Houston FotoFest: View From Inside

Chambray shorts: J. Crew Factory (here) // Silk tank: Madewell // Sandals: Target

(photo cred to @rpchow)

This past weekend, I finally made a trip to the main FotoFest exhibits in Houston. FotoFest is a biennial city wide event that have over 80 participating spaces ranging from museums, private galleries, to even restaurants and hospitals. This year's theme was "View From Inside" which features contemporary Arab photography, video and mixed media art. All of the pieces from the main exhibits feature 48 prominent contemporary Arab artists from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Yemen, Qater, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria,  and Kuwait.

From the official FotoFest website they state:

The featured artists in the 2014 Biennial explore a diverse range of ideas and subjects important to contemporary Arab artists including: the emergence of secular art and culture in modern societies; the desert as metaphor; religion and faith in everyday life; a sense of belonging and feelings of estrangement; the complexities of East-West relationships; the rapidity of social, economic and environmental change, particularly in the Gulf region; the position of women in Arab societies; and the recent political changes in the region.

The end result was so powerful and one of my favorite FotoFests in the recent years. I regret not taking photographs of my favorite pieces since photography was prohibited, however I did purchase the commemorative book featuring every artist that participated in the main exhibit.

Below the cut are some pictures of my favorite pieces taken from the book I purchased. Sorry for the poor quality since they are photographs of the book!

Youssef Nabil (Egypt/USA)

Say Goodbye, Self Portrait, Alexandria, 2009

Hand-colored Silver Gelatin Print

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Swatch and Review

These Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms are pretty much everywhere on the blogosphere world, however, I still went ahead and took some swatches to show everyone how the colors look. Colors always look so different on different skin tones and depends so much on the pigmentation of your lips.

The big question about Revlon's Matte Balms is always: How do they compare to Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils?

Answer: They don't.

As other bloggers have mentioned, these matte balms are really not a true matte. The finish and application of the product actually remind me more of the Nars Satin Lip Pencils. They both do not sink into the cracks of your lips as much and they're both more slippery. The finish on both pencils are also very similar where its a very soft sheen. Not quite matte but not at all glossy either.

Revlon's Matte Balm line all have very good opacity however they are all pretty slick. Depending how much I pre-treat my lips (exfoliate, line, and primer), I can get about 4 to 6 hours of wear on these.

Lots of swatches underneath the cut!

Not Your Ordinary Baseball Cap

Hat: J. Crew Factory // Mint Pants: F21 // Shirt: Madewell // Shoes: Target

My friends and I having fun being ~fashion bloggers~

I've always been a big fan of baseball caps on others, but never on myself. I always felt like my head was too big and my hair was too poofy. However, when I saw this chambray polka dotted hat at the J. Crew Factory store, I just couldn't help myself - it was just so me. The original price on it was about $29 but after the sale price and a student discount, I got this for about $14 so not too bad. 

I've seen a lot of girly baseball caps for sell everywhere, and now I'm craving a cutesy, floral one. I compiled a rather large list of links of various baseball caps of all price ranges. 

SPLURGE

J. Crew  // UO // Acne // Asos // J. Crew // Vans

Honorable mention: Arizia Faux-leather hat

Shoe Swapping

If I happen to go home in between events, I always find myself swapping shoes. I don't even know why, but I guess I'm always so indecisive about my shoes that it makes me happy I get to wear two pairs in one day. Especially since I wear the same pair to work everyday, its a nice change of pace to be in different footwear. 

Although fall is officially over, it sure doesn't feel like it. The crazy weather fluctuations is driving me crazy, especially since I already packed away my winter sweaters! Not to mention, I'm still filling way too much Tamiflu at work for this time of year.

Lip Madness

Guys, I just came home from a long 8 hour shift and my make up still looks like this. MY LIPSTICK IS STILL ALMOST PERFECT!!!! Excuse the grainy, low quality photo. Its late, I'm tired, and not all bloggers can spend all their time on making their blog look professional.

So lets keep it real ya'll. My attention span is short so I can never watch vlogs or look at long, complicated make up routines. I don't wear a lot of make up but I love lipstick. So here are my lip obsessions.

Its finally winter!

Hey guys! I know its been a slow month for us at Within Color - we've all been busy with jobs and life you know how it goes. We're not professional bloggers who makes $$$ from this project, so please forgive us for the lack of posts.

Its finally getting a little cold here down in Texas, so I finally got to pull out my tights, woo hoo!

I've been searching for a perfect midi dress. This one from Forever 21 is a little thin, and I admit, I only felt comfortable after putting on my spanx. But I do love the length and cut of it, and for 15 bucks, I can't complain.

Dress and Necklace: F21 (dress can be found here) // Sweater jacket: J Crew // Boots: Acne

You can't tell, but I'm wearing dotted tights. ~Pattern mixing~ ya'll

Sweater: H&M // Skirt: Zara // Boots: Acne

Moments I Didn't Realize I was Asian

All I ever wanted when I was a kid was a My Size Barbie.

As a little kid, I already knew my family didn't have a lot of money. If you look through our old Christmas pictures, you'll see the same wrapped presents under the tree every year since we wrapped empty boxes to make the tree look more full (and then saved them for next year so we wouldn't waste time or wrapping paper). When the karate instructor asked my sister why we weren't doing karate anymore, she told him it was because we didn't have any money - the first month was free after all. But my eye was on the prize, I wanted that stupid My Size Barbie so I could pretend to be perfect, just like her.

So when the holidays were coming around, I begged and begged my parents for a My Size Barbie that looked just like me. I remember running around Walmart looking at the display in awe and then dove straight for the boxes. I screamed at my brothers to look at the other side to look for the Barbie that looked like me. I pushed aside the all the boxes looking for a Barbie with jet black hair and fair skin, but the more and more I pushed around the boxes, the more disappointed I got. Blond hair, brown hair, dark skin, move that shit over. I was this frantic little Asian kid just throwing around boxes while I screamed at my two brothers to keep looking, since there was no point of buying a My Size Barbie if it didn't look like me. Finally, my brothers had to tell me - Linh - I'm sorry, they ran out of the Barbies that looked like you.

As an adult now I'm just screaming. You dumb kid, did you not know you're Asian? You're not white, you're not like the rest of them! They didn't run out, they just didn't make little Asian Barbie dolls.

30 for 30 Challenge: Linh's Last Days and Final Round Up

I am SO SO SO happy to be done with this challenge.  I only have three outfits left to post, so I'm sorry for the weak ending. For a quick refresher, here are my previous posts.

The articles of clothing
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

And with these three outfits, you have 30 outfits made with 28 items of clothing! I started with 27 items, added 2, then ended up not using my striped cardigan.


STILL SHORTS WEATHER: I love me a good pair of crisp shorts. I feel so much more polished compared to jorts and they're just as comfy.

Shorts: J Crew // Sandals: Asos // Tank: Mango

Two more outfits and my personal favs under the cut!

30 for 30 Challenge: Linh's Fourth Week

All I can say is: I'm glad I am almost done. I am struggling and I don't know what to do with myself anymore. Although, I am very proud I did not wear my button up chambray nor my striped shirt this week.

I WILL NEVER GROW TIRED OF THIS MIDI SKIRT: Yes, I've worn this almost every week, but I knew that I would. I'm glad I put this top in this challenge too. I love it and it never got much wear before this!

Skirt: Asos // Top: H&M // Shoes: F21

30 for 30 Challenge: Linh's Third Week

The one thing I didn't do in the challenge was enforce shopping ban. Therefore, I am really itching to wear my new clothes so this week was rough for me. After looking at last week, I was determined to throw in a few necklaces this week. I ONLY buy cheap jewelry, so I feel like I might as well as bring you to Forever 21 to show you all my necklaces.

All gold, all Forever 21. 

LINEN PANTS: I love love love these pants so much! Sometimes I feel like I don't know how to dress myself since I rely on this striped shirt so much. 

Pants: Mango // Shirt: Zara // Shoes and Necklace: F21

30 for 30 Challenge: Linh's Second Week

As the challenge finally hits halfway, I realized a few things. I am probably going to wear my fitted striped tee way too much. I am really lazy to coordinate outfits. I should have thought more about accessories. (none this week!)

Anyways, I love this challenge because most of the time on fashion blogs, you only see the cute, well thought-out outfits. However, this challenge makes everyone see my lazy days and what I wear when I'm NOT feeling cute. Like, I honestly would not post half these outfits if it was not for this challenge. To me, they seem basic and uninspired. However, I also think to myself, hey I don't look that bad on the days I don't feel cute.

EASY STRIPES: I rarely wear fitted shirts tucked into pants because I'm so self conscience about my tummy, but I'm getting over it. Cuffed pants, striped shirt, nothing exciting.

Pants: Madwell // Loafers: Bass // Top: Zara

More pictures behind the cut! Non-blurry ones too!

30 for 30 Challange: Linh's First Week

The first week of the challenge is over and one of the hardest parts is actually taking a picture everyday. I have also decided that I am going to try to wear lipstick every day since it makes me look less tired.

Disclaimer: If you're wondering why my work outfits are so casual and contains sleeveless shirts - its because I also wear a white coat to work and it covers up half out my outfit anyways. As long as I'm not wearing blue jeans, I'm good to go.

This week's necklaces

30 for 30 Day Challenge

Well, call me inspired. I wanted to join Val with her 30 Day Challenge since the beginning, but hesitated since I started a new job and wanted to ease into that first. (See her final conclusion here!) But since she finally finished her 30 days, I decided to jump into it too (sorry I didn't do it with you Val!). I was also deciding if I should wait for it to get colder or not, but lets be real - I'm terrible at layers anyways.

So, while picking out my 30 items of clothing, I wanted to make use of the clothing in my closet that rarely gets any use. I was adamant with myself on picking at least 5 items that I haven't worn in over a year, or have only worn one or two times since I've owned it. I had a terrible time picking out 30 items and ended up with 27 items. I really did not want to throw in clothing JUST to add it in since I was satisfied with what I picked out. I guess it gives me a little wiggle room in case I want to add something on (is that cheating?)

But just a quick reminder - the basic rules of this challenge is to pick out 30 items of clothing (shoes included) to be incorporated into 30 outfits. Accessories do not count.

ANYWAYS - here is what I picked out.

THE UNUSED COLORFUL SHIRTS: All four of these shirts fall into the category of barely worn. I'm always drawn to bright colors when purchasing items and sometimes I have to ask myself... fun or fugly? For this challenge, I wanted to make sure I brought in some color, so hopefully these shirts work out.

F21 // UO // H&M // Secondhand

A colorful start.... click below to see the more basic items.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Gypsy (204) Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl and Seduce Me (128) Lovemarc Lip Gel Review, Photo, Swatch

So, I completely fell in love with my Marc Jacobs Lip Gel in Understudy (see here). Not only with the color, but with the texture and consistency. I was in deep need of a darker color for the upcoming fall, so I picked the Lip Gel in Seduce Me, which is described as a berry red. While I was at it, I also decided to pick up this lip lacquer. While I have never owned a lip gloss as an adult, I decided to try one out anyways. The new Marc Jacobs line has two types of lip lacquers, in sheer and in full coverage color. The line of sheers has a nice glitter consistency, however, I just can't do glitter. At the end, I decided on the lip vinyl in Gypsy, which is described as a soft burnt orange. The coverage is pretty great - a nice full color. It is a little bit sticky, but then again, I'm just not use to lip gloss. Long lasting? Not quite, since lip glosses never last quite as long. Not sure if its worth $28, so I'm debating if I should keep this one or not.

Throwback Thursday (#TBT)

Every once in awhile, I like to go back through my files and Facebook pictures to see the stuff I use to wear. There's actually a lot of outfits that I love but wouldn't wear again, either because its not my style or simply because I don't have the opportunity. Long gone are the days where I would show up to class still reeking of last night's alcohol or go hard every weekend.  And as a result, I just don't wear my booty shorts out to the bars (or they just don't fit my large butt anymore).

I know that much of what is on this blog is what a lot of us wear to work or just casual every day clothing, so I thought it'll be fun to take a blast through the past and see what I wore those late nights out. I also love seeing bloggers in their natural habitats rather than posed pictures sooo here we go!

True #TBT - when I had no neck

Pattern Mixing, Kinda

As much as I love heels, I just can't wear them often (or ever really). My feet are super wide and makes it extremely difficult  to find heels that fit properly. Furthermore, I just like being comfortable. So, while I hate hate hate flats with pencil skirts, for some reason I don't mind flat sandals. I feel like it just makes the outfit more casual and summery which is a-okay with me. The blouse I'm wearing actually has a nice floral detail to it also, which can be seen behind the jump.

Marc Jacobs Understudy (114) Lip Gel Review, Photo, Swatches

The anticipated Marc Jacobs beauty line launched just this past Friday and I knew I had to go snag a lipstick to feed into my addiction.

Described as a gellifed lipstick, its suppose to be hydrating and volumizing at the same time. They launched this line with 16 different colors, a good part of them being great daytime and work appropriate looks.

The color I happened to pick up was Understudy (114) which is described as a terracotta pink. It goes on very smoothly, has a nice opaque color, and quite hydrating. It doesn't give that tingling feeling like most volumizing lip products do, since its suppose to "add gentle volume".

Swatch and more pictures after the jump.

Trends: Cross Over Top

One of my favorite trends right now is the cross-over top. To be quite honest, I initially fell in love with Michelle's top that she posted on Instagram and knew I had to get one. I finally bought one from Topshop then loved it so much I had to buy it in another color (see my previous post here). Then of course we all own the same clothing, and Jen was lucky enough to score the same top as Michelle (seen here). Well, two months ago when I made that initial post, I couldn't find many cheap alternatives for the bargain shoppers out there. However, since I am on the internet all the time, I stumbled upon some great finds which I thought I would share to all our readers.

Summer Sweater

For those who follow our Instagram (http://instagram.com/withincolor), then you might recognize this picture from one of my recent online shopping sprees. Those polka dotted pants are the same pair Val is wearing here and the shirt is the same one Michelle is wearing here. Anyways, here's what I came up with - and when I say came up with, I mean I just wore all my new clothes all at the same time.



Considering it was a record breaking 107 degrees the other week, I decided to celebrate the 95 degree weather by wearing a sweater. Its okay folks, I seriously am outside only to walk to my car and to the building. Besides, I wore this to watch a movie (World War Z, for those wondering), so it kept me warm in the freezing theater. Its a thin sweater anyways, so it didn't really sweat me to death.

Nudes

Whoever uses my laptop and saw the folder labeled "nudes" must have gotten very disappointed to see my nails instead. But just like everyone else, I am obsessed over nude nails. Nude nails are so easy, pretty, and just my default nail color to use when I get bored of all my colors. Good for work but still very stylish. So in today's post, I highlight 5 of the nudes in my collection.

from left to right for both pictures

Sephora for OPI: Leotard Optional
Essie: Mamba
Essie: Sand Topaz
Essie: Ladylike
Deborah Lippman: Modern Love