ethereal

TULAROSA Veda Dress in Peach Parfait.

Love the goddess-like, ethereal feel created with the layers of chiffon and tie straps at the shoulders.

xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Currently digging an all-black palette with metallic pops. Happy Thursday babes!

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xx

{beauty board} babe on a budget

The end of summer is near, meaning it's time to start stocking up on fall fashion, but that definitely doesn't mean that you need to cut corners in the beauty department. Here are 7 products you'll love at get low prices you'll adore!

{1} E.L.F. Studio HD Blush in DIVA {$3.00} This Barbie Pink cream blush adds a pop of bright to your cheeks + works overtime as a hyper-pigmented lippy you'll love!

{2} REVLON Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in RENDEZVOUS {$9.49} Moisturizing balm + lightweight stain make this one a must for summer and beyond.

{3} FORMULA X Electrics in DANGER ZONE {$4.00} Hidden shimmer particles give this coral shimmer a unique twist that's perfect for summer-into-autumn!

{4} OGX Sunkissed Blonde Lemon Highlights Highlight Activating Citrus Oil Mist {$7.99} Coconut oil enhances shine, bringing highlights to life; while the key lime-meets-lemon citrus fragrance transports you to a tropical paradise {no plane ticket needed}.

{5} YES TO Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Brightening Facial Towelette {$5.99} When used in the morning, it wakes you up; when used in the evening/afternoon it removes makeup and makes your skin feel incredibly clean!

{6} WET N WILD FERGIE Eye Shadow Palette in DESERT FESTIVAL {$4.99} The mix of warm orange and brown shimmer and matte shades make this palette the perfect summer-to-fall transition collection.

{7} ST IVES Even & Bright Citrus Scrub {$4.49} Leaves the most luminous glow on skin after use!


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xx

{fashion folio} chic lounge

Sweater: CO Layered Silk and Cashmere-Blend Sweater | Boots: UGG Australia Patten Water Resistant Silkee™ Suede Shearling Cuff Boot | Leggings: Helmut Lang Stretch-Twill Leggings | Lips: tarte LipSurgence™ Matte Lip Tint in Exposed | Earrings: Sole Society Deco Crystal Studs in Crystal | Blush: Too Faced Love Flush Long-Lasting 16-Hour Blush in Baby Love | Nail Polish: e.l.f. Essential Nail Polish in Nude | Eyeshadow: Rimmel London Glam Eye Shadow Quad in Mayfair
A sweater with a unique neckline adds an ultra-chic splash of style to basic black leggings; while shearling cuff boots serve as a carefree, comfy, and supremely cozy conversation piece. A nude creme color on nails elongates fingers, and pairs perfectly with a matte nude lip and dusty nude cheek. Keep accessories simple with a pair of sparkling crystal studs; adding a mauve-y smoky eye to enhance your peepers!

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xx

NOTD: Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Surf Spray

Three coats of Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Surf Spray. Aqua Blue Jelly with Shimmer.

I've been loving blue polishes as of late, so when I spotted Surf Spray in my latest blog swap package from Quinn of Mama Fashionista, I had to put it on - immediately!

You guys, this one is a total winner! The color is so breathtaking if you're looking to capture a splash of summer on your nails. Bonus: it has a soft, clean ocean scent!

The formula was sheer but incredibly easy to work with, and it lasted for days with no chips {just a teeny tiny bit of tipwear}. Highly recommended!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

lips + lashes

Sincerely Jules Lips & Lashes Tee.

Absolutely loving this tee - it's such a playful way to pay homage to your beauty-loving self!

xx

but seriously...we're talking beauty for real {swatches + review}

A few weeks ago, Beauty for Real reached out to me on Instagram regarding their line of products that are focused on illumination and highlighting one's natural beauty, and within a few days I was the proud owner of their Light Up Nail Polish in # 2 Light On Your Toes and their Get Glowing! Cheek Tint and Luminizer in Get Lit / In the Pink. Today I am sharing both of those products with...you.

Four coats of Light Up Nail Polish in # 2 Light On Your Toes. Pale Milky Pink Creme.

I lovelovelove colors like this; but, for some completely inexplicable reason, they never photograph well for me.

Light On Your Toes is a near-dupe of Sundays from the Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London Nail Collection; but is actually more sheer in terms of pigmentation, leaving you with that super chic French Tip look.

The formula is brilliant here! Despite the fact that you need a number of coats, they dry quickly, so you don't wind up with denting {total plus!}. I highlyhighly recommend this beauty if you love sophisticated polishes.

If you follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans, you may have spotted the Get Glowing! Cheek Tint and Luminizer in Get Lit / In the Pink pop up in my #motd posts more than once. That's because I am loving the lit from within, natural glow I've been able to achieve with it - it feels so fresh and perfect for summer {plus, I'm kind of obsessed with the slide-out tray which makes this amazing for on the go!

Both products completely hold fast to the promised illuminating your natural beauty effect, making this line a total win in my book. Can't wait to try more!


xx


Thanks to Beauty for Real for sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Fall feels running through my veins. Happy Friday babes!

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xx

ORLY Adrenaline Rush 4PC Mini Kit Swatches + Review

I've been sneaking peeks at the ORLY Adrenaline Rush 4PC Mini Kit all summer and finally decided to pull the trigger because my nail polish collection was seriously in need of an adrenaline rush, and I simply couldn't resist the gorgeous brights. P.S. the shades are even more brilliant IRL.

Fireball is a Bright Neon Coral Red with Blue Iridescent Shimmer. Excuse me while I Napoleon Dynamite on you - now that's what I'm talking about. Le sigh...this was the color I thought I would like the least from this quartet, but it wound up being my number 1 fave The color is so. perfect for summer; and that blue-meets-purple iridescent shimmer is just TDF. This dries to a matte finish, so top coat is a must. This is 2 coats.

Risky Behavior is a Neon Fuchsia Pink Creme. Come on Barbie, let's go party...ooh, I love this one. There's something about a true Barbie Pink hue that just gives me shivers - and this one is bomb! This is a OCW people. Yes, that is how saturated Risky Behavior is. This one dries completely matte, but top coat gives it that yummy shine! This is 1 coat.

On the Edge is a Neon Blurple Creme. This one seriously surprised me. Judging from the bottle, I thought On the Edge would be similar in shade to OPI's Do You Have This Color In Stock-Holm?, but I found it to be far more navy leaning. Clearly still pretty, but different than I expected. This one dries matte, and, IMO would have looked better with a second coat to really saturate the color. My bad. This is 1 1/2 coats.

Push the Limit is a Neon Peach / Coral / Orange Creme. NOTE: I tried to photograph this when it was semi-dark outside to capture just how neon it is, but photographs truly do not do this color justice. Push the Limit is brilliant if you love practically glow-in-the-dark, can't-look-away nail colors. The formula was a little strange here. I found that it dented and never fully dried, which was kind of a pain {plus, it reminded me a bit of puffy paint}. Again, this dries to a matte finish, so load up on the top coat! This is 3 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA.

PRICE: $16.80 for the 4-Piece Mini Kit; or $8.00 per full-size bottle.


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xx

{fashion folio} glam meets grunge

Sweater: MIU MIU Cashmere Sweater | Boots: SAM EDELMAN Bradley Suede & Leather Pointy Toe Boot in BLACK | Ring: BaubleBar Ice Quad Ring in Clear / Gold | Skirt: Alice + Olivia Evita Pleated Metallic Silk-Blend Skirt | Lipstick: MAYBELLINE Lip Studio Color Blur Lipstick in Fast & Fuchsia | Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff LOVE Quilted Turn-Lock Clutch Bag in BLACK | Eyeshadow: SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful 5 Eyeshadow Palette in N°07 Mild To Wild Khaki {on sale!}
Give a winter pink sweater and icy, pleated midi skirt a tough touch with the addition of conversation-starting black ankle boots, a black quilted clutch, and architectural, rhinestone-laden ring. A fuchsia lip {blurred for a just bitten effect} will turn-heads on lips; while a green-meets-bronze smoky eye will give you a seriously smoldering stare!

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xx

{beauty board} perfect your pucker

A pretty pout is something no one can look away from. Luckily, finding the perfect one to fit your personality and style is easy breezy when you know what type of formula and finish you're aiming for. Go ahead, pucker up and put your best pout forward with one of these ultra-likable products!

{DARING} TOO FACED Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in MELTED VELVET {$21.00} Liquid lipstick in a deep bordeaux hue shows that your fearless + stays in place all. day. long.

{PRETTY} WET N WILD MegaSlicks Balm Stain Moisturizing Lip Color in A STIFF PINK {$2.99} The color is girly and adds a nice pop to your pucker; while the balm-meets-stain formula keeps your lips hydrated!

{HYPER-SHINE} DIOR Rouge Brilliant Lipgloss in DARLING 775 {$35.00} The trio of oils in the formula give your lips hyper-shine that's lightweight and luscious {never gloppy}.

{PLUMPING} N.Y.C. NEW YORK COLOR Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss in BIG CITY BLUSH {$3.60} The plumping effect adds 50% more volume to your pout {no surgery needed}!


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xx

NOTD: Essence The Gel Nail Polish in Don't Be Shy!

Two coats of Essence The Gel Nail Polish in Don't Be Shy! 27. Lime Creme.

I've been digging bright, funky nail colors as of late, so I couldn't resist this beauty from Essence. The fact that it was only $1.99? Icing on the cake.

Don't Be Shy! is perfect in every way. The formula is flawless - reaching pigmentation quickly and having a truly amazing application; but it's the color itself that mesmerizes me. It's brilliant if you're looking for something a little off-kilter for your next mani {and who can resist that during the summer?!}.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

sundays in the summer {sunglasses shop review}

Face Palette: NYX Cosmetics Radiant Finishing Powder in SUNKISSED | Eyeshadow: ColourPop LOVELY | Blush: Cargo Online Only Swimmables Water Resistant Blush in BALI | Lipstick: e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing Lipstick in CORAL CUTIE {c/o} | Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs 463S in HAVANA CRYSTAL LIGHT GOLD A50 {c/o} | Eyeliner: NYC New York Color Liquid Eyeliner in BLACK 887A | Mascara: JULEP Length Matters Wow-Impact Mascara | Perfume: LAVANILA Roller-Ball in VANILLA COCONUT {c/o} | Eyeshadow Primer: e.l.f. Essential Glitter Primer
I've been living in the same pair of oversize sunnies for the past five {yes, five} years because I am way picky about frames - black is too dark for my skintone; aviators don't work with my face shape; big arms bug me...the list goes on and on. When I spotted the Marc by Marc Jacobs 463S in Havana Crystal Light Gold A50, however, all I could think was: could these be my new sunny soulmate? The answer: YES!

SunglassesShop was kind enough to gift these lovelies to me, and le sigh...still swooning over here. They arrived on my doorstep within 24 hours, and literally left the house with me {perkily propped upon my nose} within 10 minutes of taking them out of the box, and haven't left my side since. They fit perfectly in with my sundays in the summer routine of brunching at an outdoor cafe with my besties; but are just as a-ma-zing poolside {the dark lenses are incredibly capable of keeping the sun's harsh rays at bay!}.

You've seen my Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses, now don't forget to enter for a chance to win a pair of your very own {courtesy of Sunglasses Shop}!

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xx


Thanks to SunglassesShop, Lavanila, and e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {july 16, 2015 edition}

I love a good How-To. Usually I’m searching the world wide web for instruction on dry brushing, making eco friendly cleaning supplies, or cutting a pomegranate. Have you seen that one?!

So, I was captivated by all the fashion How To’s this week. IFB bloggers showed how to style scarves, striped pants, chokers, metallics, and flash tattoos, just to name a few. Through all of that, summer continued to be a strong theme with music playlists, vacation travel logs, and reviews of concert wear and museum sneakers.

Links à la Mode, July 16

• A Handful of Stories: 11 Ways to Style a Choker
• Bows & Fringe: 4 Hair Scarf Styles
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Board} The Sunkissed Series
• Chioma’s Evolution of Style: All American Browns!
• Fashion Moriarty: Face Forward | A New Direction?
• Fashion Tales: The Playlist Edit
• Fashion, Trends & More: Street Style | Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well
• Gingham & Grigio: Endless Summer | Your Boho-Chic Go-To
• L’ Artiste: 3 Fashion Personalities You’ll Find at a Summer Picnic
• La Vintage Vida: It Really Was Raining
• Musings of a Fashion Designer: Five Ways to Rock Striped Pants
• Otterly Me: 5 Bags that Every Woman Should Have
• Reasons To Dress: “Signora” - Maturing with Style
• Runaway In LA: Lost in Morocco
• Saccharine Soul: Why You Should Wear Flash Tattoos
• Style Curated: The Rise of Sneaker Culture at The Brooklyn Museum
• Tales of Two: How to Wear Blanket Capes Without Getting Overwhelmed
• The Illusive Femme: What I Wore | The Winter Coat
• V Style: Best Denim Cutoff Shorts - Favorite Spain Outfit
• The Wanderbliss: Unfurled Beauty - Taj Mahal

SPONSOR: Shopbop sale, Yummie, Fuzzi, Private Party, Boho jeans, Sweater Dresses, Standard Issue, Men's Marni, Doucal's, Tarin Thomas, gold clutches, chiffon blouses


xx

nordstrom anniversary sale picks!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to all; as such, I'm bringing you my Top Sale Picks across 5 departments to help you get your shopping on!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

1 | 2 | 3

1 | 2 | 3

1 | 2 | 3

1 | 2 | 3

SHOP BOOTS

SHOP SWEATERS

SHOP JEANS

SHOP BAGS

SHOP DRESSES

xx

beach vibes

{Clockwise from top}

Tropical everythang is legit the only thing on my mind as of late. I'm seriously feeling deep tans, ethereal, luminous pinks, and vivid ocean blues and turquoises - they're insta-vacay inspired, and oh-so swoony. I may not be headed somewhere tropical; but these vibrant beauty + fashion bits are bound to bring tropical vibes to you!
{1} BEAUTY FOR REAL Get Glowing! Cheek Tint and Luminizer in GET LIT / IN THE PINK {$29.00} Open the compact for a mother of pearl luminizer; slide out the bottom for a pretty petal pink blush!

{2} NYC NEW YORK COLOR City Proof 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow in EAST RIVER ROMANCE {$3.49} Wear it all over the lid for a bold beachy blue look, or line your eyes for a subtle ocean smolder.

{3} THE UPSIDE Snapper Printed Neoprene Bikini Top {$108.00} + Moss Printed Neoprene Bikini Briefs {$100.00} The perfect way to hit the surf!

{4} OPI Brights Nail Lacquer Collection in I SEA YOU WEAR OPI {$9.50} The shimmer-infused shade is ideal for capturing a hint of the sea - even when you're surrounded by mountains.

{5} MARC BY MARC JACOBS Mirrored Sunglasses in Crystal / Blue {$98.00} Bright, iridescent lenses are playful with a little throwback flair!

{6} NYC NEW YORK COLOR BB Creme in BRONZED RADIANCE {$3.99} A bronze-toned BB cream adds a hint of sunkissed color while smoothing out skin.

{7} TARGET Chevron Print Canvas Tote Handbag in BLUE {$14.99} The print and color make it perfect for island getaways!


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xx


Thanks to Beauty for Real and NYC New York Color for sponsoring this post!

Ciaté London South Beach Socialite Collection Swatches + Review

The South Beach Socialite Collection is legit the epitome of summer - right down to the full-size COCONUT Top Coat {which leaves behind a long-lasting coconut fragrance that transports you to the tropics}; thus the reason I had to snag it when I spotted it at Sephora. Packaging aside, this little collection featuring 2 mini paint pots, 1 mini glitter paint pot, and 1 full-size coconut top coat is sizzling, and something you'll seriously want to pick-up before your next vacay. Swatch time!

Putting On the Ritz is Rose Gold and Gold Jagged Glitter in a Clear Base. I love jagged glitter pieces as they add such a different vibe to nails than standard round or hexagonal glitter; but Putting On the Ritz totally takes the cake for most unique given the mix of gold and rose gold pieces - which feel so luxe over white polish. You definitely have to dab and pat to get the effect you want - but the results are worth it! Here I'm wearing it over White Heat. This is 1 coat.

White Heat is a White Creme. White Heat is everything a white polish should be - opaque, non-streaky, and tan-enhancing. The formula here is just flawless - always a welcome surprise when you're working with whites; going on smoothly, and looking am-a-zing from the first swipe to the last. This is 2 coats.

Putting On the Ritz is Rose Gold and Gold Jagged Glitter in a Clear Base. Don't let the pictures above confuse you, this is Putting On the Ritz again; only this time, it's topping Deco Delight. These images are proof that, while pretty over any color, Putting On the Ritz definitely comes alive when it's paired with a shade such as white; over Deco Delight, the rose gold glitter really gets lost and jumbled. Again, the dab and pat maneuver was necessary. This is 1 coat.

Deco Delight is a Metallic Nude / Rose Gold Foil. Rose Gold nail colors are my jam, but Deco Delight felt distinctly more metallic nude gold to me {or maybe that's just how my skintone read it}. Deco Delight has an incredible formula - it's v fast-dry, plus it leaves behind zero brush strokes. I think I would have liked this shade a bit more if it had little glitter particles inside {like ORLY's Rage}, but I'm not complaining. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Sephora.

PRICE: $25.00 for the 4-Piece Collection at Sephora.


xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Clearly in the throes of a blue period.

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xx

NOTD: China Glaze Sun Worshipper

Four coats of China Glaze in Sun Worshipper. Searing Neon Orange Creme.

File this one under: impossible to photograph. Seriously. Sun Worshipper looks like a vibrant yellow in natural light {aka these swatches}, but IRL, it's the exact. same. shade as the powdered cheese you find in those Kraft Mac & Cheese boxes. Truth.

The formula here was kind of a pain - even after 4 coats I could see VNL; but, I love this color so much that I'm willing to take the good with the bad. The finish is streaky and 100% matte, so you definitely need to pile on the top coat to add shine and even out the streakiness.

Formula issues aside... you need this color in your life. While I was wearing it, I had completely random guys stop and ask me {and I quote}: what do they call that color?

You know you're wearing something amazing when oblivious guys take notice!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

{beauty board} the sunkissed series...

From nails and lips to eyes and skin you'll find everything you need to sunkiss your life for summer and beyond right here!
EYESThe eyes are the windows to the soul... and one of the simplest ways to sun-kiss your face. Sweep a gold, bronze, or copper shadow all over the lid to prettify your peepers and add a sunny sparkle. Can't decide on which shade to go for? Go from dark to light for one supremely summery #eotd {copper all over the lid and in the crease, bronze along the upper lashline, and gold in the inner corner and on the lower lashline}. Here are 5 options for this uber-metallic {and mesmerizing} makeup look!

{1} e.l.f. Essential Custom Eyes Refill Pan in GOLDEN GLOW #2506 {$0.39}

{2} N.Y.C. New York Color City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in 5TH AVE GOLD RUSH {$6.27}

{3} Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow in MY TWO CENTS! {$20.00}

{4} Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow – Shimmer in N° 81 SUNDAY BRUNCH {$12.00}

{5} Buxom Eyeshadow Bar Single Eyeshadow in GLITZ FACTOR {$12.00}


LIPSA glistening pout is only a swipe of gold-flecked gloss away! Capture a true ray of light on your lips with a soft coral, peach, or pink hue for a your-lips-but-better look that's enhanced in the most summery of ways with gold shimmering particles. Already have a favorite lip color you plan on rocking for the sizzling months? Pick up a gold gloss in a clear base that can be applied over it for a seriously summery smooch!

{1} NARS Lip Gloss in GREEK HOLIDAY {$26.00}

{2} MILANI Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss in LUMINOUS {$4.39}

{3} Ciaté London Lip Lustre High Shine Balm in CALL ME {$17.00}

{4} Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in CANARY {$25.00}

{5} Clinique Long Last Glosswear in SUNSET {$16.00}

{6} tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss in PARK AVE PRINCESS {$19.00}


NAILSWant to summer-fy your tips + toes? The golden ticket is a golden polish. Swap out your spring pastels for metallic shimmers in gold, bronze, and copper shades. The shimmer particles dance in direct sunlight; while the colors themselves work as a perfectly posh neutral - ideal if your workplace frowns on bright lacquers!

{1} YVES SAINT LAURENT LA LAQUE COUTURE Nail Lacquer in 29 DORE ORFEVRE {$27.00}

{2} WHIM Metallics Nail Lacquer Collection in BLING RING {$10.00}

{3} OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in BRISBANE BRONZE {$4.75}

{4} ULTA Salon Formula Nail Lacquer in HIGH ROLLER {$6.00}

{5} NAILS INC. Special Effects Mirror Metallic Nail Polish in STRATFORD {$11.00}

{6} NARS Nail Polish in MILOS {$20.00}

{7} DEBORAH LIPPMANN New York Marquee Collection in AUTUMN IN NEW YORK {$20.00}


SKINA bronze, golden glow is an #fotd must once the temps rise, but doesn't mean you need to slather yourself in self-tanner. The question is: how sunkissed do you want to go? For all-over healthy color, opt for a bronzing primer or bb / cc cream applied under foundation or alone for a subtle golden goddess glow. For sunkiss with a kick {read: total beach babe}, apply a bronzing powder to temple, cheekbones, and chin {the places the sun would naturally hit}. Good to glow!

{1} BECCA Bronzing Skin Perfector {$36.00}

{2} e.l.f. Studio Pressed Mineral Bronzer in TAN TOFFEE {$5.00}

{3} It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Bronzing Cream {$38.00} {Skin-saving bonus: this has SPF 50+}.

{4} Urban Decay Naked Skin Bronzing Beauty Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 20 {$34.00}


SHOP EYES

SHOP LIPS

SHOP NAILS

SHOP SKIN

xx


Thanks to N.Y.C. New York Color and e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!