Sunday, July 29, 2012

God Bless the British!


Confession: I am definitely guilty of being one of those girls who literally spend hours on end staring blankly at my laptop screen watching those beauty gurus/make-up artists/fashion bloggers, whatever you'd like to call them, on YouTube. I justify this by saying to myself, "I'm learning something new" whether it be a new make-up technique, styling tips, or product reviews. But the truth of the matter is, I really enjoy watching these girls because they are real and honest in what they do and let's face it: they're damn good at it. 

My favorite YouTubers just happen to be British! I think it's because I enjoy listening to their accents as it reminds me of the time I spent on vacation in England. But it's also because I feel as if British girls often have the upper hand in cutting edge fashion, and they aren't afraid to show it. So here they are, my favorite BRITISH YouTubers! 


1. Beautycrush / Sammi 

I've been watching this girl for awhile now mainly because she seems like a genuinely lovely person. Her personality is real and often times a bit silly which makes her so personable. Her style and haul videos are my absolute favorite, mainly because I feel like I'd purchase similar things (if only I lived in the UK...) 


2. Sototallyvlog / Lexi 

Literally only just discovered this YouTuber a few days ago, but I've already watched most of her videos and she's definitely become one of my favorites. Her sense of humor is quite similar to mine, so I can relate to her. She's got such a fun sense of style and her make-up always looks flawless! Absolutely love watching her videos!


3. StyleSuzi / Suzi

Yet another YouTuber who I've watched for quite some time, mainly because she not only uses basic make-up brands but she also uses Asian brands as well. It's so nice to have insight into skin care from different parts of the world! I appreciate how honest she is in her reviews, and her fashion sense is always so on par.  


4. Pixi2woo / Tanya

This girl has some crazy make-up skills and she always has such a wide variety of tutorials for every sort of look you could possibly want. Her personality is so adorable and she seems like such a sweetheart! She's my go-to YouTuber whenever I'm unsure of how to execute a look. 


Please check these lovely ladies out, if you haven't already! I'll probably do an American version of this post soon. 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Summer Stand Still.




Top: Day Dreamer LA, Skirt: Brandy & Melville, Accessories: B&M and F21

We are currently in that awkward transition phase of weather where the bay area can't seem to decide which season to dedicate more of itself to; summer or fall? In response to this confusion, I've been in nothing but maxi skirts (or in this case, a very dramatic high-low pre washed knit skirt) and my usual flimsy summer tops. And as the fog rolls in without fail, I just top it all off with a comfortable pull over sweater or a stolen jacket of the mister's. But I definitely wouldn't mind a few more weeks of sun, just so that I can finally perfect my tan before the long winter months come along.

Photo credit: Glenn Halog

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Summer Skin.

my daily beauty



1. Benefit PORE fessional Primer 2. Sephora Pressed Powder Foundation 3. Naked 2 Urban Decay Eye Shadow Palette 4. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous

These are my summer beauty favorites along with a few others. 

The Benefit primer is just about the best thing that's ever happened to my skin. It smells like heaven in a tube and glides on so effortlessly to the surface of the skin and just makes it appear flawless. I've recently upgraded to Sephora's Pressed Powder Foundation (from my usual purchase of Revlon's Colorstay Mineral Powder) and I  must say I'm liking it. It's got a medium coverage so it doesn't give me that caked on appearance that the Revlon one was starting to give me. Naked 2 Palette doesn't really need an explanation, it's just a must have.  I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the Revlon Balm Stains. I started paying attention when I noticed that each time I went into a drug store, they were without fail almost always sold out. I had a bad experience with a previous Kissable Lip Stain I had purchased from Revlon which gave me small white bumps all over my lips. But this Balm Stain is both moisturizing and long lasting with a delightful minty flavor to it. I confess I am addicted, and intend to purchase them all if I can find them. 

A few others not mentioned which don't need much of a review are the Lush Tea Tree Water toner, the Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream, and Lush's Grease Lighting and Herbalism both of which are great for breakouts. 

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Neo-grunge.



Thrifted Men's Flannel with DIY Shoulder Cut-outs, Hellz Bellz Tank Dress, H&M Fringe Purse, Deena & Ozzy Combat Boots.

I always find myself reaching for this tank dress when I can do nothing else but stare blankly into the abyss of my closet. It's a perfect length, hitting just below the knee with slits to allow for various activities. Hellz Bellz has been my favorite street wear brand since I was in high school, and I never like any other graphic prints except for theirs. 

Shop Hellz Bellz at www.whatthehellz.com
Photos by Glenn Halog

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Introduction.


Well, it's been awhile since I've blogged about anything so this will definitely be interesting.

For those of you who don't know me and happened to wander unto my page, my name is Mariko and I'm a 23 year old Fashion Design graduate. I enjoy traveling and sifting through the endless racks of treasure found in retail and thrift stores. I can be harsh in judgement and have a mouth like a sailor. I constantly look for adventure and am constantly on the hunt for more. Here are my stories.