Friday Beauty - Pretty in Pinks

It's been a while since I've blogged about anything beauty. To be perfectly honest, I haven't really done anything super beautiful around here lately. I rarely wear makeup anymore, I hardly get the chance to paint my nails, and I only wear lipstick when taking blog photos. I'm a fraud. A sham. But I've never claimed to be a beauty expert. I just simply blog about the things I've tried, dislike, and truly love.

So when I opened the recent Sandra Lee magazine, a magazine I purchase monthly, and saw their Blooming Beauty spread, I was inspired! It's all about pretty little pink cosmetics to try and I want to try them all! Then it got me thinking about the pinks that I use often in the spring and summer, so I created a little college of all things pink! Read on....

I love MAC lipsticks and one of my favorite spring colors is Girl About Town (upper left corner). It's actually the first bright pink I ever purchased and I never looked back! And if I'm wearing it on my lips, I should probably wear it on my nails! Girl About Town comes in a nail lacquer and I'm so excited!! But I'm loving Show Orchid (bottom right corner) that was featured in Sandra Lee. It verges on purple, but it's simply lovely! Lastly, I really want to try their Playland Casual Colour in Young At Heart. It's a lip and cheek color in one, which is definitely a must-have for your handbag cosmetics! Nothing like a multipurpose touch up in a cute little tub!

When I get to polish my nails, I gravitate toward pinks for spring. Essie is a go-to and Cascade Cool is new for spring (bottom left corner), one I love wearing for a subtle hint of color. For a big pop of color, I'm loving the new Love Sheen from their Silk Watercolors collection (upper right corner). 

I'm a huge Clinique fan. As you all know, I swear by their 3-Step cleansing program and I frequently wear their cosmetics. They now have a cheek contouring palette that I would love to play with. I'm not sure how to contour, so I'm thinking I need a tutorial, and I'm totally up for the challenge. And those cute little pods are dual-sided lip treats that have a sugar-smoothing scrub on one side and a tinted moisturizing balm on the other. And the Pink Framboise is gorgeous!

Actually, all these shades of pink are gorgeous and there is no way you won't be pretty in pink. Side note: Did you know that this year is the 30th anniversary of Pretty in Pink? One of the best 80s movies, in my opinion, and who didn't love Duckie Dale!?! 

Okay, I digress. Are any of these hues going to be on your spring and summer makeup radar? I know they are on mine! Seriously, I can't wait to test out some of these products and report back. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it right?

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Holiday Girl's Night

 Jacket: H&M (similar); Tank: Target; Shorts: Zara (similar); Tights: We Love Colors;

Booties: Marc Fisher (c/o/similar); Necklaces: Ann Taylor/Tori Spelling (similar);

Belt: ASOS; Shades: MbyMJ; Lip Color: Chanel (c/o People Style Watch)

Monday night was our annual Holiday Girl's Night Out! For the past three years, my girlfriends and I go out to dinner to just simply hang out before the holidays take over and we don't see each other until after the first of the new year. We gabbed over pasta and wine and it was delightful!

Prior to the night out, I spent the day playing excavators with my son inside and out in the sandbox. For a winter afternoon, it was just warm enough to play outside for about 45 minutes. Prior to this getup, I was in boyfriend jeans and a fisherman's sweater. What a difference faux leather shorts make, huh?

And let's talk about this jacket for a minute. I picked this up at H&M for $10 on clearance! That's right, $10! Yet another point to my whole "you can afford to shop" post. It's a great fuzzy fleece piece that is warm and comforting. Just what a girl needs when in the warmth of girlfriends!

The Shorts: Before and After

 

 

 What are the pieces you're wearing this holiday season? Apparently, I'm very into black and leather (real or faux). Let's see what else I style up for all the other festivities we have planned! And to see if I can break out of my black phase!

Fluffy Sweater, Python Scarf, and One Amazing Hat

Sweater: H&M (similar); Boyfriend Jeans: LOFT (similar/on sale); Boots: Frye (similar);

 Scarf: Target (similar); Hat: Sole Society (c/o); Bracelet: Stella & Dot

A rainy fall day calls for a fluffy sweater, python scarf, tall boots, and one amazing hat! If you love hats, and need a super chic one for fall, then go grab this one NOW from Sole Society!

The sweater was a last season H&M find for under $20 and it's still on trend! It's so soft that at times I'm tempted to use it as a blanket! Because there is so much volume to the sweater, I went with a straighter leg jean. Tall boots keep the long line going. The python scarf adds some additional texture to the look. And the hat, well it simply had to be worn!

The Scarf: Before and After

   

 

 

I hate that summer has moved on, but I love FALLing in love with my fall wardrobe again! And, being challenged with how to make it more casual is going to be a fun task!

Out the Door

Top: Piperlime; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar); Booties: Ann Taylor (similar);

 Shades: Ann Taylor (similar); Bracelets: Silpada/Millsaps/Banana Republic; 

Earrings: BaublesbyAndrea via Etsy; Lip Color: MAC Amorous

I met a girlfriend for lunch last week and it was the first time in a few weeks that I got dressed up. It's amazing how my wardrobe has changed, and though I'm trying to embrace it, I miss the other half of my wardrobe. 

It's been a while since I've worn this top, but when I do, I feel uber chic! I threw on my favorite boyfriend jeans, some perforated booties, and bronze aviators and I was out the door!

The Top: Before and After

 

Totally Neutral and Au Naturel

Top: Anthropologie (similar); Shorts: LOFT Outlet (similar); 

Sandals: Sam & Libby for Target (similar); Handbag: Kate Spade (similar); 

Necklace: BaubleBar (similar); Bangles: Ralph Lauren;

Lip Crayon: Laura Geller Beauty Watermelon Cooler

I have truly loved exploring my more casual side, as well as my au naturel side. I used to think that I wasn't complete unless I wore full on makeup on a daily basis, and to be honest, my vain side still agrees with that. On the other hand, my new routine of mascara, bronzer, and lip gloss has been super easy and not too shabby in the looks department. (Don't tell me if you think otherwise!)

I am also loving these shorts. They are so neutral that I can really pair them with so many things. And, I love how sweet and feminine they are. This neutral and natural look could be my new thing!

The Shorts: Before and After

Raining on Sunday

Jacket: Ann Taylor; Top: Ann Taylor; Jeans: LOFT; Wedges: c/o Sole Society;

Scarf: Anthropologie; Sunnies: MARC by Marc Jacobs

 

Anyone out there familiar with the Keith Urban song of the same title? If so, are you familiar with the steamy video? Well my Sunday was nothing like that! It started out with playing cars and trucks, followed by a trip to Lowe's, lunch at Applebee's and grocery shopping at Target!

 

It rained off and on all morning, and was a little cool when we left the house, so I reached for an old friend that I haven't worn in a while. This pale pink jacket really complimented the gray jeans. Remember the gray jeans I blogged about last week? This is them and I love them! Actually, this was day two of wearing them over the weekend! I really love how this look came together with the addition of an infinity scarf and black wedges! Rainy Sunday's can be cute!

 

 

 

 

 



A Hint of Blush

Jacket (part of suit): Ann Taylor; Top: Piperlime; Jeans: Ann Taylor;

Shoes: Ivanka Trump via Piperlime; Bracelets: Baublebar/J.Crew;

Watch: Emporio Armani;Earrings: Gorjana; Sunnies: Tom Ford

 

I have been waiting for the perfect weather day to wear this leather top and last Thursday was finally that perfect day! There are so many things I love about this top. The blush tone, the slouchy yet fitted cut, the scalloped neckline, the tiny bow and full length exposed zipper in the back! Oh, and I love that it would be perfect for an evening out.

 

Since I was spending the day in the office, I thought it only appropriate to throw on a blazer. I'm not opposed to sleeveless at the office, but there was just something about the cut that lent itself to a blazer. After work, that blazer was a thing of the past!

 

Investment Tip: Invest in a suit and use the pieces together or individually. It truly is the best bang for your buck. A black suit is essential, but a white suit for summer screams chic! See all the way's I've worn mine: 1/2/3/4/5.

 

 

  

Oh, I did I forget to mention my super hot shoes? I did? Well, check them out! That Ivanka Trump knows how to style a womans foot!



  



 

Happy Friday Everyone! Have a great weekend! MUAH!

 

How I Styled It - DIY Embellished Sweatshirt

Sweatshirt: Target; T-Shirt: Target; Jeans: LOFT; 

Tennies: Converse One Star via Target (various colors);

 Sunnies: Kate Spade via Rue La La

If you read yesterday's post then you know I made this sweatshirt! Okay, I didn't make the actual sweatshirt, but I did create (and apply) the pattern on the shoulders. A new trend in fashion is the embellished shoulder sweatshirt. A little 80s, in retrospect, and it might be a huge reason why I've gravitated toward them. My original inspiration is now sold out but it resembles this one from ASOS (also no longer available). See, the trend is that big!!

I decided to go with a peach sweatshirt because it's a great neutral. I got this one at Target. Again, a little 80s in cut but still stylish! And comfy! To keep the look laid back, I added my beloved boyfriend jeans and Converse sneakers. I don't consider these true tennis shoes as I would never wear them to the gym. A great substitute for flats! I love this low key look!

So what do you think? Have I convinced you to try the trend? And, would you just buy a sweatshirt or take the time to make your own? Personally, I can't wait to wear it all spring long!