30 April 2013

Getting rid of those clothes

Hey!

As May is just around the corner we are busy emptying out closets of the winter wear and making space for some colours and lighter layers. If you are anything like me each time after this process I am left with a bag of clothes that no longer fit or are ready to find a new home. 

The worst part about this is that I am left with a half empty closet and bag of clothes I no longer wear. Now what are the best options to do with these clothes? SELL THEM!
There are some great online sites where all you need to do is sign up, take a picture, post it and watch your item sell. 

Bib and Tuck
This is a great site to swap clothing, instead of selling for cash you get to trade clothing with other users.
Poshmark
The Pinterest of selling! This easy layout makes it easy to create a profile and instantly begin selling your clothing and accessories for cash. 
Exching
Personalize the shopping experience based on the nearest city allows you to charge lower shipping rates for your items. Ideal for smaller items and just as easy to set up.
Tradesy
As simple as it sounds, post a picture, earn the cash with all transactions through PayPal.

If you are going to sell your items on these sites there are some things to keep in mind...

But don't forget that donating to a local charity or shop is always helpful or arranging a clothing swap are both great ways to get rid of your out grown clothing.happy selling!ilonaxxx

29 April 2013

Prom 2: Hair and Makeup

Hey lovlies,

I hope you found the prom dress ideas helpful! As promised here is a post on hair and makeup to pull together the perfect look of the night. Try out the hair and makeup before your big day following the linked tutorials!


This twist on the ponytail is perfect for any look. To keep the hair off the face and accentuate the neckline of many dresses this bouncy ponytail is the perfect choice to pair with playful makeup. If you are keeping things classic and keeping with the "pretty in pink" trends this simple bow style will pull the hair off the face, but still allow for you to show of those locks you've been growing all year. Want to mix it up? Try this french braid updo, for a relaxed and carefree look. 

1. Haifa Wehbe Arab Inspiration
2. Whitney Port's Coloured Lips
3. The Minimalist Prom Look

Now onto makeup! The finishing touches that bring everything together. Look 1 is for the daring girl, willing to take a chance and make your eyes pop for the night. Avoiding the overdone smokey eye Tanya Burr adds some colour and drama to the eyes in her tutorial. Whitney ports look is simple, but the added bright berry lip adds sas and personality to the winged eye. Remember its important to choose just one feature to play up, as Whitney paired the coloured lip with minimal eye makeup to look her best! If you want to keep things simple and go for the more natural look, the third idea is perfect! Keeping the colours and shades neutral allow for all the features to stand out naturally without over doing it. 

Whatever hair and makeup you choose, be sure to test it out first to make sure you can do it on the day of, and that you like how it looks.

ilonaxxx

23 April 2013

Prom 1: Dresses


Hey Lovlies!

Its nearing prom season again as school starts to finish up and summer is getting closer and closer!
This is the first of four posts to get you ready, including dressesaccessories (shoes and jewelry), hair and makeup, and everything you need to know last minute!

Still dont have a dress? Stuck for time? NO WORRIES! Here is a large enough collection from the everyone's favourite online stores, so take your pick


The one shoulder gowns are perfect for those with a wider upper body (athletic figure or a larger bust) to offer full support and create a distraction. The detailed bodices for the two cocktail dresses take them to the WOW! level, perfect for small busted girls or for anyone wanting to stay away from the accessories  This jewel toned purple maxi is the perfect spring colour, while the jersey means you can wear it again for sure!

Cut Out Maxi || Backless w/ Lace Bodice || Mint Strapless Gown

One of this seasons must try trends is the cutouts, while keeping it suitable for prom these waist cut outs in the deep blue dress make it a great choice to try. This adorable purple dress isn't as "pretty in pink" as you think, with the open back adding a twist to the lace bodice front. The minty green is another great colour to try this season, and this strapless gown keeps it subtle and appropriate to accessorize or keep it simple and fresh.  



Rosette Dress || Sequins and Tulle || Side Cut Outs
Going as a guest to a prom? No need to stick to the LBD, have fun with colours styles. This 'pretty in pink' cocktail dress says everything about a girl! The simple fit flatters anyone, and the rosette skirt take it from blah to WOW! This two tone sequins and tulle is appropriate for those girls with a bit more edge. You can sparkle the night away and experiment with the season tulle skirts like featured once upon a time on Sex and the City. Want to try the daring cuts? This sea foam green dress is just the right shade for spring and the cut outs once again are appropriate for prom without showing too much!

Stuck on a budget for your dress, there are loads of organizations that donate dresses to young girls having financial difficulties, check out Prom Blitz Project and Fairy Godmothers, or ask around a family member or friend might have something spectacular that would work.


Well what are you waiting for its? It's time to get that dress!


ilonaxxx



20 April 2013

Minty Green















































This seasons go to colour for accessories and clothing is Mint Green. How are you going to style into your springtime wardrobes?

ilonaxxx

18 April 2013

Summer Swimwear

Hey everyone,

Since we're almost into May, it will soon be June (summer)! I thought it was a good time to discuss swimsuits! Different types of swimsuits are appropriate for different body types. 
Swimsuit 1    Swimsuit 2
Triangle swimsuits are good for those with an hourglass figure or with a smaller bust. Bold patterns and colours will draw attention to your chest rather than other parts of your body. They can also act as support. Triangle tops with fringe or ruffles are also a great way to draw attention to the chest.

Swimsuit 1    Swimsuit 2
High waisted bikini bottoms are good for those who are pear shaped. The high cut of the swim bottoms takes the attention away from the thighs, therefore bringing more attention to the top of your body and to your hips. They can also hide a tummy!

Swimsuit 1    Swimsuit 2
Halter swimsuits are good for those who have the inverted triangle shaped figure. A larger chest with smaller hips. The halter top is able to create support while looking great! They can also be worn to create an image of a larger chest.

Swimsuit 1   Swimsuit 2
Bandeau swim tops are good for those with a small or medium sized chests. They do not have enough support for those with a larger chest. Those who have smaller chest and choose to wear bandeau tops should pick some with ruffles again like the triangle tops to create the image of a larger chest.

Swimsuit 1    Swimsuit 2
One piece bathing suits are great for those any body type! People may think that one piece bathing suits are unflattering but they are the total opposite! They are able to create the ideal figure for those having a rectangular body shape because it can cinch in the waist. Or those with a curvier body. They are able to enhance the right curves and hold in the parts that you don't want others to see. Monokinis are also a great option. These are the type of bathing suits that you can have fun with! They take a bold person to wear them!

Have fun with the swimsuits! Try different types of swimsuits to see what is most flattering for your own body. The only person that you should impress is yourself!

Larissa xx

17 April 2013

Airport Fashion

Hey everyone!

Deciding what to wear to the airport can be difficult, but with these tips it won't be as hard! Airport security makes you take off your jackets, belts, jewellery and sometimes shoes! Taking all of these items off can stressful. The first tip is to wear something comfortable! 
Leggings or a good pair of comfy jeans are a great option because they can keep you warm on an airplane! They are also great basic pieces that you can re-wear throughout your vacation. Another great option are maxi dresses or maxi skirts in the warmer weather!
Layers, layers, layers! this is really important when deciding what to wear. Layering can makes sure you're warm when it's cold in the airport and allow you to take off your cardigan, sweater or any other layer piece off when it is warm. You can do this by pairing basic tanks, tees and cardigans together. Scarves are also great to wear!
As far as shoes, I suggest you wear something comfortable!  Some of you may want to look fashionable with high heels, but your feet may suffer! You can look just as fashionable with a cute pair of flats or sandals! But if you want to be brave and wear heels, go for it!
I suggest that you keep your jewellery at minimum.  It is not necessary to wear stacks of bracelets and layers of necklaces. If you like wearing jewellery then you can wear simple pieces or a few statement pieces as well, such as a watch or oversized necklace. Wearing a minimum amount of jewellery will make the process of going through security less if a hassel!
Dressing comfortable does not by any means that you should dress in sweatpants or pj's! Aim for comfortable chic!

Happy travelling! Larissa xx

OOTD

Hey lovlies

Im trying to blog as often as I can, its just that fun time of year again... FINALS! Larissa finished school last week and has been traveling, enjoying her experience in Europe, and here I am with my best friend- the textbook!

I cannot wait to finish up and start this summer. I made a long list of things I want to do and accomplish so lets see if I can get through it. I don't think I have told you but I started this neat internship with a jewelry designer here in Toronto called Made with Love, they have some super cute handmade jewelry pieces from 5 different collections they carry, catering a variety of styles and colours. You should check their bracelets out, and follow me on instagram for updates @mwlilona!

heres a quick look at my outfit today, the sun in shining and I have to go write an exam just my luck. I have on my american eagle boyfriend jeans (since wearing I am dying to get another pair in a lighter colour) and my Aritzia lightweight knit sweater. My go to relaxed and comfy look.


14 April 2013

Insta week

 

1. Sister driving the family, only a couple of months before she takes her test

2. Classic 'Throw Back Thursday' of my sister and I in Disney for the first time

3. Another 'Throw Back Thursday' trips to Niagara Falls with family friends and my brother and sister

4. A snow storm in April... Was not excited to see this snowfall

For more Instagram pics follow me! @ih95

ilonaxxx

10 April 2013

Splurge or Save: Box Clutch


Charlotte Olympia Pandora Clutch || Zara Neon Box Clutch

This seasons runway trends are transparent bags. This perfect box clutch can become playful with its tinted colour plastic, decorative fasteners and printed pouches inside. Many come with a chain strap to transform from hand held to over the shoulder bag.

ilonaxxx

6 April 2013

Red Lips

Hola Chikas!

I am completely obsessed with my new tee from Zara. It is so much fun and perfect for everyday! I love how it has every personality of girl on it with it's flirty red lips
On thursday I thought I would reward myself for all surviving the past couple of weeks. 

Today I am taking it easy, completing some paintings and then heading home tonight.

Top || Zara, Jeans || Victoria Secret , Belt || American Eagle

Hope your all having a fab Saturday!
ilonaxxx

4 April 2013

comforts my priority!

Hey lovelies! 
Today was a day to end a school year of crazyiness! I handed in my final project before finals, my daywear dress which I have been working on since last semester. It was sad to part with a project that I have spent so much time on and put so much effort into. After I headed to the mall for some retail therapy and to pick up a jacket for tomorrow.

Instead of buying everything, I realized while shopping that I need to start sticking to my lists that I write about wardrobe additions to keep up with seasonal trends without splurging on everything!

Here are my current must haves... I have come to realize that I defiantly make sure I am comfortable in what I wear, and prefer oversize pieces combined with chic items and accessories. 

1. An oversize blazer in a bold print or neutral tone that I can layer over outfits in the early days of spring, and cool summer nights
2. A maroon beanie to hide those bad hair days and take an outfit from chic to causal!
3. I am currently re-in love with my boyfriend jeans, and am currently on the lookout for a darker wash or a fun printed pair (or maybe I will try some patchwork)
4. From my previous footwear post, I am in love with the seasons two-strap heels. I like these ones from Zara with the chunky heel making it more ideal for day time wear. 

What are your spring must haves?
ilona xxx

2 April 2013

Blue Day

Hola lovlies!

Today is "autism awareness day," an issue thats close to my heart. If you didn't know, since as far back as I can remember I was raised working and helping my mum out of her centre for children with both autism and Aspergers. I have grown up appreciating each child's unique attributes and special talents that are associated with Autism, and have had the opportunity to help each child grow and learn. 

What is autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects the way people interact and communicate with those around them.  Each child and adult with an ASD is unique and has their own strengths, gifts and support needs. 

Autism affects 1 in 88 children
Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the US
Autism costs a family $60,000/year
There is no medical solution or cure for Autism 

To show my support for the issue I participated in 'wear blue to work day'



Jeans || J brand, Belt || AE, Top || Joe Fresh, Necklace || H&M, Boots || Steve Madden

Show you care tweet #AutismAwareness, Wear blue or click to learn more about autism and how you can help.

ilonaxx