!♥ SOYCONFESSIONS // vancouver blog

a room of one's own

2012-01-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

scarf: random vender @ UBC SUB
plaid top: Urban Planet, $10
leggings: online @ this retailer, $12
boots: H&M, $30 (link to haul video here)

I bought 2 more posters from the Imaginus booths set up at the UBC SUB. I'm addicted to them. They have the most amazing selection of photos, movie posters, relevant people from history (of course The Beatles, Yoko and John, Audrey Hepburn, and Andy Warhol, all featured on my white walls) and funny quotes. Like that poster listing every economic model in the world using cows. (Sample text: "Socialism: You have two cows. You give one to your neighbour. / Communism: You have two cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk. / British Corporation: You have two cows. Both are mad. / Italian Corporation: You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You decide to have lunch." It's hilarious.)

I think I spent a good $50 on all these posters, but it's well worth it.

Have a good Friday, lovelies, and remember to use poster tack -- not tape -- to hang your posters up.

P.S. Have you entered my giveaway for a free 1 month sub to Fotolia?

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GIVEAWAY: Fotolia

2012-01-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

photo via Fotolia

Last time Fotolia contacted me, they gave 5 of my readers a chance to explore and download images from Fotolia.com for 2 weeks, free of charge. The folks at Fotolia had also given me a 1 month subscription with the ability to download 5 images per day, which I made good use of (and you can read my review of using Fotolia here).

Recently, Fotolia teamed up with DeviantART and their amazing photographers created a collection of wonderful images to share with Fotolia users! Take a look for yourself here. The gallery of images are in high res, beautifully crafted, and can suit a blogger's many pictorial needs -- after all, a good blog post is nothing without photos. For those who need images for school projects, brochures, website layouts, anything, Fotolia is a great royalty-free stock site to choose.

If you want to score a free 1 month subscription to Fotolia, with the ability to download 10 images per day, just leave me a comment with your name and email address! Giveaway ends on February 18.

*You have to be a SOYCONFESSIONS reader to enter the giveaway! Click "Join this site" on the sidebar to the right, it's as easy as that.

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Young Hollywood: Elle Fanning

2012-01-21T23:36:00.000-08:00

1 2 source, 3 source, 4 5 unknown

The actresses you'll see in my new feature "Young Hollywood" are not only famous for their talent, the length and breadth of their career, their style, but also the young age in which they have achieved all this.

Elle Fanning is probably known as Dakota's younger sister, but has broken out independently throughout the past two years, with the release and wide acclaim of Somewhere and Super 8. At the age of 13, she was named as the new face of Marc by Marc Jacobs this past summer.

Frequently, photos of Elle and her outfits can be spotted in various fashion mags.

With every Young Hollywood post, I'll share an anecdote of my, erm, youth with you all. Don't laugh. Like srsly.

When I was 13, I used to carry this silver slingbag that I bought with the money I saved up from Chinese New Year, and wear alternating graphic tees with my one pair of flared jeans. My graphic tees usually screamed "funny" statements like too cool for school or i hate mondays in amazingly shameful patterns and colours. My friends and I thought having $60 in hand was the largest sum of money in the world. And it was. For us, that meant 2 for $20 graphic tees, and McDonald's large fries, which were all we really wanted.

I hope to blog a Young Hollywood feature every Saturday! So stay tuned.

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Charlie Chaplin sent me here

2012-01-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

I've been sick the past few days. Fevers really suck... It's like, you're lying in bed, but the bedsheets that used to be so soft and fluffy are PAINFUL to the touch. And you're burning up, sweating buckets, but you're freezing at the same time.

"Window" by The Album Leaf

I think if I wasn't scantily-clad all the time, my health would be a lot better. Just kidding, I actually do bundle up, contrary to popular belief. I wore earmuffs, gloves, and a scarf today on top of a winter jacket and boots -- and I was still cold.

In other news, I bought a human hand off the Canadian black market to drape my rings on.

Yeah you're right, Canada wouldn't have a black market... We're just too nice.

(My sarcasm is the only bitter medicine I've been taking for my recent illness.)

(No, I took some Tylenol Extra Strength.)

(Legit, my Holy Grail of pills.)

(Thank you, Tylenol. If I ever consider attempting suicide by overdose, it'd be you, I choose.)

(Oh, shoot, this just got too morbid.)

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HANAair hair dryer {review}

2012-01-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to the wonderful team at Misikko.com (an online store that supplies salon-quality hair products and tools) for sending me the HANAair Professional Hair Dryer to review. I've been using this baby for the past 2 months, and my floormate has been doing so as well. We both love it. Though this product was a gift, the review is completely my personal opinion.

I definitely recommend purchasing this! My hair feels the difference between using this professional hair dryer and a drugstore-bought hair dryer.

The good stuff:
+ the hairdryer is sleek, sturdy, and durable
+ extremely long cord for mobility
+ 3 heat buttons (pictured below): hot heat, cool blast, and actual COLD shot!

source

+ hot and cool buttons come with 2 fan speeds, allowing for more control, and they are able to work together
+ comes with 2 year warranty
+ nozzle attachment is beneficial to hair and can smooth down flyaways, promoting healthy hair growth
+ cut my blow-drying time by half; takes only 6 minutes to dry my hair now

The bad:
- the pricing might be out of your budget!

This product is currently on sale for $195 (originally retails for $335) BUT I do believe it is worth every penny. And you guys know how frugal I am. This HANAair dryer is going to last for a long time and give me smooth, healthy hair in the long-run.

Misikko is not only known for this premier hair dryer, but for other products like flat irons and curling irons.

Extras

Not only did Misikko.com provide excellent customer service and quick delivery, they also added a bunch of little gifts to the package which was so thoughtful. Free extras include:

2 full-sized bottles of Paul Mitchell "Extra-Body Daily Rinse" and "Extra-Body Daily Shampoo", 300 mL each (I Googled the products online and each bottle retails for around $12-$15)!
59 mL bottle of Hana ShineShield serum
a bristle brush by Spornette
a travelling case for your flat iron
tons of nail files (I definitely need these; my nails break and become jagged so easily!)
3 bottles of hand sanitizers, and hey, living in dorms makes hand sanitizers a necessity, I kid you not
a cute teddy bear holding flowers (pour moi?)
a sleep mask

Thank you once again, Misikko!

Have you tried any products from Misikko.com? Any questions or comments?

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granville

2012-01-11T01:35:00.000-08:00

Jeffrey Campbell Litas, asymmetrical mint skirt from ZARA, faux leather jacket from H&M, lace bodysuit (pictured below) from Urban Behaviour, silver bandeau from American Apparel, heart print tights from ?

I'm going on a shopping spree!!!!! For textbooks. (insert sadface)

You've just been trolled courtesy of...

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I used to know, somebody I used to know

2012-01-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

Guess who has two thumbs and is 5 inches taller in Litas?

THIS GIRL.
(Imagine me pointing thumbs at myself.) (And smiling like a maniac.) (Yup, that's me.)

Got these Jeffrey Campbell Litas at Stone Ridge in Metrotown and on sale for $120 + tax too! They only had two prints unfortunately. This or an ugly-carpet-old-granny-cat-print. So it was hands down the snakeskin multi-coloured Exotic. I'm addicted.. Planning to buy Jeffrey Campbell Tardy in black or JC Ad Long once I get my paycheque.

I wore these for the first time to the Vancouver Art Gallery with friends. It started raining and I walked tons, but surprisingly these held up pretty well. A full outfit shot in next post! I need to take a nap now... Slept through all 3 of my classes today, and worked a shift in between.

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inception revisited

2012-01-08T03:49:00.000-08:00

Do you remember this relic from 2010? Hans Zimmer is a genius, without a doubt.

To-Do List:
1) Learn at least two songs on guitar.
2) Sleep at least 7 hours a night.
3) Listen to the people who are close to me.
4) Study hard. Pay attention in class. Read lecture notes before class.
5) Write it down. Anything. Something. Everything.
6) Clean out my closet. Donate clothing I don't wear often anymore.
7) Thrift more, instead of spending money on retail.
8) Drink less. Know my limit, er, drink within it.
9) Talk to my sister more. Stop calling her "annoying".
10) Save money for 2nd year tuition, rent, and necessities. Stop spending it on trivial items.
11) Be kind to others around me, and be kind to myself.
12) Be openminded, and more outspoken.
13) No regrets. Always forgive. Don't forget.

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eyes

2012-01-07T03:30:00.000-08:00

I feel so naked today, without my glasses on. Strange how a pair of frames can become a part of who you are. Oh well, at least with contacts, I don't have to worry about red lines on my cheeks or my glasses slipping from my nose.

Didn't have time to put on eyeliner or bronzer today either. My eyes look extremely small! Makeup is also another thing I hide behind. Some small mercies: my skin is feeling a tad better! Still needs two weeks or so to recover and return to "normal" (i.e. 1 or 2 zits on face & discolouration on cheeks instead of an all-over irritated, bumpy, full-on mess).

P.S. I forgot to include in my last post that a sequel to Avatar: TLA will be released mid-2012! Thanks to Cub's comment for bringing that up.

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leaves from the vine, falling so slow

2012-01-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

Have a listen to Ambulance LTD.

I rewatched the entire Avatar: The Last Airbender series this past week. Still amazing. I cried during Episode 15 of Season 2, "The Tales of Ba Sing Se", or more specifically, "The Tale of Iroh" and especially during this song:
Please please please watch this show. Some of you may think Oh, it's not REAL anime, stupid Americans ruining anime for everybody, grumble grumble, but I promise you that Avatar: TLA embodies and perfects all of these following ideals that even some "real anime shows" cannot:

1. The plot is very well written. No wonder it has been nominated and/or won numerous awards for storyboarding, best TV series, and for its great writing, and even boasts an Emmy. There are 61 episodes in all, all of them being half-hour. Even though it's fast-paced, the writers still made plenty of room for humour, action, tragedy, and shipping (Kataang, Maiko, Sukko, etc.).

2. Characterizations are congruent, realistic, and fully realized. You will fall in love with each and every one of the main characters. Even the antagonist... who later becomes the deuteragonist. And who can resist a face like this?

3. The landscape animations and CGI are both very attractive and effective. The artists who create the animation and CGI must have attendedgraphic design college. The hybrid animals are wonderfully crafted. Have you seen the koala-sheep breed? Cutest fantasy animals ever. The "Avatar world" is designed to retain "real world" characteristics of East Asian art and mythology, so it's easy to be sucked into the story.

4. The cultures of the four nations are interesting and intriguing to learn. Even the bending techniques relate to actual martial arts; each nation uses a different type of Chinese martial arts to bend Water, Earth, Air, and Fire.

5. Realistic portrayal of war. Lots of action. Emotion-driven scenes. Epic battles and fighting choreography. Themes like destiny vs. freewill, good vs. evil, and separation vs. unity, all come into play.

6. All of the above with no gore or heavy use of blood. A great choice for kids, teens, and adults alike.

7. A professional soundtrack to accompany the intense battles and emotional scenes. Just. Epic.

Oh, one word of advice: don't watch the movie. M. Night ruined it. In my mind, the movie does not exist. (I.e. it should not exist.) (WHY M. NIGHT???) (WHY?) (DID YOU EVEN WATCH THE ANIMATED SERIES IN ITS ENTIRETY???? M. NIGHT???)

Outfit post soon!

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"the glamour"

2012-01-05T01:42:00.000-08:00

1 & 2 sabel starr; 3 miss sparky of the G.T.O.'s; 4 pamela des barres

Groupie, noun
1. A person, esp. a young woman, who regularly follows a pop music group or other celebrity in the hope of meeting or getting to know them.
2. A young woman, often under age, who seeks to achieve status by having sex with rock musicians, roadies, security, and other band-related guys.

Is it really the music that acts as the compelling force?
Is this empowering?
Is this inspirational?

Love and sex are not the same thing.
But maybe music and sex is.
And maybe it is young girls who drive and incite the music of the world.
But then, maybe it is heavy drug use and fame and childhood trauma.

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The Great Collapse

2012-01-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

This is my 200th post.

This is my cover of The Great Collapse by The Zolas.

This is me cringing:

2012 is going to be rad.
(I don't think the world's going to end any time soon... I just like this song, okay.)

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it ain't so

2011-12-30T00:34:00.000-08:00

Above are some leftover outfit pics from October - November. Watch episodes of Totally Spies! and 6teen and channel your inner preteen with me. Write down some New Year's Resolutions so we can both share what we want to change about ourselves in the next post. See you in 2012, lovely.

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skincare

2011-12-28T14:23:00.000-08:00

When I filmed the following video, my skin was doing worse than usual. Expect to see chapped, irritated, splotchy, bumpy skin. I stopped using the new products that I suspect has reacted badly with my skin and reverted back to my simple skincare routine of olive oil, Caprina Goat's Milk Soap, Nivea Refreshing Toner, and Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer (alternating with Nivea's Light Regenerating Night Cream). I also added OXY Triple Action Pads with 0.5% salicylic acid into my routine. My skin is returning back to normal slowly but surely.

Well, here it is! If you get squeamish about viewing people with broken-out skin, don't watch this, heh. Products used are listed:- Neutrogena Moisture Oil-Free for combination skin, $9
- L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base, $14 *NOTE: Not too sure if this is breaking me out just yet. Only been using it for a week. Will make an update on this soon!
- Mizon Multi-Function BB Cream w/ snail healing, $25-30
- Ecotools Powder Brush, $10
- Physician's Formula Talc-Free Mineral Wear loose powder in 'Translucent Medium', $15
- Almay Powder Bronzer in 'Sunkissed 210', $8
- Physician's Formula Multi-Coloured Blush in 'Blushing Berry', $15

I bought a guitar! Again! It's a completely new guitar, not secondhand. I'm going to start teaching myself again hahah. Hope I get somewhere this time.

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A new one just begun

2011-12-25T13:25:00.000-08:00

And happy holidays! Leave all the angst and drama out of the holidays... Plenty of time for that in the new year.

I finally filmed a review for the Beauty Express eyebrow kit from Anastasia Beverly Hills (after all these months... sorry for the wait, guys)! Thanks for a great gift, Anastasia Beverly Hills team! I absolutely love it. It definitely completes and complements my array of cosmetics, and now I have a professional kit to use for my brows instead of just smudging eyeshadow around, heh. 5/5 stars! (Yes, I've tried filling in my eyebrows at the start of the school year, but it was never as easy as using this kit. Playing around with the stencils will be great as well, so I might film another video in the future.)

(Pssst... Anastasia Beverly Hills is hosting a new contest soon! Check this out and stay tuned.)

I'll embed my foundation routine video in the next post. Be warned... My skin reacted pretty badly to some new products I've tried, and it does not look pretty. But then, my skin rarely ever looks pretty without the magic of makeup. Honest.

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strange girl

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Lace tee: American Apparel (warehouse sale), $18
Jeans: Bongo brand, Urban Planet, $20
Boots: thrifted @ Value Village, $8-10
Black shoulder bag: thrifted @ Salvation Army, $6.99

Sorry for the absence, lovelies. I'm currently in the process of recording a foundation routine video and writing a review of the Beauty Express eyebrow kit by Anastasia Beverley Hills. I'm at home for the next 2 weeks, but there's still parties to attend, family gatherings, gifts to wrap, shopping to do, hair to redye (pink fades quickly!).

My skin is my biggest insecurity. Some good lighting, a ton of makeup, and sneaky editing tricks may conceal every little bump and zit and the redness, but in reality, I have terrible, irritable, oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin. Filming this foundation routine is tough for me, but I want girls to know that not everybody has flawless skin. In fact, 99% of people do not have perfect skin, and that's perfectly fine. Makeup is great for covering up these blemishes, but you have to accept yourself and your skin once the makeup's all washed off.

Oh, I might also record another cover. It's a song by one of the greatest bands in the world.

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'rock and roll' is for tough cookies like you

2011-12-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

(left to right) Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Jackie Fox, Sandy West, and Joan Jett

If you want to watch an in-depth, artsy film about the years when The Runaways took the rock scene by storm, this is not the movie. Instead you get Miss Fanning's awkward, lanky dancing, and KStew's surprisingly believable don't-give-a-fuck-too-cool-for-school attitude, mixed together with some highs and lows (and I'm not just talking about the prevalent theme of drug use and abuse), provocative outfits, and electrifying music. To whomever designed Cherie's clothes for this movie... Ummm, can you be my personal stylist? Kthx.

cast of The Runaways (2010 film)

If you liked The Runaways, you'd enjoy Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains even more so (I know I've blogged this before but it's one of my favourite movies of all time so deal), a cult film from the 80's with a superior cast led by young Diane Lane (she was only 15 when she starred in this movie), featuring a fictional all-girl rock band. These three teenage girls are definitely "genuine jail-bait" as well, to paraphrase Michael Shannon's characterization of Kim Fowley in The Runaways. Appearances are made by ex-Sex Pistols and also by members of The Clash and The Tubes.

Isn't she absolutely beautiful? Note to self: buy red eyeshadow and fake bangs; Imma be all up on this for Halloween 2012.

The entire movie used to be available on Youtube, but the magical moderators have long since deleted the videos. If you're smart enough, you'll find it through Google. If you're not, buy it on Amazon or something.

Instead, have a watch of the trailer below:
Yeah, I don't know why this film wasn't better received at the time either. I mean, it's fantastic, its humour is subtle but dead-on, and it's targeted towards both male and females in their teens. There's drama, there's sex, there's music.

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Cassandra Bankson

2011-12-15T16:18:00.000-08:00

I love this girl. I found her this spring while desperately searching through Youtube and the 'Net when I'd broken out terribly before final IB exams. She's gorgeous. Brave. What more can I say?

Cassandra's recent interview with Good Morning America here.

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virgin olive oil

2011-12-13T18:56:00.001-08:00

Hopefully you guys understand more clearly how I use virgin olive oil to remove makeup (foundation, eye makeup, everything)!

My bestie Flora paid for 2 piercings on my right ear as an early Christmas present. Thanks, love! Now I am 69% complete. I'm still in need of ~~1 piercing on my left ear~~, 1 navel piercing, 1 tattoo on my wrist, 1 tattoo on the back of my neck, 1 tattoo on my right arm, and VOILA, I will be 100% me.

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clothing and update

2011-12-11T11:59:00.001-08:00

So I realize I have a few items to review:
1) Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyebrow Kit
2) HANAair Hair Dryer from Misikko.com
3) BB creams

Sorry for being so late with writing them! I will definitely catch up during this Christmas break.

BTW I re-bleached the tips of my hair today! I dyed it as well but the colour's not showing up (I only used a teeny bit; still have 3/4 of the jar left). I'm going to redye it soon and snap some pics for you guys.

I used Manic Panic's Amplified Flash Lightning Bleach Kit and Cotton Candy Pink Amplified hair dye, total cost was $25 + tax, bought @ Metrotown.

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Why boycott Coca-Cola?

2011-12-09T22:33:00.001-08:00

So I just found out that the Coca-Cola Company has been involved in 9 murders of their Union members in Colombia, and there's been a total count of 179 violations of human rights of Coca-Cola employees. So on top of making kids in America fat and polluting water resources in India, Co-Co-Co has also been using paramilitaries to intimidate, kidnap, and murder employees?

Do. Not. Want.

Time to boycott Coca-Cola.

You know, switch over to PepsiCo products? I mean, at least they're doing something about their own criticisms and controversies.

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the kids

2011-12-08T21:21:00.001-08:00

cancel my mistakes---

2011-12-08T00:12:00.001-08:00

t-shirt: Walmart, DIY cropped, $7
jeans: Urban Planet, "Bongo", $20
boots: thrifted, Value Village, $10
cardigan: thrifted, Salvation Army, $8

Narcissism, wassup. I took too many photos of myself, geez, Mimi, Y U DO DIS? I know you guys are tired of having to wait 'til the photos load on my homepage before you can even scroll down. Well, at least I am. I kinda revamped my blog a li'l, and from now on I'll be adding these "jump breaks" to my longer posts so my blog will load faster! Hurrah! (I'm the only one excited about this... Okay then. Moving on.)

I've switched from using Dove Beauty Bar to Caprina Goat's Milk Soap. I've been breaking out again, probably due to allnighters, stress, junk food, and the like. Augh, my skin frustrates me so much. I need to review this list.

First final down! Economics was not bad. I'm 80% sure I passed. 15% sure I received a grade higher than C. <5% sure I received a B-. Anything higher than a B- is... completely out of my league for this course.

English exam on Friday, then party party party, then Psych 208 on the 19th, then... THIS (Sing It Forward[!!!]) -- anyone wanna come with? That's all for now, lovelies. Tweet you later!

life of convenience

2011-12-05T04:21:00.001-08:00

My first final exam is tomorrow at noon. Economics 101 with Gateman. I'm really screwed but I'm gonna cram as much info as possible into my head today. I should probably go to sleep.

blouse, shorts, tights: secondhand, swapped with friend, no tag
black bustier: Forever 21, $15
parka: Costa Blanca, $70
loafers: thrifted, Value Village, $6.99

CONCAVE (original poem)

2011-12-01T23:45:00.001-08:00

Legalize Gay tank top. For a good cause. For me, when I wear it, it says "I like boys but some of the boys I adore are gay, but we are bezt frans, and some of my friends are lez, but we're all happy".

P.S. Wanna tweet me?

suspension

2011-11-28T21:53:00.001-08:00

"Detour Nostalgique" by Jean-Christian Arod

"Creep" by Radiohead

I bought this garter belt for $20 at Bohemia, a consignment store located in Vancouver. There was a lot of retro, vintage items in the storefront and great selection in the loft upstairs, especially in the Men's section. I tripped and fell while walking down the stairs though, but I'm clumsy so things like that happen to me. If I'd had more time to browse, I think I'd have spent a lot more money than I did.

I've been working shifts (noon-2:00) every Monday, Wednesday, Friday at the Honour Roll in UBC's Student Union Building. If you're a student here, come say hi. Better do it this week or wait 'til the next term 'cause I'm off schedule to study for final exams after Dec. 2nd.

Still waiting for a phone call to follow-up on the job interview I went to about two weeks ago. Starting to think it might not come after all. And I did such a good job too... or at least, I thought so.

Lastly, I received a lovely gift from the folks at Misikko.com and will be reviewing it soon! Stay tuned.

This was my Saturday night.

2011-11-27T11:51:00.001-08:00

When I stepped off the skytrain, it was exactly 6:30 P.M. I don't know how I got there so early (this rarely happens), considering I took a different bus than I'd originally planned to and at a later time as well, but I did. I should've known it'd be a strange night from the get-go.

image via buildingopportunities.org/blog/index.php/stadium-chinatown-skytrain-station

I stood on the platform for 40 minutes more, waiting for my friends. They appeared at the top of the escalator and we ran out of the station, literally sprinting, sidestepped a few strangers, and pushed through the gathering crowd, settling in the middle of it all. We couldn't get any closer to the stage.

It was already 20 minutes into the show, but we acted as if we were there since the beginning and started to dance. It was amazing to see them again. The Zolas. Third time, live. Third time's the charm?

image via vancouverisawesome.com

Zach starts rambling on about something after the song is over. I look over at Vrindy and we say something to each other and laugh, our voices carrying above his. "What's he saying?" I think was the question. Or maybe "I'm so glad we made it!"

It's raining, our city of Vancouver, but I throw my umbrella into my backpack and let it all go. We sing to the next few songs, even the parts we don't know the words to. Katie's boyfriend holds their umbrella above her, and this is the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I look over at them, make sure they're enjoying it. I don't know why, but I do this a lot, look over at people I mean. Katie hands me some cookies. I realize I haven't eaten anything all day.

Eight o'clock comes too quickly. 'Marlaina Kamikaze' is one of the last songs. I groan when it's over, and wonder who the song is about.

After the Zolas finish, we walk around, sign up for a few contests, and generally loiter. Hey Ocean! is next but from what I gather of the songs I've heard online, I'm not too fond of them. Their show changes my mind. "She was playing her flute and jumping up and down, how does she do it?" Katie tells me when I phone her after the festival, while skytrain-ing back home to good ol' Langley (didn't have to bus because my mom picked me up at King George, thank you).

My friends leave at the end of Hey Ocean! so I call up Aashish, a guy from my dorm, who I randomly saw with a group of kids earlier during the festival. I can't find them, so I decide to go buy a cup of tea. I shouldn't have because dancing is awkward while holding a scalding hot drink.

Somehow I spot Aashish and his friends, and they stay 'til the third song from Said the Whale. I meet Tiffany, another cool Asian with great taste in music. She tells me the names of all the members of the band. I tell her the guys named Tyler and Nathan are both really cute. A drunk, possibly stoned, 55 year old man yells and whistles loudly beside us, and this is the funniest thing I have ever seen and heard, "SMELLS LIKE VANCOUVER!" -- whistleeee -- "PLAY THAT SHIT FO' THE KIDS!" The group of kids behind him walk off, a bit frightened. I laugh because it's honestly ridiculous, but I'm happy that there are people of all ages and backgrounds in the crowd. It's like, this music isn't just for kids who fit in 'the scene' (i.e. hipsters [no connotation intended]) but for everybody. Music is for everybody.

image via fridaydesign.com/features/thoughts-blog/2007/lasqueti-escape-crowd-music-concert

Then I'm alone again, and I set my tea on the ground and holler and dance, because what else can you do when you're alone? Said the Whale is fantastic, I think to myself. Why haven't I noticed this before?

My mom calls me just as Tyler tells the crowd they're singing the last song and will be standing by the Merch stand to "talk, we didn't bring any merch, we didn't know, but you can talk to us, don't have to buy anything". I walk towards the entrance, prepared to leave, and head towards the skytrain station.

image via flickr.com/groups/after_dark/discuss/72157612537030404/

"Mom, I'm on my way, okay, okay, jeez, I'll be-- Oh-my-God-hey," I say to Tom in the red toque and Henry holding his umbrella like a cane, as we cross paths. My phone is lowered from my ear. "Tom. Henry? Henry."

"Have we met before?" Tom asks, his expression amiable. "No," I reply. "Well, I've 'met' you guys... at your shows. I've been to your shows. Seen you guys play, I mean."

We start talking and I feel like a complete loser. But I think Tom was buzzed so I'm sure the conversation seemed smoother on his end. He's a sarcastic guy, very funny but subtle with his humor. He always has something to say. Henry is sweet, friendly, tall. We walk back to the concert area. "Shit, I hung up on my mom," I say out loud to myself. She doesn't call back so I decide to just go with the flow. We talk about UBC, Gateman, chilli peppers, other stuff I can't remember because I'm just so shocked. I mean, two members of the Zolas are talking to me. Walking alongside me. I'm so shocked that I'm chill as a tray of ice cubes, and I've become socially adept. Somehow. Somehow.

Kids yell out that Tom's scarf is cool, "good job tonight!", and various other comments. Do they see me beside these two demigods and wonder who I am? Probably not. "I think your scarf is cool too," I say to Tom, as a joke really. But I did like his scarf.

Some younger kids I recognize from high school walk by and I say "hey" for no reason. They don't know me. Why did I just say "hey" as if I knew them? They come by to talk with Tom and Henry. Apparently one of them threw an O'Henry bar at, well, Henry, and Tom ate it. "You could've laced it with something," he says, laughing. "Is it weird that I ate it?" No, it isn't.

I ask for a photo. This is the most awkward moment. Four photos were taken on my Blackberry, all of them terrible. They make me smile. (Blackberry is shit, guys. Shit.)

We continue our quest, they greet some more fans at the front of the stage, say hi to Tyler. By now, I'm really happy and confused. Am I dreaming? Wait, what, how? Also, what the fuck does my hair and makeup look like right now? (I've been standing in rain for a really long time, okay.)

I don't know why I'm still walking with them. They're obviously headed backst-- "Come backstage," Tom says, handing me a green card on a lanyard that said ARTIST, in all caps no less.

"Oh, my God." I am not worthy, I am not worthy. The security guard looks at me, looks at the card which I thrust awkwardly in front of me, and lets us pass. We walk into a white tent consisting of four Ikea couches (Tom: "It's like they just bought an Ikea set and put it on Beatty [points at the yellow road line beneath one of the couch legs], and now we're sitting on a street"), three candles on the coffeetable, cans of pop and water, and a platter of veggies.

"Welcome to the glamour," Tom says with, of course, quiet sarcasm.

I'm introduced to Jay from Said the Whale and her boyfriend, a couple girls (friends/family of Said the Whale), and other band members. People push by me holding amps and guitar cases and keyboards, and I feel out of place. "Can I help with anything?"

"No, we're done cleaning up," Jay says.

I peer outside the tent and glance around quickly. Wow, so this is backstage. Wow. I better not be dreaming. I should pinch myself to make sure. I come back to the conversation. They are nice, down-to-earth, and all so oblivious to my giddiness. I think I made a few jokes. Then it's just Tom, Henry, and me again. We comment on the lack of beer in the tent. "Too bad Zach couldn't be here." They explain that Zach booked it after their performance and is now at a different show.

I make a joke about him and this supposedly fictional 'Marlaina', and suddenly Tom pulls out his iPhone and shows me pictures of her from Facebook (including some of Woody Allen). I'm too caught up to check out her real name, so basically I still have no clue who she is. "She's pretty. Is she real?"

"Oh, she's real. Zach's still hung up on her. All our songs are about her," he jokes but his face is serious. Henry's bent over laughing. He can't believe we're talking about her. "She's a model. In Europe right now."

"Oh, 'Cultured Man' is written about her too, isn't it?" I ask, and he nods. We talk some more: Henry's engaged, and everyone around him congratulates him; Tom was treasurer of a frat that his friends tried to start up back in university. It didn't last. Backstage people interrupt to tell us they're shutting down lights. "Okay, whatever."

The most random night ever ends too soon. Henry leaves. I carry some ponchos and stuff to their van. I hug everybody in sight, "it was nice to meet you", and smiles all around. Tom and Nathan of Said the Whale take the skytrain with me (I'm surprised they transit just like everybody else). Tom refuses to sing when I ask him to, tells me, "I play piano."

"Play the piano then... with your voice."

He doesn't say anything, just looks at me. Wow, I think to myself, that was a lame thing to say. But it's all good. We get on the Millenium line, and stand near the door, clutching the pole.

image via flickr.com/photos/noblebeast/3256983685

Tom gets off at Commercial-Broadway, hugs me, "bye". Oh, reminds me, I gotta watch Dogma, and other Kevin Smith movies (I only know Kevin Smith through Degrassi, which is fucking sad really) because he says they're good or something.

Nathan's 20, tells me he became a bassist for Said the Whale when he was 19. He was only a year older than me right now. Now this is his life. A musician. They're touring, and it's not bad. Home is good too, he tells me. But too much of one thing only, isn't.

He gives me a hug, gets off at Nanaimo. I walk off with him because I need to transfer to Expo line. We say goodbye a bit awkwardly like we don't know what to say. As soon as he disappears I break out in dance, not even caring what the other passengers think, like jumping up and down crazily, kicking and shit. In 10 seconds, I'm done, back to normal, headed back down to Earth. I call up my friends. I relate everything that happened to a guy on the skytrain, who hands me a card for "financial well-being" as he gets off at Surrey Central. (This is his website, by the way. I told him I'd blog about this.)

So this is my Saturday night.

Of course I arrive at King George half an hour after midnight, way later than I'm supposed to, and my mom is pissed.

image via blurred.se/photoblog/2009/12

But I love her.

I love Vancouver.

I love the music here.

The people.

The skytrains.

Even the rain.

"creativity comes from the soul. it's what keeps you alive. makes you human."

2011-11-21T04:51:00.001-08:00

You better believe it's Rick Genest. He is so beautiful, I cannot stop staring. His whole body is his canvas, and there's something completely admirable about that. It is not really about extremism or perceived beauty, but about an expression of his personality that captures my attention. Is this who he is inside, or what he ultimately aims to achieve? A rotting corpse? A glorification of death permanently etched above the warmth of life? But then, there is something absolutely poetic and magical in that notion. Simply wondrous. The "living dead", as Genest says. "You can never lose yourself," he says. "True and genuine is beautiful."

The song featured in the video above is "Elephant Files" by Montoire.

Yeah I'm convinced Montreal is where it's at. I'm gonna live there one of these days, before settling down in Vancouver, hopefully. Must sample the nightlife and culture of Toronto as well. Like, inhabit the place, you know? Not just travel, sight-see, snap pics, leave. I must become. Absorb.

you done goofed

2011-11-18T00:28:00.001-08:00

Some goofs above.

Some tattoo vanity below.

I bought some stuffs at the American Apparel Warehouse Sale that ran from Nov. 10 - Nov. 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. There were a lot of bodysuits, not enough hoodies. Tons of size XL and XXS, but not enough S or M. The pants styles available did not suit me, nor did the shoes. I ended up getting a medium-sized orange hoodie (a few pillings on it, not in perfect condition, argh) because it was the only size available in that colour and style, a two-toned cotton dress, a lace tee that's way too big on me but oh well, a "Legalize Gay" tank in baby pink, two pairs of tights, and two bandeaus. I liked that the tights were priced at $6 each, and so were the bandeaus. I didn't like that the lace tee was $18, and that the sweater was $26. Most of the items were not 90% off, more like 40%-60% off. Rarely was the case an item would be discounted by 90%.

I think I'll try again next year though. I don't regret the items I bought (except the lace tee, I guess, because honestly it's too big) and I wish I did get a few other things. But in total I spent $109, and that's enough for one trip.

I just had a job interview today at Metrotown, so fingers crossed! Of course I did some shopping, since, you know, it's Metrotown. Spent over $200 unfortunately, but got what I needed (thick winter jacket, black lace bustier, ear studs, zipped sweater, gloves, nail base and top coat, and 2 brands of BB creams)!

I might do a review on these in a month's time. Just maybe (;

left: "enesti" multiple water drop BB cream; right: "mizon" all in one BB cream (w/ "snail healing cream" lol)

P.S. Wondering where this post title came from? The answer is this. And this. And omfg, this (it's terrible, sorry, but this.. was funny to me), aughhhh.

opportunity

2011-11-14T23:53:00.001-08:00

photography || Sarah Yoo

styling || Sunny Chen and Sarah Yoo

editing || Sunny Chen

I'm wearing head-to-toe Urban Outfitters in the first outfit (everything is Sarah's, hahah). I'm not completely sure what I'm wearing in the second outfit because the blazer, skirt, belt, jewellery, and heels are Sarah's. The blouse is thrifted from Value Village, the socks from Claire's.

There weren't many locations to choose from so we made do with the staircase (where I've taken some outfit shots before), the floor lounge, a random ledge in my room, and the hallway.

Some "behind-the-scenes"/goof pics from this shoot in next post.

Stay lovely.

P.S. Hey, one of my Creative Writing TA's play in a band called Brasstronaut. They are good, here ya go.

VIVERE is Latin for "to live"

2011-11-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

If you've been following my Twitter, you probably already know that I got my first tattoo last Saturday, at this place, to commemorate... my existence of 18 years (I guess I'm a bit self-centred). I haven't broken the news to my family yet, but will definitely do so this coming weekend, maybe, hopefully, hmmm. These photos are a bit blurry so I will try to take a better one later. It reads: "I am aware, I exist, I understand, I give, vivere". If you've got any questions about tattoos (process, pain, aftercare), ask away, I will answer them!

I based it off of this image:

image via unknown

... which I'm about 75% sure is based on Descartes' Epistemology/Meditations. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Somebody asked me if I regret it.

Nope, I'm 100% sure I don't (:

Stay tuned for some snaps from a fun photoshoot Sarah and I held. Instead of studying, and/or doing anything productive.

Sneak peek?

Stay lovely, lovely.

P.S. I've really been into Enigma lately (more info here). A friend introduced me to it last summer but I didn't find it that amazing. I just rediscovered it while watching My So-Called Life (I know, hahahah, of all the places, I find this in a 90's teen drama). Have a listen, keep an open mind!

a little bit of this

2011-11-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

makeover scans via unknown

Soap and water, is all I'm using currently to cleanse my face. Lather up Dove's Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar with a small sponge and then rub the foam all over with the ring finger (being the gentlest). Sweep some toner on face. Some benzoyl peroxide 5% at night. Moisturize.

image via Hairvine.com

This has got to be the simplest routine I've ever had. It sounds really strange of me to use a soap targeted towards people with sensitive skin because I don't have sensitive skin. In the past, I've only used cleansers with 2% salycylic acid (such as Biore, or Neutrogena, and I've even tried the Clinique 3-Step System which was super expensive) due to my very oily, acne-prone skin, but surprisingly Dove's beauty bar has not broken me out yet, and has actually cleared my skin when added to my routine. It rinses away completely, without any residue, and makes my skin feel wonderfully soft, even without moisturizer. (I stopped using Biore's 4-in-1 Self Foaming Cleanser 'cause it did NOTHING for me, and instead of clearing my skin, made me break out even more.)

I can't believe I've never even thought of just using soap as a facial cleanser, until a friend told me about the benefits of such simplicity; thanks, Sarah! (Like, have you ever met people with amazing skin, and their secret is something as basic as splashing water on their face every morning and night, only wear makeup on special occasions, and use moisturizer? Mind-blowing stuff here, I know.) The less chemical ingredients in your cosmetics, the better.

Anyway, I'm going to use this routine for the next while. It's incredibly cheap, which is another plus. Fingers crossed for clear skin!

There is also a lot of discolouration (i.e. red, brown marks) on my cheeks from zits-of-Christmas-past, and I've been doing some research, trying to find the simplest, cheapest way to treat them. I'll keep you guys updated.

"i just want to be perfect"

2011-10-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, lovelies.

Have fun, be safe, don't be afraid to go wild.

P.S. If you haven't seen this movie, you should.

got beef

2011-10-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

thrifted navy cardigan: $8, Salvation Army
floral blouse: $20, Urban Planet
two-toned tights: $20, American Apparel
thrifted boots: $9, Value Village

I think I've got mud on every one of my shoes now. Vancouver weather, what can you do.

Last night, a friend and I ran across campus at night (in the rain, no less) to stalk the film crew and cast for The Company You Keep. I think we saw Richard Jenkins. A girl asked if we were part of the extras and I said "no" without even thinking about it, then quickly shouted "YES" when she laughed awkwardly and entered Hennings without us.

Today, a hugeass crowd gathered on Main Mall in front of the Chem building to watch Shia Labeouf take about 20 steps down the walkway with some blonde chick, over and over and over again. I was there too, for almost 2 hours. It was worth it.

My skin's breaking out bad again, not even just whiteheads anymore but the ones under the skin too. I think it's either from the new Biore foaming cleanser or the cheap-o Exact Dual Moisturizer (hey it was only $3!) that I've only recently started to use. I dunno. But it's still annoying. And I hate to say it, but the condition of my skin and how I look actually does affect my mood to some degree.

i keep forgetting to write titles for these things augh sorry

2011-10-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

My friends helped me rearrange my room; now there's less mess, more room, and more fun to be had (i.e. sitting around in a circle on the floor, taking shots) or something like it.

It's the end of October, and I'm already pretty bored with the frat parties. Also, it's expensive to keep up, even if it's just every Friday night. That's like $15 worth of alcohol per person (to get tipsy), plus sometimes we have to pay $5-$10 just to get into a party. And that's like two hours we have to set aside beforehand to put on makeup (and put in contacts, for me) and dress up in good clothes and pre-drink. Just to go somewhere loud and dark to dance and get sweaty and get molested by randoms.

Anyway, there's a Zolas concert tonight (sort of) but I don't think I can go, because of a number of reasons, and I'm pretty upset.

Also, other things have happened, and I'm a bit embarrassed, maybe I'll explain it to you guys all sometime else.

Stay lovely, lovely.

memoria

2011-10-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

"Ss" tee: American Apparel (duh), $20; lace shorts: bought online, $10; everything else thrifted

i'm 18

2011-10-12T00:32:00.001-07:00

thrifted Navy cardigan: $10, Salvation Army; thrifted saddleshoes (falling apart unfortch): $3, Value Village; leopard tights: online, $8; frilly pink socks: Claire's, $2; shredded Superman shirt: swapped

I turned the big one-eight (wow that sounds terribly corny) on October 9th. Happy (belated) birthday to me, hurrah. Oh and Happy (belated) (Canadian) (lol) Thanksgiving to you guys!

Thanks for being there, lovely.

I really mean it.

On a little side note, lemme tell you a story about a girl who had big dreams. When she was 14, she applied for a modeling/talent agency physically located in the States, and was accepted. Little did she know that... all they did was take $200 from their clients, put up a few pictures onto one webpage, and call it QuickBook Nationwide Worldwide. For 4 years, she never heard a word from such agency. And so last night, she decided to email her agent and basically demanded for all her pictures to be taken down, and cried "scam" to herself.

Now she's going to apply for background work, because, honestly, she's still broke-ass, and university's expensive.

Did you enjoy that story? Probably not. It was a little depressing, I admit. Okay, next post: A Happy Story (: <3

awkward.

2011-10-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Sweater, blouse, denim vest: thrifted @ Value Village & Salvation Army; shiny leggings: Urban Planet, $10; Champion sneakers: Payless Shoesource, $25; jacket: hand-me-down
You guys need to watch Awkward. because it is one of the most hilarious and original series I've watched since... well, forever. You won't be disappointed. If you live in the States, you can watch it here. If you live in Canada, here (illegally). Lols all around.

HEY I'M ALSO LURKING ON...

Twitter: @nerdie || Lookbook: mimi || Facebook: Soyconfessions || Formspring.me: sunnymimi

firealarms

2011-10-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

My striped shirt (from the first outfit) has 3 gigantic oil stains on it. I threw it into the laundry twice, and they're not coming off.

Well then... off to Big Brothers Dropoff it goes.

Responding to your kind, wise comments:
@Cindy, @Angie, and @Nancy - Thanks (:

@Asuka - My glasses are mostly okay... a bit lopsided now, but I think I'll just pop into Lenscrafters or something and demand a free fix hahah.

@Caroline - My jacket is actually just a hand-me-down flannel shirt on top of a thin hooded cardigan. I like to layer. Mostly 'cause I'm too poor atm to go buy a proper "fall/winter" jacket.

So... I've got a question for my lovely readers:
Should I continue to post the prices and brands of each item of clothing? 'Cause most of what I wear is thrifted and/or bought on sale...

Anyway, give me critiques, comments, questions, whatever.
I'll answer 'em.

HEY I'M ALSO LURKING HERE AND HERE AND HERE AND HERE.
Twitter: @nerdie || Lookbook: mimi_c || Facebook: Soyconfessions || Formspring.me: sunnymimi

3 6 0 °

2011-09-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

I completely tanked the in-class essay on Hamlet today, worth 15% of my grade. And English is supposed to be my strong suit. Not doing so well. Lols all around.

I took a nap yesterday with my glasses on... and woke up to find them squashed beneath my right arm. They're in desperate need of a fix up, oops! Oh, and I ran out of contacts... that's why you're seeing me in my glasses so much.

See you around, lovely.

identity

2011-09-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

"Alternative to what?"

"oceanic vocals"

2011-09-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Would you tell me that I had "oceanic vocals" please? How long do I have to hold this in? When I sing, it comes out different than when I'd heard it within my own head just a few seconds ago.

The last photo (right-side) was taken by my friend, Elaine Remus. I heart you, Elaine.

It's getting darker and darker outside. It drizzled for the past two days.

fun.

2011-09-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

"We Are Young" by fun.

I'm not really sure where these images are from.. they've been on my laptop for so long. Please msg me if they're yours.

shit son

2011-09-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

Bart Simpson sweatshirt: hand-me-down
skirt: mom's vintage
bag and loafers: thrifted @ Value Village

I really need to sleep oh wow. I really hope I don't revert back to my Bad Habits.

Bad Habit #1:
Sleeping late, 4 hours or less per night.

Bad Habit #2:
Eating at weird intervals of the day, e.g. 2 P.M. breakfast, 6 P.M. lunch, 3 A.M. dinner, and eating UNHEALTHY. (Chicken strips and fries for dinner, anyone?)

Bad Habit #3:
Not washing my makeup off.

Bad Habit #4:
Wearing sweats and a tee all day, even going out.

Bad Habit #5:
Being too self-conscious due to paranoia experienced after receiving less than 4 hours of sleep, looking like shit, and wearing clothes that do not flatter. At all.

Bad Habit #6:
Thinking too much about boys, and not enough about studying.

Bad Habit #7:
Ignoring my friends/any social interaction to go take naps.

Bad Habit #8:
Falling asleep in class. (This is definitely happening today. Ohhh boy.)

girls who look like boys

2011-09-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

denim vest and slingbag: thrifted @ Salvation Army
restore Japan tee: bluenotes
shorts: mimi mcqueen
boots: thrifted @ Value Village

and boys who look like girls.

I've seen a lot of kids (both girls and guys) on campus wearing their flannel shirts, huge frames, skinny jeans, and boots, biking up and down the street, and I wonder... would I be happy if that's what I wore/looked like every day? The same style... every day. Being consistent. Looking a certain way. Fitting in this "alternative" standard. They are (supposedly) "hipsters" of course, even "indie", but honestly, what if you just loved flannel, skinny jeans, and boots (and needed the thick frames to see), and didn't listen to "alternative" music? What if you loved 90's cartoons, enjoyed talking about Austrian cereal that's not yet produced in North America, cutting your hair short (if you're a girl) and leaving your hair long and putting it in a pony (if you're a guy), but didn't like any indie music and never understand the references to said music?

And then there's me.

What style do I fit into? I'm edgy, but not edgy enough. I don't look sweet, I've got my piercings, I don't look sexy, I'm not beautiful, I really have no curves at all, but I don't want to dress or look like a boy. I don't wear red lipstick 24/7, or mascara, but sometimes I want to feel girly and pretty. I enjoy good music, but always stick to bands I like, never venturing into a certain "genre", because truly I listen to both bubblegum pop, and indie/alternative music, and sometimes I dislike a certain pop song that everyone else likes or I dislike an indie song that everyone else likes. I honestly can say I dislike bands like Tegan and Sara, and Paramore, but don't mind listening to their songs from time to time.

but i'm not a soldier.

2011-09-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

HAHAHAHAH you know how I said I would post gyaru photos in "next post"? Well.. I didn't. Nor am I going to. UNTIL FLORA UPLOADS 'EM AND SENDS 'EM TO ME :@ I love you sweetie, and I know you're reading this. SEND ME 'EM NAO. MUAHAHAHAH.

Okay so these are outfits from my first 3 days of school.

FIRST


I call this the "Sweet Korean-Looking Girl Who Likes To Read" look. Erm.. yeah hahah.

Do you like this random wall in my room?!! Yeah, I know, so plain... I will put things up soon.. When I've stopped being lazy. And poor.

Blouse, loafers, and black backpack: thrifted @ Value Village
Socks, bow, and skirt: American Apparel
Leather laptop bag: Best Buy
Necklace: Forever 21

SECOND


This is my "OMFG I GOTZ BOOBZ" look and also "I LYK TO FLYP MY HAIR" pose.

Shirt: Urban Planet (sleepwear section, weird)

Shorts: cut-off from hand-me-down jeans

Socks: Claire's

Boots: thrifted @ Value Village

THIRD


"SHIT I'M LATE" look + "ZOMG MY FOOT HURTS better put on a sock on my foot"

Why am I wearing only one sock? Well you'll never know.

Until I tell you.

Which is now: I was walking around campus, and holy motherf**ker the campus is huge.. did you know that? I walk around to all my classes and by the end of the day I've lost 25% of my body weight in sweat. No joke. So I was walking and my boots started to scrape my heel so I limped to my dorm and put on a sock.. yup just one. This was the only one in reach since I threw the others into this giant bag that I call my Laundry Bag.

Blouse: Urban Planet

Shorts (underneath for security lol): Mimi McQueen

One sock: bought online

Boots: thrifted @ Value Village

Simpsons folder: Piggy Bank Place @ Metrotown

SORRY FOR LAME-O CAPTIONS AND SUPERLONGASS POST.

I LOVE YOU GUYS ): No matter where I am in the world... You guys will always be with me.

opening day

2011-09-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

This was the first day I moved in. I brought more shoes the next day, most of my purses/bags, and my stuffed animals. Still have yet to put up posters/any sign of life onto my walls.

Just had ImagineUBC Day, and I am so tired. I walked to the Bookstore and bought an Internet cable so I can finally go online and blog!My entire family accompanied me over on Opening Day, and decided to rearrange my whole dorm room... so now the internet outlet is on the opposite side of the room, and there are cords everywhere across the floor. I know I'll trip on 'em some time soon... =.=;;

Now what? Oh yeah, classes start tomorrow. I'm going to have so much fun walking to my class buildings. They are somehow scattered around the SUB, on the other side of campus. Yay for exercise.

absence

2011-09-03T01:26:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering where I am, well, here's the answer. Jokes, I've been... packing.

Moving day... is today. And I still haven't finished packing, aughhhh. I've got to pack shoes. But before I do so, I made two sets on Polyvore to show you guys basically what I'm bringing.

(Everything in my suitcase is about 10x cheaper than the items presented hahah.)

packing by mimic featuring a scoop neck sweater

more packing by mimic featuring skinny leg jeans

I still have to pack my shoes... Oh, my.

See you at UBC dorms, lovelies!

GUEST BLOGGER: Top 5 Tips From An Online Shopping Addict

2011-08-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Tips From An Online Shopping Addict

…and free shoes at the end! Stay tuned.

Hi, my name is Tiffany, and I’m an online shopaholic. ;)
I went to boarding school, now I’m at a lovely university that seems to believe fashion is Adidas shower slippers & free T-shirts, & did I mention I don’t have a car?
Full disclosure: my online shopping mania led me to find StyleSays on a friend’s Facebook wall and then bother them until they let me get involved with the site. :)
So yeah. I shop online a lot, & I’ve learned a few things along the way!

"Yotam Solomon shoes" image via http://shoerazzi.com/yotam-solomon

5. Free returns: rarer than you think!
In my experience, less than 1/5 of online stores offer free returns. Can you imagine getting fined $5-15 for buying something from a local boutique and then returning it? Stores even deduct the cost of pre-paid shipping labels from your refund, so don’t be fooled.
Wanna know if you can get free returns on that item you’re thinking about? Use www.stylesays.com …but more on that below!

4. Try a smaller merchant!
Don’t be afraid to try a new site!
Small stores, especially Etsy & eBay merchants, are often spectacularly good about answering questions. You can ask them to hold items, to measure dimensions, or even for more pics.

3. Shop around, but not too much!
Comparison shopping can be addictive and 10 options is not always better than 1.
If it is indeed an item you only want to purchase on-sale, find a way to save it so you can come back to it later. Or better, spare yourself having to remember and angst and just get a sale alert with StyleSays :)

2. Don’t shop after 2 AM!
You’re delirious! You’re gonna regret this in the morning! Get back to bed, silly. (Editor's note: unfortunately, I seem to do this a lot! Doing so has definitely given me plenty of shopper's remorse. -mimi)

1. Friends don’t let friends shop alone!
I know online shopping seems like an inherently solitary activity (cue image of blank-eyed girl scrolling page by deadening page) but it doesn’t have to be!
Friends offer a good reality check when you’re going crazy and they often know your style better than you!

Bonus Round!
Final tip? www.stylesays.com ! Try it. It’s the best way to shop online with your friends.

Throw out that first image. Picture instead you and your friend strolling down Rue de La You, made of all your favorite stores, & everything your friends have picked out.
With a magic wave of your hand everything that catches your eye—but that you aren’t ready to buy—is put away for later, never to be lost, and if it goes on sale your personal shopping concierge will let you know.

So get in line and for goodness’ sake be generous and share the invites with your friends! You’ll need someone to shop with, after all!

CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

Invite 3 friends and you might win any pair of Yotam Solomon shoes you like—we’re talkin’ handmade leather pumps. After all, we’re all about sharing ;)

Thanks, Guest Blogger Tiffany!

[Edit: A reader asked me if this was a sponsored post, so here's the answer: it isn't! I feel as though this guest post was very useful for those who shop online, so I wanted to share with my readers. As for the links and references to StyleSays... I used to be an online member of ObviLux, the beta version of StyleSays, and when Tiffany contacted me that she wanted to submit a guest post about the "new" ObviLux, i.e. StyleSays, I jumped right on board. I loved to Lux items, and share my online addiction to the other members, and I'm sure StyleSays will be just as fun and convenient in that aspect. Glad to clear things up! If you've got more questions, leave them in comment form, and I'll definitely reply.]

that's why i don't want to be alone

2011-08-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, okay, so I guess Alter Ego is not going to be a daily thing. Sorry for getting your hopes up, lovelies! I'll be updating it tomorrow when I can spare half an hour to do so. School hasn't even started yet, and I'm finding myself out all day, buying this, doing that, filling up my end-of-summer list and just hanging out with my bestie, Flora. (She's not blogging anymore on Blogspot. BLOG, GIRL, DAMMIT.)

latex leggings: urban planet ($10); polka-dot blouse: hand-me-down from mom's friend; boots: thrifted @ VV

Yeah, so these pair of red shiny latex leggings have been added to my Shiny Leggings Collection... which currently hosts... 1 other pair T_T Will buy more, yes. I just don't wanna pay a lot of money for 'em, so I'm lurking in sales and such. Soon... maybe neon yellow. Hmmm...

Gyaru inspired outfits in the next post.

I was featured as an editor's pick on Bloggers yesterday! Hooray! My profile is here: Soyconfessions -- add me as a friend? Hahah.

"Home" (original poem)

2011-08-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

blouse: Urban Planet; pleated skirt: mom's vintage; bag: mom's vintage; furtail: Mexy (not sponsored; bought myself!); shoes: thrifted @ Value Village (was $10! slightly bigger size but it's fine hahah)

I'm moving out on the 3rd of September. Orientation on the 4th. And then... university life, aw yeah. (I'll be the girl who gets lost a bazillion times during the first week! Woot can't wait!)

I'll be taking in photo submissions for Alter Ego for, like, ever, so just keep sending them in to sunny.mimi.chen@hotmail.com ! Svenja's atmospheric photo is on display currently on Alter Ego under a post named "Comme il faut", so check it out! I'm still writing a new post every day, and will be doing so for the next while, hahah.

As for your comments... YES I will be replying... very soon! Sorry for the wait, guys. I've just been so busy with work and my ear and (cough) shopping and going out with the family. BUT my replies are coming, you can bet your Jeffrey Campbell Litas on it! And if you don’t know what Litas are, you may need to take online college classesin fashion design (or read some more blogs, srsly, it's like everyone's got a pair or something).

crave you

2011-08-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

I love my new blouse. Bought it at Urban Planet for $20. You'll see it in the next outfit post. The one thing I don't like about it, is the strange cut. It's oversized obviously, but the front is way too long. I like blouses where the front is slightly shorter than the back. But I won't complain too much because I love it despite its one flaw.

Also I like playing around with colours while wearing... none. Monochromatic outfits for the past two days! Yet when I turn on my Photoscape, all I want to see is green, yellow, red hues. At least my hair and lenses give me some colour in real life.

here I am

2011-08-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Oh hey, here I am.

A friend on Facebook wall'd me that I was on Teen Vogue's tumblr. Totally made my day. Show me some love by commenting on my entry for Snapshot?

And as for Alter Ego, you guys can tell I will be writing short and sweet posts... probably every day from now on. I'm concerned I'll run out of things to say, but I'm more concerned with the photos. Photography is not my forte; writing is.

So I've decided that I will be taking photo submissions from you guys! Just send a .jpg, .gif, or .png to my blog email: sunny.mimi.chen@hotmail.com, and if I use your photo for the story, I will credit your full name, and your blog if you have one!

If I do run out of photos... I guess... I will go take more? Hahah.

P.S. Urghhh my left ear is so plugged, and I don't even know why. I'm gonna go to the doctor's and see, 'cause I really would like to be able to hear out of both ears.
P.P.S. Work today is going to be hell. Times 3.

are you my alter ego?

2011-08-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

I'm writing something new.

It's going to be an artistic project, and it might seem confusing when you start off, but I promise you if you keep reading, the story will slowly develop into something comprehensible. Right now, it's bare bones and muscle. Soon there will be living organs and a heart and a brain.

I'm not guaranteeing you that I'll complete the whole story.

I'm not guaranteeing you that it'll be easy to understand.

It's just a task that will showcase my writing and photography in a different way than Soyconfessions. I will be putting on a whole new persona as well. I don't know who I am just yet, but I know how it will end, and that should be enough.

If you're curious, click here, or the image below to be transported to Are You My Alter Ego?.

Otherwise, stay tuned 'cause I'll be posting tons for Soyconfessions (:

P.S. I just got my UBC housing assignment, and guess what -- I'm in a single room! Which means.. no annoying roommate? Hahah. I'm a little disappointed 'cause I was looking forward to a roommate, but this is good too! Privacy and such :P

late-night coffee

2011-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, Svenja from Loudish featured me in her Outfit Campaign post! Click on over to her blog, where she features wonderful and fashionable bloggers every week -- and Svenja herself has an amazing sense of style.

READ MORE?

And here are some photos of Playland (: The most fun I've had in a while! I'm going to miss my friends for sure. One of them's going to school in the Caribbeans, lucky duck! We'll all be attending different universities this fall...

Hellevator!

All of us together (:

Atmosfear!

View from the ferris wheel.

Lastly... my lazy day oufit:

Bandeau: Garage Clothing; cross-body bag: Urban Planet

If I'm headed out for some late-night coffee, or just walking around the neighbourhood with my bestie, Flora, this is what I'm wearing... Boring shizz I know. But oh so comfy.

Found my Minnie ears, lol.

I've gotten more used to my new glasses, and the prescription doesn't make me feel dizzy anymore, but I hate how the glasses keep sliding down my nose! Flora jokes that my nose stud is there to stop them from sliding further, but I legit am getting annoyed with the slide action. I've resorted to taping little sponges to the sides of my glasses in an effort to prevent it but I just end up looking dorkier and dorkier, eep. =.=;;

2ND BLOGVERSARY

2011-08-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Wow hey I'm still blogging after 2 whole years? Soyconfessions has definitely surpassed all my other blogs.. and unfinished websites that I will never reveal to anyone.... I just want to thank all my readers, and people who take the time to leave a lovely comment. It really motivates me to better my blog, increase my knowledge on fashion and personal style, and also better myself. I don't have many readers who've followed me throughout these two years, but if you are one of them, I just want to say.. "What?!!! Of all the blogs in the world, you stumbled onto mine? And you're still reading.. after all these crazy teen angst-y posts and trippy fail photos?!! You are truly amazing. <3!" And for those who are just starting out in the blogosphere, I really do wish you the best! I LOVE ZE INTERNETS! YAH! <- sorry, getting a bit too carried away here. So here's the video... Sorry for the late upload and stuffs (I went to Metro on Wednesday and Playland on Thursday, omgosh okay photos soon!) And you all probably knew which song I was gonna record, yeah? (; You guys are too smart for meh!

And apparently, my British accent is pretty convincing?

I'm not the best singer, but I'm practicing almost every day (i.e. in the shower... in the car... lol) and hopefully my voice will develop more! And.. okay sometimes I just walk around the mall and speak with a British accent. It's fun, hahah.

I have some outfit pics that I'll post next. Have a great weekend, lovelies!

beauty express

2011-08-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Anastasia of Beverly Hills has reached out to a group of bloggers to try out and review their new "Beauty Express" brow-kit, and I gladly accepted their offer! I've never filled in my eyebrows before (and I've only had my friend do it for me one time for graduation) so this will be pretty new to me. Thankfully they've provided me with an instructional video, and I've got my talented makeup-artist friend on speed dial just in case, hahah.

This video is pretty cool, and I'm glad that there are eyebrow stencils to help me out.

So watch out for my review! Should be up in a week or two.

Over-sized fishtail blouse: Urban Planet; DIYed bicycle shorts and detached collar; galaxy socks: bought online; boots: thrifted @ Value Village

P.S. I'm practicing hard for my blogversary. Guess which song I'm performing? I've posted it on my blog before, and here's another hint:

in the city, where i'm from

2011-08-06T01:05:00.000-07:00

1 2 outfit.

3 What's in my bag? My old Blackberry Curve; a beat-up makeup bag from Claire's which is usually filled with my Burt's Bees lipbalm, ReNu eye drops, Clean&Clear oil blotting sheets, a mint, and a heart mirror gifted by a close friend (circa '08); comb; coin purse; keys; shitload of transit fare tix (this is only the tip of the iceberg); new Hello Kitty wallet. All this in my go-to bag, something I thrifted a year ago. This bag goes with everything and just gives my outfits a casual, summery, vintage feel.

4 My sunglasses collection. Ummm I need more variety. I have the same sunglasses in like five colours/patterns (all of them matching each other was just a coincidence; I like the shape, that's all). And two cat-eyes and only one pair of aviators and random round sunnies...

"Lions in Cages" - Wolf Gang

"mass media" (original poem)

2011-08-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

DIYed ice cream tee: thrifted @ Salvation Army; heart-print shorts, necklace, and earrings: Crew Heaven (purchased em myself; NOT SPONSORED)

Just showcasing one of my recent poems, and also a casual summer outfit I donned for last night's BBQ.

Here are some old photographs that I've taken but haven't exhibited on my blog yet or uploaded on Facebook... or posted anywhere actually :P There's nothing much to photograph around my neighbourhood, unfortunately.

April 2009

"My Room", August 2010

October 2010

"Streets", Jan 2011

Enjoy the sun, lovelies!

P.S. Like all other bloggers, I'd like you to ask before you use my pictures, words, and all other content. If I agree to your request, you need to credit me and link to this blog. There's just so much stolen content flying around the web, and I hope people will stop this personal larceny.

"Lids" by Lotus Child (now The Zolas)

2011-07-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessed with The Zolas since, oh, about a year and a half ago, when I watched Billy Bishop Goes to War with the Arts Club at my school. Wondering where the connection is? Read my (somewhat embarrassing [holy crap I was crazy]) rant here. So this fixation grows and grows, and then I went to their concert in Granville Island sometime in February of this year, and saw them perform at Summer Live, and it's safe to say... I'm a full-on Zolas Super-fanatic.

Although I've been in love with The Zolas for a long while, I've never really listened to songs from their now defunct band, Lotus Child, until a few weeks ago. Due to insomnia (sigh =.=) I've been using my Blackberry for Youtube... so I listened to The Zolas and Lotus Child every night, non-stop. Am I still crazy?

Yes.

Because I am crazy, I will attempt to conduct a critical analysis of the song "Lids" by the lovely Zach Gray and Tom Dobrzanski (whose name, for me, has always been difficult to say, for I am the Asian girl who gets confused by the random "rz" mash-up in the name) (jokes, Tom, I love you) or more specifically, the lyrics of the song.

Why? 'Cause I thought it'd be fun, and I'm... WIDE AWAKE I'M WIDE AWAKE I'M WIDE AWA-Y-KE. Ahahah, if you understood my joke, YOU'RE TOO COOL. (And I'm really lame.)

So, here goes everything:

[Verse 1]Lids they're found in magazines
They hang like guillotines
Daunting over perfect scenes
Poised above my head
Lids they act like autumn leaves
They'll bring you in a breeze
Painted nails on broken feet
Strangle every step
[CHORUS]
Just, just don't jump
Too high
Frail girl
It's not your place
To look,
For more than this.
(x2)
More than this.
[Verse 2]Lids they're sewn into your clothes
They never decompose
Picked apart by worms and crows
Only tags remain
Swimming in your blood they seize
The possibilities
All these years your feet were knees
Darling if you please CHORUS (x2)
More than this.
[BRIDGE]Lids over my ears
Over my eyes
Over my pots and pans
Bring me to ah--
Lids over my ears
Over my eyes
Over my pots and pans
Bring me to a boil
Lids over my ears
Over my eyes
Over my pots and pans
Bring me to a boil
CHORUS (x2) More than this.
[HOOK]
Oh-oh-oh, etc.
There is a great deal of imagery alluding to fashion, beauty, and body parts and/or features, and even society's portrayal of "The Ideal". First of all, a song that is named "Lids" is in itself very intelligent and metaphorical, for the word "lid" has two meanings: the first being a physical cover or a top that encloses another object, and the second being the fold of skin that forms the opening of the human eye (i.e. an eyelid) -- hm, a cover that hides what is beneath it, and the closing and opening of our eyes to view the world... In my opinion, the writer of the song intends to make it clear that what we see may not always be what is ideal, what is real, and what is... well, beautiful.

Zach's clear, baritone voice scolds this "frail girl" during the chorus and instructs her to not aim for the higher ideal standards that are set by modern society, especially, the media ("Lids they're found in magazines"). When one doesn't try to "look for more than this" (the word "this" may refer to, perhaps, one's own personal appearance and inner beauty), one will finally view reality. In this song, I believe "frail" does not mean the girl is physically weak, but morally weak, and oftentimes the word "frail" is used to describe Man as opposed to the Divine. Also, frail objects are easily broken and damaged, and perhaps, this girl is exactly that, mentally.

There are instances of negative connotation to describe an object placed near a body part or the body part itself, such as "Lids they hang like guillotines / daunting over perfect scenes / poised above my head" and "painted nails on broken feet / strangle every step". In the second verse, the writer reverts back to criticizing fashion and clothing, and portrayal of "The Ideal" by the media (which The Zolas have done before in other songs as well), by using animal imagery of "worms and crows" picking at one's indestructible clothing. The paradox is that the clothing "never decompose" and yet they are able to be torn apart by the smallest creatures of death. The phrasing of "worms and crows" hints at burial and ominousness, for crows are thought to be the bringers of night and death, and worms... sure they will tickle you once you are six-feet-under. Well, they'll digest your corpse actually, and turn it back to Mother Earth.

The bridge brings out another side of the story. Zach and Tom admits that they too have had these "lids" over their eyes, their ears. The line "over my pots and pans / bring me to a boil" is either a metaphor for their anger boiling over, or it can also breathe a sexual tone that will permeate the bridge. Maybe the writer is confessing that he's ashamed to say he's attracted to girls who (seemingly) have achieved "The Ideal": skinny, tall, blonde, tanned, 36D, latest fashions, painted and varnished. These lids cover one's eyes, and all we see are the ephemeral falsified beauty, and not the kindness, generosity, talent, genius -- the inner beauty -- of others. Interestingly enough, there is an English idiom that may relate to this song: "If 'ifs' and 'ands' were pots and pans, there'd be no work for tinkers' hands". This idiom means to say: there's no use in wishing and desiring material items, or even "The Ideal" (our 'ifs' and 'ands').

The hook ends the song with almost grandiose, religious-sounding chords and with majestic vocalization by Tom and Zach.

Thanks for reading!

The only reason I was able to write this so coherently this early in the morning is because of The Zolas. They gave me insomnia. Lol, jokes! (; Pfft well I'm not the one staying up all night thinking about Marlaina, am I?

P.S. If you enjoyed it, please follow! If you didn't, don't worry, I have tons of outfit posts planned, AND I've decided to perform a song for you lovelies on my 2nd Blogversary.

Violet ++ ganguro inspo

2011-07-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

REVIEW:

GEO Angel circle lens in 'Violet'
I received my free pair of prescription circle lenses from the lovely Ms. Karyan Yuen of IWantCute.com (located physically in the UK, but they ship worldwide!), and was immediately excited to review them. I've only recently developed this obsession (maybe around Christmas '10) with these lenses that enlarge your eyes, mostly 'cause they come in the most vivid, bright, candy colours, and... well, I do have boring, small eyes. I have four pairs currently, and will definitely be acquiring more ^-^

Along with the lenses, a free contacts case and small cell phone charm were included in the package as well.

This is the picture provided on the website:

This is my review:

Sorry for blurry photos... My camera wouldn't focus so close to my face LOL

Colour: ★★★☆☆ The colour is almost grey-ish or blue-ish in sunlight, and only violet when flash is used. This is probably because my irises are black, which means the colour is distorted. For people with lighter eye colours, the violet in the lens will show up much better.
Comfortableness: ★★★★☆ Feels just as comfy as your normal prescription-from-the-optometrist's lenses. However, I pulled an all-nighter by accident last night so basically I didn't sleep, and my eyes did get dry and uncomfortable after ~9 hours BUT that would've happened with my normal lens too.
Enlargement of Eyes: ★★★☆☆ With eye makeup, these circles lenses do enlarge your eyes (specifically, the size of your pupils, giving the illusion of "bigger" eyes). However, I feel as though my other circle lenses enlarge my eyes better than the Angel series. Due to the thick black line on the outside of the circle lenses, the colour doesn't extend as far out.
Natural-looking: ★★★★★ Honestly, I think this looked more natural than my GEO Nudy lenses in 'Blue'!
Recommend: YES. Even though the colour might not be as pure as I would like it to be due to my black eye colour, the lenses appear very natural, it gives my eyes a clear, shiny look, and also enlarges my eyes when I wear eye makeup.

I decided to take my look farther; whenever I wear circle lenses, I always tend to dress up a bit more! Which is good 'cause I'm usually too lazy to do so (:

And here we go...

Yup, I decided to draw inspiration from the Ganguro girls of Japan, and used dark foundation, whited out my lips with light concealer, and drew a star and a heart below my left eye. Because I was going out, I didn't wanna make it too crazy, so skipped a whole lotta stuff, like white eyeshadow ring around the eyes, highlighter for nose and forehead, and a blonde wig. (Note to self: Buy blonde wig.) Also, I didn't have any stickers to stick on my face ): (NTS: Buy stickers to stick on face.)

Red suspenders: American Apparel; legwarmers: Claire's; Wolf shirt: random gift shop in Harrison; floral skort: Sirens

Hope you enjoyed this review and outfit post, lovelies.

Thanks again, IWantCute!

For my readers, there's a 10% off code for circle lenses: "soyconfessions".
IWantCute ships worldwide for free and there's a sale going on right now! They offer both plano and prescription lenses, and from July 18th - August 18th, you can buy one, get the second for half price, yay :D
Wanna buy the exact lenses I reviewed? Click here to visit the page!

selective solitude

2011-07-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

I love my friends. They are funnier than an episode of Friends, street-smart and book-smart, and always classy. I value every one of my friendships, especially that this summer is going to be the last one I'll spend with a few of my close friends. Especially now that I'm older, and I know that good friendships will be harder to find and maintain.

To our new friend, I say "HEY-OOOO" (;

Once I move to the UBC campus in Vancouver, I'll be discovering the neighbourhoods and campus haunts most likely by myself. I'm looking forward to this... to finally branch out and learn the urban locales alone, like some intrepid adventurer -- or, erm, a (hopefully not timid) freshman. I'm also a bit nervous. But hey, I've got you lovelies, and -- if I'm feeling particularly lonely -- my Blackberry with its contact list, the Internet, and a few friends at UBC to show me around and keep me alive. It's exciting though, and I can't stop thinking about this new life awaiting.

And being alone is never a bad thing.

P.S. I got new glasses... I know you're LOL'ing... don't even try to hide it. They looked better BEFORE I bought them. Ahhhh well hahahah.

"winning" - the sheenster

2011-07-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats to entry #13, Kim D.! I have sent you an email asking for your contact info, so the awesome folks at Apothica can send you your $25 gift code!

Stay tuned for more fun things, lovelies.. 'cause, uh, my 2nd blogversary is coming up fast!

Well then.. onto some pics of my hair and then.. a jumping photo?

"Daniel" - Bat for Lashes

I just rediscovered this song, and I remembered how much I love it.

red

2011-07-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

As I have wrote in this post, I will be reviewing Fotolia, an online royalty-free stock photo site that offers premium photos, videos, and vectors, for a price. Customers buy credits that can be used to purchase these items, starting from 25 credits for $30 and up to 6400 credits for $4800. The subscription prices start from a 1-month subscription with 25 download per day for $249.

As I was given a 1-month subscription to Fotolia with 5 photo downloads per day, I cannot review videos or vectors, and will only be reviewing the pros and cons of using Fotolia to download photos.

The pros:

- the ability to access a variety of photos, without copyright issues for usage (literally 100 pages or more for each search!)
- photos have great resolution, colour, and clarity, and they are family-friendly, professional, and very conventional
- often, the photos are simple enough that they can be personalized with any photo editing program; some photos are merely templates just waiting for the customer to fill it up with personality
- customer is able to choose the size of the photo they want to download, with smaller photos costing less credits (maybe 2 - 6 credits) and larger photos costing more credits (maybe 10 - 20 credits)

- with a subscription, the customer does not need to worry about having enough credits to purchase the largest size of the photo; Fotolia automatically gives the largest available sizing for subscribed customers
- downloading is easy, because the site offers the customer the choice to download all photos using a zip archive which is then emailed to the customer for faster download (this is not available for videos, only photos and vectors)

The cons:

- the subscription is too expensive for regular ol' Joes like me
- the customer must have a good idea of what he/she wants, because one has to search for the photo using the search bar using keywords (eg. "fish", "party", "summer", etc.)
- often, the photos appear to be obviously digitally altered or edited
- there are some repeats of images

- some photos are not available with a subscription and will need credits in order to be downloaded (I think this is a little ridiculous; why pay so much money for a subscription if one cannot even download some of the photos?)
- if one is looking for photos of real life celebrities or movies, books, and/or TV shows, search will come up with zilch; this is a stock photo site, not Google =.=

The bottom line:

I would not recommend paying money for a subscription to Fotolia, but to stick with credits. I really enjoyed being able to browse for inspirational, amusing, and beautiful images (they are very professional! I loved what I downloaded, especially the photo of a bird's eye view of Shanghai!) and I would like to thank the Fotolia team once again for this opportunity to try out the site for no charge.

Unfortunately as I am a working student, I would not purchase a subscription to Fotolia because of the expensive pricing. I would probably buy credits, but honestly, I feel as though $30 for 25 credits is just too pricey for someone like me. I'd recommend this to companies who can afford this, for use in marketing and advertisement, but definitely not personal bloggers. We'll take our own photos! They may not be as profesh, but they aspire to inspire as well.

Thanks for reading, lovelies! Sorry for all the words... I stuck some Fotolia photos in between for you guys to enjoy and admire... Sneaky, eh?

P.S. Guess what?

Camwhore photos next post is obligatory, yes? Yes, I think so too, Mimi. Well, Mimi, should we go out for a cup'a tea an' celebrate? No... no, I don't think so, sorry my British-accented friend. Some sleep first please. Tomorro' then, ol' chum. Tomorro'.

we kissed in the snow

2011-07-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

The sand between our toes, a story of feet. Feet, feet, feet, feet, feet. Now I understand why we measure poetry by feet: innate rhythm and discovery. Every step we take, every word we write, everything leads to a development of self and society.

Sometimes, all we need to do is focus our sights on something, and use what we are given to achieve it.

I promise you, lovelies... I will make it -- I will grab it and I won't let go.

"Snow" - The Zolas

Let's start over again (and again), lovelies.

Hi, my name is Mimi, and I'm not perfect.
But that's okay.
How are you today?

P.S. Every day, I'm changing. I want this blog to change with me. Stay tuned for the Fotolia review, even more outfit posts, Canadian indie music recommendations, and random pictures of me and my sister jumping. Because we're cool like that.

P.P.S. Sorry, mom.

GIF obsessed

2011-07-15T04:40:00.000-07:00

You're probably thinking, "WTFFFFF MIMI Y U MAKE MY EYES HURT?!!!" but I know you loooove these animated GIFs as much as I do. Now.. I dunno what GIF actually stands for... so I will just call them Good-Image-Fun.

JOKES. I just Googled it, and it means "Graphics Interchange Format", and you can read more about it here. But that's way too boring.

Today I'll show you guys how I make mine. I'm an amateur, by the way. Don't expect profeshness.

HOW TO MAKE ANIMATED GIFs WITH PHOTOSCAPE
STEP 1
Download Photoscape. It's a free photo editing program, and one of my favourites. The user interface is simple and clean. Photoscape is a small file, won't mess up your computer, and it's easy to use. Cons: it might be too simple for some hardcore camwhores, who like to Photoshop themselves into different looking people. Photoscape has the bare minimum, but with creativity and a quick wrist, one can turn any boring old photo into something completely cool. For example (click to enlarge):

BEFORE

BEFORE

and

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Alright I think you guys have got the idea hahah. It will take loads of practice though, trust me. But once you know Photoscape from the inside out, editing pictures will be a snap, and they'll turn out pretty cool!

STEP 2
Take lots of pictures. Buy a tripod if necessary. Or.. have someone gift you one (; Thanks Wendy and family!

Currently, I take all my own outfit and camwhore photos using an old Cyber-shot digital camera (my mom's old cam heh) and this Dynex 'Digital Series' tripod. Once I have the money, I will be purchasing a DLSR, you can bet on it. Might take me more than a couple years though... I'm just.. broke right now. ANYHOO.

STEP 3
Use your Photoscape!!! Create some sweet images with the Editor. Once you have your images, click on the 'Animated GIF' option on either the header or the icons on the homepage.

From there on, drag and drop your awesomely-edited images onto the page. Change the time or effect of the GIF if you like. Click that nice big SAVE button once you're satisfied!

STEP 4
Now.. onto the.. most.. awfully.. terribly... EASY STEP OF THEM ALL. MUAHAHAHAH. Cough. Okay, because Blogger somehow can't support the '.gif' image format, I upload every one of my animated GIFs onto Tinypic and then post them on my blog.

Use this HTML code to put the images into your Blogger. You'll have to click the 'Edit HTML' button next to the 'Compose' button to put the code in (remember to replace DIRECTLINKFORLAYOUTS with your image's direct link!):

AND VOILA. You've made your first (or first few) animated GIFs. Congrats! Are you not as obsessed with em as I am?!!!!

Okay, nightie night, my lovelies. I'm headed to Harrison Hot Springs today. I.. will sleep in the car.

P.S. ENTER MY $25 GIVEAWAY TO APOTHICA.COM! USE IT FOR COSMETICS, SKINCARE PRODUCTS, AND SO MUCH MORE!

single feather earring

2011-07-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

Cut and shredded this Zolas band tee the night before

Free sunglasses and purple bracelet from the festival

Soko - "I'll Kill Her"

Guess who's bleaching and dying her hair "Vampire Red" with Manic Panic?
Just the tips though... To achieve that ombre hair I've wanted for a while. It's not that 'in' anymore but I still want it 'cause I think I need a change.

SUMMER LIVE FEST

2011-07-12T01:43:00.000-07:00

Hannah Georgas

Guy with awesome Teddybear-hat

The Zolas <3

Outfit pics in next post. Don't wanna overload Blogger with my photos.

another update, another day

2011-07-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

Dear lovelies, you have been so good to me. Thank you for sticking by me through my rants and ramblings, and thanks for having the courage to say to me: "Stop whining, deal with it, move on". The blogging community is expanding, and will forever be expanding, and I hope that every blogger will get to experience the close and comfortable connection between them and their fellow bloggers. Honestly, blogging has opened my eyes: to fashion, art, to movies and books I haven't watched or read, to the secret lives of many people, to dreams, to goals, to careers and what they entail, and to the different ways of living. Some bloggers write about what they want, what they wish they could obtain, and who they look up to. Other bloggers write about their day, with snapshots of outfits, of friends, of smiles. There are so many different ways to blog. I hope you all find your own way.

When I started Soyconfessions almost two years ago, I had no clue whatsoever what "blogging" really meant.

Well, it means "knowing what to write before clicking on that 'New Post' button in my Blogger dashboard" and "taking pictures every minute of every day, hoping at least one of them will be useful in a post". It also means "writing comments to reply to fellow bloggers... lots of them".

These things may be annoying, it may consume most of my day, but I do enjoy it. I love being able to write freely, to document my life, and to receive feedback on it. I feel so... plugged in. To the world.

I love reading blogs. Commenting just comes afterwards naturally. I never feel obligated to comment. I never feel pressured to "follow" a blog. I follow blogs I love, and I will forever follow blogs I love.

Sometimes my tastes change. But I will always make an effort to return to an old friend's blog, and give them feedback on what they write.

I just want to thank you guys. I'm not The Perfect Bloggerette. My interests and my personality may clash with yours, and you may not like the way I write. But I do hope I have contributed a small part to the Blogosphere... a tiny part at least? (:

So... My nose is pierced! So is my cartilage. I might go to a place downtown and get my tongue pierced. Who knows?

Outfit post soon! And a lot of you guys were wondering how I made my animated GIFs! I'll blog about that as well in the next post!

I'm headed to the Summer Live Music Festival today, held at Stanley Park. Will be there from noon to 11 P.M.! Erm, prepare for lots of pictures?

P.S. Have you entered the $25 giveaway to Apothica.com yet?!

Divinity

2011-07-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hey there lovelies!

You might be wondering why I'm so chipper during this time of night.. well, it's because the wonderful folks at Apothica (an online beauty boutique, supplied with quality cosmetics products, home&laundry items, and more) have decided to honour you guys as their new Goddess! Of cosmetics! Ahh, I'm just joking (;

They've done something even better. ("Better than being a Goddess of makeup brands such as Stila Cosmetics, BECCA, and Clinique?!", you say, perhaps with a French accent, "Impossiblé!")

Well, oh-hoh-hoh, the impossible has become the possible. See this $25 gift card for Apothica.com right here? It's yours. Seriously, take it. C'mon... Yes, that's it!

How to Snatch This Pretty Thang Up:

Mandatory to enter (+1 entry):
1) Be a public follower of SoyConfessions, easy! Click that Follow (w/ Google Friend Connect) button on the sidebar.
2) Visit Apothica, and then write on their Facebook fan page of your first impression/love at first sight!
3) Leave a comment afterwards, with your name and email address!

For extra entries:

- Sign up for the newsletter on Apothica.com, bottom of page (+1 entry)
- Follow Apothica on Twitter (+1 entry)
- Follow me on Twitter (+1 entry)
- Tweet about Apothica from your own Twitter account! Insert #Apothica #SoyConfessions @Nerdie at the end (+1 entry)
- Retweet Apothica's tweet about this giveaway (+1 entry)
- Follow SoyConfessions on Bloglovin'! (+1 entry)
- Write something on your blog about Apothica, and link to this giveaway post; you may use the image above! (+1 entry)

*Please write a different comment for each entry! It'll just be a whole lot quicker tallying everything up (:

That's up to 8 entries... which means 8 chances of winning $25 for makeup! Sounds good?
Best of luck to everyone! (And YES this is for every Soyconfessions reader, because Apothica ships internationally yay!)

Giveaway closes at midnight on (Sunday) July 24th, 2011. (PST)

Do not comment under this post unless you're entering the giveaway!
Some unrelated comments have been deleted, sorry!

My Countdown Countdown

happiness runs in a circular motion

2011-07-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

Donovan - "Happiness Runs"

Maxi-dress: secondhand & swapped; red loafers: thrifted @ Value Village; leather bag: mom's; bead bracelet: swapped

That's all for tonight, lovelies. I have a busy week ahead, but make your way back here on Thursday... which is, er, tomorrow, because guess what? There's a giveaway coming your way. More details in the next post!

P.S. I made some more animated GIF's out of vanity and boredom lolol.

Weekend.

2011-07-04T01:51:00.000-07:00

Sunnies: Claire's; Floral tee & loafers: thrifted @ Value Village; Frilly socks: American Apparel; Bag: fake Tokidoki bought online; Pants: hand-me-downs from one of my lovers

I'm back! Bought several E.L.F. brushes, but the one brush I wanted the most, the Stippling Brush... they were out of stock. I didn't want to beg my parents to visit a different store, so I came home with just the Powder Brush, Blush Brush, and Fan Brush. I will probably only review the Powder and Blush Brushes for you guys. I also purchased the All Over Color Stick in 'Golden Peach (3105)' and Eyelid Primer from E.L.F.! Everything came to around $11!

My family isn't perfect. My parents can bite each others' heads off and become emotionally distant every other day. But they're family, and I love them.

Hope your weekend was as good as mine. And guess what's in store for you lovelies this Thursday?! Yes, I'm building up the suspense and your curiosity. Is it working?!

Trooper

2011-07-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Fishtail 'Alice in Wonderland' tee: Mexy online; two-toned tights: American Apparel; wedges: Urban Planet; floral lace tank: Winners

Short post before I leave to go camping @ 6 A.M. this morning.

I'll be back on Monday, with a haul of E.L.F. brushes and the like to review, maybe a few mosquito bites... and something fun for the whole family. Stay tuned.

P.S. Check this site out. It's pretty cool so click around.

To graduation, and beyond (echo, echo, echoooo...)!

2011-06-30T04:22:00.000-07:00

(left to right) Flora, me, Neriselle

My bestie, Flora, has just re-joined Blogger, yehayyy! She's completely Asian, and loves K-pop, Vivi magazines, and of course, makeup. She is the guru to my fashionista. (Uhhh.. I dunno what I just said either, sorry.) Anyway, I love her to bits and pieces and bites, and I think you guys will too.

Now onto the photobomb...

(left to right) Jenny (my sis), me, mom

(left to right) Tomiwa, me.... er, grandparents

(left to right) ....... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? if i try to write everyone's names here, i think it'd take me an hour; OKAY so the class of 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We did it guys.
5 years of high school.
And here we are.
I'm so glad to have met each and every one of you. We may not have been close, we may not have even spoken to each other, or carried a meaningful conversation, but I hope you all understand that I am the person I am today, because of everyone around me. The girls I looked up to, but never gotten a chance to speak to, the guys who made jokes in class to which everyone laughed at, the "regular" non-IB kids who I sometimes passed by in the hall and smiled at or said to me "Excuse me" or even "I love your boots, where'd you get 'em?" and I them.

High school wasn't as glamorous as the movie directors and TV producers want you to think it is. High school is tough, it can be dangerous, but it can also be a place you look forward to going every morning, to see your friends, to learn. (Huh, learning in high school... what a radical notion, eh?)

i'll miss you Sonya <3 don't forget me... come back & visit!

Thank you to the teachers I haven't had a chance to thank. Sorry for making you guys work too hard to make me understand certain subjects that I will not ever... speak of again. And sorry for dressing like a total weirdo every day. Thanks for laughing with me (WITH ME... NOT AT ME, RIGHT?) and making me feel smart sometimes, and dumb other times.

Thank you to my friends.

Love,

mimi.

deathmole

2011-06-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

I've been following Jeph Jacque's webcomic, Questionable Content, for about two years now, and I gotta say I do enjoy catching up on the lives of these twenty-somethings living in Northampton... and I actually get most of the humour (go figure)! His artistic skills have gotten a whole lot better, and watching it evolve was my favourite part of my 24-hour binge on webcomics from the first QC strip to the then current, on a day and night much like this two years ago. Now I just read one comic a day -- excluding weekends since QC is updated only Mon through Fri -- like a normal person! There used to be tons of references to indie music, and that's actually how I got started listening to Deerhoof, i.e. panda panda panda panda pan-panda! I really liked "Milkman", and... let's see what was it... "the Eyebright Bugler", "+81", "Twin Killers" and a bunch more. Can't remember the names right now since it's been about a year since I've listened to Deerhoof.

Awww yeaaahhh. (:

Now for some inspiration. This segment is called Places in Space.

These photos are from the stock-photo site I mentioned in earlier blogs! Fotolia.com, thanks again guys for your free 2-week subscriptions for Soyconfessions readers!

Hope you enjoyed this post, and thanks for reading, lovelies!

Love,

mimi.

P.S. Guess who just graduated?! A small hint: the class of 2011, duh! Pics next post (;

my friends from new york, i say hello

2011-06-26T17:42:00.000-07:00


croptop: Sirens; shorts: JoeFresh (Superstore); boots: thrifted @ ValueVillage; bag: thrifted @ VV; FAUXfurtail: online

Hello! I just faked a little nap so my mother would leave me alone. I actually feel a bit refreshed even though it was faked, hmmmm. The summer sun was nice today. Thanks for voting in my poll guys! I will definitely put more outfit posts, thrift hauls, and confessions on this here blog, and please continue to vote so I can satisfy your needs, hahah.

My Sunday night is wide open... and I've got no plans. Sigh. I think I'm gonna go stalk the neighbourhood later with one of my friends.

My baby cousin has become a 24/7 crying machine. It's annoying, and at first I felt sad every time she started wailing her little heart out, but now... She cries for every little thing. Now I understand why the Terrible Twos are so terrible. Oh, my God, there she goes again.

Found these on my computer hard-drive and thought they're pretty funny:

Deathnote

Inuyasha

So what if I'm a geek? = =

Have a great night, lovelies.

Love,

mimi

Youtubin', the 'Net / insomnia

2011-06-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

This girl is amazing. She's 15, but as you know, age is nothing but a number. There are so many talented people in this world, and with the power of Youtube, Blogger, and other networking sites, they are able to put their talent out there. Orla is not only a great singer, but a wonderful writer. Her lyrics are so much more mature than one would expect, and her music is a lovely blend of folk and pop. Most of her originals are unexpectedly upbeat, and her covers of other artists' songs have just as much personality and originality as her originals. These are two of my favourite originals:

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Oy, now onto this:

Collegehumor is funny. 'Jake and Amir' is both disturbing and hilarious. Jake = mine. Okay. Yup. Time fo sleep.

Love,
mimi.

for good

2011-06-23T01:24:00.000-07:00

The choir graduates this year will be singing "For Good" from the musical Wicked at our Graduation Ceremony. It is such a sweet little song, and I really hope I can share it with you guys (i.e. I'm gonna force someone to tape it hahah). The musical apparently was just in Vancouver, and silly me, I didn't even know about it 'til.. uhh.. someone told me during our rehearsal. BUT there are still tickets, from what I can Google up online, BUT they are "nosebleeds", to quote one of my friends, meaning "they are sucky seats in the far back regions of the nebula". Not sure how long the musical will stay in Van though, so... Hmmm... I might buy tix, I might not... Also, I'm poor, so... Hmmm.

Alright, because I haven't posted an outfit in so long, I'm deciding to do an Outfit Showdown today... with three outfits for the first time. Read the RULES and my REASON for doing these showdowns in these posts.

Got it? Okay, here we go:

OUTFIT SHOWDOWN TIMEEEE

(So dramatic, I know. Try to imagine the epic music in the background please.)

...

Blouse: thrifted @ Value Village, $9.99
Beige cardigan: Garage Clothing, (on sale) $15.00
Beige Snood: Online @ Mexyshop, $15.99
Floral "yesteryear" leggings: Online @ Dress911, $26.00

Cutout Wedges: Urban Planet, $40.00

Bow: DIY, FREE

TOTAL COST: $106.98

...

Lace Bodysuit: thrifted @ Value Village, $11.99
Acidwash shorts: Urban Planet, (on sale) $10.00
(NOT PICTURED) Saddleshoes: thrifted @ Value Village, $3.99
Socks: Walmart, $5.00

TOTAL COST: $30.98

...

Hairbow: American Apparel, $16.00
Helvetica "alphabet" Tee: American Apparel, $26.00
Crochet croptop: swapped with friend, FREE
Tutu: swapped with friend, FREE

Two-tone Tights: American Apparel, $19.00

Flats: JoeFresh @ Superstore, (on sale) $7.99

TOTAL COST: $68.99

Which outfit price surprised you the most?
Would you wear these outfits?
(Probably not :P I'm... pretty experimental hahah)
(@Florence: YES I WORE ALL OF THESE OUTFITS OUTSIDE LOLOL)

Love,
Mimi

P.S. My grad ceremony is on the 27th! I'm... excited. Scared? In disbelief? In shock?

Prom '11

2011-06-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the memories, Grads of 2011. High school has taught me to always stand up for what I believe in, and that every one of us has a story to tell.

The lessons learned, I will carry with me for life.

I just hope that our reunion will come quickly! (; Can't wait to see what everyone will be doing 10, 20 years from now.

Prom was amazing. The girls all looked like princesses and the guys were... studly hahah. The food was delicious (thank God! grad cruise food sucked lol) and it was just a wonderful night. I don't think I would have done anything differently. I don't regret a thing. And that's good, isn't it?

Now we're all headed out to the Real World. No, not the MTV reality show, but "The Real World of (Young) Adulthood". Living independently (for most of us), learning to cook, clean, all that fun stuff!

... Can't wait!

__________

Prom

DRY GRAD

Mechanical bull muahahah. I was a bit scared at first but it was fun!

Love,
Mimi.

P.S. This is the last giveaway courtesy of the lovely folks at Fotolia! Whoever comments first will get offered the last free 2-week sub to Fotolia! Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out here.