Thursday, December 22, 2016

Three Signs You May Be A Maladaptive Daydreamer

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     If you’re familiar with Maladaptive Daydreaming (or MD) this article will be very relatable. Otherwise, this will sound absolutely insane. However, bear with me. It’s very hard for a person with a Maladaptive Daydreaming disorder to explain it to others. Other people cannot begin to comprehend the complexities and intricacies of our imaginations. However, I will attempt to explain what Maladaptive Daydreaming is and how you know you might have it. Firstly, MD is not a diagnosable illness. Most health care professionals haven’t got a clue what it means. It’s a new phenomenon for both those experiencing it and those who are trying to treat it, but it’s becoming a more prevalent issue. At the moment it is considered a sub-set of anxiety or depression, and while that is mostly true, I believe that it deserves to be in a category of its own. We’ll define MD as an uncontrollable urge to produce very intricate daydreams or fantasies at often unpredictable times.  It goes waayyy beyond your average daydreaming capabilities because it is much more vivid and real to those fabricating the daydreams. These daydreams have deep plots, characters, scenarios and emotions that interact with each other in incredibly unique ways. It’s much more in depth than, say, having a movie theater in your head. It’s more like having a virtual reality headset on all time. In terms of content, our daydreams could consist of anything under the sun. They don’t have to be about ourselves and they are sometimes not conceived intentionally at all. It just sort of happens! MD is definitely considered a blessing and a curse, but how do you know if you have it?


Your Fantasies are Vivid and Complex

When I say vivid, I mean vivid. I’m not just talking about daydreaming about someone you have a crush on. I mean you imagine whole other worlds. If I were to tell you picture yourself in a different landscape, you will be able to imagine some fictitious scenery without even having to close your eyes or think for more than a short period of time. Or if I were to ask you where you’re mind wanders off to the most lately, you’ll be able to paint me a picture of a new world. Whenever you think about the world you’ve created, it conjures up powerful emotions. The real world is just a platform to extrapolate ideas for your daydreams.


You Find Yourself Daydreaming All the Time

 Not just when you’re bored, but whenever your brain can spare a moment you’re drifting off into another dimension. It may often be at inopportune times like when you’re supposed to be listening to instructions, waiting for your zone to get called so you don’t miss your flight, etc. The key issue you face as an MD is that you probably schedule time, or set time aside exclusively for daydreaming! You may prefer to do that instead of planning to go out or hang out with friends as a result.


You Feel Out of Control

If you’re like me, you feel like you have very little control over when you daydream heavily. You often can’t control when you’ll tumble into your fantasies and once you’re in, it’s hard to get out. Why? Because you love being there! Because of this, you may feel helplessness or lack of control. That feeling may be exacerbated because your daydreaming could bleed into other areas of your life and affect your ability to achieve your goals. It can feel like a losing battle, but don’t lose hope. There’s a way to cope.



So you have MD. Now what? Please know that you’re not alone. Having MD can be so incredibly fascinating, but most of the time it can be destructive. However, it doesn’t have to be a curse. Your mind is incredibly unique and the worlds you imagine are as well. You need to learn to channel these imaginings into something productive so that it’s easier to manage. I daydream OFTEN about stories and plots, so I like to write them down and create tons of short stories. I also fantasize about music (I imagine a melodies as they’re associated with scenery), so I write song lyrics and melodies that are similar to the ones I’ve imagined. For some reason, my daydreams are also very very specific about the clothing people wear. I so design clothing and outfits online. If you often see beautiful landscapes, try to draw them or find some way to describe what you’re seeing. You must learn to express your creative genius, because it truly is genius. You never know what beautiful art, music, stories, gifts, designs, etc.  you can make until you try! Who knows where your talents may lead! How have you learned to cope with MD? How has it affected you?

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Grayscale Winter Minimalist Look

MINIMALIST | Just Another Fashion Blog


MINIMALIST | Just Another Fashion Blog

MINIMALIST | Just Another Fashion Blog

MINIMALIST | Just Another Fashion Blog
Credit: just-another.me
PHOTOS BY MARCEL @ ONEDAPPERSTREET.COM

Great Ways to Get Creative


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        I’m kind of a strange soul. I become antsy and restless if I cannot express myself creatively in some way. I truly do enjoy thinking creatively and making things with my hands. In a world of copy cats, it provides me with this individually empowering joy that I could never obtain from taking a selfie or posting a photo to Instragram-I made this piece of art and it represents me. For a while, I didn’t have any outlets to be creative. I couldn’t make blog backgrounds because I no longer had (or could afford) photoshop, I liked to put together outfits, but didn’t know how I could do so online, and I liked to write music but I no longer had access to a keyboard. Things began to look bleak. My anxiety spiraled out of control, my moods swung unpredictably and became very depressed and cold towards my loved ones. If it isn’t obvious already, I truly NEED creativity in my life. So I sat down to plan out new ways I can express my creativity until I can afford more tools (like a keyboard).


Write Lyrics

Like to write songs? Write a bunch of lyrics and try to hum a melody. It’s pretty straight forward, but everyone’s creative process is different. I find that I need to channel some emotion I wish to convey first. The emotion will sometimes help me think of chords and melodies. Then I think of the theme of the song, then the title. Then I can begin actually writing the song. Try to consider the meter you’d like before you start putting words to the page. Also try to consider which instruments you’d like to play your song.


Compose Music


There’s a free computer software application called Muse Score (https://musescore.org/) that allows you to write sheet music. It doesn’t take too long to learn how to use the software, and it’s wonderful for if you don’t have an instrument readily available or if you like to plan music perfectly before pulling out your instrument of choice.


Fashion Design


Into fashion design? Try out a website called Polyvore. It’s a website where you can use the online database of clothing, accessories, makeup, etc to assemble outfits and collections. The website is totally free and very fun!


Write a Short Story


My imagination runs rampant every day! I never know what kind of stories or scenarios will pop into my head at any given moment. If you’re like me, it’s probably a good idea to write them down and feed your imagination. See what would happen if you were to have mind control powers, or if you found out that your friend is in the CIA, or that your family is related to a tribe of werewolves, or that you won the lottery but there is a catch.


 Read a Book


I know, I know. You don’t get to make anything by reading a book, but hold on there for a second. Reading books gets your imagination running. It may give you some ideas for your next project or creative endeavor. You never know!


Make a Blogpost


Have a blog, make a blogpost about something that’s been on your mind lately! It really gets your creative juices (and funny anecdotes) flowing. It’s the most freeing form of creative writing and love to encourage people to share what’s on their minds or in their hearts.


Graphic Design


Download Photoshop, or GIMP if you can’t afford photoshop, and make some blog backgrounds, banners, logos, wallpapers, calendars, icons, etc. Take a class on coding if you want to get deeper into web design. Whether it’s for personal use or to sell get your digital design fix from these creative outlets.


Interior Design



There’s a software application called Room Sketcher (http://www.roomsketcher.com/interior-design/) that is apparently a virtual platform for aspiring interior designers. I myself have never used the software before, but it a good-to-know resource. Also, (now don’t judge) the Sims offers an excellent platform to plan, build and design virtual homes from scratch. Even if you never actually play with any sims, just being able to build and design homes is very exciting. In what ways do you like to get creative?

F*ck Feelings: Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety



Image result for anxiety tumblrWhenever I would share a certain aspect of my life that I struggle with, people would gasp in disbelief. “I would never have guessed!!” The surprise on their face looks in no way fabricated to hide the fact that they knew all along and was trying to be polite. No, they are always genuinely surprised and bewildered that a person so put-together as me can struggle so much with anxiety. The truth is everyone deals with anxiety to some extent, but a few of us struggle on a severe degree (like me). However, I’m here to reassure you that even the most severe anxiety can be managed!

I’ve had general anxiety since I was 12 years old. Suddenly, the things I found common place evoked feelings of dread and pain. My body grew paralyzed and in shock without warning, and I couldn't shake that painful, searing feeling of panic and dread. It’s similar to the sensation you would get if someone was holding a gun to, not your head, but to the head of someone you love. I’ve always been on the outside looking in when it came to controlling my emotions, as if my brain was on auto pilot. I dealt with the pain all throughout college until last month I picked a book called F*ck Feelings. Before I begin to list coping mechanisms I learned from this awesome book, I’m going to give a brief overview of what’s going on in your brain when you have anxiety. 

Anxiety is the normal reaction to when you brain perceives some situation, object or person to be some how threatening. However, for people who suffer with excessive anxiety our brain creates a life threatening situation from a situation that isn’t at all life threatening. I find that before I even step into the made up “life threatening” situation, my brain is already preparing my body to fight or flight! That’s when your anxiety spirals. Before any situation occurs, your body is preparing to defend itself. Thoughts may fly through your mind about all the reasons you may want to opt for the “flight” option, but then you may feel guilty about doing that. So you consider the “fight” option, but it’s so painful, so you’re back to square one. Though this sounds troubling, all is not lost! Over the years I’ve learned how to cope with my anxiety and I’m excited to share them.  


Philosophical Meditation 

      According to the School of Life, Philosophical Mediation is the act of thinking through the things you are anxious about. Are you afraid of missing your flight? Think about if  you actually did miss your flight?  What would your plan be? Would it be the end of the world? Probably not. This western style of meditation focuses on creating solutions to the problems you've created in your mind. 

Listen to Loud Music 

      Don't blow your eardrums out, but listening to music at louder volumes has been proven in a few studies to relax you. Try turning up your tunes and tuning out the world.

    Manage Your Emotions

Go ahead and accept the fact that you cannot control your anxiety. You can't command it to stop when you get frustrated and you can't tell it to roll over or play dead. Anxiety doesn't work that way. Instead of fighting so hard to stop your anxiety, learn to regulate it. Learn little ways that you can manage your anxiety when you feel it coming on strong. I like to rationalize what I'm being anxious about. Force your fears into the lime light and call into question whether it's actually work freaking out over. Once I've zeroed in on what I'm actually afraid of, I quickly learn that it isn't rational at all. From there, I counsel myself using logic and rational. "Okay, I'm afraid of X, but in reality..." "If X does happen, then Y is the plan for getting past it." Don't try to fight away how you feel. Instead, take a second to confront your feelings. Bad things WILL happen, but think about your plan when they do. It's a fruitless task to be constantly in fear of bad things. 

Don’t Beat Yourself Up 

I've been reading an excellent book called F*ck Feelings by Sarah and Michael Bennett. The book provides practical, brutally honest advice on how to deal with your anxiety. One key piece of advice the book provides is don’t be upset with yourself if you get too anxious to do something, just accept what you can’t control and manage what you can. If you allow your anxiety to get the better of you and it causes you to behave in a way contrary to the way you prefer, don't become guilty or usept with yourself. Forgive yourself and make a note to be more careful next time. Self-destruction is a wicked cycle. You do something wrong, then you beat yourself up, then you become more anxious/depressed, then you do something wrong again. The cycle continues. End the cycle and make a point to give yourself a break.

Understand Your Anxiety but Don’t Try to Find Its Origins or Roots 

jj    As F*ck Your Feelings so eloquently states, do NOT try to go rooting around in your childhood, subconscious or heart and soul to figure out where you anxiety is coming from. It's a pointless way to avoid dealing with the problem. However you got it doesn't matter so much, all that matter is that you have anxiety right now and need to deal with it. Instead, try to figure out what it is your afraid of and how you can deal with it. 


I have pretty severe anxiety according to my doctors and these tips have been so incredibly life changing! I know they can be for you too. Just remember not to take life too seriously. Have fun and reward yourself when you rationalize your fears or manage your anxiety in scary situations. 

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Cyber Monday and Black Friday Sales!


 Going shopping soon? Allow me to make your shopping experience less of a nightmare. Here's a list of Cyber Monday and Black Friday sales to catch before time runs out. Hope it helps! 

50% Off 
Free Shipping World Wide

30% Off Sales Items with code: FESTIVE
Extra 50% Off Final Sales Items 
Free Shipping On Orders of $150 or More

60% Off Everything Except Crew Cuts and Mens Suiting (Those are 50% Off) 
Extra 40% Off Clearance Items and Free Shipping with Code: HAPPYSALE

Up to 70% Off 
Free Standard Shipping  (4-7 days)

Extra 50% Off Sale Items 
Free Shipping on Orders Over $125
40% Off With Code: CHEER2
Free Shipping With Code: FREESHIP

40% Off Everything With Code: CYBMON
Jeans and Pants 20% Off
Free Shipping on Orders of $50 or More

Between 53%-75% Off
Free Shipping On Orders of $50 or More

Up to 80% Off Clearance Items
Additional 15% Off Items $49 or More
Free Shipping Worldwide On Orders of $35 or More 

40% Everything
Free Shipping 

25% Off Full Price Items 

Up to 70% Off 
Free Standard Shipping on Orders of $40 or More 
Free Two Day Shipping on Orders of $120 or More
Extra 30% Off Sale Items
 

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Minimalist Wardrobe Checklist For The Holidays

As Thanksgiving comes to a close and we look forward to a very merry holiday season, it goes without saying that everyone wants to look their best, especially if you'll be expecting friends and family for an extended period of time. Many people are taking advantage of the black friday sales to revamp their wardrobes completely! Although, I almost never shop during Black Friday, I must admit that the online sales are pretty solid. However, you mustn't loose your head in the sweet sales. Your minimalist wardrobe must consist of a particular few essential items and you can sprinkle a few interesting pieces to make your closet individually unique. Regardless of if you are new to minimalism or are looking to enhance your wardrobe, here are the essential pieces you need to keep on your check list this holiday season. And who knows! Maybe Santa may drop some of these items down the chimney!


You've got to have a few button downs on your checklist if you don't already have some. It is a simple, timeless, classic that you can keep for a very long time. I suggest you spend a few extra bucks here to make sure it's good quality. My favorite brands are J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. Their button downs are very well made and will last you a while even if you don't take the best care of your clothes. 

 Remember these from the 80's and 90's? Well they've made a triumphant return and boy, are they adorable! You can find these just about every where now. However, I'd take a look at British brands like New Look or Top Shop to find decent quality sweaters at an affordable price.


Remember these from the 90's? These have also made a come back! You can grab a pair of these just about anywhere as well, but the better quality pair are few and far between. I would try catching a sale at a place that specializes in jeans, like Levi or Lucky's. Make sure you catch a good sale, otherwise you'll be paying around $90. The reason I say get good quality is because these pants are made to look casual, yet put together. If the color fades, the fabric pills, or the seams tear it will just look a hot mess.

 Here's where you'll catch a break. Skirts are low priority in my book. Just grab a decent skirt or two wherever you find one you like. I suggest getting at least one leather skirt. It looks lovely with some stockings underneath. If you're in a cold region, like me, you should grab a pair of fleece stockings. Unless you don't mind the cold at all.

 Who can forget about the classic oversized coats! Inspired by menswear, these comfy oversized coats have become a staple in the minimalists wardrobe. If you live in a cold climate, make sure to opt for a wool or tweed coat. Those trap in warmth and keep out the pesky winter cold.


I used to HATE these kinds of trousers with a passion back in the day. They weren't the skinny jeans all my friends were wearing that showed off their flat butts. However, over the years I've grown to love these pants. When paired with the correct top, these look so refined and stylish. You can literally find these everywhere. I've found some lovely ones at Zara though. They should be on sale around the holidays, so you could snag a pair for about thirty or forty bucks!

 On those snowy winter nights when its extra frigid outside, these cardigans are perfect for cozying up by the fire with a cup of tea and a good book. You can find good cardigans in most stores, but again I suggest you check out British stores like Top Shop or New Look.

I'm not a big shoe person. I'm good with only a few pair of shoes. I only get about two or three pair a year! Most of the time I just get them to replace shoes I no longer wear. Based on this knowledge, I suggest you put four pairs of shoes on your checklist: black flats, ankle boots, riding boots and white sneakers. Most of the shoes above are black, but that doesn't have to be true of your wardrobe. In reality, I have brown ankle boots instead of black. I'm combing the web for black ones know, but after that, my shoe shopping is finito!

If it's any more help, here is a tangible checklist you can use to ease your holiday shopping stresses.
XOXO

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Fall Looks



Review: Tony Moly Brightening Eye Base


So I have seen sooo many mixed reviews about this product. While scrolling through the reviews on Amazon, I thought to myself "is it actually any good?!" Well, despite my better judgement, I ditched my apprehension and bought myself one at Ulta. So here's my initial thoughts about the product: it does what it's supposed to. I will elaborate what that means in the paragraphs below.

About My Skin: I have very dry skin. I have large pores on my nose and flaky skin especially on my cheeks, and forehead.

Product Description: I have decided not to include the product description here because I think it has caused a bit of confusion. This product DOES NOT lighten the under eye area over time. It is an eye base, which is different from an eye lightener.

How to Use: Before applying makeup, apply under eyes or on eye lids for an instant brightened, awake look.

Review: So let me explain what this product does. This product does not lighten your skin over time. It is a brightening base for eye makeup and to lighten your dark circles. You apply this before putting on makeup. A bunch of people seem to think that this product is supposed to lighten their dark circles over time. Let me be the first to say, No. It does not do that. So now you know what it does, lets move onto the review. So the product glides on really nicely and doesn't really smell like anything. The texture is really smooth, kind of like a highlighter stick and it is bright white. When I applied it under my eyes, it flaked a little bit because I guess I didn't apply enough moisture to my skin before using it. Once I remedied this issue, it glided on smoothly and blended out really nicely. I have pretty bad bags and it made them mostly disappear, even without foundation on! When I applied it to my eyelids, it helped my eye shadow glow brighter and last longer. This is a big deal because I have  hanging eyelids and for some reason oily eyelids as well. Meaning eye shadow DOES NOT last very long on my eyelids at all. However, this product extends its life a little bit. So, knowing that this does not brighten dark circles, this product works very well! Even on my dry skin. It glides on smoothly, lasts a long time, and makes me look awake (and not zombie-like). I don't really have anything negative to say about it. :)

Tip: Moisturize skin well before using because sometimes it flakes a little bit.

Rating: 10/10
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
Safe for Dry Skin: Yes
 

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

My Routine for Dry Natural Hair



My hair has been very upset with me. Until recently, my hair shed really badly and felt dry and brittle. On the average day, it's dry, fine and is prone to some serious build up, but until recently, my hair has really hated me. The reason why is actually pretty silly. I still didn't know what products to use on my hair! Let me explain. I've been natural for about 4 years now, I've gone through product after product, oil after oil and texture after texture. However,  one thing that I've learned is that my hair's needs are constantly changing. As my hair grows, deals with changing climates, and reacts to new products it changes. So on top of just learning about how to care for my hair, I had to take into account the effects of change.
   With this in mind, I feel like I have finally learned the secret to length retention and growth for my hair- minimalism. In college, I was obsessed with growth and if you came into my dorm everyday at around 9am, 2pm, and 8pm you'd find me messing around with my hair and checking my length. I was literally obsessed. For some girls, moisturizing hair twice a day is totally effective, but I learned that for me it's a total travesty. My hair shed as quickly as it grew and build-up inhibited hair growth. My obsession was stunting my hair growth. For successful hair growth, do as little manipulation to my hair as possible. However, the problem was that my hair is SUPER dry, SUPER fine, and is low porosity, meaning it resists moisture. All the odds were stacked against me and I didn't know what to do. My curls looked frizzy and dry, if I used product, the  product never dried in my hair making it even more frizzy. Grrr!!!! On top of that, I found out that my hair sheds really badly when I don't finger detangle it often enough. So yeah,...
   Now my hair is bra strap length and I learned exactly the right way to keep moisture in and define my stubborn, stubborn curls. Now I'm going to share what I've learned with you!

About my hair:

Porosity: Low Porosity
Density: High Density
Type: 3C
Strands: Fine
Length: BSL

DAILY 


Every night, I do an oil scalp massage and put a water based moisturizer into my hair. I try to keep the manipulation to an absolute minimum, so I gently finger detangle to get the product through my hair. After I apply the moisturizer, I also twist up that section and twist tightly to force the product through. So far it has been excellent for avoiding build-up. After that I put my hair into two crown braids and go to sleep. Most of the time, I just leave the crown braid in during the day so I don't over manipulate. I try to keep manipulation down to once a day. I've recently been using Shea Moisture's Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Hair & Scalp Leave-In Detangler, and I have been incredibly satisfied with the results! My curls are finally defined, healthy and not frizzy and gross. I will write a review for this product with full details.


Products:

1. Shea Moisture's Mint & Ginger Detox & Refresh Hair & Scalp Leave-In Detangler
2.  Oil Mixture: Aloe gel, coconut oil, Amla, Rosemary essential oil, Lemon essential oil, Grapeseed Oil

WEEKLY 


Every week, I do an ACV rinse on my hair to get rid of any build up. Build up has been a HUGE issue for me, so as much as I wish I could just wash it once a month, I really cannot. After the ACV, I do a quick shea moisture deep conditioner. After that I apply my Treseme conditioner and detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb very thoroughly. (Note: the only time a comb touches my hair is when my hair has gotten wet. Without it, my hair becomes a hot tangled mess.)

Products

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque

MONTHLY 


Once a month, I do a protein treatment because I find that too much protein makes my hair dry, brittle and crappy. For a protein treatment, I use Avacado, olive oil, two eggs, yogurt and neem powder. I let that sit for about one hour and rinse. Then I style as usual.

Notice that I never mentioned trimming my hair. That's because I don't, UNLESS my hair really needs it. If my ends are frayed and dry, I will trim them. Otherwise, there is no need to. Trimming hair regularly is actually just a myth. Besides, I noticed that those with the longest hair don't trim their hair at all! Well, I hope this post was some what helpful.





Sunday, October 16, 2016

Wardrobe Basics: My Favorite Capsule Wardrobe

I've seen a lot of people try to attempt a timeless capsule wardrobe, but this one hits the nail on the head. It shows what you need to look put together and timeless without trying too hard. Five stars! Credit to Fast Food and Fast Fashion blog!

http://www.fastfoodandfastfashion.com/2016/04/the-ultimate-capsule-wardrobe-basics.html?utm_source=bloglovin.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FastFoodandFastFashion+%28Fast+Food+%26amp%3B+Fast+Fashion%29


Saturday, October 15, 2016

How and Where to Buy Affordable Timeless Clothes


If you're like me, you can't afford to just walk out the door, drive to the mall and commit to dropping $200 worth of clothes. Because let's just admit it, timeless fashion costs serious dough now a days. Worst of all, timeless pieces can be hard to find among all the trending rubbish on the shelves. No, what you are looking for are timeless pieces that are high quality enough to last you a while, which means Forever 21 is out (sort of). In this post, I'm gonna show you how and where to shop for affordable clothes that are pretty, timeless and will last you a long time. When I go out, there are two things people say to me a lot. One is that I am always so well put together and two, they ask how I can afford it. Plainly put, I can't. Not at full price, that is. I find deals, and sites where I can get what I need really cheap.

Know What You Need

A classic wardrobe is a simple wardrobe. You really only need wardrobe essentials. So make a list of the things you need before you start shopping. Sometimes I make a  "need" list and a "want" list to keep me on track. No need to spend money on frivolous things, you're trying save money remember?



Where To Shop 

After you've decided what you need. It's time to start shopping! For me, looking for what I need is a kind of a lengthy process. I like shopping! I kind of make it a game of where I can find the best deal. The key is to make buying clothes full price a last resort. So here's my cheat sheet:

1. Thrift Store
2. Shopping apps
3. Online Shopping 
4. Wait for Sales at Outlets 
5. Full Price at the Mall 

Start by going to a high-end consignment shop. Not the kind of place that inspired Macklemore's song. A place where you know there are major brands for affordable prices.  If you knock off a few things on your list there, then yay!! If you can't find everything you need there, then it's time to check out a few apps. 

https://www.vinted.com/
I have had an app called Vinted for the last couple of years! It's literally an online consignment, but often the clothes are brand spankin' new! Half of my wardrobe has come from this app! I've even sold things on it! The sellers are kind, fast and you can always find high-end clothes at really low prices. There's no bidding, but you can talk to the seller, offer a lower price, and negotiate. I've done it several times. Sellers typically are very reasonable. In a later post, I will share with you the looks that I created with the clothes I bought from Vinted. Here is a list of the brands you should look for: 

1. Ralph Lauren
2. Tommy Hilfiger
3. Bass 
4. Loft 
5. Ann Taylor 
6. J.Crew 
7. Top Shop 
8. Vince Camuto (just got a trench coat for 30 bucks!)
9. Burberry 
10. Jack Wills 
11. Zara 
12. New Look 

If I still can't find what I'm looking for, I'll try to find deals online. To shop online, you must know your size very well. Check the measurements and the reviews for reference to see how the item fits. The websites I frequent J.Crew Factory, Banana Republic Factory,  ModCloth, and Top Shop

 If you STILL can't find what you're looking for. It's time to hit the mall! When you get there, focus on stores that you know will carry the timeless clothing that you're looking for! Make sure to avoid trendy stores and clothes made cheaply, unless you are getting tank tops, or accessories (NOT SHOES), such as hats, socks, necklaces, scarves, leggings, and sunglasses. Here is an official list of the stores I shop at:

1. J.Crew
2. Banana Republic 
3. Gap 
4. Forever 21 (Only for accessories) 
5. Ann Taylor 
6. Loft
7. Uniqlo 
 Notice that the brands are little lower end than the ones you were looking for in apps and online. The reason for this is because you are FAR less likely to find a good deal on clothing if you walk into the store. You find awesome deals in consignment shops, online and in apps. Especially so in the Vinted app because they know they need to sell they're items, so the either start with low prices or they slowly lower them over time. Either way works for you!

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Cozy Indie Folk Playlist for October!

Cozy up with a good book and this soothing indie folk playlist! As the air cools down and it begins to rain (a lot), enjoy the songs in the playlist to lift your spirits a little. Hope you like it!


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Like Simple, Classic and Puttogether On Facebook!


Hey guys! Guess what!? I'm on Facebook! There you can find my fashion, music, and Korean skincare updates all in one place. Make sure to drop a like!

https://www.facebook.com/simpleclassicandputtogether/

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Get The Job: Everything You'll Need To Know About Interviewing




When I was in high school my mom spent a considerable amount of time and resources teaching me business etiquette and interview skills. At the time, of course, I scoffed at her and continued ripping my jeans (it looked tragic, just tragic). However, after  going to college I was so thankful that she forced me (kicking and screaming) to attend business etiquette courses, dinners and lunches because people found me very professional and poised. Working at the campus career center only solidified what my mother taught me in high school. However, and most importantly, what I learned was effective. Very effective. I don't mean to sound conceited, but I have always been hired for the job/internship that I am given the chance to interview for. If I interview, I get the job. It sounds crazy, but it's 100% true. Now I'm going to help you get the job. I was in recruiting for a couple of years and I'm just going to be frank with you. Most people don't really know what they're doing when they interview people, so they often pick people who just interview well. So if you can get in there and kick-ass, that alone increases your chances of getting the job exponentially. Getting the interview is another issue entirely, but when you get to the interview phase here are some tricks, tips, advice and just about everything you'll need to become a good interviewer and get the job you want.

 What Not To Wear 


 You've heard this a hundred times already, but I'm gonna say it again. Dress decently for your interview. I haven't recruited for that long, but I've seen people show up in wrinkled clothes, smelly clothes and even wear jeans. It's unprofessional. Don't do it.  You should dress according to the line of work you're interviewing for. I like to divide it into three sections: Law firm, Corporate, Artistic. For a law firm, you must always dress to the nines or business formal. Have a suit, loafers and briefcase. For corporate, you can dress down just a little bit. You'll notice that some of the employees are just pretty casually. So I say its safe to dress in business or business casual. Artistic is totally up to you. If you're applying to work within music, art, or photography then get creative and express yourself with what you wear.

Do Your Research

Your interviewer will most likely ask you why you want to work for them, what draws your interest, why you applied, what excites you about working at their company, or why you think you'll be a good fit for their company. None of these questions cannot be answered without doing your research. If you make up some bull-crap they'll know, and you'll look like such an idiot. So look for these three things when doing your research and you'll be good to go:

  •  What They Do/Make - This is soooo important. I cannot stress this enough. Know what the   company does or makes. If you don't know any of this, you might as well not go to the interview at all. Knowing what they do will help you to align your interests with their products or services. You always want to show to them that you cared enough to do your research and that you'll be the perfect choice for the job because you know about about what they do and love it. 
  • Their Mission Statement - What are trying to accomplish? What are their goals and why did they start the company? Every company has an objectives and goals. Know what those are and convince the interviewer that you can help them toward those goals because you have skill in X, a passion for Y and experience to boot. If you don't have experience, then just sell the skill and passion part really well.  
  • Their Values - Look for the type of person they may want to hire. You can tell this either from their about page or from the employee listing page. Sometimes they list their employees' backgrounds. See if you notice any trends at all. Look at their photos as well. Are they stiff and professional looking, or are they smiling and charismatic? That may give you some clues into the type of person they like to hire. Look to see if you can spot what their values are as well. Look to see if certain words are repeated over and over. If you see the word passionate, devoted, professional, best, or prestigious over and over, then that tells you what reputation or appearance they want the company to have. Most likely they'll want employees that emulate those values. So look to incorporate them in your interview.
  • Company Culture - This often gets overlooked during the research phase, but its also pretty important. Sometimes interviewers will ask what environment you prefer to be in or what is your ideal working conditions. Look for photographs on the website or look to see if their employees are divided by teams. If so, you'll most likely be working in a team environment. If you see photos of merrymaking and happiness, you might be able to bet that they have a very casual work environment. If there are no photos or anything to work with, then wait till you get in the company. While they are taking you to the interview room, look around and try to judge the environment by quick glance. You should also ask what the environment is like during the interview.
  •  The Job Description - Always read the job description and check it twice. Everything that they are looking for in an employee is in that job description. Look for specific qualities and bring those up in your interview. Make sure you address the negative aspects of the job too. For example, if the job has a lot of travel, (make sure you're okay with it first then) reassure them that you're totally fine with it. 

Look Them in the Eyes and Speak Up!

I was told once in an interview that they turned the other applicants away sorely based on the fact that they twiddled with their thumbs awkwardly and didn't look the interviewer in the eyes during the interview. So maintain a smile and eye contact throughout the whole session. It shows that you know what you're talking about and are confident in your abilities whether you actually are or not. Fake it till you make it! Also make sure to speak loud and clearly. I noticed that people that were a bit clearer and louder were looked upon more favorably in recruiting. To be frank, they often want to see that you're a leader, even if they don't put you in a leadership position. In fact, you'll probably be in a team situation where you won't get to lead anything for a long time. What they actually want is someone who will take orders in the well, yet acts like a leader in interviews. After all, you do have to stand out.

Tell an Interesting Story

Always include an interesting story of your experiences. For example, I am often asked if I can multitask well. If I just say yes, then that doesn't actually answer the question and leaves them wondering if it's actually true at all. However, when I say, "Yes, when I worked at X company, it was my daily responsibility to answer phones, greet people at the door, make connections with potential clients, and juggle cats. It was definitely alot, but I loved what I was doing because I learned X and got to speak to Y." Try to tell interesting (and entirely truthful) stories about your experiences, because it shows that you enjoyed your work and that you actually learned something. It also intrigues the interviewer. They'll want to keep talking to you and learning about you. If you tend to have trouble telling interesting stories, think of your previous experiences and prepare a story or two  ahead of time. Please remember to stick to the point of the question. Don't go on long tangents with your stories, its becomes a travesty.

Have an Answer to Every Questions

Never leave a question unanswered or have some vague response. If they surprise you with a question you don't know the answer to, don't panic. "I'm not sure" is a perfectly fine answer. Interviewers like to see that you admit when you don't know the answer to something. They know that you don't know everything. If you like, you can ask about it after the interview. If there's a question that they ask and the answer is negative, for example that you don't have experience in X or you don't know something, turn it around to your advantage and let them know that you are excited about learning about it,  or that you have Y skill, which should make it easier for you to learn X. 


Read Their Body Language

Often times I can tell what kind of answer my interviewers are looking for based on their body language. Experienced recruiters will attempt to look very partial and non-biased in their interviews, but you can always tell what they really want from you. Listen to them describe the job description and what they're looking for. Listen carefully.
  • If they seem to repeat certain qualifications or skills, keep that in mind. They must really want the person they hire to have those qualifications. 
  • If they say something negative about their job/company, file that away because you'll need to prove that you can handle it.
  •  If they look concerned or stutter a bit when describing a certain aspect of the job, that means that they are slightly worried that you don't have the experience to deal with it or that you won't want to deal with it. File that away as well, you'll need to prove, confidently, that you can and will. 
  • If they appear distant or disengaged. Pull out your charisma and try to get their full attention. They may not be sold on you. So make eye contact, smile and try to sell yourself well. 
  • Watch their wording. If they say "What you will be doing in the position is..." then that means that they probably like you a lot and are pushing to hire you. They have subconsciously put you in the position. If they say "What you would be doing is,..."  then you still have some selling to do, but that doesn't necessarily mean defeat. Experienced recruiters will use this to keep unbiased and difficult to read, fortunately most recruiters aren't that experienced so you're probably good. 
  • If they describe the opportunity to make it sound kind of basic, then they think you're a bit over qualified. You'll have to convince them that this job is better for you than a job that you are better qualified for, and why you are passionate about it. 

Always Have Questions

You must ALWAYS have questions. It shows that you are truly interested in the job and what you'll be getting into. It also shows that you care to find out if it's a good fit for you. My favorite questions are as follows: 
  • What is the environment like? 
  • Do people tend to work independently or in a team? 
  • What did you do before accepting this position? 
  • What skills do you think are most important to have to excel in this position? 
  • What's your favorite part of having this job? Least favorite? 
  • Can you describe your average day? 


I know it's a lot, but just keep calm and do your best. Interviews are just socially acceptable arenas to judge someone mercilessly in a short period of time to see if someone will be a good employee. Treat it as such and prepare well. It's hard to judge you in an hour! So give them everything they need to make an accurate assessment. The better prepared you are, the less likely you will be to be anxious about being judged. That being said, interviews are a very logical place to be nervous. Let yourself be nervous, it's okay. Just try not to let it show.


Typical Interview Questions:

  • Why did you apply for this job?
  • Why are you interested in our company?
  • How does your previous experience apply to this position?
  •  Why do you think you'll be a good fit?
  • What excites you about the role?
  • What potential problems do you think will arise?
  • What is your ideal manager-employee relationship?
  • Do you work well in a team?
  • Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What did you do to fix it?
  • Tell me about a time things didn't go as planned. How did you deal with it?
  • How do you stay organized? (I often say lists) 
  • How do you de-stress?
  • What three skills would make you most qualified for this job?
  • Can you describe our product in your own words?
  • Describe your experience at your previous company

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Review: Tony Moly I'm Real Rice Smooth Toner


Hey guys!! Sorry for the late posting! I was visiting my family in Virginia for a while. To get some more sunshine and some beach! The moist air is so much better for my dry skin than it is up here in MA, but I couldn't stay there forever. So I decided to go to Ulta to stock up for the dry, cold Boston air. I was met with a very sweet surprise- that's right-Korean skincare brands! Turns out Ulta stocks Tony Moly products! My sister just rolled her eyes, because I was like a kid in a candy store. I picked out three products and I am going to review all three products starting with Tony Moly's I'm Real Rice Smooth Toner. It's been exactly two weeks since I begin using this product so my review will be accurate depiction of the product's efficacy.

About My Skin: I have very dry skin. I have large pores on my nose and dry skin especially on my cheeks, and forehead.

Product Description:  This light and moisturizing toner refreshes and cleans skin for healthier more moisturized skin. It also contains rice, which is excellent for dry skin and moisture.

How to Use: Apply product to palm of hand, then pat it onto skin until somewhat dry.

Ingredients: 


Review: So my first impression of this product was apprehensive. Having super dry skin and the word toner triggers me a little. I had a terrible experience with a "mild" toner in high school. Long story short, I walked around all week with a red, burning, itchy, flaky face. I shudder at the thought. Anyway, I am proud to say that this product is NOTHING like that one. This toner (which is ACTUALLY mild) is so moisturizing and cleansing. The texture is very watery and clear. It applied nicely and didn't really have a smell. Not that I noticed at least. The first few applications were not very effective. I always wait at least two weeks before judging how effective a product is. After two weeks, I can say that it has not my face itchy, burning, red or flaky. In fact, it is minimizing my pores, and cleaning my skin so that my pores aren't so big. However, I had to learn that it won't keep my pores down all the time. I have to use it everyday religiously in order to keep my pores down. That makes sense given that pores never stay down anyway. If you have large pores, they will go back to their natural state after at least 24 hours, or when the product wears off. However, it worked well during the time I use it. Its light and very moisturizing. It doesn't dry out my skin at all or cause any issues to my sensitive skin. I give this product the green light!

Note: This product doesn't work immediately, so give it some time to begin working and penetrating your skin. Your skin also needs time to adjust to it. Some makeup guru's claim it takes your skin about two weeks to acclimate to a new product. During that time you may experience some breakouts and burning. That's normal. If it's really severe stop using the product, but minor burning and breakouts are to be expected. If you break out longer than two weeks then stop using the product and call your doctor (according to every infomercial ever). During the first week, it burned my cheeks once or twice, however, it has never burned me since. So give it at least two weeks before making the judgment call.

Rating: 10/10
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
Safe for Dry Skin: Yes








Monday, September 19, 2016

Advice for Recent Graduates Based on My Own Experiences

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We are taught from the moment we can talk that we can accomplish anything with our lives if we set our minds to it. If we ever have any doubt whether or not it's possible, we are given shinning examples of what hard-work and determination can yield. Eventually, we create our own standards of achievement. Soon we're in college trying to make our dreams come true to become like our role models. However, many of us suffer from instant gratification. In order to feel successful, we must see the fruits of our labor immediately. Because that's what happened in the case of our role models right? Well, not quite. After graduating, I was struck with the reality that success in the form that I  imagined it is VERY difficult to obtain, and is often never obtained. Does that mean give up? On the contrary, it means that we have to realize that in a social media driven world where success is measured by the amount of respect or admiration we obtain, or the number of likes we have on Facebook, we have to approach our goals differently and remember to fight the good fight. Here are some tips that I have learned to cope with post grad reality.

1. Check Your Ego

When applying for jobs, I had to do a serious ego check. I thought that since I had leadership roles and excelled in university I would have no trouble rising above the pack and obtaining a job. I had a padded resume and a similarly padded ego. I was in for a reality check when I was still jobless after several months, just like many others. Graduating university is a big deal, and I don't mean to de-legitimize that, however remember that there are MANY other people applying for the same jobs as you are. Many others with great credentials and personalities. If you think you deserve something more than someone else then you are setting yourself up for a huge emotional disaster if things don't work out. So humble yourself. That way when you get a job, you'll be genuinely grateful for it.

2. You Are Not Alone

I often found myself thinking that me being unable to find a job was my own fault. I must not be bright enough or charismatic enough. My shortcomings were because I was sub-par, as a result I began to feel very isolated and alone. What was wrong with me? Did I not deserve a job? My friends had gotten jobs just fine. When in reality others struggled with me. I phoned a few friends and they told me how they were in exactly the same conundrum as I was! Soon, I felt so much better knowing that I wasn't alone. You never are alone in this issue. Thousands of recent grads are suffering with you and would love to share sentiments with you over a glass of wine.

3. Accept Failure 

Say it with me "I am going to fail before I succeed." The sooner you embrace it, the happier you'll be. I took a job right out of university and I thought it was such a huge accomplishment. But it turned out that that job was a huge disaster. The working conditions were poor and the management was trying to push me out. I ended up having to walk away from that job. I thought I was such a failure for having gone through that. However, I realized that my role models had to fail ALOT before becoming successful. What the media doesn't show us is all the screw ups that led to the successful icon we see today. The success is great, but the failures are critical. You're going to face rejection and screw ups before you see the light. Just keep at it!

4. Do What Makes You Happy 

We are taught that we must go to college to get a good job so that we can make money and live respected and comfortable lives. The things we care about and our job are often considered separate entities. I hate this ideology. If you really want to apply for some job that you know you will love, but you also feel you can't get, apply any way! Who knows right? Always push to do what makes you happy. If you like to draw, draw and put your art online. Join a meetup group with other artists, and take some classes. Cultivate what you love, because when you have true passion for something often a career will create itself. If you're like me, you can cultivate these things in your free-time and watch the opportunities unfold. I hear too often that people let 'making a living' detract from what they truly love in life. Explore these opportunities and just go with it!

5. Keep an Open Mind 

Like my mother would say, "You're young! You have no kids! Live your life and explore." In otherwords, be open to new opportunities even if they aren't ideal or what your envisioned. Life is too short to shut doors on new things because of fear of the unknown. Take a chance and if it doesn't work out then now ya know!