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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

4 Must Have Spring Shoe Styles

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Spring is finally here! It's official and I've never been more excited... no seriously I'm usually a fall girl. I don't know what's up with me this year, but I've been dreaming of all the spring and summer things.


And of course one fun thing about the changing of seasons, are the new clothes! I've bought some new shoes for the season that I think for will great for just about anything spring can throw at my feet.

Here's what types of shoes I think everyone needs this year! I mean really what do I know? But let's pretend anyway, because they are some great shoes! All from DSW by the way, which is my number 1 store for shoe shopping (their clearance section rocks my face).


Loafers

Yep, I'm still into loafers and since I can't afford the amazing Gucci ones, I've gone for 2 more affordable options. These black Coach ones (DSW only has in-store, similar here) are the sofest leather that has ever graced my feet. No breaking in required! I also love the extra touch of the gold hardware. 

Naturalizer has come out with some really cute and comfy designs recently. Since I have feet issues sometimes, I need that extra support and cushion, which these have. I also love the nude color that help elongate my legs. Plus the perferation at the backs makes them extra spring-y. (Buy here)


Nude Heels

Another trend that I'm late to adopting, but am still excited about none-the-less. I loved these Audrey Brooke (buy here) ones because they have a block heel that's not too high. But they are still classy, sexy, and pretty comfortable. I can't wait to bust these out for some kind of occasion!


Leopard Flats

Ok let's be honest, leopard print shoes are a year-round staple for me. But I did purchase a fresh pair recently as my others were looking pretty ragged. These from Dr. Scholls (buy here) are super comfy and the pointed toe keeps it classy. I love them and have already worn them with everything!

Ankle Boots

I've been looking for a good pair of black ankle boots for almost a year. I finally found this pair on clearance and fell in love! I got these Sam Edelman's for $50! (so sorry DSW doesn't have them anymore but I found them on Amazon here) I couldn't say no. Now they are not the most cushy of boots, so I think I'm going to buy some gel inserts. But the leather is so nice and the block heel is the perfect height. I'm obsessed and can't wait to wear them all year. 

Well that's my list of shoes I think everyone should have this year for spring! What shoes will you wear this season? I'd love to know if there are any others I need to pick up - let's enable each other!

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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Asos Spring Wishlist

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Asos Sprint Wishlist




Spring is here! I've been waiting patiently for sunny days, sandals, pretty tops, and bright colors. Ok, not-so-patiently waiting, but I'm excited this year to go spring shopping. 

You might know (if not read here) that I recently lost some weight doing the Whole30 Plan. Because of that and the muscles yoga has given me, I'm excited for warm weather clothes (this is a big deal, cuz it never happens!). 

Here are the trends I'm feeling this month that inspired my mini Asos wishilist up there:

Distressed Denim

I want all the denim and I want it distressed. In the last few years this has been big and I didn't think I could pull it off. Well now, to the hell with it! I want distressed jeans, skirts, and jackets. It just adds so much attitude to an outfit, which my wardrobe needs. I am a sassy lady and I need some clothes that show that.

Embroidery

I am obsessed with everything embroidered. I love the idea of simple, classic pieces amped up! I especially love the sweater above as the floral pattern is beautiful and the placement so unexpected. I tell you, my next purchase will be embroidered.

Pretty in Lace

I'm totally into lace this year (my last 2 purchases were lace tops). For spring/summer I love the idea of an easy top with some structure and lace details! No flowy peasant tops for this gal, they are the enemy of the big-boobed. But a nice structured top that's still cool and light, now that hits the spot.

What spring trends are you into? Any great pieces or shops I should know about?

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

ColourPop Haul and Review - Metallic Eyeshadows and More!

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I have heard about the affordable cruelty-free brand, ColourPop and only just got around to trying them! Geez, late to the band wagon much?!? Oh well I'm here now and I've got swatches and thoughts.

I bought 4 metallic Super-Shock eyeshadows (they have other options than metallic, but...glitter!), a highlighter, and an eyebrow pencil. The texture of the shadows and highlighter is crazy! It's some cream/powder mix of boingy-ness (that's right kids, boingy-ness). The texture is really hard to describe but really cool. 


I went for neutrals, of course, with that metallic sheen. I've really been into that look lately. They are more glittery than I thought they'd be, so if you're not much into glitter, I'd suggest trying their matte shades. 

I would say the longevity on these is pretty good, usually the color stays on through a 10-hour day. However, there may be some creasing in that time, so if you've got the oily eyelids troubles I would suggest a primer. Otherwise I didn't notice any fallout; amazing considering all the glitter involved. And the shadows are very pigmented! I suggest putting down a base on the lids with a flat shadow brush, then go to town with your fingers. And finally blend the edges with a fluffy brush!

See below for descriptions and my review of each product:


Smoke N Whistles

"We dunno about the smoke but you'll definitely get some whistles in this cool-toned pink champagne with silver highlights"

This highlighter is the absolute perfect color for my skintone. It's a champagne that's not too pink or yellow, it's just right. I've been applying it with a dampened or dry Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge on the high points of my face, and love it!!! This product can be made as subtle or strong as you like. Which I like, cuz some days I want to glow like the sun, but others I just want to look alive.


I ♡ This

"Our fearless leader loves this taupe with a silver sparkle SO MUCH that we naturally had to name it "I Heart This"!"

This cool-toned taupe is pretty all over the lid for a light makeup day. It add just the right amount of sparkle to the eyes.


Nillionaire

"You'll be looking rich in this metallic bronze with pink and gold glitter"

Hello bronze goddess!! This is a nice bronze tone that isn't too warm, it's neutral and the gold glitter keeps things interesting.


DGAF

"Everyone is definitely gonna give a f*ck when you wear this medium-toned rusty brown topped with multi-dimensional gold glitter"

A beautiful rose-gold/warm-toned color that makes blue eyes POP! Probably my favorite shade out of the bunch. All you need is some of this on the lids, loads of mascara and your eyes are ready to smoulder with the best of them. 


Drift

"Pop this pearlized true cranberry on your eyes and you may notice some attractive men drifting your way"

This is the only one of the colors that I haven't tried yet. And it's not because it's not gorgeous, it is! But I feel it's such an amazing special color that I need a special occasion to use it (anyone else do this?). I'll be going out dancing this weekend though, so maybe I should give it a try. 



Dope Taupe


I've been skeptical about these micro brow pencils, I have bushy brows and no use for drawing on individual hairs. And, let's be honest, I want the quickest way possible to fill in my brows... so I thought I'd give this affordable pencil a shot to see if I was terribly wrong. 

I wasn't wrong. These types of pencils aren't for me. But for what it is I can see the usefulness. The spooly is really nice, so that's a plus in my book. 

TBH, the biggest drawback for me was the color. It's way too warm for me. When I hear taupe, I think cool-toned. But this is more of a reddish-brown than I'd like. It still works and I've been using it, but once it's out I'll be going back to using an eyeshadow (from It Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette) or tryout a new, thicker pencil.

Final ColourPop Review


I've been impressed! The color selection is awesome and there are a multitude of choices for finish, color, and formula. All at a really affordable price, $5-$6 each. Can't beat that! I think next, I'll branch out and try more of their eyeshadow options (matte?), and I really want to try some of their lip products. Let me know if there's anything from ColourPop that you love.

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Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Trunk Club Review and Try On

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So I'll admit it, fashion and style are not my strengths. I like them and strive to have a wardrobe I love and that's inspiring and exciting, but I'm definitely not there yet. To help me toward my goal, I enlisted the help of a stylist via Trunk Club.


The Low Down


Trunk Club is a subscription service where you get a box monthly full of clothes/accessories/shoes (10 items total). It is connected with Nordstrom so all the brands can be found through the main store as well. The cost is $25 a month (unless you have a Nordstrom Debit/Credit Card, then it's free!). The process is:
  1. Talk with your stylist
  2. Get a preview of your trunk - Choose any items you want to remove (the stylist will provide backups that you don't get an opinion on)
  3. Receive your trunk
  4. Try on clothes for 5 days
  5. Choose which items to keep and return, note online - Include good notes so your stylist can provide great options in the next trunk
  6. Schedule a UPS Pickup for returns

My Experience with Trunk Club


First, you signup and enter all your sizes, likes, attach a Pinterest board, etc... Then your stylist will contact you to ask more specific questions and get a feel for you style. My stylist, Ali was really nice and asked a lot of questions that helped me figure out my style. We chatted back and forth for a few days and I sent her a Pinterest board I liked.

She sent me the preview of the trunk and I nixed two items that I just didn't think would work for me. I provided detailed feedback so Ali would know why I didn't want them. Next, she sent me my trunk and it arrived about 3 days after she sent it. FYI, I found out you have so sign for the trunk so I had to piack mine up at the UPS store.

Then I got to trying all the clothes on. I would like to say that this part was a blast! I loved getting to try everything on with my own clothes and practices my model moves. Take a look at what I thought of my trunk below:

Dresses are for Ladies


Although I'm not really a "dress lady" I asked Ali to send me some dresses as I am trying to find some that I like for those special occasions.



This is a skirt top combo - cute pattern and pretty color but I just didn't think it was very flattering on me.


Wow, this is very girlie! I did think the cut was flattering but I didn't feel like myself in it at all. 

Pants are for Bosses


Much more my taste. I like high-waisted skinny/slim pants to highlight my curvy figure.


I really like these green pants, they're casual and comfy and flattering, but they were about $230 and didn't seem like anything special enough for that price tag. 

I also received this top (sorry for the black bra underneath) and I wasn't feeling the fabric, color or fit.


These high-wasted pinstripe trousers were awesome. I really liked the style and fit and thought they flattered my waist. But they were a little too tight and I hate being uncomfortable, so unfortunately they had to go back.

Flowy Feminine Tops


I for sure need some more fun, feminine tops in my wardrobe so I was excited to try all of these tops. 


One of my favorites in the trunk - stripes and small bell sleeves kept it from being too over-the-top. But damnit, it was too big! I will be searching Nordstrom for a smaller size.


I wasn't sure about this shirt in the box, but on I loved it! Again, there was a small issue with fit - if I even breathed too deep my stomach would pop out from under the hem. It was just too short in the front. But I love it, so now I'm on the hunt for something similar but longer. Suggestions?!?


The pattern on this top is beautiful, but other than that I had nothing good to say. It's a very boxy cut with really wide bell sleeves - how wide am I supposed to look? It was also too big and had buttons down the from with a gap that showed bra and belly (not my look).


I was surprised at how flattering this color was for me, but the shape, again was not. Another boxy cut with huge (I think I could've flown!) sleeves. It was all just too much for me.

And the Jacket



As far as bomber jackets go, this is actually a flattering one, and the lace detail on the back is pretty cool. I'm not sure though that I'd get much use out of it as the fabric was canvas and the back open lace - I'd be hot and freezing at the same time. Also the color kind of washed me out. 

Final Thoughts


As you can probably tell, I didn't end up keeping anything. But I still feel like this is a valuable experience and I'll definitely try another trunk. There were some promosing pieces and I tried some things I would never have in store. I thought I'd love the bell-sleeved tops and I've learned I need to try for a more slimming cut. Also, I never thought I'd look good in paper-bag waisted pants and I really liked them. 

So overall I would recommend giving Trunk Club a try if you, like me, need some style help. If you've tried this or similar services, I'd love to hear your thoughts!




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Thursday, March 2, 2017

4 Tips for Beautiful Pink Smokey Eyes

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|| Originally Published at Dever Style Magazine ||
|| Photos by Krysta Dettman from Krysta's Kaptures ||
Okay, okay I know that Valentine's Day is over! But I can't help it, I'm still be drawn to pinks and reds, and all those colors that remind me that spring and summer exist. And that they might come back! In that ever hopeful mindset, I was inspired to do a pink smokey eye. Pink isn'tonly for your cheeks or lips any more! Below are a few tips to pull of a smokey pink eye that doesn't make you look like you have pink eye; because that look just isn't good on anyone.


Tip #1 - Start with brown
I put a light brown in the crease and a darker brown in the corner to be exact. This will do leaps and bounds to ground the pink and keep it from being too floating-in-fairy-dust looking.

Tip #2 - Layer
Pink can sometimes be hard to see and may not show up well on your lids. I start with a light pink base color and then on top of that I pack on a ton (I mean a ton!) of a glittery pink shade with a brush and then my finger

Tip #3 - Liner and Lashes
A dark liner (I used black here) does a lot to define your eyes and break up the pink. A bit of the brown on the lower lash line also helps. And a little (or a lot) of lash never hurt anything! I added them for that extra va-va-voom!
I don't know about you all, but lashes are the bane of my existence, they never seem to go where I want, stick right, or stay put. It can be super frustrating. But the best solution I've found is to cut them just a little shorter that I normally would and place them at the outer 2/3 of my eyes. That way I don't have that annoying bit in the corner. Patience and a small mirror are also required!



Tip #4 - Don't forget the rest of your face!
With such a bold eye, I always like to make sure I have enough blush on to balance things out. Without it, I can look super pale and a bit unhealthy. I usually try to avoid a pink blush too, I'll use a rose or more natural color.

And finally, frost that face with some highlighter! I love using it on the cheekbones, inner corners of my eyes, cupids bow and a bit on the tip of my nose. I really think highlighter can pull together a look like this.


I hope this excites you all to try pink on your eyes, and good luck to those who try!



Below are the products I used for this look:



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