Health & Beauty; Health vs. Beauty

I've been trying to learn the basics of photoshop for the past few weeks and found that it's way more difficult than it looks(which leads to my new found admiration for graphic design). This is one of the new ways I'm trying to branch out from traditional art that I've been doing all my life. As you can see, there's definitely room for improvement, but everyone has to start somewhere.

The face chart is actually inspired by the topic of chemicals in cosmetics, which is a part of my world issues assignment. To me, makeup has always been a hobby and another form of art. But I've never really stopped to consider the possible side effects of the products I use everyday. Like most girls my age, I collect cosmetics like it's my full-time job. After a few classes on the topic, I went over a lot of ingredient lists and turns out my bathroom is a chemical wasteland(non-literal). From bronzers to conditioner, everything is full of parabens, lead, and petrolatum. 

Here's where it gets hypocritical, even though I'm promoting awareness, I'm not necessarily against makeup. Sure, I'll be more careful next time I pick up a new mascara, but it doesn't mean I'll be going without. In my opinion, everyone should be well informed on the impacts of their choices, but should ultimately do what makes them happy. As for me, I'm perfectly content with my cosmetics(in reasonable amounts of course). 

What's your stance?

Cheers,

J

Styling Ideas: Interview Wardrobe

http://aritzia.com/

So my second meeting with Aritzia(one of my all time favourite stores) is this weekend and I need a little inspiration for what to wear. It's suppose to be more casual than the initial interview, so I want to skip the blazer and incorporate some recent trends. Above are my favourite pieces from the new Wilfred and T. Babaton lookbooks. I really love all the maroon and loose silhouettes but at the same time don't want to lose any professionalism in what I wear. One tip for interviews, especially in retail, is to keep brand representation to a minimum. Sure, you may want to show the employer how much you love their clothes, but it's really easy to overkill. As cheesy as this sounds, less is (usually) always more. For example, choose 1-2 key pieces from the brand to put in your outfit, then be creative with the rest. It'll show your originality and reflect who you really are, instead of who you think you need to be.

The key thing is always be confident, even when you're not! (paradox, i know)

Cheers,
J

Business Casual Sunday

Work doesn't always have to be dull and boring. From my experience in retail, the way you dress affects your mood and how others perceive you. My advice is to always dress to impress, because you just never know what may be thrown your way.

Trending: Leather Skirts

I've been pretty reluctant for the last couple of months on giving this whole leather skirt thing a try. But yesterday I finally succumbed to it when I found this blush coloured a-line(it also has an exposed zipper on the back).

Inspiration Board: October

Purse: Rebecca Minkoff
Watch: Michael Kors
Pants: American Apparel
Flats: Tory Burch
Heels: Alberto Guardiani
Maxi: American Apparel

Closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? Sometimes, it's all about a little inspiration. When I'm stuck in a clothing rut, I usually flip through tonnes of magazines and scour my favourite blogs to refresh my imagination. Inspiration boards are useful, since you can compile anything you want cohesively(plus it's a great DIY decor idea). You can also opt for the virtual side of things with sites such as Pinterest which allows you to organize images into a large variety of categories.

Above is a compilation of things that influence my style this month. First off, black has been one my biggest obsessions lately, especially since it's so chic and universally flattering. Then there are maxis, which have been huge lately as well and they're just so nice to look at. As for the tortoise chain watch, it's a unique take on the persistent trend and I am head over heels.

Hope this sparked some ideas. Good night everyone!

Cheers,
J

Mustard for Fall

Here's to another week everyone. Mondays seem to drag on forever and ever, so I thought a little colour would help me push through it.

Insta-Weekend

Necklace: H&M
Blouse: Forever21
Watch: Michael Kors
Belt: Express
Pants: H&M
Flats: Tory Burch

Cardigan: Roots
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelet: Derng
Boots: Steve Madden

Watch: Michael Kors

Cross Bracelet: Derng

Beaded Bracelet: H&M

Happy Sunday everyone! Hope your weekend is still going strong. For me, it's time to hit the books. But before all that, here are some of my recent instagram(@joannaaali) photos I wanted to share. The app has become a full on addiction, I'm constantly posting pictures of my style, friends, and just life in general. It's mainly style oriented of course, as one would expect from a fashion-junkie like me.

Incase anyone isn't familiar with instagram, it's an app for iPhones and Androids that allow people to connect through sharing pictures. Kind of like an upgraded version of tumblr for your mobile devices, which you can link with other social networks. The filters and editing tools are some added bonuses. I highly recommend the app to everyone; it's a new and creative way to document your experiences and share them with the people around you.

That's all for now.

Cheers,

J

Leaves & Thanksgiving

Hey everyone! Autumn has finally arrived and so, a new fashion season begins.