how to live in two places at once

one of the biggest reasons why i'm slacking on the blog front is because i'm homeless. right now i'm writing this from behind the dumpster at school (just kidding!). but in all seriousness, when you are in a post secondary program full time and commuting from one city to another, its really difficult. i live equal amounts of time in hamilton and toronto. okay, slightly more in toronto but thats because sometimes there isn't reason enough to drag my ass back home to my parents house in hamilton.

so now that my boyfriend is living in toronto, i spend my school week with him at his place. he lives with boys though (icky) and so my feminine touches wouldn't get approved even if i tried to impose my beliefs on them. sam, the sweetheart that he is, has given me one of 1/6 drawers and 1/8 cubbies. now that we're on the cusp of springtime, my wardrobe is in its transitioning point. this weekend i brought home all of that crap so i can make the switch. it's time to get rid of my boring, basic, plain easy to wear clothes i throw on everyday in the winter and bring out the prints, dresses and skirts.

and so here's my first ever how-to, on having a split wardrobe...


first and most important rule: know where your time is spent.
think about where you are most often and what you are doing there.
i spend most of my time in toronto. and most of that time at school. so if you dress comfortably to school you might want your sweats and your uggs in that city. if you head back home, you're likely to bring em with you anyway. for me, i am a fashion student. appearance is kind of important. so this season i am going to need my favourite spring pieces with me when i'm in school.
when i am in hamilton i am likely hanging out with my fam or doing assignments in my bedroom. there's no need to go all out for that. besides the end of the week i'm super exhausted so i just dont have the time or the energy. i might also be working my part time job, so i'd want to keep easy grab-n-go clothes there. the casual no-brainer pieces. i also keep my clubwear here. my circle of friends is in hamilton so if we decide to hit the town last minute, i'm covered.

tip number two: basics vs fashion pieces
there's no reason to bring your expensive dress from one city to the next if you don't have anywhere to wear it. go by what you wear most. you love your dark jeans? then don't leave them in city A if you're going to be in city B all week. this is the theory: you have to focus on your faves and what is most wearable for what you're gonig to be doing. it's important to consider when you go through everything.
example: little bag, simple studs and skinny belt, yes. ornate belt and lanvin for H&M necklace, prob not.

three: start collecting doubles
this is especially key for beauty products etc.
i keep all my routine items in a makeup bag and that gets transported from city to city. even for sleepovers at a girlfriend's house or something. samples are wonderful when you live in two places. keep the large size at home and keep the mini packs in your m/u case. i also like hitting up my fave brands for the gifts with purchase so i can get all my minis when i stock up on my full sizes.

here's a good list of what to double up on:

eyeliner

mascara

makeup remover

toothbrush

hair brushes

straightener (if you got the cash)

cleansers, creams and lotions

feminine hygeine products (dont be shy)

tshirts and tank tops

hair elastics, bobby pins and clips

note: pack your most wearable shades so you don't have to go without your best face and your everyday scent so you can always smell sweet

four: sort your categories
that pretty much says it all.
bring your faves to where you spend the most time and leave the rest in city B.

maybe you'll wanna split these categories:
sunglasses
undergarments / pajamas
shoes
accessories

more tips:
i know i left alot of things out like your styling products and your blowdryer. im not that fussy and i try not to use those as much as possible but you may just want them to be more doubles.

having a large bag is key and you don't want to change it to often or you'll start losing things. maybe keep a small one or two in city A just in case you want to travel light. and the same goes for your wallet!

make sure the items you take with you can be used in more than one combination, same with the items you leave behind. the only way any of this works is if you get creative and find new ways to work with what you have directly in front of you. treat it like a puzzle.

that's it!

maybe it's just because i'm so busy and haven't had time to care, but i haven't once woken up since i've been doing this and felt like i had nothing to wear. the only people who ever seem to say that are the people standing in front of a closet full of stuff...