style chain

Different Tone: Careers

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 04:48:00 +0000

Temporary change of tone for the blog. I'm too stressed about life choices to focus on a fashion blog right now. I'm not too sure how people do it.

This might end up as random ramblings, as it is almost midnight, but I figure I need to place my thoughts somewhere.

My issue right now, mainly, is career choice. Law is my ideal - but only for logical reasons, and seems currently impossible. To me, it seems like an easy choice, something I would be good at and could accomplish (although even the latter seems difficult right now - can't even get myself to study for the LSATs), as well as be relatively content with my life - money, security, mentally challenging job.

It also doesn't feel like enough.

I'm not into the "believe it and you can achieve it" or "follow your heart" business. It doesn't seem practical. But a part of me can't help but think of the possibilities I miss out on life because of my strategic thinking. I can't get out of my head the fact that I'd be happier being something like a buyer for a clothing company, but how does one achieve something like that? Isn't that passion improbable? Unattainable? Sure, some can reach their dreams, but some don't. I feel like in all the usual cliche speeches people seem to forget the increasing homeless rate, how many people live on welfare, or that the divorce rate is upwards of 40%. Is that cold? Or simply rational?

I suppose, when it comes down to it, following my dreams equals leaving my life. This city is too small for these aspirations. I'm just not sure I'm willing to make that sacrifice - leave my family, my love, my home. People complain too much about this city and don't seem to realize it's perfect.

There's also the problem that even my security blanket seems impossible right now (law). I'm not as smart as I once thought.

And these are the things that panic me at night so much that I need to write them down, for anyone to see. To know I'm not alone in all this, I suppose, or even for a little advice. I'm just so rushed to begin my life, I feel like I'm running out of time and making all the wrong choices in the meantime.

Ugh. Goodnight.

Zara online sale

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 17:07:00 +0000

Quick post (from my phone) to let you guys know Zara online is having a sale today! At least the Canada one is.

I personally bought the semi - push up jeans and the shopper bag (Celine look alike, anyone?).

Will try to update with pictures of my buys later, but unfortunately I doubt it - I'm currently in a summer class and then straight to work! The class is over in a week and a half, so hopefully I will get some pretty outfit snaps up soon. For now, go snatch up some Zara goodies before they are all sold out!

Picture from Zara.com/ca

MeandLex

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:35:00 +0000

A Pair and a Spare just posted a guest post by Me and Lex, and now all I can think of is, why am I studying for my LSAT's when I could be making badass necklaces? Why did I just find out about them?
I mean, really...

You can be certain I'll be keeping an eye out for unique gems to DIY.
Back to the books I go, sigh..

coachella style

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 04:07:00 +0000

I've been tied up with exams (last on Tuesday! woo), hence the lack of updates. I figured I would show you some of my coachella favorites in the meantime. All from vogue.com

March Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:15:00 +0000

All from my tumblr. Let me know if you know the real sources!

Zara online

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:58:00 +0000

It's my mother's birthday today! Yay!
In other news, Zara opened their online shopping today (look how quickly I change topics, haha).
I'm drooling. Already ordered two tops... Wish I could order it all. I was smart, and before even beginning to look, set my "filter" to $100, that way it only shows everything $100 and below.

I'm already regretting not getting so many, ugh... but I can't spend all of my money on clothes! Right?...

Definitely sad I have no where to go, these shoes would've been killer.

Perfect striped sweater, got it.

Regretting not getting this one.

And this one... Look at those sleeves!

Got this tee ;)

All in all, I'm so pleased with their collection. They have a ton of ethnic details, without it being over the top, and so easily wearable. I'm so glad they finally opened up their online shopping, as there is no Zara where I live, and I never travel. However, I can see how this site will quickly be my downfall. Not only are all the clothes amazing, the outfits on the website are amazing inspiration, and I can see myself flipping through without even the intent of shopping, and ending up buying things. I limited myself to only two items this time, as I have some stuff on the way from Urban Outfitters and I bought a new purse from Aldo as well.
Sorry I have not been uploading, school is keeping me quite busy, but hopefully in the summer my time will open up a bit.
Ps - for Canadians, free standard shipping for when you spend $50+! Which obviously, in Zara, you most likely will. Usually you have to spend $100 or even $150! (Wow can you tell how pumped I am about this site??!)

Tell me, have you guys checked out the Zara website yet?

All images from Zara.com.

February Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:25:00 +0000

A little edgier this month, maybe?

From my tumblr.
Would love to know the actual sources, if anyone knows :)

fur vest

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:31:00 +0000

Bought a fur vest. It was on sale for 20$, tax included! I know this is typical for most, but I'm a scaredy cat and live in a city that basically feels like a small town, so this is intense for me.
Just a quick Instagram snapshot :)

Spring 2013 Couture

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:29:00 +0000

My favourites (so far) seems to be anything flowy and ethereal-looking. Structure followed by waves and ruffles at the skirt are gorgeous too. Soft colors mixed with black, just as it was back then, continues to be my absolute favorite pairings. Ever. I can already see trends emerging, feminine shapes, intricate beading, and sheer without being chiffon (which, by the way, I'm incredibly sick of). At least, these are the trends I like and therefore am paying more attention to, haha!

Alexis Mabille

Giambattista Valli

Ulyana Sergeenko

All images from Style.com

Emerald Polish: The Color of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:32:00 +0000

Deborah Lippmann nailpolish, $16

Great for winter because of the dark undertones, awesome for summer because of the glitter and gorgeous blue-green. Won't clash with either silver or gold jewelry. Anything that reminds me of mermaids will always be a win for me!

birthday taupe

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:11:00 +0000

These are all new things I have not yet worn, saved up for my birthday. Skirt from a boutique in Winnipeg called Mad About Style (no idea where they bought it from), wedges from Aldo, clutch from Tobi.com. I wear wayyyyy too much black, so decided to use a different color for my main things (shoes, clutch) that still is "me", and the skirt is beautiful so I decided to get it... haha.
I'm only confused as to what to wear for a top - white body suit? It needs to be skin tight because the skirt is big on me, and so anything loose will just make me look larger than I really am. And who would want that for their birthday? Anyway, please let me know if you have any ideas of what I can wear as a top!

Some more details:

January Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:14:00 +0000

All from Tumblr. If you know any of the real sources, please let me know so I can add them!

Fast Fix: Last Minute New Year's Outfit

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 02:49:00 +0000

The holidays bring along a lot of stress, and honestly, thinking up of an outfit to wear out for New Year's (or any other event) is just too much sometimes. So, in another quick fix, I'm going to hopefully show you some fool-proof ways to dress up and enjoy your night!
And yes, this is only for ladies (or guys who dress like ladies) because I don`t have any fashionable male friends to help me out (although, really, nice tee, dark jeans, maybe a sport coat/blazer, you're done).

1. Sequins

The easiest way to open up the New Year. Whether it be a dress, shoes, or a skirt, it's easier to stick to one sequined item. Sure, sometimes people who are amazing at style can pull off a complete-sequin outfit, but this is the easy way out. This is for us busy bees and procrasinators.

2. Leather + Lace

Leather is always edgy and cool, and lace sophisticated. Bring them together, and it's a perfect way to countdown the year.

Nasty Gal

ASOS

3. Velvet

A holiday staple.

ASOS

Nasty Gal

4. Bling'd Out Accessories

Might as well!

New Look


New Look

5. Texture

If all else fails, add 1-4 together! Blinged out earrings, velvet litas, leather skirt, lace shirt and sequined blazer? Amazing.

Good luck, and happy New Year!

New Year's Posts!

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 05:12:00 +0000

From Pinterest.

Why this picture, you ask? It's sparkly and pretty = New Year's.

So another year is coming to a close. It seems time is quickly running out, but I also cannot wait for the next chapter in my life. I kind of constantly crave the future, outgrowing each phase of my life before the start of the new one.
New Year's post:
- fashion post: Last minute New Year's outfit how-to

On a slightly similar note, I have a theory on why time seems to go by quicker every year. You see, every year that passes is a smaller ratio of your life. For example, when you are 5 years old, one year is ONE FIFTH of your life. So of course one year seems like a long time, since it's such a large chunk of your time on Earth. Now, for me, one year is a nineteenth of my life. So clearly, as it is a smaller ratio (19:1), it seems like less time, and therefore passes "quicker".
Yay.

Much love,

"controlling" your weight

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 23:31:00 +0000

I've written this forever ago, and decided to finally post it today. I'd love some kind opinions/criticism, as well as insight. No images because really... who wants to be featured on such a post? I feel like that'd be just rude.
Happy holidays, guys! Sorry about the downer post but I feel it necessary before you tell your chunky niece this evening to "slow down" while she's eating the delicious Christmas Eve food.
----
I've been thinking about self esteem lately. About eating disorders, about the constant pressures from the media and society to be fake. Absolutely fake. Men are taught to believe the images in media are perfect women, and so young girls try to become this ideal. It's all fake. Photoshopped. Gravity and the elasticity of the human skin and fat will affect how you look in photos, real life, whatever. In media, it is all erased. Forever "perfect" to the eyes of society, but completely unrealistic in standards. (Side note - I feel photoshopping in magazines, other than to fix light issues, should be plain illegal. Let us see the real celebrities not these robots.)
It is so tempting in this day and age to not eat. To trick your body into thinking it can live without the energy food provides us, without anything food provides us. It's all such a lie. We convince ourselves strict diets are okay, even starvation for some, in the pursue of skinny. I've tried to convince myself of this. I'm sure most of us have. However my brain over analyzes this too much (thankfully), I mean, is it really worth it? The only reason I'd be "unhappy" with my body is because of how others see it. And really, who gives a shit? If you're in love and everything in your life falls into place, what does it matter how your weight is perceived by the outside world?
At least I can convince myself to the contrary, point out the obvious evidence of how I feel after a nice breakfast to when I don't eat until lunch. I can outsmart my temptation to starve. However, I've been thinking... The more this becomes part of our society, the more desensitized we are to it. Which makes me think of my future daughter/son (I'm talking future future here, kids. As in 5 years or so. Whatever.) and the world they will be born into. Seeing incorrect eating practices everywhere, fake photos everywhere, becoming used to several people around them having eating disorders. Thinking it is okay. I feel it will be harder for them to resist temptation, to outsmart the feeling. I'm scared for them. We have so much knowledge on global warming, I mean when people don't recycle it's seen as the worst sin... Then how are our ideas of eating so twisted? Why all the focus on how future generations are going to die, if their lives will feel like hell anyway?
I know this is controversial, but I would love to hear your thoughts. I think more than anything, I would never want my children to feel as I do after a giant dessert. But it seems inevitable they will.
Blah. Thoughts?

Instagram round up!

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:36:00 +0000

Unfortunately I've been a very busy girl, at least one exam every week since university began again. I am working on one post, but I'm not sure if I should make it public - it's very controversial (weight issues!) and myself ranting more than anything. What do you guys think, should I post it?
Also bought a couple of pieces from Nastygal, I can't wait for them to arrive!
Follow me on Instagram @mercedesayalaa

imPRESS Nail Review + Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 20:55:00 +0000

So my imPRESS nails fell off literally an hour after my last review. Only one fell off, but because all the other fake nails didn't fit that fingernail, no matter how many times I added a new nail on, it'd fall off minutes after. So disappointing. They look absolutely amazing on, but I feel like if you had an event or something, you'd need 2 packs just to make sure you wouldn't be left nail less. I will not be repurchasing.
Having said that, I do have the worst nails ever - picture proves it, so maybe yours will work.
I got Instagram! I literally got it yesterday so all there is is a picture of a bunch of greasy food my friend and I bought. However, outfit of the days will be on there often I think :) My Instagram (and twitter, while we're at it) is @mercedesayalaa. Give me a follow!
Xo,

Impress Nails Review - Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:04:00 +0000

So I just bought some Impress nails to review! I decided I'd do it day by day (or every couple of days or so, whenever there is some sort of change), so you know exactly how long they lasted and everything.
I'll start with some background: I have the smallest nails ever. My hands look like little kid hands, except for the fact that my fingers are slim. Having said that, all of the impress nails were way too long, and there is no way to cut them. While this makes my hands look mature and like they belong to someone my age (which is a plus haha) it is soo difficult to type or text. Incredibly difficult. Specially texting, because my finger pads (where your fingerprints are) are too large to click the tiny blackberry keys, and I can't do it very well without my nails. Hopefully this is something I'll get used to.
So here they are, imPRESS (yes the label shows it like this...) day one!

Color is called "Rated R"

Sorry about the webcam pictures but since this is hopefully going to be a daily/bi-daily review I'm not up for taking actual pictures, editing them, etc. and don't mind my hair because I also wasn't up for showering today either... I've had work 3 times (as well as university everyday) and 2 exams this week, give me a break.
Love you though.
xo
p.s. - anyone know any good self tanners? Apparently I should've gone outside more this summer...

quick outfit post

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Sorry about the lack of updates! I've been busy, to say the least. University is ridiculous, and I just got a new job! Starting on Thursday, need to write my resignation letter for my other job tonight. As well as type up 4 assignments... and study for my first exam tomorrow. All in a day's work.
The worst part about being so busy is that my outfits have been adorable and I haven't been able to snap them. Anyway, this is just something I wore to my friend's birthday. Tight black bodycon skirt from Sirens, soft peach knit from Aritzia, necklace from Forever21. Looks super cute on, not so much on my bed but whatever...
I'll try to take some pictures next week. This week I won't for sure, I'm crazy busy (2 exams, work 3 days, assignment and daily readings to do).
How are your first few days back? Or your jobs? Or your time off, if you're lucky as hell?
xo

Organized Closet Tour!

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Closet/drawers/clothes aha. Everything is (mostly) organized, and I took pictures so you guys can see :) Basically the finished product of my wardrobe fix post!
Also keep in mind some stuff is in the laundry right now haha.

Drawers

These are my t-shirts! A brand new one from a little boutique in Kenora, Ontario, 3 Gap shirts, a Dynamite shirt, a Gap shirt, and a Forever21 shirt.

Okay I haven't cleaned this one out :) It's my tank tops! The Corona one is my friends'. I did look through this and threw out a bunch, I just didn't fold it nice yet.

My pants and leggings! 2 Jeans from American Eagle, cargo skinnies from Urban Behaviour, Gap jeans, leggings x 4. Not shown: American Eagle jeans (dark indigo), black American Eagle jeans, new leather leggings from ASOS (which I accidentally got 2 sizes too small... but I refuse to return them and end up without them. They are beautiful, I will wear them on the days I only have 2 hours of classes so I don't cut off my circulation hah).

Who wears short-shorts? ;) Out of the Blue crochet shorts, Gap workout shorts, Lulu Lemon workout shots, Costa Blanca beige shorts, jean shorts from American Eagle/cut from American Eagle jeans, DIY acid wash and studded shorts.

Closet

Things that need to be hung up in my closet! Haven't totally organized this but again, looked through it to throw out the old stuff. This is also only a part of it, the other bit is behind the mirror/door.
Coats, work clothes, blouses, silk tank tops, dresses, skirts.

Shelf

Now to start with my new white shelf from Jysk (which I assembled myself - just saying). My jewelery. Rings on top of box, necklaces under, bracelets in gold circle box.

My makeup and nail polishes. The open box is my "everyday", most used make up.

Last two shelves are sweaters/pullovers (again, some in the laundry) that will get stretched if hung up, camera, a drawer system for hair stuff/lotions/etc., and all my black heels. Other heels and shoes are downstairs.

The only thing I have left is cardigans/winter sweaters/hoodies... those are on the floor because I'm lazy, but they'll go in a hanging shelf unit in the closet.
This has probably been the most organized I've ever had my room! (I'm kind of a giant mess.)
I'd love to know any organizing ideas you guys have had :)

IFB Links a la Mode

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:15:00 +0000

Summer Lovin’ Fades to Fall

Edited by: Jess of Fresh Jess With IFBcon, Fashion’s Night Out and NYFW kicking off next week, it’s clear the first signs of fall in the air. The mornings and nights are a little crisper, and the shelves are stocked with September issues. This week’s Links a la Mode shows a wide range of emotions about the transition to fall. While some are welcoming the season with open arms, others are squeezing every little bit out of their summer wardrobe. The conversation around body image is still strong, as well as that over copyright and content ownership. We have all that and more in this week’s roundup, and next week at IFBcon! Hope to see you all there.

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: AUGUST 30TH

Anthony & Elle: 60s Inspiration for Fall
Best of Bklyn: Men’s Essentials: A Timeless Collection
Can You Come Home?: How to Faux Bois Your Life
Elembee: Better Together
Just Pandipippo: DIY Rainbow Tie-Dye Shorts
Laura Valuta: Give Me Back Summer
Lush to Blush: Transition From Summer to Fall with Ease
Ma Dernière Addiction: Coral Me Happy
Marie Lle: Copyright 101
Mes Belle Amis: Pleat It
Moi Minnie: Shredded
My Vintage Curves: Turn Up Your Trousers
Pretty Ugly: Bringing Sexy Back
Second Hand Couture: DIY Hairbows
Style Chain: Wardrobe Fix
The Closet Coach: Sample Sale Sites Decoded
The Curvy Elle: Fashion Trends for Plus Size: Bodycon
The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe: Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Leopard D&G Bikini
Thank Fifi: Blending in Khaki
Travelling Fashion: Leopard Print: My New Neutral

SPONSOR: Shopbop : Koral, Ete, Vince, Costume National, Auden, APC, Max Kibardin, Clu, Acquaverde, Smythe & True Royal If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode widget on the right side of the blog, and will be published later today. ~ Jennine

Wardrobe Fix :)

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 05:24:00 +0000

Lovely Clusters

Many people have done a wardrobe up haul (like a pair & a spare), but none of them seemed to fit with me. (Although each one will have some similarities - mainly throw out the bad stuff, and quality over quantity.) I'm too finicky to have my style figured out, too moody to select just a few ways to dress. The way I decided to finally put an end to my panicked closet was to do a giant toss-out of all my unused clothes, no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise. I needed to fix my wardrobe to feel better, happier, in my clothes, so I did just that!

I don't want to call them rules... guidelines? Change as needed.

Guidelines:

1. Throw out everything you don't wear. Seriously, everything.
- I ended up with a giant black garbage bag, unable to tie up, it was so full. Threw out 3 purses, 5 scarves, 2 pairs of jeans, countless shirts/tank tops, etc etc.
- If you're not happy with it on, throw it out. Even if it's one of your "go-to" outfits. I mean, I kept a misshapen tank top for forever, simply because I liked the idea of it, even though it made me look chunky and showed my bra wayyy too much to ever wear without a sweater. It was unflattering and inconvenient, and I wore it ALL THE TIME. Best way to stop, and consistently wear cute outfits? Throw out the crap.
2. Reorganize your closet/drawers.
3. Keep trends in mind, but lasting trends.
- For the more "right now" trends, do with cheap costume accessories and DIY's. (i.e., neon... really, am I going to wear a bright neon top in a year? No, it was cute for a season and in a bit it'll be unbelievably tacky again.)
- For trends that will continue to be either in style or unable to go "bad", buy actual clothes. (i.e., burgundy. Totally trendy this fall, but honestly, when has burgundy ever been seen as an ugly thing to wear?)
4. Buy quality basics.
- From experience. I'd rather buy a $40 dollar white tee from Gap than a $10 white tee from Forever21. The shape from the Gap shirt will keep, and for the most part they won't be as sheer, so you don't need to layer a million things to just wear a white tee.
5. Buy flattering clothes.
- As cute as that skirt might be, if it makes your hips look huge, you won't be happy while wearing it. We can't all wear every style and trend, accept it and move on. (I'm a tough-love kind of girl.)
6. Maintenance.
- It'll be so hard to not fall into the trap of buying lots of crap again! Try your best, and don't give up.
- Try not to buy online unless you really, really found a one of a kind piece or something. It's hard to tell quality, fit, etc. when the garment isn't in front of you. Plus, let's be honest... how many of you actually end up paying to return an item you disliked? I never do.

I've learned a lot about my style from doing this, actually. I love neutrals, blacks, peaches, tans, greys, etc etc. The one color I always do buy is red. Not bright red, mind you, but crimson, burgundy, purpley-reds, things like that. The only other color I have is one single blue top, haha.
I've also learned that the easiest way for me to edge up an outfit is to accessorize well. If I over do it on the clothes, and then add accessories, it doesn't look right.
Next post will be my finally organized closet and drawers! Eeek :)

FastFix Jewelry Repair - Repair Tarnished Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Rings from Spring, about 2 years ago.

Hello! I'm back from my vacation, although I will not be doing a post on it. The weather sucked all but one day, so we took no pictures! Just one of me eating Corn Pops (I was obsessed).

Anyway! This is just a quick fix for tarnished jewelry. By this I mean costume jewelry, like Forever21 or something. (Cheap, basically). You know how the golds always at one point turn bronze? I hate that. So, I used gold nailpolish over it! Worked like a charm. Here is an example, with the painted gold ring next to the other tarnished ring that was from the same pack.

Same as above.

Anyway! Easy-peasy! I also bought metallic spray paint, because I bought a silver bracelet and I wanted it gold. That worked perfectly as well, but I figure nailpolish is an easier fix.

My wardrobe fix has been working marvelously as well! Next post should be my finished pieces. I already have a big, black garbage bag full of stuff to give away.
Until next time, xo

how to pack for a vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:47:00 +0000

Camping, in my case.
Basically, I'm going camping tomorrow morning! I will be going for a week, including a little shopping trip to a town 15 minutes from the campsite with the cutest boutiques. So, the plan to fix my wardrobe will be on hold until after this week, when I have completed my back to school shopping. (Although I am focusing on neutrals, and quality clothes - nothing cheap and too trendy. Trying to build a strong wardrobe with great fits that will last!)
On with the post!
When going on vacation, it's important to understand the climate of where you are going. For example, yes it is going to be hot as heck during the day while I'm camping, but it is known to have severe thunderstorms and the nights, no matter how amazing the days, are always freezing cold.
Most important tip I will ever give you: bring socks. No matter where you are going. It sucks, absolutely sucks, when your toes are cold and you have no socks. Don't be overconfident about the weather, bring socks.
Anyway, onto what I actually packed.

Face/Hygiene/Body

Pony tails, 2 soaps (sample sizes), face blotting tissues, container with face lotion (Clinique's dramatic moisturizing lotion), container with toner (The Body Shop combination skin toner), SPF for face (sample size), toothbrush, face wash.

Live Clean fresh water Shampoo + 2 conditioners, Palmer's Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks, Crest toothpaste.

Not listed: bandaids (I'm a clutz..), contact lenses, contact solution, glasses, pads/tampons (just in case!), razor, tweezers, any medicine you might need, lip chap.
If you're going out for dinners or want to throw on a little makeup, I'd go with a nice BB cream, eye liner, mascara, and tinted lip balm. You really don't need more on vacation!
So far pretty self explanatory.

Clothes

For the clothes, I kept it really simple. I am only going with my boyfriend and his best friend, so I'm not too concerned about my style haha.
I packed 3 shorts, 5 shirts (3 tanks, 1 tee and 1 three quarter length sleeve). Not shown: all my underwear and bras, sweats, 2 hoodies, shirts to sleep in, walking shoes, cute sandals, favourite necklace + ring. If I was going somewhere more tropical or with more girls, I'd bring a dress or two.

Beach

I am bringing 3 bathing suits! The left is from Victoria's Secret, the right is from New Look (top) and Walmart (bottoms). Other bathing suit not shown. Also bring towels! :) I am buying 3 magazines once the September issues are out (they're not out here yet.. I've been checking the past 3 days in a row). I think I'm getting Vogue, Marie Claire and Cosmo.

A good read and cute sunnies are always a must when laying on the beach. Kitten isn't coming with, unfortunately.
(Ps- I got those sunglasses from Garage for a dollar. And it was their 20% off day. Yup, got me some cute sunglasses for 80 cents!)
I also have this water spray fan that is both, well, a fan, and a water gun. Aka heaven for people like me who hate sitting out in the blistering heat. The boy always makes fun of it, until it is disgustingly hot and he asks to borrow it... hah.

Have a great week! I have 4 posts coming up: how to fix tarnished gold costume jewelery, pictures from my trip, a back to school shopping haul, and my wardrobe fix plan!
xo

what is fashion?

noreply@blogger.com (Mercedes) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 21:55:00 +0000


Photo via Dear Diary

I've been spending the past few weeks in a bit of a clothing daze, you could say. My closet packed to the rim with clothes that don't fit the style I am trying to emulate, or that are unflattering for my body, but I love them so I wear them anyway. It got me thinking (I'll admit, in a half-asleep panic last night) about what fashion is, and if I am properly achieving it the way I'd like to.

Photo via The Londoner

Most people would say fashion is an art form, a creative outlet like painting or writing. I have to say I partially disagree. Fashion is much more than that, it is the first impression, it is your posture, confidence, how comfortable you feel within yourself and your dress. It is a constant outward reaction to the world around you. You can fall in love with so many different style icons not because of their clothes (although that is part of it) but because of how they wear them. By this, I mean their stance. A girl could be wearing a white tee shirt and jeans, and it could look more stylish than an expensive, designer ball gown. Style is not the label or the trends, style is eternal. A good fashion sense comes from understanding what fits you best, by not getting caught up in trends that don't suit you, and by not restricting yourself to one particular style. When you so forcefully try to look a certain way, it becomes obvious you are trying too hard. It screams, "I'm uncomfortable!", it contradicts your efforts to look good and, well, fashionable.
You can be wearing nothing at all and look more stylish then someone who is head to toe in designers.

Photo via AFTERDRK

(Oh, and never underestimate a little black dress.)

This 'epiphany' of sorts will hopefully guide me in the right direction, fashion-wise. I'll update with a plan (everyone needs a plan, Stan!) very soon. Hopefully.
In other news, my vacation starts in a week and a half! Will do a travel post :) Sorry if this post had a bit of circular logic, I originally wrote it at 7am after a four hour sleep.. and now I want to nap and not worry about editing hehe.
xox