Grab and Go

May 31, 2011





{Royal Blue Dress ~ Forever 21 + {last seen here with neutrals} / Pink Peony Cardigan ~ Victoria's Secret / Royal Blue Suede Gladiator Booties ~ ASOS {last year} / Beaded Necklace ~ Thrifted / Cyrstal Watch ~ Kathy Van Zeeland / Handbag ~ LV Damier Azur Noe {can't stop carrying this bag, I feel like it works with everything!}}

As you will soon see, my summer work uniform will mainly consist of a dress or skirt of some sort,  an open cardigan {that can easily be yanked off when I walk outside of my air conditioned office, into 95 degree temperatures} and cute sandals or flats.  An outfit like this is so easy to grab and put together, giving me a few extra minutes to rest my eyes in the morning, lol.  Grab and GO outfits are the best!

I knew I wanted to go bright with this dress this time, since I wore it last month with neutrals.  I almost wore a bright yellow cardi, but grabbed this yummy watermelon pink one at the last minute.  I also almost wore a belt but decided against it - I sometimes feel like I am over styling outfits more often than not.  I'm working harder to keep it simple. Every outfit does NOT need a necklace.  And bangles.  And a belt.  And dangly earrings. I am {naturally} an over-the-top person, so this is quite the challenge for me.  But I can do it. ;)

And these sandals?  SO amazing, one of my favorite pair.  I was so excited when I pulled these out of the "summer sandals bin" that has been tucked away in the garage since last summer.  I now have to uncover the bin of summer clothes.  I have a pair of white trousers somewhere that will need to make their debut soon.


xoxo, thanks for reading!

Shades of Coral

May 29, 2011







{Gray Zip Ankle Skinnies ~ Torrid / Coral and White Top ~ INC via Macy's / Coral Open Weave Cropped Cardi ~ ASOS / Coral and Gold Flat Sandals ~ Payless}

One of my favorite colors this season: coral. I feel ultra feminine whenever I have this color on and it works well with neutrals, namely the cool tone of gray.  This is my typical running-around-taking-care-of-errands outfit.  Skinnies or leggings, and flats. :)

My main goal for this nice long holiday weekend was to relax, taking a break and taking it easy {for once} - but finding the time to organize my jewels and baubles, figuring out a better way to store them all, while still having everything on display for easy choosing.  ...We are also having the first official summer kick-off cookout on Sunday at my house, still lots to do there {which is why I am up at 12:45 am posting this}.  ...My 5th grader  has a book report due on the 1st of June, so we have been working on that, with plans to finish it before he goes back to school on Tuesday.  I also want to try this recipe this weekend, it looks absolutely delicious! 

I am also dying to go the movies to see Bridesmaids.  Heard it was hilarious!

Oh, and did I mention wanting to possibly sleep in and spend a lazy afternoon reading my book and drinking icy iced tea?  Still trying to figure out when that is going to happen.

I seriously feel like there are not enough hours in the day sometimes.

I hope you are enjoying the weekend! :)


xoxo, thanks for reading!

Vintage

May 25, 2011





{Tea Length Chiffon Skirt with Slip Attached ~ Thrifted {no tag} / Black T-Shirt ~ Merona via Target / Teal Patent Belt ~ Thrifted / Black Suede Espadrilles ~ Enzo Angiolini / Glass Bead Necklace ~ Premier / Beaded Bracelet ~ H&M}

A head full of curls, a pretty skirt and espadrilles.  The perfect combination for a beautiful warm and sunny day; like the one we had today.

I am not sure if this skirt is vintage - I found it in the thrift store and it doesn't have a tag.  It could have been handmade.  Or not.  Either way, vintage or handmade, I love it so.  It's a little loose and  kept slipping down today, even when I tried to tuck it under the belt.  I may have to have it taken in a bit. 

Gotta go... I am EXHAUSTED. So much to do, so little time.  And I have to roll my hair tonight with sponge rollers again.  I love how easy it is to just yank the rollers out and go.  No curling needed and it feels great.  Especially since the warmer months are upon us.  YAY!

Thanks for all of your amazingly sweet and kind comments/emails lately.  I appreciate you guys! :)


xoxo, thanks for reading!


Updated: Beauty Routine! Bronzed Beauty

May 23, 2011

With the change in seasons, I thought it was about time to update the blog with the new details of my make-up routine, especially since I have been getting a lot of questions and compliments recently.  {THANK YOU!}

My inspiration for this new sun kissed, bronzed look came from the ever gorgeous Kerry Washington and Selita Ebanks:


I think this look is absolutely gorgeous for the warmer weather!

The first step is a good cleanser.  I absolutely love this one, made by Aveeno.  I also use the Clarisonic twice a week {as outlined in this post}; it has done wonders for my skin, I highly recommend using one.


After cleansing, of course a moisturizer is next.  Being honest, I need to research and try a different moisturizer.  Though this one is just fine and actually makes my skin really smooth and soft, I believe I should be using a better one, especially since I am in my 30's now? 

This is Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream with Vitamin E.


Here I am, freshly washed and moisturized.


The next step is to apply a pressed powder.  I have tried many {expensive and inexpensive} over the years and this one is hands down my favorite one. It provides light coverage and helps with an even tone.  It isn't heavy at all and it lasts the entire day, even in the warmer weather.

This is Kiss New York Pressed Powder in Creamy Cocoa.


Here I am, all powdered up.  It's also important to note: I love a perfectly shaped eyebrow.  I get mine waxed twice a month and I clean them up, using tweezers, in between waxes. Although I was once tempted to fill them in with a little brow powder, I am a fan of natural brows.  Powder and pencil free.


Time for blush!  I am currently in love with this creamblend blush by MAC.  It's Joie-De-Vivre:


It's a gorgeous coral shade.


A little goes a long way, a few dabs on my brush and I am good to go. 


Here I am all blushy. ADORE!  This is normally, my everyday look when I am going to work.  I don't wear bronzer every single day.




So on top of this corally creamblend blush, I also use my favorite bronzer, found at Kohl's - it's the Flirt line.  This is called "Sweet Desire".


I brush this shimmery bronzer on my cheeks, on top of the blush and I also swipe a little on my nose and chin.


Blush and bronzer, DONE!


Mascara is next.  I am loving Lancome's Hypnose Drama.


This brush is amazing and gets every lash! 


With 2-3 coats of mascara.


Now for my LIP!  I have way too many lipglosses and lipsticks but this combination is a current favorite. I combine Wet N Wild, 903C - "Just Peachy" and Revlon Color Burst Lipgloss in 004 - "Pink Ice".
 
 
The result is a nudeish, pinky shimmery shade and I just love it.



 
Some days I am not in the mood for eye shadow, but when I am, I love to use this smoky-eye palette from Sephora.  It has the best natural, shimmery shades.
 

 
I only add a few dabs, not much at all.
 

A bit of shimmer on the eyes.  I am in NO WAY a pro when it comes to applying eye shadow, just a few swipes is all I need. :) 


... and Voila, that's it!  This entire process takes 8-10 minutes tops.



 
So tell me, are you a fan of the bronzed look?
 
xoxo, thanks for reading!

{Boldly Belted} Rock It & Roll It Style Challenge

May 22, 2011








{Denim Leggings ~ ASOS / White Tunic ~ Torrid / Denim Blue Cardi ~ H&M / Nude Patent Pumps ~ Guess / Handbag ~ LV Damier Azure Noe / Rock It & Roll It Items: {The Mimi Boutique "Valerie" Pashmina" in Coral and The Mimi Boutique "Isabella Multi Color Stone Drape Necklace"} / Large Gold Hoops ~ Beauty Supply / Turquoise Crystal Bangle ~ Handmade {Foreign Bazaar} and Gold Crystal Bracelet ~ Kenneth Jay Lane}

I was so excited when I opened the package that contained the two wonderful pieces, from Eboni. Thankfully, by the time I had got the items, I had my mind set on how I was going to rock them. I knew I wanted to wear them together. And that was the most challenging part - trying to come up with an idea that made sense. And looked effortless, and not too thought-out and planned. That is always a goal of mine when putting together outfits – just let it happen naturally.

I was headed to a dinner meeting on Friday evening {I am also an event planner and I am currently planning a whimsically fabulous wedding shower} and I wanted to wear something fun! I thought it was a great time to rock the pretty scarf and amazing necklace.

Being a huge fan of fun accessories and loving to pop on a cute belt whenever an outfit calls for one, I decided to wrap the scarf around my waist and tie it in a knot, letting the fringe hand down to add a bit of movement. I love how the pop of coral looks against a stark white top. I also love how the coral ties in with the blush shade of these fabulous nude pumps. The same fabulous nude pumps that I have deemed my “dinner only” shoes. They are great when long standing isn’t required. They are {unfortunately} uncomfortable.

The minute I put the necklace on, I was IN LOVE. I love the color combination, turquoise, coral, lime and navy blue – all on a gold chain, it’s STUNNING! I decided to wear my favorite HUGE gold hoops and 2 of my favorite crystal bracelets. I received so many compliments on this necklace; I was smiling the entire night.

I am very happy with the way this outfit turned out. It’s casual, fab, and fun – all at the same time. :)

What a fun challenge, HUGE hugs and thanks to Leslie for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it.

P.S. ~ Don't forget to enter to win a $50 shopping spree from Mimi Boutique.  They have amazingly affordable and gorgeous pieces!


xoxo, thanks for reading!