Mad About Plaid

It's no secret that plaid is a fall and winter staple.  This season we're seeing plaid all over the place, not just on flannel tops -  pants, scarves, hats, and shoes all carry this classic pattern.  The hottest plaid combo of the season is definitely blue, red, and white plaid.  There's something super crisp about this color combo.  What I love most is that it doesn't scream fall or winter, so you could really wear it all year round (if the piece isn't a flannel material).  I'd tuck it into my jeans in the summer or even use it as a swimsuit coverup come 4th of July time.  I recently purchased this plaid shirt from Zara (see image below) and I've been wearing it nonstop!  I love to wear the piece with a black or white top underneath.  If I'm going for a casual look, I'll throw on a cotton V-neck below, but if I want to dress it up a bit more, I'll throw on a silky cami.  What I love most about plaid tops is that no matter the pattern, can you can pair the piece so many ways.  I love to wear my plaid shirts wrapped around my waist a) because I feel super cool when I do so and b) because if I get cold I can just throw it on!  It also looks super chic layered under a leather jacket!  The possibilities are endless.  How are you wearing plaid this season?  

Zara Plaid

Fall Fashion: Flares

The 70's are once again having a moment, and I predict that this moment is here to stay well into next year.  One item that I'm loving this year is the flare jean.  I've always been rather skeptical about this style, just because it is a little hard to pull off for us shorter girls.  I've spoken to a few style experts and have gotten their advice on how to rock the flare.

• Length - The most important thing is the length, you don't want to ruin the proportions of the denim by purchasing a regular length pair of flares and hemming them.  Try on a petite pair even if you may not be exactly under 5'4".  Make sure that the denim tapers at all the right points! 
•  Footwear - Even though you may be purchasing petite flares, you'll want to remember to purchase your denim with a slightly longer seam to accommodate for your footwear.    Pair your flares with a pair of platforms or wedges to instantly elongate your leg.  Groovy!

image via tumblr.com

Get the Look - I've linked a few of my favorite pieces below at a variety of price points.

Flares - Forever21, Gap, Joie

Wedges - Zara, Ralph Lauren

Concealer Roundup

Concealer has been a life saver these days!  My skin has been acting up (especially around my chin) and I've been loading up on the concealer for those days that I want my skin to appear flawless.  Below are my favorite concealers - and the best part is that they are all from the drugstore and under $10 each!

Maybelline Master Conceal $8.99 on Ulta.com
This stuff is magic! It's super high coverage and a little goes a long way.  I dab a small dot on my Tarte The Buffer Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush as the first part of my foundation routine, just to even out my skin tone.  It really works wonders on any redness or discoloration. Because of the consistency I don't use it around the eye area - it's a bit too thick.  Because this concealer covers so much, I just use a dab of my foundation (currently in love with the Covergirl Ready Gorgeous Foundation) which gives me a much more natural look then if I was to go in with lots of foundation first and then cover up any redness or blemishes with concelear.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer $4.19 on Target.com

This concealer is great for under the eyes.  I go up a shade lighter than my normal skin color for the bright-eyed look.  I dab a few dots under my eyes before applying foundation and blend with my Beauty Blender and then do the same once I've applied my foundation.  You can also use it as a highlighter down the center of your nose.  It's extremely comparable to the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer - I've used them both and they're so similar, the only real difference is the price $4.19 vs $29.

NYX Concealer in a Jar $4.99 on Ulta.com
I did not like this concealer the first few times that I tried it.  It seemed to slip off my face within hours of application.   I love it now that I've found the proper way to use it!  With a clean finger, I like to dab it over any of my trouble spots that I may have missed once my foundation has been applied and viola! they remained covered all day.

So if you are like me and you find yourself needing multiple concealers in your daily makeup routine, check out all of these products. Depending on where your shop, your total for all three products will be less than $20!

*all images obtained via ulta.com 

I'm Back! Rave: Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation by Covergirl

Hi guys!  I'm back from a little summer break.  I'll start off by sharing a drugstore product that I absolutely love - Ready Set Gorgeous by Covergirl (A surprise, after slamming Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion in my last post).  I usually cover up my discoloration with concealer (I'll go in-depth about concealers my next post) and then dab just a pea-sized amount of the Ready Set Gorgeous foundation onto my favorite Tarte brush.  I get a very natural but flawless looking finish with the foundation.  I am going to stress  the importance of using concealer with this foundation to cover up discoloration. When I have tried to use a large amount this foundation for fuller coverage (and light usage of concealer) - I didn't love the look of the foundation.  A pea-sized amount (with concealer underneath to help provide fuller coverage if you need it) will lead you one step closer to an almost flawless complexion!  The one issue with this foundation, as with many foundations, is the color selection.  I find myself in between two colors and the range is limited.  Have you tried this foundation, what do you think?

Mascara Disappointment: Covergirl Lashblast Fusion

It's not often that I blog about products that I do not like, I try to keep this blog a positive place! I live for big, bold lashes.  As such, I have tried so many mascara's over the year always searching for something better than my all time favorite mascara, the original Covergirl Lashblast.  I thought, why not try another Lashblast product?  But I've run into a mascara that I really just don't like!  I'm looking atCovergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara.  The product claims to lengthen and volumize, but it falls extremely short of it's claims.  Unlike its sister mascara, Lashblast Fusion doesn't hold a curl and the mascara doesn't layer well at all.  No matter how many layers I apply, my eyelashes remain the same. I love that with the original Lashblast I can layer the product to achieve my desired look - from natural, fluttery lashes to bold, almost-false lashes.  While trying new mascara can be extremely fun or severely disappointing, I think I've learned my lesson.  I'll be sticking to the original Covergirl Lashblast for a long time.  Have you tried any disappointing beauty products recently?

Summer Shopping

I'm starting to get my wardrobe ready for summer.  Think cute patterned shorts, lightweight dresses, and denim jackets.  Since the items that I look for in the summer seasons are rather trendy items, I don't like to invest too much money in any one piece.  Below are some of my favorite websites to shop for summer clothing.  I've been stalking them daily for outfit inspiration.  I'm recommending these websites because they stock some of the cutest pieces (and super trendy too) at rather affordable prices:

Tobi

Boohoo

Missguided

Necessaryclothing

If I want to spend a little bit more I love lulus!

I just picked up these shorts from Tobi and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival in the mail.

These are my go-to style of shorts in the summer.  The material is light and the elastic waist is flattering and extremely comfortable.  I absolutely adore the pompom detail at the bottom and the bright tie-dye print is super fun!  I'm planning on pairing the short with an oversized gray V-neck, for a comfortable and laid back summer look.  I just hope that the pink isn't too bright in person!  

Still on my shopping list for this summer is a new denim jacket.  The tricky thing about a denim jacket is choosing the right shade of denim, I'm thinking a medium denim, but I have yet to find the perfect one.  Oh, and I want to find a funky brooch to pin onto one of the jacket's pockets!   

Perfume Obsession

The last few months, I've been obsessed with perfume.  It's so fun having a wide selection of scents to choose from depending on my mood, the occasion, and even the weather.

Last month I picked up the Sephora Favorites Bottled Dreams Perfume Sampler.  It's a great way to sample perfumes - the set comes with 7 perfume samples in the cutest miniature bottles.  When you've chosen your favorite scent, you can redeem the included scent certificate for a full-size version of the perfume you've selected.  I initially purchased the set with the intention to redeem the certificate for a full-size Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black but I've fallen in love with Lancome La Vie Est Belle and I'm also really enjoying  Escada Joyful.  But the jury is still out as I'm still trying to figure out what perfume I want in a full size.

After receiving a sample of Balenciaga's Florabotanica when the fragrance first came out, I was head over heels in love the scent.  The notes, Carnation, Wild Mint, Turkish Rose Essence, Hemp Leaves, Vetiver Roots, White Amber, make for a sophisticated and feminine but not overly sweet floral scent.  My friend gifted me with a rollerball of the perfume for my birthday and I couldn't be happier with the gift as the rollerball form makes it easy to throw in my purse and easy to travel with.  The scent is definitely versatile - good for day and night and all year round.  Also, it lasts all day! 

What perfume are you currently loving?

TBT: Adidas Superstar

The Adidas Superstar is having a major moment right now -- not that they ever went out of style -- the shoe is a cult classic.  I really like the fashionable sneaker trend because I like to be comfortable but still trendy.  The shoes pair well with all types of pants, from leather pants to white denim.  Oh, and don't forget to pair your no show socks with them, nothing kills a good footwear moment like an ugly white sock!  I actually remember having these shoes as a kid!  Have you ever owned the Superstars?

*images via tumblr.com

Lily Pulitzer at Target Tomorrow!

While I wouldn't define my style as preppy, I do like a few pieces of Lily Pulitzer in my life.  For starters, I can't live without my Lily Pulitzer agenda.  If used in moderation, Lily Pulitzer patterns are a super fun way to add color to your life.  Tomorrow, April 19th, Target launches the long awaited Lily Pulitzer for Target line.  The collection is super fun with products ranging from beauty to homewares.   There are 250 items in the collection with prices from $2 to $150. You can view the lookbook here!  I don't have my heart set on too much because I'm not sure what the availability of the items will be due to their popularity but check out my top picks below:


Ceramic Mugs with Gold Caddy ($30)
This is the number one thing that I hope to pick up from this collection.  As an avid tea drinker, I love to have a variety of mugs on hand.  These are just the cutest and add a fun pop of color to the kitchen. The style is similar to the mug set that I missed out on from the Missoni for Target collection.

Pouch with Tassel - Upstream ($20)

I love this print! This pouch works great as a clutch or to throw in your purse to hold essentials. I'm a big fan of tassels too.  

Espadrilles - Upstream (Online Only $24)

As you might have noticed, I really like the Upstream print.  I have been wanting a pair of espadrilles in my collection and at $24, I feel like these are really well priced and I love the gold toe!  I would love to wear these with some cuffed denim and a white V-neck. 

Shift Dress -  Happy Place ($38)

Shift dresses are one of my favorite cuts to wear because they are extremely flattering on my body. The collection features a multitude of shift dresses in various prints.  I would love to get my hands on a shift dress from this collection but I am a little bit iffy since I'll be trying to place an order online and I don't know my size. 

Will you be picking up anything from the collection?

*images via Target Corporation

Save Money Shopping Online

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I’ve noticed that in the past year, I have spent less time in the mall and more time shopping online.  The reason behind this is that I am able to save a lot more money by shopping online then when I shop in stores.  I find that promotions are usually much better online, and it saves me a trip to the mall, which often times can be too crowded for my liking.  Remember, every penny counts!  Below I’ve outlined my tips for becoming a savvy online shopper: 

Ebates

Ebates is great because it allows you to receive a percentage back from your online purchases.  It’s like getting paid to shop.  Several years ago my aunt introduced me to Ebates and now it has become the primary reason why I have switched to mostly shopping online.  It is super easy to use, you just create an account, click through the website to your favorite store and shop.  Many retailers offer cash back through the website, although the percentage back fluctuates.  For example, right now you can get 6% back on my Nordstrom orders and sometimes they’ll run a promotion where you can get 8% (normally 4%) back on Sephora orders.   If I make an $100 purchase on Sephora.com, which we know isn’t hard to do, I'll received $8 back.  Sign up here.

Sign Up for Store Emails

While your inbox may become flooded with a slew of emails, signing up for your favorite company’s emails is the best way to stay on top of promotions.  Sometimes even just joining the email list gives you an extra percentage off your purchase.  Why would you buy something at full price, when the next day the whole store will be 40% off?   Some stores like Ann Taylor Loft and even Forever21 are constantly running promotions that can only be found through their emails so it's best not to shop them full price.  Tip:  I like using an email service like Gmail because it automatically puts store promotions in another folder so you can stay on top of important emails and not let those get in the way. 

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot is the best place to find promotions for your favorite stores.  I hate paying for shipping so when I can get a promo code for free shipping, I’m a happy camper.  I almost never purchase anything online if I don’t have a promo code.

Amazon

For many products like shampoos or makeup brushes, I find that Amazon offers the lowest prices.  Since prices can fluctuate on Amazon, don’t wait too long to purchase your product once you think you've found a deal.  Let’s take my favorite Real Techniques brush, the stippling brush.  Ulta sells it for $9.99 while Amazon currently sells it $7.59.  Disregarding tax and shipping, you save about 15% through Amazon.   Tip:  Be a smart shopper. Don’t forget to check the reviews to make sure you aren’t buying a fake product and are buying from a reputable seller.   

eBay

As this blog features a lot of beauty related content I thought talking about eBay in this post would be appropriate.  I don't buy too much off of eBay other than nail polish.  I can get my favorite brand, Essie for around $5.50 a bottle including shipping (you can also find discounts on OPI).  That's about a $2.50 saving per bottle as  retailers like CVS and Target sell Essie polish for $8 or more.  This polish (see here) is selling for $2.49 plus $1.99 for shipping bringing your total to $4.48 ($3.52 less than retail price) and the seller has 97.8% positive feedback (pretty good given that he or she has over 12,000 sales).  Tip:  As with Amazon, Be a smart shopper. Don’t forget to check the reviews to make sure you aren’t buying a fake product and are buying from a reputable seller.    

I hope that some of these tips are useful and will help you to become a savvy online shopper.  I’m still on the hunt to learn how to save more.  I know that there are many money saving apps so I’ll be exploring those next.  What are your money-saving online shopping tips?  

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The Best Brushes

Brushes are an extremely worthy investment, the right (or wrong) brush can totally change your look. Today I'm rounding up some of my favorite brushes.  And just remember a good brush does not have to be expensive!  Check out my favorite picks below:

1. Tarte: The Buffer Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush $32

This super soft brush is great for a full coverage finish.  I first use it to apply my concealer and then I use it to apply my foundation.  It truly gives a flawless look! 

2. Real Techniques Stippling Brush $10

This is the first stippling brush that I have tried that hasn't left streak marks on my face or shed any bristles.  I love to use this with creme blushes.  

3. BareMinerals Flawless Face Brush $22

This brush is meant to be used with loose powder formulas but I like to use it to apply my compact blushes and then I use the edge of the brush to apply highlighter.  

4. E.L.F Studio Mineral Powder Brush $3

The E.L.F Studio line is definitely my vote for the cheapest but best quality line of brushes.  I own several brushes from the line and have yet to be disappointed!  I like to use this brush to set the concealer under my eyes.  

It's All About the Mule

On the Runway: Tory Burch

The mule is all the rage for these upcoming months.  Mules have been spotted on Rag & Bone, Donna Karen, and Versace runways.  The style, which features an open back and traditionally a closed toe, is perfect for transitioning from colder to warmer months.  The classic has been reinvented this season with variety of styles featuring geometric patterns, color blocking, or an open toe design.  How do you feel about the mule?

Vince Allison Mule Bottie

Topshop Raven Peeptoe Mule

The Miracle Worker: Aquaphor

A multipurpose product is efficient and easy on the wallet.  For years and years I've heard top magazine editors and Youtubers talk about Aquaphor.  Every time I passed it in the drugstore I would look at it and then walk away because I found it to be a little too expensive.  I already had tons of products at home, why did I need another one?  But one day, I decided to cave and pick up it up.  I have never looked back!  I keep it at my desk and in all of my purses.

It works to sooth my dry,bloody cuticles and moisturize my heels and elbows in the winter. I would have to say my favorite way to use it is +on my lips.  A small dab of this on my bare lips gives my face an instant pick me up.  Sometimes I'll even apply it over a lip color to revamp the color after a few hours of wear or put it on top of a matte lip color to make it glossy.

I think it's a pretty great product but I would love if it came in a stick form for easier application. You can find it at any drugstore and online here.

Image via drugstore.com

Blush Obsession: Tarte's Exposed

The amount of times that I have reached for Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed in the past two months is a bit absurd.  I thought I should blog about my obsession with this blush.

The Color:
The reason that I love this Exposed is that the color is just super flattering on my skin tone.  I think its a great color for olive skinned girls.  I would describe it as a nude color , meaning that it provides a very natural warmth to the face.   I also find that it pairs well with a variety of nude lipsticks.

The Formula:
The way that the product looks in the pan, I thought that it would be very chalky but it is not.  You only need a light hand as the product is pretty pigmented.  The product claims to have 12 hour wear but I haven't tested that out yet.

Dupes:
Dupes for Tarte's Exposed include Mellow Mauve by Elf and Douceur by Nars.

Now I want to get my hands on other Tarte blushes (not that I need more makeup)!   I have my eyes on Glisten and Natural Beauty.  

#WCW: Sarah Harris of British Vogue

It's officially #WCW...Women Crush Wednesday.  Every few weeks I'll be posting a WCW, on Wednesdays naturally, of women that I admire.  This week my WCW is Sarah Harris.  Sarah Harris is the Fashion Feature Director over at British Vogue.  Her street style is impeccable.  Most of all, I like that she embraces who she is (read more about her signature gray hair in an interview with Into the Gloss).  Her style is classic and simple, therefore super wearable yet still chic for the everyday girl.  I like that she often opts for jeans and will occasionally, to mix things up, throw on a statement piece like a fringed jacket or a large scarf.  Check out some of my favorite Sarah Harris looks below:    

Who is your WCW?

Tea Time

My favorite drink, hands down, is tea.  Black tea, green tea, white tea...I love every type of tea.  I probably consume a few gallons a week!  For me, drinking tea a good way to ensure that I'm getting all the water I need to stay hydrated and have healthy, glowing skin.  Tea even has some great health and beauty benefits as it's chalk-full of antioxidants.

I prefer to drink my tea iced and I've found that the most efficient and economical way to do so is to get yourself an ice tea maker.  Last year I purchased the Takeya Iced Tea Maker because it had such great reviews, and have not looked back.   I brew the tea at night and then store it in the fridge so I have a pitcher of tea to last me through the day.  Currently my favorite tea to drink is Trader Joe's Black Mango tea.  I've calculated that brewing a pitcher of this tea costs me only 20cents and I get a quart worth of iced tea!  Black Mango iced tea at my favorite coffee shop costs about 3.00!  Are you into tea?  

Black Mango Tea - Yum!

Takeya 1 Quart Iced Tea Maker

Spring Dreaming

This dreary weather has got me dreaming of spring.  I can't wait to see the flowers blooming, hear the birds chirping, and see the sun pushing its way past the clouds.  Spring is just a few more months away, but that doesn't mean that I can't start planning my spring wish list!

Trench Coat: A trench coat is a classic piece.  It's also extremely versatile and I love that it's easy to throw on over whatever you're wearing to protect yourself from those unpredictable spring showers.

Zara Cotton Trench $149.00

Snakeprint Ballet Flats:  I love animal print so it should come as no surprise that I'm into snake print.  Think of how well this flat would pair with the above trench!  These extremely versatile shoes would look great with all shades of denim or a cute spring dress.  

Reva Snake Embossed Leather Ballerina Flat $225

Colorful Trainers:  Since I've been spending more time in the gym, I've been thinking about purchasing another pair of shoes to workout in.  I already own these shoes in black and I can attest to the fact that they feel like you're walking on clouds.  How fun is the bright pink color?  

Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 4 $69.99

Pink Blush:  Spring is the perfect time to throw on some bright pink blush to give yourself a natural flushed look.  This flower shaped blush by Clinique is so perfect for spring!

Clinique Cheek Pop $21

Do you have anything on your spring wish list?

The Contouring Craze

Perfectly chiseled cheek bones and dewey cheek bones are all the rage this season. Conturing has become the hottest topic in beauty as of late.  Inspired by the likes of Kim Kardashian and other heavily contoured celebrities, I'm thinking this look is here to stay for a while.  If you're looking  
to get into this look, I would first suggest that you invest in the proper tools, a palette and the correct brush.   While you'll be just fine using your favorite bronzer and highlighter (my favorites: Laguna by Nars and Mary Lou Manizer by theBalm), a contouring palette will give you many more options for greater depth.  I've heard great things about the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit.

image via sephora.com

For a contouring brush you'll want something angled that will fit into the concave of your cheekbones.  The MAC 168 is your best pick, but if the $35 price tag is a bit too much, don't worry, the brush is easily dupable.

image via nordstrom.com

There are different ways to contour your face, depending on you face shape, see the image below.  A search on Youtube should yield a tutorial by a professional makeup artist so that you can copy and rock this look.  

New Posts Coming Soon

Hello readers!  Happy 2015!  Expect some new posts coming soon :)