October 27, 2011

Wine Not Try It On For Fall?

Gone are the heated days of spring shades of blue and yellow and summer pinks. It's fall, baby. That means rich shades accented by cozy cardigans and chic scarfs. It also means it's time for wine...colors...and the adult beverage, of course!

That being said, I've been falling in love with the rich bordeaux tones making their way into everything from jackets to jeggings. Below is a set of a just a few rich wine items I'm crazy about. I'm especially loving the wine colored skinny jean and Tolani scarf!

Which rich shades are you pulling out for fall?

October 24, 2011

Product Review: Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser, B

It's product review time, friends! Today I'm reviewing one of the two products I received in a recent Burt's Bees BzzAgent kit - Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser. This kit came at a very opportune time...I just finished up my evening cleanser and was looking for another option with the cooler weather coming in!

Details from Burt's Bees:

This soap-free cream cleanser is clinically proven to moisturize sensitive skin while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and make-up without over drying or causing redness. Distinctly formulated with softening Cotton Extract to help skin replenish its outer layer and minimize the effects of potential irritants such as harsh soaps or cleansers, it also moisturizes with Rice Extract and soothes with Aloe. Naturally gentle and skin-friendly for daily use, it’s what every sensitive product should be.

* Softens and helps replenish skin's outer layer with Cotton Extract
* Gently removes dirt, oil and make-up without over drying or causing redness
* Formulated with Quillaja and Yucca Extracts to help remove impurities without stripping essential moisture
* Fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic
* Allergy-tested and dermatologist-tested

6 oz, retails for $10

My review:

The Good: This is a super rich cream cleanser that is incredibly gentle on the skin. It left my face very soft and well moisturized - a nice set up for night cream! I also really appreciate the natural ingredients and affordable price.

The Bad: You *really* have to rinse over and over again to ensure you don't leave any residue on your face. This took quite a bit of getting used to! Also, it isn't formulated extraordinary well to take off makeup.

The Verdict: This product earns a solid B. It's a rich cream cleanser - great for the colder months ahead. And for those with dry or sensitive skin, this could be your go to face wash!

October 19, 2011

Currently Craving: Capes!

Jacket weather is starting to arrive. Hell to the yeah. But in addition to coats, sweaters, jackets, and scarves, I am really digging capes this year! No, not Superman sized capes, but lady like capes, capelets, etc.

I actually prefer the more casual cape sweaters and jackets instead of the fancy pants fur and velvet varieties. They're much more versatile, comfortable and current!

In honor of my craving for capes, below are a few I'm crushing on. What say you? Can you get on board with capes?!

October 17, 2011

October Stitch Fix Satisfaction

Happy Monday to all! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.

On Thursday, my dear husband walked into the house with the mail...and my Stitch Fix! Of course I galloped down the stairs and ripped open the package faster than I devour a brownie sundae. Ok, maybe not. But close.

If you're not familiar with Stitch Fix, an amazing, deliver-fashion-to-your-door website, check out this post for all the info and referral details.

This month, I was sent three tops, one dress and one necklace. And since last month I was a bit stingy on the photos, I hope I made up for it below! Please be kind...my makeup and hair are a bit rough after a super busy day.

First up, a rust colored, silk Jaloux tank. Size: Small. Stitch Fix price: $80

Jaloux rust tank, J Brand 901 leggings, Willow & Clay blazer
I adored the color of this lightweight, silky tank and appreciated the sheer topper racer back. My only issue was the fit...as I have a bit more up top, this top made me look like I was with child. However, it looked pretty sweet belted!

Second, a beautiful taupe Line & Dot sleeveless top. Size: Small. Stitch Fix price: $88

Line & Dot top, Old Navy red skinnies, Willow & Clay blazer, Stitch Fix necklace
I love the cut of this tank, but it was a bit short on my torso. The feel was great too - incredibly soft and I loved the mix of fabrics. The back is super cute too. The necklace shown above was also included in this month's fix, price: $50.


Third, a mint colored Glam maxi dress. Size: Small. Stitch Fix price: $65

Glam maxi, Target brown leather belt, White House Black Market sweater, Zac Posen for Target scarf, Laura James necklace
I was giddy when I pulled this out of my package. Even though it has a silky feel, this dress is machine washable. Score! The color was super pretty and there are tons of ways to dress this piece up or down. Length was fine for me with 3" wedges (I'm 5'2"). I don't know how crazy I am about the dress neckline, but I liked everything else. 

Last, a black silk beaded Greylin top. Size: Small. Stitch Fix price: $115

Greylin top, J Brand 901 leggings
This top is not only incredible soft, silky (duh) and pretty but it's also super versatile! I was a bit unsure of the cut - it's asymmetrical and ties at the lower left, but I loved it with jeggings and heels. I can imagine even tucking it in, too. The beaded is well done...just have to be cautious when it's brought to the dry cleaners!

So, that's this month's Stitch Fix! Let me know your thoughts on these items...and what you think I kept!

October 13, 2011

Currently Craving: Rainy Day Fashion

Ah, rainy days. The smell of rain, the slick pavement...the perfect backdrop for an afternoon nap. However, rain can throw a wrench into my ensembles, so I'm always on the lookout for great looking raincoats and boots..that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Frankly, I have a bit of beef with umbrellas. For one, I always forget to bring one with me or leave one in my car. Also, I just don't know what to do with it once I arrive at said dry location. Overall, I just find them to be a bit of a pain in the ass.

Therefore, I usually veer towards a rain jacket/anorak/coat that's both waterproof and offers a hood. Cute little raingear is right up my alley. So, below is an abbreviated set of some rainy day gear I'm pouring over.

What do you think? What do you sport when it's raining away?

October 11, 2011

Product Review: TanTowel, B

Wam, tan, thank you ma'am! Yes, I needed some tan a few weeks back and being that I'm not into skin cancer, I was looking for a quick, easy way to gain some color. As I was perusing the aisles at Ulta, I saw the TanTowel. For $5 I acquired a one body-wipe esque application to achieve me some color I so needed!

TanTowel at ShopStyle

About TanTowel:

No-sun tanning is as easy as ever with Self-Tan Full Body Application 5 Towelettes Classic for Fair to Medium Skin Tones by TanTowel Look Good Naked. Easy-to-use, large, 9-in. by 12 in. towelettes feature concentrated self-tan formula for even, all-over application with no streaking. Within 2 to 4 hours, skin has a radiant, natural-looking glow. Skin tone gets deeper with continued applications.

My review:

The Good: The towel is large, smells decent (citrusy) and definitely covered my entire body. I didn't have any streaks when the tan came through a few hours later. I went with the fair skin application and I had a light golden shade within 3 or 4 hours that remained for another day or two.

The Bad: As with many self-tanning products, I need experience that chemical-esque scent later in the day. If you've ever applied self-tanner, you know exactly what I mean. Plus, $5 per application can really add up.

The Verdict: B from me. The product is solid and lives up to its promises. If you need a quick faux tan without the mess of gels, lotions or sprays, this will do the trick.

October 6, 2011

Currently Craving: Rawr-some Jackets

Ah, fall. You're within reach. With Charlotte mornings dipping into the low-mid '50s, I am welcoming fall with open arms.

The quintessential fall item...a blazer. Or a jacket. Whatever you want to call it, this chic little number transforms jeans and a tee into a much more structured look. Or toss on a hot little blazer over a fitted dress and bam...you're ready for a cocktail.

I'm really enjoying the mix of fabrics and colors that I've been seeing for fall jackets...tons of jewel tones, rich reds, nubby wools, fun tweeds, leather. All of these perfect to cinch that waist and sport in a myriad of ways.

Here are a few of my faves...do share some of yours! I'm particularly loving the middle plaid blazer from Anthropolgie...mmmhmm.

October 4, 2011

And the winner of the Laura James Jewelry Giveaway is...

Agigant5! 

Congratulations, these beauties are yours! Expect an email from me in the coming moments.

 
Thanks to everyone who entered and to Laura James Jewelry for sponsoring this great giveaway!


October 3, 2011

Product Review: Stila Peacock Eyeliner, A-

Happy Monday, everyone! Before I get to today's product review, don't forget to enter in my Laura James Jewelry giveaway by 12:00 midnight tonight! You could win these stunners...they're so pretty!


And onto today's product review...Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in their brand spanking new color, Peacock. Expect to pay $20 for the .01 oz self sharpened smudge stick.


Stila at ShopStyle

Deets from Stila:
Obsessed for Smudge Pots? You'll go crazy for Smudge Sticks! This highly pigmented, waterproof eye liner glides on to deliver intense, vibrant color with staying power.

These easy-to-apply eye liners have it all:
  • Long Lasting
  • Waterproof
  • Easy to apply
  • Several shimmer-intense shades to make eyes stand out
  • Vibrant colors
  • Propel pencil

My review:
The Good: The liner glides very easily and stays all day long. The peacock shade is incredible and it even removes easily with facial cleanser. No tugging and pulling to remove this liner. And, Stila also does not test on any animals. Hooray!

The Bad: $20 for .01 oz is steep...but it's worth noting that many of these upscale brand self sharpening eyeliners offer a similar amount of product.

The Review: A-. The color is *stunning*, and truly a fantastic addition to your makeup case for fall. It's beautiful with a smokey eye and also lovely on its own...especially for brown and hazel eyes, this color is smashing.