Feeling a little blah?

Omorvicza Copper Peel

Buy this.  Apply (it takes less than 5 minutes) and rejoice at how gorgeous your skin looks (it's MAGIC)!!!  It’s that simple too.  For best results, use twice weekly.  Your face is bright, clear, even toned and every fine line or enlarged pore miraculously blurred if not completely erased!!  I’m totally addicted.

 

 

http://www.sephora.com/copper-peel-P309217?skuId=1600832&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=6Ou5k4uE&pcrid=50233218639&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=CIGQreyEusICFQ4S7AodSDQAsQ#pdp-reviews

 

Still feeling blah?  Go get facial highlights.  Boom.  That's what I did.  Happy hump day.

BARE NECESITIES

Dr. Brandt CC Glow

The best tinted moisturizer (for my skin) ever.  It’s amazing how long my face looked fresh & glowing and not the least bit oily.  The consistency is a little odd but it goes on smoothly and does wonders for fine lines, skin texture, and color correction.  I was not expecting to love it so much.  Plus, it’s super easy!  I used my regular moisturizer then this but in the warmer months would likely just use it alone.  Loving that it is SPF 30 too.

 

 

http://www.sephora.com/cc-glow-broad-spectrum-spf-30-P382291?skuId=1560036&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=6Ou5k4uE&pcrid=50233218639&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclid=CO668rKxr8ICFUEV7AodqWwAZg

Surratt Loose Powder

This is the best “touch up powder” in the universe.  I am confident. It absorbs shine seamlessly & leaves no residue or powdery finish.  Instantly you’re refreshed.  You can purchase a translucent shade or a translucent shade that is slightly yellow based – I went with the yellow as my skin has a lot of pink/red undertones.  The compact is $20 and the powder is $20 – thus, when you’re out of product, it’s only a $20 fix.  The compact contains a mesh covered palette and cover so just the right amount of product is released onto your velvet facial puff.

 

http://www.barneys.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=00505029788392&cgid=womens-cosmetics&index=1

Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Balm in Sexy Petal

I really love this gloss and have mentioned it many times before.  It’s easy to go back to – it stays put very well, is super moisturizing & adds the perfect bit of sheer color and shine.

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/trish-mcevoy-beauty-booster-spf-15-lip-gloss?ID=485605&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-GS-Beauty-_-Trish%20Mcevoy-_-791222923832USA&CAWELAID=120156070000062589&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=120156070000240938&cadevice=c

 

Check me out at the park this weekend!  No frumpy yoga clothes here.

*J Brand skinnies, Isabel Marant wedge trainers, Current/Elliott tee shirt…

 

 

PS This $128 leopard coat is one of the best things I’ve spent money on all year.  Obsessed.  I have worn it daily since it arrived & am getting non stop compliments!

 

http://www.nastygal.com/product/Nasty-Gal-Cat-Skills-Coat?currency_code=US&country_code=US&gclid=COPFy_6wt8ICFSIV7AodrAoAow

 

On being a Mom... Oh & turning 35...

It occurred to me the other day on the playground with my baby that when it comes to looks – I’m really one extreme to the next.  Now, as you know, I’m always in jeans but, on the weekends, unless I’m going out to dinner or over to a friend’s house, I’m wearing yoga leggings of some sort, a sports bra, and a tank with various top layers depending on the temperature.  I wear 0 makeup & when I say 0, I mean, I don’t even wash my face.  I found myself scoffing at another Mom who was in a more coordinated form of my outfit but with full makeup and freshly blownout hair waving in the breeze.  She was probably scoffing at me & thinking, “geez, just use a swipe of concealer.”  You know what, she’s right.  I’ve gotten pretty damn lazy.  I’m going to be 35 on Sat., I have a closet full of gorgeous clothes & I’m literally sitting at the playground in a shirt from 1990, yoga pants I’ve worn 2 days in a row, and last night’s black eyeliner.  Pathetic. 

 

I’ve decided A) I’m going to wash my face pre playground on the weekends and at the least even out my far from perfect skin tone with some BB cream and B) (if I have time & am not literally just before or after an actual yoga or barre class) maybe throw on a pair of jeans with a button down or sweater.

 

In regard to stylish leisure/active wear - for my birthday I bought myself something that I have always wanted.  I am well aware some would argue this trend has come and gone but I would argue in return when it is by Isabel Marant, it will always be relevant and in fashion.  I found these uber covetable wedge trainers on sale (65% off) on the Outnet and just couldn’t pass them up. The Bluebel style is the most paired down of all Marant’s trainers.  The hidden wedge is less than 3 inches & the details are subtle.  The beige works well for all seasons.  They feel like slippers and look super chic with a hint of ankle showing when worn with skinny jeans or worn with leggings and a sweatshirt.  I know I will live in them for many many months.  Watch out playground Moms, I’m bringing fetching back!

 

 

 

 

Here’s a snap of me at the playground with my munchkin last week – mind you this really was before my Sunday barre class (hence my outfit) but, I washed my face, put on some tinted moisturizer & I swear it did wonders for my mood & self confidence.

 

On Sat. I’m getting my makeup done courtesy of Edward Bess, a line I’ve heard wonderful things about, but never tried.  I’m excited to show you my birthday look & share some reviews about the Bess products next week!  This makeover will take place at that one & only HYDE salon – can’t say enough good things about my friends there!  XO

http://hydesalon.com/

http://www.edwardbess.com/

 

Wrapping up the week...

Ok, first, sorry I’ve been MIA this week.  I’m apparently the only one in my household affected by the time change. 

Let’s start with some snaps from Halloween.  I regret not being Elsa because my not quite 2 year old son just really loves princess types and my black swan scared him a bit.  He was a bat, cutest one I’ve ever seen.

 

 

I’ve ended up full on loving the MAC primer from last week.  Also, my Glossier balm arrived & I’m obsessed.  Simple, effective, perfection in a tube you can make your own with adorable stickers! 

 

Did you know that my secret weapon are Hanes brand men’s undershirts?  The white is a classic go-to and I’m lately loving the “soft comfort” version in black and heather gray.  They look hip with a contrasting color bra worn solo for date nights or under a fitted blazer, cute over sports bras for workouts and perfectly polished under sweaters or even a button up worn open as seen below on me at the office today.  They're long and allow for nice ruching and have good coverage so the tatas aren’t on display – but the shoulder shape when worn solo gives kind of a sexy athletic look.  I order them in bulk and relied on them heavily throughout my pregnancy too.  I wear a M and usually order them on Amazon or grab a 3 pack at Target. 

 

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's the BALM

Glossier's Balm Dotcom

You guys know I’m a sucker for a luxurious lip balm.  By Terry & Omorvicza are my go-tos but, I also adore Smith’s rosebud salve, Sara Happ’s lip slip & countless others…

Well, you can imagine my delight when one of my favorite bloggers launched her own product line.  How could I possibly not order “balm dotcom” dubbed as a universal skin salve???  SOLD.  I am anxiously awaiting arrival in the mail and cannot wait to post a review.  Until then check this sure to be killer line out:

 

 

 

 

You even get to customize your products with quirky stickers!  Yay!

 

*Photo credit glossier.com

 

http://intothegloss.com/2014/10/emily-weiss-glossier/

 

Primers -- sigh...

I swear I think I’ve tried every primer on the market… I get really excited about them at first & then within a few days usually end up realizing – on my skin – they’re all pretty mediocre.  I rank Smashbox in the top tier of primers and have always wanted to try Cle de Peau’s priming products.  However, I made a knee jerk decision to try a MAC primer when I happened to pass the store in the mall the other day instead of having to leave the mall and go somewhere else or wait for a primer I ordered online.  I hate being in the mall, my child was with me, and so I just ended up grabbing a primer, this one:

 

& I hated it.  It left streaks, was too drying, and made my lovely YSL foundation streak.  It was $22, I should have known it was too good to be true.  But, that being said, I didn’t love Tom Ford’s uber pricey primer either (sorry Tom, I love all your other creations!).  I took the $22 primer back to the mall (ugh) & justified trying another slightly more expensive MAC primer because MAC is stage/ professional makeup of sorts and with all that heavy lighting, primer is a must, right?  Also, let's face it, I'm running low on options.  I ended up with this guy:

 

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mac-prep-prime-skin/2864444?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=60137856&fashionColor=&resultback=1060&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_3_B

 

I’m about 5 days in & I do like it – I think I like it a lot, maybe??  It looks pretty damn sensational and smooth when I leave my house in the morning or at night before dinner but 3 hours later I’m oily again.  The general public seems to love this primer so I’m giving it some more time… The consistency is nice and it leaves a faint glow that looks healthy & youthful.  I have no qualms with a dewy look but that is a slippery slope (pun intended) and best left to those with close to perfect skin.  My skin is good but not great – grass is always greener, right?  Thank goodness for setting powder! What’s your favorite primer??

 

Details

It’s finally Fall.  I’m loving all things plaid, my Anine Bing boots, loose & light weave sweaters, being able to keep my blowouts smooth and sleek thanks to a maj drop in humidity & this to die for Saint Laurent Betty bag (thank you, Bubby!)

 

 

 

More next week on hair, primers, lip balms, & my Halloween costume.  Until then, I leave you with this pic of my little pumpkin and a hint of my Halloween look…

 

YSL Foundation

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation

Oh. My. God. This stuff is heavenly.  It is the absolute lightest foundation I’ve ever encountered.  It is like nude ink, the texture, however, is a silky velvet that glides on your skin so beautifully and almost leaves a stain.  It’s traceless, seamless, & gorgeous.  Your skin feels naked – it just beautifully blurs imperfections and evens skin tone and the best part is it lasts all day.  Seriously, I have never looked matte and even toned at 5 pm.  I am truly blown away.  Also equally amazing is the incredibly wide range range of shades – there must be a perfect match for every skin tone out there.  This formula sinks into skin – minimal blending required – seriously “soft, matte, comfort that lasts all day.”

 

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/yves-saint-laurent-fusion-ink-foundation-broad-spectrum-spf-18/3840368

 

TKO

J Brand 811 mid rise skinnies in "Pure"

I’m such a denim fanatic (I wear jeans every day) that often times I end up with like 5 pairs of very special jeans in my rotation… drop crotch, heavily distressed, high waist, black, gray, zippered, flared – these “special” jeans usually only look good with certain items of clothing like a cropped blouse or only pointed toe pumps.  I lately end up feeling like I’m lacking a good staple that works with all shoes and all tops.  A pair that can just as easily work for the office as it can for a night out as it can for brunch with my family. 

I mentioned these old school J. Brand jeans a few posts ago & felt they deserved a little extra love… First, they are the plainest of plain.  They’re not even J. Brand’s most popular old school Ink wash, they’re the Pure wash.  Pure is like the first pair of blue jeans ever created – think old man on a farm blue worn with a plaid shirt in the 70s.  In any event, I’m now reaching for them almost daily.  They’re super flattering, super comfortable & they literally look great with everything… here’s the best part… they’re by far the least expensive jeans I’ve bought in years.  The 811 is mid rise and ankle length (keep in mind I’m 5’11). Coming in at a totally reasonable $145 – this guy is a total knockout!  Sometimes it pays to keep it nice and simple. 

 

http://www.jbrandjeans.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=4229&kpid=4229:10525:53056&country=US&currency=USD&mr:trackingCode=43E38CF0-EB35-E411-B421-001B21A69EB8&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=48120441633&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=74158751959&gclid=CIXX6IipjsECFeXm7Aod7Q4AWg

 

Wood Sage & Sea Salt

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

It never fails that as soon as I think I’ve found my favorite new signature spent & pulled the trigger on a bottle a new scent comes along and totally sweeps me off my feet.  As a long-time fan of Jo Malone it comes as no surprise that I’m OBSESSED with her new fragrance, Wood Sage & Sea Salt.  Oh. My. God.  This scent is seriously perfect in every single way.  I want to lather myself in it in the shower, I want it on my skin & pillow before bed.  It is just absolutely heavenly.  It is salty, musky, earthy and woodsy in the best possible way & I actually think it’s just delicious for Fall.  There is a depth to it that makes it less light and fluffy and more dark & deep.  Thank you, Jo, for making this killer scent available in the smaller $55 bottle because there was just no way I was possibly leaving the store without one. 

If you’re in Nashville, see my friend, Autumn, at the Jo Malone counter at Nordstrom. 

 

http://www.jomalone.com/product/13298/32241/Fragrances/The-Collections/Woody/Wood-Sage-Sea-Salt/Wood-Sage-Sea-Salt-Cologne#

 

Let me be frank

Frank & Eileen plaid (shocker!) blouse

Love at first sight! The feel, the perfect plaid print for Fall and always, the fact that you can wash yourself and they look perfect. 

I love how these blouses work just as well for the office (I wear a nude cami underneath) as they do for a night out with pointy toe pumps and skinny jeans. 

http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/frank-eileen/tops-1/items.aspx#ps=1&pv=60&oby=5

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking News!!!!!!

By Terry’s baume de rose ultra luxe lip balm is now available in 6 gorgeous tints.  When you see the colour in the jar, you will think it’s too much pigment and going to be far too dark but, I promise you – tis not!!!

I ended up buying the last tint I tried on which is called “fig fiction” – it looks like a vampy purple that will be way too dark at first glance but on lips it’s natural plum perfection.  I’ve actually forgotten how fabulous this balm really is… the hint of rose scent and the super moisturizing properties truly make it one of kind.  I was also pleasantly surprised at how long this balm lasted – in some ways it’s like a moisturizer and lip tint in one.  Yay!  News of this made my day.  Pick up yours at Private Edition.  I took some fun selfies in the morning light while sitting in traffic this morning so you could see how natural and sheer the balm looks.

 

http://us.spacenk.com/baume-de-rose-nutri-couleur/MUK200013321.html#BVRRWidgetID

 

Cali Cool

I was so lucky to have my BFF fly in from sunny LA last weekend to keep me & my son (her god son) company while my hubby was across the world on business.  We had a fabulous visit & I found myself multiple times over the weekend admiring her CA easy breezy style.  She managed to look super comfy yet super pulled together at all times.  Cheers, Poodle!!

I noticed this especially at Sunday brunch after a night of eating and drinking way too much when I found myself in too tight of a tank top and a schleppy pair of jeans with holes in the knees and ratty converse.  My cool companion was in an oversize linen blend button down, skinny ankle jeans and pretty flat sandals.  Was she fidgeting with her shirt bc we were bloated and hungover… absolutely not!  After she left Sunday night & my Mom asked me if I couldn't afford new jeans,  I realized I was lacking a few polished everyday items from my closet.  They are a) skinny jeans in a clean dark wash free of holes or distress - slim but comfortable enough for day or night b) an oversize cotton/linen blend blouse c) a linen blend oversize sweater.  I’m a lover of button ups but I usually gravitate towards more rugged alternative styles (Rails) that can definitely read a little grungy.  The Frank & Eileen button downs that I adore and have also blogged about are fitted and are super chic with jeans and heals but they’re also low cut in the front and pretty crisp. 

So, my debit card took a hit this week but I grabbed a few (all on sale) items to perfect & round out my carefully curated Fall wardrobe:

 

I ended up with J. Brand 811 skinny jeans in the "pure" wash, a couple Nili Lotan blouses, a cashmere/cotton blend tee from Billy Reid, and a loose sweater from 360 aka skull cashmere.

 

Private Eyes -- I'm watching you

My inspiration:

 

 

My main products:

 

 

 

 

PS Kristin Stewart’s eye makeup is a constant source of inspiration for me.  I had the pleasure of working with one of her Armani makeup artists once but sadly do not have photos of the end result.  I’m still perfecting this look but getting a pretty damn accurate end result on a good day. 

 

 

http://www.barneys.com/Ombre-Blackstar/00505004433873,default,pd.html

http://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/makeup-eyes-eyeshadow/0607845030348.html

 

Charlote Tilbury

It’s a shame that I literally just restocked my La Mer (which I use as a night cream) because I have been curious about Charlotte Tilbury’s “magic cream” for years!  I was thrilled to see Tilbury’s line has finally made an appearance stateside & when I saw Net-a-porter had free next day shipping earlier this week, I couldn’t resist snapping up a few goodies. 

As you all know I love a good nude (read nearly colorless) gloss!  Plus, I was totally enticed by the “lasting lip lacquer” claim.  Obviously, this gloss does not wear for the six hours it claims… but, it did stay put & glossy for a solid hour which is a major achievement in the gloss world!  I got Hall of Fame and High Society.  Hall of Fame is literally clear but adds shine and polish, which I love.  The gloss is non sticky and non-drying.

I’m constantly on a quest for the perfect black pencil to create the ultimate “I woke up like this” rocker, smudgy, eye… I think I’ve mastered the look every so often but I haven’t and thus, I keep trying… I snapped up this black eye pencil (I mean, it is called “rock n kohl”) & an accompanying smudgy shadow pencil.  I love how Tilbury’s descriptions tell you which shadow pencil will look best with your eye color.  I love the kohl eye pencil – it’s so easy to apply and really get all the pigment in bw the lashes for a nice dark lash line.  The champagne shadow pencil adds the prettiest hint of sparkle and looks perfect smudged against the black line from the pencil.   I’m definitely that much closer to my inspired look…. XO

 

http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Charlotte_Tilbury?cm_sp=topnav-_-MK-beauty-_-CharlotteTilburyLaunch-_-02-09-14&level3Filter=&pn=1&npp=60&image_view=product&dScroll=0
 

Mad for Plaid, Etc.

I can’t stop buying plaid shirts.  I cannot wait to wear them for Fall with my favorite jeans and booties.  How cute would it be to pair a plaid button down with a leather pencil skirt?  My favorite plaid shirts are from Rails.  I like wearing them open with a simple tank underneath and/or statement necklaces or, just buttoned and half tucked with a great pair of heels.  See my shameless selfie below & a couple outfit inspiration pics from Pinterest. 

 

 

I also can’t stop buying jeans – what else is new?  Jeans are truly my weakness but, a perfect pair can bring so much happiness and simplify dressing more so than any other item in my closet.

I’m totally in love with the new premium vintage collection from Citizens of Humanity.  I have never really loved a pair of boyfriend-ish jeans until this pair came into my life.  I’ll admit a dropped crotch is not for everyone and there are limits to which shoes you can wear with these guys but, when styled right, they are ultra-comfy, flattering and fun - perfection.  You must take one size down from usual -- possibly 2 depending on the look you're going for.  The bourbon wash = my favorite denim wash ever.  You can wear these as higher waist jeans (thus eliminating the drop crotch effect) and they look similar to a pair of vintage 501s, button fly and all.  Or you can wear them low and slouchy emphasizing the drop crotch and giving you a slightly androgynous look depending on what top and shoes you pair them with. 

 

Testing out some new self- tanners after not one but two disasters with my old faithful, Jergens.  Stay tuned!  Hope you all have a safe & happy holiday weekend.  XO

http://www.revolveclothing.com/citizens-of-humanity-premium-vintage-corey-in-bourbon/dp/CITI-WJ1129/

http://www.revolveclothing.com/rails/br/7b191c/?source=google-rail&mkwid=seffOjWYf_dc|pcrid|58409851691|pkw|%2Brails%20%2Bdenim%20%2Bshirt|pmt|b&pdv=c&cvosrc=ppc.google.%2Brails%20%2Bdenim%20%2Bshirt&cvo_crid=58409851691&matchtype=b&gclid=CMa6nODvuMACFVJo7Aod7B0ALw