beauty. buys.

I thought it would be fun to take a break from my regularly scheduled fashion posts to share a few of my favorite beauty products of the moment. But first, let me make a confession. As much as I love testing out new mascaras and investing in more nail polish (‘cause every shade of pink under the sun is obviously obligatory), I would never consider myself a beauty connoisseur. (The closest I ever get to wearing lipstick is a tinted lip balm… and that’s on a good day.) Nonetheless, I always enjoy reading beauty roundups from both beauty and non-beauty bloggers alike — it’s a great way to discover and test out new products without feeling pressured to purchase expensive products at the beauty counter. Check out what I’m currently loving/using/trying out for the first time below, and let me know if you would like to see more posts like this in the future!

 

Makeup Tools Eyelash Curler (Muji) // Because I love all things Muji (the notebooks! the pens!), I was eager to try this eyelash curler out. I haven’t used it much yet, but so far so good. Since I wasn’t blessed with naturally long lashes, I can definitely use all the help that I can get. Not only is the price point right, but it definitely gets the job done (especially if you heat it with a blow-dryer prior to using it).  

 

Mario Badescu Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream (Nordstrom) // This eye cream by Mario Badescu is what I would consider to be a holy grail beauty product. It’s that good. I apply it before bed every night and it leaves my under eye area feeling moisturized and rejuvenated. While it won’t work miracles overnight, or erase fine lines per se, it does seem to make them less visible. (Long story short: I noticed a few super super minimal fine lines under my eyes — freaked out — and decided that I needed to invest in a good eye cream. Why, oh why, didn’t I start using this sooner?!) Once it runs out, I will 100% be buying it again. It has a fresh scent and can be applied twice a day — although I only apply it at night as it seems to be a little too shiny/sticky for the daytime, especially if you were to layer makeup over it. 

 

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser (Sephora) // While it can be fun to play around with different makeup looks, or to pile on the mascara, removing it at the end of the day is not-so-fun. When used alongside an eye makeup remover, I find this fragrance-free face cleanser from First Aid Beauty to be highly effective. Unlike a regular face cleanser, this one is made to remove makeup, dirt and grime. After using it at the end of the day, my face always feels fresh and clean — almost as though I’m starting with a blank slate! If you have sensitive, dry or highly irritable skin, then I would definitely recommend this product (check out the reviews on Sephora if you have any doubts!). 

Arquiste for J.Crew Perfume Rollerball (no longer available) // I may or may not have been tempted by the pretty packaging (and the sale price too!), but I couldn’t resist snagging these perfume rollerballs from J.Crew during some post-holiday sales. The idea of having a rollerball perfume to tote around in my bag sounded so alluring, although I have yet to actually do so! No. 31 is flowery, soft and understated while No. 57 evokes a more outdoorsy aroma with subtle hints of cinnamon.  

 

What are some of your most recent beauty purchases? Leave a comment below, so that I can check them out :)

xo,
A

2

#ootd. | mirrored. sunnies.

Over the years, I’ve become quite the enthusiast for playful sunglasses. Just as handbags, shoes and accessories have the power to set the tone for any given look, the right sunnies can make all the difference between a blasé outfit and one that demands attention. Can you say instant game-changer?! Whereas I used to solely gravitate toward black oversized shades, I’ve learned to broaden my repertoire to include retro cat eye styles, aviators and anything that reads boho-chic. Oh, and I especially have a soft spot for tortoiseshell frames and mirrored lenses. 

Come the spring/summer months, I always like to invest in a budget-friendly pair and sometimes one that’s a little more splurge-worthy. During a recent trip to Nordstrom, I stumbled upon the perfect oversized mirrored sunnies in the juniors’ section. At only $12, I couldn’t not snag them. Major bonus: They’re totally reminiscent of this tortoiseshell pair by Illesteva — obviously not as high quality, but still a great steal if you want to try out a new look before investing in the real deal.
 
I’ve already worn my new shades on a few occasions and I love how they can be styled with pretty much anything. Last week, I paired mine with a striped silk peplum top and black jeans for an effortless daytime casual look. It’s safe to say that I’m already looking forward to transitioning them for summer with a LBD or some colorful chino shorts and classic stripes.

 Vineyard Vines striped silk peplum top | Industry Standard Simone Highrise Jeans | Tassel Necklace | Nordstrom Oversize Mirrored Sunglasses | J.Crew Factory field jacket (similar) |  Madewell leather sandals

 

Couldn't resist a scoop of lemon sorbetto :)

Are you a fan of mirrored sunglasses? What sunglass style(s) will you be sporting this summer? Leave a comment below!
 
xo,
A

1

splurge. vs. save. | pom-pom. sandals.

Photo via @mabubymariabk.

Blame it on Coachella, the arrival of spring-y temps or just my fascination with poms, but I am currently obsessed with the latest sandal trend. Decked out in all sorts of rad doodads (think: tassels and pom poms galore), this season’s must-have lace-up gladiators a la labels such as Mabu by Maria BK and Elina Linardaki are a major step up from the ones from seasons past. While they’re definitely a bit out there, I think that’s what makes them so playful and totally on-point for summer. The only downside: They’re not exactly easy on the wallet. Womp, womp. Until I can figure out a way to DIY a pair for myself (read: not happening anytime soon), I thought that I would see what affordable options are out there. Whether you’re ready to splurge for these ultra colorful and fun sandals or want to test drive a more budget-friendly pair, you can scroll down below to see what I found.

The good news: Zara was smart enough to produce a knockoff version of the season’s most coveted sandal. The bad news: They’re currently out of stock online (with the potential of them still being available in stores). Side note: The thing that I’m most bummed out about, however, is that these beauties only come in kids sizing (and they fall right under $50!). Ugh. I wear a 6.5 though, so I’m wondering if perhaps I could squeeze into the largest size…? Wishful thinking.



Summed up in one word, these lace-up gladiators from ASOS are definitely festive and boho-chic. While they’re nowhere near as intricate as the ones by Mabu by Maria BK and Elina Linardaki, these are only priced at $43, so what can you expect? Between upcoming beach getaways and outdoor concerts, there's no question that they'd be a fun addition to a pair of denim cutoffs or even an off-the-shoulder dress.

Can you say love at first sight?! While these embellished leather sandals from Mabu by Maria BK don’t come cheap, each pair is handmade in Greece, meaning you can expect an attention to detail + the utmost quality. What sets these bad boys apart from all the other options spotlighted above is the mixture of unique trinkets — poms, tassels, coins and beads! If you’re a self-proclaimed beach babe who’s always enjoying fun in the sun time, then these would be the ultimate addition to your summer capsule wardrobe. Style them with anything from a classic black scalloped bikini to a neon colorblock set, and let the compliments roll in :)

A few more that I’m currently eyeing:

Are you obsessed with pom pom sandals? Sound off below!

xo,
A

2

april. the. list.

In lieu of April showers, it seems as though we’ve been experiencing a bit of a cold front lately here on the east coast. (Side note: I legit had to pull out my heaviest winter coat and chunky infinity scarf when running errands today.) That said, the recent temps have not prevented me from longing for all things spring (and summer!) galore. Think: carnival stripe shorts, bright + punchy nail colors and playful tassel sandals. Scroll down to see what I’m yearning for this month and let me know what you’re currently coveting!

1. S'ip by S'well Whale Watch Peach Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Target): Is anyone else obsessed with S’well’s latest Target collaboration?! Definitely not kidding when I say that I want one in every color and print (I can’t decide between whale watch and lemon drop), please. Talk about an incentive to drink more water!
2. ella + mila nail polish in Samba Beats and Sun Has Set: Cute packaging aside, these vibrant 5-Free polishes are equally gorgeous and perfect for an upcoming vacay, a spring gala or just because. 
3. Kate Spade New York Card Holder (Shopbop): Tote around your cards in style with this scalloped leather holder that’s all sorts of chic. While I’m loving the black, it’s also available in soft aqua and pink tulip. 
4. Women's New Balance for J.Crew 620 Sneakers (J.Crew): I wish that my New Balance sneaks from my junior high days were this stylish. Normally, I don’t care for athletic shoes (except for when I’m working out), but these are so on-point that I could actually — dare I say it — see myself wearing them IRL. Not to mention that the color palette consisting of greys, dusty pinks and teal is perfect for spring.
5. The Classic Cream/Navy Striped Top (Kule): Too many stripes? No such thing. As a stripe enthusiast, I feel like I need this French girl-inspired top in my life. It’s definitely a splurge, but just think how perf it’ll look teamed with denim boyfriend shorts and ballet flats during the summer months… or white pants for Memorial Day weekend. I digress.
6. Colorful Jacquard Striped Short (J.Crew): See ya later, spring! These colorful striped shorts are making me ready for balmy afternoons in the city. They’re a dressier alternative to your tried-and-true chinos that just so happen to pair impeccably with a chambray shirt for Sunday brunch, date night — you name it.
7. Denim Shorts (H&M): If there’s one thing that I’m lacking in my spring/summer wardrobe, it’s denim shorts. TBH, I actually don’t have any. With these coming in at just under $10 (and at regular price, no less!), I’m tempted to snag a pair to test-drive this season. Between the faded wash and slouchy fit, I could see these being paired with everything from a lightweight sweater to a tie-front blouse to a plain ol’ tee.
8. Suze Strappy Sandal (Loeffler Randall): These ankle wrap sandals by Loeffler Randall — complete with quirky tassels, pom-poms and stars — have got me swooning hard. It looks as though I’m not the only one, either — most of the sizes are already sold out/on waitlist. 
9. The TV Eye Sunnies (ban.do): New season = new sunnies. These white glitter + sky blue color block shades require no introduction. They’re guaranteed to add major flair to any look, especially if you plan on hitting up a music festival (or two). 
10. Matilde Tote (Clare Vivier): Can you say perfect farmers market tote?! This super roomy and effortless striped tote is just the thing for all of your weekend shenanigans. Major bonus: It also doubles as a hands-free backpack when you use the convertible straps.

What are you currently loving this month? Feel free to share a link to your must-haves for April or leave a comment below!

xo, 
A

1

march. outfits.

  
As we close out one month and usher in another (yikes!), I’m back at it with a recap of my favorite #OOTDs from March. In a nutshell, March was unpredictable at best. Between a (light) snowfall at the beginning of the month and unseasonably warm spring temps sprinkled throughout, getting dressed in the morning was rather interesting to say the least. Now that the temperatures have pretty much leveled off (not too chilly, but not too warm either — it is spring, after all), I’ve grown accustomed to playing the layering game. And if that means being able to occasionally break out my favorite hipster flannel (green buffalo plaid for the win!), then I’m not really complaining. 

Channeling my inner Paddington Bear…

Chambray x buffalo plaid = springtime perfection.

Sneak peek at a blog post to come… but I finally snagged a pair of Industry Standard’s black Simone Highrise skinnies. I'm already obsessed with them!

My pinch-free St. Paddy’s Day look.

I’ll be sharing more pics later, but I bought this cute denim dress with bell sleeves on a whim (it was on major sale at UO and I couldn’t resist!), and it ended up making for the perfect boho frock.

A little bit Parisian. I’m currently loving these blogger-approved lace-up flats from Old Navy (unfortunately, sold out online). Not only are they surprisingly comfortable, but you can get them for a fraction of the price of these Loeffler Randall beauties. Not bad Old Navy, not bad!

Casual does it. #everydaymadewell

What have you been wearing non-stop this spring? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

2