A Review: Brandy Melville

As of most raved about things, you hear about it in blogs, and youtube videos, and one that has possible been talked about more than (dare I say it?) the Urban Decay tag team that seemed invincible. I have come to think that the duo has reached its defeat in popularity among the majority of females- to Brandy Melville. A store imbodying the care free, california chic, effortless yet edgy style that so many girls strive for- all in a store.

Stealing the hearts of so many teenage and even adult girls across the USA (and now Canada!) this store has provided many girls with an affordable range of clothes from the loose bulky sweaters, to the itty bitty crop tops, all with a similar 'grungy chic' vibe. 

My purchases:



Jacqueline Tank - $17

A light weight scoop neck and back tank- perfect for the beach, highwaisted shorts or skirts- layered over a bandeau- with a simple tank like this, the ways to wear it are endless.

Nicole Knit Top - $35

A cute, 60% wool, loose long sleeve top with a few cute buttons is a perfectly versatile piece as it can be worn as a transition piece from winter to spring, can make for a evening sweater in the summer, and just as a top in the fall. Also this top is one that can fit a wide range of sizes as the bust line is very wide, allowing almost every body shape to fit. 

Nadia Knit Top - $25

A light knit made of mostly cotton provides for an extremely soft top. Not much else to say, its very comfortable and more on the fitted side. It's a piece I am specifically looking forward to wearing in the fall- fingers crossed the 'ox blood' trend is still around.

Carlina Knit Top - $27

I have deemed this one my  favourite, it's super soft and the cream colour is very universal. The neckline is a little more dressy than your regular crew neck-jumper type, and it can easily be tied up into a knot, or be worn loose and down (and is long enough to wear with leggings!)

Sylvia Skirt - $26


A beautiful double lined, light weight skirt is perfect for the spring and summer time, it's soft material and easy elastic waist band makes for the ideal spring/summer skirt.

I love you, to the moon and back Tank - $17

Your usual racer back tank top. Very good quality, nice material with the obviously adorable saying. What girl wouldn't want to wear this? And I of course, fell into the temptation, and is one of my favourite pieces.

A problem I found with this store, is that the sizing is one size fits all, which as you can tell, usually does not fit all. Not only can this be a discouraging idea for many girls but it definitely slims down the customers to the 'cookie cutter size,' something I do not happen to agree with and think that the store would be even more successful, had it had sizes. However there is a considerable amount of items that are rather loose fitting that can fit to more than one body type.

Overall, I would say Brandy Melville is worth the hype- mostly. I love the idea of the California chic style, at reasonable prices with everything seeming to be, well, extremely soft (always a plus!) But the fact that it is 'one size fits most' is a downfall. Brandy Melville is a store I'm looking forward to visiting again, I guess now we'll just wait and see if it will stride forward and continue up the popularity pole growing stronger and stronger, or if it was a just a nation wide phase. Only time will tell.

-Madi

Top 5: Travelling to the Beach Necessities

Spring break is finally here, and with spring break comes vacations, and especially vacations to the beach for those of you living in a dreadful 'raincity' such as myself.  If your anything like me, you are completely lost when it comes to packing, from the clothes, to the different types of sunscreens and lotions to how to organize it all- the task becomes more of a burden than one to build excitement for your get away. But like anything else, with practice and mistakes comes learning, refining, even dare I say it- perfecting. When you come up with something good, whats the good in keeping it to yourself? Here are my Top 5 Travelling to the Beach Necessities.

1. Technology Bag

Unless you are the 1% of the population that does not look at any piece of technology on their vacation, you are going to need it. With laptops and phones and cameras- forgetting your charger can not only mean losing any source of evidence that you did the things you have claimed to have done, but also can  end up with dead electronics. It's easy to loose or misplace your chargers and chords, so put all your chargers and chords into a bag with a closure, and keep a list (on your phone or paper) of the things in your pouch making sure you never leave the hotel with something still plugged into the wall (a mistake we've all made.) Now all your devices will have their lifeline at all times- keep it with you in your carry on to ensure nothing gets lost!

2. Sun Screen

Whether you are the lucky ones who can step into the suns rays and get colour within a few minutes, or the ones that step out for a second and return bright red, sunscreen is a must. Often people find sunscreen on their face irratates the skin, so they neglect to wear it. Next time you're in the drugstore, look for the baby sunscreen- for you! Don't mind the looks you might get from stuffy cashiers, because they will just be forming more creases by their eyes, which is exactly what you are avoiding with your sunscreen. The baby sunscreen is formulated to be extrememly gentle, it doesn't use as many chemicals as the adult sunscreen, as is usually more water resistant. So who said that you can't use a baby product for yourself?







3. Eyelash Curler

TweezerMan Eyelash Curler

Eye makeup running is not quite the ideal for that picturesque moment of you splashing out of the water laughing, or crying- who'se to know? Rather than having to deal with the relentless waterproof mascara or constantly rubbing your eyes to avoid looking like a pesky raccoon, just curling your eyelashes can do the trick. Adding that little curl will open up your eyes and give your eyes a little more 'flirt.' Try ditching the running makeup and go for a worry free simple and effortless look that the eyelash curler gives. At the beach your going for simple, easy, effortless vibes- not the 'my boyfriend just broke up with me" look.










4. Casual Button Down

We've all been in that situation where we are basking in the sun, enjoying the breeze and the sun- until the sun is too much and you feel the burning- and there is no shade to be found. I have found that a light and airy button down shirt is just perfect for this. We all love that boyfriend trend, wearing oversized masculine clothes, so try bringing it to the beach! Its light and breezy way to cover up your shoulders, chest, and arms while not being too hot or uncomfortable. For me it has definitly been a life saver to bring it out rather than having to go back to the hotel room. Not only will you be saving your skin, but you'll have an excuse to bring one of his shirts with you.

5. Small Pouch

Beach bags these days seem to be growing and growing, becoming a bottomless pit eating up all your necessities when you need them most- almost to the point of where you feel like throwing your phone into it, is like throwing it into a lava pit. A small pouch where you keep your phone, wallet, sunscreen, chapstick- any little but important things will keep it at easy access and will avoid anything accidentally falling out of your bag- just be sure it has a closure! It's also perfect for taking when you just need to run and grab some water (keep hydrated!) and aren't wanting to lug around your massive beach bag- just grab your little pouch and head out!

Hopefully these few things can help make your vacation even more relaxing and care free. Just a few random, yet often overlooked tips that have made my holidays more enjoyable- so that you can enjoy your time away in the blissful sun before returning to reality.

-Madi

A Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Lipsticks, lip gloss- they all sound like wonderful things, till your hair is glued to your lips, till there is more lipstick on your teeth than your lips- or all over your face for that matter.  That leaves two options  in the vast yet fascinating world of lip colours- the lip stain and the lip balm. So what better option than to pick a product with both? And the clear answer was the Revlon Bitten Kissable Balm Stain- as much as a mouthful that is.

A small child might mistake this product for a crayon and decide to colour with it- because revlon decided to take on the 'chubby stick' trend that has been seen in tarte, clinique, and now covergirl. It's retractable which is convenient - no jumbo sharpeners here! The balm stain itself comes in a pointed - crayon resembling shape. It comes with 0.095oz or 2.7g of product- not a ton, but a reasonable amount for the $8.99 costs you.



Revlon makes some pretty big claims- lightweight lip stain, chubby crayon, softer smoother lips with a perfect flush of colour that lasts hour after hour. A gel formula, moisturizing balm, and retractable- no sharpener. First off, it is a chubby crayon and retractable and seemingly no sharpener. It definitely is a lightweight lip stain that is oddly moisturizing. This stain lasts hour after hour after hour, having it swatched on my hand left a stain there for over a day- long lasting indeed.

The consistency is very smooth and balmy, and it doesn't dry up to the point where moving and smacking your lips is out of the question. It doesn't feel like lipstick or your average stain, it leans towards more of the thicker balm side, with a pepperminty tingle and scent so when you are wearing it, it strategically masks the feeling of a heavy chalky stain into just your average lip balm.

I picked out the colour 025 Sweetheart/Valentine, a bright, hot, cool tone pink colour. I am very impressed with this product. The application is a charm with the shape of the stain, it can be sheer and blended, or packed on for an intense and opaque colour with added sheen, it isn't quite a gloss but it isn't matte until a few hours later. Since it is winter- majority of the population will suffer from somewhat chapped lips, and a lot of lipsticks, it can accentuate that- yet the added balm in the stain really fights against cold and works to protect your lips, while keeping them smooth and subtle- even kissable as Revlon might say.




This kissable balm stain doesn't transfer much after an hour or two of wear, once the top layer has worn down, but it does leave a little trace within the first hour. Even with a bit of the product left behind- you still have that stain that will stay.   Unless you want your man to be left with some pink lips, maybe don't apply this right before you pucker up. I would say that with this stain you can go about 8 hours without reapplying, if a bit of wear doesn't bother you. If you are looking for a slightly glossy intense colour for the full 8 hours you may have to reapply after eating.

Another great but unexpected benefit of this stain is that it is a surprisingly very nice blush. I can't say this for all the colours but 025 Sweetheart provides good colour and stays on longer than the average blush. It does take a little more time and effort to blend, but it is indeed a very good blush that is long lasting.

Pro's:
-Very long lasting
- Moisturizing
- Sheer or bold
- Retractable
- Can double as a blush/cheek stain
- Drugstore (accessible and good priced)

Con's:
- Pointy tip may wear down making application difficult if not careful

Overall, Revlon lip products have impressed me again. The other day I mentioned that I needed to wear more chap stick when I ran, and my friend said that usually she just layers on the lipstick for protection. As I was about to hand her my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain for colour and moisture, I quickly refrained realizing that it may just go missing every once and a while from then on out. This is a very good quality product, one that I will keep using and looking forward to trying new colours- while keeping it a secret in my household.


-Madi