If I were taking one of those magazine ‘What is your style?’ quizzes, I know right off the bat there would be no option for me. I’m not glam rock, definitely not vintage-girly, not entirely preppy and not a “hipster”. I read fashion blogs and admire how their writers dress as if out of the same fashion line — cohesive yet different. But that’s not me!

I get all dolled up at night and go Tiger Lily on you during the day. There is no clear-cut pattern in my wardrobe, and I’m starting to come to terms with it. Some say I’m classic, others eclectic. But why put yourself in a category box at all? I wear what I like, what makes me feel best. If I must be put into a box, that’s the category I’d like to fall under.

That said, reading over Nubby’s post on personal style signatures, I found that while I don’t limit myself to the confined walls of one single style, there are some recurring style choices in my fashion history:

• Above all, simplicity. You will find about four patterned pieces in my closet altogether, and they are all florals. I also don’t do layering very well (I’ll go as far as two layers before feeling like a complete fool!)
• Plenty of neutral basics.
• Bodycon anything.
• Nailpolish. My favs: mint green, bubblegum pink, red & burgundy.
• Smokey eyes & syrup lips. I don’t like perfect makeup, and I feel the smokey eye is ideal for making my eyes stand out in a natural almost effortless manner. MAC Syrup lipstick is also a daily fav.
• Flats. I only wear heels when going out, or to a fancy dinner; otherwise it’s flats all the way for me!
• Statement accessories. Accessories actually bother me a lot of the time; I find them impractical, which puts me in a predicament as I own so many you’d think they were ‘my thing’. I’ll usually only wear a necklace, or a bracelet, or a big chunky ring, but never all at the same time. I can’t go out without earrings on though! As for sunglasses/hats/bandanas, they don’t exist for me.
• Oversized bags. I don’t know how to live without them and struggle to jam everything into a tiny purse for night outings :(

Basically if I’m going to be worrying about an outfit while wearing it, it’s not for me. Everything I wear I do because a) I absolutely love it b) it fits well and c) I am comfortable in it. That’s all there is to it for me, really!

What are your style signatures?

When I was 12, I became obsessed with BonneBell lipgloss and Bath & Bodyworks glitter. They were my life. That’s as far as my makeup ideas went, and I loved it! Throughout middle school and highschool I got more into it, but not as a daily kind of thing. Perhaps it was because I felt a bit stupid wearing makeup and a uniform, and I didn’t think school was that important to get dressed up for anyway. But then I broke free of that and realized that HEY! If done right, makeup can be amazing!

The way I see it, makeup is there to enhance your features, whether it’s a bright or subtle look you’re going for. The only time it can get really, really bad, is when used as a mask (and I mean literally!). I guess the first step is recognizing and accepting that you are already beautiful without it, whether you’re a fair skinned beauty with green eyes and exquisite red locks or you’re darker with deep black eyes and amazing dark curls. There’s something suitable for every skin tone and every eye-color, so go with what you have instead of trying to work against it!

I wear makeup because by playing up my best features, I get an extra kick of confidence in me. I wear it because I think it’s fun to change looks once in a while, always going for something that defines me and that I feel good in. I’m not afraid to wear loud red lips if the occasion is right, but I also have no problem leaving the house ‘fresh faced’ with just a touch of lipgloss! It is by no means a necessary part of my routine, although I’m going through a phase where I just want to try and experiment with new products and colors. I find it incredibly interesting and fun!

What do you think about makeup? Why do you or don’t you wear it?

What have you guys been obsessing over lately?

So last night you stayed up til four in the morning, which may or may not have been due to studying, and after what seemed like five minutes your alarm goes off. Do not hit that snooze button!

First things first
Stretch before you get out of bed, and head straight for the bathroom. My great grandmother did not bother with face creams but despite the years her skin always looked young and fresh. Her trick: cold water. Wash your face with cold water and pat it dry. Moisturize, preferrably using a gel around the eyes instead of lotion, though anything works! Smile at the mirror, and while your face soaks in all the delicious goodies from the moisturizers have a glass of water to hydrate.

Cover up

• Hide any unsightly breakouts with concealer and focus on dark under-eye circles! Add illuminating powder for stubborn panda eyes that won’t go away.
• Use a white or beige eyeliner for your lower waterline to cover up the redness.
• Curl your eyelashes and pile on some mascara in layers. Make sure you only line your top lash line to open up your eyes up and away from all the chaos happening below!
• Go for a bit of blush and a strawberry gloss or lip balm to look more alive.
• Some people swear by bronzer, but I say you only just had about four hours of sleep, and bronze disasters can be very obvious so…au naturelle is probably a safer choice.

Finishing touches
Choose your clothes wisely; warm colors are best to tone down the paleness of a barely awake face. Opt for a messy ballerina bun or if you’re going to let your waves loose then pin them back away from your face.

That should do it for looking awake, actually being able to keep your eyes open is another story. I usually go for a warm drink (and coffee isn’t for everyone) and blast out some Lady Gaga or LCD Soundsystem on my way to class. Another tip: keep yourself busy on the bus/train, having your head fall over while your mouth is open on public transport is not very sophisticated!

What do you guys do to look and keep awake? Any ideas on how to hold in a yawn or two?

Know where you’re going
Unless your boyfriend has just invited you out on a surprise date, make sure you know where you are going and who is going so that you can choose your outfit. It is always best to be a little overdressed. If your boyfriend really is inviting you out on a surprise date, ask him what dress code would be appropriate — you don’t want to arrive at the fanciest restaurant in town wearing jeans! As a general rule one should try to leave the house looking one’s best. This does not mean go all out on makeup and jewelry, nor does it mean go out in sweatpants and sneakers. It just means, look as decent as possible (you never really do know who you’re going to meet or bump into!)

Plan while you freshen up
Buy yourself some time, and instead of just staring at your closet trying to pick something out, go through it mentally while you freshen up. Brush your teeth (decide on a top.) Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face (decide bottoms and shoes. Unless you went for a dress, then think of the shoes.) If you really are panicking and some pieces of your outfit are in the wash or not properly ironed, go for something simple and classic: dark wash jeans, a flattering top and a blazer are always a good alternative. Or if you must wear a dress, pick a versatile one and throw a cute cardigan over. Shoes can ultimately make or break the outfit, so choose wisely! Consider whether and how long you’ll be standing up for or walking.
♥ Tip: if you had not had time to wash your hair, use dry shampoo or baby powder. It works.

Actually get some clothes on
Put some music on, whatever makes you feel pretty, and start getting dressed. Do not overlook your underwear. Make sure it doesn’t show through or peek out at inappropriate places. Depending on how much mother nature has blessed you with, decide what kind of support is best for that look. Most of all make sure you feel amazing in them!
♥ Tip: spray on perfume before you get dressed so that it sinks in your skin. This works really well if you’re using a body spray that compliments your body wash or body lotion. Before you leave the house do an extra spray and ‘walk through it’. Don’t spray over your hair, otherwise dust is bound to stick on and make it look greasy by the end of the day.

Quick makeup
Go for simple makeup: cover up untimely breakouts or facial redness, brigthen any undereye circles, pile on the mascara, moisturize your lips and add a light lipstick or lipgloss. Ready! If you must go through your makeup routine, try to keep it simple.
♥ Remember: if you are emphasizing your eyes, keep your lips light or nude; if you are emphasizing lips, keep the eyes simple with some eyeliner à la Dita Von Teese. If you have no time to comb your hair in place, a messy updo will make it look intentional and as long as the rest of you is well put together, it won’t matter too much.

Turn off the music, grab your bag (which should have your keys and phone inside at the very least) and go!
♥ Tip: unless you are a master, do not run in your heels! Remember that you want to actually make it wherever it is you’re going.

Good luck!

My fine hair has been battling frizz eternally, and no matter how dry it is where I live, rainy days will be sure to ruin my life. It is a damn struggle. The worst periods of frizz fighting occurred while I was living in Hong Kong (thanks to the unbelievable humidity). At that point I decided to give up on straightening and blowdrying and just let my hair naturally curl and frizz any which way it so pleased. I have to say that actually did wonders for my super damaged ends.

But you know the old “we want what we can’t/don’t have”, and so I have always been set on straight hair. Or at least wavy NON FRIZZY hair. Here are six main principles that years of trial & error, frustration and hairbrush fights have taught me:

1. Do not wash your hair every day! This will strip it of natural oil and your ends become dry. Figure out how long you can go without washing it before you look like you’ve had an olive oil shower, and keep that interval. I’ve always washed my hair every other day, but I’m finding every two days works as well! I have yet to try the wonders of dry shampoo, and I’m guessing that would reduce hairwashing by about a ton.
2. Do two rounds of shampoo, massaging the scalp for volune (great for fine hair). Rinse and condition from your ears down. I have found that it is actually better not to comb hair at this point, but that may be personal preference.
3. Before you jump out of the shower, rinse your with cold water to close the cuticles; this seals in proteins & actually makes it look healthier.
4. Gently towel-dry your hair. Add a little bit of protecting serum and start blowdrying with cold air and finish off with hot air. Keep the nozzle on the hayrdryer so that the air hits exactly where you want.
5. Pick out soft hairbands to tie your hair up. I usually go for hairclips or bobby pins though.
6. Water, lots of water and protein based foods (hair is protein after all); healthy diet healthy hair! I’ve also heard salmon is good for its omega-3 fatty acids — did someone say salmon sushi? YUM!

I’m sure some of these were no mystery to most of you, but man did it take me long to figure out the entire routine! What is your hair care routine? Any favorite products?