01 | Ann Taylor relaxed trench in cork -- the lightweight "casual/relaxed" trench look is very much in style right now. i love this one! also available in black.
02 | Burberry Beauty wet & dry glow eyeshadow in No. 002 nude -- my bestie has always told me that Burberry eyeshadows are the best. i never tried them... until now.. and gee. she was so right. i should have listened sooner. either way, this is the newest formulation. it has awesome reviews and swatches on a lot of beauty blogs including Temptalia, the beauty look book, and Natural N Chic Makeup. also available in three other shades which are all on back-order right now too!
03 | Forever 21 Local Heros mini donuts phone case -- what a cute case for the iPhone 6! who doesn't like mini donuts?
04 | UGG jules platform wedge sandals in black -- when spring comes around i feel like i need a pair of wedges... i wonder if anyone else has this problem?! lol. i saw these a few days ago and my size (and many others) is already out of stock!! (insert sad face). i love bows on everythinggg.
05 | Ivanka Trump carra pump in light sapphire -- there is something about this bright blue suede pump that i am really drawn too, a bright and happy color for spring outfits. i can see this going well with the Ann Taylor relaxed trench (01 up there) and a pair of skinny jeans, or a white shirt dress?! also loving the red suede as well.
06 | Mossimo panama hat with a black bow sash in cream -- can't be without one of these this spring/summer. also lemming the one from Banana Republic here.
07 | BaubleBar fringe court bib in gold -- this is a hot and heavy statement necklace (and you know i love my statement necklaces!) with some fringe!! also available in silver.
my SK-II regimen
SK-II believes that a woman's destiny isn't locked by her DNA. it's something she creates for herself.
i am obsessed with japanese/korean skincare. if you notice, japanese and koreans have the MOST BEAUTIFUL skin. it's glowing, radiant, FLAWLESS, and highly sought after. therefore, anytime a line comes out from any of these countries, i am curious about it, i do my research, and i read countless reviews. in my opinion, the SK-II brand was one of the biggest beauty breakthroughs the past couple of years. i waited quite some time before trying it, only because of the price tag. however, i have come to learn that great skincare is not cheap (for the most part), so nowadays i'm willing to shell out the extra bejamins. (and maybe age has something to do with it too!).
SK-II uses the ingredient Pitera which is a clear liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. this quadruple threat "works together to allow the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime." it was discovered ages ago when scientists observed the soft and youthful hands of aged sake brewers. this was the birth of Pitera.
i have been using the SK-II regimen for well over a year now. i can gladly say it will always be apart of my routine. it is HG status (HG = holy grail). i've noticed that my skin has become more clear, radiant, softer, and smoother. i have received many compliments on my skin since and that is just affirmation of how well it works. the regimen consists of the two products listed below and are to be used in conjunction with each other. i use these twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. once a day is really good enough. details and instructions listed are below:
1. SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion -- this is the "toner." when you hear toner you think of alcohol, but there are plenty of toners these days that are alcohol-free. this alcohol-free "toner" is to be used on clean skin with a cotton ball on the face and neck. this will prep your skin for the magical stuff next.
2. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence -- this is their signature product. aka: miracle water, magical stuff. this contains over 90% Pitera. it is absorbed best when used after the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. use this sparingly! only 2-3 drops and apply this by patting it onto your face and neck. neck! don't forget the neck!
another product that gets rave reviews is the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. this is a great pick-me-up after traveling. for example, when you travel, your skin is exposed to different environments in terms of water, air quality, and the dreadful dry-air on the plane. basically, your skin is pretty dehydrated and thirsty when you get back. it needs some love, and this mask will do just that. i've only used it once when i got back from vacation in cabo. it helped so much!
again, as a reminder to texans, purchase this regimen off Bloomingdales.com tax-fee. my recommendation is if you have not tried this before, get the starter kit which contains all three items in this post. i sometimes buy the starter kit because the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion comes in a travel size friendly version.
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion -- $70 for 5 oz.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence -- $105 for 2.5 oz., $165 for 5 oz., $205 for 7.3 oz., $290 for 11.2 oz.
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask -- $17 for one mask, $95 for six masks, $135 for ten masks.
SK-II Starter Kit -- $105 USD; 1.35 oz. Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, 2.5 oz. Facial Treatment Essence, and 1 Facial Treatment Mask.
change your skin destiny,
JD
the striped skirt & caged heels
BaubleBar does it again, because this gold ra bib necklace is everythanngggg. i have been wearing this quite a bit lately. it's very... Cleopatra-ish in an edgy kind of way. (if that makes any sense). not to mention, the all-gold goes with everythannggg!
here, i've turned a typical pencil-skirt-office-look into something a little more suited for the evening hours with three things that you can easily pack and change into after work: this statement necklace, a clutch, and a pair of caged lace-up heels. i am very drawn to the caged/lace-up heels. they are so edgy and hot. in my own opinion, they say "don't mess with me." i'm sure this won't be my last pair.
top | J.Crew Factory ruffle blouse (sold out) -- another great one to go with pencil skirts
skirt | Forever21 striped sateen pencil skirt in ivory & black
shoes | DV by Dolce Vita safia strappy sandals in black suede (and on sale!)
bag | Tory Burch adjustable clutch w/removable chain (old) -- similar
necklace | BaubleBar gold ra bib necklace
rings | Vita Fede ultra mini double cubo crystal ring in gold / etsy stacking/midi rings
for the guys -- the pocket square
as much as women have the ability to accessorize, so do men. men have the ability to up their accessory game in terms of watches, wallets, ties, collar bars, cuff links, and tie bars. however, and unfortunately, most men don't take advantage of this. and if you're a guy reading this blog, you should. (do y'all exist?!)
let's chat about the pocket square for a moment. a common item that most men overlook. it is very similar to a women's statement necklace in the sense that it is the one item that tops off an entire look in the most effortless way. the one item that you put on that automatically ups your game. a well dressed man will always have a pocket square. always. and by that i do NOT mean one that matches your tie (you know, the one that came in a set). please please... don't break the number one rule of wearing a pocket square by doing that. instead, take some time to find something different, go for different textures and prints. i would say, either bring out a subtle color you are wearing, let it stand out on it's own without being too "loud", or pick something that is a conversation starter. for example, my dad was a pilot so i would get him one with airplanes.
alright, let's talk about folds. i am no expert. but there seems to be many ways to fold the pocket square. kinda similar to a women's scarf now that i think about it! but i digress. when it comes to the fold... keep it simple. my favorite fold is the flat square fold (who can't fold that!!!). then i'd say the one point, and the two point fold. anything more than that, you're trying too hard.
lastly, placement. this is so important. the pocket square should NEVER be "oozing" out of your pocket saying "hey world! look at me, the pocket square!" and spilling over... that defeats it's purpose. as much material as the pocket square is made of, all it needs is a little peek out of your pocket. to be clear like mud, for measurement purposes, i'd say no more than 1.0 centimeter for a flat square fold and 2.0 centimeters for a one/two point fold. remember, the pocket square is making a statement in the most subtle way possible.
now, if you read all that and still unsure... walk away with this one tip: when wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and dark solid tie/bow tie (maybe even textured), go for a white pocket square (maybe even a white pocket square with pin dots). you can't go wrong. i wouldn't steer you wrong.
GOOD EXAMPLES (i'm better with examples):
01 | Mr. Ford is always a great example. here he rocks a simple black suit, white shirt, dark textured tie, and a white pocket square outlined in black. perfection.
02 | how can i forget David Beckham. (swoon). remember, when in doubt, go with a white pocket square like Mr. Beckham right hurr. the perfect height to a flat fold. oh, and doesn't he rock this navy suit?!
03 | love this, if you take a closer look at the tie, there is some paisley print at the top in a light color. on the one point pocket square fold it is the exact opposite with dark paisley print. but yet all the gray is tied in. perfect play on prints and color.
04 | hey girl, you like my pocket square? ok fine, i just wanted to put a picture of Ryan Gosling in here. he rocks the simple flat square fold, my favorite.
BAD EXAMPLES:
05 | breaking the number one rule of rocking the pocket square. just don't do it guys.
06 | trying too hard with this fancy fold. the seams are also showing but i guess it is impossible to not have some showing with this fold, which goes to say, you should skip it entirely.
07 | this pocket square is oozing out and spilling over. however, i love the eggplant and dark gray color combo.
here are some sites that i happen to stumble across while writing this post.
01 | The Tie Bar -- $8-10 price range. probably the largest pocket square collection i have seen. available in a variety of textures: silk, cotton, linen, and wool!
02 | Hugh & Crye -- $20 each. awesome pocket squares for casual wear. not for the faint of heart.
03 | ASOS -- $11-27 price range. great variety and pricing for those who want to try the pocket square look out.
04 | J.Crew -- $24-55 price range. classic preppy style.
05 | HUGO BOSS -- $40-125 price range. some huge bucks here. you just can't go wrong with some HUGO.
rock the pocket square,
JD
current lemmings -- february 2015 beauty products
01 | CHANEL Le Jardin de Chanel blush -- from the CHANEL spring Reverie Parisienne 2015 collection. looking at the entire collection will have you excited for spring! the embossed cameillas in this blush are varying shades of light to muted-pink. so pretty.
02 | NAILSINC gel effect polish -- for my nailpolish lovers! these are supposed to deliver "a gel effect for salon-quality nails." what's great is that you won't need the UV lamp or the professional removal process. available in nine different shades.
03 | Hourglass modernist eyeshadow palette in Atmosphere -- the latest from Hourglass (a brand i love). however, reviews seem to be mixed on these. Goss Makeup Artist gave it great reviews. Temptalia not so much.
04 | NARS all day luminous weightless foundation -- for my foundation lovers! this is the latest from NARS. even though i don't have time for foundation... but i am always intrigued by them. beautylookbook.com gave it a thumbs up!
05 | Maybelline lash sensational mascara -- although i try different drugstore mascaras, i always go back to my all time favorite--the full n' soft by Maybelline. i will be picking this one up soon! a "full fan effect" volumizing mascara. reviews look good so far.
06 | Charlotte Tilbury lip magic -- FINALLY, CT has come to the US!! her line consists of amazing items i've read about including the infamous Filmstar Bronze & Glow face sculpt and highlight compact. i have yet to try CT since there is not a counter near me, the horror! but i digress. the lip magic is a rejuvenating lip balm that promises younger dewy lips.
07 | Yves Saint Laurent spring couture palette in desir de jour -- this limited edition palette... is stunning. (swoon). love the color combination and really wished i could apply eyeshadow. i must go see this in person ASAP. the colors are described as, "a combination of rich camel beige and a seductive golden brown, two deep, warm colors that are clashed by the luminosity of intense pink and iridescent champagne."
08 | CHANEL stylo yeux waterproof long lasting eyeliner in ardoise 919 -- this is also apart of the CHANEL Reverie Parisienne spring 2015 collection. i have one this eyeliner in expresso (gift from bestie!) and it works great. ardoise is a steel gray... and i don't have a steel gray eyeliner... soo....
the textured bardot dress
everyone in the blogosphere is posting valentine's day looks (aka: just another date night look because let's face it, valentine's day is just another day where people spend tons of money on flowers, chocolates, gifts, fixed priced dinners. but hey, it's good for the economy.)... so here is mine! except instead of pink/red, i'm taking it back to the basics with BLACK. (my favorite color... if it was a real color). i'm definitely stepping out of my comfort zone into this flirty bardot checkered dress. the term "bardot" is nothing more than an off-shoulder dress/top that will surely turn heads. it is elegant, timeless, and perfect for an exclusive event. what i loved most about this dress (not only the fact that it was a steal at $35 USD!) is the checkered textured-ness. (oh, and it has pockets. so you really need to get yourself one if i haven't already sold it to you). add some glam gold accessories, loose wavy curls, the feline flick, blush, and strappy heels then you have yourself what i deem a valentine's day look.
and finally, a little snippet about this gold metalframe clutch. i've wanted one for a while because it is such a versatile item to have. instead of paying gobs of $$$ for a Kotur i found myself a steal with this Kate Landry clutch from Dillards. i love discovering new brands. Kate Landry has an awesome line of clutches/miniaudieres (fancy term for an evening bag). her line is only available at Dillards, so please check it out! might i add, the owl and peacock miniaudieres are adorable!
dress | ASOS bardot textured prom dress in black
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (sold out) -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet (the shop that i bought it from is under construction but do a general search, many shops carry them) -- similar on BaubleBar
rings | etsy stacking/midi rings, BaubleBar crystal mason ring in gold
lips | MAC lipstick in brick-o-la
hair | attempted by JD (semi-diaster)
rock the bardot,
JD
the scalloped skirt & neck tie blouse
i love scallops (clothing and food)! #nopunintended
i have a problem. every time i see a scalloped piece of clothing, i get very excited (obviously it doesn't take much). this scalloped skirt and neck tie blouse are great pieces for work but also comfortable enough to take you into date night. after work, add some colorful statement earrings/rings and a playful chained crossbody bag and you will be G2G (good to go).
some tips for a date night look:
- keep it simple, wear something comfortable (aka: not tight, revealing, low cut, or short)!!
- all you need is a little blush
- emphasize eyes with eyeliner -- cateye or the feline flick (if you don't know, just google it). no need for eyeshadow either. (eyeshadow? what? how do you put that on?!).
- crossbody handbag = fuss-free
- save the bold lip for another day
- loose wavy curls always make a fun flirtatious look
skirt | LOFT scalloped skirt in black (old) -- similar
top | LOFT 3/4 sleeve neck tie blouse (old) -- similar and loving the colorblocking
shoes | Sam Edelman okala pumps in black suede
clutch | Tory Burch adjustable clutch w/removable chain (old) -- similar
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
earrings | Kendra Scott delilah geometric drop earrings in cobalt (old collection) -- similar from the classic collection
ring | Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt (old collection) -- can't really find anything similar in terms of shape since this was a pretty unique piece, but in terms of color, the Kendra Scott daisy ring in colbalt is gorgeous!
lips | MAC lipstick in brick-o-la
hair | attempted by JD