What I Bought - January 2014

Not very exciting this month (nothing like the free-for-all that was last month). It was all practicality.  As I've been hitting the gym more often, I've found that I really like to wear the skirts.  You know the ones with the built-in shorts underneath?  I got my first one at Marshall's and I like it but after washing/wearing for a couple of months the shorts started riding up and I was wishing they had some sort of elastic that would keep them in place better.  Well, I found out that the somewhat pricey brand Lululemon has it's Pace Setter skirt that has sticky elastic on the hems of the shorts to keep them from doing that ride-up thing (and how cute are those ruffles?).  So I went to my trusty Poshmark and found two of the skirts at great prices (and I could use my credits from the sales from my closet).  So here's what I got this month.

Lululemon Pace Setter Skirt - ($58 retail)

Top - $40 (includes shipping) from Poshmark

Bottom - $35 (includes shipping) from Poshmark

Total = $75
- $45 Poshmark credit
Total spent out of pocket = $30

Go forth and shop responsibly!

I'm linking up with Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish!

My Take - Kourtney Kardashian Denim and Tweed

First of all, I'm breaking one of my New Years resolutions.  See, I made a resolution to not lay eyeballs on anything to do with the Kardashian/Jenner crew in 2014. I'm just tired of them, tired of everything they do.  And what do I do? I find this picture of Kourtney (it is from 2013 in my defense) on Pinterest and I adored what she's wearing and now I'm posting about it. I'm weak, forgive me.

1. Big Buddha - $66

2. Madewell - $25

3. ASOS - $65

4. James Jeans - $72

5. Chinese Laundry - $60

6. Jeffrey Campbell - $90

Kourtney Kardashian image via StyleBistro

My Picks - Delicate Necklaces for $50 and Under!

As I've said before, I've been craving more understated jewelry.  I love a statement necklace, but most of the time I just want something that isn't so in-your-face, something that is meaningful to me.  Here are some current favorites that I've found while shopping around (all are $50 or under)!

1. Gorjana - $45  /  2. BaubleBar - $28  /  3. BaubleBar - $28 (I LOVE this one!)

4. BaubleBar - $38  /  5. BaubleBar - $34  /  6. BaubleBar - $26

7. BaubleBar - $26  /  8. BaubleBar - $30  /  9. BaubleBar - $28

10. Ann Taylor - $40  /  11. BaubleBar - $34  /  12. Anthropologie - $32

13. BaubleBar - $32  /  14. Marc by Marc Jacobs - $47  /  15. Anthropologie - $38

16. Gorjana - $45  /  17. Rebecca Minkoff - $48  /  18. Gorjana - $50

19. Gorjana - $38.50  /  20. Urban Outfitters - $18 

21. Rachel Roy RACHEL - $24  /  22. Alexis Bittar - $48

Review - Lancome Artliner 24H Precision Eyeliner

Disclosure:  As member of theVogue Influencer Network, I was sent products for purpose of review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was super excited when I found out I was being sent Lancome's Artliner 24H Precision Eyeliner to try out.  I mean who doesn't love trying out a new liquid liner (this one is my gold standard) and who doesn't want to achieve that perfect winged eye?  Here's what the wand looks like.

The tip is sturdy, not a soft brush, but not hard plastic either. What I did notice when I first tried it out, was that the tip was really good at giving different line thicknesses.  Though it does require a bit of practice to get that perfect line.  The other thing you notice is that the formula has kind of an eggshell (to use a paint term) finish to it - see top right picture below. It's not glossy, but it's not matte either.  It dries really quickly too so you have to work fast.

The one really cool thing about this formula is that it just does not budge. See the bottom left picture above, I had just run water from the faucet over the liner marks on my hand and it didn't run, bleed, or wash off.  However, right after I took the picture if wiped my hand off on a towel and the liner just rubbed right off without a trace.  I wore it for a few days and I was impressed at the staying power, it was pretty easy to get off with eye makeup remover wipes. The black is a little dramatic for everyday (I actually prefer a brown liquid liner for everyday wear), however this would be perfection for an evening/more dramatic eye.  It comes in 10 shades, so you have a lot of options.  

If you are looking for a long-wearing liquid liner and are a bit more advanced with your liquid liner application technique then this may just be the formula for you.  If you are a liquid liner newbie, this may be a bit daunting (since you have to work quickly).   

Thanks to the Vogue Influencer Network and Lancome for this opportunity!

DIY - Souvenir Coin Magnets

Here's a pretty easy DIY that I tackled a few weeks ago. 

If you've ever done any international travel you know that you can end up with a lot of extra coins (the paper money you can cash out at the bank, but the coins, well you are stuck until you or someone you know makes a return trip).  Well, we had a bunch of coins from various places stuffed in a jar, so I culled through them to find the prettiest/shiniest/most interesting.  I then trucked off to Michael's and picked up some round magnets (I got two sizes, since I had some small and larger coins) and some glue that works on metal.  Then all I did was glue the magnets on the backs of the coins, let them dry and then they were ready for hanging stuff on the refrigerator!

It is such a quick and easy project and everyone who sees them loves how they look!  Plus, the coins aren't just hanging around the house as clutter, they are useful souvenirs!  Win - win!!

Monochromatic Monday - Hunter Green

1. Ann Taylor top - $35 (on sale)

2. Topshop necklace - $35

3. Loft lace trim top - $30

4. Fossil belt - $34

5. Alexis Bittar necklace - $45 (to rent)

6. Sam Edelman d'Orsay pumps - $100

7. French Connection - $98

8. Super Blonde pants - $98

9. J.Crew skirt - $98

10. Sole Society pumps - $69.95

Oh and one more thing, I didn't even watch the SAG Awards, but I did see the red carpet and let's just begin and end the Best Dressed list with Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci. Perfection!

Image via Style.com

Linking up with BonBon Rose Girls, Momtrends and Glamamom for Monday Mingle!

My Take - Chanel Spring 2014 Necklace

The very large pearl neck pieces shown on the Chanel Spring 2014 runway were pretty bold and cool take on traditional pearl necklaces (they were made to resemble headphones).  Then I ran across this little number that has the same vibe, but in a a more subtle, wearable way.

Anthropologie double pearl necklace - $48