One Whole Year Later.

One whole year I've been gone. I'm trying to figure out where the time has gone, but I realise that I have accomplished a lot within that time. I have broadened my horizons, met fantastic people along the way and have become super motivated to aim for my long loved dream of becoming a Fashion Editor. Along with this journey, I have also found a new sense of style. To try things that were once alien to me. And with out further ado...

Combining clothing.
This was a trick that I learnt while studying abroad in Japan (Yes, I was gone due to studying abroad for the year!!) In my life, I seemed to have grown a love for buying an array of tops, t-shirts and shirts, but NEVER wearing them. But while studying abroad, I found love in buying dresses, skirts and other items considered wholesomely 'girly'. So, because my closet consisted of an abundance of tops that I never wore and dresses/skirts that I couldn't stop wearing, but were slightly bored of, I decided to combine my skirts and dresses together to give a mix and match sort of outfit. In the picture below, I have a white dress that is stunning, with a sweetheart neck, as ASOS calls it, paired with an adorable green skirt I bought at a store called WEGO in Japan. I tucked the white dress into my tights, only revealing the top of said dress, and put the skirt over. I have never loved a last minute outfit so much.

Skirts and Dresses. 
As stated in the above, I bought tons of dresses and skirts while gone for the year. But thinking back to a year ago, this would have been strange. Spending money on skirts and dresses seemed like a waste of time and money. However, I have opened my mind to the endless possibilities of dresses and skirts. (Not that I didn't wear them at all, they just made me slightly uncomfortable wearing them. Jeans were more my thing).

Lipstick.
Now this was a 100% no go zone for me. I have always had a sort of... insecurity about my lips being shown off. But at the same time, I envied women who were so able to wear whatever colour they wanted to work that day. So, I said "bye bye insecurities and hello fabulous lips". And here we are today. The first lip colour (MAYBELLINE, FATAL RED)  I received was from a friend. she stated, while we were getting ready for a party "I have a lipstick that I like, but that I don't think I suit. Want it"? I, of course, jumped at the opportunity and took said lipstick and now it's kinda like a go to. (As a going away present she bought me a matte lippy that is fantastically deep and sensual: BOURJOIS, GRAND CRU). Next is one I bought from STYLENANDA (#SPEAKLOW). A pretty pastel pink that is subtle but beautiful. It was an impulse buy, but definitely not one I will be regretting anytime soon. Then there's that nude lipstick. I am so attracted to this lipstick, it's unreal. MINK from REVLON has to be the most amazing lipstick I have purchased. It compliments my skin tone well and just gives a tint to my lips which is fantastic for me! Finally, A present I received for a dear friend in Tokyo. A popular make-up brand in Japan called JILL STUART. The colour FEMININE LILAC has probably the cutest encasement I have ever owned (for lipstick). This amazing pink, which is probably my favorite shade, is perfect for dates out.

Crop Tops.
"Ha! A crop top, Showing MY stomach? Ha." I would have said! But, now they are kinda like that 'must have' item that needs to be in my wardrobe. They can be paired with a lot of what I already have in my closet, they are fun, cute and a nice way to show a little bit of skin. I definitely appreciated them in Japan during summer!

I think with this post, I aimed to tell myself that there are so many aspects of fashion to be loved. You kinda just have to be open to the possibility of trying those aspects out and... maybe liking them? Fashion doesn't have to be bold and daring, but rather fun and full of trial and error until you find something that fits your brand. That's definitely one thing I learnt one whole year later.

Carla Creary xo