Popping Up in Places

It's really a funny thing to see your name in print. Until this year, I had never seen my name typed on anything more than a program for a play, concert or graduation. Recently, my name has popped up in The Arizona Republic and The College Times. Not for anything really amazing - just for my thoughts on why women love shoes and for looking cute at the God Save My Shoes event.

I'd thought I'd share this not to toot my horn because like I said it wasn't for anything really special. Instead to encourage those that are starting a business or still in the beginning stages that your hard work and elbow grease will slowly pay off with sweet little moments like this. Tiny winks to encourage you to keep pressing forward and working your tail off!

So, cheers to today being a Monday, and a full week ahead to charge forward and do the best work possible! Go get 'em!

 

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 Featured on June Bug Weddings

This past summer had I the wonderful opportunity to work with some AMAZING people, and contribute to a styled wedding shoot with a modern focus. Melissa Jill Photography and Outstanding Occasions were the big masterminds behind the project, and I was brought on to select the bridal gowns and the menswear for the shoot.

I'm very proud to share that this shoot was featured on June Bug Weddings last week, which is a great blog and wedding resource for brides, photographers, and any other industry related professional.

Mariee Gallery and Saks Fifth Avenue were the two places where I pulled the clothing for the shoot. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mariee is a fabulous local bridal salon, and they were very generous in lending us a WTOO pocketed wedding dress and Matthew Christopher bridal gown.

From Saks Fifth Avenue, I found some gorgeous Chanel and Christian Louboutin shoes for the bride.

For the menswear, I really wanted to create a layered, patterned look.

I think it's a fresh take on what men can do with plaids, hounds-tooth and gingham prints. Why not use it for formal wear too, right?

We had beautiful jewelry by Emmaquist and Laura Eva Designs.

I think this shoot is a great example of how to create modern wedding for the city gal, and one that definitely resonates with someone like me.

Below is the extensive list of everyone that played a part in the project:

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

As you can see, it takes a lot of amazing people to create something so beautiful, and I'm so glad to have been a part of it all!

Make sure to check out June Bug's post to see more photos!

Photography by Melissa Jill.