Packing

Once again it's that magical time when many of us between the ages of 18 and 25 find ourselves getting really to go back to school.
Can I just say, FINALLY.
However, it's all fun and games until we realize we have to find an apartment, pack, and somehow move ourselves and our worldly possesions across the Atlantic Ocean?

 

Darn, it's not fun anymore is it? OK, that's a lie, of course we're all still excited, but smartly freaked out. First thing we need to do is find some luggage.

I'm of the opinion that luggage shouldn't be nice. It should be grotesque. I like to think that if my luggage is really hideous, no one will steal it. Bright colors are good, because then it's easier to find in baggage claim.

Problem is, you have to be seen with it.

The biggest problem, for me, is trying to edit down my wardrobe and figuring out what to bring, and what to buy when I get there. I solved a bit of this by deciding I'm just going to wear leggings A LOT. They don't take up room, and if I close my eyes and tap my shoes, I can pretend they're pants. I really want to buy my fall boots and jackets now, but those take up a lot of room, so that's something I have to buy once I settle in. My shoes are a big problem too, I'm scared of them flying (yeah, really), so I might end up shipping those. 

Make up I'm not going to skimp on (obvi). 

 

Space bags hopefully will go far with fitting things into my (ugly) luggage. I've used those before, and they're awesome. Problem is, the clothes still weigh the same no matter how they're packed. 

Are we all excited for the apartment hunts, the hellish (I'm SURE) flights, figuring out new cities, and the moving? Yes! Am I pretty intimidated? Of course.

Oh...I almost forgot...attending class is another important thing we have to remember. Not being hungover for those 8ams!

Essentials

My makeup has never failed to make me feel high maintenance. It's not like I wear a lot (I refuse foundation, seriously, that stuff is gross), but I have a LOT of make up.
I have been a loyal sephora shopper for years now. I have their loyalty card, and I was "upgraded" to the VIP card. That's pretty much the "you shop here too much" club. Every now and then, I'll consider editing my collection down, but I just can't do it. Mascara is my biggest problem.
I usually use this

But at my last sephora trip I decided to try a new mascara (which I kind of do, um, every month).

Wow. I think I like it better than Diorshow. It doesn't smuge! It thickens like a dream (dreams are very thick, you see)!
But I'm sure I'll change my tune in another month when I try something else.

I don't wear a lot of eyeliner, but when I do, I really want it to stay put.

I use it on my inner lower eyelid, and it stays on ALL day (and most of the night, heh). I really like the brown/bronze color they offer, it's a bit more subtle.
Mascara and eyeliner is my "basic" look. I prefer to keep my eyes as the focus. When I switch to a night look, I add eyeshadow and blush.

That? Smells AHMAYZING. Stays on, and the best part is, it doubles as a lip stain.
Makeup is one of my favorite things to play with. I feel gross even if I have a fabby outfit but my face (and hair) isn't finished. It tops off the look, and even if it's minimal just finishes everything.

Confession: I have a problem.

A polyvore problem.
Too many clothes! All the shoes! Bags! Jewelry!
Some of the stuff I decided to make:

s by gege41 featuring Alexander McQueen

d by gege41 featuring Luella bags

x by gege41 featuring J Brand jeans

ggg by gege41 featuring lutz cardigans

a by gege41 featuring Alexander McQueen shoes

I lurve playing with polyvore. I just wish I owned some of the outfits I put together.

Do men hate fashion?

Short answer? No.
But the Daily Fail Mail disagrees.
First of all, why would I dress to attract a man? Do men really dress to attract women? If that were the case, we wouldn't see men in hideous jorts season after season. If the DM wants to complain about one sex's sartorial choices they're really off on this one.

"Unappetizing: High end fashion does not aim to create sexual allure."

Hmmm, maybe they're right! Just LOOK at these unappetizing, dowdy dresses! How could anyone think they're sexy!?

 

  

  

  

Aren't they just awful! How dare women have the audacity to even think of wearing such unsexy dresses!

Look, I get it if the woman who wrote the article would make eyes bleed if she were to wear a mini dress, and I get it if her husband is a total neanderthal who expects her to dress how HE wants; but can she please refrain from writing such garbage? 

It doesn't really matter what women wear, men will still be attracted to women. Again, it depends on the guy as well. 

Not all high fashion looks the same. Not all men expect you to dress to meet their needs. Dress how you want, dress for you. End!

Bebe steps up their fashion game

In high school, Bebe was always my go to store if I needed something tight, tacky, or trampy. They still have the tight market cornered, but they have been putting off a much more fashiony vibe lately.
They have a mesh dress (which I have):

 

 If it looks familiar that's because it looks the same as one of the Alexander Wang cutout dresses:

Not only have they been "inspired" by Alexander Wang, they're also taking hints from Balmain. 

Balmain:

 

And the Bebe version:

 

Well played, Bebe, well played. 

Their selection of shoes also show that they want to be more "respected" in fashion: