Outfits Not Just Clothes

In my beauty post last month I highlighted old and new products that have been working (or trying to work) for me here in this never-ending winter. In my ongoing efforts to find THE product to combat my dry patchy skin and for foundation that doesn't become striated as the day freezes on I've added to my latest round of lotions and potions! For my everyday moisturizer I've been patting on Eucerin's Anti-Wrinkle Cream and the dry patches have definitely lessened. My face feels hydrated during the day, and at just under $10 from Amazon it's a win!  For my nighttime skincare I've been using Mary Kay products that my BFF turned me on to.  Soothing Eye Gel I've been paying more attention to the skin under my eyes here since my last birthday, and this fun gel has been a great addition to my getting-ready-for-bed routine.  Intense Moisturizing Cream For the rest of my face this heavier lotion keeps me from drying out overni...

Click to enlarge and check my silver collar tips! shirt-Nasty Gal(similar here ), "vest"-Banana Republic Factory Store(similar here ), pants- Uniqlo , heels-Hive & Honey via DSW (similar here ), "class" ring-Jewel Mint(more rings via Poshmark here ), hair color- Feria by Loreal Paris   In this post I talked about my relationship with purple, and how all its shades are the perfect color(s) for spring. Well now I'm practicing what I preach with my new smokey pastel hair color! I felt it was time for a bit of a change, and when better than spring (and summer) to switch things up on the hair front. 💇  My new do' plays into the chic color combo of navy and mauve in this outfit. The collar tips on the shirt and tone-on-tone dots in the "vest" are subtle, yet striking details to elevate the overall look. Also, this "vest" is actually a top. I've long been a fan of vests as alternative...

For the majority of my 20's this was my hair-- This pic was back in 2008... maybe 2009, a cute "shag" of sorts that grazed by jawline. It wasn't anything revolutionary, but it served me. Then, after turning 30 I decided it was time to shake things up and go short, ala Stella Tennant True, not an exact haircut copy, but the general idea was inspired by Stella.  I rocked this cut for several years. Then I saw Scarlet Johansson at the 2015 Ocscars: And decided it was time to for an edgier do' but took a Tilda Swinton approach: And like Tilda I then started lightening my hair and ended up with my current blond locks: Fun right? But, I've started to notice that a lot of middle-school aged boys share this look, ala J ustin Bieber : As you can see, it's still a Tilda-strong style, but it's also getting kind of floppy for me: So I've decided to play down my edgy look, and am once again seek d...

I've been a " Birchbox -er" for several years and have always enjoyed receiving my monthly sampler of surprises. Some months are better than others, and while I'm not a huge beauty gal I have discovered some amazing products to compliment my fairly simple beauty routine. Here are a few that have really hit the mark for me. Blotting Papers I keep these papers at my desk at work, as they have become part of my meeting prep. I pat a sheet on my face, spray some scent, and swipe some lip balm before I head to meetings. Of course, I also prepare actual work stuff, but looking presentable is just as important.  Thermal Spring Water This moisturizing spray can be used all over the body, but I've been using it for my face. Just a quick spritz whenever my skin is feeling rundown, especially after taking off my makeup. I also use it in my morning regime, as a kick start to my regular moisturizer and primer before makeup.  Fix Mist This supposedly ...

Each year around this time Nordstrom has their HUGE Anniversary Sale . And, unlike other sales in July/August that are reducing summer stock to make way for fall/winter appearal, Nordstom's has amazing deals on coats, boots, trousers etc. It's a great time to stock up on basics and splurge on a few luxury items.  It's also a strategic start to your Christmas shopping . I know, it's only July, but hey you've got to start sometime and why not take adavantage of the savings now?! You'll be grateful you did when December rolls around.  So here are my top gift giving pics from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale : Jute Tote A personalized gift, even one as simple as a monogramed bag, shows you've really thought about that person, and had them in mind for this particular item. It's tempting to stock up on these types of totes, especially at ($20 a piece), but be warned if you end up giving the same bag within your circle of family and friends. They'll...

Last week I featured some recent purchases , including a smock dress from Everlane . I've gone back to the Everlane Well AND jumped on the culottes bandwagon and ordered this: Culottes I know, culottes, I just want smack myself in the head over the tragedy, yet I can't deny the chic potential of this trend in bottoms. When they came back around, like 2 years ago I swore to myself, "no, not this outfitter" but alas I've drunk the cool-aid and bought this pair. Upon arrival I have to admit I kind of love them. They aren't an everyday staple, by any means, BUT are going to be a very interesting addition to my spring/summer office outfitting.   Ryan Tank I also picked up this tank with my culottes order because you can never have enough effortlessly draped tank tops, amiright?! Old Navy This striped swing dress was a bit of an impulse buy. It was on super sale and I figured it would be a great thrown-on piece this summer. It may, or may not ...