College Dorm Designer~!

Hey Guys~!

I mentioned recently that I'll be going off to college soon. Honestly the part I'm most excited for is decorating my room. Today I'll be showing you guys three different design ideas I have for my room. Not all of them are realistic, space and cost wise, but I had fun doing this. So let's start~~!

I made two different dorm looks. The one on the left has a more neutral color scheme. I have seen a lot of images of fairy lights under loft beds, and I think it looks super cute. I also like the idea of having a chair or sofa under the bed for a comfy reading/studying area. 

The other one, the one on the right, I think is super cute. I love purple, and I wanted to design a room with pops of purple. I really want that Sailor Moon Luna pillow, ever if it doesn't end up matching my room, cause it's super cute looking. 

I hope you guys enjoyed today's post~! In the comments below let me know which room you like better. Also let me know if you would like to see my dorm once I move in and it's decorated. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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My Bad MAC Experience~!

Hey Guys~!

I have something different today, a story time post~! This is all about my first time shopping at MAC. I was at the mall a few months ago and I had a terrible experience at the MAC counter in my local Bloomingdale's. After I went online and read about other people's experiences with MAC, so I decided to share my story with you guys. Disclaimer, I am not bashing MAC as a company, I'm just saying that their customer service isn't good. So let's start~~!

The Bloomingdale's I went to, where the MAC counter is, is in a really rich part of town. Usually the people that work there are really nice and don't leap onto you, meaning they let you shop and when you approach them, they will help.

Okay, now let me set the scene. I have never owned anything from MAC before, but I saw this lipstick on Instagram and I wanted to see it in person. I don't remember the name, but it was a natural looking pink color.

So I walked over to the MAC counter, and I wasn't alone; I was with my cousin, and I began looking through the MAC lipsticks. I found the one I was looking for and I swatched it on the back of my hand, because I didn't want to put it on my lips since that's unsanitary because anyone could have tried it before me. My cousin and I were looking at that lipstick and I was beginning not to like it because there was glitter in it when a MAC employee approached us.

I don't remember her name, but let me just describe her for you. She had bleached blonde hair, in a messy top knot, a really orange spray tan, a dark smokey eye and nude lips. Also she was wearing sheer leggings and a see through, low cut tank top. Okay, I know you're not supposed to judge people based on how they look, but I have a firm belief that if I am buying clothes or makeup from a store, if I don't like what the employee is wearing, then I don't listen to their advice.

Back to the story~! I wasn't interested in the lipstick anymore, but the employee assured me that I could make it matte by applying powder over it. Before I could say anything, she applied the lipstick on me and took one of her DIRTY makeup brushes and heavily applied powder to my lips. I could taste the powder in my mouth, and both my cousin and I tried to get her to stop. However, the employee insisted that she wasn't finished and kept applying powder.

When she finally stopped, my lips just looked dry, crusty, and like I applied concealer over them. I wasn't happy at all with the lipstick or how I was being treated. I told the employee that I didn't like it and asked for some makeup remover to get it off.

And then the employee tells me, and I quote, "Well if you had a darker complexion, it would look better on you. You're so pale and unhealthy looking, if you wore bronzer then that lipstick would look better on you." Just re-read that. Can you imagine what my expression was when she said this to me~?

Was she expecting me to listen to her? Was she expecting me to still buy the product? Anyway I was so angry that I left the counter, without saying anything. And as my cousin and I walked away, the employee asked us, "Do you want me to ring you up at the register?"

And that's my MAC experience. Again, I'm not bashing the company, but I'm not the only person out there who's had a bad experience with them. I hope you guys enjoyed this little story time post~! In the comments below, share your worst shopping experience. Also, if you would like more story time posts, let me know. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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Special Announcement~!

Hey Guys~!

I have some really exciting news to share with you all. If you have ever read my 'About Me' page, then you would know that I am studying Mandarin Chinese. I've been learning it since kindergarten, which is 13+ years. Something you may not know about me is that I've never traveled outside of the USA.

Ever.

Well, in February that's going to change.

I am traveling to China for a semester~!!
This has been a dream of mine for years, and I'm so excited to be going there.

And now you may be thinking, "But Alyss, isn't Blogger blocked in China? How are you going to post?"

I have that all figured out, so you will still be hearing from me.

During my travels, I will be vlogging. I haven't decided if I will upload them on YouTube, mainly because I don't want to invade the other people I'm traveling with's privacy. Also I'm not sure if you guys are interested in knowing about me personally, since I mainly review products.

I hope you guys enjoyed this~! In the comments below, let me know if you would be interested in seeing my vlogs. And please be honest about this, because these vlogs will be very personal and I would want this to be a safe environment, nothing negative. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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Recap of 2015 + Goals for 2016~!

Hey Guys~!

Now that 2015 has come and gone, and with 2016 here, I thought I would do a recap of 2015 as well as share my goals or resolutions for 2016. I've been reading a ton of these recently, and I really enjoy them, so why not write my own, right~?! So let's start~~!

2015 was a pretty simple year, with some really great moments.  

Anime Boston was definitely the highlight of the entire year. I went with one of my best friends and I got to cosplay Juvia, which almost didn't happen. I stayed up till five in the morning to finish the costume and I am so happy with how it came out. I met so many nice people and had the most amazing weekend ever. 

Over the summer I had tons of amazing opportunities education wise. I studied at Yale for a week and a half and then I was at Harvard for some classes. Both really helped me decide what I want to do with my life. And I'll never get into of either of those school so it was fun being all preppy at an Ivy League.

I started it my senior year, which I honestly can't wait to be done with. My classes are all really tedious, except for Psychology it's a really interesting class, but I can't stand any of my other ones. I finished all of my college applications and am now just waiting . . . and waiting . . . and waiting. 

Now here are my goals for 2016

1.) Cosplay More

This is obvious. I already have my plans for the year, and I will do a post on that soon. I am trying to attend at least two or three conventions. As a preview though, I am planning another Dangan Ronpa cosplay and at least one Mirai Nikki/Future Diary cosplay. If there is an anime/video game you think I should cosplay from, I'd love to hear some suggestions too <33

2.) Go Pescetarian or Vegetarian

I have wanted to do this for a long time. The problem is I live at home still and my parents do all the cooking and groceries shopping. In college I do want to only eat fish, for protein, or cut all meat out of my diet. There will be a post on this coming up, so look out for that. 

3.) Try to Read More Books

With college applications, interviews, and just planning out my future, I've been really busy. I love reading, and I have shelves of books that I haven't started yet. Only on vacation have I been able to sit down and read. I want to be able to set time aside daily and read. I don't have a goal for how many books, but I want to try to read everyday. 

4.) Be Happy

In theory, this should be easy. However a lot of changes in my life will be happening in 2016. It all is kind of overwhelming. I just need to remind myself to stay positive and enjoy every moment. I want to enjoy everything that is going to happen in 2016.

I hope you guys enjoyed today's post~! I love hearing from you guys, so in the comments let me know what your resolutions for 2016 are. Also let me know what kinds of posts you would like to see in the new year. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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Love x Hate Tag~!

Hey Guys~!

Today I have a tag for you guys, the Love x Hate Tag. The name basically explains the tag, name ten things you love and ten that you hate. Then nominate ten other bloggers to do the tag. I was nominated by Kelly, thanks sweetie. I thought this would be a great way for you guys to learn more about me. So let's start~~!

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ 10 Things I Love ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•

  Singing

I've always loved singing. I started taking lessons when I was three and I joined multiple choruses, both outside of school and in school. In elementary and middle school, I sang at my school talent show, and in high school I did more musical theater. My dream was to be on American Idol, but that show went downhill. Recently singing has become less of a serious hobby. Like everyone else, I jam out in the car, or in the shower. Honestly I sing whenever, like I'm a Disney princess. 

  Cosplay

I started cosplaying three years ago, and I can't imagine my life without it. Cosplay combines my interests in anime with my hobbies such as sewing. I've met so many cool people and had so much fun hanging at conventions with my friends. This year I got more into cosplay photography and I really enjoy doing photo shoots now. 

 Figure Skating

About four years ago I started skating lessons. At my lessons my teacher began showing me some figure skating moves, so now I take figure skating lessons. Skating makes me feel free, and I enjoy learning new tricks. The first time you do a new trick correctly, it's the most rewarding feeling. Also I love just racing as fast as I can around the rink, it feels great. 

 Friends

I'm one of those people that likes having a small group of friends rather than a large group, because I prefer being close with all of them. My friends and I can do just about anything and have a great time, whether it's playing video games, having deep discussions about life, or anything in between,  I enjoy being with them and they can always make me smile.

 Antique Shopping

I've always liked the look of antiques, not matter how ruined it is. My parents are super into antique shopping, so I often go with them. I've learned how to tell if something is worth something and now I'm on the hunt for perfume bottles and a tea set. I really want an antique tea set, I just think they look so classy. 

 Organizing Things

My Amazon wishlist and my makeup collection are both constantly being reorganized and I love doing that. It's just easier to find what I'm looking for if everything is organized by categories. Also in school I love color coding everything. In my planner, I have a different color for each subject when I fill in due dates.

 Video Games

Ever since I can remember, I played video games. I grew up playing Pokemon, Legend of Zelda, Super Smash Bros, Mario, etc. Whenever I have a hard day, I love playing any video game because it helps me forget about what happened and then I get gamer rage. Also I love playing games with my friends, we get super competitive.

 Braiding Hair

Compared to the rest of my list, this may seem random. I usually don't like styling hair, but I always found braiding relaxing. Most of the time I braid my hair before I go to bed, and it helps me calm down. Also I like braiding other people's hair. This is when I should say I can only do a basic braid, nothing fancy.

 DC and Marvel Comics, TV Shows, and Movies

Growing up, I was really into superhero tv shows and movies. I still love them and now I'm also reading comics. I like both DC and Marvel, so I can't choose a favorite. I've always liked Batman and Teen Titans, from DC, and I love X-Men and Avengers, from Marvel.

   Playing with Animals

I have a problem with animals. Whenever I see a dog, I have to go pet it. I love animals, and when I'm with one, I feel super relaxed. I have a black cat named Genevieve who is the sweetest thing. She follows me around and lets me carry her. I have other friends with pets, and when I'm at their houses, I love playing with their pets.

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ 10 Things I Hate ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•

  Coffee

I have a hard time staying awake and people always tell me to just drink coffee. But the taste has always bothered me. It's always bitter, no matter what flavor it is or what I put into it. I've never been able to drink it, and it just frustrates me when I need to stay awake and nothing helps.

  Alarm Clocks

Let me explain this, I hate alarm clocks when they wake me up. I know that's the purpose of an alarm clock, but if I wake up before my alarm, I feel more refreshed and awake, if I wake up with my alarm, I'm significantly more tired and grumpy.

 Jeans

They just never fit me. It doesn't matter the store where I buy them, the style, or the material, they never fit. I have a small waist and wide hips, so nothing fits right. I just live in leggings and skirts, which I don't mind, but sometimes I would like to wear jeans.

 Hypocrites

No one likes them. When some tells me something that I'm doing is stupid and then they do it, it frustrates me. This is especially so with my hobbies and interests, cosplay, dolly fashion, etc. I just wish people could be honest and accept each other rather than be hypocrites.

 "Gamer Girl" Stereotype

As a gamer, I've had multiple people tell me that I'm 'gaming for attention' or that 'I'm just playing games so guys will like me.' This frustrates me because girls can be equally as much a fan as guys in terms of video games, and the assumption that girls play games to get guys' attention is dumb.

 Shipping Costs

When I'm online shopping, I find something I like that's inexpensive, and it has a $10+ shipping cost. Why is that a thing? Why don't online stores just put the shipping cost with the price of the product and show just the total cost? It would save me from getting my hopes up.

 Rude People on Public Transportation

Recently I've had to take the train during rush hour to get to class. The train is crowded, and yet there are some people who just can't think about anyone else. Yesterday I was next to a couple making out and a rude lady who yelled at everyone. You're not in your private limo, so suck it up and keep to yourselves.

 Close Minded People

Self explanatory.

 People You Don't Know Asking You For Gum

I chew gum in class, and I hate it when I go into my bag secretively to get a new piece and then people, who normally don't talk to me, ask for gum. I'm sorry, if you only want gum, go to the store and buy a pack. I'm no one's gum dispenser.

   People that Make Fun of my Height

I'm really short, I've always been short. People often squat down so they're shorter than me and say, 'So this is what it's like being you.' Or people use my head as an arm rest. It pisses me off, because it's not something I can change, and I don't make fun of anyone for being tall.

•☆.•*´¨`*••♥ My Nominations ♥••*´¨`*•.☆•

Minae

Courtney

Annick

Lisa

Kiyomi

Rachel

June

Sakuranko

Joan

Vivin

I hope you guys enjoyed today's tag post~! Even if I didn't nominate you, feel free to do this tag too, it's fun~!! If you do, leave me a link to your post in the comments, I'd love to read them. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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Fashion Trends I Just Can't Deal With #2~!

Hey Guys~!

In May I wrote about certain fashion trends/items that I just don't like, if you didn't see it {click here} to check it out. Today I decided to do another one, because recently I realized there are other things that people wear that I just don't like. Again, these are my opinions and if you like anything I'm about to talk about that's fine. Some of you may not like the things I like and that's okay. Everyone's style is personal. So let's start~~!

Knee High Gladiator Sandals

These are cages for your feet~! What did your feet do to you to deserve to be imprisoned in these~? The stupidest part of these is that they aren't form fitting to your legs so if you have small calves, then these shoes just hang around your legs. There isn't any way to make them fit your legs, and not everyone has the same legs so how do you size these? I have seen people wear these and they have never looked good, I don't even know what you would wear with these. 

Shirts and Dresses with Real Zippers Down the Front

I get that zippers in the back are hard to do, I often have problems zipping myself into things. I get zippers on the side, they are easier for me to do and aren't really noticeable. But this is just ridiculous~! The dresses like this that I've seen literally unzip and it just opens. I get a zipper that goes part way down if it's done tastefully. Sometimes I like showing a little cleavage, but I'd be scared to wear this in fear the whole thing would just unzip.

Two Piece Outfits that are the Same Pattern

I love patterns, polka dots, stripes, plaid, etc. I personally just find outfits like this, especially when the pattern is super colorful, busy. I would pair a patterned top or bottoms with a solid colored piece of clothing. I'm not against a lot of color, but something like this just bothers me to look at. It almost reminds me of a pajama set, because of the matching material. 

Aviator Sunglasses

This is more that I just don't like how they look on me. On other people they look nice and I'm super jealous of the people they look nice on. These have been a thing for as long as I can remember and every time I go shopping I try on a pair. It doesn't matter what I'm wearing, they just look bad on me. 

Clear Shoes

I don't like feet. When people are wearing shoes, why would I still want to see their feet~?! These just look stupid. They're kind of cute if you have cool socks on underneath, but for me these get old really fast. I have only see one person wear these and theirs were clear converse and they wore white socks with them. Why not just wear white shoes then~? 

Shirts with Studded Collars

Recently I went clothes shopping and every collared blouse I found had studs on it. I like studs, mostly on purses and shoes, but something about them on shirts just hasn't sat well with me. Often the studs on these shirts are really chunky and heavy, which usually weighs down the collar. Also why put studs on the collar of the shirt in the first place? Wouldn't it make more sense anywhere else on the shirt?

I hope you guys enjoyed today's post. If you have any opinions on any of the fashion items I talked about, share them with me in the comments. It's alright if you disagree, but please don't attack me for my own opinions. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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Fashion Trends I Just Can't Deal With~!

Hey Guys~!

So if you have an Instagram or any social media, you'll see a lot of pictures of a lot of different people at a lot of different events. Recently I've just seen certain fashion trends that some people wear that just bug me. Today I'll just be sharing my opinions on some trends that I just don't like. It's okay if you disagree and wear these, again these are just my opinions. So let's start~~!

Crop Top Turtleneck Sleeveless Sweater Things

First of all, what do you actually call these things? Seriously. Anyway I see a lot of pictures of girls wearing these in the spring and summer, and I just don't get it. Turtlenecks look bad on everyone. Sweaters are for the colder seasons. So why combine them and wear them when it's hot?! I just can't.

Flower Crowns

I feel like I'm going to get so much hate for this one, and I sort of do like these, but when they are tasteful. When they are made of giant flowers that take up your entire head, they look really dumb. You're not a fairy, I get that some fashion styles are fantasy/fairy inspired, but why cover your face/hair with flowers~! 

Wearing a Neon Bra with a See Through/White Shirt

I swear people wear this just for attention. Whenever I see a girl wear this, they act so oblivious when they say, 'Why is everyone looking at my boobs?' And I just want to scream, 'CAUSE YOU PICKED A BRIGHT BRA AND A WHITE SHIRT?!' Like seriously, you know what you're wearing when you walk out the door, and probably looked at yourself at least once in your outfit. You knew what you were doing when you left the house this morning, don't lie. 

Buying Expensive Distressed Jeans

I'm not hating on distressed jeans, I think they are really cute. But I don't understand why people buy really expensive jeans with holes and stuff in them. If I'm going to spend a lot of money on something, I want it to last as long as possible. Distressed jeans get more ruined the more you wear and wash them, so why spend a ton of money on something you'll need to replace. Please just buy cheap jeans and distress them on your own, unless you're a billionaire and don't care about where you throw your money.

Printed Leggings 

I love wearing leggings as pants, they're really comfy. But when I see animal or any other crazy print on leggings, I cringe. I just think they look really tacky no matter how I see them styled. Also they were initially made for children. I get that some people have a youthful style, but on a child, the print doesn't stretch like it would on adult legs. 

Ugly Sandals

I understand that some people prefer function over style, but who thought that wearing these as a good idea. The tan lines people get while wearing these make me cringe. I have never seen anyone make these look nice, and I just don't understand why someone would spend their money on these. 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post~! If you agree with my opinions, or have some other fashion trends you think should be on this list, let me know in the comments below. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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Mini Update~!

Hey Guys~!

Right now I'm really sick ₊·(ϱ॔﹏ᵕ๑॓)‧* which would be slightly okay since it's almost vacation.

However I have a ton of exams tomorrow and I'm going on a trip in two days. . . This was literally the worst time to get sick. 

I was planning on filming a video today, but I feel so sick right now, and I really need to get better before my trip. 

So I sadly I won't have a video for you guys, but I will try to have a few posts for when I'm away. 

I'm really sorry you guys, since this blog means so much to me and I hate letting you guys down. 

Hopefully I'll have a review or two for you guys, and I do have my yearly favorites for you all to look forward to.

Thank you guys so much for everything and I hope to be well soon~!!

xo

Alyss

Fashion Companies are using WHAT in their Marketing~!?

Hey Guys~!

I noticed that in the news there have been many stories involving clothing stores that are targeted for preteen girls, teenagers, and women in general have been using harmful marketing techniques in the selling on their clothing. Two examples that I'll be discussing here are Victoria Secret and Old Navy. Both of them have been discriminatory in referring to a woman's body by using sexism and size-ism in the selling of their clothes.

Normally I don't read too much into companies, especially fashion. The industry is there to make people feel like they need to look and have certain things in order to be happy and successful. Now please take note that I said both happy and successful, and not just one of them. Being successful doesn't make you happy. Yes there are positive parts of the fashion industry, like allowing one to express their creativity and individually. But in some cases the negatives are out weighing the positives.

In Victoria Secret's new campaign, they logo was a photograph of their angel models with the words, "The Perfect Body," written over them. This really angered me because many of the models have had plastic surgery or lived an unhealthy lifestyle in order to look that way. By claiming these women to have "The Perfect Body" Victoria Secret is basically saying that if you don't look like their models, then you aren't good enough to not only wear our clothes, but in life you're just not good enough. That message is itself is harmful to preteen and teenage girls who already are negatively influenced by the media. I am happy to say though that while writing this post, I found out that Victoria Secret changed the campaign to "A Body for Every Body" which I think is more positive and accepting.

Old Navy is under fire for the sexism involving their plus sizes. On Old Navy's website, there are two sections for women's clothing, Women's and Women's Plus. However this differentiating in sizes isn't used in their men's section. This alienates the "Women's Plus" section, and not the men's plus. Therefore making the women who have to wear plus sizes not feel like they too are women, but instead there own entity. 

"Women's"

When you look at items in the Women's section, there are the exact same items in the Women's Plus. But the harmful difference isn't size, but cost. For example, these Women's Pixie Patterned Ankle Pants, are sold in both sections. Here in the "Women's Section" the pants cost originally $34.94. And some of the different colors and prints are on sale, ranging from $32 - $12. However in the "Women's Plus Section" the same pants are sold, same style, but for $44.95~!!! Are you kidding me Old Navy~?! That's a different in cost of $10!!! 

"Women's Plus"

However in the overall Men's section, there isn't a difference in price. Men's sizes go from XS to XXL.  I found these Men's Cargo Pants that were on sale for the same price as the "Women's Section" pants. No matter what size combination I put in, they stayed at the price of $35. Why do women have to pay more if clothes don't fit them? Yes in some cases spandex and other materials have to be added to make it wearable to larger sizes, but the customer shouldn't have to suffer because of that. 

"Men's"

Basing price off of the amount covered and material would mean that boxers should cost more than a thong since the boxers cover more area than a thong. But that's not how it works~! I've seen a single thong or panty cost from around $11 to $36. But a single men's brief or boxer costs around $7. 

It's ideas like these that are why eating disorders are becoming more common. Seeing that there is a "Perfect Body" and that buying clothes in larger sizes can be more expensive, teaches girls to be unhappy with themselves. It's telling them that they're not good enough, which isn't true. Just because you don't look like a model, or that you can't afford to buy a certain store's clothes because it isn't catered to your size doesn't make you lesser of a person. If anything it makes you and shows you to be an individual. 

You don't need to shop at certain stores just to make you "cool" or "popular," what you need to do is just be confident with who you are and in your own skin. I personally know that it's not the easiest lesson to learn, but once you realize that, you'll not only be happier with yourself, but with your life in general. 

So I hope you guys enjoyed this rant post. I did a lot of research and put a lot of effort into this post in particular because this issue really bothers me personally. If you want a post about body image and my personal experiences with it, let me know in the comments. Also I'd like to hear your opinions on this in the comments too. Thank you guys so much for reading and I'll see you at my next post.

xo

Alyss

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