A few random things...

Ok, so this week I picked up a few random things to add to my rotation. Some are from Sephora (gotta take advantage of my F/F discount!), some from MAC and some Target. Here goes!

I wanted to use my Sephora discount but there really wasn't anything that I had to have :(. I ended up with 2 colognes (one for my husband's bday and one for my little boys christmas stocking). And for me I picked up:

Makeup For Ever's HD Blush

This blush came highly recommended by a pal and YouTuber Jenn5716 and I have to say I was not disappointed! The color I choose is #12 which is a true, bright Apricot....soo very pretty. And just like I was told, the wear is phenonmenol! A little goes a long way. I only use about a half a pump for both my cheeks and still have some left over (which by the way, also looks great smudged on the lips!)

Next Sephora purchase was the Bare Escentuals Powder in Well Rested. This was my very first purchase and experience with Bare Escentuals. I've never been a fan. The idea of loose powdered makeup for me was an accident waiting to happen!! Which is why I have never bothered to try it. But like most things I've tried lately, I'd read about this particular product a few times, it just kept popping up so I figured, since I'm getting a discount, I might as well give it a shot! Well!! This product is Ah-Mazing!!!!! I have horrible dark circles and currently use Laura Mercier's concealer (which I do love) but this works soooo good to not only brighten up my eye area, but also to conceal. I was really really surprised at the coverage. I posted a pic of the powder loose and then it "applied" on the back of my hand. It is really truly unbelivable. I think I will post a vid on this particular product because you really have to see to appreciate.

Lastly, at Sephora I picked up a basic Spooly brush for my brows :)

Next, I went on down to the local MAC counter to check out their Tartan Tale Holiday Collection. I knew I wanted the Her Blooming Cheek blush but I also wanted to check out the "Fuschia" lipstick in the collection (which I learned is actually part of their pro permanent collection). I didn't quite like the Fuschia with my skin tone but I did find one I adore! Girl About Town was just the color I was looking for! Deep but not too bright and totally dead on fuschia without too much violet. Love!! As far as the blush goes, this is another must have! Its very pigmented but with a fluff brush gives you the sweetest flush. Use with a dense headed brush for full strength color that is beautiful. I've actually been wearing this blush everyday and I love it!!!

They opened a Target at our mall which is oh so convienent so I crusied on over to pick up Cover Girl's Lash Blast Fusion (Ollie Things Beautiful had previously blogged about it and loved and now it is my new fave), a few nail polishes: Revlon's Plum Nights (deep majestic purple), Revlon's Plum Attraction (a metallic fuschia) and OPI's Midnight in Moscow (a blackish garnet). I also picked up Yes to Carrots Makeup Wipes (OMG! these smell fantastic...light, clean and mildly like cucumber). These are so great! They remove ALL traces of eye makeup without tugging or pulling. Loving these and for $5 you can't beat them. Lastly, are my little brush holders! These are actually votive candle holders that they have out for the holidays but they work perfectly for my brushes.

Sorry, its such a long post but I wanted to share some of the goodies I got this week! :)

A few things I've randomly picked up...

So, my hubby and I have been "designing" our closet (our room is somewhat non-existent right now as it is in the midst for a complete do-over!). Because of the lack of closet, I can honestly say I have been less than enthusiastic about adding too much new stuff when I'm barely finding room to store what I have now. BUT....since completion is near (and it's finally beginning to feel like Fall!) I thought now would be a good time to start incorporating the pieces I've been thinking about. So here's some of my recent finds!

1. Tweed Blazer

I already have a camel colored tweed blazer with a cool herringbone pattern, but I really liked the colors in this one! Purple is a huge color for Fall and I think the overall color of this coat is perfect for a pop and will def amp up any t-shirt and jeans combo I wear. And for a night out, I think this will totally rock with a sleek pair of leather shorts!

2. & 3. Lush's It Started With A Kiss

Last week my bestie and I were in LA for Fashion Weekend and we popped into the Lush store in Santa Monica. OMG! I am in LOVE with that store and cannot wait to go back!! We both purchased this sweet little lip balm that is awesome! As you can see, it gives your lips this wonderfully stained look, kinda like you've been eating a cherry popsicle! and it smells like a yummy vanilla cupcake! Also purchased was the Buffy Bar, which is sadly already gone. It did not last me long at all but that's ok. While it was here, it was the most awesome thing ever! Use it the shower to exfoliate, rinse off and pat dry. No need for lotion!! My husband actually asked if I was loofah-ing cause he said my skin was so soft and smooth! LOL!!!

4. YSL Nail Lacquer in No. 65

Another little gem I picked up while in Los Angeles. In the pic it looks like a deep berry red, but in person it's simple a beautiful classic red. I've yet to try it but I'll post a pic when I do!!

5. Khaki Button Down (F21)

It looks kinda plain jane just hanging here, but I loved the big batwing sleeves and the generous cut of this khaki button down. The material is a lightweight sheer silk and looks effortless. I've already worn it with black leggings and black round toe heels but I think it will equally great with skinny jeans, heeled granny boots and bunchy socks! Because of it's roomy cut, I think I'll also try layering this over a chunky turtle neck sweater or a cozy flannel.

6. Black & White Cardigan (F21)

I fell in love with this cardi for 2 reasons: the classic color combo and the batwing sleeves (what can I say, I love the batwings!). I'm loving this sweater right now! It reminds me a cross between a boyfriend sweater because of the cut but the 3/4 sleeves with ruching down the sides feminize it a bit more. Needless to say, I think this will get a lot of wear time.

7. Cap Toes and Chains

I've been wanting a pair of black and white cap toes since last winter but I have a hard to time straying away from my signature boots ;). So, last week I popped into Kohl's to pick up some stuff for my little ones and saw these on the shoe's clearance aisle. Originally $56, they were marked down to $14!!! Seriously, how could I pass them up?! I think they will look so cute with my rolled boyfriend jeans, little skirt or dress! Next to them is a few "necklaces" I picked up...or rather components of. I've seen so many of these on posts and I absolutely love! My BF posted about some she picked up at Charlotte Russe but when I went in (and I did, specifically for this reason!) they didn't have any longer! Lot's of people are making these and selling so I figured, well I do need a new hobby, so I got the tools to try making my own. I haven't actually made anything as of yet because I haven't had the time but stay tuned!!! I'm really excited to try and see what I can "design"!

Sneak Peak!

Finally had time to sit and do a quick post!! Now, I know that I did a "sneak peak" of MAC's "A Tartan Tale Holiday Collection" but I had to post a pic of these 2 upcoming blushes. I am LOVING these! Both of these will be a definite MUST for me. I think they are just the answer to punch up the winter blues! The one on the left is "My Highland Honey" and is described as a bright coral with a touch of gold pearl..swoon! The one on the right is "Her Blooming Cheek," a bright irridescent pink. These both are soo beautiful!

I've been on the hunt for a deep, not to bright, not to violet fuschia lipstick and I think I've found in it "Full Fuschia" lipstick. I can't wait to wear this come winter! I think it will be a nice change up for the classic reds or berries that are so common once the tempatures drop. I'm also loving "The Fairie Glen" and "Cut a Caper." October 28th can't come soon enough!

What will you be running to the MAC counter to grab? Any of it? None of it? I want to know! :)

Lip Colors shown from left to right are:

Courting Lilac, Full Fuschia, Cut a Caper, The Faerie Glen and Deepest Wish

My trip to Target

I'm in desperate need of a shopping spree to usher in the Fall/Winter season but since my room is going through a complete transformation, storage is a bit of a problem. But nonetheless, here are a few little things I picked up yesterday while at Target:

1. Black Leggings: I love leggings and was in desperate need of a new pair of staple black leggings and found these. I like that they have a thicker, little higher waistband. Also in this picture is a Military Inspired Tee I found in the Men's section (reg. $19.99, on sale for $12.99). It's super soft and will look cute with everything from jeans to skinny cargos to leggings. It would look super cute with the Leopard print scarf Ollie Things Beautiful posted about :). Lastly in this photo is a pair of brown & gold Aviators. A friend had purchased and tweeted a pic of them some time ago. I think they are really cute and at $14.99 I wont feel bad if my kids get ahold of them and bend!

2. Billowy White Tee: Ok, so this isn't from Target. This morning I ran into Kmart for some contact lense solution and saw this tee from Selena Gomez' new line. :D I like that it is super sheer and soft and love the sequin detailing at the pocket and the buttons on the rolled sleeves. I also like the shirttail hem which makes it super easy to do a half tuck. And for $10 it was a steal!!!

3. Brown Eyeliner: Lastly, is Maybelline's Express Eyes in Brown/Black. It has been such a long time that I've worn brown eyeliner, I thought I'd give it try! In my last post I talked about the Urban Decay Gel Liner and I still want to get that one. I think it will be great for a smudgy, earthy eye but with this classic pencil, I'm able to get a clean perfect line everytime. I must say, I'm really enjoying the change from black!

5 Beauty Products I Can't Wait to Get My Hands On...

There was a time before kids that I had a full blown obsession with makeup. Maybe it was working in the industry, maybe it was because I had no kids- I had nothing better to spend my money on, or maybe there was just something completely magical about swiping on a new shade of lipstick, something totally transforming and mood altering that I just had to have more. Makeup became my crack. My obsession became out of control and finally reached a point where I had dominated every single drawer space in our tiny bathroom (I mean really..are 96 lipsticks necessary!?!). Fast forward...the kids came, priorities changed and my obsession was quietly put to rest...until now. It seems I have awaken a sleepy giant within. This is not good!!! But none the less, here are 5 beauty products I cannot wait to get my hands on!

1. Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray

I've not yet tried a dry shampoo but have been very curious to do so. My hair tends to be on the dry side, so my hair stylist suggested I do a good blowout twice a week tops to prevent damage. This one caught my eye for two reasons: 1) i like the ease of a spray and 2) unlike alot of others on the market, this is invisible! According to Sephora:

"When applied, it instantly boosts volume and cleanses the hair without water. Ingredients such as gentle starches absorb excess oil and product build up, while Vitamin E and wheat proteins strengthen and protect the hair shaft. The end result is hair that looks and feels freshly shampooed, without a trace of residue."

2. YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

Ok, I have heard soo many great things about this product that I cannot wait till my concealer runs out to try! Loved by models, artists and women everywhere the award winning formula is supposed to be equivalent to 8hrs of the best sleep you can get. According to Sephora:

"A luminizing pen that brings radiance and light to the skin, immediately erasing any signs of fatigue and brightens the complexion. With a few strategically placed strokes, the complexion immediately looks rested, radiant and rejuvenated."

3. Urban Decay Ink For Eyes

I am not typically a big fan of the Urban Decay line BUT let me tell you this is a fantastic product! A friend of mine had in her makeup kit so I had a chance to use and I was in love. This is not your run of the mill creme liner. This is smooth and dark and the application is flawless...no dragging or skipping or smearing. The liner comes housed in a sleek little case complete with mirror and (love!) double ended brush (angled liner on one end and smudger on the other). I'm about out of my black eyelining pencil and I will be replacing it with this in Zero (black). I'm also thinking Demolition (chocolate brown) would be great for creating an earthy, smudgy eye, so I may need both!

4. DuWop Private Red

I'm always on the look out for the perfect shade of red lipstick for my skintone. I read about this one on a blog and I'm very intrigued. A little throw back to the 60's maybe, this lipstick is supposed to adapt with your body's chemistry providing the perfect shade of red for you. Hmmm...we'll have to see!

5. Les Tentations De Chanel Fuchsia Tweed Blush

All I can say is WOW!!!! When I first got a glimpse of this to die for blush I immediately called the Chanel counter to find out when it will be available and I've gotten mixed info. I was told today that it would not be available till November, however I've read some stores already have! Regardless, this blush is a work of art! If you know where I can buy now, please comment where!

What beauty products are you dying to get your hands on this Fall??

Follow Up: My Version of the Winged Eye

Ok, guys! So sorry for the delay but here is my version of the winged eye. I really tried to upload a video but for some reason I am having major issues doing so! I'm really surprised at how much I liked this look! Normally, I am not a liquid liner kinda gal which was why this was a look I wanted to tweak and make work for me. So I followed the directions that the article had (the one's I blogged about last week) to the tee and as you can see in the 4th picture is what I was left with :/. The result that I had is exactly the reason why I do not usually like the liquid liner! Unless you have a very steady hand, I think it verge on looking cheap and trashy, hence picture 4. However, I do love the instense look you can only get from a liquid liner (done right, that is!). So I decided to also use a black eye lining pencil to line the inner lower lash line and fill in any gaps. I LOVED the combination of the 2 liners together! I live in a very hot area and by the end of the day pencil liner alone has usually smudged off but with this combo I got the rich intensity that I love from a liquid liner but it still looked clean & precise! And better yet, it wore all day without any smudging!

As you can see from the pic, I opted to not do a real exaggerated wing but now that I got the application down, I'm thinking I will!

If you are not a fan of liquid liner but love the intensity you get from one, try this technique-you will love the results!

Products I used:

Maybelline Line Stiletto in Blackest Black

Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Black

Powderliner Pencil in Coal

MAC Shadow in Amber Lights

Laura Mercier Undercover Pot Concealer

Makeup Trends for Fall I Can't Wait to Try: Subtle, Nude Lipstick with a Dramatic Winged Eye

With the launch of MAC's Venomous Villains just around the corner, I'm really inspired to once again have fun with makeup. As a mom of 2 and no longer a"20-something" I have found that there is often a fine line between "playful" and "hooker". While I intend to interject more color this season, I think this is a great neutral, yet fun look to start out the season with. This was a look that was used for Blumarine's runway show using the above shown products with the following step by steps:

1. I love the hair as it looks completely effortless.

"To create, scrunch dry hair with a beach or salt spray [such as Fekkai's Marine Beach Waves] and twist sections around your fingers"

2. "For eyes use a liquid eyeliner with a marker like lip tip and follow the curves of your lower lashes. Line up and out. Finish by lining top lid as well."

3. "For lips, choose a creamy nude lip color [Dolce & Gabana in Delicate] to finish off the look."

And that's it! Tomorrow, I will recreate this look and post pics. I need to make a stop at Target for a beach spray and I think I will try Maybelline's Line Stiletto (my bf blogged about it awhile back and loves..I don't use liquid liner enough to splurge on the Chanel just yet). Stay tuned! :)

I think I'm in Love..

I've been on the hunt for a foundation that I absolutely LOVE for some time now. Now, please note, despite having worked in the cosmetics industry for years and knowing all the benefits wearing foundation provides- it still was never on the tops of my lists. But that all changed the minute I hit 35.

While on a business trip to Las Vegas I griped to my bestie about how my skin seemed less vibrant and more dull than usual and she oh so graciously suggested that maybe I needed to revisit the whole concept of "foundation". Btw-thanx :)

After trying a few different kinds I finally decided on Chanel's Teint Innocence and let me tell you.. I am in LOVE!!

This foundation is amazingly light-it literally melts onto skin, covers flawlessly and yet still appears natural! I used a flat top blush/contouring brush (pictured above) to "buff" foundation on which seriously gives it an almost airbrushed quality. It's officially described as a "naturally luminous fluid makeup" and that's a perfect description. It contains the subtlest amount of luminous pigments that work to even out your complexion and make skin appear even toned and radiant (which is exactly what I was looking for!). This is the first foundation product in the Chanel line that I've tried and it did not disappoint. Once again, thanks to my bestie Jenn for reminding me that sometimes youth can come in a bottle (temporarily at least!). :)

Some of favorite things for Fall: Part II

I am soo loving the Military Inspired Looks for Fall! I love the earthy-ness of all the muted, understated tones and how the work together in a monochramtic way that's still manages to be edgy and chic!

Pic 1

The first pic is a look that I am dying to create! I love how model/dj Leigh Lezark rocks this look...army green utilitarian dress paired with a black biker jacket and black heeled booties. The taupe fingerless gloves and cozy olive neck wrap finish the look and keep it looking effortless. Love it!

Pic 2

Another on trend look that doesn't manage to feel "trendy". Camoflauge jacket tops a basic black dress, but what keeps this from looking boring is the punchy knee-high socks (in purple!) and knee high boots.

Pic 3

This is a definite must for Fall in my book. It's a simple way to add the season's "utilitarian chic" to your wardrobe. Besides, most times it's the simple things that have the biggest impact!

Pic 4

Ok, I had to post this picture because 1)I'm always looking for different ways to dress up my favorite boyfriend jeans and 2)the jacket is from Kmart! Yes, Kmart. Actually the entire outfit is from there. I went last night but they didn't have in stock yet, but seriously, who would have guessed Kmart?

Les Khakis De Chanel

When I first caught a glimpse of Chanel new collection Les Khakis De Chanel I feel in love with the muted understated colors. Here's the official description directly from Chanel:

Exclusive new urban-chic khaki shades of LE VERNIS Nail Colour were developed by Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of Chanel makeup, in celebration of Vogue's Fashion Night Out. Three limited-edition hues -Khaki Rose, a dusty pink beige, Khaki Vert, a mossy foam green; and Khaki Brun, a pale stony taupe- are edgy when all three are painted on nails in an alternating pattern.

Definitely edgy and cool, what do you think?

Some of my favorite things for Fall: Part 1

I love capes...and what's not to love about them?! Their warm and cozy, chic and stylish and a great example of effortless dressing.

Top Pic:

Nichole Richie shows the versatility of the cape by pairing it with skinny jeans and boots for a casual look and then pairing the same cape with heels and a dress for a look that's very classic and proper.

Bottom Pic:

I love how this navy hooded cape and heeled booties add a dose of style to otherwise simple leggings.

Sneak Peak!!!

I love Christmas! The smells, the decorations, the...holiday gift sets!! I got a sneak peak of MAC's 2010 Holiday Collection: A Tartan Tale and I am loving it!! Not only is the packaging super cute (I'm a sucker for anything tartan...could be cause I'm married to a Scotch/Irish man) but the colors look ah-mazing! What are your thoughts on this new collection? It lands counters in October.

Small change, BIG IMPACT

I came across this pic while thumbing through a magazine and thought I'd share :) I love the simple idea of swapping out boring white taper candles for pretty pink ones and then clustering them together for an effortless but elegant table. Now, who's bringing the wine??

LBD

Ok, going to try this again and hopefully this post won't end up in the middle of a previous one! Going to a wedding on Saturday and wearing the "Little Black Dress". I love this dress! Sorry, no pic today it is being altered :( but it is deeply reminiscent of the Givenchy made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the fashionably classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. Now, because I deeply fearful of dressing older than my years, the question of the blog, my dear friends is do I stick with the quintaessential red creme lips, highlighted eyes, ethereal skin or do I opt to modernize a classic with smoky brown eyes, softly sculpted peach cheeks and a nude lip? Decisions...decisions???

Old School Elegance

While out of town recently, I scored this little gem for around $10! There is no denying the chicness of a brooch on a blazer, but I love the idea of such a classic, timeless piece worn in an unconventional way. This is a brooch but I think it could pull double duty as a pendant hanging for a long gold chain, layered with other necklaces of varying lengths and widths. The perfect counterpoint to a plain Hanes tee and boyfriend jeans.

The Denim Shirt

Ok, those of you who really know me, know that my denim boyfriend shirt is one of my go-to wardrobe staples. There is just something completely comfortable about it. Whether styled as part of an up-town chic look or roughed up for a more cool, on trend approach, the denim shirt works in an endless variety of ways.