Zara Fitting Room Reviews

I've recently becoming interested in Zara clothing, specifically their jackets. I think the main reason is because the brand caters to smaller people, it's stylish, and I've had luck finding outerwear in my size. I've only recently begun to explore their other clothing. 

 This dress is really pretty. It's a thin fabric, so it's probably meant to be worn in spring, although here in California it could definitely be worn year-round. The print is a funky navy and white. I'm not entirely certain how I'd describe the shape, maybe shift with a hint of flounce. I like that it's feminine and casual. I like the long sleeves and short hem, I think it's kind of refreshing. Unfortunately, at $79.90, I just couldn't justify the purchase. If this was at a lower price point, I definitely would have bought it. 

Get it here!

Weekly Nordstrom Rack Visit

Hi friends. Here's what I scoped out last week at Nordstrom Rack.

This Marc Jacobs Classic Huge Hillier Leather Hobo is gorgeous in this purple shade!

This bag is so, so pretty! The purple is a violet-meets-magenta shade that I love for spring (let's be honest, it's pretty great for any time). I really enjoy the slouchy leather look, and the soft feel. It looks a little bit large on me, but I think it’s a pretty good size for most people, and very roomy. It's priced at $234, a great value considering I saw several smaller Marc Jacobs bags ticketed at the same price. If you’re in the market for a bag this hue, I’d definitely check it out (they also had a nice cognac brown color). Here it is on sale in red for $339. 

March Birchbox Review

Hello all, it's that time again. This month I got a spring-themed Birchbox, with products to ease the transition from winter to warmer months (who am I kidding- we're all chomping at the bit for beach season). If you haven't already, head over to Birchbox.com to embark on your very own monthly beauty journey!

Here's a look at what I got:

DSW Shoe Review

DSW is one of my favorite places to shop for shoes. They have a huge variety that changes regularly, prices lower than average, and clearance items on super-sale! They've been my shoe go-to for years!

Also, once you enroll in DSW point rewards, you accrue points for every purchase. For every dollar you spend on regular priced items, you earn 10 points (5 points per dollar spent on clearance items), and you get a $10 reward certificate after earning 1500 points. They also have frequent opportunities to earn 3x points, and all purchases over $35 ship free! Start shopping at DSW now!

This is the Sam Edelman Posey Chain Ankle boot. I don't pay much attention to designer shoes (I'm still recovering from an unfortunate lime green Coach sandal incident), but these caught my eye on clearance. I have too many dark leather boots in my closet, so I've been on a light suede kick lately. We've had a very dry winter, so I haven't had to worry about the elements ruining the suede.   

I really liked the details of these boots: the chain with leather accents, the braided strap, and the wooden heel. It almost reminds me of a cartridge belt. I like the cowboy/gunslinger vibe without being too overtly western. I also liked the almond toe, it was a nice departure from all the rounded toe shoes I currently own. The sticker price was $119.95, but they were on clearance for half off. I had two DSW certificates for $10 each, so I ended up paying $40 for them. 

Here they are at DSW.com for $119.95. Here for $59.99 from Urban Outfitters in a few select sizes and colors. 

A side note: sometimes items on clearance in store will cost more online, or wont be considered clearance online, so it's always better to check your location's clearance section before ordering online.

Weekly Nordstrom Rack Visit

Last week I paid my weekly visit to Nordstrom Rack. I've heard rumors that they often receive shipments on a daily basis, and I know that at the very least they get new merchandise in weekly, so I like to swing by every week. If I don't, I feel like I might be missing out.

The Kimono trend is really big right now. I've never heard of the West Koi brand before, but it was an interesting item. I personally love the style, and loved the particular print and fringe detail of this kimono, but it was one size fits all. The fringe ended well below the knee. While I know it's intended to be drape-y, I felt that this one was a bit overwhelming. Also, the chiffon-type fabric is pretty, but doesn't add warmth, and I'm always very hesitant to buy pieces that don't have much function. However, I do think that on the right person, with a nice neutral palette, this would be a really lovely piece. Check out these similar kimonos- splurge here and an affordable version here.

DIY Gel Nails in Con-Fuschion

For those of you concerned about the damage gel polish might do to the nail, here's a look at my bare nails after a solid year of wearing gels. 

My nails look as good as they ever did. In fact, they split and break a lot less with gels on because the gel polish acts to thicken the nail and in essence, to provide a protective coating. The nail surface is very smooth and the cuticles look pretty good, if I do say so myself. 

Here are the polishes I used for this particular manicure, in conjunction with my MelodySusie mini LED nail polish dryer (The LED dryer is awesome, it dries each coat in only 45 seconds, versus two minutes using a UV dryer).

I used IBD Just Gel Polish in "Con-Fuschion." I like to use IBD polishes for the color coat, because their polishes are very complex and multi-faceted, whereas the Gelish colors are more opaque and flat. This particular fuchsia has a VERY subtle blue and pink shimmer in bright daylight. 

Here's a look at how they came out: 

Beauty Photoshoot

Recently I got together with a few friends to have our makeup done by a makeup artist friend, Michelle. Our beauty looks range from casual to dramatic, and everything in between. 

Below you'll find looks for every occasion, along with the products used to achieve each look.

For anyone in the L.A. area interested in booking Michelle for an upcoming event, here's her contact info:

www.MichelleReneeArtistry.com

Michelle@MichelleReneeArtistry.com 

Twitter/Instagram/Facebook - MichelleReneeArtistry

 On Cassandra:

To get Cassandra's Dramatic Smokey Eye & Dark Lip: Dinair Airbrush Foundation, Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner, Jordana Mascara, Urban Decay Naked2 Palette, Sephora Primal Instincts Palette (Black & Purple Hues), Lashes (99 Cent store!), MAC Cyber lipstick, MAC Nightmoth Lip Liner

On Lauren: