Screen Shopping

I must confess that I haven't been shopping in probably close to a year or more. Yes, I've bought things here and there, and experienced a birthday and Christmas, so I'm not saying I lack for anything. But, I haven't really satisfied that urge to splurge in quite some time. There are many reasons why, which I won't bore you with, but I'm almost to a place where I can allow myself a few indulgences here and there. That is what I do want to share with you. The things of which I've been window shopping (er, screen shopping?) for quite some time now, and will finally be able to pull the trigger. Can you tell I'm excited?

Madewell's Mira Heel as seen on Sequins and Stripes. 

These Zara items:

Left: Printed Trouser // Right: Periwinkle Maxi

Left: Jumpsuit // Right: Shift dress

Left: Off-shoulder dress // Right: pointed flat

So, I'll be hiding and watching for a few more weeks, but I promise when my piggy bank has anything left to spare, some of these will find a home in my closet. And I couldn't be more thrilled.

Prismatic

It's no secret (I mean like not.at.all. a secret) that I'm quite a fan of Katy Perry. I could take a moment to list the reasoning or the examples of previous posts about her, but let's be real here, it'd take way more than a minute. From my tiger ring and halloween costume to my coffee table book and "Part of Me" movie DVD, I'd say the obsession is here to stay.

Once JT told me he bought us tickets to her show this fall as a birthday present, I knew it was time to burn this cd (literally, and figuratively) into my brain. Since Monday, I've been listening to the Prism Deluxe Edition on repeat, and I must say, it's pretty darn awesome. The transition from Teenage Dream to Adult Reality is a slippery slope, but as someone who has gone through the highs and lows of post-grad adulthood, the lyrics pretty much hit the nail on the head.

A few of my favorites and what they triggered in my mind, for those curious are below. For those that aren't curious or hate KP... stop reading...now.

Of course "Roar" is a fabulous workout jam and all-around girl power ballad. No need to elaborate. But it's the other songs that left me with very distinct associations every time I heard them. 


"Unconditionally" first made me thing of the obvious, a strong, meaningful relationship. Duh. But the more the album repeated, the more in depth I went with every line. I took it from a very sweet and romantic feeling about a boyfriend, to encompass the way I view a marriage relationship. Then, a step farther to the love of a parent and their child, since my sister is preggo and bebe's have been in the forefront of my mind by planning showers. Then, this morning I almost started crying listening to the song with the mindset of the heavenly father and his beloved followers. If I've said it once I've said it a hundred times, my God works in mysterious ways and uses every aspect of my life to draw me close to him, secular songs included.

The next song that left a lasting imprint was "It Takes Two." Title alone, you think, yes perfect follow up to "Unconditionally." But in the words of the Grinch, wrong-o. This one is about a break-up, and take it for whatever you will in terms of KP's split from Russell Brand. It's sad, empowering, and 100% relatable, at least for me. The things that really got me were "It takes two, two sides to every story. Not just you, I can't keep ignoring. I admit half of it, I'm not that innocent."

On a more upbeat note, "International Smile" and "This is How We Do" are anthems I need my TNBs for. Riding down Lakeshore, windows down, Sonic limeades in hand, belting every word. Takes me back to college in a flash, and makes me miss my girls more than the normal amount (which is already a LOT). "This one goes out to all the ladies at breakfast in last night's dress. This goes out to all you kids that still have their cars at the club valet and it's Tuesday. Shout out to all you kids buying drink service with your rent money." 

Last, but certainly not least, "Dark Horse" is that song I'm embarrassed by, because I sing so loudly and so expressively in the car that I pray no one pulls up next to me. Channeling her Grammy performance seen here, I also work in elements from Zeta's "Double Double Toil and Trouble" Step Sing show and the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus. (what? like you don't too. c'mon)

So, if you haven't purchased it yet, I highly recommend rocking out to every phase of life with this 16-song keepsake. 

Witchy Woman

Post title is a shout out to all my ADPi sistas since it's Step Sing season and a perfect throwback Thursday was my freshman year when ADPi put a spell on everyone with their performance. 

{AHS: Coven}

I must say, witches are having a moment. Not that they ever haven't, but I'd go as far as to say witches are the new vampires. Yep. I went there. My adult obsession with Hocus Pocus (which was originally rooted in absolute fear when I was a child. I literally couldn't even see the VHS tape cover without nightmares for weeks) might have tipped a few of you off, but I'm weirdly fascinated by the idea of them. With Wicked (my all time favorite musical) in town, Katy Perry's magical performance at the Grammys, and last nights Supreme reveal (click here, or here to find out who it was) on American Horror Story: Coven, I think the fascination is here to stay. 

It started out just like any summer...

Those true "Now and Then" fans know when the title line starts to play (hint: right before credits role), and felt every.single.one. of these at some point or another (click here for further proof of my love of this movie). Molly still says "hey remember that time you made me watch the movie with the seance?," and Mere and I could have literally killed each other over who got Devon Sawa in our ideal future life (c'mon... Little Giants, Wild America, Casper......until we saw what he looks like as an adult..yikes). 

But no matter which character you identified with or how hard you "ugly cried" when Crazy Pete saved Sam, this one's for all the '90s girls, and our model for true friendships.

 Click here for the article.

Botox in a Bottle

{the coveted bottle that travels between my bathroom and my mom's}

I think Emily Maynard said it best when she said she'd be "living under a bridge wrinkle free" when it came to spending money on skincare. You only get one crack at your skin... so I think it justifies spending a little extra moola on the good stuff, and this, my friends, is the good stuff. 

I was first introduced to Nerium AD when my sweet baboosh, EZ E, brought it on our Memorial Day beach trip. She said she'd found this ah.maze.ing. new cream we all had to try. Everyone was skeptical, but me being a junkie for anything beauty-related, I gave it a whirl. I remember saying it smelt like apples. Not bad, eh?

After the trip, I didn't think much of it until I started noticing my forehead wrinkles grow increasingly more visible. I'm one of those lucky gals that has overly expressive eyebrows anyway, and that, paired with arching them every day when I put on my mascara started to take its toll at the age of 23. yikes. 

Then, a funny thing happened. I started noticing Nerium AD pop up everywhere. Molly and Sally swear by it on A Piece of Toast, Catheirne Giudici of the Bachelor even has people wining cars selling it! I was 100% sick of looking like grandma wrinkles in my 20s and decided to give it a try. Baboosh was sweet enough to send me a bottle to try (fo free). I used it, and instantly fell in love. I've recently gotten compliments on my skin, and my mom said she noticed that my forehead wrinkles had nearly disappeared, even when I raise my eyebrows! 

This stuff is that good. I'm even sharing with my mama to see what kind of results she gets.

I agree with Molly when she says this stuff is truly "botox in a bottle," and I'd be willing to guess it's less expensive and more natural-looking than it, too. 

So, maybe I'll living under a bridge since I spend my paycheck on skincare and beauty products, but at least I'll be wrinkle free... and in good company (cough, Emily Maynard).

Famous Friends (part 3)

The time has come to re-up a favorite series of mine: famous peeps I'm almost certain I'd be friends with. Part 1 is here and part 2 is here. For this installment (in all fairness I warned you) is the one and only bitchy-yet-lovable sister of Edward Cullen, the sweet songbird wife of Paul McDonald, and the all around style icon, Nikki Reed. 

Meredith and I both agree she's the perfect combo of "All American" meets "exotic looking" and she manages to always look edgy yet classic. A hard thing to pull off I'd imagine. She has a millions things going at once, yet always has a fun bubbly outlook, per her instagram which I follow daily. So why do I think we'd be great friends?

First, I love her style, and think we'd share clothes swimingly.

Second, her goofiness. Few can make such weirdness adorable.

Third, she has the rare ability to make her warp-speed relationship with Paul McDonald (met in March 2010 and were married by October of that same year) look cute instead of creepy (which, let's face it, it had potential to be). 

She has amazing taste in jewelry (including this Lola James necklace).

She can act and mysteriously sing well? Yet another reason she's amazeballs.

Finally, I feel as though I'd be friends with Rosalie and since they're one in the same, naturally I'd befriend Nikki.

Black Honey

I'm way late to the party, but glad I arrived. Much like with Zara, once I find these gems (that apparently everyone uses but never talks about) I wonder how I ever lived without it. Enter: Clinique's almost lipstick in Black Honey. 

It's basically the grown up version of Dr. Pepper Chapstick. It gives your lips the right amount of color, looks great on everyone, and feels like (you guessed it) Chapstick. It's also a steal at $15. Seriously, how did I ever live without this stuff?? If you're wondering what lip color I'll be wearing through the holidays... look no farther. 

Transformation Tuesday

For the most part, these transformations are reserved for awkward family photos or hilarious moments in the past compared to what you are now. In that regard, the title fits. 

No, I'm not including any awkward photos of myself (though Lord knows they exist), but rather I am addressing something that was not-so-subtly pointed out to me today: I'm willingly turning into Taylor Sterling.

Granted, I don't see this as a bad thing, nor does the glamorous individual who said it to me, but there's something to be said for the fact that I literally found out who she was a week ago and now stalk her every instagram post.

For those who don't know, Taylor Sterling is the founder and creative director of The Glitter Guide. She has a successful website, an adorable family, and a love for metallic polka dots (for this reason it was only a matter of time before our paths crossed).

She has a bebe (Elodie--yes, as in The Hills... as Mere would say, clearly she was team Heidi) on the way, a nursery that rivals royalty in cuteness, and somehow looks more glamorous at 9 months pregnant than I did going to a college formal. Added bonus, she's friends with my gal Julie of Gal Meets Glam.

 

{the coveted gold sheets}

I recognized the transformation was happening almost instantly. Yes, i share a love of gold, stripes and polka dots, but the fact that I found where her bedsheets are from (PB Teen) should have been my first clue. Next came the auto-correct of her name when I type in "Instagram" on my computer. Finally, please avoid Pinterest unless you want to see bookoos of annoying pins from me.

 

{yes, this is Taylor. The image everyone repins... it's actually her}

Again, I reiterate that I don't think having mentors is a bad thing, but there is a line of finding yourself instead of plugging yourself into a mold someone else created. Case and point, I am in love in Inslee Haynes. Truly, madly, deeply. Her illustrations make me smile, even when I have no relation to the image. Part of me (okay, a lot of me) views her blog and thinks "Wow, if only I could do _____."

I've since turned this obsession toward Taylor. When does designating a mentor cross a line into wanting to follow their footsteps instead of forging your own path/success? This is something I really gotta work on. Any advice is appreciated.

I can't help but think of when my friends and I used to mock a stereotypical sorority girl (which we are- minus Eddie, who would ask the questions to us) by saying, "Q: What's your favorite band? A: Trotline!, Q: What's your favorite color? A: Glitter!"

Although I do find it a bit ironic that one of my favorite colors really is gold (glitter) now.

Flower Power

It's no secret I have a crush on Drew Barrymore. She's the epitome of a carefree, happy-go-lucky chick who is open about her past and optimistic about her future. All admirable traits. 

Among her accolades are being born into an uber famous Hollywood family, getting her big break in E.T., Charlie's Angels, being my favorite Cover Girl, and being hilariously funny in general. She also has a line of wine, a handsome hubby, a cutie daughter and a bebe on the way. So just when you thought she couldn't get any cooler... she goes and creates a make up line--Flower Beauty (of which I am now obsessed).

Now, I already knew about her line, because my mind weirdly only absorbs and retains knowledge of the celebrity nature, but an instagram from Nikki Reed about how fabulous the make up made me take the plunge. Nikki Reed is a new-found celeb obsession of mine I'll address at a later date, I'm sure. Nevertheless, the winter weather has brought with it the return of my "vanilla" skin-tone, and I figured, as long as I was buying new make up... I might as well try cheaper first.

Lo and behold the Flower Tinted Moisturizer, which I'm currently wearing (along with cream blush and berry lip butter). It's seriously amazeballs. And for only $10, I broke my ban of never venturing into Wal Mart again.

So if you're in the market for new beauty goodies, I highly recommend Flower. And basically anything Drew puts her stamp of approval on.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Look for Less

I admit that I'm way more obsessed with a few of my blogger friends than I should be, considering I've never actually met them. But that doesn't stop me from have major wardrobe envy for A Piece of Toast, Gal Meets Glam and Dallas Wardrobe.

 

{photo from Dallas Wardrobe}

Specifically, these boots (similar also seen here on InStyle) that can be found on Happily Grey and Dallas Wardrobe on many occasions (see here, here, here, here or here). I loved, but let's be real... I'm not about to spend my entire paycheck on a pair of boots...just yet anyway. Thankfully, I found a discount double take at trusty H&M (and a middle of the road double take at ALDO).

 

Left: real $598 // Right: knock off $59.95

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

Personally, I don't feel this needs an explanation, but for those that simply don't see the importance of it: Go forth, and do your Christmas shopping sans crowds or full-priced items.

That said, this is what I have my eye on:
-this gorgeous green watch
-navy, silver and rose gold watch
-Nike running shoes
-Tory studs
-this down coat for if I lived in Chicago
-loving the idea of these for Christmas Eve
-perfect gift
-heard good things about this (cheaper version than La Mer) eye cream

Things I might actually splurge on/great stocking stuffers:
-NARS Lip pencil
-Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color
-Waterproof eye liner set
-NARS Blush
-wrap scarf
-

Good Enough for G, Good Enough for Me

Confession: I'm beyond addicted to Zara... truly, madly, deeply. It's becoming kind of an issue (as seen here), but after all, you never know what kind of adventures the day might bring. As the late, great Lilly Pulitzer said, "Life's a party; dress like it!" And who am I to argue with Lilly P.?

My latest finds include:

{this bright dress I found courtesy of my girl Giuliana Rancic on insta and is now sold out.}

 

{this lil beaut i also just purchased}

 

{the perfect way to color-block all the way through Fall and Winter}

 

{bright pop of color --Bonus, this is on sale!}

 

{sassy shoes to tackle any business meeting}

 

{uhbsessed with this classic. i die.}

 

{these remind me of funfetti cookies, which makes me happy...and hungry}

 

{not sure I can pull these off but LOVE them in a similar style

 here on Blake Lively--Bonus, also on sale!}

Any other finds you're dying over?