A Glimpse of Glam

Hey everyone!

Long time no see! I hope you are all doing well! I’m just chillin here greeting you guys while wearing this men’s dress shirt I borrowed from a friend. No big deal. Nothing out of the ordinary for me. Just kidding, because it is. It’s definitely something different for me. I’ve seen all over Pinterest and Instagram ways to style a men’s shirt for women, whether it be transforming it into a dress, or simply wearing an oversized one for a casual outfit, but I’ve never actually gone and tried it out myself. Today I wanted to give you guys something fun and creative for some style inspiration, and hopefully I succeeded in styling this men’s shirt!




This post was inspired (but not sponsored) by a company called Dia & Co, which is a curated shopping experience that allows you to try out various clothing items before you decide whether it is for you and purchase it! It’s all online, so it’s perfect for all you lazy hermits out there (myself included). Through a Dia & Co subscription, you essentially get a Dia box that has 5 items that are hand-picked just for you. By creating a personal style profile, stylists will be able to figure out the best pieces for you. You get to try them on in the comfort of your own home, return the ones you don’t like and only buy the ones you like.

With that, having a personal stylist through this online shopping experience gives you the opportunity to experiment with things you wouldn’t have thought of before. This allows you to try out things you normally wouldn’t wear. Sometimes it’s good to break that barrier, and toss away the security blanket. You can’t always resort to the things that fit within your comfort zone, or else you will never get the chance to try out new styles that you love but haven’t dared to wear.






They say fake it till you make it. I keep that phrase in my head whenever I hesitate to wear something different from what I normally do. But you don’t need to take a huge leap. Small baby steps work too. Which is pretty much what I did here today. Confidence is key when rocking any and all outfits.

As mentioned before, I always see pictures on Pinterest and Instagram of women incorporating men’s shirts into their own outfits. They would do things like wrap it around in a certain way and tie the sleeves to create a strapless dress, or pull down the collar and button it up only enough for an off-the-shoulder style. Or just simply throwing it on and wearing it as a casual shirt-dress. I come across many of those, and I always wanted to try. But never actually got around to doing it. Today, though. I did. I finally tried that out. And I gotta say, it was really exciting and fun to wear something that makes me just a bit nervous and hesitant.





I borrowed a shirt from my friend that is a color I actually do not own at all. I literally own nothing lavender. And yet, surprisingly, that color worked really well with things I already had. I guess this style challenge almost goes two ways, styling a men’s shirt and trying out a color I never really thought of wearing before. All my clothes are typically brighter and vibrant in color and pattern, or else they are muted and neutral. I don’t think I own anything that’s pastel hued, except for maybe some pajamas or tank tops. I am definitely pleasantly surprised that this worked out so well with items from my existing wardrobe.




In a way, I branched out and tried something fun and out of my comfort zone, while still maintaining a good grasp on my security blanket. I didn’t go and wear something completely crazy and wild. Like I mentioned previously, baby steps. Just different enough to make you question if this actually works, without giving you too much anxiety that you need a paper bag over your head to leave the house.





Here I styled the lavender shirt with a black and white printed skirt I got last year. You might recognize it from one of the posts from my New England cruise travel series I wrote last fall. I had to wear tights because it is still a bit chilly here in Seattle, even though it’s April. It was actually rainy out in the morning, but the sun came out just in time for these photos! I finished off the outfit with these grey ankle boots. The grey brings out the soft pastel lavender from the dress shirt because they are both cool-toned. If it was warmer out so that I hadn’t worn tights, I would have gone with my black lace-up ballerina flats, or some sandals instead. But, with the nearly opaque black tights, the grey shoes broke up the monotony of the black by bringing out the lavender of the top.






That same friend who I borrowed this shirt from happens to be my model for the JORD wood watch post from a while ago! He’s also an art major, and I got him to help me take these photos. You probably can tell the difference between these photos and ones I’ve had before in previous posts. Working with someone who is an artist is so different from working with my sister for photos. I usually get my sister to take my outfit photos, and for the most part I tell her where to stand to shoot from, essentially acting as part director. However, for these photos I acted only as the model, and my friend took prerogative as the photographer. There is such a distinct composition and technique difference when I got my friend to take these photos. I’ve never really worked with anyone else before for my outfit photos, so I am definitely considering getting more of my fellow artist friends to take photos for me to see that would turn out.

What do you think? Lemme know in the comments below your experiences working with photographers, and who usually takes your photos for you!






We really got lucky when the sun came out in time for these photos. It was a gloomy rainy day all morning. At first, I was planning on just going to this covered area for the pictures, but I am so glad we got to take these photos out in the sun by the blooming cherry blossom trees. These cherry blossoms are out later this year than previous years. They typically bloom mid March, but this year it took until late March to appear. As with every year, this is the time when the Quad gets insanely crowded with people because of the cherry blossoms. There were so many people out lounging on the grass, having picnics, bringing out their dogs, and of course taking pictures. It gets almost irritating with so many people there because it’s hard to get by. But yesterday ended up perfect because it wasn’t as crowded as it had been last week.




I love how the flowers and cherry blossoms created the perfect backdrop for these photos. They helped accentuate the spring feel. When there is a slight breeze, some of the petals would fall and flutter in the air, almost creating the effect of snow. Even though it is annoying how these cherry blossoms increase tourism, there is definitely something magical about it nevertheless. Where you guys live, do you get to experience the beauty of these cherry blossoms? 

I don't know if you guys noticed or not, but I actually recently cut my hair quite a bit! I chopped off about 7 inches or so. It feels really different when I'm styling my hair now! But, now that I've cut my hair to a shorter length, I'm tempted to chop it even shorter. Perhaps to a lob. Or even a bob. I probably won't because last time I did, it took awhile for it to grow back. And I always feel more limited in terms of styling my hair when my hair is shorter. Though I do really love having shorter hair too. Comment down below if you know what I mean! Also, lemme know what your biggest hair transformation ever was!

Comment down below what you thought! As a female, how would you style a men’s dress shirt? Do you like shopping in the men’s section? Lemme know down in the comments below what you think! I would love for more ideas on how you guys would style a men’s shirt! 

Thank you all for stopping by and reading! I hope you guys are having a fabulous week, and a wonderful April so far!


Til next time,
~A

Hey everyone!

Spring has finally sprung, and warmer weather is slowly creeping upon us. That is, just barely. Just awhile ago the east coast was hit with a winter storm. So, I guess we are still feeling some of residuals of this long winter we’ve been having. But, soon enough I’ll be able to break out those brighter colors and lighter layers again. I can’t wait to wear wispy skirts and crop tops without fear of shivering like crazy.

Thank you all for your lovely comments from my previous post! I haven't really featured anyone other than myself before here, so that was definitely very different. I just might see if I could get him to reappear on my blog, or my other friends too. Would you like to see more style posts featuring other people?

I hope you all liked that giveaway I had with JORD wood watches. It was really fun and new collaboration because I've admired their watches for a long time now. Getting the chance to work with them for that was definitely a wonderful experience. I love the watch I ended up getting for the style post. It is so beautifully made, and the idea of a nice watch made with wood rather than a precious metal is definitely appealing.

I hope you are all doing well because it’s been a long time. I’ve explained previously that I will keep trying to update whenever I can, as I prefer to post content I feel I have actually put effort into rather than filler posts. It’s been a crazy busy year, and it’s only March. However, I gotta say it’s also been quite a productive, and inspiration filled several months. As I am already rapidly approaching my last year of university because I am nearing the end of my third year (at least that’s what it is so far unless I have to extend a year), there’s a lot to be done to finish up requirements and the sorts. I’ve also decided to double major, which means more classes to take and finish up. Despite these crazy months, I feel like I’m finally creating things I’m proud of.

I’m thinking of creating a post, or a short series, later on in the summer about my university experience. I always talk about it, but never really got around to really explaining more about it. As I know my fellow blogger friends and readers vary in age, this could potentially help you if you will soon start your own college experience, or this could be something you might possibly relate to and can reminisce of.

Please lemme know what you think! Would you be interested in hearing more about my college experience?

Brown Backpack - link HERE

A while ago, I received from Gamiss a GORGEOUS, and I’m talking GORGEOUS brown bag. It’s a small backpack sort of style, but is better for an everyday handbag/purse purpose. The straps attach on separately with hooks, and both could be detached. You can convert the backpack into a longer shoulder bag if you wanted. This bag is literally the bag I’ve been reaching for ever since I got it.

I’ve received so many compliments on my bag because the style and color is absolutely perfect. The shape of it works well as a purse because it is big enough to hold everything you would need, including an umbrella and water bottle. Believe me, I know this because I’ve tried. With the insanely fickle rainy/sunny/cloudy weather going on, I’ve started just carrying around an umbrella just in case.

This bag is probably the highlight of what I got from Gamiss. I highly recommend this bag to you if you are looking for a new bag this spring season.   The only thing I don’t like about it is the front clasp. It has a little turn knob that can be difficult at times to match with the hole, but it isn’t a huge problem. Other than that, it’s seriously the best. The light brown color matches nearly everything. While I haven’t fully started wearing my spring clothes yet, I definitely think that this would work well with bright spring colors. This shade of brown is the kind that is versatile enough to pair nicely with almost everything.

Striped Pants

 Another thing I recently got from Gamiss are these striped pants. They are black with vertical red and white stripes. I’ve been eyeing these pants for a long time now because this style of pants is one I’m very much into. Whenever I’m feeling lazy (which is almost everyday because I am a proudly self-declared lazy hermit), I like throwing on some joggers or loose pants rather than something fitted. These are super comfy! I like the vertical stripes on them, which helps to break up the black. These are high-waisted and pair nicely with any kind of shorter crop top.

Striped Pants - link HERE

Here I styled the pants with a simple cropped knit sweater and a black leather jacket. I threw on some black boots to finish it off. I wore this exact outfit a couple times already because it is insanely comfortable, yet looks nice. I love the slight rocker-chic edge the pants paired with the boots create.

Striped Pants - link HERE

Side note, the sweater is something I got elsewhere along with some other things I will be reviewing. I will be doing a whole other post on that as well later on! So stay tuned for that review.

And same with the outfit featured with that gorgeous brown bag…

It’s been a crazy busy several months, and I have a lot of things to review and post! So many ideas and so little time. Ya feel me?

I’ve gotten stuff from Gamiss before, and I’ve yet to be disappointed! Okay, let’s hope I don’t jinx that. Coincidentally, last time I also ended up getting a bag and scarves.

With the pants and the bag, I also got a couple of scarves.You know me and my love of scarves. I adore scarves because they are the best accessory ever. They aren’t just for looks, but have purposes too. Well, to some extent. Because there are those flimsy puny thin scarves that don’t serve any other purpose than to accessorize. But, that’s beyond my point.

I chose two lighter weight scarves than ones I’ve been getting this past winter. These scarves are perfect to transition from the cold months into the coming spring. They are super soft, and the colors would work well with a spring color theme.

White Scarf - sold out but similar one HERE Striped Scarf - link HERE

The white scarf has black music notes in varying sizes printed on. It is a fun pattern that isn’t too overwhelming or distracting because of the simple black on white. This would look good with a cropped jacket and skirt, or maybe layered with another scarf for a slightly warmer, thicker fit.

The second one is a creamy white with orangey-brown and black stripes. There are other ones as well in other colors. The stripes on this scarf range from thick and thin. This scarf has warmer hues in comparison to the cool white of the other scarf. I adore the classy look of this scarf. The first one is more fun and playful, whereas this one has a more elegant feel.

I wore the white scarf with music notes in the outfit with the striped pants. You can also see a hint of the striped scarf in the photos with that brown bag. I definitely am looking forward to integrating these two pieces into my current collection of scarves!

What are some of your tricks for dealing with fickle weather? I hate having to choose between a raincoat or wearing a cute jacket but needing an umbrella. I do have a nice raincoat, but that doesn’t mean I want to wear it literally every single day because of the possibility of rain! Comment down below how you deal with unpredictable spring weather!

Perhaps it is a bit excessive, but I like to carry an umbrella AND have on my raincoat. I like being protected from the rain. Even though I live in Seattle which is a fairly rainy cloudy place, I still don’t like having to deal with rainy days. Light drizzles I can handle, but when it’s literally pouring I would rather be inside than out and about.

Speaking of pouring rain, this past weekend the weather was so insanely stormy. But, my friends and I made the most of the day. Because guess what? We watched the new live-action version of Beauty and the Beast.

Some of you may already know this because I posted on my Instagram story a silly video of me by the huge Beauty and the Beast display inside the IMAX theaters lobby.

The movie was really funny and entertaining! I like how it was mostly true to the original, with its own unique flairs. However, I do feel slightly disappointed because my favorite moments from it were not included. SPOILER ALERT!! Like how in the Disney version Gaston ate a dozen eggs raw, or the moment when the Beast fed the birds?! What happened to that?! Also, I kept pointing out to my friends how it looked like Belle was wearing a generic version of Toms for shoes. For those of you who have watched the movie already, did you notice that? I couldn’t stop laughing at that for some reason. But otherwise, it was a good movie. Emma Watson did a great job, and I like the backstory they created for Belle.

Have you watched the new Beauty and the Beast yet? Lemme know in the comments below what you thought!

I also heard that there will be live-action remakes of The Little Mermaid and Mulan as well. I already watched the trailer for The Little Mermaid, which will be closer in story to the original Hans Christian Anderson fairytale than the Disney version. I found that trailer here. Apparently the live-action version of Mulan will be quite different too. I like how they are starting to do remakes of old classics, but that’s also my whole childhood we are dealing with here. On one hand I admire the unique flairs on these classics, and I understand that Disney versions are not very true to the original fairytales. However, I grew up knowing the Disney version better, and I can’t help but be a bit of a critic while watching these new remakes.

Tis all for now! This post got quite lengthy in terms of life updates and other content.

Please lemme know down in the comments below what you thought!! Have you gotten anything from Gamiss recently? Are you the type to prefer larger bags for everyday use, or do you lean more towards smaller purses? What are you most excited about for this upcoming spring? 

Thank you all for stopping by and visiting my corner of the cyberworld. I wish you all a fantastic day!


Til next time,
~A

Hey everyone!

Do you know those mornings when you open your closet door to a fully stocked wardrobe, and you feel like you have absolutely nothing to wear? I get that quite a lot. I feel at loss of inspiration, though to another person it would seem like limitless options. When those moments strike, I know it's time to start browsing online for outfit inspiration, whether it be updating myself on the latest trends, finding new ways to repurpose old favorites, or simply compiling a list of items I would like to add.

Creating a wishlist is a great way for me to figure out just what it is I feel I am lacking. I've done this on several occasions before. One site I like to browse when creating a wishlist is Banggood. They have a wide selection to choose from. Clothes, shoes, accessories, home decor, etc.

Just like with Pinterest and Instagram, I can literally spend eternity browsing shops online. Just bookmarking one thing after another. Opening up millions of tabs. Imagining ways I could integrate the piece into my existing wardrobe. Then I look at the clock and realize my "five minute" break had turned into an hour, and my blinking cursor is still at the same spot I left it on the blank Word document.

Point is, I created another wishlist of things I like from Banggood. I figured why not share it with others who would probably like a lot of the stuff I chose as well? Never any harm in getting another opinion. I gotta make sure it isn't just my inspiration-deprived mind talking that is influencing my mind into thinking something is worthy when it isn't.

Denim Dress

I normally would not actually think about getting something like this, but for some reason this actually caught my eye. I think this would look really great on its own, or even unbuttoned and worn as a jacket.

Blue Chiffon Top

This top looks similar to ones I already own mostly because of the material. I like the flow and drape of chiffon, and this top would be a great addition for the summer. The royal blue is so bright and vibrant, it would look really great paired with some white shorts or light-washed jeans. What do you think?

Crocodile Bag

This bag looks so awesome. I HAD to add it to my list. Of everything I have in this wishlist, I love this bag the most. The crocodile print of the material really gives the bag character, and the color is so versatile and easy to work with. It would be great for the daytime, or a night out. Honestly, the only issue with this is the small size because that means I can't cram a bunch of (useless) stuff in there.

Olive Jacket

This jacket isn't a novel idea or anything because I've seen it everywhere. And that's just it. I've seen this style so often, and I have a jacket in this color, but not this actual jacket itself. If I had this, I can see myself wearing this all the time.

Black Shirt

I love how sweetheart necklines look, and this shirt has a variation of it. The top has an intricate mesh design too. The only downside to this is that I should be careful of not sitting out in the sun too long in it because it would create very bizarre tan lines.

Graphic Tee

What drew me to this shirt was the abstract print it had. It's very eye-catching, and the cut of this oversized shirt is different from ones I already own.

Hey everyone!

Every once in awhile, there are those wonderful weekends where my friends' and my own schedules align and we get the chance to go out. On spur of the moment occasions, I prefer to dress like I do on the daily, meaning a bit more casual and laid-back. But when it comes to going out, whether it be to celebrate or just for the heck of it, we like to get a bit dressy. This look I am sharing with you today is perfect for those occasions: dressy and falling slightly on the formal side, but casual enough to not look like you are crashing a school prom.

This was created in collaboration with one of my fellow blogger friends, Emily. We really wanted to both create a look that we tend to lean towards when it comes to a night out. Her resulting look is very girly and romantic, whereas mine leaned more on the edgy, street side not completely formal. We wanted to provide you all with some inspiration. As prom season is here for those of you in high school, the hair and makeup we chose to go along with our looks could potentially inspire you. Or perhaps it is the color dresses we chose. Either way, it's nice to get dressed up every once in awhile.

Check out Emily's post for her version of her go-to look!











For my makeup here, I used the Maybelline Blushed Nudes palette to create the softly smokey eye look. I also added highlight from the Benefit Girl Meets Pearl highlight. I finished it off with a nude lip. After taking all these photos and looking back, I think that a dark and dramatic lip would work as well. What do you think?

Of course I wouldn't recommend you to wear this to prom or some other fancy formal event as such. But, I do think that this look would be perfect for a night out. Worn with the right attitude and it will work. Either way, I hope this provided some inspiration for you, and how to style your hair and makeup based on the cut, color, and print of your dress and such.

Emily created a really amazing look as well! Go check out her post for some more inspiration!

I really hope you enjoyed this post, and lemme know in the comments below what you think! What is your version of your go-to formal look for a night out?

Thanks for reading! I hope you are all having a wonderful start to the week!


Til next time,
~A