Under the Dark Sea

Image from here

Halloween is my favourite time of the year, I have always loved dressing up and as an adult, I feel I can be even more creative than I was as a child. Originally I was planning on being a mermaid and recreating a tutorial I saw online but I tried to recreate the look and I was not feeling it. I ended up creating my own look which is a mix of a mermaid/evil queen/ursula look using clothes I already owned. I did purchase some additional makeup, some of which I didn't end up using. But overall I was super excited with the result and I think this my best costume yet.

Face without false eyelashes and face with false eyelashes

This make up probably took me between an hour and two hours to complete, mainly because I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do. A lot of it was winging it but I did know that I wanted to put a solid colour on my face so the scale effect would show more. The scales are actually a different colour than my face  and I got the scale effect by putting a pair of fishnet tights over my face and putting the eye shadow over the tights ( my mom got a laugh out of seeing the tights on my face). Also I used a purple eyeliner on my brows to make them stand out as well as a lip liner, blended in with eye pencil.

All the various makeup used on my face

I did have false eyelashes on, which was definitely an interesting experience.  Shoppers had a benefit lash event where they applied their lashes. I went with the most dramatic lashes which are the Pin-Up lashes and are definitely lashes for those who are more experienced with lashes. But they were cute, although pricey and the lash glue is about double the price of duo lash glue.

For the actual costume I wore the dress I wore to my high school graduation, which was originally from Mariposa (Which has now gone out of business). Underneath I wore a lace body body suit which is from Suzy Shier. Various jeweley and hair accessories completed my costume. I also added blue and green hair chalk to the ends of my hair.

Silver beaded head: Claire's, Flower headband:  Do not remember

Full Silver Studded Cuff (Forever 21), Black Stud Cuff (Wishes & Dreams), Silver Ring (Ricki's),
Black Ring (Jules & James from Zellers)

And of course I had to do Halloween inspired nails, I decided to go with a mix of what my costume was and a Halloween theme.

Opi in Alpine Snow (base), Julep Polish in Casper, OPI in Unfor-gretably Blue (blue base), Revlon in Radiant

I used a glow in the dark nail polish from Julep and Halloween nail decals from an Esty shop called Alex2Cole which I received in a Julep order. Then I did a mermaid inspired accent nail with a blue nail polish base and then added a glitter polish over top.

I hope that you dreamers enjoyed my Halloween costume, I really enjoyed putting it together. What were you for Halloween and what is your go to costume?

Talk to you soon lovely little dreamers,

Carly Pearl

Twitter: @WDGypsy
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Not Your Mother's Hair

Hair care products are always on current rotation on my shelves, due to my difficult tresses. A lot of products tend to just have pretty packaging and claims that don't measure up.  Even if a product comes recommended, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will work everyone.

I have to admit that the packaging is part of the reason I purchased the product. I heard about Not Your Mother's products from several beauty gurus on YouTube, namely MissMeganMakeup, who recommended two out of three products. I did purchase the Sea Salt Beach Waves Spray but I have not used it. I purchased these products back in the summer and I have to say these products are definitely worth checking out.

50 Random Facts Tag

This tag is a very common one that is done on youtube so I thought it would be fun to do it, in blog form. So here are some random facts about me that you probably didn't know.

Skullicious Nails & How I Do My Manicure

I remember seeing this set a couple years ago online and then I found it at Winners a year ago for ten dollars. Since Halloween is fast approaching  I thought I would play around with some designs, since it does come with nail design stickers. I thought it turned out pretty well, considering I am not using any nail tools, just toothpicks and the brush itself.

A Horse of Course?

When asked who has the most beautiful long, luscious and healthy mane of hair, who would you choose as your answer? Many would name a celebrity or model  but how many of you would have said a horse? Every horse always has a long healthy mane flowing in the wind as they gallop gracefully of through a sunny field.

Boho Glam July (Julep Maven Review)

The cure for anything is salt water, sweat, tears or the sea

If you follow me on Instagram or twitter you may know about my obsession with nail polish and when I found out about Julep's Monthly Maven Box, I was like, sign me up! I have been receiving the boxes since February but I have always wanted to do review but just never got around to it. This was actually the first box where I managed to avoid seeing what was in the box, since you can check on the website, or get it by email. To be honest the first couple months it was great and then a few months were less than stellar in terms of the nail polish. The beauty products have always been a home run for me and the free samples can be hit and miss (last month was salt water taffy). But this month's  box made such a happy girl, great polish and useful free sample and great beauty product. This may be the best box from Julep yet.

Sunglasses (Style Me July: Day 12)

*Sorry for missing yesterday but I was sick and not feeling well.

I have finally found my perfect pair of sunglasses after searching for many, many years. Even though  I have been wearing glasses since I was six or seven, I have only had prescription sunglasses for about five or six years. I needed to have them once I got my drivers license in order to drive and had two previous pairs.  First there was a hipster pair that were purple from Mexx and then on the other end were a super Big and slightly gaudy pair or Versace ones. I am still lucky enough to be covered under a parent's insurance but this most likely going to be the past pair that I can mooch off of them.

Basic black with small little flower detailing, they remind of the of  Jackie O sunglasses but a little smaller.
The pattern on the inside is not my favourite but it's a little better than the true old style pattern and at least it's hidden. The frame is super light, not like my Versace ones that had were always falling down due the weight of them. On all my frames I have always had the darkest lenses due to my eyes being hyper photosensitive ( sensitivity to light) and even still things can appear bright.

There are definitely times when I look the cute and cheap throwaway glasses at the drugstore and wish I could have the luxury of having multiple pairs of glasses. But at the same time it is great having one pair that goes with everything I wear.

What type of sunglasses are your favourite to wear or wish you could? I love Ray Bans but they just seem to suit my face shape.

Lot's of Love,

Carly Pearl

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Gimme Your Purse!!! (Style Me July: Day 10)

I love watching what's in my bag/purse/handbag videos on YouTube, it's how I found most of the beauty gurus I subscribe to. I wanted to do something other than showing you a picture of just the bag and I don't have to do a full outfit (Yay!)

Swish Your Skirt and Retro Moment (Style Me July: Day 8 & 9)

Unfortunately yesterday I left work early due feeling sick with a major head ache and stomach pains. So hence the double day post again. Both photos were taken today and the Day 8 photo is the same outfit I wore on the actual day.

Left: Top & Skirt from Forever 21. Right: Shirtdress from Old Navy and
 Lady in Red  Lipstick by Julep

Short(s) Story (Style Me July: Day 7)

Old Navy Shorts and Top, Jules and James Fedora from Zellers,
Forever 21 Earrings, Cause & Effect Flats from The Shoe Company

I can't believe that almost a week has past since I started doing the challenge and that I am having fun doing it. The hard part is not doing basically self taken photos because I am a very independent person and don't really like asking people for help. All that aside I have kind of fallen back in love with doing my posts and hopefully after this month is done I will still make regular outfit posts.

These shorts I have for a couple years and they are one of my favourite pairs of shorts that I own. Soft fabric and in my absolute colour, purple! Absolute summer staple, year after year.

Lots of Love,

Carly Pearl

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Inspirational Sunday #3

Recently I have been so mentally exhausted, tired and stressed, I would just come home and sulk/ veg out in my room. Once again Pinterest have given me inspiration to put some pep in my step and see how much I can actually do instead of sitting at a computer for even more time then when I am at work. Going to the gym, actually doing something productive and creative with my Style Me July posts, going out to do errands that during the work week instead of running around like a headless chicken on my off days. The list goes on, do anything you want to do. Most of the time we let our jobs control our lives and just exhaust ourselves to the point where we just sit and shut down when in get in the door. Get up and get out realize all the possibilities.

Lots of Love,

Carly Pearl

Instagram: @welldressedgypsy
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Channelling Audrey (Style Me July: Day 6)

The most important thing is to enjoy life - to be happy - it's all that matters 

Forever 21 Striped Tank, Joe Fresh Jeggings, Old Navy Ballet Flats,
 Coach Sunglasses & Handbag, Claire's Faux Diamond Studs 

Rainbow Bright Pucker (Style Me July Day: 4 & 5)

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies...

Forever 21 Butterfly Top, American Apparel Skirt

Lately I have been gravitating more towards skirts and dresses, especially with the heat wave we have been having. I went out to dinner with a friend  and decided to make up for not posting yesterday's challenge, hence Rainbow Bright Pucker (Rainbow Bright + A Bright Pucker). My favourite part of my outfit is my butterfly shirt since butterflies are one of my favourite things. Also I feel like whenever I am feeling down or lost, I always see a butterfly and I know everything will be fine.

Spring Studded Cross Body Bag, Ellen Tracy Sandals (Winners),
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche in 288 Intense Fuchsia

This cross body bag has been my go to bag when I go out with friends or just running errands without bringing everything I own.  The sandals are very pretty, however they are not the most comfortable so I switched to flip-flops for the shopping part of the evening. 

Lots of Love,

Carly Pearl

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Keeping It Cool Trick (Style Me July: Day 3)

For today's post the theme was a little confusing for me, since it was such a general idea. It definitely was fitting for today since the high was 32 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). I did wear this outfit to work, since my work is such a casual place but I did get a slight talking to flip-flops and "daisy dukes" . But it is so hot outside, I can't help it!

Warehouse One Top, Elle for Kohls Cardigan, Lululemon Shorts, Wal-mart Flip-flops,
Jewellery is all from Forever 21

Belt It Up (Style Me July: Day 2)

When I hear the phrase "Belt It Up" I think more of pairing a belt with the a dress, I even had a couple options with dresses. However I just wasn't feeling in a dress mood so I went with jeggings, a tank top, a light flannel shirt and glitter knockoff toms(which were featured in another blog post) .

Forever 21 Belt, Old Navy flannel shirt (from Value Village),
 Joe Fresh Tank Top and Jeggings, Ardene Glitter Toms

Summer has finally hit in Winnipeg and with a vengeance! With the humidity there has been quite a bit rain and our basement even flooded with a couple inches of water. Thankfully we had it easy compared to the province of Alberta (which is right beside us), where many people have lost their homes. My thoughts and prayers are with the people in Alberta that have lost everything from the floods.

Lots of Love,

Carly Pearl

Casual Canada Day (Style Me July Day 1: Patriotic)

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!! Oh my love for caps lock and exclamation points. I am very excited and slightly nervous for this challenge, more on actually doing the challenge every day although I have outlined various outfits and days. First of all is day number one celebrating Canada's birthday, the country that everyone loves (well at least I do).

Yes my eyes are closed, it was the only usable photo

Inspirational Sunday #2

I find that a lot of us tend to curse the universe when something goes wrong, not even thinking about the opportunities lie ahead. I found the this picture quote on Pinterest and had it as my phone back ground for a while recently. I have had a long friendship end recently and it did not end well, this quote helped me through and other challenges I have been going through the past month. Sometimes you may think something is right but then God has other and better plans for you.

Lots of Love,

Carly Pearl

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#StyleMeJuly Interlude

By now if any of you are familiar with this blog, you may see that I post quite irregularly. But I have decided to embark on a goal with the help of Instagram and that is posting every single day in the month of July! Back in February I did one of my first Instagram challenges and I usually posted the daily almost every with the exception of a couple times where I double posted. Tried again in June but I got really sick for a week and after missing a week it seemed weird to pick up where I left off. So I really want to make an effort to fully do  another challenge but also post each day since the challenge is more up my alley.

Unbreakable Lotus (Inspirational Sunday)

Last Sunday I told you how I created my inspirational pictures and the tools I used to create them but this week is the actual start of my weekly posts.  This is one was inspired by a Facebook group called The Swamp Family, a fan group for well known you-tuber grav3yardgirl. This group has people from all over the world and is a combination of chatting/sharing information or ideas and an amazing support system for when members need support. People who are complete strangers to each are so supportive of one another, talking them down ledges (sometimes literally) and getting life advice. Granted I could post this on the group but I wanted to go more in depth with this little tribute/piece of advice.

This a song lyrics from Christina Aguilera's Lotus Intro and when I listened to the song it really resonated with me. For me it represents how far I have come in my life and breaking my past issues and hurt. Like a lot of swamp family members I was bullied and it went on for a brutal three years until I finally told my parents I wanted to change schools.  They knew about the bullying and tried to help, which unfortunately made it worse and the teachers never seemed to do anything about except one. The school was small, one class per grade and I would say about 85% of my class constantly bullied me. What was even more confusing at times they would act like my friends but then next day would go back to tormenting me. Thankfully cyber bullying was a thing of the future back then. I remember at the age of ten just being so emotionally depressed, terrified go to school, no self esteem or confidence, and quite withdrawn from everyday life. When one of my classmates who was one of my biggest tormentors spit in my food (I didn't find out till later in the day), that was the final straw for me. To this day I still remember my sixth grade teacher, finally being the one to get upset since she had been witnessing the class sneakily attack me over the school year. Thank you Mrs. Schultz, even though I was not in the room when she gave a huge lecture to the class, which resulted in the girl only getting a three day suspension. I left that hellish place and never looked back.

Over the years after I was still emotionally scared from the experience, having high anxiety, really bad self esteem, hating myself and was very negative. But finally when I started college I somehow found my old self I was before the trauma. My program was based with a lot of oral presentations which terrified me but slower my confidence built up and my classmates were everything my grade school ones had not been. Supportive, caring, fun and almost like a small family, which over two years helped bring a lot of the real me back. Even if the last year at my current job, ironically talking over the phone has boosted my confidence and I have met amazing and supportive people who I love having in my life. Also I decided holding a grudge was not something I wanted anymore. I let go of the past and forgave those who made me go through hell but also made me who I am today. In the past I didn't believe in God because of all that I had been through, today I have a much better view and relationship with him/her which has helped get through some rough times. 

A decade after I have finally healed a lot of emotional wounds and scars myself, it has just taken time but also a hell of a lot of strength and tears. I want to tell my fellow swamp family it does get better, just give time and be willing face your fears and pain. I know a lot of the people have had it worse than I have but this my advice to you to breakthrough what is holding you back in life and causing you pain. Everyone is different I was lucky enough to not have to do it medication and a little bit of therapy from my college guidance counsellor. But some of you made need more help and may not have the strength to get through it yourself, there were times when I didn't think it did. It will be worth it though when we can all be the unbreakable lotus we want to be.

Lots of Love,

Carly Pearl

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Beauty Haul (Walmart/Shoppers)

In the last few months I have become obsessed with YouTube beauty and fashion videos and it has inspired me to try out applying makeup more often. I needed to pick up some products that had gone bad after having them for years. Also I had a bunch of coupons for products I love, so I had to go buy them of course! I have already tried some of the products but the ones I have tried I highly recommend.

Most of the products I bought were from Wal-Mart since they have the best prices on pretty much everything. I only went to Shoppers because I had a coupon for 2 for 1 on Revlon nail polishes and one for if you spent $15 on hair products you got 3,500 optimum points.

Eyes

I have not honestly bought or owned any eye shadow since middle school ( I never really wore makeup in high school) but I saw this pretty pallet's and wanted to try them out. I went for these two specially because they have the guide/directions. Petal Pusher from Wet & Wild just called out me, with it's purple/pink scheme and it has a guide on the back of which colours to combine. Purple is my absolute favourite colour so this will be fun to play with. The NYC pallet was a bit harder to choose but ultimately I choose the one for brown eyes. For those of you who don't I have hazel eyes and the green  and blue selections did not appeal to me. This one has more neutral colours but I have heard that NYC isn't the greatest quality for eye shadows.  The Maybeline master duo eyeliner is something I had seen recommendations from many beauty gurus and I have never tried a liquid eyeliner. The one product I have used the the L'oreal Shocking extensions mascara, recommended my Tiffany from MakeupByTiffanyD. This the best mascara I have tried and yes, I have tried quite a few. The brush is smaller and has shorter bristles but it gives your lashes an even coat and almost no clumps. Way better than any high end mascara, hands down. 

Face

No product placement or sponsor, Covergirl has just been a product I had bought in the past and was the products I needed to replace. The pressed powder is basically the same one I have been using for the past couple years but I did decide to go with a concealer stick instead of a typical one with a brush. I decided to try out their liquid foundation but then realized I don't have any brushes. Not sure if I am brave enough to try appyling with my fingers. Should be interesting...

Nails

Of course I had to buy some nail polish, what kind of question is that? Shopper's sends me coupons based on what the buying history is and one of them was a two for one for Revlon nail polish. I got there and they were also on sale, so all the better. I got Vintage Rose (dark light pink) and Cherry (dark red with purple mixed in) and while they have beautiful colours, I will say even with base and top coat the polish chips easily. Then I got an Essie nail polish in Madison Ave-hue from Wal-mart since it's about four dollars cheaper than Shopper's. It's a mix baby and hot pink with some shimmer in it and I can't wait to try it out!

Grooming

Anyone knows with razors when you need a new it is cheaper just to buy a new one, rather than purchase replacement blades. I prefer Venus razors especially with the moisture strips because they are a softer shave and with five blades you get a really good shave. The next product I highly recommend since I noticed a difference within a day. As I said, had a coupon for shopper's points if you spent $15 on hair care. I didn't really need anything but decided to try out the CHI Keratin Mist. I do heat style my hair a decent amount and along with dying it over the years it has some damage. I sprayed this in my hair as a de-tangler after getting out of the shower and the next morning my hair felt a lot softer and more revived. It is a bit more on the pricey side for a leave-in conditioner type product but worth it.

I can't wait to try out these new products and I will definitely give updates on my impressions of them. If not on the blog then you can check out and follow me on my other social media listed below

Lot's of  love,

Carly Pearl

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Inspirational Sundays

Everyone knows those pinterest boards with all those inspirational quotes and really pretty pictures behind them, that we all repin. Recently I have been creating my own pin worthy pictures and use a lot of them as daily motivation by making them my phone background.

The options for creating your own inspirational photos/collages are endless but I will say there are some that are better than others. The main app I use would be Over, that I found from watching SarahBelle93x's What's on My I-phone video. This app lets you add text to any photo from your photo library, you can create layers of text if you want to have longer quotes and you want them to be sized for your phone. I have just the basic version  which has so many colours and a good range of fonts. You can also change the size, opacity and alignment of the font as well. This app is $1.99 in the app store.

Picfx is a filter app which I use after I create a picture on Over if I want to add to make it a little more hipster (Just kidding! Sort of...). There are so many different categories of of filters in the app (at least 10 or more), although I do stick with a select few. The vintage and light filter categories are my favourites, the light one has a filter with hearts. This app is also $1.99 in the app store.

The next app I haven't used a lot but  it's kind of a fun one, since you get to play around with it.  Bokehul is a pretty basic app, you just select a shape, then the colour and just tap where you want to place the icons. You can choose a circle, star, heart and octagon shape. This app is 99 cents in the app store.

I know all the apps I have talked about have been one's you have to pay, so I thought I would include a couple free ones. I used InstaFrame (left) and InstaCollage (right) a lot before I discovered all the other apps but I think InstaFrame is a little more fun. Insta Collage does have more spaces for pictures to go in but the more you have the pictures get smaller. Both are free in the app store.

And of course I have to mention Instagram (welldressedgypsy), where you can find me posting a lot more than the blog. I do want to post an Inspirational Sunday picture every Sunday, whether or not I have made the picture or not. If you follow Sprinkle of Glitter's blog she does a post every Monday called Motivational Monday with a motivational quote and how it applies her life. I absolutely love her and her YouTube channels (Sprinkle of Glitter and Sprinkle of Chatter), so go check her out! I'll leave with a few other inspirational quote creations made by yours truly.

With Love,

Carly Pearl

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Nail Polish Super Haul

I know my new years's resolutions was to put up more posts but the first month has been a little hectic and stressful. But I have a lot of idea's for posts and a few to with Valentines that will hopefully be up before and some of on the day of. But anyways I went to Shopper's Drugmart recently to pick up a couple things I needed and some I probably didn't. I got all this stuff for about $18 but I did redeem my Optimum points, so I got $85 of the total purchase. This was inspired by all the YouTube guru's I subscribe to doing haul videos, which I do want to eventually do. Most of this haul is nail polish (of course) but this way I am able to try different brands without spending all the money. I'm a Leo and I have major problems when it comes change and diverting from normal routine. Also there are a couple basics and a splurge as well...

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Polish in Wedding Crasher

 Essie Mirror Metallic in Blue Rhapsody 

Essie Lux Effects in Pure Pearlflection

Revlon Colourstay in Marmalade

Nicole By O.P.I in Make Mine Lime

Gosh Nail Lacquer in Gasoline

Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in White

Nivea Chap-stick Soothing Care and Pure & Natural  in Milk and Honey

Yeah this is the best bubble bath ever

Above are two bags of Lindt chocolate, something that I did not need since because I still have a bag and a half left in addition to Valentines chocolate. But the Nivea lip balm's are the best lip product I have ever purchased especially the soothing care one. I tend to not apply chap-stick until my lip are completely dried out but since using the Soothing Care one, I usually apply it a few times a day. It has a slight tingle when you apply it but it's a good sensation and it saves this Winterpegger's lip in the harsh months. The Johnson's  Baby Bedtime Bubble Bath is the best thing for when you need to wind  down or if you have trouble sleeping. I literally fall asleep within 20 minutes of getting out of the bath and smells really really good.

I also went to Wal-Mart recently to pick up a couple basic thing and got a little distracted...

Revlon Nail Polish in Radiant

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Extreme Wear in Pacific Blue

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Extreme Wear in Bubblegum Pink

Essie Disappearing Trick Cuticle Dissolving Treatment

I went their with the intention to get Sally Hansen cuticle remover (recommended by Essie Button on YouTube) and Maybelline Clear Mascara to use to as a brow sealer ( recommended by Blair Fowler aka JuicyStar07). I did get the mascara, didn't take a picture but I highly recommend it for having tamed brows. 

I wasn't able to find the Sally Hansen cuticle remover but I found this treatment by Essie which I am quite excited to try since I love doing my nails but despise dealing with my cuticles. The first nail polish I have on my nail's a purple glitter nail polish which has some purple related name and then I have Lincoln Park after Dark by O.P.I with a coat of the Sally Hansen Wedding Crasher polish above that I did for Valentine's Day.

Hope you lovelies had a lovely Valentine's Day and weekend, hopefully there will be an outfit post this week...

With love,

Carly Pearl

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