Month: February 2015

What I’d Wear When

what i'd wear when- coffee shop date

Sweater // Scarf // Jeans // Oxfords // Smoking Slippers // Clutch

I love coffee shops (who doesn’t?). The sounds, the crowd, and, obviously, the coffee and accompanying, totally necessary pastries. If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen me post pictures from my favorite spot in Baltimore, Artifact. I’ll stop myself from going on about how awesome it is there, and instead leave you with what I’d likely wear were I to catch up with friends at a coffee joint – but this is actually what I’d wear (and do wear) every day.

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My Beauty Essentials

my beauty essentials

I did a post with my makeup favorites a while ago, but I figured it was time for an updated one since I’ve streamlined my collection of products since then and found a few new favorites. Here’s a rundown of the products I turn to again and again.

Makeup

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 // I wish I could pinpoint exactly what I like about this foundation, but I just know that it’s my favorite one that I’ve ever used. I mix it with my favorite every day lotion (about 2 parts lotion, 1 part foundation) for the perfect all-over skin-evening wash of pigment and moisture. It feels totally weightless and yet does everything a foundation should.

Fit Me Concealer // After running out of a pretty meh concealer, I turned to the internet and did a quick search for the best drugstore concealer (I don’t have a huge, constant need for concealer, so I didn’t feel the need to buy a pricier one) – and this was the top result. So I picked one up, and it’s just what I was looking for. It covers dark circles as well as they can be covered, and works like a charm on little spots and blemishes.

Posie Tint // I’ve discovered that I really like non-powder blushes. I don’t use blush that often, usually just because I forget, but I’m starting to use it a little more frequently. This one goes on really smooth, and the color and packaging make it a total winner. It’s also really easy to build color – but on that note, it’s also really easy to go overboard. And I’ve learned the hard way that you have to apply it to your finger first, then rub it over your cheeks – it doesn’t lend itself to blending, and you don’t want weird, super-pigmented splotches on your face. Even so, if you can apply it well, this one’s a winner.

Sephora Collection Nano Eyeliner // This has been my go-to eyeliner for years. It comes in a ton of colors, and the small size and price tag means it’s not a huge commitment. It goes on really easily and is perfect for smudging, making it ideal to create a variety of looks. My favorites are Midnight Black, Kaki Green, Gri Gri and (for spring) Lagoon.

Lash Sensational // So I tend to switch up mascaras a lot – probably because I have abnormally long eyelashes to start with (not to brag…) so they all kind of do the same thing for me. But I have to say, this one is a total winner. Just one coat makes my lashes unbelievably long and thick, so much so that I’ve gotten compliments on them. And doesn’t everyone want that? (Yes.) You should have this.

Sugar Lip Treatment // I read about this years ago and immediately knew that I needed it. And now I kind of hate myself for giving in and buying it, because I think it’s ridiculously expensive but I love love love it and will continue to buy it. It smells awesome, feels awesome, and it works. Plus the tube feels kind of glamorous. I swear by this stuff.

Cheek Stain // My other go-to blush. This stuff is definitely easier to blend than Posie Tint, and still lets you build color. I use True Love, which is a gorgeous, natural reddish-pink, and it smells so good.

Hair

Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam // This is a recent addition to my beauty routine, but it’s quickly become one of my favorite products. Besides smelling like an island vacation, it makes my hair everything I’ve ever wanted it to be: super soft, unbelievably shiny, lightweight but voluminous. It’s pretty much the only hair product I’ll ever need.

Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Styling Crème // So, my hair isn’t actually frizzy – I stole this from my sister a long time ago and the bottle magically doesn’t ever seem to run out (watch, it’ll be empty next time I go to use it). It’s basically just leave-in conditioner, and it keeps my hair from going crazy when I let it air dry.

Face

Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub // This is my favorite face scrub. I’m not too particular about following a strict face routine, but I use this two or three times a week and it leaves my skin extra soft. Plus, I just love knowing that it’s gentle and made from a lot of natural ingredients.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion // I really love this stuff – it keeps my skin clear and even, feels refreshing, takes off makeup, and, unlike other toners I’ve tried, it doesn’t sting. Plus, it’s pink. Who wouldn’t love that?

Oil-Free Moisture // This has been my go-to moisture for years. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and works year round (for me, at least – I don’t have dry skin). Plus, it’s great to mix with makeup, like I said above.

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion + // I don’t have a strict skincare regimen, but I try to use this ultra-thick lotion once a week or so, especially in the winter to make sure my skin doesn’t get dry. It’s rich and keeps my skin feeling healthy.

Argan Oil Light // So everyone has heard the hype about argan oil, and I think it’s pretty great. This light version works equally as well on skin as it does in hair. It’s kind of just a nice all-purpose beauty staple to have.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes // I can be hugely lazy when it comes to taking off makeup. If it’s late and I’m tired, I’ll opt to go to sleep and forgo washing my face, even when I know I should. But these wipes have saved me. They smell fresh and clean, wipe off makeup easily, and leave my skin feeling firm and refreshed.

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Fun Facts About Me

20 things you didn't know about me_2

I always love learning weird little things about people. It makes them feel real and relatable, plus I think it’s just fun to peek into other people’s lives. So, here are a few little things about me, so you can get to know me better.

1. I’m weirdly obsessed with the number five.

2. I love American Songbook songs. Especially when they’re sung by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

3. Otherwise, my (current) favorite groups are Electric Guest (that’s my all time fave), Arctic Monkeys, Foster the People, HOLYCHILD, Lana Del Rey, Noosa, Psychic Friend, Purity Ring, Sara Bareilles, Sylvan Esso, Stromae and Wet. Yeah, it’s a mix.

4. Ocksa, jag talar lite grann svenska.

5. It is my dream to meet David Sedaris. (I went to hear him read once, and plan on doing so again this year.)

6. I know all the words to La Vie en Rose and I sing it quite often (in French, obviously). And I whistle it. Every day. All the time.

7. That leads me to a few more: I speak French pretty well (not fluently, but enough to understand Stromae songs – and that’s all that really matters, right?), and I forced myself to learn to whistle – it took several (painful) months of blowing semi-noiseless air out of my mouth, but it’s now one of the greatest joys of my life (WOW does that ever sound sad).

8. My favorite eras are mid- to late- 19th century Russia, and, of course, early 20th century-Jazz Age New York (and the expats in Paris).

9. I can recite an episode (well, probably a few) of spongebob from memory (but who can’t, right? Oh, okay, it’s just me).

10. I was once (briefly) a barista at Starbucks.

11. I just celebrated my 1 year anniversary of being single (woohoo! Go me!).

12. I have one sister who is definitely my best friend.

13. I collect copies of Alice in Wonderland- I currently have 19, most vintage, one in German and one in Jerriaise.

14. That being said, I hoard books. And I’ve been known to pick up books written in languages that I don’t even speak (like Turkish and German – but hey, the cover was pretty)

15. Shows I binge watch: The Office, Parks and Rec, Gossip Girl, Orange is the New Black, Arrested Development and Portlandia. I also love Big Bang, Grimm, The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight.

16. I love cheese and I hate bad grammar (intensely. Like down to when people don’t use the subjunctive mood when they should.)

17. I love poetry. My favorites include Whitman, Auden, and Ella Wheeler Wilcox (and Beat poets, especially Ginsburg).

18. One of my favorite books is Franny and Zooey – I relate to it really strongly.

19. I am super into linguistics.

20. I am an INTP.

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Books with Pretty Covers

let's judge some books by their covers

First row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
Second row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
Third row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

I hoard books. Especially pretty ones. Be they old or new, I judge books by their covers. Obviously I’ll only buy a book if it sounds good, but covers are what draw me in (please tell me I’m not alone in this). It’s becoming a serious problem. Thankfully, it only rears its ugly head when I’m simply browsing rather than looking for a specific volume. I thought I’d share my latest finds that sound enticing in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.

I’d love to know – what books have you recently read (or are on your to-read list)? Do you judge books by their covers?

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Party Plan: Valentine’s Day

party plan - v-day

More newness! Introducing party plans – little monthly plans for low-key entertaining. I’ve always been so enticed by the idea of throwing parties for myself and some close friends, but sadly, I don’t usually get the chance. So I’m bringing my unfulfilled party dreams here!

Wear // Valentine’s day is basically just an excuse to deck out in red and pink. This dress is cute, cheap and flirty, and works year-round – but looks especially V-Day appropriate with chic flats and simple gold earrings

Serve // Red velvet cupcakes are a total crowd-pleaser (they happen to be my favorite). They’re simple but decadent, fit perfectly with the holiday’s color scheme, and the single-serve portions make it an easy, un-fussy dessert to serve.

Send // I always love the idea of sending actual paper invitations, but it seems especially fitting for a Valentine’s Day party – there’s already the long-standing tradition of sending Valentines, which I’ve always thought is an extra-sweet notion. These punny options from Oh Happy Day are a creative and cute way to send your girlfriends the details (even if you’ve already texted/emailed/talked to them about it).

Watch // Would the holiday really be complete without romantic comedies? Maybe for some (namely those who have significant others), but not me. I’m a sucker for a good rom-com. These are two of my favorites (er, Notting Hill and anything with Meg Ryan in it) – but obviously, any would do (Pretty Woman also comes to mind).

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