Not Goodbye, but See You Soon

Hey all!

Before I begin, I just want to apologize for not writing this sooner. I also want to thank you so so much for reading my blog, commenting on posts and everything in between. It really means the world.

The reason why I am writing this post is not to say goodbye but instead to simply say, ‘see you soon’. Over the summer, I have been fortunate enough to embark on some really amazing endeavors causing me to have to put my blog on the back burner for a bit. Life happens. I hope to be back writing in full force in the coming months and am already looking forward to it.

Thanks again lovelies!

Hugs,

Kels

My Summer Must Reads

Spring is coming to an end but that means summer is just around the corner! If you’re like me, you love to curl up with a good book (or three!) over the summer months. Whether it’s a biography or a sci-fi thriller, it’s those books that you can throw in the beach bag and escape with. Here are a few of my ‘must reads’ for this summer season.

Word Wednesday: Lush ‘Buffy’ Body Butter

Feels like forever since I’ve done a ‘Word Wednesday’ post but I’m here now doing one so better late than never, right? Today’s post is a product review and rant (let’s be honest) about my latest bath and body purchase. Lush Cosmetic’s Buffy Body Butter Bar. I can’t stop raving about it so thought I’d share it with all my readers!

If you’re a little unfamiliar with Lush Cosmetics, here’s my short and sweet rundown of the company. The company practices ethical buying and finds out all they need to know before buying any ingredients used in their products. They are also super environmental-conscious and fight hard against animal testing. All these attributes and more, I hold as being really important. Isn’t it good to know what you’re putting on your body is safe and helping the environment rather than the opposite?

The Buffy Body Butter by Lush is really more or less a body scrub that makes your skin a whole lot softer and smoother. I decided to give this body butter a try after meeting the Director of Brand Communications of Lush Cosmetics, Brandi Halls. She said it was one of her all time favorite products to use so after hearing that, I had to test it out for myself.

I really recommend this product if your skin is in need of a little rejuvenation. Especially for the summertime when we want our skin on it’s best behavior, the body butter acts as a great exfoliant and leaves my skin silky smooth. You can purchase the body butter in two sizes and for a few extra bucks, it comes in this cute little Lush tin as seen above.

Probably one of my favorite things about the bar is that you can use it with any shower gel or soap of your liking. There is a slight fragrance to the bar but not overpowering so if you’re sensitive to that sort of thing (like I am), you don’t have anything to worry about when it comes to this Lush product.

If you want to try the Buffy Body Butter out, you can purchase Buffy online.

Hugs,

Kels

OOTD: Romper Ready

Kimono: H&M | Romper: Winners | Sunglasses: Hunni’s Urban Boutique | Bracelets: H&M | Hat (not shown): Nordstrom
Total Cost: $70

Friday! Friday! What a week it’s been. School is out and the weather in Vancouver is getting to be less about rain and more about sunshine (slowly but surely).

The other day I had no plans or commitments whatsoever so I decided to enjoy some ‘me’ time at Stanley Park. Day was pure bliss in my eyes. Had the sun shining, music playing, my sketchbook out, my new baby (aka my camera) and some new good reads so really, what more could I ask for?

Rompers are tricky I find. They really do have to be the perfect fit otherwise they can make you (or at least me) look stocky and boxy. Also, how much do you love a pretty kimono? Definitely the ‘it’ thing to have in your closet this summer.

Hope you all have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

Hugs,

Kels

 

Moving Monday

Hey everyone! Took a week off from writing as I was vacationing in sunny Mexico which was filled with a lot of sun, sand and sangria! It feels good to be home even if that means sitting in my room looking out the window at the pouring rain. That’s Vancouver for ya!

I wouldn’t say I live by quotes but I definitely see a lot of truth in some statements and rather cliche (at times) sayings. Below are some quote typography’s that really move me and that I hold to be valuable for me, personally this coming week!

Happy Monday! Hope you start your week off on the right foot! I know I am!

Hugs,

Kels

Images courtesy of Molly Jacques Illustration & Pinterest

 

My 5 Vaca Must Haves

Only one more day till Friday! I’m always excited for the weekend (I mean, who isn’t!?) but I’m particularly counting down the days until Saturday because I am headed to the beautiful beaches of Mexico! That’s what gave me the inspiration for today’s post – my vacation must haves!

I’m not going to bore you with a list of the oh-so obvious essentials like bathing suits, sunscreen etc. but instead, my list is all about those little things that we may forget time and time again. Enjoy!

1. A Hat (Fedora, Floppy, you choose!)

They might take up room in that carry-on of yours but don’t leave without a hat of some kind! It’s a way of not only protecting your face from harmful UV rays but it’s also a way of bringing your style with you to the beach! Don’t think you don’t look good in hats – chances are you just haven’t found the right style that fits you!

2. Lip Balm with SPF

So important yet so easy to forget (at least for me!) When out in the sun, your lips too can get sunburned. I’ll save you the story but from experience, it is not a good time. Grab a lip balm with SPF protection like this Jack Black Lip Balm from Sephora

3. A Beach Bag

There’s not much you have to bring to enjoy laying poolside or lounging on the sand but if there is one thing I cannot go without, it’s my beach bag. I hate not knowing where everything of mine is or whether or not I forgot something back at the hotel. Having a big (but not too big) of a beach bag that can carry all your essentials makes your vacation that much more ‘functional’!

4. Versatile Sundress

Think the whole motto ‘from day to night’ here. Pack a sundress that can easily be thrown over a bathing suit during the day but can also be dressed up and work for night-time. You may be doing several different things in one day so finding something versatile not only lightens your suitcase but it also gives you more time enjoying your vaca and less time planning outfits for day and night!

5. Reusable Water Bottle

This is one must have that I have recently added to my list. I found that bottled water usually doesn’t go for cheap and well, we all need a little H20. A reusable water bottle is way more money savvy as well as functional in my opinion. This is especially important if you plan on doing a lot of walking, hiking etc. on your trip.

Let me know in the comments what your must haves are for a beach-side getaway! Happy Vacationing!

Hugs,

Kels

 

 

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!

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

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