Fashion's Maven

Summer Hair

2012-05-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's pretty much officially summer now, which means one thing - no more straightening my hair. I want beachy waves and fishtail braids (still can't make this look right, actually) from now until Labor Day. Ok, my hair will be straight again in 5 days but today - today this is what I want.

What's your go to summer hair style?

What I'm Wearing...

2012-05-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Shirt - J. Crew, Jeans - Old Navy, Shoes - Rainbow, Scarf - Missoni, Earrings - Melinda Maria, Bracelets - Express, Watch Michael Kors

Last Friday night when we went out, I wore 2 souvenirs I bought on the trip - this J. Crew top and my newest Chloe sunglasses.

What? What kind of souvenirs do you buy on vacation? Look I bought a coffee mug and a couple of Christmas ornaments too, if that helps. I just think I can get a lot more use out of clothes from J. Crew and sunglasses.

Too many sunglasses? Nah.

2012-05-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I finally wore my new Chloe sunglasses I bought on the trip. I think I might be a little addicted to sunglasses. Is that possible? Probably. I wear them year round, but once it starts feeling like summer I'm immediately looking at more and more pairs online. Is that just me? Probably. Am I worried about it? Not too much.

What's your favorite pair of sunglasses lately?

Be still, be light, believe me...

2012-05-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to say even one thing true
When all eyes have turned aside
They used to talk to you
And people on the street seem to disapprove
So you keep moving away
And forget what you wanted to say

I only have a couple of songs by The Weepies in my iTunes, but if I keep hearing more like this that will be changing. A lot.

What are you listening to lately?

Busy (not for me) Weekend

2012-05-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

I spent a good portion of Saturday and Sunday hanging out with a couple of lazy puppies. Why was that?

Jared was painting at my parents house. I tried to help a few weeks ago but it turns out I really suck at painting, so I got fired. Ok, I fired myself but seriously, it's faster without me. (He had to repaint pretty much everything I painted.) This weekend I made iTunes playlists instead. Much more my speed.

After the painting on Sunday, I asked if we could go ahead and wash and clean my car (both cars were on the list for the week, might as well get one done, right?) I'm slightly more helpful with car cleaning than painting. But not by much.

Roll Tide.

How was your weekend?

Friend Friday - Beauty Products

2012-05-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Friend Friday

The Fashion Beauty Friend Friday group was created by Katy over at Modly Chic. Each week there is a theme or a set of questions and on Friday if you want to participate, you make a post on your blog and link back up at Modly Chic.

This week we're talking about beauty products. What do you use daily? What can't you live without?

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I think it's pretty well known I have a little obsession with makeup. What I use daily changes with the season and with what I'm obsessed with. My daily makeup right now is:

Boscia BB Cream

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder

Blush (this is whatever I'm in the mood for)

Anastasia Brow Wiz

Benefit They're Real! mascara

If I'm doing my eyes, Too Faced Natural Eye palette and Make Up For Ever black eyeliner

As far as what I can't live without, that's harder to answer. I love makeup but I look at it like something I want to have, not something I need to have. Take care of your skin, stay out of the sun, keep your brows looking good (not kidding - it makes your whole face look better) and makeup is something fun, not something you have to spend 30 minutes on before you feel comfortable walking out the door.

I know, pretty boring, but there you go.

If you're interested in FBFF, go to Modly Chic for more information then e-mail Katy if you want to join the group.

What I'm Wearing...

2012-05-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Dress - Banana Republic, Cardigan - Old Navy, Shoes - White House Black Market, Earrings - c/o Guy & Eva, Ring - House of Harlow

Saturday we had Jared's birthday with both families. (See the gifts wrapped in tissue paper behind me? I go all out.) Cooking for both families always stresses me out, but no one ended up in the hospital or anything so I consider it a success. I also have really low standards, so that helps. Anyway, I got this dress at the outlets in Charleston. Yeah, the point of going to the outlets was for Jared to go birthday shopping, but Banana Republic was having a 40% off sale. It's like I didn't a choice, ok? Plus, this dress is amazing.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara

2012-05-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

$22 at Sephora

What it is:
A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look.

What it does:
This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump, or dry out.

Last month I picked up Benefit's They're Real! mascara, one I've been excited to try since it first came out. It advertises as doing basically, well, everything. I've always said that's impossible to find in a mascara. If you can find a mascara that's doing 2 things, consider it a keeper. This is definitely a jet-black mascara, possibly the blackest mascara I've ever used. And it does an amazing job at lengthening and curling - and pretty good at volumizing. Remember what I just said? So yeah. This is definitely a keeper.

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection

2012-05-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

During Sephora's Chic Week last month, I picked up the Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection palette. As I mentioned in the post, it's something I've looked at for a long time and had never purchased. It's $36 for 9 shadows, which isn't bad at all. There's enough variety to achieve plenty of every day looks, and even slightly more dramatic ones if you choose, so it's a good balance of colors. So why am I not that excited about it? Well, like I mentioned in my original post, I don't like the packaging. I don't like bulky, cardboard packaging. I want something sleek and simple. And the bottom line? I'm spoiled having both Urban Decay Naked palettes. I'll just say it - they're better and are more versatile. (And I like the packaging. What can I say? I'm a sucker for it.)

It is a good palette though, don't get me wrong. This was the only eye shadow palette I took on our last vacation, and I wasn't wishing I had more colors to choose from. It is great for every day looks (and travel, obviously, since I used it for that). There are just better options out there, so if you're just looking for one, I'd probably get something else.

What's your go to every day eye makeup look?

I don't cook.

2012-05-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

You know how I'm always saying I don't cook? It's because I don't. Except when I do. It happens about once a year. Celebrating Jared's birthday with both families and Mother's Day tend to overlap, so I end up cooking. Twice. In one weekend. Then I need a year to recover. Let's examine how this went this past weekend in timeline/Instagram form:

Friday afternoon: already worried about dinner Saturday night. Coordinating margarita plans with my sister via text.

Friday night - 10pm: haven't finished the mexican chicken casserole, just started the cheesecake, am tempted to break into the Jose.

Middle of Friday night - cheesecake is out of the oven. Doesn't look right. I still have to babysit the damn thing for 3 more hours. This happens every year. Why am I so bad at time management?

Who the hell knows what time it is - if I'm up for several more hours, I'm painting my nails. Apparently I want to look like Barbie.

...and then that's it. I gave up, put it in the fridge around 3 or 4 am, and prayed for the best. It was fine. It always is.

How was your weekend?

What I'm Wearing... Atlanta PM

2012-05-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

Dress - Express, Leggings - Express, Shoes - White House Black Market, Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, Ring - House of Harlow, Earrings - Melinda Maria

If I love the Rebecca Minkoff as a cross body, I might love it even more as a clutch. Seriously obsessed.

Our last night in Atlanta we had drinks and dinner at the Sun Dial restaurant, which was on the 72nd floor of the hotel we were staying in. If you're obsessed with a view (which I clearly am - you can tell if you follow me on Instagram) this is the place to go in Atlanta!

Then it was time to head back home. I love a good vacation, but at some point you are ready for regular life again. Then 5 minutes later you're kicking yourself wondering why on earth you wanted that...

Oh well. We're going to the beach at the end of June. Is it too early to start counting the days?

What I'm Wearing... Atlanta AM

2012-05-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Shirt - Express, Shorts - Old Navy, Shoes - Cynthia Vincent for Target, Watch - Swiss Legend

The hotel and the view in Atlanta were definitely my favorite.

Dinner at The Varsity is always a good thing.

There were several things I wanted to do in Atlanta, but we were only there 2 nights so there wasn't time for it all. We did get to go to the Georgia Aquarium though.

Next up - Atlanta, GA

What I'm Wearing... Charleston

2012-05-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Shirt - J. Crew, Shorts - Old Navy, Shoes - Gap

The outfit for walking around each city was basically the same - shirt, shorts, and the Rebecca Minkoff bag worn cross body. That bag might be one of the best purchases I've ever made. Loved having it on vacation.

The hotel in Charleston

There was an outlet mall with an Off 5th. AKA - heaven on earth.

The next day we went to Middleton Place plantation. Of all the things to see (and there was a lot) I was most obsessed with the sheep. They weren't even mentioned in the tour. Ridiculous.

Later that day we walked around the Citadel

On Jared's birthday we went to Fort Sumter. It was a 30 minute ferry ride then the tour.

That afternoon we walked around Market Street. There's pretty much anything you can think of there, but my favorite was Rewined - handmade soy candles in recycled wine bottles.

Next up - Atlanta, GA

What I'm Wearing... Savannah

2012-05-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Shirt - Gap, Tank top - Old Navy, Shorts - Old Navy, Shoes - Rainbow, Purse - Rebecca Minkoff, Bracelet - Charming Charlie's, Watch - Swiss Legend

The first stop on the trip was Savannah. We spent 2 nights there which was plenty of time to see downtown.

The hotel and our view

The beach and lighthouse at Tybee Island

The Lady & Sons - Paula Deen's restaurant. We had lunch here the 2nd day and while it was good, I wouldn't wait a crazy amount of time for it. There are similar places to eat in Savannah.

St. John the Baptist Cathedral

The last night we had drinks and appetizers at Rocks on the Roof. It was gorgeous!

Next up - Charleston, SC

Vacation from Vacation

2012-05-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

we♥it

7 nights away from home.

3 states.

1200+ miles on the car.

Is it wrong if I need a day of vacation to recover from the vacation?

That said, hopefully things will be back to normal soon around here. How was your week/weekend?

Friend Friday - Instagram

2012-05-04T00:00:00.020-05:00

Friend Friday

This week we're talking about Instagram, or any other photo app you use. How have these apps changed the game of blogging?

If you follow me on Instagram (fashionsmaven), you know I love it. A lot. (The pics above are some of my favorites from my Instagram feed.) It's my main photo app on my iPhone. I use Diptic if I want to put several pics in one and LensLight if I want sparkles or orbs, but they always then go to Instagram. It's definitely made blogging easier because the pics turn out pretty good and you can easily put a couple into a post. For me in particular, it's great if I'm doing a little weekend recap post or if I want a picture of something I don't have anywhere else but my phone. I always have my phone with me, but the same can't be said for my point and shoot.

If you're interested in FBFF, go to Modly Chic for more information then e-mail Katy if you want to join the group.

What I'm Wearing...

2012-05-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Shirt - GAP, Jeans - Old Navy, Scarf - Loft, Shoes - Carlos by Carlos Santana, Bracelets - American Eagle, Watch - Swiss Legend

The Friday night before we left was for dinner and errands to get ready for the trip. I can't think straight before going out of town because I have about 50 lists of things running through my head, so I can't begin to figure out an outfit for the night. Uniform, it is. Yes, this is my version of a uniform. It counts.

You'll forgive me my masquerade...

2012-05-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

'Cause there's no honesty, you'll never get to know
So many parts of me I never want to show
A little mystery I make up as I go
And I know I can be so different than you
At least, I hope this to be true

Rachael Yamagata's "Chesapeake" album is going to be on repeat heavily for the duration of the trip. How do I know this? Because it's been that way ever since I bought it a couple of weeks ago. "Full On" is currently my favorite song on the album, but there's so many amazing ones, it's hard to say that it won't change again in a few days.

What are you listening to lately?

Boscia BB Cream Review

2012-05-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I mentioned picking up the Boscia BB Cream from Sephora a few weeks ago, I had several requests for a review. The purpose of BB cream is that it's supposed to do several things in one - be a primer, be a moisturizer, have your SPF, etc. It's also supposed to improve your skin, of so they claim. I'm not saying it's not possible, but I haven't noticed that yet. Boscia, like most brands, comes in one shade that is supposed to adjust to all skin types. I don't think it's possible that it would work for everyone, but it does somehow adjust to a different color than what comes out of the tube, so it would work for a lot of people. The key to getting it to do this is to make sure you blend it well. The first time I used it I just applied with a foundation brush and it didn't look right. The next time I dampened a Beauty Blender and used that to press it into my skin. Huge, huge difference. From that point on I've been happy with it.

Have you tried a BB cream yet?

Road Trip

2012-04-30T00:00:00.009-05:00

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This week we'll be in Savannah, GA, Charleston, SC, and Atlanta, GA. I don't remember having a road trip type vacation involving several cities and states since I was about 14, so I'm pretty excited. Have you ever been to any of these places? What do you recommend?

Friend Friday - Outfit Planning

2012-04-27T00:00:00.033-05:00

Friend Friday

This week we're talking about outfit planning.

we♥it

1. How do you go about picking your outfit for the day? (Do you lay stuff out the night before? Do you plan a whole week's worth of looks Sunday night? Do you wing it every morning?)

I only plan an outfit in advance if it's for an event like a wedding or something. Otherwise, I usually pick one thing I'm drawn to (sometimes it's a piece of clothing, sometimes it's a pair of shoes, a lot of times it's an accessory) then build from there.

2. Do you try stuff on and then take pics to see how it looks, like Cher in Clueless?

I only take pics if they're going on the blog. And obviously that's nowhere near an everyday thing.

3. And are you consistent in your planning or lack thereof, or is your planning limited to special events?

Definitely just special events. As much as I love to plan things and make lists I can't do that with outfits. Well, I guess I could. I just don't want to.

4. Do you have a way of keeping track of which outfits you wore when?

I've been asked this before. I rely on the blog a lot to see exactly how I wore something. Other than that, it's just my memory. I tie places and events to what I was wearing. Meaning when I think back to a birthday or a first day of school or my bridal tea or whatever, I remember exactly what I wore.

5. How do you come up with new clothing combinations? (An app? Computer program? Trial and error?)

Trial and error and my inspiration board in my closet. The point of the inspiration board has never been that those are things I want to buy, it's always a color combination or a way I hadn't thought of wearing something or a specific way I want to try and wear an outfit.

If you're interested in FBFF, go to Modly Chic for more information then e-mail Katy if you want to join the group.

What I'm Wearing...

2012-04-26T00:00:00.010-05:00

Dress - Express, Leggings - Express, Shoes - Dolce Vita, Earrings - Melinda Maria, Ring - House of Harlow, Bracelets - House of Harlow and Express, Sunglasses - Chanel

After finishing the planting on Sunday, Jared and I cleaned up and had a date night. Not that you can see, but the new Dolce Vita's are wedges which means I can actually walk fine in them. Success. I just need to always keep that in mind when shoe shopping...

Travel Tips

2012-04-25T00:00:00.011-05:00

we♥it

We're getting ready to head out on a vacation next week, and I've been counting the days. I've done a couple of posts before on a few of my own traveling tips, but I wanted to try something different today. What are your best travel tips? Road trips, airports, packing - all of it!

Rebecca Minkoff MAC Mini

2012-04-24T00:00:00.007-05:00

My main purchase from Shopbop last week was the Rebecca Minkoff Neon Lizard Mini MAC bag. I've been wanting a Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag for awhile and the Shopbop sale + gift card I won was the perfect excuse to buy one. I didn't know if I'd want a regular size one or mini, but Twitter recommendations let me know the mini should be fine. You can wear it cross body style, or detach the strap and carry it as a clutch. I can't wait to get some use out of it!

What's the last purchase you were excited about?

Gardening is expensive...

2012-04-23T00:00:00.018-05:00

Well, it took several weekends but I think the yard and garden are done. Straw is in all the beds, front and back, day lilies and irises were added to some beds, hibiscus and canna were planted down the fence, and of course the steps and raised bed were built. Obviously I had very little to do with most of that. I was able to handle the planting of the herbs and veggies though:

Herb garden - mint, basil, rosemary and thyme

Raised bed - mint, watermelon, 4 kinds of bell pepper, 2 kinds of sweet peppers, eggplant, okra, 3 kinds of tomatoes and cucumber

I'm glad it's all finally done. And we only need to grow about $400 worth of stuff to break even.