

 

Valentino Bow Trim Epadrille
$495

                                                                             

                   

Sperry Top-Sider 'CVO' Sneaker
$54

And here's me in my summer whites:

PS: My hair is in a bun, but you can't see it against the black... so just letting you know I'm not bald.

Top: Frenchi, from Nordstrom BP
Shorts: Hollister, 'Brooks Beach' $29.50
Necklace: Forever 21, Helen Multi-Chain Necklace $7.80

Graduation Pictures

Thanks for a great year! I had so many great memories with you guys(: 

PS: This shows how much free time I have lol

Summer Staples: Sandals

Sandals have to be the shoes that are included in the fashion definition of summer. Some might argue that flip-flops are the only shoes for summertime, but who thinks those can actually make a fashion statement? No, sandals are the way to go. They can give a boho feel to an outfit, or they can be a statement accessory. I have a T shaped pair I got in Palm Springs that are a metallic, gunmetal color with clear studs. Since I'm more of a neutral footwear kinda girl, I can always count on them to finish my outfit, no matter what it is.
Plus they are another item on The 100 (Numero 75). Nina advises that the sandals should look as good as your best stilettos. That means your foot shouldn't be slipping out the sides, front, or back. She also requests that your feet be pedicured. Now I can't go get pedicures on a regular basis, which might be good because then it feels like a treat when I do get one, but I can give myself one. And I do this very often. If you don't trust that you are good enough to paint your own toes, invite friends over and you can have a spa party! You can give each other mani and pedis, make your own facials (Like my Green Tea facial Scrub), and serve some cocktails. Make it fun!

You can pretty much buy sandals anywhere during the summer, but I would definitely recommend getting good quality ones. Not breaking the bank nice ones, but at least ones that are comfortable enough to spend a day in. I mean, if you just look at some of those sandals out there, you know that within 20 minutes of wearing them your feet will be done.

These Tory Burch sandals are the kind that you can pair with anything. I see them with tuxedo shorts with a light blouse tucked in and a fedora to top things off.

Tory Burch Thong, $195

These boho sandals are perfect for adding a pop of color to an outfit. K. Jaques sandals are mentioned in The 100 as,"Cool and casual and radiate the relaxed, tranquil Mediterranean atmosphere." (The 100, by Nina Garcia, page 217) In addition, some people can't stand wearing the thong style sandals because they irritate their feet in between the toes, but these ones don't have that bother.

K. Jacques Teddy Velvet sandals, $282.24

For an edgy option, these jeweled Soda sandals are perfect. Comparable sandals have been spotted on celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon, and Heidi Klum.

Soda ANDRIX Jeweled Flat Sandal (Black), $27.90

When you purchase these Sseko sandals, you are also helping to pay for Ugandan women's college educations. And you can always look fashionable with these because they have interchangeable straps that you can tie in different ways.

Sseko Marigold Sandal, $47
To see the other styles of straps click here.

And for those of you who just want to throw on some flip flops, I insist you get Havaianas (Another item on The 100, number 37). Havaianas have to be the most comfortable flip flops I have ever worn. They are known as "the democratic sandal," because everyone wears them, from teenagers like me to big celebrities Jennifer Aniston. They come in so many colors, patterns, and styles, and make new ones every year. Missoni did a collaboration with Havaianas this year and made three different styles, but they are currently all sold out. In my opinion, I think the Slim style flip flops are sleeker looking than the thicker strapped ones. My favorite pair this year are these ones: 

Havaianas Women's Slim Ethnics (White), $24
Browse the other styles here.

InStyle, July 2011

I don't have a subscription to InStyle, but I love picking up their summer issue when the time comes. This month's issue features Eva Longoria, but not to take away from the cover girl, I was more interested in what the magazine had to say about summer beauty and fashion. The cover shouts, "Perfect Summer Dresses," "Sexy Hair Made Simple," "Your Best Summer!" So as I flipped through the colorful and scented (They made scratch and sniff spots on some of the pages with summery scents like watermelon and tropical sunscreen.) pages a few things caught my eye.

1) Your New Favorite Ts! Page 99 to 108

I have to say that my favorite everyday item in my closet is a plain white T. And of course when you find a staple you have to buy multiples! I have a short sleeve V-neck, a burnout, slouchy one, a cozy long sleeve, and a dolman sleeve addition. Honestly, the only way you could go wrong with a plain white T would be to wear it with stains and unintentional holes and rips. They are great for layering, or just throwing on. They can be dressed up with accessories and a flirty skirt, or be worn to bed on lazy days. Not to mention that they are on The 100. I am always on the lookout for more, and the great part is that they are in a variety of price ranges. From the Hanes 3 for $10,  the laid-back C&C California, and The Row's modern line.
And they don't have to be white or plain either. You can change the color, cut, and vibe to your style. Here's some links to other Ts that caught my eye...
Heartloom, Lala S/S Cut Out Shoulder Top
Splendid, Rugby Stripe S/S Top, $63
Vince, Micromodal Twist Tee, $125
3.1 Philip Lim, Cutout Silk and Cotton-Blend T-Shirt, $150
Lanvin, Jersey Chiffon Miss Lanvin Tshirt $1,240

One of my favorites: My Fashion's Night Out 2010 Tee. Worn knotted at the waist.

2) Inner-Rim Eyeliner, Page 115
This look is shown on Kate Winslet, with black eyeliner, sheer, shimmery pink eye shadow, and matching shiny neutral lips. I love eyeliner, but I think that it is too harsh sometimes. This new way to wear it solves that problem, though! To get the look all you need to do is draw on your eyeliner on your inner lash lines instead of on top of your lash line. When I did this it helped to pull my eyelid up a little to get a better view of my lash line. I think you could also experiment with color too, but not too bright. I think you should stick to dark neutrals like navy blue, deep plum, and forest green if you are going to try any color.

Kate Winslet at the Mildred Pierce Premier, looking beautiful with her  "Reverse black lined" eyes.

Me with Inner-Rim Eyeliner. I used Urban Decay  24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Oil Slick.

3) Sea & Be Seen, Page 160 to 167
The French actress Clemence Poesy models this seasons nautical "Romantic, Retro" looks in Portofino. You might know her as Fleur in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, who she will be recurring as in the final Harry Potter movie, or Eva in Gossip Girl. She has a sweetness and "laid-back Euro cool" style that makes her evident to fashion bloggers like myself. I have to say, that my favorite look she showcases is the Dolce & Gabanna silk chiffon polka-dotted dress on page 167. (Which kind of reminds me of the first dress I made.) The little daisy accessories and a fun teased side ponytail finish the look with a flirtiness.

Clemence Poesy in the Aforementioned Dolce & Gabbana Dress

If I haven't convinced you to go out and pick up InStyle's July issue yet, I'm just going to be blunt and say... Go and get this issue if you don't already have it! Other spreads I liked was the whole "The Look" section (Pages 51 to 60), "The New Rachel Zoe Project" (Page 96 & 97), and "101 Reasons to Smile This Summer" (Pages 175 to 188).

Blogging Masters Program

My mom is in a masters program at Central Washington University right now, and caught up on my blogging, YouTubing, and Tweeting. She told me I'm doing a fantastic job at articulating and sharing ideas for a girl my age. In reply, I said that it is hard for me to come up with things to blog about frequently since I am young and am not surrounded by inspiring fashion or culture all the time. So, she challenged me to find inspiration and get the determination to blog at least three times a week. I took her up on the challenge! We are calling it my Blogging Masters Program(:
So get ready to hear from me a lot more...
Ready, set, blog!