Seriously

My life is not crappy. I shouldn't whine, but sometimes things go the way of Majorly Dumb.



This past week was just one of those weeks. On top of my dog being sick, I think I've also messed up my foot. I was hoping it would stop bothering me, but it keeps getting worse. Last Monday I stepped in a crack and just the inside of my foot went in, which means the ball of foot got bent weird. It really didn't bother me much at first; didn't really even hurt when I did it, but now the ball of my foot is really sensitive and it worries me. Especially since it's the exact spot of an old injury I sustained when I was about 12.



A doctors appointment would be in order, but I have no insurance. That's right, four jobs, and none with benefits.

I want to wear heels again, but what if I never get to???? The thought inspires tears.



In these photos:
Vintage chambray romper
Vintage wool sweater
Urban Outfitters tights
Vintage Beret

Snowglobe

Yesterday was like living in a snow-globe, except for the part where I was sick with worry about my doggy. It snowed all day, but never really stuck; the air was just filled with fine white flakes that floated off to somewhere else. Seattle only had a light dusting, but other towns up north got over 12 inches! My mom lives about 60 miles south of me, and she got 6 inches. The panic that sets in here in Seattle gets worse and worse every time we have snow.



Today it is blindingly sunny. That type of sunny that always comes with below-freezing temperatures. I'll take it though! My dog is feeling better, and could now open up a small drug store, which might be a good idea as she now owes me $200. They're not quite sure what she is sick from, but I'm still waiting on some test results. Thanks for all your kind words :)

As for this outfit, I just looove the colors. I think I'm going to start building my entire wardrobe around reds and blues. I painted a little heart on my cheek that my boyfriend says is "too precious" to wear everyday. I agree with him, but I like it so much I might wear it once a week.



The blouse is a vintage Wrangler that I can't bare to part with, even though it is two sizes too big for me. It's such a treasure.



In These Photos:
J.Crew Cardigan
Wrangler Blouse
J.Crew Cashmere Hat
Zella Leggings
New Look Wedges
GAP Clutch

Bed-rest

My dog is sick, yet again. I bring her in for emergency visits more than I bring her in for regular check ups.

My mom won't answer her phone and my boyfriend is at work, so I've resorted to posting about it for all the World to see.

I have an appointment with the vet at 2pm, which seems like ages from now. I just want to figure out what's going on! I'm very, very worried. On top of everything, it's snowing again, but luckily not sticking. Hopefully the roads won't freeze over too early in the day.

ModCloth Giveaway

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you the link to Collette's awesome giveaway. The winner will receive a $50 gift card for ModCloth.

Click HERE to be taken directly to the giveaway post

You should also check out the rest of her Collette's blog, Statments in Fashion. She's a great blogger!

On a side note, it's snowing here O_o Earlier in the afternoon it was a perfect, sunny blue skies and it was filled with snowflakes!! I've never seen weather like that.

On a sad note, my pictures turned out bad today. I didn't have enough light. :(




In these photos:
Vintage velvet blazer
Coal cowl scarf
GAP shirt
Zella leggings
Vince Camuto boots
Vintage Rabbit Fur

Holiday

Today was one of those very meaningful holidays. The kind where you can't run any errands, unless they involve buying mattresses at great prices! I realized halfway thru getting ready that I was not going to be able to go to the bank, post office, or library. I ended up at our one-and-only outdoor shopping mall.



Have you ever noticed how much your attitude effects how you perceive the weather? I'm so ready for Spring and keep thinking it IS Spring, so today I didn't think much of the bitterly cold wind. Let me tell you, I was pretty surprised when it started snowing. All of a sudden, my Uniqlo jacket and nylons seemed flimsy and ridiculous (they pretty much are), but thank God for my hat! My one practical item.



The dress and the bag are two of my newest wardrobe additions. The bag was on sale at Aldo. It's amazing what they can do with polyurethane these days. Everything looks so soft and real, and I swear they spray the bags at Forver21 with leather-scented perfume.



In These Photos:
H&M Dress
Uniqlo Jacket
Urban Outfitters Nylons
Forever21 Stockings
Bamboo Platform Heels
Aldo Bag
Vintage Hat
Ray Ban Wayfarers

Reviews and Favorites

And now for installment #2 of my reviews. In this post, I'll focus on beauty products.

I was hoping to cover beauty and services in one post, but it got too long. Actually, it got so long that I'm going to have to split my beauty reviews into two separate posts, and then I will have a final post covering service reviews.

An important note: I have moderately sensitive skin, but I always have such a hard time figuring out what product caused which rash, that it makes it hard to know which product to stop using. None of the products in this review have been connected with rashes (for me personally), and I will try my best to properly warn you if I have experienced any reactions to any products I ever review. (Ex. One time I made this linen spray with a perfum oil I had, and ohmigod, I thought I had the measles, but it was just the worst rash ever.)


My favorite products of the moment:

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Ravish Me Red" ($4.99 to $7.99)
Personally, I think I look awful in "purple" or cool reds, and most classic red lip colors are just that. They look heavy and awkward; I end up looking pasty and puffy. I need warmer colors and I've finally found a red that leans more towards orange-red, but isn't quite as bright as the MAC lipstick I have. I nearly bought a very similar version at the Estee Lauder counter, but everyone else had had the same idea and so all the Washington Nordstroms were sold out. I'm happy it worked out that way, because I ended up finding this Revlon color and saving $15! Another good option is MAC Lustre Lipstick in Lady Bug, which costs around $14.


Clinique Redness Solution Powder ($33)
What do you get when you combine Dutch, German, Scottish, and Scandinavian genes? One very red-faced offspring. I've had random people ask me "Were you just running? Your cheeks are so rosy!" "No, ma'am, just cursed." On top of that, I have very spacious cheeks (They are like the Great Plains), so downplaying at least one of these things is always a goal. Reducing redness is easier and cheaper than reducing size, especially thanks to this loose powder from Clinique. It's one of the few products that is marketed as having instant effects AND actually delivers said effects. Another plus: it didn't make me break out in a rash.




All-Time Favorites and Standbys:

Essie Nail Polish ($8)
Essie always has the best colors. For those of you who are very particular about your french manicure, they have about a zillion different pale pink and beige shades made just for french manicures. I find that Essie lasts longer than OPI, as well (But only about 10 seconds longer. I chip my nail polish almost instantly). The color shown here is the newest shade in my collection. It's a lovely rusty, brick red by the name of Alligator Purse.


L'Oreal Studio Secrets Face Primer ($10-$12)

I can't tell you how much I love this stuff. It's a great primer, but also works wonders when worn alone. It's mattifying, but not so much that your skin looks like a piece of copy paper (I've experienced this with other products). It also magically perfects you skin! It evens the tone, minimizes pores, and can even erase fine lines. At around $12, this product can't be beat. Like with the Clinique product above, I was super thrilled when I didn't break out in a horrible rash.

Self-Portrait Sundays

Today I was featured on Kirstin's wonderful blog, Crimson Rosella. She has a wonderful weekly section called Self-Portrait Sundays where she interviews fellow bloggers about their photography techniques.

I also highly recommend checking out the rest of her blog! She has a very personal style. Whimsical and lady-like and full of delicate details and pretty touches. She also has gorgeous blond hair and the biggest blue eyes; a winning combo!


The colors and accessories in this outfit are incredible!

Thank you, Kirstin :)

Purple

More product reviews are coming. Promise! But for now, look! I found some purple that suits me! I rarely buy anything in purple. I don't really like it, and a lot of shades don't look right on me, but I really liked the style of this dress, and it turned out to be a nice shade on me. Plus, it was a steal at Goodwill :)



Are there any colors you don't like? I've always thought it was quite funny that I hated purple, even though I LOVED colors in general. I have been known to swoon over almost every other color, but it's a rare thing with purple.





Speaking of purple, I'm roasting some beets, which I should probably go check on :)

In these photos:
Vintage velvet blazer
American Apparel dress
Urban Outfitters tights
Vince Camuto boots

Giveaway Results!

I decided to draw names the old fashioned way. Everyone's name went into my black felted hat and the lucky winner who's name was drawn? Janie!!

Thank you so much to all those who participated: both my old and my new followers :) I will have another giveaway in a couple months, maybe with a grand prize and a runner up! (I hate having to choose just one person!)

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day XOXO

If you ask me...

Time for some good ol' fashioned product reviews! All based on personal experience; all from companies and stores I patronize regularly.

First off, Pajama Jeans! The hottest new thing in fashion!

JOKING. But really, when I'm watching The Today Show and that commercial comes on, my morning is a little bit sunnier.



I'm going to post this in two parts. We'll start with clothing and fashion, since I have more reviews in that category. Later, I will review Services and Beauty Products.

Apparel:

-H&M-
Pro: Great value (as I'm sure you've figured out)! The sizing makes sense and is pretty consistent from garment to garment. Most things are really well made, considering how much they cost.

Con: I have had the hem come out of 3 different items. I love their tank tops, but 2 out of 3 have come undone at the hem :(

-J. Crew-
Pro: They have gorgeous designers and great stylists. Somehow they know exactly what I'm into the week they send me a catalog. They usually have colors you can't find anywhere else. Their clothes last forever!

Con: The "vanity sizing" is BEYOND ridiculous. Example: I'm an 8 or so at H&M, but I am a SIZE 2 (!) at J.Crew. I have trouble finding things that fit, in the sales especially. I would not recommend buying pants there. They stretch out really badly. I've bought three different types; skinny denim and Minnie City Fit in a lighter twill and one pair in a heavier cotton fabric. The denim and the lighter twill stretched out to the point where I looked like I've lost 15 pounds. In my crotch. Seriously. The heavier ones have held up much better, but I still have to wash them often so they will shrink back into shape.

-Forever21-
Pro: Surprising value and amazing selection (this is also sort of a con). Stuff is actually made pretty well. I've had some things for years now. Even a button-up blouse that I've never had to replace buttons on!

Con: The return policy is dumb. You only have 21 days to exchange something, and you can only get store credit. They have soooo much stuff, it can be kind of overwhelming. I used to have panic attacks in Forever21. My friend had a seizure there once (but that may have been her fault). The sizing runs pretty small, so when I was a stylish heavy-set high schooler I couldn't shop there.




-GAP-
Pro: Good for basics. Sometimes they have some really good designs. The sales are great! Their jeans age perfectly. They don't stretch out like some jeans I know.

Con: Another place where the vanity sizing is getting out of control. I am not an XS. If I were, then there would be 5 million other woman who would not be able to find any clothes to wear, except for in the Toddler's section.

-Sam Edelman-
Pro: Sometimes the designs are pretty cute.

Con: I have only bought one pair of Sam Edelman shoes, but I have had 3 different pairs of the same style. The first pair was the wrong size (not Sam's fault), the second pair dyed my feet green, and the third pair came unglued after a month. Based on this experience, I've decided that I will never pay full price for a pair of Edelman's ever again. (Thank goodness I bought them at Nordstrom; they have an excellent return/repair policy, which I will get to later.)


-Urban Outfitters-
Pro: Fun stuff! They usually have a lot of trendy pieces. Great selection of store brands and name brands. I really like their selection of shoes and haven't had many problems when it comes to quality. I have two pairs of Cooperative wedges that I live in.

Con: I like to call this place "The Fifty-Eight Dollar and Up Store". Things are kiiinda overpriced.


-American Apparel-
Pro: Amazing choice and variety. You want something basic and sensible? They have it! You want something crazy and different? They have that, too, and everything in between! Great selection of colors, sizes, and styles. Have never had any hems or seams come out and the colors stay vibrant for a long time. Everything keeps its shape, despite the fact that most is cotton!

Con: Another dumb return policy! Store credit only :( Sometimes I have a hard time paying $18 for a t-shirt.


Coming Soon!
Make-Up:
L'Oreal
MAC
Ulta

Services/Returns:
Nordstrom
J.Crew

Red/White/Blue

All my favorite countries claim these colors as their own. I may be French-American, but I call England my second home.




In these photos:
Vintage wool beret
H&M Paperbag Trousers
GAP shirt
Vintage belt
Cooperative wedges


Don't forget to enter my Spring Giveaway !

Spring Giveaway!

It's here! My first giveaway! It features some lovely heart-shaped items.



One lucky reader will receive all of the lovely things in the picture above.
A compact mirror from Forever21, Estee Lauder Sumptuous Volumizing Mascara (travel sized), and a pair of earrings made by me! The earrings feature new glass beads and vintage acrylic beads, with hypoallergenic posts. (How adorable are those heart pins? I may need to go buy more of those!)

So here's how to enter:

1. Please leave a comment and follow my blog!
2. For an extra entry, post about the giveaway on your blog, and send me a link to the post.
3. For another extra entry, mention my giveaway in a post on Chictopia (if you have an account). Make sure to send me a link to the post!



I will choose a winner randomly on February 14th, 2011. Good luck!

Driver, Chatstworth Green please!

I am in much need of a trip.


My boyfriend and I are going to Baltimore next month for a wedding. It will be nice to see the East Coast. I haven't been there in 7 years!

But where I really want to go is England. I have many, many dear friends there that I haven't seen in quite a while (going on 4 years). Plus, it is my favorite place on Earth.



Anyhoo, here is look #3 from my Spring Wish List: contrasting patterns and color. Can't go wrong with black, white, and red.

In these photos:
Scarf- H&M
Shirt- thrifted
Leggings- Zella

Squirrel

I made myself a new necklace. It was hard to get myself to use the beads though. I get into this habit of thinking "No, I need to save these for something real special!" I'm like a squirrel, less like a hamster. At least hamsters remember the things they've hidden away.

I've had these beads for years now. A good portion of the beads are vintage, but the two blue ones are dyed coral from a bead store in Tacoma, Washington. It's hard when the beads are vintage because then I just think "These are one of a kind! I won't be able to find anymore of these!" So they just sit in my closet! Well, I overcame my brain and made something I'm really happy with. Two girls at the grocery store even compared it to J. Crew's jewelry right now, which is awesome, because I love the stuff but can't afford (my god, it's expensive!).

I plan on posting my first contest next week, and here's a little secret: it will feature some of my handmade jewelry. Keep checking back for your chance to win!

In These Photos:
Harmonic Shrug
Nordstrom DIY shirt
Vintage fur stole
Zella leggings
Handmade necklace
Vince Camuto boots

Stuck in a rut

A soft, sexy rut. I can't stop wearing tights and stockings.


They're all I want to wear. Mostly I think it's because I have "image issues" when it comes to my legs, and I've found I really like my legs in all those cozy, sheer, gossamer layers.



I will try to limit myself to one posting a week featuring this combo.

On a side note, I'm also in love with my new vintage bracelet. Real costume jewelry! For only a dollar! For serious!



In these photos:
MAC lipstick
GAP cardigan
Forever21 Stockings
Cooperative wedges
Vintage hat
Thrifted scarf
H&M Lace Vest

"We're An American ______"

It's finally out! Shipley & Halmos have published their first book, a collection of photos titled "We're An American _________."

It comes in three gorgeous colors and is currently only available through their website, www.shipley-halmos.comt.

I thought it was going to be more about street style, but I think the subject they have focused on is great. They've taken some wonderful portraits of people from around the country and I can't wait to read everyone's mad-lib-style descriptions of themselves.

If you click HERE, you can see me :D