May Haul // ASOS, eBay, Persunmall, Kiss The Sky & more...

Another month, a few things that I've got!

Flower printed high-waisted shorts c/o Persunmall (US$21.99 // £13.10)

  I featured this in my wishlist 2 weeks ago! Denim shorts are the perfect thing to keep cool during summer, and what better way to do that than a pair of awesome flower printed ones to keep things from getting too boring? I love how the print is simple yet stands out amongst ordinary denim shorts. Pair it with crop tops on the beach, crochet items at a festival or button downs to look smart-casual! 

Mint scalloped hem tank top - eBay (US$8.31 // £4.95)

  Your basic tank top with a scalloped hem for added detail - good basic pieces are great when building a

foundation for your wardrobe of any season! What's not to love?

Angel cut out top - eBay (US$4.29 // £2.55)

  Front, looks like your average black tee. Back, the party just got started. Smexy angel wings cut outs means that

you show adequate amount of skin without going overboard! Wear this with a printed bandeau for added fun or

perhaps as a cover up at the beach? Also, this top is perfect if you've always dreamed of having angel wings...

be careful of that tan, your wish just might be granted ;)

Pink skater skirt - eBay (US$5.45 // £3.25) // Polka dot skirt - eBay (US$5.94 // £3.54)

  Simple skater skirts for everyday wear. The shade blush is becoming increasingly popular (or maybe I just like

that colour) and hey, polka-dotted anything is a winner.

High rise skinny jeans - New Look via ASOS (similar on New Look site here)

  I will take time to praise these pair of jeans because they are now my new favourite pair. I've been loving high-rise jeans lately because they're just so flattering, especially for those of you with a smaller waist in proportion because it emphasizes that (yay!). Anyway, these jeans are so comfy and fits perfectly. All my other 'high-rise' or 'high-waisted' jeans have always had the awkward gap at the waist which I hate, but these...cling at all the right places (insert starry-eyed emoji) Of course, I still have to cuff them because I'm tiny but nevertheless, love these.

Cami Crochet dress - Kiss The Sky via ASOS (US$22.86 // £12.00)

  I saw this on the ASOS site and knew that I had to get them! It looked so good on the model and it looks

even better on - the pictures do it no justice. I've always wanted a crochet-waisted (does that make sense?)

dress so...voila! It's definitely great for summer, going to the beach, music festival, sight-seeing...the works. And

it's so light and flowy that it won't take up much space/weight in your luggage (for those that tend to overpack

perhaps...like me). Plus, the straps are adjustable which are always great (:

Leather trim asymmetric mini skirt - ASOS (US$14.29 // £7.50)

  I got this in case I needed one for more formal occasions and I was drawn to the leather trim! Your normal

bodycon skirt really but it's a wardrobe staple with a leather twist.

Map watch - eBay (US$2.75 // £1.64)

  Ahhh, the infamous map watch to satisfy (only ever so slightly) the travel-buds. This map watch has a very 

vintage vibe to it which makes it great for all occasions! Slightly peeved that there are no numbers on this watch

which makes telling time difficult...defeating it's purpose but for that price, I'll just get it to add to my collection

and because it has a bloody map of the world on it!

Wildfox inspired sunglasses - eBay (US$2.80 // £1.67)

  Perhaps not the most practical, but definitely the coolest ;)

Sunglasses - eBay (US$3.12 // £1.86)

Love these sunglasses, they fit well considering I have no nose bridge so they do stay up pretty alright! It also
comes with a sunglasses case (at least mine did) which is even better and you has space to store 2 pairs!

Jewellery - gifted by an aunt in New Zealand

  Thought I'd include these anyway because they're really lovely pieces of jewellery! I had a picture of the necklace up on my Instagram recently!

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in #107 - ASOS (US$10.46 // £5.49) // Maybelline Master Liner

  I've heard such good things of the Kate Matte Lipstick in #107 and I was in need of a plum/berry shade in my collection! So of course I picked that up. I also needed black eyeliner since I've been depending on my dark blue one for what seems like forever. I'll be reviewing these as well as a billion of other things I said I'd review real sooooon! I promise!

What have you picked up this May?

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 (:

Goodbye May, Hello June

Picture taken from my instagram: @yueykabuey

I know everyone says this, but I can't believe that we're halfway in 2014 already! Seems like yesterday when I reminisced about 2013...wow. Time, you're fast.

May

It was a hectic month. Exams started which meant this little space got neglected a little but within a blink of an eye (although it definitely did not feel like it at that time) it was over! 15 exam papers...done within 2.5 weeks. Astounding. But on the more happier note, this month was a month of firsts. The first time I become an 'adult' - 18 and legal?, first time I graduated high school (recap post here!) and first time I went on a trip with 39 other 17/18 year olds sans teachers/parents! And that was arguably the best time of my life, with the amazing people that I've spent the last 2 years (some even longer) with! I posted a mini Instagram round up of the week here and a post just about my trip will be up sooooon!

What I hope June will bring

Now that high school is over and my summer holiday has kinda started, it's got to the point where I'm thinking "Now...what do I do..." I guess without school work and all that to keep you busy, you really don't know what you should be doing! Also, although I'm done with school, my sisters still have until the end of June...so I'm actually planning to work more on this little space and get some uni prep done (read: house chores), read books that I've not been able to, work out more, catch up with friends and maybe dabble in some DIY crafts that I'm forever pinning on my Pinterest. It'll be a (well deserved) relaxing month (: Looking back through my archive, I realised that I did not post a single outfit post this month! No fear, the busy me is no more and they'll resume shortly!

Top 3 Favourite posts

(clicking on the images will bring you straight to the respective post)

Hope May has treated all of you well :')

Through the Lens #8

This week was a pretty damn awesome week, perhaps even the best yet - as you could probably tell from the pictures - because...I was at the beach getting tanned sunburned and frolicking in the sea! Anyway, I'm going to post more about my graduation trip when my friends have uploaded the pictures they took and I'll possibly steal borrow them :P But for now, here's a few pictures that I took to tantalize your travel-buds (yes, there are such things) #memories.

Also, is it just me, or do beaches have the most picturesque scenery?

Follow me on Instagram: @yueykabuey

Perks of having no school, get to relax by the pool // Destination: Nha Trang! // Sun, sea, sand

Beach at sunrise // Life's a beach (sunglasses from eBay) // Who says you're ever too old for merry-go-rounds?

Sunset and the city behind it // Selfies with Fiona // THE restaurant of the trip #italianfood #foodie

Bye bye Vinpearl, bye bye Nha Trang // Touchdown: Saigon - it was an amazing week

thecraziestparadigm's posts this week:

Graduation & Formal recap - no more high school, #classof2014!
What's in my bag? - for those of you that's a tad nosy and like to have a peek into my daily essentials!
Wishlist #27 : Summer Lovin' - think florals, shorts and flowy dresses!

If you've graduated lately, congratulations! Hope you all had a great week too (: