LOVE reusable bags giveaway!

A few days ago I introduced you to LOVE Reusable Bags, and mentioned that an awesome giveaway was coming up; and today...that Giveaway is officially in action!

cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans has teamed up with LOVE Reusable Bags to bring three {3} readers their very own Stash It style in the boho-rific Bead Me print!

So how does it work? A little like this...



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck babes!

xx

Thanks to LOVE for sponsoring this post!

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {august 28, 2014 edition}

Last Weekend

Labor Day marks the last day of "Summer" even if it's actually September 21st... but who's counting? Oh yeah, EVERYONE! Fashion Month kicks off next week, so everyone get your rest. Get everything you need to be done for regular life done this weekend if you can, because we'll all be glued to the runways for the next month. So now is the time to muse about life and style, to stock up on your Fall wardrobe, and catch up on your magazines... don't know where to start? These links will help!

Links à la Mode: August 28th

• Adorned in Armor: Donate Clothes or Sell Them?
• Al Balsam Life: 4 Back To School Fashion Mistakes
• Buy Any Means Necessary: The Best & Worst Dressed at the Emmys
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: The Ear Cuff
• Charlotte Lucy: Charley May AW14 Campaign
• Chicagoings: 14 Essentials for a Road Trip Weekend
• Couture Crush: Benefit's They're Real! Push-Up Liner Review
• Curvy CEO: Garner Style is #BoycottingTarget. Will you?
• Elisfa: The Denim Issue
• Everyday Starlet: How To: 1940s Inspired Updo
• Fashiony Fab: How to Make Your Nail Polish Last Longer
• My Fashion S/ash Life: African Fashion Connoisseur, Diana Opoti Shows Us How To ‘Buy African’
• Rose and Pine: MAC Eyeshadows and Their Drugstore Dupes
• Style Bizarre: Gall Clothing: Strength, Courage and Modernism
• Style Generis: How to Recreate All 10 of Taylor Swift's Outfits in Shake It Off
• The Daily Luxe: Where does Australian Fashion fit in the Global picture?
• Versatile Journal: DIY Pseudo Pearl Rings
• We Are Ready Made: Love On Top
• Wheeling Along 24: How to Make Mobile Phone Pics Look Like DSLR Photos
• Yours Truly, NY: A Basic Beanie, Four Ways

SPONSOR: Shopbop Soulland, Ryder, R&B Standard Issue, Arpenteur, Officine Generale, MCM Bags, White + OHW?, Spiewak, KSNY Bags, Smith+Mara & 360 Sweater

Want to be featured in Links à la Mode?

1. Read the clarified rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode.
2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code.

xx

reduce, reuse, recycle...with LOVE

I love when fashion gives back; which is why I am so excited to introduce you to LOVE Reusable Bags, which are 100% fashionable + environmentally friendly carryalls offered in an array of styles and prints so that you can find one {or ten} to fit your personality and lifestyle.

The gorgeous pieces you see above are the very ones taking up residence in my personal collection; and, I've got to admit, I kind of can't get enough of them because each style serves it's own essential purpose for my day-to-day. Let's break it down...

Stash It {Anchors Away print} See that little red pouch in the picture? Yeah. It converts into this shoulder bag, which holds up to 35 lbs., clips onto your belt loop, and has become my BFF for weekend trips to the farmer's market. Check out the video below to see how it works:



Love Sack {Love Blanket print} This is the print I was most excited for as it has that free-spirited, surfer, Baja vibe going on that, living in Southern California, I can't get enough of. This one is my favorite for beach days!

Mini Lunch {Canteen Green shade} I'm in the throes of a love affair with army green hues / camo prints; so the fact that this style arrived in the canteen green shade? Fate! This is one of those rare chic lunchbags due to its compact size. I carried my dog's treats in this baby last week when we went to the park. P.S. It looks all sorts of adorable paired with skinny jeans and the 'Original Tall' Rain Boot in Military Red. Trust.

Snack Shack {Pop Art print} Say hello to my new travel makeup bag! There are so many options for how to use this bag; but, for me, I love it as a makeup bag when out and about. It's so simple to toss in your weekender or carry-on and go. It's also made out of neoprene wetsuit material - which I find awesome.

Something not pictured here, but will appeal greatly to fans / supporters of TOMS is the Give Back Sack...

"Our GIVE BACK SACK Program is a way to Spread the LOVE to people in need. World-renowned southern California artist, Chris Gwaltney, has donated an original work which we translated into a custom LOVE print. For every product purchased with the GWALTNEY designed print, we will donate one Stash It™ tote to the Fiji Kinde Project…"

Which LOVE bag are you loving?

Stay tuned for an awesome LOVE Giveaway coming soon!


xx

Thanks to LOVE for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} pink lady

Lipstick: NARS in Schiap | Earrings: BaubleBar Crystal Royal Studs | Shoes: Kate Spade New York Lottie Pump in Rio Pink Napa | Jacket: Finds + CeliaB Donna Sequin-Embellished Wool Jacket | Jeans: J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans | T-Shirt: Topshop Washed Pocket Tee in White | Necklace: BaubleBar Minimal Metallic Pendant in Gold Circle | Nail Polish: NARS in Schiap
A sequin-embellished boucle-inspired jacket and pointy-toe pink pumps are the perfect way to add elegance to a slouchy, plain white tee and skinny jeans. Keep jewelry delicate in the form of simple studs and a dainty pendant necklace for a splash of sophisticated, subtle sparkle; rounding off your pink lady look with a corresponding pink hue on tips + lips!

SHOP THE POST

xx

the ear cuff

Let your jewelry do the talking with fashion world adored ear cuffs that edge up your look while paying homage to delicate femininity. Here are 6 pretty pieces to love {bonus they're all under-$40!}:

STRIKING

1 | 2 | 3


SUBTLE

1 | 2 | 3


SHOP THE POST

xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Last week we had a totally random day of insane thunder, lightning, and hail which only affirmed the fact that fall is coming; making me want to ditch the short-shorts of summer in favor of a more autumn-apropos wardrobe - which brings us to today's inspiration board...

SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: Ciaté Paint Pot in Mojito

Two coats of Ciaté Paint Pot in Mojito. Lime Green Creme.

This right here is one of the most unique nail colors I have ever seen. Though it's officially described as a lime green shade; I'd peg it more as a lime-meets-avocado hue. Somewhat reminiscent of the color of those couches and refrigerators they sold in the 70s.

I love Mojito for fall. The fact that the color is slightly muted {as opposed to being glaringly bright} makes it kind of perfect for the first days of autumn. And the formula is just as perfect. Opaque, self-leveling, creamy, and, like Beach Hut, virtually chip-proof!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx
FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Paint Pot in Mojito was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Ciaté Shell Manicure Collection Review

Since we are fast approaching the final days of summer, I thought now would be the perfect time to recap one of my favorite mani collections released for summer 2014...Ciaté's Shell Manicure sets in She Sells Seashells, Wish Upon A Starfish, and Ciaté Mermaid You Look. So without further ado...

She Sells Seashells is a pink multicolor duo that contains one Paint Pot creme polish {Candy Floss}, and one Paint Pot Effect {multicolored crushed seashells in She Sells Sea Shells}; allowing you the artistic freedom to create a beachy mani all your own.

I didn't feel like going full out with my first shell attempt, but I wanted more than an accent nail; so I did the next best thing...2 accent nails. It doesn't sound like much, but it definitely allows you to show off the multicolored goodness of the shell effect. Let's take a look...

Le sigh...no, seriously; when I look at this mani, I'm just completely in love. It's perfection.

You may remember me featuring Candy Floss a few months back in Part 2 of my Mini Mani Month Set Review, and my thoughts about the quality have not changed...it's still flawless in every sense of the word {not to mention the ultimate Barbie pink}. It reminds me a bit of Essie's Cascade Cool in that, in shade, subtle lavender undertones show up. The formula here was good. With a heavy hand, this could probably be a one coater. This is 2 coats.

She Sells Sea Shells, the Effects Paint Pot, consists of crushed seashells in a wide variety of shades ranging from iridescent Seafoam and Lavender, to Amber and Rose Pink that color shift and sparkle in the light or whenever you move your hand / fingers. The pieces range in size and shape - some being large and jagged and others being ground to pearlescent dust. It's an ethereal combination of colors that is insanely hard to stop staring at.

Wish Upon A Starfish is a holographic white duo that contains the Paint Pot holographic polish Halo, and the Paint Pot Effect Wish Upon A Starfish {which consists of white iridescent shell bits}.

Since I did a double accent nail for my first Seashell Mani, I decided to go full out with Wish Upon A Starfish. My thoughts...

Halo is an iridescent, holographic polish that is predominately lilac / purple in hue; but has a color shift that moves from pale pink to baby blue. It is absolutely mesmerizing to look at; though, obviously, you can't see it here because it is covered in crushed seashells. One of my primary reasons for that nail art decision was...Halo is completely transparent. It serves best as a top coat over another polish as, even with multiple coats, it doesn't build in opacity. I used 2 coats.

Wish Upon A Starfish is the Effects Paint Pot. While She Sells Sea Shells featured a variety of Rock Candy-esque colored shades; the crushed seashells found in Wish Upon A Starfish are white with a beige/yellow/off-white undertone that mimics the interior color of a seashell. An incredibly accurate likeness, if I do say so myself.

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

This is one of the most brilliant summer nail ideas I have ever seen - and such a fun way to add sparkle to your fingertips without the use of glitter.

I was expecting a texture similar to that of Ciaté's Caviar Effect; however, the texture and look of these is actually very similar to that of Rock Candy. While the shell pieces look jagged and scratchy, they aren't - you simply have to make sure that no effect pieces are sticking out around the edges or at the nail tip {I gently ran a glass nail file around my nail to ensure that everything was on the nail bed before applying top coat}.

If you're looking for a fancy mani that's a little bit flirty and a lot of fun, I truly cannot recommend these enough. They would be perfect for a beach party, right?

SHOP THE POST

xx

FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Shell Manicure in She Sells Seashells, Wish Upon A Starfish, and Mermaid You Look were provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

to the street...

xx{pictures via}

navy...

Navy is the it color for fall; and, luckily, it's just as wearable {and pair-able} as your basic black - embracing the same chic sophistication that will seamlessly take your look to new heights. Here are 7 of my personal favorites {Clockwise from Top Right}.
Kate Spade New York Emerald Cut Studs in Navy {$38.00}

Topshop Speckle Print Scarf in Navy Blue {$36.00}

Joie Dalton Suede Booties in Denim {$325.00}

RGB Nail Polish in Nightfall {$18.00}

Sole Society Stefani Modified T-Strap Heel in New Navy {$69.95}

Rebecca Minkoff Love Cross Body Bag in Ink {$295.00}

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Giove {$29.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

{fashion folio} double denim

EYEKO Alexa Chung Eye Do Lash Enhancing Mascara in Carbon Black + Sole Society Smythe Oversized Thick Rim Sunglasses in Black + Joie 'Jaclyn' Sandal in Leopard Haircalf + J. Crew Keeper Denim Shirt + Forever 21 Lip & Cheek Stain in Flushed + Kenneth Jay Lane Cushion Cut Studs in Clear + Frame Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne Crop Mid-Rise Jeans + MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Large TZ Satchel in Black
An oversize denim button-up goes from borrowed-from-the-boys to ultra-chic when paired with skinny jeans and undeniably sassy leopard-print sandals. Blinged-out studs and feline-inspired oversize sunglasses add glam; while a classic black satchel keeps your musts close at hand. Create lashes for days with a black volumizing mascara; intensifying your wide-eyed-fresh-faced look with a rosy lip + cheek stain.

SHOP THE POST

xx

currently crushing...

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
A little mid-week inspiration to get you to the weekend. Happy Wednesday!

SHOP THE POST

xx

{beauty board} waterproof your mascara

Whether you're planning an evening spent poolside, or merely stepping out in a rainstorm, there's no need to ditch your go-to mascara - simply waterproof it with a clear top coat. It's an effective way to keep those dreaded raccoon eyes at bay; plus it works overtime by taming unruly brows. Natch!

Clockwise from Top Right
{1} Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat {$21.00}

{2} e.l.f. Studio Waterproof Mascara Top Coat {$3.00}

{3} Ulta Raincoat Waterproof Mascara Topcoat {$10.00}

{4} sugar My Lashes Are Sealed Waterproof Transparent Top Coat Mascara {$16.00}

{5} bareMinerals Locked & Coated™ Waterproof Lash Topcoat {$12.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

FTC Disclosure: Sugar's My Lashes Are Sealed Waterproof Transparent Top Coat Mascara was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

NOTD: Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Sugar Rush

Three coats of Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Sugar Rush. Silver, Blue, Pink, Purple, and White Glitter in a Milky Pink Base..

Sugar Rush is like the fraternal twin to sugar's Sprinkles On Top. Both shades have the same shades of glitter; however, the base color of Sugar Rush is a very pale, milky pink {think Essie Mademoiselle or Ballet Slippers}, whereas Sprinkles On Top leans more lavender.

This is another shade that feels fit for a tea party - it's just so dainty and girly. What I really love about this color is that the base is sheer {though reaches opacity fairly quickly}, making each coat slightly translucent, so you can see the glitter from each layer peeking through - it creates an awesome jelly sandwich type of vibe. If you're seeking something feminine and fun, I highly recommend!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

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

the tailored biker jacket...

BLANKNYC Faux Leather Jacket

The tailored aesthetic is so posh; while the allover zip accents are perfectly edgy.

xx

inspo

xx

{pictures via}

currently crushing...

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Happy Friday babes! Today I'm inspired by...the weekend {that's what Friday's will do to you}; thus, this board is all about comfy chic - from cotton candy colored drapey tees to pink lips and cute ballet flats. In other words...the essentials.

SHOP THE POST

xx

the neutral ankle boot

If model off-duty ensembles and street style looks have taught you anything, it's that your shoe collection should be home to many, many pairs of neutral-colored ankle boots. Why? They work with anything and everything in your wardrobe; and maintain the versatility to keep you looking chic through all 4 seasons. Here are 8 of my favorite finds:

1 / 2 / 3 c/o / 4

5 / 6 / 7 / 8 c/o


SHOP THE POST

xx

mark Nail This Look Nail Lacquer and Bracelet Set Review

While other mark nail sets as of late {i.e. the Nail This Look Nail Lacquer and Flip-Flop Set} have been a mix of bright and neutral nail shades; the latest duo known as the Nail This Look Nail Lacquer and Bracelet Set brings double the bright with not one, but two neon hues; plus a corresponding stack of neon and rhinestone-encrusted bracelets for creating a fierce arm party - all of which is perfect for celebrating the final days of summer!

Pink Spark {left} and Orange Blast {right} are the electrifying colors you'll find in this duo. As neons they dry to a semi-matte, latex-like finish; and, bonus, they are both jellies {total surprise}! NOTE: Both of these colors are far brighter IRL.

Pink Spark is a Neon Coral Red Jelly. In the bottle, Pink Spark looks like a neon pink; but it definitely reads coral red on me - still beautiful. The formula on Pink Spark is very, very sheer; however, it builds beautifully to opacity. This is 4 coats.

Orange Blast is a Neon Orange Jelly. Surprisingly, Orange Blast was my favorite shade of the two - there's something about the color coupled with the jelly finish that makes me think of Creamsicles, Jelly Sandals, and Tiger Lilies - all very summer-apropos memories from childhood. Like Pink Spark, Orange Blast is sheer; however, it is richer in hue, so it built to opacity with less coats. This is 2 coats.

What do you think of this duo?

xx

FTC Disclosure: The mark Nail This Look Nail Lacquer and Bracelet Set was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

{fashion folio} denim on denim

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in 20 Shiny Perfect Nude + Sam Edelman 'Louie' Boot in Tan Suede + Marc by Marc Jacobs Aviator Sunglasses in Gold + Mih Jeans The Double Pocket Denim Shirt + Rag & Bone Mila Cut-Off Denim Shorts + Essie She Said Yes + Alexander Wang Rockie Duffel Bag in Oyster
Embrace the always chic ensemble known as the Canadian tuxedo with a lightwash denim button-up {slouchy boyfriend fit a must} paired with darkwash cut-off denim shorts. Suede fringe ankle boots add a cute, bohemian touch; while a stud-embellished carryall is a little bit rock 'n' roll. White nails are a fresh finish - especially when coupled with a sand-colored gloss, and a messy bun. As the final touch, slip on a timeless pair of aviator sunnies. Good to go!

SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: Ciaté Paint Pot in Beach Hut

Two coats of Ciaté Paint Pot in Beach Hut from the Bottled Sunshine Nail Polish Collection. Fiery Metallic Rust.

Beach Hut is a bit of a conundrum {and I mean that in the most awesome way, because it's very unique}. It has a metallic finish; yet it's too dark to be bronze or copper. In my opinion, it's the color of bottled bronzer and the fall season {specifically, October / November}. So yes...amazing - especially in sunlight.

The formula is fab! Despite the fact that this shade is jam-packed with sparkle, and has a bit of a frosty finish; it never falls victim to streakiness. All it takes is two coats {that are super fast-dry}, and you're good to go for {from my experience} at least 5 days without chips or tipwear {even if you use your hands a lot}!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Paint Pot in Beach Hut was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

$50.00 AMIClubwear Gift Card Giveaway + Review!

Shopping is always a good idea - especially when Gift Cards are involved. And in this case...one {1} is!

Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans has partnered with AMIClubwear to make your next shopping spree a little sweeter with a $50.00 Gift Card good towards anything on AMIClubwear.com {from sassy faux leather skater skirts to super cute sunnies}. The choice is all yours!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now that you've entered to win, take a peek at the AMIClubwear product I chose to review...the Black White Faux Leather Stylish Tote Handbag. So fab, yes?

Seriously loving this bag right now. It's the perfect size for day-to-day - featuring a spot for all of my not so necessaries. It's very much a Céline lookalike - which was the main motivation for my selection. The black and white colorblock makes it a perfect choice for pairing with monochromatic looks {not to mention it's extremely sophisticated}; and I'm a huge fan of the detachable crossbody strap {so convenient for hands-free shopping}. Maybe you'll pick this pretty if you're the winner?
Good luck lovers!

xx

{picture via}


Thanks to AMIClubwear for sponsoring this post.

20 Facts...

A couple of weeks ago, I was tagged by @victoriabrantesmakeup on Instagram {if you haven't checked out her feed, I highly recommend - she is an amazing MUA} to share 20 Facts about myself. If you Follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans, you likely saw me post these responses there; but I thought I'd share them here as well, because it's always fun to get to know more about someone. Also... I tag all of you - if you'd like to share 20 Facts about yourself go for it {and leave a link to your post in the comments!}.
1} I'm still waiting for my letter from Hogwarts.

2} Nail polish saved me from my heinous nail biting problem.

3} I have my BA in Psychology + my Master's in Business Administration.

4} Brunch is my favorite no other mealtimes need exist.

5} San Diego is one of my favorite cities.

6} I adore James Herriot.

7} Online shopping is my obsession - I actually prefer it over in-store shopping.

8} I am the biggest animal lover; and have extensive conversations with my cats + dog all. the. time.

9} I am slightly obsessed with Ash Bowie Wedge Sneakers.

10} I would love to go back to school to get my BS in Biological Sciences + attend Veterinary School.

11} I love Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - her street style is tops.

12} When I was 12, my deaf cat {Snowflake} and I were featured in ASPCA Animaland magazine for Adopt A Cat Month.

13} I didn't wear makeup or high heels until I was halfway through college.

14} I dance. A lot.

15} My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving {I find it sad that it oftentimes gets lost in the hysteria of Halloween + Christmas}.

16} I don't watch TV; and haven't had cable in forevs.

17} Books are my BFF - you will rarely find me without one.

18} I only just got my driver's license at the end of February {total late bloomer}.

19} I was the biggest tomboy growing up.

20} I love a smoky eye / nude lip combo.

xx

{pictures via}