The ARt Bag

Hello again, bag lovers! It has been far too long since we've been together. I know I haven't been posting a lot lately but I promise that will change starting now. And boy do I have a treat for you. For my first post of the new year, the little bag lady has decided to feature a very special bag-one of my favorite kinds of bags. This bag has the potential to change your whole life, make any darling into a diva, transform your look from fab to ultra fab. It's the makeup bag! I recently came across an amazing how-to YouTube video for a GREEN SMOKEY EYE! GREEN!! It was really interesting but what was great was that this video featured the complete look. The video featured every product used and how to get a complete look, not just a smokey eye. Once she started contouring, I fell in love and knew I had to share with all of you! I reached out to the makeup diva, and trust me she is a girl after our own heart! I was able to get an interview with her and it was fab and fun. Check out how to create an Olive Green Smokey Eye, then get acquainted with makeup artist extraordinaire, Alexandria Richards (AR)!

Hi Alex! How are you?

Hey girl! I’d say I’m doing pretty well these days.

I fell in love with your amaze YouTube tutorial for a green smokey eye! What an awesome color btw. What made you want to join the thousands in the YouTube glam world?

I have always loved makeup. Never as a way to cover up my imperfections but as an art form… other forms of art are just not my thing! You know the saying, “Whatever you’re doing while you’re procrastinating is probably what you should be doing for the rest of your life?” I would sit for hours at a time and watch different beauty gurus on YouTube. From there, I knew it would definitely be the avenue for me. I was hesitant at first, thinking my makeup collection wasn’t sufficient enough. However, in this class I’m currently taking called “CHANGE” taught by a close family friend, I’ve been learning ways to empower myself and to be happy with who I am and the direction I’m headed. At the beginning of the course, we all were asked why we had to wait until we “grew up” to live the life we wanted. We were challenged to accomplish a “big thing.” Mine is to start and grow a successful YouTube channel. I finally said no more excuses, why not now? Uploading my first video was scary, but I am SO happy I did it and I’m excited to watch myself grow along with my channel.

How’d you get into make up?

My mom would say it all started at 12 when I would sneak and wear her foundation and eyeliner. But at 14, my parents allowed me to wear makeup, and the rest is history. Now, honestly, the makeup section is the only section I’ll visit in a drugstore…unless I’m hungry. I remember always feeling like I had to have eye shadow on and it had to be a noticeable color. It’s great looking at pictures, saying “WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL ME I LOOKED LIKE THAT?!” It’s a great learning experience and a great laugh, for sure!

Do you see makeup in your future?

YES, YES, & YES! I would love to make makeup my way of life. I love the experience of allowing people to see their natural features enhanced and displayed in a way that is unique to their specific facial structure, skin type, or personal preference. I want to stay on YouTube for as long as a can, which for me will be until it is no longer socially acceptable for someone of my age to put that much product on my face. I've branched out into the freelance world, starting with prom season! I hope this experience will expand my clientele, my skills, and knowledge. 

Happy Holla-ween!

What’s your fave part of creating a look?

Definitely makeup being build-able. You don’t have to always put a lot on, but honeybun, if you want to take it there, hop on the train with me! Simple things, like using a different shade to contour, lining your lips, or applying false lashes can completely change a look. What I love most is the versatility each person has to show themselves on their face.

What are your beauty brand obsessions right now?

Where do I begin?! If I could buy everything I would! I may not need it, but if it sparkles and has cute packaging, I’m buying it! Let me think—I think I hit the nail on the head with the Becca Ever Matter Poreless Priming Perfector. My skin is an oily mess without a primer, but the one’s I've tried before this one weren't really doing anything for my skin. I thank the makeup gods for this primer.  It retails for $36 and will glue your foundation to your face. Worth the splurge. Another product I love is MAC’s Taupe Lipstick. For any brown baby-girl’s like myself, it is THE perfect everyday nude. But MAC has a color for every complexion. Also, with any MAC matte lipstick, make sure you put on a moisturizing chap stick before applying. All MAC lipsticks retail for $16.

What are some things every girl HAS to have in her bag in case of a 911 date!?

A little mascara goes a long way. Your lashes don’t have to look runway ready, but just a little can emphasize your eyes. Plus, long lashes are perfect for flirting. A highlighting powder is also great. Putting it on the highest points of your face, such as you brow bone, the bridge of your nose, and the top of your cheeks. Lastly, your favorite lipstick is essential for confidence; one that compliments your lip shape and skin tone.

What advice do you have for makeup beginners interested in beating their face to capacity?

You do not, DO NOT, have to start your kit by buying all high end brands. It is perfectly okay to start your kit at the drugstore and work your way up. Some of my drugstore faves are ELF, Wet & Wild, & Maybelline, which can be found at places like Target. There are also some great online brands like Morphe and BH Cosmetics! Beat your face within your means.

If you could only put one thing on your face for the rest of your days, what would it be?

You’re killing me! I’m going to have to go with concealer because of its versatility. You can cover dark spots, conceal dark circles under your eye, and carve out your brows.

How do you decide your look of the day?

My mood plays a big part in it. Some days, I don’t really feel like wearing a lot of makeup, where on others I feel like wearing every product I own. Sometimes I wake up thinking about a certain eye shadow or palette I want to create a look with. I also base makeup looks around my lipstick colors, especially when I buy new ones.

When beating a face, where should we start?

In my opinion, you should always start by outlining and filling in your brows. This sets the tone for the rest of your face, especially your eye shadow. You can set your brows with a gel once you finish the rest of your face. Doing your brows first is like outlining your paper before you write it.

Your first YouTube vid was a success, when can we expect another makeup masterpiece

Thank you so much for watching! I plan to upload two videos a week, Mondays and Thursdays. This week, I’m uploading my February Favorites, so you’ll hear about the products I mentioned earlier, as well as some other ones I loved this month.

OMG thank you so so much Alex for sitting with the little bag lady! Where can we find you and more of your beauty secrets?

Thank you so much for having me! Your blog is so cute! Of course, you can find me on YouTube—like, comment, and subscribe to my channel! I love interacting with my subscribers! You can also find me on Twitter (@alexandrialarae) and on Instagram (@_alexandrialarae). For business inquiries, you can contact me at alexandriarichards95@gmail.com. Thank you again! I had a lot of fun! 

For more information on Alex, the makeup artist, her faves, and her life changing class, connect with her through the socials and stay tuned, for this will not be the last of the LBL and AR team up. Hop on this makeup train before it gets too crowded, Divas! Wouldn't you love to say you were on it first? Thanks for looking inside this beloved bag of mine. 

Until next time,

LBL

The Little Bag Lady's New Home www.thelittlebaglady.com

FYI bag lovers, I've moved! what used to be littlebaglady.blogspot.com is now www.thelittlebaglady.com ! So if you click on the old link on bloglovin or anything and see an error page, click yes to be redirected!!  I've decided to really commit to this and all of you by getting a permanent home for my blog! Check back soon and be redirected to the world of fab!

LBL

No Bags Are Cut From the Same Cloth

Outside of summer reading in high school and occasionally in college, what use is carrying around a book, right? Although it wasn't on my top 10 list, the Little Bag Lady totally recommends carrying around a book; but only if your bag is big enough. (So get a bigger bag if you can't fit a book in it already-duh!) Seriously though a book is a great addition to your handbag's residents! For those days where you're stuck at the doctor's office, the car wash, or the two hour Friday night wait at the Cheesecake Factory, a good book can make the time speed instead of creep. I figured this out when I read an amazing book recently that had nothing to do with my normal topics of choice- fashion. Instead, this book was about friendship...and sex ;)

...Ok really it was about sexuality and not sex. But it's called My Best Friend, Maybe and it's by Caela Carter. It's about two girls coming up on their last year in high school that used to be the best of friends. One day, all of a sudden they just stopped talking. Three years later, out of nowhere, the two girls go on a trip to Greece together after barely spoken for years and both having different versions of what happened to trigger the rift. Both these girls are very different; one, Collete, comes from a very religious, wholesome "normal" family, while the other, Sadie, stems from a single mom with no rules and two adopted Haitian boys. Now, I won't give away the whole plot, but I will say how this totally changed my life.

.

Let's put it in the terms of the only thing I know how: bags. Every bag is different-duh. Most women have a particular style of bag they like in general though. But every once in a while there is a bag that catches the eye of the other kind of diva in you. The one that is so far out of your comfort zone, you tend to forget it exists. But then here comes this bag. It's affordable, it's durable...the only thing may be that it's a bit impractical and totally clashes with your taste. You try to imagine it in your closet and it just doesn't...mesh, but it still captures your attention and your appreciation. You talk yourself out of it and try to find peace with your decision that you're better off without it telling yourself "What will people think?" and "There's no way I could pull that off." But really there is nothing wrong with that bag, there is something wrong with you. The bag isn't impractical, you are. So the bag doesn't fit the mold of your closet! Big deal! It only matters that it is a good bag and you love it, don't deny it or yourself that acceptance of something different.

In relations to what the book was really about: people are different. You'll always have your group of friends and peers that have everything in common with you, were raised like you, and maybe even think like you (in a non-robot/clone way). However, there's always that one friend or potential friend that is different and doesn't really fit. She's different than you in every way. She doesn't dress the same. She doesn't like the same music. She may even be the very person your parents warned you about back in high school to stay away from but there is something about her that you can't steer clear of. Or that you don't want to. We are often attracted to the sames of ourselves because society tells us that's what works and makes it easy. Whether it's dating from inside the church only, hanging out with your teammates all the time, or sticking with the same group of people you went to college with because all your moms did too, the obvious way is being among our own "kind". But we are also often attracted to the opposites of ourselves, too. Those people provide balance, new perspectives, and are just refreshing! It is when we open our minds and our hearts and close the mouths of those telling us "They aren't like you" and "You're not cut from the same cloth" that we can experience true happiness. Isn't what we all want is acceptance in some degree? Well that starts by accepting those that are different and trying to understand why people are the way they are and finding peace with the fact that if we can't understand them, that's ok! Especially when it comes to friends- it doesn't matter if she doesn't fit into your mold, your world,was raised the same, etc. It only matters that she is a good person and you love her; don't deny her or yourself that acceptance of someone different.

Divas and Divos, I present to you the open mind, the deeper meaning of life, and acceptance of all people (and bags) brought to you by the power of a book!

Go read something ;)

xoxo,

LBL

10 Things Every Girl Should Throw Into The Bag!

There are certain things a girl just cannot take on the day without. I wrote about how the contents of a girl's bag says so much about who she (or he...still no judgement) is as a person. I'm soon going to dive right into how those things define a trendsetter like my readers, but first, I must introduce the basic contents.

1. Headphones

Perfect for zoning out and saying "Beyoncé's more important than you are!" You can find these little adorbs at amazon!

2. Compact

See that guy over there? Cute right. He likes what you look like, do you?

3. Lip Gloss

I've already stated the importance of lipping your best. My personal fave? West slicks by Cover Girl but any brand, color, or shine will work! One quick swipe and you're lips are smoochable and ready to go.

4. Tampons/Pads

Every girl should be ready whether it's your time of the month or the frantic girl in your history class whose hero and BFF you just became. Find a cute, not-so-obvious carrying kit and you show Mother Nature who's boss girl!

5. Hand Sanitizer

Sometimes you just feel icky and sticky but when you're not near a bathroom, you can't be so picky. Bath &Body Works has endless amounts of portable hand sanz so your hands can smell good and be free of 99% of germs. 

6. Lotion

After all that sanitizing your hands could get dry and cracked. We don't want that! Lucky for you EOS now makes a hand lotion! But any little lotion will suffice as long as your hands are smooth and holdable. 

7. Breath Mints/Gum

That same cute guy asks you out but you haven't had time to get rid of the 3 lattes and quick lunch you've had today. Mints are a must because they keep your breath conversation and kiss ready...and they're tasty duh!

8. Cash

You never know where the day will take you and when you might need an emergency Chai Tea Latte or you find yourself stuck in the mall for hours and the same pair of shoes make their way into your view for the 4th time. No matter the case, try and keep an emergency $20 or more in your purse just in case. 

9. Pain Relievers

It's that time of the month again. Cramps, head ache, back ache, or boyfriend ache-whatever your pain, be prepared. Have a little tear away sheet or pill canteen of pain relievers ready and available for you and whoever else "can't even" today. 

10. Perfume

Rather a mini bottle or some roll-on, it doesn't hurt to smell your best all day no matter the occasion or location. Be ever-fragrant! 

Of course I'll explain why each of these must be included in every girl's every day life, but for now, I need to restock!

xo,

LBL

Bag Bankruptcy

How much is too much to spend on a bag?

Every fashionista must have an iconic bag. Seriously what is an outfit's completion without that distressed leather or crocodile pattern hanging confidently from your arm? But how much is too much? $50? $150? $500? $5,000??? Does it even make sense that designers and brand makers charge such variations of prices for a product that does the same as its competitor? A bag is a bag. We all can agree on that right?
But where is the financial line drawn when it comes to iconography and self expression? Personally, I adore heading to my favorite outlet versions of all the stores I can't afford and finding MK for $140 instead of $240 or a $99 Kate Spade (no joke, I found one at a Marshalls). However, someone else may find those prices outlandish still. Well, if they find those prices unethical what would they say to a regular priced Chanel, or a Louis V, or (be still their hearts), a Birkin!? Chanel bags can be seen as the pinnacle of feminism where as Vuittons are considered investment pieces for their upstanding and long lasting leather. But what about those Birkins?

Hermès Birkin bags are the epitome of status. It's the bag all the celebs wear from Kim K and Housewives, to J. Lo and Lindsay Lo, and even our favorite villainous mother, Lily Van Der Woodsen of Gossip Girl. What entices regular people more than the possessions of the famous and elite? Forbes magazine published an article online last year solely on how to purchase your first Birkin because it is in that high of demand. Instructions included attending lavish auctions of the wealthy and literally having a game plan on how to conquer. Prices on these bags vary by condition and relativity. For instance, an older version of the "Blue Jasmine" Birkin from 2006 seen on Cate Blanchett would cost a mere $3,000, which is a steal compared to the $11,000 price tag on a more recent version of the same bag. But don't be fooled by those low prices; these bright colored beauties can actually climb into the $50,000 and even the $100,000 range. The article only lists auctions as the way to buy, be it live or online; but this makes sense considering there aren't too many places you can get your hands on them anyway. They aren't usually sold at your local Bx4 (Bergdorfs, Barney's, Bloomingdales, or Bendels). In fact, it's been rumored that not only are there waiting lists for these bags, but there are limits to how many one person can purchase at a time and if you don't buy from an auction you can purchase from a dealer! These bags have dealers! Like for cars and...other things. This has all mainly been hearsay on different shows like The Real Housewives of Miami (now cancelled...aww) but it wouldn't come as much of a surprise.

What makes these bags so desirable and expensive? You could say it's its construction and design but lots of bags are made from the best of leathers and animals. Lots of bags take endless hours for craftsmanship. Lots of bags have more recently taken on similar design structures, too, at more affordable pricing. It clearly must be the likes of the who's who we see them on because I have yet to read a report claiming the bag can make me a sandwich, walk my dog, or clean my house to justify the price. In fact, I feel as though if you can purchase and afford an investment piece such as a Birkin, you probably should introspect where you're investing and be sure there aren't better causes-like a needy child's college fund or a homeless shelter. But just because interest in buying any of the outrageous, totally impractical elite bags seems unethical and selfish...doesn't mean we'll stop trying to snag one to be the envy of all our IG followers...and the rest of the world.

I'm even on a few waiting lists myself (can't beat 'em, join 'em; duh. Countdown to 2018 in 3...2...1...).

xo,

LBL

Most Expensive Bag in the World

What's shaped like a heart and will cause it to break when you check out the price? The Mouawad's 1001 Nights Diamond Purse.

This beautiful heart shaped bag caught the Little Bag Lady's eye not because of its adorable shape and lack of coordination with anything in her closet, but because of its decoration. This little beauty is made of 18ct gold, and is encrusted with 4,517 diamonds including 56 pink, 105 "yellow", and the rest colorless. The masterpiece took only a measly 8,800 hours to complete by 10 talented and exhausted crafters. It has officially been credited the most expensive bag in the world by Guinness Book of World Records and at 3.8 million (you read that right) dollars, it's a little too rich for my blood. But if someone else were to be able to afford it and had their eye on it, it'd probably be best to contact them and see if they wanted to solve majority of the world's hunger problems too while they're at it. 

xo,

LBL

You Kiss Your Mother With That Mouth?

A definite in every diva's bag: lip care.

From the ever so fad-like EOS lip balm to the various lip sticks, glosses, stains, and lacquers provided by MAC, L'Oreal, Revlon, and CG, divas everywhere are spending endless money on their lips. I for one am constantly balming with my strawberry or blueberry EOS before I color them with Cover Girl. It's funny how in most lip-wear commercials, advertisement always includes kissing and making lips plump and "kissable." But what man is really into kissing a set of  lined, plump, glossy, purple or bright pink lips? What if your dating a coworker in secret? Or your best friend's ex-boyfriend?
It's like a dead give away that he's been making out with whichever girl is wearing the same pink shade by matching her Pink Poodle MAC Lip Glass on her lips with the same transported color on his.

 I recently heard about a school whose new policy was no lip wear of any kind other than chapstick because decorated lips encourages kissing and...other stuff. That seemed so odd to me! The most kissable lips and the most attractive lips in the world are those that are smooth, clean, and leave no trace! If you don't want kids kissing, wouldn't it make more sense to allow lip gloss and lip stick? If Little Suzy is dating Big Johnny and Little Suzy comes in with plump, glossy pink lips in the morning and after 2nd period you see Little Suzy with denser lips and Big Johnny looking like he made out with a pack of Hubba Bubba, isn't it much easier to identify the crime and culprits? 

But maybe that's the point. Maybe that's the reason you rarely see the actual kissing going on in those commercials. We really don't put on lip glosses and stains and such to be kissed. We really do put them on to be kissable. To look kissable. To complete the "look." We wear cosmetics to attract and stand out and feel our best. We wear lip-wear not to be kissed per say, but to draw attention to the area we want to be kissed. Same with most cosmetics; like wearing dramatic eyes or something-except we don't want to be kissed there. But we want to attract attention to it! Truth is, through our lip glosses we don't just complete a look we complete a story. We can give off any vibe we want! From feeling fun with purple, flirty with a hot pink, idgaf with chapstick, or sensual with a ruby red. Isn't that the reason we spend $8-$30 on various colors, shades, and hues of glosses, stains, and even chapsticks now? To entice, romance, create, and, most importantly, coordinate. We really can pull it all together with a swipe of the lips and give a peak into how we're vibing that day and every day based on which wear, how often, and what colors (duh). 

See what I did there? I just described an aspect of self expression. Self expression through a cosmetic item. A cosmetic item that's in your bag. ;)

xo,

LBL

And to answer the question, no. I don't kiss my mother with that mouth. I'll smudge.