Thursday, May 31, 2012
Summer Essentials
With summer just around the corner, this is the perfect time to adjust your beauty routine for the rising temperatures. My best advice is to embrace your hair's natural texture as often as possible (who wants to blowdry in 90-degree weather?) and to pare down your makeup (think gels & stains vs. powders & creams). Here are some of my favorite affordable products that will help you survive the heat while still looking chic...
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Dress Code: Wedding Guest Attire
What I'm wearing:
H&M dress (similar maxi version here), Ann Taylor necklace (similar), Expressions NYC Miniaudiere (similar here or here), BCBG pumps, Nails: Essie Cascade Cool
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Lucky FABB Gift Bag Giveaway ~ CLOSED
As I mentioned in my Lucky FABB recap posts (here, here & here), we were given the most amazing gift bag at the end of the conference...and I just didn't feel right keeping it all to myself! So, I am sharing these goodies with you in the form of a giveaway. One PPF reader will win everything you see below:
* Kimberly Fowler's The No OM Zone Yoga Workout DVD
* Stephanie Johnson iPad Case
* Sigma Beauty Eyeliner Brush
* Winks by GEORGIE Faux Lashes (includes adhesive & compact)
*Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit
* Pink Papaya Lash Thickener
* Tacori Leather Business Card Holder
* SOHO Kabuki Brush
* OPI Thanks a Windmillion
* Makeup For Ever Travel-Sized High Definition Primer
* Arcona Triad Cleansing Pads
* Loud Love Jewelry $75 Gift Card
* Kate Somerville Travel-Sized ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment
* OPI I Have a Herring Problem
* NYX Nude on Nude Natural Look Kit
* Benefit They're Real Beyond Mascara
* Twistband Hair Tie Trio
* Urban Decay Naked Palette
* CoverGirl Lash Blast in Very Black
* Kelly Wearstler Marble Tank Top (Small)
How to enter:
1) Be a follower of PPF on BlogLovin, Google, Facebook or Twitter
2) Leave a comment below with your first name & email address so I can contact you if you win
It's that easy! The giveaway will close on June 5th at 11:59pm EST and I'll announce our winner the following day - Good Luck!!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Freedom Isn't Free
Today is about remembering those who have fought & died to protect and defend our country. May we never forget the price they have paid for our freedom...
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Steals Under $30
With all the amazing sales going on this holiday weekend, I just had to put together a SUT ~ this time, I chose to feature a holiday-appropriate weekend look that would be perfect for a day at the beach, while on vacation or just taking a casual stroll around town. (Many of these prices are sale-specific & ending on Monday!)
I'll be skipping my post on Monday to enjoy the holiday with family - hope you all have a fabulous long weekend!
AE Open Stitch Sweater - $20.99 (using code 54018251 at checkout)
StyleMint Blossom Tank - $29.99
Tinley Road Disc Necklace - $20.00
Forever 21 Striped Ribbon Fedora - $12.80
J. Crew Factory Seaside Shorts - $27.65 (using code LOVEIT at checkout)
H&M Sandals - $14.95
Forever 21 Vibrant Tote - $24.80
I'll be skipping my post on Monday to enjoy the holiday with family - hope you all have a fabulous long weekend!
Love Obsessed Winner
Thank you to everyone who entered the Love Obsessed giveaway and to Stacy for offering it to us! She is adding new pieces to her store all the time, so be sure to check back - this jewelry would make an amazing graduation gift (I've got my eye on this one). Without further ado, here is our winner:
Congratulations Alison! I will be emailing you shortly to get your mailing address so you can receive your bracelet!
For those who didn't win, I have some more fabulous giveaways coming soon, including my gift bag items from Lucky FABB (next week)!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Coming Up Roses
I can't seem to get enough of florals lately and have had to restrain myself from buying just about every flowering piece I see. When I spied this skirt at H&M, I fell in love with the bright rose print against the white background and instantly began thinking of dozens of ways I could wear it. Thankfully, the price was well within my budget and the fit was perfect (clearly, I couldn't say no)!
What I'm wearing:
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Spring Scarves
The weather here in New York has been so tempermental lately - balmy & in the high-70's one day and then dipping back down into the 50's the next. Since it's nearly impossible to predict, I've found the best way to handle such inconsistency is with light layers. Airy printed scarves have been my accessory of choice lately...and since you can never have too many (in my opinion), here are some affordable options that are perfect for spring:
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Bright Spot
I have been hunting for a spotted blouse like this ever since I missed out on the J. Crew Wildcat version (it sold out in my size before I had the chance to buy it). So, as soon as this one went on sale, I snatched it up & couldn't wait to pair it with some of my brightly colored pieces for spring. And I know that this will be equally as versatile in the winter months with a (faux) fur vest, denim and boots.
What I'm wearing:
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
DIY Lipstick
Ever bought a lipstick at the store thinking you love the color, then try it on at home only to realize it isn't quite what you'd hoped for? I have done this too many times to count...so I decided to come up with a solution for all those unused lipsticks sitting in the bottom of my drawer. Here's what you will need to get started:
* A small microwave-safe dish
* Plastic lip gloss containers with lids (I found mine at Hobby Lobby in the paint section)
Step 1
Cut the lipstick into your dish (I recommend starting with just the tip of each and then seeing what color you create - you can add more of each as you go until you reach the perfect shade).
Step 2
Microwave on high for 15-30 seconds (depending on your the wattage of your microwave, you may need to do it for longer).
Step 3
Stir to blend the colors together (at this point, you can add more of one or the other if you want the shade lighter, brighter, etc. and then repeat step 2).
Step 4
Use a small spatula or popsicle stick to scrape & pour the mixture into your container.
Step 5
Place container in the refrigerator until cooled & solid (only took 15 minutes for mine).
Step 6
Monday, May 21, 2012
Date Night
What I'm wearing:
Friday, May 18, 2012
Swing Time
The lazy days of summer are just around the corner and I , for one, cannot wait. School will be out in just two more weeks - which means we will get the chance to sleep in a little, spend more time outside enjoying our yard and soaking up the sun (with spf, of course). Activities that are high on my list include lounging in the hammock with a good book, picking wildflower bouquets with my daughter and roasting marshmallows in our backyard firepit...just a few of the many reasons why I love living in the country. What things are you most looking forward to doing this summer?
What I'm wearing:
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Love Obsessed Giveaway ~ CLOSED
Remember a couple weeks ago when I introduced you to the fabulous Etsy shop, Love Obsessed (here)? Well, so many of you commented about how much you loved Stacy's jewelry, that I decided we just had to do a giveaway! One lucky PPF reader will win this beautiful 1950's vintage hand-painted bracelet...how fun are these colors?
How to enter:
* You must be a follower of PPF on at least one platform (GFC, Google +, BlogLovin, Facebook, Twitter, etc)
* Like Love Obsessed on Facebook and/or follow on Twitter
* Leave a comment below with your email address so we can contact you if you win
The giveaway will be open until May 24th at 11:59pm EST and I'll announce our winner the following day - Good Luck!!
{I did a fun interview with Klury.com where they crashed my closet & asked me questions about my wardrobe ~ you can read the full article, including pictures of my favorite pieces here.}
* Like Love Obsessed on Facebook and/or follow on Twitter
* Leave a comment below with your email address so we can contact you if you win
The giveaway will be open until May 24th at 11:59pm EST and I'll announce our winner the following day - Good Luck!!
{I did a fun interview with Klury.com where they crashed my closet & asked me questions about my wardrobe ~ you can read the full article, including pictures of my favorite pieces here.}
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Simply Striped
Lately I've been drawing inspiration from simple & classic looks like this one...especially as the weather warms up & layers have become a thing of the past. A breton striped top + chambray skirt is a no-fail combination that's equal parts easy, comfortable & chic.
{You may have noticed some changes to the site - I worked with Danielle from Dandy Designs to declutter & streamline the format to make it more reader-friendly. All the tabs are now located underneath my header & everything else should be pretty much the same. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback about the new look!}
What I'm wearing:
Mossimo top (similar here), Zara skirt (similar here or here), MRKT wedges, c/o Christina M. Boutique necklace (here), Target sunnies, ALDO satchel, Michael Kors watch, Vintage & Monet bracelets, Lips: L'Oreal Target Red
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Glossybox USA
You may have heard by now about Glossybox - they are a subscription beauty box that has previously been available in 19 other countries, but they are now shipping to the US! They sent me a box to review and I couldn't wait to share it with you. Here's a peek at what I received in my box:
1) Erno Laszlo Hollywood Collection
What it says: This Hollywood Collection of Creams commemorates 85 years of Erno Laszlo with formulas inspired by his iconic devotees: Ava, Katharine, Marilyn, Grace and Greta.
My review: I'm still working my way through trying all of these, but so far I love the Instant Eye Repair and the Intensive Porcelain Veil.
2) CARGO EyeBronzer
What it says: Create the sunny glow of summer year round with CARGO's easy to apply EyeBronzer.
My review: Not only do I love this shimmery golden bronze color, but the pointed-sponge applicator makes it completely fool-proof. I put it on in the morning and it hadn't budged at all by the end of the day!
3) C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Peppermint Body Lotion
What it says: An exhilarating formula that will moisturize and soothe your skin.
My review: I'm not a big fan of the scent, but the formula is really nice. I'll probably give this one to my mom since she loves all things lavender.
4) Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine (Toffee)
What it says: This lip gloss is filled with pearl pigments that supply your lips with extraordinary radiance.
My review: I can now end my search for the perfect nude lipgloss! Love that it is richly pigmented & that it gives you a high-shine without being super sticky. Will definitely be buying more when this tube runs out!
5) OPI Kiss Me on My Tulips
What it says: A smooch-worthy shade of hot pink.
My review: I have a Nicole by OPI color very similar to this, but you can never have too many bright pinks, right?
6) Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel
What it says: Give your eyes a fresh start with Basq's soothing and smoothing Cucumber Tea Eye Gel.
My review: My eyes need all the help they can get & I'm constantly trying new eye creams to find that magical one. This gel has a fresh, clean scent and a slight cooling sensation when I applied it. I used it before bed, but it would also be great for reducing puffiness in the mornings.
What I love about their box is that I received full-sized samples (this month only) - if you sign up, you will get deluxe-sized samples for just $21/month (shipping included). And once you register as a member, you fill out a beauty profile so that they can select items that fit your individual likes/needs. This would make an amazing gift for a girlfriend, sister or mom AND a great way to treat yourself! You can read more about their offerings & sign up to get your very own Glossybox here!
Monday, May 14, 2012
On the Road
This is what I call a bargain outfit - I found the shirt on clearance + an additional 30% off. The shoes were also on mega-markdown at my BCBG outlet (less than $50 & real leather) and the skirt was yet another fabulous eBay find (see the link below to find one in your size). Don't you just love getting a good deal?!
What I'm wearing:
Gap blouse (on sale here), J. Crew skirt (via eBay - lots of them for sale here), BCBG sandals, c/o Ann Taylor handbag (coming to stores soon!), Bracelets: Express (here) & ASOS (here), Target sunnies, Nails: Essie Borrowed and Blue
Sunday, May 13, 2012
The Greatest Gift
These two have taught me so much about patience, perseverance, selflessness & love. Motherhood may be one of the hardest challenges and biggest responsibilities...but it is also one of the greatest gifts.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Lucky FABB ~ Part 3
This is the last in my series of posts dedicated to Lucky FABB! As I've said before, it was such an amazing day - truly the best parts for me were getting to meet other bloggers for the first time, hang out with friends I hadn't seen in a while & get inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of so many talented women!
Meeting Michael Stars in his suite where we got to virtually "try on" some of their pieces
The most amazing dessert table - the macarons and chocolate/salted caramel cake were to die for!
The coolest idea for a fireplace
Gorgeous centerpiece + decor inside the House of Zappos
Brandon Holley working on a DIY tote bag for her son at the Miss Me Jeans table
You know when you meet someone and you just instantly click? That's how it was with Jenn & I - love this girl. (Also, don't ask what was going on with my hair - I blame the ocean mist!)
Seriously one of the biggest highlights for me: getting to meet Jeannie Mai in person & chat with her briefly about my blog. She was the sweetest and most genuine person - even though her manager was trying to rush her off, she took the time to talk with me & take a quick picture!
Me & my girls - I'm wearing: Ann Taylor dress (on sale here) & cuff, Guess pumps, Forever 21 clutch & BaubleBar earrings (gifted from Tiffany - get them here)
Bloggers mingling during cocktail hour
A Fine Frenzy performed while we huddled around heat lamps outside & chatted about the day's events
Check back next week for a MASSIVE giveaway of my gift bag items from the conference!!
Check back next week for a MASSIVE giveaway of my gift bag items from the conference!!
