How to Take the Perfect Selfie

Hi everyone!!
Today's post is going to be ALL ABOUT SELFIE! :D

For those of you who don't have a single clue about selfie (I doubt there is, though), here's a short explanation of what it is and what it has become in this digital age:

Selfie (n.): "A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website."
-Oxford Dictionaries

Familiar with this pose?

No?

How about this expression? ↓

Hehehe #duckface

I'm sure every one of you has taken at least 10 selfies in your life lah! Thanks to social media sites, it has become a phenomenon that even Oxford Dictionaries gave it a place in the dictionary (yes, Selfie is officially a word of the English language), and it's not even the best part!

The best part is...

It has been chosen as Word of the Year 2013 by Oxford Dictionaries!!! How awesome is that?!

Ok ok, enough of the theory, let's move on to the practice! :)

♡ HOW TO TAKE THE PERFECT SELFIE ♡

1. ANGLE

You MUST know the best angle of your face! Is it left? Right? Above? Below?

Well, I think it's safe to say that the most flattering angle for a selfie is 45° degree angle.

Either tilting the camera or your face to that angle will work! Why is it the best? Because it will make your face looks slimmer. xD

2. LIGHTING
I cannot stress this enough: Good lighting is everything in taking the perfect selfie! I understand if you want to hide some flaws, but the thing is, bad lighting itself is already so unflattering. And no, no amount of filter can improve the quality. So, no matter how pretty or handsome you think you look in a bad-lighting-photo, it's still a bad photo. You want your selfies to be bright, clear and sharp. :)
Let's see the comparison:

Good lighting vs Bad lighting

Even if you try to brighten it up using some apps, it will only be grainy and hideous, like this:

3. BACKGROUND
Ok you're already so gorgeous and your hair is perfect, but an interesting background will give you another plus point! If you can't find any, just keep it simple, like walls or curtains. :)

4. BE SHAMELESS
Just because you are in a public place, doesn't mean you can't take selfies! Good lighting? Checked! Interesting background? Checked! Camera? Checked! So, what are you waiting for? Nobody is going to watch you anyway, well maybe just for a few seconds, no biggie! Be confident and have fun!! XD Take multiple shots so you can pick out the best one to post later!

Had so much fun taking these selfies haha xD
The sunglasses from my upper left photo is from GOWIGASA.

5. CAMERA
The camera you use to take selfies is a very important aspect in producing good photographs. My favorite selfie-camera has always been my own mobile phone's front camera, well of course because I can see my face first before I snap it. Besides, it's really troublesome to bring two gadgets everywhere! That's why it's really important for me to have a mobile phone with a good camera, and I was so very happy when I found out about this happening Lenovo VIBE X! It has a 13 MP rear camera, aaaand 5 MP front camera!!! NOW this is the kind of technology I like!! XD
Furthermore, the design of this phone is very aesthetic and stylish, you can see it for yourself:

↑ Before you start abusing the snap button, you have to set the "beautify" effect first (range 0-7). Yes, it has its own beautify effect, so you no longer need any of those apps to smoothen up your skin :D ↑

↑ Set it to 3 cos I don't like my skin looks too smooth. ↑

↑ Pose and snap! Ah yes, I always tap the shutter button using that part of my finger lol. ↑

↑ Love the sparkling effect at the focus box hahaha ↑

So stylish!

↑ The effects you can apply instantly to your photos when you are using the rear camera. ↑

↑ Look at how thin it is!!! No wonder it is sooo light!♡ ↑

Another selfies of me taken with this amazing phone☺:

 Me and My Tea selfie! #meandmythings

↑ Grid Chiffon Shirt Mint (as outer) from GOWIGASA ↑

↑ Wearing GOWIGASA Kanye West Top Grey ↑

 ↑ Me and My Fresh Lemonade ↑

↑ Acid Washed Denim Jacket from GOWIGASA, Headband from Topshop ↑

↑ I look so mature here wtf ↑

↑ Last one, I promise! Wearing my favorite Peter Pan Collar Denim Top from GOWIGASA :) ↑

OK, HERE'S THE FUN PART!

Now, that you've learned how to take the perfect selfie, why don't you post your own selfies and get a chance to WIN this freaking cool VIBE X? ♡

The simple rules to join:
1. Follow @LenovoMobileID on Instagram (click!) and Like Lenovo Facebook Page on https://www.facebook.com/LenovoMobileID
2. Upload your own selfies to your Instagram account (multiple entries is allowed) and don't forget to tag #MyVibeX and mention @LenovoMobileID

For more info about Lenovo VIBE X and the competition:
WEBSITE: http://MyVibeX.com <<< complete info!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LenovoMobileID

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lenovomobileID

Instagram: http://instagram.com/lenovoMobileID

*All selfies in this post were taken with Lenovo VIBE X.

HAPPY CAMWHORING GUYS!!! HAVE FUN :D

X O X O,

Elle Yamada

Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram | Lookbook | Facebook | Youtube

Dizzy Little Dotty

Hi, here we go again with the typical outfit post, hehe..
Don't worry, that does not mean Japan's post is over. I just think it will be more interesting if it is interspersed with some outfit posts in Jakarta. :)
 

Introducing Dizzy Little Dotty, an Australian based label where you can find artistic t-shirts that is a little different to your usual mainstream tees. Actually the pictures printed on the shirts are the owner's very own artworks, awesome eh?

Her name is Lauren Carney, she is a very talented artist who inhabits the city of Brisbane. If you are a fan of fun, playful, and quirky characters, then you should really check out her art HERE and her shop HERE.

Oh, almost forgot! I am also fascinated by the quality of the fabric (so soft!) and... the neckline. In case you were not aware, the neckline is a very important part of a garment. Look out for the ones that can enhance your body shape and flatter your figure.

Some of the types of neckline. Image courtesy of this site.

My all-time favorite is scoop neck that is not too low, just like the type of neckline from Dizzy Little Dotty here. The reason is because it can elongate my neck! >:D

Yeah, I am wearing this mustard high-waisted skater skirt again. Jess and I are so in love with the line and how it "hugs" our waist like they are meant for each other. We decided we are taking one of each color of this skirt! Hehe.. For those who asked, yes this skirt will be included in GOWIGASA's new arrival on Monday, Dec 17! :D

I got this blazer from Forever21 in Japan and I was sooo happy when I found it. I've been looking for this green shade for a long time and this is just perfect! Also this blazer was their last item and happened to be my size! Lucky!!

Fawn Tee from Dizzy Little Dotty. I love you Lauren Carney!

Red Tartan Bag from GOWIGASA (will also join the family on Monday, Dec 17). Anyway the color combinations here kind of remind me of traffic lights -___-

For shoes, I am wearing these Batik print boots from Laceorie to spice up my whole outfit, and I absolutely love the beautiful prints and how easy they are to walk in them. You can see my first pair from Laceorie HERE.

Btw, today is my baby bro's birthday! Happy birthday you busy monkey! Always stay true to yourself and treasure that loving heart of yours. X

My favorite photo of him holding a baby Samoyed.

That being said, I'll see you guys on my next post! :D

X O X O,

Elle Yamada

Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram | Lookbook | Facebook | Youtube

Color Me Brightly!

I don't know how many times I've said this, but I LOVE wearing colorful outfits! It's always FUN playing with colors –mixing and matching one color with another. Not to mention that wearing them can enhance my mood and lighten up my day!

Steve Madden's Cobalt Wedges –available in this color and shocking pink. Grab them before they are gone!

TIPS 
(on wearing bright-colored or colorful outfits):

Confidence is KEY!

Choose colors that complement each other.

This is The Color Wheel which will help to inspire creative color combinations. Print it out and stick it to your wall so you can refer to it when putting together an outfit.

Keep your accessories and make up to a minimum for a well-balanced look.

For the first timers, try to match at least two colors –one neutral and one bright. (Black and Red, for example)

In case you are worried to look too-colorful-i-look-like-a-clown, you might want to choose 'neighboring colors' in the Color Wheel. (Pink and Purple, for instance)

Safe choice of colors. (Little White Dress from GOWIGASA)

Good luck and don't be afraid to stand out! ;)

Xoxo,

Elle Yamada

Twitter | Instagram | Lookbook | Facebook | Youtube

Creative ways to wear Occasion Dresses for any event

Occasion dresses need not be kept at the back of your wardrobe waiting for their moment to shine. With a few little style twists, they can be worn absolutely anywhere.

So if you are tired of dressing down during your day-to-day routine and want to carry off a little of that red carpet chic without looking too over the top, then why not try mixing up your wardrobe a little and getting some well-deserved wear out of your evening dresses.

Simply mix it with a pastel blazer...

...or a bowler hat... (Floral Dress from Littlewoods)

...or a leather jacket! :)

Neckline

Wearing an occasion dress around town without wanting to look like you’re on the way to a film premier is easier than you might think.

Tips: Cover the top half of the dress a little by throwing on a thin cardigan or a delicate shawl. 

Katy Perry – always makes a head-turning appearance.

Reese Witherspoon looking so sweet in a red floral dress by Isabel Marant.

Eye-catching colors ♥ You can get this dress on Littlewoods.

Image courtesy of Playingwithfire

Floral print occasion dresses are a big hit this summer. The beauty of florals is that they look great when paired with an understated colours such as black or pastels.

Shoes

There may be a temptation to go all the way if you’re putting your new dress on for a casual lunch or a shopping trip. Try to avoid slipping those excessively high heels onto your feet and go for something a little more understated to keep the look relaxed.

It's cool to be comfy! – Images courtesy of http://www.handbag.com

Plimsolls or sandals will help you achieve an effortlessly chic daytime look and, more importantly, they’ll make sure that your feet stay comfortable and ready for a night out later.

Alexa Chung in her lady-like dress and Plimsolls – as always she nailed the look.

Get these adorable Plimsolls on Littlewoods.

Jewellery

When selecting jewellery to wear with your occasion dress during the daytime, keep it simple. Avoiding anything too over the top will keep you from drifting into the evening wear zone.

Hair

Let it all down. Pinning up your hair may look wonderful in the evening but it tends to leave the neckline very exposed, bringing with it the temptation to don a necklace.

Wearing your hair down is a great way to avoid the temptation of over accessorising and keeps your top-half looking natural and fresh.

Love,

Elle and Jess