Drugstore Face

It wasn't really a conscious effort. I started out with a makeup bag full of high-end makeup products that you can buy through Sephora, and I've ended this year with a makeup bag full of drugstore brands. These makeup products would NOT remain in my bag if if they didn't do the job I needed them to do. So, now I'm happy to say I have a drugstore face and some extra spending cash. And you should care why? Well, because YOU could have extra $$ and look great too! Duh!

So, before I put any makeup on my face I use other drugstore finds like St. Ives Apricot Scrub, Clean & Clear moisturizer and Ponds cleansing towelettes to keep my face squeaky clean and moisturized!

And now for the fun part...

I use L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup in natural buff. It has sunscreen and it moisturizes and blends well when applied with a foundation brush. It's seriously the perfect makeup for the winter time when your face is extra dry. It's oil free, so I don't ever worry about it clogging my pores.

I'm also obsessed with Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Mascara. I've blogged about it before, and it's still my favorite mascara. It really defines your lashes and it's easy to take off at night. I also love Maybelline's Unstoppable eye liner's easy, smooth application.

I used to use Benefit's Browzings ($30) compact to keep my brows looking perfect, but now all I use is CoverGirl's Brow & Eye Maker pencil. It's the exact brown I need and it's only $2.99 for TWO pencils AND a sharpener. Good buy if you ask me.

To make my eyes look pretty and natural in one, I really like Almay's Intense i-Color eye shadow trio. I chose the one for brown eyes, and I love it. I don't always wear the purple, but when I do it's the perfect shade. Now, I'll admit that I do play around with a lot of other eye shadows that I have, but it's because they seriously last FOREVER. The kicker though is that you HAVE to apply eye shadow with a brush and not the measly little sponge applicator. That goes for ANY eye shadow you EVER wear.

For my rosy cheeks I love Almay's Pure Blend powder blush in bouquet. It applies nicely on top of the L'Oreal base. Definitely use a fluffy blush to apply it though. Again, those applicators that come with the product stink!

And now for the grande finale, lipstick. Oh boy, these are my two favorite lipsticks in the whole wide world. Revlon makes fantastic matte lipsticks that stay on for a long time.

If you've been looking for a bright red lipstick for a while you have got to try Revlon's Fire & Ice. My friend Jessie and I are both addicts of the color. As you can see below...

If you want a more natural lip color, go with "mauve it over." It looks great with olive skin.

There is a tiny disclaimer though...You may or may not have noticed that I haven't said anything about concealer or eye shadow base. Those are still the only two things that I haven't been able to find at a drugstore that rivals the quality of Benefit's Boi-ing, Erase Paste and MAC's paint pots. And, I would have to say that the reason why my eye shadow looks as good as it does is owed to MAC.

But other than those three things, my face belongs to Walgreens, and my pocketbook is grateful.

Mismatched

'Tis the season to be mismatched. No more red pants with only black, gray and white on top! No more navy separated from black! No MORE sticking to just jeans because they go with everything. In the words of Darkwing Duck, "Let's Get Dangerous!" Are you with me?!

Why the cheerleader speech?

Well...1. I've always wanted to be a cheerleader. 2. I was sitting at a restaurant last night, and all I saw was a sea of black, brown, gray and navy. It was SO dull! Right now fashion is in this really interesting time where the only way you can screw up an outfit is for everything to match.

Seriously, though, this is SUCH a fun time in fashion where you can step outside of the box, and dress yourself like you were a little kid or something. You can wear your favorite plaid shirt under your striped sweater, add a polka dot skirt and step out of the house.

So, live a little my friends. Mismatch your clothes, and I promise you'll look more fashionable that usual. Don't believe me? Well, then listen to your favorite stores such as J.Crew, Anthropologie and Madewell.

Photos: Fashionising, Sartorialist, Citizen Couture, The Chriselle Factor, Madewell

Modern Wedding

Event Planners: Outstanding Occasions Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography Floral Designer: Camelback Flowershop Reception Venue: W Scottsdale Invitation Designer: Idieh Design Dress Store: Mariee Modeling Agency: The Agency Arizona Cake Designer: Classic Cakes and Confections Linens and Coverings: Classic Party Rentals Phoenix Makeup Artist: Bliss Spa Hair Stylist: Organic Hair Lounge Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue Jewelry: Laura Eva Designs, Emmaquist Personal Stylist: AVE Styles

Holidays

This past Thanksgiving was very memorable for me because Ryan and I hosted our first Thanksgiving dinner in our new home, AND I survived my first turkey encounter. Well, meaning, that I cooked my first turkey and it turned out picture perfect - as you can see below in my before and after picture...I credit my success to all of the advice my family and friends gave me, and the Italian Food Network beauty, Giada. That girl knows what she's talkin' about!

You may be surprised, but the day after Thanksgiving I never go shopping. No way! My day-after-Thanksgiving-tradition is to decorate for Christmas. So, Ryan and I enjoyed a lazy morning, and spent the afternoon putting decorations up around the house.

This was a totally new and fun experience because it will also be our first Christmas in our own house. AND therefore we had to learn how to properly hang lights.

All I can say is thank goodness for staple guns. Amen!

Thanks to Ikea I found some rad wreaths for the three windows of our bright door.

I thought it would be fun to draw a Christmas tree on my chalkboard door too. I got the idea from a CB2 catalog. Although, their drawing was WAY better than mine. hehe.

If you haven't noticed yet, I don't really decorate in the usual Christmas colors. I love the idea of a modern Christmas. Case and point my white Christmas tree.

Oh, and you may be wondering why in the world it's way behind my couch...Well, let's just say my dog, Wendy, likes to eat ornaments.

BUT, I will say, I think we're going to get a real Christmas tree as the big day approaches because pine scented candles just don't do the trick. Of course, this tree will be wrapped in ribbon and lights only, and not tempting, shiny ornaments. =)

How was your Thanksgiving? What type of decorations are you doing for the holidays?

Thankful

There are SO many things to be thankful for each day let alone each year. One of those things is friendship. I'm so blessed to have such incredible friends! Growing up as an only child, I looked at friends like my family. Actually, I STILL look at my friends like my family.

Last week, one of my best friends in the whole world, Michelle, came to visit me along with her amazing husband Rob (You may remember Rob from all of the menswear posts).

Michelle and I went to high school together, have been in each others' weddings, and continue to remain close.

It was SUCH a sweet time of catching up! And, of course, I had to capitalize on the fact that these two are flippin' adorable and fashionable.

So, Gina Meola (another one I'm SO thankful for) and I put together a southern inspired anniversary shoot.

I styled them with fall and winter colors and clothing in mind. There are SO many southern inspired shoots out there, but they all seem to showcase the stereotypical sundress and jeans. I thought it would be fun to play with something different. A little more Billy Reid-esque, especially since Rob used to work there.

These are just some pics from my measly cell phone camera. I can't WAIT to share with you the finished product!

Until then, you can check out the inspiration board for the project and a sneak peek photo on Gina's blog.