cheers to nye!

Happy New Year's Eve pretties!

xx

Holiday Swap with Carrie of Couture Carrie!

Carrie of Couture Carrie just gets me, which is why I consider her my blogging bestie, and literally wait all. year. long. to take part in our holiday tradition of swapping! Tbh I've been browsing for prezzies for this swap since last year, and could not wait to ship my box out {or receive mine}; and let me tell you, the wait was so worth it!

Trinket Tray: Jonathan Adler Zebra Dish in BLACK/WHITE | Lipstick: ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in MONDAY | Lip Gloss: Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss in CORALINE | Makeup Brush: Avon Pro Kabuki Brush | Blush/Bronzer: e.l.f. Cosmetics Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder | Notepad: Brittany Fuson Paper Notepad in MO

I've been eyeing this Jonathan Adler Zebra Dish in BLACK/WHITE for ages {seriously though...I've included it in no less than 3 holiday gift guides in the past 2 years!}, and it's finally mine! Also pertinent? I worship Brittany Fuson illustrations so this notepad is everything!

Curious about the makeup? ColourPop Cosmetics Ultra Matte Lip is shade Monday; Smashbox Cosmetics' Be Legendary Lip Gloss is shade Coraline. I love the way the latter looks layered over the former {yes, I've already tried it}, and when paired with this e.l.f. Cosmetics Blush + Bronzer Duo? Insanely pretty! Speaking of...this mark. Kabuki Brush is brilliant, and I love that it's pint-sized - perfect for travel.

P.S. this is the cutest Christmas card ever - it folds out, and reminds me of the fairytale The Elves and the Shoemaker!

Cheers to another incredible swap year lady! Thank you for all of the loveliness babe!

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xx

{beauty board} chocolate cravings

The season of indulgence is upon us, and what better way to do so than with a kiss of chocolate that will rest upon your face as opposed to your waistline? Take a peek at some of the pretty selections that will bring a little shimmy shimmy cocoa pop to your beauty bag!

1} Bobbi Brown Nail Polish in CHOCOLATE {$15.00}

2} Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in MAHOGANY 232 {$30.00}

3} Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon in CREAMY CHOCOLATE {$5.99}

4} Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in CHOCOLATE {$30.00}

5} SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful 5 Eyeshadow Palette in N°10 MILK TO DARK CHOCOLATE {$25.00}

6} SEPHORA COLLECTION Long-Lasting 12 HR Wear Eye Liner in 06 DARK BROWN {$12.00}

7} Too Faced Melted Chocolate in CHOCOLATE HONEY {$21.00}


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xx

#12DaysSwap: Swap With Bethany of Happily Rambling!

I live for the holidays, so when I spotted this 12 Days Swap hosted by Beth and Angie of Chaotic Goddess Swaps I had to sign up! I mean, what's more fun than 12 days of presents, amiright?!

I was partnered with Bethany of Happily Rambling, a nature-loving beauty living in Georgia who is a pro at present-buying, let me tell you! Take a peek at all of the loveliness I received below!

On the first day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...two Christmas candles and a glittery tree!
The candles are Glade Holiday Candles in Happy Glow {Apple Cinnamon} and Timeless Joy {Sparkling Spruce} and smell. like. Christmas. And the tree? The prettiest hand-crafted piece that is currently sitting atop my desk {I'm staring at it rn!}.

On the second day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...a Paisley Mug, Hot Cocoa, and Tea {and Chocolate!}
I like big mugs and I cannot lie, so this pretty paisley printed one is already on heavy rotation in my house; and the beverages themselves are a fun holiday blend including Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix in Caramel Cream and Dark Chocolate Sensation; Traditional Medicinals Organic Peppermint Herbal Tea; Yogi Tea in Ginger; and Guyaki Brand Yerba Mate in Chai Spice Mate and Traditional. So far my faves are the Caramel Cream Hot Cocoa, and Chai Spice Mate Tea. Not to be forgotten: the chocolate! So yum - and wrapped with Elf on the Shelf paper! For the record, I love Elf on the Shelf!

On the third day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...an unexpected Harry Potter goodie!
Oh em geee you guys! Do you even know what this is?! A Harry Potter Coloring Kit, that's what! This is one of those I-secretly-want-but-will-never-buy-for-myself items that made my Christmas merry and bright! For reals though...I used this on Christmas Eve in between baking cookies and 24 Hours of A Christmas Story!

On the fourth day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...a quartet of chocolate treats!
You read that right four chocolate sweets to commemorate the fourth day of this fun swap! The treats included a Russell Stover Chocolate Marshmallow Snowman and Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Santa, and GHIRARDELLI Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bar and Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree Bar. When I was little, my mom would take me to Rite Aid every December to buy chocolate marshmallow Santa's, so these brought back all of the memories. And the Ghirardelli? Ohmygah the decadence!

On the fifth day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...fox socks that bring all of the cozy!
I'm basically obsessed with socks because I'm one of those perpetually cold people, and these ones may be the coziest I have ever owned. They have a thick fleece lining that keeps my toes toasty, and a super strong slipper grip on the bottom, which is so perf as I am the biggest klutz, and these keep me steady. Also pertinent: I love foxes; so the fact that these are adorned with fox faces? Seriously giving me all of the feels.

On the sixth day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...handmade soap that smells so yummy!
I keep going back and forth smelling the Hippie Chick and Sweet Dreams scents of this OASIS Luxurious Goat Milk Soap, and I honestly cannot choose which one I like the most. They are both earthy and lush in their own unique way, and manage to embrace the scents of the season, even though there's nothing particularly Christmas-y about either. Love love!

On the seventh day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...a collection of nail necessities!
You know what I adore about the nail colors Bethany sent my way? They're not Christmas colors! Don't get me wrong, I love me some Christmas reds, greens, and golds, but I've been using them for the last two months, and am ready for some brights {which is exactly what Bethany sent me!}. These are Pop-Arazzi Nail Polish in Head Over Teals, Watermelon Spritz, and Yin Meets Yang. I've never tried this brand before, but I am super excited to give these bad boys a whirl! Also digging the Diamond Cosmetics Fun Block and 3 Way Buffer. Diamond Cosmetics is another new to me brand, but I'm so excited to try it out!

On the eighth day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...hot cocoa in the cutest wrapping!
I alwaysalwaysalways admire these boxed Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix sets, and have even bought them as gifts countless times, but I have never purchased them for myself, so I loved unwrapping them on December 20. These are Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix in French Vanilla and Milk Chocolate. Obvi I've had Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa before, but I'm convinced that the holiday packaging makes these flavors taste even better! Also pertinent...I think French Vanilla may be my new fave hot cocoa flavor!

On the ninth day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...the movie ELF on DVD!
You guys! ELF is one of my all-time favorite holiday movies, but a few years back my copy was damaged, so I haven't seen it in forevs! I've literally watched this movie every. single. day. since opening it to make up for all of the Christmases that I didn't watch it!

On the tenth day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...seven super-lush face masks!
Aww yeah babes! This is basically the mother lode right here! Each one is a different scent, texture, and caters to a different skin need, so you've got a little something something for all of the occasions. The masks are Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask, Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask, Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask, and Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Clay Facial Mask; and Montagne Jeunesse Creamy Coconut Masque, Dead Sea Mud Pac, and Exfoliator & Masque. Forget an at-home spa day, I basically need an at-home spa week to try these babies out!

On the eleventh day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...a quartet of makeup goodies!
I am all about they eyes when it comes to makeup, so I was thrilled to unwrap e.l.f. Studio's Hydrating Under Eye Primer, Small Angled Brush, and Eyeshadow "C" Brush. And having never tried Burt's Bees before {I know, right?!}, the Facial Cleansing Towelettes were an awesome inclusion!

On the twelfth day of Christmas Bethany gave to me...rustic Christmas decor for making memories!
When the holiday displays pop up in shops, I always gravitate to the rustic Christmas ones that feel old-fashioned and woodsy as opposed to sparkly, so these decorations literally made my heart sing. One is a shadow box type sign stating Have A Beautiful Christmas; the other a gorgeous snowflake complete with bell that I've hung from my doorknob. Despite the fact that these are pieces of Christmas decor, I've decided to display them year-round because I just adore the rustic ambiance they add to my place!

Thank you Beth and Angie for organizing such a brilliant swap for the holidays! And thank you Bethany for bringing me 12 days of magic as my swap partner - I could not have asked for a better one!

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xx

after christmas sales!

True story: I am shopped out! That said, I'm also completely incapable of resisting after Christmas sales; and ladies, let me tell you, there are so many amazing ones going on now. The best part? I'm rounding them up for you right here - and even including some of my favorite bargain buys from each!

Anthropologie - Extra 40% Off Sale Items with code:
TAGTIME

Urban Outfitters - Extra 30% Off Sale Items
NO CODE NEEDED

ASOS - Up to 50% Off Sale Items
NO CODE NEEDED

EXPRESS - 50% Off Sitewide with code:
NO CODE NEEDED

SHOPBOP - Extra 25% Off Sale Items with code:
TREATYOURSELF

Forever 21 - Extra 30% Off Sale Items with code:
EXTRA30

Are you hitting the after Christmas sales?


xx

NOTD: OPI Infinite Shine 2 Icons Nail Lacquer in I'm Not Really A Waitress

PRESS SAMPLE

Two coats of OPI Infinite Shine 2 Icons Nail Lacquer in I'm Not Really A Waitress. Shimmering Chianti Red.

Ladies, I am living for this color rn!

I'm Not Really A Waitress is one of those lit from within shades that I'm always going on and on {andonandonandon} about. The color just glows on your nails, and features an almost brown/brick undertone that gives it a little extra somethingsomething.

Formula here is flawless. It reaches opacity lightning fast, and is super duper simple to work with due to the density of the polish. Obsessed!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

merry christmas lovelies!

"My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others."
-Bob Hope

Merriest of Christmases to all of you today!

xx

'twas the night before christmas...

Socks: Xhilaration Cable Knit Bootie Slipper with Star Pom | Tree: 2ft Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Alberta Spruce - Clear Lights | Sleep Shirt: Victoria's Secret The Angel Long Sleeve Sleep Tee by Victoria’s Secret in BRIGHT CHERRY | Mug: Threshold "Dear Santa I Really Did Try" 16oz Stoneware Belly Mug Red | Hot Chocolate: Williams-Sonoma Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate | Blanket: Nordstrom at Home Cuddle Up Faux Fur Throw Blanket in IVORY | Nails: Julep Very Merry Nail Polish Duo | Gingerbread: Williams-Sonoma Gingerbread Folks Mug Toppers, Set of 4
Cheers to a cozy Christmas Eve lovelies!

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xx

cozy christmas #motd

Bronzer: Too Faced Sweethearts Bronzer in SWEET TEA | Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics | Eyeshadow Brush: Julep Eyeshadow Brush | Lips: Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in RED VELVET {c/o} | Nails: essie Winter 2016 Trend Collection Nail Polish in GETTING GROOVY | Eyeshadow Pot: e.l.f. Smudge Pot in BROWNIE POINTS {c/o} | Lashes: NYX Cosmetics Doll Eye Waterproof Mascara in BLACK

Because I've had my fair share of shops for the season {i.e. I can't enter another store until the holidays are over otherwise I'll scream}, I'm spending today in hibernation - wrapping up the final presents, baking {read: burning} cookies, and filling up on holiday films {Home Alone marathon...shhhh}. As such, I'm keeping my beauty basic with neutral hues coupled with a kick of red and bronze.

Happy night before the night before Christmas!

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xx

Holiday Swap with Ashley of Happy. Pretty. Sweet.!

Ashley of Happy. Pretty. Sweet. and I have been randomly partnered together for holiday blog swaps for the past two or three years; but this year we weren't, which felt, IMO, so. incredibly. wrong. So...we decided via Instagram to swap with each other anyway, which was such a bright spot in my holiday season, because I absolutely adore Ashley {not to mention shopping for her!}. See the fun {cozy, cute, sparkly} she sent my way for the holidays below!

Earrings: Jaclyn Smith Women's Goldtone 9 Carat Cubic Zirconia Round White Stud Earrings | Scrub: Willow Creek Soaps Almond Scrub | Necklace: Gold Heart Pendant | Glitter Tape: American Crafts Tazzel Glitter Tape in BEGONIA | Socks: Bath & Body Works Ginger All The Way Shea-Infused Lounge Socks | Glitter Tape: American Crafts Tazzel Glitter Tape in PEONY | Mascara: Laura Geller Beauty GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara in BLACK | Nails: KISS Waterless Nail Tattoo

I lovelovelove the mix of gifts in this package, because they speak to all of the different parts of my personality. The glitter tape? So perfect as I always get super crafty during the fall and winter months. The nail tattoos? A fun surprise as I am a perpetual #DIYfail, and these look foolproof! My personal favorite inclusions are the Bath & Body Works Socks which are just ridiculously cute and insanely cozy {I'm wearing them now!}; and the stud earrings, because I live for oversized studs, and these ones are sparkly to the tenth power!

Thank you for sending so many pretty goodies my way, Ashley! As always, it was fab swapping with you lady!

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xx

Morgan Taylor Glitter & Glitz 4PC Mini Set Swatches + Review

After the pure amazingness that was the Morgan Taylor Wrapped In Glamour 4PC Mini Set, I immediately purchased Morgan Taylor's second release for holiday 2016 {because #givemeallthechristmaspolish}, the Morgan Taylor Glitter & Glitz 4PC Mini Set {which feels v New Year's Eve-worthy}, and let me tell you ladies: it was every bit as decadent! The colors, the formulas...they twinkle tantalizingly and will undoubtedly make your holiday merry and bright!

Time to Shine is a Smoky Charcoal Silver Glitter in a Clear Base. While silvers rarely grab my attention, there's something about a smoky charcoal that I can never resist; thus, Time to Shine was a surprise favorite of mine in this quartet - and def a shade that will make your holiday a little brighter. While slightly sheer; this one builds to opacity beautifully. Like all microglitters, however, it does try to pull back from the tip of the nail, so you kind of have to pile it on in that area. This is 3 coats.

Let Them Eat Cake is a Multi-color Microglitter in a Clear Base. As a lover of all things Marie Antoinette, I can confidently say that the lady of the hour would most certainly approve of Let Them Eat Cake. Though I rarely swoon over a multi-color glitter, this one hits all the right notes by focusing on wintry, cool tones reminiscent of macarons. With one coat this would make a beautiful topper for a pastel polish; with a trio of coats, you wind up with glitterbomb opacity this is pure decadence. This is 3 coats.

J'Adore My Mani is a Fuchsia Glitter in a Fuchsia Jelly Base. Le sigh, I truly can't think of anything better to say than...j'adore this color! But seriously...this right here is just too breathtaking for words. J'Adore My Mani is one of those rare shades that gives you that love at first swipe feel, and would literally work for any holiday {but I love it best for Christmas and Valentine's}. This shade is v sheer on coat one, semi-sheer on coat two, then starts building opacity after that. I honestly think that the color in my bottle separated slightly which is why it took so long to build opacity; because it only took two coats to reach opacity on my thumb. This is 4 coats.

Under the Stars is a Dark Navy Blue Jelly with Scattered Silver Holo. Now that is what I'm talking about! Whether you're a fan of dark polishes or not, Under the Stars is bound to capture your heart. The scattered silver holo lends it a holiday-feel; while the so blue it's almost black base gives it a year-round wearability. The formula here was ever so slightly thick; but not so much so that you can't easily work with it. As a lover of dark nails this one right here is one of my faves from the quartet! This is 3 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA.

PRICE: $14.95 for the 4PC Mini Set; or $5.95 per each full-size bottle.


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xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
I know, I know, I've been on an all black everythang kick for the past couple of months, but suddenly I'm feeling shades of gray and hints of blush. Clearly signs that winter has arrived.

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xx


Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.

NOTD: Adesse New York Organic Infused Liquid Chrome Nail Polish in Grand Central

Three coats of Adesse New York's Organic Infused Liquid Chrome Nail Polish in Grand Central. Eggplant Duochrome.

Grand Central is v reminiscent of OPI's 2013 Peace & Love & OPI, featuring a multifaceted holographic shift of sage and eggplant that is positively yum to look at.

Like most duochromes, the formula here is thin, but builds to opacity with a trio of easy to apply coats.

This isn't a color that I would ordinarily select for myself {I received it in an ipsy bag}; but I did enjoy it for a change from my typical cremes.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


xx

tell tale

Free People New Tell Tale Lace Tunic Dress in IVORY or BLACK.

This tunic is the stuff fairytales are made of, amiright?

xx

sparkle

xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
And just like that, fall fever has hit me like whoa!, and I am coveting all of the harvest hues! Such an odd time too considering the first day of winter is fast-approaching. Happy Friday lovelies!

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xx


Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.

{holiday gift guide} the guys

Jack Black Power Trip Travel Set | BOSE QuietComfort® 35 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Wireless Headphones in SILVER | Forever 21 Faux Suede Trapper Hat in BROWN | Michael Kors Paxton Leather Watch in BLACK/BLACK | Delfonics Cheltenham Notebook in BLACK | Filson Twill Duffel Bag in OTTER GREEN | Shake. Stir. Sip.: More than 50 Effortless Cocktails Made in Equal Parts by Kara Newman | BOSE SoundLink® Color Bluetooth® Speaker II in SOFT BLACK | Chamula Stripe Scarf in GREY/BLACK MULTI
Perhaps I'm in the minority here, but I don't think that there is anything so confusing as shopping for guys, so I try to stick with three trusty categories: travel, cold weather, and tech.

I love this Jack Black Power Trip Travel Set for gifting because not only does it include all of the guy essentials {from lip balm to cleanser and moisturizer}, it's packaged in a super durable travel bag that can be used for years to come! And this Michael Kors Paxton Leather Watch in BLACK/BLACK is a total top contender due to its high-quality modern meets rustic feel.

Personally, I love the Shake. Stir. Sip.: More than 50 Effortless Cocktails Made in Equal Parts by Kara Newman book. It's the perfect addition to any library, and has such a dapper vibe!

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xx

{beauty board} red glitter lips

I absolutely loved the red glitter lips that Pat McGrath created for the A/W 2016 Atelier Versace runway; and while it seems completely outrageous to rock such a look year-round, the holidays seem the perfect time to try it on for size, amiright? Though McGrath actually created a lip kit featuring everything needed to achieve a shimmering smooch, it's loooong sold out at Sephora, but still easily attainable with the right tools and a few tips {all of which I'm featuring below}.

GLITTER Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Glitter in RED and BLAYLOCK {$15.00}

INTENSITY e.l.f. Cosmetics Makeup Lock & Seal {$3.00}

LINER NYX Cosmetics Slim Lip Pencil in CURRANT {$3.49}

LIPSTICK MILANI Amore Mattes Lip Crème in DEVOTION {$7.99}

To Get The Look: Outline your lips with a blackened plum liner {this one is a great dupe for MAC's Nightmoth}. Mix the red and black glitter together in a small plate or cup, and place it to the side. Swipe the matte red liquid lipstick onto your top lip, then place e.l.f. Cosmetics' Makeup Lock & Seal onto the tip of a small makeup brush {the one included with the product is fantastic}, dip it into the glitter, and dab all over your top lip {do this before the lipstick sets}. The Makeup Lock & Seal intensifies the glitter and color, and helps to keep it in place longer. Repeat on the bottom lip, and voila! Runway-approved shimmering perfection!

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xx