My Everyday Makeup Musts

I am not a huge makeup user but there are a few products that I use everyday. Funny enough, they all deal with my eyes. Being a mom of two kids, I tend to look like the walking dead when I wake up. I need whatever help I can get! haha



First up, concealer.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Concealer

This has been my favorite brand. I've even tried YSL's and HATED it. Goes to show you that just because it's expensive doesn't mean it works! I have the "highlighter" shade as well and use it in the corner of my eyes to help brighten them. (you can find this at Target)



Second, eyeliner.

 Benefit They're Real Gel liner

 I've always preferred liquid liner over pencil because the pencil would always leave me looking like I had black eyes. So when I heard of this "gel" liner, I was very curious to try it. I had only heard good things about it and thankfully it was true for me as well. This stuff goes on and STAYS on until I take it off. I read a review of a woman who said she put it on and went to the gym, sweat a ton, and it didn't come off in the least bit. Hashtag WIN. (you can find this at Ulta)



Third, mascara.

                           NYC Sky Rise           L'oreal Voluminous Butterfly           Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam

My eyelashes are weird. They get used to the mascara, so once I use up a tube I have to switch to another type of mascara or it just doesn't work. Anyone else's lashes do that? Therefore, I have a handful of mascara types that I rotate. Above are the few that I currently have on rotation. They are all under $10...the one on the far left is even under $3!!! (you can find these at Target)

And there you have it, the three items that keep me from looking like a zombie :p

Splurge or Save: Shoes

Once again, Target is ON POINT with their shoes!!! I can always count on them to make their own version of an expensive pair that I've been eying. So, here are a few of my current favorites and their expensive counterpart. Try not to run out and buy them all RIGHT NOW ;)


Espadrilles

 

      Chanel                                        Target

 Slip-on Sneaks

Dolce Vita                                        Target

Sandals

Steve Madden                                   Target

For The Love of Design

If you love beautiful stationary, planners, notebooks and note cards.....look no further. I stumbled upon May Designs' gorgeous products and fell in love. My favorite items are their personalized notebooks and agendas (also referred to as "May Books"). They have so many gorgeous patterns to chose from, it's SO HARD to decide!


Here is my new agenda for this year :)

I'm a sucker for cute packaging as well. May Designs #nailedit.

Last year I designed and ordered one of their Kids Handwriting Books for my daughter. It has pages for letter and number practice. She LOVES it!

May Designs has so many great gift ideas as well. Personalized note cards, Bump Books, a "Doodling" book for kids.....something for everyone!

May Designs is kindly giving YOU the chance to win a Maybook!!

Enter the Rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

InVESTed

One of my favorite clothing layers is a (military) vest. It helps add a little something to an outfit and when it's colder, it adds a layer of warmth (unless you live in Florida, then they're really just for looks, haha). There are also so many ways you can style them!

The best way to get comfortable with a new-to-you style is to keep to the basics. Below are three different "settings" I chose in which you could wear a vest.

(Let me just say that I am NOT a "fashion photographer" by ANY means, lol)

 1. Casual Chic

 Dress: GAP outlet

Necklace: Forever 21

Vest: American Eagle 

Shoes: Converse

2. Out and About

Collared Shirt: American Eagle 

Jeans: American Eagle ("high wasted" jeggings)

Booties: Lucky

3. Date Night

 

 Top: JCrew via consignment store

Necklace: Anthro 

Skirt: JCrew via thrift store 

Shoes: Steve Madden

Here are a few links to some cute miltary jackets:
Charlotte Russe
Buckle
Closet Essentials

How to Shop: Thrift Stores

via

I seriously LOVE to go thrifting! To me, it's like a treasure hunt. However, I know thrift stores can also be rather overwhelming. If you can muster up some patience, you can find some great things! Some of my favorite pieces of clothing were found there. Here are some tips to help make the most of your trip to the thrift store.....

1. Have a set list of items you're looking for and STICK TO IT

2. Allow yourself time to comb through the racks

3. Keep an eye out for original tags/nice fabric/material (I find that nicer things tend to pop out amongst the worn down pieces)

4. Don't allow yourself to buy something just because of the label (if it doesn't fit well or just doesn't flatter you, don't get it)

5. Look for pieces that could be altered (the price is already a steal!)

6. Don't get discouraged if you can't find anything or walk out empty handed. In my experience, I strike out more than anything, but the few times I do find something, I REALLY hit the jackpot! 

7. Visit the stores often. They are constantly getting items and putting them out on the floor.


Shopping a thrift store is not meant to be a quick "in and out" trip. As long as you've prepared yourself to spend some time, you'll have fun! Now put these tips to use and see how it works for you!!

A Quick Favor!!

I FINALLY found the old Blogger "Follower" option and have added it to my sidebar!!! PRETTY PLEASE add yourself so that I can know who my lovely readers are!! :)

 

Thank you SO much!!!

New Year, New Color

I did not plan to be away from the blog so long!! Well, Happy 2015 everyone! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas season!

A new year can mean many things: new jobs, new resolutions (what's that?? ha), new health habits...just to name a few. In the fashion industry, it means a new COLOR. Last year's color was "Radiant Orchid" and while it was quite bright, I really liked it! I didn't manage to buy any pieces of clothing in that color, but I did find a FAB lipstick :) 

This year's color, according to Pantone, is "Marsala"

They describe it as "a naturally robust and earthy wine red". It's a nice, bold neutral. I feel like this color can look good on anyone! Below are some ways that you can incorporate this color into your everyday style ;) 

Lace Blocked tee   Cable Knit Sweater

Statement Necklace   Earrings

Essie Polish  Lipstick 

What do you think of this color? Will you be wearing it??