current obsessions

A new feature on the blog: a quick roundup of everything I'm currently loving. 

I didn't mean for it to be so makeup-centric, but I guess I've just been inspired by the beautiful weather around here lately to play around with makeup. 

This blush looks scary and intense in the pan, but with the right brush and a light touch, it blends beautifully to the perfect peachy cheek. Now that I know it's blendable, I'm tempted to get the other color in the NARS x Pierre Hardy collection: Boys Don't Cry, a beautiful flushed pink. If you've been eyeing it, keep in mind that it's much bigger than the regular NARS blushes (0.45 oz. vs. 0.28 oz.), which explains the much bigger price ($41 vs. $29). It originally came with a gold overlay in a geometric pattern all over the pan, but I've already wiped some of it away with use.

I've been looking forever for a bronzer that would give me enough of an effect on my relatively dark skin. This one from D&G was a splurge during the Sephora friends and family sale, and it's given me just the right amount of contouring and color. I don't think it will work for me when I get darker as the weather gets warmer (I get about 4 shades darker than what I am now), but until then, this has been wonderful. I got it in the shade "bronze 40". The packaging is beautiful and luxurious, coming with its own velvet pouch and gold-handled compact brush that fits in the pouch's front pocket.

 I'm really digging this cobalt blue and silvery/gold glitter mani combo. I used these colors this weekend, and I can't stop looking at my nails.

This lipgloss is a recently re-discovered oldie but goodie. It's the perfect coral (#165 volupte), and the formula is not too sticky. I got this mascara as a sample, and it's become a fast favorite. It really extends my lashes and gives me an open-eyed look for when I'm looking half-asleep, either by itself or layered with my other favorite mascara. While I don't have really bad undereye circles, this concealer has been great for some touch-ups on my face after a particularly hard week when I need a little help. It's creamy and blends seamlessly, and I like that it comes in an easy-to-transport tube.

Lastly, I've been wearing this necklace nonstop. It's delicate while still giving enough of a sparkle. It's no fuss glam, which is what I've been needing as the past few weeks at work have been grueling.

What are your current obsessions? Do share!

shoe love: pick three

here


Even though it snowed all day today in Chicago, I am adamantly holding on to my belief that spring is right around the corner. I can't wait to be able to wear cute shoes again! After scouting various websites' spring shoe offerings, I've narrowed it down to these three groups: the sexy dressy sandal, the cute flat sandal, and the cool city wedge. 

Which three (one from each group) would you choose?

group 1: Sam Edelman Abbott in peach + gold or white + silver or Coach Leighann in white snakeskin

group 2: Madewell boardwalk sandal in white, navy + green, or brown

group 3: Sam Edelman Sutton in leopard, nude, or black

wishing for spring

here

Looking through Madewell's online store has me wishing for spring twice as hard. It has been my go-to place for cute, reasonably inexpensive shoes every since I bought my first pair of their famous skimmers this past Thanksgiving. 

On a semi-related note, taking a break from shopping has really allowed me to take inventory of what I need in my closet, namely:

1. black leather boots that can be dressed up or down (I have super dressy leather ones and semi-casual suede ones and nothing in between)

2. a pair of brogues (in this color, they'd go with everything)

3. an easy-as-pie dress (or two, for the days when my coordination skills are seriously lacking)

4. wear-them-every-day sandals (this or this...or both?)

5. animal print skimmers (because leopard is a neutral...wink)

6. cute caps (good for my eyes and my inner fashionista)


I'll keep these in mind and try to cross off the list as the year goes on. 

I love the See by Chloe dress, but at $275, it's out of my budget, so I'll either wait for it to go on super sale (fingers crossed!) or try to find something similar. I've also decided that for the spring/summer, I wanted one simple, adorable, flat sandal for everyday and one dressier yet season-appropriate pair of sandals. I'm debating between the Madewell ones above and this one. As for the dressier pair, this pair has stolen my heart. 

In addition to the two pairs of shoes, my spring/summer wishlist rounds out as follows:

1. Aviator sunglasses

2. white shorts

3. white jeans

4. white t-shirts (see a trend?)

5. a big umbrella

6. rain boots

7. summer scent

8. bright bag


Now, if only spring would actually come...


Do you have spring fever? What have you been eyeing?

spring wishlist

here

 The weather in Chicago has been ridiculous lately. In the past week, we've had snow, freezing rain, and fluctuations of 20 degrees in temperature. Today is 45 and drizzling, tomorrow will be 62 and storming, and by Thursday will be at 19 and possible snowing. Needless to say, I have no idea how to dress appropriately much less presentably, and I am truly, truly earnestly waiting for spring to arrive. Which explains why I've been aimlessly perusing the web for anything spring related and why I now have a spring wishlist:

1. cognac colored tote + crossbody

2. chambray shirt

3. simple, bold watch

4. pretty, soft nails

5. warmer season, lighter scent

6. animal print flats

7. chic flip flops

8. nude wedges you can dress up or down

9. classic, flat sandal

10. timeless shades

11. delicate earrings, necklaces, and bracelets  

 

J.Crew 2013 S/S

J. Crew's new collection has me wanting badly. Some of my favorite looks:

All images via style.com

Images #1, 3, 6, 8, and 10 are at the very top of my list. I love the great colors yet very clean, classic lines that somehow feel new all over again.