The Life Balance

Leave a comment

A life balance – words that have seemed foreign to me recently. Right now everyone is busy adjusting to new lifestyles: new school, new city, new job, whatever it may me it can be overwhelming.

Just a couple months ago I moved to Chicago, somewhere I had really never been to prior to my big move. I began a new job in a field I knew nothing about. Right after I began working, I started my full-time masters program online. Sounds like a lot right? Well it was extremely overwhelming at first. With the combination of a new city, new job and new school, I was left with little time for myself. I was missing out on all of my favorite things like cooking, going on long walks, working out, and even writing. If you have read my blog before this post you may have noticed I have been a little M.I.A. Well, that’s because I’ve been figuring out my life balance.

Finding your life balance is like searching for the perfect balanced diet – it’s near to damn impossible. But slowly after the trial and error of new routines, you are able to figure it out a little bit better to work towards your end goal. My goal of my life balance is to have enough time for work, school, myself and my friends. That’s it. But I know that’s a lot to ask and prioritize. When you have a full plate you have to figure out your prioritizes; what you need to do (like work and school), who you want to spend time with and what you need to do for yourself to make your mental capacity better down the road. Those three things that I carry with me day to day help keep me on track and find my balance.

If you’re struggling with finding time for yourself, remember that the only person that can make that time is you. Our schedules fill up so fast, but we can make our own time just as quick. For me, I have a hard time saying now because I tend to be people pleaser. Saying “yes” to everything makes other people happy, but overall leaves minimal time for myself. Sometimes it can be as easy as turning down a night out or a quick lunch just to make room for things you need to do for you. That’s not being selfish, that’s looking for yourself. And no one looks out for you like you do.

In all of my craziness I know that I am not alone. So many people are going through extensive & time consuming life changes, and nothing is too big or too small. While this can be such an overwhelming time of our lives, things will even out. As I have been balancing my changes for the past couple months, I am finally finding my groove again to make time for myself as every part of the day counts. Yes, it is important to work hard, but it’s almost as important to play harder.

Aritzia, I Love You, But We Need To Talk

Leave a comment

Aritzia, Aritzia, Aritzia. The new colt favorite (and personal favorite of mine) has been steadily releasing their fall collections throughout the month of August. First came Wilfred, then came TNA, now comes Sunday Best.

Sunday Best is an Aritzia in-house brand that is tailored more towards their Gen-Z customer. The many tennis skirts, sweater vests and baby tee’s are the 90’s reinvention that we didn’t know we needed. And this 90’s to early 2000’s look is all the rage and a huge hit with the company’s target audience. But there is one issue with this style being so popular – the copying of designs from other companies.

I was beyond excited to see Sunday Best’s fall collection, but there were a few things that stuck out to me from their release. Their graphic tee’s are almost exact designs from Réalisation Par and Brandy Melville.

On the left, Aritzia, on the right, Brandy Melville.

While this original design from Brandy Melville has been copied many times in fast fashion, I was not expecting to this at Aritzia in their fall collection. They have also made similar designs on other shirts with the words “Ranger”, “Rodeo Kid” and “Buckaroo”.

The second design that I immediately recognized from another brand is this shirt originally designed by Réalisation Par. This brand rapidly increased in popularity through social media as their floral dresses were seen on many influencers throughout the summer. Their dresses weren’t the only thing that stuck out on their website. Their unique baby tee’s were flying off the shelves. Constantly sold out, this is an immediately recognizable shirt. So I was yet again shocked to see this on Aritzia’s website. Aritzia and Réalisation Par bring in the same kind of customer, so this won’t go unnoticed.

On the left, Aritzia, on the right, Réalisation Par.

While unfortunately designs are copied all the time, I am disappointed with these pieces from Aritzia. What sets Aritzia apart form its competitors is its timeless, unique yet classy pieces that are wardrobe staples to keep in your closet for years. But with this collection that is launching on Thursday, it shows that the company is taking a different approach to reach their target audience. And to be honest, the target has been missed. By this ever so slight rebrand from Sunday Best, they are putting themselves on the same playing field as other overdone Gen-Z brands. What they have works, there is not need to change that and it shows in their numbers. Some of their past quarters have hit company records in terms of revenue, so I am curious, why the change to be like everyone else?

The collection comes out tomorrow. While I will be browsing the new items, you won’t find me making any purchases from Sunday Best.

Beauty Trends For The Everyday Minimalist To Try

Leave a comment

When it comes to beauty I normally keep things very tame. Same makeup, skincare and hair care every day. If you know me you know I have a hard time wearing colors as I tend to stick to neutrals – just seems more practical in my opinion. But over the past few months color has taken over my Instagram feed and TikTok big time. Colorful nails, hair accessories, etc. are all the rage. While they are definitely in style I just can’t seem to hop on some of the trends that seem so “out there”. Not because I am afraid to wear a bright lip or anything of that sorts, but just because it doesn’t feel like myself. And when it comes to fashion or beauty, that is all I am trying to accomplish; feeling like myself.

I have been wanting to branch out of my normal neutral color palette in terms of beauty and still manage to feel comfortable with what I have on. If you are in the same boat, here are some beauty trends for you to try to step up your everyday looks.

Bright Blush

Something that I have changed up the past few months is switching up the blush I use from day to day. Recently, Kylie Jenner has been using Dior Backstage’s Rosy Glow Blush, which comes in two super pigmented colors. Definitely a good summer look.

Patterned Nails

Nail art is extremely popular right now and I love it. But something I don’t love is worrying about is if my nails are going to match my outfit or not – which is why I want to try neutral nail art. Still part of the trend, but ensured to match everything you wear.

P.S. – I think the colorful nail art is popular in the summer, but we will be seeing more neutral nail art coming up in the fall.

Colorful Eyeliner

Not eyeshadow; eyeliner. Liquid colorful eyeliner I think adds such a chic yet playful look to your makeup routine, and I really would like to try it myself. Chose the right color eyeliner for your eyes pop!

Hint: chose an eye liner that is complementary of your eye color.

Dewy Highlighter

Something I tend to skip in my everyday makeup is highlighter, which I shouldn’t because in my opinion it elevates your whole look. Especially in the summer – this is a must. To get the most glowy, dewy look go for a liquid highlighter like Becca Ignite Liquid Highlighter.

Upgraded Up-Do’s

Knowing how to style an up-do is essential especially during these hot summer months. I have been wearing my hair in a ponytail constantly and trying to style it different just to switch things up. Again, not a large change but something slight to get me to try something new.

My up-do go-to’s: slicked back ponytail, claw clips, and pigtail braids.

Shimmer Eyeshadow

This 2000’s trend is making a large comeback in the world of beauty. This is the easiest thing you could add to your makeup routine, as you don’t even need a brush to apply it. Shimmer eyeshadow is so forgiving, effortless and simple which is perfect to upgrade your everyday minimalist look.

Try the cult favorite Stila Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadow or if you want to get this look from Hailey Bieber, opt for the Bare Minerals Gen Nude Rose Palette.