OOTDs: Two Different Spring Work Outfits

Jacket: Ann Taylor

Shirt: Equipment

Pant: JCrew Cafe Capri

Shoes: Corso Como Delicious Pump

Jewelry: Michael Kors Belt Buckle Bangle

Jacket: Nordstrom

Shirt: Banana Republic Madmen Lace Shell

Pants: Diane Von Furstenberg

Shoes: Ann Taylor

Accessories: Michele watch, Pandora bracelet, Tiffanys bracelet

Two quick OOTDs to show you what I've been wearing to work these days now that spring is finally here.  I love these Ann Taylor flats!  They are super comfortable and with the cap toe, patent, and neon options, I also bought them in neon pink!  =D hehe...

One more day till Friday!

March Beauty Favorites

Are there some products that you just LOVE... that your heart sings a beat each time you use them... that you would literally have a panic attack if you ran out and couldn't repurchase?

Yes, my March favorites consist of these holy grails.  Let's begin.

Naked2 palette - I LOVE this (I think I'm going to be saying that a lot this post),  I love this more than the original Naked palette.  I lean more toward taupes rather than bronzey eyeshadows and the cool tones in this palette draw me in every morning.  My favorite eyelook of the moment consists of TDK (lid color), Bootycall (inner highlight), Busted (crease) and Pistol (lower lid). 


Clinique Lower lash mascara - This was made for your lower lashes.  I don't even wear mascara on my lower lashes but this stuff has made me into a convert.  The perfectly shaped small brush gets down there with no smudging and keeps every stray hair in place (my eyelashes are pretty unruly and grow in every direction).  Good stuff.

Lash card - I got this on brichbox.com and I couldn't help myself.  I know, it's a piece of paper with a semi circle cut into it and you could probably make one yourself in 20 seconds.  However, I like that each one comes in a plastic wrap and although they are recommended for one use each, I will probably reuse it 5 or 6 times before breaking open a new one.  This allows you to flip your lashes upward and coat every single strand.  Love it!  I've also been using it in conjunction with the blinc heated lash curler (also from birchbox.com) and it's been working well.

***Side note:  I have mixed feelings about using a heated lash curler.  First, you are putting something really hot near your eye and for someone who managed to burn herself on the arm with a curling iron the other day, this is not good.  Second, I want my curl to last all day and I'm not sure if this does that.  I recently had a very traumatic experience that lead me to purchase this.  I was using an eyelash curler when my arm pivoted and I proceeded to yank all the inner half of my top lashes out.  Ouch, big time.  So I'm giving this whirl and will hopefully update you.  The techinique is a little hard to master.  It requires you to place the heated part under your lashes and then push them upward toward your lid.  But me having the monolids of an asian woman, my lids then to push my lashes right back down.  Ugh.

Anatasia Brunette Dark Brown Brow Powder duo - Speaking of traumatic events, I have another I'd like to share with you.  I am a big fan of threading.  I've done it several times and have no problem lying down in a chair in the middle of the mall while someone plucks your eyebrows with a piece of string.  The trick is, make sure you go to someone you trust.  I had gone the week before and the lady gave me great results.  Nice and thick eyebrows.  I went back and although it was a different girl, I assumed they all were trained and knew what they were doing.  I told her that I like them thick and all I wanted was to have them cleaned up at the edges.  She nodded and then proceeded to thread off half my eyebrows.  Literally, I couldn't believe what happened and left in utter shock.   Normally, I just use a MAC eyeshadow to fill in my brows but that wasn't going to cut it now.  I bought this powder duo because it was going to be an art to redraw my eyebrows while they grew back in and this does a great job of it and lasts all day.  I've been pairing this with Anatasia's Brow Fix Clear Wax Pencil and also using the Anatasia Brow Enhancing Serum Advanced (not sure if this is making a difference).

Bobbi Brown blush in Peony and bronzer in Medium 2 - I love the combination of these two products.  They are holy grail status for me.  I get so many compliments with Peony (using a MAC 168 brush) and the bronzer is so natural.  The Bobbi Brown bronzer brush make application effortless and I love how this is a matte product with absolutely no shimmer.  The color isn't too red, orange, or muddy.  I can't say enough good things.

Sorry for the lateness of this post but hopefully you'll try some of this stuff out.  If you do, I'd love to hear your thoughts.  What has been some of your favorites lately?

Skincare: PMD first impression and SPF reviews

 

I know, I know.  There are a million and one reviews on YouTube for the Personal Microderm Device.  Everyone and their mother has been sent one.  But I purchased this myself.  Why?  Because everyone had positive reviews.  

My skin is very prone to hyperpigmentation.  As soon as I get any pimple/acne, it will leave a brown mark that will stay for months.  I recently had a couple appear around my mouth and chin (probably due to experimenting with foundations) and didn't know how to deal with the marks that were left.

I have to admit , I was very scared to use this product.  They say it can lead to scabbing if used incorrectly.  I watched the intro cd and millions of demos on YT and finally got the courage to use it on my face.  

What are my first impressions?  This thing is AMAZING.  I loved how it made my skin feel and it's supposed to help your skincare absorb better into your skin.  The next morning, my face felt so soft and there was no scabbing.  The trick to this is to go very quickly.  Never hover or go over an area more than once.  The treatment is to be done once a week of 12 weeks and then once a month after that for maintenance.  I can't wait to continue using this and will definitely update you once my 12 weeks is up.

Also, if you're wondering what is on my nails, I got acrylic done on all my nails with a french gel manicure over it.  Sounds heavy duty but trust me, I can take anything off my nails and I'm just trying to control my nail picking habit.

Lastly, after you use the PMD, it is recommended that you use sunscreen on treated areas for 3 days after.  Now, you're supposed to wear sunscreen everyday but I have to be honest.  I don't.  Trust me, I want to.  I notice the spots that are appearing on the left side of my face because that's the side that gets the sun while I drive.  But sunscreens break me out.  Or at least, the active ingredient in sunscreens break me out.

MAC Fact Protect in spf 50 - by far the best sunscreen I've used to date.  I like that it does double duty as a primer.  But after a couple of days, even this will result in tiny little bumps on my face.

La Mer spf 30 - had really great reviews.  It is a very liquidy fluid but I think this actually broke me out.  I'm not giving up on this and will continue to use it until my suspicions are confirmed.

Kiehl's Super Fluid spf 50 - I got this because I have been having great luck with Kiehl's products lately.  I use their Acne blemish control Daily Skin Treatment and the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution and both have been working beautifully.  They are serious raves and almost at holy grail status for me.  So I decided to give the sunscreen a go.

I can't say for sure, but I think the active ingredient that breaks me out is Titanium Dioxide.  Which is sad because virtually everything with sunscreen had TD in it.  These three products don't and I have high hopes that one of them will make me into a diligent sunscreen wearer.

Are there any facial sunscreens that you would recommend?

New Hair Products & Loves

Left to Right: AG bigwigg root volumizer spray (Ulta), Oribe Dry Texturizing spray (birchbox.com), Oribe Royal Blowout heat styling spray (birchbox.com), Bumble and Bumble texture hair un-dressing creme (Sephora), and Loreal Elnett Spray (Ulta)

AG bigwigg root volumizer spray: My hair is very thick and coarse.  Therefore, achieving volume at the roots is very difficult without getting a haircut with lots of layers that take some of the weight out and allow the hair to lift.  I'm currently growing out my hair, have been for the past year after uncharacteristically deciding to chop my hair off into a short A line bob.  For those of you who are considering a drastic change like this, think long and hard about A line bobs.  Because they are shorter in the back, it takes FOREVER to grow it out.  Pair that with my inability to not cut my hair (I believe regular trims are necessary for healthy ends), it's been a while.  Back to the product, I've used this a couple of times, spraying it at the roots of my damp hair before I blow out and although I haven't noticed a major difference, it does help create lift at the end of the day.  Just stick your fingers to the root of your hair and massage for a few minutes and you have volume once more!


Oribe Dry Texturizing spray, Oribe Royal Blowout heat styling spray, Bumble and Bumble texture hair un-dressing creme: These I am excited to try after hearing the rave reviews from Veronika's Blushing blog.  The Oribe Dry texturizing spray is supposed to give you lots of volume and also act as a dry shampoo.  I'm always on the look out for dry shampoos as I don't wash my hair everyday.  I find that the quality of dry shampoos does vary greatly from brand to brand but I love how it adds volume to second/third day hair.  The Oribe Royal Blowout heat styling spray is supposed to act as a heat protectant and decrease your drying time.  Anything to minimize heat damage to my hair.  I've gone through periods where I would stay away from heat and be really unhappy.  What good is it to have healthy hair if it doesn't look good?  So I also bought the Bumble and Bumble texture hair creme to help revitalize my curls on the second day after I curl it.

Loreal Elnett Hairspray:  Love it.  Love the smell, the fact that it can be brushed out and it actually creates a strong enough hold for curls/occassional teasing.  Best of all?  Its drugstore.

I purchased all the items in this post myself.  I found the Oribe products on birchbox.com.  While I am not a member of their subscription service, I do find a lot of great products in their full size store that I havne't been able to find anywhere else.

Also on my mind is Kerastase.  I have heard so many good things about their haircare line and I am anxious to try their fibre architect (which claims to mend split ends?!), cristaliste serum (great for long hair), Nector Thermique creme (good for heat styling).  What's been holding me back is the steep price of this line and the fact that I am not very diligent when it comes to hair products.  I think that adding too much product to my hair can lead to buildup and the need to wash it everyday (which I am trying to avoid).  However, I do want to protect my hair and make it grow long and healthy (hence my extreme hoarding right now).  Have you tried anything from the Kerastase line and if so, what did you think of it?  

OOTD: More stripes?! Maxi dress and Celine Nano

Shirt: Madewell Denim camp shirt

Dress: Forever 21

Bracelet: Michael Kors Astor Buckle bangle

Necklace: Dailylook

Purse: Celine Nano

Shoes: J Crew Lila wedges (not shown) 

I know, I know.  This is the 3rd striped OOTD that I've posted in a row.  I can't deny that I'm obsessed and love how they look on me.  The denim shirt complements and tones down the stripes and I am so impressed by the quality of this forever 21 maxi.  It just drapes and flows over my curves so nicely.  

With summer just around the corner, I usually carry smaller bags to help minimize the heat/stress so I was happy to take my celine nano out of its dustbag again.  I promise, I'm not wearing stripes 24x7.  It just happens that I like to take OOTDs when I have them on but I promise to start varying up my choices for future posts!

OOTD: Pink Stripes and McQueen

Shirt: JCrew 

Scarf: Alexander McQueen

Jeans: Siwy

Shoes: Corso Como Lizard Delicious Pump

Bracelets:  AE, Pandora, South Moon Under

A quick OOTD that I snapped inside the Zara dressing room.  As you can see, my obsession with stripes has not ended.  I wanted to pair some bright colors to celebrate the coming of spring (before it turns cold again). 

Coming soon, March beauty favorites!

OOTD: Nautical Stripes and Floral and Chains Mini Haul

 

Top: Ella Moss

Pants: Joes Jeans

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Necklace: Club Monaco

Shoes: Nine West wedges

I've been inspired lately by stripes.  Preppy?  Maybe, but I love the shock value of white before Memorial day.  Who says you have to follow rules?  The wedges are one of my favorites, sooo comfortable.  I can wear them all day long and I love how the nude color lengthens my legs.

If you're wondering what I'm holding in my hands, I managed to pick up some jewelry from Banana Republic's sale (just started today, 40% off!).  I've been really liking my Club Monaco chain necklace and so when I saw these similar versions on sale from BR with acrylic detailing, I snapped them up!

  

Also decided to include a photo of my random purchase from Target.  I am OBSESSED with the color mint.  Love, love love it!

When I saw this backpack, I knew I had to have it.  Went to three different Targets and finally scored!  The vintage flowers with the modern mint, loving the clash. 

What do you think about the backpack?  Yay or nay?

Haul: Regina Pierallini Clover Designs

I first heard of Regina Pierallini's jewelry from the lovely Veronika from Veronika'sBlushing blog.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw these exquisite clover designs.  So similar to the beloved Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, I can only dream about one day owning a piece.  This allows me to enjoy a similar design at a fraction of the cost without spending thousands on a necklace or a set of earrings.

I ordered the rounded black clover necklace, crown clover mint necklace, turquoise hoop earrings, mother of pearl rounded clover necklace, and mother of pearl clover stud earrings from Regina's site:

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/LightMetals

and

http://www.reginapierallini.com/

 

As you can see the pieces are absolutely precious!  So well made, the jewelry feels strong and sturdy.  What I love about these pieces is that they are so classic and can be easily paired with almost any outfit.

Below, are two OOTDs.  Left is a weekend casual outfit where I'm sporting the crown mint clover necklace.  And on the right, I'm wearing a standard all black work outfit that showcases the mother of pearl clover necklace nicely.

The outfits are nothing much to scream about but I love, love, LOVE this jewelry line!  You can be rest assured this will not be my last time purchasing from her website!  Veronika has a coupon code for 15% off your purchase that I gladly utilized:  VERBLOG15 (expires 3/18)

Let me know if any of these items peaked your interest!

Note: All the items from this post were purchased by me and I am not being compensated for this review.

Haul: Makeup, Lorac, Prestige, Naked2, Z palettes!

Went to Ulta and hauled a bunch of new makeup based on some reviews I've seen.

 

Naked 2 Palette - Have not tried it yet, need to crack open that packaging!

Prestige Lipliner in Silk - Lovely pale pink nude lipliner for those lighter lipsticks.  I find that some "nude" or "natural" shades still pull either brown or red, distorting a pale shade.  This I definitely recommend!

Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting - I am a big fan of lip butters.  This is a good alternative to Creme Brulee, my go to everyday color.

Lorac Baked Matte Satin Blush in Exposed - This is not matte.  But the shimmers aren't too detectable on the face.  It gives a nice glow to the cheeks, but I'm not wowed by it.  Also, I don't like the fall out that tends to come off baked blushes.

Lorac Coutoure Shine Lipgloss in Haute - This was such a pretty color and highly recommended by Veronika's Blushing.  However, it was very thick and made my lips peel.  Return.

Z palettes!  I found that drugstore.com carries Z palettes, so I immediately put in an order.  I currently use MAC eyeshadow (15) and blush (6) palettes to store my depotted makeup.  However, I find that I don't use what I can't see.  So I made the switch and ... TADA!  

The after shot =)

Lovely, isn't it?  Organization (of anything) gives me such a high...

Immediate impressions -

Pros:
1) can fit about 21 MAC eyeshadows compared to 15
2) can fit irregular sized eyeshadows
3) reduces space
Cons:
1) blush palettes hold the same amount (if you take out the divider on the MAC palettes)
2) blushes are prone to shifting (same with MAC palette)
3) the pans have to be very, very shallow or else the lid won't shut.  Which might be the reason why they provided the yellow magnets (in first photo above).  But initially, when I transferred my eyeshadows over, the magnets that I used wouldn't let it close.

Let me know if you want to see any specific reviews of the products mentioned above.

Note:  All the products in this review were purchased by me.

NOTDs: Dior Spring 2012

 

504 Waterlily

694 Forget-Me-Not

Whoa, note to self - pictures taken with the iPhone are really, really clear.  Forgive the mangled hands, I'm an obsessive hand washer and am clumsy enough to constantly be injuring my hands.  Hand model I am not.  But I thought I would share my general thoughts from the Dior Spring 2012 Garden Party nail collection.  

I initially purchased Forget-Me-Not because my favorite color is purple (or some variation thereof) but I wasn't as impressed with the color on the nail as it was in the bottle.  The color is much deeper and darker than I was anticipating and I don't really feel like "spring" when I wear this.

So I went on the hunt for Waterlily.  And oh what a hunt it was.  This is THE shade for spring and is sold out almost everywhere.  I ended up finding it at a Lord and Taylor in another state.  I initially thought this was too similar to many of the other colors I had, but surprisingly it's not.  It pulls more green and I actually like it.  This color definitely has me looking forward to spring.

These are only the 3rd and 4th Dior nail polishes that I own.  I like the longevity of the formula.  However, the brush is unique and takes some getting used to.  I would say it actually makes the application much easier than OPI or Chanel brushes.  The only downside is you have to take care to apply thin layers.  The formula is quite thick and has the tendency to get goopy by the second coat.

Some other standouts I've seen are the Chanel June (gorgeous apricot color) and Laura Mercier's Cabana (a coral with a gel consistency that has stayed the longest time on my nails without chipping).  What nail polishes have been you been eying lately?

Pretty: Instagraming

Happy leap day!

Having a little fun with Instagram and wanted to share with you some of the pretty little things I've been appreciating lately.  You can probably tell that I've developed a fondness for elephants...<3

I'm back! - What's in my purse

Yes, I'm back!

And yes... I've revamped my blog yet AGAIN.

I had to take a break, personal issues always drive a need for peace and somewhat isolation. But my passion for blogging has been renewed and I can't wait to start sharing more of my life with you.

Thank you for sticking around and being so patient with all the changes... Without further ado, let's jump into it!

What better way to celebrate the RE-start of my new blog then by doing a "What's in my purse" post.

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

I just recently added a new addition to my purse, that I'm so eager to share with you. It is my new MCM dusty pink/rose gold wallet. I saw it and had to backtrack because the color was so eye catching and gorgeous. I knew I had to have it when I couldn't take my mind off it. How can anyone say no to those pretty hearts!

Also thought I'd include another picture of what I carry in my "little things" bag. Not really a makeup bag, it holds the misc items that would otherwise clutter up my purse (i.e. hair ties, earphones, breath spray, etc). The only makeup item I do carry with me is an assortment of lip products because that's the only thing I manage to reapply during the day.

I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peak into my life. I always find it interesting to see what people carry in their bags, tells you a bit about the person, don't you think?