how to; manage your time

song of the day: one day like this, elbow

hello there! it feels like i've been MIA today, i've got so many blogs to catch up on, comments to leave. i hope september is treating you well. mine has been, in a word, hectic. and it's looking like it's only going to get worse...

i write these for me as much as i write them for you, as i hung up the phone the other day i realized i'd taken on another commitment without even realizing it. then i went to jot down all i've taken on from september to december and i may have started hyperventilating a bit. here's what i've signed up to do:

• school, of course. i spend 14 hours a week in classes,
• not including travel time, idle time or homework
• work 10 hours a week at the party place
• be the fundraising co-ordinator for my friends' theatre company
• helping with the editing/publishing of two books
• sing on a worship team every other sunday
• lead vocal sectionals every other week
• assist with a youth choir
• lead worship for our jr. high and high school youth groups
• not to mention, i'll be taking part of my own youth group
• i may be leading a small group this year
• and possibly joining a dance troup?
• and keeping up this blog!

i calculated. with a schedule like that i'll be at my church/doing church things for a total of 16 (unpaid) hours a week. and it's not that i have a problem with that, i LOVE what i do. but do i have time for it all? (show the progress on my list, how helping mary doesn't take much time, etc) so i scoured the interwebs for some helpful tips on how to manage your time and get everything done.

» make to-do lists. but it's more than just making lists, prioritize them! i tend to go overboard and write things like "do laundry" or "paint nails" that yes, are essential, but only add clutter to an already busy list. only write down the stuff you really need to do. if i organize things by the time in which they need to be accomplished i'll be much better off.

» put the tough stuff near the top. get the yucky stuff out of the way, i've found that putting it off just makes it worse.

» break things down into manageable tasks. seeing "TERM PAPER" at the top of your list can seem daunting, break things into smaller steps and tick them off as you go.

»multitask. but do it the right way! organize things into types of tasks and work on them all that way

»make use of idle time. on your commute, waiting in lines or in waiting rooms, idle time between classes. making use of those little blocks of time can really add up. regardless of how crowded the bus is, i'm always that girl taking up the extra room with a textbook spread out across her lap. love me, hate me. whatever gets the job done, i say.

»cut down on distractions. turn off the tv. put your phone on silent and only have on application going at a time. i certainly plan to start doing that last one. i'm guilty of opening multiple applications when i boot up my computer and leaving them there till i'm done. i swear, internet tabbing is the best thing that ever happened to me. i'll be working on my paper and when i get stuck, i'll quickly refresh facebook for some inpsiration. i'd be doing myself a favour if i let the word app be the only thing keeping my attention.

»set timers. if you've given yourself 20 minutes to dawdle/facebook stalk, set your phone alarm or osmething so you know when that task is supposed to be done. i usually take tv show breaks, and as soon as that shows over, i know it's back to work.

but don't forget...

...to give yourself breaks. i think it's good to unwind a little, to have something to look forward too. make them a part of your schedule, and make sure you take them.

...to be flexible. there are some people who think that rigid scheduling is the way to get everything done, but i prefer to just make a really organized list, that way it's not such a big deal if something comes up and changes things. i think in life you gotta go with the flow!

...it's okay to say no. so here's some advice i need to follow. it's like "no" isn't even in my vocabularly! but i guess letting people down after you've said you'd do something is just as bad as not doing it in the first place.

...to stop and look back on what you've accomplished. take time to check those items off your lists and survey your good work. it'll fuel you to do more.

anyway, i'm off again! have a happy thursday!
lovelovelove
-B.

clock pic from here.

how to; create a lookbook

song of the day: natural woman, aretha franklin

in the fashion world, a lookbook is almost like a catalogue, meant to show off a product line. but you can create your own to track your own personal style. you can catalog it in hard copy (a 3-ring binder works best) or online (using a program like evernote). if you've been reading this blog, i'm sure you've heard me mention lookbooks before. i keep all my style ideas on my computer cause that works best for me. it's a complete mishmash of things, but i love it.

here are a few good things to keep in a lookbook.

your aesthetic affirmation: let the very defintion of your style set the tone of your book.
your inspiration: clip pictures of inspiration from ANYWHERE you can find it. it doesn't even necessarily have to be pictures of people in clothes. check my random list of inspiration from the other day.
your style muses: it's a good idea to keep track of the celebrity looks that inspire you. and not just clothes, hair and makeup ideas as well. when you've got the pictures all set out, look at what the pictures have in common and try to emulate it.
your own pictures: one those days where you think "man i look good" snap a picture to remember it for later. then look for trends, note what works.
your own outfit ideas: anytime a new wardrobe combo comes to you, jot it down for later! i always have outfit ideas scrawled in the margins of my homework. (just don't write it on the back of a test, those take a while to get back.)

and it doesn't have to be all pictures either. copy and paste your how tos and things. but really, organize it any way you want. the idea is that you have a place to keep everything straight and so it's easier for you to get dressed in the morning. i've found that, having a place to keep my ideas and things has cut my morning prep time in half.

that's all! have a happy weekend!
lovelovelove.
-B.

photo from here.

how to; find your power colour

(song of the day: TBD)

morning! something stuck out to me about indiana's amazing interview from the other day. she said that "yellow" is her power colour and that got me thinking, what's mine? today i'm going to try and find it. it seems that colours are mostly grouped into warm and cool.

you're probably a warm complexion if: dark brown, black, deep red, reddish or golden brown hair; brown or green eyes; olive, beige, golden skin (or skin which tans easily).

and you'll look best in: red (with warm undertones such as tomato red), peach, orange, golden yellow, golden brown, olive green with gold jewelry.

you're probably a cool complexion if: blonde, light to medium brown hair; light green, hazel, or blue eyes, fair or pale skin (or skin that burns easily)

and you'll look best in: red (with blue undertones such as cherry red) pink, blue, teal, turquoise, purple, mint green with silver jewelry.

these aren't hard and steady rules. it's best if you go test it out for yourself. stand in front of your mirror in a well lit place and hold up your first test colour. take note of a few things. does it flatten your appearance? does it make dark areas on your face stand out even more? does it make you look tired? does it stand out more than you? then it's probably a colour you want to avoid.

but it's definitely working for you if it shows off your eyes, lifts your complexion, or gives you a radiant glow.

but, as i've always said, i think FEELING good as just as important as looking it. go with your gut! cause i mean, if i had to choose? i'd say white is my power colour. i think half the fun of wearing it is knowing i have to carry myself better so i won't spill on it. you're going to need to keep your power colour in mind when you're (back to school) shopping. what's your power colour? any other tips on how to find one?

just a quick update here...

• my budget is coming along okay. my family has been VERY unsupportive in my latest endevaor as they are taking me on a three-day shopping trip this weekend. what i've done, is paid off as much as my VISA as i can and compiled a list of the 5 things i actually NEED. and that's all i'll be allowed to buy. wish me luck with this one, cause you know how i get around Forever21/Delia's.
  
  
• everything will be back to schedule on monday! as i am a student, "back to school" issues, fashion/beauty and other wise, will be the focus in the next two weeks. i hope that's okay! it'll include things like school-year resolutions, redefining your sense of style, better ways to get things done, and my favourite picks for new tv shows. hopefully there'll be something for everyone. if there's anything you'd like to see let me know! and for those of you in the same boat, i'd love to answer your BTS questions/queries. leave it in a comment or email your question to sunshower.style@gmail.com!
  

i've got to get packing. see you monday!
B.

how to; bright lips

happy friday! i hope you're having a good day. i know i wrote about it last week, but i still found myself falling into the mindset that august is "just the month until school starts." and don't get me wrong, i'm excited about school! but i keep finding myself kind of just waiitng in stasis, for september. so i'm making it my goal to do something exciting with the next two (or so) weeks. here are 3 of my favourite summer things to do.

1. go outside. nothing says summer more than hopping outside. i'm out there whenever i can. it's been raining alot, so heading outside has become even more exciting. i tend to do a lot of my internship work out on my back porch before it gets too warm.

2. summer is also the perfect time to save on summer clothes! stores are busy trying to clear out summer stock to get ready for fall. pick up tanks and tees on the cheap! and then come up with places to where them!

3. experiment with a new look. i've been doing this a little lately. i'm thinking in the next couple of weeks i'm going to go over my style affirmation for the next year. i'll post that up later. but ahh! there i go! thinking about the fall again! here's an idea!

summer is an awesome time to rock your bright makeup. i do have to watch out cause superbright ones can seem to harsh on dark skin tones. (i tend to wear only deep reds and berry shades) but i have a new favourite! my go-to for bold lips is cool watermelon from maybelline. it's not TOO bright? and it's also got spf 15. you really need to find a bright that works for you.

and there are a few tricks to making bright lips stay all day long. first? exfoliate. then, dab on a nongreasy lip balm ten to twenty minutes before applying the colour. blot the balm, and take your time applying the colour carefully. finally, dust lightly with a translucent powder and you should be good to go! excuse the mussy hair, but that pick's of me at the end of the day! still looking bright! that's all for now!

-xoxo
B.

how to; prevent makeup meltdown

(song of the day: mansard roof, vampire weekend)

as the weather warms up, makeup melts off. but not this summer! here are a bunch of tips and tricks for getting makeup that lasts. my most important suggestion is to try and wear as little makeup as possible, but should you feel you have to here are some suggestions.

before leaving the house...

start with a clean, fresh face. lately i've been using (and loving) olay dual action cleanser and pore scrub. but i've heard the exfoliants can be harsh for some. i like the way my skin feels offer, deep cleaned and dry, ready for makeup. if that's not your cup of tea you can also try a mattifiying cream, pore minimizer or a favourite of yours that absorbs oil.

skin: all i keep hearing when it comes to summer makeup that lasts is tinted moisturizer. and i mean that's great and all when you can find one that actually matches your skin tone. i have been unable to find one dark enough for me under $30. (if you have any suggestions let me know!) but when you find your oil-free tinted moisturizer of choice, apply with a damp sponge in short outward strokes.

for me, all i really need for cool dewy sking is a moisturizer with SPF. when applying, don't forget your neck, hairline and the tops of your ears! clean up problem spots with a few dashes of concealer.

eyes: makeup is more likely to melt when it contains emollients. i remember reading this interview from bobbi brown and she suggested you avoid overly creamy products. she preferred powder blushes and eye shadows becaues they are less likely to run. mineral makeup is good too.

aim to use neutral colours because they are less likely to show should they melt/run. skips the eye liner, most usually smudge. if you can find a waterproof eyeliner, avoid dark colours because they create dark circles around your eyes should they run. keep liner to the top lid. if you haven't already, trade in your favourite mascara for a waterproof version. but beware, even waterproof shades can melt if you use to use, try one thin coat.

lips: lip glosses can turn your lips into a slip and slide, and they also intensify your lips reception to the sun and can increase your chances of burning there (what an odd thing to say). lipstains don't melt off like other glosses do. if you don't want to splurge on new lip wear, you can transform any lipstick into a stain. you'll want to use a bright shade, the pigments are richer and better at tinting lips. apply two swipes, wait ten minutes and gently tissue off the top layer.

cheeks: again i recommend a stain, instead of applying directly use your fingers to get a more natural look. if you choose a bronzed colour (as opposed to a pink or rose), use it to give the look of a sun-kissed glow all around: smooth it across the bridge of your nose and on the high points of your cheekbones.

and then, i recommend finishing up with a transparent finishing powder. (maybelline has a nice one!)

when you're out...

it might not be a bad idea to carry blotting paper on you. i've never used them myself but the idea seems simple enough. press the sheet up against your face, there's no need to wipe. and if you can't get your hands on thatm try using a large white tissue to blot at your hairline eyes, coerners of the nose, lips, chin and jawline and attempt to suck up oil and smudges.

if your eye shadow has creased, close your eyelid and press your finger against it to smooth the remaining shadow and wipe away liner and mascara. wipe your lips clean and add a wash of balm or gloss to freshen up.

i think that's it for me. how do you beat the heat? drop me a comment!

-lovelovelove.

photos from here and here.

current obession; weddings (part 2)

about face.

today i'm covering hair and makeup. if you're rolling in money you can always solve the problem by booking a hair or makeup appointment and i will envy you from a far. i had always thought that wedding makeup had to be outdone on complicated but almost everything i read suggested the exact opposite. apparently, the thing to do is to find a fresh, but natural look that highlights the best possible you. especially for summer occasions, sheer and simple looks are the best. in weddings, it's better to look timeless as opposed to trendy.

my first tip? have a test run a few days before. there's nothing fun about running late to a wedding with makeup and hair that you hate. you can make sure you have any thing to need and it won't be too late to incorporate new ideas. you never know where you'll find inspiration, magazines, celebrities, blogs ;) but you never want to try something new the day of.

you have to consider makeup that'll last for the whole day and that will look good in pictures. having a good foundation and concealer are key. it always seems that the tiniest imperfections get amplified in pictures. pick one that matches your skin tone exactly. you also might wanted to choose one that won't get cakey by the end of the day (again, a test run here would be helpful)

a few last makeup notes: avoid matching your makeup to your dress and go with what brings out your facial feautres! in your purse the day of the wedding i suggest carrying oil-absorbing sheets and lip gloss for touchups. lovely!

now as for hair...

take note of the dress code. with formal attire updos are the norm, but you can keep things more simple if you're headed to a daytime wedding. don't go with an updo or curls just because it's the thing to do, choose a hairstyle that compliments your face! round faces should go for volume and height, square faces are flattered by layered, wispy, romantic looks. heart-shaped faces do well with sweep of hair across the brow and oval faces generally look good with anything. do a little googling/experimenting.

the immensely tight bun look is on its way out right now. opt for a cute bedhead bun and accesorize with a sparkly pin, fresh flower or headband. or a cute look like the one in the video. i can see offsetting something like that with some nice dnagly
earrings, coulnd't you?



but don't over do it. after all, all the real attentions supposed to be on the bride ;) and if all else fails, remember that a smile is your best accesory!

-xoxo.

p.s. karen over at the makeup and beauty blog rounded up 101 bridal makeup tutorials for your perousal. even though they're aimed at brides there's plenty of good stuff. tons of videos and tutorials. go nuts!

current obession; weddings (part 1)

dress the part.

so this week there'll be a bit of a focus on weddings. i certainly hope i'm not the only one going to a wedding in the near future, it feels like wedding season is fully underway so i hope these next few posts are useful to you. gosh! there's so much i want to say, but i'm picking out the good stuff.

today i'm covering what to wear. the first key to that is figuring out what kind of attire is required. a couple weeks ago when i announced this series i pointed out a post from fabulously broke that was a pretty good guide for proper attire. you can use the time and place of the wedding as an indicator. afternoon weddings are usually not black tie affairs. even when an invitation says casual jeans are not reccomended. go business casual to be safe. black tie: requires your dressiest look. most weddings fall somwhere in between check FB's cheat sheet for more.

it doesn't really matter if your dress is this or that colour (though i'd say avoiding white at all costs is a pretty safe rule) or is this or that trend. the most important thing is fit! any dress that you have to be stuck in all day (sitting, standing, dancing, taking pictures etc) NEEDS to be comfortable no?

first tip? buy a dress that fits you, regardless of what the tag inside says. if you ask me, the sizing system for women is retarded anyway. if a size 10 makes you LOOK better buy it! even if you're usually a size 4, just cut the tag out to make yourself feel better.

second. know your body and dress accordingly. (i'm talking things like wearing empire-waist dresses if you have a shorter torso, off the shoulder cuts and halter necks diffuse broad shoulders) a dress that fits is instantly flattering!

when buying a dress you always want to consider versatility. formal wear isn't cheap. but i've got no trouble forking over more change for a dress i'll be able to wear more than once. my prom dress, gorgeous pink, bowed contraption that it is, sits alone in my closet. while girls who bought black dresses are free to wear them over and over again.

so the rule of thumb? the simpler the lines of the dress, the more you'll be able to make it look different. considering accesorizing with a belt, ribbon, shrug, broach, statement necklace, or scarf. if you're going to an outdoor wedding try working a floral broach. the real flower will look amazing! and of course changing your hair and makeup around (more on that later this week!) and of course, get it in a colour you love! one that flatters you, and one you'll love to wear over and over again. summer weddings are the perfect time to embrace warmer colours, if that's what you're into.

i leave you with a few quick thoughts:
-hosiery is no longers necessary, but if you choose to wear it, at all costs, avoid panty hose and open toed shoes
-if you're really strapped for cash, trying organizing a dress swap with friends who're going to the same event and all the same size

so that's all for now? but it's not too late to submit your wedding questions to me!

-lovelovelove.

dress by BCBGMAXAZRIA

how to; exfoliate your lips

i have a lip gloss addiction, and smooth lips go hand in hand with that. when i posted about how to wear lip stains a few weeks ago and i got to the part about exfoliating before you apply i really wanted to dwell on it a little longer! it's tons easier for a product to stick when you start with fresh, smooth lips. so today, here are three (free!) ways to get prime your lips and make them super smooth using stuff you've already got.

1. use a washcloth
to begin, wet the corner of a washcloth with warm water. next place your finger inside the washcloth and rub your lips in soft circles until you've removed all the dirt/loose skin, old lip product.

2. use tooth brush
use a plain toothbrush, wet it with warm water, but don't put any water on it! and brush away dead skin flakes. my recommendation for this is to by a kids toothbrush. i have one! they're perfect because the head of the toothbrush is smaller and the bristles are softer.

3. use some sugar
it's a natural exfoliant. make a thick paste of sugar and water and apply it to your lips using a finger. rub in a circular motion until all the flakes are gone. (and try not to lick the sugar off because it IS tempting!)

seal in smooth lips with a lip balm or vaseline. then apply lip gloss, lip stick, what have you. it might not be a bad idea to invest in something with an SPF because lips can get sun burnt too! check my reccomendations, below.

of course there are a lot of lip exfoliants you can buy as well, i already talked about a great one from bath and body works and sephora's got a great one too. check out what works for you!

how to; wear high-waisted shorts

(song of the day: more than words, extreme)

i've lost my will to study at the moment, so i'm taking a quick break to do something productive, blogging! a friend had a fashion query a little bit ago. unfortunately, i don't have time for a really in depth answer, but i promise to come back to it.

Q: how do you wear high-waisted shorts?

A: i have to say, that i'm not an incredible fan of high-waisted shorts on the whole, though i DO love high-waisted skirts. (bought/wore from H&M the other day=instant love!) but maybe it's just cause i've never really given them a try. they were more popular last year, but i've still seen pulling them out this year. i'm still kinda skeptical.

what intimidates me is that high-waisted shorts show of your waist (duh) and that's a part i'm not always too happy to showcase. so my first tip is to get a pair that fit nicely. don't bother buying anything that pinches (or anything that will after two summer barbecues!) make sure they sit at a comfortable height.

second tip, the shorts are supposed to be the focus, so you want to balance it with a relatively simple top. of course, you're supposed to tuck it in to show off your waist. long tunics defeat the purpose. avoid anything with too many frills or embellishments. try a body-skimming simple top.

i have to say i'm loving the shorts of Song, a koren model. it's so crisp and clean! are you feeling it? and check out a whole bunch of other celebrities who were wearing them over at whowhatwear. any more questions?

got the photo from here.

how to; use a marker lipstain

(song of the day: i wanna know you, david archuleta )

heyhey! it's been one crazy week, and unfortunately the next two don't really look like they're going to be any better. but i'm taking a study break to bring you my first tutorial! how to apply a lipstain! here's the before photo! woohoo! okay on second thought, there's nothing really exciting about the before photo, it's the end shot that's the fun. here we go!






1. first things first? you need to exfoliate your lips in whatever way works for you. there's a combo lip gloss and brown sugar scrub that i got from bath and body works and absolutely love. but all you really need is a good scrub with a wash cloth. note that lip stains are meant to sink into your bare lips, so after you've scrubbed them resist the temptation to put a balm on.


UPDATE: check my post on how to exfoliate your lips!



2.next, outline the natural shape of your lips with the lip stain. be sure to drop your jaw and get all the way to the back corners. i don't see any reason why you'd need lip liner for this look. this is mostly to trace the lips and make sure you don't go outside the lines!






3. does it sound like colouring? mostly cause it is! while filling in your lips, i reccomend going in a diagonal direction and moving across both lips until covered. if desired, wait for lips to dry (approx 1 min.) and add another layer for intensity.








4. and there we go! the picture at left is the finished product, but you can totally put a balm or gloss on if you so choose! here is a glossy finished product at right. voila!

how to; organize your wardrobe (part two)

(song of the day: behind enemy lines, demi lovato

yesterday was one of those really tiring but nonetheless lovely days. my aunt's been with the same job for thirty years so they threw her this big dinner party thing and my whole family got dressed up and went to this swanky dinner downtown. one of t hose four course deals that give you lemon sorbet right in the middle to "cleanse the palette." hahaha. it was really fun but when i came home i had to do, you know, real work, and that left me with no time to write. yesterday was supposed to be the other half of the closet organizing tips! i'll be honest. i've done two more loads of laundry, but my closet looks exactly the same. there just hasn't been time to give it a good clean! at least i'll know how when the time comes.

check out part one, if you didn't already. here are a few more tips to consider when organizing:

when thinking about organizing your closet, think about the way your favourite store is organized. pretending you're merchandising a boutique. (how luxurious!) in stores, clothes are generally organized by occasion and style with similar or matching colours placed together. they want to make it easy for you to buy things that make a complete outfit. what items are you more likely to pair together? also, think about showcasing your style and keeping harmony all through your closet.

i have a second dresser smack dab in the middle of my closet, what works for me is putting all of my dressier/fancier/church clothes in one side and then the more regular stuff on the other side. then i kind of place them in outfits on the rack. it might work for you to organize them completely by colour too. i read that works as well. it's whatever keeps you more organized really.

here's a tip i learned from tyra! purchase thick hangers of all the same colour. ditch the plastic and wire ones! they only bend and break and cause more mess. when you're putting your closet back together, place them all on the far side of the rod. and then, as you begin using your clothes, switch the hanger to the other side. and the next time you go to clean out your closet, check out which items are on hangers that are facing the original way. you might just have your contenders for what to whittle out next time!

check out some closet organizers (ikea has REALLY cool ones. but zellers and walmart are good for organizers on the cheap) and find one that works for you!

another, and much more fun suggestion? take photos of yourself in favourite outfits and tape them to the front of the wardrobe door. that way you'll have instant inspiration next time you blank on an outfit idea! some other things you want to post up there? jot down an honest list of five things you've been buying too much of, things you've bought and never worn, and things you're actually in need off. this'll help to inform your shopping choices over the next six months and make your next cleaning easier!

et voila! one organized closet. go celebrate by buying yourself something nice =P

-xoxo.

got the photo from here.

how to; organize your wardrobe (part one)

maydaymayday! not because it's the first of may, but because my room is an absolute disaster. i neeed closet organizing tips, yesterday. i'm not sure why avid shopper and pack rat are traits that always seem to go to gether. why can't i be a meticulous pack rat? i'm about to bring up my summer clothes from the basement, but i think i should weed through the old ones first. i scoured the seven internet seas for tips on wardrobe cleanup and organization. there was SO much i found on this i had to split it up. part one today, part two to come next week!


today i'm writing about trimming down the unused things from your wardrobe. i know there are lot of things in there that i haven't worn in forever. the average person only uses 20% of their wardrobe so there MUST be stuff that can go. i HATE throwing/giving clothes away. absolutely hate it. but it must be done! that above? is my before picture of my real room. AFTER i'd been cleaning for an hour >.<. i'm hoping the shame of seeing it up there will really push me to do this. as soon as my paper's written. okay, here we go.

you will need:
plenty of free time ( 2 hours min.),
music (if the right song is on, i'll forget i'm doing actual work)
garbage bags

optional:
a friend

take everything out of your closet, i'm told that's the only way to do this. note: it only really works if you start with a clean room. first and foremost. pick your twenty can't live with out items and move them right back in. these should be the versatile items, the tried and true ones. not frilly pieces i mean wardrobe staples like, an oxford blouse, favouite pair of jeans, or that go anywhere dress. now for what's left. i don't really buy the rule that says after you haven't used it a year you have to get rid of it. i have a section of "church clothes" or just fancy wear that i keep for special occasions and i don't really see anything wrong with that! i think you should determine what you're going to throw away by a number of criteria.

most importantly? fit. if it's too big or too small, if it's not flattering for your skin tone or body type just get rid of it. clothes, no matter what they look like should make you FEEL amazing first. it doesn't matter if its a fabulous piece or you paid a lot for it. don't let that guilt you in to keeping something that just doesn't work for you. also consider function and practicality, if it's a great pair of jeans you can't sit down in there's really no point in keeping them. the best way to see what else belongs in your wardrobe is to try it on. this is wear the music comes in. have fun with it!

consider style. remember that fashion changes but style doesn't. if you bought a piece of clothing that was "in" last year but isn't really you there's a smaller chance of you wearing it agian. are you going for particular look? i'd keep your style muses in mind. before you go into your closet, i'd research (and write down) the kinds of items that reflect that same look and seriously consider trimming the things that don't. remember that clothes, unlike cheese and fine wine, do NOT get better with age. in fact there's probably a smaller and smaller chance that you'll wear them as time goes on.

think about quantity. is this your fifth pair of medium wash skinny jeans, surely one of them can go? i know i have a DRAWER full of jeans, but i only really wear the same five pairs. consider an item's wearability. if that top only goes with ONE pair of pants that you own it's just taking up space, maybe it's time to let it go.

a friend would be realy helpful here cause they could (mostly objectively) tell you what looks good and what doesn't, what you'll actually wear and what you won't.

anyway, with all that in mind, i'd place the items that make the cut back into your closet and put the rest in a garbage bag to donate later. (see my suggestions for what to do with old clothes below)

if there are a few items you can't quite put back in your closet and can't bear to throw away quite yet (i know i will =P) try giving them a probation period. take all those "someday" items out of the closet and store them somewhere else. and in a year when you finally haven't touched them, you'll feel better about throwing them away.

and voila! a whittled wardrobe! here are a few followup notes under the cut!


-see the pieces that are left over and try and make some NEW outfits. soemone pointed out that you never really run out of clothes you only run out of ideas. go on shuffle. throw new things together and see how they work. be sure to take pictures or write them down!
-take note of the things you're giving away. if they all seem to be the same type of thing, make a note NOT to buy them again.
-do this every six months, almost like getting hair cut!
-and here's what to do with your discarded clothes: remember, what you don't need someone else might! your local goodwill is always good for donations. if you want to make money off it, you could always sell your clothes on ebay, sell them to a consignment shop or have a garage sale. OR if you have friends that are the same size and that smell good, try having a clothes swap party. everyone wins!

and next week, i'll give you some great tips on how to organize your whittled down closet! till then!

-lovelovelove.

P.S. check this blog by denise fisher for more tips on how to get organized and what to do with the clothes you don't wear.

how to; wear leggings

(song of the day: chasing pavements, adele)

ahhh. today's one of those days that could've gone better. definitely more shower than sun. but i suppose sometimes that's the way it goes. even still the most distressing thing that happened was something i saw today in english class.

a girl walked in with the strangest pair of leggings i'd ever seen. they were light blue, but well worn in, they had those little fuzz balls all over them? and as i kept looking i saw the faded design of a pocket, the fake stitching of a fly, and realized they were made to look like jeans! i think my mouth dropped open. leggings like these, even while worn in irony are NOT good.

leggings are hardly a new thing. and it doesn't look like they're going anywhere when it comes to practical everyday fashion. actually, a lot of eighties trends are making a comeback these days. even though leggings weren't running rampant on the runways like years past, they're still popular down here on earth. i'll admit, they had more longevity than i thought they would. but sunshowerstyle is more about practicality. leggings are still in full force here on campus! but apparently SOME people have forgotten how to wear them. so here's a refresher on how to wear leggings you girls of York U.

dear girl in english tutorial, listen carefully now, leggings are NOT pants. there's really no way around this. even you find a pair of leggings that for some reason have stencilled pant pockets on them. (ugh. i really can't get over that, who would even DESIGN such a thing!) it is NOT appropraite to wear a pair of leggings with a short shirt/tee/hoodie. leggings are cool with tunics, dresses and long tops. and sure, every college girl knows leggings are perfect comfortable with a hoodie, but inside the house. if you're going out, cover that bum/crotch/camel toe (yes girl passing by Scott Library, i'm talking to you!)

on the other end of things, choose a legging length that's right with you. capri length leggings were super popular for a turn, but i've seen a lot of people sporting the ankle length version all over campus. with a (long) striped top and long cardigan, it looks super cute! the longer your leggings are, the longer it'll make your legs look. don't go to short. anything above mid-calf completely dwarfs you... or make you look like kimmie gibbler.

dear girl spotted in the squad, leggings in white are NOT your best move. leggings in black are slimming and tasteful. i mean, totally go for neon if your into that sort of thing, but just remember putting brighter colours on your lower half and tend to make you look wider there.

dear girl on the GO bus, i love getting the most out of your clothes as much as the next person, but i'm afraid it's just time to throw those leggings out. leggings should be completely opaque. if they thin out, as yours have, shell out the money for a new pair. you can get 'em under $20 tons of places. (off the top of my head, try urban behaviour or h&m,) if they're sheer, they're just pantihose. and that's a whole other story.

some other ideas. if you feel the need to try the need for something new, try liquid leggings. kind of a hipster vibe. if i wasn't such a chicken i'd get a pair. additionally, leggings go really well with a lot of shoes? but stick to flats to keep it simple. and for the love of god, please not crocs. i've heard there are a lot of guys who don't like this trend, and i think they'd see it was really cute if it was just worn right!

some other links. if you want to see how the celebs are doing it, check this blog i just found. it's called celebsinleggings, and literally is just pictures of celebs in leggings... haha. but i've added quite a few of the pics to my lookbook! also, find out the best way to wear leggings for your body type over at elle canada.

alrighty, that's all i can handle! i'm dead tired. later!

-lovelovelove.

how to; stop nails from chipping

original post date: march 31, 2009
(song of the day: so far, so great, demi lovato)

heya! i've been singing that song LOUDLY all day. it's been a good one. i hope yours has been too. but i have a problem! the other day, i discovered something wonderful. did you know OPI makes miniature sets of their nail polish collections? i was going through the mall when i saw these in the display window. they included miniature versions of three of the polishes from the new south beach collection and a rapid-dry top coat. "suzie the lifeguard" is a really nice light pink, "done out in deco" is a matte lavender (not the one i had on the other day, but defs the one i'll be trying next) and "overexposed in south beach" is this deep magenta-purple combo with just a hint of sparkle. they're all to die for! i thoroughly reccomend picking up one of the mini lacquer sets if you ever see them, it only cost $13, when a regular bottle of OPI retails for about $10. (haha. actually when i saw them, i literally stopped in my tracks and just smiled at them, and then a guy who was walking by thought i was staring at him.) haha. i'm digressing. on to my problem. my nail polish ALWAYS chips. and i mean always. part of that has to do with my job. (tying balloons isn't exactly easy on the nails.) but even when i'm not my nail polish never seems to last. and the solution was actually quite simple. the best way to avoid chips? (continue reading!)



again one of those obvious things i never really think about it. i always try and cut corners, but you actually have to give yourself a wide berth of time if you want to do nails that last. apparently (but not surprisingly) base coat actually helps. it gives the real polish something to adhere to.and did you know you're supposed to take five to ten minutes between each coat? (and apparently it doesn't work if you cheat and put on a thick layer, they're only more likely to chip. thin ones will last longer.) i'm lucky if i wait two minutes. and i usually go on my computer while it's drying. i think i'm safe using the pads of my fingers instead of my tips, but the scarlet stain on my J-key says otherwise.

and here's another mistake. apparently you're not supposed to use those "quick dry" lacquers. the extra ingredients that allow those fast drying polishes to set so quickly makes them cheap more easily. you're better of springing for those no-chip polishes. (try the no chip 10 day nail colour from sally hansen. i have one, and it lasts pretty long even though i've never quite made it to the 10 day mark? but then again, i've never applied them properly either.) here's another tip i read about, if you apply a horizontal swipe across the top of the nail after the first coat, it'll act as a ridge to further prevent chipping, and then when you beginning applying the second coat, you'll cover up the horizontal line. i'll certainly be trying that out. and lastly, top coat is also helpful when it comes to preventing chips. and that's it for me. happy chip-less-ness? hahah. bon soir!

-lovelovelove!

how to; make the most of your makeup

Original Post Date: March 24, 2009
(song of the day: gonna getcha good, by the jonas brothers)

i don't know if you're anything like me, but i hate throwing things away. absolutely hate it! that's the reason my clothes don't fit in my closet and TWO dressers. paha. i'm the same about makeup too. BUT most people forget makeup has an expiration date. i know it never really occured to me until a while ago. i googled when to throw makeup away and realized i was grossly overdue. the other day i had a hard look through my make up cases/buckets and through out all the stuff i'd never "goten around to" using. here's what i found so you can do the same.

first off, if it smells funny, has gone chunky or isn't it's orginal colour, throw it away immediately. if you haven't used it in the last two years? it really is time to let it go.

lipstick/lip gloss lasts for approximately 18 months. now, luckily for me, lip products are one of the last ones to go. or not luckily... since i end up buying about one a week anyway. i've heard if you store lipstick in the fridge it'll last longer, even though i couldn't really find why that was. lip liner (if you have it) can last up to a year. i feel like this is more of an old lady thing, don't you? plus, whenever you see people wearing lipliner, it's usually not pretty. anyway, if you end up buying a lip stick/gloss that you don't like, before you throw it away try using it in combo with something else! you could end up finding a colour you do like!

foundation can last 12 - 18 months. you're going to wanna check the ingredients label on this one. a water-based foundation will only last up to 12 months. should it dry out before the expiration date, mix in a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake. oil foundations tend to seperate, just shake it back together to fix that. i couldn't find it online, but my mom said powdered foundation and concealer also have a 12 month window.

blush and bronzer have a shelf life of about a year. i make the most of my blush though! a little while ago i bought this red blush that in the package looked like it would go great with my skin tone but made me look like a geisha in real life (and not in the good way). luckily, i came across this tip from one of the creators of sally hansen beauty. if you slick on some vaseline on your lips (or another clear, but sticky gloss) and then roll a clean finger in blush before pressing it to your lips you end up with your own customized lip colour. i get to keep the richness of the red, but it looks really subtle and matte. sounds crazy but it works! i love it! maybe i'll try and get a picture of what it looks like this week.

eyeshadow and eyeliner will hold on for 18 months. you have to think about it, the closer to your eyes the more careful you have to be. here's a quick way to get the most out of the eyedshadow you buy. once in a while, give your eyeliner the day off. using a super flat eyeliner brush (or the pointy end of the given eyeshadow wand and a really steady hand) trace the brush into your lash line focusing on the space between your lashes, then sweep the color just above your lash line. It's great if you're going for that smokey look. And here's something that's hot right now, (i'm betting i read this in glamour? but i'm not sure) swiping a light powder on the bottom rim of the eye gives a fresh dewy look. i've done it before, it's super cute! and also note, liquid eyeliner lasts six months.

mascara expires in THREE - FOUR months. this is the most important one, and the reason i decided to write this in the first place. i had no idea it could expire so quickly! the reason it expires to fast is because it's closest to the eye. beware, applying it too close to base of your lashes can block your the ducts that create tears and cause dry eyes. pumping the wand in and out of the tube only introduces dry air to the enclosed liquid. it's a breeding ground for bacteria! haha. i've read you're not supposed to share it, and i'd say that's pretty good info to go by. i was kind of peeved cause i tend to spend the most money on mascara for some reason. i could only find one other use for it though, in good old seventeen. if you swipe a tiny eyeliner brush around the inside rim, you can use mascara as a liquid liner. a brush with a pointy tip will get a really precise line, perfect for winged tips.

nail polish is good for a year. this is the only one i'm not so sure of. i've got nail polish from middle school that still works just fine. and i haven't really found anything that bad that will happen if you use nail polish past it's expiry date. some tips though, store it upright to keep it from separating. like i said with the lipgloss, if you purchase a bottle that doesn't look as good as you thought it did, experiment with layering or mixing to create a new custom colour. if it thickens up, return it to it's original consistency with nail polish thinner (available at most drugstores). i've been told that a real perfume (one with alcohol) will also work. last time i was there though, the manicurist said NOT to use remover to thin polish as it will distort the colour.

some last thoughts, make sure makeup is kept in a cool and dry place. a muggy bathroom is not always optimal. record the date you purchase makeup so you know when it's time to go. and you might want to have the expiry date in mind next time you're going to splurge on something in the cosmetic aisle. (no more $20 mascars for me!) or if you're going to splurge, do it on a product that can double as something else. for example check out lip/cheek stains from sephora, the body shop etc. don't forget to wash your brushes and sponges regularly as well! now note, it's not like you'll go blind if you use expired makeup, but you could get an infection. i've seen it happen. not pretty. plus, just look at it as an excuse to buy new stuff! (like i need a reason, haha).

today was a pretty good day even though it was windy. the sun was shining, i got to sleep in a bit, i doodled in class, i got tickets to the jonas brothers concert... ( i know i said the last concert was my last one? but this time i mean it. this one really is going to be my last concert. i think =P who am i kidding, i'm so excited!) but now i've got to buckle down and study for a linguistics test. have a great night! ♥

-lovelovelove.

how to; half sun salutation

Original Post Date: March 20, 2009

hello there! and most importantly happy first day of spring! today's been pretty great. i slept in WAY later than i expected to, but it was great. my sister made pancakes and now we're watching top gun. (i have a deep love for 80s movies but it's my first time seeing this one! tom cruise used to be SO cute!) but i started the day with a half sun salutation. i was a little upset when i did my research this morning. wiifit LIED! the "sun salutation" they have you do is some strange variety of the HALF sun salutation (or ardha surya namaskara). anyway, here's the how to via yogabasics.com!

1. start in "mountain" with the palms together

a. have your feet parallel, about 2 -3 inches apart

b. lightly press your palms together with your shoulders down.
c. let your back and the chest press in towards your thumbs.

2. inhale and sweep the arms up with palms together

a. reach up toward the sky while looking up at your thumbs.

3. exhale into forward fold

a. press your palms flat to the floor (or as far as they can go. bend your knees if you need to! i always do. stupid long legs!).

b. try and bring your forehead in toward your legs.

4. inhale and lift into upward forward fold

a. keep your legs and back straight,
b. lift your chest and look up as high as comfortable
c. you can keep your fingertips on the floor or place your palms on your shins or knees

5. exhale into forward fold (this is a repeat of step 3!)

a. press your palms flat to the floor (or as far as they can go. bend your knees if you need to! i always do. stupid long legs!).

b. try and bring your forehead in toward your legs.

6. inhale and sweep the arms up with palms together

a. lift up at your waist and reach toward the sky
b. look up at your thumbs

7. exhale and bring the palms together in mountain
a. pull your hands down together, elbows out, palms touching lightly
b. let your back and the chest press in towards your thumbs.

i'm told this is a basic level exercise. sun salutations are practiced 2-6 times in a row, generally at sunrise. and that's all! namaste!
-lovelovelove!

p.s. i'm cool enough to cite my work =P

"Half Sun Salutation | Yoga Posture Sequences." Yoga Basics: Your guide to the Practice of Yoga. 20 Mar. 2009

how to; save at GAP and ON

Original Post Date: March 12, 2009

march 12 to 15 is friends and friends & family event at the GAP, Old Navy and Banana Republic. not only is it 30% OFF for you, but 5% of every purchase will go to one of these charities: boys and girls club of canada, CARE canada or the leukemia & lymphoma society of canada. and on top of all that, you're allowed to use the coupon as much as you want, for four days! it's win win win! i'm heading out for manis with linda tomorrow and I know we'll be going as soon as our hands are dry! to celebrate, i've put together some looks that showcase spring trends. first up old navy!

call me biased, cause scarves(3) have been my go-to accesory for a while now. but they just make everything look so good! okay, pretend it's not there! haha. brights are in this season! and i couldn't tell you why but i'm crazy about coral. i plan on buying shorts(1) just like that as soon as i can. bangles(5) are still this spring summer, even though these days they tend to lean toward the chunkier variety. these sunglasses(4) are called classic for a reason! they'll never go out of style! i could've written a "current obsessions" column about T-strap sandals(6), but i chose to showcase them here instead! i just bought a pair of gladiators but i'll definitely be finding shoes like these to add to the roster! they're a classy, comfy, and relatively cheap step up from flip flops, and they look great with everything. my kind of sandal!

next up gap! i'm not gonna lie, given the 30% off, i'll probably be heading here first. the gap website had a march deals section that looked promising! i'll be sure to check that out in store!

okay, even with the coupon this one could be a little toooo pricey, but i love this outfit! gap's spring picks are all about reinventing the classics. that said, the shift dress(2) is really cute! it's even cuter in yellow, but that didn't go with the outfit. haha. the rugby stripes on this cardigan(5)? as gap puts it, "preppy perfection." even still, i love the colours! i'm looking for a new polished, but simple handbag(1). i'll check this one out when i get there, cause i need one big enough to hold all of my things =P l

how to; fake awake

Original Post Date: March 3, 2009

i don't know about you, but for me wednesday is the worst day of the week. it's got the earliest wakeup, i have to head to the farthest campus, for the longest day, with my LEAST favoruite classes. (nine' o 'clock french anyone?) i know in high school waking up at 5:45 wasn't such a big deal, but lately it's been killing me! so i went scouring the internet for interesting, yet practical ways to look more awake even when you're not =)

• cucumbers. this isn't as hocus pocus as the stylist in Princess Diaries would lead you to believe. cucumber actually contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and puffiness of eyes. i've done it before and it does feel really nice and tighten things up. unfortunately, this solution isn't really viable in the morning, cause I can just see myself kicking back with two slices on my eyes, and falling asleep again.
• concealer. fortunately, i don’t really have a big problem with get dark circles under my eyes. but there are some days. the quick fix is to swipe a concealer a shade lighter than my actual skin tone. today i read that bronzer can also give sallow skin a lift, but i don’t own any.
• eyelashes. if you're lucky enough to own an eyelash curler (i don't. i'm trying to find one that doesn't scare me) that's your best tip for getting eyes that look instantly alert. curling your eyelashes up and away literally opens your eyes. mascara works too. you're better off using one with a brush as opposed to a comb for the curliest results.

another eye tip? feel free to use eyeliner but avoid putting it on the bottom lash line. you want to draw the attention away from your bags! teehee. try a dabbing a very light liner in the lower inner corners of yours eyes to brighten them up. this works best in white, pale pink, ivory or silver. of course, you could always substitute with a light dab of eyeshadow in similar shades. i’m big into making the most out of what you have.

• lips. keep things simple. pick a nude/neutral coloured lip gloss. a shiny one might work cause it’ll pick up natural light.
• dress. i find that the days i’m feeling worst are the days it’s most important to look my best. dreary days are the most important ones to wear bright colours. wearing black will only drag your look down. so choose a lighter shade that compliments your face and hair. one that makes you happy! (i have a light purple shirt that is my go to on days like these. unfortunately, i wore it last week, so i’m not sure what i’m going to do tomorrow =P) also, a high ponytail or bun gives your face a nice little lift instead of letting it fall all over your face.
• etc. i feel obligated to mention that drinking water and getting sleep are pretty much the go to remedy for any ailment, cause i read it EVERYWHERE. i really should drink more water. coming to a weekly resolve near you! anyway...
  

tomorrow’s the start of a new semester for me. i’m a firm believer in the “fake it till you make it” school of thinking. hopefully i’ll be able to pull this off. wish me luck! and a happy wednesday to you! =)


-lovelovelove!

p.s.

in my makeup bag:
cover girl exact eyelight eye-brightening mascara, approx. $7
bonnebell eye definer eye liner, approx $2
l'oreal infallible lip gloss in "blush", approx $8

p.p.s.
what's the worst day of the week for you? tips for looking more awake?

how to; simple braided updo

Original Post Date: February 18, 2009

hello there! so today, as promised, i'm sharing my new favourite hairstyle! seriously, i've been doing this all week. i hate to say that i borrowed (and modified) the look from nicole richie.she's really not my favourite person but in that picture at least, she was really awesome hair. i'm not so much into beehives so i traded it for a simple chignon. instructions below!

1. keep short layers at the front to frame your face. (and this works with both side and middle parts!)
2. leave out a couple of longer sections on each side of the head to create the plaits. (i find putting two on both sides, à la richie, does look better, but it is more time consuming. it's your perogative.) as you braid pull them toward the back of your head. spray the braids with hairspray.
3. secure the braids and the rest of your hair in the middle of the back of your head in a ponytail.
4. twist the ponytail into a chignon. (easiest way to make a chignon: seperate the ponytail into a top and bottom have and twist them around eachother and secure it with any elastic.)

have bobby pins on hand, just in case. but don't be upset if a few strands come free, it's meant to look a little messy.


good luck!

-lovelovelove.