Change

After 4 years, it's finally time for Unconventional Bliss to get a little makeover. My blog finally has it's own domain and a totally new look! Continue to stay updated over at unconventionalbliss.com and thank you for your support! <3

Staring Back at the 90s

July 7, 2016

Photographer: Diem Le

Top, skirt: thrifted | Shoes: Birkenstock | Earrings: Charlotte Russe | Necklace: Forever 21 | Lipstick: Colourpop Tulle

This past summer I was able to collaborate quite a bit with a couple of fashion and photographer friends, so be on the lookout for those posts! This collab is the first of two with the beautiful Diem of Sharing My Ten Cents. We didn't have a particular theme to work on, but I ended up with a 90's grunge inspired look. How did I attain that, you ask? I wanted to wear my choker necklace for this shoot, and styled around that accessory. The rest of the outfit details is in the following photographs around downtown Sacramento. 

BrandBacker: Studio Gear Cosmetic's Mineral Foundation Product Review

This year has been a makeup experimentation year, where I have tested out different foundations, tried out a few eyeliner brands (and still searching for my holy grail), and played with a ridiculous amount of lipsticks (but I mean really, who can have too many lip products?) 

Bliss XO: Defy, Part 1

Project: “Defy”

#BlissXODefy

The Simple Definition:

• to refuse to obey (something or someone)
• to make (something) very difficult or impossible
• to resist or fight (something)

Photographer: Miguel Raphael B.

Top: PacSun | Flannel: thrifted | Cap: gift | Khakis: thrifted (Abercrombie & Fitch kids) | Shoes: Vans 

To see Miguel's outfit, explore The XO Series
Defy (as defined by Miguel) | Defy (as defined by Isabel)

During my photoshoot with Miguel, a train passes by twice. My eyes linger on the back of that locomotive and out towards the farthest ends of the train tracks, and my mind wanders for a moment. Wanders and thinks about the future.

When i was growing up i knew one thing was to be sure. If I studied really hard, worked even harder, answered only when asked, obliged if told to do so, head down, that I would make it. Standing at the railroad crossing, I realized that this time. I felt like I had the freedom to choose. That a driving force inside me was whispering.

To read the rest of our narrative, click to read more...

Marooned

January 26, 2016

Photographer: Julius P.

Sweater: Forever 21 | Jeans: Levis | Shoes: Dr. Martens | Cap: Adidas

Been promising a photoshoot together for almost two years, and we finally did it! Thanks husbro for giving me the honor of taking one of your most uber popular Facebook profile picture. And thanks for taking mine too, I guess. 

I am still thinking of what direction I want this blog to go and how I would incorporate my Youtube channel again, but in the meantime I'll be updating the blog with a couple more photoshoots from the year (maybe a detailed blog post recap of my last year of college?) Stay tuned~

Green Machine

October 26, 2015

Photographer: Sidney S.

Top: American Apparel | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Birkenstock | Watch: Fossil | Scrunchie: DIY

This is definitely quite delayed (as you can tell by how long my hair is and that I still have bangs), but better late than never, right? With the whirlwind of the end of my last year of college, graduation, and settling into summer vacation mode, I am now finally returning to my blog. As I type this out, I realize I do miss expressing this part of myself. Through this experience, I was able to experiment and explore different styles, trends, pieces, and push myself out of my comfort zone (usually leading me to unexpected pleasantries). Stay tuned for some photoshoots I've saved up (and enjoy how my hair has changed throughout the year). 

This fun impromptu little photoshoot was to help out a dear Design friend with her photography class, which ended up not being used but was a fun escapade that resulted in these photographs. Click to see the rest of the shoot!

Bliss, XO: Celebration

March 17, 2016

Photographer: Miguel Bagsit

Top: American Apparel || Skirt: thrifted || Shoes: TopShop || Necklace: flea market || Lipstick: Colourpop Lippy Stick + Lip pencil "Flawless"

"C E L E B R A T I O N"

Bright colors among the backdrop of the start of spring calls to mind rebirth, happiness, and celebration. At this point in my life, I'm stronger than ever in how I celebrate myself. I still have some ways to go, as self love is a process, but as my year of being twenty-one comes to a close (as well as my last year of college) I have learned and grown in what it means to celebrate myself: accepting my internalized flaws, not allowing others to define what "beautiful" is, appreciating the knowledge I've gained while working within my FilAm community, and being proud of the growth I've gained in self-confidence due to this self love (and a fun intro to drama class ^_^).

I celebrate you all for being your beautiful selves. Don't let other people tell you otherwise. Let the person you see in the mirror love you back, it's a liberating feeling. 

Read on to see more of this colorful look, which Miguel helped photograph ^_^

Three of Hearts

October 23, 2015

Photographer: E. P.

Tank top & cardigan: Urban Outfitters || Pants: PacSun || Cap: Adidas || Shoes: TopShop || Lipstick: NYX Liquid Suede "Vintage"

Sure it's fun and all to creatively produce something independently, but when you can share that passion with others, something unexpected and even greater results. I was graced with the photography talent of one of my beautiful friends (inside and out), E.P., and the creative direction of Miguel, my constant fashion fiend. 

It's been months since my last post, I apologize! Doing as much as I can during my last year ever in school, and when I am free, I am way too exhausted to tackle personal passion projects, such as this blog. But I'm back, and recently had another fun photoshoot with Miguel so stay tuned for that (hopefully it won't be another 5 months for my next blog post)!

Read on to see what this creative collaboration with two of my most passionate and beautiful friends created together!

Joyous Journeys: Mission District, San Francisco

August 7, 2015

Photo credits: A. B.

Way back at the beginning of my summer vacation, I was able to rejoin my childhood friends and freely explore San Francisco. Specifically the Mission District. We stumbled upon Clarion Alley and had ourselves a mini photoshoot along the beautiful and powerful visual messages. Art is not merely pretty. It is a way to visually share our emotions, voice, soul. The artists who contributed to this local public art gallery speak out on local current events that are affecting citizens in that area. Remember to not just admire the art, but engage and spread the message. Be critical. Be aware. Be a spark for change. 

Read on for more peeks at the beautiful and engaging artwork. 

Third Time's the Charm

Darn, I missed my blog's birthday by ONE day. 

OH WELL. 

As of September 14, 2015, Unconventional Bliss is officially 3 years old. That's right. T-H-R-E-E. 3. Tatlo (3 in Tagalog). 

It's surreal how this blog has grown and evolved from my first blog post when I thought this would be a piece of cake, but in fact, I had no idea what I was doing. However, within those three years, I realized this is not to please anyone in particular. This has grown into a very personal project for me, to share with others who may be interested in my own unconventional interests. This has allowed me to learn a little more about myself in terms of my style, my writing voice, and my passions. It also has given me a unique sort of confidence I never would have gained from public speaking classes. I also established incredible connections and gained new friends by being a part of this fashion blogging community. I've had the most growth and change for my blog and myself this past year. As I'm entering a momentous period in my school career, I have a notion that major growth will result. Whether that pertains to my blog, my job, or myself, we all will have to wait and see. Until next year.