Early Fall Temps = Layers

Jacket: Banana Republic; Sweater: J.Crew (gift/similar); Jeans: LOFT;

Scarf: Target; Boots: Sole Society (c/o); Shades: Prada; Backpack: Coach;

Bracelets: J.Crew/Stella and Dot

I was asked to cover the Chick Event in Park Place as media this past weekend and I jumped at the opportunity to cover it! More to come on the actual event, but what I can tell you now is that it was so fun and so cute!! Saturday was the perfect blend of fall like temps! Cool in the morning and warm by afternoon. And what does this kind of temp call for? Layers! 

I started out with a leather jacket over my sweater and added one of my favorite scarves for accent. I'll be honest, it wasn't long before the jacket was history! These trouser jeans were so comfortable! Perfect for the amount of walking we did! I loved getting my first taste of fall clothing. I just might be ready to make the switch!

 

You know what they say, "these boots are made for walking" and that's just what they were! I am in love with these darling motorcycle boots from Sole Society. I can't wait to sport them all fall long!

Here's hoping your weekend was as great as mine! Fall weekend activities are some of my favorite memories! 

Happy Monday!

XOXO

Laura Geller Beauty - A Beauty Brands Event

Last week I was invited to attend a Beauty Brands event featuring the Laura Geller Beauty line. I love learning about new products, well new to me, so I immediately said yes!  Laura Geller became a renowned make-up artist, having loved beauty anything from an early age, beginning under the bright lights of Broadway and eventually landing on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. There, she opened her eponymous make-up studio in 1993 and went on the launch her own beauty brand on QVC in 2002. 

She is renowned for her Baked products, which continue to differentiate the brand from other traditional powders on the market today. Each Baked product begins as swirls of liquid pigments that are baked for 24 hours on terracotta tiles, then hand-finished in Italy. The resulting creamy powder feels weightless on the skin. Without additional binders, the colors are more vibrant, delivering better coverage with less product.

Because I'm a sucker for anything beauty as well, I sat down for a little make-up refresher session with one of Beauty Brands local managers and makeup artists. She informed me of the lines use of natural products and that the pigmentation was so rich yet so light on the skin. And because I'm always in the market for something new, I purchased a blush and lip gloss that I've used all weekend!

 

The line at Beauty Brands is pretty extensive, as you can see from the display. Beauty Brands offers thousands of salon brand products online and in-store, plus a complete, full-service salon and spa. They are your place to come, play, and relax.

 I couldn't get over the little swag bag we received for attending the event. The invitation was gift enough, but I am over-the-moon with the products! I've already used the Sandy Lagoon shadow and the colors are so rich and intense.

 

If you haven't checked out Laura Geller before, you should! And check out all the local metro Beauty Brands for the Laura Geller products they offer, as well as all other products and services. As Laura Geller states, "We are beautiful when we are happy" and nothing makes this girl happier than pampering myself!

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!

Dream to Reality - Attending Fashion Week

I don't believe this is new information, but one of my personal goals is to attend New York Fashion Week. It's an invite that's nearly impossible for a blogger like me to obtain, but I will continue to strive toward my dream.

Today, I am happy to announce that last Friday I received an email from the Director of Media for Kansas City Fashion Week asking me if I would be interested in attending our local fashion week as media! That's right, I get to attend KCFW, go behind the scenes to all the events, take photos, meet other bloggers (and possibly designers), and cover it for my blog!! I am so honored to be asked and so excited for the opportunity. I can't wait to meet other bloggers, which I think is so important in feeling involved in the community and to help mentor each other for blogging growth. To possibly meet some of the designers and see their visions come to life is incredible. And, I'm definitely ready to take on a new challenge with my photography and writing skills.

It all started with a Kick Off at Standard Style last night, a local boutique in town that is known for edgy, trendy, and designer clothing. Signature drinks serving up Kansas Clear Whiskey (the Kansas Twister was amazing), a meet and greet with Laura Kathleen from Project Runway that turned into an amazing conversation about fashion and design, which led to a fitting session! I purchased the pants and my sweet mom purchased the capelet. All coming at the end of summer!! 

Here are some photos from the Kick Off!

    

So good! Would love to recreate this at home!

Here are some of the incredible pieces from Laura Kathleen's line. She has a studio out of St. Louis, but all pieces are made in Brooklyn!

Yes, those are people within the fabric. So cool!

A python print jumpsuit that every girl needs in her closet!

A neoprene and canvas capelet is a must!

Did I mention this is coming my way as well....

 

 

Even my mom got in on the action!

 A post is coming about my look! I have been working all week on my wardrobe and it's been a huge challenge! I want to look trendy, classic, chic, and still remain true to my fashion esthetic. But at the same time, this is the time to take fashion risks! Here's hoping what I've put together are winners! In total, I will have four looks, each one as involved as the next!

Next week will be dedicated to the shows, the events, a behind the scenes look, my looks, and how to take runway to real life. It's going to be packed full of exciting things! I really hope you check back next week and relive the journey with me! 

Happy Friday Everyone! And cheers to KCFW!
XOXO