On the Hunt - New Spring Handbag

When the seasons change so does my wardrobe! I switch over my closet, adding spring tops, skirts, and dresses and move wools and heavy blazers to the back! I also feel the need to switch out my handbags. I try to stop carrying the dark tones, like black and navy, and add pastels to the mix. So I have been on the hunt for a new bag. There are so many cool designs in handbags these days and the colors are vibrant and muted at the same time. Here are some of the bags on my wishlist for spring.

How gorgeous is this royal blue bag from Kate Spade? I love the double entry, the fact that it's a shoulder bag (something I find I use more now that I need be hands-free), and how it will pop against the other pieces in my wardrobe.  

I am really into this Kelly Green, or what Michael Kors calls Palm. So many great things going on with this bag. It can be a cross-body, carried via the top handles, that tassel zipper, and top entry. Just a great bag all around.

I am a huge fan of Rebecca Minkoff and this Cupid bag is fabulous! I love that the color is so soft and feminine, yet the studs make it a little edgy! You can't tell from the photo, but this is the softest shade of pale pink, but I think I like the brighter pink version here. 

Lastly, in saving the best for last, how chic is the bag from Michael Kors! I love everything about it. The gold chains, the tassel zipper, the bright Palm green, and the broken in look it exudes!  It's just the right color, and bag, for the spring that lies ahead!

Are you in the market for a new bag this spring? What shape is more your taste? Any specific color in mind? I'm seriously torn between the Rebecca Minkoff Cupid bag and the Michael Kors Weston bag. Here's hoping for a new bag for the spring!

Saved for a Rainy Day

 

Jacket: Levi's (my mom's); Dress: J.Crew (gift); Tights: ?; Heels: Manolo Blahnik (gift);

Necklace: Baublebar; Bracelets: Ralph Lauren/J.Crew (gift); Rings: Gorjana via Gilt;

 Belt: J.Crew; Lip Color: Mary Kay Mystic Plum (c/o People Style Watch); 

Nail Color: Essie Watermelon

Here I am, back in tights, and none too happy about it! I originally went bare legged and sported a different heel. After about 10 seconds of being outside, I darted back in for tights and new shoes. Man, I am so over this cold weather!

And, apparently this dress is something I save for a rainy/windy day! Not sure if it's because the gray goes with the gray skies, but it's fairly warm and super cute, so there! 

The Dress: Before and After

 

  

I didn't style this all that differently from the last time I wore it. I did remove the t-neck and added a more cropped denim jacket. I'm hoping for bare legs and arms in the coming months. This dress would be darling when paired with bold color. Now, if only Mother Nature would cooperate with my closet!

Happy Friday!

Deep Thoughts and a Lot of Red

 

Coat: J.Crew; Leather Top: Piperlime; Top: J.Crew (gift); Pants: J.Crew Factory;

Booties: Rebecca Minkoff; Necklaces: Silpada/Ann Taylor/ Dogeared; Handbag: Pour LaVictoire;

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacobs; Nail Color: Essie Watermelon

There are days weeks where I struggle with my personal style. It's like I've lost my voice or vision of who I think I am. I get so caught up in this whole "keeping up with the bloggers" tunnel vision that I forget to just dress for me. This look, for example, is one of those lost days. 

I attended the Grand Opening of the ULTA store in the Aspen Square shopping center Tuesday night and I struggled all morning with what to wear. It's cold again, but I'll be damned if I'm going to put on another wool sweater! This dressing for spring when it's still winter is a huge challenge. I opened my closet door and stared blankly at the contents. I felt like I had nothing cool to wear. You know, nothing that read trendy, chic, or grand opening in anyway. So I just started reaching for pieces and put this look together. Did I love it? Not really? But I just went for it.

Turns out, others thought this look was great! I got so many compliments whether it was on the red pant or the vegan leather top or the look as a whole. And, when a makeup artist out of NY tells you they love your style, well you know you've hit the jackpot!

The Leather Top: Before and After

 

I know there will be days like this in the future, but I have to remember that I'm dressing for me at the end of the day morning. If it doesn't look like what other bloggers are wearing, that's okay. We are all individuals doing this personal style blogging thing. And really, the whole world would be really boring if we all dressed exactly alike!

Happy Thursday!

XOXO

ULTA Grand Opening - Aspen Square

Before last night, I had never stepped foot inside an ULTA. After last night, I will forever be an ULTA fan! I attended the Grand Opening of their ULTA store in Aspen Square off of 135th and roughly Metcalf. It was amazing! This store was enormous! Clean, white, bright, and stocked to the brim with over 20,000 products! Their product lines range from drugstore beauty brands to high-end cosmetics, fragrances, haircare, hair tools and accessories, nail everything, dermatology, and a salon! Seriously, check out this new store stat!

I was invited to the event, along with several other local bloggers, to cover the event for my blog. It was a festive atmosphere of friends chatting, playing, testing, and purchasing new products and old favorites. I learned so much while I was there! They offer a brow bar, and for last night, a complimentary Braid Bar. Several vendor representatives were there chatting about their products, and I took full advantage! A NY based makeup artist from Tarte taught me the fine art of applying a cat-eye, which looked amazing, so I purchased the eyeliner and fancy angled brush that came with it. I'm really excited to give it a whirl soon. (If it turns out okay, I may try a tutorial.)

I took a turn at the Braid Bar and came away with a fun up-do. If only I had somewhere to go after the event! With amazing hair and awesome eyes, I felt like it was a look wasted on Sheriff Callie from Disney and my son and husband who could care less! But, those at the event seemed to love it so that's all the matters! And, I found the mirrored aviators I've been searching for for months! Not sure I'm cool enough to pull them off, but the other bloggers seemed to think I could!

With all that being said, here are the photos I took of the event! So much to share!

I love benefit cosmetics! I've been a fan for years. Their shadows and blushes are all so pretty and neutral. And, I love that they are using a Barbie theme!

 The next mascara on my list of must-trys is this one. It's supposed to give you the illusion of false lashes, but the tag line reads...."They're real, honest!" Clever!

I am a big fan of their "that gal" face primer. If I'm really dolling up for the day, I use this to give my face a little more brightness and it really helps keep your makeup in place. I definitely want to try the dr. feelgood balm. This would replace those blotting clothes that I always buy, stash in my bag, and never use. And it smells so good!

I tested this product on my hand. The Big Easy is a makeup that goes on like liquid and dries to a powder! Genius! You can now replace that powder with one simple product. (I for one never use powder. I hate that cakey feel it can give you or the tightness it can leave your skin.) This was light to the touch and disappeared within seconds. 

  Yummy treats and drinks were being passed around throughout the evening. Don't these look divine?

 

The Braid Bar was packed! And rightfully so. One adorable look after the next was being created and showcased around the store. This is Sarah Scoop from Sarah Scoop! We met via Twitter, but officially met face to face last night! How cute is this look?

My girl Jennifer even made it to the event! Okay, she didn't, but she's here in spirit. She is the spokesperson for this line of haircare called Living proof and we were given a sample in our swag bag from KCFW. If it gives me anything close to these Jen locks, I will be hooked!

Essie heaven right here!

Tools of the trade!

This is where the NY based makeup artist worked her magic. Here's hoping I can replicate!

My turn at the Braid Bar!

Finally it was time to check out. And if you missed anything along the way, well here's your change to grab it and go!

 

Oh, here are those mirrored aviators I was telling you about earlier. Whether or not I'm cool enough to pull them off, I purchased them anyway!

I had a blast at the ULTA event! Thank you so much ULTA and KC Magazine for including us!! I will definitely be back and often!

All the Way from LA....

Blazer: LOFT (similar); Top: Ann Taylor; Boyfriend Jeans: Ann Taylor (on sale);

Pumps: Jimmy Choo (gift/similar); Bracelets: J.Crew/Ralph Lauren;Necklace: BaubleBar

Shades: MARC by Marc Jacbos; Lip Color: Jane Lip Gloss Empowered

Let's talk about these jeans for a minute. I am in love with them! A last minute purchase from Ann Taylor, they were 40% off the sale price, and I was wishing I had more than one pair after the first wearing. So what does one do? If you're me, you make a list of all the stores across the country that might have your size and call until you find them! Lucky for me, I hit the jackpot on the first call! They are on their way from L.A. as I type this.

Now, let's talk about this little, black blazer. Listen up gals, get yourself a little black blazer! It doesn't have to be a fancy one, just a simple one like this will do. I know it will be the best investment you will ever make. I purchased mine back in 2009 and I love it! See other ways I've styled it here, here, and here. 

The Top: Before and After

Speaking of all the way from L.A., these little beauties were a birthday gift from my mom! As we strolled out of the Beverly Wilshire hotel, we just happened to walk by Jimmy Choo, and I just happened to go in and try on several pairs of shoes. These just happened to be shipped from L.A. to Overland Park and I adore them! I feel like Carrie Bradshaw every time I step foot in them!

This is such a simple look, yet so chic and easy! Timeless as well. And, I'm thinking this will be on repeat all spring long! Or at least a variation. Now, if it would just stay above 50.... L.A. is looking better and better everyday!