I just ordered the last pair today and I can't wait for them to get in! I love that they lace up, but zip in the back for easy access. I'm also eyeballing number 5 too, the laser cut design is gorgeous!
Showing posts with label Macys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Macys. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2016
Gladiator Sandals Under $75
One trend I'm still not over is gladiator sandals, I just love all the straps! I think they scream summer and help give a casual outfit a bit of edge and help dress it up. I love that they work with shorts, dresses, and even pants for cool nights. I found a ton of great options at good prices, but the best is that there's so many variations. Some fit lower on the ankler, have ties, back zippers, and different designs.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Product Review: Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush Palette
Another palette win with Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Blush Palette! This is my first blush palette and I am seeing stars! It’s nothing short of beautiful and has something for every day. If you missed my UD Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette review, I mentioned that I was in the market for a new eyeshadow palette and a makeup artist suggested I check out the Gwen Stefani collaboration. She also mentioned, that the blush palette was amazing and I needed to have it too. So as I wandered over to check it out, she couldn’t have been more right! I wasn’t in the market for a blush palette, but thought the colors in the Gwen Stefani palette were gorgeous! I immediately fell in love with Easy (a deep rose with gold shimmer, middle top row), it’s a beautiful shade and I loved the flush look it would give. I didn’t think I needed the palette, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it at the same time.
That night, Matt and I had dinner reservations by the mall and had some time before so I ran into Macy’s to check it out again. I loved the palette, but again, Easy was so pretty and really stood out to me so I asked if it was exclusive to the palette or if it was a permanent shade that was renamed for the collaboration and it was an exclusive color. Their makeup girl was so sweet and she was just raving about how great it was and that she had to apply some on me so I could see for myself. She did and I was sold!
All of the colors are new to Urban Decay and are exclusive to the Gwen Stefani palette. In total there are six 0.09 oz shades- four blushes: Cherry (light pink satin), Easy (deep rose with gold shimmer), Angel (champagne-nude shimmer), and Hush (medium pink with gold shimmer), a bronzer Lo-Fi (soft bronze matte), and a highlighter in OC (soft pink with peach shift). The colors are very pigmented and you need to dust off the brush before application. They blend really beautifully and layer very well together.
Typically, I use Easy as my blush with a bit of Hush layered on top and Angel as a highlighter. Angel is a perfect highlighter and looks lovely down the bridge of your nose. For me, OC is much better as a blush than as I highlighter and looks beautiful with Angel layered as a highlighter on top. Cherry looks much more pale pink in the pot than in real life and gives a very subtle, natural pink hue to the cheek. All of the colors have shimmer, except the bronzer, so if you’re not into shimmery blush, this is not the palette for you. I personally love shimmer for blush, but it’s not a must-have for me. I’ll usually layer a shimmery highlighter over my blush anyways so it’s not a deciding factor for my blush choices. The only color I don’t really care for is the bronzer- it has too much of an undertone for me to use it as a bronzer and is better as a blush for my skintone.
My final thoughts on the blush palette is that the value is definitely there for the set, I use five of the six shades regularly and if you’re into blush or are looking for a nice range of blushes and highlighters, I would definitely recommend the palette. It doesn’t offer a wide variety of shades or finishes, so if you’re looking for something more versatile I would skip this. I’m very happy with my purchase and I think it complements the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette beautifully, but you don’t need to purchase both to be satisfied. I love the entire collaboration so far, they sent me some samples of the lipsticks so don't be surprised if you see a review for that coming up too!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Product Review: Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette
A few weeks ago, I posted about wanting a new eyeshadow palette and at the time I was checking out this and this one, but a makeup artist at Ulta suggested skipping them both in favor of the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette instead. I had heard about this palette and I didn’t consider it because I thought it would be a lot of bright colors, lots of glitter, and shades that I wouldn’t be able to get a lot of use from. I’ve been in love with Urban Decay Naked palettes (I have One, Two, Three, and the first Basics and they all get a lot of use), so I wandered over to check out the Gwen Stefani collaboration and I was floored, it was not what I expected at all! All of her collection was stunning, the palettes, lipsticks, all of it. The eyeshadow palette had beautiful, neutral colors with three jewel toned ones. The colors were gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!
A big difference with this palette is that there are fifteen shadows 0.04 oz (the Nakeds have twelve 0.05 oz shadows), twelve of which are new and exclusive to the palette and three that are from their permanent line and renamed for the collaboration. In the set, there’s a nice range of matte, shimmer, and pearl finishes. The shape is also different, it’s a large rectangle instead being slim. I do prefer the slim Naked cases since their shape makes them easier to travel with, but the Gwen Stefani set comes with a giant mirror which I really love.
Since my Gwen Stefani palette arrived, I’ve been using it non-stop and I didn’t expect to be using it every single day. I haven’t even picked up another shadow since it came and I’m so in love with it! The colors are gorgeous and blend beautifully, I’ve created different eye looks that are very natural and perfect for work using the top two rows and the first pot in the last row. Punk (a reddish brown matte, last shade in the first row) and Baby (a metallic rose, first shade in the second row) are two of my favorite colors. Punk blends beautifully with the other colors into the crease and Baby is a gorgeous transition color. For some extra shine, I’ll use Pop (a pale coral with iridescent sparkle, first shade in the third row) in my inner lid and blend out to the middle, although I do get a bit of fallout from this shade. Admittedly, I have not used the bottom right four shadows, I just haven’t had a use for them yet. I think Danger (a deep metallic blue, middle of the bottom row) and Blackout (a black matte, last shade in the third row) would be gorgeous blended into the outer lid or as a bottom liner.
Overall, I’m very happy with this collaboration, it really is gorgeous and I love the mix of shades and finishes. I think if you’re on the fence about the shadows, I would suggest going in and testing them out. I thought a lot about this palette and checked it out in person twice before purchasing. I wanted to be sure it offered something different than what I already owned and would be a versatile product to add to my collection. The quality is exactly what you expect from Urban Decay- long lasting, pigmented, and buttery. The colors really outshine my initial expectations of a Gwen Stefani collaboration. I think it offers colors and combinations you don’t get from the Naked collections and provides more than a generic nude, smoky, or bronzed palette. The colors really are so beautiful and make your eyes pop, and I know I sound like a broken record saying that, but the more I play with the palette, the more I love it!
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Fall Beauty Faves and Purchases
I've found some new beauty products and rediscovered some older ones and wanted to share what I've been using and loving lately. I have something for nearly every part of the face- eyes, lips, nails, face, I have it all covered!
NYX is quickly becoming one of my favorite beauty brands, they have a ton of products, they're a great price, and they have a ton of dupes for higher end brands. I picked up their Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm and I'm loving it for fall. It's a great shade, really neutral, and super easy to wear. I liked it so much, I went back and bought Istanbul too, although I don't think this shade looks as great on it's own, I think it needs a gloss or some balm over it. It's definitely harder to pull off matte lip color with lighter shades (at least in my humble opinion and experience). I also scooped up their lip liner in Peekaboo Neutral which according to this and this pin is a dupe for MAC's Boldly Bare. I'm absolutely liking this shade, it's so blendable and works great with a number of lipsticks and glosses I have.
Lorac Skinny Palette from Nordstrom Sale, similar here
This palette is amazing! I've been using it a ton the last 2-3 weeks, nearly everyday and it pairs perfectly with my favorite MAC shadows (All That Glitters, Naked Lunch, and Satin Taupe). I really like that this palette is small enough to carry in my makeup bag and has such versatile shades. I mostly use the far left ones, and only the second one over has shimmer in so I love to use one of my MAC shades in the crease or the middle of my lid. These shadows last all day, have amazing pigment, and I totally have my eye on their Pro Palette next!
This concealer has been sitting in my makeup drawer unused for months, months!! I'm not sure why I brought it out because I initially wasn't that impressed with it, but I'm so glad I did. It really helps to cover up and brighten my under eye area a ton. My biggest complaint is that you don't get a whole lot of product like you do with my HG Maybelline Age Rewind, but I think this definitely brightens up the area more. I'm going to do some more comparisons, but I'm happy enough with this concealer to buy it again, but this time I bought a shade lighter (Ivory) since we're heading into the cooler months.
It may be November, but until this week, we've had blazing heat and I have to keep my makeup from melting off and disappearing. On days where I need my makeup to last all day and into the night, I've been using the primer spray first, then the pore eraser on top and my makeup has lasted like whoa. WHOA! My sister got married at the end of September and it was ridiculously hot and crazy humid and this combo really helped my makeup to stay spackled onto my face.
Looking for the perfect red polish? Run over and pick up Essie's Shall We Chalet?, it's great for all the upcoming holidays. Red can be such a hard shade to find that works for you (especially lipstick!) and this one is a bright true red without any hint of pink. This is such a fun color and I only had to use one coat (with their gel topper).
On my first night out without the babies, my girlfriend and I headed to the mall and stopped in at the MAC counter to pick up some lipstick. I really had to hold myself back from buying several, and even took pics of my lipstick stash at home before heading out to remind myself to not go crazy. I'm using "crazy" as a very loose term, I totally bought the girls some Christmas outfits while we were shopping. Anyways, I tested so many lipsticks and kept picking up shades I already freaking owned (which I promptly dug out of my lipstick drawer and put them into my overflowing makeup bag) and then was torn between Syrup and Brave, which I mulled over for way too long. I ended up getting Brave and I'm super happy with it. It's pretty similar to Stockholm above in being a deeper neutral shade that pretty much goes with everything. Brave also goes great with the Peekaboo Neutral liner too!
So that's my recent beauty purchases and favorites lately. I have a few things on my wishlist that I'm going to wait on for Black Friday shopping and Christmas. What are you ladies loving lately? Have you added anything new to your makeup bags that you're loving? Rediscovered a long lost product?
Friday, September 4, 2015
Recent OOTD + Purchases
Getting out of the house can be quite the struggle now a days, it takes lots of planning and prep and an extra 30 minutes more than it should. Being home on leave, whether I have someone here to help or not, I try and get out of the house every day for our sanity. I'm hoping to make a better schedule/routine in the coming weeks for us- splash pad, park, library, errands, quiet time, etc. What are some of your favorite activities for your family that you do? What schedules work for you? Please share!
One thing I do each day is get ready, even if it is just to get a gallon of milk, and then right back to yoga pants (if I'm even wearing pants in this heat). It just makes me feel better to be somewhat put together and it helps Ellie get ready too, otherwise she lives in jammies or naked with her wild hair all over the place.
I scored this dress from Target a few days before Emma's arrival and absolutely love it, it's super comfortable and really easy to nurse in. It's so hard to find dresses that are nursing friendly! I tried to find it on their website, but couldn't find it anywhere! I've seen it in stores still though. The tote bag is also sold out online, but I've seen it recently on sale in store at Old Navy.
Since high school, I've always used two mascaras on my lashes- one for length and another for thickness. I've been using their Rocket mascara with my trusted L'Oreal one for a while now, it's a great combo and I really like how they work together. This Colossal mascara is amazing! It gives so much mascara in just one swipe and the brush is tilted at the end with makes it great for bottom lashes and to get the tips of your top. Since using this mascara, I haven't even needed a second mascara it does everything. Hurry up and run to try it for yourself! It's really good.
Last week, my aunt was in town visiting and we had to do a little bit of shopping. On a stop at Old Navy, I picked up this hat and I can't wait to wear it. I went back and forth about getting it, even though it's a great price ($20), because I wasn't sure how much wear I could get out of it since I can't wear it to work. We both love hats and talked about our purchase regrets when we saw a hat and didn't buy it and how we should wear hats more often because they're so chic. On our way out from our shopping trip I picked up this MAC Lickable lipstick. It's so pretty and will be really easy to wear with everything and is super versatile. It will transition perfectly into fall and winter and then right back into spring and summer next year! I love, love, love it! Another great pick from my aunt! Thanks Kim!
Ellie picked out these shoes on a shopping trip, aren't they so cute! We found several pair in her size in different colors and she picked these ones. I love them on her!
On a sweet note, have you tried these Oreo thins yet? They are amazing and so delicious! Our box lasted only a few days and then I was back to the store for a second pack.
Have a happy Friday! Enjoy the long weekend!
One thing I do each day is get ready, even if it is just to get a gallon of milk, and then right back to yoga pants (if I'm even wearing pants in this heat). It just makes me feel better to be somewhat put together and it helps Ellie get ready too, otherwise she lives in jammies or naked with her wild hair all over the place.
I wore this out to the splash pad, I absolutely love this top and wish I had bought it in more colors and definitely snagging the white. It's so easy to wear and a great length in the front and back, it will look super cute tucked into a skirt for work.
While Matt was still on paternity leave, I got together with some girlfriends and our little babies for some lunch and a Target run. It was so fun to get together and out of the house. I love that so many of my friends are also having kids and our children can grow up together. It's nice to bounce off ideas on each other, baby products, and little parenting tricks to get us through the tough times.
Top (Bought in April from TJ Maxx) // Shorts (old, similar here)
Both of these items are a bit old, but I'm so happy I was able to wear them both pregnant and post-pregnancy. I bought the shorts two sizes larger after having Ellie, I needed them in a larger size with my postpartum body and also I didn't want anything tight around my stomach after my c-section.
Since high school, I've always used two mascaras on my lashes- one for length and another for thickness. I've been using their Rocket mascara with my trusted L'Oreal one for a while now, it's a great combo and I really like how they work together. This Colossal mascara is amazing! It gives so much mascara in just one swipe and the brush is tilted at the end with makes it great for bottom lashes and to get the tips of your top. Since using this mascara, I haven't even needed a second mascara it does everything. Hurry up and run to try it for yourself! It's really good.
Last week, my aunt was in town visiting and we had to do a little bit of shopping. On a stop at Old Navy, I picked up this hat and I can't wait to wear it. I went back and forth about getting it, even though it's a great price ($20), because I wasn't sure how much wear I could get out of it since I can't wear it to work. We both love hats and talked about our purchase regrets when we saw a hat and didn't buy it and how we should wear hats more often because they're so chic. On our way out from our shopping trip I picked up this MAC Lickable lipstick. It's so pretty and will be really easy to wear with everything and is super versatile. It will transition perfectly into fall and winter and then right back into spring and summer next year! I love, love, love it! Another great pick from my aunt! Thanks Kim!
Ellie picked out these shoes on a shopping trip, aren't they so cute! We found several pair in her size in different colors and she picked these ones. I love them on her!
On a sweet note, have you tried these Oreo thins yet? They are amazing and so delicious! Our box lasted only a few days and then I was back to the store for a second pack.
Have a happy Friday! Enjoy the long weekend!
Monday, April 8, 2013
My Favorite Home Items
Since moving into our new apartment we've finally been able to use our weddings gifts and have picked up a few things to make it our own. Some of this stuff I can't imagine going without and I wanted to share it with everyone. Now let's not kid ourselves, I'm no great host or Martha Stewart, but these are items I use all the time and have found to make life easier with some style mixed in.
Everyday White Tray
I have two of these trays and then a giant one from Macy's that I couldn't find online. These trays are simple and elegant and are easy to use on a daily basis. I use them to serve dessert, hold the toppings for burgers, and they're perfect for a veggie play. Every host needs a good serving platter.
2.5-Quart Pitcher On Ice
This pitcher is plastic and has a great lid, which is hard to find in pitchers surprisingly. I have some really pretty glass ones, but they're so heavy when you actually use them. Plus, I'm always so afraid of breaking them. This one also has a nice plastic center you can freeze when using the pitcher outside. I love making Tazo Passion Tea + Lemonade in this pitcher.
Cuisinart CHW-12 Coffee Maker, 12 Cup Programmable with Hot Water System
So I don't drink coffee, or even caffeine, but I do like warm tea, hot chocolate, and cider. I like to call this His and Hers, it serves both Matt and I every weekend morning. He says it's a great coffee machine too, so that's cool.
Tabletops Gallery Square Serving Baskets
I keep the larger one on our dining table for candy, I'm still looking for a filler, but can't find one I like. Sorry Marshalls, I know I've returned and shopped your store a million times for this simple item. Then I have the smaller one on our bookshelf and they both look really pretty. I always get compliments on them from our guests.
Martha Stewart Collection Cupcake Carrier
Best invention ever for cupcake carrying. First, there's two racks that can be used together or alone, but the action doesn't stop there people, the white plastic trays on the inside can be flipped around to be used for cookies or cakes. Genius!Anolon Advanced Cookware, 11 Piece Set Hard Anodized Nonstick
Cooking with legit cookware instead of family hand me downs from the 90s is awesome. These pots/pans heat up so quickly and are easy to clean. I love them.
Martha Stewart Collection Mixing Bowls, Set of 6 Melamine
These bowls are my favorite, the colors and sizes are great. Plus, they store easily inside of each other. I use them for fruit, mixing, popcorn, food serving, etc. This is the best mixing bowls and are dishwasher safe, which I've learned is important to check for when buying kitchen items.
Martha Stewart Collection 7" Del Norte Salt and Pepper Mill
You can really use any salt and pepper shakers, but Matt and I love fresh pepper and these are pretty. Oh, and you can totally find them at Marshalls or Home Goods for half the cost. Awesome right?
Threshold™ Square Rim 16 Piece Dinnerware Set
Can I please tell you how many square plates we looked at before I found these at Target? My poor husband, we went all over to find the perfect set. We bought a few, registered for a few, and then returned all of them. To be honest, I think he was more picky than I was about them. Plus, some plates are freaking heavy and I didn't want any of that. These ones have dimension and grated lines on the plates which add a little flair. It's really what sold me the most on them.
Royal Velvet Egyptian Cotton Solid Bath Towels
Good towels are something to invest in, these are soft, plush, and soak up so much water. My hair is damp after only a few minutes wrapped in these things. They're very cozy and I truly adore them.
Real Simple Slimline Hangers with Built-in Hooks
These hangers really do save room in your closet! Plus, they help pull your closet together and give it a streamlined look.
Martha Stewart Collection Square Stainless Steel Spice Rack, 20-Piece Set
This really just makes me feel fancy. Plus, it has all those weird spices cookbooks have that no one actually keeps on hand.
What are some of your favorite home items?
On a sidenote, a few of you have let me know about a malware warning that comes up, I think it's only from viewing from certain browsers. I've done a mega cleaning on my computer and from what I understand the issue should be resolved. Let me know!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Trending: Spiked Heels
I've seen spiked heels on the red carpet recently and just adore how they look! I love feminine details mixed with edgy pieces. Spiked heels are a great accessory that can easily be worn day and night. The spikes are such a minor detail, they can go from the office to cocktail hour without any problem.
Here's some heels for a great price to get the look yourself:
For those who want a more subdued look, these two pumps are perfect for you!
How do you like this look? Would you wear spiked heels?
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