This is Living Proof That it is Fall

With fall around the corner, the drinks get warmer, the temperature gets cooler, soups are popping up, and football season makes us rowdier. Some of us, especially myself, dress better in the fall because it's the happy medium of wearing boots and lightweight fabrics from the summer. At the moment I am falling in love with the vibe of Forever 21's fall clothing. This mustard colored long sleeved t-shirt dress from there is now becoming one of my favorite versatile dresses at the moment. Forever 21's t-shirt dresses, long and short sleeve, come in many colors in order to become suitable with everything you pair them with in your closet. Then this rust colored suede open cardigan is a great layering pieces to transition from summer to fall. The suede fabric and short sleeves suit the cool weather during the morning and the hot weather during the evening. Then these shoes are literally the highest heels I own in my closet at around 5"-6", but the platform and the soft insides make it the most comfortable shoe ever. They are by G by Guess, where you can get it from most department stores. Last, but not least, this necklace is by Versona, even though I lost the tassel. It's okay, it's still a great necklace!

I loved the outfit. Well, see you in the next post. Desi out!

Haulin' Around: Finishing Up

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This past weekend, I was finishing up my back to school shopping in town and came across some great things. I went to Ulta and TJ Maxx for makeup and clothes and I am ecstatic to share my things with you!

First off I went to Ulta and got these five things: Makeup Revolution New-Trals vs Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette, Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Peach Lights, NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Madrid, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser in the Sandy Beige, and the Maybelline Define a Lash Mascara in the Waterproof Very Black.

The Makeup Revolution New-Trals vs Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette was is very decent so far. The shades will show up better with a eye primer or a white eyeshadow base, but these colors are really pigmented. My favorite shades so far in this palette so far are "New-Tral" (shimmery coral pink) and "Mode" (glittery gold and I love a good gold color). They also include matte colors, too ("Cool", "Neutral", and "Adapt"). This is also a good inexpensive travel palette.

Then I got the same brand (Makeup Revolution), but in a highlighter. The Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Peach Lights is a good subtle highlighter that will build up when you add some more. Now that highlighters are the crave after these bold brows, I have been using light, shimmery colors from eyeshadow palettes (Dust from Naked 3, where are you) as highlighters, and even my NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cashmere was used too. If I want something drastic, I'd use a NYX eye pencil, then use this blush behind it to set it in, but the swatch looks a little pigmented.

Then I am loving the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Madrid. If the shade was sheer, it would remind me of the color of the Black Radiance Baked Artisan Blush in the Warm Berry. But this shade is a full on lip color. It does fade a little throughout the day, but when it dries matte, it becomes a good opportunity for me to take a selfie in it.

For the rest of the products, I use the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser in the Sandy Beige under my eyes as an undereye concealer, then I put some powder to set it in. It ended up looking flawless (shoutout to Danielle Marie on YouTube and my fifth grade friend Sydney). Then the Maybelline Define a Lash Mascara in the Waterproof Very Black is okay, but I realize that I should have bought the L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara because it actually does something to grow my lashes unlike the one I just bought.

Then I went to TJ Maxx and got great buys. First of all, I got a really good pair of jeans from the brand Blue Spice (this is the only brand I remembered from the shopping trip). It's their High Waist Ankle Jean and I got it in the wine red and the black. If you are petite, and you are concerned that other pairs of jeans bag up, then these jeans I have don't bag up very much. In fact, they stop just past my ankles perfectly without bagging or cuffing. You'll know what I mean in the photos (the wine jeans won't be seen too clearly until future posts, thank you dirty mirror).

Then I got another basic top (seen above) that will go with most things in my closet, and it's that turtleneck tank that is cropped. This top doesn't show much midriff, unless you have a longer torso with is a lot of people to me. It is a gray color, and this is a good top when dealing with layers, preferably in the bottom layers.

Then I am getting a little obnoxious about kimono cardigans; I am also obnoxious about tassels. This kimono has tassels, so it's a double whammy for me. This one has a cute print, and the colors are great for anytime of the year.

The last one is a little baggy on the sleeves, but I got it anyway because this top is really trendy. This top is an off the shoulder top with the tied sleeves. It is in a beautiful wine-purple color that kinda, eh, looks decent on my skin tone.

That is all for my recent haul. School is coming closer and I have a project to finish. So, Desi out!

Back to School Supply Essentials

Back to School Supply Essentials by gorgeousbeautie featuring pocket folders

It's getting close to school. And for those who haven't started school shopping yet, I had a chance to shop for school supplies in order to give you an idea of how I'll use them. I really kind of recommend these tips, but I know that everyone has their ways of using school supplies. Without further ado, I'll show you some school supply essentials. 

• Let's start with the basics: a pencil and paper. I really enjoy the Bic Xtra Life Mechanical Pencils in the 0.7 mm because you get a good deal out of those, and they will last throughout the year. Plus, they are also good pencils for those who want to borrow if you do have better pencils. Also for testing and people who want to borrow, also keep wooden pencils in mind. Not many of us prefer wooden, but however wooden pencils are required at some tests, well I know the ACT (they don't play around, folks). Then you obviously need lined paper. For me, as long as they are college ruled any will do. 
• Then you are going to need a bookbag to carry all of your stuff. I like a sturdy backpack that will last me all year. All of my backpacks were kind of splurges; the Jansport for sophomore was the least for around 20-something bucks and The North Face for senior year was the most for 45-65 bucks (I got this from some type of outdoor shop online for $45, but they retail for $65). If you want to be very practical, backpacks are great for that because the weight is distributed on both shoulders. I liked The North Face though I have not used a ton yet because it is very comfortable on the back. For style, I like the Jansport because it includes many prints and styles to choose from. Sadly, PINK by Victoria's Secret does not make the backpack I used for my freshman year (the canvas fabric), but their new ones are super cute if you're the sporty person, but do not want to spend a lot of money on The North Face ones. If the backpack is not your style, then totes are a great option. I had a tote for my junior year, and it's the LL Bean's Boat and Tote Bag in the nautical flags. They are very durable, long lasting, classic, and includes many colors and prints. You can also do Longchamp if you are more of a splurge person. They have different sizes and color, and they seem to last long too. I recommend looking at reviews on the bags before you make a purchase if you want your bag to last all year.
• If you want to survive assignments, sports, extracurricular activities, have an agenda. Actually if you’re reading this, have an agenda. An agenda organizes all of your events, games, practices, rehearsals, meetings, parties, vacations, dates, etc. I can just go on and on with this thing. But I like the weekly or daily planners that will allow you space to write down homework, projects, paper, due dates, and other school errands. That way your life will be tackled on so much better. I had a Bloom planner my freshman year, Lilly my sophomore and junior year, and now a Day Designer my senior year. I have a huge Day Designer daily planner that outlines each day from to do lists, to jotting some good things, to quotes, and to schedules. I love the structure and purpose of meeting some goals, the thing that school is all about: good grades, better position in extracurricular activities/sports, and even getting into college. Remember, and agenda will save your life. 
• Also I can't survive school with pens and highlighters. A good black pen will lead you long ways. Recently in black pens I have discovered the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens, and I am impressed. I love the ink flow, the skinny tip, and those triangular grips. Then since my UNC college trip I had finally placed my hands on the Stabilo Point 88 pens, and I am hooked. I got the 15 colors, which included 4 or 5 neon colors that I was in awe of. They are useful when it comes to color coding notes and agenda entries. Then in highlighters I also discovered the Stabilo neon highlighters (the ones that come in toothpaste tubes) from the NC State college trip and I was also impressed. I liked the bright colors that helped draw my attention to some important things. I also appreciate the Sharpie and the Staples brand, too. 
• I love notebooks because they keep your notes, warm-ups, or even some assignments in place. For the ones with the pockets, you can have just that for one class, keeping papers in as long as you label the pockets. For the solid notebooks, I like the Five Star and Staples because they do have durable plastic covers that will not fall off. I also like pretty notebooks, like the glitter one from Walmart and such. In this case I am the student body secretary at my school, and I will need a notebook to carry my actions. I like a pretty one to make myself more studious and stylish. I have the one by Studio C and it's the tortoise print composition notebook. 
• Some people like binders to organize classes. Some like folders. Some like notebooks as in last paragraph. Some even like file accordion file folders. I prefer binders because most of them have customizable covers, and I like how they hold paper together. Last year I've came across the Staples Better Binders, and that was the best decision I've ever made. I am coming to my second year with them with no major injuries. Even the plastic pocket inside was durable. I customized my binder covers in the few years, but this time I'm going to put in scrapbook paper that anyone can get at craft stores. I also recommend the plastic paper binder divers, specifically the ones from Avery, because these will last you for years. Plus the pockets don't break. Then for homework, handouts that don't pertain to my classes and other miscellaneous things can go to my plastic folder from Five Star. It is their four pocket plastic folder if you're wondering.
• Then you'll need something to put the little pens, pencils, erasers, etc. in. I prefer a pencil case. I'm more likely to use the one from Staples with more compartments because it was not breaking on me, but there are cute ones from Forever 21 and such.
• I love using Post-it notes for doing lots of things: adding notes that you forgot, reminders, marking page numbers, etc. I like their page markers in different colors, and the regular sticky notes, too. Then I like having a mini stapler on me because it is awkward to go up to the stapler and there are no staples. If you are in need of a good eraser on a budget, I like the Hipolymer eraser because you get your bang for your buck when it is on sale, and everyone talks about it so the rest is self explanatory. Then, there are many uses for index cards: notes, remembering information, doodling canvases, etc. I got the 3x5 and the 4x6 (if I remember) flashcards because I like the bigger ones for my biology notes. I am an advocate for Google Drive for doing online work and papers (still utilize it), but sometimes I can't use it for all of my assignments like I wanted to either because of different aspects of the programs (like the equations, ways of making graphs, etc.). So have a flash drive, just in case.
• If you are an avid drinker of water, I recommend a water bottle, whether it is already filled up with water or not. I recommend bringing a bottle already filled with water if the only source of water at your school is at the water fountain (I'm not a big fan of those at my school). If you are a fan of the water fountains at your school, or if your school does have a water bottle filling station, bring a water bottle because you will not regret. I also recommend bringing a thermal one that keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold because not only you are saving the environment, you are also saving a few cents that would have been needed for something important at some restaurants we visit after school.
• For picky eaters like me, including people who cannot stand their school's food, I recommend bringing your own lunch. I've had good experiences with the Thirty-One lunchboxes that last a few years and you can also customize using different prints/monograms/writing. This year, I am trying out the Pack-It lunchboxes that you can find at Target. The coolest thing is that you don't need a freezer pack; you just need to fold the lunch box (it's foldable) and put it in the freezer. Also, minimize the use of many plastic bags and use lunch containers that don't use much space. I am trying the Rubbermaid Lunch Blox Kit that contains a few containers that attach to each other. This also includes an ice pack, so that is handy if I'm using another lunchbox, too. I also liked the Fit and Fresh lunch containers, too. Lunch containers also help with portion control, my biggest problem when eating, so that is helpful.

 And that is it for my school supply essentials. I hope you have received some helpful advice, and have a great school year. Desi out!

Haulin' Around: Yes Way, Conway!

This past weekend, I went shopping down in Conway before my mom and I were headed to Myrtle Beach for a few hours. I found some great finds at Forever 21 that were appropriate for school, so let's get to it!

I bought this cute choker because what can I say, chokers are in! This one has a bow, then a cute rhinestone. I probably need a few more chains in the back so the necklace will be a bit more comfortable for me, but I do still love it.

Then I needed some basic shirts to go with my skirts. This one, in particular shows a bit of skin, but it it not much to violate the dress code. I will need a cropped tank top under it because it is a little revealing, but he wide neckline is fine. Now on to finding a knit off the shoulder tee.

Then I found another dress that is "mod" looking, but basic enough to be versatile - wearing it to kickbacks, dates, dress up days at school, etc. I like the color, too.

Then this dress is great with this new kimono cardigan that is pretty trendy. The suede trend is in, and this is really perfect. It also has that rusty shade of red that looks phenomenal on my skin tone. This is versatile enough to wear with everything, too.

Autumn is literally my favorite season to dress in. I'm so excited for school, now. Desi out!

4 Cute Back to School Outfit Ideas

I definitely love clothes shopping because after I take my new clothes home, I get bored and make cute outfits with them. With school coming up, I want to dress to impress and get a good education at the same time. Note that my dress code is bit different from everyone's, and all outfits are paired with a pair of elevated shoes, so feel free to pair with flats, too. But I can't resist these chunky heels, though. Here are some outfit ideas:

I am in love with the off the shoulder trend, so I like this bright yellow top with flared sleeves. To balance it out I paired the feminine, flowy top with a pair of ripped skinny jeans that I cuffed in order to show off a pair of cute shoes. If you intend to wear heels or some form of elevated shoes, I recommend to wear wedges, chunky heels, or low heel shoes that add height while being comfortable. Then an off the shoulder top is not complete without a necklace, so I chose this long one with the different color baubles.

This outfit is pretty edgy, but I balanced it out with another off the shoulder top because the trend is wonderful. Then, I added a black choker, black skinny legging type of pants, and a cute pair of black booties. The shoes reminded me of the shoes that you would wear as a child, but with an edgy, grown up vibe. A dark lipstick would be perfect.

This look was inspired by one of the Pinterest photos I pinned to my fashion inspiration board (follow me @thegorgbeautie on Pinterest). A striped tee is paired with a mini skirt with some cool detailing, like the lace up in this photo. Or I could really pair this with my red scalloped skirt. Valentine's Day, where are you??? Anyways, I paired these with the shoes from the first outfit and a tassel necklace to get that Parisian vibe.

The last outfit is not for school, but wearable for after school events, kickbacks, parties, date nights, etc. I have this cute tank top from Old Navy that looks like a tunic on me. If you have a pair of leggings, bell bottom or regular, then these shirts are great for covering your butt, which is crucial for not getting in trouble with the dress code. I put 5-inch heels on there, but if you want to make it wearable for school pair this outfit with a pair of sandals. If you have any issues with tank tops and shoulders in general, a kimono cardigan would fix the problem. Then I would complete this outfit with a long statement necklace.

Here you have it, four outfits that are cute. If you do want more outfits, let me know in the comments. I hope you get something from this. I'll see you later. Desi, out!

Haulin' Around: Back to School Shopping Trip #1

That Saturday, my mom and I went to a really good sale at Belk. When I'm at Belk, concerning my style change from that preppy and conservative look to a more open, mature boho-maybe-whatever-the-heck-is-on-trend, I sometimes have good days; sometimes I don't. This time was a really good trip solely because everything I wanted that was too high for my budget finally got on sale in the most pleasant way there is. Here's the things that I will be seen in:

 

(L to R: Wet n Wild H20 Proof Eyeliner in Black, e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer in Clear, Black Radiance Artisan Baked Blush in Warm Berry, and e.l.f. Professional Angled Blush Brush)

First of all, let's start with the makeup I got at CVS. I had a coupon in which if you buy $20 or more worth of products, you get $3 off. I am impressed by all of these products. Before I buy my stuff, I usually read and watch reviews on YouTube so I know if the product is good or not. That way I would not waste my money. I was really impressed with the hydrating primer, especially at $6. I have a matte foundation, L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte foundation is great (even for dry skin, thank me later), so I can put it on after I apply the primer. I did not break out at all, knowing that I have sensitive, dry skin. The blush is a beautiful shade, flattering my warm skin tone. It is a red, berry shade with warm undertones, plus it really lasted me for hours. Not too many blushes I had before did that at all. Then, the blush brush used to apply was really soft, and applied the product really well. Then the eyeliner was okay to apply, but it produces a very black swatch. This eyeliner lasted for hours, and it was only $4 (boo-yah!!!). Hopefully I could get the rest of the makeup I needed.

Then I went to Belk, and perhaps to say this was the best shopping trip there since like Christmas last year. Most of the items were on sale or on clearance with extra off. First of all I got a Anne Klein handbag for school, and this is an ivory color (all photos are not that true to color so you know). I have been eyeing this bag for weeks, especially the shape. Just look how beautiful the shape of the purse is. This will go with almost every outfit I wear this year. It has a lot of compartments to put some things in there. It is also small enough for school, sporting events, school events, field trips, dinner/lunch/food dates, etc. I did mention that it is ivory, right? And since it is a color all year round, even in the winter, I can wear it all year long. Score!

 

 Then I got this fuschia top with the utterly adorable scallops on top. These were one of these tops that stay really pricey ($35 for this, no way!) until they are put in the clearance with extra off. This was around $20 bucks for a clearance price, which is a tad bit pricey, but it was worth it. I liked the darts put in in order to fit the bust. These are the tops that I like to throw a necklace and kimono over it to complete with ripped jeans and cute shoes.

 This is really the cutest skirt ever, especially for a huge fan of scallops like me. This is in a cute crimson color, one of my future colleges school colors, that will pair well with many tops. I like to pair these with an off the shoulder blouse and sandals for now, then a turtleneck sweater, tights, and booties for later.

 This is another skirt I really like, and perhaps the cutest jean skirt I've owned. We all need a basic jean skirt, now that they're in for the fall. Also the lace up trend is in, and I think this skirt is great for sporting it. I would do it the same way I did the crimson colored skirt.

 I am pretty much one of the last ones that captured the trend. It's that top that you can transform to an off the shoulder, strapless, or one-shouldered top with the top ruffle. Almost every blogger jumped to this trend, and now I will before it's too late. I recommend to do the off the shoulder look that is appropriate for school, but do customize to the dress code you are advised to for school if you plan to do this trend. I wanted to buy a long, black choker which ends end hang loose to go with it. Then I can pair this with black jeans, and my Charlotte Russe black booties to make a but feminine, but grungy look. Then a dark lip and not so much smokey eye look can complete it.

 

Then these are the two pairs of jeans that I got. The first one is by Jessica Simpson, and I really adore the rips on the knees. I really did not remember having a pair of jeans this constructed (now you are realizing how conservative I used to be) like this. I can also cuff these to showcase my pretty pairs of shoes, well both of the jeans. Then the second one is by a brand I'm not that familiar with, but will probably be my go to pair of jeans. Then that will go with almost any top if I feel like having a denim day.

 

 I couldn't rotate this picture, but this is one of the "eh, I'll buy it" dresses. This is a comfortable one, and I'm pretty fond of the high neck trend at the moment, and hopefully I could be able to experiment it with some things in my closet. It is a blue striped, and has pockets in the front. I guess this is a summer dress for now.

Then we need a pair of black pants, and this is in a fabric appropriate for like, concert occasions. At the same time, this is also a good pair of pants for the winter, since it fit me like a glove. This pair kinda bunches, but I not that fond of the fit yet, but I still need a pair of black pants.

 

I've saved the best piece from Belk for last, and it's this fun off the shoulder top. This is a mustard yellow top with pretty sleeves. The sleeves have kind of a lace detailing that zig-zags. Then the cut is flattering, I guess, with the point going down. I think that elongates your torso, right?

 Then there was a huge sale from H&M, and I snagged this cute romper with this beautiful print that brings out my skin tone. Plus, this is fifteen dollars. I like that this romper has a clip-hook closing at the bust to kinda of change the look and to actually put on this romper. This is great for going out, or if I want to look sassy for school (forget that doing it for once, I'm looking that way most of the time, except for exam days or something).

Then I like to hit up at the sale section at Versona because that side knows what's up, basically. The first necklace is literally getting slept on. Ugh, I have no up close photos, but I will in the future. But it's this necklace with these tassels, and a stone wrapped around by beads. Then it has the beads all over. This is really beautiful, especially with any of the tops I bought.

I always liked these small bracelets, $1.99 for a stack of 2 or 3. These, in particular are cute; one has cubes, then triangles, then the small rectangle ones on the ends. I recommend picking these up at the sale section if you come by at Versona. Then the one that looks like a Lokai bracelet, but with a Kendra Scott twist, is too cute. I am improving my stack game, so hopefully I get more bracelets like these.

I'm a sucker for stone earrings, so I picked up these with the opal-y-ish stones. These are literally beautiful, and will go with most outfits.

Then I went to Bath and Body Works to get another stock of HandBac in my favorite scents. I really like the stress relief in eucalyptus spearmint because I love everything mint and everything mint smells so good. This is a really good de-stressing scent because I will be really stressed this year, and mint really calms me down. Then I became a sucker of the marshmallow pumpkin latte, even though it's so funny that I won't really eat it as a drink. Really though, even if you don't like the taste of those things, the smell is so pleasant, especially for fall.

Okay, these are the things that I got from the haul. Many more things are to come, hopefully by the first day of school. Yesterday, I purchased my new backpack, and I am sooooooo excited for it to come at the end of the week. This bookbag got some neon accents of color, so I will probably look for things that kinda go with that theme for bookbag. Hopefully I can use my bookbag, even into my college years, if things don't get hectic. This is what it looks like:

Thank you for viewing this huge post. Maybe the next haul will be a try-on haul. Tell me how you think about it in the comments. Okay, Desi out!

How to Personalize Your Backpack

I remember in second grade when me and my old best friend met in Prime Time. We were so close we even had matching coats and backpacks. I remember going into that cubby, as in little containers that Prime Time provided for us, and I grabbed the what-I-thought-to-be backpack. I unzipped it and found unfamiliar stuff in it. I realized that was not my cubby. So I went to the other cubby where it had my name on it, and grabbed my same-exact-backpack-that-was-actually-mine. That was why I should have gone deeper and personalize my backpack.

This senior year, there could be a chance that I'm getting a backpack. Bot not just any backpack. I want a backpack that is big enough
Here are great ways to personalize your backpack:

1. Monogram/Name: This is probably the most basic one, but initials or a name will do. I remember most of my school supplies,and even some of my clothes, were marked with a black marker. Lol, pretty embarrassing. But with a stitched monogram/name or a keychain, it is the first step to making your backpack stand out in a much more sophisticated way. Speaking of that another way is...
2. Keychain: These are really helpful when purchases in different varieties. I am planning to hop on the pom keychain trend, now that I'm trying to find one under $5, so I could add a trendy touch. Also, the mini purse keychains are really cute. I have seen plenty of them at TJ Maxx and I've seen one of them with a headphone jack, very cool. Stores that sell brand name handbags are good areas to look for them. There are some tassel keychains (also very trendy) with phone chargers on them. Also there are flash drives that include a keychain or an area to attach to your backpack for easy access. Then there are mini wallets designed to store your lunch/snack/school/etc. money for just-in-case purposes. 
3. Hair Bows: I know some classmates that do cheer, and they store their bows on their backpacks. I thought that was a really cool idea. Whether if you play sports or not, hair bows add a really girly flair, which is definitely distinguishing from others.
4. Ribbons: For the same reason as hair bows, ribbon is great for adding that girly thing to your backpack. And ranging from less than a dollar to a few bucks, it's definitely inexpensive.
5. Buttons/Pins: These are especially for the ones involved in clubs and athletics, sports fans, or maybe are fangirling/fanboying about something. Buttons and pins help express what you are interested in. When I went to some college trips, I've seen people around that are sporting buttons on their outfits, or even on their backpacks for that extra swag. 

Backpack Accessories by gorgeousbeautie featuring a ring key chain

These are all of the tips for making your backpack prettier, and better to distinguish. Okay, Desi out!