• Start Here
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blogger Tribe
  • Work With Me

Gardening in High Heels

cultivate a beautiful life

March 31, 2015

Creative Closet: Sassy Stripes

March 31, 2015

Sometimes, you nail every photo.  You can’t narrow down the awesome shots, so you include all the pics.  And other times, your camera won’t focus, it’s getting too dark and lightening them just makes them grainy, and you’re lucky you have four photos.

Guess which kind of week this is?

But I really like stripes and I love this dress from Express and I couldn’t not share a little something for The Creative Closet today.

Here’s a rough idea of the outfit:

The Creative Closet: Stripes are where it's at! I love this dress from Express layered with tights and sneakers for a casual look.

Chloe and Isabel Heirloom Chain + Pavé Convertible Necklace Stripes, polka dots, and Converse sneakers. Dressed down cuteness!

I’m still into mixing patterned / bold tights with patterned / bold dresses, so I thought this was the perfect combo.  Stripes, polka dots, and Converse sneakers.  Can’t get much better than this.  I wore it to work last week with my favorite tan booties, but I just wore them last week, so I dressed it down with sneakers.

Dress: Express
Necklace: Chloe and Isabel
Cuff bracelets: Studebaker Metals
Tights: I forget!
Shoes: Converse

How do you wear your stripes?

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

9 Comments · Labels: Outfits Tagged: converse, express, ootd, pattern mixing, spring outfit, stripes, the creative closet

March 30, 2015

Spring clean: makeup organization

March 30, 2015

A few weeks ago, I spent ages (okay, a few hours) rounding up all of my makeup and sorting through it.  I have a problem hoarding all the makeup seeing and storing what I have.  I’ve been trying to do #365DaysofEmpties to lighten up my collection, but it’s still raging out of control, so I had to find a better way to sort and store things.

Easy secrets to sort through and organize makeup for a spring clean! Use these tips to organize and store your makeup using things you probably already have around the house.

To get rid of what I had:

It pained me so much, but I asked myself these five questions.  If it was old, I didn’t like it, and/or just hanging out for the sole purpose of hanging out, I did my best to get rid of it.

How old is it?

If you’re unsure if something is still good, check out this post to know when something is telling you, Hey, I expired.  Or just do a search on Pinterest for “makeup expiration;” all of the recommendations are mostly the same.

Do I have this already in a similar shade?

If so, the older one or the one I like least has to go!  If it’s a backup for a product I love and use, though, it’s definitely staying.

Could I give it to someone else?

If it’s a new product (or mostly new and has been cleaned properly) and I can give it to someone who will use it, I will!  Anyone want to do a blog makeup swap?

Is it hanging around because I don’t use it and I feel bad throwing something away?

I’m so guilty of this.  I can’t throw away something if it’s still usable, even if I don’t use it.

Is it half-finished and I just have to make a point to use the rest of it up?

Guilty of this, too.  I can’t throw something away if it’s usable AND I still have product left to use.

To store what I have left:

What will allow me to use this the most?

I’m so guilty of “Out of sight, out of mind.”  If I don’t see it, I’ll forget about it.  So I pulled out a few of my favorite lip sticks/glosses and have them in their own holder outside of the sorted boxes of lip balm, stick, stain, and gloss.  I just pick the color I want for the day and go without having to paw through endless boxes (or yesterday’s work bag).  Then I’ll swap/rotate out weekly to start playing favorite with others and as the seasons change.

Can I group/store this with similar products?

I have a Quirky Zen Cosmetics from Jonathan that I love and was going to use for eyeliner, but I know liquid eyeliner should be stored on its side and I have pots of gel liner that wouldn’t fit.  It doesn’t make sense to have eyeliner stored in different areas, so I use an empty Birchbox box to corral everything and the brushes stay in the Makeup Zen nice and neat.

Quirky Zen Cosmetics for holding brushes, eyeliner, lip liner, anything!

Group similar kinds of makeup together to make it easier to store. You use it more, too, because you can see it all!

Use what will work for you

Maybe you have an extensive collection and need more drawers/containers that I need.  Maybe you only need a three-drawer container with one drawer for eyes, another for lips, and a final for face (at one time I could fit everything into a small storage tower like that.  Oh the days).

Use these tips to organize and store your makeup using things you probably already have around the house!

Use what works for you.  If a large organization project makes you shake, don’t do it!  If you need clear drawers instead of closed boxes, go find them!

Try other sections of Target

I found a clear desk/mail sorter in the clearance stationery/desk supplies section.  I was going to try using it for brushes and corralling small items.  That didn’t work, so I figured out something else to do with it.

Store eye palettes in an office organizer so you can see them all and easily reach for them.

But my point here is to think in terms of other sections of the store.  If the makeup caddies aren’t what you’re looking for, maybe another organizational section will have something you like.  Or try a totally different store, like Marshall’s or even Staples.  There’s nothing a little spray paint can’t make prettier!

Take unused items out of the collection

Weed out the new items that are waiting to get opened (like mascara, lip gloss, etc) to lighten up what is in the visible places.  It also helps me to use up what is left in an old container before I move on to something new.  I have a bad habit of wanting to use something the second I buy it.  Even toothpaste.  I’m like, “Yes, I want to try that Wintergreen flavor now!”

Store extra makeup items in boxes that can easily stack away in a closet and you know where it is when you need it in the morning.

So by sorting unopened makeup into groups for eyes, lips, and face, I can take out exactly what I need (new blush? mascara?) without having to paw through everything and make a bigger mess.

Also, join me for the #LipStockChallenge – a different lipstick every day until I run out.  Post your photos with the hashtag to play along!

Those are my secrets for taming my makeup collection.  What are yours?

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

7 Comments · Labels: How To, Makeup & Beauty Tagged: beauty products, how to, makeup, makeup monday, organization, storage

March 24, 2015

Creative Closet: Favorite Denim

March 24, 2015

I love denim so much, I could live in jeans.  LIke, find-a-large-pair-and-make-myself-a-tent live in jeans.It’s another prompt from The Creative Closet that was made for me.  Denim is my favorite.  It’s casual, classic, dressy.. It can be whatever you want it to be.

This is an outfit I wore to work on Friday and got so many compliments on it, I couldn’t not post it.  And it’s an outfit that I don’t want to take off.  You know that feeling when you just nail something and it all comes together juuust right?Denim is perfect any time. Love casual, destroyed denim looks.The problem is…I didn’t take pictures that day.  In true Angelica fashion, I let it go until the last minute, but I absolutely had to participate today because my girl Jaelan is co-hosting the link up.

That is another post for another day, but it involved a self timer, a car, and a scarf.  I need one of those remote thingies Katy told me about from Amazon like, yesterday.

Despite all that, I still couldn’t narrow down the pictures.  I told you, I’m never taking this outfit off.  Pardon me, but I look damn good if I say so myself.  It’s all in the accessories (and a confident attitude is the best accessory, but rockin’ necklaces really help.)Destroyed denim from American Eagle. Perfect for spring with a light sweater and a bright lip!Destroyed denim from American Eagle. Perfect for spring with a light sweater and a bright lip! Add a scarf for a little extra something on a chilly day. Destroyed denim from American Eagle. Perfect for spring with a light sweater and a bright lip! Destroyed denim from American Eagle. Perfect for spring with a light sweater and a bright lip! Add a scarf for extra texture.Most of my jeans are from American Eagle because they fit the best to me.  The thing about denim is that what feels good on one person doesn’t feel good to the other.

Usually I wear jeans that are skinny (here, here, here) or that have a boot cut flair (here, here), but these straight jeans rolled up just a bit work on me for some reason.Isaac Mizrahi Live watch, Studebaker Metals brass cuff, and Pandora #armparty American Eagle Straight Jeans Destroyed denim from American Eagle. Perfect for spring with a light sweater and a bright lip!Paired with my other favorite polka dots and some bright lips, I have spring casual written all over me, don’tcha think?

Top: Sonoma
Sweater, scarf, jeans: American Eagle
Booties: Old Navy
Watch: Isaac Mizrahi Live
Cuff: Studebaker Metals
Triangle necklace: from The Shop in East Liberty
Lips: Almay Smart Shade Lip Butter in Pink Medium

What’s your favorite denim look?

[disclaim]Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Hausfrau, Jill Alexander Essbaum’s new juicy read![/disclaim]

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

14 Comments · Labels: Outfits Tagged: american eagle, creative closet, denim, jeans, old navy, ootd, spring outfit, studebaker metals, style, the creative closet

March 23, 2015

What’s in my bag – eyes

March 23, 2015

Eyes and lips are my favorite part of makeup.  I have way too much of it and I love it.  Throughout the years, I’ve used all kinds of shadows, liners, mascaras, glitter, matte, normal colors, and crazy ones.  So I know a little somethin’ somethin’ when it comes to eyes.

Last month, I went a little crazy listing my favorite skin care, so I tried to keep this short(er) and sweet.  While my collection rotates, somethings stay the same.  Here are the essentials in my makeup bag when it comes to eyes.

Eyeshadow is the best part of makeup! Must have products that you should have in your makeup bag for eyes.

Primer

I have oily skin which means oily eye lids.  I have tried all kinds of primers and I love Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer and Urban Decay primers.  Usually I still get a little break down by the end of the day because I haven’t found the EXACT right product that’s bullet proof on oil slick eyes like mine, but these are pretty close.

Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer is fantastic and so worth it.

Eye Liner

I have been using gel liner for a while.  It was one of my first makeup breakthroughs.  I love MAC in Dipdown.  It’s a perfect brown that’s great for day and can be darkened up for night.

But if I want a dark eyeliner, I reach for L’Oreal Lineur Intense Carbon Black.  It lasts for ages and the wear on it is fantastic.  The tip is flexible and creates a super thin line.  It’s perfect for a cat (or kitten) eye.

If I want something a little more smudged out, I reach for a pencil liner.  I love Bare Minerals, Urban Decay 24/7, and Stila Smudge Sticks.  These all smoke out nicely and last for a while.

The best eyeliner and mascara.

Mascara

I’m not picky with mascara.  I love Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes.  Bare Minerals Flawless Definition, or good old fashioned Maybelline.  Covergirl also makes great mascara.  I love the Lashblast line.

A girl's best friend is eye shadow, liner, and mascara.

I do like the Maybelline colored mascara to use on my lower lashes instead of liner.

Eye Shadow

I play favorites with my eye shadows.  I’ll get stuck using one palette.  I’ve been using Urban Decay Naked 3 a lot recently, but if I had to choose, I would give that up and keep the original Urban Decay Naked palette.

I love Lorac eye shadows, too.  They’re so silky and insanely pigmented.  I was looking at the Unzipped gold palette, but I love the original Unzipped palette.

Oh man Wet n Wild is seriously underrated.  I love their eye shadow and it’s super cheap. $5 for an 8-pan palette?  Holla.

Urban Decay Naked palette, Lorac Unzipped, and Wet n Wild palettes are amazing. Never giving them up.So that’s what’s in my makeup bag.  These are things that I love and use on a regular basis.

What are your favorite eye products?

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

10 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: bare minerals, eye liner, eye shadow, eyeliner, lorac, makeup, makeup monday, mascara, maybelline, urban decay, wet n wild

March 16, 2015

March Birchbox Unboxing

March 16, 2015

I was so excited to do a post with all of my favorite green nail polishes for St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow…and then I got my March Birchbox in the mail.  And I said I’d never do another video after the Dessange unboxing, but I lied.

I made a Birchbox unboxing video for you all.

March Birchbox Unboxing! The month's theme is creativity and you can definitely play around with some fun stuff here.

The March box this month is all about creativity, which is right up my alley.  It was one of those fun boxes where you could just pick one of the samples in your box or get a specialty box (like last month’s Birchbox X Rent the Runway box).  I really wanted to try Amika’s blowout spray, so that’s what I picked for my box.

Items in my March Birchbox

Amika Bombshell Blowout Spray
Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Disco Rose
Harvey Prince Sincerely
Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Mask
Jelly Pong Pong GLOW GETTER Highlighter

Some months there are only five items, others there are six.  It seems very random.  Did anyone else notice that?

So far, I’ve enjoyed the Smashbox lip gloss; it’s a pretty shade and it adds just the right amount of color to your face to be casual or to be paired with a bold eye look.  I also like the Harvey Prince perfume, though I didn’t smell it strongly throughout the day.

I don’t know about you, but when I buy perfume, I take time to smell all the different kinds and see how they wear on me; I will rarely purchase something online without smelling it first and I don’t think I’ve ever purchased a scent that came in a Birchbox.  Not that they are bad (quite the contrary!) but I like to take time to be selective.

Did you get a Birchbox this month?  What’s in it?

[disclaim]I’m not sponsored by or affiliated with Birchbox I just really like what they have going on. Link to sign up for Birchbox is a referral link.[/disclaim]

Spread the love:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

4 Comments · Labels: Makeup & Beauty Tagged: birchbox, first impressions, hair care, makeup, makeup monday, unboxing

  • Newer Entries
  • 1
  • …
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • Previous Entries

Who’s Angelica?

Life Un-styled Blogger, Gardener, Shoe Lover..among other things

I'm here to encourage and empower you to grow where you're planted and embrace the weeds that sometimes pop up. I'll share inspiration, products I like (and you may too), and stories from the garden.

Gardening In High Heels is for badass babes who aren’t afraid to get a little messy. Want to learn more? Start here.
           

Dig Up Something Good

Cultivate a beautiful life with emails directly from me!

Latergrams

Tweet, Tweet

My Tweets

Other Flowers in the Garden

Sunday Lately with Blogger Tribe
#BeABetterBlogger

Disclosure Policy

Just so we can keep everything cool, I wanted to share a few notes on how my blog operates.

I occasionally receive products and/or payment from companies to review and/or give away. Sponsored posts and giveaways will be noted as such.

All images and content are property of myself and Gardening in High Heels unless otherwise stated. You may not use my images or content without express written permission.

See the full policy here.

Dig Up Something Good

Let’s Play

           

People Really Dug These

  • Good for her, not for me.

We Belong in the Garden Together

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.