WINTER
WONDER-
LAND
Photographer: Jonathan Mao | instagram.com/jaypmao/
Location: Great America, California
Photo Shoot Date: December 1, 2017 | Post Release Date: December 8, 2017
THE LOOK
White Long Sleeve Shirt
Black Cropped Tank Top
Gray Heathered Knit Cardigan
Light Wash Jeans | H&M
Black Combat Boots | Doc Martens
THE OUTFIT
As I mentioned before, I feel that this is a nice low-key outfit that gives off girl-next-door-vibes. To stay warm, I opted for a long sleeve white shirt as the under layer and paired it with a black cropped tank top. If you've ever been to Korea, you would know that layering any tops or dresses that have spaghetti straps with an undershirt is a staple combination, so I thought I would pay a little bit of an homage to this trend. To be honest, I didn't really understand this trend, but maybe because I encountered it this past summer in Korea and thought it was crazy to add more layers when summers in Korea were already so hot and humid. But alas, in the context of chillier weather, layering is much appreciated. Luckily the weather isn't that cold here in California so I was able to get away with this cardigan as my outerwear (although tbh I also had a North Face jacket I brought along with me in case it got colder later on at night). I dig the cardigan's heathered pattern since it adds more texture (read: fun) to this otherwise black and white (literally) outfit. Well I guess that's if you don't count the jeans.
For bottoms, I just went with classic light wash jeans and rolled up the ends to show off my black boots. I realize now that I didn't take many pictures/chose not to include pictures with my boots so whoops! But hey, you see them all the time so you know what they look like by now right? No accessories this time around (read: I forgot to wear earrings) and I'm rocking fun, bouncy curls thanks to Cali! Now I'm going to move on to talk about the different settings/environments I encountered at Great America. So many posing possibilities~
INTRO
Hello again! With finals week coming up, life for myself as well as for friends I'm collaborating with for my photo shoots has been quite hectic. But have no fear, a new photo shoot is here! For this photo shoot, I would say that the focus this time around is more on facial expressions/interacting with the setting more so than the fashion. To be honest, attitude and confidence can really break or make the look. Although this look is more on the simpler side compared to some of my previous looks, I love how comfy I feel in it.
An alternative title for this photo shoot would probably be "Date Night" since fun fact: I think an amusement park is an ideal date spot because you can get to know your date as you wait in line for the rides and then you get to experience the thrill of going on rollercoasters or strolling around the park hand-in-hand. Hehehe how cute~ Even though I wasn't actually on a date, it was still super fun to roam around Great America as I rocked this comfy & stylish look!
LIGHTS
The holiday season doesn't feel quite as complete without lights, especially if you're someone like me who grew up in a neighborhood where decorating your house for the holidays is an annual friendly-but-still-taken-very-seriously
competition. I also think blurry lights make for a cool background.
FAKE SNOW
As someone who grew up in a place where snow fell by the tons and having school get cancelled because of such snowstorms was a daily morning anticipation during the winter, it feels weird not being able to experience snow when it's already December. I guess I'll just settle for snow made of soapsuds for now.
ARCADE
Fun fact: I was too cheap so I didn't actually spend money to play any of the arcade games, so you get to see my acting skills in action! Tbh I did feel quite ridiculous at times pretending to play a motorcycle racing game or the crane machine, but hey, I guess that means I'm getting better with my facial expressions~
CAROUSEL
Since it was getting pretty cold as the night went on, I decided not to go on any rollercoasters, but I couldn't possibly miss out on the carousel! It's so lowkey–all you do is ride your creature of choice as you get a great view of the park. Score! As you can tell from my face, I was quite blissful. It was nice to feel like I was a little kid again.
TREE FARM
So apparently this pine/Christmas tree farm during the normal season is an attraction where the water pipes (the ones you see above me) will turn on at random times and if you want to avoid getting wet, you better act fast. Thankfully I didn't have to worry about the water sprinklers and instead got to enjoy these cute little light bulbs hanging everywhere.
CRYSTALS
These probably aren't real crystals but that's what I'll call these for now. If you couldn't already tell from the picture, I was quite intrigued by these decorative pieces that made up the ice crystal trees. I love how the crystals give off a soft glow and how well they go with my outfit.
GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT~
As the year is winding down, I can't help but look back on this project and be proud of all that I have achieved. Taking on this project and following through with it has honestly been a super rewarding experience that has allowed me to grow as a fashionista, model, artist, and person. I can definitely say that I've grown my confidence in many ways–from trying out different fashion styles, learning how to pose confidently, and ultimately sharing these posts with you all. I couldn't have come this far without the help, love, and support of many friends, so I want to take this time to give them a shoutout!
To my wonderful photographers (Ria Kim, Anthony Nguyen, Jessica Meno , and Jonathan Mao): Thank you so much for putting up with my awkward posing and facial expressions and guiding me during the modeling process. From taking pictures to editing them, I know how much time that takes and I am eternally grateful that I have such talented friends who are willing to take time out of their lives to collaborate with me. The amount of time and hard work y'all put into every photo definitely do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. ♡
To my part-time makeup artist and hair stylist Cali Nguyen: Thank you for helping me look good in ways that I'm not quite the expert in yet, and for being a great friend. ♡
To my best friend, role model, and sister Jessica Nguyen: Thank you for being a source of inspiration and strength in my life! This project would honestly not exist if it wasn't for you. You are the tinder that feeds the flames of my passion and soul. Also thank you for helping me with social media stuff even when you're living halfway across the world from me (read: annoying time differences). I love you sooooooo much! ♡
Of course, I can't forget to show my appreciation for everyone who visits my site. I put a lot of hard work, time, and love in each post and I'm so elated and grateful when people tell me that they enjoy looking through the posts. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Also in the face of everything going in the world, whether that be finals, natural disasters, or other personal struggles, I wish you health, peace, and happiness. Sending much love (with my heart and arms), warm thoughts, and good vibes~ :)
