Thursday, June 30, 2011

Soft & Pretty Everyday Summer Make Up Look

I am a true believer in make up & knowing the tricks to applying it right. Here are some tools that every woman should own:

A good make-up brush set.
Eye Lash Curler
Primer (This creates a protective layer on your skin that allows your foundation and make up to last longer)
A good foundation (unless you have perfect skin and can go bare). One that matches your skin and evens out your skin tone. Go to an artist at a make up store or counter for assistance in picking one. Sephora and M·A·C have awesome experts there to help.
Eyebrow tools such as a brow pencil or eyebrow shadow (to fill in your eyebrows) , brow gel (clear or color) and finally a good pair of eyebrow tweezers. Do not skip your eyebrow wax or twee-zing appointment. Your eyebrows frame your face and make all the difference in the world. On that same note, filling in your eyebrows takes your look to a whole new level.
Nude lip liner. Nude. Please, please, please do not use brown or dark lip liner that you can see. Nude. Your lip liner should not be darker than your lipstick. Applying lip liner will help your lipstick last longer.
Make-Up sponges for application.
Good make-up remover.
Q-Tips for easy clean up.

This is an excellent and easy to follow video. I really liked the final look and feel that she used simple and sweet shades to create a natural look. The make up that she used is listed in the video in case you want to purchase exactly what she used. I would not use foundation for day (unless it's a special occasion) instead I would use a good tinted moisturizer such as the one from Laura Mercier which I mentioned here.

Enjoy ladies.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

What I Want Now!

There are so many beautiful things in this world and I want them all! These are just a couple of items that I really, really want. Just had a Spice Girl moment....anyway I could think of a ton of ways that I would use each.

{I absolutely adore the sexiness of a bootie. I think they can add edginess to the prettiest of outfits.}

Alexus Open Toe High Heel Booties $221.20 www.shopbop.com

{Although I really love my BIG bags, I really like the coolness that this type of chain cross-body purse offers, especially when it leaves my hands free for mommy-hood.}

Tory Burch McLane Mini Messenger $365.00 www.bloomingdales.com

I enjoy color in my life. They brighten up my days & make me feel happy. I am also not the type of girl who feels that her wallet needs to match her purse. I am the total opposite. This wallet had me at hello. So cute.

Kate Spade Commerce Green Lisa Wallet $86.99 www.ebay.com

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Taking it to the "Max"

I must admit that I wore so many maxi-dresses during my pregnancy that I thought I would never want to wear another one for as long as I lived! But, I could not stay away long from these easy dresses....especially on fat days. Here are some of my favorites for all occasions.

Diane von Furstenberg 'Samson' Silk Jersey Wrap Dress $485.00

{http://shop.nordstrom.com}

Parallel Flights Dress $228.00

{www.anthroplogie.com}

Ethnic Print Maxi Dress $26.90

{www.forever21.com}

La Maxi Boheme Dress $84.99

{www.modcloth.com}

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

"Cuff" It Up

I was at Nordstrom the other day when I noticed a sales girl wearing the prettiest cuff bracelet. As I admired it I realized that although I own tons of accessories and many different types of bracelets, I do not have any cuff bracelets in my collection! Shocking I know. I was pretty embarrassed at the thought so I have happily began looking for one that suits me. I want a classic eye-catching piece that can stand alone. Not looking for trendy or too edgy. I am a woman on a mission and these are the contenders in no particular order. Which one is your favorite???

{Tiffany Notes Cuff $650.00 www.tiffany.com}

This is the one the sales girl had on at Nordstrom. I am no fool and it was love at first sight, however I am not trying to spend almost $700 on a silver cuff! I've narrowed it down to the three below.

{House of Harlow Tribal Cuff $121.00 www.tobi.com}

{Modern Masterpiece Bracelet Cuff on sale for $79.95 www.anthropologie.com}

{Clean Break Cuff $158.00 www.anthropologie.com}

Monday, June 20, 2011

My New Favorite Color

I have been truly obsessed with anything "BLUSH" lately because its an undeniably pretty, sweet and girlie neutral. I know that I will get a ton of use out of most pieces in this shade. Take the Steve Madden shoes listed below as an example. One of the best shopping choices that I have ever made! The color goes with everything in my wardrobe, they elongate my legs and are very comfortable considering I am strutting around in 5 inch heels! I can pair them up with several different items from my closet and they always look fresh and cool.

Lately every time I walk into a store I automatically gravitate toward anything in this shade because I know I will wear it over and over again. The items I buy have got to pass the test of time....as in how many times will I actually wear it!

Here are some ultra-chic pieces that are classic, wearable and oh so lovely....

{Steve Madden-Prosprus Blush Heels $149.95

www.stevemadden.com}

{Rory Beca Jacob Trapeze Blouse $176.00

www.shopbop.com}

{Floral Dress $79.00 www.zara.com}

{Quite Blush Dress $89.98 On-Sale www.anthropologie.com}

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Let's Get Twisted...

On my ninth birthday my step-mom created a little side pony tail hair action on my head and I thought it was amazing. I was the only little girl at my party with fancy hair that day. Sadly that was the first and last hairstyle that I ever remember being done on me as a child. While most little girls were showing off pony tails, pig tails and fancy braids.......I had a plain old barely brushed mid part. Exciting.

So you could understand my true excitement and determination to learn how to create cool hairstyles on myself and what is cooler than a braid? Just ask any celebrity....okay well you can't really ask a celebrity, but a picture is worth a thousand words, right? And a video is worth a gazillion words! I found gorgeous pictures of simple braids that I want to incorporate into my look more often. Simple and more importantly easy.

Then I went on www.youtube.com to search for "how to" videos to help me out and I found some really great stuff. I posted a video of the one that I have found to be the most challenging, but so worth it! Get ready to be the coolest girl in the room or at least the one with the best hair style!