Look What I Got!

Okay...so I don't look like one of the Olsen twins...but I have always wanted a pair of Hunter boots...I just think they are so cool looking!  I just got a pair in black...and I love them!  Super comfortable and flat, they are perfect for the rain and snow, which we get a lot of in Cleveland.  Available in a ton of cool vibrant colors, each is made in Scotland by hand!  Worn by royalty, celebs and farmers...how cool is that! 

Buxom

I love the whole Bare Escentuals line of makeup...but my favorite items are the lip products...all of them! My newest favorites are the Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Balms. Available in 5 sheer and wearable colors, they feel so soft and nourishing on my lips.   I got the Portofino (a sheer plummy wine) and the Boro Boro (a sheery cherry red).  I love the smell, a light vanilla-ish, and the pretty glimpse of color.  I am sure I will be getting one in every color!  Only $15...exclusively at Sephora.

Pixi

I have been using Bare Minerals liner shadows for the past few years because I don't like the way eye pencils tug on my eyelids.  But, the Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen is totally different.  Silky smooth...it literally glides onto my eye lid in a single sweep motion and stays put all day.  It has an intense look like a liquid liner as well...rich and vibrant.   Available in some pretty fabulous colors...I got the black blue (a gorgeous rich indigo  color), the black cocoa (a dark rich espresso), and the deep plum (a pretty deep plum).  Available online at Pixi Beauty or at any Target store.

Skinny Minny

Okay...so I swore I would never get a skinny jean...but I have been trying to fit my boot leg jeans inside my knee high boots, and they just didn't look right.  So, I broke down and bought a pair of denim leggings by Jolt.  They are called the "Pick me Up" and are supposed to give your butt a lift.  They are also called leggings, but I swear you would never know that they weren't jeans.  They look JUST like jeans, only as comfortable as leggings!  No zipper, just one button...they just pull on.  Plus, they are so to move around in.  I will NEVER wear them with flats (I just can't work that look), but with high boots they are fantastic.  And, I swear to God...every time I have worn them...everyone tells me how skinny I look.  So...that alone has been worth the price of them.  Which, incidentally, was only $39!  Available in indigo, black (I got this color!) and dark gray.

True Shimmer

I wear lip balm all the time...especially in the summer when my lips feel extra dry. My latest favorites are the True Shimmers from ChapStick. ChapStick has been around forever...I used them as a kid. But, these new balms have been updated for easy summertime beauty. The moisturizing benefits of ChapStick for the protection my lips need, with the added bonus of a subtle shimmer. Subtle enough that my 8 year old can wear them, and perfect for me to throw on poolside to keep myself looking fabulous!! Plus, they are available in 4 fantastic flavors...Tropical, Botanical Berry, Peppermint Rush and Fruit Sherbert. Only $2.79! Cheap enough to buy all four and keep in all your beach totes, car, make up bags.

Look What I Got--Jennifer Burkin Handbag

I am feeling very Spring-like...even though it is still months away! But, I saw this beautiful colorful handbag by Jennifer Burkin and just had to get it! Big and roomy, it easily accomodates all of my junk and keeps me looking fashionable! I love the interesting pink and purple fabric contrasted with the dark blue...very mod! Looks great with jeans or a pretty dress. Plus, it was only $40. Get your own HERE.

Tubing

I tried "tube" mascara last summer (see my previous post here), and really loved the effect of the black tubes on my eyes, however, I didn't like the hefty price tag. L'Oreal has just come out with their own version of tube mascara and I am happy to report that it works just as well as the more expensive brand...except at 1/2 of the price! Double Extend Beauty Tubes from L'Oreal is a two-step process. One side of the product contains a nourishing base coat...a white primer that is supposed to protect, nourish and strengthen the lashes. While I am not sure that it actually does that...it does make your lashes look thicker so I guess I don't mind the puffery. The second step is the tube top coat. It goes on just like regular mascara, however, as the mascara sets, it envelops the lashes in small tubes that act like lash-lengthing extensions. Not only did my lashes look long and full, but the tubes don't smudge, run, or flake. In fact, they didn't come off in the shower until I applied some mild pressure on my eyes with a warm washcloth...then the mascara came off in little tubes in my hand. So cool. Available at any local drugstore, grocery store or Target.

Look What I Got!!

I love my scarves and neck wraps during the cold weather. This week has been unseasonably warm, but we did have a few cold days last week and I got to wear my new chocolate capelet by Ellita's Flying Snail! Made from 100% soft wool, and accented with a beautiful rainbow of colors, it was the only accessory I needed to top my brown wrap dress. I swear...every person I passed in my office stopped to admire my capelet. I wore it loose around my shoulders that day, but it can easily be button closer to the neck for a more snug look. This is my fifth neck wrap from Ellita...and I am sure it won't be my last! Check HERE to get your own.

The Look of Now

I love the smoky eye look and Bare Escentials came out with a fabulous Wild Spirit set (I got mine at Sephora, but it is available at Bare Escentials as well) that does it to perfection! A gorgeous collection of royal grays, lavenders and plums, this is an easy to do (really!) sophisticated look. I started with a light sweep of the metallic lavender eyecolor from lids to brows, then used the plush purple eyecolor in the creaseline and under the eye. I finished with the smoky sequins liner shadow, with a wet brush, along the upper and lower lash line, and then used a dry brush to smudge it up a bit. I did a pale lip...the mini Jessica buxom lip polish was perfect...and the focus was all on the eyes! My husband loved the look and so did I. And, it only took about 5 minutes to do! (Okay...I put on tons of black mascara to really amp up the look which added another 5 minutes...but still...pretty quick!). Only $34.

Vincent Longo

I did some beauty shopping at Sephora this week and I got the Sexy Things 6 piece kit from Vincent Longo. The Soul eye trio (Pax, Sex, Lux) is great...subtle shimmery color in warm Fall colors. The eyeliner is fantastic, one side is a coppery brown, the other a mossy green, both make my green eyes sparkle! The small mascara is okay, good for throwing in a small cosmetic bag, but I will stick with my Diorshow mascara for daily use. The lip stain and gloss are beautiful...the lip stain gives a perfect sheer browish-red wash of color that doesn't stain your lips as promised, but does give a natural and smooth look. The Bronzella gloss, GORGEOUS, was a perfect top coat of shimmery color. My favorite item in the kit is the water canvas blush, a natural sheer color that goes on wet and easily blends for a beautiful glow. I love that it doesn't dry right away, so you can effortlessly layer the color without looking like a clown. A $148 value for only $58. Only at Sephora.

Look What I Got--Flameworks!

Do you have a signature scent? I do...I have been wearing some sort of vanilla since I was in high school (I am allergic to perfumey scents!). For the past 10 years or so, I have been using Comptor Sud Vanilla Abricot...a delicious sweet smell that reminds me of bakeries and candy stores. I get stopped all the time by people, men, women and children, asking what "that smell is." The downside...very expensive! I was totally thrilled to find FlameWorks, a fabulous Etsy shop that sells soap, body lotion, lip balm, body mist spray, even deodorant (!), in this absolutely devine fresh fruity fragrance. I have every item...and I love them all. The scent lasts the entire day and I smell as good in the evening as I did when I walked out the house in the morning! The deodorant is one of my favorite products...all natural vegan ingredients and...it actually works! Check out the entire product range HERE including other scents like Lemon Sugar, Pink Sugar, Brown Sugar & Fig....YUM!!

Look What I Got!--BB Dakota

I bought these two really cool items while in Chicago from BB Dakota. Edgy urban clothing at really really affordable price points! The jacket, a warm fleece in a wear-with-all navy, was under $70! The cool maxi dress seen above...under $50! I love the the cool, modern boho look of the dress. I will wear it with flip flop sandals and some long funky earrings (which I am going to make today!) for an easy day look. Check out their entire collection HERE and find a retailer near you!

Lip Luxury

I am obsessed with lip balm since it seems my lips are dry no matter what time of the year it is! The lip balms by Flameworks are now my lip balm of choice. Available in 9 yummy flavors, they are all natural and feel so amazing on my lips. There is entirely no waxy feel to it...it just slides on. Seriously...I have 4 of them and keep them near me at all times. One in my office, one in my car (although will have to change since that one started to melt with the 90 degree heat this weekend!), one next to my bed, and one in my purse every day. I got the sweet flavors (tiramisu, creme brulee, sugar kisses and chocolate) and they are every bit as delicious as they sound! Only $5.25 for 2!!!

Circles, Dots, Rounds, Spheres and Squares. Oh My!

TQB Designs is one of my favorite designers on Etsy (see my previous post HERE) and designer Lisa has recently launched her new collection featuring squares! The Cote d Azur necklace featured above has six of these beauties, in gorgeous, wear with anything colors, wrapped up in an oxidized sterling silver frame. Truly fabulous! Her entire collection is incredibly beautiful and versatile and have quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. In fact, I already own 13 of her pieces! Below are some pictures of me wearing some of the pieces. The first picture was in Boston two weeks ago (the feather necklace), the second from my trip to the Disney Animal Kingdom last week (the orbital earrings and the petal dot necklace) and the third at Disney Hollywood Studios last week (the three dot necklace and the petal drop earrings.)

Look What I Got!--Fringe

The urban prairie cowl by Fringe, in bold vibrant coral, instantly updated and elevated my otherwise neutral outfit of jeans and a jacket while I was in Boston last weekend (yep...that is me on the side there!). Handknit by Fringe and then accented with an ultra feminine floral ribbon, this was the perfect accessory for my weekend jaunt with the kids. The month of May is tricky...the weather goes from warm to chilly in a minute...but this cowl kept me warm and cozy, while still looking fashionable and funky. Much easier to pack than a heavy jacket! Also available in a pretty moss green, this is a must have accessory for the Spring! Only $54! Check out more styles HERE.

Look What I Got!!

I just got these three amazing tees by AHPeele, a fabulous shop on etsy that creates beautiful, edgy, and totally cool art tees. The husband and wife duo design and print all of the the clothing, taking much of their inspiration from traditional Japanese themes, Tokyo style, nature, street art, and life. Ridiculously soft and extremely figure flattering, I have been wearing them non-stop! They are fantastic!! Prices start at only $28, and right now, they are having one of their awesomes special deals...buy 2 and get 1 free!! Trust me...you will love these shirts. I am already deciding on which 2 more I want to get!!

Look What I Got!--Robin's Egg Pink

Designed to evoke the effortless grace and style of high-quality European clothing, Robin’s Egg Pink is a fabulous line of women's and children's wear that is perfect for a Sunday brunch or just an everyday romp! I got the beautiful tea jacket pictured above in a gorgeous sunny tangerine color, but there are several other fantastic colors available as well! (BTW...that is NOT me in the photo above...that is the shop's model!!). Perfect for the Spring! Lightweight and unstructured, I wore it with a pair of denim trousers and a white linen t-shirt for an elegant and fun look. There is a matching little jacket available for children which would be so cute for a family picture! Only $55, this jacket is an affordable luxury!!

Wrap Me Up!

Garnet Hill has an amazing selection of cashmere sweaters, and for the Spring, they offer a fabulous selection of tissue cashmere. Ultra lightweight and ultra soft, they are the perfect layering and transitional piece. It gives just the right amount of warmth without any bulk. Available in several styles with over 15 colors to choose from, I got the three-quarter sleeve cashmere cardigan (see below) in geranium, a gorgeous hot pink!!

Look What I Got!

Cozy and chic, this scarflett by Haute Hooked Designs has my favorite combination of colors (orange and blue) and a heavy dose of texture with the ultra soft chenille and the wispy bits of ribbon and yarn. Plus, the gorgeous orange flower has a fantastic center brooch for a dash of romantic charm. This makes a great alternative to a necklace and I have been wearing it often when my fleece jacket and jeans is just too casual for fancy jewelry! Get your own HERE.

Look What I Got!

Oohh!! I loved Etsy's front page last night! The gray and red theme is fabulous! One of my favorites is the City Streets Cable hat (top right corner) by Prairie Dog. It would add a cool edgy look to my black winter coat! And, the red flower is a lovely feminine touch! And, I love the grey Poppy Wheel Pendant by Tina Rice (middle center). I already own a pair of her earrings (see below) and they are an everyday favorite of mine. Handcrafted from copper and then kiln-fired with an enamel glaze, they hang from oxidized sterling silver earwires and are very urban and chic!