Liebster Award Nomination

I saw blogging as a creative outlet, as a place where I could share my thoughts, struggles, inspirations...and be able to connect with other people that I would not have been able to get to know otherwise. I love to share my world with others and hope that I can be a role model to fashionistas, just as some of my favorite fashion bloggers have empowered me to go after my passions and never settle for anything less than what I want. 

2. Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

I've said it time and again, but even to this day, my biggest inspiration in life is Wendy Nguyen of Wendy's Lookbook. Her fashion blog was the first one that I had stumbled upon during my freshman year in college and I was immediately drawn to her world. I was so inspired by her journey, from being in the foster system and even being homeless at one point, to her success at UC Berkeley--and then having the courage to take that risk and go after everything she had ever wanted. Whenever I'm thinking negative thoughts or have self doubts and insecurities, I always remind myself that blogging is a journey and keep Wendy's story close to heart. 

3. If you were going on a trip and could only bring one item, what would it be?

Would have to be my DSLR, hands down. To be able to capture moments during travels is one of my favorite past times and I love being able to look back and relive memories from just a couple of snapshots.

4. Through starting a blog, have you learned anything new about yourself?

Blogging is a journey and I can say that I have definitely learned more about myself these past few years than I had in the last 10 before this fashion blog. I've learned how to take criticism well, I've learned that I'm actually a pretty sociable person despite being an introvert at heart. I've learned that we as humans have a need to connect and to share with others--to feel like someone out there understands us. I've learned to forgive and let live, to find a purpose and stick with it. But most of all, I've learned to cut the negativity out of my life and try to find the happiness in the simplicity of each day. 

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I've always been an overthinker, preparing for the worst case scenario. I think I build things up in my head a lot and can get really lost in my own thoughts, whether they're good or bad. It's almost a defense mechanism, where I think the worst and then when everything works out, I say that it was just luck. I admit that there have been times where I didn't take that leap of faith and really go for an opportunity just because I couldn't overcome those personal insecurities. So something I would change is to be more open-minded and less restricted by those insecurities circling around in my mind, to really put in my all to a project and be okay should I fail because it is through failure that we grow.

6. Where is the coolest place you have travelled?

Definitely Istanbul. It was literally like no other city I'd ever visited, from the food, to the culture to the architecture. It was both scary and exhilarating to travel there and explore such a different city, with nothing but Google Maps as our tour guide. My roommate and I were lucky enough to visit before tensions in that area really escalated--so I'm really glad that we had the chance to see such a beautiful city and way of life. (You can read all about my adventures in Istanbul here!)

7. Do you do most of your shopping online or in-store?

It's actually a good mix of both. I'm one of those people who gets very strategic when it comes to shopping. I'll have an idea of which piece I want and then I'll do a ton of research before deciding which brand to purchase from. Then, I like to either wait for promotions and then go in-store to purchase, or buy online and use Ebates. I love that some retailers have actually implemented the "Reserve In Store" or the "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" option because I have a bad habit of wandering eyes whenever I go shopping without a specified list. So, I try to keep that shopoholism in check by only purchasing and keeping pieces I know will be in my wardrobe for the long run.

8. Describe the outfit you feel most comfortable in.

Definitely something tailored. And heels are a must. I feel the most comfortable when I'm dressed to take on my day and I love a good tailored coat and some killer heels to give me that extra boost of confidence. 

9. What is one area you would like to improve in?

Sometimes, I feel like I'm very focused on my goals and kind of...the "next steps" to take in order to get there that I don't really live in the moment. I also think that kind of mentality has something to do with spending my college years in New York City. You're so wrapped up in your goals, your dreams that you seldom look up to enjoy the little things. I want to be more attentive to my every day life and truly be living "in the moment." I don't want to have life just pass me by as I chase after my goals. So that's definitely something I would like to improve in: to live and to enjoy every moment I have.

10. Do you have any hidden talents?

I actually really love music and know how to play three instruments. I learned the piano when I was about 5 years old and I've been in a love affair ever since. We still have a baby grand at home and I'm guilty of sometimes whipping up some sheet music and wandering away in the keys and the melodies.

Thanks for reading fashionistas and I hope this gave you guys a little more insight into my life! Below are my nominations, and some of my favorite bloggers! Feel free to check them out and enjoy!

With Much Love,

Nominations:

Louboutins & Love | Esther Santer

My Cubicle Chic | Jessica C.

Runaway In L.A. | Kelsey Nguyen

Peachy Keen Caroline | Caroline St Francis

Color & Chic | Hoang-Kim Cung

Explicit Affairs | Angela Chen

Forever Vanny | Van Le

Styled & Smitten | Alyssa Lenore

Urban Chic Blvd | Dee K.

By, Hilary Rose | Hilary Rose

Questions for Nominees: