this fall #ootd is on major sale!

cozy pullovers | over-the-knee boots {25% off} | skinny jeans {33% off} | fringe mini bag {40% off} | gold studs {40% off}
Happy Tuesday, ladies! Autumn is officially upon us, and with it comes one of my favorite yearly events - the Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale! While these sweaters are not part of the sale {wah!}, the rest of this entire outfit is! I just ordered these over-the-knee boots, and have already planned at least a dozen outfits around them; and this fringe mini bag looks so much like the carryall I've been toting around for the past few months, so trust me when I say, you will use it all. the. time. It definitely doesn't hurt that it's under-$200.

How is everyone's week going? Fall finally decided to make an appearance in SoCal, so I'm excited to have the chance to pull out my chunky knits and boots, and indulge in my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season!

SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: Essence The Gel Nail Polish in 24 Indian Summer

Two coats of Essence The Gel Nail Polish in 24 Indian Summer. Bright Peach Creme.

Isn't she purty?

I bought 24 Indian Summer on a whim given it's looow {$1.99} price tag , and my prior amazing experience with Essence formulas, but totally forgot I had it until last week. Such an error on my part because it. is. beautiful.

Indian Summer is the perfect spring-to-summer shade, being both bright and feminine. While I found the formula to be slightly thicker than previous Essence shades I've used, it evened out nicely, and proved to be quite the showstopper on my nails {it's amazing how many people love a good peach}. If you dig girly colors {and are on a budget}, this is the one for you!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

the great holiday blog swap {take two}

Last year I attempted to organize my very first holiday blog swap, but there wasn't a huge turnout, so I'm giving it another whirl for 2015, and hoping that more of you will participate, because, honestly, what is better than opening surprise prezzies from your blogging buddies? Nothing, I tell ya! So without further ado...

Regardless of what winter holiday you celebrate, I hope that you will take part in Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans' The Great Holiday Blog Swap, which pairs 2 bloggers from the United States with one another to act as a Secret Santa of sorts.

Each blogger will select and send winter-inspired gifts to the person they are paired with, and then we can all blog about our holiday swap experience - sharing pictures/descriptions of the items we received.

The spending amount for this swap is $25.00 for each person {to be fair, please do not go over or under this amount}. Some swap gift ideas include:

* A Scarf
* Hot Chocolate
* An Ornament
* A Holiday Film
* Winter-Inspired Nail Polish
* A Holiday Novel

Anything that makes you think of the holidays and the winter season!
TO JOIN THE SWAP:

1} Add your Blog Link to the InLinkz Widget at the bottom of this post {by clicking Add Your Link} so that other bloggers can see who is participating.

2} E-mail me @cafefashionista@yahoo.com {subject heading: holiday blog swap} with your mailing address and e-mail address. This information will only be shared with your swap partner.

3} Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address.


RULES:

1} Must have a U.S. mailing address.

2} Must agree to the spending amount of $25.00.

3} Must mail your swap package no later than Monday, December 15, 2015.

Sign-ups for The Great Holiday Blog Swap will close on Monday, November 23, 2015, and everyone should receive their swap partner info the week of Thanksgiving - so please sign-up ASAP if you're interested in participating.








I hope that you will all consider participating in this Blog Swap! If you have any questions, please e-mail them to me @cafefashionista@yahoo.com, or Post them in the comments section!

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {november 5, 2015 edition}

Turbans and stoles. What decade are we in again?

IFB bloggers hit on these two very glamorous trends along with high waisted wide leg trousers, ponchos, faux fur, and saddlebag handbags. To name just a few stories, womenswear themes included wardrobe rule breaking, fashionable dress on the go, wearing Fall colors against cool skin tones, and wardrobe essentials which included a red lip. We also had excellent posts featuring menswear, beauty, and the business of blogging.

And now, if you’re thinking, “I just can’t do the turban because I have too many memories of Grandma poolside in Boca.” Well, there are some great alternatives under the guise of a headband. Be sure to check our sponsor first for this Fall outfit game changer. They have some beautiful options right now.

Links à la Mode, November 5

• Attire Club: 5 Essential Questions About Accessories Answered
• Bows + Fringe: The Perfect Eyebrow Series
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: November Crush List
• Christy Moeller: 3 Ways to Wear a Faux Fur Stole
• Dresscode:HighFashion: Black Week | The Top Black Coats F/W 15/16
• Everyday Starlet: Fall Fashion Colors For Cool Skin Tones
• Fash Illuminous: How To | Dress Fashionable When You are on the Go
• FionaMcCabeDotCom: The Wide Leg Pants
• I’m a Norbyah: Clothing Swaps | A Different Kind of Shopping
• Inside Out Style: How to Mix Stripes with Prints
• Just Jei: Secondhand vs Vintage | All the Definitions You Need to Know Part II
• Lady Goodman: Currently Obsessed | The Saddle Bag from The Cambridge Satchel Company
• La Vintage Vida: Getting Glamorous with a Turban
• Modavracha: Sweater Fashion Doesn’t Have to be with Jeans
• Mornings with Madge: It’s a Wrap | Ponchos
• Moxie Beautiful: Redbook Inspired Fashion Must-Haves
• Purushu Arie: A Basic Guide to Men’s Formal Shoes
• Style in a Small Town: How to Wear Black and Brown Together
• Style Through Her Eyes: Downton Abbey-esque Hair Tutorial
• We Are Ready Made: One Night Only in Broadway

SPONSOR: Shopbop Splits59, Cynthia Rowley Dresses, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, BEX nyc, Misha, Kobi Halperin, Tunic Sweaters, Wide Leg Pants, Saddle Bags, Men's Begg & Co.


xx

the only lip pencil you'll ever need!

Eyeshadow: NYX Cosmetics ipsy Eye Shadow Trio | Brush: e.l.f. Crease Brush | Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll in BLACK | Lip Pencil: beauty for real D-Fine Perfect Lip Pencil in NUDE | Lip Color: e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color in Natural | Lip Gloss: Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick in MUST HAVE PINK | Eye Liner {Liquid}: L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in CARBON BLACK | Eye Liner {Pencil}: Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Pencil in MIDNIGHT MASTER

I've worked with Beauty for Real a few times in the past {always to phenom results}, so when they sent me their D-Fine Perfect Lip Pencil in NUDE, I knew that it would be a-ma-zing, but would it live up to being the only lip pencil you'll ever need? Answer: Yaaasss!

Having never tried a lip pencil before now {I know, right?!}, I didn't really know what to expect, but quickly learned that I basically need this beauty in my life indefinitely! Today, I'm wearing it with two other lip products to perfect my pout, but I'm also wearing it in one other area: on. my. cheeks. Yep, it works amazingly well as a blusher when you're trying to minimize how many products you're using for a single #motd! This one is definitely remaining in my makeup bag for the long haul.

SHOP THE POST

xx


Thanks to beauty for real and e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} off duty

Sweater: Chicwish Sunny Afternoon V-neck Sweater in Grey | Mascara: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara in Very Black | Bag: Sole Society Emmie Perforated Hobo Bag in Black | Bra: Heidi Klum Intimates Mineral Sands Stretch-Silk, Lace and Tulle Underwired Bra | Leggings: Splendid Stretch-Jersey Leggings | Lipstick: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Red Revival | Boots: Belle by Sigerson Morrison Malina Scrunch Knee Boots in Black

SHOP THE POST

xx

{beauty board} eye candy

Love eyeshadow? Then set your sights on 6 of the prettiest palettes to hit the scene! Whether you dig the romantic rose golds or can't get enough of bold and beautiful hues, there's a gorgeous selection just for you!

smoked-out shimmer SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful 5 Eyeshadow Palette in N°01 UPTOWN TO DOWNTOWN SMOKY {$25.00}

bold mark. Dream Sequins Shimmering Eyeshadow Palette {$28.00}

romantic rose golds Maybelline The Blushed Nudes {$9.99}

matte attack tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette {$45.00}

earthy ULTA Complete Eye Palette in ALTERNATIVE {$12.00}

morning to midnight NYX Cosmetics Love In Paris Eyeshadow Palette in BE OUR GUEST MAURICE {$9.99}


SHOP THE POST

xx


Thanks to mark. for sponsoring this post!

november crush list!

1. cranberry cozy The colors of November are some of my favorites - the smoky pumpkin spice, the spicy cocoa browns, and, above all else, the rich cranberries. Cranberry is simply one of those cozy colors that makes you want to cuddle, so, of course, I love it for cozy knits. My top picks: Forever 21's Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater in Burgundy {the hi / low hemline adds to the coziness}, and Forever 21's V-Neck Cutout Sweater in Rust. Cozy perfection, yes?

2. oxblood accents Given the fact that I wear a lot of cream and black shades during the chillier months, I love a good oxblood accent - shoes, nails, bags, but especially scarves. I just ordered BP.'s Fringe Trim Infinity Scarf in Oxblood {I plan on wearing it with my Missguided Ophelita Off Shoulder Sweater}, and Sole Society's Plaid Wool Scarf in Oxblood {love the plaid for fall!}.

3. suedes for days Suede is such a lush texture - especially for days when a Pumpkin Spice Latte and cozy fireplace is totally necessary for survival. And when it comes to shadows? Count. Me. In. I am sososo loving Ciaté London's Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London The Smouldering Eye Palette, and Ciaté London's Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette. They are both so unquestionably chic, perfect for fall days, and v. versatile. Then again, would you expect anything less from OP?

4. navy nails I typically gravitate towards rust, mint, or chocolate brown nail colors for the fall through winter months, but currently I'm completely crushing on navy. I love the air of sophistication it lends to your person while being downright perfect for sweater weather. I just found JULEP's Nail Color in Lacey in my stash of untrieds {totally trying it out this week}; but I'm also coveting OPI's Nail Lacquer in Give Me Space which looks simply magical!

What's on your November Crush List?


SHOP THE POST

xx


Thanks to Ciaté London for sponsoring this post!

NOTD: JULEP Nail Color in Logan

Two coats of JULEP Nail Color in Logan. Aubergine Shimmer.

You guys, this may be the holy grail of nail polish for two reasons: 1: 7 days of wear {this included assembling furniture, doing dishes/laundry, texting, and LEGO building}, and not a single chip {just v minimal tipwear}; 2: No staining upon removal. See what I mean? HG status.

Logan is one of those shimmery shades that you legit never tire of because it is so unique {and far prettier IRL}. Though the formula seemed thin and watery on coat one, it thickened up and became glowy and gorgeous by coat two. Total fall / winter essential right here!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {october 29, 2015 edition}

My favorite part of Halloween has always been more the costume and makeup, and less the trick or treating. I was lucky to have a mother who enjoyed making costumes, and every year she would make a costume to both our liking. Aside from the year that I begged for a plastic tablecloth like one from the drug store, I’ve never had a store bought run of the mill costume. No, my preference was and still is something that is carefully curated. It’s also one of my favorite parts about fashion. To take ordinary, when separate, wardrobe pieces and combine them to make a cohesive and exciting story of an outfit… or a character.

I found it interesting that the trends mentioned by IFB Bloggers this time are all items I have worn as part of past Halloween costumes – faux fur, stoles, vests, scarves, and tights. Not to say current trends are costumey, but they are eye catching, and when combined with the right pieces can take an everyday outfit or costume to the next level.

There are also some wonderful Halloween themed posts regarding DIY costumes, makeup, and iconic people who were known for taking costuming and theatrics beyond the stage and Halloween. Dresscode:HighFashion put together an excellent collection of runway looks for a Halloween night of glamorous terror. I’ll take one Vivienne Westwood gown, one pair of Alexander McQueen scalloped detail shoes, and finish my look off with Alexander McQueen’s black rose brass knuckles handbag. Please. I’ll figure out what to call my costume later.

Links à la Mode, October 29

• A Handful of Stories: Two Unbelievable Makeup Looks for Halloween
• Anakin and His Angel: Star Wars Cover Girl | Kylo Ren Inspired Makeup
• A Preponderance of Fashion: DIY Halloween Costumes for Women
• Banarsi Designs: 7 Street Style Scarf Looks to Steal Now
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Boards} Magic Wands
• Dresscode:HighFashion: 10 High Fashion Looks for Halloween 2015
• Epouser La Mode: One Sweater 4 Styles!
• Fashion Blender: Sandals of Love
• Greige Market: How to Dress Like a Grown Up
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: Halloween in Your Closet | Dorothy Gale
• La Vintage Vida: The Fitting Room Chronicles | Channeling Stevie Nicks
• Lil Miss JB Style: Longline Vest
• Mama in Heels: How to Wear Faux Fur without Looking Like Chewbacca
• Modavracha: Stoles | Will Get You Noticed But Keep You Warm
• Ms. FABulous: Fashion Underground | The World of Susanne Bartsch
• MySelf Expressed: Twice as Nice | Oversized
• Sheela Writes: Get Your Sheet On
• Tell Me, Y…: This Camera Will Help You Take a Killer #OOTD Photo on Your Own
• We Are Ready Made: To the Next 1000!!
• Wish and Wear: Covet Monday | Something Sweet

SPONSOR: Shopbop Blank Denim, Love Sam Tops, Schutz Shoes, Zoe Chicco, Bickley + Mitchell, Sara Battaglia, Long Cardigans, Black Lace Tops, Fur Coats, Men's Splendid Mills


xx

I'm a tiger, duh!

Tiger Ears: Adut Tiger Plush 3 Pc. Costume Set | Eyeshadow: Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eye Shadow Paint in Golden Bronze | Lip Color: Julep Lip Gloss in Vivid | Mascara: Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA Instant Full Body Volume Mascara in Excessive Black | Eye Liner: NYC New York Color Liquid Eyeliner in Black 887A | Nail Polish: JULEP Nail Color in Logan

SHOP THE POST

Happy Halloween babes!



xx


Thanks to Rimmel for sponsoring this post!

NOTD: NYC New York Color Long Wearing Nail Enamel in Black Lace Creme

Two coats of NYC New York Color Long Wearing Nail Enamel in Black Lace Creme. Black Creme.

Typically I reserve my NOTD posts for #ManicureMonday, but it's Halloween Eve, so I had to share my chosen color, so here it is.

Black. Groundbreaking, I know. I always go for a black nail for Halloween because I usually dress as a member of the feline family every. single. year. so it feels appropriate. This year it's Black Lace Creme.

For a black shade, this color was v easy to work with - not flooding the cuticles or anything. Granted, it did require two coats for opacity, and leans more towards a deep espresso than true black, it still fits the spooky bill I was aiming for!

What nail color are you rocking for Halloween weekend?

xx


Thanks to NYC New York Color for sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
Because it's finally starting to feel like fall in SoCal, and I'm in an all black everything kind of mood.

SHOP THE POST

xx

{beauty board} fall fever

Get spicy with rich fall hues that will help you add a touch of autumn to your #MOTD!

{1.} DEBORAH LIPPMANN Nail Polish in MARRAKESH EXPRESS {$18.00}, and OPI Nail Lacquer in RO-MAN-CE ON THE MOON {$9.50}

{2.} CLINIQUE Cheek Pop Blush in COLA POP, GINGER POP, FIG POP {$19.80 each}

{3.} NYX COSMETICS Slide On Eye Pencil in GLITZY GOLD and GOLDEN BRONZE {$7.99 each}

{4.} ULTA Body Cream in PUMPKIN LATTE {$10.50}

{5.} KAT VON D Studded Kiss Lipstick in GOTHICA, and HEXAGRAM {$21.00 each}


SHOP THE POST

xx

{fashion folio} cozy kiss

Sweater: Chicwish Sunny Afternoon V-neck Sweater in Cream | Boots: Tory Burch Devon Boot in Caramel Leather | Bag: Frye Heidi Fringe Hobo Bag in Whiskey | Scarf: BP Leopard Print Fringe Oblong Scarf in Brown Leopard | Jeans: J BRAND 8226 Mid-Rise Distressed Skinny Jeans | Lipstick: NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Cherry Skies | Necklace: Sole Society Geo Fringe Pendant in Antique Gold | Nails: ULTA Limited Edition Salon Nail Lacquer in Crimson Pout | Socks: Two-Tone Over the Knee Socks in Beige

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xx

NOTD: Revlon Nail Enamel in Copper Penny

Two coats of Revlon Nail Enamel in Copper Penny. Deep Warm Copper Metallic.

Metallics are so not my jam, but this color...le sigh...totally feeling it - especially for fall festivities {Thanksgiving, anyone?}.

Copper Penny is the quintessential harvest shade, capturing the last flickering lights of summer, and blending them seamlessly with a rich, pumpkin spice-esque warmth that is just gorgeous!

The formula here was flawless, reaching opacity like that {with thicker coats, this could even be a OCW}, and leaving zero brushstrokes. Autumn essential right here, babes!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

lazy morning

cupcakes and cashmere Lazy Morning Striped Cardigan in Black.

I just want to live in this cardi. Does that sound weird?

xx

{muse of the moment} blanca padilla

xx

#makeupmess

Makeup Bag: October 2015 ipsy Glam Bag | Lipstick: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in FAIREST NUDE | Concealer: Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer to Go in LIGHT GOLDEN | Mascara: Rimmel London Wonderlash Mascara in EXTREME BLACK | Brush: e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush | Cheek / Lip Tint: Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain in ROSE | Blush: NYX Cosmetics Powder Blush in PINCHED | Brightener: e.l.f. Studio HD Lifting Concealer in BRIGHTENING | Eyeshadow: Wet n Wild Color Icon Collection Eyeshadow Trio in WALKING ON EGGSHELLS

SHOP THE POST

xx


Thanks to e.l.f., Amazing Cosmetics, and Rimmel for sponsoring this post!

{beauty board} magic wands

All makeup brushes are not created equal. Here are 10 game-changers that will help you make the most of your makeup!

{1} NARS Yachiyo Brush #27 {$55.00} The multipurpose you can't live without.

{2} stila One Step Complexion Brush #33 {$32.00} Brilliant for buffing out liquid or powder foundations for a crease-free finish!

{3} IT BRUSHES FOR ULTA Airbrush Blurring Kabuki Brush #123 {$22.00} Perfect for picking up liquid foundations.

{4} e.l.f. Studio Contouring Brush {$6.00} A flat-head aesthetic makes it ideal for fitting into every curve of your face!

{5} Hourglass All-Over Shadow Brush {$30.00} Layer and blend colors seamlessly with this all-in-one for eyes.

{6} stila Magnificent Metals Double-Ended Eye Liner Applicator #36 {$18.00} The silicone tip makes cat eyes a breeze!

{7} Sephora Collection Pro Bent Liner Brush #23 {$17.00} The angled shape was made for tightlining.

{8} IT BRUSHES FOR ULTA Airbrush Essential Bronzer Brush #114 {$26.00} Your bronzer's new BFF.

{9} MAKE UP FOR EVER 120 Medium Powder Fan Brush {$31.00} Excess powder is so not the drama with just a few sweeps!

{10} DIOR Professional Finish Lip Brush {$28.00} Line, fill in, clean up...this lip brush does it all.


SHOP THE POST

xx