Well That Was Easy

 

  

The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry…and it happens quite often! So for those multitudinous minor disasters here are a few fixes:

 

There have been many a time when I’ve planned out the outfit right down the accessories (in my mind…) but when I go to put it all together I discover that my bag has a unsightly mystery stain or my jeans have a rip I never noticed (and of course it would be my favorite pair). What is a girl to do?!

 

 

Luckily there are many ways to fix up what may seem like a disaster! Fabric stores and craft stores are excellent places to be acquainted with. Rather than tossing out those ripped jeans you can pick out a lacy fabric or whatever suits your fancy and sew it on underneath, this makes for a nice little twist and now makes your jeans one of a kind. Another fun reason to be familiar with your local craft stores is DIY nails, instead of hunting around for templates you can reuse craft scissors to cut fun patterns out of scotch tape to use as a guide instead.

 

 

All Photo Credit: Google Images

 

Most shoe repair shops offer handbag repairs such as a broken strap and such so it’s never a bad idea to take note of the services your cobbler offers the next time you take in your boots to be re-heeled. There are also places to go to that will clean up and restore you beloved bag to brand spanking new close if not looking like the day you first bought it.

For my fellow Vancouverites a good place to check out is Breeze Bag and Shoe Cleaner 8766 McKim Way Ste 1304 in Richmond another great place is Leslie’s Luggage and Handbag Repair 185 Broadway W in Vancouver.
 

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.



Playing Dress Up

Top: Zara 10 | Skirt: Vintage | Belt: Vintage | Necklace: Wilson’s Leather 12| Handbag: Aldo 35 | Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria 65|

 As a girl who started making handmade clothing for her Barbie doll at the age of 8, playing dress up was also an essential stage in life. My mother’s closet walk in is the perfect place to borrow true vintage pieces; ones that were on trend when she was “my age”. Of course, these well-loved pieces need to be mixed with new pieces to bring them up to date since trends are brought back but they are never exactly the same. We ditch the boxy man-shoulder pads that were ever so horribly popular back in the days, but we keep the fine fabrics, classics and the sturdy leather goods. 

Top: Zara 15 | Skirt: DVF Vintage | Necklace: Aldo 20 | Clutch: Vintage |Shoes: Dolce Vita 65|

We need to know which pieces are worth taking a second chance and which ones can finally retire or be loved by someone else.

Blazer: H&M 20 | Top: UO 20 | Pants: Vintage | Bangles: F21 10 | Shoes: Aldo 40 |

Top: Vintage | Pants: Zara 25 | Clutch: Vintage | Necklace: F21 10 | Shoes: BCBGMaxAzria 65|

Top: F21 18| Skirt: Vintage | Belt: Club Monaco 17| Necklace: F21 10| Purse: BCBGMaxAzria 108| Shoes: Zara 35|

What kind of treasures have you found or been pasted down to you?

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!

The One that Got Away

Taking a moment to get real personal here, but I want to share the sad story about a decision that I once made and regret terribly each passing day. Since we have parted ways, I’ve decided that the best way for me to heal is to talk openly about the situation and hope that you will learn a thing or two from me.

 I once laid eyes on and fell in love with a classy and versatile piece. It was a black on white striped cardigan sweater, which I had found on sale for $10! Being that it was pretty much a steal made it even harder to not feel that regret everyday…I rushed into some spring cleaning one day and made the awful mistake of donating it. Now I can’t really explain why, (I even paused due to some indecisiveness), I’m sure it pleaded and begged for me to rethink and keep it in my life, but I was stubborn and walked away.  I did not see all that potential in a well-made, well fitted and classic piece.

Cardigan: H&M 20

Now it is too late to go back with my tail between my legs and beg for it to come back into my life. But like all stories, there is a brighter side; recently I have found a (replacement) white on black striped cardigan that I have grown fond of and cherish in all the ways that I should. It has quickly become an essential piece to my wardrobe and snuck its way into my heart.

So learn a lesson from me, donating pieces from your wardrobe is never a bad idea but if you find yourself thorn and indecisive; go with your gut instincts and know that you are not ready to part ways. Not a day goes by without regret, but time maybe the only thing that will heal my wounded heart.