Friday, March 30, 2012

Walk the Line


Being a girly girl, I naturally gravitate towards dressy looks...so sometimes I "forget" to post more casual outfits here on the blog.  And most of the time, when I do dress down, I try to find ways to feminize the look.  Adding lace with pastel accents to a cargo jacket & boyfriend jeans makes comfortable weekend wear just a little extra special (and still totally me).




What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 lace top (similar), Gap shirt (here), H&M jacket (similar) and belt (similar), ELLE jeans, MRKT wedges, Forever 21 necklace, Bracelets: Banana Republic/DIY, J. Crew & ASOS (in white here & silver here), Dockers aviators (on sale here)
35 comments

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Forever 21 Finds

Several of you have asked me recently for tips when shopping at the mega-store Forever 21.  I know how daunting it can be to walk into a store this size with tons of merchandise & try to figure out where to begin!  My "rule" is that I only go when I am by myself (with no kids in tow) and when I have at least an hour or more to spend looking through racks.  I also always ask for a shopping bag right when I walk in...because I undoubtedly will end up with two armfuls of clothes that I'm struggling to carry to the fitting room. 

It's no secret that some of their things are not the highest quality, but there are gems to be found if you take your time.  Pay close attention to stitching at the seams & the lining.  Obviously, fit is very important...but if you find something you love, you can have it altered or swap out the buttons to make it look more expensive.  And you can always forgo the trip to the mall altogether & order online - purchases of $50 or more get free shipping + you can return items that don't work through the mail for a full refund...which you cannot do in store.  In addition to the picks below, I also love this dress & could probably do another entire post on their jewelry alone!

Layered Strip Belt - $6.80
Polka Dot Fringe Scarf - $9.80 (also in peach & taupe)
Colorblock Trim Floppy Hat - $12.80 (also in hot pink & turquoise)
Twist Lock Crossbody Bag - $19.80
Love 21 Cutaway Jacket - $29.80 (also in green)
Belted Trench Vest - $27.80
Open Knit Cable Sweater - $19.80
Ikat Print Button Up Blouse - $17.80
 Pintuck Front Blouse - $19.80
Ditsy Bird Skirt - $19.80
Twill Surplus Jacket - $34.80
Sketched Floral Skirt - $17.80
20 comments

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lemon Drop


Sometimes the easiest thing to do when you're not sure what to wear is to just throw on a simple dress with a statement necklace & bright clutch.  I love the easy shape of this classic shift...plus the interesting details & bright/neutral colorblocking had me sold.




What I'm wearing:
New York & Company dress (sold out online, check your local stores), J. Crew necklace (via eBay), Boutique 9 heels, ASOS clutch, Target sunnies
48 comments

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Stack It Up

Now that we aren't wearing winter's bulky sweaters, coats & gloves...it's a great time to stock up on bracelets & add to your stack!  All the options below are affordably priced and I've included varying styles, so there's something for everyone...because who doesn't love a good arm party?!  (Click on each collage to enlarge & see more detail.)

Miss Selfridge Brown Leather Cuff - $18.00
Austin Caramel Wrap Bracelet - $9.00
TopShop Studded Fabric Bracelet - $28.00
Anna & Ava Leather Wrap Bracelet - $30.00

BaubleBar Polka Bangle - $26.00
Tinley Road Enamel Bangle - $26.00
TopShop Square Metal Clamp Bracelet - $28.00
Target Natural Horn & Brass Bangle - $19.99

TopShop Funnel Stretch Bracelet - $20.00
Blu Bijoux Link Bracelet - $22.50
Accessorize Mixed Chain Clasp Bracelet - $14.00
Pieces Gyppa Bracelet - $16.11

Pieces Gova Friendship Bracelet - $10.74
BaubleBar Fishtail Drawcord Bracelet - $22.00
French Connection Chunky Friendship Bracelet - $17.01
Accessorize Fluro Rainbow Friendship Bracelet - $14.00
Juicy Couture Pave Friendship Bracelet - $32.00
Accessorize Neon Crystal Friendship Bracelet - $16.00
Sabine Rhinestone & Rope Toggle Bracelet - $18.00
BaubleBar Fishtail Drawcord Bracelet - $22.00
Accessorize Wrapped Studded Cuff - $10.00
22 comments

Monday, March 26, 2012

Full Bloom


As I've mentioned before, I wasn't sure about the floral trend at first, but after putting together the collage for this post, I kept going back to the Zara blouse.  So, as soon as I had earned enough eBay money, I pulled the trigger.  The colors of the print combined with the sheerness of the blouse feel so fresh, feminine and perfect for spring.  I only wish we'd had sunshine instead of gray skies & a steady drizzle when taking these pictures!




What I'm wearing:
Zara blouse (here), Gap trousers (similar on sale here), ELLE pumps, ASOS clutch (here), J. Crew & vintage bracelets, Style & Co. watch
60 comments

Friday, March 23, 2012

Tailored Turquoise


Remember earlier this winter when I introduced you to eShakti?  Well they just released their Spring 2012 Collection and contacted me to review an item from their store.  I was so pleased with the blouse I received last time (here), but I wanted to try out their "custom size" offering.  So, I chose the piece I wanted, provided them with my exact measurements and specified the length I preferred.  Just as promised, when this skirt arrived...it fit like a glove!  Head over & take a look at their new line...if you have never shopped with them before, you can register & get $20 off your first order!





What I'm wearing:
Willi Smith blouse (via TJ Maxx), eShakti skirt (here), Mossimo sandals (here), Ann Taylor necklace (sold out online, check your local stores)

Disclosure: eShakti sent the skirt free of charge for me to review.  I was not paid for this post and all opinions expressed here are my own.
37 comments

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Ask PPF: My Makeup ~ Part 2


As promised, I am finishing up my series about how I do my makeup (see part one here)...this time, I'll be sharing with you how I do my eyes.  Obviously, this can vary - sometimes I'm in the mood for a cat eye or smokey eye, but I'll be focusing on my "everyday" regime in this post & the products I use to acheive a defined, but natural look.

SHADOW
After my concealer is applied & set with translucent powder, I apply a neutral eyeshadow to my lids only, blending upwards.  Then I use a shimmery vanilla shade to highlight under my browbone & the inner corners of my eyes.

LINE
Next, I use my eyelash curler to curl my lashes (I hold it in place for about 15 seconds).  Then I apply a chocolate brown pencil (it contrasts better with my blue eyes & is less harsh for daytime than black) to the top & bottom lash lines...because my eyes are small & round, I like to slightly wing my liner out at the corners of the eyes to create a more doe-like effect.  I use the sponge side of the pencil to smudge the liner, slightly diffusing the line (this helps soften the look).  If I am sleep-deprived or need a little extra pick-me-up, sometimes I line the inside rim of my lower lids with a nude eye pencil.  Before I move onto my lashes, I use an eyebrow pencil & gel to fill in & define my brows.

DEFINE
I curl my lashes a second time before applying 1 coat of volumizing mascara.  I am crazy about perfectly defined lashes, so I use tweezers & a tiny wire tool that I created to separate them & ensure even distribution of product.  Because I have incredibly straight/stubborn lashes, after the first coat of mascara has set (I usually wait 10-15 minutes), I very carefully & lightly curl my lashes a third time & apply a finishing coat of lengthening mascara to both the top & bottom lashes.  I have tried so many different products & techniques over the years, but I've found that this combination of the 2 different formulas works the best for me.

Hopefully this answers the rest of the questions I've been getting about my makeup.  Please let me know if you are interested in a smokey eye tutorial or if there are any other makeup-specific posts that would be helpful to see - I love hearing your feedback!
11 comments

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

In the Navy Now


I have been searching for a navy blazer forever...so when I found this affordable option at my local H&M, I snatched it up on the spot!  I love the classic cut & style and have found it to be one of the most versatile blazers I own.  Because it is jersey, it feels slightly more casual (not to mention comfortable), so I've been wearing it non-stop lately ~ with boyfriend jeans & a plain white tee, with a bright yellow top & white trousers...but this is my new favorite combination: with bold kelly green pants.




What I'm wearing:
H&M blazer (here - also comes in pink & black/white striped), Zara top, Vince Camuto pants (on sale here - comes in petite too), BCBG pumps (similar on sale here), Michael Kors watch, Zara clutch, Dockers aviators, Revlon Siren, Lips: Revlon Colorburst Coral
47 comments

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Steals Under $30

For this edition of SUT, I decided to go with a more casual outfit...ideal for running errands or a day of shopping.  These pieces are all versatile closet staples that would be easy to rework in different ways...and this particular look is the perfect mix of some of my favorite things: brights, stripes + florals!

(click to enlarge photo)

H&M Pants - $24.95
20 comments

Monday, March 19, 2012

Day Glow


I found this skirt on eBay last summer and fell in love with the graphic print, so I bought it...but when it arrived, it was way too small for me.  I kept it for about a month, thinking maybe I could "shrink" into it (we've all been there)...then came to my senses & sold it to someone else.  But, I kept thinking about it & how much I wished I could find this style again.  So, I started searching eBay listings in January, checking every week & just hoping against hope that it would somehow pop up.  And then it did - but this time, it was in the right size and for just $15!  It further confirmed my belief in persistence when hunting for a bargain. J 





What I'm wearing:
J. Crew blouse (here - found mine on eBay for half price!), White House Black Market skirt (via eBay), Nina booties (but these would have looked so much better), ASOS clutch, Michael Kors watch, Target sunnies, Lips: Revlon Colorburst Coral
41 comments

Friday, March 16, 2012

Sandal Season

Now that spring is finally here, I am so thrilled to be packing up my tights & pulling out my open-toed shoes.  If you're like me and have a couple pairs of sandals that need to be replaced due to wear/age OR if you're just looking to expand your collection, here are some options that are perfectly versatile & affordable (nothing over $70)!

High-heel

Wedge


Flat
25 comments

Thursday, March 15, 2012

4 Ways to Wear: Chambray Shirt

This month's edition of 4WTW was suggested by a reader - thanks Crystal! (see last month's post here).  Since this is such a versatile piece, it was really hard to choose, but I finally decided on four of my favorites - if you want to see how I layered this piece for winter, check out the posts here and here.  Head over to my Facebook page for more photos from this shoot & let me know in the comments below which look is your favorite!



What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 shirt (similar splurge or save), Mossimo jeans (here), Colin Stuart boots (via eBay), Banana Republic scarf, Zara clutch, Michael Kors watch, Bracelets: Vintage, J. Crew, Fossil

What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 shirt (similar splurge or save), LOFT skirt (sold out online; check your local stores), Mossimo sandals (here), Forever 21 & J. Crew necklaces, The Limited clutch


What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 shirt (similar splurge or save), Zara jacket (via eBay), Jodi Arnold for The Limited shorts, Vintage scarf, ALDO booties (on sale here) & satchel, Target earrings, Fossil watch


What I'm wearing:
Forever 21 shirt (similar splurge or save), H&M blazer, Ann Taylor skirt (on sale here), Boutique 9 sandals, ASOS clutch (here), J. Crew Factory necklace
41 comments

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Color Correction

Unless you were blessed with flawless skin, you probably have some areas that need concealing.  Especially as we age, brown spots from sun exposure, acne scars & dark circles can become more visible.  Instead of piling on the makeup (resulting in an unnatural look), try "correcting" the problem by using a colored concealer to balance your skin tone.  I recently discovered a pink-tinted cream that I started using under my eyes & the results have been remarkable!  So I thought I'd share with you a guide to trying this technique & some products to help even out typical skin discolorations:

Green - erases redness (use on breakouts, broken blood vessels & around the nose)
Pink - cancels out blue (try on dark undereye circles, if yours have a bluish tint)
Yellow - brightens dark areas (use on your eyelids, sun/age spots & undereye circles, if yours have a brown/grayish tint)
Lilac - eliminates yellow (try on the hollows of cheeks & forehead)
Physicians Formula Concealer Duo (Green) - $6.99
Essence Forget It 3-in-1 Concealer (Pink) - $2.49
Physicians Formula Mineral Correcting Concealer (Yellow) - $8.95
Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Powder (Lilac) - $32.00
8 comments

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Spring Green


This month's Everybody, Everywear challenge came at the perfect time because I've been itching to wear this new neon green maxi skirt since I scored it for $10 off the clearance rack!  I wish it was a little bit longer, but I guess it's okay because this way I can show off my colorblock sandals.  (The wind totally messed up our attempts for decent pictures, which explains my crazy hair...but at least there was sunshine!)





What I'm wearing:
Gap blouse (last seen here), Old Navy skirt (similar), Target belt (similar on sale), Zara sandals, Rafē New York clutch, Vintage & Poshlocket bracelets, Lips: Revlon Colorburst Coral

You can see how other bloggers styled their green looks here:
Green: Everybody, Everywear
62 comments
 
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