February Favorites!

EOS lip balms. I love these little spheres. They are super cute and quite addicting but I fear that I'm in lust with its packaging rather than the product itself. Honeysuckle & Lemon are my current favorites but I have yet to try the Mint!

Vera Wang Perfume. I've had this fragrance for awhile. I got it on sale at Marshall's- score! Maybe that's why I have neglected it and treated it like it wasn't as good as some of my finer fragrances. Nevertheless, in February, I grabbed this one quite a lot. Maybe because Vera is synonymous with weddings and I've been preparing for my friend Maggie's March nuptials.

My favorite piece of jewelry this month (and one of my favorites for a lifetime) were the earrings my mom got me for my 25th birthday on the 1st. They are green amethyst and diamonds and so beautiful! They are subtle enough to wear in the daytime but are unique and beautiful enough for evenings. They go well with just about anything. I LOVE them!

Revlon Perplex nail polish. It's basically an exact dupe for Chanel's Paradoxal. I got it for a dollar at Big Lots! I have been on a purple/lavender kick all month long. Purple reminds me of February because it's still winter, Amethyst is my birthstone, it's close in the color family to reds (Valentine's) and because when Spring finally rolls around, it's all about lavenders and light pastels. I loved wearing this polish in February and can't wait to wear it again in the fall.

February in Pittsburgh is notorious for nasty weather. While we were fortunate enough to have a splash of Spring temps, there was definitely a lot of rain and snow this month. That's when my KORS Michael Kors rainboots came in handy! I ordered them from shopbop.com on sale as a birthday gift with intentions of wearing them to Bonnaroo but I've been getting a lot of wear out of them. I have a hard time finding boots that fit me nicely but I couldn't be happier. They remind me of Daria Morgendorffer's combat boots but with a splash of Quinn's fashion sense, lol!

I purchased quite a few lipglosses this month but I kept reaching for Revlon's ColorBurst Lipglosses in Hot Pink, Orchid and Crystal Lilac. These lipglosses are creamy, non-sticky, pigmented and affordable. The packaging is so beautiful and I like them better than my Chanel glossimers!




This month I have been experimenting with blush. I have used the same few shades of blush for year's but lately, I have tried a few new ones. I saw one of the beauty gurus on YouTube apply MAC's Pink Swoon and thought it looked great. I bought it for myself and I love it! It's very subtle but gives a nice brightness to the face. I love it!

I asked for the Urban Decay Naked Palette for my 25th birthday and I'm sooo happy that I scored the last one at my Ulta. I got the original packaging with the duo-sided 24/7 eyeliners and they are amazing. The colors do have a bit of glitter fallout, but if you can get passed that it's so worth it. I've never used Urban Decay before but I am now a devoted fan. If I had to use one eye palette for the rest of my life, Naked would be it! The whiskey eyeliner looks amazing against my coloring, the baby primer potion is fantastic and the colors are so versatile. I can't recommend this product enough to any girl who loves a natural eye with a little bit of glamour!

My favorite lipstick this month was Chanel's Aqualumiere in Galapagos (101). I'm all about finding the perfect shade of pink. This just might be it! It's formula is like butter and the color is subtle yet chic.

NARS Albatross was one of the first products I splurged on from the company and this month, I couldn't have been happier with my purchase. This is such an excellent quality highlighter. I use it to highlight my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, my cupid's bow and even my brow bone. It's on the pricer side but a little goes a long way!

My favorite fashion/beauty moment of February was Selena Gomez in J. Mendel at the Grammy's. I adore this look in its entirety. The dress is gorgeous, the face is fresh, the hair is fabulous. I want that lipstick/lipgloss... need to find out the brand!

My favorite beer of the month was Samuel Adams' Noble Pils. I had this during happy hour after my friend's bridal shower. And a happy hour it was! Delicious!

My favorite YouTube Channel of the month was WinterRose84. She's a beauty guru from Australia who is fair-skinned like me. She has such a beautiful accent and I could listen to her talk for hours about her massive and enviable nail polish collection (she must have 400 bottles of OPI alone). She also has more Lancome Juicy Tubes than I have ever seen in my life! But she seems like a sweet girl who just loves to collect makeup. Check her out!

My favorite movie of the month was Conviction starring Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell. This film came out in the fall but I didn't get to see it until it was released OnDemand. I thought it was excellent! It was so interesting and well-acted that the movie felt like it was only 30 minutes. You know you're watching a good movie when you don't look to see how much time is left! It was based on a true story and it was very inspiring! I highly recommend you watch this if you haven't done so already.

My favorite song of the month was hands down, "Lotus Flower" by Radiohead. I have listened to this on repeat countless times. It doesn't get old for me. I think the video is interesting as well but the song- wow. It's gorgeous. I just LOVE it!

Best Dressed: Oscars 2011

The Golden Hanger once again goes to actress, Mila Kunis. She looked absolutely stunning in this lavender gown by Elie Saab. I adore the lace detailing, the neckline, the train, the color... There isn't a thing I don't love about this dress! I'm not crazy about Mila's hair but her makeup was nicely done. The simple jewels were also an added touch of elegance.

Cate Blanchett wowed in this unique, Givenchy dress. I think it was somewhat of a risk but it worked. It's quite elegant. Despite being what I would call a modern silhouette, I could see this being worn on the red carpet at any period in time- old Hollywood era, today or the distant future. Very interesting.

I thought Gwyneth Paltrow looked sleek and statuesque in this metallic gown by Calvin Klein. I'm not feeling the broach or the jewels but the dress and simple hair style were pure, modern, elegance. The lining of the dress threw me off a bit as well but with legs like Gwyneth's, who needs it?

I absolutely loved this Marchesa gown on Halle Berry. The bottom is a bit confusing but it somehow comes together nicely on Halle's flawless figure. The top of this gown is perfection! The hair and makeup- gorgeous. Loved it!

Another look that I neglected to mention initially was Celine Dion in Armani Prive. I think this gown looked unbelievable on Celine- can you believe she gave birth to twins just a few short months ago? I love the color, the cut, the sleeves, the fabric- fabulous!

Mandy Moore looked like royalty in this stunning Monique Lhuillier gown. I forgot to add this to my best-dressed list because I didn't see it live, on the red carpet. She looked so gorgeous. This is a dress that I would want to wear. Flawless!

Also in Marchesa, was 14-year-old nominee, Hailee Steinfeld. She designed this tea-length dress herself! Talk about multi-talented. I thought she looked age-appropriate, timeless and so regal. I adored the color on her and the shoes went perfectly with the silhouette and fabric.

Someone who doesn't usually cross my best-dressed radar was Michelle Williams. I thought she looked sophisticated in Chanel. I have yet to see her film, Blue Valentine, but it is definitely on my list. Her makeup looked fresh and pretty and I think her dress' silhouette went wonderfully with her hair.

One of the most beautiful women on the red carpet was Matthew McConaughey's model wife, Camila Alves. She looked other worldly in this stunning design by Kaufman Franco. She's so gorgeous and this dress is to die for. Speechless!


Hilary Swank looked spectacular in this fabulous gown by Gucci. I'm a sucker for anything metallic or feathery. I don't love Hilary's hair & makeup but the look comes together nicely enough. I found her film, Conviction, to be one of the best movies of the year.


Overall, I think these dresses were the best of the best. But I don't think there was an overwhelming amount of fashion on this year's red carpet. There weren't even any notable mentions or true disasters for me to report on. Thus far, I found the show to be rather unremarkable and boring- but I suppose most award shows are these things. Here's to the next one.



Now Playing: "Golden" by My Morning Jacket

Nail Polish of the Moment: Parlez-Vous OPI?

Parlez-Vous OPI? by OPI

In keeping with my lavender/purple moment, I opted for OPI's Parlez-Vous OPI? This particular polish was a part of the France collection from a few years back. The color looks nice against my fair complexion but it's a little bit dull. I would describe it as a muted purple with grey undertones. It's a nice color but I wouldn't say it's a must have. I do like the formula. Despite not being blown away by Parlez-Vous OPI?, I'd still recommend it to someone looking for a purple that is subtle enough for work but unique enough for evenings. I used OPI's base coat, 2 coats of Parlez-Vous OPI?, and OPI's Top Coat to achieve a nice, cream finish.

My camera did not pick this color up properly at all! It's actually quite muted and not so Barney. Ignore the paint around my cuticles, haha. Laziness!



Now Playing: "Quelqu´un m´a dit" by Carla Bruni

True Talent: Adele Performing "Someone Like You"

Adele was just on The Early Show performing "Someone Like You". I'm sure the video will be up later today, but I couldn't wait. She is so immensely talented. I adore her voice. This song is gorgeous.

Lyrics:

I heard that your settled down.
That you found a girl and your married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.

Old friend, why are you so shy?
It ain't like you to hold back or hide from the lie.

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited,
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I hoped you'd see my face & that you'd be reminded,
That for me, it isn't over.

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I remember you said:-
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead"
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead, yeah.

You'd know how the time flies.
Only yesterday was the time of our lives.
We were born and raised in a summery haze.
Bound by the surprise of our glory days.

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited,
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I hoped you'd see my face & that you'd be reminded,
That for me, it isn't over yet.

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I remember you said:-
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead", yay.

Nothing compares, no worries or cares.
Regret's and mistakes they're memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I remembered you said:-
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead"

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I remembered you said:-
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead"
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead, yeah.

Makeup Challenge: Arab Inspired

One of the beauty gurus on YouTube, MakeupGeekTV, is sponsoring a makeup challenge on her website. The challenge this time, is to create an arab-inspired look. I love makeup, themes and a challenge. So, this contest was right up my alley. I believe the prize is a set of brushes from Sigma. I don't own any Sigma brushes but have heard wonderful things. It would be amazing to win this but there have been hundreds of submissions from extremely talented artists and also from girls who just love makeup.

I had fun putting this looking together. I did it rather quickly and without much thought. I grabbed the brightest eye palette I had (which I paid about a buck or two for) and got to work. I went with the flow and the results are below (yes, that rhymed). FYI- I had Radiohead's "Lotus Flower" on repeat while I was doing this look. I can't get enough of that song! The design below my eyes was done to mimic the arabic language. I hope I didn't end up writing something that actually means something offensive.

The products I used will be listed below the pictures. I hope you enjoy this look. It would be fun for Halloween or a costume party!












Products Used:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
L.A. Colors Eyeshadow Palette in Wildflowers (EP42)
NARS Albatross -Eyeshadow Highlight
Ben Nye Creme Colors in Black (CL-29) -Brows & definition
Wet N Wild Kohl Brow Eyeliner in Black (651) -Lower Lash Line
Maybelline Ultra Liner Waterproof in Black -Upper Lash Line & Arabic Writing
Almay Intense i-color Lengthening Mascara in Black Pearl- Upper Lashes
MAC Zoom Lash in Zoomblack- Lower Lashes

The purple/silver scarf was a 24th birthday gift and I don't recall where I got the mustard pashmina- Pier 1 a few years ago, perhaps?



Now Playing: "See You In the Spring" by The Court Yard Hounds ft. Jakob Dylan, "Money Grabber" by Fitz and the Tantrums, "Shadowboxer" by Fiona Apple