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Browsing category archives: fashion

UPDATED Current Beauty Essentials (non-makeup)

Hello everyone! Yes, this blog is still a sisters blog but you wouldn’t think so based on the last several months.  Again, I thank you for your patience and understanding about my absence.  However, the good news is that I am in MY LAST SEMESTER OF GRAD SCHOOL! Omigosh, is it over yet?  Come July 31st I will feel like a brand new woman.  Note to self (and readers): working full time while attending grad school full time is completely crazy.  Yikes!


This is SO me (Redbull and all)!!!!!!
Photo Source

Anyway, since I had a second tonight and know that I will be especially absent these remaining 53 days, I thought I would update a post from March 2010: My Current Beauty Essentials.

While looking through the post I realized that many of the items were outdated or had changed slightly.  So here is a quick recap of where I am as of today…

#1:  Matrix Sleek Look Shampoo & Conditioner
Okay the funny thing here is I am STILL obsessed with the shampoo and conditioner. Whenever I try a different kind I immediately notice the difference and have to go back to my staples. One thing that has changed though, is that I really haven’t been using the Extreme Creme.  
I’ve become a little infatuated with serums for whatever reason.  I usually alternate between Organix Brazilian Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum and as of late, John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease Extra Strength formula.  
Truthfully, I think the John Frieda product might be too much for my hair.  My hair still has the frizz and curl I have to tame with styling tools but it almost makes my hair greasy and I’m only using one pump.  So I think I will start using the Organix serum more regularly (plus it smells like heaven!).
#2  Equate Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
I used to be committed to the Neutrogena product but once I tried the Equate alternative I was hooked.  Who wants to save money?  This girl!  This product works just as well as Neutrogena’s and is affordable to boot.  Sorry, Neutrogena!  You’ve been replaced.

#3  Equate Advanced Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Eye Day/Night Cream
Once again Walmart tricked me into buying one of their off-brand alternatives. This eye cream is gentle and soothes the sensistive skin around my eyes and costs about half the price of the L’Oreal eye cream.  Once again, I’m sold.  
#4  OPI Nail Products
I am still obsessed with OPI but given the price tag, I’m always looking for great alternatives.  Regardless, I still reach for the base coat but have transitioned to a different type: OPI Nail Envy.  I have only bought 2 bottles of this in the last 2 years and can easily tell when I try to skip and use a different base coat.  This really helps keep my nails strong and I love it!  
#5  Yes to Carrots “C Me Smile Lip Butter”
I still enjoy Burt’s Bees but for my morning/evening lip balm ritual I find myself reaching for the Yes to Carrots balm.  This balm feels less… waxy.  Does that makes sense?  So I feel like there is less of a coating on my lips and just moisturizing, organic goodness. I do purchase the mint flavor because I love the tingly feeling that comes with it 🙂  

#6  Kenra Perfect Medium Spray 13
Since I have been curling my hair less I tend to rely on hairspray with a softer hold (enter Kenra 13).  I love this spray for taming flyaways and for softly setting the curls I get with a single-barrel curling iron.  However, when I need a strong hold I still reach for my Kenra 25.  This isn’t very often anymore but I have it stashed for when I neeed it. 
#7  Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (for normal to oily skin)
My skin used to be very dry and sensitive but for whatever reason I am now a member of the t-zone club and am constantly battling the dread midday shine on my face.  Once I switched to the Cetaphil for normal to oily skin I noticed a huge difference.  My face really felt cleaner and I could tell that it was better suited for my skin.  Though the original Cetaphil is for “all skin types”but  I definitely realized it wasn’t working for my skin (or my husband’s!).  
…
Considering my non-makeup essentials were so out of date I should probably updated my makeup essentials!  In the meantime, let me know what your beauty essentials are!  I love discovering new products 🙂


~Christi

Sophistication Sundays – Sally Hansen “Blue-Away” Nail Polish


My sophistication muse, Audrey Hepburn

Sophistication Sundays will revolve around my favorite beauty finds, techniques, fashion trends and anything else “pretty” that catches my eye. I look forward to sharing these ideas with you and hope to hear your suggestions and feedback as well! I am no expert at beauty or fashion by any means but perhaps that will make my thoughts more relatable. Simply put, I’m just a girly-girl navigating my way through the fabulous finds I come across.

Today is OFFICIALLY the first day of Spring and I couldn’t be more excited! Yes we have long, cold South Dakota winters but I think it makes us appreciate the other wonderful seasons even more. Aside from the improvement in weather, Spring also means other things that make me happy. To name a few examples: cute sandals, bright colors, trench coats, and a transition in handbags. Spring fashion = oh happy day. 🙂

To celebrate the commencement of Spring I only thought it was fitting to try out a bright new nail polish shade. If you haven’t figured it out by now I adore nail polish. I went through a phase in 4th grade where I was obsessed with nail polish (particularly the glitter kind) that I think was nurtured by my dear Aunt Dee. At least I remember getting a little bottle of gold glitter nail polish from her anyway 🙂 Then I went through a dry spell until Sophomore year of college. All of the sudden my nail polish phase was back in full force. So fast forward to a week ago when I was perusing through Target’s makeup area and happened upon a beautiful baby blue bottle of nail polish.

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish had a new display out for Spring and I was instantly drawn to “Blue-Away.” I saw it and knew it must be mine! 🙂 Note: This is not to be confused with Sally Hansen’s “Blue Me Away” which is a bright turquoise shade.

The lovely lady blogger from Glitters N Shimmers took the fantastic photo above and debuted it on her blog here. It sounds like she is from a smaller town in Utah and plans to talk about how she uses fashion and makeup to express herself – sounds a little similar to my situation and like my kind of girl! 😉 Welcome to the blogging community, Glitters N Shimmers!

As you can see from her nails and the bottle, it is a beautiful dreamy blue color. The pictures I tried to take of the color just wouldn’t do it justice! (BIG sad face). Unfortunately all of my photos came out looking kind of turquoise. That being said, in some lights this color looks a little Tiffany blue on my fingers (which, who doesn’t mind that?!!) but I definitely wanted the light blue shade to remind me of a perfect blue-sky Spring day. Final verdict? I am loving the pop of color this brings to my fingers and look forward to the shade catching my eye throughout the upcoming week 🙂 And I can only imagine how much more I will like the shade when combined with a tan later this summer. That being said, the only downside to me is the brush. Perhaps I am spoiled with OPI brushes, who knows. The brush used for the insta-dri brand just seems to grab too much lacquer or not enough; I have to be abnormally careful about how I am painting each nail due to this feature.

Have you tried a new color of beauty product lately that you adore? One of the neon bright lip colors or a new (to you) shade of eyeshadow? I’d love to hear about your makeup trials or thoughts below!

~Christi

5 Cute Coats to Heat Up Winter

Well for many of us this time of year means bundling up and gritting your teeth through all the wind and snow. With all the cute coat options out there there’s no reason you can’t grin and bear the winter in style. Cute coats are one of the few bright spots in winter (well for me anyways). So in attempt to help keep you toasty warm this winter, I’ve thrown together a few fabulous coats.


1. Camel Colored Coats
Whether you choose a camel colored wool coat or a classic trench this color is everywhere right now. The best part about this trend? The camel colored coat is very “classic.” When I was in college my mom bought me a beautiful camel colored wool coat from Banana Republic and said, “It will never go out of style.” She was right! The classic silhouette and color made this coat a wonderful investment. So if you’ve been eying one of those delicious camel-colored coats on winter clearance then take the plunge! I bet you won’t regret it.

2. Bright Color
It’s easy to gravitate towards moody grays and blacks during the drab winter months. Why not inject some color into the monochromatic winter with a brightly colored coat? This green coat below is offset by a leopard tote with white gloves and a scarf.
Add some warm accents with gold pumps and earrings. And if green is not your color there are many other choices such as bright red or a beautiful cerulean blue.


3. Casual Plaid

Regardless of what colors are involved plaid evokes warmth and a casual comfort. This gray coat has lines of blue and pink that I’ve played up with a bright blue beanie and pink sweater underneath. Fingerless gloves, wayfarers and gray motorcycle boots keep the look fun and youthful.
4. An Elegant Cape

There is something about a cape that is so completely lady-like and chic. I especially love the look when pairing it with elbow length gloves. I imagine this coat over a sweaterdress and leggings. Top off the look with lace-up booties and a bright tote for a punch of color.

5. Faux Fur Hood
Faux-fur is not just trendy, it keeps you warm! This military green coat with faux-fur trim would look great with aviators and some creamy-heather colored gloves and hat. Duckboots, as seen all over the runways, provide a practical and unintentionally fashionable way to keep your feet warm and dry!

If you’re looking for a way to simply spruce up your winter coat without buying a whole new one then look for fun winter accessories. There are a multitude of fun hats, scarves, and gloves in beautiful colors, patterns and textures. For example, I have a plaid wool coat with very faint lines of purple and green (very, very faint lines). A pair of purple gloves would lend a bright new approach without the cost of a brand new coat. If you’re already overloaded with hats and mittens why not check out the wide variety of winter foorwear. Cute boots are everywhere you look! I favor UGGs or my trusty black riding boots. There are plenty of options out there that will keep your feet warm and dry while simultaneously pleasing your fashion palate.
I hope these coat ideas were able to provide you with some inspiration. I like to think that the cold winters in South Dakota make us heartier people. Combine this character-building weather with the ability to bundle up in style and you have mid-westerners that are a force to be reckoned with! 😉

~Christi

New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner. Whether you plan on getting together with a few friends or attending a fancy, schmancy party I hope these looks will provide you with some outfit inspiration or perhaps just some entertainment!


1. Fun Shirt with Jeans
If you’re planning on having a casual New Year’s Eve at one of your friend’s houses the outfit above is a perfect way to add some pizazz without being horribly overdressed. I love to dress up but let’s face it; a lot of people simply don’t (esp. in my beloved Midwest)! I hate showing up somewhere and feeling completely overdressed. I think adding a fun piece such as the black sequined top above to jeans is the perfect solution. It provides a dressy look without going overboard. Add some fun extras like a ruffled clutch, chandelier earrings, and darling wedge booties. Keep hair soft and natural while polishing off the whole look with some red lip gloss.
Oh and don’t forget the champagne of course 😉

2. LBD with Colored Jewels


This look is all about focusing on the accessories to bring out the potential of your LBD. It was actually inspired by one of my friends from high school! We met for lunch the day after Christmas and she showed up with this beautiful statement necklace. I couldn’t get that necklace out of my head and it is a perfect way to add some glitz to your basic LBD. A cocktail ring in similar rosy hues combined with pink MAC lipglass will make sure your LBD is anything but “the usual.” Wrapping a skinny silver belt around the dress is also a great way to emphasize your figure. Since it’s New Year’s why not add some dramatic false lashes? If you buy some and they seem like too much simply snip off 1/4 of the strip and apply it to your outer lashes. A chic chignon and silver nail polish provide the finishing touches to your New Year’s Eve LBD.
3. Nice Kitty

If you’re tired of a basic black or silver New Year’s dresses why not hop on the leopard trend for something fun and different? This look combine black tights, a leopard print dress, and merlot-colored velvet heels. I haven’t been keen on velvet coming back in style but these shoes are to die for as Rachel Zoe would say. I imagine this look with deep red lips, black and gold jewelry, and a petite gold clutch. Keep the hair fun with big, cascading waves and opt for wine-colored nails to continue the sassy look. Finally, finish the outfit with a dramatic black trench and long black gloves. Rawwwwwwwwr!

4. Snow Queen
When I left my parents’ house the day after Christmas I was completely inspired by the frost-covered trees around us. We already had snow but overnight the city was transformed into a winter wonderland! For a look inspired by the bitter but beautiful cold I chose a silver, sequined cocktail dress. When playing with the sequin trend (which I adore – can you tell?) it is important not to go overboard. This is hard for me. When I see the volume of sparkling clothes and accessories I just want to pile it all on! But in the interest of avoiding tackiness this just won’t do. I couldn’t resist the snowflake earrings and bracelet but to offset all the sparkles I chose a pair of nude pumps. This works well with the blush material of the dress and bonus!: nude heels give the illusion of longer legs. Who doesn’t love that? I imagine the ice queen wearing this to rock a fabulous faux fur and some pale blue nails (perhaps reminiscent of Chanel’s “Riva”).

5. Black and Gold

Okay I know what you’re thinking, “Sequins? AGAIN?!!” But I won’t apologize! As long as this trend is rampant I will be one of its biggest advocates. To throw together this easy New Year’s outfit swipe one of the zillions of sequin skirts available and pair it with a basic black shirt. Black tights will help keep you warm and come in handy with some of the shorter hemlines. I love this look with a cute headband and flats but if you’re going for a more sophisticated look heels or boots would look great as well! Play into the color scheme with black and gold smokey eyes and a darling lacy clutch.
I hope these looks have provided you with some inspiration for your own New Year’s Eve! If you have any suggestions please comment below.
Have a safe and Happy New Year’s!
~Christi

Shopping Frustration

Too often I find myself frustrated the shopping options in my beautiful city. I want to preface this by saying I will be the first person to tell you my love and devotion for South Dakota. So much of who I am including my husband, my great faith life and even my job is because we moved to this wonderful place when I was thirteen. The taxes are quite low, as is the crime rate. It’s a perfect place to raise a family! That being said, the shopping opportunities are… lacking. (This is also coming from someone whose college resided a few meager miles from the Mall of America). Sure we have a pretty good mall but because we are a smaller city (metropolitan population: 238,122) the stores are not well-stocked and don’t carry as much variety.

Case in point, I am currently pining for Essie’s new fall shade “Sew Psyched”

It is a perfect mix of dreamy gray and green. What a great neutral for fall! But can I find this beautiful shade anywhere? No. I called the only place that sells Essie in our city and when they told me they didn’t have it I ask when they might be getting the Essie fall collection in. “No idea.” Gee, thanks for your help.

To be fair, Essie is also sold out of this color on their website. But we never even HAD the color in our stores. I bet if I were back in the MSP area I could find a bottle. What is a fashionista to do? I’d like to believe things are looking up since we’re getting a Sephora (YIPPEE!!!!!!!) but for now I’ll just have to shop online or save it all up for the next time I’m in the Twin Cities.

~Christi

Would You Try It??

And here we are! A different crop of trends to evaluate. What do you think of these trends? Would you wear them?…


The Denim Vest

This trend is taking me back… to grade school. I definitely rocked a jean vest with a Winnie The Pooh motif at one point. When I see this trend part of me just screams, “No, no, no!” Yet when I see some people wearing it I think, “Ehh… that’s not that bad actually.” For example, it didn’t look that bad on Kim Kardashian. Then again, what doesn’t look good on her?

Here are a couple ways to wear the denim vest inspired by Kim’s look:


Patterned Pants
There are definitely some trends I see and think, “No way would that EVER grow on me!” But then I see some young starlet trying it out and start to re-think my initial reaction (see above). However this trend, this loud, printed, harem-shaped (or non-harem shaped) trend will never grow on me. Simply put, it looks like pajama pants in the day time. NEVER okay. Which reminds me, what was with the girls in college who wore pajamas to class? Really, you couldn’t take 2 seconds to just throw on some jeans?? I always found that to be disrespectful to the teachers and the class… alas, I shouldn’t get off on that tangent. Instead here are some examples of the pants I’m describing:
So am I feeling these pants?… not so much. What do YOU think? Comment below!

Long, Full Skirts

Here’s a delightful nod back to Audrey Hepburn and the 50’s housewife. Long, full skirts are making strong appearance in Fall 2010 lines. While I love a shorter full skirt I wonder if this longer version would be harder to pull off. I can definitely see myself wearing it to church but I am not so sure how it would look at work. One things for sure I like it better than the printed pants! Here are some looks inspired by the very lady-like full skirt:

(all pictures from Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 show)

Here are a couple outfits inspired by the full skirt:

I can see myself trying the denim vest and the long full skirt but the zubaz inspired pants should stay as far away from me as possible! Gwen Stefani could probably make them look good but I guess that goes to show you that you could probably pull off anything simply by wearing it with confidence!

So would you try these trends?

~Christi

Easy Fashion/Beauty Updates

Feeling like you’re in a fashion/beauty rut? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and perhaps even outdated by all the different trends that are always popping up. Now no one wants to become a fashion victim and simply buy every single trendy item that’s out there! You need to have your own look while adding a bit of flavor. It’s fun to try something new and a little different every once in awhile. With this in mind, here are a few easy pieces and ideas to incorporate if you feel like your wardrobe rotation is in need of a little “spice!”

1. Blue, Green or Lavender Nail Polish
Bright, fresh nail colors are popping up all over and I’m not complaining. It’s definitely refreshing to see so much color and creativity on nails after the reign of black nails (not to say I won’t be rocking some dark nails again come fall!). I know it can seem like a bit much but what’s the harm in trying it? You may apply a couple coats of a calm lavender color and find yourself pleasantly surprised. I’m currently wearing Essie’s Turquoise & Caicos and find myself thinking the water there must be just this shade of blue-green. (left to right: Essie “Turquoise and Caicos,” OPI “Done Out In Deco,” OPI “Gargantuan Green Grape,” and OPI “Ogre-the-Top Blue”)



2. Crochet or Lace
I know crochet and lace may seem a little “elderly” for some people but I promise, these trends ain’t your grandma’s sewing projects! There are plenty of cute tops and dresses to try out and if you’re feeling a little hesitant then try a crochet accessory (such as a clutch).

Crochet

Lace


3. Statement Necklaces
Statement necklaces are an easy way to add some fun to your basic tee or even your work ensemble. Whereas thick bangles and bracelets can hinder your writing, typing and corporate handshaking, a statement necklace adds attitude while keeping things professional. Try adding one to a white tee, jeans and some kitten heels. Or just add one to a suit for work.

4. Wayfarer Sunglasses
These classic shades are a fun and easy way to add “rocker cool” to your wardrobe. Although Ray-Ban started the trend you can find this style in plenty of generic brands.

Edward Cullen didn’t look too bad in them either… (wink wink)

5. Flashy Cocktail Rings
I used to shy away from fun cocktail rings but once I tried wearing them I became addicted. Cocktail rings can be an easy and cheap way to add some fun to your fingers. Try one next time you go out for happy hour or a Saturday night dinner-date. A little fabulosity never hurt anybody! (All rings below from Forever 21)

6. Turquoise Lined Eyes
Yes, again with the turquoise. But it’s back and bigger than ever in clothing, makeup and even home decoration. It’s hard to find a person this flattering shade won’t compliment! If your a little timid about this one just lightly rim your gorgeous peepers with a baby blue color. Add some eyeliner and mascara and you just might love how much it makes your eyes pop! Just look how much it makes Rihanna’s eyes stand out. This one might be a little more daring but why not try it? You may just love it!

~Christi

Sew What? Adventures in Sewing A Skirt: Part 1

So I promised myself I would do a couple things with my mom this summer: sew something I could wear and bake a lemon meringue pie (more on that later). I wanted to sew something I could wear often and enjoy. Besides the fact that I always seem to want things I can’t find in the store, I feel like sewing is a lost art. Whenever I needed something whether it was a repair to a ripped shirt or an elaborate recreation of Rose’s red and black dress in Titanic (yes, really) my mom could do it for me and she did. Someday when I have children I know that they will need buttons sewn on and costumes created. Who will they turn to? Me of course. So I better get to work and learn some of my mother’s fabulous sewing skills.

I’ve discovered the perfect sewing project. Are you ready for it? Some beautiful full skirts taken from Vogue sewing patterns:

I like the idea that the full skirt is a classic silhouette. I plan to do more towards the length on the skirt to the left. I can wear this to work and church and it always looks clean and my personal favorite, “lady like.” I think this looks like a fairly simple beginner project but since all I’ve ever sewn is a pillow for my nephew I don’t really know what I’m talking about. I guess we’ll see!

Now that I have an idea in my head of what I’d like to create I just have to find the some fabrics to fall in love with. I’ll head to the fabric stores next week (with my mom in tow) and I’ll post what I find!

~Christi

My Favorite S/S 2010 Trends

Last Sunday was the first REAL spring day we’ve had! I pulled out some strappy brown sandals, cuffed my skinny jeans into capris, and set off with Mr. Man to get a new propane tank for the grill. I’m definitely a spring and summer girl and when you live in South Dakota you learn to appreciate each and every day that entails beautiful weather.

Of course with all of this sunshine and warmth I’m just ITCHING to dig out my summer clothes. Here are my favorite trends for spring and summer 2010 that I can’t wait to mix in with my warm weather staples:

1. Florals
The florals trend continues into this year and I am not complaining! I love the mix of colors and the femininity of the trend. This year the floral patterns are a little larger in scale so if you’re worried about being too loud then try wearing a floral that is fitted and has structure (i.e. you won’t like the maxi dresses with the large floral patterns). Here’s an example of how I’d wear it:

2. Chambray
This light denim/linen fabric is big again. Although I wouldn’t suggest wearing it head to toe there are definitely some chic ways to pull it off. I haven’t found a chambray dress yet that tickles my fancy but it’s another way to wear the trend. Here’s how I would do it:

3. Lucite Accessories
Here’s a trend that was around a few years ago and back then I didn’t particularly care for it. It wasn’t actually until this lady at my old job walked in wearing a beautiful lucite necklace one day. It sparkled and wasn’t over the top; like everything else she wears it was just classy. The updated trend is now seen on accessories like high heels and clutches; I’ll keep it simple with a necklace, ring, or bracelet. Here’s how I’d wear it at the office:

4. Stripes/Nautical
Ahhhhh the Nautical look. I’m not sure why but when some people see this trend and run in the other direction. I on the other hand am absolutely drawn to it. There’s something about the classic look; it’s crisp and clean. I also gravitate towards anything with stripes; so timeless! Now that being said, it is important to incorporate this trend properly and not look like an actual sailor. Here’s an easy way to mix it up when wearing stripes this summer:

5. Light Colored Leather
This is a trend I was a little unsure about. When I think of light leather I think of Paulette from Legally Blonde 2 suggesting that Elle wear a classy wedding dress, what she describes as, “white leather.” *shudders* While we can all agree the a white leather wedding dress is probably the tackiest thing possible, there are plenty of flattering ways to wear light colored leather this summer. I recently purchased a light brown “leather” jacket from Forever 21. The lighter colors keeps it from look dark and drab during the summer. Most of all it’s something DIFFERENT for me to try. I get a little bored with the same outfits so this trendy piece is all-too refreshing (esp. when punching it up with a bright clutch or purse). Here’s an example of how I like to wear it:

I can’t wait for summer to really arrive! Bring on the sunshine & cute outfits…

~Christi