Sandals for Spring

Warm weather is slowly but surely approaching!  I can't help but get excited for fashions that won't be hidden by puffy jackets.  I have already been picking items strictly for warm weather... I just can't wait any longer.  One of my recent buys is a bargain and very versatile when it comes to dressing up or dressing down.

Target had these sandals in their shoe department a week ago for $15.99.  I thought, just wait they may go on sale.  Luckily, a few days later, they marked down for $12.00.  I couldn't believe it, I picked up two pairs.  Even for $15.99, I think these are a great purchase.  You can easily begin wearing them in late April all the way through early September.  I will be interning this summer and will probably wear these because they can look great with a dress or skirt.

Merona Emily Sandal in Natural

Merona Emily Sandal in Peach

While I wouldn't call this burnt orange color peach, I think its a great pop of color while still remaining wearable with almost anything.

Target is also selling the Emily Sandal in Navy, Mint, Black, Cognac.  I was very tempted to purchase them in black, however, I have this habit where I buy the same style of shoe in both black and nude.  I figure they will go with everything and I will get use out of them.  Unfortunately, my shoe collection is very lackluster: black and nude ballet flats, black and brown leather boots, black and brown booties, black and brown flip flops... Its an issue.

At the time of posting, shoes and handbags are buy one, get one half off.  If I were you, I would consider picking yourself up a pair of Emilys! 

Blacker than Black

The classic eyeliner shade just got darker.  Urban Decay is known for their high performing eye-make up products, and they recently launched a new line for Spring.  After its blacker than black 24/7 Glide On liner in Perversion, UD's collection features 6 different formulas all promising to deliver the iconic look.

Here are the options:

1). Super-Saturated Ultra Intense Waterproof Cream Eyeliner - $22
The brush featured is sold separately here.  But you can pick one up cheaper at Target or Ulta.
Check out the review by Temptalia here.

2). Ink for Eyes Waterproof Precision Eye Pen - $20
Check out the review by Temptalia here.

3). All Nighter Eyeliner - $20
Check out the review by Temptalia here.

4). 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - $19
If you love the formula in Perversion, there are ten other shades to chose from.

5). 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil - $20
This is probably the best tradition eye pencil ever. I Perversion in a smaller travel size, and love it. Beauty bloggers and editors love this stuff because it delivers long lasting color and is an ease to apply.  Not to mention its available in a ton of shades!

6). 24/7 Velvet Glide on Eye Pencil - $20
This has a matte, velvety finish, making it perfect for smudging.
Check out the review by Temptalia here.

These products are available both from Urban Decay and Sephora.  Rumor has it Sephora will be having a 15% coupon code very soon for VIB's and Beauty Insiders, so check your mailboxes.

Lilly Pulitzer 2014-2015 Agendas

Update: The agendas are available for pre-order from Lilly Pulitzer right now with a ship date of 6/23
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Update: The agendas have been take down from B&N.  My bet is the agendas were not to be posted live, and there was a glitch in the B&N system.  Last year, the agendas were not sold until June, so just stay posted.  Join the Lilly Pulitzer e-mail list to stay up to date on all things Lilly.
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Great news Lilly-lovers.  Lilly Pulitzer agendas for the upcoming year are now available for preorder at Barnes and Noble!  I know I am beyond excited, and am already having a difficult time deciding which print to purchase.  I thought about switching it up to the Jumbo size, but will most likely stick to the Large size, because it is easy to tote around, especially to meetings.  So, here they are:

Hot Spot

Jellies Be Jammin

Orange Grove Monkeys

Lilly Lovers

Trippin And Sippin

Loopy Lilly

My favorites: Lilly Lovers, Hot Spot and Trippin and Sippin.

These are all of the prints available in the "large" size.  However, there are other prints in different sizes at Barnes and Noble.  As of this moment, I am unsure of when the Lilly website will post/pre-order the agendas, or if all sizes will be available in all prints.  So for now, don't freak out if one of the prints you want isn't available in the size you want.  But if you already know, go ahead and pre-order your agenda, they will come in as soon as June 3rd!  As an added bonus, they are a few dollars cheaper through B&N.

Setting Your Make-Up

As we start inching towards warmer days, an issue I hear of quite a bit is make-up fall out.  Girls take issue with their make-up wearing off, smudging and having their look be completely different at 5pm compared to when they applied it at 8am.  While it is difficult to find products that will stay on, yet not clog pores is challenging, there are a few solutions that may solve some of your problems.

Setting your make-up.

You can do this in a few ways.  I'm going to start with my favorite:
Setting Powder.  Setting powder is especially great if you tend to have oily skin.  Even if you do not wear make up, but want a more matte look to your skin, swipe some of this on.  Because this is becoming a major "trend" in cosmetics, just about every brand has its own setting powder.  Apply it with a fluffy brush.
Currently in my vanity:

Sephora's Smoothing Translucent Setting Powder

I went with Sephora's product simply because of price.  I know their products are of great quality, and because it is something I  dont't use every day I didn't want to spend a ton of money.  I really love it because you can see the difference on your skin once you apply the product.

High End Options:

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

MakeUp Forever HD Microfinish Powder

Drugstore Options:

NYX Mineral "Set It & Don't Fret It" Matte Finishing Powder

I also use this one from time to time.  Again, it is great for the price.

Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher

Setting Spray.  Beauty Bloggers rave about this stuff, and once I received a sample, I was in love too.  Setting spray is applied somewhat awkwardly.  Once you have finished applying all of your make-up, you close your eyes, and hold the bottle a few inches from your face and spritz! Kind of weird, but it really works!  Sprays are really great if you oily lids (use a primer too!), because you don't have to worry about sweeping another product on.  For example, I use the spray if I know I am going to be in an overheated environment for an extended period of time.

Currently In My Vanity:

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray

You guys know I am quite loyal to Urban Decay! UD is great because not only do they have All Nighter, but there are two other formulas, De-Slick for oil-control, and Chill for moisture renewal.  I have not used De-Slick or Chill, so I cannot vouch for either's success, however UD products typically hold up to their claims.

Drugstore Option:

NYX Matte Finishing Spray

NYX also has a formula for a "dewy" look.

Per my opinion, I believe products for setting your makeup are worth the investment because they actually work!

Aerie Gets Real

As of lately, the media has been all over the practice of excessive photoshopping and the absence of "real women".  Well Aerie is on of those companies with an answer.  You may or may not of heard of their "#AerieReal" campaign.  It launched a month or so ago and they have committed to using real women as their models and are not retouching them with photoshop.

They posted this on their Facebook page in January:

Overall I'm a supporter of this campaign.  Its a great answer to problems of today's constant issues with body image.  Well now, Aerie is launching another component of this "Real" Campaign.  On Aerie.com, you can filter through their bra selection by size.  It's an all new bra guide.  I love this, because being a smaller girl, I can't tell what different styles of bras are actually going to look like when the model isn't even close to my size.  Aerie also now carries a range of sizes from 30AA-40DD online only.

So check it out now.  You can get a more accurate idea of what bra you are about to purchase and you don't have to feel self-conscience looking at supermodels... If the new campaign doesn't hook you, the free shipping should!

Nail News

Big things are happening in the nail industry.  I know the "nail industry" isn't a real category, but it might as well be...

1. OPI collaborates with the Muppets for a second time.
Muppets Most Wanted will be hitting theaters this month, and OPI is introducing an accompanying collection of eight shades.  The last time OPI teamed with the muppets was in Winter 2011 when The Muppets originally came out.  These eight shades will be limited edition, so if any catch your eye be sure to pick them up at Ulta or online while you can.

Top Row (L-R): Miss Piggy's Big Number, Muppets World Tour, Chillin Like A Villain, Int'l Crime Caper

Bottom Row (L-R): Gaining Mole-mentum, Kermit Me To Speak, Let's Do Anything We Want, I Love Applause

2. Sephora is releasing one time use nail polish

Fashionista just released Sephora's announcement of a new product launch.  In the fall, Sephora released Formula X, their own line of nail polish.  The brand has been doing well, and to further promote the purchase of full sized bottles Sephora will be selling small, one time use polish pods.

Each of the 24 pods contain enough polish to paint all ten nails with two coats.  Fashionista reports the pods are "more of a nail pen-like pod than a traditional glass bottle of nail varnish" and that you "pop off the cap to expose the brush, put a little pressure on the bottle and paint away".

This set of 24 will be available in May and will be sold for $39.  The theory behind the product is for consumers to try out the formulas and colors before committing to purchasing the whole bottle.

But if you ask me, I don't think anyone who is afraid of commitment will be willing to drop $39 on 24 options... Especially because you can drop $11 on one bottle, and return it within 30 or so days for a full refund.  OR just try out the nail polish at the store... The options to get the most of Sephora and its offerings are limitless!

86th Academy Awards Fashion Recap

Okay, I know I am a few days late.  For some reason I have been so tied up between homework and Kappa Kappa Gamma meetings that I haven't gotten to blog! I've been itching to give you all my take on the Oscar's fashion because it was flawless.  Usually there are a few misses, but like most critics have agreed, the stars were all on point on this year's rainy red carpet.

I had a difficult time picking out a specific order because I liked the dresses for different reasons.  Whether it was color, cut, or styling I think each actress picked out the best look for their own body and their own personal style.

The first woman to take my breath away, so I suppose this is my number one, was Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace. The media was buzzing about her look calling her Queen Kate, and in this dress I agree.  She took a risk with the deep-v yet kept it classy in the pearlescent satin draping.  The cape also keeps it looking classic as opposed to sexy, which is often a look I prefer.

Next, I adored Sandra Bullock's Hollywood Glam look.  Bullock can often be a hit or miss, but that night she was a hit.  The navy Alexander McQueen was flattering and gave her length.  The simple accessories and side curls finished off the glam look. 

Although she was just a presenter, I though Charlize Theron killed it in her black mermaid Dior gown.  It wasn't until I saw the gown photographed that I saw the sheer outer layer and the sexy and glam look it brought to the gown.  It was that layer that really elevated the look.

Treat Your Clothes Right!

One of my biggest pet peeves deals with the mistreatment of clothing.  This means cleaning and storage.  It especially irks me when women say something along the lines of "Oh, I don't care.  I'll buy a new pair of jeans" or... "Its only clothes".  Yes while it may just be a pair of jeans, you just spent upwards of $40 on that pair of jeans.  I know as college students, we can't afford to constantly replace staple pieces like jeans.  So let's take a step towards better care of our clothes!

1. Care - Washing and Drying
Pay attention to the care instruction tags on the inside of garments.  If it says to dry clean, take it seriously. NY Mag reviewed a few at home dry clean kits, while it is nothing like the real deal, it might work for a few pieces in your closet while at college.

If you are washing knits or sweaters, try to wash them separately from your bras.  The hooks on bras often get stuck in woven materials and will lead to pulls or holes in your favorite sweater.
If you can't avoid washing the two together, pick up a lingerie bag. Stick your bras in the bag and the hooks will be snag free!

Wash your jeans inside out.  The wash/dye will remain in tact longer.

DO NOT dry your jeans in a dryer.  BAD. BAD. BAD.
So I may be a little dramatic here, but its because this is a major tip.  The dryer will shrink and weaken the fibers, making rips and holes more likely.  The dryer will also ruin the wash/dye of your jeans.  Its just BAD.
Instead, use a drying rack!  The condense perfectly allowing great storage for college dorm rooms when not in use.
Drying racks should be used for your sweaters as well.  When in doubt of whether to throw your sweater in the dryer, don't.  It might not shrink the first time, but it will eventually.  And it will shrink the day before you need to wear it for something important.
Also, use your drying rack for bras and yogas.  The heat from the drier will effect the elasticity and shorten the life of your bras and yogas.  I know I have had a pair of VS bedazzled yogas for several years now, and I am proud to say they are in great shape! No holes, they fit like new each time I put them on, and majority of the rhinestones/sequins are still intact.
Just remember you are paying a serious amount of money for bras and yogas from Pink/Victoria's Secret so take care of them!

2. Storage
The "guidelines" of folding versus hanging vary from person to person. For example, I fold my jeans, but I know people hang them - its personal preference! However there are some essential ways you should follow.
Fold: Knits, (Sweaters/Cardigans mostly) and Yogas
Hang: Dresses, Skirts, Oxfords/Dress Shirts, Blouses, Dress pants
Read some of Martha Stewart's tips here.

I am writing about this because for most of us, we are reaching the age of being on our own, in real & professional jobs, with real costs! Having to replace your clothes because you do not take care of them properly is a luxury you won't be able to afford for long.  Try practicing now while your wardrobe is more casual and slightly more affordable to replace compared to work clothes you will be upgrading to down the line.