My Sephora Haul: Spring Edition

Hello, lovelies!

My most recent trip to Sephora involved restocking my makeup essentials. While I browsed, I added a few additional items to my cart. In today’s post, I’ll break down the products I restocked and the new additions to my makeup collection.

NEW ADDITIONS 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette 

This palette is a perfect combination of subtle earth-toned shades, sparkling rose-gold and matte black eyeshadows. I do not have a set of neutral mattes in my collection. Two initial shades drew me to this palette – a matte carbon-black and a rose gold with an iridescent finish. This palette will be an essential component of my spring makeup! I often do not wear neutral eyeshadow tones, but this will be a perfect place to start.

BareMinerals Matte Liquid Lipcolor Mini 

I received a sample of this liquid lipstick from BareMinerals. I always enjoy trying new lipstick formulas to determine how they compare to my favourites. This sample is in the shade Fire. This shade is a beautiful orange-red that is different from shades I typically wear.

RESTOCKED 

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner 

My beloved eyeliner lasted me a long time. I have worn the Tattoo Liner formula for the past two years, and knew I would return to this Kat Von D product once my eyeliner dried out. I restocked the eyeliner in the shade Trooper – a crisp, matte black. I actually did not realize my eyeliner was beginning to dry out until I tried the new pen. In comparison to the tube I’ve always used, the new one delivered a bold, crisp line.

What products have you recently purchased from Sephora? 

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Welcome to a New Season: How I Transition My Closet from Summer to Fall

Hello, lovelies!

I’ve been busy with my summer job winding down, blogging, and looking ahead to a new year of university. I’m slowly incorporating fall pieces into my wardrobe. While I type this, I’m also asking my boyfriend to collect a cardigan from my closet because I’m chilled again. Today I share insight into preparing your fall wardrobe, and my go-to advice!

RE-PURPOSE SUMMER CLOTHING TO GET MORE WEAR OUT OF THEM 

I wear certain clothing all year-round, I simply adapt the item for the specific season. I pair sundresses with leggings and a cardigan. Some items are not suitable for the fall season, but I find creative ways to re-purpose most items:

• I wear tank tops throughout the year, layering with blouses
• I pair my sundresses with a cardigan or leggings
• My favourite pair of Sketchers Go-Walk shoes are paired with tights or socks

INTRODUCE DARKER COLOURS 

My makeup and clothing both transition into fall. I incorporate darker colours into my clothing and makeup. I favour deep red lipstick to pair with blacks, greys, and burgundy. My clothing follows this pattern. I wear wine-colored cardigans, black leggings, and my dark boots throughout the season.

ADAPT MY FOOTWEAR

I wear my caramel-colored riding boots most of the season. These boots are closed-toe, warm, and waterproof. When I do wear my Sketchers, I pair them with tights or socks to keep my feet warm.

How do you transition your wardrobe into the fall?

 

4 Quick Tips to Help You Effectively Use a Daily Planner

Hello, lovelies!

Finding the right planner for you can take time. Picture this: After finding the perfect planner at your local stationary store, you stare at the blank pages, unsure of exactly where to start. Today I’ll share tips to help you use those pages!

1) Use a single planner, if possible 

It can be cumbersome to manage both a personal and work planner. Find a planner you can use to record business and personal tasks. This will streamline your tasks, due dates, and appointments. A bonus tip: It is a good idea to consistently check your planner to review the day ahead.

2) Create a list within your planner 

I make lists often. I list each task to be accomplished by the end of the day, and check them off as I complete them. I enjoy the motion of marking a check-mark next to my list during the day. It provides both a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

3) Slow down in order to speed up 

Set aside time each week to plan ahead. Inputing tasks and reminders for the week ahead offers you time to organize thoughts, de-stress, and provides a clear view of what you plan to accomplish. The act of physically writing out your to-dos is an effective tool for cognitive recognition.

4) Use a color-coding system 

My favourite method of colour-coding is using different pens or post-it notes. Use a different colour for each specific task you need to remember. For example, reserve a pink pen for exam dates, a blue pen for reminders, a red pen for appointments, etc.

Do you use a planner? If you do, is it an effective tool to keep you organized? 

6 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Cleaning Out Your Closet

Hello, lovelies!

Cleaning out your closet can be difficult. I cleaned out mine last week, and I’ll admit, it’s difficult to let go of that sparkly seath dress you wore once but hang onto just in case. Every few months, it’s a good idea to assess the items in your closet. As you scrutinize each item, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Will I wear this again?
2. Is it still in style?
3. Does it fit?
4. Have I worn it in the last 6-12 months?
5. How do I feel when I wear this?
6. Would I buy this is I were shopping right now?

If the anwser to any of these questions is no, then its time to say goodbye to those items. 

Are you unsure of how to let go of these items? You have a few options.

Option #1 – Donate 

Most cities have specific organizations that accept gently used clothes. Within Canada, the Canadian Diabetes Association offers dropbox locations to leave clothing you wish to donate.

Option #2 – Sell

Apps and websites make it easier than ever to sell clothes you no longer wear. Websites such as Tradsey let you sell clothing by uploading a photo and information about the item. Tradsey then computes the price the item will sell for on the website. 

Option #3 – Swap 

Host a clothing swap with friends and family. This is a fun way of finding new items and saying goodbye to old ones. 

5 Simple Style Tips for the Petite Girl That Will Make You Look Better Than Ever

Hello, lovelies!

A question for my fellow petite girls: Do you ever find that clothes just don’t fit your frame ‘right’? If you’re like me, you’ll know that finding clothes to fit a small frame isn’t a simple task. My 4’10 frame doesn’t take long sleeves, skirts, or dresses well. From experiencing years of ill-fitting clothes, I’ve put together a few tips to make shopping a better task.

TIP #1: Combine high and low pieces 

High-waisted items elongate the body. Combining a high-waist skirt and low v-neck top adds great dimension to an outfit. This combination accentuates your features. I have a dainty bone structure. I like to pair a high-waisted skirt and top with a deep neck to accentuate my collarbones.

TIP #2: Know where to shop 

Bookmark your favourite brands that design clothing specifically for smaller silhouettes. Stores with a Petite section include: H & M, Laura Canada, and TJ Maxx. These stores offer a wide variety of basics and trendier items. It’s always a good idea to try on items before you buy to determine the fit.

TIP #3: Avoid loose fitting clothes 

Tops or dresses with floated arms are gorgeous pieces. Items with excess fabric around the arms or waist will consume your look. If you favour a looser fit, define your waist with a small belt or piece of satin.

TIP #4: Elongate your legs

Pair tights with the same colour shoes to elongate your legs. (My favourite combination is pairing a black tight or legging with black shoes). A colour-combination gives the illusion of a longer legs.

 

Photography 101: 5 Tips to Help You Create the Perfect Flatlay

Hello, lovelies!

I shared general photography tips on the blog a while ago. In todays post, I focus on a specific technique – a flatlay. A flatlay is a photograph that showcases all items on a flat surface.

Good lighting is essential

If possible, it is best to take photos in natural light. If you can’t photograph in natural lighting, you should find an area that is well-lit and bright. The lighting of your photo will affect the brightness and colour. If you do not have adequate lighting, you can always increase the saturation/colouring when editing.

Take your time

Photography may take time and patience. Don’t feel rushed when taking a photo, especially a flat lay. It may need many shots to achieve the best one. Allow yourself the time to adjust and readjust as necessary to take the perfect shot.

Use a consistent colour palette 

Incorporate colours from the same gradient (e.g. pinks, yellows, or greyscale). This prevents images from appearing cluttered. Images will appear neat and tidy.

Dress it up and add texture

I like adding items with texture and colour along with the main item I am photographing. Adding elements like jewellery, a blanket, or a marble backdrop gives the photo dimension and texturizes it.

Create space between each object

Photographing multiple items in a flat lay is often difficult. Items easily cast shadows. Space your items apart to eliminate any shadows. A neat trick if you’re photographing items that roll (e.g. lipstick): Add a small piece of double-sided tape to the object and background to keep it in place.

What are your favourite photography tips?