An Eye(Brow) For Detail

I rarely shy away from (a) style change.  Especially when it comes to anything pertaining to hair, makeup and/or fashion.  But the one exception I've noticed being made to this rule o'mine?  My eyebrows.  Ever since that fateful day so many years ago when a friend introduced me to something they call a tweezer.  In under ten minutes, I had been given the most perfectly arched pair I had ever seen ... and have kept said (specific) shape up ever since.  But after seeing Oscar's tremendously dark and thick take (here) on the matter, I'm now wondering if a brow change might be in order.  Besides ... it's just one more little thing to add to my ever popular growing-out list ... right?

Photo Source: From Me To You

The Kids Are Alright

I'm definitely on a kids-can-do-no-wrong kick when it comes to the art of dressing and putting outfits together.  Here, bright punchy colors serve as the everyday basics with not a black, white or grey in sight.  Nope.  Not a one.  And the constant need felt from us adults to always matchy-match our ensembles?  Fugedaboudit.  Not in tots land.  Guess it goes to show we could stand to learn a style thing or two from the tikes, don't it?

Photo Source: Dos Family

I've Got A Crush On You

She's got all my crush criteria credentials: The ombre hair color I'm just dyeing to try ... a favorite color combo of mine: the oh-so-sophisticated pairing of brown and black ... an affinity for all things cool and stackable when it comes to ringed accessories ... and, of course, the red-lipped thing down pat.  What's not to love about her?  Oh, that's right ... absolutely nothing.  Nada.  Zero.  Zip.  Zilch.

Photo Source: devorelebeaumonstre

Bunny Ears

I usually equate the two pointy appendages with every photo taken growing up since there was always that one joker in the group who thought it was beyond funny to lift 'em up above your head while the photographer yelled, "Cheese!"  Endearing?  The first two or three times, maybe.  Annoying?  Anything after that ... you betcha.  But now (thanks to these twisty-turvy scarves) we can finally have the last laugh.

Photo Source: American Apparel

Fired Up

There are few things that get me more excited (or fired up) than the prospect of learning or trying something new when it comes to beauty and fashion ... and, in particular, makeup.  So when I saw Keiko Lynn's fiery shadow step-by-step, I knew I was in store for some serious style student learning time.  And I wouldn't want or have it any other way and can't wait to practice (and hopefully wear) the lovely eye look and lesson I've just learned.  And it's all due to my cyber cosmetic(s) coach, Miss K.  Thanks, teach.  I promise I'll do my best to make you proud.

Photo Source: Keiko Lynn

A Word From Your Author

Hello.  I'll try to keep this as short and sweet as possible today by getting right to the point of this post:  I have an important (accessory) announcement.  One that I have mulled over for quite some time now and wanted to be sure of before making it permanent public (blogging) knowledge.  Deep breath.  Ok ... here goes ... Ladies and Gentlemen, I am retiring leggings from my wardrobe and replacing them with tights.  Duh.  Duh.  Duh.  There.  I said it.  At least for the foreseeable fashion-y future, anyway ... and for the days where I'll be wanting to draw a little more colorful attention to all my summery short(s) styles.  Woo.  Now that that's out in the open, all I can do is sincerely hope I can count on your continued (style) support through this trend-swapping time and I thank you for listening reading. 

Photo Source: Mr. Newton

Curls Gone Wild

This hair here is bringin' me back to my years-long obsession with Meg Ryan's in City of Angels ... pretty much the only thing other the kinda killer soundtrack that I did like about the movie ... which is now sorta makin' me have a sudden (and strong) hankering for old school foamy pink rollers to set in my hair in and sleep with overnight to recreate it all.  Or a really teeny tiny curling iron to do the trick.  All thanks to Miss Carolina, of course.

Photo Source: Fashion Squad

Head Over Feels

I've long felt that most hats just aren't for me and my - proven as fact, I've measured - rather large head; consistently convinced I look far too boy-ish in them (and not in the endearing or fashionable tomboy way either) but, I'm slowly starting to come around to the idea, thanks to the new crop of fashion-y straw toppers popping up all around the blogosphere as of late.  Especially fedoras.  Like this, this or this.  So I think I'll risk it, choose my head over my past fears and feel(ing)s and get one (or two) to wear.  Big head and all.

Photo Source: Mr. Newton

Hey Sole Sister

It's always so nice to come across a new stylin' sole sister via this big ol' blogosphere.  As soon as I was introduced to all things Gala Darling over on A Beautiful Mess, I knew I wanted to totally cyber stalk follow every fab fashion-y move of the girl who so happily counts red-soled hot pink Dorothy-like heels as part of her everyday wardrobe.  Hm.  I wonder if she'd ever let me borrow them, just for a little while ... *wink wink* ...

Photo Source: Gala Darling 

Specs And Balances

I had a MAJOR Elton John-ish moment when I first saw the sparklers above (here).  Visions of equally stunning sequin-y blazers, shiny shorts and high-heeled shoes to pair them with danced merrily in my head.  But my blingy bubble soon burst at the sight of the price tag that accompanied the what-I-hoped-to-soon-be my  sparkly specs.  But fear not.  Woe is certainly not me ... oh no siree ... because that doesn't mean I can't put every last penny I find into my piggy's bank until the day comes that I can buy the pretties, now does it?

Photo Source: Coral Vintage    

The Long And Short Of It

This particular pic is going to be permanently filed under my short-to-long hair-growing goal.  Why?  Because I had hair this long.  Up until, like, the 9th grade.  It was so long, I could sit on it.  I remember (quite clearly) the whispers and gasps the day I walked into school having had cut it to right below my shoulders.  You would have thought I had committed a major crime.  So this will serve as a constant reminder as to why I should stay on my growing-out path.  Because I've done the short sassy thing - pardon the obvious upcoming pun - long enough.  At least for now.  And as an apology to all my 9th grade friends who had to live through that infamous hair-hacking day of horror.  Sorry.

Photo Source: We The People

Midnight In Paris

I fancy myself a writer (of sorts) and have never really felt much need to pack up and go see the world for myself before because I can usually conjure it up in my own romanticized version right here, in my own mind.  But things have changed.  Because of the magical movie combination of Woody Allen and Paris, well ... all previous thoughts on the matter have disappeared ... and the urge to get a passport and stuff my suitcase full of fanciful little fashions has appeared in its place.  Case in point?  The newfound adventurer in me just jumped at the once-in-a-lifetime chance to make it all too real by entering to visit and wander the streets of Paris (click here) in my very own writer's version of an imagined reality come true.  And maybe you should too.    

Video Source: YouTube

Whatever You Say

There has been many a time where I've stated that Lucky magazine is my hands-down beauty bible.  That's a given.  If you know me, you know that.  Whatever Lucky says, I does.  And this month, they say this matted lipstick-y gloss is the bee's knees.  So, by golly, I'm a-gonna (and did) get me some.  In all the reds and oranges (like the shade being applied to the model above) I can (and could) get my hands on.  Because they said so.  And maybe an itty bitty bit because they included a nice little discount in their Lucky Breaks section for me to use too.  Maybe.

Photo Source: knightcat

Shady Lady

Mr. Sun and I usually do our best to avoid each other at parties.  Just a few minutes in, and one of us almost always seems to try and outshine the other, and someone inevitably ends up turning the other an embarrassingly (and uncomfortable) bright shade of red ... but this year, we've promised our mutual friends that we'll at least try to tolerate one another.  And I'm willing to be the first one to attempt to extend a proverbial (and sartorial) olive branch of sorts by wearing a floppy sun hat (like the doggoneit sold-out Ruche version above) as a means of protection to ward off (and block) any particularly unwanted social advances.  Pretty big of me, no?  And who knows ... this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship ...

Photo Source: Ruche via Delightfully Tacky

Big Girls Don't Try

There are a lot of times (actually too many to count) where I'll wish I could just try and and squeeze my big girl body into little girl-sized fashion(s) like the one above.  But since I'm big (and old) enough to know better, I'll stick to finding a similar style and look-for-less all my own.  In my size.  Because that's what big girls do.

Photo Source: A Thought Is The Blossom

You Had Me At Hello

Freddie Highmore.  You had me when.  When you tugged super hard at my every last heartstring in August Rush and then when you made me fight back some major weepin' wails (100% unsuccessfully) in Finding Neverland ... and now you've gone and gotten all growed-up on me with your leading man-ish status in what looks to be a romantic, Benny & Joon-esque artsy indie film.  You got me.  Again.  Hook, line and sinker ... and come Friday, you'll have my ticket sale too ...

Video Source: YouTube

To The Maxi

I've been on one heckuva buying binge lately when it comes to maxis (dresses or skirts - I don't discrimnate) but I haven't yet ventured into floral territory, staying quite comfortably in my "safe zone" where beiges and greys reign supreme.  But I may force myself to break free soon because of Emma's gorgeous garden-y get-up.  Guess only time (and my savings account) will tell. 

Photo Source: Food Coma

I'm A Barbie Girl

Two thoughts sprang to mind after seeing this no-words-for-its-amazingness skirt: 1) How is it humanly (and sartorially) possible that I didn't think to make this already and have it hanging in my closet as I type this and 2) Why in the world did my brother think it was funny that one time to string up all his little sisters' Barbie heads like a garland on the living room wall? *Shudder* The horror.  Anyway.  Let's hope that the daily stalking I plan to do of the above photo will wipe away all the pain of any (Barbie) memories past.  Fingers crossed.

Photo Source: Here Comes The Sun

Dressing On The Side

Even though I have lived in Utah for 25+ years now, I still wish I could say I really truly call the oceanside state of California (where I was born) home, where wardrobes consisting of anything more than a swimsuit (and a cute - sadly no longer available - cover up like the one above) are considered optional ... but alas, I don't think I could get away with the same stylings over here where I am really from if I were to take a day's visit to the Great Salt Lake.  Darn it.

Photo Source: Roxy

It's All Right There In Black And White

I've been racking my brain, wondering what in the world I could possibly wear with these, then I saw this definition of total dress perfection.  For real.  But the only thing that's missing?  Some serious suck-it-in Spanx to wear underneath if I'm a-gonna get it, though.  Sorry, tummy o' mine.  The truth hurts sometimes.

Photo Source: Romwe 

About Face

Do I wish I could afford facials every week?  Uh ... is the sky blue?  Of course I do.  But in this beauty junkie's realm of reality where my wallet is in a constant state of being WAY more half empty than full, I can't.  No siree.  Not even a little bit.  That's why I consider myself pretty dang lucky to have been gifted a one month supply of the Brazilian Peel (thanks Gina) by Advanced Home Actives to get my face all gorgeous and glowy just in time for the sunny summer ahead.

A quick read of the super simple instructions and a handful of the magic serum(s) all mixed, warm and ready for application and I was ready to go glow.  After you put it on in circular motions, you wait just ten tingly minutes (and no irritation for super sensitive-skinned me, a major plus) and then wash it off with some cool-ish water and pat dry.  Rinse and repeat just one day a week for the last three remaining tubes.  

Guess I now know why it's the number one skincare seller at Sephora AND Allure Magazine's Reader's Choice for Best Skincare Breakthrough.  Word.  So what are you waiting for, huh?  Read up on it here or here and get going ... no ... glowing.  Go on, GLOW!

Photo Source: Glowified Me

Just Bead It

Thought today I'd share a thrift-shopping tale with all of you.  So, please, gather 'round.  Where to start.  Hm.  Let's see ... once upon a time ... err, about a week ago or so now, I was visiting my absolute favorite consignment shop in all of Utah hoping to spend the last of my birthday stash when I saw the not-one-bead-missing bag above, resting on a table right next to the cash registers.  Slyly looking around to make sure no one else had spotted this super forty-five dollar steal, I grabbed it and proceeded to the checkout because I just had to have it.  Had to.  And really, who could blame me, right?  Oh.  And we lived happily ever after.  Obviously.  The end.

Photo Source: Bargain Bag Lady Me            

Fit To Be Tied

We all know how mildly completely obsessed I've become with all things silked, scarfed and turbaned.  And it's all because of my decision not to cut even one tiny inch of hair off the top of my head from now until ... well ... I haven't decided yet.  Maybe I'm meant to have Rapunzel-like locks and it just took me this long to figure it all out.  Who knows.  But what I do know is Miss Valentine has the tying skills of a true expert.  One that I hope to practice 'til I master ... just as soon as I stop typing this little post ... 

Photo Source: Valentine

Pants On Fire

I'm feelin' hot, hot, hot (must be the current weather change for the warmer that we're experiencing here) so hot in fact ... that I'm a-thinkin' I need to give my good old standby blue jeans a rest for a bit just as soon as I scope out and find me some of my own red hot pants to wear.  And maybe even a pretty pink-ish purple top.  Ah, heck.  And I might even swipe on purple-y lipstick too.  Just because it looks so gosh darn good on Miss Natalie up there. 

Photo Source: CANNED FASHION

Thank You For Smoking

No, I'm not going to go on and on about how many ways I loved Aaron Eckhart in this title's original movie, but I am going to write about how I achieved the smokin' hot makeup look above so you can too.  Sound good?  Good.  I was lucky enough to nab (ahem, be gifted) Jillian Dempsey For Avon's Professional Eye Smokifier and Professional Corrector Palette recently (thanks to Christine) and now I don't know how I've ever managed makeup-wise without 'em.  Seriously.  This is how it was all done:

1.  All I did with the smokifier was draw a little line on both the top and bottom of my lashes - the oh-so-soft sponge applicator made it foolproof - and in one fell swoop, it was done, and then all that was left was to take one teeny-tiny little Q-Tip and smudge, smudge away. 

2.  Now the face.  With the 4-in-1 color-coded concealer compact in hand, I just dabbed the pink under my insomniac-laced dark circles, took the lilac to my cheekbones and under my brows and finally the yellow to my naturally reddish cheeks.   Easy peasy.  And the above photo is the result. 

Wowza, huh?  A perfectly-smoked eye and glowing complexion in under three steps and ten tiny minutes?!  Pretty darn impressive and I felt like I was my own Hollywood makeup artist too, thanks to the real one, Ms. Jillian Dempsey.  So if you want to smoke and smolder too, better hurry on over to Avon before I get there, stock up and clean 'em out.  You've been warned.    

Photo Source: Smokin' Hot Little Me

Digging My Heels In

I've been digging.  Digging, digging, digging for ... gosh ... a good year or so now convincing myself that I don't need this new man in my life.  That me (and my feet) are doing (and would do) just fine without him.  But who am I kidding?  I'm not.  We're not.  Not at all.  And it looks like I'd be in some good, no ... GREAT ... stylish company, if I were to give in.  I mean, could Tieka here be any cuter here in her lovely Litas?  Don't think so.  Maybe it's finally time that I stop fighting the inevitable and invite Mr. Jeffrey Campbell in and introduce him to my closet and its footwear friends.  What do you think?  Have I found my solemate?  

Photo Source: Selective Potential

The Cat's Meow

Desperately Seeking Babydoll Dresses.  That should be my new blog title.  Dresses that don't look like they were made for the little ladies bracket, but rather grown-up girl versions since that's all I seem to want to wear now that the warmer weather has decided to come out and play.  But I've been completely unsuccessful.  Up until now.  

Seeing Erin's so-darn-cute and (literally) made-for-her kitty cat frock has made me want to start to save every single penny so I can have one made just for me too by miss leah goren (hopefully) before summer's end.  Having housed and played host(ess) to two kitties before, I feel like I can join (in) this particular feline-wearing club.  Us cat ladies gotta stick together, you know.

Photo Source: calivintage

Frost Queen

There are times when even I get sick of seeing the bright red stuff swiped on my lips.  Shocking, I know, but totally true.  So whenever I see a new shade so prettily put on another pout I know it's time, once again, for a little makeup mix-up of my own too.  Like this frosty pink pucker that I am planning on flatteringly imitating with this lipstick shade's wand.  Pretty, no? 

Photo Source: From Me To You

Mining The Gap

I'm a Gap girl.  Beyond a shadow of a doubt.  Wanna know how I know?  I was watching a guilty pleasure of mine (the sudser, The Young and the Restless) when I noticed a peachy-pink sheer blazer on one of the main character's, pointed, and immediately declared it to be a piece that I had just recently picked up, looked at and eventually left on the rack of said store without.  And, by the way, still kicking myself for not getting.  Maybe I should, now that it's on sale.  What kind of a blogging bargainista would I be if I didn't?  Told ya.  I'm a total Gap girl.  And it seems I'm not the only one ... some TV soap stars are too ...

Photo Source: GAP

Let There Be Sight

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, right?  Well ... with my adoration for all things eyeglasses ... I just figure that I'm politely pushing guiding the process along for any potential suitors by putting actual windows over my eyes to more easily project and see my soul's intentions.  Pretty smart of me, huh?  And I think this Harry Potter-esque pair's addition to my collection would help move things along rather nicely come my next singles session ... don't you?

Photo Source: StuckOnVintage