OOTD- Autumn in Spring

My final exam of the year was today! *hollers* So much excitement and relief flooded through me- even though I probably didn't do too well- I'm so glad they're finally over. This year more than most, I'm looking forward to the break and being productive, getting my life started and reaching my goals finally seems possible. Challenges are abundant, but bring it on (I say for once)!

This isn't my usual style, but what can I say? I'm not one to be closed minded. I felt so girly and feminine, it was an awkward change haha. Still fun and perfect for this weather while still being modest!

Dress: Forever 21/ Bag: Zara/ Flats: some random store in Malaysia

HAVE AN AWESOME BREAK TO EVERYONE STUDYING! IT'S BEEN AN EYE OPENING YEAR!

How to Get 'Instagram' Effects on Photos (aka Gradient Maps) Tutorial

In this post, I'm going to explore gradient mapping in Photoshop. Alot of people ask me how I get 'instagram' filters on my photos and I've been doing it for years long before instagram became a thing. The reason I call them 'instagram' filters is because they have become very popular recently though apps such as instagram, photowonder etc. and these types of photos appearing a lot on sites such as tumblr and pintrest. 

What they actually are, I would say, is gradient mapped filters that can be used to achieve certain atmospheric effects. They can be done very on any photo editing programs. I am using CS6 but I have done similar on programs such as Paintshop Pro 9 etc.  

Anyway, if you are interested in finding out how I colour manipulate my pictures, jump the cut (aka click read more) to find out below! This is a tutorial on gradient mapping. Warning: Image heavy!
*****note: this 'tutorial' requires some very basic photoshop knowledge, such as copy/paste, cropping, sizing etc. If you don't know how to do those very basics, it might be pretty confusing. More importantly, understanding colour will be crucial to getting a good outcome with this method. But I've explained ALOT so no other skills required, don't worry
*****disclaimer: I am self taught and do not know the 'proper' way, if there is one, to do this. I'm sure there are other ways to achieve similar effects but I prefer this one personally. There are no right or wrongs! Only good or bad outcomes!

CLARINS PARIS (Combination Skin) Toning Lotion + Hydra-Matte Lotion Review

Hi everyone! I'm back with what I traditionally started out on this blog, which is reviews! I'm not much of a "beauty" person so I don't usually often have many products to offer my opinion on, but I've been using these two items from Clarins for a while and thought I would share.

They are the Hydra-Matte Lotion (for Combination Skin) and Toning Lotion with Iris (for Combination/Oily Skin). So if you are interested, click 'read more' for the review!

OOTD- Deandri Helgas

I previously did a post on my Deandri Helgas. So here's how I styled them down to form a very casual look.

I paired the Helgas with a slim skirt and an oversized knit and loosely knotted it to achieve a define silhouette. The outfit is compiled of exclusively neutral tones and black, perfect for a chilly day by the wharf!

I like this skirt because it doesn't emphasis my thick thighs like how circle skirts do. I love circle skirts for concealing my problem areas but whipping out this silhouette once in a while is nice. 

knit: H&M
skirt: Cotton On
shoes: Deandri Helga +Nasty Gal 

OOTD- Attempting Minimalism on a budget!

This is my customised rehash of the classic minimalistic look, on a very tight budget! I've been enjoying  learning about the style now, especially as it is so highly praised on the forum /r/femalefashionadvice. I wore this out on a day to town to hang out with my friends and grab some lunch. Very clean and comfortable!

tshirt- bigw

skirt- thrifted

bag- equip

coat- forever21

boots- zipia.net

I tried to create a lot of clean lines with blocked colours. I don't think it's particularly the most flattering on me but it's not completely horrible. Adopting a minimal look was a great way to utilise the skirt I found whilst thrifting- a clean and basic silhouette. Although it isn't monochromatic like what most minimalists prefer, i think it's a very nice pop of colour that creates the focal point very clearly.

calves that could suffocate a weight lifter ):

My Haircare Routine (+ Holy Grail Hair Products!)

Hey everyone! I've been such a bad blogger with my lack of posts but today I have for everyone a really good one. I don't get a lot of "views" but most of my readers always ask me about my hair! I'm known as the girl with the really-long-hair in real life too! I thought it would be fun to do an image-tutorial type thing rather than have me rambling for twenty minutes on video. Forgive me for some of the silly photos, but this was really fun for me. I hope you enjoy! The editing took about a day straight. 

If you want to know all about my hair routine, click read more! (Image heavy)

ScottxScott Lab:Co Jacket, aka jesus' himself has hand sewn this baby

Jump the cut to see more pics!

OOTD:

Unboxing Superga Flatforms

I'm INLOVE with these shoes! Mass comfort, great height and perfect for my minimalist, clean-cut preferences. Here's my review/unboxing of them. Don't hesitate if you need help or have any questions :)

 

Outfits

Outfits are fun on the holidays

rest is under the cut~

21/6 What's in my mailbox?

Jump under the cut to find out! :))

DIY Vintage Cutoffs and How to Style Them