{fashion folio} girls night

Top: TOPSHOP Velvet and Lace Crop Top in NUDE {40% off!} | Hair: T3 Twirl Convertible Curling Iron with Interchangeable Clip Barrel {silk base closure} | Highlight: Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit | Denim: MOTO Blue Super Rip Jamie Jeans | Ring: BaubleBar Trinity Ring-Howlite | Lips + Cheeks: Benefit Cosmetics Posietint Cheek & Lip Stain in POSIETINT | Cuff: BaubleBar Double Helix Pavé Cuff in CLEAR/GOLD {40% off!} | Nails: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in FEATHERED | Shoes: Sam Edelman Yaro Ankle Strap Sandal in OATMEAL SUEDE | Necklace: Sole Society Pendant Bolo Necklace in GOLD

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butter LONDON Refresh Pantone Color of the Year 2017 Collection Swatches + Review

I rarely buy butter LONDON polishes because they never release mini sets, so when I spotted this ultra-adorbs Refresh Pantone Color of the Year 2017 Collection quartet, I had to grab it. TBH, none of these colors supercalifragi grabbed me once on the nail, but the formula was dynamite, and I think that some of you may really enjoy the shade offerings - whether you wear them now {spring / summer} or later {fall / winter}. Let's get to the swatches!

Pink Icing is a Mauve Nude Pink Creme. I'll just say it...this one was such a letdown for me. Don't get me wrong, the formula was amazing {just shy of a OCW}, but the color! I don't dig pinks to begin with; but based on the name, and the warm weather season, I thought this would be brighter {like a baby pink}, but IMO it's just. so. boring. Yes, it's pretty; but it leans more towards the nudey/mauvey nail family which feels too business and not enough beach. Tossing this one. This is 2 coats.

Periscope is a Smoky Charcoal Silver Metallic. Y'all know that I'm not the biggest fan of metallic nail colors; but I have to admit that Periscope is pretty. Groundbreaking, no; but it came into my life right when stormy weather was abound, and it just. felt. perfect. Periscope has the tiniest hint of an olive undertone that really comes out if you're wearing any shade of green; but really isn't discernible otherwise. The formula here is fantastic - a little sheer on the first coat, but it builds beautifully to create an almost mirror-like effect {exactly what you want from cheap hair extensions too!; plus it's v user-friendly. This is 2 coats.

Greenery is a Yellow Green Creme. If you're looking for a unique bright for an upcoming summer vacay, or just to celebrate the season, then Greenery was basically made for you. The formula here is fabulous - a little thin, but v quick to build and easy to work with. I did find that it left behind quite a bit of yellow/green staining, which I wasn't thrilled about. In fact, I would call it a dealbreaker because no one wants their nails to be stained a yellow/green shade. Bye. This is 2 coats.

Nimbus Cloud is a White Grey Creme. You know what I L-O-V-E about this one? The name! It totes makes me think of Harry Potter and the prized Nimbus 2000 broomstick! Aaaanyway...meet my favoritefavoritefavorite shade from the collection. You babes all know how much I love my whites during the spring and summer months, and while Nimbus Cloud isn't your everyday stark white, it definitely has enough of a white tone to it to make me love it! The formula here is so fantastic! This right here is a light shade ladies, but it was opaque, rich, and creamy from coat one and required v little to build to this gorgeous hue! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA and Nordstrom.

PRICE: $19.00 for the 4PC Mini Set; or $10.00 per each full-size bottle.


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april crush list!

1. saddle espadrilles There's something about warmer weather that makes me covet saddle-colored shoes in any and every style; but this year I am all about the espadrilles due to their level of comfort, stability, and versatility {seriously though, they work with anything and everything in. your. closet.}. Currently I'm crushing on CHLOÉ's Lauren Espadrille Wedge Sandal in BROWN OCHRE SUEDE {how fun is the scalloped detailing?!}, Steve Madden's Jaylen Wedge Sandal in COGNAC {just ordered these and they are bomb! Though they run a little wide, they're insanely comfortable; plus, they're under $60!}, and Marc Fisher LTD's Adalyn Espadrille Wedge Sandal in TAN/SADDLE.

2. denim cutoffs I live for cutoff denim whenever the temps rise because it is just. so. easy., and this season I have my eye on all things One Teaspoon. Their denim is the epitome of perfection - from the shade selection to the distressing. My current faves? The Classic Bonita Shorts in CLASSIC {the uneven, frayed hem makes legs look amazing!}, and the Blue Buoy Bandit Shorts in BLUE BUOY {obsessed with the cuffed hemline!}.

3. layered chokers Collars and chokers have been my obsession for the past few months; but with the arrival of show more skin season, I am love love loving the look of layered chokers. Fragments' Layered Y-Drop Crystal Choker Necklace in CLEAR due to that long, lasso-like detail which would look so killer paired with a deep v; and BaubleBar's Karint Layered Necklace, and Vicki Layered Necklace are stunners if you're looking for a chunkier feel {I so want to pair them with off the shoulder tops all. summer. long.}.

4. off the shoulder Last year I was so not feeling the off the shoulder trend, but this year I cannot get enough of it! I love how effortlessly sexy the aesthetic feels {especially when paired with loose, beachy waves, or virgin hair extensions}. I just purchased Forever 21's Flounce Off-the-Shoulder Top in PEACH, which is super lightweight and such a steal at under $13! Next up I'm craving Melissa Odabash's Adrianna Blouse in WHITE {wouldn't it look so retro chic with flares and platforms?!}, and LIV's Mantilla Off Shoulder Top in WHITE {I die at those lace paneled bell sleeves!}.

What's on your April Crush List?


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NOTD: OPI Infinite Shine 2 Icons Nail Lacquer in Do You Lilac It?

PRESS SAMPLE

Two coats of OPI Infinite Shine 2 Icons Nail Lacquer in Do You Lilac It?. Lilac Purple Creme.

I'm not a huge fan of purple polishes; but when Do You Lilac It? arrived on my doorstep, I had to whip it out and try it on for size.

Ladies, this color is perfect perfect perfect for spring {as is Mongolian hair}! It's slightly darker than I expected - being far less pastel than the bottle led me to believe; but ermagersh it is gorgeous! And to top it off, the formula is fab {we're talking almost but not quite OCW territory}!

Do I lilac it? Yes, yes I do.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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pitusa

Pitusa Mini Crop Top in WATERMELON and WHITE.

Seriously obsessed with this top {in both colors!} for summer! It was made for beach days + Brazilian hair extensions!

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glam

Human hair extensions are perfect for scoring this messy 'do!

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{beauty board} two-tone lips

Get tropical {and summer-ready} with a straight-from-the-runway popsicle-inspired pout a la two-tone lips. Seriously ladies, this look is not as daunting as you may think! Grab two complimentary shades {I dig rose, cherry, and blood orange}, applying the lighter shade to the top lip to make it appear fuller, and swiping the bolder, darker shade on the bottom lip. Not sure which shades to work with? I've found 5 bomb liquid lip pairings {at multiple price points}, so you can snag the duo that appeals most to you {or mix and match to create your own perfect #lotd}!

1} Maybelline Lip Studio Shine Jolt in 15 FIGHT ME FUCHSIA {$6.99} and Maybelline Lip Studio Shine Jolt in 20 ORANGE OUTBURST {$6.99}

2} Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in CARINA {$20.00} and Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in SPICY {$20.00}

3} SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain in 09 WATERMELON SLICE {$14.00} and SEPHORA COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain in 10 MANDARIN MUSE {$14.00} {I love how this duo pairs with undone, beachy Malaysian Hair}.

4} stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in BELLA {$24.00} and stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in BESO {$24.00}

5} L'Oréal Infallible Lip Paints in WILD ROSE {$5.99} and L'Oréal Infallible Lip Paints in DIY RED {$5.99}


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{fashion folio} cali cool

Top: BASSIKE Striped T-Shirt | Earrings: FRASIER STERLING Selena Hoop Earrings in GOLD | Ring: Nordstrom Semiprecious Stone Ring in TURQUOISE | Sunnies: DIFF Cruz 57mm Aviator Sunglasses in GOLD/RED | Shoes: MARC FISHER LTD Andira Platform Wedge Sandal in COGNAC SUEDE | Hair: BEACHWAVER CO. Beachwaver S1.25 Curling Iron {Peruvian Hair} | Lips: Urban Decay Cosmetics Vice Lipstick in RAVENSWOOD | Denim: AGOLDE Sophie Crop in OUTSIDER | Nails: NARS Iconic Color Nail Polish in ECUME

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{what's in my} ipsy march 2017 glam bag!

You are beautiful {pass it on}. Ooh I heart that! TBH I thought my ipsy March Glam Bag was MIA this month because we're having mail issues {apparently our mailbox was compromised}, but it resurfaced last week so cheers to ipsy!

Babes, the Parisian feel of ipsy Tres Jolie is just magical, with an assortment of super girly products that feel so fab for spring! My personal faves? The EVA NYC Mane Magic 10-In-1 Primer {which is perfect for taming frizz and protecting against heat} and the So Susan Blush & Glow Luminizing Blush in ROSE RUST {obsessed with how luminous this beauty is!}.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with ipsy, it is a beauty subscription service that costs $10 per month {awesome deal IMO}, and consists of a collectible makeup bag {can also double as a clutch} along with 5 beauty samples that are customized to your personal beauty profile {which you can change/update at anytime}. I love getting subscription boxes, but don't have a ton of extra cash to spare, so I find ipsy to be the best value as each month's bags are adorable, the products are of fantastic quality, and their stylists are top-notch {and some of my fave beauty bloggers}. That being said, let's get to the bag!

March's theme was TRES JOLIE {aka Paris in Springtime}. Inside my bag was a deluxe sample of EVA NYC Mane Magic 10-In-1 Primer, full size So Susan Blush & Glow Luminizing Blush in ROSE RUST {retail $22.95!}, deluxe sample of tarte Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in ROSE, full size mPrincess Pressed Eyeshadow in CHESTNUT {retail $15.45!}, and a Chella Eyebrow Highlighter Pencil in IVORY LACE {retail $18.00!}.

Never have I ever heard of the brand mPrincess, but being the insane eyeshadow fanatic that I am {especially of the copper / bronze shadow families}, you know that I was excited to try mPrincess Pressed Eyeshadow in CHESTNUT. Let's talk about pigment...ladies, the swatch you see above is one swipe worn without primer. Yes, it is that pigmented! I love this color - it has a reddish tone to it that really makes my green eyes pop. As a shadow, I like it worn in the crease, outer V, or lower lashline; but when you wet the product {as recommended by ipsy}, it makes for an awesome liner. My one qualm about this product: the packaging. It wasn't difficult to open, but felt super cheap and flimsy, which always irks me.

Since we're on the subject of eyes, let's move onto the Chella Eyebrow Highlighter Pencil in IVORY LACE. I own a lot {read: more than I should probably admit} eyeshadow palettes, so a product like this isn't something that I would buy on my own {rather, I'd just use a white-ish shade of eyeshadow to do the job}. That said, I really liked using this bad boy. Despite the fact that it's in a pencil form, this is v creamy yet firm {so you don't have to worry about it breaking/falling apart while you're using it}. My favorite bit about this product was the fact that, though described as an eyebrow highlighter, this product can actually be used anywhere on the face to highlight. It's perfect if you love a subtle, natural, glowy highlight that isn't overtly shimmery or sparkly, yet still leaves behind a radiance to skin. I especially love it used on the inner corners of the eyes, and on my cupid's bow.

Fact: I do not like matte lip products, so I was preeetty sure that I wasn't going to be a fan of tarte's Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in ROSE - and I was right. Don't get me wrong, Rose is a beautiful nude rose hue that has a tiny bit of that 90s brown tone to it {think Kylie Jenner}, but I like mega shine when it comes to my pout, so a matte just won't cut it. If you're a fan of mattes though, you will love. this. formula. Not only is it quick-dry, it doesn't feel dry on the lips; rather, it's hydrating in a fashion synonymous with a balm or gloss. If you love a longwear lip color {and who doesn't?!}, this one has your name written alllll over it - it doesn't budge, smudge, or move at all until you use a makeup remover to take it off. Highly recommend this baby for the matte lip lovers.

Dead. Seriously babes, that is the only way to describe my thoughts on the EVA NYC Mane Magic 10-In-1 Primer. This teeny tiny bottle is like a magic potion for your lovely lady locks {Indian Hair} - doing the job of 10 products to keep your hair looking fabulush. I applied just the tiniest bit of product to my hair {while wet}, and it gave me crazy good shine, helped with detangling, tamed my frizz, served as an epic heat protectant, and left my hair feeling silky soft and light as a feather. To say I'm obsessed would be such an understatement. I need the full-size bottle immediately.

Ladies, you know how I love my face products to have loads of luminosity to them, so I immediately knew that So Susan's Blush & Glow Luminizing Blush in ROSE RUST would be a favorite of mine from this bag! This product has a v unique feature in that it acts as a mood ring of sorts, self-adjusting to your skin tone to create the perfect shade for you! I'm not gonna lie, this blush needs to be built up in order to really see color payoff, so it's not a swipe and go; but the fact that it leaves gorgeous color and glow in its wake def makes up for the fact that you have to spend a bit of extra time working with it.

What was in your March 2017 ipsy Glam Bag? Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here!


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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Soft shades, shimmer, and sassy sandals {not to mention hair extensions that slaaay} are all on my love list this week. Happy Tuesday babes!

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NOTD: Formula X The Colors Nail Polish in Intrepid

Two coats of Formula X The Colors Nail Polish in Intrepid. Dusty Olive Green Creme.

It is hard to find olive green shades in the beauty department - be it for nail or eyes, but Sephora Collection and Formula X always manage to sneak a few bits in. Case in point, Intrepid.

Ooh ladies, Intrepid is giving it to me rn! As opposed to having murky brown undertones {which tend to be unflattering}, Intrepid has dusty gray undertones that give it a moss-y look that is straight. up. stunning.

The formula here is beyond. It is thin, but it still manages to fall juuust shy of being a OCW. And that shine? It's natural! Not even requiring a top coat {but I used one to protect it from chips}. Loves it!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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wyatt

Roe + May Wyatt Romper in DITSY BORDER.

That neckline tho! I seriously love aesthetics like this - the way they show off the shoulders is bliss!

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golden

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{beauty board} wet-look locks

Looking for a new hair trend to try for spring-into-summer? Look no further than wet-look locks. It's a super attainable look that has a nostalgic 80s feel mixed with that always-enviable surf girl style. The best part? It requires minimal products, and works on any and all hair types {be it Brazilian Hair, Virgin Hair, Lace Closure, or anything else}. Peep the products {and steps} below to score this runway-inspired look for yourself!

1} Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer {$28.00} After creating a side-part in hair, spritz a primer all over dry hair {yes, dry hair!} to prep for styling.

2} IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel {$27.00} To achieve that super slick, high level of shine, work a gel from root to ends through hair with a fine-tooth comb {I like FROMM's Diane Ionic Anti-Static Styling Comb, but any you find at your local Hair Store will work too}.

3} IGK Beach Club Texture Spray {$29.00} To enhance the mussed / bedhead texture of the hair, apply a beach spray, scrunching hair with your hands as you go along.

4} ALTERNA Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging® Perfect Texture Finishing Spray {$28.00} To complete the look, add a hair flip for volume, then apply a finishing spray for hold.


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{fashion folio} heat wave

Top: Rebecca Taylor Off-The-Shoulder Gauze Top in PEACH | Earrings: NORDSTROM Thick Medium Hoop Earrings in GOLD | Nails: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored - Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer Collector’s Edition in PEARL JAM | Shoes: Marc Fisher LTD Annie Perforated Espadrille Platform Wedge in MUSHROOM SUEDE | Shorts: One Teaspoon Blue Buoy Bandit Shorts in BLUE BUOY | Bracelet: BaubleBar Gold Mary Links Bracelet | Lips/Cheeks: Benefit Cosmetics Posietint Cheek & Lip Stain in POSIETINT | Necklace: BaubleBar Abbie Y-Choker | Hair: SULTRA The Bombshell Oval Curling Iron

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China Glaze Spring Cuties 6-Piece Mini Set Swatches + Review

Somehow I missed China Glaze's holiday 2016 collection {still not sure how that happened!}, so I have been waiting with bated breath for their Spring Cuties 6PC Mini Set to hit stores and fiiiinally it. is. here. Not gonna lie babes, this six-piece has a couple of misses; but is overall full of sizzling hits that you'll love to add to your collection for spring into summer. Swatch time!

Too Much Of A Good Fling is a Mint Creme. For a time I wore nothing but mint cremes, but it has been well over a year since I last rocked a similar shade and Too Much Of A Good Fling is seriously making me question why I waited so long. You guys, this color is so good! Chances are you own at least five polishes similar to this bad boy, but guess what? You need to add this one to your stash because the formula is user-friendly and quick to reach opacity; not to mention that it's full of natural shine. This may just be my fave from the collection! This is 2 coats.

Life Is Suite is a Nude Matte. You know those misses I mentioned in the intro? This one right here is numero uno. Though Life Is Suite doesn't look bad on the nail if you like that mannequin hands feel; the formula is...somewhat of a nightmare. As a matte finish it dries too quickly, so you can never really level it out, giving it a lumpy, uneven look. Formula aside, I have to be truthful and say this color is blech to me - I cannot stand it; it literally makes me feel as if I'm dead, and I'm 99.9% positive that you shouldn't feel that way when you paint your nails. This is 3 coats.

Crushin' On Blue is a Marine Blue with a Pearl Finish. Ermagersh ladies how pretty is this one?! Crushin' On Blue is the thing summer dreams are made of - it has that crystal clear waters feel to it that makes it ideal for vacay, without being your basic bright pink or orange. The formula here is thin and patchy; however, it's a breeze to work with, leaving an ultra-shiny finish and brilliant color in its wake! BTW: this baby doesn't stain. Huzzah! This is 3 coats.

Kiss My Sherbet Lips is a Fuchsia Creme with Blue Microshimmer. Darker than your typical summer shade, yes; but there's something about Kiss My Sherbet Lips that I straight. up. adore. The blue microshimmer throughout is insanely blink-and-you'll-miss-it subtle, but it's there and adds a fun, summer-y feel to the shade. Despite being dark, this one does require more coats than I expected; but it's super easy to work with, so def not a dealbreaker. This is one of my top 3 fave shades from this collection. This is 3 coats.

I Just Cant-Aloupe is a Peachy-Melon Creme. I have a tendency to gravitate towards peach-meets-coral-meets-melon shades when the temps rise, so I Just Cant-Aloupe quickly caught my eye. In the bottle it reads more pale peachy melon; however, on the nail I find that it feels more orange-based. Either way it's a gorgeous shade for hitting the beach; with a bomb formula that makes it easy breezy to swipe and go! This is 2 coats.

Beach It Up is a Rose Gold and Champagne Hexagonal Glitter with Holographic Bar Glitter. Color-wise, I think I could have really loved this one for summer, but the glitter on glitter really creates a hot mess of an effect that I'm just not feeling. I think that if there was a way to eliminate all of the lumpiness of the glitter and just keep Beach It Up's base color, I would repeat-wear it all summer; but barring that, this one is a big no. Formula was good though; and removal was a breeze - even though the chunky glitter would have you think otherwise. This is 3 coats.

AVAILABILITY: ULTA.

PRICE: $15.00 for the 6PC Mini Set; or $7.50 per each full-size bottle.


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{what to pack} for spring break!

one | two {$14.00!} | three | four | five | six | seven | eight {under $25!} | nine {under $20!} | ten
Whether you're planning on spring breakin' it this year, or are just prepping for a sizzling staycation, these warm weather essentials will add a little heat to your spring-through-summer wardrobe, without leaving you broke because guess what? Everything you see here is under $70!

I just ordered these sunnies and am obsessed {they look designer!}. And can we all just take a moment to agree that Target's swimsuit game is fire this year?! I may actually have to buy this bikini top {I can't get over the off the shoulder aesthetic!}.

Are you headed somewhere sunny for Spring Break?

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NOTD: 2B Colours Jeans Look Nail Polish in Blue

Two coats of 2B Colours Jeans Look Nail Polish in Blue. Navy Blue Texture.

You guys I have no words to describe my level of love for this polish rn! The color the formula, the staying power - it is bomb, bomb, and more bomb.

I was completely unaware of the fact that this polish was textured {think OPI Liquid Sand} when I purchased it, and since I'm not really feeling textures at the moment, I used one swipe of top coat to give it shine, and it is just brilliant!

Given the fact that this is a textured polish, the formula was slightly denser than a typical creme, making errors virtually impossible. And that color! Seriously though, this is one of my new favorite shades. If you dig a dark nail you need this one pronto!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?


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mint julep

Free People Mint Julep Tee in WHITE {also available in Cobalt and Black}.

So nice I bought it twice {in the White and Cobalt colors}. Contemplating buying the Black next.

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gothic

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