Nail Of The Week 003 | For The Twill Of It

I  HAD to pick up this color from Essie's Fall 2013 collection. The rest were pretty, but they weren't completely unique like this color. There were only three left and I considered picking up two because I loved it so much, but I want someone else to enjoy it as much as me!

Essie describes "For The Twill Of It" as a medium brown with green shimmer. To me, it looks more of a steel gray with purple-ish, greenish, turquoise-ish shimmer. You can't capture the beauty of this through a computer screen, so I suggest you run to the store and check it out! 

What's In My Bag + Makeup Bag

What's In My Bag + Makeup Bag videos are my favorite things to watch, and I avidly stalk the #whatsinmybag tag on instagram. I thought it would be fun to finally share mine!

—Michael Kors Purse - I cannot find the style name for this bag! I purchased at the Michael Kors outlet for a crazy discount, and the style name on the tag doesn't match the bag. I do know it's a MK grab bag. I got this about 3 weeks ago and I love it! It's super soft and slouchy, the leather is completely unlined and is so easy to carry. The rose gold hardware on the straps gives it just enough character to the rather simple bag, and gives it a tiny Alexander Wang feel.

—Sephora VIB Rouge Makeup Pouch - I got this adorable bag as a gift when I went Rouge on Sephora's VIB program!

— Piccadilly Notebook - For all of my note taking and blog ideas on the go.

— Marc Jacobs Wallet - An amazing Poshmark find! Brand new with tags for only $15!!

— Kenra Volume Hair Spray - Everyone needs some extra backup.

— Extra Gum 

— Ink Pen

—Mini Hairbrush - A must have!

— Car Keys

—MK Charm - Came with my bag...I prefer the bag without it!

Now for the makeup...

During the day I usually don't touch up my makeup, but it's always good to have stuff just in case!

1. Sephora VIB Rouge Makeup Pouch - Here is my pretty little bag, again!

2. Walgreens Oil Absorbing Sheets - Half the price and just as good as the Neutrogena sheets.

3. Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + - This matte foundation is a must. If I'm touching up my makeup during the day, it's probably because I'm oily and/or my makeup is falling off my face.

4. Dior Addict Lipstick in 178 Urban

5. BareMinerals "Buff & Go" Brush - Stole from my mom's purse. Sorry mom!

6. MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink

7. Tom Ford Black Orchid Body Oil - Purchased from eBay, lasts 10x longer than the perfume!

8. Lady Gaga Fame Perfume Rollerball - Never too many scents.

9. Rimmel Show Off Lipgloss in 701 Stargazer - Gorgeous color.

10. Tarte Smooth Operator Concealer - For extra coverage!

11. Soap & Glory Hand Food

12. Chanel Rouge Allure in 114 Precieuse

13. MAC Lipstick in Creme d' Nude - Favorite nude lipsick!

14. Extra Rubberbands & Bobbypins - Every girl needs these in her bag.

What are the must haves in your bag? 

My Family Is Growing!

No, I'm not talking about a baby. Well...kinda.

This weekend I purchased my very first DSLR! Guys - you don't understand my excitement. I had been going back and forth for a little while about investing in a good camera. I knew I would have to eventually, and I might as well do it while I have the funds. I picked out the Canon EOS Rebel t3i as suggested by many people for DSLR beginners, and I'm so glad I got it. I'm obsessed! The camera is glued to my hands.

I'm in the beginning process of learning how to get the best out of my camera and learning ALL about aperture, shutter speeds, and ISO. There are many blogs and YouTube videos helping me through it, and I am having so much fun! I have so much to show you all and now I can do it no problem without worrying about photo quality and doing certain things justice.

Also - I have Photoshop, but I am considering getting Lightroom as I hear it's easier and more efficient. All my DSLR and editing pros out there, what do you think?

September Favorites

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Mini Satchel in Taupe - I'm sure you've seen this little bag on everyone's blog. Well, there is a good reason for it. This tiny (but very spacious, believe it or not!) Pashli-like bag is great for day and night, throw it on cross body or just on your shoulder. I wasn't able to grab the black one which I had originally wanted, but I'm glad I got the taupe because I got black in all the other 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target collaboration!

2. Black Orchid by Tom Ford - I am the worst person at describing scents, so I will not even get into it! However, if you are a fan of dark woodsy perfumes, this one is for you. It is the perfect fall/winter perfume and for some it may be too strong to wear during the day. This is my first Tom Ford scent and definitely not my last.

3. H&M Jacket with Faux Leather Detailing - I ordered this blazer on a whim while placing an order on H&M, and I am so glad I did. The jacket is SO slimming and makes you look 20 pounds thinner, and i'm not exaggerating. The faux leather arms and shoulder detailing giving a subtle edge perfect for fall.

4. Just Fab "Monroe" Pump - D'orsay pointed toe pumps are everywhere this year, and there is no sign of them going anywhere. I had debated for a good week on getting these shoes, and when I saw heels.com's "Heels At Home" program, I decided to throw them in the cart and try them on for myself before committing. These are one of the most comfortable pair of pumps I own and can walk around for hours in them. You already know I'm going back for the black pair!

5. Madden Girl "Lopezzz" Bootie - These were a shoe sent from the heavens. I had been eyeing the Steve Madden Panelope booties for a while, and when I placed my Heels At Home order I picked them up as well to try. Well, that was before I read the reviews and everyone mentioned they ran too small and we're horrible tight on the ankle. They were right. The Lopezzz bootie is exactly the same as the Paneolpe bootie, only in regular leather instead of suede. I sized up in these booties as well so I can wear them in the winter with socks, and they are perfect.

6. Audrey Brooke "Hylda" Pump - I grabbed these gorgeous d'orsay pumps for a wedding I attended this month, and they are already up at the top with my all time favorites. The heel isn't so high you can barely stand, and the ankle strap helps so much. They can be worn casually with boyfriend jeans or formally with a party dress. 

*As I'm writing this post, I realized the shoes in the collage are NOT the Audrey Brooke shoe, silly mistake by me! The actual shoes are in the collection on the right side of the page. :)

7. Bath & Body Works "Leaves" Candle - This candle is the true scent of Fall. If you haven't smelled it yet, you need to get to your local Bath & Body Works and smell it now. You won't regret it. Every so often B&BW has their 3-wick candles at 2 for $20 (which is a steal considering one candle alone is $22!) so you can grab your other favorite scent, too.

Helmut

Helmut Lang is THE brand at the top of my favorites list right now. The monochromatic and structured pieces look like they took the ideas right out of my mind. The Austrian brand was started in 1986, since then Helmut himself has retired from fashion but the new design duo Nicole and Michael Colovos doesn't fail to still capture his unique aesthetic. The Helmut Lang line is known for their dark unusual fabrics and patterns, structured blazers, and modern asymmetrical hem lines. 

Recently I've been loving contemporary clothing and Helmut has made their way to the top of the list pushing Alexander Wang to a close second (I still love you, Alex!) I purchased a few pieces from Helmut Lang and the fit and draping is perfect. Who can pull off adding major draping into structured pieces and make it still work? Helmut Lang. The structured jacket has to be my favorite piece in my wardrobe right now, I can pair it with ANYTHING. Needless to say, I'm practically living in it. No, I don't care that it's still 80 degrees out!

Helmut Lang's Resort 2014 showcased what they do best - monochrome color blocking, mixtures of loose and tailoring pieces perfected for the Gods, usual animal skin embossed prints and zippers, and best of all LEATHER!

 
Photos: Vogue/Helmut Lang

Get the Helmut Lang look and shop Helmut right from my blog!

These cardigans are perfect for transitioning to fall and winter. They look great with anything, and even look amazing layered!

Breaking: Rick Owens Wins Paris Fashion Week

Getty

I know you've all heard about it, the rants and raves alike. In case you haven't seen the actual show, here's the entire video. You may want to watch it (over and over again, too) because it's possibly the greatest fashion show in the history of the earth.

Fashion x Cartoons

I came across these hilarious illustrations of designers, fashion icons, bloggers, and other fashionistas. aI just can't stop going back to them. They're all illustrated by Joana Avillez, who's often featured on Refinery29.


These are my favorite illustrations from Joana, but she also has a great illustrated slideshow on Refinery29, "An Illustrated Guide To The Top Fashion Editors" If you're a total fashion snob, you'll LOVE going through her work. Check it out!

-All illustrations by Joana Avillez

Unregulated Sizing - Contributing To Poor Body Image?

It's no secret that retailers's sizing charts are all over the place. A size small may be made to fit a size large in one company, and vice versa. It's all dependent on the company's sizing standards, country of the retailer, and how they are made - but how does it affect the consumer?

I came across many articles about clothing sizes and how it negatively affects a person's body image. One store seems to be the main subject of many of the articles, and that would be Zara. Zara is a Spain-based clothing and accessory retail store, and I admit they do carry beautiful pieces. Many other people think so as well, but it's their sizing that turns them away and right out the door. Their clothing sizes are European, which I find is rather regulated in other stores, but Zara's sizes don't seem to translate well to US sizing...not at all, actually.

Zara's size chart

According to Elle.com, Zara does not participate in "vanity sizing", vanity sizing is where a retailer basically allows the customer to fit in a size smaller than they actually wear. This can be great for a person who worries about their size tags and lets them affect their body image. Most people can admit to doing this, and I am one of them.

I read a comment on one of these articles, and it hit the nail right on the head.

This isn't about health, sizing or anyone's personal opinion as to how big or small someone 'should' be. This is about business: Do you want to sell to Americans, then make them in whatever size actually SELLS. Sell it or don't. Market it, or don't. If the super slim sizes sell, sell them. If they don't, then decide if you want to respond to what that particular customer base wants...or not.

 It is frustrating and disheartening to walk into a store and picking up a size that usually fits you, to find that it fits 2-3 sizes too small. It definitely can fuel a negative self image. This a subject that not everyone can relate to, or have an issue with. However, I would love to still read your feedback and opinions on non-regulated clothing sizes.

Have you had a bad experience with a retailer and their sizing? Do you think Zara should change your clothing sizes to better accommodate American's?

Back To Basics: First Five

Whether you're re-building your wardrobe from the ground up or simply switching out some older beat up pieces for new ones this fall, there are a few pieces that are considered basics, or staples in your wardrobe. No matter the season or the trends that are hot right now, these pieces will always be in. I strongly believe you should splurge a little bit on these basic pieces, since they will be worn almost daily mixed and matched with other items. I don't necessarily mean run out and spend hundreds on one piece (unless that is what you'd like to do, then please go ahead...and please take me along via FaceTime!)

When it comes to basics in your wardrobe, quality over quantity. So throw out or SELL all 300 of your Forever 21 pieces that don't fit you right and let's get into the things you need. Your stressful and cluttered wardrobe may even downsize in the process!

1. Short Sleeve, Long Sleeve, and Tank Tops

 

This is the most basic staple in your wardrobe. You most likely already have it, and if you do you know you wear one of these all the time. These are great for layering, or simply wearing them by themselves depending on the season. You should have one black and one white short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, and tank top. These are the king of neutrals, and will go with ANYTHING. Once you have those, you can definitely start collecting more fun colors. Don't forget - quality over quantity. Pick up colors you will wear all the time. T by Alexander Wang makes fabulous basics, they are a little more pricey, but you can find great deals on The Outnet, most pieces are 60%+ off. Last week I went crazy and stockpiled a million tanks because the prices are unbeatable.

2. A Great Pair Of Jeans or Slacks

 

This is all your decision based on your taste and your everyday life. A pair of dark wash denim jeans are great because they can be dressed up or down. If you work in a professional enviroment and are required to wear that fabulous business attire, slacks are for you. Don't be limited, though! Pick up sone great jeans for the weekend. Slacks also can take you from daytime at the office to a night out with a simple switch of a top. Not only will it save you time if you're running late to a dinner with your friends, you will also be rocking a menswear inspired look. My favorite!

3. A Blazer or Cardigan

 This is the holy grail of all staples for me. I live in blazers, and that is not an exaggeration. These also are great transition pieces for day to night and summer to winter. They can easily dress up a simple outfit and make you look great, i promise. For the summer and spring months, a heavy blazer may be a little (or a lot) too hot for you depending on where you live. A simple light cardigan will be great for these months, especially if there is a light breeze out and you're not quite ready to pull out the big jackets. Again, black and white are essential neutrals for these pieces. They go with anything no matter what you're wearing. However, if there is a certain color you wear a lot, pick up one in a similar shade as well! Cardigans come in millions of colors, and they are fun to collect too!

5. Black and Nude Pumps AND Flats

 

Neutrals, neutrals, neutrals. Black pumps will add a classy, sophisticated touch to your jeans and blazer or favorite cocktail dress. Nude pumps will make your legs look miles long. Don't worry if you can't walk in 5 inch heels, kitten heels are fantastic and practical. Flats are great for everyday wear, they're comfortable and chic. You don't have to be forced to wear boring plain flats, search around until you find your perfect pair, they're sure to be out there. I know neutrals are essential, but a pair of bright or embellished flats will add a fun pop of color to any outfit!

Nail Of The Week 002 | Glitter Dipped

This week I am getting pretty adventurous with my nails (obviously)

I remember seeing a photo of nails like this a long while ago, and I used to do it all the time. While painting my nails with my new Zoya polish, I found I wasn't completely happy with how the polish applied. I originally planned to do just one glitter-dipped accent nail, and it quickly got out of hand and...I went glitter crazy!

It was rather simple to do, all you need is a nail polish, clear coat, and a fine glitter of your choice. If there is interest, I'll post a picture tutorial. These nails can be neutral with a natural shade of polish and glitter, or a huge statement with a bright polish!

Products Used:
Zoya "Jacqueline"
LA Splash Glitter in "Enlightened"