if you're thinking about getting a DSLR...

thrifted linen shirt, acne graphic tee, citizens of humanity jean leggings, forever 21 ring, united bamboo booties via creatures of comfort

I get a lot of questions about my camera so I thought I'd finally take some time talk about it here. I've been using my Nikon D5000 DLSR for the past 9 months and I wouldn't trade it in for anything else. It's easy to use even when I usually shoot with manual settings and even has a live-view option with an LCD screen which can flip around and let you see from different angles. Before this I had a point-and-shoot camera for everyday shots and a film SLR (Minolta SRT-201) for the occasional outing but I was always very hesitant about spending so much on a DSLR until my 21st birthday finally rolled around. Now I have my camera with me around 75% of the time and although it may seem big, it actually fits in most of my bags (although Luxirare's camera bag is pretty fucking fantastic, isn't it?)

As for the lens, for a month or so I was shopping around for the easiest lens I could possibly use and came across this 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX one which is the most similar to the lens I was used to shooting with for my film SLR. I usually shoot with a high aperture since I prefer photos with a lot of light so I rarely take photos at night unless there's exceptionally good lighting. Overall, I'm satisfied with how clear my photos turn out and I'd definitely recommend both the camera and lens to anyone who is considering getting a DSLR.

I know I'm totally cheating with this type of outfit shot but sometimes you just can't find someone to take your photos. Thanks to everyone who commented on my hair, I'm still getting used to it but right now I'm actually really happy with the way it looks. I've also been wearing my new United Bamboo booties all weekend which make terrible days much more bearable even when you've lost your phone on BART and may have stepped in dog crap. Don't worry, it came off and someone was kind enough to pick it up and drop it off at a station. I'm so happy people like that still exist in this world.

ETA: I've also been getting a couple comments/emails about my Fjallraven bag... J.Crew stocks them in the children section! I'm not sure if they have them in stores since none of the stores around here carry the kids' collections but I just ordered another in black online. Also, check out my interview with Beso for winning their contest with Chictopia!

questions answered

I'M FREE! Thought I'd celebrate by going through my comments and answering a random assortment of questions before I take care of things like washing/untangling my hair and getting ready to meet BF's mom at dinner. Oh, exciting! I'm just glad this semester is over and I can finally take a break.

Q: Do you mind telling how tall you are?
A: Somewhere between 5'9"-10". I think I shrank this past year.

Q: Don't mind my asking, but what is your background?
A: My mother is Mexican and my father is Vietnamese.

Q: How do you keep your over-the-knee socks from falling down?
A: I think it depends on the brand. I have this one pair that never stay up because the elastic stretched out really fast. The Target ones are my favorites because they're the tight enough (but not too tight).

Q: What kind of camera do you use?
A: Sony Cybershot DSC-W55 for outfit posts. I have film cameras (Minolta SRT-201 & Polaroid SX-70) as well but they get less use. I want to buy an SLR within the following year!

Q: Just wondering, what lipstick are you wearing?
A: In most posts, the red lipstick is YSL Opium Red. I used to wear MAC Russian Red but ditched it after buying this YSL one.

Q: May I ask if you trim your bangs yourself or if you just pay regular visits to the hairdresser?
A: I usually trim them myself unless I'm down in LA where my hairdresser is. I've been going to the same person for eight years and have never let anyone else touch my hair.

Q: How do you have such magical bangs?
A: The cut!! When I'm bored with the blunt bangs it's easy to brush them aside (although it may require some hair spray for optimal cooperation).

Q: Are those good headphones?
A: The Panasonic RP HTX7 ones? To be completely honest, I bought them because I'm obsessed with white accessories! The sound quality is decent to me and gets the job done since I'm not too picky about how music sounds. I'm fine as long as they block out all the idiots I encounter on the bus and train LOL.

Q: How do you stay so thin? Do you work out a lot?
A: I think my fingers get more exercise than the rest of my body does! I signed up for a gym membership once but never went. Wait no, I stepped in for free ice cream once. So then, the answer is a big fat NO. I do walk a lot to get around but I'm sure that barely balances out my unhealthy diet of Jack in the Box and frozen yogurt four times a week. I wish I were joking but it's 100% true.