December 31, 2012

Oh hey, baby!

Consider this my favorite review ever: Having a baby.

Harlie Grace was born on December 23: 8lbs, 3oz

The Good: Omigawd we have a baby. She's really amazing in every way and I already get antsy when I have to leave her for just an hour. Hubs and I are completely in love.

The Bad: When she's upset or inconsolable, it just kills me. However, considering she's just 8 days old I can't fault her for her minimal communication skills. ;)

The Verdict: A+. I think we'll be keeping this little peanut.

More posts on fashion, product reviews and other goodies to come soon!

December 17, 2012

Product Review: ModelCo SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss in Strip Tease, B+

Another day another Birchbox goodie! I anxiously opened my December Birchbox like a kid on Christmas. Well, let's be honest, I express that joy probably every month. And I get really giddy when said box comes complete with a full size product, like today's product to be review - ModelCo's SHINE Lip Gloss in Strip Tease. This 4 ml gloss retails for $16.



About ModelCo Shine Lip Gloss via Birchbox:

Sydney-based ModelCo prides itself in creating products that are fuss-free but high impact—ideal for off-duty beauties (models and non-models, alike). This non-sticky gloss goes on smoothly and gives lips a soft punch of sheer, slightly shimmery color. This slim tube has a built-in mirror so you can reapply on the go.

These lush hues can be worn alone or layered over bolder lipsticks. It stays put for hours, without ever feeling heavy and there are three shades to choose from: red, pink, and light peach.

My Review:

The Good: ModelCo scores points with me for the trifecta in their gloss - great texture (not too sticky or gloppy), lovely shine (no glitter particles here), and fabulous scent (smells a bit like Sweet Tarts candy to me). The shade Strip Tease is a very translucent pinky-peach that would pair great with nude lips or just swipe on for a barely there face. Plus, the slim gloss tube (new packaging, perhaps?) has a built in mirror - which is so convenient, especially if the shade you choose is packed with color.

The Bad: $16 for a gloss isn't super steep, but it's not cheap either. And at the rate that I plow through lip product, a gloss has to be perfection for me to remain a staple in my handbag.

The Verdict: B+ from me. It's a great product with equally smart packaging. I'd love to try the other shades of said gloss...Showgirl Red and Berry Pink are beckoning me!

December 10, 2012

Top 5 Maternity Items For Cold Weather

Yeah yeah, I know many of you are probably thinking of your adorable, sparkly holiday outfits and not anything even remotely maternity-esque. But for those who are pregnant or are looking to become so, I've rounded up my top five must-haves* for those ladies incubating a little one during a chilly season.

*And yes, I am completely sick of said items, but they've become tried and true over the past few months!

1. Leggings: Sure, this may seem obvious, but it's tough to strike the balance of affordable and non-transparent leggings when it comes to maternity wear. I personally prefer Gap's crop maternity version but it looks like they stopped selling that length in the fall. I have no doubt that their full length version is just as comfy and flattering. I think I have at least five pairs of said leggings on rotation. While I love designer denim, at the very late stages of pregnancy I have little interest in pulling on anything that isn't 100% stretch.


2. Winter coat: This was a tough one. I didn't want to really test the limits of my pricey North Face fleece so around the 28-30 week mark I started looking for a warm and non-offensive coat that I could actually button/zip/snap around my bump. Of all places, guess where I found a total winner? Walmart. Yes. Walmart.



No, I didn't venture in store because apparently many Walmarts do not carry many maternity goods. I bought this maternity puffer jacket (in black) online for $21 plus $.97 shipping. It has been worth every single penny. It's comfortable, fits nicely and is damn warm - it even hosts a fleece lining and a hood. It looks like the version I grabbed currently out of stock online, but either check back or take a peek at the regular sized Faded Glory puffer coats in a size or two up. I've also seen a few cute, really affordable options at Old Navy.

3. Seamless tanks: When your belly starts a bustin' out, you'll want something smooth and comfy to sport keep things under wraps beneath sweaters and cardigans. Some of my favorite seamless tanks are from the BeMaternity line at Target in addition to a handful I purchased at Pea In the Pod.



4. Awesome, flat boots: Take your pick, friends. I'm sure you figured, but sporting super high heels while very pregnant is not the smartest thing. Your back already aches, so adding additional pressure probably isn't the best idea. To go along with all of those rockin' leggings, go ahead and indulge in some great flat - 1.5" heeled boots. A few of my picks are below - just make sure that your boots have proper tread on the bottom! Otherwise you could pull a Coley and totally bite it on the mall floor when your soles are a little wet. Impressive, I know.



5. Open cardigans, sweaters and jackets: Look, if you can buy things that you can wear now and possibly later, all the better. I've found a ton of really cute open sweaters and jackets that are non-maternity so I don't feel like I'm blowing my cash on maternity specific goods. Pair said topper with a seamless tank or fitted sweater and you're good to go. Here are a few options...



Have a great Monday, all!

December 3, 2012

Celebrity Style Stalker: Lea Michele

90% of the time, I feel like Lea Michele really kills it in the fashion department. Every once in a while she dons something exceptionally strange, but for the most part, girlfriend does it up right.

And this wrap dress was no exception. The cut is flawless, the color looks lovely with her skin tone and I want to steal that beaded clutch rightnow.

Photo via:
Jim Smeal/BEImages
In celeb-spiration, I've been stalking some really pretty tan and cream dresses that would fancy right up for the impending holidays...and transition right into spring and summer with a change up of shoes and accessories. This dress from ASOS is a pretty solid dupe for Lea Michele's (surely expensive, designer) version.


Seeking something a bite more versatile? Feast your eyes on a handful of goodies below. Happy Monday, all!