chelsea wears: January 2013

bareminerals

FACE: Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish Foundation in 00 - Alabaster + YSL Rouge Volupté in #2

For a full product list and to see how I did it, watch the video .

For a full product list and to see how I did it, watch the video.

scar

Battle Scar

The first time I saw my scar I cried -- I felt mutilated. Now, I'd feel naked without it. Acceptance is very freeing.

The first time I saw my scar I cried -- I felt mutilated. Now, I'd feel naked without it.

Acceptance is very freeing.

etsy

What I Wore: 1.20.13

This is pretty much my everyday uniform -- loose top, tight jeans, booties. Top : Topshop "Burnout Drop Shoulder Top...

This is pretty much my everyday uniform -- loose top, tight jeans, booties.

Top: Topshop "Burnout Drop Shoulder Top"

Jeans: Topshop "Leigh" Jeans

Necklace: Topshop

Booties: Sam Edelman "Lisle" Booties in Wine

Rings: SecretCharm on Etsy

beauty blog

FACE: One Look, Three Lipsticks // MAC - Rebel, MUFE - #36, and MAC - Sail La Vie

Curious about what eye and face makeup look goes with a variety of shades of lipstick...? Products Used: Clinique Acne Solut...

Curious about what eye and face makeup look goes with a variety of shades of lipstick...?

Products Used:

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Foundation in 01 - Fresh Alabaster

Tarte Maracuja Concealer in Fair

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 in Tender Rose

Tarte Mineral Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess (Matte)

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

MAC Beauty Powder in Play it Proper

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

Smashbox Studio Stash Palette

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara in Blackened Brown

MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Velvetone

MAC Lipstick in Rebel

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in #36

MAC Lipstick in Sail La Vie

beauty blog

Essie - Over the Edge

Essie's "Over the Edge" is a rich gunmetal polish, with a subtle shimmer. It's not my favorite, but it's nice . Anoth...

nicenice guy polish

Lest I leave you with that sad excuse for a review, just check out how long my nails are! Peace out, short nails! When I look back on old photos of my nail polish now, I cringe at my stubby little nails. Geck! Thankfully, they are currently long and strong thanks to a better diet and various health supplements I'd been taking. Although, I am suspicious the biotin in my woman's daily and hair/skin/nails supplement may have been one of the culprits behind my perpetual chin acne (in addition to the other speculated culprits: hormones, toxin cleansing, and not drinking enough water), so hopefully my nails will stay strong now that I've stopped taking anything with biotin in it.

You know what else I'm going to stop doing now? Typing. Because this post is going nowhere, fast!

beauty blog

FACE: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 00 - Alabaster and NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella (10.21.12)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella is red lip heaven. Products Used: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 00 - Alabaster Clin...

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella is red lip heaven.

Products Used:

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 00 - Alabaster

Clinique Airbrush Concealer in 01 - Fair

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Porcelain

Tarte Mineral Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess (Matte)

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

Smashbox Soft Lights Shimmer

Smashbox Studio Stash Palette

CoverGirl Lash Blast Length Mascara

Benefit Brow Zing in Dark

MAC Lip Pencil in Brick

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

american apparel

What I Wore: 1.7.13

Loving the bright pink lip in general, but especially with my new blue beaded necklace from H&M. Shirt: Zara Blazer : Zar...

Loving the bright pink lip in general, but especially with my new blue beaded necklace from H&M. Shirt: Zara Blazer: Zara
Necklace: H&M Jeans: Topshop "Leigh" Bootie: Sam Edelman "Lisle" Boot in Olive
Clutch: American Apparel (Medium Leather)

forever 21

Forever 21 Duo-Toned Moto Jacket

Is this jacket the best $40 I ever spent? Probably. [ forever 21 duo-toned moto jacket - $39.80 ]

Is this jacket the best $40 I ever spent? Probably.

[ forever 21 duo-toned moto jacket - $39.80 ]

beauty blog

Monthly Beauty Favorites: December 2012

Another month, another favorites videos... Products Mentioned: Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Clea...

Another month, another favorites videos...

Products Mentioned:

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm
Olie Biologique Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 00 Alabaster
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish Foundation in 00 Alabaster
Urban Decay De Slick/All Nighter
NARS Blush in Luster
theBalm cosmetics Highlighter in Mary Lou Manizer
MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Velvetone
Metallic Blue Eye Liner on the water line (Tarina Tarantino and NYX Slide On)
MAC Eye Shadow in Satin Taupe, Sable, and Trax
Illamasqua Lipstick in Eurydice
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils in Cruella, Dragon Girl, Red Square, and Belle De Jour

And.... if you love "Empties" videos too, here ya go!

bags

Of a Kind x Clare Vivier Cheetah Coin Purse

If you've never heard of either Of a Kind or Clare Vivier , then you are truly missing out (and perhaps living under a really unfashion...

Of a KindClare Vivierrecentpostsyearspriorlimited and exclusive editions of clothing, jewelry, etc.. from talented independent designersthis green Veda Garde jacketthis irresistible coin pouch Here's a simple formula for you: Cheetah + Clare Vivier + Tiny Coin Purse = Done Deal

Just a few days after my manic excitement over getting the last one they had [ side note: they are super sweet on Twitter ], a knock on the door from my overworked (my fault, totally) delivery guy brought me this much awaited package. I especially love that they sent it with a personalized and handwritten thank you note, cute wrapping, and a certificate of authenticity -- little touches like these mean a lot to me as a customer and I love shopping from companies that treat orders with care.

It goes without saying that the coin purse is absolutely gorgeous and I'm really happy with my purchase. I can't wait to bust this little guy out in multiple ways -- as a coin purse, mini wallet, lipstick case, laptop case, the options are endless! ;)

Have you ever bought anything from Of a Kind? Clare Vivier? Do tell, I'm always curious!

beauty blog

Olie Biologique Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil -- Holy Grail Facial Oil?

Oile Biologique's Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil might just be the one. This is a very bold statement to make, but I'm going the...

Oile Biologique's Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil might just be the one. This is a very bold statement to make, but I'm going there. Screw moisturizing creams, y'all can go kick rocks! I'm a complete facial oil convert (see this previous post for my initial dabblings). 24/7, 365.. me + facial oils - creams. In the previously mentioned post, I discussed my usage of Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil and Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil. These are by no means bad oils, but I just wanted something with less ingredients than Dr. H's and something with more types of oils than Josie Maran's single oil formula -- plus my volcanic chin reacts best to Olie Biologique's 004 blend. So, that's a deal maker. Signing on the dotted line. In this for the long haul. I do. You may now kiss the bride.

Like any new relationship, I assume you will ask "So, how did you two meet?" to which I will answer in the same manner I would answer for any of my relationships... "Through an online service!" Just kidding.. sort of? I discovered this oil through a past Birchbox, hence why I still stay subscribed -- I have truly found many beloved products through them. I must admit, when I first got this sample, I stupidly used half of the tube on my hair and didn't touch it again for months. A true waste, because this stuff is liquid gold to me. The Olie Biologique website describes this oil blend as Hydrating, healing, wrinkle smoothing and mood lifting. A light, subtly scented blend of powerful organic and essential oils that is excellent for skin [...] Fast-absorbing [and] packed with anti-aging goodness and hydrating properties. Protects against environmental exposure...their product pagelove For the low, low price of $56, a 30 ml bottle and some facial happiness can be yours (also for sale at Birchbox) (can you tell I've been watching JewelTV lately -- guilty pleasure, those salespeople crack me up with their antics)

beauty blog

Beauty, Fashion, and Self Resolutions

I'm not making any New Year's resolutions, per say, but it's nice to feel like you've got a clean slate and a chance to ...

Hint:

Wear what makes you happy. I've made the mistake in the past of trying to dress how I thought people would want me to instead of how I wanted. Exhibit A: a boyfriend casually remarks he loves sundresses and suddenly I have a closet full of them. Perhaps because I didn't even know how I truly wanted to dress then, but I do now. I like a bit of everything. Because I'm a bit of everything. Sometimes I want to be minimal and modern and sometimes funky and bold. Sometimes I want to be boho or all natural. And sometimes I want to wear pajamas to the post office with a greasy top knot. Scratch that. I don't ever actually "want" to do that, it was more of a "had" to that day. Nevertheless, I wear what I want and it gives me confidence. If people poke fun at or comment on what I'm wearing, it really doesn't bother me. If someone says that lipstick looks bad, so what? I'm not dressing for anyone but myself. This isn't even a female empowerment "don't dress for men" type diatribe, but rather rather an overall "have confidence and conviction and don't worry about other people think" type rant. That's relevant for everyone. What level of cheesiness am I at now? Shredded Cheddar? Imported Swiss? Really it's just that I'm getting older and just seeing everyone for who they are. We are all just pooping, farting, stupid people. Who cares! Enjoy your time on earth because it goes quickly and there is no rewind button. I was literally at dinner last night talking about college with Ryan and then I panicked in my head, thinking about being 21 and how I will never be that young again. It freaked me out. And as I wrote this, it still scares me. I'm only 24, but it makes me feel like I've lost something I can never get back. Anddd this bullet point has taken a turn for the worse, so I'm just going to move on. Summary: Life is too short to worry about people liking your sweater. This blog isn't about wanting people to say they like my outfit; I don't need validation. It's about sharing style and shopping inspiration with those who want it. And because I like it. And I think someday it might be really interesting for my daughter or granddaughter to read.

Have fun with everything you do. Never take yourself too seriously. Clothes and makeup are dress up. Put on your crazy pants and feel the vibes they give you. Laugh a little louder in them. Feel like the HBIC in your Lady Danger lips. Walk with a little more umph in your step in your blue suede heels. Every item of clothing I own evokes a feeling in me when I wear it and I want to continue to embrace the characters/outfits I create, in the least multiple personality disorder way possible.

Less is more. Unless you're going for more. In which case more is more and less is less. Don't complicate your skin care routine. The less ingredients the better. You feel stressed with clutter. Clean out your closet frequently. You don't need to have 10 hair oils in your cabinet at once.

Be thoughtful with your purchases. You don't have to try out everything, stick to the good stuff. Read reviews and be thoughtful when shopping. You don't need 20+ blushes, you just WANT 20+ blushes. If you want to do it, fine; but keep the compulsive feelings in check. Deny yourself sometimes. Only buy what you love and only keep what you love. Don't buy items you can't wear in various ways and outfits. Versatile pieces. Quality over quantity. Buy less and save up for the better quality things. And don't be afraid to use said high quality items for fear of something happening to them. You'd waste more money never using it then using it freely and some stain or scratch appearing. Relax.

Be proud of what you put out there. Don't blog or make a video because you feel like you have to or because you want to have a certain video released at a certain time of the month. Who cares. This is your weird little hobby and you're meant to enjoy it. The second you aren't, take a small break and walk away from it. If you aren't into it, it will come across. Don't force it. Let it flow naturally.

Play with chance. Let the universe give you gifts instead of jumping ahead. This probably sounds way deeper than I mean it to be. I mean it as "stop buying shit at full price and wait and see if those Topshop trousers you've been coveting will go on sale at Nordstrom for over 50% off." Inspired by true events. $19.99 instead of $78.00!! If they do, what joy! If they don't and you miss out, you'll live.

Be proactive. If you don't like something about yourself, change it. Grow. Learn. Be active. If you want to do something, do it. Put yourself out there more. Challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone.

Take care of yourself. Eat well. Wash your face day and night, no matter how tired/drunk you are. Go to the dermatologist every 3 months for a while. Keep an eye on your skin. Keep up with those scar patches so your arm doesn't look so ravaged. Exercise -- use those cute running shoes you just bought! Get more small doses of sunshine. If you catch yourself getting isolated, go somewhere. Positive thoughts. If you're feeling shitty, you'll feel better if pick yourself up, slap on some face, and get an outfit together. Even if it's just to walk around the city or the grocery store.

Treat yo' self! Not monetarily, I do that enough. In fact, I already have resolved to do that less. I just really want to get into the groove of keeping up a relaxing pamper day once a week. I think it would be good for my psyche and would make me feel like I have a fresh head start on each week. I like routines.

beauty blog

Essie - Sole Mate

And the award for longest lasting, non-gel manicure ever in the history of the world is.... drum roll please.... Sole Mate by Essie ! I'...

Sole Mate by Essie

super prettysuper un-fall beaches

So, love it or hate it? Perhap this polish is your... sole mate...? ;)

bags

Clare Vivier Messenger Bag

I'd had my eye on this Clare Vivier Messenger Bag (in black) for a longgg while (Exhibit A: blog post from over a year ago ), but f*%!...

I'd had my eye on this Clare Vivier Messenger Bag (in black) for a longgg while (Exhibit A: blog post from over a year ago), but f*%! that! Lusting over. Bitch. been. bought. It's mine, all mine (praise Jesus for Shopbop discount codes!)!

It's a beautiful, slouchy bag that looks cute hanging on your shoulder or across your body, but also looks great in that bitchy sitting in your elbow crotch look (HBIC status). It's very flexible and doesn't really hold shape, which I love, but I know frustrates some about bags. One of my favorite things about it is that it comes with a cute little pouch that can be detached from an inside leather strap via a hook. I find the matching leather pouch to be perfect tampon size, but feel free to designate it to keys, lip gloss, or spare change if you're one of those freaky people who haven't had a period in ten years and obviously needs to see a doctor about it or stop exercising so much. Dr. Steve Brule, for your health. Okay, what else do I like about the bag. Well, when watching Jesse and Celeste Forever I saw Rashida Jones had this bag too and I was like, "Twinsies! Oh, Rashida.. we're just meant to be best friends, huh?!" I don't even really want to be best friends with Rashida Jones, so not even sure what that was all about. It's a bag thing, you wouldn't understand, I guess... I really like the bag.

[ clare vivier messenger bag in black - $363 ]
One thing to be aware of about this bag that I actually didn't anticipate, having never seen one in real life prior to ordering online, and have heard others complain about is that the leather finish is not probably what you expect. Or at least not what I expected. First off, fairly fragrant raw leathery smell, and not intoxicating Wilson Leather store smell. A little grittier and more dead animal parts-esque. I described that far more awful than it is. It just has a bit of an odor to it that hits ya pretty hard if you stick your head in the bag and take a big wiff.
Which I did. Not sure why.
But back to the point at hand.. buyers' expectations of the leather.. it's not like a finished smooth leather, it's more raw, but not exactly suede. In between the two? Luede? (It's cowhide, for those that actually are curious.) This leaves it really susceptible to damage (watch out for rain!) I'm thinking, as it can scratch pretty easily. Also, you can't adjust the strap, which somewhat bothers me, as I'd like it to be a tad bit shorter AND I'm thinking as the leather stretches, the strap with lengthen, if only slightly. Maybe it won't? Only time and use will tell.
Also, it was smaller than I imagined in my head. I don't count that against it because that's my own mental shit. It annoys me when people review things and they are all negative and say something along the lines of, "Oh, it didn't live up to my expectations," when their expectations were of their own building. That is not the fault of the dress that you mistook it for the second coming, honey, so don't take your disappointment out on it. /rant. I only say honey when I'm being bitchy. So hunty of me. Hey hey, RuPaul.
Final Verdict: I really like the bag. So much so that I want it in tan/cognac, grey, and the red version too. Only real beef, wish there was an adjustable strap. I'm happy I got it, and I'm super happy it was on sale. It's pricey, so if C.R.E.A.M dolla dolla bills y'all are of no worry to you, get it. If you're a penny pinching Forever 21 faithful, don't waste your rent on it. If you love it and and you want it, do whatever the fuck you want. I don't care. ;)

FACE: Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish Foundation in 00 - Alabaster + YSL Rouge Volupté in #2

Battle Scar

What I Wore: 1.20.13

FACE: One Look, Three Lipsticks // MAC - Rebel, MUFE - #36, and MAC - Sail La Vie

Essie - Over the Edge

FACE: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 00 - Alabaster and NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella (10.21.12)

What I Wore: 1.7.13

Forever 21 Duo-Toned Moto Jacket

Monthly Beauty Favorites: December 2012

Of a Kind x Clare Vivier Cheetah Coin Purse

Olie Biologique Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil -- Holy Grail Facial Oil?

Beauty, Fashion, and Self Resolutions

Essie - Sole Mate

Clare Vivier Messenger Bag

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