Spring Finds from Forever 21

I'm a firm believer in shopping in unexpected places to find things that look much more expensive than they are. I have become a self-proclaimed Forever 21 "connoisseur". Forever 21 is, in my opinion, hit-and-miss when looking for clothes. I tend to know how to weed out the cheaper looking items and seek out the better quality pieces.

In honor of spring, I'd like to highlight some of my favorite new pieces from Forever 21. I had so much fun taking these pics today in the warm sunshine!

 Grey Cotton T-strap Flats

 Floral Print Sun Dress

 Grey Tribal Sandals

 T-Strap Floral Platforms

And I'd like to leave off with my beautiful hanging basket, which I arranged myself. :) I love spring!

Note: This is not an endorsement for Forever 21.

Fall Fashion Day 3

Dark Lips

One of my favorite classic looks for fall is dark lips. With a rich dark lip color, you instantly look pulled together, sophisticated, and mysterious. With this look, it's important to keep the rest of your look simple. Your lips will be so dramatic, you won't want to load on the blush or have a dark eye.

My ideal look with red lips is a simple beige shadow, mascara, and hair that doesn't had much thought put into it. In fact, the messier, the better. Blush is optional, and often omitted. It's a very European look.

Since I sport this look so often, I have several different dark shades in my makeup case, so I'm going to share them with you. Most of them are drugstore, so they're decently priced.

Rimmel Moisture Renew in 540 Burgundy Lustre About $5

Rimmel has been wowing me with many of their products, mascara and lipstick being the most impressive. Their moisture renew feels amazing on the lips, and comes in several flattering, rich colors.

L'oreal Colour Riche in #860 Spice About $5-6

This color has a lot more of an orange-brown undertone than the previous. It doesn't look so brown once it's on your lips. The color is a lot more matte than the previous, and richer.

Wet n Wild Mega Colors in 907B Blackberry about $1!

Now, I'm letting you in  on a little secret. This has been my favorite red lipstick for several years, and I've actually already finished off one tube. I love finding diamonds in the rough. So many people automatically assume that cheap means bad quality, so they don't even look. I feel that it's worth scanning through to see if there is an exception. Well, this is it. The color looks so expensive and beautiful!

Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain in 425 Plum Pout about $8

I've been eager to try some stains to see how well they work. I lucked out on my first try with this one. It is like using a marker, and is incredibly easy to apply. Just be very careful that you stay within the lines. It will not come off!

Fresh Sugar Rose & Sugar Plum $22.50 each
These last two are more spendy, but I had to include them. One of these need to be in everyone's purse. I can't say enough good things about how beautiful they look and feel, and how well they nourish your lips (SPF 15 also). These can be worn alone, or to finish off a look with lip stain. (As you can see, I couldn't get the lip stain off with makeup remover before taking this picture).

Fall Fashion, Day 2

 

Ok, up next, is one of my favorite fall/winter fashion items, and they will never go out of style.

 

Leather Gloves 

They're functional, beautiful, sophisticated, and timeless. The best part is, depending on what you wear them with, you can have a vintage look, a rocker edge, or a simple modern feel. Besides, there's something about leather that makes you feel special.

 

 

These, I love. How often have you seen teal leather? A coat in this color would be excessive, but it's got just the right amount of pizazz as a pair of gloves. They're just long enough so that your wrists don't get cold, and the ruching at the wrist keeps the warmth in. I would love to wear these while driving a classic Mercedes.

 

 

 

I absolutely love a dark burgundy color for colder weather. It instantly reminds me of cranberry sauce, which leads to thoughts of Thanksgiving and other wintery activities. These suede gloves are in such a rich velvety suede, and are lined with silk! I don't know if you're all aware, but silk is an excellent insulator. I have some silk liners that I ski with, and they keep me so toasty! I love the idea of slipping my hands into these posh gloves.

 

 

These gloves are soooo perfect! Perfect length, classic cut, and the zipper? Just right. These are definitely the type of gloves that would channel a modern Amelia Earhart.

 

 

 

If you know anything about me, you'll know I absolutely love girly details, like ruffles, lace, or bows! These gloves are a bit shorter, in a rich black leather, with the cutest understated bow accent! Need I say more?

 

 

BUDGET FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE:

 

Ok, so I'm a little in shock about how inexpensive these gloves are. $34 for some quality, chic leather gloves? Snatch these up! They come in two other colors, and each of them have different stitching and accents. I'm particularly fond of these caramel ones. The stitching is very hippy/indie, but the leather ups the sophistication factor.

 

 

 

Yay for fall!

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♥Emily

Fall Fashion!

I'm always so excited about fall fashion. Spring/Summer is fun, but I'm all about layering and being cozy, so I'm super stoked! In light of this, I'd like to blog about some of my must-haves or "wish list" for this fall. I'll do a different item every day until the first day of October!

For me, this fall is all about basics. Classics! I don't want to keep spending tons of money on super trendy things. I'm sure you've all heard the phrase, "Women wear about 20% of their closet 80% of the time". It's so true! I've gone through my closet and weeded out what I never wear. I'd love to be like a classic Parisian, with a few gorgeous and well-made pieces that all work together. Still, the economy isn't that great, and we all need to watch our spending. So, I'll always have a Budget-Friendly alternative in each category. Today's item is:

Grey Boots

Why grey? Well, you can never go wrong with a neutral, and the best part? It looks great with both black and brown! With fall/winter boots, I think it's important to focus on comfort as well as style. You don't want to be teetering around on the ice in terror, do you? Here are some that strike my fancy.

These booties would look adorable with so many things! Leggings and a slouchy sweater, under a maxi dress, or with tights and a flouncy skirt! They'd also flow into spring perfectly. I'm in love!

Eeeee! These riding boots by Nine West are so classic and perfect! I can't believe they're under 100 bucks! Under bootlegs, over skinnies or leggings, with a skirt, with a cute dress, these are awesome!

Nine West, you've done it again. I love fashion that looks more sophisticated and complicated than it is. Notice the awesome laces that go all the way up the boot. Wouldn't that be a pain? Well, it's a good thing they come with a handy zip on the inside of the boot! These are so quirky, yet classic and elegant. They would make any outfit seem pulled together, and would be so comfortable to boot.(No pun intended).

BUDGET-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

As I realize there are very few of us who are swimming in cash, here is another adorable style of grey boot that wont break the bank. These boots may not be leather or suede, but they are freakin' cute, and would be comfy with the thick heel and rounded toe. How can you beat 27 dollars for a pair of adorable winter boots?

  

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♥Emily

The Time is Prime

So, I figure it's time to have my say about primers, both for eyeshadow and foundation.

I don't know about all of you ladies, but when I was first introduced to the magical world of makeup, the word "primer" was not in my vocabulary. In fact, I never even knew the product existed until I was 23, and about to get married. This was on my very first visit to Sephora, and I was ready to drop a whole bunch of money to get my "wedding day look". My fabulous consultant introducted me to an eyeshadow primer, and it just blew my mind.

A product that simultaneously makes shadow brighter, last longer, and prevents creasing? Low and behold, it worked! Since then, I've been hooked. In the months following, I've tested a lot of other primers to see if any of them worked as wonderfully as my current product. Here are the products I've used; The Good, the Bad, and the UGLY!

*Disclaimer: These reviews are based on how the products work on MY skin. My skin is combination, with a tendency to get oily throughout the day. In order to be sure of how these products work on your skin, I recommend you test them at your local Sephora.

Eyeshadow Primers

I believe that every self-respecting artiste should have an eyeshadow primer in her makeup collection. The difference is phenominal, and can make even the cheapest shadows look vibrant and superb.

Urban Decay Primer Potion  $18 for .34 oz

This incredible product is the very first primer I've ever had the pleasure to use. It has been one of the #1 sellers for several years, and if you try it, you'll see why!

Pros:

-Blends in smoothly
-Only a little product is necessary each use
-Shadow applies smoothly, and is buildable with each application
-Colors are more vibrant
-No creasing, and it lasts the whole day!
-Especially great for oily lids

Cons:

-Dries out over time (With each time you pump the applicator, your are pumping air into the tube
-The bottle is small, and the product is difficult to get out, especially after time


Bare Escentuals bareVitamins Prime Time Eyelid Primer  $16 for .05 oz

If you haven't tried any of Bare Escentuals products, I highly recommend you do. Their shadows are to die for, as well as their Buxom lip glosses. This primer is also excellent.

Pros:

-Made without oil, parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or dyes, or phthalates

-Tube is less wasteful than Urban's Primer Potion, every last bit will be used with the clicking applicator

-Formulated especially for use of loose eyeshadow powders (but works great with everything in my experience)

-Fights oil throughout the day to prevent color from sliding around the eyelids

-Sheer tint doesn't affect the colors of your eyeshadow

Cons:

-Even though the tube is efficient, there is a lot less product! It's only .05oz, so that is something to consider when making your choice

-You have to be careful when twisting the applicator, to many clicks and you have too much product on your hands, and it will go to waste

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer  $20 for .47 oz

Hmm, what to say about this stuff. I absolutely love LORAC's eyeshadows, so when I got a generous sample of this primer with my purchase, I was excited. When I used it, I was beyond dissappointed. What boggles my mind is that all of the reviews on Sephora are five star raves about how amazing it is! Clearly my eyelids are different, or else these people have never tried another primer.

Pros:

-Once this stuff grabs on to your shadow, it's not letting go!

-You definitely get a lot more product for your money

-Tube is very efficient

Cons:

-Once I applied it, it was blotchy and uneven. It felt like glue on my lids!

-Shadow wouldn't blend over the primer. It was patchy and stuck in place

Foundation Primers

This is an area that I'm still pretty skeptical about. When I use liquid foundation, I set it with powder and it stays all day. When I use powder foundation, it takes care of itself, and blends smoothly over my skin. I believe if you properly exfoliate and moisturize, and use high quality foundations, you won't need a primer. Regardless, I've tried a couple, and have a few things to say.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer  $36 for 1 oz

This product has been around for a few years, and has had all sorts of positive reviews. I got a hefty sample of it in an online order, and at the time was very confused about its purpose. Honestly, it sits in my makeup case getting shoved aside as I dig for something else, but maybe it's your new dream product.

Pros:

-Feels incredible and silky as you apply it on the skin

-Only a small amount of product is needed

-Blends seamlessly into the face

-Made with silicone, antioxidants and vitamins

Cons:

-I've heard a few negative things about products with silicone, but I have no idea why. If anyone does know, please comment!

-I have yet to see any difference when using this product as opposed to foundation without.

L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base $12.95

I was very impressed when a drugstore brand tried their hand at face primers. I had to try it, because it was a great deal!

Pros:

-Obviously the price is a great pro, you can't beat $12.95!

-Only a very small amount is needed

-Goes on very smoothly, creamy

-Oil free, fragrance free, non-comedigenic, non-acnegenic

Cons:

-I'm a little squeamish about the container. I'm not a big fan of a pot that you have to dip your fingers in again and again, but I guess if you are really anal you can use a brush or applicator of some sort

OVERVIEW

Eyeshadow Primers: You must have at least one of these in your makeup bag. I recommend you get out there and try one. You'll never go back!

Face/Foundation Primers: Frankly, I'm indifferent about these. I definitely feel a little more "done up" when I use one, but I don't notice a difference either way. Perhaps they work better for more mature ladies with wrinkles. If so, please tell me!

♥Emily