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Friday, August 15, 2014

What's In My Bag? | Back to School Edition | F/W 2014

Ahh look, poor quality photographs. The best kind.
Ahhh, August. Such a bittersweet month. It's still technically summer, but you have to bare the burden of school just around the corner. Some of us don't start until September. Screw you guys.

As for the rest of us, who start in late August, we need to get the cool, at least decent-looking school supplies before they run out. And boy, do they.

I've never been one to buy my school supplies early, but this year, I want to start off on the correct foot. This year I would like to get pretty decent grades. Please lord, send help.

But anyways, we all need school supplies, so I thought, "Hey, what the hell? I'll just add my thoughts to the topic!"

I went down to Office Max yesterday, and I don't know why I expected cute school supplies. Why do commercials make these things seem more appealing than they actually are?

But, I made a promise. And that promise was to give you a blogpost today. And since I have no back up plan, we're gonna stick with this. Hopefully this will help you if you're drawing a blank on what you need in your backpack, or maybe you're starting high school or middle school and have no idea what you'll need. Good luck, chum.


Binders & Paper: You're gonna need at least one binder. I cannot stand it when people get a folder for each class. You can store all the crap teachers say you'll need but will never use safely in it's protective, plastic arms. Binder dividers and paper are also crucial. I get the binder dividers that come in a pack of eight, because it's one for each class. Yes, teachers will tell you that you'll need a separate binder for their class, but I promise you this: you'll need the extra space. Now, about the paper. You can get the really bad Office Max brand that they sell for a bargain (sorry, Office Max), or you can get the extremely, expensive good shit, like Five Star. Ahh, nothing screams supporting education like selling overpriced school supplies. Also, please, for the love of God, get college ruled. You're most likely in high school. You're too old to be using wide ruled paper.

Homework Folder & Notebook:I don't know if you'll need this next item, but it's helped me out immensely. A homework folder is kind of critical for me if I need to keep my grades decent-looking. In one section, preferably the left-hand side, put in the homework you need to complete. In the other, put in the homework that you have completed and need to turn in. In my opinion, it's a much easier way of organizing your work, but that's just me. Get some notebooks and/or composition books while you're at it as well. They're kind of a "just in case" thing for me.

Planner: This is like the homework folder. It's helped me out a lot, and it might help you too. I'm one of the most unorganized people I know. I found my driving certificate under my dresser. How'd it get there? Maybe the giant spiders living in my cluttered closet moved it there. Basically, I need all the help I can get when it comes to organizing, which is why a planner is perfect for me. I like the one that I got, because I can mark down important dates on the monthly calendar, like tests, but also have sections for each date where I can jot down my homework. The color scheme and design isn't half bad either. You know, for a planner.

Other Supplies: This is basically all that other stuff you use every day, like pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters and a calculator. Pens are fucking important. Pens make the world go 'round. Pens are the shit, but unfortunately you'll make writing mistakes, so ya need some pencils and an eraser. Mechanical pencils are just better than plain wooden ones. It's an investment, I promise. They may be  more expensive, but if you buy a good one, and store it in one place, then you really only need to worry about lead. Erasers are good to have because you can't always use the one on the end of your pencil. Use that for emergencies, and get a nice pink eraser for everything else. You can thank me later. Highlighters are important, because they highlight everything important. I repeat, highlight everything important. Lastly, the calculator on your fucking iPhone 5S isn't, has never been, and will never be as good as a graphing calculator. You will use it in college, so you might as well buy one know, because pal, you're gonna need it.

Other: This is everything else. Water, phone charger, headphones, Tylenol, wallet, keys, mints/gum, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, tissues, and lip balm. Okay, now let's break this down as quickly as possible, shall we? Water: obvious. Force fluids (no, not like that, you horny teenager). Stay hydrated. Phone charger: you will get bored. You will go on your phone. It will die. Headphones: to tune out the other snotty teenagers. Tylenol: to get rid of your headache caused by the other snotty teenagers. Wallet: to spend money on snacks that will make you fat and coffee that will keep you alive during the day. Also, to feel old. Keys: to get in your god damn house, duh. If you're in high school and don't have a key to your house, you're gonna regret it when you're parent or guardian is unable to let you in and you're without a key and you have to pee. Mints/Gum: The main reason is to make your breath fresh. Don't be that weird kid and bring your toothbrush to school. It's also good if you're hungry and lunch doesn't start for another hour. Chewing gum will also make you look coo. Fact. Hand lotion: I've mentioned this before, so it won't be news when I tell you that I have incredibly dry skin. I will always carry hand lotion on me. Always. Hand sanitizer: if you're not washing your hands between classes you have a tolerance to germs that I will never understand. I'm not a germaphobe, but kids are gross, it's the truth. Tissues: But sometimes ya just need tissues, okay?! I PROMISE I'M NOT A GERMAPHOBE! Lip balm: Again, dry skin. Stay hydrated. Also hoping that my hydrated lips will trick boys into making me seem alluring. It's a stretch though.

Well, I guess that's my back to school edition of what's in my bag! Comment if you have other things you think are important. New post next Monday!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Back to School Essentials: Accessories | F/W 2014

Back to School Essentials: Accessories | F/W 2014

Back to School Essentials: Accessories | F/W 2014 by lindsay-johnson61

Time for part two of my back to school essentials! To be honest, I'm pretty surprised about how proactive i've been with these sets. Hopefully this new habit of mine will continue through the rest of my blogging days. Or years. Whatever. Link to part one is belowww.

Scarves: These babies are sooo incredibly important for winter. I can't tell you how many times I've been thankful that I've had a scarf with me, especially growing up in a state that's slogan is "The Greatest Snow On Earth." I really like big wooly scarves, in both check print and just classic colors, like grey, black, or navy.

Bags: This is a back to school essential post, so obviously you'll need a backpack. Now, depending on who you are, you'll want to get different backpack designs. Personally, I like the really simple ones with no design. I also like the ones with toile prints, because they're just gorgeous and classic.

Hat/Head Accessories: "Head Accessories"… what a weird term. Apparently you should wear warm things on your head in order to keep warm the best, or something like that. I'm obviously not a doctor. I simply like wearing beanies and berets SO so much. Basically anyone can wear a beanie, unless you're a girl with cropped hair. Then you'll just look weird. Again, simple, classic colors like back, grey, and navy blue, beige, and, if I'm feeling festive, red. I also like that kind of woven look about pom pom beanie above. I don't really know what you call that. What do you call that?! I also like wearing those fury headbands. I feel like a Russian when I wear them.

Belts: Pretty basic, pretty essential in any look. I like this belt because of the look. I love the color, and I love the braided rope. I'm not really a fan of "bling-ing" myself out (as you can probably already tell), so this belt suits. me.

Gloves: I get incredibly cold hands, and I hate it. My hands are just naturally cold. I feel like I have a medical condition. So gloves are defo in my essentials. I like plain, black leather gloves, but if I saw some with emojis or something like that, I'd probably just have to get them.

Aaaaand I think that's about it! Let me know what you thought in the comments below, and if you like these blogposts. New blogpost on Friday! Yay!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Back to School Essentials: Clothes | F/W 2014

Back to School Essentials: Clothes | F/W 2014

Back to School Essentials: Clothes | F/W 2014 by lindsay-johnson61

Ahh, August. What a ridiculous month. It's like the October of Christmas. It's still summer, but somehow the school system has managed to work it's way into the end of the month. Which means we need to get ready for autumn and winter. Pronto. So, without further a due, here are my back to school clothing essentials!

Tops: Most of the time, I stick to the basics when it comes to my wardrobe. My back to school essential tops include basic long sleeved tops, button downs, victorian/bohemian blouses, basic tees, graphic tees, pullovers, and basic cardigans. When it comes to the long sleeved tops, button downs, basic tees, pullovers and basic cardigans, I recommend getting them in colors such as grey, black, white, and navy blue. On the long sleeved tops, also get black-and-white, horizontal stripes, which are classics. Similar to that, get vertical stripes (most of the previously mentioned color ranges work),  polka dots (same on the colors), and gingham print, which is pretty on trend now. When wearing boho or victorian tops, stick to white or cream with blue accents.

Outerwear: Leather jackets are something a person just can't live without. Trench coats are not super important, but look cool and are great for when it rains. Borge coats are super comfy and warm for when it rains. Army jackets are good for layering, which is kind of essential in cool weather. And lastly, leopard print coats. My staple piece. I cannot live without leopard print in my closet.

Jeans: Jeans will never go out of style. We will always be wearing jeans, no question. My back to school essential jeans include boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans. I don't really like boyfriend jeans that are too baggy or dark in color, so I usually go for light colored ones that are basically loose-fitting skinny jeans. Now, for skinny jeans, I like black, dark grey, and a classic denim blue. Rips optional.

Shoes: A girl can never have too many shoes. I've never really thought of myself as a shoe freak, but after seeing how many shoes I put in this post, I retract that statement. I love ankle/chelsea boots, biker boots, loafers, brogues, flats, and classic trainers. Multiple colors and fabrics when it comes to most of these shoes. The strappier the better when it comes to flats, I always say! And for the trainers, some Converse and Vans will do!

Underwear: This is, obviously, essential. For school, I don't really think you need anything fancy because, come on, it's school. So I've decided to go for some easy Calvin Klein bralet and "panties". God, I hate that word. There really needs to be a better word for them. Like knickers, why don't Americans use the word knickers?!

You may or may not be wondering why there are no skirts or dresses in this post. Well, personally, I think skirts and dresses just tend to get in the way when it comes to school. I will hardly ever wear a skirt to school. I like to be comfortable, especially in school, and I always find myself fussing with the hem and such. If you do add a skirt, just make sure it's school appropriate, and don't flash anyone.

Well I hoped this has helped you decide what to buy on your back to school shopping spree! And if not, I hope you enjoyed the read. Let me know if you'd like me to do more of this in the comments down below. I'll be doing all back to school related posts this month, so stay tuned! x

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Favorites | July 2014

Makeup: I'm not really the type of person to constantly be buying and trying new makeup. I tend to stick to the items that I know work really well, and my philosophy on makeup is that if it isn't broken, it shouldn't be fixed. So, with that being said, I've gone back to my ultimately favorite foundation, the YLS Le Teint Touché Éclat Illuminating Foundation. I had to take a break from this bad boy, because I had ran out of my previous bottle, and my skin and turned a shade darker from the summer sun. But I bought more, and I'm super happy to have it back in my life once again.

Another YLS product is the matching Touché Éclat concealer. I've never really used a concealer before, and I was able to get some in a set when I purchased the foundation. Personally, I think it's starting to look a little too light for my skin, but it definitely gets the job done when I need to cover my dark under eyes and frustrating spots.

Along with concealer, I've never been a big lipstick person. I usually just dust my lips lightly with my foundation to where it looks like I'm wearing something on them, but not enough to make it look like I have no lips at all. I decided it was time: I needed to find a lipstick. So I popped into Ulta and went to the Rimmel London isle. I love anything English, and I know a ton of people love Rimmel. I grabbed one of the Kate Moss lipsticks. I believe it is the Lasting Finish lipstick in shade 113, which is this extremely nude color, except it's got a tinge of pink in it, which I like, because it helps my whole 60's look I've been working on.

Last but not least is by a brand I swear by. 'Tis the Eyeko x Alexa Chung "Eye Do" liquid liner. Holy shit, this stuff is good. If you love cat eyes, and enjoy feeling like Jane Birkin and Francoise Hardy, then I highly recommend this. It's really easy to use, and it's not super sharp, making it looks slightly undone, which I love. I bought that limited addition tube thing, that came with some tissue paper with eyes on it (screams me), and a guitar pick and a poster. Super rad.

Hair: Nothing really new with hair, either, except I've been using a little bit more of my Bumble and bumble surf spray. I like the beachy texture it gives my lifeless hair. It doesn't keep the kinks as long as I'd like it to (all day), but it does look good when I give my hair a slight curl, then add the spray to make it look a little more messy.

Body: Lately I've started taking more baths, because they help with my sandpaper skin. To me, it's kinda boring only soaking in the water without some suds or salts. So, I purchased some Dr. Teal's Epson salts. And I am in love! Apparently they help with detoxing your skin, but I don't really know anything about that chemistry shit. I just know if feels good in the bath, and really helps with my sore muscles when I get done with a workout (squats hurt, man!).

Like I said, my skin is sandpaper. And it doesn't help that I live in an incredibly dry state. Thankfully it's been a bit rainier, so that's nice, but I still needed a really hydrating body lotion. I have to pay super close attention to the ingredients, because usually, when the first ingredient is water, I have to move on. But I was really fortunate enough to find a lotion that didn't have water as the first ingredient. There is a god after all. It's a Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Face + Body Cream. It's really creamy, not greasy, which is something I try to avoid. The scent is very natural smelling, and I looooove smothering it all over my body when I step out of the bath/shower.

Yay, now to can read me ramble on about my random favorites!
(If you've survived this long, kudos)


Favorite Song/s: This is really hard for me, because music is probably one of my biggest passions. I have been listening to a ton of HAIM, so I'd say they're my favorite band. But song wise, I've mainly been listening to "Don't Save Me" by HAIM, "Mote" by Sonic Youth, and "Shades of Cool" by Lana Del Ray.

Favorite TV Show: This has got to be Catfish on MTV. I fucking love this show. The people getting catfishes are incredibly gullible, and it's enjoyable to look at them get all worked up over these relationships with these phony people. I'm also gutted that the season is over, and I have to wait some more weeks (or months, I have know idea how often the seasons start).

Favorite Human: I've been watching a LOT of Cryaotic on YouTube. I like his videos because they're interesting to watch and he makes them really long—perfect for binge watching. Oh, and his voice in angelic. Go check him out if you're into YouTube gaming.

Favorite Food/Drink: In an attempt to be healthier, I've started drinking green tea. A lot of green tea. I also drink a lot of coffee and milk. Super yummy, and not lot like that fluffy shit at Starbucks that the kids drink these. Not bagging on Starbucks, but teen girls shouldn't say they like coffee if they only ever drink Vanilla Bean Frappuccinos.