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What I bought (part 1)
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When you run into a friend at the mall, what’s the first thing you ask them after the inevitable “hello”?
It’s probably “What did you buy?!?!” We ask this partially to be polite, but mostly because we’re actually curious. We want to know what other people found worthy of their hard-earned money. We want to get inspired. And we want validation for our own purchasing decisions. It’s only natural.
So I’m starting this series of “What I bought” posts not because I assume that all of you are on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what I purchase next. But I’m doing this because I think most women care, on some level, what other women are shopping for.
Ever since I was a teen and first discovered H&M in New York City, I’ve been in love with the store. Needless to say, I was overjoyed that H&M was (finally!) opening in Portland this year. After attending H&M’s grand opening event, it has become one of my favorite places to shop. They’re usually on top of the latest trends, so if you’re paying attention you can snag some key pieces before they’re sold out. A couple of days ago, I made a trip to H&M and picked up a few fun pieces that are on trend for spring. This is what I bought…
♥ Bright colored, structured clutch handbag
♥ Tangerine mini skirt
♥ Hot pink silk tank top
♥ V-neck t-shirt
♥ Silk blouse
♥ Black bikini (only $9.90!)
Disclosure: I purchased all of these clothes for myself.
5 random beauty tips that may interest you
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One of my favorite things about the beauty industry is that there is always something new to learn. It’s a constantly evolving industry that embraces new innovations every day. Here are some random beauty tips for you to ponder over the long weekend.
1) You can get really great deals on high-end makeup if you buy sets or pallets. Many companies charge upwards of $20 for individual products, but purchasing a set is a better way to experiment with new colors and brands for a fraction of the price. For example, this pallet.
2) Retinoids are the newest breakthrough in anti-aging and acne treatment. And you should probably embracing them. Haven’t heard about them yet? Click here to learn more.
3) The easiest way to tell a person’s age is by looking at their hands and neck, not at their face. The lesson here is that you should care for your hands and neck the way you take care of your face. Exfoliating, moisturizing, and most importantly… Applying sunscreen! For low maintenance sunscreen application, try Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45, which is a breeze to put on and you can keep it in your purse. Bonus: You can use it on your face AND body!
4) Oil-free/ matte liquid foundation usually dries a shade darker than it looks wet when you first apply it. This is important to keep in mind when you’re picking out a shade, so that you don’t accidentally buy something that is too dark for your skin.
5) Synthetic makeup brushes don’t cling to bacteria the way that brushes with real hair do. So if you’re skin is prone to breakouts, try synthetic brushes. Synthetic brushes tend to work best with cream/liquid foundations, whereas natural brushes are suggested for powder foundations.
Do you have any fun facts or tips for me and my readers? Feel free to leave a comment and share or shoot me a tweet!
What’s in my bag?
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On any given day, it’s likely that most of these are inside my carryall.
♥ Raymond Waits paisley makeup bag – Because I need something to hold all my goodies.
♥ Bare Essentials “Flawless Face” travel-size makeup brush – Because my makeup won’t apply itself.
♥ NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Pop Life” – Because it doubles as a lipliner and lipstick.
♥ Vaseline Lip Therapy – Because Oregon weather is harsh on your lips.
♥ Mark Jacobs roll-on perfume – Because it makes me feel pretty.
♥ Murad Acne Spot Treatment – Because I still get the occasional “spot.”
♥ The Body Shop Nature’s Minerals Blotting Tissues – Because I hate shiny skin.
♥ Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer in “02 Sunkissed” – Because I don’t go tanning anymore.
♥ Secret Clinical Strength Sport deodorant – Because I like to be prepared.
♥ Small brown clamp clip and blonde bobby pins – Because my hair is unruly.
♥ Ray Ban aviator sunglasses (seen here) – Because it’s spring.
♥ Tory Burch glasses – Because I’m blind as a bat.
♥ iPhone 4 with Kate Spade case – Because I like to stay connected.
♥ My keys attached to Bare Minerals lipgloss keychain – Because I need an excuse to carry more lipgloss.
♥ Brighton wallet – Because life is expensive.
♥ Business card case – Because I like to pretend I’m a “grownup.”
♥ Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy – Because dry skin sucks.
♥ Spare earrings – Because I have a habit of forgetting to put them on in the morning.
♥ Spare pair of Acuvue Oasys contacts – Because I don’t wear my glasses every day.
♥ Moleskin notebook – Because if I don’t write it down, I probably won’t remember it.
♥ Pen/ highlighter – Because pencils are “so high school.”
♥ iPad – Because I can’t read blogs from my Moleskin notebook.
♥ Book – Because you never know when technology might fail you.
Are these the types of things you like to carry around too? What’s in your carryall?
Sunny Disposition
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It has been a while since I’ve done an outfit post. But now that the weather has gotten much nicer, I’m more inclined to drag my butt outside and take pictures – so expect more to come! I also just created a Lookbook.nu account and uploaded my first look. I feel a little left out of all this “Hyping” and “Fanning” going around (I guess there’s a learning curb?), but if you’re one of my readers and you happen to have a Lookbook account, feel free to follow mine and I’ll follow yours back!
The moment I saw these yellow pumps I fell in love. I’m a big fan of pairing neutral clothes with bright accents – so I knew these HAD TO become an addition to my spring shoe collection.
This outfit gracefully made the sometimes-uncomfortable transition from the office to happy hour afterwards. Post 5 pm, all it took was a splash of coral lipstick and I was ready for the evening. Don’t you love looks like that?
Once again, this just goes to show how far a black blazer, white T, dark jeans and a fabulous pair of pumps can take you. Yet another reason to have these 15 essentials hanging in your closet.
Disclosure: I purchased all of these clothes for myself.
Shoe-La-La
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I can’t think of a better way to update last year’s spring wardrobe than with this year’s spring shoes. Bright colors, tall wedges, bring ‘em on! To be completely honest, I wasn’t really a “shoe girl” until recently. But discovering hidden gems at discount stores completely changed my mind. I’ve realized that it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money to own something really special. Take these $29 yellow platform pumps from Target, for example. A fabulous find, if I do say so myself!
Discount shoe stores such as DSW, TJ Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack (or Target) are great ways to try new shoe trends and colors on a budget. Then, once you find a style you absolutely can’t live without, you can spring for a higher quality pair (if you wish).
These is my collection of spring/ summer shoes.
I think I’m done buying shoes for a while… Some might say I’ve already gone a little overboard (like my boyfriend whom I share a closet with.)
What are your favorite inexpensive places to shop?
Bracelets, Cuffs and Bangles
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I’ve never really been a bracelet girl. I’ve always felt that they got in the way of working with my hands. But I think it’s impossible for these spring gems not to make a lady swoon…
♥ Cara Accessories Colored Stone Bangle
♥ Alexis Bittar Studded Hinged Cuff
♥ Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘High Tide’ Stripe Bangle
♥ Every bracelet David Yurman has ever made
And for a less expensive alternative…
♥ Forever 21 Sea of Color Bangles
A girl can dream, can’t she?
New “it” shoe for spring – Flatforms
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1. Lonely In Kelp, $300
2. Jeffrey Campbell CLARK, $130
3. Metallic-Leather T-Bar Flatform Sandals Calvin Klein Collection, $318
4. Jeffrey Campbell SUEBEE, $138
5. Jeffrey Campbell GENOA, $185
6. Jeffrey Campbell FATIMA WICKER, $100
To be totally honest, I’m not really on board with the flatform.
This may be a trendy look right now but I’m having trouble understanding what positive contribution these shoes make to your body. Wedges are all well and good – They give your feet more surface to balance on, while adding the same height as a heel would (if not more). And heels or stilletos or whatever add height and shape to your legs and booty. But flatforms? I’m yet to figure out what these shoes do other than remind me of a modern day Spice Girl.
I think designers kind of missed the mark when it comes to these shoes.
When you break it down, the underlying purpose that fashion serves is to flatter the body. Yes, I appreciate the “art” aspect of fashion. But for me, if it’s not flattering, what’s the point? So, I don’t think the flatform is a trend I’m going to be jumping on this season.
What are your thoughts? Do you think certain outfits call for the flatform? Let me know!
Makeovers and the first sun of the season
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Two Fridays ago, Portland had its first day of warm, sunny weather this year. And my friend Sarah Cargill and I felt it absolutely unthinkable not to celebrate. We made appointments at Blush Beauty Bar on northwest 23rd to get our makeup done and then go out for dinner and drinks afterwards.
Blush Beauty Bar does its own version of a “happy hour” on Fridays. The store has something called a “Flirty Friday” which is a deal where you get a makeover and $30 toward any products in the store, for the price of $30. This deal is so popular that Sarah and I had to book it over a week in advance in order to get in. (And when we got there, the store was swamped.)
Blush Beauty Bar is one of my favorite places to shop for beauty products because of its wide selection of quality, hard-to-find brands, and knowledgeable salespeople (who also happen to be makeup artists).
While Sarah opted for a more dramatic, smoky-eyed “going out” look, I went with more natural and understated makeup (although I couldn’t resist the false lashes).
We were both quite happy with the way our makeup turned out – and we were so seduced by the products that we ended up spending well over the $30 requirement. (There’s no turning back now – Blush Beauty Bar doesn’t grant refunds.)
I was also ecstatic to have my first opportunity to wear one of my maxi dresses (also seen here) without a sweater over it, out in public. I wasn’t the least bit cold, and I enjoyed this day because it was short-lived, as the wind and rain returned just two days later.
GUEST POST: How far can your handbag take you?
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Handbags are one of those accessories that can make or break an outfit. Luckily, Meieli Sawyer, a fashion journalist writing on behalf of designer shopping website Boticca.com, has volunteered to share some advice in this guest post about picking out the perfect handbag.
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On the lookout for Designer Clutches, Tote Bags, and More
We hear so much about investment outfits, but what about all-season bags? Whether you’re anxiously looking forward to the upcoming season or reveling in the current one, both designer bags (preferably evening clutch bags) and investment bags (like smart totes) should find their way onto your shopping list.
Why Clutch Bags?
Women’s clutch bags don’t get enough love, but they’re one of the most versatile options around. If you want to put together an evening outfit, for example, you can’t overpower it with a heavy bag. Clutches remain must-carry items at night, resplendent in high-shine fabrics, beaded designs, and whimsical shapes. For women on a budget, designer clutch bags are particularly important: They’ll make a simple shift look expensive. Unlike trend-conscious dresses and high-street purchases, evening clutch bags will stick around in your wardrobe.
That said, clutches also work for you in the day, in a different capacity. Do you ever have to do errands at lunch? Carrying a clutch nestled in a larger tote bag means that you can grab the essentials and go, without lugging the rest of your things with you. Perfect clutch handbags for the day-to-night transition are dark or embellished, but always lined.
What About Tote Handbags?
You’ve probably seen someone carrying around a dingy canvas bag that holds all their work belongings, from their commuting shoes to their daily purchases. There’s no need to sling on something so drab, especially when there are a ton—yes, a ton—of designer tote bags that can do the same job for you. Intelligent dividers allow you to separate your goodies, while fashion-forward totes can actually complement a professional outfit.
To buy a tote handbag that will stick around, look for one in coated or lined fabric, with an adjustable, additional strap that allows you to wear yours cross-body. If you’ll be bringing your tote to work, get a bag in embossed or grained leather that won’t show bumps or scratches. For something that works nicely on the weekend, try a designer tote bag in a primary colour or a stripe.
We’re sure that you have some ideas about expanding your bag collection, from clutch bags to tote bags. If you need some inspiration from some of the best independent designers in the world you should take a look at the clutch bags and tote handbags at Boticca.com. Or just get out and get shopping!
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About Boticca.com:
Boticca is a shopping website that scours the world for the top emerging designers’ unique accessories. You can check out their unique pieces at Boticca.com.
About the author:
Meieli Sawyer works as a fashion journalist and has been published in both print and online media internationally. She’s been working in the industry for seven years, specializing in extended sizing, loves designer jewelry and holds a Fashion Design degree from Syracuse University. When she’s not writing, she’s hunting for new charity shops or reading a “real” book — no Kindles allowed!