Neutral Smokey Eyes

I did this look for an evening out to celebrate my bestie, Meggie-poo's birthday.  I always seem to do just straight smokey eyes, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit and do something a little softer.  I paired the eyes with a more rosy pink lip, rather than the standard nude that I always seem to do with smokey eyes.  I quite like how this turned out.  I'll probably do a tutorial when I get the chance because it is such an easy look to do, and much more wearable for those who just aren't used to wearing a lot of makeup.

More pictures and what I used to create this look after the jump!

Yes, this is a dress

I saw this gorgeous purple print dress on style blogger Orchid Grey and immediately knew I had to have it.  Freaking adorable on her, right?  I located it online and purchased it.  Behold this "dress" on me:

Pretty Pattern!

Not exactly a frock I can wear out in public as it's given designation.  According to the sizing chart, the dress should've hit me mid-thigh.  A little shorter than I usually wear, but fun for a sultry evening out.  The "dress" I received, as you can see, barely covers my lady parts.  I suspected that a lofting breeze would blow the skirt all about.  I found that out first-hand when I went for groceries later that day.  Had I not been wearing shorts, the world would've no longer had to wonder what exactly is Victoria's Secret.


Unfortunately, there just isn't enough hem to lengthen it to a public-appropriate dress.  I suspect this would be totally cute on my more petite pals, particularly my sister-in-law.  I'm keeping the "dress", which shall now be relegated to a tunic in my wardrobe, because the print is just too pretty and is very "me".  I can't wait to wear it this fall with a belted cardigan and a pair of skinny jeans.  The message here:  height matters and is difficult to discern on others online, and never underestimate the power of a pair of spankies.


Dress:  BB Dakota (on sale at Urban Outfitters)
Linen Shorts:  Free People
Crop Sweater:  Merona (Target)

Another Awesome and Cute Find

Initially I saw these Cynthia Vincent for Target sandals and didn't really think anything of them.  But then I saw them on a friend of mine, and was surprised at how cute they were!  I, of course, rushed out to find them.  I didn't set out to get the exact color my friend had, but the marigold yellow was just too cute.  Plus, I didn't own anything in yellow.


See how cute?!

Plus, the leather straps are just so soft and supple, which equals extremely comfortable.  And the marigold yellow color goes with everything, a pseudo-neutral, as it's called.  swatchcat C approves of these adorable sandals!

All that, and I got 'em for under $7!  Gotta love Target sales!  I'm pretty sure the whole CV for Target line is on sale right now, and there were a couple of other cute styles and pretty colors (like pink and white) available.  For the price and quality, I highly recommend snagging a pair (or two!), if you can.


Polish:  Zoya Dakota

Zoya Wicked and Wonderful Collections

Zoya is back with two new collections for fall, the Wicked and Wonderful Collections, and they are fabulous.  Would you expect anything less from Zoya, though?  I purchased the entire Wicked Collection (it's cheaper to purchase the set) and two of the colors from the Wonderful Collection.  I wish I could've bought them all, but with limited funds, and lots of pretty stuff for fall, I had to be choosy.

Details of my choices and lots of pictures after the jump!

Chanel Paradoxal Le Vernis Nail Colour

I know, I know.  I'm late to the game.  But, ya know, when it's 98° outside and the heat index is like 114°, it's really hard to get into the fall mindset.  Nevertheless, I promised pictures, and so I shall deliver.


Paradoxal is really quite a descriptive name for this color.  In some lighting it's taupe, others it's dirty grey, and still, others it's a deep, dusty, vintage violet (my favorite color in the whole wide world).  On the nails, it appears to be a cream finish, but in the sunlight, the subtle shimmer shows through.  Definitely not the color that is in the bottle, but still utterly gorgeous.

More pictures after the jump.

Zoya Sparkle Collection

Zoya's Sparkle Collection.  I just can't say enough about how pretty this collection is.  It's so pretty and, well sparkley!  The polishes look like they have shiny foil bits embedded, almost metallic, very summery.  I couldn't stop staring at my nails, which can be quite hazardous when you're driving.  This collection is seriously drool-worthy.  Lot's of pictures ahead, so get your bib ready.


Alegra is a beautiful magenta with sparkles that flash red, lilac, pink and gold.  It absolutely glows on the nails.  Even though it's bright and sparkley, it's really wearable, and work-friendly, unless you're in a super-conservative office.

See the rest of the collection after the jump.

Chanel Joues Contraste Swatches

I only have a few Joues Contrastes, so I swatched them while I swatched the fall collection.  Take a gander.

L to R:  Narcisse, Pink Explosion, Rose Temptation, Rose Petale

I really love the soft feel and pigmentation of Chanel's Joues Contrastes.  It's really hard to choose a favorite!  If you're sensitive to scents, these to have a rather pronounced rose scent (as do most Chanel products), but the scent does dissipate once the blush is put on, and if you leave the compact open for a little while, it will also dissapear.


I have a few more on my wishlist that I plan to add to my collection slowly.  How many Chanel Joues Contrastes do you own?

Chanel Taupe Grisé comparisons

If my initial swatches of Chanel Taupe Grisé didn't convince you to run out and get it, these will.   I've compared Taupe Grisé to a few of my MAC taupes, and there really is no comparison.  I love my MAC, I always will, but Taupe Grisé is just something special.

L to R:  Clue, Smoke & Diamonds, Taupe Grisé, Moth Brown, Night Manoeuvers, Hard to Please (Tempt Me Quad).

See!  It really is so pretty, soft and pigmented.  That swatch is from just one light swipe off the shadow.  I'm seriously considering getting another.  You'd better get yours or I will!

Chanel Fall 2010 Collection: Review and Swatches

I've had my stuff for nearly two weeks and I'm just now getting around to swatching.  I thought I would have time while on vacation, but it was cloudy and rainy when I did have down time.  I know pretty much everyone in the U.S. has their goodies already, so this old news, but better late than never.  Plus, I know our friends to the north are still awaiting this collection with baited breath, so for them, this relevant.

I picked up all four Glossimers (Pink Teaser, Rose Dilemma, Petit Pêche, and Coral Love), Chintz Rouge Allure, Taupe Grisé Soft Touch Eye Shadow, Pink Explosion and Rose Temptation Joues Contrastes, and Paradoxal Le Vernis.  I will post separate swatches for Paradoxal, so check back for those.  I passed on Enigma Quad because it's permanent, but I will get it sometime in the future.  Just need to free up some funds, first.

I found this collection to be full of gorgeous colors, and one of the better ones that has Chanel released.  It was hard not to purchase this entire collection.

Product pictures, descriptions, and swatches after the jump!

Chanel Reflets D' Ombre Quad and Wild Rose Glossimer

As I stated in the previous post, I purchased the Reflets D'Ombre Quad and Wild Rose Glossimer.  Both I have passed over again and again, but because of the Master Class, I finally tried out and loved!

More pictures after the jump!

Chanel Master Class

Back from vacation and I'm not wasting any time.  When I went to my favorite Chanel counter to pick up the fall collection (on which I will soon do a post), the wonderful artist there told me they were going to hold a Master Class to show the techniques they learn, and asked if I would be interested.  A class all about Chanel?!  Lucky for me it was being held the day after I returned from vacation, so  "Sign me up!", I said.


The class was a two hour long session in which we learned about what the Chanel line has to offer, and then were shown how to do a simple smokey eye.  Being that I'm fairly proficient in makeup application, I wasn't so interested in learning how to apply makeup, but it was nevertheless informative, and gave me the opportunity to try out colors I never would've chosen in a million years.

More on the class and some pictures!

"Rocky Mountain High, Colorado..."

John Denver is most certainly not full of shit.  I just spent the past few days enjoying the glorious Rockies.  I'm lucky that my family has a cozy cabin outside Estes Park.  I've been going up there since I was a wee tot, and I have many wonderful childhood memories of hikes with my uncle.

I went with the husband and my best friend, Meggie-poo.  We enjoyed a couple of perfect days for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, went shopping on the not-so-perfect day, and spent the rest of the time watching Harry Potter.


The first hike was just Meggie-poo and I, as the husband had some work to finish up.  We chose a "lower" elevation hike from the Cub Lake Trailhead to The Pool, finishing at an elevation of 8,400 ft. and 7 miles, roundtrip.  It's not a difficult hike, by any means, but it isn't super easy, either.


Cub Lake Trailhead

More pictures and vacation details after the jump!

Commenting

I want to apologize if you've commented on a post and it hasn't appeared.  I tried approving a couple from my phone (while on vacation) and those ones seem to have disappeared into oblivion.  If yours is one that disappeared, again, I truly apologize.  I really enjoy reading your comments, so please keep 'em coming!!

It's just not the 4th of July unless you watch stuff blow up

First of all, a big "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to my little sis, who is a Yankee Doodle Dandy!  Here are a few fireworks pics from the 4th of July celebrations in my area.  I love trying to capture fireworks with a camera.  You end up with some really cool pictures.


Enjoy!

Many more pictures after the jump!

NOTD Twilight-inspired and Accidental Independence Day

Before I get to my post, I have to say that this is my first post on my new laptop!  The husband was super sweet and surprised me with a new one since my old dinosaur was giving me so many problems.  He wanted me to have a nicer, faster one to do my blogging on.  Everyone say it with me, "Awwwwwwww!!"


This is the last of my Twilight posts, well for a while, anyway.  I promise.  This mani/pedi combo was inspired by, duh, the Twilight Saga, and more specifically, Eclipse.  I saw the movie last night, and I loved it.  I won't go into the nitty-gritty details, as I know most of you really don't care.  I know it's not going to be an Oscar winner, but I loved the movie for what it is, and I do recommend it for its entertainment purposes.  It's one you can just sit back and watch.

Team Edward 4Eva!!  (For 4 bucks, I had to get the tee...I've already gotten $4 worth of giggles out of it)


OK, now that's out of the way, on to the mani/pedi.  For you non-Twi-hards, I will explain my color choices, starting with the mani:

Polishes used - mani:
OPI Designer Series Coronation
Zoya Posh Matte (but I used a clear topcoat over it)


For the mani, I wanted the blood red (Zoya Posh) with the sparkle factor (OPI DS Coronation) to represent the vampires.  See the pretty holo!  I chose to try out the crescent trend, and...I'm gonna need more practice.  It turned out okay, but not great.  Still, I did get compliments, so I'll count it as a win!

To see more pictures of the mani and the inspired pedi keep reading!