A Glimpse of Glam

Hey everyone!

It’s officially summer! Now I cannot say I’m looking forward to summer anymore because it finally is. Sunny skies, hot weather, cold drinks, and endless days. Lots of time to create many happy memories. Time to make Summer 2017 worth it. What better way to document those great times than through photos? And taking that a step further, and printing them with Printiki?

Oh yes. Sign me up. My walls will soon be looking like an actual Instagram feed.



It’s been a month since I’ve last given you guys an update. Apologies.. as usual. I am on Instagram at least several times a week updating things on my story, so definitely follow me on IG to keep updated more regularly haha. I post random things that happen in my life on my story. It becomes almost like vlogging in a way with how long my story can get with the random snippets of my life that I share.

As mentioned before, summer is the time to make the most of your days. The best way to document that is through photos. Whether that be through Snapchat, Instagram, or simply taking some photos on your phone. I literally take so many photos when I’m out with my friends it’s like I am documenting every single moment. My photos library is constantly bursting with photos from a day’s adventures.

Lately, as you may have noticed the whole Polaroid prints and vintage aesthetic have been trendy. Polaroid cameras used to be a huge thing back in the 90’s. It was common to capture a moment through that small camera, and have it instantly ready for viewing on a slightly blurry print. Nowadays you can go to your nearest Target or Best Buy or whatever other store, and still be able to purchase a Polaroid camera.

I really love the idea of having printed photos even if it wasn’t trendy, as having a physical series of small prints is a completely different feel than simply having everything digitally available. While I may have thousands of photos on my computer, my Instagram, my phone, I barely have any actual printed photos. For one, it is not always that convenient to go and get photos printed. For another, it can cost quite a bit for good quality photos. I think the last time I bought actual printed photos was when I went on the New England cruise last September. Before that I think I last purchased print photos for my high school graduation. When did you last get photos printed?




While I love the Polaroid photo aesthetic, I sadly do not have a Polaroid camera myself. I'm also not planning on going to buy one either! Sorry, I'm not made of rubies. Or diamonds. Even if diamonds are a girl's best friend. Nor do I have the time to get my photos printed out at Costco or Bartells or some other drugstore. I am a busy uni student! Ain’t got time for that! If I don’t have the time to wash my makeup brushes (oops yes I am well aware I should be doing that more often instead of buying more brushes to avoid washing, hahah who else does that?), I certainly don’t have the time to drive somewhere to get photos printed. Why, I could be using that time to do other “important” things like watching more Netflix, or getting sucked into the blackhole of Grey’s Anatomy fandoms. Oops did I just admit that? Haha who am I kidding? We all have our quirks. Tangent aside, there is a super simple and easy way to actually get your photos printed without having to actually leave your house!

Recently, I got the chance to get my photos printed through Printiki. Printiki is a company that prints photos. They offer a ton of customization for your prints.  You can choose from different types of borders, adding in captions to your photos, and changing up the size of your prints. It’s all done online, and you basically upload your photos to get them printed.

For my prints, I chose to get a set of 30 prints in the 4” by 4” Retro Square format, with captions added onto each photo. The result resembled almost like Polaroids because of the square format with the captions. I really love how that turned out. I added in the date for each photo, along with a short little phrase to accompany it. I really like how there were so many fonts to choose from when adding in the captions. I didn’t know which to choose because I liked how they all looked, but I wanted them all to be more or less uniform so I chose the same one for all. However, you can vary the font and format of each photo if you wanted. For instance, if you were printing a set of 30 and half were to go to your friend, you could change up the format of some and keep the rest in a separate style. It’s super easy to customize.




You can see from all my photos that I chose to include from various times of my life. What I really like about this is that I could connect my Instagram to Printiki to import photos from my Instagram account. It makes it really easy to choose a photo I like from my Instagram, without having to find the original on my phone or computer. You can upload photos in a variety of ways, and it’s super easy to do.

I am planning on arranging my photos in a collage of some sort to arrange on my walls. I like how the ones I got are in square format, so it almost replicates an Instagram feed.

Photos featuring some of my close friends and I Evidence of my nearly unhealthy Snapchat addiction

If you wanted, you could also choose larger sizes. They offer sizes such as 6” by 4”, 7” by 5”. You could even choose poster format and get them larger at 12” by 18”. I’m actually considering getting some photos printed larger to put up on my walls.

As it is all online, once you order it all you gotta do is sit back and wait until it arrives in the mail. You literally don’t have to leave your house if you don’t want to. Mine arrived in the mail pretty fast. It shipped within the United States so it was fairly quick. Of course the shipping time would definitely depend on and vary based on where you live.

The time I was in a Youtube video with my friend Jake from Thatsrightitsjj

All those memories from when I graduated high school.. can't believe its been so long already!

Me and Justin from that time I featured Men's Style in my JORD wood watch post This was also the day we took the photos for the Styling a Men's Shirt post

I’m really satisfied with the quality of the prints as well. I chose to have them glossy, rather than matte. The feel of it is not cheap, and the paper is sturdy and of good quality. I definitely recommend this to everyone!






In case you guys are still hesitant of this, I do have a CODE for you guys to use when ordering your prints to get free shipping! I know that you guys live all around the world, and shipping can end up costing just as much as if not more than the actual product itself.

Use this code at checkout for free shipping:
3WA2GPC2

This will definitely help you out a lot! I know I’m personally planning on getting more printed because my walls are so sad and empty. I need to transfer all my digital memories to print. Once my walls resemble to chaotic camera roll I will be happy. Just kidding, not that extreme. Maybe.

Also, definitely go check out Printiki on Instagram for some other cool ideas for your photos! They share a bunch of inspiration for photography and things of that sort.



Have you ever printed through Printiki before?

How do you guys arrange and display your print photos? Do you prefer framing them individually, or just arranging on your walls? Lemme know in the comments below! I would love to get some ideas and inputs from you guys!

Thank you all for stopping by and reading! I hope you enjoyed this post!

I hope you all are having a wonderful June, and an amazing summer so far.


Til next time,
~A

Hey everyone!

Before I start I wanted to thank you all for your lovely comments on my previous post! It was a difficult post to write because politics is a topic that definitely requires some careful handling. The issue of politics has plagued the US for a long while now, and in the last month it’s really escalated. I felt a huge urge to share my thoughts, despite the fact that it is a sensitive topic to discuss. I tried to stay as objective as I could because I know that I personally do not have the best knowledge of politics, and insulting the side I disagree with doesn’t help push things towards the right path. There’s a difference between insulting and harping on what you don’t like, and venting and persuading others to see your point of view. It’s one thing to understand the other side, and it’s another to be narrow minded and stubborn. As I created this blog as a way to discuss various topics that includes politics and human rights, I definitely felt like it was necessary to address this topic and at the least let you guys know how I’m feeling.

That being said...

So sorry it’s been forever since I’ve last posted! I swear this time of year last year I was also this absent. I feel like winter quarter is the most difficult of all quarters at university. When midterms pop up, I seriously cannot do anything else but study, work on my projects, eat and sleep. Barely sleeping at that. I spent so much time at the studio for my printmaking class that I felt like I had moved in. My friend even joked that I should just set up a bed there.

I hope you are all doing well! I’m trying to make my way around to all your blogs again to update myself on what’s happening in your lives. Gonna try and get back into the groove of things. Blogging is like riding a bicycle: once you have learned, it comes back to you fast. Though, to be honest, I actually haven’t ever really learned how to ride a bike. But that’s besides the point. This post isn’t about my apparent lack of basic skills. That’s a story for another day.

As someone who generally creates a lot of artworks, and is in an art studio quite often, I gravitate towards dark or black clothing to prevent anything from staining. Though, colors can still stain on black, it’s not as painstakingly obvious as a bright blue stain on a crisp white shirt. I also like to change into sweats when I know it will really get messy, just as a definite precaution. Point is, black clothing is something I know I turn to quite often, and i’m sure you do as well. Black is easy to style, and works well for so many occasions.

I recently received some stuff from Zaful that I am quite pleased with. I got a black blanket scarf that I have literally worn at least once or twice a week for the past several weeks. I can most certainly vouch for how cozy and warm this scarf is. It’s helped me out during those cold winter mornings when I’m waiting for the bus. I also got a black off the shoulder top that doesn’t work the best now, but would be perfect when the weather warms up a tad. The last item of clothing to share is this black lace up dress that is definitely hitting the current trend. I like how it has a slight boho feel because of the shape of the sleeves coupled with the lace up front, but with it in black it makes it easy to style as edgy or casual or girly or whatever is up your alley!

Blanket Scarf - link HERE

The black scarf I got probably is my favorite of the three items. I love how I can bundle up in it. Whoever invented blanket scarves is my savior!! I seriously reach for one every single morning because they are an easy accessory and are ridiculously comfortable.

Blanket Scarf

I love throwing it on over a simple top as an easy way to add pattern and variety to my look. Here, I had on this burgundy-hued long sleeve paired with black pants and grey heeled ankle boots. By adding the blanket scarf, it quickly accessorized it into something that looks less lazy and quickly thrown together. Plus, it really helped me keep warm that snowy day.

Obviously this next set of pictures were taken on a different day because the snow is all gone. I had to choose a time when it was slightly warmer to wear the off the shoulder top I got. I can’t show the off the shoulder style very well if I’m bundled up, now can I?

There was one day in January where the weather actually warmed up significantly, for only a few hours in the afternoon. Almost as if it was meant for me to use that time for outfit photos. Then it subsequently got cold again, and I ran back inside to wrap myself up like a burrito.


With this black off the shoulder top, I chose to wear it with black and white patterned pants and a brown jacket. The pattern on the pants is attention grabbing, but balanced and quiet enough to complement the black top without stealing the show. This top does have skinny straps with it, which is nice because it helps it sit comfortably.

Black off-the-shoulder top - link HERE

I wore a brown jacket to break up the monochrome look. I’m sure you’ve all seen this jacket plenty of times before already in previous posts. Plus, the high collar of the jacket is really what appealed most to me. The contrast between that higher collar and the low off-the shoulder top works well because the top under the jacket looks mostly like it has a straight across neckline.

Black Off-The-Shoulder Blouse

I definitely won’t be able to wear this outfit until March because it’s been freezing cold here. It’s more of a spring outfit, so in looking ahead for the spring, this black blouse would definitely be a good choice! By paring with this outfit some brown booties, this definitely added to the whole spring look vibe.

Black Lace Up Knit Dress - link HERE

The last thing I wanted to share with you all is this gorgeous lace-up black dress that is on trend right now. The whole lace-up front is something that I’ve seen pop up from many retailers and designers, and it’s typically on sweaters. I like how this one is on a black dress. It has the same casual feel of a lace-up sweater, but as a dress it’s more versatile to incorporate into various different looks. Like I mentioned before, you can dress it up or down to give off an alternate feel.

Black lace-up dress

Here, I chose to wear it simply as is with a pair of black boots. I have a thing for ankle boots, which I’m sure you can all tell by now. I have a petite frame, and wearing ankle boots flatters my legs more. I love higher boots like knee-high or even over-the-knee boots, but they can shrink the length of my legs and make me look shorter and stumpier. But, it also depends on the style of boots too. I just personally really like the way ankle boots look.

Lately, I’ve been leaning towards simpler looks. Letting clothes speak for themselves through subtle textural contrasts or color themes. Perhaps you can add on a belt to accentuate your frame, or maybe layer on some bracelets for that extra bling. But I like the loose flow of this dress, and the swingy sleeves are speaking to me as well.



I didn’t wear tights here because I also took these photos when it was a bit warm out. BUT, I definitely will have to wear tights if I wear this dress in the next couple weeks because it’s been freeeeezing. Have I mentioned enough times how cold it’s been? Hahaha repetitive, I know. But seriously. This winter has been crazy.

We finally got snow a couple days ago!! So much snow in fact, classes were canceled! That hasn’t happened since high school. It started snowing on Sunday night, and we all thought it wouldn’t stick. We’ve had a few false alarms earlier in the year with light snow that melted within a couple hours. However, it kept snowing harder and harder and by the next morning, I got a notification that classes were canceled. Some of my neighbors who are in elementary school also had a snow day as well. Pretty much everyone did because we got SO much snow!!

I built an adorable snowman with my sister and named him Pablo. When we went for a walk, it was so incredible difficult to not sink in and slip and fall. All you out there who live in snowy wintery places probably think I sound like I’ve just experienced snow for the first time. But, seriously, it was such a magical incredible moment. We haven’t had a blanket of snow like that in many years! Definitely a great little surprise! If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen Pablo chilling on my front lawn. He’s leaned over quite a bit now that the snow is melting. But he’s still intact!

Definitely head on over to Zaful to find these awesome articles of clothing I got! If you don't like wearing just black, they have a selection of blanket scarves to choose from that vary in color and pattern as well. For their prices, their quality is really good and I am definitely satisfied with what I got. I am so psyched that I got the dress because I can really see myself incorporating it into many more outfits when the weather warms up. I love wearing loose flowy dresses with shorter, structured jackets. Head over to Zaful and lemme know what you think!

I know I’ve been quite MIA lately. I definitely will be trying my best to update more often. It can be a challenge sometimes. I’ve noticed that I’ve been less inspired lately because I’ve been so stressed out with school. I’ve had these blogposts planned out for awhile now. I just haven’t gotten to writing it because I felt stuck staring at my laptop screen. It’s difficult to get your creative juices flowing again if you’re wiped out and mentally exhausted. I really like putting in effort into my posts to convey my authentic self as best I can. Though I can just write some short posts that are mostly filled with pictures, or a quick inspiration post, that’s not really showcasing my own voice. To me, it’s not about upping the amount of blogposts I can crank out. It’s about making creative content that reflects me. Anyways, thank you for being patient with me!

Are you for or against the whole lace-up trend? How have you been staying warm this winter? What are you most looking forward to this coming spring? Please lemme know in the comments down below!! I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Thank you all so much for stopping by and reading! I hope you are all having a wonderful week so far!


Til next time,
~A

Burberry and Gucci : What makes them so edgy and desirable?

Hey everyone!

Tomorrow is Election Day! I cannot believe it! Finally. I am so sick of hearing about it all. I'm partly excited, and partly dreading this whole thing. I just really want to know who wins. Probably gonna have my TV on all evening tomorrow just to keep updated. Have you voted yet? (That is, if you live in the US and are a citizen) PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE! DONT JUST SIT AROUND ON YOUR LAZY DERRIERE EXPECTING THINGS TO HAPPEN. It won't if everyone thinks that way. I've already voted, so I'm not a hypocrite. It's also the first time I'm voting, so there's that.

Moving on, today I wanted to talk about my obsession with scarves. I have an obsession with scarves. I love accessorizing my outfits with scarves. When fall and winter comes around, it allows me to pull out my collection of scarves to jazz up any outfit. Okay, well that's a lie because even during the spring and summer I will try to find a way to incorporate scarves. It's called lightweight silk scarves; I'm not an idiot, and I'm not going to wear a thick woolen scarf in the dead of summer.

Recently, I got the chance to get some stuff from Gamiss, a shopping site. They have a wonderful selection of scarves! Plus, the prices are so good considering the quality. The scarves I got were both around 5 dollars or less, in USD. When I got them, I wasn't expecting too much. Gotta lower your expectations to actually be satisfied when the outcomes prove you wrong, you know what I mean? But, the scarves I got were really nice. I really recommend checking out their website!

Gamiss has more than just scarves to offer. They are a site that offers clothes, accessories, and other things. If you are in the need of something like a new jacket for the fall, or perhaps a pair of boots, definitely head over to Gamiss. I bet something will catch your eye. I was debating between a pair of boots, and this one jumpsuit (because my other love of my life and obsession...). But I decided to go with these two scarves that you will see in just a second, as well as this gorgeous tan colored purse.

Multicolored Scarf

Multicolored Scarf

I chose to tie the scarf like so because I didn't want to wear it in the tradiitonal loop around the neck with both tails hanging down the front. I wanted something a bit different. This scarf is fairly long, and isn't super thick. I used the length to my advantage by having it drape down the front so that it shows more. This helps break up the monotony of the all black.

I do admit that the colors here could potentially be more suitable for spring or summer. But, scarves are scarves. And you can definitely make it work by adding some other accessories and stuff in the quintessential "Fall" color palette. Plus, I find that wearing something bright and colorful helps me feel happier. It's attention-grabbing, and that can be nice.

Red and Leopard Print Scarf

Yeah, I actually did have on a jacket for some of the photos because it's fall and I don't want to freeze.

I also chose this simple all black outfit with a grey jacket to better show the versitality of scarves. With just a change in scarves, I have a new look. This second scarf here is red with a leopard print at the ends. I adore leopard print, especially in scarf form.

If you want something in a fall color theme, there you go. The darker red hue blends in with the reds, yellows, and oranges all around. This scarf is of a thicker material, but equally as soft. Whereas the first one is a thinner, silky scarf that's more for accessorizing than warmth, this one can definitely work for chilly mornings. It's so soft, I wanted to just wrap my face in it.

Red and Leopard Print Scarf

I love how with just a switch of scarves, it gave the outfit a new look and a new feel. I prefer accessorizing with scarves over jewelry because scarves provide color. Don't be afraid to play with color and texture and patterns.

I wrapped this scarf in more or less a traditional way because the thick fullness of the scarf kept it from looking limp. Some scarves that are more length than width can just look sad wrapped around your neck. But, thicker fuller scarves wrapped around can be fluffed up. I really don't like the look of limp scarves just sort of hanging from your neck like a dangling piece of dust that just can't seem to get the hint to go away.

Brown Bucket Bag

Bucket Bag

This bag can hold a ton of stuff! I have a tendency to jampack my bags with stuff. Mostly useless stuff. Things that I feel are "necessities", as in "what if I need this one day?" I love the style of bucket bags because they have a shape to them, which makes them less of a limp sad sack of a bag. I was able to put a waterbottle in there, and not worry that it will topple over and spill.

The zippers at the sides are just for decoration though. I wish they were side pockets. That's the one complaint I got. No, wait, there's one more. I also wish that there was a cover because if I did wear it as a backpack I don't want people to be able to easily reach in. Okay, so two complaints. But otherwise this bag is SO amazing! I really love it.

With everything I received from Gamiss, I was fully satisfied in terms of the quality, style, and shipping. It did take awhile, but that's because it shipped from half a world away. That is totally understandable. Because of the good service I got from people at Gamiss, the great affordable prices, the wide selection, and overall great quality, I recommend checking out this site! You can also check out their Facebook page here.

Holidays are just around the corner, and you might be able to get some of your gift shopping out of the way. Of course, there are some things I still haven't gotten the nerve to buy online, meaning shoes. But, of the things I got from Gamiss, I think that this site is pretty nice.

I wanted to let you guys know, I do read every comment, and I appreciate every comment. It helps me get to know you guys more! I apologize that lately I haven't been as present as I had been, in terms of replying to comments in a timely manner, and posting as frequently. I've been pretty busy lately. I am double minoring along with my major, and that along with having a part-time job can be a lot. I'm actually kind of worried that I might not graduate in time, but I also had a crazy idea to double major too. So I don't know what is going on with my sanity. But I do try my best to check out all your blogs, and to read what you guys have to say on mine! I love reading your comments!

On a side note, I'm not done yakking about that one vacation I took a while ago. So, yeah. There's that too. Just letting you know. Being a college student, I don't travel much. Besides, that trip was really fun and I just really want to share with you. Okay yeah just wanted to get that out there. Read about it if you haven't yet, before I go on about it again. Because I will.

How have you guys been accessorizing your outfits lately? Do you like wearing scarves as much as I do? Also, what do you think about the whole backpack purse trend? Lemme know in the comments down below!! 

Thank you very much for stopping by! I really appreciate it! I hope you all have a lovely rest of your week!


Til next time,
~A