vintage – The April Diaries

THE FASHION DIARIES: Breakfast At Tiffany’s and Oodles of VINTAGE

Published on August 31, 2019August 31, 2019 by The April DiariesLeave a comment

It’s been a hot minute (more like almost a YEAR) since I posted a Fashion Diary entry, which is ironic because I’ve written my own personal journal entries practically every day this summer.

Despite PSL’s being back at Starbucks, along with the Maple Pecan Lattes and the newly-raved-about Pumpkin Cold Brew, summer is not quite over yet. Wait until Monday, September 23, guys! My summer fashion choices have been relatively laid-back, with the occasional dress or two, or three. 😜 It wasn’t until recently when my grandmother sent my mom and I packages of clothing that didn’t fit her anymore. For those of you who know me well, I love vintage fashion. So, needless to say, I was fascinated by my grandmother’s impeccable taste.

The first thing that caught my eye was a black and white polka-dotted dress

***Please excuse the dirty mirror and, of course, the mirror selfie***

Then there’s the makeup look then went with it:

Not only do I adore fashion, but I am a HUGE makeup junkie. This is actually the same lipstick that Audrey Hepburn wore in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” It’s Revlon’s “Pink in the Afternoon.” The blush, bronzer, and highlighter are from IT Cosmetics and the eyeshadow is from Bare Minerals!

The next thing that caught my eye was a long skirt:

It’s hard to tell what the pattern is, but rosewood is one of my favorite colors (number 5 to purple, blue, pink, and red). You can’t even tell I’m wearing a skirt and top because it all flows so well! The top is from H&M and the shoes are from ZARA.

Then there’s the makeup look that went with it:

With natural waves (my hair is actually straight, but if I sleep on it when it’s wet, it gets wavy), and the right lipstick, I rocked this look with confidence. The lipstick is Colourpop x Disney’s Tiana. Shout out to my best friend (hi Katelyn!) for surprising me with it!

Finding Your Place | Transferring | Look At Me Now

Published on April 20, 2018April 20, 2018 by The April DiariesLeave a comment

I quoted this in another blog post, and I’m going to quote it again:

“Sometimes to chase after your future, you have to stop running and plant yourself in one place. Take a stand and fight for what you want. And know that even after the darkest of nights, the dawn will come. And you will find a place where you don’t have to hide. A place to call home.” — Carrie Bradshaw, The Carrie Diaries

This past year was a time for reflection and starting a new, and honestly, I have zero regrets. I remember almost two years ago, my family packed up our stuff in Medfield, Massachusetts and moved to Bristol, Rhode Island. I wish I had a better attitude about it, at the time. But it wound up becoming an adventure. Who knew that a year later from that I’d be switching schools, too? Transferring was something that was on my mind for a really long time. And according to my great philosopher, HelloKaty’s YouTube video, “If you’re not happy somewhere, or with someone, get out.” She also touches upon the complex and surely complicated process of transferring. To back up her argument, transferring someplace else is one of the most courageous things you can do. It is not a cowardly act. Everyone has their opinion, but I was certainly not happy. Being on the phone crying in the corner of the library is not healthy, whatsoever. And yes, it happened frequently. I knew that I would become a “double transfer” (as I switched high schools, too), but I knew in my gut and my heart that this was the right move for me.

For those of you who know me personally, you’d know that I switched my majors a billion times. Now, I can finally say, I’m 1,000,000x more confident in my choice at RWU. One thing that’s true about anything is that it takes time for anything to grow and find out who you are. It just took me a few more trials and errors than anyone else.

Listen, why am I telling you this? I was recently inspired by my poetry professor whom I talked to yesterday about poetry, and we both agreed that poetry would be my focus for next year, as I’ll be a junior writing my thesis and taking a senior seminar. This is not a “go to RWU!” ad, but I’m just saying the Creative Writing professors really influenced my choice to come and to take a shot at higher level classes and dip my toes into a few things. I’m now taking a Literary Publishing course, and I’m absolutely loving it. RWU students also reintroduced me to fashion: my second love (writing being the first). I’m slowly heading back into my Audrey Hepburn phase by taking a chance with vintage clothing, as seen here:

I love playing with neutrals, as they are really in this season. I decided to put a little “spring” (and heel) in my step by appropriating my mom’s lace-up kitten heels — no, really, talk about vintage! Florals are definitely in this season, as well. And any printed pant with a v-neck sweater? Totes vintage and adorbs!

In short, I’m grateful to my parents for deciding to leave Massachusetts. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t be interning at Rhode Island Monthly this summer!!! That’s right, I will be an Editorial Intern at the premiere publication in Rhode Island! ☺

Moreover, wherever one door closes, another door opens to a new opportunity (or more). I’m one step closer to becoming a published journalist and poetry author. My professor said my voice is really strong and authentic. I was right when I said I had dreams too big for that small town in Massachusetts, and Massachusetts at large. Sure, Rhode Island is not that much bigger, but I’m following and achieving my dreams more than I ever thought possible.

This is me, and this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. (Yes, I just semi-quoted that song from Camp Rock).

FASHION AMBITION: Gingham Style

Published on April 6, 2018 by The April Diaries1 Comment

When I thought about posting this earlier this week, I thought, “wow, it’s going to be sunny and Spring-y all week!” Well, I was wrong. It snowed (in April) down here in Rhode Island and we’re all pissed that we’re still wearing our winter jackets in the second month of Spring (that I was named after, lol and NO I WAS NOT BORN IN APRIL).

Moreover, I’ve taken to stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of clothing. Growing up, you were constantly judged on how you dressed. There came a point where I stopped giving a you-know-what and started wearing activewear to school this semester because I got back into the fitness game, and I figured it’s college, why not? Anyway, it all started with that Easter outfit I mentioned in my latest FASHION AMBITION post. I went scrounging through [one of] my mom’s closets and found these adorable Gingham-print pants. I know I said head-to-toe color would eventually grow out of style, but this outfit is one for the books:

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*If you look closely (blame it on the IG filter), the pants are pink, orange, and purple, and the sweater is cold-shoulder with a little ruffle on each sleeve.*

This is a break from your normal red, navy, or black Gingham print. When you have pants like these, always pair them with a flat shoe. Believe it or not, there are multiple types of flat shoes, check out this article by Vogue. Don’t be surprised when your girl says she has all of those listed.

♥♥♥♥♥

Want more fashion? Vote on my Instagram what you would like to see! Also, check out my latest fashion article that I wrote for the Hawks’ Herald!

FASHION AMBITION: Color-blocking

Published on April 2, 2018April 2, 2018 by The April Diaries2 Comments

One trend that’s slowly dying out is matching colors head-to-toe. I remember at a seventh-grade dance, I wore sapphire blue from the Jessica McClintock dress to those strappy open-toed shoes.

However, pairing, say, a white or beige dress with pink heels — SO cute.

This past Easter, I went out to brunch at Le Central with my mum. But before I go on, let me just say that God has blessed me so much since the situation I was in last year to now and forever. I will keep you guys updated on how I’m doing, I PROMISE! But I can tell you right now, I’m am absolutely blessed and well-dressed.

Anyway, I was scrummaging through my mom’s spring closet (yes, she has multiple closets for all of her clothes — from winter to regular wear to spring/summer). I tried a couple of things on but, alas, they were a tad too small. Then, my mum pointed me to an outfit that I thought I’d never wear — an all-red pants suit in satin fabric. Talk about vintage! Good thing the jacket was over-sized (super trendy) and the pants fit just right. This gave me an excuse to wear my new snakeskin boots from JustFab.

And…. ta-da!

Pair it with a simple black bag with gold accents and an Ariana Grande-inspired ‘do and you’ll be all set! I could’ve also worn black heels or pointed ballet flats. Sorry, red shiny stilettos, you didn’t make the cut.

This just goes to show that you can pair prints and color, or neutrals with a pop of color!

Stay tuned for more trendy vintage outfits coming to your computer screen! ♥

FASHION AMBITION: Vintage Denim On Denim

Published on November 9, 2017November 11, 2017 by The April DiariesLeave a comment

Hey everyone, long time no talk! I know what you’re thinking of this title: April’s doing fashion now? What about her sit-down talks? Didn’t she go to Dallas? Why isn’t she talking about that? Well, 1) I’m going to 2) those will still happen and 3) yes, I have had an interest in fashion for a really long time, I’m just now turning it into something I’m passionate about — journalism. I realized during my trip to Dallas how much I loved fashion, and fall is a great time for fashion, as you all know. But, as it is now slowly turning to winter, I have to adjust my fashion choices in the morning (just by simply adding a cute jacket).

I tried this look via Refinery29. Most people who try denim on denim end up in disaster. Plus, when most people think of denim on denim, they automatically think of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears circa 2003:

But, I learned a couple of ways in which you can pull it off, especially if you want to achieve the “vintage” look. So, I chose my trusty basic black shirt as a way to “break it up.” You want a little sleeve showing. I knew it needed something else, like a pop of color. I rummaged through my jewelry to find this one unique piece I bought at the Louvre in Paris. Yes, it’s actually from Paris. But it doesn’t have to be from another country to be spectacular. Your next best accessory? A pair of earbuds or headphones! Finally, I paired the ensemble with black booties.

The finished product…