Tangled

Diamonds certainly are and will always be a girl’s best friend. Of course my jewelry collection is not crammed full of Harry Winston, Cartier or even Tiffany’s (a girl can dream right?) so ladies you have to agree with me that we all need to fake it until we make it. What girl doesn’t enjoy a sparkle here and some kind of rock on her finger…wait correction fingers?

Slowly my costume jewelry collection has been growing, I spot cute pieces here and there and they simply need to come home with me. This creates the dilemma of organization. How do I organize all of the accessories so that I can see them (to remember to wear them) and keep them safe from turning into a tangled messed?

I took the route of saving my money; it seems rather silly to overpay for the containers that HOLD the jewelry and not the jewelry itself. I searched high and low for affordable and functional containers; even looking at containers that don’t necessary say“jewelry storage”; sometimes we need to see things beyond what they are.

Earrings

Tackle boxes: Canadian Tire 5 each

Some might say that I am a late bloomer; one aspect of my lateness was getting my ears pierced. As I saw on TV girls begging for the ever-so-important process of girlhood, I could not care less. Finally giving in and just in time for prom, I suddenly found myself obsessed with finding that perfect pair of earrings; resulting in a massive amount of the perfect pair…

Tackles boxes: a clear plastic box with divided little compartments originally created for the dad favorite activity of going fishing, it gives each pair their own home, easy to stack and $5-$8 per box. These boxes also come in a range of sizes, depending on your space and how many pairs you have.

Bracelet and Necklace Storage



Plastic storage boxes: Daiso 2 each





Plastic Storage boxes: Daiso 2 each

I'm not a huge fan of hanging all my accessories out as room decoration; I rather have them stored away for easy access. I found these perfect pink and SPARKLY plastic containers for $2 each that have dividers to help separate my goods and also keep them from tangling into one another. These take up very little room and are stackable.

Rings

I use to love looking at jewelry boxes, but now I usually reserve those for my fine jewelry. As I may be borderline OCD when it comes to organizing, I dislike boxes that have no dividers. It seems silly really things just don’t have their own home, and just bangs into one other. I found these cardboard dividers at my local dollar store. They come in a package with multiple pieces for just $2, the best part is that all you need to do is measure out the length and cut it to make your own customized fitting. Then ta-da! You got your own customized jewelry box giving a home to each of your awesome rings.

Room Decoration



Glass décor bowl: Gift| Ice cream dish: Daiso 2| Glass candle holder: Bath and Body Works mini candle

Jewelry is a very pretty thing. It can take an outfit to a whole different level, but it also makes for great room decoration. I know that I mentioned that I’m not one for putting my jewels out for display, but a girl’s gotta put out a little sparkle for the finishing touch. I throw my most worn items into delicate display cases or just some inexpensive dinner ware. Next time you pass by something pretty and inexpensive, take a second look at it and see what kind of outside of the box potential it may have.

My Many Many Faces



Travel Makeup Case: Betsey Johnson 17

Like any girl we tend to forget that we only have one face to colour in, in the morning. I know that I buy more makeup than I need on a day to day basis; of course once in a while you DO need to shop for that special occasion or for that perfect red lipstick. All in all I may have a decent collection now and organization always comes to mind when we have a hoard of stuff. I find that organization allows for two things, one to keep me from wearing the same look days on end; two it also is very pleasant to the eye when you do it right! (Don’t tell me you have never admired a makeup collection video on YouTube!) I tend to keep my daily essentials separated from the rest, that way I can reach for what I always use and throw in some different things here and there to change it up.



Storage boxes: Daiso 2 each

Makeup organization doesn’t need to get too technical; you can find inexpensive ways to keep everything together and separated.

 



 

Gift Boxes: Daiso 2 each



Always organize with what you need and leave a bit of room for what you may want to add in the future.



And That's When I Saw it...



Photo Credits: Tumblr

I am a hoarder sometimes. I feel the need to buy backups of products I like for fear I’ll run out one day and find myself with partial eyeliner (yikes!) and I tend to keep the empty packages around as well because I thought it was a clever design or something to that effect. It is inevitable I’ll find my drawers jammed with half used makeup long forgotten hiding in a dark corner.

A very good habit to get into is to do a routine cleaning of your makeup on a monthly basis. This ensures that:

• You don’t spend money on a product you forgot you had

• Bacteria does not accumulate and give you an eye infection upon discovery of that mascara you thought was okay and

• Ease of access.

It can be a chore but once done properly the rest is easy. Take an afternoon to clear out all your makeup drawers and take stock of everything, if you can’t remember the last time you’ve used something chances are it’s probably better to chuck it.

 This is especially true for products such as mascaras and liquid eyeliners; a good rule to follow is to replace them every 2-3 months.

Photo Credit: Marie Clarie

Liquid foundations are water based which is a welcome mat for bacteria to breed, if the bottle is brand new it will last for a few years but once used it’s a good idea to change out your foundations after a year.



Photo Credit: Google Image

Cream blushes should be replaced after a year and to prolong the life of any blush clean your brush on a regular basis and store your product in a dry dark place.

Photo Credit: Allure Makeup Ally



Liquid concealers should also be tossed after a year whereas powder or stick concealers may last up to two. 

Photo Credit: radicalcosmetics.com

Skin products containing sunscreen tend to expire so it’s best to be mindful of the dates given.



Photo Creidt: Beauty Arena



Lipstick and lip gloss fanatics should note that its best to replace a lip product after a year as repeated contact with the mouth area leads to bacteria spread, pouty lips yes, sores not so much!

What's In Our Bags?

I am borderline OCD when it comes to organization in my handbag. I hate HATE when people rummage through their purses trying to find change, a pen or gum. If time really was money I would have lost a small fortune just waiting for that lady in front of me to pay for her $10 salad. Some people like to carry their whole life inside a handbag (which may be sharing a bit too much of yourself) but I prefer the necessary everyday essentials that will help me make it through my day.

Elaina’s handbag essentials:

1. Gum – Just in case because you never know who you will meet!
2. iPhone – Okay so it doesn’t need to be an iphone…well okay maybe it does. It’s the people contactor, social media medium, music provider and good companion all packaged into one highly marketable pretty chuck of technology. I cannot be the only person who feels naked without her phone?!
3. Lipstick – Not only does it happen to complete my look of the day, but it also helps to keep my lips conditioned and looking oh-so-good.
4. Cash – because money can buy you pretty much all the materialistic things that your little heart desires
5. Pouches – They are wonderful little organizers that help you to not be that rummaging lady in line. They are affordable and comes in a variety of cute patterns, shapes and sizes; adding a bit more personality to your handbag.

I have big bag syndrome, somehow the phrase the bigger the better stuck with me in this case. I like to throw in everything I think I'll ever need ever so if by some freak accident I'm stranded I'll be prepared. New year new me I figure I should at least try to keep things super minimal so I only take the barest of necessities with me:

 

Margaret’s handbag essentials:

1. Phone – If I could only take one thing this would be it.
2. Kiehl's Lip Balm – Sadly one of the only lip balms I can safely use without risking balloon lips
3. Oil Blotting sheets – nNcely packaged with a mirror which is always handy
4. Gum – Because you never know
5. Roller ball perfume – I'm a big fan of the roller balls, it ensures that I don't over spray and it's perfectly sized to throw in a small bag
6. Hand cream – I'm slightly OCD when it comes to the cleanliness of my hands I despise the grimy feeling of unwashed hands on piano keys and cringe when I see others do it, unfortunately this means drier hands as a result of excessive washing so hand cream is a must

Tell us what are some of your handbag essentials?

 

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

With the onset of spring the need for organizing and cleaning suddenly grips me and I can’t for the life of me shake it off until some heavy duty cataloguing is done. There’s something very invigorating and renewing about putting up new shelves, and cutting down the unnecessary clutter that’s built up over the winter months. 

 

KEEP                    GIVE AWAY                TRASH

Nothing is more satisfying than clearing out old garments and shoes collecting dust in the back of the closet, but the fundamental question arises: what to do with the cast-offs? It seems a bit cruel to haul the bags to the dumpster as the garments were once loved and treasured. Now no longer needed it would be cold hearted to toss without a second’s thought. Thankfully there are many wonderful organizations in and around the lovely city of Vancouver that we can take our old wardrobes to. 

Photo Credit: Google Image

There are several large establishments such as the Salvation Army, big brothers and the like that are always accepting clothing donations for those in need. There are donation boxes all over the city that are conveniently located for you to make a quick drop off on the way to work or school. 

Apart from these there are also numerous smaller organizations that cater to specific needs such as the Cinderella Project, their main goal is to provide formal wear and dress shoes for underprivileged high school graduates who would others be unable to partake in the celebrations.

Another fun idea is to organize a swap meet with your friends and “shop” each other’s closet. Good company, clothes, and refreshments, why not make it an idea for the next girl’s night out.

Photo Credit: Google Image

The Cinderella Project
315 Mathers Avenue
West Vancouver, BC
V7S 1H2

The Salvation Army
2714 W Broadway
Vancouver

My Plus One

Top: UO 20 | Cardigan: Zara 20 | Jeans: F21 19 | Shoes: Zara 35

 

With birthdays comes the inevitable +1 to your age. Whatever I may actually be is not how I feel or live by, for instance shopping is of course a favorite pass time of mine (typical right?) but with age I tend to forget what I throw hang up into my closet. Those old lady moments lead me to the treat of shopping my closet.

Isn't it a wonderful thing when you rediscover something you love and it’s practically free? I mean at some point you paid good money for it, but it costs nothing to find again. I loved each of these pieces dearly when I picked them out, but with time and my ahem "senior moments," they have been sitting there, unfairly neglected over the last year or so. Since my love of fashion can beat down my magical plastic card, I've challenged myself to fall back in love with the same pieces.

Absence makes the heart fonder and love does grow with time, so while I cannot love them in the exact same way, who said love only comes once?

Walk-in to My Dream

Photo Credit: Google Images 

A closet can speak volumes about a person’s personality. Are they boring? Vibrant? Or bold? Taking a peek at what they buy or own would be difficult if the space looked like a tornado hit it. Closet organization saves me from the embarrassment of wearing mismatched socks, or being late because I can’t find the top that goes with that cute skirt. Since we might not meet a Mr.Big and be granted that magical shiny beautiful walk in closet that we of course all deserve, we need to look to different and heart breaking realistic ways to keep organized and have a closet that is functional yet pretty in its own way.

Inexpensive Ikea closet storage Solutions

1. Svajs, $2.99 set of 3
2. Komplement, $24.99
3. Garnityr, $16.99
4. Bumerang, $0.99 each
5. Komplement, $9.99
6. Brallis, $4.99 each