Shirt Dressing

I always look forward to weekends...I know everyone does. But there are weekends that I look forward to, and weekends I NEED. I know, bloggers often mis-use the term 'need' (i.e I need these boots, I need this jacket, etc). But saying that I need this weekend is pure fact.  Another fact: I need a massage.

So I've been working a lot. But I did get to wear this dress that I love (worn here and here) as a blouse this week. When you're lost in spreadsheets and presentations and meetings, funny how you'll cling to something as simple as wearing a favorite item of clothing a different way to help make you feel more chic.  #ItsTheLitteThings








Parker dress worn as a shirt (similar), Ann Taylor trousers (old), Banana Republic trench, Zara pumps (no longer available), Coach bag (old), Gap belt (old), F21 earrings and bangles, Michael Kors watch, NY&Co Earrings, Ann and Ava elephant ring (similar), Lancome L'asbolu Rouge in Jezabel, Revlon nail color in Vixen.

Parker dress, Nordstrom opening, and a note on mimosas...

I can't even explain how happy it makes me to wake up in the morning to crisp, fall air. For the Nordstrom grand opening this weekend in Nashville, the weather was absolutely perfect.  I decided to wear my favorite Parker dress again, this time with tights and boots (love).  The grand opening, on the other hand, was insane. It started at 8am with a 'Pre-opening Beauty Bash.' I later found out that what this means is 500 women, all dressed up, without a stitch of makeup. Also, there was club music (from a DJ), a spokeswoman with a microphone, and lots of screaming from the 'crowd' on whatever was being given away. I'm not sure how you all feel about cosmetic counters, but I get anxiety when I am just trying to get to a shoe section and those ladies start coming toward me... waving their samples in my face. This 'Beauty Bash' was like a cosmetics counter on ROIDS. Absolutely insane (and a little scary).

The Photog and I found a bench far enough a way from the madness to still laugh at everyone people watch, but so that our eardrums wouldn't be affected by the craziness. Pumpkin Spice latte in hand, we had ourselves a pretty fun morning watching all of the crazies.  I also got to meet a fellow blogger there, Mindy from I Want Your... Blog , who is beyond fabulous.  We chatted, had brunch, shopped for a bit... so much fun.

Tip for Nordstrom:  if you're going to have an event in the morning, please be well versed in the rules of morning events.  Most importantly, that Mimosa's MUST be served for me to participate.  Thankfully, the Accessories by Anthropolgie store next door had the good sense to serve them.  And they were lovely :)

Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!








Parker dress (same style, similar pattern here that I love), Banana Republic boots (last year.. similar here on SALE!!), Hue tights , Rebecca Minkoff bag , Tory Burch belt (similar here), Michael Kors watch , F21 shades (similar here), Essie polish in Carry On , Lancome L'absolu Rouge in Jezabel ---> this is my new favorite fall/winter red. LOVE.  

Summer beauty essentials

I don't wear a lot of makeup typically - especially in the summer.  However, I do feel that this is an appropriate time to admit that I am an absolute SUCKER for Sephora.  I buy so many things from that store and could spend hours online reading reviews of products that I admittedly do not need/nor will I ever use more than 3-4 times.  Something about promises of improved skin tone, plump lips, a false-eyelash effect.. and I'm hooked.  I also buy drugstore brands of eyeshadow/liner/mascara/gloss that I think very highly of - so in my mind I just know that for me, there isn't a huge difference in what I get there versus Sephora.  But still my heart just yearns for that black-n-white decor, chic product displays, cult faves, and dance-beat soundtrack that is Sephora.

Onto the point of this post - time to introduce my summer favorites.  Some from Sephora, some from various other cosmetic boutiques...these are my every day, go-to, must-have products for looking polished but not too overly 'done' in the steamy summer heat.

Before I get into makeup, let me say that as far as skincare goes - I have a VERY simple routine.  I wash my face with Noxema (yes, and have used it most loyally since I was about 16), then I use Clinique All About Eyes Rich eye cream and Philosophy Hope in an oil-free SPF (30) EVERY SINGLE DAY.  On to the fun stuff:

First things first - I know roughly half of the world is into this product. And you should all know that while I might try a cult fave product just to see if it's at all worth the hype, I would never stick with it if I didn't love it. Without this little magic golden stick by YSL, I would look like death warmed up every single day. I put a few strokes of this under my eyes and all of a sudden - it's like I got a full night's sleep. It's that good, people.  I use the #2 color... whatever that means.



  Next, it's onto cheeks and lips.  Feel like I skipped a step?  Well I did - but I don't wear any primer or foundation.  Ever.  It's not that I don't need it - I just don't like it, and I'm willing to deal with any potentially glaring facial imperfections as a result of that decision.  My mom is almost 60 and has never worn foundation at all - and I can only hope that I inherited some of those genes and could possibly have skin that stunning and flawless at her age.

So I do use bronzer (this Chanel one is Soleil Tan De Chanel in #62 Terre Epice) and I can't say enough about how lovely this is.  It blends well with my other makeup and looks very natural... also good for contouring my face.  I typically contour with this and put a bit of this Tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy on the apples of my cheeks - then I blend them together with a brush as to avoid any harsh lines. Also, this summer I'm wearing Chanel gloss on my lips in #277 almost religiously. It looks like a glittery coral color in the tube (and in the pic) but it looks really pretty and natural on.



Okay, now for eyes. I really only wear a few key products there... one eye palette that I'm loving for summer is this Smashbox Softbox Eye Palette - so many different colors for shadow and liner, I'm loving it. Just the right mix of matte and shimmery colors to come up with so many different looks. And if I want a more dramatic summer night look - I use this YSL 5 Color Harmony Palette for Eyes palette in #3. Most importantly - I must talk mascara. I was an avid drugstore mascara user for years. I never saw the value in spending more money on this particular beauty essential just to get an upscale brand. Then, the Diorshow cult finally drew me in. I tried and tried, but it was a clumpy mess on me (and the tube). So I searched for something different (better) and I'm so glad I did - this Lancome Hypnose Drama is the BEST mascara I have ever used.... hands down. Mine is in 'excessive black' and I love the definition and length it gives while still allowing me to look natural. LOVE IT.





Lastly, I do finish my basic summer look with a light dusting of mineral powder - this just helps set the other products and reduce any shine. I have used Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder SPF 15 for several years - and in the summer I use the 'Natural Beige' color.



There you have it, my simple (yet definitely wordy) summer makeup routine.  What are some of your summer makeup must-haves??