Thursday, February 28, 2013

Black Boot Mama



The best closets contain basic essentials that when paired with anything else bring the outfit together. What do I consider essential? Well of course you need your perfect pair of dark wash skinny jeans (my current favorite are these from Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply), the perfect drapey white blouse, a well cut denim jacket, millions of soft crew or v-neck T's, and finally, a great black boot. Note: Obviously my essentials list goes on much further than this, but I am trying to look minimalistic, okay?

Black boots are classic in many senses and for me conjure up images of bikers, cowboys, gothic-Victorian ladies, and edgy fashionistas. And lets face it, we all want to look like a Victorian-biker-cowboy who is seriously fashion forward.

So here are my three favorite pairs of black boots at the moment.



These rough and tumble little ladies are my Jeffrey Campbell Rum Moto boots. As the name implies, they are inspired by the traditional motorcycle boot, except these have a sturdy high heel to lend some feminine flair to your biker-look. While not the worlds most comfortable shoe, I feel prepared for anything in these boots. Sidewalk cracks don't scare me when I am donning these babies!




These combat boots are a recent re-discovery for me. I'll admit that the resurgence of the combat boot sparked my interest in the trend, and just when I was this close to purchasing the Steve Madden "Troopa" boots that everyone and their mother has, I remembered purchasing these Nine West American Vintage boots for practically nothing during a massive Macy's shoe sale in the dead of summer. These boots are pretty straightforward, with the exception of the brass rivet at the top of the boot—which I love!




The newest addition to my black boot collection are these Report Ackley boots. I am attracted to all the features of these boots: gold hardware, comfortable cowboy-esque heel, side cutouts for air circulation, and matte-ish leather (looks better with wear!). I think these will be great in the spring and summer just as they have been this winter. I can see them with a pair of shorts or a sweet sun dress now...

My parting words on this subject is to remember that black boots are as versatile as your favorite jeans. Spring through winter, day or night, black boots fit the bill. So put them on and start living like the biker-cowboy you are!

Til next time.


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Love Day

 

To me, Valentine's Day means a handful of things. Of course it means spending time with that special someone (why do we need a designated day for this to happen?) but for me, it also means makeup, flowers, and other pretty things. If you can't be girly on Valentine's Day, when can you be?

For the occasion, I will be wearing this look.


Soft brown eyeshadow, classic black winged-liner, punchy pink cheeks, and bright fuchsia lips. It's soft enough to be natural, but colorful enough to be fun.


I created this look with the products pictured above. Bobbi Brown's "Pale Pink" blush, NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Addis Ababa," The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer, Maybelline's The Falsies mascara, and MAC's fluidline liner in "Blacktrack."

Top-bottom: Mary-Lou Manizer, Addis Ababa Lip Cream, and Pale Pink Blush

Of course no makeup look is complete without a few little extras like the perfect romantic scent—I like Flowerbomb by Victor & Rolf—and fun nails. And throw in a little glamour with some bejeweled earrings. I mean, why not?





I'd love to hear what everyone is doing with their Valentine's Day, or better yet, with their Valentine's look! I hope everyone enjoys all the sweetness the day has to offer.

Til next time. 






Tuesday, February 5, 2013

drugstore makeup: a love story



(Did it come through that I tried to make a heart-shape out of some of my favorite drugstore products...No?... Oh well.) 

I would consider myself an equal opportunity makeup user. I love Chanel. I adore Laura Mercier. I gotta lotta MAC. But I also love drugstore makeup. In fact, there are certain drugstore favorites of mine in which I have yet to find a comparable department store dupe. And why would I want to?

Here are some of my favorite drugstore products that I have in my collection right now.

Face


I use to think foundation and concealer haaad to be department store brand. And while I do have many favorite high-end foundations, concealers, and powders, I also have some cheap ones that I find just as reliable. 

1. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup *great for combination/dry skin *dewey finish *very blendable *medium coverage
2. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Concealer Kit *dupe for the Laura Mercier "Undercover Pot" *creamy and blend-able *2-in-1 concealer and setting powder
3. L'Oreal Magic Lumi Concealer *dupe for YSL's "Touche Eclat" concealer/highlighter *brightening *lifting *doesn't settle into fine lines
4. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder *keeps shine away all day *smooth/not chalky 
5. Revlon ColorStay Foundation *full coverage *range of colors *sets quickly and stays all day

Eyes



I like some of these eyeliners more than their expensive counterparts!

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner *dupe for MAC Fluidline *will absolutely not smudge *sets quickly *comes with liner brush
2. NYX Noir Collection Liquid Liner *thin applicator brush for precise lines *stays all day *very black
3. L'Oreal Lineur Intense *dupe for the Lancome Artliner *precise felt-tip applicator *lasts all day *very black
4. Milani Color Brilliance Eye Liner Pencil  *dupe for some of the MAC pearl color pencils *glides on, doesn't pull *stays in the waterline *highly pigmented

Left-Right: Milani, L'Oreal, NYX, & Maybelline



With few exception, I don't believe in high end mascara. Right now, these are my favorites.

1. Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies *buildable volume *does not flake or transfer *removes easily with makeup remover *deep black
2. CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume *volumizing *no clumps...ever! *does not flake or transfer *deep black


Lips



One of my favorite products to buy and try from any brand, high-end or low-end, is lip products. While many of these lip products were after thoughts while picking up toothpaste or deodorant, they have become fast favorites!

Because I have soooo many favorites in the lips category, I won't detail each one. But I will say that they are all great and below you will find color swatches of some of my top picks.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss. L-R: Beige, French Kiss, & Sweet Heart

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain. L-R: Cherish, Honey, & Rendezvous

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter: L-R: Red Velvet, Sugar Plum, & Berry Smoothie

NYX Slim Lip Pencil. Top-Bottom: Burgundy & Pale Pink


If you have tried any excellent drug store products that you think I should know about, let me know! I'm always interested in trying something new. I would really like to try some nice drugstore blushes...I've heard good things about Rimmel. Another post?

Glad to be back on the posting wagon. Expect new posts from me this coming week!

Til next time.