Friday Beauty - Fall Makeup Transition

 Transition. It's a word we use in fashion when moving from summer to fall. When talking about transition, we generally talk about how to transition our wardrobe from one season to the other and how to utilize the contents in your closet to work both seasons to your advantage. Today, instead of talking about how to transition your wardrobe, I thought we would focus on how to transition your makeup.

For summer, I add brighter colors to my lips and nails. And, I go one step further and brighten up my eyes as well. I tend to go with pale purples, creams, and taupes so that my overall look is lighter. But when fall rolls around, it's out with the pinks and in with the reds and bourdeauxs.

So what should one do when it's mid August and your starting to mix olives and navys into your daily look? It's time to start wearing richer tones. You don't have to throw out the pinks or reds. Actually, one should NEVER throw out red. Instead, reach for a pink in a more raspberry tone and reds that move toward maroons. 

 Below are my picks from my own makeup bag! Take a peek.

Laura Geller Beauty Color Drenched Lip Gloss in Raspberry Roast/MAC Ruby Woo/

NARS Shanghai Express/MAC Kissable Lipcolor in Flaunting

ail color is another great way to transition your makeup. My favorite fall color, although I do wear it all year round, is OPI's "You Don't Know Jaques". But I also love dark reds and black!

 Essie "Flowerista"/OPI "You Don't Know Jaques"/Chanel "Black Satin"/OPI "Mat-adore Red"/

Essie "Shearling Darling"

 Lastly, it's all about the eyes! I love dark browns and olive tones. Mixed with black liner and several coats of mascara, all eyes will be on you! 

 Laura Geller Beauty Creme Glaze Trio in Golden Set/Chanel Les 4 Ombres Tentation Cuivree/

MAC 6 Devil May Dare Warm Eye Shadows

What is your favorite way to transition your beauty from summer to fall? Do you go with richer colors in deep shades or do you continue to use brights all year long? Let's discuss!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Tulip Team Up - A Derby Hat

I am so excited to be teaming up with Tulip this month! And with the Kentucky Derby taking place this weekend, what better time to talk about Derby Hats! Check out this amazing hat that Tulip gifted me for the shoot. I love it! It makes such a chic statement! I can literally see myself sipping Mint Juleps while watching those horses take off around the track. I've never been, but I'm totally armed with the perfect look for a day at the track.

I originally thought of styling the hat with a simple LBD, but for the Kentucky Derby, I needed something a little more playful. This Milly floral dress totally fit the bill. Paired with gold jewels and fuchsia pumps, this hat still stands out as the featured piece that it is.

 

And because there's always a big winner at the derby, Tulip is offering up a $25 gift card to shop! That's right! All you have to do is enter the raffle below and cross your fingers! It's that easy. I will email the winner on Monday!! Can't wait to share!

Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Blogger Meetup

 Coat: Ann Taylor (similar); Jumpsuit: BCBG (similar); Heels: Pour la Victiore (similar);

Handbag: MbyMJ; Bracelets: Fossel/Ralph Lauren; Necklace: Ann Taylor

Last night was a girls night out and it has been way too long!! It was a fun little gathering of local bloggers to chat about what inspires us, what we're excited about, and what we're struggling with as bloggers. We sipped cocktails, laughed, shared our thoughts, exchanged advice, and I made a hopeful new friend! I love it when that happens.

Around 4:30, I was still in my mom clothes. You know, my standard boyfriend jeans, a sweater, and sneakers. I didn't have on any makeup and I was literally half asleep on the couch with McKinley. I was so close to backing out, but forced myself off the couch! Because I showered the night before, all I really needed to do was shave my legs, rewash my face, and apply some makeup. Oh, I find something to wear! I didn't want to wear jeans, again I had been in them all day, but it was chilly out yesterday so a dress felt too sheer. I remembered this jumpsuit and prayed that it 1) wasn't wrinkled, and 2) still fit! Like Goldilocks, it was just right!

Coat: Ann Taylor (similar); Jumpsuit: BCBG (similar); Heels: Pour la Victiore (similar);

Handbag: MbyMJ; Bracelets: Fossel/Ralph Lauren; Necklace: Ann Taylor

I love when a look comes together at the very last minute! While pulling out the jumpsuit, I noticed my pink and gray animal print heels. Perfect! A hint of pink from my new bag and the bold pink of the coat brought it all together! See what happens when you shop from your closet? 

As always, see something you need? Want it now? Shop the links!!

Beautiful

 Dress: Anthropologie; Caplet; Anthropologie; Heels: Jimmy Choo;

Necklace: Ann Taylor; Bracelets: J.Crew 1/2; Clutch: Ann Taylor; 

Lip Color: Chanel Rouge Coco Jean

Okay, I'm just going to say it. I felt so beautiful in this look. I NEVER say that about myself, and never will again, but there was something so soft and feminine about it and it made me feel pretty. Actually, I felt a little Parisian. I love this dress and I can't believe I'm back in it! It's a pre-McKinley dress and one I never thought I would wear again. There's actually a long story behind the dress, one I won't share, but let's just say I now consider this my lucky dress!

This was my look for the Friday night runway shows for KCFW. I've had the caplet for about three years and I've never worn it. I've actually never been able to figure out how to style it. It needed the right piece and the dress was perfect! The dress is strapless, something I don't feel comfortable in anymore, and the caplet helped hide flaws while staying completely neutral. My pale pink pumps, gold jewels, cream clutch, and lilac lip truly completed the look!

 

  

Is it okay to say that one feels beautiful or do you consider that to be a little conceited? I have to go with latter, but when you feel, you just have to shout it!

Are there pieces in you wardrobe that just make you feel beautiful?

 Photos Courtesy of Jana Meister.

Friday Beauty - Rouge Coco

 What can I say about the House of Chanel. The clothing, her style, the cosmetics line....all enviable! I've worn Chanel cosmetics for years! I love their eyeshadow quads, I own more than I care to mention, and I'm a huge fan of their lipsticks. About a month ago, I stopped by their counter and chatted with my favorite makeup artist, Madeline. (If you get a chance, swing by the Halls Chanel counter and set up an appointment with her. She's amazing!) She told me about the re-launch of the Rouge Coco lipstick line and I couldn't wait to test it. 

 Not only is the formula new and improved, the reinvented version of Rouge Coco is more expressive than ever with a new formula and vibrant color spectrum, the names are all new. Well, new to us. The colors are broken into five categories; Artists, Lovers, Friends, Muses, and Family. And, to take it one step further, they are all named after someone in every category! How great is that! You must have been someone incredibly important to get a color named after you! I recently tested Jean and brought her home! I love the new formula and the color is perfect for spring! A berry, that leans more toward purple, that feels so luxurious on your lips! I just want to know who Jean was. According to the chart, she (or he) was an artist. Their influence must have been epic!

Have you tried Chanel's cosmetic line? If so, is their lipstick on your list of products you currently use? If not, head to your local Chanel counter, or ask for Madeline when visiting Halls. It might be a little on the pricey side, but it's totally worth the spend! A lipstick that will last and a friend for life!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Friday Beauty - A Smokey Eye

 Over the weekend I attempted my first smokey eye. I've read about how to apply them over and over and over again, yet I've always been so fearful of trying. That is until I purchased the Clinique All About Shadow Quad in Smoke and Mirrors. It literally has a step by step guide on the mirror and corresponding numbers on the shadow liner. They even number the sponge applicators that are included. Now, I'm not an applicator kind of girl. I use brushes and have for years. I feel the shadows go on a lot smoother and it's easier to apply more or less color when needed or desired. In my opinion, the sponge applicators just seem to soak up the shadow. 

In the first photo, you will see all the tools I used (they are what I use on a daily basis), and I will touch on how I used them during the application process. This really is the easiest smokey eye you can ever do!

I have my quad, all of my brushes, my concealer, my MAC paint, mascara, and Clinique primer. Did you know that Clinique made a primer? Me either and more on that in a different post.

 

First up, I always, always, always use a primer on my lids. ALWAYS! It just highlights the shadow and doesn't allow it to settle into the crease after a full day of wear. Honestly, if you aren't using one today, you should be! I swear by the MAC paints.

Here's the quad and your step by step guide. Just apply the shadow where the diagram indicates. So easy!!

 

 

Apply the highlight color to just below the brow bone and just to the top of your crease. I used a flat wide brush when applying my highlighter.

 

For step number two, use a fluffier tipped brush to really get in the crease. One important tip, wherever you apply the shadow is where it will be its heaviest. I try to shoot for just off the corner of the crease and blend out and in from there. If you're using the sponge applicator, go light at first and add more as needed!!

  

Use the same brush for step number 3 and start applying from the inside corner of the crease and blend toward the center.

Once you have applied both steps 2 and 3, go back in with a fluffy blending brush to combine. You don't want to see definitive lines from where you started and stopped both shadows. Work in a circular motion while blending.

Step four is the eyeliner shadow. I love a shadow liner and I've used one for as long as I can remember. You have complete control over how much, or how little, you use at one time. And, it goes on so much easier than an eyeliner stick. Use a small angle brush to apply. (If you are using the applicator, apply using just the tip.)

I load up the brush and start from the dead center of my eye and work my way to the outer corner. I work with tiny brush strokes as I go. Almost like I'm connecting dots. Reload the brush with more shadow as needed. Once I have the line I want, I reload my brush and then start from the inner corner of my and apply to the middle.

For a smokey eye, line both the top and bottom lash lines. For the bottom, I start at the outer corner, staying as close to the lash line as I possibly can, and go to just past the center of my eye. Blend, blend blend! You don't want to see your bottom lash line liner!

Then load up your lashes with your fav mascara. I've been using Maybelline Great Lash for about a month, not a fan, so for this look I went with Clinique's High Impact Mascara. A new mascara, a sample provided by Clinique, that I'm currently testing. 

I am one who hates to see spider eyes, think Tammy Faye Baker, so I go back in with a mascara brush to smooth out any clumps that have formed. Plus, I try to make them as full as possible.

 And here is the final look!

When going with a heavy eye, keep everything else light. I went for a very light, sheer blush, and nude lip. You want only one thing to shine in this look and that's the eye! For my cheeks, I used Stila Convertible Color in Lillium. For my lips, I used Chanel lipstick Rouge Coco in Sycomore and gloss #237.

What do you think of a smokey eye? As intimidating as you thought it would be, or easy as pie with the help of this Clinique quad? Other brands that offer this kind of shadow are L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Revlon. Great drugstore brands that won't break the bank! 

I can't wait to hear your stories! Share them with all of us!

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Chanel Makeover During KCFW - Halls Crown Center

Before the Friday night shows of KCFW, I was asked to join a few of my fellow bloggers for a little primping by makeup artists at the new Halls at Crown Center! It may have taken me most of the day to respond, busy doing mama stuff, but jumped at the opportunity to play! I frequented the original Halls on the Plaza, but had yet to make it to the new location. Nothing prepared me for the experience!

First off, I couldn't believe we were still in Kansas City, let alone standing in Crown Center. The store reminded me of something you would walk into while strolling down Fifth Ave in New York. It's bright, white, enormous, and so luxe! Chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The dressing rooms are larger than my bathroom! And the shoe department....sheer heaven! But I digress.

We were talking about our makeovers, no? I was paired with makeup artist Tesia of Chanel. I couldn't have been happier! I am a huge fan of Chanel products and have used them for years! I have countless pallettes that I wear nearly every day! This quad happens to be my favorite. And for the Saturday night shows, I just happen to be wearing the lipstick I purchased from the event! 

I am not one to wear a lot of makeup. And when I say makeup, I mean actual foundation, bronzer, and powder. And one of the things I've learned, both from the Chanel and Dior makeovers, is that bronzer is a widely used product. I've always been scared of bronzer simply because it's so dark and I'm not quite sure how to apply it. Turns out it's so much easier than one would think! You create the number three by starting at the center of the forehead, bring it around to the top of the cheek bones by your temples, and then bring the curve of the three down to your chin. You only apply bronzer to the outer edge of the face. Easy, right?

For my makeover, Tesia created a smoky eye using the above quad and a cream shadow. She lined my eyes with the Stylo liner in black and used the darker shade within the quad to reinforce. I also loved that she told me she used the bronzer within the shadows as well. Interesting tip! 

Now, I've been in love with a certain Clinique mascara for years now, and I've been trying to break out of my rut and use others on the market. I've tried them and disliked them. When I went back to Clinique to purchase my fav, I found it was DISCONTINUED!!!! Did you hear the scream from Macy's? I guess it's time to find a new mascara and I do believe it's been replaced! I am now in love with Chanel's Le Volume De Chanel in black. Always black!

Isn't that the coolest smoky eye!?! I love it. Now I just need to invest in the quad and cream shadow. And speaking of investing, I purchased the lipstick Tesia applied for the night. It is the perfect berry for fall. It's not terribly dark, but transitions from the brights I found myself wearing all summer. It's their Rouge Allure Velvet, a long wearing matte lipstick, and it's true to its claim! I hardly reapplied the entire night! The color I purchased is 40 LA SENSUELLE.

 

 

And here is the final look! I loved it. So natural yet a little dramatic! This is why I love Chanel. Their makeup artists just get it. They know what products work best for your skin tone, they listen when you tell them your likes and dislikes in daily application, and they make you look like the best version of you! Thank you Tesia!

If you haven't been to the new Halls in Crown Center, what are you waiting for? In addition to all the luxury that the store has to offer, they also have the H Bar which is where we sipped complimentary beverages prior to the shows. What girl wouldn't accept a little sip of bubbly to kick off a Friday night with friends? If only I was being pampered like this again tonight! 

Happy Friday!

Dream to Reality - Chanel Jacket

I will probably never own a piece of Chanel anything other than my signature Chanel #5 scent! Oh wait, I own several eyeshadow quads, nail polishes and lipsticks. So, I guess I do own some sort of Chanel. But honestly, my heart is set on someday owning the quintessential quilted handbag with chain shoulder strap. Would I love for it to be new? Yes, but beggers can't be choosers. A nice vintage bag would be nice as well! HA!

 

 

 However, I would love to own a piece of clothing as well. My friend Kay has a gorgeous orange blazer that she got on eBay and I am so jealous! It fits her like a glove and is timeless! And a blazer is a true work-horse garment in any womans closet. I love this black and white Chanel blazer that Rachel Zoe is wearing! It's so chic. I love that she has paired it with a simple black top and jeans. Again, timeless!

 

 

When I saw this piece from Ann Taylor, I immediately thought Chanel! It is so similar in design! And I love that it's a sweater jacket! Even better! Coming in it at $129.00, this is a classic piece that won't break the bank and will be worn for years with everything from jeans to over dresses to paired with skirts as featured here! Totally worth the investment, especially if I can't have the real thing!

 



 

Happy Friday All! XOXO

What's in a Scent - A Beauty Post

 What's in a scent? Everything, really! To me, a scent can be related to a memory, a new beginning or because the bottle was too pretty not to purchase! I wear a different scent almost every day. Some scents are meant for winter, some for spring, and some scents can be worn all year long.  My mom is great about giving me a new perfume every year for Christmas and she knows just the notes I love. I am girl who is not a fan of floral scents. Instead, I favor Musk, Vanilla, Jasmine, Amber and Sandalwood.

As you can see from the photos below, I have a pretty large array of pefumes. However, I can honestly say I wear every single one of them. I mentioned earlier that I wear a new scent almost daily and I base my scent around what I think I might wear. For instance, if I'm wearing blues or purples, I tend to wear either Calvin Klein Euphoria or Dolce & Gabbana La Roue de Fortune. They're blueish/purple in color and have, what I consider, a heavier scent. I know that sounds silly, but that's what I do. If I'm feeling a little Bohemian or 70s, I reach for Gucci Guilty or Burberry. 

 I don't have a lot to chose from in the summer months. I generally go with Ralph Lauren Romance or Viktor Rolf Flowerbomb. They are very light even though they contain my beloved Jasmine, Sandalwood and Musk. I hope to add Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue to my collection. That scent is the epitome of summer!

 One of my newest scents is Balenciaga Paris. It is a perfect all year round scent. And, it's one I wear when I'm feeling particularly fancy! There's something about the word Paris that makes you feel fancy! Another scent that I adore, but don't wear very often is Hanae Mori. My friend Jennifer always smells amazing and this perfume is one of her favs as well. Or at least it was at the time! Below is a pic of my recent addition to the new bathroom. (Yes, we need to do some touch up to the stripes but overlook that for now.) I felt like some of my bottles were too pretty to be behind closed doors so now I have them on display on the back the commode. And, a great way to add decor and not break the bank!

Lastly, this post would not be complete without talking about my signature scent. I'm not sure if everyone has a signature scent, but they should. You know, that scent you go to for special occasions, when you are feeling especially pretty, when you need a little pick me up or because it's a Tuesday morning. That scent for me is Chanel No. 5. My grandmother gave me a tiny sample when I was just a little girl and it's been the scent I've used for as long as I can remember! These three bottles are on display in my bathroom as well, but I reserved them for a special shelf below my mirror. Actually, the bottle above is my grandmother's! 

According to Wikipedia, so take it for what its worth, "Chanel felt the time was right for the debut of a scent that would epitomize the modern flapper that would speak to the liberated spirit of the 1920s". If that's the case, this scent is who I am in a bottle. A liberated spirit, a modern female and a girl who just loves Chanel!

What about your perfume? Do you have a collection of scents like me or just one that you wear every day because you don't need anything else? Do you buy based on the bottle or the notes attached to the scent? I am one to enter a perfume section, free of lotions and other perfumes, sniff testers until I find something I'm interested in and then spritz away! That's really the only true way you know if something will smell great. If it doesn't mix with your body chemistry, no need to buy it! 

Editors note: Nordstrom is the BEST place to try out perfumes. If you find the one you like, and aren't quite ready to commit, they will provide you with a sample. The simply spray it into a sample atomizer and it's yours to take home! I love that kind of customer service.