Sephora VIB Sale Favorites

It's my favorite Sale of the year!  The Sephora VIB Sale!

The Sale opened up to VIB Rouge's Friday (code 20ROUGE for 20% off at checkout).  Not sure when it opens up for VIB's but it is usually the week after (code 20VIB).  This sale is my favorite because EVERYTHING at Sephora is 20% off (yes you read correctly, everything, no exclusions) so it is a great time to stock up on your favorite products you're running low on or to pick up something you've been lusting after.

I personally love grabbing higher end makeup and skincare products and starting to plan any gifts I want to grab.  

Here is a roundup of my personal favorite picks from the sale

I always grab a few high-end makeup items because while they are expensive, saving 20% is nice.  Palettes are great because you get so much value out of them.  I also love grabbing a few more luxe brands like Hourglass or Kevyn Aucoin that are already super pricey.  Then I grab a few staples like my favorite BB cream, a beauty blender, or my favorite lipstick. 

Shop below:

I think I splurge the most on skincare during the Sephora Sale because skincare can get so expensive!  I love stocking up on masks and creams when they are all 20% off.  The Philosophy Hope in a Jar and Fresh Lotus creams are my two favorites right now, and I love the Sephora sheet masks and glamglow mud mask.  The best part, because the holidays are close by they have a bunch of value sets for all the expensive brands like Drunk Elephant, Sunday Riley, Glamglow and Tatcha.   

All of these are my personal picks from the Sale if you are debating what you want to pick up.  Once my order from Sephora arrives I'll update everyone with my haul!

What are your picks for the Sephora VIB Sale?

September Wishlist

Happy Sunday night y'all!  Seriously still can't believe that September is well underway.  This year is going by so fast!! I've always loved September and fall in general because I love fall fashion and all things pumpkin flavored (Does anyone know when Trade Joe's will be releasing their pumpkin bread mix??).  Below are a few pieces that I've had my eye on (and a few I'll probably be lusting over for a while).  

On a non fashion related note, this is the first year I have participated in Fantasy Football and now I am deeply invested in keeping up with the NFL...and we're only on week 1!  I have a feeling this is going to turn into a bad obsession of mine over the next 14 weeks...  

Have a good week!

-Claire 

Fall Style Essentials: Transition Outfits

It's September!!! Even though it is still like 80 outside I am so excited that September and fall weather should be shortly arriving.  But like Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back so life is good again (am I right?) 

While the weather is still fairly warm for the foreseeable future I'll probably be rocking transition outfits, aka clothes that make me think fall, but let's be real these outfits are totally summer appropriate too so really I'm just trying to trick myself into thinking the weather is cooler...

My favorites for this type of weather are dresses and skirts here are a few ways you can recreate my favorite transition outfits! 

The Striped Dress

I probably have about 5 or 6 versions of a stripped dress in my closet.  I think these are so universally flattering and easy to wear.  I would wear this look to work, Sunday Brunch, or a casual day shopping.  While it's still warm you can swap out the flats for sandals for an even more casual look, and as the weather gets colder throw on some boots or booties instead! 

Shop my favorite stripped dresses below

Shop my shoes from this look below (and similar)

The LBD

I don't know why but I personally think LBD's make great transition pieces.  Probably because I find the lack of color great for feeling like Fall is upon us (something about the lack of color maybe...).  In all fairness I do wear LBDs year round but I feel like I reach for them much more during the warmer fall months.  Again you can make this outfit work in cooler weather by throwing on boots and a coat.  Great for work, going out to dinner, or anywhere.  

My Favorite LBD's on the market

The Classic (and vague) Shirt/Skirt Combo

I swear this was one my go to combos back in college during the warm fall months.  It's so simple yet classic that it works year after year.  Again throw on a change of shoes or outerwear as the weather changes (I must sounds like a broken record here), plus you can change out your shirt and skirt combos and mix and match, throw in deeper tones ect. to make this simple combo work throughout the fall months.

Favorite Shirts

Favorite Skirts 

Makeup Product Reviews Vol.1

I don't think it is news to anyone that I have a slight makeup obsession (might be an under-exaggeration... is that a thing?  Did I just makeup a word?).  I love shopping and trying out new makeup products, so I thought I would share my thoughts with y'all about some new hits and misses that I've tried!  

L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation

 

In case you can't tell by how dirty my foundation packaging looks I've been using this foundation non-stop this summer!  This has to be my current favorite drugstore foundation product because it gives a great natural, light to medium coverage with slight dewiness (most of the L'Oreal Lumi Line is meant to be dewy).  I love the cushion application because it makes applying the product quickly in the morning a breeze (bonus for when I am running late), plus it doesn't exaggerate my pores or scars on my skin.  If you have oily skin this might now be the product for you, but to mattify it I pair it with either a matte primer or my Laura Mercier Powder   

Makeup Geek x Kathleen Lights Palette

This summer has been the summer of highlights for me!  And let me tell you this palette is one of my new favorites.  First the formulation is top notch! These products apply so beautifully to the skin and give an effortless glow.  But what really drew me to this product is the giant pan sizes (same if not larger than an hourglass pan) and the uniquer colors.  The light gold color and pink are perfect for my cheeks (the pink blends out and doesn't look like you have a pink stripe on your face) and the bronzier color is perfect for eyeshadow.  This is definitely up there with my top highlighter palettes (along with my Anastasia Glow kits and Hourglass Ambient Light Palette)

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

Top Row of colors left-right 

Bottom row of colors left to right

The Anastasia Modern Renaissance Palette is quite possibly one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes (which is a very bold statement).  First the color selections is perfect for those who love warm neutrals and warm red tones.  The color payoff is insane (all of these swatches are one swipe!! The only color that struggles a bit is Venetian Red, but still a gorgeous color!).  They are easy to blend and work with and very beginner friendly.  Plus this palette comes with a brush (not pictured because I have actually been using it because the brush is super high quality as well).  

  

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ CC Cream

This is probably my favorite face base product of the summer (only just beats out the L'Oreal Foundation because of the added SPF)!  This product applies super well with a beauty blender, gives great coverage for a CC Cream, and the SPF is perfect for summer.  I would say the only downside is the shade range is really limited, but if you can find one that works for you pick this up!   

Benefit Gimme Brow

 This product is a Birchbox sample size, not a full size product, but nonetheless I have been loving this product this summer.  I have very sparse, uneven brows and this product has done wonders for helping me fill them in and give them and even look.  Plus this product is super easy to apply quickly.  I know that once I run out of this I'm gonna have to get the full size. 

NYX Cheek Contour Duo Palette

Swatches of the Palette 

Swatches of the Highlight from my Anastasia Contour kit with the NYX contour kit

Ok so this is my one miss for this post.  I was really underwhelmed by this contour kit.  First the packaging is super cute, and the swatches aren't the worst (looks like a potential dupe for more high end contour kits), however on the face the highlight shade is a disaster!  It literally looks like I picked up chalk and drew all over my face.  It doesn't blend in and looks super stark against my skin.  I had to compare the highlight with my Anastasia one to show the difference in texture and color.  The Anastasia one blends like a dream, while still highlighting the face, the NYX one doesn't blend at all and gives a major white cast to my face.  The contour shade is alright, but in my book not worth to pick up because of the highlight.

Colourpop Highlighter in Churro (no longer listed on their website :( here are all their other highlighters -- quality is pretty consistent IMHO)

Top - Bronze Color / Middle - Light Color / Bottom - The two mixed together

This highlighter... It's no secret I am a huge fan of Colourpop (see my original review here), but this is my new favorite highlighter of theirs.  First off I love the multi-color highlighter as both colors are beautiful independently and mixed together.  The only downside is not all Churros are made equal, as everyone has a different makeup of light vs. dark highlight color.  I was fortunate to get a mostly light pan, but I've heard other people had much darker pans (though that wouldn't be a problem for you if you have deeper skin).  Regardless I love the color of the two mixed together as well, and the deep color looks great as an eyeshadow!  Plus as always Colourpop is super affordable! 

Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale Picks and Haul!

Hello Friends,

Was it just me or was this years Lilly sale one of the best ones yet?! (or maybe I'm crazy).  They had a huge inventory, lots of really good deals!  

I love picking up pieces during the sale (I mean cute clothes at a discount...seems like a no duh.)  But in all seriousness I rarely purchase Lilly full priced for myself (usually once or twice a year for a special occasion) so I tend to go a bit ham during the sale.

Here are the items I've picked up so far (might go back for more...)

Unfortunately Most of my picks went quickly, only a few left in select sizes 

This dress is still in stock

And this Elsa Top is still in stock

The Deanna Tank Top Romper in this pattern in a few sizes

But fear not!  If you skipped shopping this morning there are still things in stock.  Here are five of my favorites that are still in stock! 

Dress 1 // Dress 2 // Dress 3 // Dress 4 // Dress 5

Top 1 // Top 2 

What did you get this year at the Lilly Sale?  Did you make a blog post?  If so share below!! I always love seeing what everyone else snagged! 

Shop with me: J.Crew (new and sale!)

Is it just me or has J.Crew been killin it lately?  This compilation of things is possibly the most random (both new fall items and on sale summer items).  I think it reflects the fact that I am mentally ready for the weather to cool down, but outside physically it is still roasting hot.  

Regardless here are some of my current favorites on sale at J.Crew right now.  Lots of great things to get your closet ready for fall (the blazers and the classic vest).  Don't forget to grab the perfect transition dresses and my personal staple: the classic chambray.   

Plus Get 25% off certain styles and 30% off sale styles with code refresh! 

Click images below to shop.  

  

Wishlisted - August 2016

Is it just me, or does the hotter the summer weather gets, the more I anticipate the arrival of fall weather?  I've been dying to pull out my boots and sweaters, but until then I'll be craving some nice transition pieces, like the ones linked below.  Perfect styles for the remaining month(s) of warm weather, but they'll also be perfect for as we move into cooler weather this fall. 

What is on your current wishlist?  

-xxClaire

Beauty and Makeup Products To Try: Vol. 2

Check out Vol 1. Here 

As a beauty junkie I feel like I'm always thinking of new products I want to try (which is not good for my bank account).  Here are a few products that have been on my radar that I have been dying to try. 

I have a bit of an obsession with liquid lipsticks (don't ask how many I have -- its embarrassing).  I have been dying to try the Joer Liquip Lipsticks and the Smashbox ones 

If a product promises to make my pore disappear there is a 100% chance that I will want to try it, like this Estee Lauder Estee Edit Pore Vanishing Stick (have you tried it and does it work? Let me know!)

Summer is almost synonymous with bronze glow (amiright?) I've been eager to try the Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer and the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow palette (a bronzer and highlighter)

Speaking of highlighters the NARS multiple (which isn't really a highlighter, more of a blush) and the Marc Jacobs Illuminator stick look like the perfect way to get my glow on this summer

Foundation hasn't really been an obsession of mine until recently, but these days I have been dying to try out new products, including the Loreal Infallible Pro-Matte foundation and the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation.  

The New Tarte Shape Matters Concealer I have heard quite a bit of good things of on YouTube so I am interested to see what the hype is about (plus I really like Tarte's Maracuja Creaseless Concealer).

Last is a cult classic, the Stila stay all day liquid liner.  Until recently I haven't been a huge liquid liner fan, I was much more into pens and gels, but now after getting more comfortable I am now interested to try out this popular product.  

Shop with me: Lilly Pulitzer Summer Collection

It has been a while since I have shopped at Lilly Pulitzer (99% sure it was the last sale in January).  Their winter and early Spring outfit collection didn't really speak to me, but then I went in store recently and fell in love with a few pieces (only picked up this dress though -- I'm seriously in love, the fit is so flattering and the patter is one of my new favorites!)

I tried on a few things, and saw a few old favorite dresses and tops in new patterns and I thought I would share some of my favorite picks 

Plus lets not forget that the end of summer sale should be starting in the next few weeks or so (usually mid August). 

Needless to say I have a feeling I know where my money will be going this month.  Some real struggles am I right?

-xx

Claire  

Nordstrom Sale Haul Try on and Review

Here is my round-up and try-on of all the goodies I snagged at this years Nordstrom Sale! 

You can check out my initial round up of things here but as I said in this post why I love the Nordies sale is because it is the fall preview, so they have a bunch of cute fall pieces on sale for a few weeks, and after the sale the prices on all will increase! I love grabbing boots, jeans, sweaters and coats the most during this sale.  

First I picked up this cute little crossbody purse.  This purse is the perfect size, has two zippered compartments and an internal zipper.  I love bags like this because it can fit all the essentials: phone, wallet, keys, lipstick, but is the perfect small size

Next up I grabbed this scoop-neck sleeveless dress and these Over-the-knee Boots 

This dress is going to be perfect for transitioning from summer to fall (especially those hot as heck September days). It's super light-weight, loose and flowy and has pockets (priorities amirite?).  I'd say this dress runs TTS (true-to-size)/large.  It's very loose so you probably could size down.  It also comes in a bunch of other colors! 

These OKT boots will be perfect for winter.  They claim to be water-proof (which will be awesome during the wet months).  They run pretty TTS 

This pink Barbour (which is sadly sold out already!  Hopefully they will restock) is perfect for winter (not the 90+ heat we are having this July...plus I love a pop of pink for a dreary winter wardrobe). Definitely runs small, so I would size up.  

Next up a BP Sweater and Topshop Jeans

This Sweater is so soft and comfortable.  It's hard to tell with the Jeans (because they are high-rise) but this sweater is slightly cropped.  It is not a heavy sweater in the least so perfect for transitioning to fall, when it's a little breezy but not too cold.  Fit is TTS for a loose fit.

These Topshop jeans I have to say are a for sure something to grab during the sale (I love getting jeans on sale!)  Topshop jeans in my opinion are some of the comfiest.  Lots of people say size up, but I went TTS and I think it was the right choice (they fit perfect on me).  Also these jeans are high rise (which I love) so they are super flattering because they elongate my legs and are sliming in the mid section.  

These Stuart Weitzman Flats.... I'm in love.

Yes you can buy a nearly identical Halogen pairs for 1/4 of the price, but I saw these and they had my heart.  They are a beautiful and comfortable suede lace-up flats.  Fit is TTS

I also snagged these Steve Madden Booties.  They are the perfect edition to any fall wardrobe.  Fit is a bit loose but TTS with socks 

I got this set of 5 mini Diptyque candles.  I am a huge candle lover so I was super excited to get this set.  

Here's to show the difference in size between a full-sizes and the minis (the Coriandre on the left is the full sized)

Next clothing item up is this cold-sholder dress.  It is such a cute number and I am so excited to wear it this fall.  It fits TTS and is super light-weight and flattering

Last thing I grabbed are these Steve Madden Cut-out booties.   I love the silhouette on these booties and they are so comfortable.  Fit is TTS  

Shop all picks here: