Monday, August 22, 2011

A Package in the Mail

Previously before my recent purchase from Sigma, I owned two brushes from the company. The large angled contour (F40) and the duo stippling brush (F50). Both I was very satisfied with besides the shedding from the F50, the overall performance of the brush made it worth it. Because of my satisfaction with Sigma's products I made a second order for five more brushes





































































































Tapered Blending (E40) : a blending brush is such an essential to beautiful eye makeup. Unless desired, lines should not be harsh or sharp on the eye. Colors should seamlessly blend together









































Pencil (E30) : a pencil brush is used to define the outer "V" of the eye, or to apply colors to the crease. Pencil brushes are made for precision









































Small Angle (E65) : I am absolutely determined to master eyeliner. Who say's I can't have a perfect cat eye?









































Concealer (F70) : I am currently debating between getting MAC's Studio Finish concealer or Make Up For Ever's Full Cover. Either way I'll need a good concealer brush, as my last one was a piece of junk









































Tapered Highlighter (F35) : This brush I have been wanting forever so I'm so glad I ordered it. I am a huge highlighter fan so anything that fits into that category I must buy





















Overall I am very happy with my brushes. I can't wait to take them out to play! One thing I do plan on doing differently is washing the brushes before I use them. I have heard this can help eliminate potential shedding...we'll see!


xoebc

Saturday, August 20, 2011

"I like my money right where I can see it - hanging in my closet" - Sex and the City

I've had my fair share of fake leather jackets, all of which were cute and affordable. I have not however, ever owned a genuine leather jacket. I feel like pieces such as those are ones that have to be just right. Classic pieces should always be what you invest the most amount of money into. A perfect LBD, Italian made pumps, or a gorgeous leather jacket are items girls on a budget should choose to splurge on instead of trendy pieces that come and go. Marshalls and TJMaxx are the perfect places to seek out such clothing articles. During a spur of the moment trip to TJMaxx I ended up walking out with a Michael Kors leather jacket that is truly to die for. After a little research I learned the original price of the jacket was $400......I payed $150





























































I can't wait for fall to come now! I never thought I would be saying that

What will be your go to piece for the fall? Do you think splurging on classic pieces is worth it, or an unnecessary dent in your wallet?


xoebc

Friday, August 19, 2011

Fall Necessities and Desires

After scoring a leather Michael Kors jacket for an absolutely amazing price I thought to do a fall check list of must haves. Here is what is on my mind for the breezy season
http://vi.sualize.us/view/f827c5cdac09382c569af93562903ec6/

Tory flats have been on my closet wishlist for far too long. The real question however, is what color or print to purchase them in?

http://pinterest.com/pin/7684937/

No one does fall nail colors better than OPI. I just couldn't seem to wait for the plums, eggplants, and navies and opted for Lincoln Park After Dark to grace my toes during a recent pedicure. Lincoln Park is a polish used by many celebrities including Lauren Conrad and the Kardashian sisters and the absolute perfect fall nail shade

http://vi.sualize.us/view/91d514918dc8b374248950fc898c5cfc/

The forever classic leather jacket. Now I've had my fair share of faux imitators but I have yet to own a real leather piece. But now I do. While scouring through the racks at TJMaxx I discovered a sales woman hanging up jackets into a new section. I immediately saw the security buttons swaying and speed walked my way right over. What a fabulous surprise. You'll all have to wait to see a post on what an incredible score I made!

http://pinterest.com/pin/16785219/

Yet another item I've been eying for ages. I decided to take the plunge and sometime within September make my way to the Nordstroms counter which has been calling my name for months

http://pinterest.com/pin/115065574/

The forever perfect pout..MAC's Russian Red. Not only a fall staple but a classy one at that

http://www.stelladot.com/corporate/productcatalog?page=productdetail&selectedLocale=en_US&sku=N101G

Due to the fact that a Van Cleef & Arpel necklace is not a blow my wallet can suffer, I found an alternative for several thousand less. Stella & Dot's Signature Clover necklace in gold is $69.99 and a perfect piece for any outfit


Whats on your fall necessities and desires list? What do you find yourself pulling out of the closet come September?


xoebc

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Purchases of the Month

Every working girl knows spending a paycheck on "necessities" can mean about a million things. A new red lipstick? That's necessary. A rose gold boyfriend watch? No brainer. And the list could go on. So because of the extra boost in my bank account I have in fact been treating myself (possibly a little too much). But hey, everyone deserves to be pampered once in a while.......(or twice a month)





















One thing I can say for myself however is that the gorgeous blouse above was not a purchase made on my own credit card but instead a gift. I received this coral-pink shirt for my birthday and have yet to make it's debut onto Xo and thought today would be a good day. I also picked up two pairs of shoes that were basically shouting my name across the store.









































Um hello? Who could actually say NO to these flats. I am pretty sure I have heard about Kathy Van Zeeland however I never actually saw anything from her line. Let's just say I was sold and will most definitely be looking into more of her designs





















I drool a little every time I look at these jewel encrusted beauties





















I have literally been on the hunt for a good pair of wedges this whole summer. Yes, I know, the summer is on it's last leg, but better late then never, right?? Loving the army green braided straps





























































(sorry for the blurry picture, but I wanted to make sure you girls got a full view of the top)









































I'm not a bright color person, but seeing the absolutely beautiful detailing on this top I just could not let it go. I left the store empty handed though because of the expensive price tag, I think it was $70? I can't remember. My mother being sneaky passed along that I wanted the top and I ended up opening up a box with it inside at a family party! Mom's are really great like that


Hope this picture heavy post didn't bother anyone! When I read blogs the more pictures the better, I don't believe you can get a true feel of the piece unless you see all the details. Summer has been fabulous and has been presenting me with some great opportunities, I hope all of your summers are going similarly!


xoebc

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Summary of the Past Week

Although I've been pretty absent from blogging lately I decided to post a few pictures from the past week to give somewhat of a visual update with some blurry iPhone snapshots


































After just inserting this picture I realized how unappetizing it looks. I do promise however that it was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately my close girlfriend will be leaving soon for a 12 month stay in Israel so we have been attempting to go out as much as possible before her move. Thursday we went to an Italian restaurant called Andino's. I ordered the gnocchi (a potato pasta) with pink vodka sauce. It was incredible and definitely worth the large amount of carbs


































Sunday I went to Newport to spend the day with my family. We spent a majority of the day on a beautiful private beach. Who doesn't like to be pampered?


I am trying to get back into the habit of regularly blogging so keep checking back! I hope you all had a fabulous week like I did


xoebc