Summer Sale

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Make sure you stop by my store today and check out all of the items that I have marked down for my first end of summer sale! The items pictured above are marked down as well as several other items in the shop. Happy shopping!

March Wedding

Dress, earrings (sold out), necklace, clutch, heels

I'll be attending a wedding the day before my due date. I ordered the above dress in coral several months ago and thought I would have plenty of room to grow in it as it was quite baggy at the time. I just tried it on this weekend and it was too small. So I think I will alter it and save it for when I return to my pre-pregnancy size because it is too pretty (and it's too late to send it back). I decided to order the same dress in a different color and this is pretty much the look I will be wearing in March. I'm crossing my fingers that it still fits in 12 weeks. 

Basic Blazers

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I'm guest posting today over at Jeans and a Teacup. Stop on by to see the rest of this post. Happy Tuesday!

Date Night

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My husband just got back from a two-week trip to Germany. While he was gone, I kept both kids and in that time I got sick, my youngest son woke up multiple times a night, my oldest son woke up early one morning and threw up, a tornado hit our neighborhood, and four days later we had another threat of severe weather so I took my boys and jumped in the car and drove south. So, needless to say, I would like a nice date night with my husband. Here are two looks that I think would be perfect for a three-hour dinner.

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I don't typically go for an all over floral (or rain forest) print but there is something eye-catching about this dress. A busy dress like this one doesn't need a bunch of accessories that will compete with it. Keep it simple with minimal jewelry and a sleek clutch.

What are your ideal date night looks?

* Don't forget to enter my giveaway here. You could win a piece of jewelry of your choosing! Have a great day!

Hair 101

I'm one of those girls who reads beauty tips (at least hair tips) and walks away frustrated. I don't get the hair jargon and all the fancy schmancy products that I'm supposed to use. To be honest, lately I've just been using whatever products are under my bathroom sink. I have a system that works pretty well for me. It may not be for you but maybe you can take away a tip or two that might help your hair regimen. 

Sleek & Straight

You might remember this post I did ages ago on how I style my hair straight. I always start with some kind of root lifter or mousse to give my hair a little texture. While silky hair is fabulous, I can't stand the way it feels on me. The roots seem to get stringy quickly and they take on a greasy look way too fast. I do like to use a little argan oil on the ends of my hair because I like the tips to be smooth. After applying mousse, I pile all of my hair up on my head (minus a small back section) and start blow drying with this:

This is the best brush for straightening hair that I have found and is available at Ulta for only $18.99. It's so much easier to use than a round brush and I am able to get the back, normally hard to reach, areas. As I dry each section, I let down another section from the pile on my head until my whole head is dry. When I'm finished, I usually have a pretty flawless blowout. Sometimes I will go over a very thin layer around my head with a flat iron to give it extra shine. 

The best part about using this brush, as opposed to strictly a flat iron, is that my hair stays full looking. Normally when I use only a flat iron my hair comes out looking, well, flat.

Full, Curly Hair

Curly hair is what I do when I feel lazy. I normally wash my hair, blow dry it halfway and do my make-up while the rest dries on its own. I use one large hot roller to roll my 'bangs' (they aren't really bangs, but the front part of my hair) away from my face. Then I use about seven medium (one inch) rollers throughout my hair. I usually leave them in for twenty minutes until they are cool and then let them down. If the curls are a little too perfect, I will separate them with my fingers and then spray with Aussie hair spray (flexible hold). I typically spritz my hair, do what I need to do around the house, and then go back for a final spritz. I find that after the first spritz has dried, I usually miss a section and can catch it on the second try. The flexible hold hair spray helps to keep my hair from looking too stiff.

Top Knot

A top knot is what I do with my hair when I am feeling the laziest. It is super easy, quick, and has been my go-to hair style for several years now. I pull my hair up into a high ponytail and smooth out any bumps with my brush that may happen in the process.

Next, I give the ponytail a twist once to the left (while still holding the ponytail high above my head). Only then, after giving it a twist, do I wind it around the base of the ponytail. I secure the base with several bobby pins and place a few throughout the top of the bun to secure stray hairs.

I realize that these pictures may not be the most professional, but let's face it: I'm a mom and my kids were beating on the door during these pictures. So even if the video I took would have worked, there probably would have been children in the background demanding entrance to my bathroom.

So there you have it. The not-so-glamorous hair routine of a busy mom to two little boys. If any of this helps you or inspires you, bless you.

* I'd love to have your vote in the Wallis Ambassador Contest. Click here to go vote! Make sure you like their page and accept the pop-up from Offerpop in order to vote.

Don't forget to enter the Poppy Boutique giveaway here. Have a great day!

Layering 101

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With winter in full force (for most of us; we had a rather warm weekend), layers are of the utmost importance. To me, there is nothing more annoying than wearing a winter coat, so layering shirts is the best option. 

• Start with a thin blouse. Picking one with a print or an embellishment on the collar will look so cute peeking out from under the layers.
• Add a chunky knit sweater on top, leaving the hem of the blouse peeking out of the bottom. 
• Add a bright blazer. (Make sure your sweater isn't too thick or you won't be able to put on the blazer.)

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If bright color in winter isn't your thing, opt for neutral layers. You can always finish off your look with small touches of color in your jewelry or handbag.

• Start with a t-shirt that has a print or texture. It will add dimension to the layers.
• Wrap a scarf around your neck and forgo the necklace. (Or if you really want to accessorize, pick a long necklace that will hit somewhere along the top of your rib cage area. It needs to hang far enough below the scarf.)
• Add a studded button-up shirt and leave it unbuttoned.
• Finish the look with a blazer and make sure that the scarf is centered.

Have a great day!

Dressed Up and Down

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In my post yesterday, I took a single blouse and styled it two different ways. In addition to that, I mentioned that I liked taking a dressy look and pairing an edgy jacket with it and doing the opposite with a casual look. I seem to be drawn to black and white a lot lately but I couldn't resist throwing in a bright red pump and slightly over-the-top red earrings for the dressed up look.

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These two looks may not share the same blouse but they are both great examples of how to add a polished vibe to a relaxed look, and take a dressy look down a level with a cargo-style jacket. Instead of wearing a sweatshirt with jeans (my frequent go-to option), try a pair of leather shorts. The studs on the loafers take this relaxed look up a few notches and the black blazer polishes the look off perfectly.

The dressed up version to the right can easily feel too girly so throwing on a parka with faux leather sleeves instantly takes this glam version down a bit. 

Of course, not everything has to be in opposition. There are plenty of times when I want to wear a blazer with my dressy look, and my leather jacket with my ripped jeans. It all depends on my mood.

Have a great day!

A Perfect Match

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It has been a while since I have put together a few outfit sets. I ran across this v-neck long-sleeve shirt while browsing online and thought of how easy a simple piece could be incorporated into outfits. The possibilities are endless but I came up with a dressy version as well as a casual version. Of course the idea of a long sleeve t-shirt lends itself to casual wear but I think with the right pieces and accessories, it can work for the evening as well.

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One of the biggest challenges of styling clothing is taking a piece from winter to summer or vice versa. I know in the past there have been many articles of clothing in my closet that have only seen one season at a time. I think taking summer pieces and making them work for winter is the easy part. (Really, have you tried to make a winter parka work for summer?) By simply adding longer pants and a blazer, a top worn in the summer can be worn in the winter as well. Go check your closet - I bet you have several tops that can be thrown under a blazer or cardigan for a perfect look now.

Have a great day!

Make-up Routine

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I shared my skincare routine in a previous post and promised to share my daily make-up routine this week. As you might have read in that post, I consistently use the L'Oreal Studio Secrets primer after I moisturize. After it dries, I apply Covergirl & Olay's foundation with a sponge, blending gently. One of the things my mother taught me was to apply foundation and concealer gently. There is no reason to pull at your skin. Gravity will take care of that in years to come so I see no reason to speed its progress. Sometimes I will take a tissue and rub along my jaw line to ensure there are no lines or streaks. After my foundation, I apply the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. The product comes out of a small rounded sponge at the end, which I love. I use my ring finger to gently blend in the remaining product under my eye. Next I apply my BareMinerals powder foundation with a large brush. Really, this powder can be used as foundation but I just do a light dusting over my face. The final step in this section is applying my Urban Decay Primer Potion across my eyelids. This primer is great - it helps my shadow go on smoothly and vibrantly and keeps it in place all day long.

My favorite shadow right now is the L'Oreal Smokes Quad. It's actually light enough for day wear but I have experimented with adding more for night. I never use the little sponge brush that comes in a shadow pack. I have an assortment of different brushes to apply my shadow. If you are looking for some reasonably priced brushes, check out Ulta or Target.  

After I apply my shadow, I always do a cat eye with my Almay liquid liner. I rarely use pencils anymore because I can get a bolder, more dramatic look with my liquid liner. I think it is easier to apply than a pencil as well. 

I curl my lashes before I apply mascara. Since I have very straight lashes, I start at the base with the curler and give it a few squeezes and then hold it. I continue doing this as I slowly move down my lashes until I reach the end. A few coats of my new favorite mascara by IsaDora is the final touch to my eyes.

Next, I add a bronzer to my cheeks for a little color. I have been using Mary Kay bronzers for a few years now. The color pictured above isn't the exact shade that I own, but it is close. 

Finally, I put on a few swipes of my favorite lipstick. I have loved the deep berry shades that have been so popular and this Amber Suede shade is my absolute favorite.

So that is my make-up routine. Just as I thought, it is slightly more involved and lengthy than my skincare routine.

Have a great day!

New Year, New You

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I love starting a new year. I feel like I suddenly have time to try new things. Of course I want to become a more patient person, play with my kids more, work on my spiritual life, and so on. This post, however, is focused on the fun, fashionable ways to change this year.

Having a blog is a great way to really see what other people see (on the surface, that is). I've noticed a lack of color in my handbags, and a serious lack of bold jewelry. Both are things that I love but when it comes to shopping for these items, I tend to shy away. This year, I am going to add a few pieces from this category to my wardrobe. Any of the pieces above make a statement and would be great pieces to own.

I definitely want to try a few new beauty trends. I have loved the double cat eye for quite a while now. Of course, a regular cat eye where I live is probably 'out there' so I haven't attempted the double. I think it would look great for a night out. It might take some practice, but I hope to master the look!

I've done a smoky eye every now and then when I've gone out to dinner with my husband. There are several ways to create the smoky eye and I am always on the lookout for a new method. If you want to try it, I found a step-by-step method here and a video tutorial here.

I don't have any nude lipsticks and I will be hunting for the perfect shade soon. I love the look of a dramatic eye done with nude lips.

False lashes are great when you want to add a little more 'oomph' to your make-up. I have used the strip lashes before (for dance performances) but I think the individual lashes look a little more natural and give a subtle hint of drama to your look. I am going to start using these more for date nights.

This new year is a great time to try new trends in beauty and fashion. Have you thought about things you want to try?

Have a great day!

Skincare Routine

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One of my best friends asked me to do a post on my daily skincare/beauty regimen. She sweetly referred to my complexion as 'flawless' and was curious about the products/methods I use. (Thanks Katie!) 

I have been washing my face two times a day ever since I was thirteen. I have never gone to bed with my make-up on. I definitely believe in removing all traces of make-up before my head hits the pillow each night. I've been using Olay's Age Defying wash for a few years now. The tiny exfoliating beads in the cleanser are gentle enough for daily use. If you are looking for a good exfoliator, I recommend St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I use it three times a week for a glowing, fresh complexion.

During the day I use Olay's Age Defying Anti-Wrinkle lotion. I like using a light moisturizer during the day and this one is the perfect weight and consistency. It also has a SPF of 15. I think a huge part of fighting the signs of aging starts with protecting your skin from the sun. Once the sun has damaged your face, there is only so much you can do to correct it.

I started using the Revitalift Triple Power moisturizer as my night moisturizer since it is pretty thick. It claims to repair wrinkles, redensify, and re-firm the skin. Wearing this cream for over 8 hours gives my skin plenty of time to do all of those things! 

I've started using just a bit of the Revitalift around my eye area during the day because that is one of the dry areas of my face. I like to give it just a little more moisture before I apply my foundation and concealer.

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Once I have moisturized, I use the Garnier Ultra Anti-Wrinkle eye roller. I always use some form of anti-aging eye product before bed and before I apply my make-up in the morning. This just happens to be the product that I am using now. The eye area is so sensitive and is usually where signs of aging start. I definitely believe in using some sort of product around the eye area to combat the signs of aging.

My complexion is not always flawless - I get zits every now and then. I have found that the best way to avoid zits and breakouts is to not touch my face. When the stubborn zit appears every now and then, I use my Mary Kay Acne Treatment Gel. It truly is the one zit zapper that I have found that works. It stops a zit right in its tracks and heals it. The most effective method I have found is applying the gel to a spot when I feel a zit coming on. You know the feeling. That little sore spot on your chin. Nothing has 'formed' yet but you can feel something under the surface of the skin. Put a huge glob on the area and it will help prevent it from blossoming into a full-on nasty zit.

When it comes to primers, I am obsessed with the two pictured above. I use both on a regular basis. Sometimes I just use the Magic Perfecting base when I want a matte finish. Or if I want a little luminosity I use the Magic Lumi-Primer. And sometimes I mix the two - using the Lumi-Primer on just a few parts of my face to highlight them and using the matte formula on the rest. 

I didn't really think my skincare routine was that involved but this post is rather lengthy (for me at, least). Stay tuned in the next week for my daily make-up routine. That one will be even longer...

Have a great day!

Can't Live Without Them

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I don't really consider myself a beauty junkie but I love a good product every now and then. There are a few products that I came to realize that I would be lost without.

Back in the day (when thin brows were in) I plucked my brows until I had about 3 framing each eye. (My mother warned me against doing so. Why didn't I listen?) I hear about people 'growing their brows out' but mine refuse to do so. (Let's just say I've been growing them for fifteen years and still no progress.) I've tried shadows to enhance my brows and I've tried pencils but have hated the effects of both. I discovered this brow pen by Anastasia and was instantly hooked. It is really for filling in missing gaps of your brows but I use it to draw in what is missing. It is the closest that I have come to having eyebrows again. If you are like me and have over-plucked, then you have to try this brow pen.

I recently received this Anastasia brow gel along with my last brow pen purchase at Ulta. I love the freebies that you get when you make a purchase but I didn't think I would really like the brow gel. Using a brow gel for the first time was very odd. After the gel dried, my brows felt quite stiff. However, after a week of using it, I was hooked. I never realized how disheveled my brows were until I started using this gel. It holds them in place all day, keeping your arch perfect until you wash your face at night. This was definitely one of those items that I never saw myself needing before but after a few weeks of use, I am hooked for life.

I definitely cannot live without this Urban Decay eyeshadow primer. I really don't know how I ever wore eyeshadow before it. Not only does your shadow stay put all day, it goes on so smoothly and vibrantly with the primer acting as a foundation. I have had a few days where I have felt a little lazy and have skipped the primer. I can tell as soon as I try to apply my shadow. There is no going back once you have tried it!

These are just a few of my favorite beauty products that I absolutely can't live without. What are some of yours?

Sweet Steals

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When it comes to shopping, I am not usually one to spend a lot of money on a particular piece unless it is a handbag, or a pair of shoes. Being a mom with only a part time job, I like to try and challenge myself when it comes to shopping. I get so excited when I score a major find at a low price.

 Not too long ago I picked up these faux leather pants at Target in the clearance section. After struggling to find a comfortable pair (that fit), I couldn't pass them up. I can't recall how much I spent but I believe it was around twenty dollars.

I also found some cute navy patent leather sandals at Zara for only $10. Check their website regularly for some great markdowns.

Or what about these shoes that I got for only 6¢? Combining reward certificates with major sales can only work to your advantage. I take advantage of email lists for sales, reward programs at stores like DSW and Ulta, and coupons at Target. I'm not an extreme couponer by any means, but I love a good deal!

Think about shopping in an off-season. You can pick up some great pieces for a third of the original price if you are patient and take your time. 

Here are a few finds under fifty dollars that are just too good to pass up:

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Small accessories like belts and jewelry can make a big impact. Look for big markdowns (especially after Christmas) and stock up. Accessories play a huge part in giving an outfit a new twist. Take advantage of those sales to spice up your wardrobe!

Have a great day!

Black and White

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Sometimes I get stuck wearing the same tops with the same bottoms. Since I don't have a lot of sweaters (and don't really need too many) I like to try and figure out different ways to wear the same one. Chunky sweaters aren't really great layering pieces (too much bulk) so getting creative with bottoms, shoes, and accessories is the best way to change a look.

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Adding color to a black and white look is the easiest way to stand out. Try a bright pair of pants, or maybe just stick to a few accessories in a bold color.

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If the sweater isn't too thick, you might be able to get away with tucking it into a skirt. Tucking it in gives it a completely different look than wearing it out over leather pants (or any other pants, for that matter).

What is your favorite way to wear black and white?

Party Picks

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Pretty soon invitations to parties will start arriving. If you are like me, you like to plan out your party outfit days or perhaps even weeks in advance. While the red dress pictured above is absolutely perfect, it is out of my price range ($320). I've put together a few items that would be perfect for your next holiday party. Whether sequins are your thing, or maybe perhaps just a jeweled cuff, the following list should have you covered.

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All under $40, these peplum tops (each slightly embellished in some way) would be affordable options. Pair them with jeans, leather pants, or black satin cropped pants for a perfect party look.

Sometimes all you need is just a little shimmer to spice your look up. Adding shimmer to just one element of your look should be sufficient. 

Have a great day!

Gift Guide - Accessories

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I can't believe that the Christmas season is upon us. Most of you might have already started your shopping but for those of us (myself included) that haven't really thought about gifts this year, here are a few guides to help you through your lists.

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Animal prints will always be in style. If the person you are shopping for is not a fan of wearing animal print tops or bottoms, perhaps an accessory such as the zebra cuff above would be best. The crocodile clutch pictured above is also a subtle way of incorporating the animal trend.

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Of course, sometimes simple accessories make the best gifts. You really can't go wrong with a pair of simple stud earrings or a scarf.

Have a great day!

Black Friday Steals

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If you aren't brave enough to fight the crowds on Black Friday for a good deal, then online shopping is your best bet to snag items at great prices. I'm only venturing out to work out. After that I plan on parking on the couch in comfortable clothes with no make-up on.

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Other great deals you don't want to miss:

• Check out Express, as they are offering 50% off of everything until noon on Friday.
• Target has great deals on everything from toys to electronics.
• Forever 21 has clothing and accessories $10 and under.
• Francesca's is doing a buy one article of clothing, get a second piece half off (In stores only through November 26th).
• LOFT is offering everything 40% off with the code 'ENJOY.'

Have a great weekend!

They've Got Your Back

(Images from The Mode in Costume)

Capes have been used in some shape or fashion since the beginning of time. Man figured out early on that wearing fabric encircled around his body would keep rain and cold out. Much like any trend, capes have changed in style over the years. (Just see the sketches above and see more here.)

There are so many different styles of capes right now but I just picked three. I've also styled them to hopefully give you a different idea of how to wear them.

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I would typically pick a heel to go with skinny pants but a studded boot gives this outfit a little more edge. Swap them out with heels for a glam look.

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There is something so classy about a cape and pencil skirt. Keep the jewelry minimal when wearing such a busy print. Pair this look with nude heels for a little extra class.

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Do you like capes? What is your favorite thing to wear with them?

Shift Into Gear

Styles will come and go but the shift dress has been a style that women have embraced for many years. With a simple, straight silhouette it hangs on the body just right. Women of many different shapes and sizes can wear this look because of its simple, non-clingy nature.

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A shift dress in a solid color (or even in black) is always a safe bet. Picking a dress in a solid color guarantees that you will wear it for years to come. You can always bring a garment up-to-date with accessories. A bold statement necklace or earrings are just what you need to take a dress from simple to stunning with little effort.

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With the obsession that I am currently having with leather, I had to include at least one dress in the fabric. A leather or lace shift dress definitely gives the classic silhouette a modern twist and would be fabulous in any woman's closet.

I hope you guys have a great day!

Baubles and Bags

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Do you remember when it was stylish to match your belt to your shoes? Or your shoes to your handbag? I love that pretty much all of the silly fashion rules have been thrown out of the window. It's fun to mix things up and forgo the old "matchy matchy" rule. However, there are times when I like the idea of matching colors, or at least pairing coordinating pieces together.

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Have a great day!