black & blue
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 • Coach, Eileen Fisher, Forever21+, Kate Spade, OOTD, Seychelles
I had really wanted to show you this top half tucked into pair of high-waisted jeans, but DC is trolling my life with these 90 degree days. I'm still dreaming those sweater weather dreams, so until then here's yet another summer outfit even though it's practically October.
*Fit Note: While I'm usually a medium-large in most Eileen Fisher pieces, I sized up to an XL in this tank for the perfect slouchy fit.
Top: Eileen Fisher* ~ Shorts: Forever21+ (super old) ~ Sandals: Seychelles (this season's) ~ Purse: Coach (thrifted) ~ Necklace: Kate Spade ~ Earrings: World Market
*Fit Note: While I'm usually a medium-large in most Eileen Fisher pieces, I sized up to an XL in this tank for the perfect slouchy fit.
July/August Clothing Recap
Monday, September 25, 2017 • Wardrobe Resolutions
So....about July and August. July went fine, with purchases I was pleased with across the board, but as the month went by and starting creeping into August I just got sad. Sad at the world, stressed about the safety of my place in it, and it all just started making me unhappy - which unsurprisingly resulted in some unsanctioned shopping. Do I feel bad about it? Maybe a little, but I'm the one who has to live my life and if sometimes that means making still thoughtful clothing purchases outside the month I was supposed....then I'll get through it. So far in September I've spent more time considering what I want my Fall/Winter style to be than actually buying any new clothing, and as that's still in line with my goals for the year, I'm happy about it.
1. Anthropologie Deep V-Neck Striped Dress
2. Anthropologie Blush V-Neck Maxi Dress
3. LOFT Jumpsuit
4. Eileen Fisher Round Neck Shell
5. Eileen Fisher Cotton Top
6. COS Wide Leg Trousers
7. Blank NYC Moto Jacket (this purchase is being re-thought actually. I'm not sure it's still in line with where I want my wardrobe to be, and as a Nordstrom purchase, it's easy enough for me to return.)
8. Black & Petty Shirt
9. Madewell T-shirt
10. Free People Dress
11. Vince Dress
What am I thinking about for Fall? Gray apparently. All the gray, more pants, and very little (see none) skirts or dresses. I love dresses in the Spring/Summer, but at least so far there hasn't been a lot available on the interwebs that makes me think extending it to the rest of year is worthwhile.
1. Anthropologie Deep V-Neck Striped Dress
2. Anthropologie Blush V-Neck Maxi Dress
3. LOFT Jumpsuit
4. Eileen Fisher Round Neck Shell
5. Eileen Fisher Cotton Top
6. COS Wide Leg Trousers
7. Blank NYC Moto Jacket (this purchase is being re-thought actually. I'm not sure it's still in line with where I want my wardrobe to be, and as a Nordstrom purchase, it's easy enough for me to return.)
8. Black & Petty Shirt
9. Madewell T-shirt
10. Free People Dress
11. Vince Dress
What am I thinking about for Fall? Gray apparently. All the gray, more pants, and very little (see none) skirts or dresses. I love dresses in the Spring/Summer, but at least so far there hasn't been a lot available on the interwebs that makes me think extending it to the rest of year is worthwhile.
lies i tell myself
Thursday, September 21, 2017 • Anthropologie, Cultured Concepts, Kate Spade, LOFT, OOTD, Seychelles
Include the one where this a "casual" maxi dress, because I can wear it with a jean jacket.
And only tangentially related to the rest of this post, but for any other red haired ladies out there, may I recommend Davines? I'm almost exclusively using their shampoo and conditioner, and damn if my hair doesn't look freshly dyed every time I use it (which TBH is only 1 or 2 a week).
And only tangentially related to the rest of this post, but for any other red haired ladies out there, may I recommend Davines? I'm almost exclusively using their shampoo and conditioner, and damn if my hair doesn't look freshly dyed every time I use it (which TBH is only 1 or 2 a week).
Dress: Anthropologie ~ Jacket: Anthropologie (old, this season's) ~ Purse: Cultured Concepts (Eastern Market) ~ Sunglasses: Loft ~ Sandals: Seychelles (this season's) ~ Necklace: Kate Spade
DragonCon 2017 Haul
Tuesday, September 19, 2017 • Dragon*Con, DragonCon
The only thing worse than spending more money than you planned to at DragonCon is getting home, taking pictures of it all, and then trying to put together a coherent post! [Face Palm]
I've done my best, but I want to put in a small disclaimer because I do not have a wide enough area in full sun to take pictures of all this stuff in, so I had to make do. And sometimes making do includes ridiculous props or the plastic you've had up in your apartment for a month (yay flooding).
Ok so I *know* these pictures aren't the best, but I couldn't face actually putting this on my body over the weekend (or steaming it....). You'll see it in some Halloween-y posts next month though, so this really just an "until then" kind of thing. This purchase came about from a want/need to have something to wear with both my grey and brown corsets. I was originally drawn to this same design in black, but after chatting with the owner she recommended the blue and was able to take in the waist over night when we both realized all the skirts she had on hand were too big. I love that this is two separate pieces, because it layers beautifully and looks fuller that way. PLUS while the round buttons are a pain in the butt to open and close, they look great and I am vain enough to be totally on board with that.
And that's it folks! Did you make it to the end? I know this was a mammoth post, but hopefully it gives you at least an idea of some of the geek-y goodies you can get your hands on at DragonCon. I love the ability to actually see and try on stuff in person, because you never know what's going to end up being can't-live-without perfect.
I've done my best, but I want to put in a small disclaimer because I do not have a wide enough area in full sun to take pictures of all this stuff in, so I had to make do. And sometimes making do includes ridiculous props or the plastic you've had up in your apartment for a month (yay flooding).
Sika Deer, The Dragon's Lair
Did I need yet another stuff animal? Of course not, but from the same company who brought into my life the huge fluffy Cerberus, I present to you the cuddliest little deer friend, who has already found a place of honor on my bed.
Horned Headband, Ruth Nore Designs
(10% off with the code ADORNME)
Now this I had kind of bandied about in my mind as something I wanted, and thankfully the DragonCon environment provided! I love the natural balance of the leaves with the horns and the way it all blends so seamlessly with my hair makes it all even better.
(10% off with the code ADORNME)
Now this I had kind of bandied about in my mind as something I wanted, and thankfully the DragonCon environment provided! I love the natural balance of the leaves with the horns and the way it all blends so seamlessly with my hair makes it all even better.
Howl's Moving Castle Paper Craft, Will Pigg
Almost every year I find myself falling in love with a Totoro art piece, but this time Will Pigg got me with an absolutely amazing Howl's Moving Castle paper craft. HMC might be my favorite Miyazaki film (I'm a sucker for a happily ever after) and the balance of the wonder and magic with their relationship stole the show. I have no idea how I'll find the appropriate shadowbox for this, BUT I WILL.
Red Queen Print, Yaya Han
There's just something about Yaya Han that makes me happy, even when I'm completely in awe of her skill and embarrassed to even be in her presence. On the very last day of Con I talked myself into visiting her booth, grabbed a makeup-less (for me) selfie, and picked up another print for my collection.
Robot Painting, Paper Bones
Books & Smash the Patriarchy Pins, Paper Bones
Paper Bones is so freaking awesome! I love her style and feminist agenda. I keep almost buying her coffee and donut piece, but right now this little robot will have to be the beginning of what I know will be a much larger collection.
Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee
There is this one booth at DragonCon, small, kind of hidden amidst all the other vendors, often staffed by the authors themselves, that I've been caught by a couple times. The authors and staff are just so genuinely excited to have you there and talk to you about their books, that even when I don't fall absolutely in love with something, I'm happy to support. This year I picked up a book that I actually remember reading quite a bit about a few months ago, so wish me luck!
Hooded Capelet, Pendragon Costumes
Pendragon Costumes yo. My gateway drug into completely-unnecessary-but-so-freaking-beautiful pieces. I always seem to find myself browsing their selection at DragonCon and this time I fell in love with a capelet that perfectly matches the Renaissance set I'd bought from them a few years ago. And not only does it look good with that, but it ALSO works with my brown leather corset, which means it'll do enough double duty to make the purchase worth it.
Victorian Inspired Skirt (two-pieces), Wolfhome Adventuring
Ok so I *know* these pictures aren't the best, but I couldn't face actually putting this on my body over the weekend (or steaming it....). You'll see it in some Halloween-y posts next month though, so this really just an "until then" kind of thing. This purchase came about from a want/need to have something to wear with both my grey and brown corsets. I was originally drawn to this same design in black, but after chatting with the owner she recommended the blue and was able to take in the waist over night when we both realized all the skirts she had on hand were too big. I love that this is two separate pieces, because it layers beautifully and looks fuller that way. PLUS while the round buttons are a pain in the butt to open and close, they look great and I am vain enough to be totally on board with that.
And that's it folks! Did you make it to the end? I know this was a mammoth post, but hopefully it gives you at least an idea of some of the geek-y goodies you can get your hands on at DragonCon. I love the ability to actually see and try on stuff in person, because you never know what's going to end up being can't-live-without perfect.
black on black
Thursday, September 14, 2017 • Aldo, ASOS, Kate Spade, OOTD, The Limited
In my quest to create the perfect closet for me, I've been purging. Purging to the point where things are looking a little bare at this point in the year, but if that's what it takes to get me to a place I'm happy with then I'm gonna make it work. This top had been slated for the donate pile, but I decided to pull it back out for one last attempt at a refashion and I'm really glad that I did.
Is a black button with black jeans actually all that revolutionary? No, of course not, but the combination of the high-waisted washed black jeans and the almost satiny-finish of the top is unique enough to make me happy, without feeling too dressed up.
*Fit Note: Due to the low stretch I sized up to a 34 in these ASOS Jeans and love them to pieces.
Is a black button with black jeans actually all that revolutionary? No, of course not, but the combination of the high-waisted washed black jeans and the almost satiny-finish of the top is unique enough to make me happy, without feeling too dressed up.
Shirt: The Limited (old (clearly, lol))~ Jeans: ASOS* ~ Sunglasses: Kate Spade ~ Purse: Thrifted ~ Shoes: Aldo ~ Watch: Ebay (similar)
*Fit Note: Due to the low stretch I sized up to a 34 in these ASOS Jeans and love them to pieces.
Fenty Beauty: First Impressions & Mini Review
Monday, September 11, 2017 • Fenty, Fenty Beauty, Makeup, review, WDDT?
Well it's only been able to buy for 4 days I'm already sick of reading/hearing about Fenty. The social media storm came hard and fast, and even though I was affected enough to get my butt to a local Sephora as soon as it opened, damn did it all get old fast.
Yes, I saw Trophy Wife. No, I did not buy it, because it was glittery as f*ck and very yellow and that is not a look that works for me. Overall I thought the line was nice, with attractive packaging both on the products themselves and on the outside. I'm a fan of the frosted glass and the color scheme, don't care about the way products magnetically click together, and for the most part consider it a worthwhile brand to shop if you want comparable-to-its-price-competitors level products that support an artist you admire.
Generally speaking I went in to Sephora to *see* the line with very little expectations of buying anything, because I'm a highlighter n00b and the second ingredient in her primer was dimethicone. But swatching the line was actually kind of enlightening - despite the dimethicone, the primer didn't apply like a silicone primer at all, instead it's a lotion that dries to a matte finish. The trios - concealer, contour, and shimmery highlight - apply pigmented from the tube, and while "Tan" wouldn't have exactly highlighted my under eye (and I'm not convinced it's emollient enough to even be applied in the area) it would have been a great face concealer, easily paired with the other two products for an on the go look.
The lip gloss is fine, pretty and I agree universal, but it's super sweetly scented so I didn't even bother trying it on. The shimmer sticks live up to their name and deliver GLITTER with a hint of color, so even the fun coral "Ridiiic" was not going to work on my oily skin. Instead I brought home the primer and one of the highlighter duos, which actually might be my favorite product in the line (I haven't tried the foundation yet). The duos all come with a subtle highlight on one side, and a BAM beat-to-the-gods highlight on the other, which I think make them much more versatile.
As per the website, Mean Money and Hu$tla Baby are described respectively as a "soft champagne sheen" and a "supercharged peachy champagne shimmer", and I'd call both of those pretty correct. I prefer to apply Hu$tla Baby to the inner corner of my eyes and slightly to my brow bone, and Mean Money on my face. I'd also like to try them both as eyeshadows, but I haven't gotten there yet.
Final Verdict: Quite nice! I like the control having both highlighters gives me, and think they're very flattering on my skin tone. Are they groundbreaking? Probably not, but depending on the size of your collection I think one of these could make a home with you very easily!
I'm still testing the primer, but can already tell you I prefer it under liquid to stick foundations. Under my Dior Forever it helped prevent creasing in the smile lines around my mouth, even as I got dewier throughout the day. Under the ABH Stick Foundation the initial finish was actually too matte and a little dry, so it looked better approximately 30-45min after application. Once both foundations got to the dewy stage they stayed that way throughout the rest of the day, without tipping too far into oily, and at the end of the day I could still see my blush/bronzer.
The primer is slightly pink tinted but applies with no visible color, and is just scented enough that I can smell it when I hold a glob up to my nose, but not at all once it's on my face.
Final Verdict: If you're looking for a new primer I think this one is good, and doesn't make me the super oily mess that most silicone primers do. I'm still not sure it's all that special, but I am invested enough to want to see how it holds up during the winter months.
Yes, I saw Trophy Wife. No, I did not buy it, because it was glittery as f*ck and very yellow and that is not a look that works for me. Overall I thought the line was nice, with attractive packaging both on the products themselves and on the outside. I'm a fan of the frosted glass and the color scheme, don't care about the way products magnetically click together, and for the most part consider it a worthwhile brand to shop if you want comparable-to-its-price-competitors level products that support an artist you admire.
Generally speaking I went in to Sephora to *see* the line with very little expectations of buying anything, because I'm a highlighter n00b and the second ingredient in her primer was dimethicone. But swatching the line was actually kind of enlightening - despite the dimethicone, the primer didn't apply like a silicone primer at all, instead it's a lotion that dries to a matte finish. The trios - concealer, contour, and shimmery highlight - apply pigmented from the tube, and while "Tan" wouldn't have exactly highlighted my under eye (and I'm not convinced it's emollient enough to even be applied in the area) it would have been a great face concealer, easily paired with the other two products for an on the go look.
As per the website, Mean Money and Hu$tla Baby are described respectively as a "soft champagne sheen" and a "supercharged peachy champagne shimmer", and I'd call both of those pretty correct. I prefer to apply Hu$tla Baby to the inner corner of my eyes and slightly to my brow bone, and Mean Money on my face. I'd also like to try them both as eyeshadows, but I haven't gotten there yet.
Final Verdict: Quite nice! I like the control having both highlighters gives me, and think they're very flattering on my skin tone. Are they groundbreaking? Probably not, but depending on the size of your collection I think one of these could make a home with you very easily!
I'm still testing the primer, but can already tell you I prefer it under liquid to stick foundations. Under my Dior Forever it helped prevent creasing in the smile lines around my mouth, even as I got dewier throughout the day. Under the ABH Stick Foundation the initial finish was actually too matte and a little dry, so it looked better approximately 30-45min after application. Once both foundations got to the dewy stage they stayed that way throughout the rest of the day, without tipping too far into oily, and at the end of the day I could still see my blush/bronzer.
The primer is slightly pink tinted but applies with no visible color, and is just scented enough that I can smell it when I hold a glob up to my nose, but not at all once it's on my face.
Final Verdict: If you're looking for a new primer I think this one is good, and doesn't make me the super oily mess that most silicone primers do. I'm still not sure it's all that special, but I am invested enough to want to see how it holds up during the winter months.
Chambray Season
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 • Anthropologie, Marine Layer, OOTD, TJ Maxx, Urban Outfitters
Despite it being almost the end of summer (which I have mixed feelings about), this is the first time I've managed to get this dress up on the blog. I bought it a few months ago and once my brain was able to get over how "short" it felt, I ended up wearing it constantly. It's a great tunic/dress that looks great with flats, sneakers, heels - you name it. As the weather continues to cool down I can't wait to pair it with leggings/black skinny jeans and booties, plus maybe my new jacket? TBH I still love that jacket but because I have no idea what my overall style is going to be for the upcoming season I'm not 100% positive I'm gonna keep it. Maybe it's time for a mood board?
Dress: Marine Layer ~ Purse: TJ Maxx (old) ~ Shoes: Anthropologie (old) ~ Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (old)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)