My [Must Listen To] Summer Music Playlist

Posted in Pop Culture by msiwak

It’s summer, and basically, I can’t be found anywhere without my earbuds or car radio. So, that’s what today’s post will focus on: the charttopping hits I can’t help but sing along to.

In chronological order of when I started listening to the song…

1) “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX

The TFIOS hit is catchy and makes me want to get up and dance (which I almost did in the theater!)

2) “All of the Stars” by Ed Sheeran

From a previous post, you all should know how much I’ve loved this TFIOS ballad. In fact, I was the only one in the theater who stayed until the very end of the credits, just to hear the Ed song in entirety.

3) “One” by Ed Sheeran

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A

Another Ed hit, this one from his newly released album ‘x’ (pronounced: multiply). I love Ed’s ballads. It’s so beautiful, and as the dancer I grew up as, I just want to choreograph a lyrical number to it.

4) “Classic” by MKTO

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ba_qTPA4Ds

This song is taking over the radio waves all summer long, and I’m loving it! It’s that perfect summer song for driving around town. (Not to mention, I remember the lead singer back from his Disney days… Oh, how times have changed.)

5) “She Looks So Perfect” by 5 Seconds of Summer

Another radio hit, 5SOS nailed it with the perfect summer jam. I mean, I saw them on tour last year with One Direction, and knew they had chart-topping written all over them. And their debut album is set for release mid-July. Can’t wait.

6) “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rC8RRXcfeo

I hadn’t heard of this until ice dancer Charlie White danced to it (breathtaking!) on Dancing With the Stars, and now… I love it. The fam’s annoyed whenever I turn the radio up when I hear it, but oh well… It’s that good.

AND it’s inspired several covers including one by Jacquie Lee, from “The Voice.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AJy05n1wFI)

7) “All of Me” by John Legend

This sweet ballad is musically well-done. I can’t help but love it.

8) “Not a Bad Thing” by JT

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8ygKnBtKAk

Easily one of my go-to favorite summer radio hit! It’s so catchy.

9) “Really Don’t Care” by Demi Lovato

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJGUbwVMBeA

I LOVE this song and what it stands for. I was at the gym listening to this song mid-workout when I started thinking how this Demi song is kind of like my life motto. About how I don’t really care about how others think of me, and not letting their perceptions cloud how I think of myself. (Plus, I’m like obsessed with Cher Lloyd’s hair in this video.)

10) “x” by Ed Sheeran

Yes, this is the whole album, but it’s so good. This summer, I’m especially loving “Don’t,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “The Man,” among the genius tracks.

11) “Scarecrow” by Alex & Sierra (The X Factor winners!)

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxNEWwGM-YE

I voted for them on The X Factor, and now they’ve released their first single! I have to admit the vocals live (TODAY show) are much better than the iTunes track of it. But, it’s still good.

12) And no summer music playlist can be complete without… “Fancy” by I-G-G-Y Azalea

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-zpOMYRi0w

Not to mention her video is inspired by “Clueless,” a film I love, but it’s so catchy… You just want to sing along.

There’s my top hits of the summer. I’m sure many more are to come.

24Jun2014

My Make-up Tips

Posted in Beauty Trends, Miranda Tries New Things by msiwak

Who knows what Covergirl is? I know the answer: DUH. Who doesn’t know what Covergirl is? So, let me ask again. Who thinks Covergirl is just like any other makeup brand?

Your answer: No. Covergirl, while selling makeup, tries to EMPOWER women, not pressure them to wear so much makeup it changes who they are. Covergirl tries to enhance one’s NATURAL BEAUTY.

And guess what? That’s what we should be focusing on. Not wearing loads of makeup that it looks like it’s caked on your face, but minimalist, so your personality is what sparkles.

MAKEUP TIP: On normal days, I literally wear the tiniest line of eyeliner, a small swipe of mascara, and a little lip balm. No glamour. Just me. And I’m confident enough in myself that I’m okay with that. I’m not trying to look like I’m going to the Oscars, when I’m really just going to Target or Starbucks.

(See? Very minimal makeup. And I’m still happy in the way I look.)

And that’s one thing we need to work on: making women and girls feel confident that they don’t need so much makeup to feel beautiful and special. You’re special all on your own… Just YOU and your PERSONALITY. Because that’s what SHOULD matter.

Let’s stand up to society and prove we know how to make girls feel confident in their natural beauty. Let’s tell the world, “Who cares? My personality can outshine all this makeup. And I’m confident in myself not to wear so much.”

Who’s with me? As I read on CNN’s Girl Rising initiative, if one girl can make change, then what’s stopping thousands of girls? Let’s stand up for our future and for the future of all the little girls to come.

#wecan #girlscan #empowerment #iamagirl

23Jun2014

My Personal Style

Posted in Fashion by msiwak

As a follow-up to my last post, I thought I’d discuss what it is I actually like (as opposed to current trends).

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In my small suburb AND my Southern university it is evident that I’m a preppy girl. Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers, Vineyard Vines, monograms galore, pearls: all staples in my wardrobe. But, I’m also a huge Topshop fan, or as I refer to it as the ‘trendy’ side my style.

EXAMPLES:

Here’s the preppy version of me. (Such a Lilly girl.)

And my trendy self. (These are from Topshop.)

Some days I feel like being the prep I am, and others I want to feel like I’m sashaying down a catwalk (a girl can dream, right?)

The point being: it’s okay to be both. It just shows how there’s many layers to my personality, as reflected in my style: girly girl preppy and hip or trend-setting fashionista; they’re both my taste.

16Jun2014

My Top Summer Trends

Posted in Fashion by msiwak

I love fashion. It’s a huge interest of mine (just look at my Pinterest page; it’s evident). So, today, I’ll be discussing the top trends (this time, for summer) from my favorite sites and brands.

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One of my new favorite stores is Topshop, the originally UK brand is taking over stateside (you may have seen stores inside participating Nordstroms.)

I LOVE this pleated midi skirt. It’s so summery and it’ll look GORGEOUS with an adorable crop top. The perfect summer staple. It’s perfect for a picnic in the park, your summer internship, anything: it’s summer perfection.

This crop top is so cute. I love this pattern. Nothing says Summer 14 like a crop top, especially in one as cute as this. I say, pair your cute crop top with that midi or maxi skirt in your closet. The skirt will make your summer ensemble flowy and whimsy, while the crop top is tight and well, cropped; the perfect juxtaposition.

Rompers have been in for a while. But this one screams summer. And I love it. The color really pops and the fabric is crisp. The crispness and the popping color creates the perfect summer outfit.

As I go to university in the South, I’ve become infused with the Southern trends, from Jack Rogers, pearls and Lilly Pulitizer. So, this list cannot be complete with out some Lilly dresses.

This traditional Lilly dress is cute in its own right, however, this summery print is perfect for summer events. I’d love to wear this out and about this summer. It’d be perfect for different events in Summer 14, from hanging out to Friday at that summer internship. Don’t you agree?

This bright dress is so different from the traditional Lilly dress, which is why I love it.

One of the things about me: I love fashion and what’s trendy, but I hate looking the exact same as everyone else. So, yes, I’m a Lilly girl, but I prefer the prints that aren’t traditionally chosen or Lilly staples.Because that makes fashion to me: taking what’s trendy and putting YOUR spin on it.

Because, after all, you’re the one wearing it.