Benefit Cosmetics: Fake Up Event & Behind The Scenes

If you haven't heard the news, Benefit has released a new hydrating concealer called "Fake Up." A couple weeks ago, before the new release, I attended their Fake Up sneak peek event. It was such a treat to try out the new concealer, sip on some bubbly, and of course, hack the photo booth for endless snaps with Kathleen. Benefit never ceases to impress me with all of their new products. Before Fake Up, I used their Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow to cover up the dark circles under my eyes. Now, I'm completely addicted to the new hydrating concealer -- it's creamy, smooth, hydrating (duh) and lasts all day! I'm pretty picky when it comes to what I put on my face, so believe me when I say that you need this.

Anddd, if you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen some fun behind the scenes snaps (as seen above) from a recent project I worked on with Benefit. Completely humbled to have been a part of this one and I can't wait to show you guys what we did! For now, mum's the word, but I'll be able to share some photos in a month or so, so definitely stay tuned!

Wisdom Wednesday

“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.” - George Santayana

I first saw this truck pass by me back in early August of last year. I still remember the moment. I thought to myself, "What a great photo this would make," but I was too slow to pull out my phone to snap a photo. Fast forward six months and lo and behold what do I see parked on the street as I'm walking home from work? The same truck with the same message: "Never stop learning." I've always been one of those nerdy types - you know, the kind that loves to learn? And as much as I love the message painted on the truck, I think what strikes me more is that I found the truck again. It took a while, but I found it.

I hate to get deep on y'all about a truck (of all things), but I can't help but reflect and relate. Sometimes you go through life and you become disappointed because certain moments pass by and you're unable to hold on to them. Then, later in life, if you're lucky the moment returns to you (though, not always in the same way). So what did I learn when that truck popped back up in my life? It helped me to remember that if something is meant to be, it will be. Don't waste time dwelling on things that didn't happen or things that didn't work out. If it's meant to happen... it will.

Ha, can you believe all of this came from a random pick-up truck? Happy Wednesday, y'all. 

Neutrally Speaking

Parka: Macy's: Jeans: Zara: Top: Cotton On; Arm Candy (from top to bottom): Kenneth Cole, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21; Brandy Melville; Sandals c/o Charlotte Russe

Photos by: Ryan Chua Photography

A couple things I've been living in as of late: the warmest parka known to man & the most flattering jeans I currently own. I've been trying to add more staples to my closet and have been mainly focusing on two things you can never have too many of when you live in SF - jeans and jackets. I waited for this particular parka to go on sale a couple months ago and now it never leaves my side. It's the perfect color, weight, and type for what I need on the day to day. I tried on the jeans on a whim (knowing that I was desperately in the market for a pair that fit) and was more than pleasantly surprised when they fit like a glove. Slightly worried that I'm wearing this pair out to the bone, but isn't that what good denim is for?

American Woman...or Lady Lust?

Vest: Levi's via Crossroads Trading Co.; Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters; Tank: Brandy Melville; Flats: Aldo 

Photos by: Melissa de Mata 

It was pure happenstance that I stumbled upon this wall while wearing this outfit. Now, I know you can't tell, but you'll have to take my word for it when I tell you that I found a full-on American flag painted on a wall in Chinatown. How serendipitous was it that I wanted to shoot my new Brandy Melville tee & Levi's indigo blue denim vest (my latest Crossroads find) that day? I thought it was pretty perfect ... until I got scolded while trying to shoot. This crazy lady (as in, she was actually crazy) came up to me and told me that I was basically going to be condemned for my lustful appearance! You win some, you lose some, I guess? I'm just happy someone (crazy, or not) thinks I can pull off the hot tamale look, ha!

If I Told You That a Flower Bloomed in a Dark Room, Would You Trust It?

The great thing about San Francisco is no matter how many times you've been through a neighborhood, you'll always find something new during your next walk through it. From the street art to the alleyways, there's always something that you didn't see before that will make you wonder how you missed it in the first place. I like to keep my eyes peeled - maybe it's the blogger in me that is always on the hunt for the perfect backdrop or Instagram capture. Whatever it is, I'm glad it's in me. Though, I definitely can't take credit for the location of this shoot. Lucky for me, Melissa has a great eye, so she spotted it right when I was looking the other way and captured these amazing shots. Looking forward to my next walk through a familiar neighborhood - both for the feeling of excitement  at making a new discovery and the eventual attainment of it.

AT&T HTC One X+ (Part One)

HTC One X+ c/o AT&T 

This past Saturday, I attended the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair in San Francisco's Chinatown neighborhood. For those of you who may not know, people come to the fair to help prepare themselves for the upcoming Lunar New Year. Colorful fruits, fresh flowers, and sweet candies are all in abundance, and each symbolizes something special for the new year (such as growth, prosperity, or good luck).