Weekend Update ::: Hey Big Spender!

 

Photo via TripAdvisor

That doesn't look like it's "on plan" now does it?  How are we almost halfway through July already? Not that I am complaining, because in like 2 weeks I'll be on another GIRL'S WEEKEND chillin' out, maxxin' out (credit credit cards) and nommin' on Juicy Nookies. Sans bun (then it counts for the most part!!!) With Sweet Potato Fries (man, they have some AMAZING fries at this joint!)

Test Driven ::: Dolce & Gabbana Cosmetics

All images by {accordingtoame}

A few months back, the Dolce & Gabbana cosmetics line (finally) hit Nordstrom.com. Having lusted after the products since reading about them in several magazines and having seen Scarlett Johanssen's beautiful ads grace the very same magazines for quite some time, I pounced.

Loving Right Now :::

Photos:  Urban Remedy, Ikea, Nordstrom, Tatcha, Honest, WetBrush

Must Have ::: Nordstrom Anniversary 2014 ShortList

I don't know why I am such a madwoman about this sale every year...but I am.  I am already foaming at the mouth over a select few items in this year's pre-select catalog for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. 

Fashion Fix ::: SJP Shoe Line

Photo: From/For O Magazine by Jake Rosenberg/The Coveteur

Launching in select Nordstrom stores at the end of February, not locally, I'm afraid, will be the new shoe line from Carrie Bradshaw herself, Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker.

Fashion Fix ::: Field Jackets

Photo: Nordstrom

For the last year or two, I have been in lust over the Barbour field-style jackets. Most recently, the "Beadnell" Waxed Cotton Jacket caught my attention on Nordstrom's site, in part because it came in Navy. To quote Ms. Mackenzie Horan, "Navy or Nothing!"

Trend Worth Trying::: Hot Pink and Navy Blue

Photo: Mary McDonald

As I've probably harped on and on about, I think navy seriously is the most versatile color in the wheel, and you can pair it with just about anything. I love it with lime and teal, and also with gold or bronze, but although Mackenzie already knows and proclaims, I am only just learning (accepting?) that seems bright pink is a serious winner, too. The only reason I have a couple hot pink items at all in my closet now is simply to wear this winning team.  I know, I am super late to this shindig...

Trend Worth Trying::: Worker Bee

Photos: DSW.com, Barneys.com, Me wearing my Frye boots, don't you love that tucked in pant leg?

I love a good engineer style boot. They can work dressed slightly up, and equally well dressed down, and can take an overly buttoned up look down a notch, which is my own personal look du jour for work, especially since I am in a creative industry and don't choose to, or have to, dress up.

Breaking News::: I left Nordstrom with some self-esteem intact.

I had a pretty good day, thankfully!  And that's saying something after last night... 

Weekend Update::: Nordstrom Pre-Sale, plus The Urge!

I'll start off the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale chatter by stating that I fell asleep at the wheel this year not having my appointment pre-booked well in advance.  I actually go tomorrow, and that's weird for me, since I normally get there the first or second night of preselect. Thankfully, I gave my card a serious workout on Wednesday morning doing my online pre-select for in-store pickup. 

Hopefully I'll remember to Instagram a few shots along the way. 

What I Am Loving Right Now:::

Photos: Shaved Duck Walnut & Brown Sugar Bacon: StLouEats; Lo& Sons.com, 

PharrellWilliams.com, Zagg.com, OVenture Etsy Page, Nordstrom.com, Me

PRODUCT REVIEW: Kevyn Aucoin 'The Sensual Skin' Tinted Balm

On a whim, I decided I needed to try some kind of "balm" product. I don't really know what I was going for. Maybe some kind of in between product? Either way, I ordered the Kevyn Aucoin "The Sensual Skin Tinted Balm" one afternoon, and after waiting a unusually long period of time to receive it, seriously like 2 weeks or something from when I ordered, I started in on it.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Lancome Tient Idole Ultra 24 Hour Foundation

The Lancome Tient Idole Ultra 24 Hour Foundation is another product I have been using for a while and finally think I have the hang of, and the hang of saying all of that crazy long name.  It's not an everyday item for me, but I have been incorporating it a lot more lately, simply because it's helped with coverage around my eyes.

I was not really sure about this shade, which is 100N and I believe is the lightest one they offer, but it seems to be working pretty well, despite being WAY pinker than I would otherwise go with. The girl at the counter applied it under my one eye and around that area and some woman that was at the Jo Malone counter was watching along while she sniffed candles waiting for her daughter to pay for something, and she walked over and said "oh my god, that is just...incredible. It almost erased your circles!"  She could've been a drone, a robot, a shill (she wasn't) but I was sold at that point. Because it really makes a noted impact to me. Since I focus it around my eyes, and less around my face, I am ok with the color being a little pinker than I'd wear otherwise.  I had a perfect color match with the Estee Lauder Double Wear but it would not stay on my face and didn't play nice with concealers.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Photo credit: CafeMakeup.com

This new concealer from NARS was a hotly anticipated product, and I was really excited to get my hands on it. I generally disliked NARS concealer sticks, they were just a disgusting texture for me, and they didn't stay put at all or blend well on my face.  So seeing a liquid from him, that got me going.  I planned on going the day it was released to counters...and wish I had. Because by the time I got there the next day it was sold out already.  I ended up ordering it through Nordstrom at the counter after I played with the shades in person.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30

I picked up a little bottle of this Mario Badescu moisturizer at Nordstrom a few weeks back because I had been looking for a new SPF30 face lotion that was rich enough but not irritating. So far this has been a winner. It's non-irritating AND SPF 30 which is lately hard to find. I had tried their regular Oil Free a while back and really liked it, and also really like the Buttercream moisturizer a great deal, but I had been getting scolded a bit by the dermatologist when she read the SPF level (or lack thereof) on my current rotations, and said that I needed 30 or higher, preferably 45+.

Photo Credit: MarioBadescu.com

PRODUCT REVIEW/COMPARISON: Smashbox Waterproof Shadowliner Pencils

As you probably read in my original reviews, way back when, I am a lover of the Smashbox Waterproof Shadowliner. Well, I love the real stuff, not these new imposters in pencil form.

In this image below, See: IMPOSTER!

IMPOSTER!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Nars Blush, Torrid

I have always known NARS to make a nice blush. I have owned a few and returned a few, just bec I didn't love the color. Lately I'd been using a Cover Girl blush in a shimmery bright coral/peach, and I liked it, but I wanted a bigger pan for my brush to go over so I didn't have issues with stripes on my face. NARS was my first pick besides CARGO but CARGO didn't have a shade in stock I wanted.  I love the shade of Orgasm, but it's such a gold glitter bomb that I took it back. I was about to go with Deep Throat, a similar shade which is far less of a glitter bomb, til I saw Torrid. It's a deeper peach with gold shimmer and it's gorgeous on vs the more rosey shade of Deep Throat.  NARS blushes have pretty intense pigment and color payoff, so it's very important to not load the brush up.

I have used it every day for at least two months now, and I am in love. And you can barely tell I've used it. Fantastic color, fantastic blendability, and super soft on the skin. 

NARS is sold at Sephora and Nordstrom, and quite a few other locations. I got mine at Nordstrom for $28.00.

Photo Credit: Narscosmetics.com

PRODUCT REVIEW: La Mer Cleansing Gel

Photo Credit: cremedelamer.com

I have been using the La Mer Cleansing Gel in alternation with SIMPLE moisturizing gel cleanser from the drugstore (well, Target), off and on now for about a year. With and without a washcloth or the Alien Laser Deathray Gun, aka Clarisonic (yes, that's maybe back around...)  It smells nice, and does not require very much to make a nice froth.  It's exceptionally foamy on the Clarisonic. I might use about a half of a pea size dab.  I got a few travel size bottles when I bought the La Mer special event set last year at Anniversary. That to me was the prize winner of everything I got. I have made a travel size last almost a year before repurchasing a fullsize, using gift cards.  It's a pretty nicely sized bottle, as it should be for sixty-five-fucking-dollars. It has a pump that locks, which I love.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Clarisonic Mia2

Nordstrom Anniversary is in full swing (I know, I know...I did not do a full post of all the stuff I wanted this year, mostly bec I didn't want that much this year! I am on a clothing ban!)  and one of the few items I wanted to get was a new Mia2. I have the Mia (Alien Laser Deathray Gun) and used it a few times a week off and on, but was hoping maybe if I had another speed that I would get more out of it besides zits. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Burberry Sheer Concealer pen

Photo credit: Gorgeous Skin Blog

I read a review on CafeMakeup last week about this stuff and another one on Gorgeous Skin...and while it seemed many liked this product, other reviews were not totally favorable, or outright saying it's awful and worthless, but like any sucker chasing a dream, I decided to give it a whirl, I was using a Nordstrom gift card, what did I have to lose? Exactly, nothing.  Besides my dignity, apparently.