Translucent bags are fun. I've been seeing them and wanting one of my own for a while now, haven't you? Here are a couple cute examples of some transparent bags :
I must admit though, I was a little hesitant to have all my junk out there for everyone to see.
From I Hate Blonde's Blog
I knew I wanted to get a clear bag, but I also wanted to spice it up a little bit. So how could I get the best of both worlds: a cute clear bag, and not to have everything in my purse showing? I came up with a plan:
From NastyGal's Fall lookbook
Stickers! Luckily for me, my boyfriend collects them. So as someone who likes to work on a budget my first stop was Value Village. I found a bag that was only partially transparent-perfect! And it was only $2.99.
Yes it's Mary Kay. Yes I cut this tag off immediately.
The first thing you'll need are some stickers.
Next, stuff your bag with something so it has a shape. I put a pillow in mine.
Then start sticking! Don't be afraid to overlap stickers, or cut them up to change the shape.
Last but not least, dress up and fill your bag with cute stuff. I really like keeping a scarf in the bag, then it's easy to disguise things. It's also great if you have a cute wallet or a few extra little pouches/pockets that you keep in your purse anyway.
Leather jacket- June, Nordstrom Rack
Fringe shirt- H&M
Hooded zip sweatshirt- Ross
High-rise studded shorts- Forever 21
Nylons with back seam- Nordstrom Rack
Leather boots- Steve Madden, Nordstrom Rack
Beanie-H&M
Skull scarf-Ross
"SEX" earrings- Love Culture (originally said sexy but one was missing a 'Y' so I edited them)
It happens. We all have those days. Maybe something bad happened. Maybe you have so much to do that you can't find the motivation to move at all. Or maybe it's just Monday.
I'll be honest: it happens to me a lot. Sometimes I wallow in it, and lay in my sweats all day eating candy and feeling sorry for myself. Other times I follow these steps to have a better day. It may be a weird system, but if I follow through, I always feel better. Even when it is raining!
1. Turn the Music UP!
Pick something upbeat and turn the beat up. It's ok to dance a little. If you are stuck in an unfortunate situation where this behavior is frowned on, just get out your headphones. Eardrums aren't supposed to last forever, right? Just be sure you don't accidentally make yourself feel worse by playing sad, slow music.
For instance Justin Timberlake's new album has some seriously amazing songs, including this one called "Let the Groove Get In". You can't not dance to this:
2. Wash Your Hands and Feet. Yes, Seriously.
Ok, I know that sounds a little strange. But wait! I have a logical explanation! Hands and feet get the worst of it. Unless you're sleeping, you're probably using your hands, feet, or both.Your poor little fingers and toes have to do everything all day long. So maybe you don't feel like taking a whole, long, relaxing bath. Just perch yourself on the side of the tub and grab a loofah. Show your feet some love. There's something so relaxing about it, and it is so easy. This is why women pay $25 and up for a manicure or pedicure! It's not because we can't paint our own nails. Trust me. Afterward you have nice, comfy, clean hands and feet. It's even better if you apply a generous amount of lotion and let your skin get super soft. Just be sure to take your time with it. Besides, it's sandal season, and cute toes don't look good with dry, sad, tired feet.
So fresh and so clean.
Sandals from Ross $14
3. Put on Something that Makes You Feel Amazing.
They say the better you look, the better you feel. This isn't always true. What matters is if you feel like you look good. That's it. So put on something that makes you feel like you look amazing. Old prom dress? Muscle tee to show off the guns? Tiara? Go for it. Even if you're butt naked. Maybe it's just perfume. Maybe it's lipstick, even if you know you aren't leaving the house. Maybe it's those heels you bought and just can't find an occasion for. Whatever it is, put it on. Try to avoid putting on something just because it's comfortable. This will encourage you to lay around and indulge in your sad state. Besides, most of us don't look in the mirror in baggy sweats and say "Damn, I look hot. Now I feel like accomplishing things!"
Pink lipstick with glitter and my boyfriend's T-shirt. I feel amazing.
I doubt I'd leave the house in this, but I feel great wearing it!
Leggings and crop top from Forever21. Homemade tutu :)
4. Create Something!
Whoa, hold on. You said this was easy? It is. Now that you have clean comfy hands and feet, and you're jamming out to 80's music wearing nothing but underpants and a tiara, you get to be creative. This doesn't mean you have to draw a picture, but that's certainly an option.
Here are some ideas:
Decorate a wall or small area of your house
Cook something delicious
Write a poem-no one has to ever see it!
Write a plan to do something (like make a new product or take a trip)
Paint- it doesn't have to be great. It will make you feel good though.
Put together an outfit
Do your makeup totally crazy
Make a collage
Make up a new song
Start a blog!
There are about a million different ways to be creative, but the point is that the process of creating something is rewarding. If I watch a movie, or look at stuff on pinterest all evening I come away with a sense of loss wondering "where did my time go?" But if you create something you can look at it and know that you accomplished something. Even if you aren't 100% happy with the end result, the process is inspiring, and will push you forward to cross the things off your list that seemed insurmountable before. You may be surprised what you can do. Often times my mini projects turn out better than expected!
Some fabric I hung on the wall. Just happens to look a lot like a heart!
A drawing I made for my boyfriend's birthday. I felt so accomplished afterwards.
I had a brochure for an art show which I cut up and framed. Recently I added some editorials around it.
Inspiration!
So there you have it. Those are the 4 steps I take when I have a bad day. They can be done in a very fashionable way, or the not at all. I hope they work for you too!
Thanks for reading.
XOXO
It was a Friday. My boyfriend and I went to Seattle to see Eagles and Aliens play. El Corazon was the venue. Vintage was the look.
Eagles and Aliens were excellent, even though it was their first show playing as a three piece. I was excited to take home their CD which hasn't left my car stereo yet, even though it only has 3 tracks. Seattle's reputation for music acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam give every local band an ego boost, so it was nice to see a group that was not only good, but actually in it for the music. Raw passion was exuded throughout their set and spread like a contagious virus. Very inspiring.
My terrible fan girl photo of the band.
I love collage. Reminds me of getting dressed. Combination of independent pieces to create something else. My favorite art form.
Turn the lights down low. Let's do this.
El Corazon's wonderful logo.
Matte Black with chrome accents. Like leather and chains. Sexy at night.
On the way to the venue. My first attempt at victory rolls. I'll try again and post when I perfect it ;)
A padlock as an accessory. Superdig!
The 3D collage by the entrance.
Love this. Great front and back shirt idea, huh?
Just a reminder: step up or you'll trip.
The complete look.
About the Look:
shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Pointe MC-Karmaloop
skirt: Wilsons Leather-Value Village (less than $10!)
I spent the day in Seattle. Capitol Hill. Downtown. Inspiration comes from around you if you choose to look. Talk to people. Listen to what they say.
About the Look
Where feminine meets its dark side. A pretty top with pops of soft and bright pink and a pair of combat boots. When these worlds collide people will let you know how they feel about it. Just watch.
Boots: Steve Madden-Nordstrom Rack
Leggings: Ross
Leg Garter: DIY (post coming soon!)
Shirt: Forever 21
Accessories: Various- Nordstrom, Forever 21, Burlington Coat Factory, Hot Topic, vintage, and more.
The only thing more fun than styling a photoshoot is styling a friend too. Steph made the perfect Barbie doll to play dress up with. She let me do her hair, makeup, and select all her clothes and accessories. It helps that she's beautiful.
I was also lucky to work with a photographer who lets me have a lot of creative freedom when selecting a theme, location, and wardrobe.
Look 1: Casual Glam
About the look: Steph and I have very contrasting looks. I decided to play on this by using complimentary colors. I chose gold accessories for both of us, but gave her big earrings and me a big necklace. For Steph's makeup I contoured her cheekbones using powder, filled her eyebrows, and gave her a heavy liner and false lashes. The lip color for both of us was added to complete the contrasting look. Unfortunately we didn't get any full body shots of this look, but I assure you we had cute shoes ;)
Look 2: Sequin Seduction
My Favorite.
About the look: As you can tell, the photographer was a little more excited about the second ensemble. I chose sequins because it was very sunny that day and I was hoping to achieve a sort of angelic/demonic feel with a lot of reflected light. But we shot in the shade. I once again played on the contrast between Steph and I by dressing her in dark and me in light. I chose thigh highs because I think they are a great way to add mystery and make an outfit sexy while actually covering up. As someone who is always cold, I can get away with a lot more on the bottom half when I have thigh highs to keep me warmer too.
Wardrobe:
Look 1
On Steph: blouse - Ross, earrings - Burlington Coat Factory, Ring - Forever 21
On me: leopard tank - Ross, blouse-TJ Maxx, necklace- Burlington Coat Factory
