Oh hey look - am empties post!

Sorry for the few and far between on these guys, but since I rotate through a few different products in a lot of these categories, it takes some times to actually use things up. Still, what I have to talk about today are some of my favorites so I think that makes up for it a little bit!


First up is this GlamGlow cleanser I think I've repurchased 3 - maybe 4 - times? Initially I picked it up to try and combat these patches of congestion I'd get on the sides of my chin, but it's done wonders for my whole face. I wouldn't recommend it two times a day or when you have active break outs (it's a little too gritty for that) but I love how my face feels clean but not stripped after I use it, and I've definitely seen a decline in breakouts since I started incorporating it into my regular routine.

The Kensington Apothecary toner I talked about soon after I bought it, and it continues to be a staple in my routine. I've switched using it to the mornings, just because some of my evening products are being moved around, and it hasn't left me greasy or effected how my makeup sits. I happily recommend this gentle toner to everyone!

And finally, the Korres 2 step peel. I haven't talked about this one before, but it's one of the best products I've purchased in the last year. Not only is it non-irritating, it does an incredible job at brightening my complexion while magically treating break outs. I don't know why it works like that for me, but it does. If I had to list a con I'd say it is the fact that the actual peel portion of the product, the jar, runs out faster than the prep part. Knowing I have more product in there just makes me yearn for more to put over it! As part of a more long-term strategy to get as close as possible to unrealistically perfect skin (gotta have goals right?) I've switched to the brightening sleeping facial, but I'm not ready to say it works as well. At least not yet.

1) It's really hot in DC right now people, and it's hard to be cute when it's this hot. Sorry for the off day, lol, but it happens.

2) I'm playing around with contacts again and while I do enjoy the expanded sunglasses choices, I still kind of feel like my face looks odd.

3) Yes one of the sleeves has fallen out of its fold . I didn't notice until I was editing and you know what? Screw it.

4) Is the RNC over yet? I'm not even watching it and the news coming out of it is making me nauseous.

Since I don't what else to do or say about the state of things at the moment, and as crass as it feels, here's an outfit post. I took the pictures before everything went to hell last week and while we're still working on deciding where to go from here I figured it couldn't be totally wrong to share something that makes me happy.

// Want!


// I pretty much hate being marketed to in my social networks, and reading this article about LuLaRoe just sealed the deal.

// It's like Lifehacker read my mind about how the current world events are affecting me.

// Um, ok Cartoon Network.


// I didn't actually watch the BET Awards live but this performance by Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar was amazing.


// Fuck yeah, Samantha Bee.

// Yes, I would celebrate July 4th like Taylor Swift if I could.

// There's already been a lot of talk about the real life Muses that were inspirations for Disney's Hercules, but I STILL LOVE THEM.



// And finally, because so much of the world is awful it feels like, here is Patrick Stewart to make it a little bit better.



Fun Posts & Random Finds: It's not even a little bit fair that you can get custom Lancome foundation, but only in the Nordstroms on the West Coast. // Something I never thought about - modest workout gear. // I wish I had seen this post before I spent way too long on my living floor with E6000... // I don't have a hammock and I'm probably not coordinated enough, but this StudioDIY post makes me wish for both. // Do I need a new makeup bag? Of course not. But this one is cute, as is this one and this one. Do with that information what you will.// These Fluffernutter Waffles are evil genius. //

Clothing & Jewelry: Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas outfits? // I'm not sure I'm allowed to own any more off the shoulder tops, but... // I don't know why ASOS hates me so much, to Tweet links to gorgeous swimsuits that are already sold out. // Sale Swimsuit finds at Bloomingdales! A beautiful Trina Turk one piece. This Tommy Bahama gingham suit is perfectly retro. Love the strappy action of this La Blanca suit. I actually bought this one by Robin Piccone for Puerto Rico this summer. Mara Hoffman does the prettiest patterns. Finally, while I don't do cut outs, I do like the mesh panels on this Bleu Rod Beattie suit. //

The internet can be a good and a bad thing. Around this time last year I stumbled upon an out of this world Fourth of July dress - at an amazing price - but knew that buying it then would involve waiting. Lots and lots of waiting. Which I admit to being terrible at doing, especially when you factor in that I already had a great Fourth of July dress.

Still, last summer I threw budget to the wind and picked up this dress from Lindy Bop clothing. Despite the fact that I spent most of yesterday in bed (stupid stomach bug!) I don't regret any part of that decision. Because you just never know.

Hope those who celebrated had some fun, and if you had a long weekend like me, got lots of rest!

I'm still running hard and fast towards that moving day deadline (surprise! DC to DC but moving always sucks), even if the exact date is up in the air. Apparently my high levels of anxiety are manifesting themselves in the desire to get rid of ALL THE THINGS, which is interesting to say the least.

I actually enjoy purging my closet periodically, removing items and either donating or re-homing pieces, but at this point it's become that thing I do to feel better, even though there's not really anything else to get rid of. In an attempt to redirect my energy to the things I loved enough to keep, I picked up this super cheap ASOS top to pair with all sorts of "fancy" skirts. It's light weight and perfect for summer (and not see through!) and tones down this elaborate skirt. Wins all around!

Sometimes you see a dress online and you just know. And when you see it again it just further cements the knowledge that you have to have it. 

Thankfully that second online shout out coincided with Nordstrom fully re-stocking this fabulous frock and you better believe I ordered it.

In two sizes (no shame).

At the moment this beautiful Eliza J dress is only available in a 12, but sizes do seem to be popping back periodically so I'd check again if it's speaking to you the way it spoke to me.

So in my quest to find vacation pieces that also work for life in general, I have to recommend this dress from Ann Taylor. I was actually in store to try-on this one (didn't work for me, too long and the waist didn't hit the right spot), but the fun print combined with hot weather friendly linen makes the Amalfi Halter Dress a winner. Plus the halter comes up high enough on the sides and along the back to allow for comfortably wearing a strapless bra :).

In less happy, more real-life-can-be-stupid news, go watch this video. And I hope you can join me in doing what we can to make the United States a safer, more inclusive, place.