XO

DRESS: ℅ Missguided TIGHTS: Target (similar) SHOES: Kohls (old - similar) PURSE: ℅ Kling

When I first saw this dress on Missguided, I was utterly smitten, but in the back of my mind I did worry a bit about whether or not I would be able to ""pull it off"". However, once I put it on, my fears immediately vanished - even with the figure hugging shape, this dress is absolutely darling and made me feel beautiful and confident; which is definitely not something I would expect with a bodycon dress! Plus, just look at that dainty white collar - hearts in my eyes!

Sometimes I just need to remind myself who cares if it's "flattering" - if you think you look good, you look good, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise! ^__^

Anyhoo! I would like to introduce you to my new everyday bag by Kling! I'm a sucker for shoulder bags, and I'm loving the fact it actually has a super sturdy closure - no worrying my favorite lipstick is going to slip out and be lost forever!

So, how was your weekend? I was so, so happy to watch Lupita Nyong'o win this Oscar Sunday, and she looked absolutely dazzling doing it - g u h ;__;

Until next time - xo!

Pretty in Pout by Hana Haley

With coffee and donuts in hand, the dreamy Hana Haley and I braved the a chilly January day in Portland, Oregon to shoot this photo series of a pouty schoolgirl outfitted in Peter Pan collars and delicate laces. Seeing your own face in the work of one of your very favorite photographers is the most incredible feeling and I couldn't be more pleased with the results!

You can find more of Hana's phenomenal photography on Tumblr, Facebook, and Flickr ♥

Thank you so much Marlena for making me this detachable collar!

You can see more photos from this set on her Facebook!

Plastic Fantastic

COAT: ℅ Kling TIGHTS: Target (similar) SHOES: Kohls (old - similar) SCARF: ℅ Yummy You! WOODEN ICE CREAM PIN: ℅ The Floral Prince FELT ICE CREAM PIN: ℅ Clairey Lou Creations

A sure fire way to counteract the dreary, rainy weather outside? Dress up like a pastel cream pastry, but of course! This plastic number from Kling has quickly become my favorite coat for rainy weather because it's water safe and still adorable - just look at that Peter Pan collar!

And how absolutely precious are these ice cream pins? The wooden one is by a blogger I've admired for her art and style for ages, Miss Rachel, so I was overjoyed when she sent me one of her adorable hand illustrated ice cream pins!

This felt pin by Clairey Lou Creations is another gem - the amount of love and time that went into creating this piece is evident!

And to finish off the almost sickeningly sweet outfit, I paired it with one of my most treasured processions, a beautiful Sanrio scarf by Twinkie Chan! As I said when giving away one of her cupcake scarves a few months ago, I have been a huge admirer of Twinkie's work for years now and her pieces are even more stunning in person!

I've been a busy bee this last week working, making up to-do lists and goals for the year, and it has definitely improved my mood (this nonstop gray weather was getting to me ahhh!) - plus eating donuts definitely doesn't hurt either…! ^o^ I hope this Monday is treating you kindly! <3

Olypsticks: The Lipstick Olympics

With the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics coming to a close this Sunday, I thought it would be fun to put my lipstick collection to the test and determine my favorite lipsticks in several categories - and the Olypsticks was born!

Obviously, this is limited to my own collection of lipstick and is not all encompassing. Please please tell me your favorite lipsticks for each category too (OR YOU COULD DO YOUR OWN OLYPSTICKS POST ^O^)! <3

Prettiest Tube:
Gold: Tom Ford, Paradiso // The rectangular tube's striking white and gold design screams luxe and elegance.
Silver: MAC, RiRi Woo // MAC's limid edition collections are always among my favorites for their original packaging, and this rose gold design for the RiRi <3's MAC collection is practically perfect!
Bronze: Revlon Lip Butters, Wild Watermelon // I'm smitten with the pretty quilt patterned case that houses the matching lip color inside!

Best Matte:
Gold: MAC, RiRi Woo/Ruby Woo // While this matte lipstick *does* have a very dry formula, this is without a doubt my favorite red for it's gorgeous color and staying power.
Silver: Wet n Wild, Cherry Picking
Bronze: Revlon, Wine Not // Revlon's matte line is unfortunately no longer in production, but keep your eye out for Wine Not, Really Red, and Strawberry Suede on ebay, Amazon, and in drugstores that still stock older products because their formula is amazing - vibrant, completely matte, and not too drying!
Honorable Mention: NYX

Most Pigmented:
Gold: Urban Decay, Jilted // Hyper pigmented and available in a large array of colors, Urban Decay's new line of lipsticks are stunners.
Silver: Wet n Wild, 24 Carrot Gold // If you've been following me for a while, you will know Wet n Wild's line of lipsticks are some of my very favorites (ever) - they out perform some of the "high end" lipsticks I own in terms of pigmentation and longevity and are only $2 a pop!
Bronze: MAC, Ruby Woo // One of the most talked about reds on the market, this lipstick would look good on just about anybody.

Best Value:
Gold: Wet n Wild, Red Velvet // Again, I can't stop seeing praises for these lipsticks - ONLY TWO DOLLARS.
Silver: Revlon, Lover's Coral // Revlon never fails me; with a pretty selection of colors, smooth formula, and with good color pay-off - these lipsticks are a steal at $6 (and are always going on sale)!
Bronze: NYX, Chloe // NYX has quickly become one of my very favorite makeup brands - their round lipsticks are only $4 a pop and with a huge variety of colors, you're bound to find one you'll love!

Most Moisturizing:
Gold: Revlon's Lip Butters, Sweet Tart // After hearing rave after rave about them, I thought there was no way Revlon's lip butters would live up to the hype - they did. Ranging for sheer to more vibrant colors, each one I've tried is incredibly moisturizing and comfortable on the lips - I have three and I can't help but want a million more!
Silver: Too Faced, Juicy Melons // This lipstick just glides on my lips, keeps them hydrated, and still provides good color pay-off - truly impressive.
Bronze: Urban Decay, F-Bomb // The moisturizing formula and high pigmentation of this lipstick makes it a star in my book! Only downside? This lipstick definitely needs a lipliner to keep from feathering!

Best Scent:
Gold: MAC, Rebel // MAC's infamous sweet, vanilla scent is an obvious answer, but it's truly my favorite!
Silver: Too Faced, Juicy Melons // I was immediately struck by the original fragrance this lipstick has - it reminds me of chocolate oranges (I'm not sure why?)!
Bronze: Tom Ford, Paradiso // Along the same lines as MAC's signature scent, this lipstick has a very sweet smell that is absolutely beautiful!

I'll be back next week with a sugary sweet outfit, until then…! <3

Primp & Pamper

With stressful lives and the gloomy weather, feeling blue in the last legs of winter is almost inevitable. In times like these, I think we all deserve an hour or so just to ourselves for self care in the form of relaxing and pampering. Since I've been feeling a little glum myself, I thought I'd outline some of my favorite ways to "treat yo self"!

Put On Your Favorite Lipstick
Is it just me, or does putting on lipstick put anybody else in a good mood? I have found that devoting a couple minutes to experimenting with your makeup makeup collection has always been a bit therapeutic! After wanting and saving for months, I finally splurged on a Tom Ford lipstick (in Paradiso) and it is heaven. Another favorite? Too Faced's Juicy Melons.

Eat Your Favorite Candy
(Because candy is dandy)

Read a Magazine
While waiting for a face mask or your nails to dry, why not pour over one of your favorite magazines? I am currently smitten with Betty Magazine (look out for a post on this gorgeous magazine soon)!

Use a Face Mask
With a host of affordable to luxury face masks that deep clean, tighten pores or exfoliate on the market, your face deserves a bit of pampering - just don't forget the cucumber slices! n_~ (Here I used a purifying papaya mud mask)

Wear Perfume
I'm kind of guilty of using my perfume only for very, very special occasions - it's just so pretty and expensive I don't ever want to use it all up ;A; I do think, however, spritzing yourself with a lavish scent can be just the right way to perk up your mood! I love Marc Jacob's Daisy (I've had it for years and it still smells perfect!) and Nicki Minaj's fragrance.

Paint Your Nails
Filing and painting one's nails is something I haven't gotten the hang of yet (seriously, how do you people get your nails into specific shapes?!), but now that my nails have grown out (I bite them when I'm nervous!) I've been painting them left and right! Here I'm wearing Wet n Wild's Tickled Pink.

How do you pamper yourself? ♡

Be Mine

SWEATER: ℅ MissGuided SKIRT: ℅ MissGuided (similar) SOCKS: American Apparel (similar) SHOES: Kohls (old) PURSE: Aldo

Happy Valentine's Day babes! Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, have a significant other or friends and family to say your I love yous too - I hope you have a beautiful day and eat lots of on sale chocolate! ^__^

(I centered the text on the purse here for aesthetic purposes)

After a snow storm, it was such a nice surprise when the snow melted and we had a string of days warm enough for me to slip into this a d o r a b l e outfit from Missguided! This skirt is seriously one of my most favorite possessions now - pink, plastic, and in a skater silhouette, it's like a wardrobe staple that got a little makeover! I paired it with an eyelash cropped sweater and American Apparel thigh highs for a Cher Horowitz-esque look :3

Also, this purse from Aldo is one of the cutest designs I have ever seen and I knew I had to have it (it just spoke to me, you know). Unfortunately when it arrived I noticed the text was completely off center - I'm currently in talks with Aldo to see if I can exchange it for a fixed version - fingers crossed please because this purse would be PERFECT otherwise! ;___; (I get too emotionally attached to clothing and accessories, I am know ;_;)

Do you have any Valentine's day plans? I want to hear all about them! n__n