lucida

Equipment Lucida Silk Dress in True Black.

Obsessed with the Wednesday Addams feel of the aesthetic. So perf for Halloween month, don't you think?

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links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {october 8, 2015 edition}

While IFB bloggers, like always, covered their favorite trends, many covered their favorite colors for this Fall – Mustard, Marsala {Burgundy}, Gray, and Camel. With the use of Fall colors and recent trends, bloggers showed their favorite ways of transitioning Summer wardrobes into Fall.

Fashion week was still a strong theme and really hit on how each region’s designers show true {cultural} colors in their Fashion Weeks. A closer look into Milan, Paris, and an alternative Berlin Fashion Week will give readers a glimpse of these differences. And someone was still reminiscing about her recent trip to New York City during their fashion week… which gave me pangs of longing for the Big Apple.

My longing continued for my home away from home with coverage of two very different New York City events – Sinatra and The Blonds. Thank goodness no one covered New York City restaurants; I don’t think my heart could have taken it.

And Bookish and Belle gave me a chuckle with her “Closet Confidential” video. Go check it out and then just for the heck of it, make your own list.

Links à la Mode, October 8

• A Handful of Stories: Early Autumn Favourites
• Anti.Muse: Event | Berlin Alternative Fashion Week
• Arisgold: Fall Must Have Dress 2015
• Bookish & Belle: Closet Confidential | B Sides
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: October Crush List!
• Cubicle Chic: For the Fall | Transition Outfit Featuring Dot Lace Pencil Skirt
• Epouser La Mode: Fall Must Haves
• Everyday Starlet: How to Transition a Summer Dress into Fall
• La Vintage Vida: Spending the Afternoon with Frank Sinatra
• Living Boldly: I Fell in Love With New York
• Kremb De La Kremb: The Fab 40’s in Fringe
• Modavracha: The Culottes Trend
• Mornings with Madge: 16 Kick Ass Fall Boots
• Ms. FABulous: The Blonds Retrospective with Rootstein Mannequins
• MySelf Expressed: Inspiration Board | Gray Scale
• Rain of Peonies: Viva L’Italia
• Style Standpoint: A Few Tips to Make Your Knitwear Last Longer
• Tales of Two: The New Neutral | Khaki
• What Erika Wears: The Best of Paris Fashion Week: Chloe
• With Love Lily Rose: 5 Shirtdress Must-haves to Transition You to Fall

SPONSOR: Amazon's Shopbop ENGLISH FACTORY, T by Alexander Wang, KENZO, Paul & Joe Sister, Jem and the Holograms, The Fifth Label, Burgundy Tops, Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boots, Fringe Bags, Men's Michael Kors


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friday vibes

Bag: Sole Society TAYLER Layered Fringe Crossbody | Shadow: mark. On the Dot Bold Eye Color Compact | Makeup Brush: Real Techniques Starter Kit | Liner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black | Bronzer: tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess | Mascara: Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Excessive Black | Nails: butter LONDON Allure & butter London Introduce the Arm Candy Nail Lacquer Set

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Thanks to Sole Society and mark for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} fall feels

Cape: Theory Saiome Checked Wool-Blend Cape | Boots: Bos. & Co. Barlow Waterproof Suede Bootie in Black Oilsuede | Lipstick: Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Crushed Pecan | Skirt: MOTO Clean-Cut Denim Mini Skirt | Top: Michael Kors Collection Stretch-Cotton Poplin Shirt | Eye Shadow: BURBERRY Complete Eye Palette in Smokey Grey No. 01 | Socks: Topshop Over the Knee Socks in Black | Nail Polish: FORMULA X The Colors in Ignite

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{beauty board} edgy

Unleash your inner bad gal with edgy beauty staples that are effortlessly cool and downright fierce for fall!

{1} NYX Cosmetics Love In Rio Eyeshadow Palette in Mo Rockin' Beats {$5.99}

{2} SEPHORA COLLECTION Bronzer Powder in 4 Fiji {$17.00}

{3} WHIM Metallics Nail Lacquer Collection in Steel Drum {$10.00}

{4} Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Lash Mascara {$19.00}

{5} Bumble and Bumble Bb. Texture Hair (Un) Dressing Creme {$30.00}

{6} Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium 1oz Eau De Parfum Spray {$67.00}

{7} e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color in Nearly Nude {$3.00}

{8} L'Oreal Infallible The Super Slim Liquid Eyeliner in Black {$8.99}

{9} Burberry Effortless Eyebrow Definer in Barley No. 01 {$33.00}


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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Clearly in the throes of a love affair with smoldering eyes, edgy baubles, and street style staples. Anyone else? Happy Tuesday, lovelies!

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NOTD: Formula X High Frequency

Two coats of Formula X in High Frequency. Bright Turquoise Creme.

I actually scored this beauty as a free gift with purchase from Sephora a few months back, and I've got to say, it may be my favorite freebie eva!

High Frequency is one of those searing, can't-look-away shades that makes you want to use loads of hand gestures just to show it off {you know what I'm talking about}. Luckily, the formula is just as fierce as the color! Fluid, uninterested in cuticle-flirting, and seriously fast dry. Also pertinent: it doesn't stain. Huzzah!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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dinner party

Wildfox Dinner Party Sweater in Vintage Lace.

Those sleeve appliques though...

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links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {october 1, 2015 edition}

I was once paid to apply body glitter on male models for a L.A. runway show. Their attire? Oh… swimsuits of the speedo variety. True story. Somehow, picked out of a lineup of fashion peons. I was later convinced that it was my hair, which only a week before had been cut and bleached from long beach blonde locks to a platinum blonde bobbed asymmetric cut. All for the sake of the student vision of my friend, for the opportunity to model her creation in front of Vidal Sassoon himself… HE TOUCHED MY HAIR! And who would have thought, for the chance to apply glitter all over the bodies of male models.

Thank you IFB bloggers for bringing those moments back to memory with your posts of other fashion weeks around the globe. Milan, London, Vienna, and with a special Thai night in Vienna. We Are Ready Made left us with an extensive review of the Prada Show along with wonderfully detailed photos. Purushu Arie gave us some inspiring images of runway fashion next to interior spaces. Candy for the eyes for sure.

There is also a delightful post on cleaning out your closet. However, before you dive into that and take action, be sure to read up on the first Halloween post of the season and a fun little fashion DIY project. Both may have you seeing certain wardrobe pieces in a new light.

And, of course, the Links a la Mode post wouldn’t be complete without the reviews of current trends like the perfect black jumpsuit {said no one until now, or at least since the 80’s}, culottes, black and white, and thigh high boots just to name a few.

Recently, I discovered that my home city of San Diego, California has an upcoming fashion week, and I was looking forward to catching a glimpse of what the locals have to offer, but wouldn’t you know it, it’s all sold out. Can’t a gal catch a break? OK, OK. So, I’ve had a few glittering breaks.

Links à la Mode, October 1

• Al-Balsam Life: Balsam Style Picks | Black & White Sensation for Fall/Winter
• Attire Club: An Overview of Vienna Fashion Week 2015
• Cammeo Head to Toe: Mural Support | Adam Lippes X Target
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Fashion Folio} Black + Gold
• Dresscode | HighFashion: Runway Trend Fall/Winter 15/16 | Thigh High Boots
• Everest Says: Two Ways to Wear a Black Jumpsuit
• Fashion Blender: Getting a Little Nautical
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: Halloween in Your Closet
• Purushu Arie: Fashion vs. Interior Spaces
• Prime Butterfly: The Origins of 4 Fall Trends
• Random Chic Musings: DIY | Mini Skirt with Lace Underlay
• Rolala Loves: 10 Things I Do For My Skin
• Sassy Plus: Melissa McCarthy Plus Size Clothing has Arrived
• Style.. A Pastiche!: Feeling Festive at BIBA
• Style Sprinter: Tutorial | Natural Makeup for Major Breakouts
• Tell Me, Y…: How to Style The Biggest Pant Trend of the Year
• We Are Ready Made: The Prada Obsession
• White and Pink Peony: Milan Fashion Week SS 16 Part II
• Wish and Wear: A Bit of Power From Knomo
• With Wonder and Whimsy: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Cleaning Out Your Closet

SPONSOR: Shopbop J Brand, Vince, Rag & Bone, Joie, Apres Ramy Brook, Theory Coats, Sweater Dresses, Ponchos, Cashmere Scarves, Men's Dickies Construct


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Essie Winter 4PC Mini Set Swatches + Review

Fact: We're little over a week into fall and the winter nail polish collections are already hitting shelves. Truth: If Essie's Winter 4 Pc Mini Nail Polish Set is anything to go by, I am definitely not complaining about the early arrival. Granted, the overall feel of the collection is far more Frosty the Snowman than crooked-grinned Jack 'o' Lantern, but the formulas and shades are so ice princess perf, that you kind of can't help falling in love - just see for yourself!

Haute Tub is a Black Crelly with Purple Microglitter. The addition of Haute Tub to this collection perplexing. Not saying that I don't absolutely adore it, but, it feels more goth fall / Halloween than the other three shades. Nevertheless, it's a fun and fabulous shade that I am wearing {and loving} at this very moment. Formula here was brilliant! For a black shade, it was insanely easy to work with; and while I used two coats to enhance the depth and darkness of the shade, you could definitely opt for one if you're short on time. I do wish the purple microglitter was more evident - even in direct sunlight it's hardly discernible. Le sigh. This is 2 coats.

Apres-Chic is a Metallic Silver. Silvers rarely grab me, but the light yet bright feel of Apres-Chic has made me a huge fan of this beauty! Formula was fantastic - it applies easily and evenly, and doesn't leave behind those dreaded brushstrokes that many metallics fall victim to. This is 2 coats.

Virgin Snow is a Pale Lilac Creme. Hello loverrr...Virgin Snow is my favoritefavoritefavorite shade out of this quartet. Even though I'm currently feeling dark shades more than anything else at the mo, this super soft lilac legit made my jaw drop. Even if you have one million lilacs in your polish stash, you need to add Virgin Snow to your collection - it is just breathtaking. Formula was incredible here - it was fluid and non-chalky. Though coat one felt thin, opacity built quickly after a second. This is 2 coats.

Shall We Chalet? is a Deep Red Creme. I love this one. Is it super unique? Not at all. But, it is beautiful - and so fully fab for Christmas / the winter season given its winterberry hue. Shall We Chalet? is amazing to work with. It's thick and yummy, and could easily work with just one coat {I used two coats here}. The downside? I found that it can be draggy, and stains nails/cuticles slightly. This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Ulta for the mini set; Ulta for individual bottles.

PRICE: $17.00 for the quartet; or buy individual bottles separately for $8.50 each.


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october crush list!

1. fringe buckets I am so feeling the fringe this season, and with a bucket asthetic? Puh-lease...killing it! It's an ideal accessory for infusing a little boho chic into your look du jour; not to mention uber practical for fall - just look at the multi-carry options, so perfect for hands-free excursions to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard, amiright? I'm loving Rebecca Minkoff's Fringe Fiona Bucket Bag in Chocolate and Cognac, and Mini Fiona Bucket Bag in Port. Aren't the colors amaze?!

2. riding boots Riding boots are as necessary to your autumn wardrobe as oversize sweaters, dark, vampy nail colors, and Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte {this totally counts as an accessory, yes?}; therefore, finding an amazing pair that will see you through the season {and many more} is a must. Let me direct you to two of my current faves: Tory Burch's Derby Riding Boot in Almond {that color though...}, and Aquatalia's by Marvin K. 'Olita' Weatherproof Riding Boot in Luggage Leather {the contrasting colors of the front and back make me swoony}.

3. fantastic mr. fox I'm a die-hard animal lover {any and all animals make me squee!}; but come fall, I crush so. hard. on fox or owl fashions. 2015 is the Year of the Fox for me, so I am legit obsessed with Kate Spade's foxy fashions and accessories - specifically the new york 'blaze a trail - fox' leather coin purse, kate spade new york fox bag charm, and kate spade new york 'into the woods - fox' pendant necklace. Seriously though, I can't handle the cuteness!

4. floppy fedoras Headwear and I don't typically see eye to eye {it's a hair thing}, but you can't stop a girl from looking; and when the leaves start falling, and the temps drop, my gaze is forever focused on the floppy fedora. I love the mysterious, incognito, undercover detective vibe it adds to your person {or maybe that's just me reading too many mysteries}. Regardless, I'm currently crushing on Nordstrom's Floppy Wool Hat in Tan, T+C by Theodora & Callum's Wool Panama Hat in Brown Sugar, and Hinge's Faux Leather Trim Wool Felt Panama Hat in Light Grey Mix. So effortlessly chic, don't you think?

What's on your October Crush List?


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{fashion folio} black + gold

Sweater Dress: NO. 21 Ribbed-Knit Sweater and Pleated Crepe Mini Dress Set | Clutch: Clare V. Supreme Fold Over Clutch in Black | Ring: Jules Smith Faerydae Ring in Gold/Black/Moonstone | Boots: Charles by Charles David Pepper Over the Knee Boot in Black Leather | Gloss: Sephora Collection Ultra-Shine Lip Gel in 04 Perfect Nude | Earrings: Michael Kors Large Crisscross Post Hoop Earrings in Gold/Clear | Nail Polish: nails inc. Victoria, Victoria Beckham x Nails Inc in Bamboo White Collection | Cuff: Alexis Bittar Geometric Ribbon Cuff Bracelet in Gold

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{beauty board} farm stand fresh

Score beauty inspo from the oh-so fall apropos Farmers Market with berry lips, blueberry tips, peachy cheeks, minty eyes, and seriously stunning acai lashes!

{1. blueberry nails} BURBERRY BEAUTY Nail Polish in INK BLUE No. 425 {$22.00}, DEBORAH LIPPMANN Nail Polish in DREAM WEAVER {$18.00}, and nails inc. NAILKALE Nail Polish in RICHMOND PARK GARDENS {$14.00}

{2. acai lashes} YVES SAINT LAURENT MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS - Luxurious Mascara in BURGUNDY 5 {$32.00}

{3. mint eyes} NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in BARROW STREET {$25.00}

{4. peach cheeks} TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in FEARLESS {$28.00}, and Estée Lauder 'Pure Color' Powder Blush in PEACH PASSION {$32.00}

{5. berry lips} e.l.f. STUDIO Moisturizing Lipstick in CRAZY CRANBERRY, BERRY KISS, and BLACK BERRY {$3.00 each}


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NOTD: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Hunger Flames

Two coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Hunger Flames. Shimmer-Infused Bright Electric Purple.

This color is giving me all of the feels, and I am v confident when I say that Katniss would totes approve!

Though Hunger Flames feels summer-y, the red undertones make it fully apropos for transitioning into autumn.

Formula here is flawless. Though slightly thin {unsurprising given the shade and finish}, it's smooth, fluid, and builds beautifully, so you get full coverage in just a couple of coats. Totally recommending this beaut!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx


Thanks to Sally Hansen for sponsoring this post!

bringing back the veil...

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what's new, pussy cat?

Blank Denim Faux Leather Flare Pants in Pussy Cat.

There's something so necessary about a faux leather flare, amiright? Bonus points for that purrfectly playful shade name!

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{beauty board} power players

Get fierce for fall with hyper-shine finishes, metallic pops, and pumped-up neutrals that will pair perfectly with your autumn wardrobe.

{1} BUXOM Eyeshadow Bar Single Eyeshadow in GLITZ FACTOR and WILD NIGHTS {$12.00 each} High-glam for an all-over lid look, or wet a brush and use the shades for a super shimmery liner!

{2} ESTEE LAUDER Magic Smoky Powder Shadow Stick in CHARRED PLUM {$22.00} The clueless girl's tool for the perfect smoky eye!

{3} DIOR POISON {$60.00} Spicy and fruity notes warmed with musk and honey create a mysterious, charismatic scent that feels fresh for fall.

{4} GIVENCHY Prisme Quatuor in 3 INATTENDUE and 1 CARESSE {$58.00 each} Use each shade alone for glimmering glam, or use all 4 shades for a fierce finish!

{5} URBAN DECAY Revolution High-Color Lipgloss in APOCALYPSE {$22.00} The ultra-pigmented hue works as a stain even after the luscious shine has faded.

{6} butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Trallop and West End Wonderland {$15.00 each} Neutrals with oomph give your desk to drinks mani unexpected personality!


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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Seriously feeling those first days of fall hues. Who's with me?!

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Morgan Taylor Honky Tonk Honeys Mini Nail Lacquer Collection Swatches + Review

Aside from seeing the occasional magazine advert, Morgan Taylor was a complete untried and unattainable brand for me, but when I spotted the Morgan Taylor Honky Tonk Honeys Mini Nail Lacquer Collection on Amazon, I couldn't resist clicking Add to Cart as the range of colors was exactly what I was seeking for Fall 2015. Long Story Short: This may be my favorite polish release for Autumn 2015, and has totally put Morgan Taylor on my obsession radar. Onto the swatches!

Plum Tuckered Out is a Deep Plum Creme. I think rich plum lacquers may be my favorite shade for fall, and Plum Tuckered Out doesn't disappoint in the least. The color is rich and vampy yet never falls into the is that black? category that so many dark colors fall victim to. It retains its rich plum hue, and that's what I love! Formula was fab - the opacity is just right, as is the density of the lacquer. This one has a thirst for top coat, so you definitely want to double up on it to keep the shine. This is 2 coats.

Tex'As Me Later is a Pink Frost. In general, frosts and I are, at best, kinda sorta frenemies; but there's something about this one that I thought felt posh and polished. It still feels a little too 80s soccer mom for my personal preference, but I wouldn't rule it out for future use. I loved the formula here as it was so incredibly user friendly; sadly, in the end, it bubbled a bit {which may have more to do with my top and/or base coat than the polish itself}. Still kinda dig it! This is 2 coats.

Pumps or Cowboy Boots? is a Dark Chocolate Brown Creme. That name though...seriously, I love {and, currently, I think my choice would be cowgirl boots}. I think this may be my favorite shade in the entire collection - the color is so dark, rich, and yummy. Better yet? I wore Pumps or Cowboy Boots? for 5 days without a single chip or any visible tipwear. I'm telling you, it's incredible. The formula wasn't too shabby either - perfect density and opacity, and v easy to work with. This is 2 coats.

A Touch of Sass is a Deep Red Creme. A Touch of Sass can best be described as a classic red creme with kick. It leans a bit deeper and darker in hue, giving it a touch of a a Merlot feel that is perfection. I'm not usually a red fan, but A Touch of Sass, while not groundbreaking, earns pretty points from me {and works as a fab fall shade}. Once again, formula was a-ma-zing - fluid, lush, and all-around brilliant! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Amazon for the mini set; Amazon for individual, full-size bottles.

PRICE: $12.95 for the quartet; or buy individual bottles separately for $6.00 each.


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{fashion folio} shades of greige

Cardi: Donna Karan New York Draped Chunky-Knit Alpaca-Blend Cardigan | Boots: Sam Edelman Josephine Tall Boot in GOLDEN CARAMEL | Jeans: MOTO Grey Leigh Jeans | Lipstick: Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick in BLACKMAIL | Eye Shadow: Bobbi Brown Greige Eye Palette | Sweater: Rag & Bone
Catherine Oversized Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | Ring: Sole Society Cutout Pave Ring in Gold | Nail Polish: Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer - Sheer in BABY LOVE

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NOTD: JULEP Nail Color in Marcella

Two coats of JULEP Nail Color in Marcella. Pink Orchid Creme.

Le sigh. Marcella is the stuff Barbie dreams are made of.

Though described by JULEP as a weathered pink, the subtle lavendar undertones make Marcella the perfect Barbie Girl-inspired orchid pink.

Formula is brilliant on this pretty lady. You can easily achieve full coverage in one coat, but I love a lush look when it comes to my lacquer and opted for two. Highly recommend this beaut!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

cat napping

Wildfox Cat Napping Sleep In Eye Mask.

Feels so purrfect for a lazy Sunday, yes?

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to the street...

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bohemian summer to fall transitions with Brazilian Bikini Shop!

Bag: HiPANEMA x AMENAPIH Cheyenne Crossbody Bucket Bag | Shadow: NYX Cosmetics Love In Paris Eyeshadow Palette in Madeleines And Macaroons | Liner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black | Lips: tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint in Elite | Mascara: JULEP Length Matters Wow-Impact Mascara | Nails: FORMULA X in High Frequency | Face: LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer
Fall was fast approaching when Brazilian Bikini Shop invited me to review an item from their store; thus, I opted to pass up the beautiful bikinis {which, admittedly, would have worked perfectly year-round for my SoCal setting}, in favor of...a bag.

I wanted something that would capture the essence of that wild and free bohemian spirit while transitioning seamlessly into autumn via rich hues and textures, and I found all of the above in the HiPANEMA x AMENAPIH Cheyenne Crossbody Bucket Bag.

While I loved the Pink and White offerings, I ultimately went with the Yellow given its lush cognac / saddle suede trim, strap, and drawstring closure, and gorgeous tribal embellishment.

Though smaller than what I typically carry, I've been trying to downsize as of late, and find that this bag suits my belongings perfectly - while working with virtually my entire summer and fall wardrobe. It's the ideal size and shape for late-night coffee runs, mid-morning brunch dates, and early afternoon shopping excursions - the 3 things that keep me going.

Literally obsessed with this lovely, and seriously considering picking it up in the other 2 colors!



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Thanks to Brazilian Bikini Shop for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} cape town

Cape: TOPSHOP Checked Cowl Poncho | Earrings: Sam Edelman Pave Spike Ear Crawlers in Clear/Gold | Ring: Lady Grey Arrow Ring in Gold | Double Ring: Elizabeth and James Miro Knuckle Ring in Gold | Jeans: MOTO Grey Jamie Jeans | Lips: NUDESTIX Lip + Cheek Pencil in Whisper | Boots: VINCE Dempsey Over the Knee Boot in Black | Eyes: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold

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