Gift Guide: Toddler Girls

Good morning, I’m so excited for today’s post- a gift guide for toddlers because shopping for the girls is my favorite! They are at such a fun age and the magic will only grow over the next couple of years. I started my holiday shopping early this year and I only have two gifts left to buy! Unfortunately, I’ve also over shopped for them and will be putting some of their gifts away for good behavior. We're going to be doing a massive purge in the toy room and donating all of their toys this weekend.

Gift Guide for Her: 25 under $25

Christmas shopping is a ton of fun, but sometimes it can be a bit daunting if you have a long list or you're not sure what to get for who. I started early this year, I have the girls done and I'm half done with everyone else. Just waiting for Black Friday deals to finish off my list. In our family we have a $25 limit per person so as I was racking my brain for ideas for the ladies and myself, I thought I'd share some goodies on my list!

My Black Friday Buys!

This year, Black Friday was a huge success! At least I think it was, I did the majority of my shopping online so I’ll be waiting to see how it goes once my items are delivered. I’m most proud of the fact that in all my Black Friday hustling years, this is the year I've shopped the least for myself. Now I definitely got myself some nice goodies, but I’m going to wait on some of what I snagged for myself and have Matt wrap it for Christmas. Most of my buys were clothing for the family, everyone really needed some cold weather items for the season. We did buy a few things for the house and a couple of gifts for the little ones in the family too. I’ve linked everything below- including a few items I picked up earlier in the week and items that were not included in the sales.

For myself:

Cocoon Sweater // Lightweight Sweater // LORAC Palette // NYX Lip Set // Pajama Bottoms and Top // Vest

For Matthew:

Henley // Sweater // Jeans // Plaid // Button Down

The Little Ladies:

Gray Set // White Hoodie Set // Pink Hoodie Set // Jumper

Peplum Top // Hooded Zip Sweater // Sweater Dress

Toys:

Disney Magiclip Princess // Play-doh // Lego Dimensions // Kitchen // Bow and Arrow

Doll // Matching Game // Book // Octoplush // Textured Balls

For the House:

Wood Frame // Silver Frame // Appetizer Dish // Pastry Board

Phew! Such great stuff, I really hope everything is just as awesome in person as it was online! I did end up going out around 9pm on Thursday night to get the few things that weren't available to buy online or were sold out. The shops were nearly dead!! I didn't wait in line to check out at Target or Toys R Us and it was so weird. I really love to shop Black Friday, but part of the joy for me is waking up in the middle of the night and being a zombie with my family and girlfriends. I'm really glad that this year so many places had deals that went all week- it was nice to shop without any crowds.

Did you do some shopping? What did you get?

Fall Recent Purchases

Now that we’ve had a few cooler days (we’re still in the 80s though most of the time) I’ve bought a few items to add to my closet for the fall season. Just some basics that I can use all the time and throughout the holidays. I’m mostly buying items that I can wear for several years, transition with the seasons, or to replace an older item. Of course, some beauty items were also mixed in. Shocking, I know.

Old Navy Tweed Puff Vest
Last year I bought a solid black puff vest and loved it! I definitely wanted some more and when I saw this tweed one online I immediately added it to my cart. I just love the fabric and it’s so warm and cozy. I wore it on Halloween night and stayed the perfect temp for the cold evening.

e.l.f. Blush in Peachy Cheeky
I’ve been wanting to try e.l.f.’s baked blush for a while after reading several reviews from bloggers about them. They were available online only forever, but I found it at my local Target recently and picked it up. It’s not very pigmented and also has a bit of highlighter in it. The color is really pretty, but not very pigmented and doesn’t last the entire day.

Forever 21 Swiss Dot Top
Stripes are usually my go-to, but I’ve started to like polka dots recently. This sweater is so easy to wear and light weight, which I love. I’m really into pairing simple tops/sweaters with a bolder statement necklace. It just adds some pizzazz to my everyday work look.

Sally Hansen Polish in Black and Blue
This color is so unusual, I love how it gives off so many different colors at once depending on the angle/light. By itself, it needed too many coats to achieve the pigment I wanted so I layered it over black and it was awesome! It would look good over blue, purple, or green too.

Forever 21 Crew Neck Sweater
I have two black crew neck sweaters that have seen the end of their days so I needed a new one to replace them. This one is a looser knit and is very comfortable to wear. I definitely want to pick it up in pink too!

Old Navy Short Zip Boots
Oh my goodness! These boots are so comfortable! I didn’t have to break them in at all and I’ve worn them a million times by now because of it. I thought the hubs would think they’re fugly, you know, Girl Cute vs Guy Cute and all, but he loves the look of them.

Forever 21 Beaded Headband
Last year I bought the most gorgeous beaded headband from Nordstrom and since we moved in January I haven’t been able to find it for the life of me! This will be perfect for the holidays to add a little sparkle to my look.

This top is also from Target, but I couldn't find it online.
Target Mossimo Leopard Shoes
Another shoe that was comfortable to wear from the get go! I feel like I’ve hit the shoe jack pot with these two purchases. I saw Jenn from Perfectly Imperfect buy them on InstaGram and had to get them myself after she said they were comfortable. Best $20 I’ve spent on work shoes. I also wear these all the time, I mean leopard is the new neutral right?

Forever 21 Plaid Scarf
I’ve been mad for plaid lately. I definitely want to add some more plaid shirts to my collection as well this year.

Maybelline Volum Express The Rocket Mascara
For years and years I used Maybelline, but it was always flaking onto my cheeks so I switched over to L’Oreal and didn’t look back. I’ve been more than satisfied with L’Oreal’s mascaras, but over the weekend I didn’t have any makeup on while visiting with my family and we were going to go out so I borrowed some from my sister in law. Holy moly! This mascara made my eyelashes look so incredibly long! I went out and bought it the NEXT DAY it worked so well! So far, I’ve been really loving it too.

What have you bought recently? I'm still hunting for a bright red polish and a deep raspberry lipstick (any suggestions??). Happy Monday!

Shopaholic + Must Reads

Question of the month: Lots of questions because it's the SHOPAHOLIC TAG!!

THE QUESTIONS:

1. Would you consider yourself a shopaholic?
I don't think I'm still a full-blown shopaholic, but my husband definitely begs to differ.

2. How would you classify your style?
Simple, comfortable, easy to wear. I don't really buy prints, but lean more to solids,  I love to layer and mix and match my wardrobe staples. 
 
3. What store can you not leave without buying at least one thing?
Target! It used to be Nordstrom, but that was a long time ago I feel like now. 

4. Where do you find the best deals?
Lately it's been Old Navy (and totally Carter's) using different online coupons I've found.

5. What designer are you willing to splurge for?
Michael Kors all the way, I love so many of their items. I'm eyeing a watch and putting it on my Christmas list for Santa.

6. Do you have a "go to" shopping outfit?
Dark skinny jeans, white tank top, and slip on sandals. It's something that easy to try clothes on with and see how they pair with the items I'm looking at.  Plus, with a tank, I can always slip a top or dress over it without having to completely strip down if I'm feeling lazy.

7. What is your guilty pleasure? (Aside from make up)
Nail polish and cream/ivory tops. I love cream/ivory, it's a softer white and can be worn all year long.

8. What is one staple clothing piece you cannot live without?
Dark skinny jeans- they just go with everything and are so easy to wear.

9. What is a trend you hope never goes out of style?
Tunic style tops! I love longer shirts, they cover my my tummy and are easy to layer.  Plus, they were great with my bump last year.

10. What trend did you love that passed way to quickly?
I can't really say. I've spent most of the past year pregnant and didn't get to try many trends. Usually, I think even if something is "trendy" if you wear it well, just rock it!

11. Who is your fashion icon?
There's so many, but I truly love Blake Lively's style. She always looks chic, she wears different pieces, and I adore her wardrobe choices both on the red carpet and her street style. 

• Alison*Elle - Alison has busted out all of her Fall staples in honour of her favourite season... plaid, faux fur, ankle booties, and more!
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle shared photos of her honeymoon in paradise!
• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's fall clothing haul: Camo Jeans, Sparkly Sweaters & Wrap Dresses
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is slowly transitioning into fall with some sparkly sweaters.
• Schnelle Couture -  Danielle took the leap.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette went for a fall stroll in her new Tory Burch Boots! 
• The Currently Obsessed - MEHREEN shared her lipstick collection with us this month !

Recent Purcases + Obsessions

Since having Ellie, I haven't really been shopping that much. A few things here and there, but no big purchases really. One thing all you preggers need to be aware of is how easy it is to shop online using your phone for those middle of the night feedings. Sometimes after you nurse you're kind of awake (who am I kidding, sometimes I shop to stay awake during these sessions) so you check stores and shops out and next thing you know you get jewelry and clothes you barely remember ordering in your mailbox. Let's just hope they're all winners right? It's so much easier to shop online then toting your baby in your stroller around and in fitting rooms. Trust me. Then some sites keep all your info on hand making it even easier to buy because you just need to "add to cart" and you're done! There no second guessing your choices while you dig around for your card info. It's a heaven sent and the devil at the same time. So here's some of my recent buys and some extras I wanted to share with everyone.

J.Crew Inspired Crystal Brulee Necklace from Simple Addiction

Designer Inspired Mint Crystal Bee Necklace from Very Jane, the seller was Fancy Frills Boutique

J.Crew Inspired Crystal Vine Statement Necklace from Very Jane, the seller was Apple of My Eye Jewelry

Distressed Denim Cut Offs from Forever 21

Special Number Bracelet from GroopDealz, the seller was Erica B Studios 

Aldo Barbara Sandals

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Kiss Me Coral

Floral Print Leggings from Very Jane, the seller was White Plum Boutique 

I've obviously been on a jewelry kick lately. It's an easy way to dress up the clothes I already have and I don't have to worry about how they fit me. I've lost all the weight I gained from being pregnant, but everything fits so different now. Jewelry fits just fine though! For the number bracelets, I bought Ellie's birth date- I thought these were so cute! I can't wait to get all of the jewelry pieces in. 

Here's a close up of the shorts, I love the little stud details it has. I didn't even realize they had the studs right away! I love fun surprises and details like that.

These Aldo shoes are my favorite sandals. They are so comfortable, I can wear them all day long and they go with everything. My sweet cousin and his girlfriend got them for me when I was home from the hospital. They figured I had everything I needed for Eleanor, but deserved a little something special for myself. Isn't that so sweet? I have the best family.

After raving about the Revlon Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss (review here), I had to get another color. It's the best lipgloss EVER. Hands down. It's so soft and creamy, I want every shade. Instead of buying 3 or 5 of them, I  just wanted one and was torn between the Super Natural, Kiss Me Coral, and Pango Peach. I chose the Kiss Me Coral because it has a matching lipstick I already own of the same name- Kiss Me Coral (review here) which is one of my favorite colors- especially for summer!

Clothes wise I haven't bought Ellie anything in a while. She's fitting into her 3 month clothes pretty well. She's so long some of our 0-3 month footless pjs are shorts on her (some of her leggings too)! Plus, we are over flowing with summer clothes so if I do buy anything for her I get it in a size she can wear next summer. When I saw these shorts at Target, I couldn't pass them up! How cute are they?

Also, I pay so much more attention to articles that are easy for diaper changing. I bought the prettiest pj set from Nordstrom the day before our scheduled c/s and couldn't wait for Ellie to wear them, but they are a nightmare for diaper changes. You pretty much have to take it almost completely off, which is a hassle in itself because of the snap placements, and I'm not doing that at 2am. So she's worn those pjs for maybe 2 hours and that's all. I'll probably dress her in them once more just to snap a pic so they're not a complete waste.

Finally, my latest obsessions. These Lipton Tea & Honeys are delicious! I love all of these three flavors and honestly can't choose a favorite. Right now I'm loving the Dragonfruit Peach, but last week I was all about the Coconut Passionfruit. They do have caffeine- 10 mg, but that's less than a third of most sodas I figured it's no big deal. I'm very affected by caffeine because I never eat/drink it (besides chocolate) and a can of Coke can give me the shakes and raise my anxiety levels if had on an empty stomach, so I just steer clear of it altogether mostly. These teas don't affect me at all though, so I'm happy to drink them. I've never been a big water drinker, but these help gulp down an extra bottle everyday. 

Have you tried these Talenti Gelatos? OHMYHEAVENS. It's the pure joyfulness of running through sprinklers on a hot day as a child in a jar. It's so soft, it has chocolate caramel truffles, and it's delicious. My husband and I had to bought two- his and hers- on our last Target trip and want to get more. It's the best ice cream (well gelato if you want to get technical) I've ever had in my life. Run out and buy some people!

What have you been loving lately? What have you bought this summer?

Recent Spring Purchases

Two weekends ago, I did some shopping and picked up a few things from my Spring Wishlist and Beauty Wishlist.  It was one of those trips where you go and EVERYTHING is cute and in your size. I'm not buying too much because of the bump and trying to find items that work for now and post-bump, so I only picked up two clothing items. Even after baby, I only plan on buying things that can be worn to work as well since I'll be going back after 12 weeks and I know that time is going to fly right by.

Old Navy Color-Blocked T-Strap Sandals in Neutral 
 I love t-strap sandals, I think they flatter my feet and if you're a long time follower, you know my love of nude shoes of any kind. I love that this pair has a mix of nude/tan and patent with non-patent. I know I'll be wearing these all summer long!

MyDeliciousShoes Gartel Wedge in Oatmeal
Finding a good wedged sandal that not sky high is so hard! I'm already 5'8" and I really don't need 5" heels. This pair is more of a tan color in person than the beige color in the pic above. I wore them for my shower on Saturday and they were so comfortable! Plus, I got a lot of compliments on them which is always nice when you're wearing something for the first time.
  
Old Navy Women's Printed Sundresses in White Floral
This dress was first featured in my Springing into Spring post, I am just in love with anything floral right now. I'm also on the hunt for a nice blouse, so let me know if you've seen anything! This dress works for the bump, it may not work until month 9, but I bought my regular size so I know I'll be able to wear it this summer. I plan on wearing it this weekend for Easter and again to a friend's baby shower.
  
Forever 21 Strapless Maxi Dress in Coral
Originally I bought this dress in the aqua, but when it came in, I saw that it was mostly green-aqua instead of blue-aqua like I wanted. It was just too close to my baby shower dress (see that OOTD here) from Zappos. I originally liked that dress in coral, but online it looks so peach I was afraid it would wash me out. So I decided to check everything out in-store for myself. In person, this dress is a true coral color, closer to orange than to peach. I absolutely love it! I found some fabulous earrings from Charlotte Russe too that will be the perfect pair with the dress.
 
NYX Lip Liner- Nude Beige
Ulta finally had this lip liner in! I was so happy to find it, I've been looking for a nude liner to help my gloss stay in place and saw this on Pinterest or another blog, I'm not sure, but thought it would be a great color. It was also featured on my Beauty Wishlist post.I tried it this past weekend and felt a bit chola though, it was kind of dark on my fairly pink pigmented lips. I'll have to try to blend it better and with different glosses to work. I was in a hurry so I just wiped it off and went without it. What's your favorite lip liner? Do you wear liner?
  
NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Sugar Pie
This is another goodie featured on my Beauty Wishlist post that I've had my eye out for forever! I absolutely love this color and the gloss. It's has a nice color, texture, and smell. It looks pretty alone and topped on my favorite MAC Hue lipstick (it's the best nude EVER!).

Essie Go Ginza
I first posted a pic of Essie's new Spring 2013 polish on Instagram (Kristen_Lawler) when I saw their ad in a magazine. I instantly fell in love with their lavender and pinks in the collection. I found the lavender Bond with Whomever early on at Target, but it's nearly identical to my all time favorite go-to Sally Hansen's Lacey Lilac. So I ditched that color and kept my eye out for Go Ginza and found it just over a week ago at Target when they finally got the entire collection in stock. I absolutely love it! It's such a lovely lavender with a hint of pink in it. I've worn it on my fingers or toes since then, it was also on my Beauty Wishlist post.
 
Have you bought anything for spring? What are you eyeing?

Baby Registry Items

A few weeks ago, my Mother-in-law and I finished my baby registry at Babies R Us and it was so much fun! When my husband and I did our wedding registry I hated it. I would poop out after 45 minutes, find a chair to relax in, and would tell him to scan whatever the heck he wanted. We just needed so much and I didn’t know where we’d be living, what we would really need, etc. I was expecting for the baby registry to be the same way since I’ve never had a baby before and there is so much preference involved. What one baby/mother prefer the next one hates. I trudged on though, and we had a great time going through the aisles and reading reviews on the Babies R Us scanner (which was super helpful).

I had started my registry online, there were a few items I knew I wanted and then I reviewed some of my friends/family registries, reviewed blog posts I had saved, and searched Pinterest for must-have items as well. Here’s are some of the bigger/most needed items I registered for:

Bumbo Floor Seat Lilac + Bumbo Play Tray

Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator  / Crane Cool Mist Drop Shape Humidifier - Blue

Born Free Glass Bottles 5 oz.- 3 pack with Bonus Silicone Sleeve

Crown Craft Sweet Baby Dreams - Musical Mobile 

 Summer Infant Privacy Plus Series Slim & Secure Plus Digital Color Video Monitor

Boppy Comfy Jersey Slipcover Calico Elephant + Boppy Bare Naked Pillow

Safety 1st Hospital's Choice Exchangeable Tip 3-in-1 Therm Set

Fisher-Price Cradle Swing - My Little Snug-a-Bunny

The First Years Sounds For Silence Premium Sound Machine

Prince Lionheart Premium Wipes Warmer

Graco Modes Click Connect Stroller - Onyx

Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40 Infant Car Seat

Now, what I want to know what is your take on the baby registry? What is a must have, what can I skip? What did you wish you registered for but didn’t and had to buy it down the road. Please spill! 

InstaLately Link Up 7

When we went out before Thanksgiving, the restaurant had their entire ceiling COVERED in candy canes! It looked so neat! I felt like I was in the game Candy Land.

The spread at my family's Thanksgiving feast. I made the cherry cheesecake and grean bean caserole and my sister brought the most delicious caprese with a balsamic glaze on top. Mmmmmmmm 

The loot from my Black Friday extravaganza! 

On Sunday, I gave myself a mani using my new Essie polish I got from Black Friday and found a new cuticle miracle! Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover is amazing! You put the gel on your cuticles for 15 seconds, push them back, then rinse off with warm soapy water. My cuticles have been getting kind of haggard recently, so this saved them. I'll do a full review with pics soon!

The outcome! I'm not sure how I feel about the color combos, but I really love them individually. This silver glitter polish is amazeballs! Definitely a must have for all polish addicts!

Giving thanks for what you have and choosing to be happy can make all the difference in life. 

I still can't stop eating pomegranates! They're so delicious! I even found chocolate covered pomegranate seeds at Trader Joes. 

My new favorite outfit! I found the flannel at Old Navy on black Friday and want to wear it everyday. It's longer than other flannels I have from there, so it's perfect with leggings. I also love, love, love the color pattern. Especially for the season!

Go link up and share your IG shots!

My Holiday Weekend + Black Friday

In past posts, I've shared with you all how excited I am for this year's holidays! This past weekend has been awesome! First, I had Wednesday- Friday off, my sister came up Tuesday night, and then it was fun filled since!

Wednesday I finally had my eye appointment and picked up some new contacts and Ray Ban glasses (I guess I can cross that off my Need Wishlist now!). I'm really excited for my glasses, they're super cute too. It was the first time I saw this doctor and I really couldn't be happier with him. I've never had a doctor take so much time with me. He explained a lot about my eyes and the tests we were taking (I have astigmatism), then I tried on 6 different types of contacts. He made sure they fit me correctly, asked for my opinion on how they felt, explained the differences, pros and cons of each brand, etc. In the past my doctors have just kind of given me new contacts and sent me on my merry way. I'm so so happy I found this doctor and that he's up the street from me! Plus, he's an Eagle Scout, which made me smile.

Then, that night we went out with some friends and my cousin. It used to be a tradition to go out on the night before Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we haven't done it in a while. It was fun to catch up. I also wore my liquid leggings and actually did my make-up. Since I wake up so early in the morning for work, I kind of just do the basics. I haven't busted out a smoky eye in a long, long time. I wish I had a better pic of my make-up to show you guys.

Thanksgiving was such an awesome day! Matt and I woke up early to drive out to his parents who go camping each year. We had breakfast with them, his sister and her fiance, and some close family friends who are on their trip with them. Then back home to get ready for my side's celebration. I made the above cherry cheesecake (easiest recipe ever!! and it's DELICIOUS, not too sweet or heavy) and green bean casserole. I don't eat casseroles (I don't like my food to touch), but this is a family favorite and I was tasked with it this year. My in-laws add soy sauce to the recipe (just 1 tsp) and apparently it makes it yummy. My uncle and my father in law both don't care for the dish, but ate it right up when the soy sauce is added. I considered it a success. I also like to take pictures of anything I cook or bake for proof.

Then that night, the Black Friday shopping began! I met up with my girlfriend and some friends at 9pm at Kohls. We weren't the first in line like last year, but the 3rd group there. They have the best deals, $$ off coupons, % off coupons, both of which can be combined together, AND they give you Kohls cash back. After we went to the mall, but crashed around 4am. I slept for a bit, then headed out to Target. Came home showered, and then my gf and I headed back out to the mall and Old Navy. I finally got home around 4pm. I was pooped!

This year we did so good! I knocked 6 people off my list and found some great things for the hubs and I, and a few things for our future home.

Finally, I did pretty good at only buying a few items for myself, I'm pretty proud. Every Christmas, I feel like for every one gift I find, I get two things for myself. I just love all the glitz, glamour, and deals you can find at this time of year.

Brave on DVD, you can't beat $10! I also picked up Cinderella for $15. 

Essie Razzle Dazzle Manicure In Beige. It comes with Glamour Purse, Set In Stones and First Base Base Coat. I figured I was getting the base coat for free! I've been wanting/needing some silver glitter polish. 

New flats for work. They come in a tan/nude I want to get as well, but the Steve Madden I have are still in good shape. At least I know they're available at Kohls. I believe they carry them year round. 

Another plaid flannel from Old Navy. They're so easy to wear! I loved the Christmas colors in this one too. This one is really long, so it's perfect for leggings and I plan on layering my puff vest too with it.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and great weekend! Did you go black Friday shopping? Did you find good deals?

Would you be interested in the cheesecake recipe?

PS My Sister-in-law and her fiance made it on ESPN for the USC and Notre Dame game! Aren't their signs HILARIOUS???

Mini Ulta Haul

Last week, Ulta had 40% off select beauty brands, including Revlon and NYX. I went by there twice last week and they were nearly out of everything! There were a lot of products and colors I've been wanting to try that were completely sold out. It also gets to a point with shopping where you have to ask yourself, "Am I buying this because I love it or because of the price tag?". I mean, I really can only use so many lipsticks (on top of my disgustingly large collections of pinks) so I bought just the colors I've been wanting to try for fall.

Revlon Lipsick in Raspberry Bite

NYX Lip Pencil in Pinky

Revlon Lipsick in Wild Orchid

NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner

NYX Matte Body Bronzer in Deep Tan

Now, don't let those lip colors fool you! They are definitely not true to color. I bought them after one of my blog icons, Julie from Gal Meets Glam, who is beauty and fashion perfection (see her post here on her fave lipsticks and check out their true colors!). I've already worn both colors to work and had nothing but compliments on them- even the hubs liked them! He doesn't like any lip color so that's huge. 

I also bought a bright pink liner, I had a nude and a red and needed something bright for my brighter lipsticks. Now, I wish I didn't have to sharpen it, I prefer the automatic liners, but at least sharpening it guarantees no germs. The NYX Matte Bronzer is a re-purchase, I usually get Medium, but they were all sold out so I'll probably exchange it later. I love, love, love how NYX has both shimmer and matte bronzers and that they come in an array of shades. The dark isn't too much darker than the medium when I test it on my hand, but I think the dark will be too much on my face. Then, finally, I bought NYX Liquid Liner after hearing so many reviews. I haven't tried it yet, and probably won't for a while because I literally just bought a liner like two weeks ago, so it will be a minute before I get to test it out. 

Other products and colors I wanted to try but skipped on was; Revlon Lipstick in Black Cherry, Siren, and Coralberry; NYX  lipstick in Louisiana, and eyeshadow in Taupe. Ulta was either out of them or I wasn't sure about the color, or it looked too similar to other shades I have. Again, I can only use and wear so many lip sticks and eye shadows a day.

Another thing I picked up that wasn't part of the sale is Sally Hansen Flirt, a beautiful deep burgundy color with a hint of shimmer. It's perfect for fall! I also want to pick up Essie Recessionista, but it's sold out everywhere I go. I think this may be a new fave fall color, check out MakeupAlley for a great color swatch. The color got rave reviews on the site as well. I've used it already on my toes and I'm obsessed with it. It's such a gorgeous color!

Did you swing by Ulta for their sale? I saw pics all over blogland and Instagram. What did you buy?

Shopping Fall Trends

Last weekend on my way back from visiting my sister in San Diego, I stopped by to visit my sister/brother-in-law and the SIL and I did some shopping. I was pretty restrained, but found some gorgeous pieces at HandM, I'm gonna have to go back and snag a few of them!

Sadly, summer is quickly coming to an end. Two weeks ago, it was still light outside when I left for work and now it's dark. On top of that, all of the September issues have come out. Then, if that wasn't a reminder enough, I've heard reports of Christmas tree displays! Christmas! Geez louise. I'm trying to soak up every last bit of summer I can; wearing all of my tanks, dresses, and shorts before it's too late.

One thing that is helping ease the pain of the end of summer is all the gorgeous fall trends! There's some amazing trends coming up that I'm looking forward to sporting. 

Here's some of my favorites (click pictures to their links):

Hunter Green

This color looks great on all skin tones and pairs well with your basics, plus royal blue and rich gold.

Richly Hued Bags

I love burgundy in the fall! It pairs so weel with other rich colors and a deep colored bag adds to every outfit. Seriously want to run and buy this right now, and I'm kicking myself for not buying it last weekend! It's a beautiful color and great size.

Jeweled Collars

These pretty little pieces are all over blog land and stores. It's so chic and adds such a beautiful touch to a t-shirt and jeans or your sheath dress.

Printed Bottoms

Jeans and leggings are getting a make-over this season with lots of fun prints. Fantastic to bring some life to the cold season.

Arm Candy

I love a cuff by itself, but it also looks great paired with dainty feminine bracelets.

Jeweled Hair

I've seen blinged out hair on the red carpet, but I think it's easy to wear in real life and to the office with a chic headband or detailed barettes.

These are my favorite pieces I've seen so far, but there's so many amazing trends this fall like brocade, military details, and oxblood. I'm hoping to add just a few pieces that I can wear and re-wear for years.

What are you looking forward to wearing this season? What's your favorite trend?