iraliira

[iraliira]

Let's talk Books !

If you're on a level up journey or a journey to improve yourself, books are your best friend.

Books are a wonderful way to learn as well as see things from different perspectives

This is a post to write a list of the books I recommend the most

The Unicorn Delusion - G L Lambert

Ho Tactics - G L Lambert

Skinny Bit*h - Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

Rich & Thin - Ginie Sayles

Modern Mistress - Hannah Jay

Date like a Spartan - G L Lambert

The Nice Girl Syndrome - Beverly Engel

The Social Climbers Bible

Win friends and gain influence

These should be a good start for anyone who's interested in levelling up and social life 💗

The Alchemist (my all time favourite)

1984

Harry Potter

Milk and honey (I know it's really basic but it's a fun read 😂)

Art of War

To kill a mockingbird

Anything my Robert Greene

The Bible, Torah, Thelema and Qur'an (I'm not religious but I still make an effort to read books like this just to see the way people think as well as get a background of knowledge of certain cultures)

Books by Candace Owens, Dambisa Moyo, Jordan Peterson etc (Very fun and thought provoking 😂)

Books on art history, poetry, mythology

These are general books which are good to read and that most people have read. They make you think differently and see different point of views.

One thing I've learnt from being a literature student is that when reading a book, don't just read, analyse, feel, take a moment to engage yourself in the book, read one line and see how you feel about what was said. This immerses you into the book, it's like you enter a new world and you become one with the book you are reading. One thing which I always say is that I can never feel lonely or bored when I have a good book. Let reading be a relaxing and intimate journey between you and the writer. I promise you if you do that you will begin to love books and love reading.

[iraliira]

That saying “you’re not ugly you just need more money”

Is actually true for a lot of people.

When it comes to leveling up primarily your skin and body. There is a lot of generic advice and trends that may work but I’m telling you your best move is to invest in a combination of these

•A nutritionist/ dietician

•A geneticist

•A dermatologist

•A dentist/orthodontist

•A hair stylist that truly understands hair

•A personal trainer who has customized plans

When it comes to food , everyone does not react the same. It took me going to a geneticist to realize insulin resistance makes it harder for me to lose belly weight. I had to switch my entire diet and routine up in order to combat this.

I have tried so many skincare products, although I’ve never had horrible skin it took me going to a dermatologist where they could tell me exactly what I needed to help really get my skin exactly how I want it.

Don’t rush to get veneers, many just need braces, some gum contouring and a whitening.

Everyone is different so what works for one may not work for you.

Keep your natural hair healthy even if you keep it bald, in braids or in wigs and sewins. Learn to truly care for your hair and nourish your scalp.

Credit: Taneisha Fletcher

[iraliira]

CREATING A STUDY SCHEDULE/ROUTINE 

PLANNING/SCHEDULING

LIST YOUR ACADEMIC STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES. This is so you can allocate time accordingly and avoid wasting any time. 

PRIORITISE ANY SUBJECTS. These may be subjects that will help you in your future career or just a subject you especially want a good grade in. Anything for these subjects then becomes the most important on your to-do list.

DIVIDE TIME EACH DAY. Not all days you are going to be able to sit down at your desk at the same time. Instead, according to your energy levels and planned activities, divide your time.

E.g I have cheerleading after school and I'm going to be so tired, so I’ll do my studying in the morning instead. 

ESTABLISH BREAKS. Depending on how long you can study for, place a suitable break in between. This helps make studying more productive, but only if your breaks are. 

CREATING

USE YOUR TIMETABLE. On days you don’t have a specific subject, dedicate more time to that one. 

CONSIDER YOUR LEARNING STYLE. This helps to be a bit more specific when creating it, instead of winging it and just doing anything. Having a consistent way of studying helps us learn better. 

E.g I’m a visual learner, so I’ll watch animations. I'm an auditory learner so I’ll watch a video of someone explaining it. 

KNOW WHAT YOU WILL DO DURING STUDYING. Do not just wing studying, it’s unproductive and you’re more likely to waste time instead of using it.

 Before you start studying, write a to-do list of everything you need to do during that session and how you will do it. Less time time-consuming and allows you to use time productively. 

SAMPLE – this is Lanny’s daily study routine without any upcoming tests, as an early bird, kinesthetic learner and needs breaks to think with clarity.

Morning

Review my flashcards in preparation for any test. 

Write/note any flashcards I'm struggling with. 

 Afterschool

Check seqta/school website to access my courses, in which I’ll write down which subjects I had. 

Do a few quick blurts on paper of everything I learned in those subjects with prior reading. I only do this for HASS, math and science + any electives that require it. (blurting method)

Then I recheck my blurts, add in anything that I’ve missed and correct with a different coloured pen. 

After, I push those papers aside but I do not discard them. I’ll then complete my online science homework + class workbook. If I happen not to understand anything I’ll watch a video on it and then complete some questions on that. 

I’ll take a break around now because, on an estimate, it has been around 20-40 minutes since I started depending on how my science homework is. I usually eat something and then get back to it. 

Math is next. I’ll complete any math homework, then I’ll practice doing math questions on my own. What I like to do is watch a math video, pause the question without the answer then watch to see if I got it. Effective because they explain it and I can see where I went wrong without analysing my working out which is rather time-consuming. 

I take another break. Math stuff usually takes around 20-30 minutes. 

I then do HASS, which is the easiest. I usually read an article or watch a video on hass then apply that knowledge by answering questions OR doing assigned chapter work. 

I do not study English after school, but I usually read an assigned passage/book and then try to apply any techniques/knowledge by taking that paragraph apart and analysing it. Sometimes, I write my paragraphs using any taught techniques and then mark them. 

Then, I redo my blurtings again but without prior reading then recheck and correct. Then I am finished for the afternoon!!

Evening

Review flashcards then watch a video/read an article on what I was struggling with in the morning but I do not do anything to consolidate this knowledge. 

That is all, please feel free to ask me about any questions about studying as I don't really post much about it, I'll love to help out any fellow students! 

[iraliira]

'IT GIRL' ✨ POWERFUL AFFIRMATIONS

I'm the It girl of the century, I'm a legend, I'm an icon and I am the moment.

Everyone is inspired by me.

I am the beauty standard, I set trends and people follow.

My energy is so powerful, I always leave a positive impact no matter what I do.

I'm so iconic, everyone be taking notes from me.

I have such a powerful charismatic presence, it never goes unnoticed.

I'm already THAT girl, the girl I've always wanted to be.

It's not my fault I'm so cool and everyone is obsessed with me.

I got that IT GIRL vibe, I'm the blueprint.

People wanna be like me so bad but I'll always be the original 💅🏻

I'm the main character and the world is my audience.

I put in zero effort and still get everything I want handed to me.

I don't look up to anyone but myself, cuz I'm the best in my reality duh.

I'm so good at everything, like it's honestly impressive.

I'm the girl who has it all, my life is perfect all around.

I'm everyone's muse and dream girl. I'm not just a piece of art I'm a whole masterpiece.

I really just be doing my own thing and getting success after success.

People treat me like I'm a celebrity, idk how I naturally attract fame to me. People just love to watch me and listen to me cuz everything I do is iconic.

I feel so confident all the time, how could I not be when I'm.. ME. Like my self concept is top tier fr.

I naturally stand out from the crowd, I'm a rare gem and I shine bright ✨💎

My gorgeous appearance always leaves a strong impression on people.

I can't help it that I always steal the spotlight, when I enter a room everyone stops to admire me. When I talk, everyone listens.

Did I mention I'm such a fashion icon? I make anything look good once I wear it.

Of course everyone wants me, I'm everyone's type and I'm just being myself 🤷🏻‍♀️

I'm already the best version of myself but I just keep getting better!

It's so easy to fall in love with me, I get it.

People crave my presence on a regular basis. My energy is unforgettable.

Also here's The It girl sub bundle u can listen to while reading the affs 😌✨

[iraliira]

How to do soft core p0rnstar makeup?

The Softcore P0rn Character Makeup

My makeup is ready for sitting in front of the pool looking at the pool boy, washing my car seductively in Pleasers and letting soap run down my body, oh wanna give me a large vanilla cone too?? You get the gist.

The question to ask yourself is: how well would this look after looking cute for the camera?

Will your eyeshadow look sexy or cute after you rolled around?

Will your makeup be ruined or looked even better? Can you roll out of bed with minimal touch ups?

Does this look require more than setting spray to stay perfect, like hairspray?? Did it take a lot of effort to look covertly seductive?

Does my makeup look feminine enough to be perceived as brashly feminine for the viewer?

You don’t need seek out p0rn or be a p0rn connoisseur to be inspired, but can start by looking at bimbocore, video vixen and 2000s makeup. This look is not meant to be professionally elegant.

When you think about this type of look, consider this time was:

Before smartphones, reality TV was making its debut

You came in the house when the streetlight came on 🤣

A DIGITAL REVOLUTION, information was available instantaneously compared to the bygone era of mysterious stars, and now the birth of the 24 hour new cycle!!!

A sexually confused time. The millennia had a lot of sex, drugs, nudity, web tabloids, and online sources at hand. Anything you fetishize or crave, find in seconds. This is why your makeup has to be unapologetically feminine, leave no room for ambiguity.

I like using a lot of shimmer and following my eyeliner wing to the dent beside my outer corner. For any area I use matte or non-shimmer colors, I match with shimmer! When I do soft core makeup for school, I go extra heavy on shimmer since it shows up better on camera! If you’re a mature woman, smoky or romantic mattes and metallic shimmer shades.

This Look Needs:

Juicy lipgloss or creamy, matte lipstick: want something that’ll look good on or smeared.

A strong lip plumper: I use 2 on top of each other to make my lips look even fuller since they’re already full, and I like how they make my smile line look.

Transitional palette, in a noticeable color schemes for cameras and bright lights to be in your face. SHIMMER.

Tinted moisturizer & satin foundation for an airbrushed finish.

Liquid and cream blush, slight highlight in inner corner. I go heavy handed since it’s extra hot outside.

(Optional) thin brows. I have sparse brows already so I have them waxed. Don’t go to town plucking your brows like our predecessors.

Maximize the pretty!! 💖

[iraliira]

The Best Workout that Changed My Body (Model Workout)

Growing up, I was a chubby kid. As a teenager, I was “skinny-fat” - I had a tummy but lean arms and legs. I have tried everything to burn that belly fat off; right from detox teas, waist clinchers, sports, Pilates, limiting my calorie intake, weight lifting, strength training, eating only health food for months, lemon water, even K-Pop stars’ diets… you name it and I’ve probably done it.

Then I finally found something that worked out for me. I stumbled across it on Reddit, and I shared it with my friends, not thinking that it would actually work.

Except that it did.

A friend who had gained 10 kgs because of her thyroid lost nearly 8 kgs in a matter of a couple of months. Another friend - who’s quite skinny and petite and struggled with weight gain - saw her body get more toned in just a couple of weeks.

So I decided to try it out as well - and I could actually see a difference in just a week’s time (as crazy as this sounds). A few pants I had that I always felt a little insecure about wearing actually felt LOOSE at the waist! I couldn’t believe it!

Now, for a little disclaimer. The person who created these workouts happens to train models. They are specialised in model training- reducing waist cm, hips is their specialty. HOWEVER. They were accused of filming their clients in their gym bathroom. Their spouse eventually took over the company. But that still doesn’t sit right with me. So that means that I will not be buying any of the company’s products, even though the work outs are really effective and require minimum equipment.

So I did a little bit of sleuthing - and found 5 out of 6 of their workouts for free on Reddit.

I’m going to share the link that I found on Reddit. I am NOT responsible for uploading the files. I have no role to play in it. These have been available on Reddit for literally years. I have no idea who the original distributor is, either. Also, these videos are quite old. I’m sure that the new ones are different from these.

The workouts range from 20-60 minutes (most of them are at 40 minutes though). The best part is that you can do these anywhere.

The only equipment you really need:

- yoga mat

- Slide discs/ wash cloths

- Ankle weights

- 3 pound dumbbells

Here it is (the link)

The nutrition guide:

(I have not come up with this. Do not hold me responsible if you do not agree with what the trainer says).

1. Calorie intake: 1600 calories

2. No juice, rice, pasta, potatoes, bread 2-3 hours before you workout. If you must eat, it has to be low calorie protein or lean (eggs, protein shake, lean protein, salad, vegetables).

3. No carbs after 3 pm.

4. Dinner should be protein and vegetable based.

5. No protein for 1-2 hours after workout. Fruit juice, fruits, vegetables and starchy carbs are fine.

6. Only treadmill for cardio. Slow jogs. No weights for lower body, outside of the program. No lunges, squats or deadlifts. Yoga and Pilates are fine. I personally do 12-3-30.

How I use this routine:

Monday: workout 1

Tuesday: 12-3-30

Wednesday: workout 2

Thursday: 12-3-30

Friday: workout 3

Saturday: workout 4 +12-3-30

Sunday: 12-3-30 / yoga/ rest day

I take 5 days off in a month during my period. These workouts are also not crazy intense (I’m used to playing sports and being active in general) so I’m fine doing it everyday.

What is 12-3-30?

Treadmill workout where:

12- incline

3 - speed

30 - minutes

[iraliira]

[iraliira]

You know I'm in my financial education and freedom year which means I'm pouring most of my time energy and attention into making sure I'm a deca millionaire by 30 and of course I'm bringing you with me, so here is more material from my mentor that I think anyone thats working for a better future must know. I will be uploading all PDFs to my BMAC unfiltered membership ready for download, I'm literally doing all I can for yall if you fail its on you.

[Ps, making my first post on UNFILTERED Today, so if you joined before I probably cancelled and refunded bc it had zero posts and I can't charge you for nothing, this is the time to rejoin, if you're still on it. Unfiltered is for a realistic, factual and true approach to leveling up- financially , socially and mentally- and of course its daily posts)

BMAC

[iraliira]

People be like ugh i want what they have😩

Well i want what they have 🥺

[iraliira]

Lessons from my Hypergamous Mother 💕

I've talked about my mother several times on this blog but for those who are new, she's basically the O.G. Hypergamous woman. Despite not coming from money, being black and an immigrant, she's dated men worth millions, tens of millions, and close to billions of dollars. So with that, here are some of the lessons my mother has instilled upon me since I was born about dating and life.

Wear high quality clothes that fit well.

If there's one hill my mom will die on, it's that quality> quantity. To her, one wool Ralph Lauren blazer is worth 15 polyester blazers from Zara. And honestly, you can't really fight her on it because the majority of the time, clothes that are high quality just look better. Because of this, growing up 90% of my clothes came from high-end thrift stores and estate sales and truthfully, they still do.

Men come a dime a dozen.

My mother reminds me of this fact quite literally every time the male sex is mentioned in our household. She's had her pick of some of the most powerful men in the world simply because she doesn't care about any of them. Her psyche is this: there are millions of rich, smart, loving men out there, so why the hell would you stress out about finding one?

Education is key to success.

The same can't be said in all countries, but America is one of those nations where you can come in as an immigrant with nothing, and with the right education, become a member of the top 1%. Now the meaning of education isn't binary; you don't have to have a degree from Harvard or be a Rhodes Scholar. Being educated can simply mean you have a wide scope of knowledge on a variety of topics! To my mother, if you're highly educated, you can hold your own in any crowd. 

Never give your entire heart away.

When my sister was a college freshman, she got her heart broken for the first time. While my mother was very quick to take her home and indulge her for a weekend, she was also very quick to tell her the crucial mistake she made. To quote her, "The problem isn't that you fell in love, the problem is that you gave him everything and when he left you had nothing. When you fall in love, always keep 10% of that love for yourself so that if things go south you won't be too devastated."

When you chase a man, he'll be inclined to run away.

So never, ever chase a man. Men are simple: if they want you they will do everything in their power to get you. There will never be any doubts. It's all very primal: nearly every species of male in the animal kingdom assume the role of "courting" their female counterparts. It's quite literally in their DNA. So there is never a need to go out and beg a man for his affections. In fact, doing so will almost always guarantee him running from you.

Praise don't complain.

Praise is the most effective tool for getting whatever you want from a man. NEVER complain about a mans inability to do something because he will immediately shut down and resent you. Instead, praise him endlessly when he acts well. His ego will be stroked and in return, you will have him eating out of the palm of your hand.

Elegance = Beauty.

You don't need to be quintessentially beautiful. You don't need to have a great body, you don't need to have a pretty face, you don't need any organically beautiful features. If you can put some quality time and effort into accentuating what you do have going for you and become the most refined and elegant woman in the room, you'll do very well. And elegance isn't just about being able to wear a string of pearls, it's about being confident and centered. It's about self mastery and not feeling the need to be anything but yourself.

Always keep your options open.

Ever heard the dating analogy "Just because I'm on a diet doesn't mean I can't look at the menu"? Well it's something my mom lives by. Yes, she's all for monogamy but the fact of the matter is, you have to look out for yourself first. If your beloved suddenly decides to jump ship or things don't work out, it's always good to have a backup plan. And sometimes you'll find yourself dating someone you thought was great when all of a sudden someone even better stumbles into your life. Ultimately, this is your life and your decisions will have the biggest ripple effect on you. Look out for yourself, keep your options open. Nothing is guaranteed.

There's no shame in not feeling shame.

My mother is an extremely proud woman. Nothing has or ever will get her down about herself which all roots back to her decision to not ever feel shame about who she is. Whenever you feel inclined to feel shameful or insecure, reverse the narrative. If you're the only Black woman in a board room full of white men, instead of getting shy, revel in the fact that everyone will be that much more inclined to listen to you because you stand out. When you show up late to a date, instead of apologizing to your company thank them for waiting. Quite literally force yourself to be completely neutral in all situations and never internalize anything. Shame is really a false narrative we choose to espouse and it only holds us back from our desires. The solution is simple: stop feeling shame.

Above all, you are enough.

Regardless of whether you're still a work in progress or don't have your life together at all, you are the prize and you really have to start acting like it. It's not your job to alter your entire personality for a man. It's not your job to spend all day and night getting ready for dates. It's not your job to level up only for the sake of attracting a man. This kind of behavior will only emphasize this idea that you are not good enough as you are to attract the love that you deserve. You, by virtue of having your own set of life experiences, are completely worthy. The true differentiator between successful women and unsuccessful women is mindset. I know unattractive, uneducated, and unqualified women absolutely killing it in life and it's all because they are confident as fuck and truly believe that they deserve the best. So what's stopping you from cultivating that energy right now? I promise you that if you begin to walk, talk, sleep, eat, and breathe like you are the prize, the world will begin treating you the same way.

Lovingly,

Elle

[iraliira]

I spent, at a minimum, at least $500-$1,000 a month exclusively on my self improvement. Here is most of what I spend on, in no particular order:

Education (classes, books, courses, certifications, college tuition, seminars, etc.)

Private lessons for languages, musical instruments, sports, etc.

Personal hobbies and passion projects

Crest whitening strips (great when in a pinch), Invisalign, professional whitening, preventative dental care, prescription whitening products from my dentist

Investments such as index funds, REITs, ETFs, CDs, individual stocks, commodities, appreciative luxury items, precious metals & gems, etc.

Organic food, vitamins, supplements, high quality healthcare, therapy, massages, prescriptions (Rx skincare, etc.)

New glasses & contacts (getting some bayonetta glasses from Burberry soon, very excited)

Sports, gym membership + sauna, hot yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, tennis, skiing, dance, etc.

Personal care such as bath/shower products, body care, haircare, skincare, makeup, brightening eye drops, perfume, etc.

Travel, events, concerts, festivals, etc.

Shopping (clothes, accessories, home goods, etc.)

Eating out at restaurants and going to coffee shops

Beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, waxes, brow tint & threading, salon blowouts, hair cuts & colors, facials, lash lift & tints, vitamin IVs, etc.

Regular visits to my dermatologist, dentist, psychiatrist, eye doctor, primary care physician, gynecologist, and any other specialists

Semi-regular appointments with a personal trainer, holistic nutritionist, and dietitian

I don't do all of these every single month, but most of these are recurring throughout the year and budgeted accordingly. Eventually I might add in more intense cosmetic work like medspa services, Botox, etc. If you can find a workplace with a great benefits package such as high quality healthcare, an HSA/FSA, health & wellness reimbursements for the gym, disability & life insurance, etc. I would highly recommend it and max out all the benefits you can.

[iraliira]

My High Maintenance Schedule

I’m excited to finally put this into fruition after hesitating. I am only including what I currently do.

Hair

Shampoo, Blow Dry & Style: At Salon; Every 2 weeks

Deep conditioning: At Salon; Every 4 weeks

Trim: At Salon; Every 4 Weeks

Eyebrows

Shaping: I razor them myself, pluck to maintain; Every 2 weeks [Never the same week as TO facial peel]

Face

TO AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: Twice a week, every 2 weeks. I can see it being effective after a few months. I had no idea I had so many dark spots under my skin.

Brighten Face Mask by MoonxCosmetics: I love this face mask!!! It says to use it 1-3x a week but I use it 4x a week, a week after the peel since it amplifies my results. It’s well worth its weight in gold. I’ll probably be even toned by the summer 😍😍!

Gua Sha: Daily, all over my body. It’s so addicting.

Body

Mask: I am in love with Lush’s Beauty Sleep. I do this every 3 weeks since my skin is sensitive.

Exfoliation: I exfoliate with scrub I buy from my nail place. Every 2-3 weeks, not during the week I use a body mask.

Feet

Exfoliation: I do manual exfoliation on the weekends and use an ointment 3x a week called Kerasal.

[iraliira]

Treat Yourself Like You’re Insured

Mariah Carey’s legs and lungs are insured for $35 million each. Do you think she purposely tries to break her ankles?

Create a health plan for your appearance, muscles, hair and diet. Make this on a Word document, print it and download it onto a USB drive. You need to have your healthcare regimen within reach AND in a safe box. Make 15 copies if you have to. This is your lifeline!!

Wake when your body wakes you up. It means you’re either well rested or outside conditions interrupted your sleep. Sometimes, I wake up at 4:49-5:49am.

Tailor your skincare regimen to you. If 10 steps are too tedious to you, simplify it to readily available face wipes, moisturizing no-rinse masks and toner pads. If 10 steps are commonplace to you, always seek to make your regimen more enjoyable and effective.

Be picky with your clothes, jewelry and accessories. Choose a hair clip because it’s you, not for its cheap price.

Make time for you. You are the most important being in your lifetime.

[iraliira]

Hey sis, just saw and loved one of your last posts. I was just wondering how to curate/set up a health plan. I’m inspired to create one now would like to see what one looks like.

Thanks in advance 🤍

Setting Up a Basic Healthcare Plan

Hi, I’ll walk you through it!

You need a binder, flash drive, folder, etc. to hold your plan. Make several copies for your protection and update them periodically.

Your front cover page should be a picture of you or images that describe you, the name of your plan and the years you made it for (2022-2023).

Feel free to add a table of contents for organization’s purpose. For example:

- About Me (pg. 1-3)

- My Medical Records from X physician(s) (pg. 4-30)

- Dietary Info & Basic Grocery List (31-34)

- Ideal Colors For My Undertone (pg. 35-38)

- Dependable Nail Colors (pg. 39-43)

Your book doesn’t need to have tens of pages for medical records if you don’t have that many.

Your first page inside the book should be your about you and basic stats. You should add your name, height, shoe size and conversions for different conversion systems.

Your next pages are only for your official medical records. The main point of this book is to have your medical work on file over everything else. This is the first reason why your book is your lifeline. Your healthcare plan should not have your favorite colors and shoe styles for your first pages BEFORE your medical information.

After you’ve added and left space for your medical records, it’s time to add your dietary information, your favorite food [brands], drinks and the like. This part could be your grocery list at a moment’s glance!

Your next pages are your care techniques for when you aren’t feeling well, need a boost in your day or want to make those techniques a habit.

After you add in your care techniques, your next pages can be about clothes that are flattering on you, shoes that show you off the best and your preferred cosmetics. Pictures in your books can be in a layout/spill format!

Paste pictures of yourself wearing morning looks, daytime, evening and bedtime! Your pictures are your reference pictures when you don’t know what you want to do.

Your book can include reviews of makeup you’ve tried, vitamins that have given you results and hair styles that are the least damaging to your hair.

Your book can have colors that suit you for every season, nail shapes & lengths that complement your fingers, bracelets that look expensive on you, anything! Your book is your health book, style book, protocol book, a YOU book!

[iraliira]

2024 reading list

The $100 StartUp

The E-Myth Revisited 

The Four Steps to the Epiphany

Hooked

The Checklist Manifesto

The Lean Startup

Creativity Inc. 

Who - smart and street

Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters by Steven Pinker

The School of Life: An Emotional Education by Alain de Botton

Rapport: The Four Ways to Read People by Emily and Laurence Alison

Mistakes Were Made (but Not by Me) Third Edition: Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful Acts by Carol Tavris

Upstream: How to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath

Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

The Revenge of Geography by Robert D. Kaplan

The World: A Brief Introduction by Richard 

The Quest by Daniel Yergin

Who Rules the World? by Noam Chomsky

Day of Empire by Amy Chua

India’s China Challenge by Ananth Krishnan

How to Stage a Coup – Rory Cormac – 2022

Secret History of the Five Eyes (2022) – Richard Kerbaj

Xi: A Study in Power (2022) – Kerry Brown

The India Way by S. Jaishankar

Michael Lewis: Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon

David Rubenstein: How to Invest: Masters on the Craft

Elon Musk by Isaacson, Walter

The Man Who Knew - Sebastian Mallaby

Blood and Oil - Bradley Hope, Justin Scheck

Brazillionaires - Alex Cuadros

Empire Of Pain- Patrick Radden Keefe

The Match King - Frank Partnoy

McMafia - Misha Glenny

[iraliira]

How To Become Lily van der Woodsen

—Events—

Attending soirées, charity functions, auctions, brunches, and fashion shows is a way to be known and live your Lily lifestyle. Always greet new people and make bonds. Having connections is the easiest way to get invited. However, attending events isn’t just the main part. You must host events as well. Perhaps a formal dinner reception with your family and close acquaintances is a good way to start. Then, a ball at an elegant venue. Post your events on social media platforms to get attention.

—Fashion—

To start your Lily wardrobe, buy light-colored long sleeve blouses, skinny jeans, black and beige trench coats, patterned scarves, and simple cocktail dresses. Lily loves simple gold jewelry and the Van Cleef alhambra. To pair with your ensembles, add black sunglasses and a birkin.

—Lifestyle—

On a daily basis, start walking around the Upper East Side, looking at custom gowns with your stylist or having brunch with your inner circle. Lily is a socialite, so you should attend at least one event every 1-2 weeks. If you’re in the Hamptons, lounge at the country club and host an evening yacht dinner. Go on many vacations, to the Amalfi Coast or the Swiss Alps. If you’re feeling eccentric, join a fashion society!

[iraliira]

“She’s a Lily van der Woodsen girl”

She’s wise. She’s good looking. She’s expensive. She has standards.

She’s the woman that you hope to become when you’re older.