Collective Haul - Ulta & Drugstore Purchases

Hey y'all.   Even though I've been doing my best to limit my spending, I just can't resist splurging on cosmetics!  A new lip color is the perfect pick-me up, so why not go for it?
I've been picking up some beauty products here and there, but it never seemed like enough to post.  However, I just received a shipment from Ulta, so I decided now would be the perfect time!

I'll start with my new favorite lip product.  As you know, Carrie Underwood is the latest brand ambassador for Almay Cosmetics, and I naturally feel the need to purchase everything she endorses.  So I chose to start with the Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm.  This stuff is truly marvelous.  I have shades Cantelope Cream and Pink Pout.  I usually go for peaches and neutral lip colors because I don't want the funny look of bold hues as they start to fade from ware.  But I went out on a limb and picked up that magenta pink color (they were BOGO so the risk was warranted).  Much to my surprise I love the Pink Pout the best! It is a pinky-"my lips but better".  I find it totally ties my look together regardless of what I'm wearing.  The product is long lasting, and does not leave my lips feeling chapped or dry - which is one of my lip product pet peeves!!

I also picked up one of the Revlon Color Burst Lip Butters from Target in the shade Juicy Papaya.  I've always been a fan of the product's formula, so I figured why not pick up a pretty summery shade! The color is subtle, yet has a nice tangerine hue to it on the lips.  Again, I love that it does not leave my lips chapped or dry!

Last week I was at Wal-Mart, picking up some items for my townhouse at school, and of course wandered into the cosmetic aisle.  I knew Maybelline had released new shades of the Color Tattoo product line, and was dying to try them out.  Any followers of the blog know that I am a religious user of these guys as eye-shadow bases in my make-up routine.  So, seeing as these were of a "matte" like texture, and were in neutral hues, I wanted to get my hands on these ASAP.  Thankfully they were in stock at Wal Mart, after I tried several times at Target with no luck.

I picked up shades Creamy Beige and Chocolate Suede.  I've only had the time to try out Creamy Beige.  It was a great neutral to use as a base for shimmer shadows, however if you would like to wear it on its own, you will need to build the product.  I'll let you know how I like Chocolate Suede once I use it!

I am most excited for these two items, both from It Cosmetics.  The Naturally Pretty Vol. 1 Matte Luxe palette is filled with warm, suede-matte like hues that are perfect for layering.

These shades are easy to work with and can be used for both day and nighttime looks.  The palette also includes a shade called "Transforming Pearl" which is meant to be applied over any of the other shades to add a shimmer to your look.

 I also picked up the Tightline Full Lash Length Black Mascara Primer.  The super tiny brush makes it easy to grasp the base of your lashes and pull the roots upwards creating a volumized effect without clumping.  I found that the product distributes well and last for a long time! I use it alone and as a primer, both producing great effects!  I recommend this product to anyone with small lashes or small eyes because this will truly lengthen your lashes and really open up your eyes.

Zoya Fall 2014: Entice & Ignite

Zoya just released their latest lacquer collection for Fall to be pre-ordered from their website!  I have only seen promotional images of the collection, however it is giving me the warm and fuzzies!!!

In true Zoya fashion, the collection is broken up into two groups, of similar colors but differing in the finish.  Entice is made up of luxurious cremes while Ignite includes dazzling shimmers.

I know these jewel tones aren't anything out of the box for fall, but I can't help but love sapphire and rich purple and burgundy.  I will most likely be picking up a few of these!!

These babies will be shipping on Thursday, August 15.

OPI Fall 2014 Collection

Nail News!  OPI has finally released its latest collection and is now available to purchase in stores and select salons.
The lacquer company has derived its inspiration for the fall from Northern European countries, like Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Demark, and Findland.  I enjoy this inspiration, and that OPI is keeping with this "touring Europe" theme we saw in its Spring 2013 Collection.

Here is the collection swatched by Jen from ThePolishAholic (check out more here!)

Row One: Can't aFjord Not To, Viking In A Vinter Vonderland, OPI With a Nice Finn-ish

Row Two: My Voice Is A Little Norse, Suzi Has A Swede Tooth, Thank Glogg Its Friday

Row Three: How Great Is You Dane, Ice-Bergers & Fries, Do You Have This Color Is Stock-Holm

Row Four: Going My Way or Norway, Skating On Thin Ice-Land, My Dogsled Is A Hybrid

This is a great collection to stock up on fall favorites, especially considering there are three shades of brown in there!

I am really digging How Great Is You Dane and My Dogsled Is A Hybrid - Who doesn't love all these witty names?!

My Latest Obsession

I've been doing my best to limit my spending this summer, so I've been avoiding my favorite stores with the hopes of being a good girl.  However the other day, I received an email from American Eagle declaring that they were having a huge sale. I believe it was an extra 40% off sale prices... So I did some browsing, with little expectation of making a purchase.  I haven't been super impressed with AE's offerings throughout the past few years, however there are always a few diamonds in the rough!
Anyways, I made my way over to Aerie, and realized I knew what I was going to buy.
Lace bralettes have become a rising trend the past few seasons (they followed closely on the heels of bandeaus!).  Being smaller, I saw the bralettes as lacy, expensive sports bras, so I wasn't compelled to purchase a pair.  Yet the price at Aerie was just right.  I figured, "why not, they are cheap enough; I should just try them out".

Let me tell you, I am pleasantly surprised! I ordered two, each was under $20, and they for shipped free (which if any of you know me, you know that I LOVE LOVE LOVE when shipping is free!).
One style is racerback without any padding, while the other is padded with adjustable straps.

Softest Lace Racerback Bralette

I purchased mine in teal!

Softest Lace Perky Bralette

As opposed to a sports bra, you don't feel squished or compressed! Instead, I feel as though I can breathe!  Not to mention the soft lace feels more feminine than the sweat absorbing material of sports bras.  Like most bras, these come in a variety of styles and colors allowing you to feel comfortable in your own skin.  They are typically worn under lose fitting tee's and tanks!  If you are interested in purchasing one of these lacy gems, be sure to look at the company's sizing chart to give you the best fit possible. I recommend checking these out if looking to give yourself a little treat!

Lilly Pulitzer Fall 2014 Preview

Happy Friday! I am so excited to celebrate the beginning of the weekend with big Lilly news!  We have official previews of the company's first looks for their fall collection.  The Fall 2014 collection is all about extending summer, and not saying the "f-word".  I think this is such a cute concept, and fits with the brand's image.  However, for a New England girl, it is slightly disappointing.  The weather changes too quickly and is too cold to be wearing silk tank dresses.  At least this will keep me from spending money!  I'll just spend time drooling over how cute all the Southern Lilly ladies look while I am bundled up.

The prints are colorful and beachy, what else would you expect from Lilly Pulitzer?  Everything screams resort, so clearly the company delivered its promise.

Elsa in Green Under the Palms

Hayden Open Cardigan in True Navy

Marielle Boatneck Intarsia Sweater in True Navy

Palmetto V-Neck T-Shirt Dress in Sapphire Blue Rollin In the Grass

Brielle Sleeveless Dress in Hotty Pink Ottoman Stripe

Betty Silk Racerback Tank Dress in Bright Navy Electric Feel

Carol Shift Dress in Green Under the Palms

Sanibel French Terry T-Shirt Dress in Sunkissed Pink Under the Palms

Betty Racerback Maxi Dress in Cameo White Electric Feel

Janice Shift in Hotty Pink

What are your thoughts on the collection?  My favorite dress would have to be the Carol Shift, I love a long sleeve dress for seasonal transitions!

Geometric OOTD Post

Hello, Fashionistas! I haven't done an OOTD post in awhile, and felt that I just had to share this dress with you.  I it picked up back in September, but never found the right time to wear it, especially because it grew cooler on the Hudson.  I attended a surprise birthday party the other day and decided it would be the perfect time to wear it!  I love the geometric play on chevron, and the teal and bright blue are perfect for summer.

I attended the party with my gorgeous cousins, Bethany and Carrie!

The dress was from Francesca's and is no longer in stock.

This dress has a similar geometric vibe to it!

My Favorite Place

I thought I would dedicate this post to one of my favorite up and coming spots in Rhode Island, Sweet Indulgence.  Sweet Indulgence is a cupcakery that specializes in creating the most visually appealing cupcakes that are completely delicious!

My favorite location is on Broad Street in Cranston, in the historic Pawtucket Village area.  Not only does Sweet Indulgence stand out on the street, but step inside, and you'll be transported to a Parisian Café!  

Upon arrival, I always go straight for the cupcake display and drool over Kerri Cupcake's creations.  It ranges from classic Vanilla, to Raspberry Macaroon, to Nutella to Cookie Dough!  In addition, Sweet Indulgence bakes their own French macaroons (my weakness) and other baked goodies like croissants, brownies and danishes.  You can even stop by Sweet Indulgence for breakfast, and get a bagel served with Nutella cream cheese. From personal experience, it's divine!

Once I manage to peel myself away from the cupcake display, the next step is picking out what to drink.  The goto is their frozen hot chocolate recipes.  The cupcakery is currently stocking white chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, oreo and of course the classic original chocolate.  For holidays, Kerri Cupcake will add in a festive flavor, like St. Patricks Day was a white chocolate mint creation.  Again, from personal experience, it was delicious.  Other drinks include coffee, espresso and tea.

 

Peanut Butter & Oreo

St. Patrick's Day White Chocolate and Mint

Sweet Indulgence is the perfect pick me up to any day.  Kerri's attention to detail is impeccable and carries Sweet Indulgence to the next level.  Not only are the cupcakes good, but the ambiance leaves you feeling as though you are on a Parisian cloud.  It's a great place to catch up with friends, as little booths and small café tables are available to sit in.

Strawberry Champagne

Vanilla

I hope I've given you enough reason to drive on down to Sweet Indulgence and indulge your sweet tooth!  Follow Kerri Cupcake on Twitter and Instagram and drool over her daily creations.  Its these posts that make stops at Sweet Indulgence necessary during school breaks!