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Current Want: ALDO Foliroli Oxfords

Why: Because they go with anything and they would be perfect for the Spring time.

One year. I have been lusting after these shoes for one whole year. I know what you're all thinking "If you want them so badly why haven't you bought them?" Well these beauties cost $40. They are absolutely worth it, but I don't want to pay more than I have too so I've been waiting for them to go on sale. Just waiting and waiting and waiting, but guess what? 

They. Haven't. Gone. On. Sale. 

Or at least the black ones anyways. (The blue ones and the floral ones are currently on sale.) The only time I've seen these on "sale" was a buy two get $10 off. While that is a decent deal, I'm trying to avoid spending over $40. I think I might have to suck it up and buy these anyways. I would love to pair them with skirts in the spring time, or dresses, or shorts, or just about everything. So ALDO... If you ever want to send me something, or give me a $40 gift card go right ahead.

New Years Resolutions

With 2012 quickly ending, everyone is making their new years resolutions. There is a very good chance that most of us won't keep up with the resolutions we made. The only way I can actually keep up with my goals is if I'm made accountable of them. If everyone knows your goals and you don't achieve them? Embarrassing. By posting my goals, I'm forcing myself to actually do them.

1. Go Natural

I've been flip-flopping on this idea for awhile. Do I stay relaxed or do I try to get of the creamy crack and go natural? (For those of you who don't know, a relaxer, aka creamy crack, is a chemical cream that is used to permanently make your hair straight.) I finally decided to take the plunge and go natural. I will definitely blog more about this as the year goes on!

2. Be a Consistent Blogger

As much as I love blogging, I sometimes let other things or even laziness take over and prevent me from blogging as much as I would like. I have a million blog ideas but it takes forever for me to actually put pen to paper or in this case finger to keyboard. My blog as really improved in the past week and I have no intentions of slowing down.

3. Make My Passion My Job

I love blogging and designing little things and editing pictures. If I can make my passion my job, then I know I've made it. Simple as that.

4. Get Camera Equipment

The only camera items I have right now are my Canon t3i and the kit lens that comes with it. With my brother being a professional photographer (he does video and design as well!) I've kinda turned into a camera geek myself! I dream of new lenses and photoshop filters. I most definitely want to purchase a new lens sometime next year and maybe some better lights for when I get into making videos. I don't know what exact lens I want yet, but I want to get it in 2013 so that I can have better quality pictures!

5. Get My License

Next year, on August 10th, I will finally be turning 16! I haven't started drivers ed so I don't think I will actually get my license on my birthday unfortunately. With my license, it will be a lot easier to make some trips to H&M, Target, or American Apparel ;)

6. Document Everything

Hello Camera, my name is Toyosi and we are going to be best friends this year. I am determined to have my camera by my side at all times! I always have "end of the year videos" in my subscription box like this one or this one and I instantly regret not documenting all the great and wonderful experiences and memories from the year.

7. Explore.

2013 is gonna be a year of adventures. Whether it be exploring hidden places in Austin or venturing out of the state or even the country. If everything works out, and by Gods grace it will, my family and I are going to go visit family in London and Ireland and I really want to stop by in France for a bit. Adventure is out there.

*This is a submission to the IFB project

OOTD: Warm December

Dear Texas, in December it is supposed to be cold. Not warm and 80°. I wore this outfit while going Christmas shopping with my parents at the Domain.  I like how simple and relaxed my outfit was, it made me feel like I was the coolest kid at the Domain.

Headband: H&M | Sunglasses: ALDO | Scarf: Forever 21 | Tank Top: Forever 21 | Cardigan: ZARA | Shorts: Aeropostale | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bag: New Look

Santa I've been Good! I Promise!

With the holiday season being in full swing, everyone, including me, has been making their wish lists. I'm not the type of person to ask for a lot of things but I certainly do want a lot! My family and friends already give me so much. They love me, comfort me, but up with me when I'm in an 'I hate people mood' and so much more. But it still doesn't hurt to put together a little wish list, right?

1. A Large Everyday Purse
2. American Apparel Nail Polishes
3. A Gold Watch
4. Socks
5. Statement Necklaces
6. American Apparel Twist Scarfs
7. Gift Cards to H&M, American Apparel, Target, Zara or a Visa Gift Card

OOTD: Burgundy Gloom

Yet another OOTD with my burgundy pants from H&M. What can I say, I'm obsessed. Today was very gray and gloomy and I partially owe that due to the fact that it's finals week. My heart goes out to the families dealing with a loss today. No parents should ever have to bury their child. It frustrates me knowing that people have the capability to obtain a gun and murder innocent people like this. No one should have to live in fear. Absolutely no one.

Cardigan : ZARA | Necklace: H&M | Shirt: Ralph Lauren | Pants:  H&M | Shoes: Steve Madden | Ring: Forever 21

Ideal Makeup Collection

I know that not to long ago I posted an Ideal Makeup Collection. Well, since then I have narrowed my selections. I love putting on and wearing makeup, but when I find something I like, I stick to it. I rarely wear face makeup, I've only used about six or seven eye products in the last couple months and I only wear chapstick on my lips. I used to be jealous of Youtubers with their acrylic boxes stacked 3 high and 3 wide full of makeup but then it hit me, I don't care about how much makeup I have as long as I look good. What's the point of owning 7 different foundations, 12489 eyeshadows, 20 eyeliners ect? If you look good, you look good and that's all I really care about. Enough with my little rant, now on to what I would consider the perfect makeup collection.

Face:
A concealer, powder, tinted moisturizer, and two or three blushes.

Eyes:
Eight eyeshadows (2 crease colors, two highlight colors, four lid colors), two eyeliners, two mascaras, one base or primer.

Lips:

Splurge: Steve Madden Troopa

Guess who is now the proud owner of the Steve Madden Troopas? This girl right here! I know everybody and their mother has these boots but I've been stalking these babies online for quite some time. When I actually saw these in store, the heavens opened up and the angels rejoiced. (I'm not kidding, it was that beautiful of a moment). They are a bit pricey, but I know that they go with everything and that they will last for years to come. I opted for the cognac ones over the black. I felt like the black were a bit too military for my taste. Because the brown isn't as harsh, it's much easier to pair with feminine outfits. Honestly, my new boots are the love of my life... until I buy something else (American Apparel disco pants, I'm looking at you.)

Steve Madden Troopa in Cognac. $99.

Midnight Shopping.

Midnight Shopping. by toyosialice featuring vintage shirts

Acne vintage shirt
lagarconne.com

Disco pants
$40 - fashionunion.com

Steve madden shoes
couturecandy.com

Dooney Bourke rucksack bag
dooney.com

American Apparel tortoise eyeglass
americanapparel.net

White beanie hat
dogfunk.com

Music Madness #1

Maybe it's just me, but fall time seems to ignite some sort of creative fire. Everything is inspirational, sleep is not needed. In fact, it is 3:39 AM as I type this. I don't think I've even had a proper meal today. There are so many changes going on during this time of the year and it's absolutely wonderful. But then again, maybe that's just me.

1. White Blank Page- Mumford & Sons

2. Minnesota, WI- Bon Iver

3. The Almond Tree- Hannah Peel

4. Pillow Talk- Wild Child

5. I Gave You All- Mumford & Sons

OOTD: Burgundy & Blue

I recently purchased a pair of burgundy trousers from H&M and I just had to wear them as soon as possible. I put together this simple outfit for school. If it were a bit colder, I would have paired this with an over sized cardigan and some combat boots.

Shirt: H&M | Trousers: H&M | Scarf: Target | Shoes: TOMS | Ring: Forever 21 | Nails: American Apparel polish in 'Cameo Blue' | Watch: Adidas | Headband: Forever 21

Current Want: Combat Boots

Why: Because I need a good pair of boots and combat boots add some edginess to any outfit.

Steve Madden Troopa Boots

Around this time of the year, when the weather starts to cool down, I break out my tall suede boots. Unfortunately, my tall suede boots and now tall suede boots with dried mud all over them from when it magically snowed last winter. *Note to self: Clean boots after you play in the snow and get mud all over them. I've had those boots for about 2-3 years now and I want something different. I love the edgy look of combat boots. They go well with a simple outfit like jeans and a v-neck and they also look good juxtaposed to a more feminine outfit like a dress. Combat boots can literally complete any outfit.

{My Hair This Week}

Washed: I co-washed with my cream of nature moisture extreme conditioner. I left it in for about 5 minutes in the shower to get a deeper conditioning. I applied my leave-ins and air dried.

Nightly: Moisturizing and sealing with Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector and EVOO. Now that it's getting cooler and we're using the heater occasionally, I find that Coconut oil is too light to seal and keep in the moisture in my hair.

Relaxed: I'm 1 week post relaxer.

Something to try: I want to try DC'ing with heat for a longer period of time.

How My Hair Feels: Soft and fluffy! This new conditioner is absolutely amazing!

What My Hair Needs: To grow :) I think I might have finally found something that works for me! Hopefully I can keep up with it and retain length!

Operation Minimalist: Makeup

If you asked me how much makeup I wanted a year ago the answer would have probably been "tons and tons!"  I realize that plenty of people have tons of makeup that they don't use at all. It's hard to finish up a single product so why do I need to have hundreds of products that will eventually expire before I even get to touch them? Of course I won't follow my list to a tee, but I think that this is a good amount to shoot for.

 Face: 1 Tinted Moisturizer or Foundation
          1 Concealer
          1 Powder
          3-4 Blushes

Eyes: 3 Eyeliners
          2 Cream Eyeshadows
          1 Palette
          4 Everyday Single Eyeshadows
          2 Mascaras

Lips:   5-6 Lip Products


I think that this is the perfect amount for me! The key to minimizing the amount of makeup you have is by getting products that can be used in many ways. Eyeshadow can be turned into eyeliner, cream blush can be used as lipstick and so on and so forth. Just because someone has a lot of makeup it doesn't make them prettier or better, it all depends on what you do with it!

{Be Bold}

{Be Simple}

{American Apparel Nail Polish in Cameo Blue}

Only used one coat of polish and one coat of top coat. Very opaque. Minimal chipping after 2 days. About to be discontinued so get it while you can!

{The Neutral Ensemble}

Why I like it: I can not express how much I love this outfit. The shoes are gorgeous. The sweater is simple and cozy. The blazer; Perfection.

Fall and Winter Makeup+Hair Must Haves

I am one of the 134,935,415,458,493,257 people who love fall. The weather in Austin is actually bearable and I can lie in my bed with a cup of tea all day --- as if I don't do that no matter what the season...summer included. With the new season comes some new staples that will keep me looking my best this fall time.

{A Good Deep Conditioner}

The cold wind and the heater will zap all the moisture from your hair. Add a cute wool beanie and you're asking for trouble. A good moisturizing Deep conditioner will help keep the extra moisture in your hair and prepare your hair for the winter.

{A Leave in Conditioner+Hair Oil}

This will also protect your hair from the harsher elements. Some of my favorites are the Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. These are my hair savior in the colder months! My hair feels much softer, moisturized, and healthy after I use this combo.

{A Dramatic Mascara}

Perfect for adding some va-va-voom to your look! Paired with a bold lip or graphic eyeliner, a dramatic mascara will push your look closer to the edge. My favorite mascaras at the moment are Maybelline Lash Stiletto and Lancôme Hypnôse Drama. Both are amazing for adding tons of length and volume. The Lancôme Hypnôse Drama tends to clump on my eyelashes though.

{Dark Eyeliners}

A rich, black, eyeliner will forever be a staple in any girls makeup collection. But instead of sticking to a boring black try a deep hunter green or navy or even a plum color? These colors will add an extra dimension to any eye look. Plus it's an easy way to bring out your natural eye color.

{Shimmery Inner Corner+Matte Crease}

For eyeshadow I like to keep it simple; especially if you have very intense eyeliner and mascara. A matte crease color slightly darker than you skin tone and a shimmery inner corner are just enough to add some more dimension to your eyes without over doing it. If your eyelids every get oily like mine, you could use a matte skin tone color on your lids to help keep oil at bay!

{Bold Matte Lipsticks}

Bold lips are one of the biggest trends for the fall and winter. Reds, burgundy, and even blackish plum colors are very popular. I prefer matte finishes because I think they look cleaner, sharper, and bolder.

{Orange}

I was rummaging through my old notebooks and found some poems I wrote a few years ago. Enjoy!

orange.

to me that is the color of autumn

orange is the color that surrounds us

orange is comforting

i walk outside into a sea of orange

a sea of autumn

the only time when all is well

autumn brings famlies together

autumn brings comfort, relaxation, happiness

i see all the orange leaves scattered on the ground

a sharp wind blows my hair everywhere

kids are making piles of leaves

adults are sharing thanksgiving recipes

time has stopped

new memories are made

this is autumn.

{Money}

I was rummaging through my old notebooks and found some poems I wrote a few years ago. Enjoy!

Money can be many things.

Your best friend.

Your power.

Your success.

Your life.

The feeling of 

crisp

green

paper

The smell of

cold

hard

cash

The feeling of being

invincible

superman

God

But you're not.

Money is a problem

It causes

debt

scammers

bad values

greed

You feel like you're in control,

but the money is controlling you

It becomes your everything

your marriage

your family

your life

your number one priority

To many people, money tastes like success

it makes you feel accomplished

But when it's gone?

You're empty

Nothing.

Lonely.

A zero.

Just like your bank account.

5 Things I've Been Loving

1. This Sweater. Because it's getting cool and I can actually wear it.

2. These rings. Because they're awesome. That's why.

3. My bangs. Because I cut them myself and they look pretty freaking good.

4. Peanut Butter+Nutella. Heaven.

5. This picture. Because it was taken from my friends balcony and I love it.