tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86323734281793390412024-03-18T21:09:25.516-04:00awkward CHICMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.comBlogger1123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-87499950847997099602013-06-19T21:40:00.000-04:002013-06-19T21:40:19.008-04:00J. Crew/Madewell Haul<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I didn't buy this all at one time because I am a poor grad student and that would be insane, but I got all of this in the last month or so, largely on sale (yay!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Madewell Afternoon Dress, $98 at <a href="http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DRESSES/waistdefineddresses/PRDOVR~49698/49698.jsp?color_name=bloomsbury-blue">madewell.com</a><span id="goog_1760647016"></span><span id="goog_1760647017"></span>, J. Crew Collection Cashmere Plaited Sweater, $129.99 at <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/jcrewcashmere/PRDOVR~37400/99102901287/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966948~90~~~~~~~/37400.jsp">jcrew.com</a>: I am a huge fan of dresses like this, that are very simple with classic shapes in comfy fabrics and fun colors. Why? Because you can wear them so many ways! I put a blazer over it and wore it to work, but I can also wear it with a pair of wedges and some fun statement jewelry for a night out, or with a cozy sweater and a pair of boots around for errands. However, I am the most excited about this sweater. I've loved this silhouette that J. Crew has been doing in all cashmere for a long time, with the French girl sweatshirt-chic vibe, but those sweaters run about $250. This one was a magical sale find for $45. TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS DOWN FROM THE ORIGINAL PRICE. INSANE. Granted, pink stripes is not the world's most practical color choice, but it's really cute (and much more neon in person), it's a cozy, flattering fit, and I think I can wear it a ton of ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s7.madewell.com/is/image/madewell/49698_BL9275?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.madewell.com/is/image/madewell/49698_BL9275?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/37400_KE7400_m?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/37400_KE7400_m?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">J. Crew Button-front Dress in Linen, $138 at <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/Day/PRDOVR~49161/49161.jsp">jcrew.com</a>: This is the kind of dress that I saw online and I saw in-store, and I thought it looked kind of blah and dumpy. But then it was on super sale ($45!), so I tried it on (it also comes in an adorable black and white print that I think is sold out online). I got this in a 6, as it's a heavy linen blend with no stretch, so it seemed safer to size up. It's much shorter on me than on the model, and I like to wear it with the top two buttons undone and the sides pushed back so it's more of a v-neck. What I really like about this dress is that it's really well made--it has a lining, bra keeps, deep pockets, etc--and it has a shape that's pretty universally flattering. The wide, full skirt would be great for adding the illusion of curves if you have narrower hips but also has lots of room for my ridiculously wide hip bones. The top fits my chest really well, which is great for me, and the waist is also fairly fitted, which is also great for me. However if you have a large ribcage, this may not be for you, as the torso is fitted and has no stretch. My absolute favorite thing about this dress, however, is that it manages to look like something Sophia Loren would have worn while also still being modern. It's a perfect warm-weather sundress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/49161_BL6040_m?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/49161_BL6040_m?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBtXa-gGNr-IdM-NNJZZWweylkyhgivq2639G48orTPFDvjJCritK57qFr-2zMPkkVAU0Cuvmyrn-5e0dYs1fUNfaArF66hi9AiZ4zGWDs1fYYAdSWSe0VrAk1kuHOkN2CCiSz49lO2Wq/s1600/IMG_1663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBtXa-gGNr-IdM-NNJZZWweylkyhgivq2639G48orTPFDvjJCritK57qFr-2zMPkkVAU0Cuvmyrn-5e0dYs1fUNfaArF66hi9AiZ4zGWDs1fYYAdSWSe0VrAk1kuHOkN2CCiSz49lO2Wq/s200/IMG_1663.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">J. Crew Drapey Elbow-Sleeve Tee, $39.50 at <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/knitstees/shortsleevetees/PRDOVR~82955/82955.jsp">jcrew.com</a>, J. Crew A-line Ponté Dress, $128 at <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/Day/PRDOVR~01138/01138.jsp">jcrew.com</a>: I have this weird thing with t-shirts where I accumulate a lot of basic tees, realize I have no blouses or nice tops, end up trading in all my tees for blouses, then realizing I have no tees, and the vicious cycle continues. I wanted a basic tee to wear with my colorful minis and my legging-pants, and this J. Crew version fits the bill. It comes in a bunch of colors, was 25% off today, and has a fit that is the perfect combination of slouchy-casual and slightly sexy. I got this pink dress for work (wohooo unpaid internships) and for $45 as well! I got it in a 6, and I really like it. It's a good length, short enough to be flattering but long enough for an office, the v-neck is flattering without being scandalous, and the combination of the fitted waist and a-line skirt is both comfy and flattering. I just realized that this is the third pink dress I've bought in the last few months. I have a problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/82955_GY7151?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/82955_GY7151?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/01138_RD6221_m?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/01138_RD6221_m?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tell me about your shopping adventures! What have you bought lately?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images via <a href="http://jcrew.com/">jcrew.com</a>, <a href="http://madewell.com/">madewell.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-59048301152221837802013-06-17T21:20:00.000-04:002013-06-17T21:20:35.759-04:00Delicate Gold Bar Necklaces--on the Cheap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> You've probably seen these little bar necklaces everywhere--the ones on the short, delicate chains where the bar sits right below the collarbone. I wasn't sure how much I would like them on me, because short necklaces aren't usually my thing, so I picked up a gold plated one on Etsy with an 18 inch chain for $20-something from<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91979582/vacation-sale-hammered-bar-necklace-14kt?ref=shop_home_active"> this little shop</a>. I got the hammered version, where the bar is slightly textured (you can kind of see it in the second photo).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxUkQyAWEcCvXGU-Xcu2xKBNrfKwp6kmPMYCsbCRL9Gog8hXfDqve6bccvA2eKmWc7sfqiCSVI54XEsGwUodEuen2QA8iwOFToYs7zP4WuybcOf-R4wQWUHpWrda96ZvOBtEyFN0f1wzq/s1600/IMG_1648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxUkQyAWEcCvXGU-Xcu2xKBNrfKwp6kmPMYCsbCRL9Gog8hXfDqve6bccvA2eKmWc7sfqiCSVI54XEsGwUodEuen2QA8iwOFToYs7zP4WuybcOf-R4wQWUHpWrda96ZvOBtEyFN0f1wzq/s320/IMG_1648.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspSE7zfu3pDXsCHwxNdoJBnSwvwH2LokfvIb3vwW7yyJamX__vU9Bl7rkL1bnk4XLJI7m7ML0wY4GQlhnBBoDHn-KIU40FtGShxNZRldyAXbD12GuhEAsfW0f3qaAGXooWwDIDpRYwfkk/s1600/IMG_1649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspSE7zfu3pDXsCHwxNdoJBnSwvwH2LokfvIb3vwW7yyJamX__vU9Bl7rkL1bnk4XLJI7m7ML0wY4GQlhnBBoDHn-KIU40FtGShxNZRldyAXbD12GuhEAsfW0f3qaAGXooWwDIDpRYwfkk/s320/IMG_1649.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I absolutely love this. I wear it every day. I think it would feel cheap, because it was pretty cheap, but it looks and feels pretty expensive. The chain is so thin that it almost disappears on me, and it's just the gold bar floating below my collarbone, which looks really pretty. I love it because it's the kind of necklace you can wear with everything--it's fancy enough to wear out or to a nice event, but it's simple enough that you can wear it with a tee and leggings. It's just a great, easy to wear piece of jewelry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I also super recommend that Etsy shop! It shipped quickly, came in cute packaging, and it was super affordable.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-87639419674764093292013-06-15T01:02:00.000-04:002013-06-15T01:02:10.327-04:00Currently Loving: Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Concealer<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've almost used up the entire tube of this, which is how you know that I love it. I got this while frantically rummaging through CVS on the way to class in desperate need of concealer after my MAC Studio Finish had gone MIA. Honestly, I think I grabbed it because it was cheap (about $7). I picked up Ivory, which is between NW15 and NW20 in MAC shades, and it's literally an exact match for my skintone--woohoo! It comes in a little plastic tube, and unscrews to reveal a doe-foot applicator. It's about the size of a lipstick, maybe a little longer, but I've had it since maybe February and it's still going strong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.maybelline.com/~/media/Images/MNY/Global/Home/Products/Face-Makeup/Concealer/SuperStay-24HR-Concealer/Ivory/superstay-24hr-concealer_pack-shot-crop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://www.maybelline.com/~/media/Images/MNY/Global/Home/Products/Face-Makeup/Concealer/SuperStay-24HR-Concealer/Ivory/superstay-24hr-concealer_pack-shot-crop.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shade range: The shade range, sadly, seems extremely limited. It's probably only going to work for you if you are very pale, like me. However, if you are very pale, you are in luck! They have a few options on that end of the spectrum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Formula/coverage: I love love love the formula of this. A lot of concealers I've used tend to sit on top of skin and be tacky. This one is almost like a watercolor--it sinks into skin immediately, dries down, isn't at all tacky, and feels just like skin. I've been using it on my dark circles and acne, and the fact that it dries down so quickly makes it great for covering blemishes. I also love it on dark circles because it is extremely pigmented and doesn't crease. This stuff is so pigmented that I can use just a dot and cover up a horrible zit. While it claims to last 24 hours (who is testing that?!), I can definitely get a whole day's wear out of this without needing to retouch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Application: It comes with the doe-foot applicator, which is handy for applying to dark circles and dabbing on blemishes. However, I usually try to dab it on my hand and then apply it with my fingers because I don't want to get bacteria in the tube. The one qualm I have about application with this is that you have to blend quickly. It sets very fast, and then it doesn't budge, which is nice, but can be bad if you're like me and get distracted in the middle of blending in your concealer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic Rating: A. I wish it had a wider shade range, but it is a great concealer with stellar coverage and lasting power for a crazy cheap price. Pale friends, rejoice! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via: <a href="http://maybelline.com/">Maybelline.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-2462102849872393382013-06-08T17:25:00.002-04:002013-06-08T17:25:59.623-04:00Currently Loving: Benefit Dallas + Real Techniques Blush Brush<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sooo life kicked my ass and basically thesis + finals + graduation + a week and a half in Istanbul (!!!) and here I am. But I am officially doing nothing this summer pre-law school, so time to blog!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I picked up Benefit's Dallas at Sephora two weeks ago, and I have been using it every day since. Let me contextualize this purchase--I am extremely pale. Like burning after half an hour in the sun, mistaken for a ghost in photos with flash pale. I use bronzer and blush, but I have a hard time finding colors that make me look alive without making me look like a clown. Enter Dallas! Sephora calls it a rosy bronze, which is exactly what it is. It'll cost you $28, and comes in Benefit's typical cardboard box packaging that unfolds at the top with a mirror. It also comes with a flat blush brush, but I was never going to use that, so I gave it away. How hilarious is that rearing pony over the sunset? So soapy--in typical Dallas fashion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjulBK32pPfYN6dOeIcSCM0kP9DvmpaIXDzqN2KXfv1UQ5UgDoxM1M5vvs8CM1fBzriMS9sruvUtkKSTcdqXJQFjwUmaBJqaP-PfHC-AE3YZkRiXtOA2lQzaZS2YzNdKu4Qryv1y6wkLf3/s1600/IMG_1628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjulBK32pPfYN6dOeIcSCM0kP9DvmpaIXDzqN2KXfv1UQ5UgDoxM1M5vvs8CM1fBzriMS9sruvUtkKSTcdqXJQFjwUmaBJqaP-PfHC-AE3YZkRiXtOA2lQzaZS2YzNdKu4Qryv1y6wkLf3/s200/IMG_1628.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymSQudyWRmgbVaWQpYLDDsACxH1gQbL4OHD6IlRENG-e3JiuQa0i-J7cob7ypS3XR8S6Tu28VtI0kFivB9ZZV1kzIp0uKr5-hpaEAzoZSHsnn1oveIwzHFPccc-dSs5jO_CvNPL1URyzX/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymSQudyWRmgbVaWQpYLDDsACxH1gQbL4OHD6IlRENG-e3JiuQa0i-J7cob7ypS3XR8S6Tu28VtI0kFivB9ZZV1kzIp0uKr5-hpaEAzoZSHsnn1oveIwzHFPccc-dSs5jO_CvNPL1URyzX/s200/IMG_1629.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's a mostly matte powder--it has just the smallest hint of silvery shimmer, but barely enough to notice (I didn't even see it until I swatched it), and is fairly sheer, but builds up nicely, like you can see in the swatch. I apply it with my Real Techniques blush brush (more on that later) on the apples of my cheeks, on top of my cheekbones, and lightly on my chin, nose, and temples. The combination of blush and bronzer makes for the perfect natural flush--when I tan, I always burn first, so straight up bronzer usually looks unnatural on me. The hint of rosiness in this combo looks insanely natural, and because of that and the sheerness, this is basically impossible to overdo. It is literally foolproof--hard to overapply, easy to blend, and looks great even on super pale people! The lasting power is typical for powders on me--all day, with maybe one touch up around lunchtime if I go to the gym.
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyFMSFIFYWbVFaSkiGn0bBD-Wx1iX_umqVgWw1zMr-8WWqRd45qoClXSOHWc9teYHnAcvbQZXsJqqfoZJ6WMKZgBG_my6c7joaaBN4uoklYH4hFVHKtm5NeVM9gukB14gFOIwcBT-Y8wt/s1600/IMG_1630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyFMSFIFYWbVFaSkiGn0bBD-Wx1iX_umqVgWw1zMr-8WWqRd45qoClXSOHWc9teYHnAcvbQZXsJqqfoZJ6WMKZgBG_my6c7joaaBN4uoklYH4hFVHKtm5NeVM9gukB14gFOIwcBT-Y8wt/s200/IMG_1630.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG3Ph27Pr9eocedLRIgMl-Kz1op0N6RcwcNjf5imtDDgVC6nQ4F8VjvtIOEcU8eCVZww9gvIIBnFGrhoDumzsEz9UUmMrgpuUdyqfzNwby5CCSS-MJCBe2UQWoKkvnN-SmpLvEB_KyKwA/s1600/IMG_1632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJG3Ph27Pr9eocedLRIgMl-Kz1op0N6RcwcNjf5imtDDgVC6nQ4F8VjvtIOEcU8eCVZww9gvIIBnFGrhoDumzsEz9UUmMrgpuUdyqfzNwby5CCSS-MJCBe2UQWoKkvnN-SmpLvEB_KyKwA/s200/IMG_1632.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: A+! It's a huge box, so it'll last me forever (and $28 for a blush/bronzer combo isn't bad), it's crazy flattering and easy to use, it smells like roses, and it wears nicely!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Real Techniques Blush Brush: Guys, I love Real Techniques brushes. They're all synthetic, affordable, and great quality (plus I love the Pixiwoo sisters, so it's a win-win). I have four now, AND I WANT MORE! The blush brush is $8.99 at Ulta, and it is a steal. Let me break it down--it's about 6 inches tall--the height of my palm--has a brushed pink metal barrel and a black plastic base that's wide at the bottom, so you can stand it up on its end, which is super convenient. The brush head is extremely soft, but packed with bristles, so it's firm enough to pick up a good amount of product. The rounded head means that the tip picks up product while the edges blend it out for a flawless application. I can't even tell you guys how fluffy this brush is. Sometimes I get distracted while putting on my makeup and just play with this brush. I use it for contours, blush, bronzer, powder, everything!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mRJrvmMulmZDRBUwWINGpagJVgf5-tvS1zBoiSgukrpI_hFu8PZ1JUiZPRR-0smHmhcbAqRefug3ytDrkdnpZ1Kg1TcyrzLUwgkYbcz6bamcCdkYIkHteulV71AE8rLxFd9ReHX3OR2Y/s1600/IMG_1633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mRJrvmMulmZDRBUwWINGpagJVgf5-tvS1zBoiSgukrpI_hFu8PZ1JUiZPRR-0smHmhcbAqRefug3ytDrkdnpZ1Kg1TcyrzLUwgkYbcz6bamcCdkYIkHteulV71AE8rLxFd9ReHX3OR2Y/s200/IMG_1633.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzZmwwPZXdY1NVRLPm5ocQgiVQ_7-f_GDv3_V6FkyTZ3bj6W-o8-N8RJcuWG_cuFpHvoXaZss6cy0pxfycsf6lE3Pzd62Z2hQcqcxH62PGJ5V39AGAydEcfwGOMiMeMECWoZMqO0tMXJz/s1600/IMG_1634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzZmwwPZXdY1NVRLPm5ocQgiVQ_7-f_GDv3_V6FkyTZ3bj6W-o8-N8RJcuWG_cuFpHvoXaZss6cy0pxfycsf6lE3Pzd62Z2hQcqcxH62PGJ5V39AGAydEcfwGOMiMeMECWoZMqO0tMXJz/s200/IMG_1634.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: A+. It's hard to find cheap brushes of this quality. I've paid three times as much for brushes that I like less. Buy this!</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-85138465942633165882013-03-07T18:18:00.004-05:002013-03-07T18:18:50.699-05:00Real Techniques Brushes + News<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I'm alive! Long s<span style="font-size: x-small;">tory short, I <span style="font-size: x-small;">got <span style="font-size: x-small;">into law school <span style="font-size: x-small;">(UV<span style="font-size: x-small;">A law class of 2016<span style="font-size: x-small;">!) and then my senior thesis ate up my life. But <span style="font-size: x-small;">I've really missed <span style="font-size: x-small;">blogging, and I'm going to try to be more regular about it <span style="font-size: x-small;">(promise). I've <span style="font-size: x-small;">bought a ton of things <span style="font-size: x-small;">in the last few <span style="font-size: x-small;">months that I really really ne<span style="font-size: x-small;">ed to review, so I'm going t<span style="font-size: x-small;">o hop to it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I've been <span style="font-size: x-small;">thinking about getting some <span style="font-size: x-small;">Real Techniques brushes for a long time now, and when I <span style="font-size: x-small;">was home in LA over winter break I picked up these two at Ulta (I really want<span style="font-size: x-small;">ed the <span style="font-size: x-small;">Expert b<span style="font-size: x-small;">r<span style="font-size: x-small;">ush, but it <span style="font-size: x-small;">was sold <span style="font-size: x-small;">out! Sadness). Rea<span style="font-size: x-small;">l Techniques b<span style="font-size: x-small;">rushes <span style="font-size: x-small;">were created by Sam <span style="font-size: x-small;">from <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo">Pixi<span style="font-size: x-small;">w</span>oo</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, whi<span style="font-size: x-small;">ch is a <span style="font-size: x-small;">sister team of makeup art<span style="font-size: x-small;">ists from the UK. They are FANTASTIC. Go wat<span style="font-size: x-small;">ch their whole channe<span style="font-size: x-small;">l right now. I'm waiting. <span style="font-size: x-small;">You'll thank me later.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back to business<span style="font-size: x-small;">! The premis<span style="font-size: x-small;">e behind these brushes is that they're all afforda<span style="font-size: x-small;">ble, but still high quality and high pe<span style="font-size: x-small;">rfo<span style="font-size: x-small;">rmance, and synthetic (yay!). I <span style="font-size: x-small;">got the stippling brush and the fi<span style="font-size: x-small;">ne liner brush.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Real Techniques Stippling Brush, $9.99 at <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/real-techniques-by-samantha-chapman-stippling-brush/qxp393315">drugstore.com</a>: I wanted a brush that would<span style="font-size: x-small;"> apply/blend m<span style="font-size: x-small;">y <span style="font-size: x-small;">foundation, concealer, highlighter, bronzer, and brush. Yeah, I'm lazy/very demanding of my brush<span style="font-size: x-small;">es. I've had the MAC s<span style="font-size: x-small;">kunk brush (188) <span style="font-size: x-small;">in the past, and while I liked it, I didn't love it. I prefer synthetic br<span style="font-size: x-small;">istles, and t<span style="font-size: x-small;">he bristles on the 188 are so long that it was hard to control where I was putting my <span style="font-size: x-small;">product. This brush, on the other hand, is fantastic. It's the length of my hand, so <span style="font-size: x-small;">not that huge, <span style="font-size: x-small;">has a pretty pink <span style="font-size: x-small;">me<span style="font-size: x-small;">tal body, and a fla<span style="font-size: x-small;">red plastic bottom so you can stand it up (s<span style="font-size: x-small;">o handy). The brush i<span style="font-size: x-small;">tself <span style="font-size: x-small;">is pretty sho<span style="font-size: x-small;">rt and squat, and the bristles are very soft, but also very packed, s<span style="font-size: x-small;">o the brush is still firm. The general idea behind the duofib<span style="font-size: x-small;">er</span>s is that the longer fib<span style="font-size: x-small;">er</span>s p<span style="font-size: x-small;">ick up the product, and the shorter, <span style="font-size: x-small;">firmer fib<span style="font-size: x-small;">er</span>s blend the product into your skin<span style="font-size: x-small;">--it's of<span style="font-size: x-small;">ten call a skunk brush because it looks a lot like a skunk's tail.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To use this b<span style="font-size: x-small;">rush for foundation, I<span style="font-size: x-small;">'ll put a pump of foundation on the back of my hand, and then pick it up <span style="font-size: x-small;">on the <span style="font-size: x-small;">top of this brush and stipple it on m<span style="font-size: x-small;">y forehead, chin, both cheeks, and nose. Then I'll buff the foundation into my skin using circular motions. I've <span style="font-size: x-small;">found that I can get a m<span style="font-size: x-small;">uch m<span style="font-size: x-small;">ore natura<span style="font-size: x-small;">l finish with this brush than I can using my fingers, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">better coverage <span style="font-size: x-small;">as well. <span style="font-size: x-small;">For blush, I'll tap this onto my <span style="font-size: x-small;">creme blush (MAC Lilicent, <span style="font-size: x-small;">sadly disco<span style="font-size: x-small;">ntinued)<span style="font-size: x-small;">, then stipple it onto <span style="font-size: x-small;">the apples of my cheeks and blend it out towards my t<span style="font-size: x-small;">emples<span style="font-size: x-small;">. I like my blush li<span style="font-size: x-small;">ght and ver<span style="font-size: x-small;">y blended, so ha<span style="font-size: x-small;">ving a bit of foundation left on the brush really <span style="font-size: x-small;">helps keep application smooth and light-handed. Then I <span style="font-size: x-small;">do the same with my bronzer and highlighter. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I should buy another one of these brushes so I'm not using one to apply so many products, but...<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm <span style="font-size: x-small;">lazy. Also poor. But mostly lazy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I<span style="font-size: x-small;">'ve had this brush for three months now, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">it's honestly as good as new. I was<span style="font-size: x-small;">h it about once a week with a gentle shampoo, and then lay it <span style="font-size: x-small;">upside down to dry, and it <span style="font-size: x-small;">drie<span style="font-size: x-small;">s quickly and holds its sh<span style="font-size: x-small;">ape perfectly. I <span style="font-size: x-small;">have literally n<span style="font-size: x-small;">o c<span style="font-size: x-small;">omplaints here. It's such a great brush, especially for <span style="font-size: x-small;">the <span style="font-size: x-small;">price. I could see myself paying a lot more for this brush and still feeling happy wi<span style="font-size: x-small;">th th<span style="font-size: x-small;">e <span style="font-size: x-small;">price.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush, $5.99 at<a href="http://www.drugstore.com/real-techniques-by-samantha-chapman-fine-liner-brush/qxp407824"> drugstore.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">: I am very pick with my eyeliner brush<span style="font-size: x-small;">es. I've had the same little ang<span style="font-size: x-small;">led<span style="font-size: x-small;"> br<span style="font-size: x-small;">ush from <span style="font-size: x-small;">Sephora since maybe 10th grade, and I love it. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I've had a hankering recently for a <span style="font-size: x-small;">fine liner brush<span style="font-size: x-small;">, though<span style="font-size: x-small;">, in<span style="font-size: x-small;">stead of an angled o<span style="font-size: x-small;">ne<span style="font-size: x-small;">, and since this one is so cheap, I picked it up<span style="font-size: x-small;"> too. It's thin brush, about the length of an Urban Decay liner, with very thin bristles. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I saw a lot of negative reviews about how thin<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and long the bristles were when I got this, and I have to say, I was a little scared to use it. The first few times I used it to apply my gel liner, <span style="font-size: x-small;">it was a mess. This brush <span style="font-size: x-small;">definitely takes some getting used to. HOWEVER, once you get used t<span style="font-size: x-small;">o applying liner with it, I think it<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s actually <span style="font-size: x-small;">pretty great, especially for getting a <span style="font-size: x-small;">thin l<span style="font-size: x-small;">in<span style="font-size: x-small;">e across the upper lashes (much m<span style="font-size: x-small;">uch better than my angled b<span style="font-size: x-small;">rush<span style="font-size: x-small;">). I also have an easier time doing my cat<span style="font-size: x-small;"> eye flick wit<span style="font-size: x-small;">h this, although it was pretty hard for me at first. I think it would be a little easier to deal with if t<span style="font-size: x-small;">he brushes were a bit shorter, but <span style="font-size: x-small;">overall it<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s still a pretty solid liner brush.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In terms of upkeep, I <span style="font-size: x-small;">wipe this down with makeup re<span style="font-size: x-small;">mover every night (lazy <span style="font-size: x-small;">lazy Megan) and wash it thoroughly...occassional<span style="font-size: x-small;">ly? It's still in tip top shape.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A<span style="font-size: x-small;">wkward Chic rating: A+. I love these brushes. They'<span style="font-size: x-small;">re so cheap but they <span style="font-size: x-small;">perform so well. </span></span>I<span style="font-size: x-small;"> just want to buy more Rea<span style="font-size: x-small;">l Techniques brushes (like literally all of them). <span style="font-size: x-small;">If you take one thing a<span style="font-size: x-small;">way from this review, it's <span style="font-size: x-small;">that you should really b</span></span></span>uy the stippling brush! </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images via <a href="http://drugstore.com/">drugstore.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-88355871779176712202013-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:002013-01-02T10:00:03.841-05:00My New Favorite Boots: Frye Vera Hiker<span style="font-size: x-small;">I am really weird when it comes to shoes. Mainly in that I have very expensive taste with a very non-expensive budget, which makes me sad, so I just don't buy shoes often. In my attempts to actually buy shoes (I was honestly that California girl in the<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Rainbow <span style="font-size: x-small;">sandals for an embarassingly long time), I try to save up and then sp<span style="font-size: x-small;">lurge a bit once or a year or so <span style="font-size: x-small;">on a <span style="font-size: x-small;">pair of Fryes<span style="font-size: x-small;">--and then wear them to pieces. My current Fryes in ro<span style="font-size: x-small;">tation a<span style="font-size: x-small;">re the <a href="http://www.zappos.com/frye-jane-14l-stitch-redwood-leather-tumbled-full-grain-leather">Frye Jane's in Re<span style="font-size: x-small;">dwood</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, which are just the most bea<span style="font-size: x-small;">utiful boots, and these <a href="http://www.thefryecompany.com/womens-boots/view-all/76590/vera-hiker">Vera </a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thefryecompany.com/womens-boots/view-all/76590/vera-hiker">Hikers</a> in brown that I got for Christmas (thanks <span style="font-size: x-small;">mom!).</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://dsv72jclfpnu0.cloudfront.net/images/photos/78026/78026_32623-womens-pressed-vera-hiker-short-boot-dark-brown_large.jpg?1351791176" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://dsv72jclfpnu0.cloudfront.net/images/photos/78026/78026_32623-womens-pressed-vera-hiker-short-boot-dark-brown_large.jpg?1351791176" width="256" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The rea<span style="font-size: x-small;">son I wanted these boots was that I like the versatility I get from having a pair of short and a <span style="font-size: x-small;">pair of tall boots<span style="font-size: x-small;">. My last pair of short bo<span style="font-size: x-small;">ots was more <span style="font-size: x-small;">on the <span style="font-size: x-small;">cowboy side, and I wanted to try s<span style="font-size: x-small;">omething a bit <span style="font-size: x-small;">more <span style="font-size: x-small;">rustic and a bit les<span style="font-size: x-small;">s western without getting<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=52223&np=902_432">these</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, which basically eve<span style="font-size: x-small;">ryone at my school has.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I love, love, love these boots. They<span style="font-size: x-small;"> look <span style="font-size: x-small;">like a retro hiking boot<span style="font-size: x-small;">, but the oversize tongue<span style="font-size: x-small;">, upturned<span style="font-size: x-small;"> toe, and</span></span> the 2 inch heel give<span style="font-size: x-small;"> them a bit of a modern, edgy twist. I've gott<span style="font-size: x-small;">en so many compliments o<span style="font-size: x-small;">n them already! <span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of my Fryes have taken<span style="font-size: x-small;"> weeks to break in properly, but these I c<span style="font-size: x-small;">ould wear easily right o<span style="font-size: x-small;">ut of the box. They have a <span style="font-size: x-small;">rubber sole for traction, w<span style="font-size: x-small;">hich is perfect, and are easily to get on and off wi<span style="font-size: x-small;">t<span style="font-size: x-small;">h the laces</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>. I <span style="font-size: x-small;">can wear these all day without my feet getting tired or annoyed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I like to pair these with tights<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and</span> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/socks/PRDOVR~19614/19614.jsp">nu<span style="font-size: x-small;">bby me<span style="font-size: x-small;">n's socks</span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">. The simple<span style="font-size: x-small;">, slightly o<span style="font-size: x-small;">ld school feel of these boots means that they can wor<span style="font-size: x-small;">k with lots of different out<span style="font-size: x-small;">fits and styles--I like these with a little leather jacket and a cute little dress because they <span style="font-size: x-small;">can ground even the girliest of d<span style="font-size: x-small;">resses, but they're also cute with a </span></span>colorful mini and a sweater. Overall, I really recommend these. They aren't cheap, but they're the best com<span style="font-size: x-small;">bination of timeless and on trend, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">you can a<span style="font-size: x-small;">bsolutely <span style="font-size: x-small;">fe<span style="font-size: x-small;">el the quality.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ALSO! If you live somewhere snowy and cold, totally get th<span style="font-size: x-small;">ese instead<span style="font-size: x-small;">. They come <span style="font-size: x-small;">shearling lin<span style="font-size: x-small;">ed! I think they're so cute, and they would be SO WARM AN<span style="font-size: x-small;">D COMFY.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://a3.zassets.com/images/z/1/5/5/2/0/8/1552083-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.zassets.com/images/z/1/5/5/2/0/8/1552083-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via <a href="http://countryoutfitters.com/">countryoutfitters.com</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <a href="http://a3.zassets.com/images/z/1/5/5/2/0/8/1552083-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg">zappos.com</a>.</span></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-92192024621848172322012-12-31T18:54:00.001-05:002012-12-31T18:54:39.588-05:00Wardrobe Must Haves: J. Crew Pixie Pant<span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy holidays/New Year's<span style="font-size: x-small;">, everybody! Since the year is coming to <span style="font-size: x-small;">an end, I thought I'd share one of my favorite things that I bought this year. I've been (and still am) firm<span style="font-size: x-small;">ly in the leggin<span style="font-size: x-small;">gs <span style="font-size: x-small;">are not pants camp.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">HOWEVER (now i<span style="font-size: x-small;">s when I eat my words),</span> I normally stick to <span style="font-size: x-small;">s<span style="font-size: x-small;">kirts and dresses out of personal p<span style="font-size: x-small;">referenc<span style="font-size: x-small;">e, but sometimes you just need to wear pants. I'm completely over jeans at this point--they're never c<span style="font-size: x-small;">omf<span style="font-size: x-small;">ortable, they never f<span style="font-size: x-small;">it me correctly, and they just aren't really my style. In search of non-legging, non<span style="font-size: x-small;">-jean pants, I stumbled across these<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/knitpants/PRDOVR~31090/31090.jsp"> J. Crew</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/knitpants/PRDOVR~31090/31090.jsp"> Pixie </a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/knitpants/PRDOVR~31090/31090.jsp">Pants</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, which are<span style="font-size: x-small;"> in<span style="font-size: x-small;">cid<span style="font-size: x-small;">entally the exact same as the<a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants/chino_cotton/PRDOVR~93195/93195.jsp"> J</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants/chino_cotton/PRDOVR~93195/93195.jsp">. Crew </a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/pants/chino_cotton/PRDOVR~93195/93195.jsp">Factory Ponte Pants</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (which are a good $30 cheaper on s<span style="font-size: x-small;">a<span style="font-size: x-small;">le </span></span>righ<span style="font-size: x-small;">t now). The only differences between the two a<span style="font-size: x-small;">re th<span style="font-size: x-small;">at the Pixie pants have a zipper in the back, whereas the Ponte zipper is on the <span style="font-size: x-small;">side, and the Pixie pants come in grey, black, and navy, whereas the Ponte pants only come in navy and black. I picked up a pair of the Ponte pants<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a few months ago, and I have been wearin<span style="font-size: x-small;">g them ALL THE TIME.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/31090_BK0001_m?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/31090_BK0001_m?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/93195_BK0001?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/93195_BK0001?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ponte pants are a rayon/nylon/span<span style="font-size: x-small;">dex blend, w<span style="font-size: x-small;">hich basically feels like a thick<span style="font-size: x-small;"> stretch jersey<span style="font-size: x-small;">. One of the things that I hate <span style="font-size: x-small;">about leggings-as-pants as that they <span style="font-size: x-small;">are so thin--they don't h<span style="font-size: x-small;">ide underwear lines (or even underwear color often!)<span style="font-size: x-small;">, and they stretch out and sag. The Ponte pants are thicker, so they hide everything, a<span style="font-size: x-small;">nd they don't stretch out at all. They have a thick high waistband, which </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>doesn't c<span style="font-size: x-small;">ut into my stomach, and a zipper on the side<span style="font-size: x-small;">. At J. Crew <span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm often between a 4<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and a 6 in bottoms, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">since the<span style="font-size: x-small;">se have stretch I went for the 4, which <span style="font-size: x-small;">fits perfectly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I like to wear these with my Frye Jane boots (they would also be cute with flats, but th<span style="font-size: x-small;">at's not really my cup of tea) and either a sweater or a cute top. What I really love about these, aside f<span style="font-size: x-small;">rom the fact that they're super com<span style="font-size: x-small;">fortable, is that <span style="font-size: x-small;">they're so basic I can wear them with just about anything. You can style them preppy, l<span style="font-size: x-small;">i<span style="font-size: x-small;">ke in the photo above, or you can throw on <span style="font-size: x-small;">boots, a tee, and a leather jacket and t<span style="font-size: x-small;">ake them in a more edgy direction. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I really recommend these! <span style="font-size: x-small;">I was a little skeptical at first, but I've ended up <span style="font-size: x-small;">wearing them multiple times a week ever<span style="font-size: x-small;"> since I got them<span style="font-size: x-small;">. They'<span style="font-size: x-small;">ve held up really well, and I <span style="font-size: x-small;">might ev<span style="font-size: x-small;">en get a second pair<span style="font-size: x-small;"> in the navy! <span style="font-size: x-small;">I wish they made <span style="font-size: x-small;">t<span style="font-size: x-small;">hese in more fun colors--I could totally go for a burgun<span style="font-size: x-small;">dy or a hunter green.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-84254934730232510172012-12-07T13:08:00.000-05:002012-12-07T13:08:00.510-05:00L'Oreal Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Foundation<span style="font-size: x-small;">I bought this foundation in August, and I've almost used <span style="font-size: x-small;">up a bottle, so <span style="font-size: x-small;">it's probably ti<span style="font-size: x-small;">me for me to review it (jokes, what is my life). This foundation has probab<span style="font-size: x-small;">ly <span style="font-size: x-small;">the longest name of <span style="font-size: x-small;">any foundation I've ever used<span style="font-size: x-small;">--Visible Lift Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Foundatio<span style="font-size: x-small;">n. The idea is that this foundat<span style="font-size: x-small;">ion has Vitamin C and Reti<span style="font-size: x-small;">nol in it, so it's supposed to have skincare-esque prop<span style="font-size: x-small;">erties. I picked up the Classic Ivory shade<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">at C<span style="font-size: x-small;">VS for about $14--it's currently $15.79 at <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.drugstore.com/loreal-visible-lift-serum-absolute-advanced-age-reversing-makeup-spf-17-light-ivory/qxp308595">drugstore.com</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It comes in a <span style="font-size: x-small;">one ounc<span style="font-size: x-small;">e glass pump bottle with a plastic cap<span style="font-size: x-small;">. My bottle is gross and dirty, but I really like the overall packaging<span style="font-size: x-small;">. The bottle is <span style="font-size: x-small;">nice and weighty, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">it has a very clean <span style="font-size: x-small;">feel to it<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v6zGR0io-KH43pWMHM58rgW7FcCQWs6L7Xgv9A6Dtf2Yqr91RKsAfP_iGgbbb8k6FCzRd9nA-Hc3yVlQ6U36-gSCE0dFUUrChrKTyJCvUdDB5TuKXrFHz-2RbHUrUGwxONcvuiXHGdnd/s1600/IMG_0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v6zGR0io-KH43pWMHM58rgW7FcCQWs6L7Xgv9A6Dtf2Yqr91RKsAfP_iGgbbb8k6FCzRd9nA-Hc3yVlQ6U36-gSCE0dFUUrChrKTyJCvUdDB5TuKXrFHz-2RbHUrUGwxONcvuiXHGdnd/s320/IMG_0631.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Classic Ivory on me is almost identical to NAR<span style="font-size: x-small;">S She<span style="font-size: x-small;">er Glow's Mon<span style="font-size: x-small;">t Blanc<span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span style="font-size: x-small;">and it<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s right between MAC<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s NW15 <span style="font-size: x-small;">and N<span style="font-size: x-small;">W20. It's a perfect color mat<span style="font-size: x-small;">ch for me. This foundation comes in a sur<span style="font-size: x-small;">prising range of p<span style="font-size: x-small;">ale shades, although it doesn't have a<span style="font-size: x-small;">s great of range in <span style="font-size: x-small;">the </span>dar<span style="font-size: x-small;">ker s<span style="font-size: x-small;">hades. <span style="font-size: x-small;">And it doesn't oxidize on me th<span style="font-size: x-small;">roughout the day! On <span style="font-size: x-small;">the left is a pump <span style="font-size: x-small;">of foundation so you can see the texture, <span style="font-size: x-small;">on the <span style="font-size: x-small;">right I've blended it out across the top of my hand<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEcA7-CHwfaWTDqpfXd7xqrNJXeW65IZ_jVZ_9XFydPPVKwkA5IDsBg0ZQ1h-Ntn8lpdT9lRNBrHExuZHDvwrV7IflomxeTT654t_STHkyi04QQhpsAUfD1hyEn67Tz-gnZLSZtzpgitm/s1600/IMG_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEcA7-CHwfaWTDqpfXd7xqrNJXeW65IZ_jVZ_9XFydPPVKwkA5IDsBg0ZQ1h-Ntn8lpdT9lRNBrHExuZHDvwrV7IflomxeTT654t_STHkyi04QQhpsAUfD1hyEn67Tz-gnZLSZtzpgitm/s200/IMG_0632.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO2PiA-V5eGG3LnKPAwfqkK80472OZlOipuvoCEzNNVyOJgYc5N32OkgDfllTrmKuKueOKT8VH9c91vEroBOimAFqrl37HrkwSYFUq_ugAQ2fpbJAPzEN1f99luxjO3X0t5QYLZ70WHrg/s1600/IMG_0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO2PiA-V5eGG3LnKPAwfqkK80472OZlOipuvoCEzNNVyOJgYc5N32OkgDfllTrmKuKueOKT8VH9c91vEroBOimAFqrl37HrkwSYFUq_ugAQ2fpbJAPzEN1f99luxjO3X0t5QYLZ70WHrg/s320/IMG_0633.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For<span style="font-size: x-small;">mula: <span style="font-size: x-small;">This foundation is a thick liquid or a thin cream, depending <span style="font-size: x-small;">on yo<span style="font-size: x-small;">ur perspective<span style="font-size: x-small;">. It<span style="font-size: x-small;"> almost feels a bit whipped<span style="font-size: x-small;">. I<span style="font-size: x-small;">t <span style="font-size: x-small;">b<span style="font-size: x-small;">lends into my skin very <span style="font-size: x-small;">easily, with no streaks, and ha<span style="font-size: x-small;">s a natural fin<span style="font-size: x-small;">ish that skews a bit matte. I d<span style="font-size: x-small;">on't usually go for anything remotely matte, but since I have <span style="font-size: x-small;">o<span style="font-size: x-small;">ily skin, the matte<span style="font-size: x-small;"> aspect<span style="font-size: x-small;"> of this foundation wor<span style="font-size: x-small;">ks really well for me. I don't think it would be great if you <span style="font-size: x-small;">had <span style="font-size: x-small;">very dry skin, as <span style="font-size: x-small;">I f<span style="font-size: x-small;">ind this empha<span style="font-size: x-small;">sizes any <span style="font-size: x-small;">dry spots that I have. It almost may not be very good for ex<span style="font-size: x-small;">tremely oily skin--I think it's perfect for nor<span style="font-size: x-small;">mal or co<span style="font-size: x-small;">mbination skin types. Also, I've used this for almost a semester, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">it has<span style="font-size: x-small;">n't broken me out AT ALL. I'm pretty paranoid about breakouts, and I <span style="font-size: x-small;">was af<span style="font-size: x-small;">r<span style="font-size: x-small;">a<span style="font-size: x-small;">id of <span style="font-size: x-small;">both the retinol in this foundat<span style="font-size: x-small;">ion and how much coverage it has, but it's actually made my skin a little nicer!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Application<span style="font-size: x-small;">: <span style="font-size: x-small;">I love that this ha<span style="font-size: x-small;">s a <span style="font-size: x-small;">pump! I use <span style="font-size: x-small;">two pumps on my entire face, and I apply it with my fingers t<span style="font-size: x-small;">o really work it into <span style="font-size: x-small;">my skin. I find that <span style="font-size: x-small;">it dries down pretty quickl<span style="font-size: x-small;">y, and then it doesn't budge.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Coverage<span style="font-size: x-small;">: I find that this is medium-heavy coverage. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Two pum<span style="font-size: x-small;">ps on m<span style="font-size: x-small;">e covers basically <span style="font-size: x-small;">everything<span style="font-size: x-small;">, but doesn't look heavy or unnatural.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wear time: I can put this on <span style="font-size: x-small;">in the <span style="font-size: x-small;">morning (over my <span style="font-size: x-small;">Korres primer), run around, <span style="font-size: x-small;">go to the gym, get caught in an <span style="font-size: x-small;">unexpecte<span style="font-size: x-small;">d rain storm (s<span style="font-size: x-small;">tory of my life) and 15 hours late<span style="font-size: x-small;">r, it still looks g<span style="font-size: x-small;">reat! I think <span style="font-size: x-small;">this ha<span style="font-size: x-small;">s even better wear t<span style="font-size: x-small;">ime my be<span style="font-size: x-small;">loved NARS <span style="font-size: x-small;">Sheer Glow.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chi<span style="font-size: x-small;">c rating: A<span style="font-size: x-small;">. It<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s great for my skin color<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and my </span></span></span>skin type<span style="font-size: x-small;">, lasts forever, and covers all manners of sins. I wish it was a little cheaper and had a wider range of colors, but I have trouble finding flaws with it. I will absolutely repurchase.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-67814025466386030322012-12-06T12:43:00.001-05:002012-12-06T12:43:32.384-05:00Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow<span style="font-size: x-small;">Confession--<span style="font-size: x-small;">I bought these like <span style="font-size: x-small;">three months ago, and ha<span style="font-size: x-small;">ve totally forgotten to review them. I <span style="font-size: x-small;">generally have<span style="font-size: x-small;"> little faith in <span style="font-size: x-small;">drugs<span style="font-size: x-small;">tore cream eyeshadows<span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span style="font-size: x-small;">but <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ta<span style="font-size: x-small;">n<span style="font-size: x-small;">ya Burr (Pixi<span style="font-size: x-small;">2<span style="font-size: x-small;">woo, she's adorable, please watch her <span style="font-size: x-small;">YouTube channel) endorsed these <span style="font-size: x-small;">in one of her <span style="font-size: x-small;">videos, and they <span style="font-size: x-small;">were on<span style="font-size: x-small;"> sale at CVS, so I picked up two. I got </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bad to the Bronze (25) and Pomegranate Punk (30)<span style="font-size: x-small;">--click to<span style="font-size: x-small;"> en<span style="font-size: x-small;">large <span style="font-size: x-small;">the photos.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWf3arTVpr3yRzbYJGN5iBD_tL3hn6ca02AYXO89qBVoKTNUZoOJpLzoA-i_MG6POv22NX_2K6_ca4jvEqB9FbE4Sjaoht_HGEkI5EE0a69g3dtY1YraccilKOHn1MSBxa0xLs7K6cG5z/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWf3arTVpr3yRzbYJGN5iBD_tL3hn6ca02AYXO89qBVoKTNUZoOJpLzoA-i_MG6POv22NX_2K6_ca4jvEqB9FbE4Sjaoht_HGEkI5EE0a69g3dtY1YraccilKOHn1MSBxa0xLs7K6cG5z/s200/IMG_0625.jpg" width="200" /></a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOHACZeNsVli_gAfYy6sYHwtCEr4Ko-4pNEZCsJCBLPZivXhbZqfSXG-KMv2Y_OvPALHS3Zx-xnaGRR_NPgbxs-XOlCBrBd1pm0nTaE4Jedif1d5xW7m8dS_tPXsCvzgtcj5cQH4WKYTJ/s1600/IMG_0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOHACZeNsVli_gAfYy6sYHwtCEr4Ko-4pNEZCsJCBLPZivXhbZqfSXG-KMv2Y_OvPALHS3Zx-xnaGRR_NPgbxs-XOlCBrBd1pm0nTaE4Jedif1d5xW7m8dS_tPXsCvzgtcj5cQH4WKYTJ/s200/IMG_0627.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bad to the Bron<span style="font-size: x-small;">ze is honestly more of a <span style="font-size: x-small;">warm, <span style="font-size: x-small;">metallic taupe for me than an actual b<span style="font-size: x-small;">ronze<span style="font-size: x-small;">--it's very simil<span style="font-size: x-small;">ar to MUFE's Aqua Cream in 15 (Taupe), whic<span style="font-size: x-small;">h I also own, albeit a slightly warmer and more shimmery taupe. Po<span style="font-size: x-small;">megran<span style="font-size: x-small;">ate Punk is such a fantastic color. I<span style="font-size: x-small;">t<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s a rusty cranberry metallic with some silvery sh<span style="font-size: x-small;">immer shot through it. It<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s a little like </span>MAC's Vainglorious eyes<span style="font-size: x-small;">hadow and <span style="font-size: x-small;">Cranberry eyeshadows had a baby. I'm one of those strange people who really loves <span style="font-size: x-small;">brownish-red eyeshadow<span style="font-size: x-small;">, which is admittedly a little strange and hard to pull of at times<span style="font-size: x-small;">. However, I think Po<span style="font-size: x-small;">megranate Punk looks fantastic on the lid and <span style="font-size: x-small;">on the lower lashline w<span style="font-size: x-small;">hen anchored <span style="font-size: x-small;">with a bla<span style="font-size: x-small;">ck line. It feels a little <span style="font-size: x-small;">glam/rock and roll, and can transition nicely from day to night. Bad <span style="font-size: x-small;">to the Bronze is <span style="font-size: x-small;">just a pretty<span style="font-size: x-small;"> neutral that I like to <span style="font-size: x-small;">swipe across the lid on days where I <span style="font-size: x-small;">don'<span style="font-size: x-small;">t want to do a lot of work in terms of eyes<span style="font-size: x-small;">hadow. I can just use that and some li<span style="font-size: x-small;">ner and call it a day, or I can use it as the base of a brown smokey eye.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIjiBaiq4afuts6c3MINCTK_94yF8TJA78bQl_ETisltZSS2MYsXbKg49UX4ttBZ3nj9fVjJoaK6zK9dp6a8PKDbW06u0YC2ktYGsq2THAkLhYl2UPTwW7XGQtlXnc9S3f_uN178gMAio/s1600/IMG_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIjiBaiq4afuts6c3MINCTK_94yF8TJA78bQl_ETisltZSS2MYsXbKg49UX4ttBZ3nj9fVjJoaK6zK9dp6a8PKDbW06u0YC2ktYGsq2THAkLhYl2UPTwW7XGQtlXnc9S3f_uN178gMAio/s320/IMG_0629.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Application: <span style="font-size: x-small;">the shadow <span style="font-size: x-small;">fee<span style="font-size: x-small;">ls very firm in the pot<span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span style="font-size: x-small;">bu<span style="font-size: x-small;">t goes on like butter<span style="font-size: x-small;">. I use my finger to <span style="font-size: x-small;">apply, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">two or three s<span style="font-size: x-small;">w<span style="font-size: x-small;">ipes across the product is enough to cover my entire lid. I'll blend it out a bit with <span style="font-size: x-small;">my finger, and then use a b<span style="font-size: x-small;">lending brush to smooth out the edges and the cre<span style="font-size: x-small;">ase. I find that this <span style="font-size: x-small;">applies very smo<span style="font-size: x-small;">othly<span style="font-size: x-small;">, w<span style="font-size: x-small;">ith no patchiness at all, and you have a good minute or two to put everything out before it sets entirely. The <span style="font-size: x-small;">application rem<span style="font-size: x-small;">in<span style="font-size: x-small;">ds me of the MUFE Aqua Creams--those ha<span style="font-size: x-small;">ve slightly more <span style="font-size: x-small;">slip, whereas the<span style="font-size: x-small;">se are<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a little more tacky, but it's very similar.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wear time: I usually <span style="font-size: x-small;">put this on around 9AM, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">take <span style="font-size: x-small;">it off at around 12AM, so I'm wearing it for about 15 ho<span style="font-size: x-small;">urs. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Part of the name of this shadow is 24hr<span style="font-size: x-small;">, w<span style="font-size: x-small;">hich impl<span style="font-size: x-small;">ies that it lasts 24 hours<span style="font-size: x-small;">. I don't think it does. When I get to 1<span style="font-size: x-small;">5 hours, it's stil<span style="font-size: x-small;">l clearly on my lids, and the color hasn't fad<span style="font-size: x-small;">ed a ton, but it does start to crease and fade just<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a tad. I think at 20 hours it would be on it<span style="font-size: x-small;">s last legs. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I always wear this with primer (<span style="font-size: x-small;">MAC's Paint Pot in Paint<span style="font-size: x-small;">erly)<span style="font-size: x-small;">, so I can't speak to how it wears without primer. But who needs to wear eyeshad<span style="font-size: x-small;">ow for 20 hours<span style="font-size: x-small;">?!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: <span style="font-size: x-small;">It comes <span style="font-size: x-small;">in a thick gl<span style="font-size: x-small;">ass pot with a <span style="font-size: x-small;">black p<span style="font-size: x-small;">lastic screw-on lid<span style="font-size: x-small;">. The labeling in<span style="font-size: x-small;">formation <span style="font-size: x-small;">comes <span style="font-size: x-small;">on a st<span style="font-size: x-small;">icker<span style="font-size: x-small;">, which is a little blah, but I think the swankiness of the glass pot makes <span style="font-size: x-small;">up for it. You get .14oz of product, and i<span style="font-size: x-small;">n <span style="font-size: x-small;">about 3 months I<span style="font-size: x-small;">'ve used up about <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/<span style="font-size: x-small;">4</span> of </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>shadow. So far <span style="font-size: x-small;">they haven't shown any signs <span style="font-size: x-small;">of drying o<span style="font-size: x-small;">ut, so I think <span style="font-size: x-small;">you c<span style="font-size: x-small;">ould get a lo<span style="font-size: x-small;">t of use o<span style="font-size: x-small;">ut of these.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chi<span style="font-size: x-small;">c rating: A-. I wish the<span style="font-size: x-small;">se lasted a tiny bit longer, but the<span style="font-size: x-small;"> lasting power is definitely comparabl<span style="font-size: x-small;">e with the much more expensive MUF<span style="font-size: x-small;">E <span style="font-size: x-small;">Aqua Creams. The p<span style="font-size: x-small;">igmentation and application <span style="font-size: x-small;">are great, and these are only $6.99 at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_330742295">drugst</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=394244&catid=183538&cmbProdBrandFilter=64806&aid=338666&aparam=goobase_filler">ore.com</a>. I think I want to pick up Bold Gold and Tough as Taupe too.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-87337533723325998932012-11-19T12:42:00.000-05:002012-11-19T12:42:16.403-05:00Outfit of the Day<span style="font-size: x-small;">So it's cold in Bost<span style="font-size: x-small;">on--per usual--and as always, I am in den<span style="font-size: x-small;">ial. Perpetual den<span style="font-size: x-small;">ia<span style="font-size: x-small;">l. <span style="font-size: x-small;">This is what I wore today. It is currently 4<span style="font-size: x-small;">6 degrees outside. D<span style="font-size: x-small;">en<span style="font-size: x-small;">ial!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweater: J Crew (about three years ago), shirt: Stradivarius in Spain, skirt: <a href="http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/skirts/mini/PRDOVR~95435/95435.jsp">J Crew factory Accordion Pleat Mini in Dahlia</a>, tights: <a href="http://www.hue.com/Tights/Womens-Tights/HUE-Opaque-Control-Top-Tights.aspx">Hue</a>, boots: <a href="http://www.zappos.com/frye-carmen-harness-short#prdInfo">Frye Carmen Harness Short</a>.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Apologies for the horrible lighting<span style="font-size: x-small;">, we have the sad energy-saving bulbs that don't really make light.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE0dHC1u5nSsWkE_Br6Dq5U4ORMa0LbRNuahN3l2A1LTEtkBN4PK8V0NJJcPYo81kmfFhDmD0-QElTQABzIU7FJU3f1hG53nT_Z4kr3-Rwe61J-61PBRRnmY-cggauxvfjNiltKDXyUT7/s1600/IMG_0604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE0dHC1u5nSsWkE_Br6Dq5U4ORMa0LbRNuahN3l2A1LTEtkBN4PK8V0NJJcPYo81kmfFhDmD0-QElTQABzIU7FJU3f1hG53nT_Z4kr3-Rwe61J-61PBRRnmY-cggauxvfjNiltKDXyUT7/s320/IMG_0604.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS3I6MBQ4wdX1VUOSqbArY3Pi3XBp2Vv1eFQxGMvW_Aet8LQRVpU_iTyX0fQSKY9L3qWj2mh-m63nOyNp1lDMMiQLk8cvD55nysay03cRjC94458CDvNR82U4AFLaj7SGzy8LlgNC_sFP/s1600/IMG_0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS3I6MBQ4wdX1VUOSqbArY3Pi3XBp2Vv1eFQxGMvW_Aet8LQRVpU_iTyX0fQSKY9L3qWj2mh-m63nOyNp1lDMMiQLk8cvD55nysay03cRjC94458CDvNR82U4AFLaj7SGzy8LlgNC_sFP/s320/IMG_0605.jpg" width="163" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7nJRFMsiL5cCt0LAnp2IpZnIw0Zk4OML_01XWHqnDP36ADG9J4RBdOUX4r0hhe02fq5JiKQgWbBvyo9XDXdSJIlaWMm1b6TQ0stVIODe4eJuVDWgBJ1_gwCzYRs2Dsy2mWKLN0UA5_At/s1600/IMG_0607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7nJRFMsiL5cCt0LAnp2IpZnIw0Zk4OML_01XWHqnDP36ADG9J4RBdOUX4r0hhe02fq5JiKQgWbBvyo9XDXdSJIlaWMm1b6TQ0stVIODe4eJuVDWgBJ1_gwCzYRs2Dsy2mWKLN0UA5_At/s320/IMG_0607.jpg" width="142" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The skirt was originally $70, and I go<span style="font-size: x-small;">t it for $30 <span style="font-size: x-small;">on sale. Yay! I love the cheerful fuch<span style="font-size: x-small;">sia col<span style="font-size: x-small;">or of the s<span style="font-size: x-small;">kirt. I<span style="font-size: x-small;">'m usually a 4 in J<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Crew factory skirts<span style="font-size: x-small;">, but I went up a size bec<span style="font-size: x-small;">ause I wan<span style="font-size: x-small;">ted the silhouette of the skirt to be<span style="font-size: x-small;"> more of an <span style="font-size: x-small;">a-line<span style="font-size: x-small;">. The waist is elasti<span style="font-size: x-small;">c, <span style="font-size: x-small;">making it super comfy, and eas<span style="font-size: x-small;">y <span style="font-size: x-small;">to wear both higher and lower on the w<span style="font-size: x-small;">a<span style="font-size: x-small;">ist. The skirt has two <span style="font-size: x-small;">deep pockets, and it's a wool/poly blend. It has the warmth of wool but i<span style="font-size: x-small;">sn't too thick or itchy. Overall I <span style="font-size: x-small;">really love it<span style="font-size: x-small;">--<span style="font-size: x-small;">it's sold out, but J<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Crew <span style="font-size: x-small;">factory <span style="font-size: x-small;">currently has <span style="font-size: x-small;">30% off everything and free shipping!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I paired it with a w<span style="font-size: x-small;">hite, 3/4 <span style="font-size: x-small;">s<span style="font-size: x-small;">leeve shirt I got in Spain. Since the skirt is su<span style="font-size: x-small;">ch<span style="font-size: x-small;"> a statement color, I wanted to keep the <span style="font-size: x-small;">top ne<span style="font-size: x-small;">utral. The swea<span style="font-size: x-small;">ter is a marled <span style="font-size: x-small;">b<span style="font-size: x-small;">lack and white knit with a shaw<span style="font-size: x-small;">l collar that's <span style="font-size: x-small;">really cozy and warm. I l<span style="font-size: x-small;">ike that it<span style="font-size: x-small;"> tones down the girliness of the skirt a bit. <span style="font-size: x-small;">The short boots <span style="font-size: x-small;">add a <span style="font-size: x-small;">little of a rustic, casua<span style="font-size: x-small;">l twist.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Speaking of shoes, I am constantly st<span style="font-size: x-small;">ruggling to find shoes that I like that aren't sandals or boots. L<span style="font-size: x-small;">iterally all of my shoes are sandals or boots. No flats, no s<span style="font-size: x-small;">neakers (aside from gym shoes<span style="font-size: x-small;">). I used <span style="font-size: x-small;">to have a pair of <span style="font-size: x-small;">Topsiders, but they aren<span style="font-size: x-small;">'t really me, and I'm <span style="font-size: x-small;">defi<span style="font-size: x-small;">nitely not a ballet flat or a Converse person. I stumbled across this <span style="font-size: x-small;">pair of suede tuxedo loaf<span style="font-size: x-small;">ers from DV<span style="font-size: x-small;">, and I think <span style="font-size: x-small;">I need them. They're on sale for $62.99<span style="font-size: x-small;"> from <a href="http://www.zappos.com/dv-by-dolce-vita-gilly-black">Zappos</a> right now<span style="font-size: x-small;">. They also come in black, which I'd probably buy, but how cute is the pink<span style="font-size: x-small;">?! I want <span style="font-size: x-small;">them. I like that they're a <span style="font-size: x-small;">little retro, a little men's smok<span style="font-size: x-small;">ing jacket<span style="font-size: x-small;">-esque, and very p<span style="font-size: x-small;">ractical<span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://l4.zassets.com/images/z/2/0/4/6/6/7/2046671-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://l4.zassets.com/images/z/2/0/4/6/6/7/2046671-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_48240169">z</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://appos.com/">appos.com</a>.</span></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-83718001099467108172012-11-08T18:39:00.002-05:002012-11-08T18:39:39.742-05:00Review: Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick<span style="font-size: x-small;">So in my last post I mentioned that I've been dealing with the LSAT and applying to law school and hopefully I'd be done with all of that soon--jokes! Long/boring story short, I have a stomach condition, it likes to act up randomly to terrorize me, and it was horrible on the day of the LSAT. As in, I couldn't eat anything and almost threw up on the way to the test horrible. But I took it anyways, because I had studied literally SO MUCH and I'm crazy stubborn, and basically that was a mistake and I'm taking it again on December 1! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy (all of the sarcasm in the world).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I thought I'd try to get back to blogging regardless, because I kind of <span style="font-size: x-small;">miss <span style="font-size: x-small;">it (and because I just finished midterms and now I have no<span style="font-size: x-small;">thing to be neurotic about in my free time). I hav<span style="font-size: x-small;">e so much stuff to review! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's one of my new favorite things<span style="font-size: x-small;">, Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The <span style="font-size: x-small;">casing is very long and skinny--it almost l<span style="font-size: x-small;">ooks like it's going to be a lip gloss. It's<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> a simp<span style="font-size: x-small;">le brushed steel on the botto<span style="font-size: x-small;">m and shiny steel on the top<span style="font-size: x-small;">. Not ug<span style="font-size: x-small;">ly, but very plain. The lipstick <span style="font-size: x-small;">twists up, and you <span style="font-size: x-small;">can see immedi<span style="font-size: x-small;">ately that it looks insanely dark. One of my housemates t<span style="font-size: x-small;">ho<span style="font-size: x-small;">ught I was <span style="font-size: x-small;">putting on black lipstick--side note, my nail polish is not black! It's a super vibrant and dark purple from <span style="font-size: x-small;">Zoya that's called P<span style="font-size: x-small;">inta, and it's just lovely<span style="font-size: x-small;">, and my pictures aren't doing it just<span style="font-size: x-small;">i<span style="font-size: x-small;">ce.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmYXB-GyPk7pHF4YgeBKuscmAL7Q-wKfwgiijsIRlcO1Ubwae0zLM8hJt7QXoLi32378P0-Rcsb4eSvBSLXRE87lWqf3zrQQucffgaD10Jnd8C_YPgJW8D8h_D6o_nK2E3HmfgYGYjhlI/s1600/image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmYXB-GyPk7pHF4YgeBKuscmAL7Q-wKfwgiijsIRlcO1Ubwae0zLM8hJt7QXoLi32378P0-Rcsb4eSvBSLXRE87lWqf3zrQQucffgaD10Jnd8C_YPgJW8D8h_D6o_nK2E3HmfgYGYjhlI/s320/image-3.jpeg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9p18ofqNbG2vqSsWQf-DZWuMGlmX_QHI80hG-qk3MR8wmwuZjZ2fxCpnombC3eDXSIkk6j-Ae5SKZLjcYlO2cmHVjIjDYmHFrO9Mj0Gnb474Q_8OhcNn4xX4MKrnIBkOAOvuXMRnE_P_/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9p18ofqNbG2vqSsWQf-DZWuMGlmX_QHI80hG-qk3MR8wmwuZjZ2fxCpnombC3eDXSIkk6j-Ae5SKZLjcYlO2cmHVjIjDYmHFrO9Mj0Gnb474Q_8OhcNn4xX4MKrnIBkOAOvuXMRnE_P_/s320/image-1.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Back to the lipstick! It<span style="font-size: x-small;"> doesn't <span style="font-size: x-small;">really have a smell, <span style="font-size: x-small;">aside from the faintest hint of that t<span style="font-size: x-small;">ypical<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 'lipstick smell.' It's extremely sheer, as you can see in that swatch. I swatched heav<span style="font-size: x-small;">ily, probably about 8 times, and that's how sheer it is. Which is actuall<span style="font-size: x-small;">y a good thing, because it gives your lips the <span style="font-size: x-small;">prettiest berry <span style="font-size: x-small;">flush without looki<span style="font-size: x-small;">ng like you just drank a gallon of grape juice</span>. It looks really natural<span style="font-size: x-small;"> on<span style="font-size: x-small;">, with just <span style="font-size: x-small;">the smallest hint of vampiness<span style="font-size: x-small;">. T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he fo<span style="font-size: x-small;">rmula <span style="font-size: x-small;">feels lov<span style="font-size: x-small;">ely on your lips, <span style="font-size: x-small;">almost like a lip balm, and it has a <span style="font-size: x-small;">nice <span style="font-size: x-small;">amount of shin<span style="font-size: x-small;">e<span style="font-size: x-small;">. It terms of lasting power, it's <span style="font-size: x-small;">called Almost Lipstick for a<span style="font-size: x-small;"> reason<span style="font-size: x-small;">--the lasting power i<span style="font-size: x-small;">sn't amazing. This is <span style="font-size: x-small;">basically a lip balm and lipstick <span style="font-size: x-small;">hy<span style="font-size: x-small;">brid, so I'd say <span style="font-size: x-small;">it lasts about two hours on me before I feel the <span style="font-size: x-small;">need to <span style="font-size: x-small;">reapply. <span style="font-size: x-small;">However, it wears off evenly, leaving behind no stain, and doesn't leave my lips feeling chapped.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTaxMjKpVg4h5nRem3P5CNpMyTBHqwbhpsdBuIN8K4ODOj-8FamZ0KSmO2IPlMH7yqSWuCQueafKPnt1-y1Agxt1SSfTYlKlGZx_SErOQw20NN5oR8WnPMeA2iIp523ZPsQKZA-OMMB7_/s1600/image-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTaxMjKpVg4h5nRem3P5CNpMyTBHqwbhpsdBuIN8K4ODOj-8FamZ0KSmO2IPlMH7yqSWuCQueafKPnt1-y1Agxt1SSfTYlKlGZx_SErOQw20NN5oR8WnPMeA2iIp523ZPsQKZA-OMMB7_/s320/image-2.jpeg" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">So, Cliniqu<span style="font-size: x-small;">e's Black Ho<span style="font-size: x-small;">ney--does it live up to the <span style="font-size: x-small;">hype? I say yes! I bought it because I was feeling super '90s n<span style="font-size: x-small;">ostalgic, and I've worn it almost every day sinc<span style="font-size: x-small;">e, <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and lipstick SCARES ME. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm not an easy se<span style="font-size: x-small;">ll in that realm</span></span></span>. Plus, <span style="font-size: x-small;">it's <span style="font-size: x-small;">only $15 a<span style="font-size: x-small;">t <a href="http://www.sephora.com/almost-lipstick-P122751?skuId=70680">sephora.com</a>, so if you want to dip your toe in the pool of vampy lipsticks, it's a good way to ease into the look without spending a ton of money. A<span style="font-size: x-small;">wkward Chic rating: A.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">PS: If you like Pride and Prej<span style="font-size: x-small;">ud<span style="font-size: x-small;">ice <span style="font-size: x-small;">(aka <span style="font-size: x-small;">if you're <span style="font-size: x-small;">breathing), you should wa<span style="font-size: x-small;">tch<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LizzieBennet">this </a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LizzieBennet">mod</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LizzieBennet">ern adaptation web series</a>. It has murdered my pr<span style="font-size: x-small;">oduct<span style="font-size: x-small;">ivity.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-12311748550421528732012-10-30T16:12:00.000-04:002012-10-30T16:12:52.787-04:00I'm alive!Sorry for the epic blogging failure, but I have literally spent every waking moment in September/October working on my law school applications and studying for the LSAT, and doing actually nothing else (can someone remind me what sleep feels like?). I will hopefully be back to full blogging capacity within the next few weeks!<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-54154983842774687642012-08-23T09:47:00.000-04:002012-08-23T09:47:00.864-04:00Rimmel Foundation Failures<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've been on a drugstore foundation buying spree. I love my NARS Sheer Glow and Revlon Colorstay to death, but I wanted to branch out. And I am so sorry that I did. This is going to be a short review, because both these foundations were so bad that I only wore them once. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation, $7.29 at <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2390223#sku2218792">ulta.com</a>, Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation, $4.99 at <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod3510087#sku2233751">ulta.com</a>: I got both of these in Warm Ivory. I like the packaging. The squeeze tube on the 25 Hour foundation is easy to use, and the packaging for clean finish feels very fresh. Both foundations smell straight up like chemicals, big, nasty chemicals. Clean Finish dried semi-matte on me, whereas 25 Hour was slightly dewier. 25 Hour is full coverage, Clean Finish is medium coverage. Both foundations went on nicely, blended easily, and seemed promisingly. AND THEN:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2218791?$lg$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2218791?$lg$" /></a><a href="http://www.realbeauty.com/cm/realbeauty/images/g2/rby-rimmel-clean-finish-foundation-mdn-1118444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.realbeauty.com/cm/realbeauty/images/g2/rby-rimmel-clean-finish-foundation-mdn-1118444.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cue three hours later. I tried 25 Hour first, went to look in the first, and screamed. My face was orange. Dirty, bright orange, dripping with oil, and completely splotchy. I looked like a practical joke. Not only that, but I had started to break out. I wrote 25 Hour off as a fluke, and tried Clean Finish the next day. The exact same thing happened. More pimples, more orangey-hued oxidizing, more oil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In short, these are horrible. Do not buy them. Both oxidized horribly on me, and while I am pale, so it does look conspicuous, they seem to oxidize on darker skin tones as well. Plus they both broke me out and seemed to break down in the presence of any oil on my face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: F. Stick to Revlon Colorstay if you're looking for a new drugstore foundation, or try one of the new L'Oreal anti-aging ones instead, but run, RUN away from these foundations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images via <a href="http://ulta.com/">ulta.com</a>, <a href="http://realbeauty.com/">realbeauty.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-30666553716957872762012-08-22T21:15:00.002-04:002012-08-22T21:15:24.046-04:00Back to School Shopping<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've had very possibly way too much free time this summer, so I've been thinking a lot about what I want my fall school uniform to be. For class, I like pieces that are easy to wear and easy to style different ways, but still pack a style punch. I've been feeling a very Ali Mcgraw in Love Story, early 1970's vibe lately. I'm thinking that this fall is going to be a lot of pencil mini skirts, 3/4 length sleeved tops and sweaters, long necklaces, and warm red leather boots. Here are some of the pieces I've bought so far:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">J. Crew Ink-Dip Popover, $72 at <a href="http://jcrew.com/">jcrew.com</a>, Tippi Sweater in Colorblock Stripe, $95 at <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR%7E11809/99102801901/ENE%7E1+2+3+22+4294967294+20%7E%7E%7E0%7E15%7Eall%7Emode+matchallany%7E%7E%7E%7E%7Etippi/11809.jsp">jcrew.com</a>: I actually got this J. Crew shirt in Light Lilac (which is really more of a cool blush pink) but the neon pink picture was a lot cuter. It's a popover, so it's like a button-up but the buttons stop about halfway down the front of the shirt, which makes it a lot easier to tuck into things. This shirt is a very light, actually pretty transparent, cotton, with army pockets on the chest. It feels very retro safari/men's shirt, which I love. I got a 6 (I normally wear a small in J. Crew shirts) because I wanted it a little blousy and I wanted to be sure it would fit across my chest without pulling. So is this shirt worth $72? Eh. It has a nice cut and comes in lovely colors, but it is a very thin cotton button-up for almost $75, so I'm not entirely convinced, but it is adorable partially tucked into a high-waisted denim mini. I am in love with this Tippi sweater. The cut is perfect, with the slightly opened up crewneck, the slim body, and the 3/4 sleeves. It's wool, so it's nice and warm, but it's still a relatively thin sweater, so it's very fall appropriate. It comes in solid colors, but I thought this colorblocked version, with the navy/white/camel/sky blue/grey was really cute and fun, and would go with a wide range of outfits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/42288_PK5972_m?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/42288_PK5972_m?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/11809_KE5929_m?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/11809_KE5929_m?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Garment-dyed Denim Mini, on sale for $39.99 at <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Sale/AllProducts/PRDOVR%7E78210/99102677640/ENE%7E1+2+3+22+4294967294+20%7E%7E%7E20+17+4294967041%7E15%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E/78210.jsp">jcrew.com</a>, J. Crew Factory Classic Corduroy Mini, on sale for $29.50 at <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_factory_category/skirts/PRDOVR%7E28745/99102749538/ENE%7E1+2+3+22+4294967294+20%7E%7E%7E205+17+4294966713%7E15%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E/28745.jsp">jcrew.com</a>: I don't actually have this skirt, I have a J. Crew factory skirt in coral-orange that's basically the same, but this pink is adorable, if impratical (it also comes in a mildly more practical kelly green). The corduroy mini is absolutely fantastic. I vary between a 4 and a 6 in J. Crew skirts, and got a 6 in this because it doesn't have a lot of stretch. It hits just below the waist, is short enough to be a mini but not so short as to be indecent, has lots of pockets, and comes in a pretty, rich navy. I like corduroy in small, sleek doses, and this one is on major sale! Pencil minis like these have become my new staple pieces. They basically go with any top, can be easily dressed up or down, and are both flattering and easy to move around in. Now I have one in orange and one in navy, so I have the warm and cool ends of the color wheel down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/78210_PK5844?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/78210_PK5844?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a><a href="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/28745_BL8133?$pdp_fs418$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/28745_BL8133?$pdp_fs418$" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Forever 21 Union Jack Raglan Sweater, $22.80 at <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=sweater_longsleeve&ProductID=2019571656&VariantID=">forever21.com</a>, Frye Jane 14 Stitch boots in Redwood Leather, $328 at <a href="http://www.zappos.com/frye-jane-14-stitch-redwood-leather">zappos.com</a>: I bought this sweater in the middle of the Olympics when my London fever was raging, and I totally love it. It's a little oversized, has a fun, abstract Union Jack on the front, and is so affordable (if a little itchy) draped over a pencil mini. These boots are my absolutely my new favorite things. They are definitely not cheap, but they are so well made. I'm a little spoiled when it comes to leather boots after years of horseback riding. My boots need to be able to stand up by themselves, and be 100% made of real leather. These are made of a thick, gorgeous leather, lined with leather on the inside as well, with a little heel just over 2" and a slightly pointed, turned-up toe. They have such a '70s feel, the leather is the perfect warm brown color, the insole is nice and squishy, there's great arch support, and basically I want to marry these boots and have their babies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.forever21.com/images/model_front/19571656-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.forever21.com/images/model_front/19571656-01.jpg" width="163" /></a><a href="http://a1.zassets.com/images/z/7/9/8/4/9/0/798490-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a1.zassets.com/images/z/7/9/8/4/9/0/798490-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Is anyone else feeling the 1970's for fall as much as I am?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images via: <a href="http://jcrew.com/">jcrew.com</a>, <a href="http://forever21.com/">forever21.com</a>, <a href="http://zappos.com/">zappos.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-53269905480036707682012-08-07T23:03:00.000-04:002012-08-07T23:03:03.954-04:00Things I'm Loving at the Moment<span style="font-size: x-small;">And now, for another episode of things I bought myself and liked.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ray-Ban Vagabond Sunglasses in Havana Texture, $150 at <a href="http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/rb4152/1073-73">ray-ban.com</a>: I keep thinking that buying nicer sunglasses will keep from from doing dumb things like breaking or losing them...I was wrong. I sat on my Wayfarers, and the damage is probably fixable, but definitely not by me. That's why birthdays are great! I got myself a new pair of sunglasses (to be fair, I have lots of scar tissue on my eyes from a bad case of pink eye, and I am basically blind in the sun, but buying another pair still makes my wallet cry). I was thinking of getting the oversized Wayfarers, but then I saw these little guys, and decided that I wanted to do something different--don't get me wrong, I love Wayfarers, but it seems like everyone and their aunt has one by this point.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">They have a pretty tortoiseshell pattern in a soft brown, with dark brown lenses and exposed nail heads at the temples. The frame is a cute, modified cat-eye.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiPOZjxzxaa2Y-1_AzZ0QfYZS5mtt80C2udD0KVyrVwpjIO2M4ag60ERqlb8ETdrq499-GIYwWCDdN8zB-idw6h1Y6kW6V9VEK9pYnN5r6-WHqdUSEwiFTabzCatCnIonvVkPmHTinam5/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiPOZjxzxaa2Y-1_AzZ0QfYZS5mtt80C2udD0KVyrVwpjIO2M4ag60ERqlb8ETdrq499-GIYwWCDdN8zB-idw6h1Y6kW6V9VEK9pYnN5r6-WHqdUSEwiFTabzCatCnIonvVkPmHTinam5/s400/IMG_0529.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And now the requisite unflattering face shots. I really like these sunglasses, guys! They're pretty wide at the temples, so they create the illusion that my face is thinner (yay), the brown is more flattering than black against pale skin, and the silhouette is a nice combination of modern and '50s inspired. I wholeheartedly recommend these! But if you have a very narrow face, they might be too big--they really are wide at the temples.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXpbwMuhFXyhLw-yowpNGlA4EsnlGVOneYP4BfU6Jb2VBU0liVTPSShYCN6UE1gdT0YCX4y9TNKILP2hPutFuSMntUvakMPYfHtKAIQosRGhLyMlOXWxJjkI86wwDemcQyq2ZIjEUVYXn/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXpbwMuhFXyhLw-yowpNGlA4EsnlGVOneYP4BfU6Jb2VBU0liVTPSShYCN6UE1gdT0YCX4y9TNKILP2hPutFuSMntUvakMPYfHtKAIQosRGhLyMlOXWxJjkI86wwDemcQyq2ZIjEUVYXn/s320/IMG_0531.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fy3PvDfISFizpOCZIIAQQDSl3cgiOUEia4efvVl-Tp_dIEe-jT_znfhgE4q79yZvy0hZvEXhWNDUdayTpc4KAjMktx0RQ6Za0skUQ2kRJhLbvOsnZCCZDPFe-7MusIfihr98zhvNCsnr/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fy3PvDfISFizpOCZIIAQQDSl3cgiOUEia4efvVl-Tp_dIEe-jT_znfhgE4q79yZvy0hZvEXhWNDUdayTpc4KAjMktx0RQ6Za0skUQ2kRJhLbvOsnZCCZDPFe-7MusIfihr98zhvNCsnr/s320/IMG_0530.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry Candle, $26 at <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23921851&catId=THERES_ALSO&pushId=HOME-CANDLE-CANDLES&popId=HOME-CANDLE&navAction=leaf&navCount=8&color=060&fromCategoryPage=true&currentCategory=HOME-CANDLE-CANDLES">anthropologie.com</a>: I lusted after this candle for a LONG time. I saw it at Anthropologie, thought it was super pretty and smelled amazing, balked at the price tag, and walked out of the store (about 10 times) before I finally cracked. I painted my newest room (college y'all) a grey-purple, and I thought that the purple of the candle would look really pretty on my nightstand. Also, I kind of like to collect candles and leave them out so my room smells pretty. This one has a 100 hour burning time, is made of coconut wax, and has notes of huckleberry, vanilla, and sugarcane. It smells sweet, spicy, and juicy, burns cleanly, and has great sillage--my entire room fills up with the scent. Given, I'm only burning it like once a month because I want it to last forever, but 100 hours is pretty decent. So is this the best value for money? No, probably not. But if you like the aesthetics, you like the scent, and you want to splurge a bit, this is a great buy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via <a href="http://www.candlesoffmain.com/voluspa-santiago-huckleberry-jar-candle.aspx">candlesoffmain.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-3463814337737715502012-08-03T12:57:00.000-04:002012-08-03T12:57:00.125-04:00Review: Benefit Watt's Up!<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm a huge fan of highlighters--they're great for making it look like you have cheekbones. I've used powder and cream highlighters, ranging from MAC MSFs to highlighter cremes. However, this newest one is my current favorite. I picked up Benefit's Watt's Up on my last trip to Sephora, and I've been using it everyday since. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Benefit Watt's Up! $30 at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/watt-s-up-P295206?skuId=1357250">sephora.com</a>: How cute is that packaging?! The box has a sweet, retro vibe, and is cute enough to actually keep and not toss out. The product itself comes in a shiny, metallic lilac plastic tube with the product twisting up on one end and a foam blending sponge on the other. A string of retro-style outdoor lights run around the tube, adding to the packaging's charm. Overall, I really like the presentation of Watt's Up. It's modern with it's clean lines but retro in its styling. Plus, I like that they include a blender, even if I'll never use it--I hate attached brushes. How do you wash them?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBUo1jcF6OlZdmowRWBNiuFY6JtFrWI1XZRlBICxiF4qHetzHnK-ATJDewwdL8K1XOjp9Y0Y5WOKv-suwkB_4_xYZrA5ZA2rKETc2w1n_ajsYRTU34VbugwPpOHFVhRZI3XYkrS-4Mh0s/s1600/IMG_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBUo1jcF6OlZdmowRWBNiuFY6JtFrWI1XZRlBICxiF4qHetzHnK-ATJDewwdL8K1XOjp9Y0Y5WOKv-suwkB_4_xYZrA5ZA2rKETc2w1n_ajsYRTU34VbugwPpOHFVhRZI3XYkrS-4Mh0s/s200/IMG_0512.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAuZLASsZ5ewLvEGuzj2gbSObTWb-96MB_0zLTzgvAVLOrLCNi5N62Y7XYmHvaWwORC8-WIOrpwMHddIkg2wI9-jzYPxuHHr6x3tDSZ1aRnjpPU20FpyP9t1NK5nVfdEse2twVC1zSgby/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAuZLASsZ5ewLvEGuzj2gbSObTWb-96MB_0zLTzgvAVLOrLCNi5N62Y7XYmHvaWwORC8-WIOrpwMHddIkg2wI9-jzYPxuHHr6x3tDSZ1aRnjpPU20FpyP9t1NK5nVfdEse2twVC1zSgby/s200/IMG_0513.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's a medium heavy swatch out of direct sunlight and then in sunlight. See how the product barely appears in the shade but then pops once in the light? That's what you want from a highlight, it just looks like your skin is shining. Watt's Up is highly pigmented, with one or two swipes on the finger covering everything you need. It's has a solid cream texture, and feels like butter. The rosy-champagne hue is extremely flattering, and the very fine shimmer keeps it from looking like you have a disco ball on your face. It blends easily, layers nicely, and is all around very easy to work with. I just swipe it across my finger twice, dab it on top of my cheekbones and brow bone, and blend it with my finger, and that's it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J4CdgehsKUOza01hg0qsWxOCN9iDByFv88gbdaEfFj0mjDTtinVwSqDoOoaB_f1Tpn2vr_HBHSYOywtRiav8x97aMDHqakXvzv7pyQ2qY4pwu6tecTAeETqNmHqkdtb1iB_-uF3EXU6m/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J4CdgehsKUOza01hg0qsWxOCN9iDByFv88gbdaEfFj0mjDTtinVwSqDoOoaB_f1Tpn2vr_HBHSYOywtRiav8x97aMDHqakXvzv7pyQ2qY4pwu6tecTAeETqNmHqkdtb1iB_-uF3EXU6m/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvguz64_09DDGb2e8D0wbs5Yb8rUn97JP4yF8N15LP_1u49ADFXg41pd3hI3HpHng05xvuOBTB6dBM2dKhpCRj-LV7GKNnixiZVtBdM7KsKZBX2Q_BCvSoGlVfYQixQczOz6wnubAQanM/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvguz64_09DDGb2e8D0wbs5Yb8rUn97JP4yF8N15LP_1u49ADFXg41pd3hI3HpHng05xvuOBTB6dBM2dKhpCRj-LV7GKNnixiZVtBdM7KsKZBX2Q_BCvSoGlVfYQixQczOz6wnubAQanM/s320/IMG_0517.JPG" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The downsides: I'm not sure this would work on darker skin tones--it could end up looking ashy if over-applied. The lasting power is also meh--I put it on this morning, went for a vigorous workout, and it was barely hanging on by the time I got home. Given that it's so pigmented and you get so much product, that doesn't concern me very much, but be aware that this won't last you all day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: A-. The packaging and application are great, the hue is gorgeous, but the lasting power is less than exceptional. However, it's still a good value for the money, and I'll likely repurchase if I ever run out.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-42006744014242273552012-08-02T17:23:00.000-04:002012-08-02T17:23:08.547-04:00Gym Favorites: JVC and Lululemon<span style="font-size: x-small;">BLOGGER FAILS. Blame the LSAT. That's what I've been doing (for all my problems...ahem). To apologize, I thought I'd share two of my favorite things for workouts--booty shorts and noise isolating headphones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm a bit of a gym junkie--I like to go 5 days a week--so having workout clothes that fit, are comfy, actually work while I'm working out, and look cute is important to me. I was given a pair of these shorts about 8 months ago, thought they would be way too short on me, and promptly forgot about them. However, when it started to get ridiculously hot in Boston a few months back, I was rummaging around for something to wear to the gym without passing out on the way there. These shorts and I then became best friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">They're $48 at <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-shorts/Reverse-Groove-Short-Regular?cc=7370&skuId=3455809&catId=women-shorts">lululemon.com</a>, but I would recommend going into the store because they have wayyyyy more options than the website does (their website is always sold out of things!). I got a pair in black with a black waistband on one side and a grey/pink waistband on the other. I know $48 is a ton for workout shorts. I hate spending money on workout clothes--all I do is sweat on them! I've had the same beat up tennis shoes for like 6 years. They look horrible. But I'm buying another pair of these shorts, and that says something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW7190R_7370_1?$pdp_main$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.lululemon.com/is/image/lululemon/LW7190R_7370_1?$pdp_main$" width="257" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">So, reasons these are amazing. They are the comfiest piece of clothing I own. I actually wear them around the house even if I'm not planning on working out. The waistband hits at a nice place on the hip, eliminating all chances of muffin top. The length is good, just short enough to be easy to run around in, not so short as to be indecent (for reference, I'm 5'8', and these don't ride up). They also make a longer pair if you like your shorts less, well, short. And to top it all off, I've been working out in these multiple times a week, and they're barely showing any signs of wear. AND! I convinced a friend to buy a pair, and she loves them too, so it isn't just me, I swear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">JVC Riptidz Headphones, $7.39 at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/JVC-HAFX8B-Headphone-Riptidz-In-Ear/dp/B005FDOVPM">amazon.com</a>: My Apple headphones broke the other day (and they were my FIFTH PAIR. Also they SUCK. I hate Apple headphones. End of rant.), and I needed a new pair for my workout today, so I picked up these babies at my school bookstore. I bought them in bright purple, because apparently I'm a child. Anyways, these are great! They're less than $10, fit into all my Apple products, and come with three sizes of adjustable ear pads. I ran with them in, and they didn't even come close to falling out, and the sound quality is excellent. But my favorite part is that they fit into the ears so nicely that they basically act as noise canceling headphones, meaning that I don't have to turn whatever I'm listening to up as loudly to hear it (aka saving my delicate little ear drums). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Recap: Buy these awesome comfy booty shorts and super cheap but effective headphones, be happy at the gym.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-92193772651251495112012-07-11T10:46:00.000-04:002012-07-11T10:46:00.392-04:00Dove Nourishing Oil Care Detangler<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've been itching to try Moroccanoil for a longgggg time. I know it's so over-hyped, but I have dry hair, and anything that promises to fix that catches my attention. It's pretty expensive though, and I haven't been able to justify buying it yet. So when I saw that Dove had come out with a detangler spray with argan oil in it, I had to buy it. Unfortunately it was harder to find than I expected! I finally found it at Target, on sale, no less, and had to take it home with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Dove Nourishing Oil Care Detangler is $5.69 at <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/dove-hair-therapy-nourishing-oil-care-detangler/qxp390238">drugstore.com</a>: You get just over 6 oz of product, which is pretty solid. You can see that the product separates in the bottle, with a lighter fluid on top, and you shake it to apply it. It sprays on lightly and very evenly, which I really like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KXpB5b0K3Obf6z9cfFjQzTovHxoFT9aPtejBdzVyyfzdzNWCG30OxEnDSq-0U-jwIWrW85Hboot4SlX9WwKfKhOOzukSHYakadWz_9A5AuDioZwyDKCegTRw7DEzBY2jY5kAD_viO8pZ/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KXpB5b0K3Obf6z9cfFjQzTovHxoFT9aPtejBdzVyyfzdzNWCG30OxEnDSq-0U-jwIWrW85Hboot4SlX9WwKfKhOOzukSHYakadWz_9A5AuDioZwyDKCegTRw7DEzBY2jY5kAD_viO8pZ/s320/IMG_0479.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Smell: I don't love how this smells. I think it's the sweet almond oil in this, because it smells like marzipan. I hate marzipan. Luckily the smell fades, but I cringe a bit when I apply it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: Like I said, the application process is very easy because the spritzer works really nicely. I like the bottle--it's simple, but clean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">How it feels: I really like that this has oil in it, but doesn't feel oily when I apply it. It really feels like my hair absorbs it right up, no matter how much I spritz on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />What it actually does: I use this to detangle my hair and to give my dry ends some moisture. It's really great at detangling. My hair gets gnarly after I shower, and this prevents me from growing dreadlocks, which is always nice. In terms of moisture, I've only been using it for a few days, but I can say that it does help give my hair more moisture. My hair feels softer and healthier when I use this. However, it's certainly not a miracle product. The amount of argan oil in this is admittedly pretty small, so my hopes weren't sky high.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: B+. It's a good detangler and moisturizer that applies easily and is pretty darn affordable. But the argan oil it totes is pretty far down the ingredients list, and I don't think it's a life-changing product by any means.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-85471648144902825092012-07-10T13:25:00.000-04:002012-07-10T13:25:20.136-04:00Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette<span style="font-size: x-small;">I have wanted an Urban Decay Naked palette for SO LONG. They are so pretty, and have so many sparkly eye shadows, and are such a good value. I finally caved and bought myself one for my upcoming birthday (hehe). I picked up Naked 2 instead of the original because Naked had at least two shades I would never use (Creep and Gunmetal skew way too blue for me) and the overall shades were a little warm and a little similar to colors I already owned. Also, the packaging on Naked 2 is prettier, in my humble opinion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Anyways, this is the Naked 2 palette, which is $50 at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/naked2-P302916">Sephora</a>. It comes in this plastic tray that holds the palette and the lip gloss. The palette itself is a warm grey metal, with Naked 2 embossed on the lid. It opens up to reveal 12 eyeshadows, a good-sized mirror, and a double-ended brush. I really like the packaging. It feels modern and sleek, but still luxurious, and very study--I have no worries about this palette breaking at all, and I tend to break things.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisradsPX8tAjhEDz0SzCbH-65nS7DjeNWUQXmVBy0RU236Ha74u4K7d35jn3PUDmx3ERbtQDp-u61sUnLbWrKpzomInAWrwEG78zj06wFZxOGUe3KnEZJq6B0gzqKGD39n0WMWa2V7_CFa/s1600/IMG_0480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisradsPX8tAjhEDz0SzCbH-65nS7DjeNWUQXmVBy0RU236Ha74u4K7d35jn3PUDmx3ERbtQDp-u61sUnLbWrKpzomInAWrwEG78zj06wFZxOGUe3KnEZJq6B0gzqKGD39n0WMWa2V7_CFa/s400/IMG_0480.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lip Junkie gloss in Naked: The lip gloss is itty-bitty, and has a squeeze applicator. The color is a pinky-brown with frosty shimmer, and a minty vanilla flavor. It's a nicely packaged little gloss, but I'm honestly never going to use it. I don't like sticky glosses, the color is a little blah, and I hate frosty shimmer in my lip glosses. I wish it had been replaced with a Primer Potion sample instead, although I'm sure the color and the formula of the gloss will really work for some people.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPHfx4i_lnS2KbokEacCb9EPKdtWn0QjafxQWWPPQl14TKoZEFXK9PKBloQBmkM6wFxEap3Oui6KsnODmPoTK89nP7mJi3JI7JbF4yFJQLPDci0JO_6b0O3xLrc_WYMBoTHSmsgw4nIEM/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPHfx4i_lnS2KbokEacCb9EPKdtWn0QjafxQWWPPQl14TKoZEFXK9PKBloQBmkM6wFxEap3Oui6KsnODmPoTK89nP7mJi3JI7JbF4yFJQLPDci0JO_6b0O3xLrc_WYMBoTHSmsgw4nIEM/s200/IMG_0484.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcET88v_Oseew2o5Jm5Q_j_HMmWvv2h7D2IO8PnSFemXPzMvF3i5eS_O7NAMri0RRy57zq_gXlISHFy-Cg2tUU5nkJiLvX6sIPLxnCgMrvE8i4mmujvBZv0d7wlD2v8e317Epr_5T04Ru/s1600/IMG_0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcET88v_Oseew2o5Jm5Q_j_HMmWvv2h7D2IO8PnSFemXPzMvF3i5eS_O7NAMri0RRy57zq_gXlISHFy-Cg2tUU5nkJiLvX6sIPLxnCgMrvE8i4mmujvBZv0d7wlD2v8e317Epr_5T04Ru/s200/IMG_0486.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Once you open the palette, you can see that the mirror is actually large enough to apply your eyeshadow with! So that's exciting (usually those tiny mirrors in eyeshadow palettes are just ridiculous). You have the 12 shadows, arranged kind of from light to dark, although not consistently, and the Good Karma brush below the shadows. I really like this brush. I've been using it with the shadows every day. It has a flat applicator side and a skinny, but fluffy, blending brush on the other. The bristles are synthetic (yay), and work really nicely. It applies shadow neatly and blends it flawlessly. I'm so glad this brush comes with the palette, because it really does make it travel appropriate. If you don't need primer, you could just bring that little palette with you and be done with all your eye makeup needs.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJY5EB_04Gb-UAUthKQ-XNMB0fwzM12wZ3jJ5KELR0aGehCHrVSIrM-Hb3IzSOSFKZGQE9YHp7mVs1f0z1_9GPkB2_MPKSmH2PNvqFSAN_-SvntLiGfbGg-MTy-sG4Q0qXln-7_PugSel/s1600/IMG_0487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJY5EB_04Gb-UAUthKQ-XNMB0fwzM12wZ3jJ5KELR0aGehCHrVSIrM-Hb3IzSOSFKZGQE9YHp7mVs1f0z1_9GPkB2_MPKSmH2PNvqFSAN_-SvntLiGfbGg-MTy-sG4Q0qXln-7_PugSel/s200/IMG_0487.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7taMJi7IF_aoMDWQkUt-RBQvu4DLctkBPOwGV-Nks2R68MWeSiMbAShsJwVCcbyxhABfNvNviMnY8t7ekYDPX2QG45WG-8Ug8NGQ2QoJ_jpZr_bIWTYD4bGATsr8XfubqqU5f2wVlDrn5/s1600/IMG_0488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7taMJi7IF_aoMDWQkUt-RBQvu4DLctkBPOwGV-Nks2R68MWeSiMbAShsJwVCcbyxhABfNvNviMnY8t7ekYDPX2QG45WG-8Ug8NGQ2QoJ_jpZr_bIWTYD4bGATsr8XfubqqU5f2wVlDrn5/s200/IMG_0488.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">From left to right: Blackout, Busted, YDK, Verve, Pistol, Suspect, Snake Bite, Teas, Chopper, Bootycall, Half Baked, Foxy. I swatched all of these dry--you could get more pigment if you applied them wet, but I found that they all applied very nicely dry and without a lot of effort. The only issues I had were with Tease and Pistol, which I had trouble getting to show up on my arm, although I haven't had trouble getting them to show up on my eye.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM0mdniv5vpt3Yg5XQaU6eN77VTKIKoAl47tu0ds5HU8-onCTUdgmjVlEsCDuhQMgnVjmnf9vHxOc1Yf0wTh_iSe2ed1hR3COlNcBByO_1ygfVbIButqIHdLe2hW_gBUgC1UMv_coFGEc/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAM0mdniv5vpt3Yg5XQaU6eN77VTKIKoAl47tu0ds5HU8-onCTUdgmjVlEsCDuhQMgnVjmnf9vHxOc1Yf0wTh_iSe2ed1hR3COlNcBByO_1ygfVbIButqIHdLe2hW_gBUgC1UMv_coFGEc/s400/IMG_0489.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Left to right: Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, Snake Bite: Foxy is a matte, creamy bisque. It's hard to see on the far left there because it's such a light color, but it is very pigmented. It's similar to MAC's Brule, and makes a nice lid shade or highlighter shade if you don't like sparkle in your highlighters. Half Baked (also in Naked 1) is a shimmering golden bronze. It's very metallic and applies like butter. I don't love that it's in both palettes, because that makes it harder to justify buying Naked 1! Bootycall is a lightly shimmery nude champagne that also makes a great highlighter or lid shade--it's a pink, shimmery version of Foxy. Chopper is a shimmery copper with silver microglitter. It's a very similar shade to MUFE's Aqua Cream #12 (which I also own) with the inclusion of silver shimmer. I like that mixed metallics idea. It applies, again, like butter, with a small amount of fallout. Tease is a medium, warm matte brown that reminds me of a slightly warmer, darker version of MAC's Wedge. It is slightly less pigmented than other shadows in the palette, not to the point where it's hard to use, but the contrast is pretty noticeable when 10 other shadows are much more pigmented. Snake Bite is a bronzey-brown with a metallic base. It looks much prettier in real life than on my arm, and it's actually one of my favorite colors in the palette. It's just such a flattering, easy to work with color. I've been using it on my lashline and crease for smokey definition that creates shape but isn't too dark.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQBQ3jKi3fS0yDdMMeFyzHhdVQpaWk5omNz_EQ-URSC4R8zo0TcbVF_R-gvBXG2WJyb1n8pZkaQHN2iJPSuzW8_h9WRmbz91p5_uRZgDwC8Xvi0ZwcGBSndEqGpj2zcZeuR9xu_kUudk1/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQBQ3jKi3fS0yDdMMeFyzHhdVQpaWk5omNz_EQ-URSC4R8zo0TcbVF_R-gvBXG2WJyb1n8pZkaQHN2iJPSuzW8_h9WRmbz91p5_uRZgDwC8Xvi0ZwcGBSndEqGpj2zcZeuR9xu_kUudk1/s400/IMG_0490.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Left to right: Blackout, Busted, YDK, Verve, Pistol, Suspect: Blackout is a matte black, plain and simple. It's not exciting, but it is very nicely pigmented, especially compared to other matte blacks I've tried, like MAC's Carbon. I like that it's in this palette because it's not something I'd buy on its own, but it's such a good color to own, especially for smokey eyes! Busted is a shimmering deep brown, slightly darker and cooler than Snake Bite. I like that this palette gives you two different brown options for contouring and smokey eyes. YDK is another one of my favorite colors. It's a cool bronze metallic shade, with a bit of a rose gold feel. It looks like a million bucks on your lids, and it's just such an interesting color that really pops. Verve is a brownish grey with a lot of metallic shimmer. I don't usually go for grey eye shadows, but this one pulls warm on me, which makes it much more flattering and easy to wear. Pistol is a shimmery, deeper, more grey grey-brown (say that 10 times fast) that was really hard to swatch on my arm. It's not the kind of color I'll wear all the time, but it is nice to have a solid, neutral grey in the palette. Lastly, Suspect is a golden beige with a metallic, shimmery finish. It's another one of my favorites because it's such an interesting neutral that would be flattering on a wide range of skin tones.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRBtWwV1h-jhurFdFLWnGQ9pj9bjC-_lCUDNY33CSO4HYgK7axk88cnE8xhacmIPE-tLS1dF0nA_GubXXcxD4KJptb0tIr6N_DRtNUTcViTmkh_pybedxuVk2oT1GWcZL8KkIWd2HnCjG/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRBtWwV1h-jhurFdFLWnGQ9pj9bjC-_lCUDNY33CSO4HYgK7axk88cnE8xhacmIPE-tLS1dF0nA_GubXXcxD4KJptb0tIr6N_DRtNUTcViTmkh_pybedxuVk2oT1GWcZL8KkIWd2HnCjG/s400/IMG_0491.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In terms of lasting power, I've been wearing these with a primer (MAC's Painterly) in the 80-90 degree humid Boston heat, and getting about 10 hours of wear before I get significant fading and creasing. Given that this heat and humidity is not normal, I'd say the wear time on these shadows, especially in a cooler climate, is pretty darn good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: A+! This is such a good value for the money. $50 for a mini gloss, a good quality brush, and 12 sizeable shadows is fantastic. I know I'm going to wear at least 10 of these shades all the time, and this is so convenient for traveling. I'd definitely buy this for a friend--it's a great buy for a makeup addict or a makeup newbie.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-60941886618793651362012-06-28T19:26:00.003-04:002012-06-28T19:27:30.407-04:00My Perfect Face Routine (Drugstore and High-end!)<span style="font-size: x-small;">I thought I'd do a round-up of all my face makeup--primer, BB cream, and foundation. These are all products that I use either everyday or very often. I like them all, none of them irritate my skin or break me out, and I'd buy them all again, so I really recommend them all. For the record, I'm very pale with warm undertones, with acne-prone combination skin. Oh, and there's a pretty nail polish at the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Primer: <a href="http://www.sephora.com/quercetin-oak-age-reversing-primer-P257500?skuId=1229624">Korres Quercetin & Oak Age-reversing Primer</a>, BB Cream: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garnier-Miracle-Perfector-Light-medium/dp/B006WVCF1I/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Garnier Fructis BB Cream</a>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A friend of mine gave me this primer. It comes in a 1 ounce, flexible tube, smells like grapefruit, and goes on feeling like a light moisturizer. I use a pea sized amount for my entire face in-between moisturizing and BB cream. It's chockful of anti-oxidants and other things that are supposed to be good for your skin, and it has no silicone! Yay! Silicone primers break me out like there's no tomorrow. I've been using it every day. I put my foundation on around 10AM, go to the gym, and bop around all day, and I've noticed that this definitely keeps my foundation lasting longer. It still fades off my blemishes by the end of the day, but in terms of overall lasting power and keeping redness at bay, I get about 3 hours more wear from using this primer. That makes me very happy! I think this tube is going to last me a long time, but I think I'd buy myself one when I used it up. After my primer I use a BB cream. I know that sounds silly since I also use a foundation, but I've noticed that with a lighter foundation, like Colorstay, the BB cream helps give me just a little extra coverage and a slightly nicer finish. I grabbed the Garnier Fructis BB cream because, well it was cheap. I have the light-medium shade. It's a pretty thick, moisturizer-esque consistency, with a yummy citrus-floral smell and SPF 15! Yay SPF! I love it for that reason alone. Light-medium is definitely dark on me. I couldn't wear this as my only coverage (both because it's too dark and it's too sheer), but it has a really pretty finish on the skin, and it's going to last me a long time, so I think it's a winner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1229624-main-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1229624-main-hero.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xoHmaTo+L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xoHmaTo+L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Drugstore Foundation: <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/revlon-colorstay-for-combooily-skin-makeup-with-spf-6-sand-beige-180/qxp149233?catid=183551">Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff Chamois 150</a>, <a href="http://www.sephora.com/sheer-glow-foundation-P247355?skuId=1202167">Nars Sheer Glow in Montblanc</a>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sheer Glow I've <a href="http://awkwardchic.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-nars-sheer-glow-in-mont-blanc.html">reviewed before</a>, and I still love it. However, it's still $42 a bottle. So that's difficult. I picked up Revlon's Colorstay foundation as a day-to-day alternative to save some money. Colorstay is about $12 at CVS and comes in a nice range of shades if you're pale, not so nice if you aren't. It has a pretty, natural finish, layers nicely (I need 2-3 layers for good coverage), applies easily with my fingers, and lasts almost all day. It's pretty liquidy and has a certain chemical smell, but I have no major qualms with it. Long story short, Sheer Glow is definitely a nicer foundation, but Colorstay is a pretty good buy. In terms of shade comparisons, Montblanc is slightly pinker and deeper than Buff Chamois, which is lighter and more neutral-toned. Either one is a good match if you're NW15-20, but Buff Chamois is actually a better color for me. Colorstay has a more natural, slightly matte finish than Sheer Glow, which has a very dewy finish. They're both pretty negligible in terms of SPF. Sheer Glow is a medium coverage foundation on me, and Colorstay is light-medium. They both last for the same amount of time on me, and both work equally well with my combination skin (not making me too oily or dry and not breaking me out). I wouldn't say that Colorstay is a dupe for Sheer Glow, but it's a viable alternative, especially if you want to save some money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/149233/300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/149233/300.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1202191-main-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1202191-main-hero.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I know the Korres primer and Nars Sheer Glow are on the expensive side. They are lovely, and if you can swing them, I recommend them. However, the BB Cream does act as a decent primer and the Colorstay is a nice foundation, so they're good drugstore alternatives if you're like me and on a student budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/OPI-Spiderman-Collection-Call-Gwen-Ever/dp/B007XX4DVO">OPI polish in Call Me Gwen-ever</a>: Please excuse the horrible picture. Call Me Gwen-never is a really lovely, muted orange-coral. It's an opaque cream, covers in 2 coats, and lasts a full week on me with Poshe topcoat. I've been wearing it for weeks--it looks equally good on fingers and toes, and I think it would be flattering on a wide range of skin tones and hues. I got bored and did two stripes of Chanel Graphite with some tape. Yay attempted nail art!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyOZfiiEOjcXjShTnmt_ixcIxVs5FkNF4O2QINew-s1JLsmYNyLA8WsqgaFo4MAiFRoP8vxrFCvdA290cgoQuouy-7go5Kf9O-2Btyx8mZ0VukOxDJUwzsiXkV7ZMSlIDstNKYBCBA1wK/s1600/IMG_0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyOZfiiEOjcXjShTnmt_ixcIxVs5FkNF4O2QINew-s1JLsmYNyLA8WsqgaFo4MAiFRoP8vxrFCvdA290cgoQuouy-7go5Kf9O-2Btyx8mZ0VukOxDJUwzsiXkV7ZMSlIDstNKYBCBA1wK/s320/IMG_0463.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images via: <a href="http://sephora.com/">sephora.com</a>, <a href="http://amazon.com/">amazon.com</a>, <a href="http://drugstore.com/">drugstore.com</a>. </span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-23354720681585384252012-06-25T08:26:00.000-04:002012-06-25T08:26:00.228-04:00Cheap, Adorable Screen-printed Tanks? I Say Yes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I love Etsy, y'all. I was looking to buy some cute, casual tanks for wearing around the house. I love the American Apparel tri-blend tanks--we've gotten them for sorority stuff, and they are the comfiest and have a really nice fit. I was going to buy some of them, when I realized that they were being sold on Etsy, for the same price as at American Apparel, but with adorable screen-printing! Actually, if you factor in the American Apparel shipping vs. the Etsy shipping, it's cheaper to buy them on Etsy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anyways, I found the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZenThreads?ref=seller_info">Zen Threads Etsy shop</a>. They sell a bunch of American Apparel products, tanks, cardigans, hoodies, etc, and home-wares, like towels and such, with a variety of screen-printed designs on them. You can choose the item color and they give you a few options for the color of the designs, depending on the shirt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
I picked up the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73305957/unisex-california-bear-tri-blend-tank">California Bear tank</a> in tri-black with yellow ink and the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74117360/unisex-day-of-the-dead-tri-blend-tank">Day of the Dead tank</a> in tri-lemon with white ink. How cute is that bear?! And it has a little map of California on it (I'm from California, so this makes me inordinately happy). I love Day of the Dead related things, so I think the slightly creepy, slightly floral nature of that skull is awesome. It's just the right balance of morbid and sweet. I got it in a bright tank with white ink to mitigate the whole, I'm wearing a skull t-shirt factor.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434094/il_570xN.255011612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434094/il_570xN.255011612.jpg" width="308" /></a><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.333713299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.333713299.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Obviously now I need to buy more of them (I have restraint issues). If I could pull off the American Apparel pullovers--that shape is the worst on me--I'd totally get the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81083783/womens-honey-tri-blend-pullover-american">Honey Pullover</a>. I like the weird bee. It has a slightly Victorian, taxidermist feel to it. And I'm dying over the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76259360/unisex-moose-in-snow-shoes-tri-blend">Moose in Snow Shoes tank</a>. It's a moose! Wearing snow shoes! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434094/il_570xN.253766883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434094/il_570xN.253766883.jpg" width="308" /></a><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434094/il_570xN.346134530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5434094/il_570xN.346134530.jpg" width="299" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So when I got these in the mail and they were so much cuter than I'd been expecting, I realized that obviously I'd have to wear them out of the house. At which point my housemate chimed in, "You never wear graphic tees!" And she was totally right. I am not a graphic tee kind of person. But I have to make an exception for these. They are totally quirky adorable and non-obnoxious. I've been wearing them partially tucked into <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_factory_category/avacationshop/PRDOVR%7E77665/ENE%7E1+2+3+22+4294967294+20%7E%7E%7E205+17%7E90%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E/77665.jsp">a colored denim mini</a> with a little leather jacket. It feels casual but still polished and summer appropriate. So yes, I do wear graphic tees! At least for now.<br />
</span></div>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-56847085709406494412012-06-19T17:53:00.000-04:002012-06-19T17:53:02.079-04:00TokyoMilk Dark Tainted Love No. 62 Perfume<span style="font-size: x-small;">TokyoMilk is a niche fragrance line, with fun, offbeat and affordable scents that come in adorable little packages. ToykoMilk Dark is their new line of 'provocative perfumes' with fabulously morbid, almost Victorian packaging. Reading the scent descriptions and seeing the packaging, I assumed that each 1.6 ounce perfume bottle would retail for about $80. They actually cost $36. So I ordered one just based off the website description! (Not something I usually do at all)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I ordered the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/femme-fatale-collection-tainted-love-no-62-P311129?skuId=1424340">Tainted Love perfume</a>; that's the box and the bottle below. The box is black with white type, and an embossed pattern on two sides. The bottle is a matte black cut glass with a shiny gunmetal cap. On one side of the bottle is the creator's name, Margot Elena, on the next is the brand name, perfume name, the number of the perfume, and the notes in the perfume (in this case, dark vanilla bean, orchid, white tea, and sandalwood), on the next side is the embellished perfume number, and on the front side is the symbol attached to the perfume (in this case, a skeleton key), the brand name, and the perfume name.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglTCR9KpBsC7ohbqXlPYZjQKPHqmj681d19dcBw5RyeJkkSoM_nqwS_LR9RosnNnhtqewqI45IGffFdUlo3OFZIol1isUColTB5qfF3ns1uIjklOQSzy-uSAP2lcPwIv2d-nBa5yO7zz_/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglTCR9KpBsC7ohbqXlPYZjQKPHqmj681d19dcBw5RyeJkkSoM_nqwS_LR9RosnNnhtqewqI45IGffFdUlo3OFZIol1isUColTB5qfF3ns1uIjklOQSzy-uSAP2lcPwIv2d-nBa5yO7zz_/s320/IMG_0459.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZKhioaGXUf2HeV2L1TVW3xIHWvzH9jhXIxU0UI32p4Q91Rgec49OylpKukftIufhyVbmeyB12eqBoqk4CFagSO3PbY6kpnROORs1O_F_QN2QAb3GiMIcY0RzanzMOWPnOf9KT-BawLl2/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZKhioaGXUf2HeV2L1TVW3xIHWvzH9jhXIxU0UI32p4Q91Rgec49OylpKukftIufhyVbmeyB12eqBoqk4CFagSO3PbY6kpnROORs1O_F_QN2QAb3GiMIcY0RzanzMOWPnOf9KT-BawLl2/s320/IMG_0460.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">So, here's my breakdown of the Tainted Love perfume:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Packaging: The packaging is obviously gorgeous. It looks so expensive! And it's a gorgeous addition to a vanity. I like the balance of Victorian imagery and minimalist restraint. In all honesty, I think the packaging clinched the purchase for me.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The scent: the listed notes are dark vanilla bean, white tea, orchid, and sandalwood. When I sniff it, the first thing that hits me is the vanilla. I think that's the most prominent note here. Then I get sandalwood and white tea, which keeps that vanilla from getting too sweet and too wet. The orchid keeps from going in a slightly masculine direction by adding just a whiff of florals. The overall impression I get is vanilla and incense, slightly dry and smokey but still feminine. It's an unusual scent, to be sure, but I really love it. It's sweet and feminine, but it definitely has a strong edge to it. In a way, it's almost slightly morbid, with a hint of danger underlying that vanilla.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lasting power: I'm not trusting my nose with this. To me, it doesn't seem to have a ton of sillage or lasting power. I can't smell it really unless I try to, and while I can still smell it faintly at the end of the day, it's definitely not strong. However, I was wearing it out the other day, and a friend of mine, from a few feet away, smelled it and commented on it (after I'd been wearing it for a few hours). So I think it's decent in that regard? It's certainly not overwhelming. I'd say it's a subtle, close to your skin kind of perfume.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: A. I love the packaging, the price, and the scent. The lasting power brings it down from an A+ to an A. I want to try more of them! I'm particularly eying <a href="http://www.sephora.com/femme-fatale-collection-everything-nothing-no-10-P311123?skuId=1424365">Everything & Nothing</a>, which has notes of rose, mandarin, tangerine, white jasmine, peony, muguet, amber, and white musk (Sephora describes it as refined, hopeful, and poetic), and also <a href="http://www.sephora.com/femme-fatale-collection-excess-no-28-P311125?skuId=1424373">Excess</a>, which has notes of patchouli, amber resin, blood orange, and oak bark (Sephora describes it as majestic, posh, and bold). Don't those sound pretty?!</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-17875914467137845382012-06-16T16:04:00.000-04:002012-06-16T16:04:10.153-04:00Kate Spade Summer Purse Steal + Zoya<span style="font-size: x-small;">Guys, this purse is a total steal and everyone should get one, and that's basically the point of this post. Well, also that I found some cute nail polish. You should buy that too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kate Spade Horseshoe Cove Scout in Natural/Black, on sale for $139 down from $278 at <a href="http://www.katespade.com/designer-handbags/fabric-purses/horseshoe-cove-scout/098689176697,default,pd.html">katespade.com</a>: The story to how I just bought this bag is funny. I was thinking of what I wanted for my 21st birthday, and one of the things that I was thinking about getting was a nice bag. One of my good friends just bought one of the bags I was thinking about, <a href="http://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c6189/4299/moreviews/">the Mulberry Alexa</a>, which is absolutely gorgeous. It's also absolutely expensive. So then I stumbled across a cheaper alternative, <a href="http://us.asos.com/search/cambridge-satchel?hrd=1&q=cambridge+satchel">the Cambridge Satchel</a>. How cute are those bags?! Adorable. But the actual Cambridge Satchel website is super unreliable, and I don't love the colors that they have on Asos. So then I stumbled across the Kate Spade Scout bags, and they happened to be wayyyy on sale. Like half off. And they come in an adorable range of colors, and have magnet clasps instead of actually having to use the buckles, and an adorable lining, and basically I love them. They come in either all patent leather (for $50 more) or lacquered canvas with patent leather trim. I ordered the black yesterday because I figured it would be the most practical and wearable (although I seriously debated about getting the pink version. It's so cute!). The interior is lined with a sweet polka dot fabric, and there are two main compartments, with a smaller zippered compartment as well. The strap is adjustable, and the perfect length to wear cross-body. What I really love is the size. It's about 10" wide and 7" tall, which is just the right size to fit all the things I need without giving me too much space to fill with lots of things that I don't really need.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=52313720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=52313720" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It also comes in <a href="http://www.katespade.com/designer-handbags/fabric-purses/horseshoe-cove-scout/PXRU3276-1,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU3276-1_color=121&start=1&cgid=sale-handbags">Natural/Coral</a> and <a href="http://www.katespade.com/designer-handbags/fabric-purses/horseshoe-cove-scout/098689176697,default,pd.html">Natural/Wheatgrass</a>, and how cute is that pink. I think aesthetically, for how much these purses cost (on sale! so affordable!), these are a slam dunk. The structured, boxy shape is very retro, the treated canvas has a summery feel, and the shiny patent trim adds a nice modern touch. I'm really glad that I splurged on this, because I think it's the kind of purse that I can get a lot of wear out of, year round. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.pursepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kate-spade-horseshoe-cove-scout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://www.pursepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kate-spade-horseshoe-cove-scout.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Katespade/PXRU3276_163?$s7productgrid$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Katespade/PXRU3276_163?$s7productgrid$" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Zoya polish in Wednesday, $8 at <a href="http://zoya.com/content/38/item/Zoya/Zoya-Nail-Polish-Wednesday-ZP619.html">zoya.com</a>: Zoya describes it as a faded, dirty medium turquoise with a green undertone and an opaque cream finish. I actually got this a few months ago (ahem, I am the worst) and I've been wearing it allllllll the time, on my fingers and toes! It's just such a fun color. It's a slightly muted, greener version of Tiffany blue, and it's surprisingly flattering, especially against a tan. It's bright, but it doesn't look childish. It applies like a dream, opaque in two coats, and lasts a week on me (that manicure is 2-3 days old). The picture on the left has flash, the picture on the right doesn't.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST7bLFof2b3KTKRV-R3lXBLpygvAeTgodAcWfvCB3GGBGAs6kN_j4bUCQLId1vTVAK0ZaGdOnSl03_d4x3ToDy_WP5t9dFznC-Slyv-YA4fAyy4VWiNMd9TcS7QeKCnaHuJuSUwWVy_kt/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjST7bLFof2b3KTKRV-R3lXBLpygvAeTgodAcWfvCB3GGBGAs6kN_j4bUCQLId1vTVAK0ZaGdOnSl03_d4x3ToDy_WP5t9dFznC-Slyv-YA4fAyy4VWiNMd9TcS7QeKCnaHuJuSUwWVy_kt/s320/IMG_0457.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5AtnLT_WzHzv_qDjlrWAWylXwh8jU6RfsYB9VP2zFx-h_wpd3uZB2YbBxA0b9tXuz_ZRnD1CQxkWAbqjfnSU1i-Fm7JvuZ8K0ZVjiWNm2NIgGVaGExEl_F5LQugbZjgYTW53hY41YSNm/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5AtnLT_WzHzv_qDjlrWAWylXwh8jU6RfsYB9VP2zFx-h_wpd3uZB2YbBxA0b9tXuz_ZRnD1CQxkWAbqjfnSU1i-Fm7JvuZ8K0ZVjiWNm2NIgGVaGExEl_F5LQugbZjgYTW53hY41YSNm/s320/IMG_0458.JPG" width="239" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Buy both these things! They are great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images via <a href="http://pursepage.com/">pursepage.com</a>, <a href="http://polyvore.com/">polyvore.com</a>, <a href="http://katespade.com/">katespade.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-68343890420500171232012-06-13T17:26:00.003-04:002012-06-13T17:26:43.772-04:00Summer Steals: Target Winifred Braided Sandals<span style="font-size: x-small;">A few months ago, a friend of mine was wearing these adorable sandals. I asked her where she got them, expecting her to say something like Kitson or some little local store in Austin, where she's from (because they look like something a little local brand would make, or the Kitson interpretation of that sort of thing). But she said Target. I don't usually look for shoes at Target because they honestly haven't been that great in the past. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But the other week I was in Target running errands, and I ran into those sandals. They are so cheap! Given, they aren't real leather, but at $15, who cares. They come in coral, blue, and a natural brown, and have braided faux-leather straps that adjust around the ankle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Target Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, $14.99 at <a href="http://www.target.com/p/womens-mossimo-supply-co-winifred-braided-flat-sandal-assorted/-/A-13788642">target.com</a>: I picked up the brown version, since I figured I'd get the most wear out of them. What I love about these sandals is that they look very elegant on (I would demonstrate with a picture, but my feet aren't that pretty). The straps are pretty minimal, but the braiding adds a lot of visual interest. It's a refreshing alternative to gladiators, and despite how they look, they are very comfy and they stay on the foot really well. The sole is pretty thin and has no arch support, but again, it's $15. That said, the quality of the sandal is pretty good for the price--I've worn them pretty constantly for a month and they are holding up nicely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/78/13787803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/78/13787803.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here are the other two colors--I really want to pick up the pink! And the blue. Basically all of them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/78/13788087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/78/13788087.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/78/13787982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://img1.targetimg1.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/13/78/13787982.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Long story short: these are a great deal, super comfortable, and look really nice on. You can wear them with a floaty sundress for an earthy touch, or with a cute colorful skirt and top for a beachy twist. They're the perfect summer sandal because they're versatile, you can get all the colors, and if you lose or break them, it's not a big deal ($15!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images via <a href="http://target.com/">target.com</a>.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8632373428179339041.post-81971799152019921752012-06-12T15:59:00.000-04:002012-06-12T15:59:07.620-04:00Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Eye Shadows<span style="font-size: x-small;">I HAVE INTERNET! I know that's not exciting for most people, but it's really exciting for me (I'm paying bills, kids!) and now I can blog! (And just using exclamation points, I swear).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">So I meant to review these a while ago, but I got distracted with life things. I actually bought the taupe one in January, and used it almost every day this past semester, and I'm only about a third of the way through! You can see the little dent I made below. I have #15 Taupe and #12 Golden Copper, both $23 at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/aqua-cream-P262109?skuId=1246958">sephora.com</a>. With the MUFE Aqua Creams, you get .21 oz. That's $109.52/ounce, compared to $118.75/ounce for the Benefit cream shadows, so it's a good deal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">They come in these little plastic tubs, with screw on black lids. I like that the tubs are clear, so you can really see the color you're getting, and while I'm usually scared of twist-on lids for cream products, because I think they tend to dry out, I've had that taupe one for months and it's still going strong. The packaging doesn't feel super luxurious, but it's sturdy and clean, which I like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOKU5_n_LrBlStJwWS69COvIDlWcAJoKlnBdPrgdabSOd0nQhpMhZ8tZYktdztoiYqC3N9cfDAgpfMC8InCBR8AYJnV65UEL4fIn_vMV6QEGEeE0JZFE8vOMAexr7u9KgHRPk81deoxyW/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOKU5_n_LrBlStJwWS69COvIDlWcAJoKlnBdPrgdabSOd0nQhpMhZ8tZYktdztoiYqC3N9cfDAgpfMC8InCBR8AYJnV65UEL4fIn_vMV6QEGEeE0JZFE8vOMAexr7u9KgHRPk81deoxyW/s200/IMG_0454.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVJSdyPd6xTuk4tc1Z0k91s8z9n0HMKcFdTHnCjbN4qzlFs5qjRMfYGRPs9qsW6z2CXmSsmLrTs3ixr6FEVRxVWV4U7LqkV4-aFCTXeuLY1aqnV04k5z0ATBOSVTIcNSI6JltiDLEqQPi/s1600/IMG_0453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVJSdyPd6xTuk4tc1Z0k91s8z9n0HMKcFdTHnCjbN4qzlFs5qjRMfYGRPs9qsW6z2CXmSsmLrTs3ixr6FEVRxVWV4U7LqkV4-aFCTXeuLY1aqnV04k5z0ATBOSVTIcNSI6JltiDLEqQPi/s200/IMG_0453.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">As for the colors, you can see in the swatch that the taupe on the left is warm taupe with a slight metallic sheen, and the copper is a very warm, golden copper with a strong metallic finish. I love the formula. It does a have chemical smell that isn't so pleasant, but it doesn't linger on the skin. In the tub, it feels firm, but when you run your finger across the shadow, it comes off on your finger like butter. It is so intensely pigmented that I can just dab it two or three times and cover my entire lid. I can really see one of these lasting a year with constant use. You do have to blend them pretty quickly, as they set and then do NOT budge, but I don't have trouble blending them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh3l4oJKp94NsmoshvDlwQTnlcqxX_Lvch44EFKMlsv5IpXejRdaYIqoIGiUd8yGXDupmaJdbzRrBqLV67-f7IlTtlKBhpE_lp6IkEbOFcy0_vgUsN151JF8E1odpKhPj-tWQGnHmpFnl/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh3l4oJKp94NsmoshvDlwQTnlcqxX_Lvch44EFKMlsv5IpXejRdaYIqoIGiUd8yGXDupmaJdbzRrBqLV67-f7IlTtlKBhpE_lp6IkEbOFcy0_vgUsN151JF8E1odpKhPj-tWQGnHmpFnl/s320/IMG_0455.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The lasting power is phenomenal. I can go to the gym and run around all day, and it's still going strong 10 hours later, with little to no creasing (I do use a MAC Paint Pot as primer). What I really love about these is that I can throw one on my lid, blend it with a crease color, throw in a little highlight, and be done for the day. It's simple, but it can still be really high impact. I've honestly stopped using powder shadows on my lids because I just love the wet-look finish you get from cream shadows. Usually that comes with short staying power, but not in this case!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">These Aqua Creams come in a wide range of fun colors, from the more neutral to the very dramatic. I'm looking at picking up the pretty Warm Beige next. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Awkward Chic rating: A+. I am so sold on these. I have next to no criticisms of them (the smell? Eh), and the price is right.</span>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07249402485963102622noreply@blogger.com1