The Style Thread: July 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014

Review: Maybelline "The Nudes" Eyeshadow Palette

Basically, I saw two video reviews of this palette, read some online ratings, and decided I needed to have it.

Maybelline "The Nudes" Eyeshadow Palette, $15, Shoppers

This is what the front looks like. The packaging is super sleek, and the palette is compact enough to slip in a purse or carry-on for travel. There are 12 shades ranging from matte to shimmery, all in the neutral colour family.

Here's a more close-up look of the shades. As you can see, I've already been experimenting with them! So far I like the shimmery gold shade the best (bottom row, third from left)- I've been looking for a gold eyeshadow that's not too bronze or sparkly, and this is it! The shades are pretty well pigmented, which is good for drugstore quality (usually I'm always layering on the shadow), and they blend easily and work well together for a ton of different looks. I've seen people compare this palette to the Urban Decay Naked ones, and from what I can see, the colours are pretty similar (I don't have one, so I can't be too sure on it). So if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, this may be good for you!

This is what the back of the palette looks like. As I mentioned, there are so many different looks you can create, and these helpful pairings on the back make that easy. Basically they've divided it up into quads, trios, or duos, depending on the look you're going for, and then they also say where to put each shade. I can't wait to try out all the colour combinations, and maybe even create some of my own!

What do you think of this palette? Let me know!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Outfits: Crazy & Flirty Skirts

It's been a while since I've posted here, mainly because a lot has happened in the past month, including the fact that I now have my full driver's license!!! (Finally!) My summer course ends on Thursday, which will leave me the whole month of August to blog :)
Today I have a few outfits that I wore to work last week / would wear to work. Sadly, I cannot wear my usual t-shirt and cut-off shorts to give flute lessons or work at a children's clothing store (and if you do either of these, you shouldn't be wearing that either). So here are some more appropriate options that also agree with the warmer weather.

Blouse: Urban Behaviour

Skirt: Simons

In my hurry to change out of my usual summer attire, I forgot to accessorize...but really, you can add anything to this. Personally, I would recommend a statement necklace, either silver or gold, or maybe some bangles. The blouse is sheer, so I added a cami underneath (which you can't see here).

T-shirt: Target

Skirt: Target

Cardigan: Old Navy

Necklace: Forever 21

My crazy skirt is back again! :P I actually wore it to work with a plain white tee, but realized that black is also a good option! This skirt has so many colours that it goes with anything, like a pale pink, navy, or orange.

Blouse: Bluenotes

Skirt: Target

The Target skirt makes another appearance! I just wanted to show another cool way to wear it- kind of like colour-blocking. For jewellery I would most likely go with gold here (either a dainty necklace or bracelet, nothing too over the top because the focus is on the skirt) to complement the skirt.

What do you wear to work (you know, if you don't have a uniform)? Let me know! :)

Friday, July 11, 2014

Book Review: Last Summer by Holly Chamberlin

Last Summer by Holly Chamberlin tells the story of two families who have lived next door to each other for as long as they can remember. They have been there for each other through deaths, divorce, and the ups and downs of life. Their fourteen year old daughters have also grown up together and have become best friends over the years. All that changes during the girls' ninth grade year.

Under the pressure of seeing her best friend bullied and not wanting to speak up and possibly become a victim, Meg betrays Rosie, who then suffers an emotional breakdown in the latter part of the school year. This book traces the course of events that occur the summer following the girls' freshman year, as they try to forgive and test their friendship once more.

The story has four different perspectives: Jane (Rosie's mother), Frannie (Meg's mother), Rosie, and Meg; as well as diary entries from Rosie that tell the depth of the bullying she went through, by others and herself. Each perspective gives the reader a chance to get to know each character and identify with their thoughts, feelings, and emotions as the summer wears on.

I loved this book. Any novel that addresses the issue of bullying hits me hard, and this one was no exception. I identified the most with Rosie's diary entries, as they became more helpless and empty as the year wore on. This may sound a bit too cliche, but the entries were heartbreaking. Reading Meg's perspective gave me insight on her longing to be forgiven by Rosie. I also enjoyed both mothers' points of view, as they not only wanted to help their daughters, but also rekindle their own friendship.

All in all this book is a must read for the summer. It's a tear-jerker, but definitely worth it.