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!

Basket of Hearts

Jacket: Banana Republic (similar); Sweater: Talbot's (gift); Pants: 

Ann Taylor (similar/on major sale); Flats: J.Crew;  Tote/Jewelry: Stella & Dot;

 Lip Color: Revlon HD Obsession

 

Obviously yesterday was Valentine's Day, and if you're someone like me, you dress for the day of love! I always have. But yesterday was a little more special. I worked a vendor booth at a wedding expo and it was truly filled with love! Brides and grooms galore. Mothers of the Bride, bridal parties, and even flower girls were in attendance. You couldn't help but feel the love all around!

Remember when I blogged about my Valentine's Day picks? Well my sweet aunt got me the sweater that was on my list! Isn't it the sweetest? And it was the perfect thing to wear to a bridal expo. I mean, it's a basket full of hearts! I did struggle with how to style the sweater. Then I remembered my beloved red pants that I literally lived in for about a year or more. A neutral leather jacket (which was a saving grace from the air that blasted throughout the convention center) and nude flats were the perfect compliments to the bold red and pink. As for my bag, a girl needs an awesome tote when carrying all her belongings and this Stella & Dot version is fabulous!

 

The Pants: Before and After

   

 

How was your Valentine's Day? Was it filled with love and joy? I sure hope it was!

McKinley is off from school today so not sure what the day will bring. I'm hoping something fun will be in the air. Or at least a nap!

Happy Monday!

XOXO

Wednesday Wants - Valentine's Day Finds

As it currently stands, I am a hopeless romantic. I love romantic comedies, Danielle Steele and Nicolas Sparks novels, entire Twilight Saga for obvious reasons, and though I'm not a daily heart wearer, I do love to sport them during February in honor of Valentine's Day! Red is my favorite color, but I've been adding pink to the mix, and this month is the best reason to wear those colors often! And I love adding lips to the mix. A fun print that's a little wink, you know!

However, I've been on the hunt for some extra cute pieces for Valentine's Day and I found some of the most darling things! And I'm sharing them with you. I am especially in love with the Talbot's sweater! It's so sweet!

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When it comes to Valentine's Day, what is typically on your wishlist? Flowers? Chocolate? Diamonds? For this girl, chocolate is always in the list. Sometimes roses because I never get them, but they are entirely too costly for just one day. As for this year, I will take any of the above!

Maybe you should start sharing your wishlist with your special someone now! And, if you're a girl who loves to simply shop for yourself, well you are a girl after my own heart.... 

Happy Wednesday, Lovelies! 

Capeness

Cape: Boden (other colors); T-Neck: French Connection (similar); Jeans: Loft; 

Booties: Sam Edelman (similar); Handbag: MbyMJ (fun option); Shades: Prada; 

Jewels: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

 Sunday was a mama day, and when I say mama day, I mean I got to spend the afternoon with my mama! I was way overdue for an afternoon that was just for me. And when I found out that I was going to get the chance to do mama stuff, I called my mom and filled her in. We met at Town Center and shopped for shoes, bras, and spring pieces for our wardrobes. We then hit Loft for jean shopping! I walked away with new jeans, without holes, yet are casual and chi enough for days at the zoo, farmstead, and other McKinley friendly outings. It was a lovely afternoon.

Speaking of lovely, the weather was lovely as well. I didn't need a coat, but I knew I wanted something with a little coverage. I also knew it was time to break out the cape that I have dubbed Capeness. It's greatness in a cape. It's the perfect weight, the color is gorg and so cheerful, and it's simply classic in design. Dark jeans, a cream t-neck, and leopard booties completed this mama look!

 There are times when I take a mama afternoon and feel guilty while doing so. This time, I didn't! I really enjoyed my time alone, well with the company of my mom. I could shop, browse, and have a conversation without being interrupted and told how much someone doesn't like going to mama stores. You know, sometimes mama's just need a break!

Can you believe we are in February? I feel like this color combo is a nod to the Valentine's Day celebration that's on the horizon! I can't wait to start sharing some of my heart day finds with you! 

Have a great day, Fashionista's!

Home Office Inspiration

Last week I blogged about how I wanted to create a small home office in a very small space in our den. I haven't stopped thinking about it and now I have my mom thinking about it too! She loved the accent wall paint color and the writing desks, her favorite was the one from Target, and is ready to help me tackle the project. Maybe after the first of the year. We could all use a stir-crazy project, right?

In the meantime, I've started looking at the decor of the space. My inspiration is the photo from Home Goods that I found on Instagram. Isn't the space gorgeous? I love the dark navy wall and the punch of colors! So cheery and so chic! And, as it turns out, my parents have an antique yellow cabinet that I've always had my eye on! It would look great and be the perfect place to store catalogs, papers, and other items you don't really want out and about for clutter. One piece down!

As for the chair in my space, I'm thinking something along the lines of an accent chair instead of an actual desk chair. First off, the space isn't really an office, and I think an arm-less chair would be more cohesive with the rest of the decor in the den. The thing I need to keep in mind, is that it needs to be tall enough for me to actually sit comfortably at the desk. If I could find something from an estate sale or antique store and reupholster in the fabrics I posted last week, that would be ideal! If not, I'm loving the ones below.

  

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Now, when looking at the photo and my picks for some pieces I think would be a good fit for me, I know the pink chair looks completely out of place, but I happen to love it! I don't know what's gotten into me as I've gotten older. I've never really been drawn to pink, but this bubble gum piece is darling!

As for the starburst mirrors, I have always wanted one! In my little nook in our living room, just behind our front door, I have this antique wash table with a wooden oval mirror above that. I would love to replace it with a starburst version, but my little office would look perfect with one as well! And, it would be specific to me. Oh, and the little table lamp is so cute! I love the legs. Such a unique piece for such a special space!

What do you think? Is it taking shape in your mind? It is in mine! I honestly think this could be the one place in my house that I can finally call mine! Sure, I've decorated the rest of my house based on my own personal style, but I've always kept my husband in mind. But now, this little area could be all for me!

If you were creating a space like this, what would you use? Would you go with a pink chair or starburst mirror? I think you should! 

Photo courtesy of Home Good's Instagram page!

In-Betweener = Layers

 Sweater: Loft (similar); Top: LC Lauren Conrad (under $20); Jeans: Loft; Sneakers: Converse;

Handbag: MbyMJ (similar); Shades: MbyMJ

It rained off and on last Friday morning so my afternoon activity with McKinley was up in the air. Turns out, the rain moved out and we hit the farmstead....again. It's literally his favorite place in KC. And we seemed to have the whole place to ourselves. However, our afternoon of play was after school, so someone was a little tired, and by someone I mean McKinley. It resulted in a somewhat short trip with a timeout thrown in. Being four is hard!!

Friday was one of those in betweener kind of days. It was kind of cool when the sun went behind the clouds and a breeze kicked up. And then the sun would come out and glare intensely at you. So, I went with layers! Jeans were fine for the entire day, but the sweater was a constant on/off situation. Thank goodness for the cute top that was a staple all day long! 

 

The Top: Before and After

   

  Sweater: Loft (similar); Top: LC Lauren Conrad (under $20); Jeans: Loft; Sneakers: Converse;

Handbag: MbyMJ (similar); Shades: MbyMJ

We had a busy but fun weekend and now it's back Monday. Hope your weekend was great and that your week has started out on a fashionable note!

Mother's Day Lunch Date

Blazer: Zara (similar); Top: Ann Taylor (similar); Pants: JCPenney (similar); 

Sandals: Coclico; Necklaces: The Zoe Collective/Stella & Dot/BaubleBar (similar);

Handbag: MbyMJ; Lip Color: MAC Girl About Town 

On Friday, my mom, McKinley and I headed to the mall. Specifically, Nordstrom's Cafe for lunch to kick off Mother's Day weekend. It was so sweet. The night before, McKinley called my mom to invite her to lunch. He told her where we were going, asked if she could drive, and that if she could pick us up a 5:31. Five, three, one was the exact time he told her. So cute!!

I really wanted to be comfortable, chic, and colorful since all it's done is rain. For days it has rained! I thought this look brought out a cheerful color palette and so did the handful of other women who complimented the look. At least a handful of girls stopped to tell me how much they loved my pants! I think paired with the hot pink blazer, it gave them a more spring-like feel. I have a few other ideas on how to style these pants and can't wait to share them!

 The Pants: Before and After

 

Blazer: Zara (similar); Top: Ann Taylor (similar); Pants: JCPenney (similar); 

Sandals: Coclico; Necklaces: The Zoe Collective/Stella & Dot/BaubleBar (similar);

Handbag: MbyMJ; Lip Color: MAC Girl About Town

It's a day late, but I hope you mamas out there had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! I sure did! It was filled with love, laughter, and some super sweet gifts. 

Happy Monday, Fashionista's!

As always, see something you want? Need it now? Shop the links!!

Grocery Store to Night

Top: JCPenney; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar/on sale); Sandals: Lovely People (similar);

Shades: MbyMJ; Handbag: MbyMJ; Necklace: Rachel Marie Designs

This is what I wore the grocery store last weekend. That's right, the grocery store! A little Sunday run to Target warranted a cute look, no? Slip on a pair of silver heels like these and you can take this look straight into the evening. Okay, I'm not heading out on a Sunday night, but I would totally rock the heels, and this look, any other night of the week!

The Top: Before and After

   

 

Top: JCPenney; Jeans: Ann Taylor (similar/on sale); Sandals: Lovely People (similar);

Shades: MbyMJ; Handbag: MbyMJ; Necklace: Rachel Marie Designs 

 

What are you wearing to the store these days? Let's chat!

 

As always, see something want? Need it now? Shop the links!!

A Flair for the 70s

 Top: Anthropologie; Jeans: Seven for All Man Kind; Wedges: Anthropologie;

Handbag: MbyMJ; Necklaces: Rockbox/BaubleBar; 

Shades: Prada; Earrings/Bracelet: Rachel Marie Designs

The 1970s is one of my favorite eras in fashion. The bell bottoms, the wedges, the fringe, and the long, flowy hair. And because of all of those style elements, it has stood the test of time. We still find that jeans come in flair leg, wedges have been refined but are just as prevalent, and fringe is back with a vengeance! As they say, if it ain't broke...

I love a good flair leg. Hell, I'll take a bell-bottom any day and I have two different pairs in my closet. I've had these for about ten years and I still love them. Remember, because the leg is so dramatic, try to be a little more conservative on top. You don't need overly baggy pieces. A flowy top like this one works, but so does a cute crop top! And make sure that the length goes almost to the ground! There is nothing worse than seeing a bell-bottom that comes to the ankle! It will shorten the appearance of your leg and no one wants that!!

 

 

  

    

I definitely want to pair these jeans with my BB Dakota jacket or my leather perforated tank! Definitely a jean that I'm looking forward to styling all spring and summer long!

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!!