12/29/15

食戟のソーマ ED01


I was watching the Gintama Jump Festa special and the Shokugeki no Soma parody was possibly the best thing ever so I took a break from Initial D, rewatched SnS for the 3rd or 4th time, drew this (aka the cutest ED to ever exist) while blasting the SnS OST and made Joichiro's Special Rich Ramen. Now I'm putting sake and soy sauce on everything.

12/7/15

DEVON AOKI- VOGUE KOREA


My latest scribble of one of my favorite faces. Currently working on a Lee Soo Hyuk one (๑♡‿♡๑). It'd probably be appropriate to call this an azn babes series.

MoMA-NORAH



When you have a really modern minimalist menorah from the MoMA in your house for whatever reason but you're Buddhist and your boyfriend's religion is something with weed that's not Rastafarian so you use them for minimalist looking potpourri instead

12/4/15

FORM


tfw the NIB Maison Martin Margiela sock boots you've been watching on eBay forever gets reduced by $100 (◍•ᴗ•◍)♡ ✧*。
This is my PSA for unpacking your seasonal closet in time for winter. I went to NYC over Halloween and was not at all ready for the cold. My luggage made no sense. Baby pink pleather Junya Watanabe shorts? It's not going to be that cold, is it? "It's fine I'll be fine" (definitely wasn't fine). It wasn't until after I came home and unloaded my winter closet did I realize I had my winter uniform right in front of me. A large component of that being my favorite shitty $3.50 mens XXL sweater. But then I got to thinking... Is this too Vetements? Which is stupid because I've been wearing this sweater for before Vetements was a thing - which is also fine since Vetements is a lil cute - which is fucked up because it's actually not that cute, it just looks slightly better than the rest of the bullshit out there.
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

9/6/15

C&C

MAC Cosmetics Conceal and Correct Palette in Light and Medium
I recently grabbed these palettes for a client who came to me for wedding makeup. I was planning on returning the palette that didn't match my client but it really exceeded my expectations so I decided to keep them both... because I'm a makeup hoarder.
The colors inside the pan look much darker than they do out of the pan. The light shade (at the top of the photo) matched my NC15-20 client flawlessly and instantly brought a fresh and natural looking glow to her face. As for me, being between NC25-30 the medium palette works perfectly. There's a very deep tone on the middle right side that is most definitely way too dark for me but I can see it maybe coming in handy for people that like to go tanning.
So, last night I put the 8 hour wear claim through the ultimate test. From 12am-6am I went to an oddly juvenile and poorly ventilated house party with what sounded like a Weezer cover band, a club that was formerly the great Mink for a strange hip hop cover band (what's with these cover bands?), an empty art gallery with a handful of giggling dorks with a frog and 5 different after hours Korean karaoke bars (one of them was filled with really amazingly dressed Korean babes that looked like they belonged in kpop bands). At the end of the insanity, I went home with a pretty damn perfect looking mug. I looked almost like I did when I left the house 6 hours ago with some inevitable oiliness. Damn you, oily dehydrated skin!!
All in all I'd recommend this to everyone who's looking for a concealer, even if you're not looking for a palette. It's just that good.

8/31/15

SO VAIN

Tom Ford Fall '15 Lipstick in So Vain 
Say hi to my new favorite lipstick, Tom Ford's So Vain. The color is a really naturally unnatural looking rose-y mauve with a light golden sheen. There is something that has to be said about this lipstick, and it's the fact that there are giant flecks of glitter in it. Like, huge, to the point that I can actually feel the particles when I swipe it on from the bullet. I usually hate big particles of glitter but in this case it looks really subtle on the lips, which is Tom's favorite look judging from the Black Sugar nail lacquer that seems to have really pretty red glitter in the bottle but looks exactly like OPI You Don't Know Jacques - which is one solid color (I swatched them side by side and instantly got pissed off). However, the glitter reveals itself in a major way when the lipstick is wiped off, it leaves a gold flecked pout that actually looks quite chic rather than tacky in a 90s glitter gloss way. Matte lips have been in all summer so it only makes sense that glossy and shimmery lips will be making their way back soon.

PAAKO

Tom Ford Sable Smoke Lipstick // Helmut Lang Muscle Tee
Let's talk about clip in hair extensions! It's so fun to play around with long hair, especially without the damage microbead and glue extensions can cause.
I received some really nice quality human hair 18" platinum blonde ones (c/o Irresistible Me) that I toned to match my hair perfectly (not recommended for non professionals). They came wrapped in a sleek black package with replacement clips and a test extension so that you wouldn't have to unravel the whole set in case you were feeling unsure. It's a really clever idea actually, especially for people who have to tone or lift their extensions to match. In my case, having being lightened for 4ish years, my hair is very porous and tends to take toner unevenly without a filler. Knowing this and diving into toning the extensions, I found the hair to be quite healthy and took the toner smoothly. The weight of the clip ins are pretty spot on as well, they blend with my slightly grown out shoulder length (as you can see in my previous ootd posts and on instagram) lob seamlessly.
Plenty of people straighten their clip ins so they blend well but it's not my style so I opted for a messy look, which is more in tune with my DNA as well as the clip ins since they've got a really beautiful natural wave. Now I can reach my final form, which is something between Paako and Tokiko... not like there's really a difference between the two...

8/29/15

プラハ



I'm going through this jpop thing and it's fine.
I've been really busy lately but I'll start posting regularly soon! I just bought some flatform Prada ss13 sandals from the RealReal and thigh high tabi socks for my birthday so....

7/6/15

DIOR SUMMER

clockwise from top: the New DiorShow Mascara, DiorSkin Nude Air Serum Foundation, DiorAddict Lip Glow

Some summer upgrades!
The new DiorShow formula pretty good so far. The old formula made my eyes obnoxiously dry but I kept coming back because it's the only mascara that helps my pin straight (ugh) lashes hold a curl. Apparently the tube has been altered to push less air into the bottle when you return the wand, which leads to less drying of the product (a major complaint of mine and many others) as well as dispense less product. I'm not so excited about dispensing less product, I'm sure it was the result of lessening air entry that affected the wiper but it's dispensing less than I'd like. Now the look is more defined rather than bulked up which is not what most users are used to with the old DiorShow. It's comparable to MAC's Haute & Naughty mascara in the way that it's the same brush that has two different wipers for completely different results. Perhaps it could have been thought out a little better.
DiorSkin Nude Air is my first foray into serum foundations. I'm loving it so far, it actually does feel like air, looks insanely natural and has a slightly buildable coverage. Shade 21 with MAC Pro Long Wear concealer in NC25 is a perfect match. I haven't been this satisfied with a foundation since I found Boots Beautifully Matte a few years ago. 
I'm on my third tube of DiorAddict Lip Glow. Nuff said.

6/29/15

REI


I know I've been MIA lately, but that'll change eventually. Until then I'll leave you with these. Say hi to my new addition, Rei! As I suspected, it's extremely dangerous working next door to Agent Provocateur/letting the sales girls have my phone number. But the ribbons are the same color as my Cindy and Jaccinta sets so it's like I've got one happy ultra bright family.

6/4/15

OWARI NO SERAPH



I don't usually like vampire flicks and the first episode gives off insanely gross pedophile vibes (not so much in the manga though) but this is the best show on television rn. Plus I really want to dress like Mika. Give me a long white hooded cape and thigh high boots, okay!

5/15/15

CREAMI

 
Easing myself into all white looks for spring. I've always been a fairly monochromatic girl so this only makes sense, however I do like to eat so it doesn't make sense because I've already spilled hot cheeto dust all over myself. I know, classy.

4/15/15

BLOOM


I've been living in these loose jeans, don't judge me. Also I've been trying to get more comfortable with daytime drag looks (in this case a light smoky eye and deep mauve to pale pink ombre lips) since I have an interview with MAC on Monday (!!!). My makeup hoarding is about to get waaaaay worse.

4/9/15

SPRING PALETTE

clockwise from top left: Club, Beautiful Iris, Motif, All That Glitters
Purples and Pinks for my spring palette. Club is a plum and green holographic shadow that looks fantastic as a sharp graphic cat eye. Beautiful Iris is a gorgeous sheer violet that looks amazing on its own, used as a highlighter, with a deep lip or paired with Motif, which is a peach and lavender holographic shadow that also looks great on its own or paired with a red lip. Last but not least, All That Glitters is the perfect versatile pinky silvery rose that literally can work its way into any look. I think it's great to have a little compact palette of all the colors that can work with any look. It's definitely easier than trying to shove my palette of 18 shadows in my bag for sure.

4/6/15

GLOSS NOIR


I've been on the market for an eye gloss ever since my discontinued Calvin Klein Clear Eye Gloss exploded for no apparent reason. I know I'll never be able to find a clear eye gloss that good again, seeing as my search throughout the internet merely brought me to MAC's Studio Eye Gloss, which comes in white, black, burgundy and champagne. They're fairly sheer, very glittery (the photo is a pretty clear indicator of that) and incredibly sticky, like my eyelid literally stuck to my brush and fingers as I was putting it on. Not to stress, that feeling eventually fades as it settles. It looks nice layered over a smoky eye to add depth and dimension or on its own for a sheer slick. Plus the glitter is actually not so noticeable once it's on, so it's not a full on drag type of situation. It definitely took a few tries to get the right look, but I've settled on layering it over eyeliner for a greasy lived in cat eye with a light wash of it over a bare lid.

UP & DOWN


There's something about a red lip and a white tee that really appeals to me for spring. It's dressed up, it's dressed down, it's the perfect equilibrium for pared down chic. That only means I need to wear baggy jeans and ultra ladylike shoes to match... and maybe a big ass ghetto chain necklace, just for safe measure.

4/4/15

BATTLE TRAK

PAPAYA

STYX

NYX Wonder Stick in Light/Medium

Okay, so maybe something good came out of the Kardashian fame... that one good thing being the ever so growing popularity of conturing. I remember years ago making a big fuss about the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate. It still is an incredible product, but competition is budding up on the scene, everyone from Lancôme to NYX is catching up. The latter, weighing in at a whopping $12 (!!!), has been my answer to every day contouring without diving into an $80 compact just for a little definition to go to work. The application may seem harsh and jarring at first, but it blends seamlessly into the skin. The bronzer side is the perfect ashy tawny color to imitate shadows and the grind of the glitter in the highlighter is so tender and natural. At such a low price point and diverse color range there's really no reason not to try it just once.

4/3/15

MILK & COOKIES


I'm not a baker but these are the best vegan cookies ever. You can find the recipe here.

4/1/15

SMOOTH OPERATOR


With April in full effect, comes April showers. April showers bring humidity, and with humidity comes hell bound frizzy hair. With the onset trend of "rich girl hair" (as The Cut calls it) shiny, smooth and soft are all vital to this look. MoroccanOil's Smoothing line has been transformative for people struggling with frizzy kinks. This stuff is no bullshit. Even just the Smoothing Lotion alone helps tremendously. Personally, I have to use purple shampoo so often times the smoothing shampoo and conditioner does not easily wedge its way into my routine, but when it does, I always opt to air dry. Frizz. Free.

*crazed happiness ensues*
✿♥‿♥✿

3/30/15

POP



Aren't these Balenciaga Prefall '12 boots insane? They're like Louis Vuitton's fall '14 boots on acid. I've come to the conclusion that Ghesqueire's Balenciaga is equal to current Louis Vuitton, possibly even better and a hell of a lot more reasonably priced. Queue the never ending eBay watch list filled with Ghesquiere era Balenciaga... I'm not the only one, right?

3/27/15

LACY

Agent Provocateur Lacy Bra
A 1/4th cup bra with a spattering of lace on top... What's not to love? Oh yeah, the price tag -___-
Having an Agent Provocateur at the nearest mall is probably the best/worst thing for my life.

3/24/15

TILBURY TUESDAY





In honor of me driving down the street and slightly freaking out seeing Charlotte Tilbury's imported taxi next to me, here's some of my favorite looks from before she became a walking advertisement for her brand. Now, I'm not trying to knock her hustle, I was just a bit more appreciative when she's using products she actually believes in rather than whatever has her name on it. I'm sure her products are great but it's even better knowing what amazing concealers got her through the majority of her career.

3/22/15

CURRENTLY BINGE WATCHING



My new favorite show. It's like if X Files fucked Death Note and this is their alien bastard child. Just ignore the awful dubstep and intro and it's kind of amazing.

3/19/15

EXTREMELY LATE TO PARIS

Yohji FW15
I know I'm super late to this but you guys have no idea how intense pfw is for me, all my faves showing and trying to live my life at the same time. I might not do this next year.
Warning: Insanely Photo Heavy. Because there was too much to love.

-A

Benefit Fake Up, Retin-A smuggled from Mexico, Nature's Plus Pure Vitamin E Oil

We all know Retin-A is good for your skin, and all around the internet the cry is heard about how it's turning people's skin red and flaky (just look at Wayne Goss's instagram post). Yes, that is a side effect and it really is a horror to be dealt with until your skin becomes used to it. Honestly it still happens to me, albeit not quite as bad, and I just downgraded with the 0.05% formula from a 0.1% formula. It's aggravating for sure but it can be strategically avoided, simply with a light scrub from a konjac sponge, pure vitamin e oil and an emollient concealer. I swear Benefit's Fake Up was made for Retin-A users, although the color range is pitiful.
Are any of my readers Retin-A users? Let me know how you deal with side effects in the comments!

TIED UP


Consider my foot stuck in the seventies bandwagon. I almost thought that a suede mini skirt and lace up sandals would be teetering into sheer seventies insanity but it just goes to show that everything works better together in dark neutral tones. Sorry marsala, not this time.

3/18/15

70'S FOREVER



The name on everyones lips come fashion week, Nicolas Ghesquiere. He's a trend setter and it's always been that way, that's why everyone and their mom are hopping on the 70s style bandwagon. Personally it's not "me" but regardless I think there are plenty of ways that everyone can throw some groovy injections into their spring wardrobe and still be 100% true to their personal style. Really you'd only need to pick one piece and go with it.


Below are some of my affordable 70s inspired picks for people who aren't ready to fully commit to spending thousands on actual Louis Vuitton

3/13/15

SUEDE

 

The hero piece of the season (aka burnt sienna suede) has been sitting in my closet untouched for two years. Goes to show that you should reconsider selling things you haven't worn in ages... *queue Hoarders intro*

3/6/15

3/1/15

HAMMAM

Imaan Hammam for Pop Magazine Fall 13/14
I've been drawing more than posting outfits. In my defense it's really disgusting outside.

2/26/15

TRUFFLE


Fresh pasta, fried garlic and shallots in cream, shaved black truffles and parmesan cheese. Hands down the simplest and most delicious pasta I've ever made.

2/25/15

LFW IN REVIEW

Giles FW15

Get the London lewk (aka everything 70s and kinda goth)

2/24/15

BLUE COLLAR


Ready for spring... wherever it is. 

NYFW IN REVIEW

Concept Korea FW15

There wasn't a whole lot to love at NYFW. There never is. But this is apparently a fashion blog so I'll get on with it... It's just fucked up when I'm considering Narsico Rodriguez to be one of the best shows in NY and he is always so safe and boring.
So here goes nothing... with all 4 shows that I liked....   ----______----

2/20/15

CULO



An attempt at wearing culottes and being short at the same time. 

2/16/15

ROUGH

from Steven Meisel - Iron Butterflies
Thinking about going back to school for art/design has gotten me to realize that I haven't picked up a pencil and used it creatively in over half a decade. Seriously. All my oil paints are collecting dust in a box I haven't even looked at in years.
As of last night, I broke that spell and I realized I have shit ton of progress to make. I'm no where near as good as I used to be. The thought of drawing a hand that doesn't have a turkey head on the thumb makes parts of my brain rot (as you can see here, I'm really just plain shitty). So until school completely takes over my life, I'll be sharing some doodles here and there.
Constructive criticism is always accepted! Just don't be complete assholes.

MINT


Because faux fur isn't murder... Even though my bag is pony hair 

2/11/15

OPEN



Because back hasn't seen the light of day since October

SEARED


Seared Ahi Tuna Poke (the secret is in the coconut aminos)

2/10/15

SUITS U


I think I've been watching too many Saint Laurent shows...

2/8/15

COCO


These coconut pancakes got me like O.T. Genasis.
This recipe is so simple, easy and stupid delicious and the addition of chia seeds help the batter stick together better.



2/2/15

ZUT

CAULIPIZZA


I'm not vegan. I love meat. I love bread. I love cheese. But I also happen to love this cauliflower crust pizza. Apparently cauliflower is a trendy health food right now and this pizza is seriously insane. I don't put quite as much cheese as the recipe calls for, and it's still crazy cheesy, and I make my own heirloom habanero tomato sauce. I'm not one to follow recipes verbatim, but that's just me. You can find the recipe here.

1/30/15

1/28/15

SHORT & LONG


Because what's wrong with looking like a bear in a mini skirt?

1/14/15

PINNED


Well, this happened...