SJP COLLECTION: NOT IMPRESSED

"Men I may not know, but shoes, shoes I know" -Carrie Bradshaw

There is nothing like a great pair of shoes to make an outfit, and give any woman confidence. I will admit I am victim to buying items that look good in my closet. I believe you truly must love what you wear, but I can't help how I happy I am when I look inside a beautiful and well-displayed closet. I'm a freak for it!

Sarah Jessica Parker turned shoe designer with her Nordstrom collaboration of high-end Italian crafted shoes. The shoes have been hyped up by Nordstrom, magazines, and websites since June. She partnered with long-time friend George Malkemus, who is also the CEO of Manolo Blahnik (a Carrie Bradshaw favorite).

Since SJP is most well known for her role as New York writer and fashionista, Carrie Bradshaw we all have high expectations for her shoe line. Carrie's shoes stole the show, and would make any woman go broke. However, I was actually disappointed by the SJP Collection. I have only seen positive reviews so it's possible I'm the only one. I expected fashion forward and sexy pieces that Carrie Bradshaw would have spent her next month's rent on in an instant. I found the shoes to be more appropriate for the 40+ with a few younger pieces thrown in. The collection doesn't stand out from other brands. It's all been seen before, and for a better lack of words is just "blah."

Possibly the collection was not meant for the 20 something woman, or I had too high of expectations....

Here is preview of a few items in the collection:

 

                                                   

                                                   

                                                   

                     

                                                    

                                                   

The prices in the collection range from $195 to $500.

IN THE BOUDIOR

I'm currently obsessing with this not so new trend of lingerie worn as outerwear (Possibly because I'm older and this trend is now socially acceptable for my age). If done correctly, I think this trend can be not only fashionable, but sexy and wearable. Personally,  it works best in darker colors. However, blush/cream is an alternative option for a less sultry vibe.

For investment pieces this trend was seen in Louis Vuitton F/W 13 and recently Elie Saab S/S 14. For those who don't wish to break the bank, more affordable options are available at Zara or Asos.com. To take part in the tend you can go as simple as wearing a lacy camisole or a slip peeking through a sweater. For the daring opt for more see through options or a cropped number.





 

 

Pictures from Pinterest

CLASS NEVER FADES

Proof that class, well-tailored clothing, and timeless items never fade through the years...

All Pictures from Pinterest

STYLE CRUSH: ALL HAIL THE P

P as in Palermo. Olivia Palermo that is. If I could trade closets with anyone in the world it would be Olivia
Palermo (my style icon). She is able to mix textures, patterns, and accessories that most would never think to try. Her outfits are always chic and effortless, which makes me wonder does she just throw these fabulous items on and head out the door. Now let's just take a minute to drool over her chic fashion sense...

All pictures from Pinterest

              

     

      

Everyday Makeup Routine

I'm not going to lie...I don't wear makeup everyday. I'm in college and it's probably the only time in my life when it's socially acceptable to do so. When I do wear makeup I generally prefer a more natural look. On the weekends I play with my makeup more, but I don't like to look like I have pounds of makeup on. Here is what I would usually wear on the days I want to look more put together.


1. Great Lash Clear Mascara - A MUST HAVE used for my eyebrows. I like to say I have crazy eyebrows (don't stay in place and never fully filled out). If there was one make up product I could take to a desert island it would be this as eyebrows set the face and make me feel put together. 

2. Covergirl Eye-Enchancers Shadow in Fard Accent - Recently picked up this eye shadow, and now use it everyday as an all over shadow. The color comes out as a lighter version of MAC satin taupe.

3. Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter - To me highlighters are a must on the cheekbones as they do just what they say...highlight. It creates a beautiful glow to my cheekbones that I need since I have dry skin. 

4. Wet N Wild Idol Eyes pencil in 103 - Used in my inner corner to brighten up my eyes.

5. NYX Cream Blush in Glow - NYX has my favorite drugstore blushes. The price is great and the quality is comparable to higher end blushes I've used in the past. I prefer cream blushes for everyday as they have a dewy look (I have dry skin so I'll take all the dewiness I can get).

*Tip: To make powder blush last all day add a cream blush underneath it

6. Covergirl Lipstick in Delight - A very moisturizing lipstick that is a "your lip color but better"

* Lipstick changes for me daily. I just happened to use this lipstick today, but I generally go for pink and berry colors

7. MAC Eye Shadow in Mulch -  Used as a crease color. I love the dimension that a crease colors add, and now is a must for me in my makeup routine. 

8. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny - I have heard a lot of hype about this product on Youtube and decided to buy it. A great product that is well-milled, and offers a natural color (No orange or muddiness). 

9. Georgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara - My new favorite mascara. The packaging is so luxury and the mascara offers volume with no clumps. I also hate very wet formulas, and I do not find that problem with this mascara. 

10. Maybelline FIT Me Powder 220 - I know I said I have dry skin...I do, but for some reason I have an oily forehead. I lightly dust this on my forehead to reduce shine. 

11. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW 20 - This is my winter color. I love the color range MAC offers for their concealers. It can cover most blemishes without looking too fake, and lasts throughout the wear of my makeup. 

12. Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation in Petal - I am in LOVE with this foundation. It is accessible, a decent price at $36, medium coverage with a satin finish (my favorite), and no strong smell. The foundation lasts and doesn't melt off my face...Have you ever had that issue with some foundations? 

To make my makeup last longer I use Smashbox Photo Finish Primer under my makeup, which does the trick.

Excuse the Crazy Brows

Shirt- Zara

Necklace- JCrew

Earrings- Bauble Bar

2014 WISH LIST

1. J Crew Embellished Llama-intarsia Wool Sweater  2. Jcrew Pixie Pant in Leather Tuxedo Stripe  3. Ray Ban Aviator Metal Mirrored Sunglasses  4. Monogrammed Necklace  5. Burberry Check Scarf  6. Valentino Valentina Acqua Floreale   7. Pim + Larkin Cashmere Blend Novelty Sweater   8.Tory Burch Caroline Patent Leather Flats   9. Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot



Here is my wish list for the new year. I'm trying to be good in 2014 as I may have shopped a bit too much the past few years (or always). But doesn't mean you can't make wish lists...

HAVE YOU HEARD OF KIKO?

First off sorry for the content heavy post. I promise to do less like this in the future.

So I know I started off this blog by saying I was just the typical 20-something college student. I am! But with a twist...I've spent most of my life living between the States and Europe. No my dad is not in the military (a typical question I get). My parents still live abroad while I study in the States. Now the rest of my post will make sense.

While I was home for winter break my parents and I decided to hop over to Milan for the new year sales. I have to say this year I was very disappointed. It could possibly due to the fact that it rained horribly all day or as I get older I'm realizing I hate shopping in crowds. I find the experience so unenjoyable as people are pushing you to get to the racks of clothes and I can't even talk about the lines to the fitting rooms. To me most sales aren't worth it in person unless it's a great sale on a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps- that I could fight any crowd for. I would rather shop for sales in the comfort of my own home.

While in Milan I stopped by my favorite Italian "drugstore" brand. The packaging of the products reminds me of MAC but with the price of NYX. Now that doesn't mean the quality of the product isn't there. I know my mother swears by their longwear lipsticks. She has used MAC previously, but says the quality is the same. So of course why not choose the cheaper option?! I have personally only used their nail polishes. For the price of 2,50 euros and quality comparable to OPI and Essie I would recommend them to anyone. I bought the mint color over the summer and I swear it lasted on my toes for over a month.

I find the best combination that makes my polishes last is Orly Bonder rubberized base coat and Seche Vite as a top coat.

The colors I bought:

#330 Lilac

Courtesy OF

#291 Orchid Pink

To purchase online: http://www.kikocosmetics.com/ 

Also to come in the mail soon is an order I made at Nordstrom. I guess I was on a nail polish kick. I bought two Butter London nail colors. They are on the pricer side (in my opinion) for nail polish at $15 each, but if you're in the mood to treat yourself then they're a great buy. The packaging is quality, and the names are cute with a British theme. Several of the colors are quite unique that I haven't found in other brands. If you have ever heard of the nail polish named for the engagement of Kate and Wills ("No More Waity, Katie") then you know the brand. A review to come soon. I bought:

Knees Up

Courtesy of

Trout Pout

Courtesy of

IT'S THE START...

Of something new? Cue typical cheesy blog title...I'm just one of the millions that have decided to start a blog. This is actually my third attempt (I know, I know). They say third time is the charm. I always took my blogs down after a few posts because I figured why would anyone want to read my blog over others. I don't have a Mariah Carey sized closet worth millions. I don't have a fancy job where I attend cocktail parties or fashion shows. I'm just your typical college Senior girly girl who loves all things fashion and beauty...and celebrity gossip mixed in with some travel. Hopefully, that's how I can relate to everyone. Even if I'm simply writing this blog for only myself, which would be a little sad. I write about what interests me and hope to share some experiences along the way. So I say...Let's all drink champagne and be merry or at least window shop virtually. That's what I call online shopping and creating wish lists.