Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

Happy Weekend.

These are my favorite little things from this week.

Enjoy.

Favorite Product

Buxom Haute Pink Lip Deluxe Sample Set

I picked this as my free sample on a recent Sephora online order and wasn’t dying over it but figured that 3 almost full sized products for free was better than a one time use face cleanser in a annoying paper packet. This set came with 1 full bodied lip polish in Haute Pink Nicole, one full lip gloss in Sweet Thing  and a juicy lipstick in Mistress. I am ride or die for a matte lipstick so gloss just isn’t my thing – until I tried these. I used the lipstick as a base and layered on the lip gloss for a pillow lip effect. I wasn’t stumbling all over town for it but as the day went on I noticed that my lips had transformed to like, almost 3 times their natural size. Okay, twice. Twice their natural size. I didn’t realize until I started getting compliments on my lip plumping surgery. I now understand the allure of a good lip gloss. I went with just the gloss a few times afterwards and again, like the look for a more natural, my lips woke up like this appearance. This set definitely awoke a lip gloss wielding beast inside of me. Great.

Favorite Look

Laces

I’m really into adding a bit of detail to an otherwise monotone normcore outfit. Lace up sandals are the best possible way in my opinion. I purchased these sapphire coloured gems a few weeks ago from Zara and although they pinch a little in the back – I’m in love. So Sergio Rossi.

Favorite Purchase

Mess with the bull…

I’m a Taurus so it’s only appropriate that I festoon my surroundings with bull horns. The best part – horns and antlers are practically a staple in room décor. I was out looking for a bar cart a couple weeks ago and came across this masterpiece. For $14! What?! I was looking for the missing 0 let me tell you. I snatched that b*tch up quick. I love how it adds a little rugged, yet modern flourish to my table. The dimension is crazy.

Favorite Photo

Wildfox’s Gypsy Sprint 2015 Lookbook

I’m trying so hard to not make clothing purchases until the end of March, but this collection is making it beyond troublesome. The gypsy charm, combined with an innate girliess (like all things Wildfox) is killing me right now. And the lookbook is bonkers. You can check it out on Kim Gordon’s personal inspo site here.

Favorite Scent

Diptyque Amber

This scent is the newest addition to my Diptyque collection. I have a thing for a warmer, spicier scent and this was just that, but as usual had a nice little twist that I can’t quite place. Part of the Woody collection (I honestly believe that’s a typo on their site – as Woodsy is a little more appropriate here – we are speaking in terms of candles you know) – it’s counterparts are Feu de Bois and Cypres (which I have yet to purchase). It’s a warm combination of patchouli and vetiver, with hints of Tonka bean, citrus, aniseed and “mysterious incense.” I like how it invokes feelings of cozy winters and reminds me of woodsy cologne. I also like that I can close all the drapes and pretend it’s December 24th outside.

Favorite Look

Shrimps London

Oh. Yass. A designer line that that highlights faux fur. Shrimps London is the baby of Hannah Weiland who is a new London based designer with a background in art and textile design. Her inspo is modern art, and a mix of patterns and texture. The best part? Her lack of animal cruelty. The brightest faux you ever will see transposed onto clutches, her insanely popular coats, and outerwear. You can check out the collection here I can’t wait to get my hands on that rose and baby pink clutch bag.

Purchased: Zara Electric Blue Strappy Slingbacks

Prologue – I have been trying profusely to find a pair of electric blue strappy sandals comparable to these Sergio Rossi caged pair I’ve literally been losing valuable sleep over. I first saw them on one of my favourite heavy hitting style bloggers – Maja Wyh, and everything about them was ingrained in the vast space I reserve in my brain for shoes. This love affair started last Summer and since I’ve been disappointed with the selection of similar choices. Especially since the Sergio Rossis have been sold out wherever I do find them. I had hung my head and had already begun allocating funds to invest in a different pair, you know, to appease the pain, when I came across these….

I had straight up given up hope in ever finding a pair that even came close to what I wanted. I was in Zara this weekend to return an online purchase because in my excitement I had accidentally purchased 2 of the same item. (This happens when there’s a sale, combined with a gross lack of care when it comes to double checking the final amount after the transaction is completed.) I mean, the heart wants what the heart wants right? The rest is filed under minute gnat like detail.

Back to the story – So here I am, admist a huge sale and tons of zombie like shoppers with sweat stains under their arms (and other unsightly areas) and I decide to suck it up and take a quick jaunt around the store just in case there’s something that will catch my eye.*

*Side note: There is ALWAYS something that catches my eye. I am a magpie. There is no way I was leaving empty handed.

You should have seen me glance right and then left when I saw them. Like I was leaving a bank with 10.3 million dollars stuffed into a duffle bag.

Cue angels singing. (Or Fergie’s Labels or Love).

 Fine. They’re not leather and they’re not Sergio Rossi, or Aquazurra BUT they are damn good dupes. I didn’t have to convince myself or talk myself into making the purchase because I was too busy making sure no one else had their sights on them. I’d bless you with a couple photos of the first #OOTD but I didn’t get a chance to wear them out yet, and although the pajama look is hot, trust me – what I had on with them is nowhere near trend worthy.

I drove home with my mind frantically creating countless outfits where these would excel to their fullest potential. I can’t even. Really, so many options. I love the color, the “cage” is less cagey and more strappy bohemian – which I love (I find that a harsh cage look with this shade would cheapen the appearance.).

The 4 (and a bit) inch heel is a little high but I’m used to strutting around in a heel so I doubt it’ll keep me from wearing them to the supermarket.

Epilogue – I’m floored. So happy I found something to appease my thirst for the Rossi sandals. I do like to indulge in a designer shoe or 2 (or 6) and find the the quality is definitely worth the higher price but I had to have these because I haven’t come across anything – even designer wise – with this exact style. I like Zara’s quality for the most part – I have a bunch of different pairs that have held up really well so I am a repeat offender. I usually don’t purchase a shoe under a certain price point and I feel like that’s pretty pompous of me but hey, I’m a bit of highfaluting asshole. What can you do?

*You can get them here

I don’t want any of you to suffer when yore faced with the horror story or a pair being sold out so here are some similar styles…

(Scroll over the title to shop)

Manolo Blahnik Gori Cage Sandal

Madden Girl Raceyyy Ghillie Dress Sandals

Tamara Mellon Glow Metallic Suede Sandals

Sergio Rossi Suede Cage Sandals in Blue Cobalt – these are the pair that are sold out but I thought I’d include them just in case you hit gold in your online search.

Christian Louboutin Laurence Leather Cage Laceup Sandals

Schutz Erlene Lace Up Sandals

Jimmy Choo Gladys Lace Up Sandal 

Pierre Hardy Strappy Cage Sandal 

Sergio Rossi Antiope Blue Satin Gladiators

Aquazzura Beverly Hill Suede Lace Up Sandals

Aquazzura Sexy Thing Suede Sandals 

It’s so much easier to find pairs in neutral and black than it is blue, but there are tons more out there, these are just the ones I’ve come across.

Every day is Shoesday.

xo

Purchased: January Favorites

So much for my goal to act like a peasant last month. I can commend myself for not making as many clothing related purchases but as a treat for accomplishing that, I’ve bought myself makeup and decorative items. I’ll never succeed. And I don’t quite care. The fact that I’m making the attempt is enough for me.

Whilst mourning the lack of shoe, bag and clothing purchases I managed to accumulate some pretty impressive effects. So cutting through the chatter – these are my January purchases that were too good to not share. (I’d like to mention here that I should be ashamed but am not).

*I know it’s February 8th. Better late than not at all.

Makeup

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Polish in Milk and New Wave 

After my first Enamored polish, there was no way I couldn’t have just the one. My purchase justification rests upon the fact that this stuff is heavy duty. It lasted more than two weeks, and then some. And that’s mostly because I decided to change colors, not because it was chipping. I chose Milk (which you can only get as an exclusive on the MJ site here) and New Wave, which is available in stores as well, specifically Sephora. Milk is a really different shade for me. It’s an almost nude but a luminescent, truly milky finish. Kind of an iridescent pearl look. Very chic, and a really nice shade to wear day to day. It’s understated but definitely stands out. New Wave is the most majestic royal blue shade. It’s deep and carries some pretty major drama. I can’t wait for Spring to arrive so I can hook myself up with brighter shades like Shocking and Snap! These two are gorgeous Winter shades…

Lush Solid Conditioner in Jungle

Each time I went into Lush looking for a conditioner I looked right past this one. I didn’t think a solid could do much for hair restoration. I have always used conditioner in a liquid form, a true creature of habit. Anyway, I broke the product mould. I have been shamed by a solid conditioner. This is amazing. I made the purchase early in January and still have 70% of the little round bar left. The smell is so fresh and clean, as I find most Lush face/hair products to be. It doesn’t seem like much but when it’s worked into a lather (which is effortless might I add) the cocoa butter in it starts working it’s magic. It’s been known to slide onto hair easier and once it dissolves into the water it leaves your hair feeling like you’ve just performed an intensive mask treatment. No squeaky feeling, no dryness. Just soft, completely detangled, fresh feeling hair. It’s the cocoa butter, avocado extract, passion fruit & kumquat you’d like to send a thank you note to….here

 

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme in Oh Miley and Infamous

You better believe I dropped everything to ensure I got my greedy little hands on these highly anticipated lipsticks. I had added the ones I liked to cart (Sephora online – because the stores didn’t have the full collection just yet) and clearly didn’t move my shaking fingers fast enough. They were selling out as I was browsing so I consider myself lucky to have scored these two shades. You can head over to the MJ Beauty website to look for yourself because out of the 20 shades sold online at Sephora there are only 7 currently available. Oh Miley is described as a Strawberry Spice and Infamous is soft peony. I have yet to receive them but I’ll make sure to do an in depth review before you make the purchase. I’m almost positive Sephora will be re-stocking online and in stores but until then you can make your purchase here. The selling factor? 10 hour stay put lipstick that coats your lips with a buttery, velvety pigment with just one swipe. And they stay moisturized with the effects of sea berry, cocoa butter and Meranti. I can’t wait to try these out. *Update – Check out my review, awe-struck is the lesser way to describe my reaction here

Decor

Faux Hydrangeas

I’m still annoyed that I’ve gone against my die-hard, adamant belief that fresh blooms are the only flowers you should be working with. I’ve always thought that faux flowers were tacky and too dollar store décor for me but I was wrong. I stand corrected – actually I sit corrected because I don’t feel like shaming myself to that extent. I’ve realized that it’s all in the style, the make-up, and the type of flower arrangement you pick. The more realistic they look – obviously, the better. I tend to lean towards hydrangeas, peonies and roses (when I do purchase fresh). They compliment any space, look elegant and fresh and are neutral enough to add a natural, clean focal point to the surrounding area. I ordered these from Amazon because I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for in any of the stores I went to. They look so real that I don’t feel like such a hypocrite every time I pass by.

Trinket Tray 

I picked up this little trinket tray from Chapters during their after Christmas sale. It was under $10. So necessary. Very Kate Spade. I like anything with a simple gold accent, especially against a white background. It’s easy to work into whatever décor you have going on, whereas I find a black base a little kitschy. I have it sitting on my bedside table – a nice catchall for my jewellery.

How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are – Anne Berest, Caroline de Maigret, Audrey Diwan & Sophie Mas

Caroline wrote this book with her 3 girlfriends as a tongue in cheek guide on how to deal with the first world problems every fashion (and unfashionable) girl has. A blasé undertone. My favorite kind. Also, it looks really chic displayed on my vanity (admit it – this is an Insta-worthy read).

Strand Lights

I came across these at Urban Outfitters while Christmas shopping, but – because I was only making purchases for others, I held off until a few weeks ago. I first had the idea to string them around my throne bed, but realized I have a padded headboard which clearly didn’t support such a thing. (A downfall of tunnel vision shopping). I decided to string them around my vanity and I can confirm that said lights were a superb buy. Complete transformation. I like how they give the look of actual bare bulbs, but a softer more subdued version. I would love the real deal but these are doing a good job in tiding me over…

Clothing

Wildfox Teddy Sweater

It’s a teddy bear sweater. With swingy sleeves and a nubby material you can just wrap yourself in. C’mon.

Wildfox Superbowl Baggy Beach Jumper

I know I said I wasn’t clothes – shopping but this had to happen. My favorite brand comes out with a Superbowl capsule collection? It’s a no brainer. Really. I didn’t even have to enter in my info, just add to cart and purchase. I hope everyone experiences that simple pleasure at least 357426 times once in their lifetime.

I love reading about everyone’s favourite monthly products. I usually mention mine in my Friday Favorites posts but there were too many this month. Again, sorry to my 2015 Resolutions. My bad.

x0

Friday Favorites: Weekend Edition

I’m spending my Sunday editing some new purchase posts, only getting out of bed to work out, and giggling with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Hope your’s is just as Hashtag #lazysunday

Favorite Item

Mirrored Tray

My sister got me this tray for Christmas. I was looking for a mirrored tray for my perfumes and vanity decor and she went a step farther by having it monogrammed. Amazing. It looks super high brow and I’m not ashamed. The size is perfect for holding what I wanted to display…

You can shop a similar one here – Mirrored Dresser Top Trays

Favorite Look

Waves

I haven’t used my Sultra wand since this summer and I can’t seem to comprehend why I retired it for so long. I was getting a little tired of my hairstyle – I almost always curl it at the ends for fullness – so I decided to switch it up. So pleased. Beach waves never go out of style, especially when you don’t want to look too overdone. I already have a full of face of makeup so keeping the hair a little more casual is a nice balance. The wand looks intimidating at first but it’s become second nature to me. I usually wrap my hair around a couple times and then leave the ends so that I don’t end up looking like Curly Sue (Google her).

You can try it here – Sultra Waving Wand 

Favorite Beauty Product

Sephora Collection Flatter Yourself Contouring Brush Set

I ordered this brush set a couple weeks ago and was going to do a full review but haven’t had enough time to really get up close and personal. It was an exclusive and I’m a sucker for an exclusive – mainly because I get anxiety over the fact that there is a product out there that if not purchased, will be out of reach forever. These are the types of regrets I simply cannot live with. Anyway, the bristles are remarkably soft and high quality and the set of 3 is complimentary and nice for creating a basic contour (as well as buffing and blending liquid makeup). Not to mention, they come with blotting papers, a sleek little pouch and a contour guide. Overall, it contains a stippling brush, a buffing brush, and and angled blush brush. I’m getting used to using the stippling brush because I’ve never used one before, but the buffing and blush brushes I can work with like a freaking pro. Love.

You can shop it here – Sephora Collection Flatter Yourself Contouring Brush Set

Favorite Purchase

Wildfox Onesie

No you shut YOUR mouth. Yeah. I got a onesie with cat ears on the hood. What startingly amazing thing have you done recently?

Favorite Food

Teavana

I, along with most of the female population, have vowed to get back into my healthy eating habits for the new year. I’m not into resolutions but I figured now was as good a time as any to detox by body after I indulged the sh*t out of Christmas. I started feeling a little Chipmunk like after hoarding every treat placed in front of me. Ya feel me? So – in addition to upping my workouts and monitoring my food intake, I’ve started hitting up loose tea. In no way am I ridiculous enough to believe that this is a food replacement (refer to: Favorite Food) but I didn’t feel like tweaking the title.  I picked up a fancy little holiday set right before Christmas and am actually shocked at how much they satisfy my sweet tooth. The set embraces the scents and tastes of the holiday season, and you can’t beat pumpkin spice and peppermint in one setting. Specifically, it contains 4 holiday teas which consist of Pumpkin Spice Brûlée, White Chocolate Peppermint, Chococaramel Sea Salt, and Spiced Apple Cider. I haven’t tried them all but so far I love the white chocolate peppermint and chococaramel sea salt. Probably because they’re the most indulgent sounding. Pathetic.

I don’t believe that this set is still available but you can get a ton of similar ones here – www.teavana.com

Favorite Pastime

Voraciously Reading

I’ve been trying to catch up on all the books sitting in my iBookshelf. I download them like they’re going to vanish within seconds – big up to purchase anxiety, yet again. Although I love reading on my iPad, there are some books I feel are worth buying in physical form. Coffee table books and books having to do with style and fashion are a must have tangible good. They look pretty and class up the joint, plus you can mark off and go back to them without having to scroll through hundreds of pages. I’d been wanting to read Sophia Amoroso’s #girlboss for months now. I’ve been a loyal Nasty Gal investor (read – shopper) and am always open to a little inspiration and advice, especially from such a powerhouse. I’m halfway in and am marking off pages worthy of anecdotes that need to be drilled into my head. Her uhf*ckwithable attitude is infectious, I’ll make sure to do a book report review when I’m done. I also purchased The Glitter Plan, which is Pam Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor’s rise to infamy with Juicy Couture. Since Juicy is now fading into the outlet abyss and they’ve recently launched their new, more high endline – Pam & Gela, I was interested in reading their memoir. Yes Please is another can’t miss read. I am crushing hard on Amy Poehler. She is genuinely funny and offers up some really deep musings that you have to read a couple times to ensure she isn’t just f*cking with you. Idol status. Those are the 3 books I’ve started reading so far. I’ve also just purchased Serena by Ron Rash , Dead Stars by Bruce Wagner, and Paper Towns by John Green. There isn’t enough time in the day…

Here’s a list of book adaptations hitting the big screen this year (and as everyone knows – the book is always better than the movie).  21 Books to Read Before They Hit The Big Screen in 2015

Favorite Outfit

Ripped Denim

Excuse the shitty photo quality. I was just getting home from work and realized I didn’t take advantage of the cloudless day for a superior outfit pic. These black skinnies are from Zara (I believe I purchased them back in October). They’re not as skinny in the shin area, and I find that a lot of denim fails me in this area because I have smaller shins. Other than J Brand which fit like second skin, a lot of denim I’ve tried and even purchased falls short here. Anyway, the wash and the strategic shreds are great. I actually DIY expanded the knee rips (with my own two hands and all) so that they’re a little more edgy and not as clean looking. Paired them with a pair of Jeffrey Campbell lace up flats (mimicked off Aquazurra) and had a bit of Kurt Cobain meets Olivia Palermo.

Happy Weekend

xo

Purchased: Zara B&W

I feel like I haven’t done a “purchased” post in much too long. Because I haven’t. On the other hand, I’ve been MAKING purchases like I’m living a real live version of The Purge. So – what I’m trying to say is that there’s going to be a myriad of posts detailing my goods and I don’t want to come off as a pretentious, materialistic asshole (which at times I understand – I may). It’s a persona – get over it. Also, take my makeshift explanation into consideration when being hit over the head with my loot. I gave it a fair attempt.

Anyway – enough of the reparation. I made a Zara online purchase last week because it was simply beneath me to visit the mall on a Friday afternoon. Also – I am a pro at online purchases and consider it to be one of my finest and most celebrated talents. (Celebrations consist of additional purchases and laughing manically while drinking wine and shredding up my credit card bills – duh)

Purchase consisted of a pair of super skinny subtle-y distressed black denim, a basic oversized slinky sweater, a B&W striped casual dress and the most thrifty pair of shoes I own.

See?

1. Oversized Black Sweater $18

I picked this because it’s lightweight and slinky while still being oversized and perfect for layering without adding any bulk. The hem is a subtle high low and the tiny little slit on each side really flatters the silhouette. Also – it’s black and it was under $20. WTF. I’m getting 10.

2. Striped Long Sleeved Dress $26

I love the casual, relaxed look of this dress. It’s the perfect base for layering, for cropped and long coats and the Fall/Winter shoe game. The wardrobe options that this dress offers me is making my drool. Hello vests.

3. Distressed Skinny Jeans $50

Mmmmmhmmm. Now, let me mention that I am a sucker for a designer jean but I love the fit and look of Zara denim. The sizes are sometimes a little big (but these are like jeggings so I knew they’d be nice and snug like second skin – just how I like it), but the result is trendy yet classic. I have a ton of denim with distressing to put your cat claw shredded fabrics to shame but I wanted a pair of more classic looking distressed denim so that I could get away with wearing them to work. I can and I will. I’m so pleased with the fit, especially since I ordered them without trying them on first (which is a pretty sketchy move when purchasing denim online). YOLO. Amiright?!

Oh and to top it all off, these racy, strappy sandals caught my eye…

4. Strappy Buckle sandals $40

Can I just go on the record and say that I haven’t spent this little on a pair of luxe looking sandals in, um, ever. The straps, the unique look, and the fact that they’re genuine leather just do it for me ugh. And the fact that they were practically giving them away? No contest. Paired with skinnies, leather, mins, midis, EVERYTHING, I have a feeling I’ll be wearing these all around town.

I’m surprisingly content with each of the items I chose. Partly due to the fact that I’ve never got acquainted with any of these in person and found that they fit perfectly, and also because I had to size up in the shoes because my size was sold out. (Side note – the fit like they were made for me – which they are. Aren’t they?) 

Ya’ll need to hit up Zara. Yesterday.

xo