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Friday, April 4, 2014

Spring Favs for Face and Hair

Now that spring is upon us (I think!) it's time to start thinking about some products that will help us transition from the frigidity of winter to the impending warmth of spring. 

I've been using some products that I've been loving recently that I want to share with you.  



So fresh, so clean. This face wash does a great job cleansing my skin while not drying it out.  I've mentioned it before, but I'm still loving it so I figured it can't hurt to mention it again! I use it morning and night followed by a moisturizer and I have been happy with it so far.  I bought a travel sized one from Sephora to test it out and have since gone back for the full-sized version.  I travel a bunch so I saved the first container and I just refill and pack it in my makeup bag when I've got some traveling to do.  

This is a bit pricey but in my opinion well worth the splurge.  It's a teeny bottle (1.2 oz) with major payoff. It's designed to be used on a cleansed face to bring forth impurities, shrink pores, brighten, provide anti-aging, generate collagen, and controls bacteria. 

A little goes a long way.  Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin and wait 5-20 minutes before washing off.  (I wait 20 minutes to allow the product time to work, but also because after shelling out $70 for 1oz of product you better believe I'm leaving it on for the full recommended time before watching it slink down the drain!).  My skin looked brighter, clearer and was as soft and moisturized as a baby's bottom.  Even a day or two after using it my skin still felt baby soft.  

I slather this on each night after I cleanse my skin.  It's a thicker cream and soaks right in so you don't hit the pillow all greasy and oily.  I also use this after the mud mask I mentioned above, just to seal in all the moisture. 

It can be a tad pricey so buy it at Costco.  You get two for around the same price as one!

I am really picky about hairspray.  I have thick hair but it is made up of fine strands that tend to be slippery and terrible at holding a curl or a style.  I need to really 'dirty up' my hair in order for any style to last.  

I'll be honest, because it takes so much work for me to get my hair texturized enough to do things others do with ease, I don't really 'do' my hair that often.  I envy girls who have natural bounce, lift and who can throw it in a volumized bun without it slipping out immediately.  

That being said, when I do out in the time and effort to style my hair, that bad boy better stay put!  This Frizz Ease Hairspray is just the ticket.  Smells good, doesn't get flaky, and seriously holds hair in place without being sticky or crunchy.  

With the seemingly rainy spring ahead, this will keep your hair in place and frizz-free.  

This stuff is AH-MAZING. It smells divine and just a little bit gives your hair a ton of texture, which justifies the price.  I like to use this type of product in the warmer months because you can wash, spray, zhoosh, and go.  

I got it in one of my Glossybox arrivals and tried it in a date night with my husband to texturize my hair before curling it.  Combined with my Frizz Ease Hairspray, my curls lasted all night! 

Yet another way I try to add style to my thin limp locks, this root booster is great for volume.  The spray nozzle is not my favorite, however.  It has a little plastic nozzle that points out of the pump delivering the product in more of a stream than a spray. I find after I use it it has not only spritzed my hair, but also my bathroom countertops. But if you need a boost you need a boost, no? Just be ready to wipe down afterward. 

I just got my hair colored recently and I'm in love with the way it turned out.  I went for honey bronde (google it- it's a mix of blonde and brown) with a hint of ombré.  I want this gorgeous color to last so I use this color protectant spray from Pureology.  It smells intoxicating and I look forward to spraying it on my hair before using hot styling tools.  

Not to be confused with Japanese Cherry Blossom, this is a much lighter, cleaner scent.  I am so sad though because the girl at the store told me it's being discontinued, so I need to go online and stock up!! Great, light scent for spring that leaves you smelling clean and refreshed.  

Take a few minutes, think about how to pamper yourself for spring, and dive in! 

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne.~

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Monday, March 24, 2014

Spring, a Long Time Coming

They say spring is on its way, but I'm not sure I believe them.  Snow, rain and ice have dominated most of this winter - not to mention the freezing cold temps. I don't know about you but I've had my fill of winter.  Seeing pictures of other people's beach vacations and watching Sandals commercials now make me irate instead of lustful.  I sure hope I'm wrong and spring is right around the corner (fingers crossed)...

In light of spring's (supposed) arrival I've been eyeing some happy spring and summer things to keep me going for the duration of these cold, trying days.  

{Crops and High Waists}
Still in from previous seasons, pairing a crop with a high waist avoids the need for showing your belly, which is good for a 30-something lady like me. The key to achieving this look is a crop that just graces the top of the high waist. Too long and you'll just look like you're wearing mom jeans. Too short and you'll look way too 90s.  Although the 90s are totally back. 
F21, Top here, Bottoms here

{Pastels and Florals - Peach and Mint}
I want everything in pastels lately. Soft and flowy with the ability to match almost anything, pastels can make you feel spring-like even if it's still freezing.  
Topshop, Crepe Notch Front Blazer $110.00
Shopbop, Rebecca Minkoff Bag $195


ASOS, Floral Blouse $18.82

{Matching Sets} Takes the guess work out of your outfit.  Put it on, dress it up and go! My kind of outfit.
ASOS, Native Rose Camisole Top in Patchwork Geo Rose Print, $84.69


ASOS, Knitted Tee in Textured Stitch $56.46
ASOS, Knitted Skirt in Textured Stitch $56.46
Francesca's, Scalloped Crop Top $34.00  and Short $34.00

{Utility Jacket} - to keep you warm on those chilly spring mornings and nights. 
Old Navy Utility Jacket, $39.94
{Tribal/Aztec/Mexi-Cali Prints}
Saw this on a maternity blog and although it's not a maternity dress I thought I could wear it pregnant and then afterward.  It's so flowy I can be comfy and cute all at the same time.  It ships from China so it takes a while to get stuff but you can't beat the price and I was surprised by the quality.  The top portion is hand-embroidered and is quite weighty, considering that it is so inexpensive.  Can't wait to wear it!
Sheinside.com, Tribal Maxi Dress $33.52
Sheinside.com, White Tribal Embroidered Dress $30.67

{D'Oray Flats} - Combines the pointy toe trend but without the heel. Very practical for the mom on the go. 
{Caged sandals} - Short or tall cages on heels and flat sandals are in.  Personally, I avoid these because I feel they just make my legs look bigger than they are but if you've got Olive Oil legs you can rock these all spring and summer.  
Before the past two seasons I would've scoffed at these heels that remind me of something out of my grandma's closet.  However, they've gotten an update with straps and color blocking. Comfy to boot!


Asos, $56.46
Piperlime, Clarks Shira Danika Heel $120.00

{Structured bags} - Think Kate Spade-esque. Sharp shapes, clean lines- the best ones have shoulder straps and handles. Perfect for throwing over your shoulder during the day while your hands are full and then tucking in and slipping the handles over your wrist for the night. 
So reflective you may blind people, they are going to be everywhere by summer so grab yours now. 
Nordstrom, Ray Bans $165.00
{Looking forward} Overalls and Bucket bags.  

I don't even know what to say about this. I was scrolling through Instagram one day and was instantly stopped mid-scroll, thumb hovering over the screen as I stared in disbelief at one of my favorite bloggers donning overalls.  Yes, overalls. 

They looked good.  Did I just say that? I'm pretty embarrassed to admit that in that moment I thought, 'They're not so bad. These are totally about to make a come back.'  

They weren't good the first time around, and as we moved forward I realized the only ones capable of pulling off overalls were Carrie Bradshaw and TLC. (Remember 'Don't Go Chasin' Waterfalls'?!  Perhaps it should be 'Don't Go Chasin' Overalls'). 
Image Source here
They are creeping up behind our backs so be ready people.  You will see them on regular people in regular places. Soon.  
Image Source here
I don't know that I can bring myself to spend $298 for these overalls below, but if you're going to buy them, you really have to love the way they look.  I'm going to look around for a quality imitation of these...
Intermix, Current Elliott Destroyed Short Overalls, $298
Luxury designers have been making bucket bags and backpacks for years but lately I've noticed them gracing the pages of magazine ads.  Hard to organize and find things, these bags are reminiscent of my days in 6th-8th grade. Hey, a Louis is a Louis is a Louis. Right?? 
Louis Vuitton, Noe BB Bag $1200.00

There are too many things I like for spring to possibly list all of them.  So many options, so many good choices.  Follow me on Pinterest to see some of my spring inspiration.  Happy shopping, my friends! 

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~
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