What’s In Your Bag?

Happy Monday y’all! Start of yet another busy week but I am looking forward to it for oh so many reasons. Later this week, expect a fabulous post on an event that I will be attending on Thursday. Think Gatsby!

I recently was asked by a girlfriend of mine if I had any eyeliner in my purse because she doesn’t usually carry any with her and it just so happened that day I was carrying my full cosmetic case. This caused me to think of what do us women really carry in our bags? and why? So, I decided to post on exactly this – what’s in a bag?

While my purse essentials change here and there (especially from season to season), there are a few things that I just don’t ever leave without! See below for 10 things you can always find in my handbag.

1. Wallet (obviously!)
2. Bobby pins
3. Lip balm
4. Perfume rollerball
5. Pens
6. Cellphone
7. Lipstick/Lip gloss
8. Compact Mirror
9. Hand Sanitizer
10. Hairbrush/Comb

So ladies, it’s time to spill – what’s in your bag? Share in the comments!

Hugs,

Kels

Vancouver Fashion Week

I’ve finally had the time to write again! Yay! School this past week was a little crazy to say the least so I had to take a brief hiatus. Luckily, it didn’t last long!

Over the past weekend, I had the awesome experience of attending Vancouver Fashion Week for the very first time. Actually, it was my first fashion show, ever so you can imagine my excitement. My girlfriend from school and I went and thanks to our mutual friend who was interning for VFW as she got us day passes for FREE! Yes, for free.

We arrived at the venue and stood in line for the guest list. After figuring that all out, we headed to grab a drink and then find our seats as the first show of the day was starting soon. It was soon after we took our seats that we realized that they were slightly behind schedule. We didn’t mind as while we waited, we took in all the crazy (yet amazing) fashion statements that people were rockin’. From chrome-like Nike high tops to fascinators, we saw it all.

Photo cred: Stylebyfire

By far my favorite out of them all was Kristie Metcalf’s line, Calotype. Her entire Fall/Winter ’14 collection could and should be sitting in my closet right now. Every piece was so so versatile. I fell in love with the high slit skirt and black trousers (pictured above) especially!

Lesson of the day: fashion is fearless (in case you didn’t already know!)

Hugs,

Kels

PS: I’d love to know if you ladies have ever been to a fashion show and what you’re experience was like! Post in the comments!

OOTD: Acid Wash for days

Hey everyone! Hope you are all having as great a day as I am!

I am smack dab in the middle of final papers, exams etc. but I had to make time to share my first ever OOTD post!

The whole ‘grunge’ fashion trend has taken the world by storm and with this, acid wash has made a comeback. Whether you love it or think it should have stayed in the 80s, it’s still around! Probably my favorite thing about this outfit is how easy it was to throw together while still looking cool and casual. Effortless chic, what more could a girl want?

Shirt – Garage
Denim – Garage
Boots – H&M
Bag – Forever21
Necklace – Hunni’s Urban Boutique

Whole outfit cost me $75! Always staying true to my ‘cheap chic’ mantra!

Happy Hump Day!

Hugs,

Kels

PS: I apologize for the serious lack of photos on this post – I am in the process of getting my very first DSLR camera & tripod so bear with me for a few more posts! Bigger and better pictures to come soon!

DIY: Flower Crown

Hello! Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Mine was nice and relaxing to say the least. Had a girls night with a few girlfriends from school which meant three things: wine, movies and gossip. Plus, some much-needed family time that I don’t get to have enough of.

Late this past week, with the weather in Vancouver being nothing short of gorgeous, I was inspired to do a festive spring DIY. I’ll admit, this post is a little ‘Lana Del Rey-esque’ but I think we should all embrace our inner flower child once in a while and flower crowns are the perfect way to do so.

I used an assortment of silk flowers that I bought at my local craft store (Michaels to be exact) along with some floral wire, floral tape and wire cutters.

Total cost of project? I was able to get all of my supplies for just over $15  and I had enough wire and flowers to make not one crown but two!

With flowers in my hair and listening to a little Echosmith, I feel like I need to hit up Coachella or something, am I right?

There are many tutorials out there on how to make your own floral crown but I found Sound Living Seattle‘s to be the most straight-forward. Be sure to check it out here!

Let me know if you’ve made your own floral crown before or if you’re itching to try this DIY! I’d love to hear the different ways of making them as well as what color schemes you’ve done!

Happy Tuesday!

Hugs,

Kels

My Friday Necessities

Can I get a TGIF? Can’t believe it’s practically the middle of March already! I had a great week filled with sunshine, flowers and friends and I hope you did too!

Not that you need any pick me up since it is Friday but today I’m sharing some of my Friday necessities that help me get amped up for any weekend.

1. One Line a Day memory book – I got this for Christmas last year after wanting it for months. I absolutely love the idea behind it. You write a line a day for over the course of 5 years so, if I keep it up I’ll be able to look back and see what I did today (March 14, 2014) in 2018… kinda creepy but so cool at the same time.

2. 8tracks – I am obsessed with 8tracks lately. With the ‘explore’ option, you can pick and choose whether you want to listen to a ‘happy + dance’ playlist or a ‘indie + morning’ playlist. So there really is music to fit every mood you’re in. Plus, it’s a great way to find new music!

3. Maybelline Colorsensational Vivids in Hot Plum – There’s something a bold lip does for me. While I do love my fair share of Mac lipsticks and higher lines alike, this one is wallet friendly! The color lives up to its ‘vivid’ name and doesn’t dry out my lips. Love wearing this Friday day and night.

4. Our Moment perfume – Okay, go ahead and judge but yes, I do have the One Direction perfume. If you haven’t smelled the British boy bands’ perfume for woman (or teenage girls, you choose), you probably should because it is surprisingly feminine and pretty. I’ve even gotten compliments on it!

5. Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer – Keeping your skin hydrated is super important (especially during the winter months!). This gradual self tanner does the job and does not streak whatsoever so it does double duty – hydrates and makes my fair skin not so ghostly!

A shoutout to TheFancyPantsReport recent post on being the inspiration for this post!

Hugs,

Kels

Word Wednesday: Fave Fashion Quotes

It’s mid-week, everyone! I can hear the sighs of relief already.

If you didn’t know already, I am definitely a word girl. I love reading, writing and jaw dropping, unforgettable speeches and quotes. Yes, there are some cheesy sayings out there but I can be a sucker for ’em. Today, I’m bridging my obsession for infamous quotes with fashion and paying ode to some of my all-time favorite fashion quotations.

I can honestly say that I take each of these sayings/quotes to heart. Each are amazing and true in their own, unique way. Some might even make you laugh! I know I crack a smile after readings some of these. Do you have your own favorite fashion quote? If so, I’d love to hear it so don’t be afraid to leave a comment below!

Thanks again for all the follows and support!

Hugs,

Kels

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Did someone say Instagram?

Happy Monday everyone! Mondays are nobody’s favorite but put your best foot forward today as it will set the mood for the entire week! I’m doing things a little differently today, no moodboard this time but you obviously haven’t seen the last of them.

I’ve been really busy with school lately so today’s post is brief. I’ve finally made my official Instagram account for my blog. I couldn’t decide for the longest time if I wanted to use my personal Instagram alongside The Cheap Chic Monologues but the verdict is in. I chose to make another Insta account specifically for my blog for the sake of keeping my personal life somewhat separate.

Now of course you can still follow me on my personal account which is @kelseyy__d but if you’re just wanting a snapshot of my blogging life then head on over to @thecheapchicmonologues on Instagram! I’ll happily follow my fellow bloggers!

Make the most of this Monday and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter!

Hugs,

Kels

Seeing White

Happy Saturday! I write this post as I sit in bed, drinking my tea and listening to a little ‘wake up’ playlist on 8tracks.  I love Saturday mornings, don’t you?

So after neglecting my nails for quite some time, I decided to give them a little at home manicure. Funny how newly painted nails boosts a girls mood. I chose one of my new favorite polishes, Michael Kors GLAM Lacquer in Gossip. This white is done the right way in the sense that it’s not flat yet not pearly and overly shiny.

After applying two light coats of the Michael Kors lacquer, I finished it off with my usual Sally Hansen top coat which I find works great and costs little to nothing as well!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the recent Michael Kors GLAM Lacquers as my collection of them is minimal! Always looking for new polishes to try!

Happy Saturday and Happy International Women’s Day!

Hugs,

Kels

Friday Finds: Whitney Eve

This week flew by but I kind of love when that happens because it means two things – first, it’s the weekend and second, I lived through another week of school! Ok, school isn’t that bad but I am counting down the days.

Earlier this week, I did my usual rounds of thrift shopping and to put it lightly, I did good.

My favorite piece this week by far that I came across is this tank by Whitney Eve. Yeah, you know just The Hills star, Whitney Port’s fashion line.

What I love so much about this top is the print. The photos don’t do it justice, let me tell you. The colors in it are stunningly gorgeous and reminds me of an old mosaic painting or a stained glass window.

Besides fitting me like a glove while still remaining effortlessly chic, I snagged this one for a mere $5… If you think that is some cruel joke, I am not kidding.

Like last weeks post, it pays (literally) to bargain hunt! Happy Friday, everyone and hope your weekend is amazing as always!

Hugs,
Kels

Word Wednesday: Fashion Fears

Hey everyone!

Already the middle of the week and it feels so good.

Word Wednesday can be so many things but this week I’m ranting about fashion fears. I’m talking about those trends and fashion styling techniques that you may be just a tad hesitant to try. Now, obviously not every trend out there is meant for you but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t at least experiment because like I say in my ‘about me’ page – one’s style is ever-changing so what trend may have not worked for you three years ago, might just be the perfect fit nowadays.

Fashion Fear #1: Colour

I think at one time or another, we all have shared this fear – color. Yes yes, black is slimming as hell and works for every complexion and skin color in the book but the matter of fact is that over time, if black is all you’re dressing in – overtime, it can become drab! I love black and all the shades of grey in between but color can really make you stand out. Start slow by maybe adding a bold handbag to your LBD like this one from Asos and slowly but surely your wardrobe will be bold and beautiful (not that it already isn’t!)

Fashion Fear #2: Seeing Stripes

I’ll be honest – I was scared of stripes for a long time. I always had this preconceived notion that no matter what the style of stripe, shade or direction, they are unflattering. This is a total myth, ladies! It’s all about the size of stripe, direction and color. For example, thin vertical stripes on a skirt or a pair of striped skinny jeans can do some serious justice for your legs while thick horizontal stripes on a dress may make you look wider.

Fashion Fear #3: Mixing Prints

Have no fear ladies, mixing prints is easier than you think! Even the thought of mixing two completely different patterns used to make me so anxious but it wasn’t until I started experimenting with my own closet that I found it is a lot of fun! The key I have found in successfully mixing prints is balance. So say if you’re wanting to rock a skirt with a big floral pattern, pair it with a lesser bold top that has small stripes or polka-dots. It’s all about balancing the two so they compliment each other. Thank me later!

I’d love to know your own fashion fears that you’ve gotten past or have yet to conquer so feel free to leave a comment below!

Hugs,
Kels