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!

ootd: Life Changes and Sometimes My Clothes Do Too

I've really been neglecting this blog! But So much has happened recently. I'm now in university, and I recently turned the legal adult age. I've been preoccupied adjusting to such a different and sudden life and with that is having to coordinate an outfit every single day. I used to wear my uniform everyday, it was so easy but I was excited to start expressing myself with the way I dress. I didn't expect it to be so stressful! 

white tshirt

baby pink ombre circle skirt

chain link belt

vintage brown leather bag

cutout boots (pictured below)

*find out where I got everything below!*

I really can't stand in front of a camera with a straight face

the day I wore this, It was raining. Figures. It would happen to me.

have a great day,

someone out there loves you. 

Blast From the Past!

you know the deal.. under the cut :)

DIY Vintage Cutoffs and How to Style Them