Coming Soon

I recognize that I have strayed away from product reviews and tips in the last few weeks. Don't worry, I will rebound with more of that. I am inspired by contouring my wide, heart-shaped face with bronzer right now. And plan on purchasing a much-researched new body wash this weekend.

Jessica Biel Inspires My Work Clothes

I work in a very conservative and very dressy bank. Depending on the job title, most people wear suits. The blazer requirement has really stretched my creativity with my limited work wardrobe. I have been pairing a couple of fun blazers I have with dark pants or skirts, or sometimes a black blazer/black pant that can sort of look like a cohesive suit. Lately, I have really been wanting a gray suit. I am on the look out for a good deal.

In the meantime, this picture is so inspiring. I wish I could wear beautifully tailored YSL suits everyday, but--alas--I don't think my bank would go for the shiny suit look anyways.




Just in case they every would...

Victoria's Secret

Scarves

The Fresno weather is crazy in the fall time. Last Friday, it was 90 degrees and this Friday, it will be 64. Just in time to bust out my scarves. I have been a big fan of lightweight pashmina style scarves in the past few years, and love all of the options for indoor scarves this summer. Now, in fall, they can be worn outside or inside.

Steve Madden, $42

Charlotte Russe, $14.99

Kelly Ripa blog

If you're anything like me and have a deep love for Kelly Ripa fashions, stop by the fashion blog for her clothes on "Live with Regis and Kelly."

I love that she knows what works on her body, and sticks to the most flattering cuts.

Kelly's Fashion Blog

Classic Paris Style on a Budget

I was so inspired by this "article" on the Glamour website. I love the idea of updating one's wardrobe with minimal cost and not too much blatant trendiness.

Check it out!

Oh, Anne

Perfect colors, perfect fit, no competing jewelry.

The Quest for the Perfect Black Pant

I've done it!!

I have been on an extensive search for a good fitting pair of black pants. I lost a bunch of weight (more like a lot of muscle in my legs) after I got sick a couple of years ago. Since then, I struggle to find pants that fit. Most of my older stuff looks bigger on me, and not the good kind of baggy--the frumpy kind of baggy.

In the past few months, I have desperately needed a pair of black pants for work. During the summer dress code months, I could get away with wearing dresses most days. Now, everyone is pretty much wearing suits everyday and I feel all frumpy in my mismatching blazers and ill-fitting pants.

I tried ordering the low rise pants from Gap. Nope, still high waisted on me...and frumpy! Bought a couple of pairs from Express. Nope, the smallest size was too short in length and just wasn't flattering. I don't have much energy for actually going to stores, but when I did venture out, would try on black pants.

Finally, I decided to take the plunge and spend $70 on a pair from Victoria's Secret. I usually have some sort of discount or sale when purchasing those things, but was so fed up. They arrived today.

And I'm happy to report that they are perfect. Finally. Now, I need to find a great gray pantsuit.

Teen Star Hair Envy

I love Vanessa's hair in this picture. In fact, I am really impressed with the whole outfit.

I wore my gray tights twice this week. It was cooler and fall-like earlier in the week, but today went back up to 90 degrees. Weird feeling. Apparently, the weather will turn to winter overnight the week of Halloween.

I don't care. I'm still wearing tights.

Cooler weather head gear

Urban Outfitters

Tights Tights Tights!!!

My work dress code tightened up again for fall starting Oct 1. We were permitted to bare-leg it May - Sept, but now have to wear nylons (or tights in my case.) I have been relying on dresses for half of my work wardrobe, but for a couple of weeks struggled to find enough pants.

This weekend, I bought some gray and purple tights (one pair gray, one pair purple...to clarify.) So fun. I am inspired again. I wore the gray ones today with black peep toe shoes.

Mobile Makeup

I may not be able to design my own cosmetics, but I did a little bit of research on refillable powder brushes...so you can take your mineral foundation, powder sunscreen or any other loose powder on the go!

Sephora, $22




Coastal Scents, $6.95



Everyday Minerals, $5

How to Fake a Bob

It seems like everyone is chopping their hair off right now. I merely cut two and a half inches off mine...much needed decrease in length. However, I am not even tempted to actually cut my hair.

So, I was intrigued when I saw this in the Glamour beauty blog:

How to Fake a Bob

If I worked for a cosmetics company...

Bare Escentuals finally put one of their Mineral Veil in a portable form.

Why couldn't they do the same with their foundation?

Or, better yet, why can't Make Up For Ever do it with this??

Back to Beauty

Today all I wanted to do was stay at home and finish Twilight book number four. But, I had a hair appointment, and could not wait to cut 2+ inches off of my hair. That done, I decided to stop by the mall because I was out of my fave mascara, Imju Fiberwig (read about my love for it here.) I hadn't been to Sephora in at least two months. I know, what is wrong with me?? So, went for the mascara and ended up being very curious to try DiorSkin Airflash spray foundation. The girl doing my makeup ended up bonding with me, and we spent an hour together...talking about products and adding more fun things on. She put on DiorShow in Plum...very fun and different. And contoured my eyes in a very subtle, yet stunning way. She had me practice techniques, and told me repeatedly that I should model (haha!! I think they expect us unsuspecting girls to all aspire to be models and, therefore, want to be told that.) The whole thing was very fun. I took some pictures of the makeup and will post them soon.

I got home, and was thinking about matte eye makeup. I started playing on the Bobbi Brown website and fell in love with this palette. I want it!! Perfection. I love the not-too-warm and not-too-cool colors. The mauvey color is shimmery, but the rest look matte. I would, of course, only wear matte eyeshadow with a strong primer underneath to keep my oily lids from creasing (I love Urban Decay Primer Potion.)

Basics Eye Palette