My Favorite Things This Week

1. Tween music

It's just so catchy. I don't care if it's Disney pop and I have the play list of a 13 year old. It makes me feel good and isn't that all that's important?

And how gorgeous is her make-up. I want that smokey eye.

2.  Capes.

I loved them last year when they were only made by high-end designers and I'm still in love now they are at Loft.

3. Grey nail polish

Less goth girl than black and previous year's dark purple. Essie's Chinchilly is just the right shade - not too light, not too dark. It almost changes colors in different lights. And did I mention I've gotten more compliments on it than any other shade I've worn recently?

4. Fall

I'm not a fall girl. I love summer. I don't even care if it's hot. I live in the south we grow up on warm weather and sweet tea - a hundred degrees is nothing an AC and a cute tank top can't fix. That being said, our AC is broken so a little cool breeze would be nice. I'm thinking jeans and flip flop weather. Plus there's something kind of fun about getting pumpkins and preparing for all the holidays.

Photos from a Google search.

5. This commercial...

I know it's old - it came out in the Superbowl. But I still love my Jetta and I still think this is the best commercial of 2011. And in honor of Jetta's being one of the top ten cars sold in 2011 - this commercial makes my list. Good job VW! :)

Hair Today... Gone Tomorrow?

So first, I'm sorry I haven't written in forever. A little thing called life got in the way and I found myself super busy but I'm going to be better. I hope. So to jump back in, I figured I'd start small...

I've been growing my hair out for a few years now. Luckily it grows fast. I usually go into spurts of cutting it short, growing it out, back and forth. I've done chin length to being able to sit on it (although I was in elementary school then). Now it's about mid-way down my back. Call it an almost 30 crisis but I'm bored with it being straight and just there and kinda want to mix it up. So I've been searching things like "2011 hair styles" and "2011 hair trends" for awhile and this is what I've come up with...

Short

I have no idea who this is. But her hair is super cute. I'm not about to dye mine blonde but have debated adding a few strategic highlights to cover up my four or so greys that keep popping up. I love the bangs but I'm afraid the cut is a little short after being so long for well so long...

So these two I think my hair would do pretty easily. It's pretty fine and very straight. I'm not sure it would even flip like Nicole's without some serious product and time. But I think both of these are a little less drastic than the first and let me test the bangs without full on committing to them.

I know Kristen is back to long hair but this is so cute on her. I've had this photo saved for at least a year. I'm not sure my hair can do piece-y but worth a try.

A little longer bob if I'm not sure I want short short.

This looks a little high maintenance and short but more sleek than the first option.

Ok I'm seriously loving this hair cut. I like that it isn't too short and I love the blunt bangs - although major commitment. I like it's straight but a little messy. This might be my personal fav.

Basically this would be my hair lightened and slightly curled with bangs.

So what do you think?

All photos found from Google searches.

Shopping Trip: The Gap

I went shopping this weekend - I totally deserved it because I spent the morning getting my car repaired and getting measured for a bridesmaid's dress - going to the dentist would have been more fun. I had been wanting to go to Gap (shocker because I haven't set foot in that store in the last five years and their previous look could best be described as girl scout chic)... anyway they've had some really cute ads recently and I figured what the heck - it can't hurt to look.

Kudos Gap - you've shaped up and gotten a little more fashionable. Yes, they still probably border on casual - khakis and button-ups (yuck and yuck - you can praise khakis and button-ups all you want but I can't stand them). But they've also taken a few tips from more grown-up stylish big sister Banana Republic. This trip has made me put them back on the shopping radar. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The prices are about in line with Limited or Loft but the sales were pretty good the day I went.

This is what I got:

Red shorts - super cute. I saw Lucky do an article on red shorts and how easy they are to wear and I fell in lust. Practical - I'm not sure sure but Lucky had four different styling options so I totally think I can work them into my summer look. Another Gap positive? The shorts ran big or the exercising is paying off because I fit into a smaller size than I had been before... Superficial to shop where I can easily fit into small sizes? Maybe. But it does make me think the gym thing is working and I'm kinda loving it.

For some reason I've been loving stripes this year. Something so European and casual about it. I thought it looked cute with the red shorts. They had it paired with a blazer and jean shorts in the store which looked super cute... perhaps for going out? I also got a white T - can never have too many, the price was good, it wasn't see-through and another red short option.

BTW how cute is her skirt. I may need to go back for some work clothes.

And last but not least this one on sale. It's hard to tell but there is beading on the neckline so it's casual and fancy - my favorite. I think I can dress it up or down. I almost got it in two colors but resisted.

I may need to make a repeat trip because I saw a few more things on the website (like the skirt above) that I liked. Case in point:

And...



I'm a sucker for black and white.

Happy Shopping!

Maybelline You Surprised Me...

So I hate drug store make-up. Strong statement, I know. Why?

First off aside from the lower-end department stores, drug stores have horrible lighting. We're talking full on bright lights that know how to highlight every perceived flaw. Bad lighting and make-up just don't make a good match. I always end up buying things that seem like a good idea in the store but as soon as they hit daylight it's pretty obvious that the pale shade of pink is really full on florescent fuchsia. Not pretty.

Second, do you know how hard it is to choose make-up hidden behind plastic? Incredibly hard. As much as I hate the thought of everyone's grubby hands and lips rubbing all up on the department store testers, at least you can rub it on the back of your hand and hope for the best. In drug stores, you're stuck holding a plastic and cardboard container up to a tiny mirror in the hair department. Hmm I think this looks ok... And again in the privacy of your bathroom it usually looks like complete junk.

And third, I haven't been overly impressed with drug store make-up. It usually feels cheaper to me. Like a knock-off version of their more expensive sister. Snobby maybe? From experience, I've found the shades don't always look the way you would think (lighter or darker), the consistency isn't always as great, and the staying power isn't always there. I've had eye shadow fade out by 11 am and I work a desk job.

Still, my one hold out was Maybelline. I love their mascara. Swear by it. (I really like it but mascara is also the one thing I refuse to pay over $10 for). So the other day when I was depressed I couldn't afford to buy out the Clinique counter, I wandered over to the Maybelline aisle at the grocery store and I ended up buying an eye shadow and liner. I justified that the costs - probably $10 for both - was cheap enough that if I hated it - I could toss it.

The thing is, I was delightfully surprised. I've gotten their mousse blush before and liked it so I don't know why I was so terribly shocked. Maybe because I've tried other brand's eye shadows and been horribly disapointed? At any rate ... I found myself looking in the mirror today and thinking - wow that is actually really pretty. And, it's after 7:30 pm and it still looks just as good as it did at 7 am. So I had to go on here and brag about them a little bit. I mean hello, if you can save $10 over the department store, why not give it a try? I got Sunkissed Olive (see photo above) and I think it'll be perfect all summer. I mixed it with Maybelline Cinnamon Spice (a hint from the Clinique counter to tone down green with a copper color). I'm in love. It might replace Clinique's Beach Plum as my go-to this summer... or at least be my alternate.

I took the lighter color that came in the duo and ran it across my lids, up to my brows. I always put a lighter color in the inner corners of my eyes to wake-up a bit so this works perfectly (and not too much shimmer that you look like you're clubbing at 8 am). Then I took the green and ran along my upper lash line and in my crease. I took the Cinnamon Spice and filled in most of my lid (minus the green areas and stopping a little past my pupil). Then I blended and lined my eyes with a green/gold eye-liner. Actually also Maybelline but I can't find it on their site.

So, what's your favorite drug store make-up?

Spring Has Sprung

I am all about spring right now. I can practically smell all the flowers. I can't wait for bright nail polish - is anyone else just sick of all the grown-up goth dark colors? Pinks and yellows and whites are just happier. So in a nod to spring - here are a few of my favorite things.


Oh Loft, I love you... This is gorgeous. Hot pink and ruffles. Swoon.



And how cute are these? Slightly Boca/Ladies that lunch with a cool twist. Get them here.

And I'm still loving rompers. This is a grown-up version of the little kid fav. Get it here.

I think this is the cutest dress I've seen all spring. It's been in loads of magazines if that pushes you over the edge. Get it here.

A new book. I loved Sweet Valley High growing up and I'm not afraid to admit that I'm dying to read this book. I'm only debating if I should buy it or try to find it at the library... I'm thinking buy it.

I'd also add to the list hot pink nail polish, nude lip gloss, bronzer and a new pair of sandals. And a vacay if we're dreaming.

Happy Friday - My Favorite Things

So I'm waiting to get in the shower and actually get this day going but OMG People just made my entire day.

First there was this story, annoucing Tim Gunn is writing a third book. He's calling it a fashion bible. One word. Amazing. I love him. My dream fashion lunch would be with him. Think about it - inside scoop on Project Runway and fashion advice. Too bad the book isn't getting released to 2012.


And then there was this....

Britney's new video! The song isn't my favorite Britney song ever but it's catchy so I find myself singing it. I won't buy it yet because I'm waiting for the album. The music video - I don't know - I don't have my contacts in - it looks ok.... What do you guys think?

Time to Shop

I am so excited that Spring looks are hitting stores. Good bye snow, hello bright colors and fun flirty outfits. The last few seasons, I haven't been that impressed with The Limited - gasp... not impressed by my one time fav store? I know right... but I think some of their new looks hit it out of the park - and I can't wait to update my closet with these lovelies...

First up... I love party dresses. Who doesn't need a couple of fun dresses littering their closet. You never know when you might be invited to a drop everything and go fancy party. And this dress is my number one want.

It totally reminds me of a more attainable version of this dress.

Which despite what a lot of critics say - I love. And I'm a sucker for a LBD (little black dress). I think this dress could be totally dressed down - through a sweater or jacket over it and no one will know it's a one sleeve number.

Next up...

So very Audrey or Grace. Over the years, I have made a conscious effort to pick classic elegant (My motto - what would Audrey wear) over trendy. Elegant you'll grab five years from now out of your closet, trendy will be sent to the Goodwill after a year. I can't find this skirt on their website. Disappointing. But I will stake it out at the store.

I've been big into mixing it up recently. Dragging out my teal sweater over a dress. Adding a pop of color with shoes. So how cute is this? I love the dress (saw it in the window display a month ago and wanted it then) and the little sweater - super adorbs... Plus this is really easy to wear anywhere - work, bridal shower, baby shower, you name it.

Ok this one I'd need to try on. I'm short and too much on the bottom makes me look - well shorter. But I love this skirt, ruffles and all. I am all about crazy skirts with understated colors on top. The belt is super cute too. I think I'm in love.

Another very wearable look. Actually I think I have all of this in my closet. Yellow and white scarf - check. Yellow sweater - check (actually it's a short sleeve cousin to this from The Limited last summer). Black pants - hello what Audrey Hepburn fan wouldn't own a half dozen pair of classic black pants.

What I love about this is I'm 90% sure it's the dress a few pictures up with a sweater over it. Anything I can mix into multiple looks is a huge plus. Unlike some looks with a dress used as a skirt - you totally can't tell and could pull it off on your own - without the help of Photoshop.

Anyway - I need to get ready... busy day. But kudos Limited. You won me back. And PS your bridal collection has gotten a lot better - you've come along way from two bridal gowns. Some of the dresses look a tad bridesmaid but I guess that's to be expected. But I love how costs effective it is!