Sunday, September 30, 2012

Instagrammed #2

#1. Got to feel very special before the Stanford vs. UW game on Thursday!
#2. Shopped/ate around Seattle with my best friend.
#3. Anneliese's new asian phone case! (Nordstrom)
#4. Both of our favourite foods ever.. Pizza from Nordstrom Cafe.
#5. Just a little bored late at night.
#6. A lovely view of Seattle from Century Link Field.

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. Not sure why I haven't felt inspired at all. Hope you're well.

xx


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Faux Fur



Faux Fur Scarf: Nordstrom
Jeans: Hollister
Booties: Seychelles
So I guess I've felt a bit uninspired lately, but I'm trying to get back on track. Let's just say that my budget is low and I'm trying to work with what I got. I've also been swamped with school work lately and so I'm also trying to manage all of my time wisely (i.e. put coursework before blogging, duh). I definitely have ideas both for fashion and beauty that are really exciting for fall, just give me some time.

xx


Sunday, September 23, 2012

Instagrammed #1

1. Matching Polka Dots (see my blogpost on this outfit here)
2. Obsession with new reflection app began.
3. Went to the fair on a gorgeous night.
4. My best friend and I went to the fair!
5. Excited about this new outfit!
6. During my sick day, I watched Mrs. Doubtfire and stayed in bed all day!
7. Fair time :)
8. Trying not to get everyone else around me sick.. 
9. Still obsessed with the reflection app but trying not to make it too obvious..

Let me know what you think about this new feature on my blog and how your week was.

xx

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Everyday Makeup



My every day makeup routine is quite simple to be honest, but I thought I'd let you in on what I use. This is the makeup I use five days a week while going to school. It's quick, it's easy and it's super natural. I start with my Maybelline Dream Cream 8-in-1 BB Cream in Light/Medium with my Real Techniques buffing brush. After this, I apply concealer to any blemishes with my MAC Select Moisturecover in NC15 and to my under eyes with my Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Light. I set my foundation using MAC Studio Fix in NC15. I switch between using NARS Douceur and Orgasm on the apples of my cheeks, and always run a bit of MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle on my cheek bones/nose. I occasionally use this as eyeshadow as well! For my eyes, I use Two Faced Shadow Primer. I then apply Bootycall from Urban Decay's Naked Two palette on my lids with a Sigma E55 Shader brush and run Tease through my crease with an E30 brush. Occasionally I will apply eyeliner (if I have extra time) and it switches between gel and pencil. If I do eyeliner, it's more often than not very smudged/smoky with pencil or very precise with gel. Then I curl my eyelashes, apply Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies (Waterproof) for lots of volume and then finish my top lashes with my Benefit "They're Real" mascara for lots of length. On my bottom lashes, I like to use my Revlon Grow Luscious mascara in Black/Brown to give a more natural effect. On my lips, I just use a regular lip balm and I'm out the door.

I try to switch up my makeup as often as possible, but this has just been what I have liked to use for the past two-three months. It's much easier to wear the same makeup each day if you have to wake up early, so you don't have to think about it.

I recently got very sick, so sorry about the lack of posts lately. Hopefully everything will go back to normal by next week.

xx



Friday, September 21, 2012

I'm Red Burgundy?








The title is a cheeky little reference to Anchorman, such a class movie. Lately I've found myself a bit obsessed with red/burgundy especially as autumn is right around the corner. The idea of a red lip, winged linger and a simple outfit seems so fall to me currently. But while the weather delays (it's still kicking strong at 70+ every day), I'm still trying to get into the autumn mood. These lippies are bold, bright, brilliant. I've fallen in love with each of them and think they're fab colors for many skin tones.

The first one is Rimmel's Red Alert (900). The brightest of the three, it screams summer while maintaining a new atmosphere. The formula is silky smooth, and the application is easy to work with. One thing that I like about Rimmel lipsticks are that they are easy to take off afterwards. With a brand like MAC, those don't come off even if you beg them to. The price is super affordable ($6) and not hard to get ahold of. I'm not so keen on the packaging, but I really do love the product.

The second lippie is Revlon's Black Cherry (477). I have been a fan of this colour for quite a while (since Essie first wore it in a video) and I immediately ran to get it. The genuine burgundy colour has slight violet/purple undertones and is a safe guarantee for a lovely vampy look. It's very easy to apply, and also easy to take off. The price is a step up ($8) but still not outrageously expensive. The packaging has a hint of Chanel to it but I don't adore it like I adore MAC tubes.It reminds me slightly of MAC's Rebel (though I don't have the guts to fork up that much for it yet). 

The final red is relatively new and it's by Kate Moss for Rimmel London called 01. This and Red Alert are very similar. Both are bright reds while this one has deeper/darker undertones of purple/blue. I love this one for the colour but the packaging is also absolutely gorgeous. I love the Kate with the heart on the tube, it's so cute.

What are your go-to lipsticks year round or for autumn?

xx

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Monday, September 17, 2012

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream




This is my first ever BB cream that I've tried, so I don't have much to compare it to but I'm raving over it. I love it and frankly think it's the best new product that I've tried in months. I started using this last month and immediately found it very easy to work with. The product is obviously quite sheer but can definitely be built up to a medium coverage. For someone who hates the feeling of heavy makeup, this is a very good alternative to foundation. I'm also someone who has both things I'd like to cover up (blemishes) and things I'd like to accentuate (freckles) and this is really great for both of those things. The price isn't too steep ($8) and it's relatively easy to get ahold of (I believe it's available worldwide). It claims to do 8 things for your skin: blur imperfections, enhance, brighten, adjust to skin-tone, hydrate, provide protection against sun, and has 0% oils/heavy ingredients. Do I think that it does each of these? To a certain degree, yes! This product is wonderful for my skin. It reminds me of the Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer ($42) minus the price. I believe it only has 5 shades to choose from, so it's limited in its range. This BB cream was also used in the Burberry S/S 13 show in London yesterday.

I'm dying to try the Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo in Rose Gold and the Rimmel London newest Kate Moss lippies. What are you favourite drug store products? Have you tried this BB Cream before?

xx

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Saturday, September 15, 2012

over-the-knee




Dress: Top Shop
Jacket: J. Crew
Over-the-Knee Socks: Forever 21
Heels: Seychelles
Still not quite autumn yet here, but it is getting colder a tiny bit. Glad at this fact, I've got some cute new fall clothes I'm ready to break out. But alas, settled on this little number up above. I was a bit in the Christmas mood, I suppose, because this dress clearly yells holidays. Too bad it's only September! I also stole these socks from my sister's closet (thanks meghan!) and really love them with the black heels. It reminds me of the thigh high boots that Rachel Zoe always wears (except like 0.1% of the price..) and I've got a few more outfits under my sleeve that I'm excited to put together with these two. The coat is an old favourite (also stolen from my sister's closet, thanks again!) and I always seem to wear it if I don't know what else to wear. Berry is really big this season, as is this green so I thought this was a perfect outfit for autumn.

I'm really excited about all of the fashion shows going on this week and last (i.e. NYFW and LFW) and am dying over the new trends (beauty included). Excited to work with them in S/S 13! What shows have been your favourite and which trends are you excited for?

xx

Thursday, September 13, 2012

B&W





Top: Top Shop
Disco Pants: American Apparel
Heels: Seychelles
Ah, a total full black and white outfit... Pretty simple, little bit sophisticated, whole lotta sassy thrown in there. I love this peplum top, and the whole peplum trend is completely geared towards me. "Pear" shaped you could say, the effect of the top makes my waist look tiny and gives a really lovely shade to my bum. The next thing I'm loving is these disco pants. I caved and bought them. I did the deed. It had to happen and it did. I stand by my statement in saying that they're way overpriced ($85!) but I really do love what they do to me and what they can bring to an outfit. They really pull me all together, with fabric that's not too uncomfortably tight. I got these heels at the Nordstrom summer sale for way marked down (which always makes me feel happy), and am dying over them. I think they're the perfect fall staple shoe. They could honestly go with so much of my closet and I'm really excited about these. I also really love the jacket which I got at Urban Outfitters. I was looking for one for a while but couldn't find anything that amazing. Then I found this jacket... And I was in love with it. It wasn't too pricey ($98) and it'll last forever.
A sneak peak at my next outfit and my new camera. Hope you're all doing well.
What are your staple pieces this season?

xx

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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Polka Dots and Pleats





Shirt: Top Shop
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Aldo
My first official post with a real camera! What a glorious day it is! This was just an outfit of the day for what I wore to school, minus a sweater when it got a little cold outside. The tricky thing about dressing for class is that I have a dress code, and have to adhere by it. The most prominent thing is that when wearing a dress or skirt, it has to be 1-2 inches from the knee... Which for me, is a bummer because I'm a fan of shorter dresses but this skirt happens to work really well. I'm still working out the logistics of my camera, so bare with me while I try to figure it out for the next few posts.

xx

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Sunday, September 9, 2012

Weekend Wear


First Photo-
Top: Urban Outfitters
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Silver Belt: Flea Market
Shoes: Converse
Second Photo-
Jumper: Madewell
Shorts: American Eagle
Shoes: Nescessary Clothing
I've been a bit absent from the blogging world for the last little while, my apologies! A few things have happened since my last post, the most exciting being that my camera arrived in the post. I'm really thrilled with it, but I need a bit more practice. I've been trying out areas of my house for the best lighting and all that jazz, so fingers crossed that my next post will be on a real camera instead of an iPhone. Today has been a lazy Sunday for me, doing coursework and cleaning up. This weekend consisted of shopping and going to a concert with some friends. A new Top Shop opened near me which is super exciting since we don't have one anywhere! I bought some stuff for autumn, hopefully have some more fall-type lookbooks soon.

The camera is a Canon SX30IS if you were wondering. If you have any tips or tricks (or blogs!) for beginner camera users, please leave a comment! It's much appreciated. Hope you're doing well.

xx



Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Five Favourite Neutrals

The smell of fall is in the air and yet, I don't feel that it is that time of year yet. School has started, I've gotten loads of new clothes and I can't wear any of it... The weather simply doesn't permit. It's rumoured to be 75 for a while here. I can talk your ear off about how excited I am for autumn to be upon us, but (lucky for you) that time hasn't arrived. It's the time in between summer and fall where I am stuck in school for seven hours a day, with dress code limitations and very little appropriate summer wear (i.e. I don't wear skirts to my knee very often and high waisted, short shorts are a staple). Along with the summer feeling gone, so has the nail varnish. My favourite bright pastels are being replaced with darker, more autumn feeling colours. This transition time in between summer and fall is difficult but I find I always reach for these varnishes if no others come to mind. Here are my top five favourite neutrals this year.

1. Love & Beauty's (Forever 21) Taupe
(far left)
This light brown has the smallest hints of shimmer and is very wearable for many skin tones. It elongates the hands in the most elegant of ways. Used on the right nail shape, it can look so simple and elegant. At $2.80 per bottle, it's incredibly cheap although it doesn't apply that way. After two coats, this shade can be easily worn without bumps, knicks, or bubbles.
2. Sephora's Under My Trench Coat
A much darker brown in comparison to Taupe, it has layers of grey and an obviously simple sheen or shimmer to it. Sephora nail polishes are not my favourites in general but this colour is one of my must haves. The application on the nail is very thick and required only one coat minus a base. I have a feeling Sephora has changed their formula in recent years because this bottle is rather old. The colour in the bottle is very different and much lighter when applied.
3. Chanel's Paradoxal
One of the darker neutrals in this post, it stands out for the obvious purple shimmer included. With one coat, the varnish is pretty transparent and definitely requires a second layer to evenly distribute colour. In harsh lighting, the colour appears dark grey with a definite purple under tone to it. In natural lighting, the purple shines much better. Chanel has quite the price tag so I'd suggest trying this on in stores and seeing how you like it. 
4. OPI's You Don't Know Jacques!
A near dupe for Chanel's Paradoxal, I'd say. This colour is exactly what Paradoxal would be without the purple undertone and shimmer. It's quite flat but can create a sophisticated grown up type colour. This muddy grey most likely requires two coats as OPI varnish doesn't have the best distribution.
4. Essie's Eternal Optimist
(far right)
One of my all time favourite nudes, Eternal Optimist is a salmony pink true nude and works very well on Olive skin tones. Some may consider it a "grandma" type colour but it's always been a favourite of mine. It's a safe bet but can warm up skin in the darker, more grey months of winter.

What are your go-to neutral/nudes? Any caught your eye recently? Let me know in the comments below.


xx
p.s. i have a new camera coming soon, not to worry. The days of crappy iPhone photos will be over soon. I'm sorry we have both have had to suffer for this long.


Sunday, September 2, 2012

what i wore: sept 1


flannel: good will (men's medium)
shorts: american eagle
shoes: steve madden
naked 2
nars doucer blusher
mac's soft and gentle
bobbi brown tinted moisturizer
benefit's "they're real" mascara
I have been debating purchasing the American Apparel Disco pants or Riding pants.. I'm finally going to go shopping and maybe head over to AA. Still not sure about whether I'll get good use out of them. Hoping that today I get over to AA, H&M, Good Will, Anthropologie, J. Crew... I'll let you know how my shopping goes, probably have some more autumn/winter related ootd's!

Where to find me:
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xx

Saturday, September 1, 2012

studs & velvet.

what i'm wearing
dress: topshop (a/w 11)
coat: j. crew
bag: aldo
A typical weekend outfit for me, which I wore to go look at houses. Though we didn't end up purchasing this one, I took advantage of the mirror in the bathroom. It had nice lighting. Hope you're having a lovely long weekend!

Expect more of these soon!

Where to find me:

xx

about me

Hello! I'm Blair and this is my blog. Welcome. You've just embarked on a whirlwind of my thoughts.. Congratulations. It may be quite the mix up of topics. I've been drooling over fashion and beauty since the early teens. As a mid-teen, I've started this blog to prolong my procrastination (college applications? Psh, who needs 'em!) and keep up with others. A little bit about me: I currently live in Seattle, I enjoy tea quite a bit and I don't mind the rain.

More posts coming up soon.

Where you can find me:

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xx