Outfit // Youth is wasted on the young

ALSO ON CHICTOPIA

Wearing:

Crop top - Forever 21 (US$8.99)

Denim shorts - Forever 21 (US$22.80)

Shoes - unbranded (New Look similar + Old Navy similar + SODA similar)

Bag - unbranded (Forever 21 similar)

Lips - Revlon Lip Butter in 'Berry Smoothie' (£7.99)

"And God, give us the reason
 Youth is wasted on the young

It's hunting season 
And the lambs are on the run

Searching for meaning

But are we all lost stars
Trying to light up the dark"

- Lost Stars by Adam Levine

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 I haven't posted a proper outfit like this for agesssss - must've been a good few months...and I sincerely apologise for that! These are the first few photos of my shorter hair (:

 So I watched the movie 'Begin Again' starring Adam Levine and Keira Knightley and I just fell in love with their whole soundtrack...especially this song, hence the line and post title. Although I much prefer Keira Knightley's softer version. As soon as I saw this crop top, I knew that I wanted it because it reminded me of the days where I still had art lessons in school and the style of Keith Haring was theme one term. Needless to say, I loved that theme because his style was so simple to emulate that even someone that lacks artistic talent (like myself) can do an adequate job. 

  Anyway, this is a super simple crop top and shorts combo that is perfect for the warmer summer season. All you need is a statement graphic muscle tee (something I'm loving lately for a sneaky hint of skin), like this Forever 21 Keith Haring one! I believe they have a whole Keith Haring range which I am dying to get my hands one. Hmmm...I guess I sort of reminisced about my youth a bit there...which kinda relates to the post title? :P 

  Heheh, hope you guys enjoy this simple outfit and do go watch the movie 'Begin Again', or check out that song at least!

Linking up with: Monday Bloom + Style Sessions + Trend Spin Link Up + What I Wore Wednesday

Wishlist #28 // ASOS Summer Sale

If any of you have been living under a rock (or an equivalent of said rock), then you may not know that ASOS is currently having their summer sale with up to 50% off a whole bunch of things - from summer shoes to dresses to swimwear - there's something for everyone. I really hate it when ASOS has sales because I end up wanting everything and anything...even when I  still have a ton of unworn items...oops...And since I haven't done a wishlist in a long while, here are my Top 8 picks from my ever-growing saved list. It was hard to narrow it down, trust me.



1. Kiss the Sky Field of Dreams Maxi Slip Dress (£45 -> £13 // US$85.74 -> US$24.77)
  Maxi dresses are a staple item for the summer, especially during festival or holiday season as they're fuss-free and does the magic all on its own! All you need is a few accessories and a nice pair of sandals. I love the floral design on this and how it's so light and flowy.

2. ASOS Smock Dress in Acid Wash (£35 -> £10) // US$66.69 -> US$19.05)
  I'm still in my 'I love smock dresses' phase and this is no exception. Again, something super simple, but this also means that you can dress it up or down as you desire. This design also comes in Petite for people that are well, petite like meeeeeee (:

3. ASOS Cami Playsuit (£20 -> £10 // US$38.11 -> US$19.05)
  I'm loving this playsuit for several reasons. Firstly, for its simplicity. I'm all about simple clothing that you can pair with accessories to change up your look. Also, the bright yellow colour just screams summer and would be a great addition to your holiday suitcase!

4. ASOS Maxi Skirt in Colourblock (£30 -> £18 // US$57.16 -> US$34.30)
  If you don't know by now, my look for maxi skirts is still going strong. I love the ombre-ish, colourblock effect and again, great for vacations. Can't you tell, I have summer on my mind :P If you want a more pastel version, there is also one for just £15 here

5. ASOS Elgin Supersoft Skinny Jeans in Black (£28 -> £14 // US$53.35 -> US$26.68)
  Black jeans are a staple for any season, and what better ones than the ASOS Elgin Supersoft Skinny Jeans! Super comfy and flattering. I also do not have a pair of jeans in black so this one is definitely on my list!

6. New Look Pacific Platform Wedge Sandals (£27 -> £19 // US$53.33 -> US$36.20)
  When you're on vacation, comfort and relaxation is your top priority. And this is the reason why wedges are invented. Summer is also a time to experiment with colour and quirky prints and I love the bright cobalt blue shade as well as the palm prints on the sole - too cute.

7. ASOS Culotte Shorts in Tropical Print (£15 -> £9 // US$28.58 -> US$17.15)
  If you've been reading my past blog posts, you will know my obsession with culottes. Shorts that are not really shorts, are comfy and flowy and looks like a skirt? Now that's my thing. I already own a plain teal pair that I've worn to death so a printed one is definitely on my to-buy list and I know I'll get tons of wear out of it.

8. New Look Saddle Bag in Tan (£15.99 -> £9.50 // US$30.47 -> US$18.10)
  Kind of ironic since it's the last item, but this is possibly my favourite thing on this list and I am currently umm-ing and ahh-ing on whether I should get it. Simply because I don't have a bag like it! It's spacious enough to put all my essentials and more...could even pass for a school/university bag? I love the crossbody details and the neutral tan shade. Urgh, wantwantwant...get it my basket.


Seriously though, if you haven't taken a look at the ASOS sale...I suggest you do! What's your favourite item?

Outfit // Pocketful of Sunshine

ALSO ON CHICTOPIA

Blouse - Banana Republic

Shorts c/o Persunmall 

Backpack (sold out) - Boohoo (Forever21 similar  + Debenhams similar + Claire's similar)

Shoes - unbranded (Charlotte Russe similar + New Look similar + Neiman Marcus similar)

Belt - unbranded (Forever21 similar + Wet Seal similar + GAP similar)

Sunglasses - eBay 

Necklace - gifted 

"I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine 

I got a love and I know that it's all mine, oh, oh oh oh 

Do what you want but you're never gonna break me 

Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me, oh, oh oh oh" 

- Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield 

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  So sorry that this is my first outfit post in 2 months :/ I've been incredibly busy lately but now that all exams and whatnot are over, I can churn out more outfit posts! Yayyyyy!

 I've been watching Easy A (for the third time, which features the talented and beautiful Emma Stone)...you know the scene where the singing card plays this song over & over again? Well it's been stuck on replay in my head for a while and besides, I thought this outfit fitted perfectly.

  I absolutely love these shorts from Persunmall, possibly my favourite purchase from them to date! I featured them in my May Haul and mentioned that they're dupes of the American Apparel ones, but a fraction of the price, US$21.99 to be exact! Not only are they super flattering (high-waisted bottoms for the win - seriously, I vow to only get high-waisted bottoms now.) but they have floral prints on them! How can you say no?! Here, I paired it with a white blouse for a simple, basic and casual yet somewhat smart look. Especially during festival season, you can wear this paired with a fedora/wide brimmed hat if you don't mind the white shirt so much... And of course, a backpack that looks cute and is big enough to fit all your festival-y essentials, enabling you to jump and dance around.

  I actually wore this to the movies where we watched 'Edge of Tomorrow' that featured Tom Cruise. I disliked the ending because I thought it was very cliched and predictable and some scenes were very meh...but the concept, idea and plot as a whole was unique.

 Also, #WorldCup2014 has started! Although the matches take place during ungodly hours here (11pm-5am), I still do watch a few matches despite being sleep deprived...I even have a nice bet going on with the boyfriend ;) I just have to step up my guesstimating game D:  I must say that I don't have a preferred team...although right now, I have a feeling that Netherlands have a good chance of being in the finals. Phew, who knew I could ramble on for so long.

Which team are you rooting for?

Shop the look

Linking up with: Trend Spin Linkup + What I Wore Wednesday + Monday Bloom

Guest Post // Beauty Must-Haves

Hello lovely readers of The Craziest Paradigm!

I’d like to thank Yuen for having me guest post and for the opportunity to share with you some of my favorite beauty must-haves for summer. From protecting my hair to treating my toes, there are so many products and so little time (at least in my native Boston) to prepare, primp and perfect summer looks before the season is over.

Keep reading to find out what I use to get my glow on and stay radiant throughout the summer!

Yes, it is possible to fall in love with a shampoo. (Buy it here.)

Hair

Aside from wearing a hat, using hydrating shampoo and conditioner can preserve the life back of that shiny, vibrant hair of yours. On of my favorite hydrating shampoo brands is Euphora because it works on your hair & his hair which means you're getting a great product everyone can use, will have fewer bottles in the bathroom and more money to spend nothings like sangria, ferry rides & ice cream cones.

Winner of the 2013 Allure Best of Beauty Award-Natural Wonders Category (Buy it here.)

Face

Not that this has ever happened to me but, sometimes there summer days that start out cloudy and at some point, early in the afternoon, the sun pokes out of the clouds except that you don't really noticed that this has happened until you're already out on the water and in someone's boat without a bottle of sunscreen to be had. Worst. problem. ever. If only your sunscreen could multitask, then perhaps you would stop forgetting. Sound like you? Didn't think so. If it sounds like a "friend" you have, share this tip with her: Suntegrity Skincare 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen. It has an SPF of 30, is vegan, non-greasy, non-toxic, is tinted and is cruelty free. This sunscreen is the total package.

"…With NIA-114™, discovered during skin cancer research to help accelerate the rebuilding of skin layers." (Buy it here.)

Hands

To whom it may concern, yes, I am aware of this bizarre hand-plumping plastic surgery trend that seems to be sweeping newly engaged women everywhere and to them I say, clearly you have never heard of StriVectin. After years of slathering on sunscreen with your hands, have you ever thought about actually making sure they're slathered as well? The tops and hands (and tops of feet!) are often forgotten spots where aging appears the earliest but you can help restore your skin with the SD Volumizing Treatment, just in time for the season of sandals and spectacular jewelry!

Toes

Meet the color of the summer: Sand Tropez. (Buy it here.)

I'm a big fan of Essie nail polish. Maybe it has something to do with the likeness of our names but regardless of what we're called, there also seems to be a similar passion for color and quality. Take Sand Tropez for example; it's perfectly understated, matches every maxi dress you own and doesn't take the spotlight away from your beachy waves, statement lip color or bright bikini. Basically, this color is your best friend.

Body

Get your glow on. (Buy it here.)

Sometimes a beach day is not in the cards. Whether you work a 9-5, are feeling under the weather or are forced indoors for some other terribly unfair reason, don't worry. Your glow can go where you go. As I've mentioned before, Jergens Natural Glow is one of my most favorite beauty products of all time. It works great in the colder months when I'm trying not to look so pasty white (but natural) and in the summer when I want to maintain whatever sun-kissed look I've acquired. 

"This pencil combines intense colours with an amazing sheen and a soft finish for a captivating look." (Buy it here.)

Eyes

Aside from your typical primer, foundation, bronzer and blush, there's one item you might not know you need in the summer and that is gold eyeliner. Line your inner lashes to make your eyes seems wider, draw an exaggerated line under your lower lashes to make your eyes pop and sub out your white or cream liner for gold for a gentle but gilded look for nighttime. I promise you won't regret it!

For more on summer style, other brands I love & fashion inspiration, be sure to follow me on Foursquare, Instagram & Pinterest.

xo, Vanessa

Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

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Thank you for the lovely post Vanessa! Hope you all have a great summer if yours have already started (: