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Makeup Monday

Like many girls I know, I have what can only be described as a "foot thing". I just don't like feet; something about them creeps me out and gives me the heebs-geebs (AKA the heebie-geebies). I'd rather have my feet hidden away in shoes, but as it is Summertime, this is not always comfortable, stylish, or appropriate (heels on the beach just look redic). 

And so the best way to make feet appear not so "gross" and more presentable is to lacquer those toenails. 

Confesh: I wear the same color on my toes the whole sandal season; I paint it on carefully once, and then just continue to layer on the coats as it chips or loses its luster. If it starts to get noticeably uneven, then I might remove the polish and reapply, but usually it is just layer upon layer.

The color I have selected as "the one" for the summer of 2011 is Bachelorette Bash by essie.

The colour is a rich fuchsia that is slightly darker than your average summery hot pink. It is the perfect summer pedi color. Also: don't worry that your toenail color is clashing with your ensemble (except for special occasions. For those, always match or compliment). While a mani should at least not clash with your outfit, a pedi looks just fine (maybe even better) when it doesn't "go".

Covet: Liberty Wrap Watch

I have always been a big fan of Liberty of London's world famous prints. Often employed by J. Crew, these tiny floral prints adorn everything from scarves to blouses to bikini's, and now, this adorbs wristwatch.

So cute, right? Such a simple way to jazz up a weekend look of jeans and a tee; it could also add some personality to an otherwise conservative office look.

Purchase one of your very own here.

I’ve recently become enchanted with this really adorable online mag, Matchbook.

Launched in January of this year, this darling monthly strives to “inspire women around the globe to design a life they adore”. 

Isn’t that just charming?

The current issue.

Matchbook is like a cocktail of my favorite stores and designers: the preppiest side of J.Crew, shaken with some Kate Spade and a dash of Lilly Pulitzer.

Head on over to Matchbook and read an issue or two...or six.

Wedding Wednesday

Welcome to my first Wedding Wednesday!

We all know there is no shortage of DIY wedding blogs out there. However, if you’re not a burlap and ball jars kind of gal you are kind of outta luck. Both of my older sisters have gotten married in the past couple of years and done so in very DIY manners in two completely different (yet equally beautiful) styles.

 Em held a small wedding on the beach. There will be more on location later, but let’s talk flowers.

Em's colors were hot pink and orange, and these colors came together beautifully in the flowers. 

As Em's wedding was in a semi-remote location (a small town surrounded by other small towns), a florist was not really an option. So we tuned to the place everyone turns when they need mass quantities of anything: Costco.

{Spiering Photography}

You can order specific blooms through Costco, and they will be delivered to your chosen store. You can also talk with an in-store florist, who can tell you which flowers will be likely be available near your wedding date. This is the option Em decided on; a day or so before the wedding, she headed to Costco and purchased a whole bunch of roses and daises in pink, white and orange. We kept these flowers in a cool location until the morning of the wedding.

{Spiering Photography}

Our very dear friends arrived early and acted as flower arrangers, gathering the choicest blooms into bouquets and then wrapping the stems in grosgrain ribbon, Martha Stewart style. They selected blooms and small sprays for the groom's and groomsmen's boutonnieres, and made small corsages, nosegay's and additional boutonnieres for special guests (parent's and grandparent's of the bride and groom).

So beautiful! Such a wonderful example of how you don't need an expensive florist to make your wedding-day flowers dream-worthy.

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I hope you have a blast celebrating with family and friends.

Portland is finally enjoying some warm (even hot!) temperatures, so I decided to break out a very patriotic dress for the family barbecue and fireworks I'll be enjoying tonight.

{Clearly, I was born to model}

My favorite parts about this dress are the pockets; perfect for stashing a tube of my favorite chap-stick, or, (as one of mine currently is) hiding a handkerchief for those summer sniffles. While I usually love to wear my hair down and luxurious, I decided to put it up today since it's supposed to be rather hot.

Have a wonderful Independence Day!

Makeup Monday

I adore summer time and the break it brings from Oregon’s nearly ever-present rain. However, when the mercury rises it can cause carefully applied eye makeup to melt right off. The result is streaked and smeared makeup, with eyeliner migrating up near your temples. (If you have seasonal allergies, all that sneezing just compounds the problem).

The best way to prevent (and almost elimnate) eye-makeup creep is to use waterproof eyeliner and mascara. My fave eyeliner is Maybelline's "Unstoppable Eyeliner". These products will be much less likely to smear or run in the heat. I am a self-professed mascara junkie, so allow me to share a couple of my favorite (waterproof) types:

 {Left} Cover Girl's "Lash Blast" is just a really really good everyday mascara. The brush bristles are rubber, and make your lashes seem huge. You can also just pile this stuff on; if you seem to need a little more later in the day, just add a few more coats.

Buy it here.

Maybelline's "Volum' Express The Falsies" {at right} is amazing. It really looks like you are wearing false lashes! When I am running late or don't have the time (or desire) to apply a whole "look" for my eyes, I'll just curl my lashes and apply a couple coats of this.

This baby is my (current) favorite lash aid.

Buy it here.

And when I am feeling the need to turn up the intensity on my lashes, I use Maybelline's "Volum' Express The falsies: Black Drama" {pictured left}. A little thicker than the original version (above), it takes your lashes to the next level.

Buy it here.

Tip: To prevent clumps and aid in lash-sepreration, wiggle the wand ever so slightly at the base of your lashes, than swoosh it up through to the tips. Repeat a few times. Every other "swoosh" or so, roll the brush as you go up through your lashes. This will help ensure every lash is coated.

Ok…it’s time for me to take a stand against something. And it’s not going to be popular, especially in my age demographic. But sometimes you just have to stand your ground, no matter what those surrounding you think.

So here goes: I hate the feather hair extensions thing. Detest, even. The natural colored ones are bad enough, but don’t even get me started on the hot pink or cyan ones. Ridiculous is all I can say about those.

{She Knows}

Many of the ladies my age (and many younger and {yikes} older) seem to be enamored with these feather hair extensions. If you haven’t seen them, they are a rooster feather clipped into your hair, in much the same way as regular hair extensions. Everybody loves them and thinks they’re so cool and edgy and hip and boho. 

But when the mom in line in front of you at Trader Joe’s is sporting multiple, it’s not edgy anymore. When nearly every salon offers “feather hair extensions”, it’s not bohemian. When The New York Times is calling something a trend, you can be pretty sure it’s dead. It was kind-of neat seven or eight months ago, when I’d only seen them on a couple of girl’s. Then they were everywhere.

And this is just my own personal neurosis coming through here, but there is something vaguely dirty about sticking a rooster feather in your hair.

So please, leave the poor roosters alone. 

Also: apparently, anglers (aka fisherman) are supes peeved because all the feathers they use for lures are being bought by hair dressers. So the moral here is let the anglers do their...angling.

Today marks the end of my academic career. Today I graduate from university!

Of course I could never let the occasion pass without injecting a dose of fance into my graduation ensemble.

Behold, my cap:

So, if you happen to be at Oregon State's Reser Stadium tomorrow, I'll be that glistening sparkle. 

{Semi-vague how-to: I printed the "OS" logo, and then after cutting it out, positioned it on my cap so that from behind, the logo would be right-side up. I then applied all the diamonds. I let them dry overnight before removing my stencil. Using the logo as a guide, I applied the black sequins as the border of the OS, before finally gluing in the orange gems. It was simplest to squeeze some glue down (I used E-6000) and then spread it around using a gloved finger. The gloves also prevent getting glue all over the gems, as when your gloved hand begins to get sticky, you can just grab a new glove!}

Anyone need something bedazzled? I'm very reasonably priced!

Makeup Monday

Let’s talk nail laquer.

{While not technically makeup, I’d argue that nail polish falls under the head of “Beauty Products” so maybe Monday’s should be “Beauty Monday’s”, but I prefer the alliteration, okay?}

I adore having painted nails. Absolutely love it. It makes me feel like a grown-up; it makes my child-sized hands appear a little more normal (at least that’s what I tell myself). And don’t get me started on getting manicures. Those things are pure bliss.

However, I detest chipped nail polish. Hate it. I know the mags are always saying “let your nails chip a little, it looks cool” and Kate Moss or whomever is always saying perfectly lacquered nails look too perfect or something. But I have to say…I think it just looks sloppy. It looks like you don’t care, and maybe a little bit like you also are doing lines of coke in the bathroom. (Okay, maybe that’s a bit extreme.)

So, how do I marry these two feelings? A love of mani’s but intense hatred for chipped polish?

Enter the CND Shellac Manicure.

So many beautiful colors...including some with sparkle!

Ladies, this thing last for two weeks. Two. Weeks. 14 days. Guaranteed. 

Between every coat of base, color, and topcoat, your nails are “cured” in this little UV light box. Your nails are instantly dry. The manicurist gives you a hand/arm massage with lotion after painting your nails…it’s a little crazy. No more gingerly removing your credit card from your wallet; you can paw through your purse immediately after. Shellac is also available for your toes, so if you forgot to bring a pair of sandals, you can slip your feet right back into your shoes without fear of damaging your fresh pedi.

The shellac manicure will run you a little more than a regular mani (around $25), but considering it lasts for a guaranteed two weeks (or more), it comes out even.

If you live or work around Beaverton, head to Moda. Best (and most reasonably priced) shellac mani’s and pedi’s around.

Live elsewhere? Find a shellac salon near you, and read all about the science behind the glory that is shellac.

The only thing I want in this world is the perfect striped boatneck sailor shirt.

Both, L.L. Bean.

Left & Right

Okay, that's a bold faced lie. There are, unfortunately,  many things I want. Most of them involve glitter. However, the simple chicness of a striped boatneck--particularly in navy and white--is immensely appealing.
 Perhaps it is my inner French girl. I'd even consider throwing on a neckerchief and beret (again, a lie).
The nautical vibe of these tees is irresistible.



{Side-note: Did you know the French naval uniform used to include a version of this shirt? How chic is that? Only the French, I tell ya.}



The most classic have a slight a-line; you can also find modern shapes in the classic nautical color palette. Embellished versions are also supes cute: J. Crew has a short-sleeved version with buttons running down the back, though, sadly, it is not available in navy (I vote for gray).  

If you're longing to emulate Audrey, wear a slightly more fitted version with an A-line skirt in either white or navy. Add ballet flats for some Parisian flair. You can also pair your tee with jeans; skinnies are sleek, while boyfriend jeans will project a casual vibe. If you really want to embrace the nautical look, try sailor pants or wide-legged jeans. When wearing wider-legged pants, opt for wooden heels or woven wedges for a put-together look.

Always wear gold jewelry when going nautical, as silver comes across as too cold.

Makeup Monday

As everyone who knows me can attest, my favorite color is, in typical girly-girl style, pink. If it’s available in pink, I buy it in pink (remember?). I love nearly every shade of this fab hue, except perhaps those “dusty rose” ones.

Early this spring, I decided, despite my reservations, to give fuchsia lipstick a try. This classic-with-a-twist trend takes the classic red lip and gives it a more youthful spin. Red lips are kind of the older sister of pink lips: red is sophisticated and classic, while hot pink is sassy and spontaneous.

Whitney Port, just one of aprox 9,000 celebs who can be seen
rocking the magenta lipstick trend.

There is no shortage of tips and tricks online for selecting the perfect shade for your skin, many of them contradicting. The best way to find if this look is to go cheap; you don’t want to spend $30 on a Chanel lipstick, only to discover that the fuchsia lips trend is not really for you. Since most (read: all) drugstores aren’t crazy about you just ripping open tubes of lipstick and trying on a million different shades in the aisles, head first to a department store or Sephora. Here, you can try on multiple shades with the color advice and assistance of knowledgeable clerks. When you’ve found the perfect shade, swab some on a tissue. Head to Target and compare these tubes to your tissue sample; you may need to buy one or two tubes to get the right shade. I bought a color that was a bit too magenta before settling on a bit warmer shade, Revlon’s “Colorburst Lipstick” in Fuchsia 030.

Looks a little wonky here, but on my lips it's marvelous.

One final note: With lips this fab and bold, you’ll want to keep the rest of your face neutral. This is the time for mascara and, at most, eyeliner. Your clothes should also be a little staid; this isn’t the time to break out your Pucci. You can definitely still wear color (a nautical inspired look will be especially fab), just keep your outfit color palate to one color and one or two neutrals.

Switcheroo

For quite a few season's now, oxfords have been the cool shoe for all the hipsters out there. But then I started seeing them on more and more celebrities, and not just the "I'm-just-so-hip-it's-almost-painful" types, such as Agnyss Deyn. When they first came out, and up until just a couple months ago, I thought they were not cute.

But check out these fab. ones worn by my friend McKenzie.

Supes cute, right?

I love the fact that these take a very menswear item and use a very girly element (sparkle!) to spice them up a bit. 

My opinion of brogues has definitely switched to the "pro" side, with a couple of caveats.

First, do not wear these shoes with dresses. Or skirts. Or anything other than full length pants, unless you enjoy looking like a duck when you walk.

Second, the pairs I like best have borrowed the style form the boys, but changed the material into something decidedly feminine.

My favorite iteration is floral.

This Steve Madden pair is pretty much perfect. Worn with skinnies and a pretty blouse (maybe in one of the colors from the flowers), the shoes would not be a statement about how cool and insider you are, but an acknowledgment that you know the trends but make them your own. 

It's a less nose-in-the-air way of declaring that you are a fashionista.

Other great pairs:

Nordstrom
Love the fance laces!

Urban Outfitters

Makeup Monday

Welcome to my first Makeup Monday!
I’ll be sharing the beauty looks I most want to try, along with tips for achieving the latest makeup trends.

So, to kick things off, let’s talk eyeliner. I’ve recently decided that I will spend the summer perfecting the use of liquid eyeliner. (What? I’ll have just graduated; I’ll have a lot of time on my hands.) I am a particularly big fan of the cat eye look, which can only be achieved with liquid liner (and a steady hand).

Some of my favorite style setters (I hesitate to call them “icons,” but in 30+ years, we’ll look back and call them exactly that) have adopted the liquid cat eye look as a staple.

Taylor Swift

Lauren Conrad

So cute right? The best part about the cat eye is it can run the gamut from sweet and girly to sexy. It's perfect if you know in the morning that you'll be heading straight from work to your evening activities; you'll just need to add liner to the bottom rim and a couple more coats of mascara.

Our good friend Lauren up there posted a tutorial on how she gets her perfect eyeliner on her newly launched beauty website, The Beauty Department. 

As for me, I've purchased some waterproof liquid liner; I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Costume Institute Gala

The Met Ball, sometimes referred to as "the Oscars of the East Coast, took place in NYC last night. The gala, which introduces a new exhibition at the Metropolitan museum's Costume Institute department, is an annual draw of the fabulous and fashionable. This years exhibition celebrates the designs of dearly departed designer Alexander McQueen. 

The red carpet was rife with wonderfully dressed celebrities; here are my favorite.

(Steven Lovekin/Getty Images)

Iman in Stella McCartney

Only Iman could pull off a gold sequined jumpsuit.

(Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Claire Danes in Calvin Klein

Fabulous. My favorite.

Also, I  need to start using Latisse. You can see her lashes from outer space. 

Isla Fisher in Tory Burch

Just stunning. The blue with her skin tone and hair is just so pretty.

Dianna Agron in (d'uh) Michael Kors.

I so want to like this. It is this close...cut off that weird neck thing and we're in business.

(Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Stella McCartney

Maggie. Oh Maggie. You usually look a little wack-tack-ular.

But you got this so right. 

And hello there, Peter Sarsagaard. You're looking dapper.

Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein

I love this. Not many ladies can wear yellow, but Zoe can. And she looks fantastic.

All images courtesy of New York Magazine's The Cut.

Royal Wedding....

How fabulous does Kate--excuse me, Catherine--Middleton look in her wedding gown?

(Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen)

I am usually not a fan of sleeved wedding gowns, however, (and perhaps it is the fabulous romanticism of the whole affair) Kate looks just breathtaking in hers.

Kate's sister, Pippa (you've got to love the British names) looked gorgeous in her gown as well.

(Both images via)

The mermaid style gown, also by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, fit Pippa like a glove.

She nearly gives Kate a run for her money.

Embracing your Obsessions...

Folks, I have an obsession. 

Okay, well, I have several obsessions, but the one I am confessing to here is this:

I am obsessed with all things pink.

I am a genuine sucker for all things pink. Show me a pink clothing item or accessory, and I am genuinely powerless against purchasing it.

While this obsession has been going on for some time, I only recently noticed it when I looked down at my desk in class one day and saw this:

A pink laptop, phone, iPod, and coffee mug.

While I'll admit I blushed a little when I first noticed this (my cheeks turning, of course, pink), upon further reflection, I decided this was nothing to be embarrassed about. 

I love pink. I think it's fun and girly and can swing a number of ways (elegant, classic, bubbly, feminine...). Interestingly enough, I don't love wearing pink as much as I love having it as an accent...pink shoes make me giddy, but a pink blouse does not make me as happy (I cannot, however, resist the allure of a pink sundress). I'd rather have a pink accent than a pink outfit.

My point?

There's no shame in having a favorite color. Even if that favorite color is something usually reserved for toddlers.

Embrace your obsessions. Love blue? Own that. Reach for the blue iPod if that's what you love. It's silly to buy the white item if the yellow one will make you smile. Maybe don't wear that fave color H-to-T, but if you love it, live it.

Indispensable

While magazines try to tell us that women are forever on a quest to find the perfect pair of jeans, I think there is a search that proves even harder. I am always seeking the perfect version of this indispensable item. 

For what do I search so fruitlessly?

The perfect tote.

As a student, I am often hauling around a good amount of "stuff": notebooks, planner, wallet, snacks, magazines, ect. It is always a struggle to find a cute yet sturdy bag in which to schlepp my things about.

Enter Aimee.

My darling sister was recently wed, and fabulous Lands End tote was one of the gifts she gave to her bridal party. 

Each tote was personalized with the bridesmaids monogram, my favorite detail. The monogram and the pin-stitching around the trim and handles make the tote delightfully preppy without crossing over into popped collar territory. 

The tote is the perfect size to haul around my school stuff, but come summer, it will be just as useful. It's the perfect size for all summer activities. I imagine filling it with magazines and heading to the pool, or tossing in a swimsuit and change of clothes for an impromptu trip to the beach. It'll also be perfect for stashing your purchases at the farmers market, or sneaking snacks into the theater for those summer blockbusters.

It would even make a squeal-worthy alternative to an Easter basket.

Get yours here (available in a a variety of sizes and color combinations; be sure to click around a little before making your selection.)

Covet: Seagrass Sleigh Bed

I love this bed.

(Pottery Barn)

I think that if I were to ever become fabulously wealthy, this would be the bed that would be in the master suite of my sprawling Hampton’s estate. It would also fit in quite well in a (slightly more attainable) beach cottage. Or a "summer home". Paired with fluffy white duvets and linens in beachglass-like shades of blue, this bed would would be make for a simply dreamy place for sleeping late and lounging by the seashore.

Springtime Essentials: V

This brings us to the last of my Springtime Essentials. Metallic sandals are the warm-weather equivalent of winter's indispensable leather boots. These babies look good with nearly everything; they will certainly be an excellent accent to any and all of the previously identified Springtime Essentials.

Forever 21 {$7.50!}

When dealing with metallic, there is always the question of gold vs. silver. While I would recommend both (more footwear is never a problem), if you only want to purchase one pair, look at your jewelry to help you decide which metallic to go with. If the majority of your spring/summer jewelry is gold, buy a pair of gold sandals; if you have more silver jewelry, go with silver.

Sam Edelman {$59.95}

Have a mix of both metals? Seek out a bronze or pewter pair of sandals. Bronze and pewter mix well with both silver and gold, so if you tend to mix it up with your jewelry, this wuld be a good choice for you.

The great thing about metallic sandals is that they are becoming quite the staple, and so they're available at every price point.

Target {$15.00}

Springtime Essentials IV

Ace, the newly minted Mrs. Burroughs, has this adorable obsession with white jeans. Every year when the days begin to get a bit longer and warmer, Mrs. B begins her search for the perfect pair. This obsession with white jeans has rubbed off onto me. Now I too am searching for a fab pair to carry me through spring and summer. White jeans are an excellent alternative to your typical blue jeans.

Lately I've been really into a semi-monochromatic look--not necessarily wearing one color head to toe, but donning colors of the same tone. So when I want to wear the softer colors of spring, inky blue jeans are a bit too much of a contrast. White jeans look fantastic with other neutrals like soft grey's and camel's, as well as with muted, washed-out colors.

My favorite cuts for white jeans are bootcut and cropped skinnies. Bootcut is a great option because it is a universally flattering cut. However, and this may just be the shorty in me talking,I worry about the hem getting dirty as they drag along the ground. Cropped skinnies would not have this (possible) issue.

(Paige Premium Denim) (Joe's Jeans)

(The Gap) (The Gap)

Covet: Saltwater Sandals

The only sandals I wore growing up were Saltwaters. Every summer my mom would take me to pick out a new pair. I usually selected purple, though sometimes I wanted white instead.

I have been coveting them since last summer, and I think it's high time I buy a pair.

They are just this side of being gladiator inspired, but they have a nice indie slant to them.

(Hoy via Zappos)

I think I'll buy this navy pair. They will pair perfectly with jeans and fun tops this spring, and sundresses as the days get warmer.

Springtime Essentials: III

My friend Molly over at Urban Nester recently posted about how much she loves her denim jacket. Stylish minds sure think alike, because this classic piece is next on my list of Springtime essentials.

While there weren't denim jackets burning up the runways, this piece is timeless. Even the incomparable Marilyn donned the item.

(Eve Arnold, 1960)

I have my eye on a jacket from The Gap, though this classic Levi's one is also divine.

(Gap)

(Levi's)

The jacket pairs perfectly with nearly anything...really. There's nothing too casual or too formal. I wore one over my prom dress (way back when, but I think it still applies). You could even throw one over your yoga pants and tank-top if your planning on running errands after your workout.

My favorite way to wear a jean-jacket is with a sundress...it's the perfect topper when you need an extra layer.