Shopping.

It's something we all love to do... even those who claim they don't.  You know why some people hate it?  Because they don't have enough money to buy the things they want.  And that's not a statement made to offend someone... it's true!  I've had a few shopping trips ruined because my common sense told me I couldn't spend a few thousand bucks on a purse.  But I still love retail therapy, and it's possibly the best way to relax.  Though I'm not as versed in the fashion world as I am with make up, I still know what I like and what I don't.  I don't really have a definite "style", as in preppy, grunge, etc...  It's just kind of whatever looks decent and is something I think is a good piece of clothing.

Here's what I'm wearing today (I added the shoes even though I don't wear shoes around the house... I'll be wearing them to Liz's house later tonight!  Does that count?)

I was ecstatic when I tried on this sweater at Anthropologie.  I picked up one for myself, and then went home and called Liz to tell her to get one too!  It's one of my "New Staples" as I call them.  It's super comfortable, and it's like having my kitty Sandy curl up with me, but without all the annoying shedding hair!  Good enough for me!

Anthropologie tunic sweater; $168; Anthropologie

Talk about denim love.  After picking up this pair, I now own 4 pairs of Earnest Sewns.  I got these because I think they are a good version of the skinny jean trend.

Earnest Sewn cigarette jean; $198; Ron Howard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These flats rock!  It's so relieving to find a good pair of ballet flats out of all those pointed toed, red patent pairs every store is carrying.  And they were only $40!  ALMOST a steal.

 

Essentials

Have you ever wondered how some girls can survive with a minimun 5 products?  Their "essentials" as they call them?  This questioned has lingered in the air around my stuffed make up bags for quite a while now.  On a recent trip to Sephora with my good friend, Liz, the topic of "essentials" was brought up.  I asked how you could stand using the same products over and over again, with no change.  But Liz had an open mind.  She asked me if I could name 5 "essentials."  I told her I didn't use the same products over and over again, and she should know that, especially since we both grew up in Sephora.  But she said "I know that.  Of course we don't use our essentials everyday, but I think we both have them.  For example, I can't imagine living without my DiorShow mascara, but I think I could survive without a few Nars lipglosses."  Of course, I got the point then, and I decided to set myself up for a challenge.  Can I name 5 "essentials?"  No, I found, I cannot.  But I can name 10!  And so here those beauties are.

 

Smashbox Seamless Liquid Foundation

I'll try to keep the explanation for my love to a few sentences.  This great foundation is the smoothest I have ever tried.  And because I have an uneven complexion, it covers beautifully, but is the perfect middle point between super cakey/covers everything and tinted moisturizer/doesn't cover enough.  I LOVE IT!

L'Occitane Radiance Moisturizing Cream

This rich, olive oil infused cream is NOT for oily/normal skin.  But my mostly dry skin thanks it.  With each nightly application, my skin can wake up supple and baby soft.

Tarte Cheek Stain in Tickled Peach

Like liquid love, this forgiving cheek stain blends right onto prepped skin, leaving a flushed look, not a clown like blush.

Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau de Parfum

Definitely my "signature scent", Hanae Mori's Butterly has strong notes of Strawberry and almond, punctuated by Black Currant, Bulgarian Rose, Ylang ylang, and softer, less noticable sandlewood.  I spray a little bit on my scarves during the winter, and my sarong's at the beach.

Dior Show Mascara

This one-sweep mascara has NEVER clumped on me, even after 2 months of daily use.  I always have to replace it before the recommended-by-beauty-experts 3 month replacement time. 

This brush set, decorated in Sephora's signature color palette, has the essentials.  Face/powder brush, blush brush, lip brush, concealer brush, eyeshadow brush, and blending brush.  It gets A LOT of use.  Good thing for brush cleaner.

Kiehl's All Sport Shampoo

With no fancy wordage or rich infused formula, this shampoo holds up well along my Frederic Fekkai products.  Always well rinsing and fairly inexpensive, it just screams "Everyday Essential."

Nars Lipstick in Dolce Vita

A lipstick that never feathers, leaves a perfect satin finish, and goes on like a sheer stain is a lipstick lovers dream.  Nars has made that dream real.  This shade goes well with a nicely done daily taupe eye, and flushed cheek.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap

This foamy soap has the foamy lather many people love, but without the super-drying effects.  It always leaves my skin uber fresh feeling.  Though it's in a 3 step system, my skin seems to be doing fine without toner and a different brand of moisturizer.

Shu Uemura 24K Gold Eyelash Curler

This custom-made like shape curls my lashes than any Revlon curler ever could.  The gold adds some glamour to my eye make up bag.

 

So there you have it.  My "Essentials."  I hope to have a different agenda for each entry, so look foward to them!  Until then, Rester beau !

BREE