Call Me "Boho Geek"

 

SURPRISE!!! New haircut.  I know I look quite different, however, I think it's suites me.  Grad school, here I come!  This new hair style plus my soft boho style definitely creates a boho geek look when you add the specs! For this "slouch look," I am in my favorite chunky knit sweater again, which I wore in one of my very first posts, way back when.  It was an investment piece for me, but I wear it so much that I am definitely getting my money's worth from it!

Finally, as promised on my Facebook page, I want to share with you the coupon code below, created especially for my viewers, you ladies and gents!  This code will save you $30 off eyewear from the Firmoo Classic Series, but it's only valid the first 5 times it is used, so be snappy! Basically, if you choose a pair under $30, all you have to do is pay shipping.  This code can be used for prescription glasses and even computer glasses, like the ones I'm wearing.  I actually spent a bit more and got the ones I am wearing (#F031) as computer glasses with prescription and UV protection, since I'm on the computer so much. These glasses have actually helped prevent sore eyes and headaches I use to get from looking at the computer screen for long periods of time.  With this said, remember that while glasses will help preserve your vision, the most important thing for your eyes it to give them a rest. ^_^ Take care of yourself, chicky.  Your body is a temple for God. :)

Coupon code to be used on the Firmoo Classic Eyewear: "BEYOUBLOGS4"


Happy 5th Day of Christmas!

God Bless Always and Forever,
Christine

The Art of Borrowing

Ben Rector, "When a Heart Breaks"

Sweater | Free People (borrowed)
Tunic  |Free People

If you own a long tunic and a basic crew neck sweater, you have an outfit!  It's as easy as that, practically hassle free.  If you only have one piece, but not the other, borrow one!  You may even consider closet swapping, which means you and your friends can trade clothes with each other for however long you like.  This will ensure you have an ever changing closet which is revamped without spending money.  College students like this concept!  :p Also, if you a group of fashionista friends, consider making it a closet swapping party.   Remember, that if you trade clothes with a friend, there is always a change that that piece may be returned stained, or may become ruined, so be sure that you trade your piece with something you wouldn't mind trading (for life.) Aside from swapping clothes with each other, consider throwing some accessories into the pile! ^_^ Happy trading, and comment back when you have mastered the "art of borrowing."  I do it. :)

I hope you like this music.  And MERRY CHRISTMAS, day 3! <3

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 

Merry Christmas,
Christine

P.S. Please follow my Facebook page.  I am trying to get to 500 likes!

Christmas Week: The Comfort of a Home

Glasses | Firmoo (same here)

Vintage Bird Blazer | Choies 

Black Skater Dress (work as a shirt) | Persun mall

Creme Tulle Skirt | Element Style Boutique

Black Bracelet | Inner City Threads (this brand helpsfeed the community!)

Fashion bloggers, you can join Firmoo to try out their eyewear too. Check it out here.

***

Oh my gosh, Happy Christmas Week! I love Sundays, and this is the beginning of Jesus' birthday week which makes it even more exciting!  Something I've been thinking about lately is how important it is to remember how big of a blessing it is to live in a home.  Shelter is a big deal, and it isn't a front and center thought for most people who live in homes or apartments to realize what a blessings it is to afford a shelter.  Never forget that.  By the way, isn't my cousin's living room just GORGEOUS!?  Also, I wanted to point out the black with gold bracelet I am wearing!  It's made by local community artists in Fresno, California.  Along the lines of buying local, think about what buying fair trade and it's impact.  If buying from local artisans helps stimulate our local economy, buying fair trade products can help rebuild communities abroad.  Learn more on buying fair trade fashion here and browse some fair trade brands here.

"Even if you start with small pieces,

it's great to make the effort to begin buying

local, from people whose businesses

are helping rebuild their communities and cities!" 

My black bracelet bracelet was a gift from my aunt.  She got if from Inner City Threads. "Inner City Threads is an urban "community" brand of fashionable attire.Our company is built on our community of local designers and with each purchase, our brand donates to organizations that serve the homeless within our communities." - Inner City Threads Facebook Page  

Cool, huh? :) Remember to keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas!

Wishing you a very very Merry Christmas,

Christine (a trying sister in Christ)

Red on Black Simplicity

Bowler Bow Hat | Choies

Skater Dress | Persun mall

Red Jacket | gift from family

Minnie Mouse Tattoo Tights | Choies (tattoo tights here)

Nine West Suede Pumps | Marshalls

***

Okay, so I am totally feeling the 20s inspiration vibe right now.  This is such an average outfit until you add the hat and the tights!  The little bow on the side of the hat makes me feel so dainty and 20s!  As for the clothing, you all have seen these tights and this dress on my blog before.  That's something I like actually.  It's fun knowing that, 

"You don't need to have a huge
'blogger's closet' to have fun styling!"  

Take what you have and get creative!  Invest in a few really fun and quaint pieces and use them with all of your basics!  How many things can go with one dress? How many dresses can go with one pair of tights?  If you like the ones I am wearing, the links to them are above.  I'm glad that I'm focusing on more basics at this time in my life. I think this moving towards minimalism thing, is making progress! *eyebrow raise*  Less to worry about, and more room to push yourself to think outside the box.

Happy 3rd week of Advent everyone! I'm so excited to celebrate Jesus' coming next week! <3



In preparation for Christ,
Christine

2 Discounts for My Readers

Sign Up at choies.com to receive FREE SHIPPING and 15%off your first purchase!

Persun mall coupon code below! Expires 12/31/13

5% OFF $60 + Free shipping on all orders | Code: party5

That Little Black Dress

Necklaces | Garage Sale

Suede Nine West Heels | Marshalls

Little Black Dress "Short Sleeve Skater Dress" | Persunmall

Persun mall coupon code below! Expires 12/31/13

5% OFF $60 + Free shipping on all orders | Code: party5

***

Never had a "little black dress" and now I can say I do.  I understand why people count it as one of the basic fashion essentials.  Without a doubt this is very versatile and the skater cut is flattering on all body types!  Not only that, but versatility means I can wear it more often and if I change the accessories, people may not even notice how may times I wear it. *score*  I really liked layering the long necklaces with it because it adds some elegance to the dress.  For a different look, I could have worn a bright, statement necklace that was collar length with some bright wedges for a much more fresh spring look.  I had this dress sent to me from Persunmall.  I love that it's 100% cotton (which means I can breathe in it) and that it's not too short, not too tight, and not to low cut.  However, I am not too sure about their ethical stance (current investigation ensuing).  

So now that finals are over, there is so much time to fill. There is also so much time to SLEEP! And boy does every college student appreciate that.  On the back side of this blog, I have been working on interviewing amazing and inspirational young women for you all! I started back in August, hoping to get it out by September, however, I want to bring you all more interviews and create a larger series, so once I feel the time is right, you shall be super duper inspired. ;) I just finished an interview with motivational speaker and human trafficking abolitionist, Mary David.  (She emits joy and God's grace.  I feel like she has so much love to give the world.  We need more people like this.) *head nod*

Just a normal girl sharin' her fashion and bein' inspired, Christine
P.S. Please 'like' my page on Facebook!

1st Sunshine Award

I'm excited to win this award because as I blog, I hope that it inspires others. :) Big thank you to Donna of A Not So Secret Life for nominating me as a recipient of my first sunshine award!  I have known Donna through blogging for almost 2 years! Be sure to give her fashion blog a visit. 

"Sunshine Award is an award passed on by bloggers to fellow bloggers who in one way or another inspire them." 

The Rules

-You have to post a picture of the Sunshine Award in the blog post.
- Post 11 random facts about yourself.
- Answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you.
- Nominate 11 wonderful bloggers.
- Write 11 questions for them to answer.
- Also let the bloggers you nominated know you have nominated them.

11 Facts about myself:

1. I really like photography, especially since I started blogging.
2. I prefer the color pink over black, but that doesn't mean I will always choose pink clothes over black clothes.
3. I am half Spanish and half Asian.
4. I didn't begin to enjoy college fully until Junior year!
5. I don't actually love fashion, as may fashion bloggers, I just enjoy ideas that can be created through outfits!
6. I really like wind chimes, once they went on sale, and I bought six. :p
7. I like thrift shopping- there's no need to always buy new stuff.
8. Heels or sandals? I'd choose sandals.
9. Dresses or jeans? I'd choose dresses.
10. Winter or summer? Summer!
11. Jesus Christ is the son of God! I believe this. =)

Questions:

1. 1- What do you prefer to do on Christmas open gifts or give gifts? GIVE :D
   2- Party invitation you prefer to wear Dress or pants? Dress, always a dress
   3- What designer you will like to model for? I don't think I would want to be a model!
   4-  A model you wish you were? Hmmm... Cameron Russell, she has a great mindset, but I wouldn't want to be a VS model.
   5-What do you consider your worst day? Academically unprepared
   6- When  you go on a date do you prefer Movies or bowling? Bowling (blacklight bowling sounds fun)
   7- Which will you like to have as a view Mountains or Beach? Beach
   8- Favorite lip balm? Mary Kay Nourishine in Berry Sparkle
   9- Which do you prefer Restaurant or Homemade Food. Homemade Food
   10- The holiday drinks Egg Nog or Champagne? Yea...neither.
   11- From all you blogger followers who will you like to meet? Too many to choose! But I really want to meet my fellow BASI members (Donna, Cassie, Cassandra, Andrea) and I'm recently really inspired by the writings of Lauren from Someone Like You. 

Nominees:

1. Someone Like You
2. Yuya
3. Tea N' Hunny
4. Shine On By Andrea
5. Cassie Thrifter
6. Ruby Girl Blog
7. Restyle Restore Rejoice
8. Peace Itimi
9. Sea Season Style
10. You're Not Invisible
11. Seasoned Life Journal
12. (bonous :p) The Chicest Ambry

Thank you to all of my followers! I'm not sure how many of you are consistent followers, but I'd love to check out your blogs, so leave me a link! :)

Smile and Wink,

Christine

Excuse Me. I'm Not Drunk, I'm Just Happy!

FREE GLASSES: $30 voucher code for  Beyoutiful Hope readers for Firmoo's Classic series Eyeglasses (like mine above)

Sacks 5th Avenue Vintage Koala Sweater | Thrifted (and totally lovin' it!)

Double Wide Military Boots | Marisota

Ponte Pants | Maurices

Pompom hat | Free People

Computer Glasses | Firmoo

***

Oh my gosh, don't you have those moments when you wish you could be 7 years old forever?  No bills, no work, no coming home from work to more responsibilities, no assumptions that you know what you want to do with your life, you can play outside in the mud after school and have someone to help you clean up, etc. I know for some of you this wish may occur way more often than for others.  Yes, becoming an adult means more freedom, but it also means more responsibility.  Responsibility is a form of restraint, if you ask me.  And this is why so many times I catch myself daydreaming about being younger, or at least acting younger.  Moreover, when you are younger, for some reason society more readily accepts the fact that you are happy, without question.

 I understand that as time passes people become hurt 
and may harden their hearts to protect from
future pain, whether deliberately or in-deliberately,
but this does not mean that all people should harden their
hearts as they grow older and "mature."

For example, when people become young adults and seem to be happy, society sees it as "out of place."  Which is why people sometimes ask me, "Are you drunk?" In my head I shout back, "For real? A smile and a giggle is all it took for you to jump to that conclusion?  And you assume I can not achieve that without the help of alcohol? You deserve a smack just for thinking that. Mmmhm!"  But in reality, I answer to them with a half smile, "No, I'm just happy.  I don't need alcohol to be happy.  I actually don't drink."  Figure that!  OOOOOH the things that puzzle me from day to day.  Have you had a similar experience?  I know there are people out there that have been in a similar situation. Please share!

By the way, I'm looking for Mexican Fashion Bloggers from Cuernavaca, Mexico!
I totally want to do a fashion blogger meet up in early January when I go there for school. :)

Dreaming in Colors,

Christine

P.S. Don't forget to look on over to the right and follow my blog, leave me a comment when you do so I can check out your blog too. :)
P.S.S. The text of this post was inspired by this post by Lauren of Someone Like You.