The self help book industry preys on those who seek quick and efficient ways to adjust and improve their current lifestyles. I am guilty of being one of those people... #sorrynotsorry. Because I am a psychology nerd, I picked this gem up a few months ago at a bookstore, hoping that it would be not only interesting, but also instructive for my personal life. My gateway into the lifestyle improvement literature began with The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin a few years back. Although I don't remember every little detail of the book, I do remember that it made me significantly happier to read about her happiness project. For those of you who have not read this book, I'll give you a quick summary. Basically Gretchen takes out an entire year of her life to improve specific parts of her existence like her marriage, kids, career, exercise, etc in hopes of finding what most of us do indeed hope to find eventually: happiness. I won't spoil whether she actually did succeed, for those who haven't read the book, but I don't really think that was the point. These self help books won't change your life instantly. Change involves a great deal of work and time. Books like The Happiness Project or 59 Seconds: Change Your Life In Under a Minute are just the stepping stones to realizing that the road towards happiness is possible and maybe easier than we think. These authors basically outline various methods to change in hopes that the reader may take two or three things to heart and start their own journeys.
Richard Wiseman, author of 59 Seconds: Change Your Life In Under a Minute, took a more psychological approach to lifestyle progress. For those of you who are not interested in psychological experiments or the "science" to self help, then you may want to just skip to the conclusion page. Wiseman is thorough in his approach to proving why his techniques should work which is nice because I definitely believe him, but it sometimes can be a tad dull. There are 10 chapters on various topics like happiness, persuasion, motivation, creativity, and more. Each chapter has a few techniques that you can do to improve these things in under 59 seconds, supposedly. These techniques are usually very simple like hanging a mirror in your kitchen so you don't over eat or buying a potted plant for the office to help the flow of creative performance. Overall, I find these quick fixes fascinating and actually very effective. They are not only scientifically proven to work, but also easy as hell.
My personal
favorite chapter was "Personality" at the end. I'm always a sucker for a good personality quiz (check previous post
here) so obviously I fully enjoyed reading his tips on this topic. Did you know that according to one psychology theory called "The Big Five", there are only 5 labels that make up a personality? Easily remembered as OCEAN, they are openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. He includes a quick test in the book that assesses your position on each label. I mean, there are also a billion personality quizzes on the internet that are free, but I like his writings on the subject.
All in all I found the book very rewarding and insightful and for those of you who like self help books with a sprinkle of science, I highly recommend it. If you do pick it up and read it, let me know what you think!
Until next time.
xoxo,
Mimi
P.S. A friend informed me that I MAY OR MAY NOT be psychic in regards to my
Silver Hair post a few days ago. I would just like to say, I did not know that Rihanna would be sporting silver hair in her new
American Oxygen video when I wrote that post. I could just be the hair whisperer. You never know.
"So what are you?"
I'm not offended by this question even though I've been asked it more often than what is my name. I've written personal essays on it and grown up well rounded because of it. And that is being mixed race. I am a Chinese-Hungarian Jewish woman and proud of it. Having textured hair with olive skin and slanted eyes is no longer something I find frustrating. Being hapa is what makes me unique.
ha•pa (hä’pä) adj. 1. Slang. of mixed racial heritage with partial roots in Asian and/or Pacific Islander ancestry. n. 2. Slang. a person of such ancestry
There are so many advantages to growing up surrounded by people from different cultures. You always know how to "Dim Sum" properly and you party at Bar Mitzvahs like no other. I think I can vouch for my fellow mixed people that sometimes there are its downfalls. Being surrounded by one side of your culture can leave you feeling like the outsider. However, I think having a puzzle as a face makes life interesting.
We can talk about this subject all day, especially since I am so passionate about it. However, I want to particularly discuss the beauty side of mixed race. Many times makeup brands forget about a skin tone because they categorize colors into mono races. Many beauty tutorials forget that not everyone can put 100 eyeshadow colors on a lid for the simple reason that there isn't enough room! (Asians, can I get an amen). I'm sure people with textured hair have trouble with hair tutorials that appear so easy on hair that is naturally already straight. We live in a world where people need to be more open to varying appearances.
For those of you who are mixed race and looking for some inspiration on beauty, fashion, or just life, I have a few suggestions.
Hapa Time
Jessica is a gorgeous half Japanese, half Caucasion fashion blogger for the blog Hapa Time based in NorCal. On top of her style, she is a great representation of hapas all over. Check her out if you want some fashion inspiration from a fellow mixed race gal!
image via Hapa Time
Shameless Maya
I can't rave enough about this woman. For those of you lucky enough to be blasian (mixed Black and Asian), look no further. Maya is a beautiful youtube makeup lifestyle guru who will seriously make you laugh and also just marvel at her fierceness. Visit her youtube channel here for inspiration on beauty or just to watch her be fantastic.
image via Google images
Andrea's Choice
Andrea is another beautiful mixed race woman who makes funny youtube videos on beauty, fashion and more. She has great DIY videos, and excellent lipstick game. Visit her youtube channel here for more!
image via google images
Jhene Aiko
Let's not forget Jhene Aiko. This girl knows how to rock being Japanese and Black to the T. Also, I heavily get down to her music... "The Worst" anyone? Oldie, but goodie.
And that's all folks! I hope you enjoyed my slight intro to mixed race in the beauty department, more future posts on this subject will follow.
xoxo,
Mimi
I believe that the blogs you follow say a lot about who you are. Following other bloggers is a way of finding inspiration in people who you don't really know, but you feel like you can relate to. I find that reading someone else's blog is such a great way to get to know someone, almost like going through a photo album. I especially admire those who are willing to share their most personal moments with the internet. Sharing what you love and do brings joy to the reader, and most importantly, the writer.
Maybe you can get to know a little more about me as I share some of my favorite blogs.
Cupcakes and Cashmere
Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere is probably my number one blogger for an abundance of reasons. First, I admire her style in every aspect of her life. Her clothes are always laid back with a touch of adult sophistication. I've been following her for awhile, so I've seen her style transform as she's grown from a trendy young adult to a fashionable mother. Second, I love that she is confident enough to share her personal moments with her readers including her gorgeous wedding and beautiful birth story. She works full time on her blog with her husband, which I find absolutely adorable. I appreciate that she treats her website like it is her business (which it is) resulting in professional pictures and stories. Many times she's posted helpful career advice, showing that she cares about her readers' futures. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention her food recipes! Emily often cooks Jewish food with a modern twist, which I love because I am also Jewish. All in all, Cupcakes and Cashmere is a fabulous blog for those interested in a woman who really has mastered the perfect lifestyle blog.
image via Cupcakes and Cashmere
Collage Vintage
Collage Vintage captured my attention the first time I visited it almost 6 years ago. It was my first fashion blog that I regularly follow and still do to this day. Sara Escudero has a very European, Zara-esque style that contributes to my knowledge of whats happening trend-wise overseas. She is never an outfit repeater and always has fresh takes on sophistication. Her pictures are always well edited, her website is very clean, and her posts are bilingual. My only complaint would be that she frequently posts magazine editorials, but that's a personal issue since I'm not really an avid magazine editorial fan. Check out Sara's blog for a look into classy wear from a hot Spanish mama!
image via Collage Vintage
Sincerely, Jules
Jules of Sincerely, Jules DEFINES casual sexy. Her outfits mainly consist of denim, cottom, and maybe some leather here and there. If you are looking for warm weather outfit inspiration, this girl has got you. I also would like to mention her flawless tan that makes me cringe every time I peek at my typing pale hand. But seriously, Jules has lovely well edited photos as well as an easy website layout. I'm not a huge fan of the complicated layouts that take forever to really digest. I like when the outfits are there right in front of your face for easy access (I know, I'm a lazy gal). For those who are attempting to understand the Los Angeles chillin' lifestyle, Jules is for you. She's got that "I juice even though I'm skinny enough that I don't really need to" look down solid. All in all, she is a great follow and I highly recommend this blog.
image via Sincerely, Jules
Karla's Closet
Karla from Karla's Closet makes me want to cry and sing at the same time. Her body is fierce as hell. Her vintage meets seductive clothing repertoire is to die for. Her feet are probably going to fall off by the time she is 30 because she is always wearing a soaring pair of stilettos. But pain is gain. I also have been following her blog from my humble beginnings. I guess I've always been attracted to her total confidence in style. She seems to really not care about trends as much and just wears what she loves and knows she looks hot in. I admire that she has been sporting a shorter hair-do for most of her fashion blogging career. Most people can't really pull off the boy haircut, but she does it with spunk and grace. You can also actually shop her closet which mostly consists of really unique vintage items. You will not regret scrolling through her outfits, even if it isn't your style, you have to admit she is beyond fierce.
image via Karla's Closet
The Beauty Department
The Beauty Department, known as Marie Claire's favorite beauty blog, gives you the inside on anything and everything relating to beauty. You know those awesome hair tutorials you see on Pinterest that look gorgeous, but impossible to do? Yep, that's from The Beauty Department. Even though most of their tutorials seem impossible, the pictures are pretty to look at. I love their fun makeup ideas because they usually are fresh and unique. If you are ever having any hair troubles, bobby pin malfunctions, or pimple problems The Beauty Department has a solution. Amy Nadine, Kristin Ness, and famous Lauren Conrad are always thinking of innovative beauty tips to contribute to the online community.
image via The Beauty Department
The Man Repeller
Leandra Medine, the Man Repeller, is an all-star woman and we should all bow down.
1. Her unforgiving outfits prove that women dress for themselves (maybe another girl friend or two) BUT THAT'S IT. No men allowed. Just kidding, I'm pretty sure she's happily married to a male, but STILL. She dresses like erry day is fashion week and she is the only VIP.
2. She is also HIGH-LARIOUS. Anyone who enjoys comedy writing will surely laugh while reading her stories. She is an incredible writer who on top of that writes on the thing we all know and love: fashion.
3. She discusses cultural issues showing that fashion writers can write on anything! She paves the literary road for females striving to have voices on modern society. Loving clothing and beauty DOES NOT mean you don't have opinions on other issues. Gals can comment on whatever they want while wearing leopard stilettos and red lips. BOOM.
image via The Man Repeller
All in all, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite blogs and I hope you find them delicious to the eyes and soul. I think each of these blogs offers something to my life, and I only can wish they do the same for you, reader.
Until next time!
xoxo,
Mimi
We live in a confusing world where something can one day be totally unheard of and the next be worn on a celebrity and considered cool. Thus follows the question: DO WE LIKE THIS JUST BECAUSE RIHANNA IS DOING IT?! I mean, Rihanna is such a leader in so many movements already so she probably could wear a bag over her head and the masses would follow.
So what about the septum ring?
Some may compare the look to that of a bull's face, but to be honest, I'm kind of digging this one. I definitely don't have the balls to go to the parlor right now and pierce that baby into my nose forever, but I'm willing to buy a fake on Etsy and call it a day. So let's discuss the pros and cons, beginning with cons.
THE ARGUMENT
Cons. Do we really want to look like bulls? The metallic object is so smack dab in the middle of the face that it really is hard to ignore. I would be scared that I wouldn't be taken seriously. The septum ring has always had a sketchy underlying tone that goes with it... is the one second trend worth it?
Pros. It looks dope!!! Rihanna rocks it, which means I can rock it (even though I am not a hot, talented performer from Barbados). But guess who else is wearing one? Lady Gaga. Jessica Biel. Scarlett Johansson. Okay, this one is a game changer. Scarlett seems to know what she is doing with her life, and she pulls it off so elegantly. Who knew the septum could go with a cocktail dress? She makes me believe that the ring doesn't only have to be attached to a bull. Moreover, there are so many gorgeous ornamental designs available. According to this article by Top Inspired, the Tribal Septum ring is the most popular. Apparently, piercing it is medium pain, it doesn't leave a scar, and takes relatively quickly to heal after removal. Just make sure you don't get a ring that takes up half yo' face!
My conclusion: I love it. I think if you've got the nose, why not? There is something so interesting about the way it juxtaposes a full lip or slims a nose bridge. It can definitely be flattering if done right.
Hope you enjoyed.
Until next time.
xoxo,
Mimi
When it comes to fashion and style, I've discovered that the options are limitless. Who says you can't pair a neon sweater with a leather skirt and then the next day rock sweats and and a jean jacket? You can be whoever you want to be. Clothing should never be a constriction, but rather a way to express your personality. For those of you who have ever felt like you're smart one day, but a goofball the next, guess what? YOU CAN EXPRESS THIS IN YOUR CLOTHING! That's right! No longer do you have to be just boho, but you can also be edgy. I find that incorporating different styles into one outfit is what makes life spunky. And so, just like we have fusion cuisine, we also have fusion style.
The androgynous and cultural vibe works well together when mixing a masculine piece like the white blazer with a flowing, easy romper. The crisp and sharpness of the white really elevates the power of a piece that could've gone well alone, but somehow the blazer adds a punch to the outfit. This romper has a cultural pattern with some international influence, adding a little worldly spice. I'm always a fan of a brown wedge with a bit of heel, just to add a bit of height to a romper that can easily overwhelm a figure (unless you are a 6 foot model, in that case, congratulations on excellent genetics). The "no makeup makeup" look, which seems to be all the rage, is an easy way to keep yourself not looking too feminine, but showing that you care, and didn't just wake up. And I'm hoping you do care, since you are reading a fashion/beauty blog.
Shoes: Madewell
Blazer: Zara
Romper: Free People
Backpack: Target
Lipstick: Tom Ford
This outfit hopes to merge the schoolgirl preppy plaid with a hard leather 90's grunge. Playing with black and white is always fun especially with the addition of a pop of pink on the lip. Even adding a pair of sunglasses can make you look extra cool straight out o' Ferris Bueller.
Skirt: Topshop
Shoes: Pixie Market
Top: Nasty Gal
Lip liner: NARS
Backpack: PRADA
This last look embraces the denim trend we all know is a classic mixed in with a little modern twist. Minimalism is probably one of my most favorite trends just because of its sophistication and elegance. A coral blush creates a more vivid appearance to an otherwise mute color palette.
Dress: Madewell
Denim Vest: Madewell
Shoes: Zara
Blush: Tarte
Necklace: J.Crew
Sunglasses: J.Crew
I hope these looks inspired a bit of creativity! Never forget to mix and match for all walks of fashion.
Until next time, lovelies.
xoxo,
Mimi
