November Favorites

Hello, lovelies!

As the end of November draws near and I reflect on past purchases and the things that I have been using this month I felt compelled to do a November favorites post to let you guys know what I am totally crushing on and give you my opinion on what I considered to be the best products of this month.

First off, we of course have the wonderful makeup selection that brings joy to this festive season because of how wonderfully beautiful it all is.

The first are these wonderful Revlon Super HD lipsticks that are Revlon's newest miracle worker.  I tried these out because of the usual makeup curiosity and ended up falling completely in love.  Although these are not a super long lasting lipstick they are perfect for the Winter.  They apply a saturated color that goes on smooth as butter and hydrates your lips.  The color only lasts about four hours, but it is worth it for the comfort they give my little chapped lippies.

And as a huge lipstick junkie I ended up picking these babies up.  They are from Maybeline and are from the Intensely Matte collection.  In the Winter time I love having a great dark and matte lip for my look.  And these babies are the perfect answer.  They are most definitely full coverage and last FOREVER.  The colors are gorgeous and I cannot wait for more to come out.

Continuing the matte theme; I went into the Sally Hanson Beauty Supply and decided to try out these Palladio blushes.  I have never tried anything from this brand before and I must admit that after testing these I will be going back for more.  These blushes, while they are matte. go on smooth as butter and leave you looking with a completely natural flush of color no matter which one you choose.

I have always been a huge fan of Smashbox cosmetics, but had never tried this particular foundation since I was always using their Halo foundation.  I purchased this one specifically for the winter because it is a hydrating foundation.  I wanted to see if it really did what it said.  And it certainly does.  Smashbox does not disappoint.  Studio Skin gives you great coverage while keeping your skin hydrated and void of those terrible little dry skin flakes.  

Then I tried out their finishing powder, which once again as a Smashbox product blew me away.  Because my skin is so dry I am always concerned about powders making it look even worse.  I need them to go on smooth and this one does.  It leaves me looking wonderfully matte without appearing fantastically like the Sahara desert.

Traditionally I am not a huge lipgloss person, mostly because when I purchase expensive products I don't like them to have short life spans, and lipgloss tends to separate rather quickly and I hate wasting my money.  But, when I went into Sephora and saw this holiday collection with the gorgeous limited edition shades with gold and bronze shimmer I couldn't keep my hands off.  I had only ever purchased one Smashbox lipgloss before and was pleased with it, so decided to give this set a whirl.  All four colors are wonderfully saturated and have a formula that doesn't feel sticky on your lips.  It is a great gift for yourself  or someone you know who loves makeup like you do.

THIS PALETTE! I cannot express my love for these eye shadows.  Smashbox On The Rocks is the BEST holiday palette for every event.  If it keeps going like it is this will also appear in my December favorites.  The colors are gorgeous, they go on smooth as silk and are an easy way to amp up your look for the holidays.  Plus the packaging is gorgeous so will look stunning on your vanity.  I do not know if Smashbox plans on making this collection a permanent piece, but if not you definitely want to pick this up.

This is an item that I simply cannot live without and that is the Mary Kay eye makeup remover.  This stuff works like magic.  All you do is soak a cotton ball, press it against your lid for a few seconds then swipe and everything, including your most water proof eyeliner and darkest eye shadows.  It is truly amazing.  Contact your local Mary Kay consultant ASAP.

I am a huge sucker for cute compacts and anything Monster High, so when I saw this I squealed like a little girl and snatched it up.  It is adorable and great for all those necessary on the go touch ups.  

Then last, but not least is an every month favorite and that is the wonderful subscriptions to People Style Watch, Glamour and Instyle that my mother got me.  I simply love curling up with a nice cup of tea and flipping through the most recent trends.  

So, my lovlies, there we have it; a w November filled with gorgeous hydrating and holiday makeup and cute compacts.  Look forward to seeing you in December!

Be true to you! <3

Get Your Haul On!

Hello, lovlies!

Here we are once again in our wonderful world of fashion; this time bringing you the details of my latest shopping haul.  As you know I am not yet a youtuber because I lack the proper filming and editing equipment, but as all fashion and beauty gurus, I still love to shop and share what I've found with other like minded people.  So I decided to post a blog about it instead.  This is not me trying to brag or anything, and all these items were not purchased in a single trip, but have accumulated over a period of about two months.  Please be respectful.  

I wanted to get this blog up as soon as possible in case there were items that you liked so that they would still be available in store and online.  Everything that I purchased from Hot Topic is from their current line and will be available for purchase.  Also, they re having a buy one get one 50% off their entire store; definitely worth a look.

The first thing I grabbed were several pinup style dresses because these are exceptionally flattering and come in a great array of varying prints.  They look adorable with high heels or chunky boots for a throwback nineties vibe. 

$39.50

The first one is a simple checkered pattern with an extremely flattering waistline and cute detailing along the bust.  It was $39.90, but I had a 30% off coupon and everything was buy one get one half off. 

$39.50

This next dress I simply could not pass up because Belle is my favorite Disney princess and it seems that the only princess anyone ever makes in pinup style is Ariel; so this was a must.

$39.50

This one is very classic and looks great one.  It's just a skull and rose tattoo pattern with white polka dots and a bow on the bodice.

$39.50

I fell in love with this one because it was off white and I don't look very good in straight white and it said 'Sweet Poison" with a gorgeous skull and rose pattern.

Next are skirts.  Currently my favorite kind of skirts are high waisted ones with a lot of volume.  I have a lot of circle and mini skirts and wanted something a bit fancier that I could dress up for going out and when I felt like getting fancy.

This first one is definitely my favorite and is from The Book of Life collection that I high recommend checking out since everything is adorable!!!  This skirt is a wonderful lolita style with a lot of poof and crinoline underneath.  It is comparable to a Japanese brand, Baby The Stars Shine Bright but those skirts cost around $300.  This one ended up being $14.00.  Original price is $32.99, and they are currently 30% off. 

$32.99

This next one is from the exact same line and I fell in love with it because of the vivid colors and gorgeous drape.  Also, with this skirt, a M fit me perfectly but I had to get a L in the one up top because it was too small.  Keep size in mind and remember to try on!

$32.99

Finally, this skirt was from a brand called Wind Time which sells a lot of steampunk inspired clothing.  I really wanted this piece because it was a lot longer than most "mini" skirts that Hot Topic has and almost reaches my knees.  I got an XL because the only other size they had was a M and that was way too tight on my waist.  And the resown you see a red dot on the hem is because the cashier forgot to take of the detector and when I left it didn't go off.  This has now happened to me twice.

$39.00

After scouring the skirts I knew I wanted some tops to go with them and this adorable blouse is also from The Book of Life collection and is extremely flattering.  What I really like about it is that it works well for a small bust, which I have.

$29.00

Another reason I went to Hot Topic was because I had seen on Instagram that they were doing a collection with Joan Jett and I really wanted in on some of those pieces.  First I grabbed this tank top with faux leather panels on the side.  It is a great punk piece and looks fantastic with high waisted shorts. 

$24.50

I was a little disappointed with this sweater because the tag says that is reversible, but when you reverse it you have your tag hanging out like you're just wearing your shirt inside out.  Even still, it is incredibly soft and hangs nicely on the body.  Definitely go a size up when purchasing though, because it runs small.

$29.00

As some of you may know I am a HUGE Black Butler fan and when I saw this all I could think of was Ciel Phantomhive.  I adore this vest and all I need for a costume is some black silk shorts, a white undershirt and thigh high stockings.  It was a win win purchase.  And the ruffles on the back look amazing.  Perfect for any Gothic enthusiast looking for the perfect Victorian vest.

$49.50

Now that sums up my trip to Hot Topic.  I highly recomend going there if you have a chance to in the future because they have some really fantastic items that are really well priced and are great quality.  I love thier clothes and what they stand for and will always continue to shop there; probably even when I'm fifty!

Next was a trip to my local Plato's Closet.  Now, I have a true love hate relationship with this store because I used to sell with them and I always thought that they were never really consistent with what they purchased and seemed to differ between person to person rather than having a buying code.  Also, the service is definitely not star quality as well as the condition of some of the items which was rather disappointing.  However, I found a few pieces that I really wanted and figured I'd just suffer through this once.

I adore crosses as a fashion motif and so when I saw this Forever 21 sweater I snagged it.  On most of their Forever 21 sweaters I noticed that there was a rather large amount of pilling on the sleeves and sides; something I figured I shouldn't be seeing.  But, I decided that I would just remove the pilling with a pumice stone since I really loved these items.

$12.00

The same story with this one; loved the crosses, but it had pilling.

$12.00

I could not believe my luck when I found this sweater.  This a Kate Spade New York that is adorable!!!  It has three quarter length sleeves and a bow detailing up the front.  I think this is perfect and I plan on wearing it as a top with a lolita outfit.

$14.00

Another Forever 21 sweater with massive pilling.  I wouldn't have purchased this if it wasn't an awesome long sleeved sweater crop top.  I swallowed my pride and got it despite the pilling,but did make a complaint to the store and they gave it to me for half off.  This crop top hits perfectly at the waist and looks amazing with short high waisted skirts and platform shoes.

$5.00

The last sweater I got my mother actually bought for me because she really liked it.  I love hounds tooth but sometimes get bored with just the black and white combination, so I was thrilled to find this one with the black and awesome bright colors.  Plus it had no pilling!

$10.00

When I saw this Forever 21 blouse I thought that it would be perfect for a really sweet pastel goth look.  It is quite sheer, but looks great with a black tank top underneath and tucked into a black leather circle skirt.  

$9.00

 And finally, a favorite go to; leopard print!  This blouse is a huge 14/16 from Lane Bryant, but I loved the colors so much that I couldn't pass it up.  I figured that I could use it like a kimono to cover up shoulders and still look put together.  Cannot get enough of the pink and red.

$14.000

Well, that's a wrap on this particular clothing haul!  If you enjoyed it, please let me know.  As for going back to Plato's Closet, I am not sure if I ever will because of the customer service and poor quality of the items on display.  They have cute things, but sometimes there is just too much wear and tear to justify the purchase.  So, we will have to see.

If you have any questions about these items, comment and I will do what I can.  Until then, happy shopping and be true to you!  <3 <3 <3

Fabulously Average

Hello lovlies!

Today is nice and cold so a wonderful time to stay inside cuddled up with a blanket, a cup of tea and blog about some of my favorite things.  As all of you know shopping is an activity that I take great pleasure.  But there is much more to enjoying fashion than simply spending money.  Part of what truly makes me happy is the fun of putting outfits together and getting to see what works on my body. It's a great trial and error period that brings joy as well as tribulation since not everything works.  

As you can see I am what most people would consider a wonderfully average female.  And I love it.  Sometimes it's hard to love because perfection is imposed on all women everywhere, but if we ever want to break the glass ceiling of female expectation we must accept ourselves and love the things that make us who we are.  My thighs touch, I'm not exceptionally tall and I have normal cheekbones.  But I am fabulously average and enjoying every minute of it.

In my fashion sense I am many things because I don't like to label myself or place my style into any one category.  As a result I really enjoy mixing things up, like pairing something sleek with another item of opposite texture to give my ensembles interest.  In many ways I am a huge girly girl, squealing over boys, lips and heart motifs because they are adorable and make me happy inside; while on the other I've got my leather jacket Dr. Martens and high waisted shorts with add a nice edge to all the flounce.

You could say that pairing girly with grunge elements is really what my current style is all about.  When you take something like a tulle skirt then add leather, boots and a touch of lace it's a call back to the wonderfully eccentric eighties.  Or if I were to wear ripped up boyfriend jeans with my Chucks, a band tee and a beanie like the one above I'd be visiting my nineties childhood.  

And that's what makes fashion and style so much fun.  No two people are the same and we can interpret it in whatever way we like.  So, if I want to wear skulls with pastel pink I feel, more power to me!  It's no fun when we get categorized because of what we were and suddenly all we're wearing is what another person has labeled us.  I am not a soup can and do not require labeling for any purposes.  I am simply fabulously average me who happens to like high end designers with thrift store steals.

Any time I put together an outfit for whatever event I might be going to, I always step back and look to see if I've put an element of myself into the ensemble.  If it looks great then that's wonderful, but what's most important is me feeling comfortable in my own skin and being able to walk out of the house with my head held high.  I love being able to throw on my vintage Betsey Johnson sweater and a pair of torn jeans because I feel like me.  I'm able to look in the mirror and smile because the girl looking back know who she is and loves to express herself through what she wears.  It's always my best face and foot forward!

So when deciphering your style don't try too hard because it will come naturally.  Each woman and girl is a true original with her own body and likes that make her unique.  As you grown and express yourself you will evolve with the years, taking with you important lessons about who you are and what makes you feel the most like you.  We all like what we do and shouldn't be shamed for it.  Not because it's considered odd or because we're not a size 0 with the body of a Victoria's Secret model.  Those girls have their own lives so let them buy their own clothes.  Go shopping for yourself and the wonderful person you are.

Be true to you!

ROMWE.com; an honest look

Hello lovlies!

Life has been a little hectic as I have been trying to finish up my fall/winter shopping, which means lots of wool, leather and cozy sweaters will be added to my ever growing wardrobe.  However, figuring out who to give my money to is rather frustrating since there are so many wonderful places that have fantastic things.  But, my goal is to get the best for less so I decided to head to one of my favorite online stores which offer beautiful clothes at great prices, plus free shipping and great sales and coupons.

This wonderland is known as ROMWE.com.  Be careful heading there because they will suck you dry with all their adorable items that beg to be placed in your shopping cart.  For example, they are one of  of the providers of the insanely coveted and extremely instagrammed, "Coco Made Me Do It" shirt. 

Fashionistas everywhere will take a moment to marvel at the simplistic majesty of this shirt.  The site has sold nearly two hundred thousand of these in less than a month and it is a piece that screams couture without actually having to spend the big bucks on some real Chanel.  And quite frankly it is so much more adorable than "The Devil Made Me Do It" and adds a touch of chic to any outfit you happen to be wearing.  And needless to say, it is currently sitting in my cart.

But ROMWE.com has even more wonderful things for all kinds of clothing tastes.  Although they do tend to be more trendy than some places, their pieces are real statement makers, so a little bit goes a long way.  

A great example are their amazingly fun sweatshirts.  Each of these tops seems to tell a story of its own; so interesting that all you need is a pair of jeans and converse to get you through the day.  And what I find great about this brand is the fact that a lot of their clothes just seem to make me happy.  It's all quirky and adorable with major style credibility that makes this online store so fantastic.  They have something for everyone; catering to the ultimate in feminine and then down leather grunge.  I'm delighted at both.

Also, becoming a member is free and offers you fantastic perks such as personal coupons like 50% off everything in a certain section and then 30% off on top of that if your order is a hundred or more.  Really, there is no reason not to check out this brand and site.  They offer super fun pieces and good quality for less than Dailylook.com and many other retailers.

However, I do leave you with only one word of warning.  Because this site is based in Singapore you need to pay special attention to the sizing and certainly measure yourself whenever possible.  Even though they have great customer service, free shipping and truly no hassle returns, it's important to try your bet to get it right the first time.

But, with that being said, check out ROMWE.com and let your freak flag fly with a weird and fantastic zebra print shirt.

Be true to you!

Consignment Shopping Heaven

Hello Lovlies,

One of my absolute favorite pastimes of ALL time has got to be shopping.  For as long as I can remember I have thoroughly enjoyed going out and hunting for treasures to add to my ever growing collection.  Much like Ariel from The Little Mermaid I have a happy place among my many wonderful things.  However, unlike Ariel I can't find my goodies at the bottom of the ocean but rather have to scourge my local thrift and consignment shops, putting my nerves and sense of willpower to the ultimate test.

Some people much prefer cutting out the middle man by going straight to the department store for their material needs, but I think, 'why spend the money when I can find it at a fraction of the price and also have an adventure?'  So, the journey begins.

And although thrift and consignment shopping can by a trying experience at times I consider it well worth the effort.  Partly because I love getting to find something I was not expecting and finding out that what they want for it is sometimes as high as ninety percent of the original price.  For example the neon J.Crew flats in the picture above.  They cost twenty dollars and retail for over a hundred and fifty.  I was ecstatic!  Everything you see in that image cost me less than what those shoes would have been originally priced at.  Thus comes the satisfaction of thrift and consignment shopping.

Another added bonus of shopping at these types of locations is getting to support local businesses and charities such as Goodwill and food banks.  Not only are you able to get what you want, but you're giving back to the community that you live in and recycling in a completely fabulous way!

I will admit that I truly love my designer brands and I seem to love more every day.  I can't get enough of Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors, Chanel, J.Crew and Kate Spade, but have a hard time affording those triple digit price tags.  So, in order to keep peace with my budget I wait then make a trip out to some of my favorite shops and score the hundred dollar ring from Betsey Johnson for fifteen bucks.  I feel no shame and will never stop looking great for less.

Be True To You With Love. <3

Imperfect people modeling in perfection imposed world

Hello lovlies,

I thought that I would blog today about the current modeling project that I am going through.  It has been exceptionally fun and the people whom I am working with are fantastic.  We've all worked very hard to make this something unique and memorable.

I have a very strong love for Halloween.  As such that love often influences much of my fashion as I model and style outfits from day to day.  So, when I found a modeling/styling competition that was going to be on the subject of haunt couture I suck my teeth into it and embraced my darker side.

What has resulted are a series of photographs that capture my inner self and my fascination with things that are rather misunderstood.  Most who look at me wouldn't see a model.  Many have told me as much.  But I suppose some people told the Wright brothers that they couldn't fly and Picasso that what he did to the way we saw art was wrong.  

I am a delightfully average young woman who stands at about five feet five inches and weighs a touch over one forty pounds.  Though this lessens my odds of ever achieving my dreams I am not discouraged.  Why; because I am unique and have my own special qualifications.  

Size should not decide a person's worth or their beauty.  Everything is much in the eye of the beholder and there is no 'one size fits all' for attraction.  But, the modeling world has seen fit to take the extreme and make it what the world now considers normal and what all women should strive for, even if their particular body types cannot achieve such 'perfection.'

As I write this I realize that very few people, if no one will read my blog.  and that is alright since my love of modeling and fashion are things that I do for myself though would ultimately like to share them with other like minded people.  I guess I'll just have to see what happens.

As for my shoot, things are going well and I have been selected as a finalist.  I am currently working on sewing a petticoat for the final ensemble now.  I have high hopes and look forward to sharing them with whomever may care to see.  Also, for anyone afraid that this is going to be a self absorbed modelling blog, have no fear; I fully intend to blog plenty about thrifting, fashion and beauty as well.  Hopefully someone will find it interesting.

Remember, be true to you.

Me And You

Hello, lovlies!
I've decided that for my first blog I will let you know a bit about me before I get into the serious fashion posting.
I am a Virginia based blogger, model, fashion instagrammer, stylist and makeup enthusiast.  All of these things make me happy and help me live my dreams while still being completely true to who I am.(Which is so important for anybody)

I'm not famous like Zoella, Michelle Phan or The Blonde Salad, but in the beginning fame isn't everything.  I simply want to do what I love and hopeful involve others and uplift them through my experiences.
Just because I model does not mean that I think I am better than anyone else.  As a matter of fact I hope that I will inspire other girls to break the glass/cement ceiling of modeling and go pursue their dreams whatever they are.  With enough confidence, self love and a good pair of shoes you are capable of doing anything.
I adore shopping, but hate having to pay full price for anything(Unless it's pretty amazing and pink).  Thus I will be recording much of my thrifting experiences here as well as talking about my favorite consignment shops which help me get the best for less.
However, the most important message of my blog is found in its title; Be True To You.  Never forsake who you are because no matter what that is the person you will have to spend the rest of your life with.  You are stuck, so it is better to simply make peace, embrace your unique qualities and those wonderful flaws which make you the only one in the world.