{beauty board} popsicle pucker

Flash a poolside-perfect pout with a brightly pigmented lip stain that adds a just-ate-a-popsicle tint to your pucker; without the waxiness of a lipstick, or stickiness of a gloss.

Clockwise from Top
{1} By Terry Aqualip Jelly Tint: Water-Rouge Gel Lip Reviver - 101: Dancefloor Flirt {$35.00}

{2} Tarte LipSurgence™ Matte Lip Tint in Lively {$24.00}

{3} SEPHORA COLLECTION Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color in Coral {$16.00}

{4} NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl {$25.00}

{5} Revlon ColorBurst Balm Stain in Rendezvous {$8.99}

{6} e.l.f. Studio Lip Stain in Fashionista {$3.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

{fashion folio} jet set

Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses in Black + BaubleBar Metallic Equestrian Bangle in Silver + Dooney & Bourke 'Extra Large' Carryall Tote in Brown + Justin L2561 in Tan + James Perse The Daily Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Tank + Topshop MOTO Bleach Wash Leigh Jeans in Bleach Stone + Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Glint of Mint + mark Mini Flat Iron
Get a glam, jet set look with the very model off-duty plain white tank and lightwash skinny jeans. Distressed cowboy boots add a touch of country grunge; while a pair of ever-cool aviator sunnies contribute a rock chic vibe. A monogrammed carryall keeps your essentials close at hand in the most luxurious of fashions; and provides a home for a mini flat iron made to keep your strands sleek at all times. Add a simple yet striking color to your basic look with a mint green polish; rounding things off with an equestrian-inspired bracelet.

SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

#NSale Top Picks!

The Nordstrom Annual Sale is one of my favorite events of the year. I'm a little late to the retail party this year; but plenty of goodies are still available - here are my top Bootie, Boot, Bag, and Beauty picks:
The Booties

DV by Dolce Vita 'Cactus' Studded Bootie in Taupe {$99.90}; Joe's 'Abby' Cutout Leather Bootie in Black {$132.90}; H by Hudson 'Encke' Bootie (Online Only) in Navy Multi {$196.90}; BP. 'Train' Wrap Belted Bootie in Chocolate / Chocolate {$79.90}


The Boots

Steve Madden 'Carrter' Knee High Leather Boot in Cognac Leather {$133.90}; MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Hayley' Leather Boot in Black / Mocha {$216.90}; Circus by Sam Edelman 'Tatum' Over The Knee Boot in Walnut {$149.90}


The Bags

Dooney & Bourke 'Chelsea' Nubuck Leather Tote in Brown Nubuck {$279.90}; Rebecca Minkoff 'Amorous' Studded Satchel in Black {$250.90}; Loeffler Randall 'Work' Tote in Nude / Black {$398.90}


The Beauty

NARS 'Schiap' Lip & Nail Set {$66 Value} {$52.00}; Bobbi Brown 'Nude on Nude' Color Set {$208 Value} {$85.00}; Ciaté 'Sundae Best' Paint Pot Trio {$45 Value} {$25.00}

Have you shopped the Nordstrom Annual Sale yet? Which of these items would you love to scoop up?


SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

NOTD: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in In Prompt Blue

One coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in In Prompt Blue. Cobalt Blue Creme.

In Prompt Blue is a gorgeous cobalt blue hue that comes packed with aggravation. The formula itself is thick and gloppy making application a tiring battle that you truly cannot win - while it does even out; the dry time, due to the thick formula, takes forever.

The other complication with application is the wide brush, which I find impossible to work with. I have small hands / fingers, and the wide brush winds up painting my cuticles and the skin flanking the nail {not the simplest thing to clean up}.

Yes, the polish color is beautiful; but the frustration of the formula and application issues render it a disappointment. I'm hoping to have better luck with future Insta-Dri nail colors.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: I received Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in In Prompt Blue from Sally Hansen in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

burberry vibes...

Forever 21 Floral Crochet Skirt in Pink

Burberry vibes with a Forever 21 pricetag, amiright?

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

inspo

xx

{pictures via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

pretty things...

...because weekends aren't complete without an element of lovely
{Clockwise from Top}:
{1} Maybelline Color Sensational Color Whisper Lipcolor in Lust for Blush {$7.49}

{2} Maybelline Color Sensational Color Whisper Lipcolor in Petal Rebel {$5.99}

{3} Maybelline Color Sensational Color Whisper Lipcolor in Oh La Lilac {$5.99}

{4} Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara in Black {$23.00}

{5} Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll in Black {$30.00}

{6} Stila Volume III: The Impressionist Palette from the Masterpiece Series Eye & Cheek Set {$21.99}

{7} Alexa Chung IT {$30.00}


SHOP THE POST

Follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans to see more of my makeup of the day faves.

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: Alexa Chung's 'IT' was provided to me by PENGUIN Books for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

the shirtdress

It's the wardrobe staple that will simplify your life {there's nothing worse than wardrobe malfunctions in the AM}, chic-ify your style, and make you feel like a model off-duty at the very same time. Here are 6 of my favorites pieces:

alice + olivia Carol Button Down Dress in Earth {$198.00}; T by Alexander Wang Cotton Poplin Long Sleeve Shirtdress in White {$350.00}; Rebecca Taylor Dip Dye Shift Dress in Biscuit / Lush {$350.00}

And B Cammy Hidden Placket Dress in Fuschia / Rose {$150.00}; Vince Shirred Shoulder Shirtdress in White {$275.00}; DKNY Long Sleeve Button Thru Shirtdress in Black {$295.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

Ciaté Shell Manicure in Mermaid You Look Review

I've shown you Ciaté's Shell Manicure in She Sells Seashells and Ciaté's Shell Manicure in Wish Upon A Starfish; and today I have the Ciaté Shell Manicure in Mermaid You Look for your viewing pleasure.

Mermaid You Look is a dusty purple duo that contains the Paint Pot Pillow Fight, and the Paint Pot Effect Mermaid You Look {which consists of dusty purple iridescent shell bits}.

Since I did a double accent nail for my first Seashell Mani, and a full out, 10-finger mani for my second Seashell feature; I decided to do a triple accent for Mermaid You Look, because these Seashell Mani sets are truly too pretty for a single accent.

You may remember Pillow Fight from my Ciaté Mini Mani Month Set Review {Part 2}. Pillow Fight is a Delicate Gray with Lilac Undertones. In the bottle, the shade looks far darker than it appears on the nail; which was a happy surprise, as pale grays are my preference. The first coat is streaky; but the color and opacity completely level out after the second coat is applied. In sunlight you will definitely see the presence of the lilac undertones, which add a little more dimension to the shade, and make it even more beautiful to look at. This is 2 coats.

Mermaid You Look is the Effects Paint Pot. The crushed seashells in this set match the Pillow Fight Paint Pot perfectly in that they are a dusty gray / purple in hue with the prettiest silver iridescent shift.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Surprise! The reason why I used Mermaid You Look as my final Shell Mani wasn't because I was saving the best for last; rather, I thought it would be my least favorite of the three. But..., and this is the reason for that opening paragraph exclamation, it wound up being my # 1 favorite. I love when that happens.

Texture-wise, the crushed seashells of Mermaid You Look are nearly identical to She Sells Sea Shells - from my personal experience I found the seashells in Wish Upon A Starfish slightly more jagged and chunky {perhaps because they were closer to their natural state than the colored sets}.

Mermaid You Look has an incredibly sophisticated flair. It's like workplace-apropos nail art that will definitely give your co-workers {or besties} something to talk about {or swoon over}.

SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Shell Manicure in Mermaid You Look was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

{fashion folio} wanderer

Urban Outfitters Twisted Straw Cowboy Hat + Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Mini Natasha Bag in Infrared + Sole Society Tribal Cuff Bracelet in Gold + Topshop Viscose Marl Tee in Orange + Topshop MOTO Rosa Denim Hotpants in Mid Stone + Forever 21 Ultimate Natural Eye Palette in Natural / Light Pink + Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara in Black + Dolce Vita Noralee Fringe Booties in Taupe
Go full-out bohemian chic with a slouchy basic tee paired with cuffed denim shorts and a taupe-toned fringe bootie {made all the more free-spirited with a playful peep-toe}. A cowgirl hat placed atop air-dried locks is luxuriously laid-back; while an electric crossbody adds a bright touch. Make your peepers pop with a neutral smoky eye; layering on the black mascara for a doe-eye effect. Round out your look du jour with a simple yet significant tribal cuff.

SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

NOTD: Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Cookies n' Cream

One coat of Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Cookies n' Cream. Black and White Hexagonal, Bar-Shaped, and Micro-Glitter in a Clear Base.

It looks like I paint-splattered, yes? Love! It's very Jackson Pollock.

Cookies n' Cream is entirely necessary to your polish collection if you're a fan of graffiti art because it seriously creates that effect on the nail {which makes me absolutely adore it}. The mixed-shaped glitter is awesome, as it creates a very haphazard, artsy look that is so cool.

This one dispenses beautifully. In just one coat you have perfectly placed glitter without having to do the whole dab technique. Here, I'm wearing it over Ciaté's Play Date; but it would look brilliant over just about any shade.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: I received SUGAR's Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Cookies n' Cream from Sugar Brand in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

plaid 2.0

Free People Gauzy Plaid Lace Up Button Down Top

The Ivory Combo and cutout shoulders give it such a chic feel.

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

weddings in the windy city!

Little compares to a city wedding. They're glamorous, unpredictable, and, let's be completely honest here, a literal stone's throw from all semblance of fabulousness. One of my personal favorite cities is...Chicago; thus, I am loving the Dresswe cheap special occasion dresses hot sales, which have put together a list of the most popular wedding dresses for windy city I do's {Dresswe 2014 cheap wedding dresses Chicago online promotion}. Here are 5 of my favorites!

Sumptuous Trumpet/Mermaid Sweetheart Chapel Dasha's Wedding Dress with Beadings
{It has such a couture flair!}

Gorgeous Capped Mermaid Empire Beads Court Train Lace Wedding Dress
{Truly a gown fit for a royal, amiright?}

Fancy Trumpet/Mermaid Sleeveless Matte Ruched Sweetheart Court Train Wedding Dress
{The Old Hollywood Glamour is impossible to resist and Princess is just brilliant!}

Glamorous Empire Sweetheart Floor-Length Watteau Train Tulle Aleksander's Wedding Dress
{The juxtaposition between Greek Goddess and regal Princess is exquisite}

Brilliant Trumpet/Mermaid Strapless Chapel Train Flowers Angerika's Color Wedding Dress
{My favorite of the lot - there's something quite captivating about a colored gown, don't you think?}
Do you have a favorite?

xx

{pictures via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with DressWe.com. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

all fringe everything

Update your wardrobe with a 70s throwback swish a la hippie-esque fringe. It's the perfect embellishment for summer through fall; adding just the right amount of flirt to everything from handbags to booties. {Clockwise from Top Right}.
TOPSHOP **Fringed Leather Jacket by Kate Moss for Topshop in Navy Blue {$370.00}

Forever 21 Down To Earth Fringe Necklace in Coral / Ivory {$8.80}

Aquazzura Sasha Fringed Suede Ankle Boots {$995.00}

Oscar de la Renta Ombre Tassel Clip On Earrings in Violet {$395.00}

Dolce Vita Noralee Fringe Booties in Taupe {$188.95}

Antik Batik Bertil Fringed Suede Drawstring Bag in Chocolate Suede {$360.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

Ciaté Mini Mani Month Set Review {Part 3}

It has been a long time coming; but today I am finally bringing you Part 3 {the conclusion} of the Ciaté Mini Mani Month Set {see Part 1 here and Part 2 here}. Part 3 is all about the cremes; so whether you're seeking a holiday-specific shade or looking for a new everyday favorite, I'm positive you'll fall in love with one {or all} of these 7 colors. Swatch time!

Ivory Queen {Day 14}

Ivory Queen is a Nude / Peach Creme with Subtle Gold Shimmer. This is similar to Ciaté Members Only. The shimmer is less discernible here, however, and the color itself is slightly darker {more peachy pink}. Ivory Queen is a great neutral shade for all skintones. The café au lait vibe of the color makes it extremely wearable; while the nearly invisible shimmer adds that extra something something that makes it a must if you love the nearly naked nail look. Formula here is perfect - creamy, non-streaky, and smooth. This is 3 coats.

Chinchilla {Day 16}

Chinchilla is a Pale Gray with Baby Blue Undertones. Chinchilla is, technically, gray like Ciaté Pillow Fight; but the two shades are very different. Chinchilla is paler in overall hue, and could easily be mistaken for a baby blue shade in certain lights; whereas Pillow Fight is darker and, at times, comes off as lilac. Both gorgeous shades in their own right; but not dupes. The formula on this...heaven. Totally no muss, no fuss. It had the same type of no fail vibe that is usually exclusive to textured polishes, in that it was ultra-cooperative and super simple to work with. Love this beauty! This is 2 coats.

Tweed and Tails {Day 18}

Tweed and Tails is a Moss Green Creme. This one is perfect for fall - it's very chic in an urban jungle way. Formula-wise, Tweed and Tails is a gem. It reaches almost complete opacity in just one coat {I did use 2 coats here to keep things even}; and is very user-friendly. If you're a fan of muted, borderline masculine nail shades you'd enjoy this. This is 2 coats.

Starlet {Day 20}

Starlet is a Purple / Green Duochrome. This pretty reminds me exactly of the peacock eyes Pat McGrath created for the Roberto Cavalli Fall / Winter 2012 runway. Thus, even though shimmers aren't usually my thing, I'm seriously digging this duochrome. The color shift from purple to green is subtle yet so striking - definitely intense in an understated way. The formula was fantastic - brushstrokes are invisible, and the coverage is great. Highly recommended if you're looking for something unique. This is 2 coats.

Note: Please excuse the bubbles / bumps. They in no way reflect the quality of the polish; and were actually caused by my top coat - which is, apparently, ready for retirement.

Fit For A Queen {Day 21}

Fit For A Queen is a Metallic Silver. I'm not a big fan of metallics; but this is a holiday collection so of course a few shiny shades would be included. Fit For A Queen is beautiful to look at - and apply! The formula was fantastic. It is super simple to work with; having no visible brushstrokes and leaving you with a smooth, even finish. This is 2 coats.

Hopscotch {Day 22}

Hopscotch is a Bright Burnt Orange. This color though...I die. I just absolutely love it; which is the rarest thing for me to say, seeing as how I usually have an aversion to orange / red nail colors. But this one...total stunner. Despite being a darker shade, the first coat is quite transparent; but it quickly builds to full opacity. This shade would be stellar for August / September because it has that burnt, morphing from summer to fall vibe going on. This is 3 coats.

Play Date {Day 24}

Play Date is a Coral-Leaning Bright Pink. This shade reminds me a lot of mark's Raspberry Framboise - which I loved; so you know how I feel about Play Date. This reads slightly more red on me than it does coral or pink; but that doesn't make it any less spectacular. The formula was fab - smooth, non-streaking, and quickly opaque. If you love red, this is a great summertime version. This is 2 coats.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I bought this set right after Christmas for the novelty factor {seriously, what beauty lover can resist a nail polish Advent Calendar?}, having never tried Ciaté before. Here we are, 7 months later, and Ciaté is now one of my Top 3 Favorite polish companies.

For me, the appeal of this set was the sample-like feel - you get 18 Mini Paint Pots and 6 Mini Effects Paint Pots for a little over $50.00, which is a brilliant deal when you take into consideration the fact that single, full-size Paint Pots from Ciaté run $15.00 per bottle. So yes, amazing deal price-wise; and quality is definitely not too shabby either.

The colors in this collection appear fairly commonplace for the polish world - in fact, they would make a nice starter set for a novice nail polish collector; however, each shade retains something unique that makes it a must for your mani stash {from the gray-meets-baby-blue Chinchilla to the sheer, peachy/nude shimmer known as Members Only}.

The quality of the formula is what impressed me the most. Not once did these polishes chip or show visible tipwear - regardless of how much I cooked, cleaned, texted {you know how that wreaks havoc on manis}...It's rare to find quality like that in polish {no matter what the price tag}; and, ultimately, clinched the deal for me. I will definitely be investing in this year's Ciaté Mini Mani Month Set.

SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

{fashion folio} borrowed from the boys

Sole Society Square Bangle in Gold + BAUBLEBAR Gold Geo Ear Jackets + Jimmy Choo Willis Leopard-Print Calf Hair Pumps + 1205 Ribbed Cotton Shirt + Sole Society Thin Layering Bangle in Gold + RIMMEL LONDON Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara in Black + Helmut Lang Stretch-Leather Leggings + Sole Society Cutout Chevron Bangle in Gold + Too Faced Full Bloom Crème Blush Cheek & Lip Rouge in Tea Rose
Chic up a crisp, borrowed-from-the-boys white button-down by pairing it with body-hugging black leather leggings and killer leopard-print pumps. Of-the-moment ear jackets add sparkle and a subtle statement; while a stack of gold bangles in assorted shapes and sizes help to personalize the look. Layer on the black mascara for lush, look-at-me doe eyes; completing your no-fuss makeup look with a natural flush on cheekbones and lips.

SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

{beauty board} sporty flush

Score a fresh-from-the-gym flush with a rosy-hued cream blush applied on the apples of cheeks for a look that's equal parts sporty, feminine, and decadently dewy.

Clockwise from Top
{1} Clarins Blush Crème in 03 Grenadine {$30.00}

{2} Too Faced Full Bloom Crème Blush Cheek & Lip Rouge in Prim & Poppy {$21.00}

{3} Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Hot Tamale {$7.05}

{4} MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush in 410 {$26.00}

{5} BOBBI BROWN Pot Rouge For Lips And Cheeks in Calypso Coral {$27.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

NOTD: Ciaté Paint Pot in Mango Martini

Three coats of Ciaté Paint Pot in Mango Martini from the Sun Catcher Nail Polish Collection. Autumn Orange.

Hello gorgeous.

You guys, I'm in love with this shade. It feels so strange to say that because it's orange {not the type of color I usually gravitate towards}; but it's so brilliant!.

Mango Martini is very much a wear-it-now-wear-it-later shade that seamlessly works for summer or fall {tell me it doesn't make you think of Thanksgiving}. The formula is phenomenal. It's creamy, breathtakingly beautiful, and lasts forever. No, seriously...six days later, there was no tipwear, and no chips...just the same loveliness that had been present since Day 1. I cannot recommend this shade enough.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Mango Martini was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

#AriaNightOut dinner at sage

When Vegas.com contacted me about their #AriaNightOut promo, I knew I had to participate - after all, as a SoCal resident, Vegas is like a second home; and while I have never visited the stunning resort known as the Aria, I can tell you that, from pictures alone, I kind of want to visit {and never leave}. Which brings me back to #AriaNightOut.

The Aria is home to dining, dancing, and amazing shows {Cirque du Soleil, anyone}; thus, for the #AriaNightOut Challenge, I was asked to choose an Aria venue, and put together an apropos ensemble for the occasion. I selected dinner at Sage...

Swoon-worthy, right? Given the ultra-glamorous vibes found at Sage, I knew that my look would have to be downright chic and sophisticated - and I think it most definitely is.

OPI Coca-Cola by OPI Nail Lacquer Collection in You're So Vain-illa + Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry Small Open Circle Necklace in Gold + Gorjana Desti Cuff Bracelet in Gold + Equipment Signature Washed-Silk Shirt + The Row Moto Stretch-Leather Skinny Pants + Rachel Zoe Quills Set of 2 Rings in Gold / Crystal + Stuart Weitzman Nudist Single Band Sandals in Black + MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Large TZ Satchel in Black
What would YOU wear for dinner at Sage?


SHOP THE POST

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Vegas.com. All opinions expressed herein are my own.