::**lack of update #latergram

no words...life got in the way. here's an outfit post:

How to Winter-proof Your Skin.

.Dita Vesoul Sunglasses. Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess. Nars Laguna Bronzer. Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Treatment. Laura Mercier Body Moisturizer in Creme Brulee. Shisheido Sun Protector. Nivea Kiss of Moisture

As mentioned in my last post, fall has most definitely arrived. Our daylight hours are steadily decreasing, and there is a definite chill in the air - not to mention the return of the happily forgotten "morning car frost". My fav. Unfortunately pour moi, there is more to the upcoming cold season then just layers...the biggest change that I notice is the stark difference in my skin. Beginning around mid-October, I notice my skin becoming more and more dry, tight, and of course inevitably paler. Through both trial and error, and a bit of research, I've collected a few "tips an tricks" (why are cliches so damn catchy...and perfectly descriptive!), and I thought I'd share the wealth!  

SPF

I know the secret is mostly out, and this is becoming common knowledge (thank god), but in case you have been living under a rock, or in Russia...it is beyond imperative that you are applying sun protection to your face (as well as to any exposed areas) all year round. The sun is still shining people, and in many cases, can have even harsher effects during the fall and winter months (due to it's affinity for reflection). Be sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 - 30 ( for your face). Thank you Dr. Schultz . Be sure that it is applied first (before any makeup), and approximately 15-20 minutes before you venture outside.

Dry, Tight, Flaky skin

When you don't exfoliate, dead skin cells remain on the surface of your skin. Eventually, these skin cells will begin to clog pores, transform into, and contribute to excess and flaky skin, and begin to prevent any topical treatments and moisturizers from doing their jobs. Contrary to popular belief, it is important to exfoliate every day in order to maintain a clear and bright complexion. Now don't whip out your St. Ives Apricot Scrub and start sanding away at your face everyday. Seriously. Don't. Find a pH balanced glycolic based exfoliant (again, check out Dr. Schultz's Beauty Rx)- perfect for recommended daily use without irritating, and/or harming your beyootiful face. 

SoftLips 

So, I love lip scrubs. Especially the sugar scrubs from lush- they're kind of delicious (I've only eaten a little bit, no big deal jeez). Plus, they totally advocate/imply this false - it's only temporary - plumping effect. Anywho, back to the "gem"- you are NOT supposed to exfoliate your lips! Your lip skin...ahem... is incredibly sensitive (much like the skin around your eyes), and any form of exfoliation only aids in further thinning out the skin, thus making it more delicate. So, no matter how chapped and flaky your lips get, no scrubbing at them. Instead, find a thick oil based lip treatment with SPF, (think beeswax or petroleum based) and slather that baby on. The thick consistency will trap the moisture in your lips and start the healing process.  

Showers 

There are few things sweeter then a nice (long) hot shower. After coming in from the freezing cold (or after ridiculous amount of layered sweat shirt/pant attire doesn't cure your natural state of freezing due to horrendous circulation...), there is nothing better. Of course, this guilty, and sometimes very expensive indulgence only exacerbates the dry and itchy skin that many of us suffer through through the winter time. The heat pulls even more moisture out of our already dry skin caused by the cold, dry air. Fortunately, I am not plagued by such misery, so I will happily continue with my hot showers. However, for those that are, the trick is short lukewarm showers followed by a thick moisturizer to trap in moisture. 

Side note: make an effort to use soaps/shower gel without sulphates- they dehydrate as well as pollute the skin. 

H2O baby 

Drink water. Duh. 8-10 glasses a day. We all know it. Just do it. You'll notice a major difference not just in the appearance of your skin, but in your energy levels as well. I know that for the strangest reason, a lot of people don't like water. They don't like the taste of taste-less water...for all of you interesting people, I recommend trying roiboos teas. They come in a crazy variety of flavours, but have no caffeine, and unlike herbal teas, can be likened to water.

Dull Skin

Daily exfoliation will definitely help in restoring vibrancy and brightness to your skin, but sometimes we want/need a little help to get our skin looking just right. Due to my olive/medium tan/nc42? complexion, I've never felt the need to foray into self tanners. So there's not much I can recommend for you there. However, I do love a good bronzer, be it for contouring or boosting my pale face in the winter. My HG's include Nars Laguna and Tarte Park Avenue Princess. I've also heard amazing things about N.Y.C.'s Sunny Bronzer, but have yet to try it out. 

Don't Forget Your Shades 

Also, cuz I'm a sucker for shades all day err day- actually. I will wear my sunglasses until the street lights come on. It's a thing, I can't really explain it, I get really condescending looks, mostly from my sister...I digress.  Winter sun can get incredibly bright, so UV-protect those eyes with some stylish shades. 

There we have it, some tips to fight the winter skin blues-lol. I hope at least one of these tips can prove useful to you guys. 

Talk soon!

xoxo

<3 devina.

fall chic**//

Fall Delicious-ness

1. Cable Knit Poncho / 2. Ventcouvert Black Elastic Waist Pants / 3. Neon Hart Cap / 4. Scotch & Soda Big Knitted Scarf / 5. H&M Socks / 6. Acne Studios Ankle booties / 7. Sekonda Brown Leather Strap Watch / 8. Stella & Dot Renegade Bracelet / 9. Alexander Wang Shoulder Bag / 10. Dara Ettinger Green Jewelry /  11. Ray Ban Sunglasses / 


I don't think there is a soul in Vancouver (I hate the term "Vancouverite" - it sounds so unnatural, and very insect-like no?) that would argue that we have had the one of the longest, and most consistently beautiful (hence the "longest") summer's in a long while . And although I  have thoroughly enjoyed the sun bathing, and the crazy heat, and the cutoffs, and the darkest skin-tone I have had ever had the pleasure of possessing,  I do believe that I am ready to let go. Don't get me wrong; I haven't forgotten that I live in Vancouver. And I will be the first to admit that I spend the entirety of mid September to whenever Summer starts - because let's be real, this city likes to get tricky on us - complaining about the cold and the rain, and the fact that in order to remain dry and at a bearable body temperature, I am forced to wear a peacoat or a parka (stylish nonetheless) everyday, that covers up the carefully pieced together outfit that took me an hour (on a good day) to perfect *deep breath*. True story. And to be clear, I am in no way welcoming the ungodly, but inevitable coastal rain. But man am I excited to put on my layering hat, and style those never to be seen outfits. Fall and Winter bring with it a unique creative outlet and state of mind that I don't seem to be able to tap into for the remainder of the year. I blame this on my being a major proponent of the more is more movement...I genuinely love layering, be it jewellery, shirts, jackets...I love layering. I love the character, and individuality, and "edge" it brings to the look and feel of an outfit. The best.

The above look is very much my "Fall" comfort zone, and a variation of an outfit I am very excited to start rocking for the upcoming dreary season. I hope it inspires some Fall oufits of your own!


xoxo
<3 devina

Angela Huang Spring/Summer 2014 Lookbook

Click here for more Angela Huang.

The Talented Angela Huang:://*

Hello Everyone! As mentioned in my last post, the end of August/entirety of September was ridiculously insane...amazing, but insane. I wanted to share an interview that i conducted for the Pink Pearl PR Blog with the amazingly talented Angela Huang. Angela's designs debuted at Vancouver Fashion Week on September 18th, 2013, and man...that girl rocked the house!

As seen on the Pink Pearl PR Blog: 

Angela Huang debuted her SS2014 Collection at Vancouver Fashion Week on September 18th, 2013

Emerging fashion designer Angela Huang is wise beyond her years. At only 20 years old, her experience working in the fashion industry, combined with her talent for forging together uniquely constructed and functional designs with bold lines and colors are unparalleled. Only in her second year at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Huang will be debuting her first full collection at Vancouver Fashion Week SS14 and Pink Pearl PR will be cheering her on! Earlier this year, Huang previewed some of her early work at Vancouver's Model Search Competition Fashion Show, where it was quickly snatched up by stylists, buyers, and photographers for editorial spreads. This couture maven knows what she’s doing. With only weeks until she debuts her SS2014 collection at Vancouver Fashion Week, Huang’s schedule is jam-packed. However, the ever so gracious designer was able to lend me few moments of her time to answer a few questions over coffee, and an energy drink…maybe 2…Meet the talented, and incredibly humble Angela Huang.

"I just started drawing clothes...and never stopped."

When did you realize your dream to pursue fashion design? 

My earliest memories of my love for design are from when I was 8 years old. I remember coming home from school one day, and I just started drawing. I just started drawing clothes…and never stopped. Back then, all my drawings looked like toothpaste: tunics, turtlenecks…etc. That was the beginning. And I just kept drawing and drawing, and eventually my drawings developed, and got better and better. Design, and more specifically, designing clothes has always been a part of me. It’s something that I’ve always known I’ve wanted to do.

Did you ever have any doubts?

In my first year of design school, I took on a huge workload. I was working as a full-time stylist, a full-time student, and a part-time sales associate at Guess. In total, I was working 50 hours a week as well as going to school. I remember not sleeping at all. I was constantly pulling all-nighters just so I could get everything done. And then I would have to be in class at 8:30am every morning. My body started to break down – physically and emotionally, and it made me question whether I could do this for the rest of my life. But at that point, I realized that I had taken on too much. Things eventually quieted down, and I was able to recuperate. But I’m grateful for the experience; it tested my limits. And I now know what I am fully capable of – which is a lot.

What kind of woman would you say you design for?

I design for the woman that appreciates artistic design, and unique shapes and lines. Ideally, someone who is looking for something original and different. Not to sound cliché, but an independent woman who really knows who she is, what she likes, and what she doesn’t. My designs are very minimalistic and a little androgynous, but sophisticated, edgy, and very sleek. Someone who would wear something like that – and rock it.

"The best part is that this is what I love to do, my passion. Hands down."

What inspires your designs?- Architecture, definitely architecture, as well as other designers, and travel – I love to travel. Truly, everything and anything can inspire me – I get inspired everywhere I go; I’m always taking pictures of everything, so I always have this really great tangible bank of inspiration to draw from. I also really love looking at designer’s early work; I feel like that is when they were at their best; their most authentic and unique, and their most inspiring.

What inspired the shape of this collection?

The inspiration behind this collection was actually a project that I did for one of my classes at Kwantlen – showcased at The Surrey Museum. I took apart a pair of white men’s jeans. When I was reconstructing them, and putting them back together, I was incredibly inspired by the inner seam line, and the ability to utilize it in a non-traditional sense. That is definitely the overall theme of my debut collection.

What has been both the best, and worst part of pursuing this career?

The best part is that this is what I love to do, my passion. Hands down.
The worst is that…I have no personal life? *chuckles*. Most of the time, I feel like I have more of a relationship with my sewing machine then I do with my boyfriend. In fact, sometimes there’s no personal life at all. But – this is what I love, no matter how bad, or frustrating it gets, it will always be worth it. Because I love it. I would rather be in complete agony over a collection, then happy doing anything else. Because I love it.

"My favorite fabrics to wear are absolutely terrible to work with – chiffon, leather, silk; terrible."

Which designers are you most inspired by? Do you have a favorite?

There are definitely designers that I look to every season; whose collections I have to look at, but no one particular favorite. I love Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and of course Maison Martin Margiela. I thoroughly enjoy Margiela’s previous work. His early collections were amazing. I have a lot of respect for him as a designer.

What would your dream collaboration be?- Definitely Margiela; he has some crazy ideas. I would also love to do collaboration with Alexander McQueen; any house that designs on the opposite spectrum of what I do, something very contrasting.

What are your favorite fabrics to work with, or wear?

My favorite fabrics to wear are absolutely terrible to work with – chiffon, leather, silk; terrible. I love them, but they’re terrible. The faux alligator skin material in my debut collection was the absolute worst to sew, but so beautiful on.

Would you ever work with leather?

I most definitely would; I love leather. But if I did, I would want to do something really original with it. That’s the hard part with leather.

How would you describe your style? What are your go-to pieces?-That’s always a hard question…I can tell you that I hate pink. Hate it. I’ll never wear it, or anything too cutesy. I love sleek, minimal pieces, and nothing too revealing. I like a bit of color in the summer, and I love forest green during fall and winter, but for the most part, I like to keep my color scheme subdued and monochromatic. I don’t really know how to describe my “style”; I would say that I “wear” my personality…how I’m feeling that day. You hear a lot of “you are what you eat” from people...and I guess you are, but I prefer “you are what you wear”.

What is your favorite design from a past collection?- I wouldn’t say I have a favorite yet...but the most memorable is the Betta dress from my past Betta collection. I designed the dress in my last year of high school, and the inspiration and concept behind the dress (as well as the entire collection) was the Betta fish (Siamese Fighting Fish). I was really inspired by the shape and movement of the fin, and really tried to incorporate that into the collection. I wore the dress to my high school graduation; it was a symbol of me breaking free of the restrictiveness of my adolescence, as well as the confinement of high school.

"...Network; become comfortable with networking – and be network-able."

What would your advice for teens or young adults wanting to break into the fashion industry/design be?

My number one tip would be to network; become comfortable with networking – and be network-able. In this industry, it is the people that we meet who will help move us forward in our careers. In fact, I can confidently say that almost all of the opportunities I’ve had so far, and the reason that I am able to show my collection at fashion week is through meeting the right people, and building genuine relationships with them. Number two: Be Ambitious. So many people transition to post-secondary and “go through the motions”. I look at post-secondary as buying yourself time. You’re buying yourself 4 years to be able to gain  crucial skills so that you can pursue your chosen career after you graduate. So use that time to your advantage; look for opportunities that will move you closer or forward within your career. Because otherwise, you’ll end up right where you started.

Where would you like to see your brand in 5 years?

There was a day last semester [at Kwantlen] where all of the students were encouraged to write their goals on a post-it and stick them on this humongous display. I remember writing “I want to have my first fashion show at the age of 25”. It’s been 6 months since then, and I’m debuting my collection at Vancouver Fashion Week. I almost don’t know how to answer that question…a part of me feels like I’m 5 years ahead of my goal. So it’s hard to say… but ideally, I would like my brand to be known and accessible on an international level…and maybe be showing at New York Fashion Week…? I don’ t know. We’ll see what the future holds.*

By: Devina Bhaga

MIA - August/September:://*

**A snapshot of my life (illustrated through shameless selfies - don't tell me you were expecting anything else) from the past couple weeks...I have been crazy, ridiculous, busy, but loving every minute of it. On top of my day job, and along with fulfilling my beyond awesome responsibilities as Fashion PR Assistant at Pink Pearl PR, I most recently jumped at the opportunity to represent Angela Huang for her upcoming debut at Vancouver Fashion Week SS 2014!

At only 20 years old, Angela is incredibly talented and oh so humble. Learn more about this entrepreneurial angel in an in-depth interview I conducted and published here on Pink Pearl PR's blog. You can also check out her previous collections at www.angelahuangdesign.com

Angela debut's her SS14 collection on Wednesday, September 18th, 2013 at Vancouver Fashion Week at 5:30pm. Order your tickets asap, or purchase them at the door (I'd get them now) - you definitely don't want to miss this show!

I would love love love to see all of you there! This has been a whirlwhind opportunity; I've learned so much, and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented individual.

More posts/pictures to come!!  On another note, I sincerely hope that everyone is reveling in the remainder of the sun that Vancity has to offer!
Talk soon!

xoxo
<3 devina.

**//BOYFRIEND love.

Nothing makes me happier than the perfect pair of tattered, slouchy boyfriend jeans, a half tucked in oversized slub white tee, a fitted blazer black, and  medium heel ankle boots (blabbering much?), and all the fix'ns - actually though. Weather permitting, I would wear a variation of the above combo every single day. Androgyny is my thang; my comfort, my go-to. I love wearing the most boyish of outfits, and adding a beautiful statement necklace, tons of rings, or even a very feminine purse (ok fine, I don't have a feminine - but I do love the idea of one...ahem, i digress). Don't forget the bold lipstick *sigh*. Ok, I'll stop.

What your favorite combination? Your style inspirations? Do tell =)


<3 devina