Monday, June 30, 2014

Lusting: Wrap Dresses

Now that I work in an office that has a business casual environment, I'm trying to make my closet double for work and the weekend. It's actually pretty easy for me because I already have a style that works well for an office; throw on a blazer, switch jeans for black pants, put on a little lipstick, etc. 

But one of the pieces I would really love to get that I think would be perfect for wearing to work during the day, a work event, and on the weekend is a wrap dress, especially if it's in a bright color or fun print. I could see myself wearing it with a neutral blazer and wedges for work, or a cardigan and sandals for the weekend. 
Lusting: Wrap Dresses
{Click for item info}

Do you have a wrap dress?
How do you wear it?

P.S. -- I've joined My Life as a Teacup's NovelTea Book Club!
If you want to join a Book Club, this one should be it!
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Friday, June 27, 2014

Favorite Things


First off, thanks to Avra for the key bangle, Naomi for the Field Notes, my step-mom Janet for the wireless speakers, my dad for the watch, and the rest of my family for money that will go towards buying a DSLR camera! You guys are the best!

Secondly, my name is in print! I opened the latest Westchester Magazine and saw my name next to Social Media Coordinator! You can see a picture of it here

This Cover Girl Smoochies tinted lip balm is plain wonderful! It's actually not super sheer, but not super bold either. It's the perfect medium and is really moisturizing. I've been wearing it everyday for two weeks so far. 

A few fun links:

♥ These pictures with real animals are stunning!

♥ I love this shop idea: Your Fan Club from Scathingly Brilliant. Basically, you can find a cute pin to every kind of club imaginable. I would love to get the Kindness Fan Club pin!


♥ I've been reading The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet and I love it! It gives you a "behind the scenes" look into the web series. 

♥ NYC's most interesting hidden landmarks

♥ YES! Harry Potter astrology! The Cancer Hufflepuff is pretty spot on for me. 

♥ "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit is my new favorite song. 

♥ Sponsor love:



Have a superfab weekend, friends!

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

Inspired By: The Lizzie Bennet Dairies

Since The Secret Dairy of Lizzie Bennet came out two days ago, I figured it was the perfect time to do an Inspired By post for The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I've raved about this series before, but if you've never heard of it, then let me tell what it is: It's a web series on Youtube about grad student Lizzie Bennet, who shares her personal life via her vlog. The story is a modern adaption of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and it's simply wonderful. 

In my opinion, what makes this series so great is how they updated the story while staying true to the characters and the main plot, the acting is absolutely on point, and it has so much heart. There are 100 episodes, but each one is generally only 3 to 7 minutes long. Seriously, go over and watch it right now!

Lizzie Bennet
Lizzie Bennet
Lizzie (Ashley Clements) is a twenty-four year old New Media grad student who lives at home with her parents and sisters. She's an outspoken young woman who has a remarkable memory and tends to see the world how she wants to see it. Her mother wants nothing more than for her to get married to a rich man, even in this modern age. 

Lizzie tends to wear lots of cool colors, like blue, purple, and green, so wear a blue plaid shirt, black polka dot top, jeans, pink camera ring, and black flats. Over the course of the series, Lizzie's style changes a little, becoming more polished and professional; wear a gray blazer, a teal lace dress, a yellow necklace, and nude pumps. 

Jane Bennet / Lydia Bennet
Jane & Lydia
Lizzie has two sister: her older sister, Jane (Laura Spencer), and younger sister, Lydia (Mary Kate Wiles). Jane is a fashion-oriented young woman, who is super sweet and friendly and always wants to make others happy. Lydia, the youngest, is a bit of a wild child; she always wants to have fun, even if it means neglecting more important things. 

Dress cute and fashionable like Jane: wear a lace red dress, clock necklace since Jane tends to wear things with a vintage flair, brown belt, red lipstick, and brown wedges. Have fun with your style like Lydia by wearing a red and white striped dress, a long, colorful necklace, a bunch of orange bangles, and tall block wedges. 

Charlotte Lu / Gigi Darcy
Charlotte & Gigi
Lizzie's best friend, Charlotte (Julia Cho), is a detail-oriented young woman who isn't afraid to tell Lizzie she's something wrong or that she's being ridiculous. Her big goal in life at the moment is to find a job. Darcy's younger sister, Gigi (Allison Paige), is a college student, who also helps out at her brother's company. She's a friendly and kind-hearted young woman. 

Charlotte's style looks very professional, so wear a colorblock cardigan, a pink sleeveless blouse, jeans, a watch, and pink loafers. Or dress like Gigi, who has a trendy and colorful style: a cut-out burgundy dress, pink lipstick, a charm bracelet, and lace-up booties. 

William Darcy
Darcy
William Darcy (Daniel Vincent Gordh), though referred to as simply Darcy, is the CEO of his own business, Pemberley Digital. He is standoffish, shy, and comes as a snob. He also tends to insult people (aka Lizzie) without meaning to. 

Darcy has a modern and trendy style: wear a blue plaid top, suspenders, jeans, a mint watch, and tasseled black loafers. Or go for his classic look by wearing a navy cardigan, a light blue blouse, a red bow tie necklace, a black skirt, and cute yellow flats. 

Have you seen The Lizzie Bennet Diaries? 
Who's your favorite character? (I love Jane & Fitz!)

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Ipsy Glam Bag {June 2014}

This month's Ipsy Glam Bag (join here!) is all about being Pretty in Paradise. These products are probably meant for a less is more kind of look that's easy to wear on the beach or in the heat. I'm not 100% in love with the products I received, but there are some gems. Also, this bag is so cool. It's by Rebecca Minkoff and it's covered in artsy pineapples!

This month I received:
♥ Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray (full size $9, sample $3)
♥ Be A Bombshell Lash Out Mascara (full size $15)
♥ Realtree For Her Perfume (full size $20, sample $1)
♥ Nyx Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee (full size $5)
♥ OFRA Universal Eyebrow Pencil (full size $13)

This bag is worth $37!
MINI REVIEWS

Marc Anthony Dream Waves Beach Spray

First off, this smells AH-mazing! I don't like the taste of coconut, but I love the sweet smell of it. I already have waves, but I like the way my hair gets even more wavy when I'm near the water, so of course I want to replicate it, and I think this works pretty well. You spray it on your hair lightly and scrunch your hair. It made the waves in my hair a little more messy and wild! 

Be A Bombshell Lash Out Mascara

This mascara has a terrible smell, like burnt rubber and chemicals, though the stench did lessen after a few days. I wanted to try the mascara nonetheless and it's a nice mascara, but I wouldn't say it's amazing. It's supposed to lengthen your lashes, but I wouldn't say it lengthened them as much as my go-to Sephora mascara, though it did make them look thick and it didn't clump. You win some, you lose some. 


Realtree For Her Perfume


OMG guys this smells so wonderful! On the website, this is how they described the scent: "Realtree for Her opens up with the sweet taste of pomegranate, a hint of persimmon and an exotic scent of orchids. It blends with lotus blossom and champaca flower and is followed by the rich scent of amber, the transient scent of violets and the depth of mahogany wood." This describes it perfectly; it's sweet, flowery, rich, and just all around lovely. 

Nyx Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee

I'm not a lip gloss girl. The color is okay, a little too light for me. It's a bit sticky with the lip gloss on, and left a sticky residue even after I wiped it off. I'm also not a fan over the overly-sweet vanilla scent either. 

OFRA Universal Eyebrow Pencil

This is a nice eyebrow pencil. It's a good light brown color that will work for a lot of people, though maybe not people with really light hair. I've been wanting a more defined brow and a few light-handed swipes makes them more defined and frames my face better. I've also been using this pencil as an eyeliner for days when I don't want to use black eyeliner. 

What did you get in your glam bag?

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Outfit: My 25th Birthday

This past Sunday was my 25th birthday! I'm now a quarter of a century old! It's actually strange to think that I'm 25 years old. It's not that I thought my life would be completely different from what I imagined as a teenager (I have a job that I love and I'm mostly independent), but I kind of hoped I would be living on my own and be in a relationship. Sadly, I'm not making enough to live alone, and as to the second: there are just some things you can't rush or apply for. I'll just have to be my lovely, charming self while batting my eyelashes! Haha!

Anyway, about the outfit: I didn't wear this dress this past weekend, but I did wear it at a work event a few weeks ago. It was an all-day event at the Ritz-Carlton, so I wanted to look a little fancy, so of course I threw on the sparkliest necklace I own. But I also had to be comfortable since I was on my feet all day, so I went with my black ankle-strap wedges. 
Dress: Forever 21 | Necklace: Sammydress (only $6!) | Bracelet: Alex and Ani
Shoes: Kohls (old) | Lipstick: Covergirl's Smoochies in #Luv U

P.S. -- Have you entered my birthday giveaway?!

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Monday, June 23, 2014

Sponsor Spotlight: Jess of Bookworms in Dresses + Giveaway!

Today Jess of Bookworms in Dresses is taking over my blog!

Hello there! I'm Jess from Bookworms in Dresses! I've amassed quite a hefty reading list for this summer (32 books!) summer is the perfect time to put a big dent in the reading list, so Let's explore the fantastic world of summer reading!

Reading on the beach! You always see books toted as "the perfect beach read" and all those commercials about which e-reader is the best for reading outside. I love reading on the beach! Or sitting on a porch near the beach and reading with the sounds of the ocean in the air. For the perfect beach reading set up: 
The summer reading list! For those studious kids who always want to get ahead! Either with a school designated summer reading list, educational books, or to read up on the classics. I used to read so many summer reading list books when I was in middle school and high school! The perfect set up for summer school reading is:
Picnic with books! Ah, is there anything better than sitting outside in the summer sun, snacking on some fresh food, and reading a book? There might be, but I'm sure if I've found it yet! The perfect summer book picnic includes:
Coffee shop reading! Settling down in the perfect corner table near the window is always a relaxing way to read through your summer book list. Meet up with a friend and you could even have an awesome two person book club started! The perfect coffee shop reading includes:
Those are my favorite ways to read books during the summer. Do you have any books you're excited to read this summer? Grab a blanket, curl up on the couch, or go outside if you feel the urge, and read a book!!

Now for an amazing giveaway!
You'll win 2 custom stickers (like these), an illustration, 
and a pair of handmade pencil earrings!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stop by Jess' blog and say hello!

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Friday, June 20, 2014

My 25th Birthday Giveaway!

My 25th birthday is on June 22nd and to celebrate, as well as to thank all of you for being amazing, loyal readers, I wanted to have a giveaway! You guys are seriously wonderful people! Reading your comments and talking with you about style, books, and life makes me so happy. I'm glad I've been able to get to know you all over the past two and half years, and I hope to learn more about you all. (That's one of the reasons, I'm planning on continuing my Dear Reader, Who Are You series.)

Anyway, this isn't a super big giveaway, but it's just a little something to say THANK YOU!

The winner will receive: 
 Ban.do frills tumbler
 Ban.do chitchat and frills carryall duo
 Revlon perfumerie nail polish in Ginger Melon
 Jonathan Adler x B&N set of four notebooks

Open to residents of the U.S., Canada, and U.K. only.  
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Have a wonderful weekend!
I'll be relaxing, eating cake, chilling with friends and family, 
and counting all my birthday money so I can buy my new camera!

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Inspired By: Harry Potter Characters Pt. 2

Since you guys loved the outfits inspired by Hogwarts Houses and Harry Potter characters part 1, I knew I had to continue on and do at least another post. But don't worry, there's going to be another! Let me know who you want to see an outfit for!

Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris films 1-2, Michael Gambon films 3-7) is the soft-spoken, kind-hearted Headmaster of Hogwarts, who loves lemon drops and talking in riddles. He is the most powerful wizard that has ever existed, and he watches over Harry Potter from a distance to ensure his safety.

Wear an edgy version of Dumbledore's robes by going for an orange kimono, black fit and flare dress, bee brooch, star earrings, and black booties. Or look mysterious in a wide black hat, a gray dress, purple scarf, and pointed-toe flats. 

Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall
Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), the Deputy Headmistress, Transfiguration professor, and Head of Gryffindor House, is a prim and stern woman, who can transform herself into a cat; she has good intentions and will help you out if you get on her good side. 

Since she likes the color green, wear a black hat, olive dress, gold belt, cat earrings, and black pumps. Or for a modern look, go for a black beanie, sheer black blouse, gold necklace, asymmetrical skirt, cat ring, and black loafers.  

Severus Snape
Severus Snape
Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) is the cold and sarcastic professor of Potions and Head of Slytherin House. You do not want to get on his bad side because he is the type to hold a grudge, but he is a surprisingly complex and emotional person. (He's one of my favorite characters!) 

Go dark by wearing a black tunic, beaded necklace, black pants, key cuff, knotted heart ring, and buckle booties. Or wear something a little more professional by putting on a black blazer, black dress with lace, gold rings, cool black heels, and a heart print scarf. 

Voldemort / Tom Riddle
Voldemort
Voldemort aka Tom Riddle (Ralph Fiennes {adult}, Christian Coulson {teen}, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin {kid}) is the archenemy of Harry Potter. He is a cruel and hard-hearted wizard, whose goals are to see Harry Potter dead and for Purebloods to take over. He is so feared by others that they refer to him as "You-Know-Who" since they dare not speak his name. 

For a British schoolgirl look, wear a light gray blazer, sleeveless white top, jeans, snake ring, and ankle-strap flats. Or instead wear an open black cardigan, a gray dress, a skull ring, a snake bracelet, and black and gray heels. 

Which characters is your favorite?
Which look do you like?

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Review: Glory Boon's Natural Cream Concealer

If I can use products that are handmade and all-natural, then of course I'm going to. This concealer was made by my friend Alex, a kind, funny, and charming blogger who I've met several times now. Not only does she run her fabulous beauty blog, but she also is the owner of Glory Boon. She handcrafts all of the beauty and skincare products in her online shop

As it says on Alex's shop: "My focus is making cosmetics for those who want to detoxify their makeup routine! I make products without the icky stuff! No parabens, No phthalates, No mineral oil, and 100% cruelty free!"

I love that everything is 100% natural, so when Alex asked if I wanted to review something I picked her natural concealer in the shade Luna because I still need to cover those pesky pimples and any redness. 

Let me start with what I look for in a concealer: 
♥ my skin color or a little lighter ✓ (Luna perfectly matches my skin tone)
♥ thick consistency to cover pimples 
♥ something that won't cause further break outs 
♥ something that won't make my skin oily 

Glory Boon's natural concealer checks off almost all of these, which is wonderful. A lot of the concealers I've tried in the past also don't check off everything on the list, so maybe I'm just really picky when it comes to concealer. The only problem I had with this concealer was that it's not thick, so it took a few swipes to cover my pimples and redness. I'd say this is a great concealer for days when you want to even out your skin, but not wear too much make up. 

I have to add that despite the fact that it's fragrance-free, this concealer smells amazing! It has a subtle almond smell that is fresh and kind of sweet. This concealer also feels really soft on my skin, which is always a plus. 

Pros:
♥ smells amazing
♥ creamy
all-natural
♥ waterproof
♥ makes skin feel soft

Cons:
♥ not thick
♥ somewhat sheer
♥ leaves skin shiny (but easily fixed with powder)

Would I recommend this concealer? Yes, I definitely would! Since it's natural, makes your skin soft, and is waterproof, it's a nice concealer for the summer. She has seven shades of this concealer, so check it out. 

Since I'm obsessed with blush, the next products from her shop I want to try are her new cream blushes (just look at all those gorgeous shades!) or this English Petals mineral blush


Do you wear all-natural make up?

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