The Work Bag - What To Look For.

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Whether you are a student or working in an office job, chances are you need a work bag. I personally have been through many different bags since being a student and working in internships. I always thought I'd finally found the perfect bag but after using it for some time it became clear that I would have to keep looking. So today I want to talk you through what I personally feel like you should consider when buying a bag for your work. 

1. What do I need it for?

Just because most of us have a work bag, it doesn't mean we all have the same requirements. So before going out to buy your new bag, you should consider what requirements your new bag has to meet. And yes... size matters. So what do you actually need to fit into your bag? Is it just your wallet, phone and maybe a small notebook? That's great! But if you also need to fit your laptop, lunch and a water bottle, chances are you might need to look for a bigger bag. But it's not only the size you should consider. How do you travel to work/university? If it's with public transport or you are running around a lot you should consider a shoulder strap. Are you in a busy city? Then maybe go for a secure bag that you can close properly. 

2. Is it a longterm investment or just a quick fix?

When buying a new work bag you should always think about how long you see yourself using this bag. I don't know if it's an age thing, but these days I see my purchases as investments. Especially handbags. So if you only need a bag for a year, go with a low budget. But if you really want one that will stay with you for years and years you need to invest. I am not saying you need to spend thousands and thousands on high-end designer goods, a good mid-priced but high-quality brand should do the job. Of course, this always depends on what you can actually afford. So just compare your personal budget with the level of quality you need and you will find the perfect price range for you. Just keep in mind that going for the cheapest option isn't the best idea most of the time. 

3. What am I actually wearing on a daily basis?

This is something you should never ever forget. Your bag can be the perfect size, the perfect quality but what if it doesn't go with your day to day style? Chances are, you won't be reaching for it. So before buying your new dream bag try to imagine it with the outfits you already own and wear. But please don't imagine yourself in completely new outfits which you have seen on Pinterest. In reality, you most likely won't wear them, at least not any time soon. Things to consider are the overall style, the color and don't forget about the hardware! 

(Kurt Geiger Emma Tote in black)

Now I want to share with you my current favorites in all different price segments. Currently, the Kurt Geiger Emma Tote is not leaving my side. The black leather goes with everything in my wardrobe, the gold hardware is perfect for my jewelry collection and the size is spot on for my needs. And I mean.. it's so pretty, isn't it? 

low priced

medium priced

high priced

Which one is your fave?

x Lisa

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All About Haircare - What I Have Learned.

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My hair has been through quite an adventure. If you have followed my blog for some time you probably have come across my hairstory post. My hair went from brown to red to black to blonde and now it's back to my natural brown color. So let's just say it has been through a lot. So I always try to give it some extra care and make sure I keep it as healthy as it can be. Today I want to talk about some tips and tricks I discovered to give my hair that extra care and also talk you through the products I use on a daily basis.

1. Try to avoid heat. 

I know you all have heard this a million times. But avoiding heat is really what makes the biggest difference. I don't like my natural hair structure. It's somewhere between straight and a bit wavy. So it's just this awkward in-between stage which looks like I did my hair a couple of days back and should really touch up my waves. So I always use a curling iron to define my curls or better-said waves. I used to use a straightener to do that but I feel like it's way more damaging. A straightener heats up your hair from both sides and you also drag it. So if you want to curl your hair, go for a curling iron. I also only blow dry my hair in "emergencies", when I really don't have time. Otherwise leaving it to dry on its own is so much better. 

2. Be gentle. 

One thing I have changed up in recent years is not rubbing my hair with a towel. I always felt like I am doing it a favor as it gets dryer quicker. But the reality is that hair is the most vulnerable when it's wet. So if you rub it too much it can cause serious damage. I always leave my hair in a towel for around 30 minutes and then release it. I would also recommend combing it when it's dry or at least almost dry. Also.. never ever comb it from top to bottom. Always start from the bottom of your hair and work your way up. I also use those big scrunchy hairbands to put my hair up when I am at home. I feel like it pulls way less on my hair than normal thin hairbands do. 

3. Oils, oils, oils. 

I used to be so scared of putting oil into my hair. I thought I would look like I had greasy hair just after washing it. Now I just can't be without it. If you find the right oil and mainly use it in the ends (which need it the most anyway) you will feel and see the benefits sans greasy look. 

No onto the products I have been loving for months. 

1. Wella Professional Luxe Oil

This is the hair oil I have been using for more than three years now. I even got my sister hooked on it. It's so nourishing and light. Perfection. 

2. Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo

I bought this one on a whim a couple of months ago and I am obsessed. I never had a drugstore shampoo that made my hair feel that smooth and light at the same time. 

3. Kerastase Discipline Hairmask & Spray 

I know Kerastase is super pricey and I get that most people don't want to spend that much money on a hair product. But if you want to invest in some high-end products I highly recommend these. Especially the hair mask is a dream. I always use a mask instead of conditioner. I feel like they are so much more nourishing. 

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo

This is a product that really is worth the hype. I am yet to see another drugstore dry shampoo that works as well as this one does. I mainly use these on days when my hair is very flat or even borderline greasy. A life savior. 

5. The Tools

As far as tools go I swear by the Wet brush and my Babyliss curling iron. I always prefer the ones without a clasp where you have to lay your hair around it and hold it. This way you have much more control. 

I would love to hear about your favorite haircare products. Please let me know in the comments. 

x Lisa

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How To Build Habits & Stick To Them.

This is probably a post I should publish around the new year but I think you can start building good habits all year around. It doesn't have to be in January and it doesn't have to be on a Monday. It's all about the 'how' and this is what I want to discuss today. I bet you all have heard of the theory that it takes 21 days to implement a new habit. Well, I think that is quite frankly.. bullshit. There is no magic number and there is no 'one technique fits all' kind of approach. Everyone is different and so are the habits we want to implement. Just as an example here are a few habits I have been trying to build this year:

- drinking 2 litres of water each day
- meditating daily
- sleeping an average of eight hours a day 
- no chocolate or sweets on at least 5 days a week 
- exercising at least 4 times a week (long walks count)

Tell people

This is a controversial one. But for me, it works. I love to tell everyone who wants to hear it about my goals. Some people might feel too pressured when they do so, but I feel so much more motivated. Like I told my boyfriend I would drink two litres of water so if he checks in on me I don't want to 'loose'. So if you think this will motivate you, tell it everyone.. your family, your friends or simply tweet about it.

Track it

Tracking your habits is vital in the beginning. I downloaded the app 'Strides' in the beginning of the year and still use it. It reminds me every day to check in and tick off my habits for the day, of course only if I really stuck to them. And this is so important. Don't lie to yourself.. don't tick the box if you didn't do it. It won't help you.. and honestly, the app is only for you. So if you totally failed at something, no one will see it but you. So stay honest.

Have a reason

Without reason or purpose, your new habit will most probably fail. You have to think about why exactly you want to build this particular habit. Is it good for your physical or mental health? Is it beneficial to other people? Is it good for your bank account? Try to think about the why and write it down.. at least mentally. 

Be patient 

Building new habits takes patience. You will fail at least once. And this is perfectly normal. It's all about starting new the next day. So if you had a completely lazy and unproductive day, only drinking coke and the most exercise you got was walking from the bed to the kitchen and then to the bathroom, it is fine. Tomorrow is a new day which brings a new opportunity. Just remind yourself of the 'why' and don't beat yourself up. 

What habits are you currently working on? Do you have any other tips? 

x Lisa

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Currently Craving | Midi Dresses.

*{This post was written in collaboration with Peek & Cloppenburg}

Midi dresses were on my 'this will never be in my wardrobe'-list for ages and now I just can't get enough of them. I am not someone who is very comfortable with getting their legs out a lot in summers so on milder days I wear tights and on the hot days, I would pick a maxi dress. But for some reason, I always thought midi dresses are so unflattering. I still think there are more flattering dress lengths but it all depends on the cut of the individual dress. 

I have talked about my obsession with linen in a previous post a few weeks back. Around this time I saw Lydia Millen talking about a beige midi linen dress she got and it looked stunning on her. And to my surprise, it was pretty affordable. I was debating whether I should get it or not and just as I was about to place the order it sold out... of course. And this is when I REALLY wanted it. So typical, right? So I started stalking this dress every day until it finally came into stock in my size. And this is how my obsession started.

I fell even more in love when it finally arrived. The shape is flattering, the color is gorgeous.. and since then I am hooked on midi dresses. They look so put together and classy.. I want them all. 

As always I have linked a few of my fave midi dresses for you. I hope you get inspired.

1. Gant 2. Blugirl Folies 3. MBYM 4. Max Mara 5. True Decadence

6. Coast 7. Swing 8. Vila 9. Boss 10. Jake's Cocktail

x Lisa

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