Hiatus... Beauty... Fashion...

I married a job in 2012. Married it. Made it my entire life. For a year and a half. It exhausted me, made me hate everything about my life, fashion, beauty, and anything that made me happy- outside of food.

But this... this is important. This blog is important. I can make it anything. So, I'm coming back to it, committing to it. It will be an extension of a tumblr account I need to set up. But it will be.

So back to the point... The point is fashion... So my must-haves for early 2014.

1) Pleated maxi skirt.

The pleated maxi is really the quintessential piece to straddle the line between the eccentric 80's inspired fashion of the last few years and the minimalist 90's inspired fashion of 2014 and the next few years. It's soft and flowy, but still irreverent and fun. Dress it up with chunky heels, dress it down with boots, flats, or sandals. Add a casual sweater/sweatshirt and a chunky, sparkly necklace to achieve perfect street style.

2) Oversized sweater

Cozy, minimal, perfect for days off. Add it to leggings and boots and be chic and sophisticated. Throw it over a tank top, crop top, or casual tee and the maxi skirt above and make it cozy, funky, fun. Perfect for the cooler months, hold on to it for winter, spring, and fall.

3) Facial oil

The beauty trend of the season. Add it to my list of products I can't live without: BB/CC cream and the Chanel Les Beiges powder. The Boscia oil is perfect for my combo/oily skin, but provides radiance and hydration thanks to the addition of Camillia extract. It smells heavenly, feels luxurious, and the price point is manageable.

4) Pointy toe Mary Janes

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw "I thought they were an urban shoe myth!" Sexy, stylish yet simple: completely on point.

5) Deep lipstick.

Dark, deep, sexy. The throwback to the early 90's, be brave with the lip. Keep the eye light and simple to avoid looking goth, but be brave!

2013

Hi everyone!

I know, I haven't been around. Please forgive me. Work has me consumed, as well as dating. Or kind of dating. Or whatever. And realistically I have another "Blog" I'm running that I love and takes no work. However, I swear I am trying to be back here more. More commentary on shoes and skin and beauty and clothes...

Oh clothes...

That's the other part of the problem. The growth of fashion and trends is making me sad. Street style doesn't completely suck, but I'm sick of seeing hipster style clothing. I'm sick of that being the defining moment of style right now. I still want to see the high end, pretty girls, not girls who are trying to show they're down to earth using their clothes. It's okay to not have 10,000 patterns going on and 17 layers, with a hat or headband and scarf and long necklace and 14 bracelets and a cross body bag. IT'S NOT CUTE. I'm over it. Calvin Klein needs to usher in minimalism again.

So there's my apology. It's kind of half-assed, isn't it? Are you really surprised?

Shoe Dazzle vs. JustFab pt 2.

I love how everyone finds this blog because I did the compare and contrast with the shoes. So here's the second part.

I can quit Shoe Dazzle any time I want. They don't make me sign up, they're not doing monthly fees any more, and it's easy. I am completely comfortable. Because I don't like most of the shoes they produce and I feel like they look a little... unfinished.

JustFab... Oh trying to leave JustFab... I've tried several times, all unsuccessfully. They still have the monthly fees, and they hide how to skip the month, and it's just a pain. I want to quit. I really do. But here's the thing with that. To quit JustFab, you have to call them. I can never get them on the phone (be it to change sizes on a shoe, ask about an order, or asking to quit), but when I do they're often confused and disoriented. I love the shoes I got from them, except they're too big. The bag I got is ADORABLE, but kind of impractical. I wanted to get a credit for it. Needless to say, months later, I still have the bag. It's fine. I like it.

So this blog is going on a journey. I had a really rough day at work. I am trying to show people that they are in desperate need of Chanel, but they don't seem to believe me. Actually it's a bunch of stuff all having nothing to do with selling. Any way... I needed cheering up. So I was shoe shopping. I need boots, wedge boots. Something funky. But black. So I start my journey all over the internet. Including these 2 sites.

So, this is why I ended up back at DSW. I was looking through these sites, but the heels on their boots were too high for me to stand on at work for 8 hours a day or they were deathly boring. I can't have a boring shoe. I wear all black all day. I wear pencil skirts every day. My shoes are my one chance to own my outfit. So I need function and fashion. I may have paid more for the shoes I got, but I can guarantee that they will fit, that if something is wrong I'll be able to return or exchange them, I don't have to rely on the phone and computer, and I can have what I want.

I think the problem with fashion right now is that we are settling. Instead of buying EXACTLY what we want, we are buying what is cheap. Spend a little more, the shoes will fit and feel better, wear longer, and keep you happy. In the end, you'll spend less, because you're getting what you want (unless we're talking Louboutins. That's a different level.) So, here. What I decided on, instead of spending $40 to be unhappy and uncomfortable in my boots. And no, I don't think I'll be purchasing from the JustFab line again. Maybe ShoeDazzle, definitely the Mint lines, bust JustFab? I'm just over it.

Perfect Skin

To my annoyance, there's a phrase that I've been hearing a lot lately. In spite of my arguments, I hear a lot about how I have "beautiful skin." Now, I know where my blemishes are, and I work really hard to control the oil, so I see my skin very differently. So tonight's entry is all about my personal skin care.

First and foremost, we are our own harshest critic. I know this from working with people on their skin. We know all the lines and wrinkles and spots. I don't think most people see those things that we dislike about our skin. But since each person knows their concerns, I'll share my routine. 

*Author's note: I am off tomorrow. I need to clean my bathroom. The counter has spots from spilling contact solution. Don't judge. 

Every day, I do these things. Not morning and night, but this is my skin care routine. If I skip a day, my skin has a fit and I break out. It's all about the routine. It's important to commit to taking care of your skin. 

Step 1. Makeup removal. 

Probably the last thing I got into, makeup removal is HUGE. Obviously, it helps cleanse the skin of make up, but it also helps prevent clogged pores, dead skin, and aging. I use Almay because it's gentle and offers oil-free options. It's totally price friendly, too. Now, I love the Chanel Demaquillant Yeux eye makeup remover, but I personally prefer wipes. These come pre-soaked in the remover, so I never feel like I'm wasting product. (Obviously) I only use these steps at night. 

Step 2. The Clarisonic

Please note it's charging. This is because I cannot go a wash without it. The Clarisonic is the best part of my day. I love washing my face now that I have this. It literally smooths skin, cleanses better than your hands, cleanser, and wash cloth alone. It's nice, because it's my wind down moment of my day. Even though I use a face makeup remover, this will do it for you (though seeing all the makeup I wear every day come off grosses me out.) 1 minute twice a day and your skin will feel amazing. Here's the bonus: Because skin will be smoother and there will be less dead skin, you will use less product. When I say that, I mean less cleanser, less toner, less foundation, less everything. It's amazing. 

Step 3. Cleansing, toning, and exfolianting

Easy peasy, I exfoliate 3 times a week. Right now I have Neutragena foaming scrub, but I will be switching back to my green tea exfoliater from Saint Ives. That is my favorite exfoliator. Exfoliate 2-4 times a week. Clean up the dead skin. Do not use an exfolaitor with the Clarisonic. Done.

I cleanse at least twice a day using Chanel Mousse Douceur (Doe-cee-ere). It has 2 amazing ingredients which have been refined down to the purest form to create active ingrediants- tulip wood extract (this will help remove free radicals from the skin) and mallow (this helps balance the pH in skin.) It keeps my skin extra soft. 

After my cleanser I use the Chanel Lotion Douceur. This helps keep the oil in control (not alcohol free, but it's so minimal I can't feel it.) It also has the active ingredients that are in the cleanser. 

Step 4. Moisturizing.

The last step in my routine for now. I do not use a concentrate yet, but I will probably start. I'll get to that at another point. 

I use 2 eye creams, because I want 2 results. I use Lancome Genifique eye in the morning, mixed with my concealer. It helps with dark circles and puffiness, but is light enough to pair with a concealer. Then, at night, I use Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair. This is my favorite eye cream. I could live without Genifique, but I doubt I could survive without ANR. It's so light and weightless, yet so powerful. 

I only have one cream for day and night, because I am just looking for first signs of aging. I use Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme (EEE-drah) because it is very hydrating, oil-free, light weight, and it does not break me out. It helps keep my skin hydrated without clogging my pores. No matter how oily your skin is, it is imperative to hydrate. 

Optional- SPF

Okay this isn't optional. Use an SPF. I use Chanel UV Essentiel or Clinique Super City Block. My moisturizer does not have an SPF, and because I'm so very fair, I have to protect from the sun. This is part of what keeps my skin looking healthy and happy. So use that. 

There you are, world. This is how I keep my skin glowing, smooth, and "beautiful." Go try different things. And get a Clarisonic. In fact, call and order it from me.

Working for Chanel

In case you all missed it, I have been MIA for a while now. I accepted a position as a Chanel Cosmetics Counter Manager at a department store. I have also met someone very special, so less blogging time for sure. Mostly because I am working so much, but I need to get back at it. So, I'm going to start blogging more about makeup. It's not that I care less about fashion, but I will admit that I love my job. Makeup is a huge part of fashion, so it's all about that for me. Plus, I am working for Chanel. I mean, come on.

So here's the thing. I keep seeing these "What's in their bag" posts. Which I love. But at the same time, if I dump my bag it's like gloves and name tag and bag of lipsticks and powder. Proof:

This is my work bag. In it, you see my mittens, fingerless so I can keep using my phone, my Michael Kors lipstick bag, Sephora nail polish remover (it's amazing for on the go! There's a sponge soaked in the best remover on the inside, so all you have to do is dip your fingers 2 or 3 times. All the girls at work are obsessed with it), my Starbucks gift card, because I run on coffee, Sephora carbon blotting papers (discontinued, but so amazing), Chanel Le Volume Mascara (not released until November 23rd, but my new addiction), Lancome gloss in Exuberant Rose, Soft Lips chapstick (which I never use. I don't know why it's there), Pepto for when I am super stressed, and my Chanel Poudre Universelle in 20. I have to live out of this bag for work, and it has to be clear, so I try to keep it minimal.

I do store a lot in my Michael Kors bag. I got it from Estee Lauder last holiday, and will get another this year. So, here's the lipsticks I must have for work. I love them so much.

Starting at the top, Chanel mini glossimer, perfect for sparkle and sheer. It's less tacky than most glosses.  My Maybelline Baby Lips collection. My favorite is the peach, which is in the purple tube. That's the only thing I can wear and still kiss my boyfriend in. He never knows when I'm wearing it, but it keeps my lips super soft and moist. In the silver and clear tube is a cheap gloss. I got it at Target for $1. Then there are my Rouge Allure Chanel lipsticks. When we re-released this line, I became obsessed. The best reds I've ever seen. Then, I had to have the holiday matte (which we've literally had for 3 days now.) So in the Rouge Allure I have Passion, Incandescente, and L'Impatiente. Next is Loreal lip stain in Target red (of course I had to have TARGET red.) I have Lancome's retractable liners in Berry, Plum, and Garnet to match some different lipsticks. Then I have a Urban Decay gloss. For me, the highlight of the gloss is both memory and packaging. One of my dearest friends and I got these when I was in college. We had to have them because of the hologram on the wand. It's of a guy, fully dressed, but if you tilt it forward, he's in his underwear. So funny. Next is my FAVORITE product in the bag right now. It's the Nars velvet matte pencil in Cruella. Best lipstick ever. I love the color. It's a vibrant red, but with blue undertones, so it matches my cheeks. Finally I have 2 matte lipsticks from Lancome in Plum Show and Socialite. They match the liners and are fun mattes.

Anyway, there's my welcome back. Again. Next we'll do one of my real bags, plus my favorite make up techniques and products (both value and luxury), bust out my tool box, talk brushes, and anything else. I'm glad to be back.

JustFab Vs. ShoeDazzle

Alright ladies and gents, here's the first go around with purchasing from each company. I got each pair of shoes at 50% off, but I will say this: I called and asked both companies for help before purchasing, and I must say, ShoeDazzle's customer service is vastly superior to JustFab. JustFab could not answer any of my questions, nor would they say anything but "well, you can find out on the web site." ShoeDazzle was very helpful and helped me with everything, including walking me through checking out. Neither site charges for shipping, so that's nice. ShoeDazzle took a little longer to arrive, but both sites had easy links to track the shoes.

The websites are both easy, but here's a defining issue for me: ShoeDazzle offers shoes in half sizes all the way to 11. JustFab offers half sizes up to 8.5, but I'm a 9.5. So that's frustrating. I opted for the 10, and the shoes are too big. I am going to need to buy some inserts for the shoes, so they don't slide around too much.

So, let's talk presentation.

So, from left to right, here's what I got. JustFab came in today. They came in a flimsy little box, so they're more easily damaged. But they did have an awesome coupon. ShoeDazzle came in a thick box with a protective bag. I definitely like ShoeDazzle's presentation more. 

Now for the actual shoes. 

The ShoeDazzle ones are very basic, but they're exactly what I need for all my navy clothing. They're cotton, basic buckle, and a little cushion in the sole.

The details on the JustFab shoes are awesome. I love the little skull charm on the top strap. But my favorite detail is on the bottom of the shoe...

There's a little sailor skull. And it's cute and fun and a little surprise.

The ShoeDazzle shoes are slightly more comfortable, but I think that's because they're wedges. I'll let everyone know how they each wear. I do have to get those inserts. Hmmmm.

SS12 Trends 9- Blushes and Nudes

Probably one of the most diverse, yet flattering trends is the use of blush and beige tones. There are several different shades of blush or beige (aka nude tones) so it can look flattering on anyone. Please note that Tim Gunn once pointed out that using the term "nude" as a color is racist, and I kind of think that he's right. But, no matter how you refer to the color, it's something that anyone can wear, and it can be used for lots of different items. For instance, my first choice in this trend is...

This is my actual purse. Yes. I bought this at Target. It's an Xhiliration, it was inexpensive. I love it. So you can do that. You can always opt for an older trend,

The beige shoe is still fun, but classy. These are also mine, and they're about 5.5 inches high. So you always have those options. But for the more daring, the truly trendy, and the fashionista, try clothing. Because you can do it 1,000 different ways: dresses, tees, jackets, pants, shorts, in which ever shade flatters you the most:

But here's some tips. Make sure it's not the same shade as your skin. You will look naked. Make sure it's not too different from your skin tone- it will wash you out. Other than that, have fun with it! It works with anything, black, white, neons, patterns, pastels, ANYTHING. That's what makes it amazing.