Some Current Favorites - Beauty products

Okay, so I have had this post in my drafts for maybe a year.  No lie, I totally forgot about it. However, even though it's an old post, these are still the items I reach for time and time again. So maybe this post is more relevant since I've had almost a year of using and loving these products! So (finally) here are the beauty products I've been reaching for over and over the past few months year.

Clockwise from top:

L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur concealer - it just blends so well and gives good coverage without caking. I have used this as a foundation substitute in a pinch when I was travelling.

Tony & Guy Wave Memorising balm - I like the way this worked.  They've discontinued it or changed it or something and I can't find it anymore (the link is to the only version I can find). I'm still partial to this one (which is also becoming impossible to find - of course).

Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum - this is a "holy grail" item for me, it's by far the easiest felt tip pen-type liquid eyeliner I've tried and it's long-lasting!  I've got it in the Black and Ultra-Black.  Not sure about the "lash boosting" aspect of this but that's not why I buy or use it.  The tip keeps it's shape too.

Here's an up close look at the tip.

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil - I'm so bad at doing my brows, but I don't feel like such a brow idiot when I use this.  The shape and formula make it so easy and natural looking.

Urban Decay De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray - This stuff has changed my life.  Okay that's a bit dramatic, but it has totally helped with keeping my makeup in place throughout the day.  I've already used up the bottle in this picture and re-purchased. And to show how old this photo is, they've redesigned the packaging - lol!

ColourPop Super Shock Eyeshadow in "Bill" - The most beautiful matte mauve.  I've already hit pan on this and will repurchase for sure!

Here it is swatched on my hand.  It's a really lovely mauve.

Small Jewelry Tray (different patterns)

This post contains affiliate links.

What I'm Loving Right Now - YouTube Channels

Do you watch any YouTube channels?  Is that only for teens and preteens (feels like it, right)?  Am I late to the game because I'm over 40?  So many questions.  Well, since we cut the cable cord and only do Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, I've discovered this whole new world of YouTube.  I became familiar with YouTube and the idea of content creation via my 8 year old who loves watching the people who open and review toys.  But I really had no idea about just how many people were creating content that would be interesting to me in any way.  And I had no idea about vlogs, I mean, I knew about them, but didn't think they would be interesting at all.  I was wrong, I'm addicted to them at the moment.  So here are the channels/people that I'm loving now.

Kristina Braly (formerly Pretty Shiny Sparkly) - she was my gateway YouTuber, she lead me down the rabbit hole and she doesn't even know it.  She's beauty, luxury, etc and I love her vlogs.




Lydia Elise Millen - I LOVE HER!  There I said it.  She's just so real and beautiful and lovely and sweet.  She's my #1 favorite right now, she covers beauty, luxury and her vlogs are so fun.  Her fiance is great too, love his channel as well.




The Gold Project - Nothing slick and chic here, just useful information about organizing, packing, planning and other "boring" stuff.  And honestly, the boring stuff is the stuff that can make your life easy or hard. So I'm always looking for ideas to make that stuff a lot easier.  Kristin is like a really good friend.  I totally have copied some of her photo organizing ideas.  And she's planning a gluten free series starting soon (her gluten free video is worth watching if interested).




How Jen Does It - So many good cleaning and meal tips on this channel.  She may have the cleanest house in the USA, seriously.  She's a wealth of information.  Her recipes and meal hauls/planning are great.




Allana Davison - She's adorable, funny and I love her makeup tutorials.  Follow her on Snapchat, she's hilarious, I mean THE best!




TJ's Ways - TJ is so darn real and I love that and I love her spirit.  Follow along with the KonMari method of decluttering her whole house.  No joke, she did it from top to bottom and talks through it.  She's so positive and inspiring in those videos, it's worth the journey.  She's slowed down posting a bit but her channel is worth keeping an eye on.




Iam CHOUQUETTE - Claire is a newish YouTuber and one of Lydia's friends.  She's all about luxury, beauty and just life stuff.  She's funny and honest.  I like how she's kind of scattered and rambles.




And last but not least, Nicole Guerriero - I mean I think everyone knows her beauty tutorials, etc.  But her vlogs are my favorite part of her channel. She's funny and I love her cats.




Do you follow any of these ladies?  Do you have any "must watch" YouTubers?  If so let me know, I'm always looking for more channels.  Have a great week!

My Picks - Lands' End

Lands' End has really stepped up their game.  I recently ordered this pair and this pair of pants (purely for lounging around the house *cough*cough* - or when I'm lazy) and I'm impressed with the quality.  So as I was poking around the site I found lots of other super cute things.  Here are my picks:

1. Fair Isle Turtleneck sweater - $69

2. Wrap jacket - $79.99

3. Dot Core Down vest - $39

4. Terry Embellished crew - $69

5. Metallic Shawl Collar jacket - $44.97

6. Stand-Up Collar Leopard Print Down jacket - $129

7. CashTouch Plaid Fringe Ruana - $37

8. Smocked Blouse - $54 (in the cutest eyeglass print!)

9. Printed Coated Canvas Small Shopper - $34.99

10. Chunky Knit mittens - $9.99

11. 3-pack Perfectly Packable pouches - $19

12. Sparkle Coated Canvas Large shopper - $68

13. Geometric Needlepoint iPad case - $17.99

14. Large Linen and Leather tote - $69.99

15.  Extra Large Open Top tote - $42.50

16. 6-bottle Printed Canvas Wine tote - $17.99 - would be a great gift!

Have you checked out Lands' End lately?

I'm guesting over at Lena B, Actually today with my picks from a fun little trend!

40th Birthday (Fantasy) Wishlist

In exactly one month I turn 40.  Deep breaths. I know it's just a number, but let me tell you youngsters out there, the older you get, the less you feel your age.  I mean I still feel 25.  I can't possibly be 40, that's old (well, not anymore)!  I keep asking myself, aren't I supposed to feel more "mature", more "together", be more "successful", I should have things figured out by now, right?  Nope!  Does anyone ever feel like they have it all figured out? Probably not, but the good news is, as you get older the less you care about having "it figured out" and the more you just want to be true to yourself and do what you enjoy.  You are better able to understand trade-offs and compromise.  I work from home part-time which doesn't mean I rake in the money, but it does allow me flexibility to be there for our daughter when she gets home from school and tagging along on field trips with her class.  A compromise that I'm totally okay with at this time in my life.  But that doesn't mean I still don't wish I could run out and buy some serious luxury items.  I've been doing a lot of online browsing and dreaming lately, so I decided to create a total fantasy 40th birthday wish list.  If I had unlimited funds I would snag any (or all) of these goodies!

1. Signed copy of "Decades: A Century of Fashion" by (my online friend) Cameron Silver / 2.Vince shoes / 3. Victoria Beckham tote / 4. Prada Marfa photograph by Kristin Kirkley  / 5.  3.1 Phillip Lim tote / 6.  3.1 Phillip Lim 31-hour bag

What about you? Any pie-in-the-sky items on your wish list?  Have a great weekend!

September Wishlist & Updates

Must bee the "back-to-school" vibe going on right now, but I am craving some retail therapy.  Here are the things I wish I could run out and buy today (sadly, that's not going to happen, but a girl can dream and blog about it!)

1.  Gap pants / 2.  J.Crew tunic sweater / 3. Gap sweater / 4. Vince pumps
5. Gap loafers / 6. Vince flats

On a side note we just got a SodaStream Source (in black) and we are LOVING it!  Anyone else have one?  I did get most of my closet cleaned out and am working on getting stuff posted to Poshmark (spryonthewall). I'm nervous because I've not tried it before, but I hear good things.  Are you on it?  Leave your user name and I'll follow you.

I'll be updating the Spring 2014 Pinterest board all weekend with my favorite looks from NYFW.  I've also updated the "Books I've Read" page with some fab reads!  Have a great weekend!

Linking up with Lena B and Rachel for Passion for Fashion!

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links

What I'm Loving - Lobsters!

I love lobsters, and I'm not talking food here.  I love lobster motifs, especially this time of year!  I've had a few lobster loving posts around here through the years, so this isn't a new "thing" for me evidently.  Anyway, in my endless web surfing I've come across a lot of cute lobster stuff lately.  Here are some of my favorites!

1.  Madewell Tropical Love Bandana - $18.50
2.  Thomas Paul Lobster Gauze Scarf - $65
3.  ModCloth Grand Central Crustacean Scarf - $22
4.  Tory Burch Lobster iPhone 5 Case - $45
5.  Virginia Johnson for J.Crew Tote - $148
6.  C.Wonder Cast Iron Lobster Bottle Opener - $15
7.  Milly Lobster Print Canvas Tote - $245
8.  Coach Lobster Pendant Necklace - $88
9.  Tory Burch Lobster Print Scarf - $165
10.  Tory Burch Cotton Brigitte Blouse - $195
11. Forever 21 Lobster Silhouette Sweater - $23
12.  Tibi Lobster Silhouette Easy Dress - $550
13.  Tory Burch Lobster Keyfob - $55
14.  Old Navy Printed Poplin PJ pants - $17
15.  Tibi Lobster Intarsia Sweater - $355

What do you think?  Are you loving all the lobster choices?

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links

Narciso Rodriguez at Kohl's UPDATE/Review!

I went and checked it out and I must say I'm even more impressed now that I've seen it in person!  They didn't have the entire line in my store, they had about 90%, but there were some standouts in my eyes (and yes, I purchased something)!  Bonus, it's all 30% off right now!

Tiered Peplum Top - $48 - $33.60 right now

This top is stunning in person, love the black version (which looks to be sold out online) but this red is so pretty too.  It's not one of the obvious ruffle peplums, it's more drapey and more edgy. Great for tummy camouflage (not that anyone would ever need that - lol!)

 

Tile Georgette top - $54 - $37.80 right now

This top!  This top is gorgeous in person.  Yes, it's the one I bought.  The printed panels are more sheer than you would think, but not so much as to have to wear something under it (unless you are in an uber conservative environment).  I was telling one of my BFF's that I can imagine this top worn with some cute ankle length, slim cut, black trousers and kitten heeled pumps.  Or in my real life, some cute jeans and a blazer or yoga pants or whatever - ha!  All kidding aside, this is a sophisticated, well executed print.

Yoryu Top Set - $54 - $37.80 right now

Doesn't look like much in the picture, but in person it looks extremely high end.  The cream panels are a sheer crepe (don't worry it comes with a beige camisole). It reminded me a lot of his high end line with the texture mixing and structure.

Taffeta Trench Coat - $120 - $84 right now

A bit shiny (hey, it's taffeta), but super chic.  Great color and not too heavy.  Perfect coat to go with any holiday outfits!

Crepe Blazer - $84 - $58.80 right now

This is one stunning blazer in person.  You can't tell, but it has black panels on each side and under the arms (hello slimming!).  It's a good weight and really tailored.  Fab-u-lous!

Ponte Sheath Dress - $60 - $42 right now

This is a lovely dress, in fact all of the dresses were lovely.  They are all made from a super structured knit, that won't stretch out. 

Those are my top picks, but I encourage you to check the line out for yourself.  He did a great job, it really feels sophisticated.  One of my main gripes with Kohl's is that, while there are certainly gems there, the lines tend to feel repetitive.  My theory is that they use the same manufacturers for each line and therefore things feel like "I've seen this before" - speaking more to the prints and color choices.  It blands out, so to speak.  This line breaks that mold and I hope they continue to push the boundaries.

What do you think?  Have you checked it out yet?

Images via Kohls.com

What I'm Loving - Narciso Rodriguez for DesigNation at Kohl's

I adore Narciso Rodriguez, the lines of his designs are always so sharp and clean.  Just perfection.  So I was super excited when it was announced he was doing a limited edition line for Kohl's!  It's finally out and I have my eye on a few of the items.

This outfit is nice, love the top - $48

Adore the pants - $48

I wouldn't pair them together though, I'm thinking they would work a lot harder (and not be so pajama-y if kept apart)

 

 

This top/tee (which I can't find online yet) might be my one "must have" out of the whole collection.  You could dress it up and down.  Obsessed.

Totally in love with these pants - $48

I need these in my life.

 

I'm going to hit up Kohl's and check it all out in person and I'll let you all know if it lives up to the photos in person. What do you think?  Are you going to check it out?

 

Images via Kohls.com

 

Some Jersey Love

What a week it has been, it's been hard to think about much else other than the devastation that hurricane Sandy left in it's wake.  The images are chilling and my thoughts and prayers are with every one affected.  I'm really heartbroken seeing the New Jersey shore pictures. 

Seaside Heights, NJ via MSN.com

I spent plenty of time on the Jersey shore growing up (we headed to Wildwood Crest when we weren't headed to the NC Outer Banks).  I have a fondness for New Jersey, because I know that the whole state isn't summed up in what you see on the reality shows.  I love the boardwalks, the beaches, Cape May, Atlantic City and stopping at a Wawa along the way.  I could go on and on.

Of course NJ isn't alone in the devastation, let's not forget everyone else in the region that are still without power, gas, food, heat, etc.  So hard to see.  If this had happened just 6 years ago when I lived in Westchester County, NY, I would have been affected.  And also don't forget the massive snowfall that happened up in the mountains of West Virginia and Maryland (my friend in that region had 30+ inches of snow and they are still without power).  So keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers and if you want to help please head over to the Red Cross and give whatever you can.

 

Have a great weekend!

What I'm Loving!

Here are a few things that I'm loving right now:

 

First up is Glade's Cashmere Woods scent.  Oh man, this is such a perfect fragrance for this time of year (as a matter of fact, about a year ago I posted a "What I'm Loving" list that included this too).  It's not sweet or spicy, it's more of a smoky/warm scent that is positively amazing.  I mean it takes me to the perfect, crisp Fall day (even when it's 80 degrees out)!  I invested in the Sense and Spray version this year, perfect!

 

Next up are my new Minnetonka Kiltie Moccasins in wine - purchased via a Shopbop giftcard giveaway win from the lovely Jessica over at Bedknobs & Baubles - a great blog check it out!

They are so comfy and go great with everything! They do run large so if you decide to get some then order a 1/2 size down.

 

Just a couple of things I'm into right now.

 

I also noticed that I'm painfully close to 100 followers!  That's a big thing, so thanks to all the new followers!  And if you aren't already following, what are you waiting for?  Ha!  I remember when I first started blogging I sat on 14 followers for months and months.  I'm slow to grow that's for sure.  Have a great Tuesday!

 

Images via Glade and Shopbop.com

 

Happy Weekend and My Fall Bag Wishlist

Boy, let me tell you how happy I am that this week is over!  It was real and it was nice, but it wasn't real nice.  Here's to a better next week!  Now that September is knocking on our doors, I've been obsessing over getting a new handbag for Fall.  I'm kind of not feeling my trusty black bag, I want something a little different.  Here are the ones I'm leaning towards:

Top Left - L.A.M.B. $425

Bottom Left - Deux Lux duffle $102

Top Middle - Dooney & Bourke $298

Bottom Middle - Coach $398

Top Right - Coach $398

Bottom Right - Dooney & Bourke $278

 

Obviously I would love to have that L.A.M.B. houndstooth bag, but at $425 I'm not sure I can justify it.  I love the idea of a nice saddle brown bag (though I worry that since I have a LV Speedy monogram that it might be redundant to have another brown bag?).  I'm also digging a blue option.  What do you think?  Do you have any preferences?

 

I've got a fun series planned for next week!  See you Monday!

Happy 90th Birthday, Betty!

Today is the adorable, hilarious, loveable, and just all around great gal Betty White's 90th birthday!

Source: theniftyfifties.tumblr.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Talk about an amazing career, she's still working hard on the weekly sitcom "Hot In Cleveland" (which by the way, is one of my favorite shows - seriously funny - Wednesday nights at 10pm on TVLand).  But of course I remember her from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Match Game" and "Golden Girls" etc, etc.

Source: warmingglow.uproxx.com via Jenny on Pinterest

"Match Game" goodness - what a great game show!

Source: google.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Hottie!

Source: imdb.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Still a Hottie!

Happy Birthday Betty!  And here's hoping you have many, many more!  Because I really don't want to think about a world (or TV) without Betty White!

Quick little update...

I apologize for sort of phoning things in for the past week, I'm right in the thick of a major work project and have been traveling along with getting back in the groove of life post-holiday while at home.  We had a great time in Chicago visiting family over Christmas (but I did discover that I'm quickly reaching John Madden-like levels in my fear of flying - anyone else struggling with this fear?).  I got some great goodies/deals which I'll share later on in a post.  Discovered some super cool apps, which I'll also share in a post.  In the meantime here's what I'm digging right now:

I just started this book (a little late to the game, I know):

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Jenny on Pinterest

I'm watching The House of Anubis (seasons 1-3 are free on iTunes right now).  I'm in my 30's watching some cheesy teen show about a mystery at a boarding school in England.  Embarrassing, but it's entertaining, badly acted, but entertaining.

Source: nick.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Totally digging Hilary Rhoda's outfit:

Source: thevoguediaries.com via Jenny on Pinterest

And I'll always love Dolly Parton, here's a quote from this week's US Weekly Magazine that I love:

Source: rikshawdesign.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Someone asked her "Are you the real Dolly Parton?"  Dolly said, "There's no such thing!" (referring to her extensive plastic surgery)

She's so funny! 

Hope you all are having a good week!

What I'm Loving and Happy (Early) Weekend!

I'm checking out a little early this week, we are headed to a family wedding this weekend and the festivities begin this evening.  Is it weird that I haven't been to a wedding since my own almost 7 years ago?  I guess at my age most people are either already married or getting married again with little fanfare - who knows.  The only issue is, I honestly can say I have nothing appropriate to wear and I can't go buy something, so I will have to use all of my fashion superpowers to conjure up something to patch me through.  I'll let you know how it works out! 

Meanwhile, I'm going to steal borrow a feature from Katie over at Fashion's Maven and let you all know what I'm loving right now (here's a link to her What I'm Loving post yesterday).  Here are some things I'm digging at the moment (and a book update at the very bottom):

Source: dailymail.co.uk via Jenny on Pinterest

I'm enjoying Pan Am on ABC (Sundays at 10pm) - it's not the best show ever, but it's interesting and entertaining (and of course I love the clothes, see below).

Source: caughtonset.com via Jenny on Pinterest

November's InStyle cover with Gwen Stefani looking lovely (check out those gorgeous bracelets)!

Source: nodoubt.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Source: glade.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Glade's limited edition Cashmere Woods fragrance (I love the candle, above).  This is such a warm/smoky Fall scent, a refreshing change from the usual cinnamon/apple/pumpkin/spice scents you see this time of year.

A quick update about Bossypants by Tina Fey that I read a couple of weeks ago - loved it - so funny!

I just finished another very good read on Tuesday night - Loving Frank by Nancy Horan.

Source: amazon.com via Jenny on Pinterest

It's a novel based on Frank Lloyd Wright's 7 year affair with Mamah Cheney, a married woman in Oak Park.  The people and bones of the story are real, but it's a fictionalized account of their time together.  It was a hard book to get into, but once it gets going it's totally worth it.  It's one of those stories where you are empathetic to Frank and Mamah's situation, but not necessarily sympathetic.  It's very complicated and moving - total emotional journey, not light reading, but I totally recommend it!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!