Rebecca Minkoff - It's a Girl Thing

Last Thursday night my mom and I attended an event at Halls Plaza in honor of Rebecca Minkoff called It's a Girl Thing. We had such a great time! We mingled, drank, ate and shopped. Oh, and I met the simply, lovely Rebecca Minkoff! I've been a fan for years, owning only handbags but admiring her entire line, and couldn't wait to get a glimpse of her in real life. She is gorgeous, incredibly chic and so nice! I was star-struck. But we made conversation easily. She told me she loved my bag (I was carrying one of hers), chatted about a sample sale in NY where I purchased my first bag and how she owned the booties I purchased that evening in brown.

 

 

I couldn't stop admiring her! Dressed in head-to-toe black, she screamed sophistication. Clad in a pleated, short leather skirt, simple black tee and adorable floral heels, I wanted everything she was wearing. Including this amazing silver bracelet adorned with chains. I've been searching the internet frequently in hopes of finding it! And like I said earlier, so nice!

 

The event was awesome! There were signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvre, the most adorable handbag cookies, an amazing array of pieces from her collection which was inspired by space, and a huge piece of art designed by a local Kansas City artist that shoppers signed as a thank you to Rebecca. And, I met follow Kansas City blogger, Jana! We "met" on Twitter over our excitement for the event. Love that I actually got to meet her in person.

 

You can see the details of her inspiration within the design. The arm of this coat reflects that of an astronaut suit.

 

This dress is darling! I love the fabric and the mystery behind it. And the low back was a showstopper!

Notice the star outline in the quilting? Almost resembles a rocket ship as well.

 

These cookies were darling and so yummy! And the drink was perfection. Nothing like a little Prosecco and raspberries on a Thursday night!

 

I loved this bootie, until I found the perfect one below! I liked that it wasn't suede throughout, allowing for longer wear. And the gold studs added the right amount of pop!

Every girl needs a cross-body bag in her collection! I love the array of colors and the mass of gold chains!

 

The olive green sandal on the left almost made it's way home with me, but I went for a practical bootie. I can't wear sandals too much longer and I didn't want to have to wait until spring to wear it again! However, it is the perfect neutral with black and white!

 

Leopard, leopard, leopard! I love the tennis shoe! What a great way to wear tennies without looking like you are!

And here we are. She's signing the bootie I purchased!

 LOVE!

The Graffiti Wall was so cool! Here was my message to her.

And last but not least, the booties! They are amazing. I love the textured leather, the ankle strap and the heel height. Perfect with skinnies, skirts, shorts and dresses! Definitely a shoe that I will keep for years! 

 

"XO Rebecca Minkoff"! Right back at ya!

 Thanks to Halls for hosting such an amazing event. Here's to many more!

Stay tuned for what I wore to the event and how I've styled the bootie!
 

 

Rachel Zoe - Spring 2013

Top/Pants: Rachel Zoe; Booties: Steven by Steve Madden; Bag: Badgely Mishka;

Sunnies: Tom Ford: Necklaces: J.Crew/Talbots; Lip Color: MAC Dark Side

 

I am finally wearing my first Rachel Zoe runway look! Yes I have her shoes and bags. But to be wearing something from her collection, to me, is so maj! I've longed for this "suit" since I saw it walk down the runway during her Spring 2013 show! And though it may be a season old, to me, it's seasonless!

 

Here's what I love about these two pieces. Winter white is something that can be worn year round and this, though amazing together, can be paired separately in so many different ways. I honestly can't wait to explore the options! And, this look is timeless. That's what I love about Rachel's designs. She designs for women in a way that makes you feel glamorous, sophosticated, comfortable and one-of-a-kind. And you know that what you've purchased is a true investment. It will stand the test of time.

 

This look is no exception. I thought about how to pair it, taking the time to style it in the manner I thought Rachel would, and I carried myself differently. I felt confident, chic and above all fabulous! Thanks, Rachel!

 

 



 

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson

My Guide to Makeup Brushes - A Beauty Post

I love makeup and everything that goes along with it. I love to test new products, play around with color and I'm always trying different techniques. One of my favorite things to do is set up an appointment at the MAC counter and let the makeup artists play! They are the ones to learn from because they know all the tricks of the trade. Plus, they tell you what colors work best with your complexion, how to apply it based on your features and you walk away with a little diagram of how they did what they did! That is honestly how I've learned to do things with my makeup over the years. That, and a lot of practice!

 From the experts, I've also learned about brushes and the best way to utilize them. I have quite the collection, as you can see, and I truly do use them all. However, I do have what I consider essential brushes and that's what I'm going to share with you today! As you can see, I have a hodgepodge of brushes from different brands. I don't believe you have to invest in all the same manufacturers. I have mostly MAC products, but the white brushes are from the Sonia Kashuk line for Target. And, I literally use this little set of brushes everyday! Everyday!

Listed left to right, you can see what their specific uses are, but I'll give you a little more detail. I generally use the flat allover brush as my highlighter under the brow, but when I'm lazy, I will use it for all over color. Same with the fluff brush on the far end. They both work well, but I don't use the fluff brush for highlight. It grabs too much color.

The brow brush does exactly what it sounds like it does, but I also use it to spread out lashes if they're clumpy. My lid brush is used only on the lid. It grabs a ton of color and I apply from the lash line to the crease. Stop there! I love this blush brush! It's simply the perfect size and adds just the right amount of color.  The crease brush, slightly hidden in the photo is used for the crease only. Just add color and blend throughout the crease. That simple! The concealer brush is multi-functional. I rarely use it for concealer, although it does a great job. I mostly use it to spread on my MAC eye paint. It adds just the right amount of coverage.

Just like any good jewelry box full of accessories, your brushes shouldn't be complete without some of these additional ones below.

 

The flat blush brush is a great tool for cream blushes. And cream blushes are the best thing to use during the summer months. It adds a little reinforcement in your cheek color as the powder will fade with oil. However, the flat brush is great for applying foundation. The experts say you should never use your hands to apply makeup because it adds dirt and oil to your face. I, however don't follow that rule and simply use this brush for blush (I'm such a rebel!) The feather brush is a great highlighting tool. Use this when contouring blush underneath your cheekbones. Or, use it to brush away any access makeup that may have fallen off your eye shadow brushes. 

I used to use black shadow every morning as my eyeliner and I would apply it using the angle tip brush. I have since moved to actual liner, it's richer in tone, but when I want a subtle liner I still reach for the shadow. Lastly, everyone should have a large powder brush. Great for all over the face or applying bronzer.

And you need a darling way to display your brushes, right? I've always had some version of a cup as my container and I love this new addition! I feel so lady like, and a little luxe, when I reach for a brush in this little piece of Paris on my counter!!

Now that you have your brushes, we need to talk about caring for them! Check back tomorrow...