Candy for the Arm

Finals are coming up next week and I have yet to start studying. I should be studying for my lab quiz coming up in 30 minutes but got distracted by the world of blogging. These bracelets that I wear are pretty much a part of my daily life. I feel naked if I don't wear them and the leggings that I'm wearing are my new fave. There's a bit of a leather detail around the knee that makes it super fun to wear and I added my favorite chambray shirt to complete the whole look. 

Later after my lab I have to do some Christmas shopping for the familia and maybe for myself. I have a 10 dollar coupon to Victoria's Secret so that should be quite the adventure. It's back to studying for me. Have a blessed day!

First Snow

Hello snowfall. It didn't snow hard enough to cancel classes, but oh well. At least I got to whip out my ankle boots that I bought from H&M. They are so comfy to walk in all day. I also threw on a basic brown and black tunic with my leather detailed at the knee legging, leopard scarf, mustard knit beanie and a parka to keep me super warm. Added dark lips for the winter mood; I'm wearing MAC's satin finish in "Media." Such a brilliant color. It brightens up my skin instantly. I can't wait for more snowy days to come! Although driving in it isn't very pleasant. 

Thanksgiving Eve Fun

So it's been awhile since my last post and I apologize. It's been a crazy week full of school and work. Being a full time student and employee can make one go insane and forget what day of the week it is. I am so grateful for today because it's a day where I have work AND school off. It's my first time in a long time with nothing to do and a chance for me to go out and catch up with my loves. I went to eat Pho with my so called twin (it's the cheeks and nose)  this afternoon. The weather was perfect; wore a baggy white v-neck and threw on a chambray with leggings and added leopard wedges. Side note....if you don't know what "Pho" is. look it up and try it. You'll thank me later. Seriously. After lunch we took a quick stop at the mall and I picked up and new pair of ankle boots. They. Are. Brilliant. I'll post them in the days to come. Then we went back to her house to hang out and be girls and that's where I took my meditating/indianstyle/buddha/asian pose. 

Came back home and 30 minutes later received a phone call from my best friend asking if I wanted to go to dinner with her, mind you, this was at 4:30 and I just got done eating. Of course I wanted to go with her because I haven't seen her in 3824 years (yea i know...i like to exaggerate). We went to a classy lounge and I had a crabcake sandwich, side salad, and White Moscato from California. You can bet your bottom dollar I ate the whole thing. I now am getting food coma from all of the eating, but there's more eating to come tomorrow. Goodnight! 

Right in Front of Me

People go in search for inspiration everyday whether it be the sun, trees, music, clothing, or even people. The list goes on. I have many inspirations that I come across every day that makes me feel up lifted and ready to live life out loud, but recently I've been asking myself, "Who or what inspires me the most? Who or what summarizes everything that I believe in, hope for, and dream for? What makes my heart passionate for life?

As I stumbled across this question throughout the days just waiting for an answer, I received the picture above from my boyfriend; and then it finally dawned on me. It was him. He inspires me the most. He summarizes everything that I believe in, hope for and dream for, and he makes my heart passionate for life. This picture shows the life that he brings into my world. Ever since I've met him, I know its cliche to say, but he has shown me life in a whole new way.  His passion for the things that he loves to do makes me want to be passionate for the tiniest things that I do everyday and makes me not want to take things for granted. He inspires me to LOVE; Not just the people around me, but love for myself. Ever since I've met him, I have learned about the actual True Love. True love in a relationship, for your friends, family, and Christ. I never knew what a beautiful and kind heart looked like until I met him. Him and I are opposites, I'm more reserved and he's a guy full of energy, not to mention his infectious smile. He brings the energy that I need to get through my schedule Monday through Friday and teaches me that everything doesn't have to be set to a schedule. His Faith goes beyond measure. He leads me with a strong hand and we hold each other together through Christ.

 This picture just says it all. Love, Joy, Energy, Life, Faith; that's him, everything that I'm looking for. I just want to tell him, Thank You for being my beautiful inspiration.

Mainstreamed Culture

Skirt from Anthropologie

Some of you may wonder what ethnicity I am and I am proud to say that I am Hmong. The Hmong originate from China and throughout throughout history they made their way down to Southeast Asia populating Laos, Vietnam, and other countries. Today there are thousands of Hmong living in the U.S. of A. The highest populations are in St.Paul, MN, parts of California, and parts of Wisconsin. There are also handfuls of Hmong living in other states as well. The history of the Hmong generates back so far and if I tell you everything, you will probably end up reading a history book and I will be writing for months. If you are interested in the history I encourage you to research about the Hmong! =]

It amazes me to see our cultural clothing worn in the fashion world. People see these pieces and may wonder  where they originated or where the designer got his or her inspiration from and soon enough they will do research and be immersed with knowledge of the Hmong people. I believe that knowledge of the Hmong needs to spread more around the world and with the voice of fashion and art, it's a perfect way to start.

There Will Be A Day...

This past weekend my Uncle lost his battle with Colon Cancer. 

He fought the good fight and the Lord called him Home. He has two daughters both younger than the age of 5. It's been a crazy week for everyone and myself. I have a huge Bio exam this week plus the three day funeral starting on Thursday. Lots of cooking, studying, cleaning, and talking to people coming in from out of state. I definitely won't be getting much sleep this week. Please pray for my family during this time.

"There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, no more fears. 

There will be a day when the troubles of this place will be no more, 

we'll see Jesus face to face." 

-Jeremy Camp-

"Even if the healing doesn't come,

and life falls apart,

and dreams are still undone.

You are God, You are good,

Forever faithful one,

Even if the healing doesn't come."

-Kutless-

Nighttime Skincare Routine

Washing your face at night is just as important as eating breakfast every morning.
 As you start your day you do your normal makeup routine, head outside and go to school, work or where ever your life leads you. Your skin is exposed to different temperatures, environments and even different emotions throughout the day that can effect your skin. At the end of the day your skin is tired, oily or dry, and it just needs some TLC. Yea it's great that you wash off your make up and put on a moisturizer every night before bed, but your skin needs other nutrients too. These products that I use I like to call it "food for my skin." I have found that using these products I have noticed a great difference in my skin, but keep in mind that if you decide to use the same products as I, you're not guaranteed the same results because everyone has different skin types. The products are suggestions from my experience and what has worked best for me and I hope they do work for you too! Also, I am not endorsed by these brands.

I start off by washing my my face with M.A.C.'s cream wash. This takes off your makeup right away while working to restore your skin all at the same time. I've noticed that it evens out the skin tone, has a light fresh scent, and the best part about this wash is that it hydrates so well. I have normal to dry skin and every cleanser that I have used strips the oil off of my skin leaving it dry and itchy, but this wash hydrates perfectly. I wouldn't recommend this to people with oily skin. If you have oily skin though, try M.A.C.'s gel wash. It's a green color. It reduces redness and makes your skin less oily. 

After I rinse off the wash and pat my face dry, I use a Soy Milk Rich Toner by Sana. In the past, my luck with toner's has not been great. The one's that I've tried smelled like alcohol and stripped my skin even more of it's natural oils and left my skin flaky; not fun, not attractive. I was at a Japanese super market and saw this and decided to give it a shot since it was a completely different brand from a different country and I figured just MAYBE it would work because they sell it in Asia so MAYBE it works well on Asian skin, and hey, I'm Asian. haha. The first thing I noticed was the smell; no alcohol like scent!! Just a fresh pleasant scent. I also noticed that It was hydrating and didn't dry out my skin like the other toner's and I completely noticed that my skin tone was evening out so well. The way to use this toner and any other toner is to squeeze a bit out onto a cotton ball or cotton pad, (I prefer the flat pads) and wipe it across your entire face. Let your skin soak up all the goodness till it's dry and don't rinse it off. 

After my toner I use an acne serum by IQQU. I don't have as much acne problems as I've have in my adolescent years, but I still like to prevent them from coming back during certain times of the month and when I'm stressing. I like to use serums because they're more concentrated and stronger than acne washes and lotions. So I just apply this all over my face for an even coverage.

After the serum I turn to my Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Night Cream to take care of my tired skin. This cream pretty much whips out all the stops. It restores the skin putting in plenty of goodness to fight future lines and wrinkles while leaving the skin silky smooth, not to mention the scent is very calming. It also evens out your skin making it look more youthful. Some of you may say, "I'm still too young to use anti-aging products." Well ladies, it's all about prevention, prevention, PREVENTION. I use these products to prevent future lines and wrinkles and to reduce the look of them even when/if I do get them when I age. Yes this product may be a bit pricey, but it will definitely be worth it. 

The last product I use is Bobbi Brown's Extra Eye Repair Cream. I put this around my eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles in the mornings and to prevent crow's feet from forming when aging. I just started using this product, but I'm a fan of it so far. Also, about 2 to 3 times a week I will use Shiseido's Warming Gel Scrub. This scrub cleans out your pores while exfoliating the dead skin cells to reveal youthful skin. This product is great because it leaves your skin feeling soft and extremely refreshed. You don't need water when using this product, just squeeze a little into your palms and massage it on the face for about 2 minutes then just rinse it off. When using this product I substitute it in place of the M.A.C. cream wash then follow the products I just listed. 

And there you have it, my nighttime skincare routine. There are links to all of the products below. If you have any questions or even suggestions, please feel free to comment!! Have a great night everyone and Happy Halloween! Stay safe!

M.A.C. Creamwash

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mac-cremewash/2926523?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=m.a.c_cremewash:181247&cm_pla=skin/body_treatment:women:cleanser&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:ad=20667942833&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=26507068913&mr:keyword={keyword}&mr:match={matchtype}&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=E9E3CFFD-D981-DE11-B712-001422107090&origin=pla

Soy Milk Toner by Sana

http://www.yesstyle.com/en/sana-soy-milk-rich-toner-200ml/info.html/pid.1024535291

IQQU Acne Serum

http://www.iqqubeauty.com/webpage/product/detail.php?id=11&brand=&cat=

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Night Cream

http://www.shiseido.com/benefiance-wrinkleresist24-night-cream/0730852103092,en_US,pd.html&cgid=skincare-benefiance#!

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bobbi-brown-extra-eye-repair-cream/3062503?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=bobbi_brown_'extra_eye_repair'_cream:276596&cm_pla=skin/body_treatment:women:moisturizer&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:ad=20667942833&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=26507068913&mr:keyword={keyword}&mr:match={matchtype}&mr:referralID=NA&mr:trackingCode=2A63434B-C0D6-DE11-9DA0-002219319097&origin=pla

Shiseido Warming Gel Scrub

http://www.shiseido.com/pureness-pore-purifying-warming-scrub/0730852167315,en_US,pd.html&q=warming%20scrub#!

Frankenstorm'd In

Storm'sa comin'. Well if you haven't heard the northeast is being hit with a whale of a storm. As for me, I live in the northeast... so you can guarantee it's effecting me and my friendly neighborhood. Classes were cancelled today so I have the whole day to myself. I actually really do need this day to just relax, catch up on some reading, and it's a great feeling knowing that I don't have to put on makeup today so I can just let my skin breathe for once. Took the time to make myself and I some french toast and scrambled eggs today. It. Was. Awesome. Time to cuddle up in bed and watch Netflix and wishing the boyfriend was next to me. 

Love, Fashion Show, and Everything else in Between.

This is hopefully going to be a super quick post because I have lab in literally 14 minutes and counting. The other day the boyfriend and I were doing homework together over skype as usual and he goes, "Check your email. So I proceeded and he sent me a little art piece he made of pretzels. I seriously thought it was the cutest thing ever and could not stop gushing about it. He ate the pretzels after he was finished with it. haha. 

Fast forwarding to last night, I went to the Chris Tomlin concert on a wimb. I got home at 5:30 (the concert started at 7) and i heard that there were still tickets at the door so I literally called up my two younger cousins along with my sister and we just went to the concert. I was so blessed to have made it in and even somehow managed to get amazing seats! It was great to finally worship with the man who pretty much wrote all the worship songs that I know. It was such a wonderful night. And here's a random thought, I have two new obsessions...Starbucks energy drink and Pretzel Crisps Buffalo Flavored. They somehow miraculously fill me up and keep me sane. 

Tonight straight after lab I'm headed to a fashion show to help out backstage with fittings and getting the models dressed. Super excited and I hope I can somehow manage to still have energy by then. I've been up since 6:30 and it's already been a long day for me. Fashion Show post will be up tomorrow hopefully! Time for lab and a lab quiz! G'day.

Escape Pt. 2

Believe it or not almost everything you see here is from the one and only "Ross." If you don't know what a Ross is, it's equivalent to a Marshalls and TJ Max. I swear these types of retailers have the best selection of home decor. The items from Ross are the two stands with leaves and birds, the patterned mini stool that I am in LOVE with (I sit on it when I do my makeup), and this amazing one of a kind beaded, gypsy inspired storage box. The photo doesn't do the storage box justice at all. All of these items came to an amazing 70 ish dollars and the blue lamp I got for 20 at Target. LOVE. My curtains from Urban Outfitters add funky-ness to my room which I think is great. I still need more wall decor to add more of a cozy vibe. I have one in mind from Ross again, I just need to go pick it up. Hopefully I'll run into more great pieces for my room as the days go by.

Escape Pt. 1

Say Bonjour to my humble abode. We recently renovated my house and after 22 years I finally received my own room. My interior decorating side immediately took over me and I knew that I wanted a cozy room, a place where I could escape, my home in my home. I painted my walls a light warm yellow. I'm so glad that I chose this color because even on the rainiest day, it makes my room even more welcoming. I also purchased this beautiful quilt from Urban Outfitters which adds a great contrast to the yellow and a super funky curtain panel also courtesy of Urban. I did buy rugs before I bought my bedding and the color scheme of the rug is pretty much the same of my quilt so I have to find new rugs because I feel as if it's just an explosion of color. Any suggestions on what type of rug? If there's one thing that I love about my new room it would have to be my own closet space and also the lights I have hanging. I used to have lights hanging in my old room but I felt as if they were just there; now these lights finally fit in somewhere. There's also furniture in the other corner of my room that is not pictured. That's for Part 2, so stay tuned!

This is Me.

Good morning planet Earth. I have a long day ahead of me; class at 11 then off to work from 3 till 10. I know I haven't posted up many pictures of myself so I'd thought I'd post one today so you guys could see the face behind the words. It's just a normal webcam shot of me, nothing fancy. I'm still in the process of looking for a really good camera to take outfit posts with, while at the same time, trying to make my pictures look high quality with the point and shoot that I own. Today I'm just making it simple by wearing my go to olive green knit bum hat and a muscle tee I bought off the clearance rack from Urban Outfitters. Have a splendid day my dears. Time to immerse myself into the world of Biology and Genetics.

Autumn in the City

Autumn in the City by kanreemoua featuring chanel eyeshadow

Nothing says Autumn more than a deep plum lip and a burgundy felt hat.  I was driving to school today with that autumn crisp in the air and saw all the leaves turning to bright reds, warm oranges and yellows and just felt so inspired to give my wardrobe a much needed fall update. I am seriously lusting over the diamond patterned sweater, Rebecca Minkoff clutch purse, and the Jeffrey Campbell booties are a MUST HAVE.  My fall style has always been a soft look with a little punch of edge and I can not wait to wear my parka again.  I also came to the conclusion that my next beauty purchase is going to be the NARS Blush in Orgasm. I hear it is spectacular. In the mean time, I'll have to make due with the wardrobe I have now. At least I have my plum lipstick to put me in the Autumn spirit. 

Diamond pattern sweater
udobuy.com

Valentino leather legging
mytheresa.com

Jeffrey Campbell high heel boots
$235 - motelrocks.com

Rebecca Minkoff teal clutch purse
$230 - eluxe.ca

French Connection floppy hat
asos.com

Nars cosmetic
narscosmetics.com

Chanel eyeshadow
$50 - pret-a-beaute.com

Chanel eyeshadow
nordstrom.com

Beauty product
luxuryparlor.com

Large photography - New York travel photography - red and orange...
etsy.com

New York City Photography, I Love New York in Autumn, pumpkin orange,...
etsy.com

Pause...

It's time for me to pause from fashion and press play on the studying. I'll be living in the library tonight studying for a math exam on Wednesday and finishing up a Bio lab. So much to do with so little time. Had no time to summon an outfit today so I resorted to a white crew-neck tee and dark skinnies with my knit olive green bum hat which I have learned is my "go to" outfit when I'm in doubt. Simple, but yet still fashionably forward. I hope I don't get sleepy from this rainy weather, that's why I have my lip stick stained Starbucks coffee handy and listening to "Heavy" by Whiskey Winter should keep me sane. Here we go.. at least I have my boyfriend (who is studying for a nursing final) to keep me company. He's a fine fellow.

Check out the song that I'm currently obsessed with..."Heavy" by Whiskey Winter.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvDsfKdTKrc&feature=BFa&list=PLGpkcV7uPHd9Ob2BdHjJ8_V2GvqtJqJTw)

Mango Fringes?

So why did I name this blog "Mango Fringes?" A mango is soft and sweet, unique, and I feel as if it's an independent fruit just doing what it pleases as it goes through life. It gets along with everything...ex..strawberry mango flavor...kiwi mango flavor... pomegranate mango flavor (my favorite)...and so on. And honestly, who doesn't love Mangoes?

 If there's one thing that I could wear everyday, it's fringe. It's bohemian with a little bit of a rebellious side and the way it moves with a carefree spirit is much like how I am. I want this blog to represent who I am to it's fullest; expressing my inspirations, my personality and even the tiniest detail about me. I came across the picture above. It's from Phillp Lim's Spring 2013 RTW line. When I saw this I said to myself, "That's me. Everything about it."  

Sweater Weather

American Eagle "Fair Isle" Sweater

Today is the perfect day to wear a cozy sweater; it's warm out, but with a cool wind. I'm wearing this one from American Eagle today. I usually don't purchase things from there, but when I saw this I knew I had to have it. This piece is so different from all the other items American Eagle has sold because it looks so vintage and I have a knack for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. In the meantime, I'm gonna go finish some school work that needs to be done by midnight tonight. I have a busy couple weeks ahead along with a fashion show that I'm helping with backstage. Stay tuned! 

Thank you Micheal Kors

Dear Micheal Kors,

I have been looking high and low for the perfect pair of tall black boots for the longest time that would look good with my body type. I'm 5'1" and as you can see, I have short legs and every boot that I have tried on makes me look stumpier, shorter, wider, and everything else that is unflattering for my body. Today I came across your Bromley Flat Boot in black and it was like me discovering red lipstick for the first time. I knew that the instant I tried on these boots were the ones I have been searching for. They are super fitted around my leg, makes my legs look slimmer and longer and are so sturdy and comfortable. I absolutely am in love with the tonal stretch fabric on the back that adds extra comfort and makes the boot so much more fun. Thank you so much for designing these. Now I can truly live out the fall seasons ahead!

Life now complete,
-Kanree-

Walk With Me.

As I go about my days of being a full time student and a full time employee at the lovely Nordstrom, it's hard for me to put all of my racing thoughts about fashion, life, inspirations, and random thoughts together; which is why I am here and you are reading this. I figured having this blog will keep me somewhat sane with the busy schedule that I have. Picture above? A beautiful memory that I will never forget.