Tagged: fashionista
Use Your Courage to Follow Your Heart
(Dress – Free People, Shoes – Cole Haan, Necklace – Nordstrom)
Photo by Raj.
“And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs, Stanford commencement speech, June 2005.
Outer Beauty
A knit dress is usually flattering because it fits your body perfectly. Good tailoring and a proper fit could emphasize a person’s most attractive features. Here, I am wearing a red knit dress by Free People, one of my favorite brands. The knit in this dress is not too thick or too thin – just perfect. To match the dress, I am wearing a red necklace made of crystals by Nordstrom.
I love this pair of nude heels by Cole Haan with Nike Air technology as it is made for comfortable walking.
Inner Beauty
Courage is the ability to face fear, danger, difficulty, uncertainty or intimidation. In other words, one chooses to act regardless of one’s fear.
1. Leave your job if you are unhappy. If you are unhappy with your job but you are afraid of uncertainty and a lack of financial security, first be assertive by asking for more responsibilities or a raise and begin searching for a better opportunity. Find an opportunity that aligns with your personal values. You may be a lot happier as a result! If you are looking into a career change, begin research into the new career now. Take small steps to reach your goal until you are fully there. You will demystify the process and will become more confident as you step closer to your goal and and your dream.
2. Have courageous conversations. No relationships are going to be perfect and thus, resolving conflicts will be imperative throughout life. Personally, I prefer deep meaningful relationships over shallow ones, and in order to have deep meaningful relationships that last, one must maintain them. Instead of cutting people you love out of your life, openly and honestly discuss these conflicts, put yourself in their shoes and find resolutions to the conflicts so they will not repeat in the future. Most importantly, while having courageous conversations, remember the big picture – you want to maintain and deepen the relationship out of and with love.
3. Face your fears head on. I am afraid of heights. Thus, I was not thrilled to go zip lining in Costa Rica. However, I faced my natural fear of heights by first admitting that I was afraid. In conversations, I told people that I was afraid of heights and asked for advice that may help me face my fear. Some people told me that they were afraid too but after zip lining a few times, they loved it. “Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad!” I thought. In addition, I considered other aspects of zip lining that may alleviate my fear such as safety wires and additional precautions that the company uses, encouragement from tour guides and written experiences of other people whom were also afraid of heights. Knowledge is power, and I had fun zip lining in Costa Rica despite my fear of heights!
Have a beautiful day! – And let your inner beauty shine!
© 2013, Fish and Cars. All Rights Reserved.
You are Naturally Beautiful
(Moisturizing Lotion – Clinique, Clarifying Lotion – Clinique, Anti-blemish Solution – Clinique, Eye Makeup Remover – Lancome, Baby Oil – Johnson & Johnson, Foam Cleanser – Clinique, Exfoliator – Lancome, Deep Cleansing Emergency Mask – Clinique, Sunblock – Neutrogena, Lip Balm – Clinique, Eye Cream – Lancome, Night Cream – Lancome)
Part of being beautiful is taking care of yourself, of your skin.
Outer Beauty
Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in taking care of your skin because sun exposure can cause dark spots, wrinkles and skin cancer. I love the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock (with at least a SPF of 30) because it is non sticky and feels good on my face.
Because the skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate, I use an eye cream every day. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C boost collagen production and ingredients such as calendula reduce puffiness. I apply the Lancome eye cream for these very purposes!
In addition, I moisturize my face every morning with the Clinique moisturizing lotion so it is soft, smooth and shiny. If I have a break out, I use the Clinique Emergency Mask. I personally love this product, because all of my pimples disappear and my face is shiny again!
Because I have very dry skin, I could not live without Johnson & Johnson‘s baby oil. To moisturize and soften my skin, I use a dab of the baby oil immediately after a warm shower. It helps to contain the moisture and soften dry skin.
Inner Beauty
Everyone is naturally beautiful. Society defines beauty as what we see in magazines. They are tall and thin and light-skinned. They wear expensive clothing that they may not own themselves. They have a team of service professionals whom apply their makeup, style and put on their outfits, photograph and market their beauty. Most of us are out there living our lives. Our faces are not printed in magazines but our faces, our bodies are still beautiful.
I have photographed models and non-models alike. I believe that make up could transform our outer beauty. I believe we could emphasize our best features and find our best angle. However, I find that the most beautiful people are those whose inner beauty shine. They are comfortable with themselves. They are who they are in their own skin. They have a confident attitude of – “This is who I am – Take it or leave it.”
Be yourself and embrace your uniqueness.
1. Do not compare yourself with others. All of my life, I am lucky that I am not jealous or envious. I learned as a child that someone somewhere could be smarter, prettier, wealthier or more talented than you, and most importantly, that I am different. Therefore, I have learned to focus on what I want and what I need to do in order to create the future that I want. I have learned to be happy for others and learn from their success. Thus, acknowledge that you are different and unique. Define your life. It is yours to live.
2. Think independently. As an independent thinker, I have the power of choice – what I would like to purchase, what I want to learn, whom I want to love, where I would like to travel, how I would like to make money. And this power of choice comes from knowing who you are and what you like. We are influenced every day by perceptions, perspectives, bias and values of other people. Thus, it is vital to discover and know your own values and live your life accordingly. Question and form your own opinions. Consider the perceptions of others but do not let others place a limitation on you or tell you what you should be. You choose what you want. You start and do the work. Don’t leave your life up to others.
3. Protect your dignity. Dignity is you as a whole. It is what you do, who you are. Do things that make you feel proud. Understand your personal boundaries and limits, and do not lower your standards to anyone. Protect your self-esteem, and provide yourself with positive affirmations. Separate facts from interpretations and do not jump to conclusions about what others think of you. Respect and stand up for yourself and others. Although it is difficult, remain calm and practice empathy when you encounter a conflict. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made, and be grateful for what you do have. Love yourself and others, and thrive to be whole and happy.
Have a beautiful day! – And let your inner beauty shine!
© 2013, Fish and Cars. All Rights Reserved.
Believe that Anything is Possible
(Nephew @ San Francisco Superhero Street Festival, 2010)
“You will give the people an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.” – Man of Steel
Limitless Beliefs
My nephew has no limits, as small as he is. He believes that he could accomplish anything. When he grows up, he wants to be a chef or a mechanic or a marine biologist or a president. In essence, his beliefs have no limits. I believe, no matter how old you are, you could accomplish anything as long as you believe in yourself and start taking actions now.
Inner Beauty
Each one of us is a superhero. For example – I celebrated one of my friends’ birthday in New York one year. One night, as she and I walked across town back to our hotel at the Waldorf Astoria, she noticed that a man followed us for a few blocks in the desolate streets of a warm July 4th celebration. We immediately entered an Irish pub to direct the man to enter too. As we left the pub, she turned around and said to the man: “Stop following us. You know I could kick your ass right now.” The man left. He was afraid. And my friend would have used her kickboxing skills to demonstrate some superhero action there. At the end, a kind man offered and escorted us safely back to our hotel.
1. Write your own story. You have the power to write your story, to change your past, experience heaven on earth and live in a future you create today. Sit down and write your story. Would you fall in love with the man of your dreams and experience a meaningful, profound relationship, the one you have always wanted? Do you envision a love full of sensibility, intimacy and emotional connection? Would you work at a place where you feel wanted and respected? Would you love to build a company that changes people’s lives? Would you spend time with your grandchildren and just enjoy the company of your love in your arms? Would you explore all the countries in the world and teach compassion to your children? Would you try the best you could to live in the state of happiness everyday? Begin creating your life.
2. You could accomplish anything. As you are creating your life, believe that you could accomplish anything. Anything. You could find a job. You could find a happy, loving man. You could love yourself. You could be happy. And you could change anything.
3. Love your life. Whether you have decided to love yourself every day or give your time to a non-profit organization or raise your children, appreciate life. Do the best you could to do what you love and decide what you want to accomplish. For example, I love traveling and one item on my bucket list is to visit every country in the world. Thus, I consciously choose to explore various nations, people and culture. And I love spending time with my nephew. Thus, I’ll watch Gary Mod episodes with him on YouTube and support his goal of creating a YouTube channel for his love of games. Whatever you love, begin living that reality – now.
Have a beautiful day! – And let your inner beauty shine!
© 2013, Fish and Cars. All Rights Reserved.
Spring Arrives With a Smile
(Dress – Lucca Couture from UO, Shoes – HK by Heidi Klum, Bag – Furla)
Photo by Larry.
I am excited that Spring is here!
Outer Beauty
I adore florals, and with Spring comes beautiful cherry blossoms and uplifting colors. Here, I am wearing a floral dress by Lucca Couture that I purchased from Urban Outfitters. I love the V-neck neckline and how the dress flares out gracefully from the waist. It is a simple dress; yet, it is gorgeous!
Not only is Project Runway one of my favorite shows but I also love Heidi Klum‘s shoes! This pair of nude heels fits me perfectly and I could wear it with anything!
To add a pop of colors, I am wearing a convertible bag from Furla, which is one of my accidental wanderlust while strolling the alleys of Chianti during a wine tour of Tuscany. The man who sold this bag to me carried an abundance of warmth. We spoke of the electronics in San Francisco and of course the leather finds in Italy. He listened attentively, wore patience and shared stories with laughter. Sold!
Inner Beauty
By being a warm person, you are showing others that you like them, enjoy being with them and/or are pleased with their accomplishments.
1. Provide a natural smile to convey and invite positive emotions! Sometimes, I smile to random people and I am amazed how many people just smile back! And it makes the day more positive.
2. Show interest in others by paying attention to what they are saying and feeling. Listen to their words with consideration of their body language. Instead of being interesting, be interested in others! They matter.
3. When others are feeling down, encourage them! by writing encouraging notes or using words of endearment. You have the power to positively influence others! and their lives!
Have a beautiful day! – And let your inner beauty shine!
© 2013, Fish and Cars. All Rights Reserved.
Stars in the Daylight
(Top – Ann Ferriday, Coat – BCBG, Denim –Kate Spade, Bag – Prada, Clutch – BCBG, Pumps – Cole Haan, Scarf – Tolani)
Photographs by Raj.
Outer Beauty
Even with a little wind today, the sun arises just to take a peek at every smile. I am excited to be wearing some of my favorite pieces today. I treasure the dreamy top full of stars by Ann Ferriday, which makes me feel happy and confident without fail every single time! The denim by Kate Spade is comfortable and hugs my body perfectly.
I love the Mary Jane by Cole Haan, which I could walk miles and miles in because it incorporates Nike Air Technology. Recently, my favorite jacket is this BCBG coat – it looks like a dress! and outlines my body magnificently. And because I lust for the exploration of the world, this Tolani scarf reminds me of new cultures and new experiences.
The Prada bag is a gift for myself when I explored Rome, Florence and Venice (Italy) – I have fond memories of Renaissance and medieval architecture, manicured hills and grand gondola. And lastly, this pair of gold earrings comes from a recent trip to Santa Barbara – I could spend hours and hours appreciating art along the beach! and it is quite special.
Inner Beauty
Two of my nephew’s passions are fish and cars. When he was 1.5 years old, I took him to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and he would match the fish with the fish on the laminated sheet. He even fed his goldfish with milk, which sadly killed them. He was devastated as he would cry if he saw fish freshly caught in the sink to be prepared for dinner. Today, he could tell a salmon from a bass. He considers a marine biologist as one of his possible careers.
And his other passion is cars. When he was four, he beat every single adult at a party playing Need for Speed, even one of the engineers who built the game. Needless to say, when I recently purchased Need for Speed: Most Wanted for him, he beat the game only in a few hours, including winning a tournament. Thus, instead of watching a movie at the theater, I spent quality time with him by watching Top Gear on television, with him commenting on each car, its speed and features. This nine year old is passionate!
A while ago, I have a hope to create this blog simply because I love fashion, which is one of my hidden passions. And I envision fashion to be true to ourselves, if you will. We could allow our inner beauty to shine. Loving something and taking the action to do it are two different things, and here’s what I inspired me to birth this star:
1. Focus on your most important things first. I was working on a few projects and volunteering activities for others, and a friend mentioned that one should work on your most important things first. I considered his feedback, allocated time and took action to create this blog after months of thinking about it! Thus, this hope becomes a reality.
2. Ask for help. I am very grateful that a few of my friends are happy to take photographs of me. I am appreciative of their time and help.
3. Do the things you love. When I was five, I wanted to be a writer. Growing up, I have designed my share of dresses and have helped family and friends shop. I love fashion, style, the perfect cut. I would never imagine I could combine the two – writing about what I love – and being happy doing so!
This blog is thus dedicated to my nephew, whose passions for fish and cars have inspired me to go after my own.
Have a beautiful day! And let your inner beauty shine!
© 2013, Fish and Cars. All Rights Reserved.
Fish and Cars 