Saturday, February 28, 2015







Hey kitties,
Sorry I have not been posting much this week! I am currently trapped in Palm Desert due to car trouble, and stupid me did not bring any cute outfits to photograph ;)

So enjoy this photo of sushi? All I have been doing is eat and work on my DIY furniture products. Hope to get more posts soon!


<3 Anda Brea

Monday, February 23, 2015

Recent Purchases



Sheinside Zara look-a-like Eye Dress & look-a-like Bandit Minimale Animale Set
I purchased both from PoshMark, take a peek yourself!





Valfré Bruno the Cat iPhone 6 Case + Valfré Carton of Boys Tears iPhone 6 CaseUNIF Pyramid-Pack




My Beauty Regimen Practices and Products

  • fresh seaberry moisturizing face oil
What it is formulated to do:
Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil is a precious blend of pure oils—seaberry, cranberry seed, camellia seed, grapeseed, and sweet almond—packed with restorative omegas to maintain a youthful appearance. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly for a boost of vital moisture, while vitamin E works to maintain the skin’s elasticity and smoothness. This powerful antioxidant protects the skin from aging free radicals, leaving your complexion soft, smooth, and refreshed.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates 

This is my go to favorite beauty product I own! If I had to choose between mascara and this seaberry oil it would be a close call. My face is unique. No I am not talking about beauty-wise ;), I am speaking on terms of my skin oil/dryness. I tend to get very dry around my T-zone. My nose and between my eyebrows usually are what gets flaky and dry. The rest of my face, perfectly fine! I can never find any products that don't  leave my face completely oily or as if the product is caked on. Impossible.

Then my friend bought me this oil unintentionally knowing I was in dire need of some help (she probably saw the dryness haha jk). After cleansing, you lightly massage one to two drops onto the face. The natural oils take care of my dryness but have never given me an oily or shiny feel! My skin has never looked better since using this product, and has even allowed me to go out make-up-less!

Buy it here from Sephora! Two sizes available!




  •  keep a chapstick in my makeup pouch
 Chapstick is so important! Yet, I can never seem to grasp the concept of pulling it from my purse and applying it to my lips when I feel a tad dry -_-. My lips suffer from extreme dryness and peeling. I would love to experiment more with lipstick, however, it just makes my lips look more like the a crackling desert.

My trick to always remembering to apply chapstick - leave one where I know I will never miss it: my make-up pouch! I wear make-up 5 days of the week. Whether I am just applying a bit of mascara or some coverup. My chapstick is always in there and before I grab the desired product, I have taught myself to apply the chapstick first.

Not a huge practice to most, but to me this is essential. I always forget to use it on the go, so leaving an extra in a space I know I won't miss it has really turned around the quality of my lips.



  •  tanning lotion
 I am a very white girl. I long to be an tan exotic queen, but alass, I have the genes of bleach. My body refuses to tan, and when it does, it is actually all my freckles clustered up into a "tan" mass around my shoulders. Don't get me wrong, white skin is very beautiful, juuuust I want to be tan (we are never happy with what we got).

I started using the Sun Goddess Tanner over a year ago. It works well for a quick job. I have stopped buying it because it just does not stay on long enough and stained my white bed sheets. I still have about 5 bottles. I never finish my current one when they send out the next month's worth. I have now only been using it on my essential areas: my face mixed with a 2 to 1 ratio of face lotion, my chest and neck, my legs, and my torso. Wait that is everywhere? Yes but no. I do not use it like the product says to - three times a week or so. I just do a thin layer to give myself some color.

Interested in trying this out yourself? Maybe you can master it better than I can! Check it out on the Sun Goddess website. Or check out some reviews on youtube!


  • Skin  Exfoliation
 You may be cleansing, moisturizing, and slathering on the sunscreen—but if you’re not exfoliating, your skin isn’t as healthy as it could be.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation refers to the removal of the dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. Exfoliation can be performed mechanically, by using abrasive scrubs on the skin or chemically, by using scrubs that contain special kinds of acids that dissolve and remove the dead skin cells without scrubbing.
Why is Exfoliation Important?
As we age, the process of cell regeneration slows down. This means that the body is slower to shed skin cells and generate new ones. When old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it can leave skin looking dull, rough, and dry. Furthermore, the build-up of dead skin cells can result in excess oil and clogged pores, leading to blemishes and acne.
Proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin and uncovers fresh new cells below. This opens the way for moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, which makes them more effective. In short, a regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.
 Courtesy of A Woman's Health

Exfoliation is another of my must haves. I did not understand the difference until I started using the Sun Goddess product. I noticed it would not apply properly. I researched and watched youtube videos on it, and a lot of them were saying to make sure to exfoliate! Why? The dead skin build-up (gross I know) caused my lotion to stick to that instead of my actual skin. Resulting in it appearing smudgy or it would come off a lot quicker.



 
  • hair products
 This one I am going to keep short as I am no hair expert. My choice of hair products, especially after dying my hair grey, are Wen Hair Conditioners, Redken Extreme Strength Builder, and to tone out any brass tones I use Pravana Brightening Shampoo.

I choose to use it in my own order. Wen (to condition and remove any tangles) > Pravana (to tone out any unwanted brass tones) > Redken (the final conditioning to really make your hair feel soft and healthy). This Pravana purple shampoo smells so gooood and doesn't give my hair that elastic/barbie hair feel other purple shampoos have given me. When using Wen, you can smell the natural cleaning when the steam mixes with the product. A lot of people say it makes their hair greasy, but you just need to research their specific products better. They even have live chat on their website for any unanswered questions. I loved the Cucumber Aloe they had, but it was discontinued. So the live chat operator suggested this Lavender and it works almost as good as the Cucumber. The most important product I use on my hair is the Redken. My hair has been dyed, tortured, boiled, etc for far too long yet this product makes it feel anew. My hair dresser, Davis or Naomi Smalls ;), recommended this product to me and I can not believe the difference in my hair.

For more tips on hair, visit this beautiful lady's website!


  • Face Cleansing 
What it is formulated to do:
This purifying lather gently yet thoroughly purifies, refines the look of pores, and leaves skin feeling fresh and comfortable. Botanical amino acids, hydrangea leaf, green tea, and geranium offer natural complexion-protecting and perfecting benefits for smooth, hydrated, clear skin..

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

As the Boscia brand says in their bio "You don't want preservatives in your food, so why would you want them in your skincare" No. This product contains no preservatives and is great for all skin types. I am going to admit someting very gross... I do not wash my face as often as I should. I go to bed with my makeup on 90% of the time... When I do wash my face, this product really makes up for my mistakes. I use it with the Konjac Cleansing Sponge
What it does:
As the leader in botanical science, boscia continues to innovate with Japanese heritage in mind. Using only the purest, highest quality ingredients, they have successfully created the new standard for cleansing. The efficient boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge is made from 100 percent preservative-free konjac root from the pristine, idyllic Jeju Island in Korea. Konjac root is an Asian-cultivated, root-based vegetable that the Japanese have traditionally used as a detoxifying dietary staple, and as a calming, exfoliating sponge for delicate skin. It is naturally alkaline and balances the acidity of the skin’s impurities and oils while being enriched with protein, carbohydrate, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and folic acid. Gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types, this naturally deep-cleansing, pH balanced sponge can be used throughout the face, neck, and even the very delicate undereye area.
 I found this sponge odd when my friend Christina showed it to me. After using it the first time I will never go back to just using my palm! Its spongy texture alone is so fun! I did feel the difference between using just my fingertips vs this sponge.

Buy both products from Sephora!

Friday, February 20, 2015

WARNING: Contains Nudity


Left: Rick Owens Winter 2015. Right: Scene from Netflix show Marco Polo.

Tom Ford on Rick Owens showing penis on the runway at his fall 2015 menswear show:
“OK, I’m not going to wear it, but I think [Owens] is an artist in the way that McQueen was an artist,” he says. “As an artistic statement—equal opportunity objectification.”

Tom Ford on being furious over GQ censoring a naked male spread he did several years ago:
“We use women’s bodies to sell everything, but we have a weird hang-up about naked men,” he offers. Which brings him full circle back to the merch. “Why not put a TF [his initials] right here? If people are going to stare at my crotch, they might as well see the logo.” 
courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue

Left: Pam Hogg Fall 2013 Right: Rick Owens Winter 2015

Equal opportunity objectification. We use women’s bodies to sell everything, but we have a weird hang-up about naked men.

Something I could not have said any better myself. Everyday films, television shows and magazine ads come out with women's naked bodies nonchalantly thrown into the scenes. Sometimes thrown in when it isn't even relevant to the issue. Just for the heck of it.



Carl's Jr Superbowl Commercial...for burgers...


I have always been bothered by the one-sided treatment. I flip through the tv and you can easily come across a nipple or ass. I was watching the Netflix original show "Marco Polo" with my boyfriend a month ago. I saw a woman's breasts and crotch every ten minutes in the first three episodes. Why are people so casual about this, but go berserk over 5 minutes of penis? There is a scene where Marco must prove himself to the Emperor by wandering through the "hall of desire." Basically walk through a bunch of completely naked mistresses trying to seduce him, stripping him of his shirt and almost pants. Marco finds it ever so hard (looks like he took ecstasy) to get through without giving in to the temptation. Women are objectified as sex symbols, and it is completely natural to us. My boyfriend sighed with empathy "oh that is so hard" in which I replied "Disgusting - You're a major turn off." I could go on about this scene in particular, as it truly upset me, but it lead to more conversation to the actual point of this post. 


 
 

I was fed up at this point because this show only shows women's privates in a demeaning manner and never men. I vetoed the show for good (even though it is actually really good). I told my boyfriend this and his reaction was "I don't want to see a penis." ..."So you want to see a woman's vagina and boob?" "No, but it is normal to see that. Sex sells." Normal. Sex Sells. This is the counter-argument...

I was appalled. I love my boyfriend, but this way of thinking just baffled me. We exchanged our points, coming to the conclusion that he in fact does understand and agrees with my views. He sees the inequality but knows the reality we live in: nudity brings in the ratings. But why is it society is okay with objectifying only women? The response "it is normal" made me feel so belittled.

When I saw the commotion on Facebook of the Rick Owens runway show I was ecstatic. Though he is not doing it for these reasons, it gave me a sense of satisfaction that finally objectification will be on both sides - equal! People were outraged and grossed out by the peeping fellas under the garments. Was I? No. Did I want to see those tiny little guys? No. I, as well, would prefer not to see them. So do you want to see a vagina? Peoples normal response is no, yet they have a hesitation: acceptance. It is everywhere, women are objectified throughout advertisements, runways, movies, etc without a second thought. It was nice to see a man put men in our position.

Although this may be shocking to some, women have been showing their bare breasts, their butts and sometimes even their vaginas on the catwalk for years, so it's only fair that men get the same treatment, right?


Thursday, February 19, 2015

STOP FOLLOWING ME (...but don't really).



WHITE DENIM SIDE ZIP PANT american apparel
links to jewelry from this post on my haul post

I wanted to do an all white ensemble. I know I am trying to avoid these inside posts but I also wanted an all white background for this outfit. So it just happened. Props to the model on the Forever 21 website modeling this tee. I could not get a good photo showing you the whole written back! I got the smallest size (small) so I do not understand why I could not do it haha. Anyways, I love this tee! Reminds me of the UNIF Jacket 'Stop Following Me' (I wonder why...). I did not realize it was so transparent till I took these photos. Does not look as photographed but I do not mind that. I really like how soft this shirt is and basic. I need and want more basics in my life - clothing wise that is ;). 

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

February Wishlist 2015


A little late...okay very late. I did not have a set wishlist at the beginning of this month. Whaaaaat?! Yep. I did not have anything really in particular I wanted besides like two things. I was going to save those for March's Wishlist, but realizing it is half a month away, my taste may change by then.

 This month I am craving artsy swimwear just in time for summer, beautiful delicate lingerie (preferably anything For Love & Lemons), statements shoes, healing crystals, and camel! Minimale Animale's Bandit suit is absouletly perfect. It has everything I want in a swimsuit: artsy and sexy. I like the show-off cut of the bum and the trianglular top would really enhance my ladies. Lingerie is on my list because mine are all dull and worn. And when better to crave new lingerie in time for Valentine's Day. I really wanted the lace bra by FL&L but held off due to the price. I mean, $130 for a bra was a bit much for me. I am very happy I waited though because their new collection's Snapdragon bra is much better. Statement shoes are a must for me during the summer. I can not rely on my coats and pants to stand out in my outfits due to the heat. The shoes can turn any boring outfit into something spectacular. The fourth thing on my list is something I have been reading into as of lately, healing crystals. Audrey Kitching has her online boutique of crystals made fashionable and I absoutely love it. I am a very stressful person due to my social anxiety and I also believe in the natural earth's mystical ways. Stones have a magical property if treated correctly to bring harmony to your life. And even if you are a skeptic, what is so harmful? They are beautiful just as decoration none-the-less. Lastly, camel. I love the camel and gray combo SO MUCH. I want to start to incorporate it into my summer style. A camel skirt will be my first starting piece. But if I did happen to find a cute camel tank, then perhaps I would go that route. ;) 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 //

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Angles and Placement on social media







These photos aren't a great representation for what I am about to write. I want to mention the importance of angles and thinking before speaking.

Angles. You can go from being 'thin' to 'fat' in the twist of your chin. Angles and placement plays a huge role in our selfies. I usually photograph from the left. My face appears thinner, a bit more feminine and my crooked eye (you probably haven't noticed?) is more concealed. My right side of my face looks fuller to me, so, I have conquered how to hide this. If I want my legs to look thinner, I make them hover - rather than let them relax against the cushion of my chair.

People shame girls all over social media about "loosing too much weight" or "gaining too much weight." Think before you speak. They know their angles and of course they will use them to their benefit. If you attack them over their body you are (perhaps) lowering their self-esteem. People come in different shapes and sizes. It is also none of your business as to what they do with it.

This post is not particularly what you would call a fashion post, but there is a relation. People need to realize there is such a thing as angles and placement and some of us are better at it than others. If you notice a girl varies from photo to photo, it is not your business to call her out on it. Even if it is photoshopping, she has to walk the world the next morning without the luxury of an app. I have yet to meet a woman without any insecurities about her body. If she feels good about falsifying her body for a minute on instagram/facebook/blogs then let her. Just feel happy you have the confidence not to do that yourself.


I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university. ― Albert Einstein



and a little one for you lads and gals out there struggling with insecurities
If you don't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else? ― RuPaul
Amen ;)

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

FLOW



GREEN VELVET "DRESS" thrift
RED PRINT KIMONO local store

I have discovered the power of gifs! I finally found a great website for free that will convert my MOV files into GIF files. Other options are available, I have yet to use them. The site convert.com takes no time and so far is the best I have seen.

Besides that, here are my photos from today! My lovely brother took them of me, all the while making fun of every pose and "contorted" face I make. I guess I make a new face in my photos? I don't look like myself? I need a shirt that says "I look better on Blogger."


meet my photographer, my bro, mocking how I "model."