Friday 31 January 2014

Handbag Essentials

I've never been the type of girl who carries my entire life around in my bag...or so I thought until my boyfriend recently commented on how much stuff I have in my bag. 'But I need these things, they are essentials' was my reply to which I was met with raised eyebrows. Who knows maybe men really are from Mars and women from Venus. 

Anyways, aside from feeling the need to justify myself to the internet I've always loved stickybeaking in other peoples bags on youtube and blogs. So here is my contribution of what is constantly in my bag, to some it may seem like a lot and to other it may seem very spartan. The bag featured is sadly one I do not own but have been lusting after for a while, you can purchase it here.

Clockwise from top left. 
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation: This in combination with Fix + creates an amazing foundation that's easy to apply. I keep the compact in my bag for touchups as well as to use the mirror if needed. 

Neutrogena Naturals Lipbalm: I love love love this lip balm, it's super soothing and the peppermint smell reminds me of Christmas all year round.

L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream: This is my absolute favourite hand cream ever! I have praised it before on this blog and adore the full size one for at home. To make sure I'm never without I always have a mini in my bag for dry skin emergencies.

Chanel Coco Shine in Boy: While I always put whatever lipstick I am wearing on a particular day into my bag, I like to keep a tube of Chanels Coco Shine in Boy in there as well. This sheer nude pink colour is great for touchups or to use incase I forget to put lipstick on that day. 

Phone: Like many people from my generation I would feel lost and naked without my phone, it has my life on it!! Phone cases are a fun way to add a cute touch of your personality to any outfit and I am definitely loving this Belle case from Queen of Cases on etsy. It comes for a variety of phones, and if Belle isn't your cup of tea there are many other princesses to choose from. 

Kikki-K Diary: I'm such an old fashioned pen and paper kinda girl, there is something so lovely and tactile about writing down all my events, appointments and to-do's in my diary (it's also super handy if my phone dies). I received this Kikki-K diary for Christmas and absolutely love how adorable and cute it is. If you want one you best snap it up quickly as they are sold out online, so check your nearest store (they have other cute diaries online if you can't make it to a store).

Kikki-K Pen: To write in my diary with (duh). But also for filling out forms, taking down numbers, lending to strangers etc. 

Keyring: Yes I'm one of those people with a Tiffany keyring, my grandparents gave me one for my 18th birthday (it's not the one pictured as they don't make it anymore but it's super close). Keys are a pretty essential part of life, you use them everyday and a pretty keyring makes them easy to find and also can brighten your day.

Tissues: Because sometimes I sneeze/cry.

Bobby pins: I'm currently growing out my fringe (I think, I may change my mind) so these are super helpful for taming my too long but not long enough hair.

Hair Lackies: Most of the time I wear my hair down, but throughout the day I may encounter situations where I wish/need to pull it into a pony tail. While I can't vouch for their effectiveness (haven't tried them) these lackies are super cute!

Wallet: I bought myself a Coach wallet a few years back when I was in America and it has held up really well. They don't make the one I have anymore, but this one is similar in design and super pretty. 

So there you have it, my handbag essentials. In addition to this I may add items specific to what I'll be doing each day, cardigan for the movies, book if I'm going on a train etc. But this is the stock standard basics that I always have with me regardless. Does this seem like too much or too little for you? Let me know what you keep in your bag in the comments.

x Stacey

Wednesday 29 January 2014

One Dress, Four Disney Inspired Outfits

If you're as massive a Disney fan as I am then you've most likely heard about Disneybounding by now. For those not in the know Disneybounding is where everyday people such as you and I take fashion inspiration from the vast catalogue of Disney characters. While many people Disneybound every day, I feel the best place to Disneybound is at a Disney park (duh). Unfortunately if one is flying to a Disney park weight limits on baggage do constrict the variety of outfit choices one can take. However, while browsing boohoo.com I found what I believe to be the most perfect Disneybounding dress ever! 


Ashley Wrap Over Dress

The Ashely Wrap Over Dress from boohoo.com is a beautiful blue skater style dress in a jersey fabric (great for travelling) and is only $16 (AUD)....yes $16!! For that price (and a 20% off sale, plus free shipping) this little baby went right into my cart. While I haven't tried it on yet (it's still in transit) it appears to have favourable reviews on the site. If you would like this dress though be quick as it is currently out of stock in sizes 10, 14, and 16. Although I do believe it is a staple dress and they will most likely re-stock.

While I await this dresses arrival I have put together four disneybound ideas for the imaginary holiday I'm planning in my head to Disneyland (hey I could win lotto any day). Click the text under the pictures for a link to polyvore to see where you can buy the items. 


Alice
Alice
When I saw this dress the first character to come to mind was Alice in her pretty blue dress. For Alice's styling I would place the white camisole under the dress, in addition to the white bow belt this serves as a subtle nod to her white apron. Instead of white stockings, small white frilly socks with black mary janes provide a more contemporary look. I used a black bag to balance out the black shoes however feel free to replace with a white bag if desired. A subtle little homage to your character of choice is provided by the locket, and of course you wouldn't be Alice without a black bow headband!


Wendy

Wendy

Wendy was one of my favourite Disney ladies growing up, I always wished for Peter Pan to come and pay me a visit. Wendy's look is very much blue and as much of it as her beautiful nightgown will allow. To play off this I have paired the dress with a metallic blue belt to serve as her sash, however feel free to replace with a real ribbon sash if you so desire! I found a beautiful Wendy ribbon to pull your hair off your face with from Little Bow Chic Designs on etsy, curls optional. For accessories I kept them neutral toned as Wendy is in her night gown, so she wouldn't have many accessories on her (and finding coordinating blue shoes is a nightmare). Finally, while this was not in the movie, I have added an acorn necklace like the one Peter gave Wendy in the book.


Belle

Belle

Without a doubt Belle is my favourite Disney Princess! I love everything she stands for, her beauty, her outfits, and of course all the wonderful songs in the movie. While she is most well known for her iconic yellow gown I love her 'little town' look in the blue dress. 

As with Alice I have used a white camisole under the dress to act as a stand in apron. A rose necklace serves as a nod to the enchanted rose in the movie. Black flats are sensible for running around town completing errands. For bags I absolutely love the Kate Spade book clutches, don't they fit Belle's personality perfectly. If that is a bit too expensive a simple wicker clutch can serve as your modern day basket (the one pictured is expensive but I have found wicker clutches in Summer for quite cheap). Finally the key to little town Belle is her hair. Secure your hair in a topsy turvy pony tail (as shown in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfRcR2d7xic) and add the 'little town Belle' bow found on etsy to complete the look. 


Cinderella

When you think of Cinderella you think of blue and a whole lot of silver. To compliment the dress I have selected a silver rope and pearl headband from ASOS, huge blingy faux diamond studs, and a beautiful black and crystal chocker-style necklace to replace her black necklace. To carry around your every-day necessities I have included a silver cross-body bag. While all of this is very in keeping with Cinderella the part of the outfit that screams Cinderella is the glass slippers, or in this case silver glitter jelly sandals (much more practical than walking on glass all night). Because your tootsies will be on display in these sandals you may as well paint them to match with this beautiful silver glittery nail polish from Essie, while you're at it do your fingernails too!


So there you have it, one very cheap dress, four amazing disneybound ideas. I hope you have pulled some inspiration from this and have fun planning your next disneybound, whether it be to Disneyland or just to the supermarket. 

xo
Stacey