I'm Back!

Lovely Readers-

I wish we had an excuse for not updating for so long. Life was busy, things got crazy, you all understand I’m sure. Please forgive us and enjoy what I have for you today.

   First a few photos of my city, Seattle. If you know me, you know that I talk about my home a little bit too much. Maybe with a few photos I can show you why I can never truly stop thinking about it. 

   Next, something completely random. There is someone in my life who is very close to me, and who is one of my many sources of happiness. Not Jesus, not my best friend, not Denim (however those are all very good guesses). His name is Olan Rogers.

I was first introduced to him and his YouTube channel through a friend. From there I proceeded to watch all of his videos, I liked him on Facebook so that I could begin receiving updates on his cat, Starscream, and I bought one of his sweatshirts (the one on the right).

There are several reasons you should get to know Olan Rogers:

The first is simply that he is an incredible storyteller. Most of his stories are comical, and sometimes I laugh at what he is saying and I don’t entirely know why, but as soon as he opens his mouth I can’t stop listening.

The second reason is that when you buy one of his fantastically stylish shirts or sweatshirts, he donates a majority of the money to charity. He never stops giving, which is something I think everybody can admire.

Denim doesn’t agree with me on this, but he is really cute. This is lower on the list because it isn’t as important, but seriously, I didn’t realize it was possible to be as darling as he is. Does that sound creepy? I hope not.

 Olan Rogers Apparel 

Midnight Claw- A Story from Olan Rogers

So here is a link to one of his videos and to his store. Check him- I mean the videos out and have a great week!

-Velvet

Denim's Best of 2012: Personal Edition

Hey there. For the readers who don't know me personally, I feel like this will be a good post because it won't be pictures of me not looking at the camera or me rambling about make-up, this will be a post about me. Velvet and Denim started in 2012 and I couldn't be more grateful for all of you who have been reading regularly. For the male population, I promise I will be doing some posts on men's fashion, so please be patient with us and keep checking back!

And here are my Best of 2012 picks - 

Music - These are some of my favorite albums and songs this year. I really can't narrow it down, sorry! Give these songs and albums a listen if you haven't already!

"We Cry Out" Jesus Culture

"Worn" Tenth Avenue North

Every Kingdom Ben Howard

Babel Mumford and Sons

My Head is an Animal Of Monsters and Men

"For the Keeping" Wayward Daughters

"The Devil's Tears" Angus and Julia Stone

 + Ed Sheeran

"A Drop In the Ocean" Ron Pope 

"We Were Made for This" Train

My guilty pleasure songs were "Toxic" Britney Spears and "Beauty and a Beat" Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Don't judge.

Movie - My favorite movie this year was definitely Perks of Being a Wallflower, it got me to want to read the book, and that usually doesn't happen. I know if someone just says its plot line, it seems like nothing, but the realism, the way it was filmed and how true it was to the book along with some good lookin' actors and actresses made it a story everyone can relate to at a certain level. 

Blog/ Youtube Channel - This year, I discovered neonblush.com  by Jenny Ong through Lookbook.nu and ClothesEncounters on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/clothesencounters  by Jenn Im. These two fashion bloggers are simply amazing, and they have inspired me so much. GO FOLLOW THEM. 

Gift - This definitely goes to my Fossil Natalie watch from my parents for graduation/18th birthday. I have worn that beaut every single day since I got it and it was the perfect watch I have been looking for, and I got it at an outlet so that is always a plus. Also my UglyDoll from my best friend and my iPad Mini from my sister meant so much to me that I had to mention them :) 

Photo - This picture is terrible in quality but this is a picture of our worship circle in the beginning of the year next the pond behind my school. It was a barbecue party with my hall and that was the reason why this photo meant so much to me, because I knew that these are the people I will be spending most of my time with at Gordon. They are the people who I will get to know on a heart to heart level, the people who I will laugh and cry and stay up till sunrise with. They are the people who will know me. 

Food/Drink - Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks and the raspberry cheesecake from Thinking Cup Coffee in Boston. I can smile for days with those two things in my hand.

Buy - I found these Vans in Hong Kong over the summer but they ran out of my size and I looked online again and again and they were out of stock. BUT THEN in a random mall near Chicago... I FOUND THEM! Obviously. Anyways, I haven't worn them that much yet because its been too cold but when Spring and Summer come these will probably be in every outfit post. 

Got to see - This year, I got to see The Script live in Boston but more exciting than that for me was seeing the original Degas painting and sculpture at the MET in New York City. Degas is my all time favorite artist and I was going to do a replica of one of his works last year but I didn't get to, but it will happen eventually. 

Trip - My favorite trip this year was definitely the trip to Hokkaido with my family in June. The food, scenery and shopping of course were amazing but the best part of it was being able to spend time with my family since we haven't all lived together since 7th grade. Every time we do spend time together as a family means the world to me. 

And this is all! I hope you guys got to know me a little better through this post, I had a ton of fun writing this up :) Enjoy! 

- Denim

Velvet's Favorite 2012 Things

The Best of 2012

I had a hard time coming up with something for this. There were so many fantastic things that happened this year, and I don’t think I could ever remember it all, let alone write all of it down. In an attempt to solve this problem, I’ve created 12 categories and I will give the best thing I found during 2012 in relation to that category. So without further ado, here is the best…

Photo- It’s a cute one… I know prom was so last year, but I have a soft spot for pretty dresses and the Seattle skyline.

Memory- There are so many choices for this; prom, graduating, starting at Gordon, etc. I’m going to have to be a complete nerd however, and I apologize for what I’m about to write. The moment my sister, best friend, and I set our eyes upon Hogwarts was one of the most magical moments of my life. I thought not getting my acceptance letter would mean that I would never get to see it, but I was thankfully wrong.

Conversation- On a flight from New York I talked to this guy sitting next to me for over 6 hours. I don’t know his name, but he was really cool.

Word- Facetious, an adjective meaning flippant. I have a dark sense of humor, so I get called this a little too often. I can take it as a compliment though.

Bought Item- I may be a little biased because I got it a few days ago, but my Kate Spade bag is the most stunning thing in my closet right now. All I need is some leather to make me a very happy girl. Diamonds work too, but this was on sale.

Make-up- I never said these things had to be created during 2012! Chanel is without a doubt my favorite make-up brand. I’m slowly building up my collection, and I have to say, Chanel products are simply unrivaled. The choices are incredible and you can barely feel it once it is on.

TV Show- I told myself I wouldn’t do this, but there is a two-way tie for this category. I’ll preface my choices by saying that I love cult classics, and I can easily become obsessed with them. The facts are these; no show has made me laugh more than Community and no show has touched my heart quite like Doctor Who.

Song- “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees will make me roll down my window and increase my car speed by at least 10 mph every time.

Book- If I'm thinking about a classic, The Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Hemmingway is now one of my favorite books because the writing is absolutely beautiful. Some people find it boring, but I don’t see how anyone could not love it. However, The Casual Vacancy was actually written this year, and J.K. Rowling's latest novel kept me riveted for hours. 

Gadget- My iPhone 5 seems too obvious, so I’m going to go with something that cures almost all cases of boredom. Netflix has added way too many excellent shows and movies this past year for it not to make the Best of 2012.

Color- For all of 2012 I could not stop buying things in teal. I can’t explain it, but I just really loved teal for the past year. I'm kind of over it now, but it still works for accessorizing. 

Time-Waster- Pinterest. I don’t need to justify this one.

Movie- Argo was good, Les Miserables was amazing, but The Hobbit actually exceeded my very high expectations. It was about 30 minutes too long, but other than that, I was thrilled with the beginning of Bilbo’s journey. Also, for once, 3D did not make me nauseous.

Happy New Year!
(And comment with your favorite things from 2012!)

Denim's Best of 2012: Make-up Edition

Hello. I know it has been a while, a long while, my excuse is finals week and crazy travelling winter break, I am so so sorry but we are back! 2012 is over, it has been a great year, lots of laughs and tears, mistakes and growing up, and hello's and goodbye's. Since it is the beginning of a new year, I decided that a "Best of 2012" series would be a good idea and here is the make-up edition! Enjoy :)

Foundation: Benefit "Hello Flawless!" Oxygen Wow liquid foundation

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/hello-flawless-oxygen-wow

This is one of my first foundations and I am in the shade 'I'm all the rage' Natural Beige. I really love this one not only because it has a good handy pump, but it also evens out my complexion really well with its yellow undertones. As an American brand, Benefit did really well in having shades that match their Asian audience well. This gives a really dewy finish and its also hydrating, quite light weight but good every day coverage. Try it out! I pair it with the next item on the list..

Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

http://www.rimmellondon.com/us/en/products/stay-matte-pressed-powder/

The one I love the most is the one in 'transparent' just because I don't need additional coverage from my powder and it will match my skin tone through out the seasons. This keeps your skin matte but at the same time does not appear cake-y and is very light weight. I just love it!

Blush: MAC Mineralize Blush in 'Love Joy'

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/156/1791/Mineralize-Blush/index.tmp

Although I did finally get the Tarte blush in 'Exposed' but I did wear this one for the majority of the year and I love this so dearly. It is pigmented but not too much that you need to be careful with it. I started getting into non-pink blushes this year because I think it gives a more 'cool' look instead of a sweet look. I don't like using bronzer so this product, in my opinion, is the best of both worlds. 

Eyebrow: Maybelline MasterShape brow pencil + Maybelline Great Lash Clear

http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Brow-Liner/Eye-Studio-Master-Shape-Brow-Pencil.aspx

http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara/Great-Lash-Clear-Mascara.aspx

I have been loving this combination for my eyebrows this year, the pencil is creamier than most brow pencil, which means you need to be careful with it but it also makes it easier once you are used to it. The clear mascara I use as a brow gel to set my eye brows after I fill them in. It is a magical combo, love it! My shade for the pencil is deep brown by the by. :)

Eyeliner: NYX Retractable eyeliner (in 04 Brown and 16 Golden Olive) + Jordana FabuLiner in black

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4141599#sku2242424

http://www.amazon.com/Jordana-INCOLOR-Fabuliner-Eyeliner-01/dp/B003IL5JVI

I believe in lining my lashline, it not only makes your lashes look fuller but also makes your eyeliner look more natural. I discovered the NYX liners only 2 months ago but I love it. I love using brown instead of black for my lashline because it is more natural and I love the olive one for my bottom lashline. The Fabuliner is actually only a dollar at Walgreens so don't buy it from Amazon! This stuff is amazing, easy thin or thick lines, just amazing! Shout out to Kelsey who showed me this product! 

Eyeshadow: wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow collection in 738 Comfort Zone 

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/wet-n-wild-color-icon-collection-color-icon-eyeshadow-collection/ID=prod6057326-product

I was really torn for this one considering I got my Naked 2 Palette this year as well and I love my MAC PaintPot in Rubenesque but this wet n wild palette is not only cheap but also amazing in quality and color. It is pigmented, silky and has all the colors I will need for daily natural make-up. I also got the ELF 140 piece palette in Neutral this year, which has every single color I will ever need in my life, but it is so big that I don't reach for it enough, it is still an amazing palette for a good good price. 

Mascara: Benefit They're Real! Mascara in Black 

http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/theyre-real

This is simply amazing. It is pricey but definitely worth every penny, plus I didn't have to buy it myself so I have every right to love this product. I didn't like it at first when I first got it, especially the plastic wand, so I stopped using it for a while and went back to it and fell in love. It separates your lashes very well, there is absolutely no clumping and only one or two layers will give you a lot of length and volume. So if you want to splurge or treat yourself for the holidays or good grades then I would recommend this.

Brushes: Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Expert Face Brush and Deluxe Crease Brush
I just love the entire Real Techniques collection, the kits are nice and reasonably priced, extremely soft and well made. I can't say enough good things about them, all I can really say is GO GET THEM! They are simply amazing. I got them at Ulta when it was on buy one get one 50% off sale, so keep an eye out for that!