First Day

 Top: Bayo (Philippines)

Jeans: Kohls

Sneakers (not shown): Forever 21

White knit cardigan (not shown): vintage

Just came back from the first class of the school year! I was all ready to go and prepared, thinking I would learn something important, but it turned out that no T.A. or professor came by. I woke up at 6:30 am for that? It probably was due to the fact that it was a discussion, not a lecture, and that no one was assigned to teach the class yet. But fortunately, I made two new friends today! As I sat in the class with forty four other students, I could tell I would enjoy being around them. Next class is in a couple of hours. Hopefully I will actually learn something. Coming to this university, I wasn't too sure of what to expect. However, despite the inevitable stress of midterms and finals, I'm excited to learn, meet new people, get out of my comfort zone, and just have fun. 

Blue on Blue

 Top: H&M

White ribbed tank top: gifted

Denim shorts: Cotton On

Shoes (not shown): gray TOMS

Purse (not shown): Old Navy

Circle sunglasses: H&M

Earrings: gifted (Philippines)

 I've come to realize I actually enjoy being independent and doing things my way. It makes me feel good to know I can be responsible and take care of things on my own. Surprisingly I haven't felt homesick the slightest bit, but I am excited to come back home this weekend. Need to stock up on food!

Today was a little more girly, but still doing the shirt-and-shorts combo during this welcome week.

Graphic

Graphic T-shirt: SM (Philippines)

Denim shorts: American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes (not shown): Vans

Purse (not shown): Old Navy

Today was a too-hot-shirt-and-shorts-bun kind of day. Got around the campus to get to know my classes. Hopefully when classes DO start, I know my way around already. Went with a casual look to stay comfortable but presentable while biking around. A bun keeps the look casual, but put together. 

And yes, each student gets a wardrobe for her clothes (surprisingly, it fit all my clothes and more). Thankfully a full body mirror is included in the room; didn't want to lug that around on move in day.

Lace and Knits

Beige knit cardigan: Old Navy

Sheer blouse: gifted (Philippines)

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Necklace: Flea market

Ring: Forever 21

Ear cuff: Icing

Bracelet: gifted (Bahamas)

Fedora: Cotton On

The day before I leave for college, I get to party it up with great family friends. It is still so surreal to hear that I will be leaving in less than twenty four hours. I will definitely use technology and the famous social networking sites to my advantage. University, I'm ready for you! Sad to leave the teen-hood and into the beginning of a LOT of responsibility. 

Kaleidoscope Vision

Romper: SM (Philippines)

Graphic T-shirt: Forever 21

Bracelet: Bahamas (gifted)

Going out for one last hurrah with the gang. I am so blessed to have met these wonderful people in high school, it will definitely be exciting to see where they end up in the future. Who knows, in 4-8 years you'll probably see future posts of me attending movie premieres with my famous actor friend or getting free checkups from my doctor buddies. I am so proud of what they have accomplished these past 4 years and will root for them to stay focused on their goals in the future. In the meantime, I'm hungrily anticipating our dinner and movie night in two hours!

Shady

Circle sunglasses: H&M

Love these circle sunglasses from H&M. Looked everywhere for these kind, and picked this lovely pair up at my local H&M this summer. Hope to wear these out until it gets cloudy again, then I'll have to say goodbye shades, hello scarves.

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I.B.O.T.M. Ayana Giann Carlos

Inspirational Blogger of the Moment

Why her?
Ayana Giann Carlos is my first I.B.O.T.M. for several reasons. She and I share several things in common, which made the reader-blogger bond more special to me. She is a Filipina, a devout Catholic, thrifter, as well as a lover of all things fashion-related. Her main blog, The Secret Vent Sessions, is something of eye candy for me. I anticipate what she will post next and am excited for her savings when I see her thrifty finds. I also love her dedication to her goals in the fashion working world as well as her passion towards her religion and relations with her family and friends. Without a doubt, Ayana is one of the reasons why I wanted to start my own fashion blog myself and after 2 years, I finally did it. So thank you Ayana, and please don't stop until your readers/fans see you rise to the top of the fashion industry.

Name: Ayana Giann Carlos
Nickname(s): “G”/Gee
Blog: (via Tumblr)
-The Secret Vent Sessions
Other sites: (also via Tumblr)
-A Chain of Charming Things
-To Be Seen & Heard
-Recycled Treasure
-Prayers of His People
 Age: 19
College: The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Job: Currently Unemployed
State: Northern California
Country: United States


1. What made you decide to showcase your love of fashion with the rest of the world by creating a fashion blog?
-Well I actually started my blog with the intention to have it solely be for my rants and writing, then after going on a trip to the Philippines and coming home with so many pictures, it became an archive for my photography as well. From there I realized that my blog could act as so much more than what I was using it for, so I added my love of fashion to mix and started incorporating personal style posts.

2. What are your favorite go-to accessories or timeless articles of clothing?
- It’s funny that you asked that because as I’ve gotten older, so have my preferences. When It came to accessories, I went through an earring phase, then a ring phase, then a bracelet phase, but now I absolutely cannot leave the house without a statement necklace.
-In terms of timeless clothing, I would have to say blazers. I wear them year round, wool, silk, lightweight and thick. They make any outfit look sophisticated and professional, which is very important because you never know who you’re going to run into when you’re walking around the city.

















3. Any tips or advice on becoming a fashionista without breaking the bank?
-First thing to come to mind: THRIFTING. Don’t be afraid to leave the trendy malls and department stores for some good old treasure hunting instead. People don’t realize that we as the consumer, dictate the trends. Designers look to US for what’s becoming popular and being widely appreciated. Plus, trends always come full circle in terms of era. We’re lucky to be in an era where there’s no boundary you can’t break. Start some “DIY (do it yourself)” Projects! Make things that you love, wear things that YOU love. It’ll make it a lot easier to find it at a price you’d prefer. Trust me.

4. What are your opinions on the growing trend of “thrifting?”
- As much as I hate to say it, I think it’s good for our generation. For a while, (starting in the 90’s) we young people were trending toward a state where we’d use our parents’ money excessively for our own pleasures. Although we still do that today, it’s not at as greater of a price as it was before. People are starting to be more smart with how they spend their money and where they spend it, and I commend them for it. If young people are going to be spending, let it be in a range that they themselves can afford.

5. Who are your fashion influences? Any fashion bloggers included? 
-Aside from my mom and the big fashion capitols (Paris, New York, London, LA.. & yes San Francisco), I would probably say off duty models (like Agyness Deyn), Bianca & Dani from Kastor & Pollux, everyone I see on The SF Style Blog, & my peers at school. I love seeing creative people, even if I may never wear what they’re wearing, they inspire me all the same.

6. What can you say to those who are bullied and made fun of for having their own amazing, eccentric, and unique sense of style which is not understood by their peers?
- I say, keep doing YOUR thing, like I said, wear what YOU love because if you ever find yourself getting hurt from harsh words, your skin may be tattered and torn, but you’ll still be a gem on the inside. Stay true to yourself. I know, extremely cliché, but I cannot stress enough how important you are to society just by being someone who has vowed to be real with who they are. There would be no such thing as trend setting, or different genre’s of style without people like you. Keep strong, keep confidence, and keep faith. You were blessed with a unique eye because only YOU can share what YOU have with the world.

7. What are you future goals, dreams, and aspirations, whether fashion-related or not?
-I hope to continue to travel the world. Immersing myself in different cultures, whether they’re a city or a continent away, has always been vital to keeping my creativity and love for life alive.
-I hope to become someone who is constantly invited to either work backstage or attend runway shows because they’re honestly my favorite thing to do.
& finally
-I hope to have a family of my own to share all of my success with.

8. Thoughts on the importance of being educated as well as being fashionable? Can only be one or the other? Important to be both?
-In order to be fashionable, one MUST be educated. I mean, to be fashionable means to KNOW what you like, KNOW where and why the trend started, and KNOW how to work it! People are dubbed “fashionable” based on their credibility. And those 3 things are what determine that.
-The fashion industry and business is tricky because it is both a creative and rational atmosphere. You must not only be keen and innovative, but look the part as well. Professional, yet exciting! Sexy yet sophisticated. You need to know the numbers, be able to keep track of the finances, and yet still  find a way to wow people and showcase your personality. It’s very demanding & in need of educated people.

9. For the youth of today who have lost their self esteem and confidence, either due to physical appearances, financial reasons, academics, etc. what encouraging words do you have for them?
- Work with what you got. It doesn’t take a lot to know how to work it. Trust me. Models have been born because they were spoted strutting on a sidewalk in nothing but a t-shirt & jeans. Singers/Stars were born while doing janitorial tasks & humming tunes in hallways. Some triathletes were born because their doctors told them that they would possibly die of diabetes or weight issues. Many entrepreneurs got to where they were with an almost empty bank account and a leap of faith. WORK WITH WHAT YOU GOT. Think about it. No two lives are the same. Many people posses similarities with one another, but no two people were born the same into the same circumstances. You were blessed with what you have because you’re the only one who would be capable of creating something amazing with it. Don’t pity yourselves for what you don’t have, or for what you still catch yourself desiring. Be thankful for what you do have, trust me. It’s enough to go places.

*All pictures taken from The Secret Vent Sessions Ayana Giann ©

Inspirational Blogger of the Moment

Inspirational Blogger of the Moment (or I.B.O.T.M) will be a new feature on my blog. You will soon be able to get to know my (and probably yours as well) favorite, most influential fashion bloggers. During these posts, I'll showcase a different fashion blogger I find to be inspirational, influential, amazing, successful, etc. If YOU have any bloggers you would like to recommend or see featured here, please email me at unconventionalbliss@gmail.com

Simply

Top: Old Navy

Tank top: Aeropostale

Cardigan (not shown): vintage

Jeans: Pac Sun

Starting to get the hang of this blogging thing, hopefully I'll continue with consistent posts while school is in session! The weather has gotten colder in the mornings, so had on a gray knit cardigan earlier. Last winter, got lazy and just threw on hoodies or sweaters and some jeans. Senioritis hit me pretty badly in the fashion department. This year, I think keeping a blog will motivate me to get creative with my outfits. I can't wait to bring out all my knits and sweaters: fall/winter, bring it on.

Let's Face It

"Power Perfection" BB Cream (SPF 37, Natural Beige): The Face Shop

Finally got my hands on a Korean BB Cream, courtesy of my tita in the Philippines. This summer, I held back on the foundation and kept my make up very simple: curled lashes, lips, bronzer, and sunblock (MOST important to keeping skin healthy and preventing skin cancer! Don't ever forget it! I use Aveeno Facial sunblock year round).

My go to foundation is the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Original Foundation layered with the bareMinerals Mineral Veil to keep my face matte and keep my makeup on all day. However, I wanted to try a liquid-type of foundation. I came across the amazing idea of BB Creams, so have been on the hunt for one that wasn't too drying, gave good coverage, gave me a dewy/healthy finish, and of course sun protection.

Haven't tried this BB Cream from The Face Shop yet, but will keep you guys posted on how it turns out.

UPDATE: I have tried this 2x now. The second time is right now, so awaiting the results! The first time I had it on my face for about 6 hours and loved the staying power. I expected the BB cream to either make my oily areas (forehead, chin, nose) to become extremely oily or dry out my dry patches of skin. It actually made my face look a tad bit lighter than my usual skin color, but other than that it evened out my skin tone and faded my red splotches and acne  scars. It gave me the slightly dewy finish that I've been searching for (think Korean drama actresses and their healthy, youthful glow). It didn't give me a flawless, photoshopped looking face, but it did give me enough coverage and felt like nothing is on my face. I only needed half a pea-sized drop to give me a sheer finish. When this bottle finishes (which will be a while since a little goes a long way) I'll definitely get this again!

On the front:

A BB Cream providing total skin treatment to achieve a "POWER PERFECTION SKIN" by imparting proactive care to overall skin problems including bagginess, roughness and dryness

On the back:

SPF 37, PA++

40g/1.41 oz.

Packed Up

(From top to bottom, left to right: )

Denim vest: gift  

Cream & brown diamond-patterned vest: vintage 

Basic white T-shirt: American Eagle Outfitters 

White graphic tank top: Artwork (Philippines)

Blue graphic T-shirt: H&M 

Yellow floral spaghetti-strap top: Aeropostale 

Nude  flowy crop top: H&M 

Black sheer crop top: H&M 

Coral blouse: Bayo (Philippines)

Gray muscle T-shirt: Forever 21 

Pink & white striped top: Aeropostale

Blue & white striped top: H&M

What you don't see are the layers of cardigans and sweaters underneath the rolled up tops. Packing for college (leaving in 5 days!) has got me excited for the new people, different experiences, and chances to experiment with my clothes. Rolled up my tops to keep them crease free! The left side of my suitcase is filled with my PJ bottoms, PJ shirts, sweats, and sweaters. Got another smaller suitcase with my undergarments, socks, beddings, towels, and belts. I still have so much left to pack, but the parents don't want me to pack EVERYTHING just yet (to keep me coming back and pick up more stuff)! I guess I'm lucky I only live no more than 2 hours away from the university. Watch out for future blog posts to see how I style my clothes for college.

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Gifted

Dresses and shorts: assorted stalls from the divisoria in the Philippines

The awaited gifts from my titas all the way from the Philippines finally arrived! Thank you! I only expected at most one to two pairs of scalloped shorts, and ended up receiving so much more! 

(From left to right): (1) Love the bright red color and the fit of the red dress. It is form-fitting and very flattering on my petite frame. (2) The doily-like lace detailing on the hem of the white scalloped shorts are amazing. The pleats that come right below the belt are a cute little detail as well. (3)The black and white tunic top with lace detailing falls on my body so smoothly. I have been looking for a dress or top that has these mini pleats that go all around the bodice. Finally in my possession. (4) As I twirled around while trying on the white dress with earth-toned polka dots, I felt like I was the hostess at a fancy soiree ready to entertain my guests. Actually, wearing any of these girly items remind me also of the outfits the leading lady in a Korean drama would wear, 'em I right? (5) Needed a basic pair of khaki shorts, and the subtle scalloped cut on the bottom adds a formal and feminine touch to an otherwise plain pair of shorts.

Seeing Stars

T-shirt: Forever 21 

Denim shorts: Abercrombie & Fitch 

Circle sunglasses: H&M 

Black skinny belt: Forever 21

Lucky for me, I am still able to enjoy the benefits of the hot summer sun with this muscle tee and short shorts. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely excited to break out my fall/winter wardrobe. Can't wait to cozy up in my thick knits, beanies, and pull out my boots and scarves! For now, I'll be lazily pulling on shorts and a basic tee once college starts. 

The college life does excite me. The idea of being in a pool of completely different people that you haven't grown up with, encountering new personalities and attitudes, discovering fashion styles from all over the state, even country, will greatly influence me and my own style. I wonder how my current sense of style will evolve in four years...

Joining the Blogging World

After discovering the amazing and influential world of fashion bloggers in my sophomore year in high school, I told myself I would create my own blog dedicated to my own outfits one day. However, I never found the time or confidence to do so until now. Three years later, right before college, I have finally decided to create my own space to showcase all things fashion related. Hopefully my own fashion stylings will be to the likes of the highly critical public. But more importantly, I hope my personal style will evolve and continue to improve, as well as influence others in taking the risk of doing something bold for the sake of fashion. Let's all start dressing unconventionally in hopes of finding our bliss, shall we?