The Liebster Award for Lil' Ol' Me

Today's post is a really cool opportunity for me. I was granted the Liebster Blog Award for 2014.  

(Everyone go over to check out Stay A Minute, the lovely blogger who nominated me!) 

The purpose of this award is to highlight up and coming bloggers and it is designed as a networking tool to help link the blogging world together and help us to all find more blogs to love on. I'm honored to have been given this blogging award and I'm thrilled to participate. As a part of the participation, I was given ten questions to answer. I will also link to a few blogs I will in turn nominate and their respective ten questions. 

1. If you could meet anyone (deceased or living) who would it be, and why? On a personal level, this question would be answered differently. But on a fashion level, I would love to meet Coco Chanel. I don't always agree with her choices in terms of morality and politics, but the woman could DESIGN CLOTHES. 

Chanel No. 5 is my go-to fragrance of choice, owning Chanel earrings and a handbag would be an honor, and don't get me started on the Chanel lipstick line. 

 

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel was raised in a Catholic orphanage and rose from the ashes, so to speak, to create one of the most inspirational, high end, truly classic clothing, makeup and accessories lines in the WORLD. In.the.world. The clothes Chanel designed in the 40's are still beautiful and wearable today. The tweed dress suit? STOP IT. The quilted leather handbag. COME ON. 

A runner up would be miss Diane Von Furstenburg. Don't get me started on my love affair with her dresses. And does that woman AGE?! Plus, her designs and patters have unabashedly stood the test of time. While being bright, vibrant and trendy, they're classic and never go out of style. You can buy (ahem, invest) in a DVF dress and wear it for ten fifteen twenty years while never looking outdated. 

2. Who is your idol/hero? My personal idol or hero would be my dad. He's the wisest person I know, and I always know that whatever advice I get from him is sound! He's practical, honest as can be, and methodical.  And he's the best grandpa ever.

But as far as fashion/beauty goes, though, my idol/hero would be (after Coco Chanel, Nazi allegations nothwithstanding because that girl could DESIGN...and DVF...oh, and Steve Madden, embezzling jail time notwithstanding. What? The man started in the back of a car! Look at him now!) Bobbi Brown. Her story is phenomenal. She started off as a makeup artist barely making ends meet and then developed a line of lipsticks and worked her butt off to be one of the most reputable makeup artists who owns one of the most high end, amazing makeup lines in the world. That, and she's naturally gorgeous. With all that makeup at her fingertips, she still knows that less is more, and natural beauty shines brighter than any glitter ever could. Go, Bobbi! 

3. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? As a fashion student and personal stylist, you might expect me to say Milan or Paris. But honestly, family and funds permitting, I would live in either New York City or London. Ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of going to London, shopping at Harrods (No lie, in third grade I wrote and won a speech contest and literally mentioned shopping at Harrods. Third grade. The passion runs deep, my friends.) Then, right after I graduated from High School my family went on a trip to New York City. I remember walking past 5th Avenue and feeling my endorphin level spike. I saw Saks, and Prada and Piaget. But I was with my family and high end, don't-touch-anything-and-don't-breathe-wrong type stores aren't my brothers' forte. So we didn't shop. But the bug hit me and living in a place where I could find one of a kind vintage and hand made boho style pieces as well as high end goods makes me oh-so-happy.  

4. Why did you begin blogging and who is your inspiration? I began blogging a LONG time ago, back when they were called "Online Journals". I blogged in a little space of the Internet that MSN Messenger used to record thoughts, and I blogged before I knew what blogging was. I've been journaling since I was old enough to write, and as technology evolved, so did my way of journaling. My fashion blog, however, began just about a year ago when I realized that my passion and love of clothes and beauty could be something I could expand on and develop. This blog is more than fashion. We talk makeup, families, kids, music, life...but we talk fashion. A lot of it. My inspiration is a difficult one to peg down. I've been writing for as long as I could...well...write. So my inspiration culminates from so many different places. Recently, I'm very inspired by textures and patterns as opposed to a specific person. When I first started writing I was inspired (fashion wise) by pop stars and celebrities. And I'm always inspired by Carrie Bradshaw. I mean, let's be real. I totes have a chiffon/tulle skirt. I only wish it was pink or white like hers. (Blog post? Let me know in the comments.)

5. If you could spend a day with a blogger, who would it be? I would choose to spend the day with Bethany Joy Lenz over at Wish You Were Here. She is an actress by profession but writes a blog that captivates me. Her poetry is beautiful. Her outfit choices are spot on. Her insights are poignant and thought provoking, and her push for the underdog is inspiring. She inspires and defends women without putting or "dumbing down" men, and I find that remarkable. She is most well known for her role as Haley James Scott in One Tree Hill, but as a singer and writer, I find her to be an exceptionally great person. And while you're at it listen to this song. And this cover. 

6. Who is your go-to style icon? This is a really hard question! My go-to style icon isn't something I think I can answer. I'm always pulling, loving, and being inspired by different people, be it past or present. I am anywhere from 90's grunge to old Hollywood and I love simple looks. I think that when you take a basic outfit or fashion skeleton and then make it your own, you've mastered your style. A t-shirt and jeans? Yes, everyone can pull that off. But how do you make it you? Leggings and an over sized sweater? It's been done and it'll never get old. But how do you make that become fashionable instead of just basic? That's what makes something or someone iconic, if you ask me. 

7. What inspires you? Personally and internally my inspiration comes from my beautiful children and my role as a mother and wife. But I get the feeling that this question is veering towards fashion. In that respect, I'm inspired by detail. A leather piping. A pop of color on the lower lash line. A winged liner. A violet or purple lip. A braid. A pattern. A texture. Following trends while breaking rules and not becoming a trend or being stuck in a trend. Those are the things that catch my eye and make me think. Those things inspire me. I'm inspired by prints, and textures, by breaking rules. I'm inspired by changing something if you don't like it. Don't be afraid of scissors! Don't be afraid to wear something differently than you're "supposed to." Wear white on white. Wear black with brown. Mix your prints. Wear polka dots and stripes. Wear leopard print with plaid. I'm inspired by symmetry. I'm inspired by basics and mixing high end gorgeous pieces with thrifty vintage items. Detail. Change. Breaking rules. Classics. Texture. Patterns.

8. What is your favorite time of year? My favorite time of year is usually the one that I'm in. I live for cozy sweaters and curling up with my hubby. I love dark lipstick and Winter makeup. I am so excited for Spring and floral prints and pastel colors. I love swimming suits and shimmery makeup in the Summertime. The Fall brings the same sense of newness to me as Spring does and the muted colors get my fashion wheels turning. Being a stylist and fashion lover, how could I not love every season? Each season brings on new fashion opportunities. AT THAT SAME TIME, I break rules, people! I wear my ox blood lipstick in the dead of Summer. I wear pastel pink lipstick in the Winter. I wear floral and pastel colors in Fall and I wear my plaid tunic in the Spring. 

9. If you had a second chance with one thing, what would you do over? I do not believe that everything happens for a reason. To believe such would take away our agency and I just can't stand by that. Things happen because of the choices we make. I believe in miracles, I believe in blessings and I believe in a God who would put opportunities in our path that may help us. But I believe that we have the choice whether or not to take those opportunities. And just because something sad or bad happens to us, it's not because it was meant to be. Just because we make bad choices does not mean that it's happened because it was supposed to. But I have learned from my mistakes and I live my life with thoughts of making today better than yesterday. I can't think back and wish I could have changed things. I choose not to live that way. 

10. If you had an unimaginable amount of money, which charity or non-profit organization would you donate to? I would split it up, definitely. I would make donate to some college scholarship funds that I think target kids who would otherwise not have an education. And then I would donate to my church because I have seen first hand the phenomenal impact that the humanitarian work form my church has made on not only people around the world who need it, but the people who are in our very own cities and neighborhoods who just need help getting a step up. It's pretty amazing and even a bit emotional to me to see the people that are helped this way, even the people right around us. You never know who needs a little step up. I pray that we all look for ways to help others. In turn, I think what goes around comes around and we can be helped when we need it as well.

A big thank you to Stay a Minute for the blog award. I hope those that I award participate as well. This was a really fun award and I'm proud to receive it. Thank you again! 

I nominate: 

Sealed With a Swatch

This blog is full of gorgeous makeup tips, tricks and "swatches".

Story of Your Life

This is a blog I came across and I just love her style, ideas and simplicity. She's great.

All Things Pretty 

All kinds of great tips and ideas for "all things pretty!" She's also my best friend. So, there's that.

Go ahead and answer the same questions. Please leave a link from your blog to mine and then nominate three up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers to participate. Let your winners know they've been awarded by commenting on their blog. 

Thanks again, Jaimey. It was so fun to participate! I appreciate the award! 

-L

P.S. A Happy Birthday shout out to my sweet boy, Landon! A birthday post to follow after his weekend of Birthday celebrations!

My 2013 Beauty Awards

I was not paid for any of these reviews or given any of these products gratis by the companies they represent.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm probably supposed to post something sappy about goals and new beginnings and all of that. But that crap is for my journal. And a facebook post or two. I just want to talk about makeup and girly stuff...

So, I really wanted to highlight some of the beauty (hair and makeup mostly) products I discovered over the last year, repurchased over the last year, fell in love with over the last year and decided wasn't worth my spit in the last year. Obviously, I can't name everything...but tell me your faves and flops in the comments.

Repurchases: 
Okay, so for me to repurchase something (or even hit pan in general before I get bored) is a big deal. Usually, by the time I run out of a product, I'm over it and onto something new. But there are a few things I've repurchased this year. I'll keep it snappy, ya'll.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Awesome setting powder. Also works well over just concealer for some "no makeup makeup". Lasts a long time. Not too expensive. Don't overuse or it looks powdery.

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray

I've blogged about this before. I originally got a sample size in my Ipsy and immediately bought a full size when the small one was gone. Gives me body and waves without making my hair frizzy, crunchy or anything else that sucks.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Eyeliner

I have blogged about these before as well. I love them. All of them. I would repurchase all the colors but the only one I used enough of to repurchase was brown.

Loreal Telescopic Mascara

My go-to mascara. I love it. I've used it since high school and every time I try something else I'm disappointed. Don't get the other types in the telescopic line. Stay with the original or Carbon Black.

Egyptian Magic Cream

I have blogged about this in the past and I'm still loving it. I use this on: my face, my hair, my sunburns, my kids' sunburns, Ellie's eczema, dry hands, etc.

Almay Lipgloss

Doesn't leave that gross film, not super pigmented but great for over lipstick or alone when you don't want to have a lot going on. Not sticky at all.

NYX Butter Gloss

Great color payoff, not super sticky (more sticky than Almay but not in a bad way), no gross film. I especially love the red one in the color Cherry Pie.

ELF Mineral Eye Primer

Nothing else works as well...

Favorites:
As far as favorites go, I've had a few this year that I haven't changed my mind about and I still love. Here ya go:

Living Proof Style Extender

I don't feel like there is a HUGE difference between my hair with our without this until the next day, when it doesn't look like hell. So, there's that.

ELF Studio Brushes

Specifically the flat top powder brush (Think sigma F80) and the kabuki brush

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Okay, this would be on my repurchase list but I haven't ran out yet. I absolutely love this. I am a fan for life. All the things you want in a concealer? Yep. No cakey. No settling. Full coverage. Etc. The price tag blows though. Like $30ish.

Revlon Colorstay Nail Polish

Yeah, if I use a topcoat this lasts without chips for a full week. 'Nuff said.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I literally have used this almost every single day since I purchased it. I use it for a brow filler, also. Matte shades except for "venus" which is a great base and highlighter. The darker colors are great for definition, creases and even a liner.

Flops:
There have been a few things this year that I've purchased either on a whim or by recommendation that frankly suck. And nothing makes me more mad than when I waste my money.

Not Your Mothers Sea Salt Spray

Only use this if you like super tangly hair that is frizzy and doesn't curl or wave at all. Oh, and if you've used this, "crunch" has new meaning to you. Beach Babe? More like Beach, please...

Moroccan Sea Salt Spray

See description for previous spray. Ditto.

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump

People need to freaking stop saying this is good stuff. For short hair? Yeah, it's alright. Long hair? Hello greaseball and crispy roots. Stop saying it's good. Just stop.

Revlon Colorstay Lipliner in Sienna

This sucks.

Tresemme Dry Shampoo

If you like your hair to feel like straw, you should get this.

Here are a few things I'm looking to try this year. Let me know if you've tried any and if I should take the plunge or keep my boots on.

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish

Which shade? Worth the money? Any dupes?

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

I know, I know. Everyone already has it. But...should I, too? Or is it too matte? (If that's possible.)

Prada Candy Perfume

How long does the scent last? I'm not paying that much for perfume that lasts for a half an hour.

Well, happy 2014, everyone. Go ahead and insert something heartwarming and thoughtful about new beginnings >here< if it makes you feel better about this post that really doesn't have a lot of depth. But I don't care...

That's why I wrote it.

-L

Thursday Threads-Black, White and Red

Apparently I've been a fan of the ol' black, white and red combo lately...

Lipstick: Revlon-Coralberry; Zipper Black Blouse: My Sister's Closet Boutique; Booties: Express; Statement Necklace: My Sister's Closet Boutique; Black jeans: Old Navy

Polka Dot Blouse: Kohls c/o Lauren Conrad; Bracelets: Old Navy and Target; Earrings: Old Navy; Leather Leggings: Kohls c/o Vera Wang; Pointed Toe Flats: Express

Birchbox and Ipsy

So, I've been discussing BirchBox and Ipsy with a few of my friends lately, and then yesterday, after posting this picture on Instagram about how much I love that the universe (or UPS, whatever....) sent me my BirchBox and my InStyle on the same day, some of my other friends struck up a conversation on facebook with me about Ipsy and BirchBox.

I have some reviews to do (I'm a slacker and I think it's been since July that I've done an Ipsy vs. BirchBox post), but I wanted to take just a sec and talk about them in general first, and post some links for ya.

I'll start with Ipsy.

Ipsy is pretty great. It is more make up oriented (whereas BirchBox does send makeup but seems to be more hair and skin care oriented than Ipsy is), and I love that each month comes in its own makeup bag. I also feel like the sample sizes are most often not really sample sizes. For example, blush and/or lipgloss is usually full size. Nail polishes are always full size. Eye liner and brow pencils are full size. You get the idea.

Also, Ipsy has links to get discounts on full size items that are sent to you in your bag each month. So if you get something and love it, you can buy a full size at a discount that month!

Ipsy used to not really have much of a points program, but lately they've adopted a system much like BirchBox. You can review the items you get in your Ipsy bag, and you receive points for each item reviewed. After so many points, they send you products. I've received a bracelet (that I adore and wear all the time!!), some OPI nail polish and Urban Decay eye shadow. Right now their points are offering NYX eyeshadow, Benefit mascara and some hair accessories. So, that's pretty rad.

Here is the Ipsy link: http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-hfwytq3dyjp23na 

On to BirchBox.

I love that BirchBox has an amazing points system. For every $10 that you spend (i.e. each month or more if you order full size products), you receive 10 points. You also get 10 points every time you review a product (and each BirchBox has between 4-6 products a month....so that's anywhere from 50-60 points a month). After 100 points you get $10 credit to the BirchBox shop, and you can save up your points. I've got lots of free stuff, people.

Also, BirchBox gives you free shipping on any of the products that came in your package that month, and if you purchase a full size item, they often send you larger than average samples of really great products (like this Living Proof Style Extender. LOVE!!) and they last a long time. I love that their sample sizes are lots bigger than I'd expect.

Here is the BirchBox link: http://birch.ly/17ihbTX 

Both are just $10/month and I love them both!

_L