Februany

It was an anything goes kind of month, especially with print mixing!

See details of outfits here

Prabally Awesome

The launch of Prabal Gurung for Target blew my mind. While I have kept two of my five ordered online pieces (due to fit rather than style), I need more! Such as this, this, this, and this. I wore this adorably feminine and versatile skirt for Valentine's Day where Dan my man took me out for a lovely meal at an enoteca followed up with a stay at what is now my favorite hotel - Hotel Allegro (where these pictures were snapped). 

P.S. We decided to stage our "save the dates" here after realizing that the decor would perfectly display our vintage, glam, colorful, and eclectic personalities. Awesome, right?

Prabal Gurung for Target skirt, Worthington blazer (similar), LOFT sweater (similar), Bright House Baubles necklace (similar), Sam Edelman pumps (similar)

Red Carpet Faves

Red, white, blue and metallic all over...these were my awards season faves!

Who was yours?

Streopard

The "streopard" is a new species...half tiger and half leopard and always ready for cocktail hour.

XXI shirt (similar), NY & Co skirt (similar), Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's tuxedo blazer (similar here and here),  Calvin Klein belt, Nine West pumps, Stella & Dot necklace (similar) and earrings, OPI Big Apple Red 

Sweater Coat

After seeing a few aztec, plaid, and other patterned coats around this season, I was on the hunt for one. That is, until I realized that wearing layers underneath my own aztec sweater would fit the bill! I started with a my tank maxi dress under a crewneck sweater and cinched the waist with a belt (otherwise the blanket sweater is pretty shapeless, but oh so cozy). After topping it off with a fur stole, I achieved the look I was going for...and stayed warm.

Old Navy sweater (similar), XXI sweater (similar), Gap maxi dress (similar), Clarks boots, NY & Co faux fur scarf (similar), Fossil belt, B. Makowsky purse (similar), Target earrings (similar here and here), Tory Burch sunnies, Revlon Red Lacquer lipstick

Skirt Suit

Even though I passed on the pill box hat (in favor of a cameo brooch), I felt very Jackie Kennedy in this skirt suit. The boucle texture and boxy, collarless jacket is incredibly ladylike, form fitting, and timeless while still serving a professional function. After all, Mrs. Kennedy herself did say, "There are two kinds of women: those who want power in the world, and those who want power in bed." I feel like in this skirt suit, you can be both!

XXI blazer (similar) and skirt (similar), H&M tie neck blouse (love this one), vintage cameo brooch (similar), NY & Co cape (similar), Nord tights (similar), Jessica Simpson booties

Laced

The Lucky Community started a contest entitled "Show Us Your Lucky" where the members (all fabulous fashion bloggers) interpret looks from this month's Lucky magazine. The story "Wear a Little...Wear a Lot" featured global and lace as two of the trends to try. For the lace look, I chose all different patterns of lace, but in classic black & white they don't compete. Yesterday, I rocked the global look, so check it out here! 

J.Crew coat, American Apparel tee (similar), XXI skirt (similar), Target belt (similar), Nine West pumps, Apt 9 fascinator headband (similar), Target tights (similar), Old Navy earrings (similar), vintage brooch (similar)

Going Global

The Lucky Community started a contest entitled "Show Us Your Lucky" where the members (all fabulous fashion bloggers) interpret looks from this month's Lucky magazine. The story "Wear a Little...Wear a Lot" featured global and lace as two of the trends to try. For the global look, I piled on patterns and textures with brown as the uniting tone. Tomorrow, I'll rock head to toe lace, so come on back! 

H&M blazer (similar), Akira sweater (similar), Target skirt (similar here, here, and here), World Market necklace (similar here and here) and earrings (similar here and here), Assets tights, Target shoes (similar here and here)

Spring Uniform

It's hard to believe (given the current weather), but couple weeks ago, it was sunny and 60 degrees. Therefore, I broke out what is sure to be my spring uniform - a jean jacket and some combination of cobalt, red/orange, and mint.

Old Navy jean jacket, Gap sweater, Old Navy skirt (similar and cheap), Hue tights, Audrey Brooke pumps, mint bubble necklace, XXI earrings

Jenny Crew

It's no surprise that I'm obsessed with J.Crew. I mean, what girl isn't?! Although the new arrivals feature more pastel colors than primary, mixing stripes & plaid, wearing men's shirts/sweaters, and doning gems every day can be almost 100% attributed to Jenna Lyons and is therefore, quintessentially J.Crew. 

J.Crew plaid shirt (similar), American Apparel sweater, Narcisco Rodriguez for DesigNation Crepe Tuxedo Pants, Audrey Brooke pumps, Target necklace (similar), gray suede clutch

Escher

Growing up, we had a copy of M.C. Escher's "Day and Night" in our living room and whenever I wear graphic black & white, it reminds me of his work. The use of interlocking figures and mathematical perspective achieves dimensions and symmetry that trick the eye and keep you staring all day. I'll have to get a copy for our new apartment, which we found on beautiful Sunnyside Ave. in Lincoln Square!

Allen B jacket (similar here and here), XXI striped knit, Francesca's necklace (similar), Gap legging jeans, Nine West pumps

Da Bomb

It is no secret that I'm a fan of jackets, so it was only a matter of time before I branched out from blazers to the bomber. I saw this one on the Forever 21 website and knew it would make a nice addition to my closet. With the graphic yet subtle pattern, it will mix beautifully with other patterns and textures. Plus, the thin and silky material can transition into the warmer months when I still have to wear sleeves inside the office. To really drive home the purchase? I saw this article on Who What Wear. On trend and on budget? That's da bomb!  

XXI bomber, American Apparel tank, Ark & Co trousers (similar here and here), Target belt (similar), XXI earrings (similar), Nine West pumps

About Face - Make-Up Regimen

After outlining the specifics of my skin care regimen, it feels natural to keep the conversation going with make-up. Much like skin care, I'm a product whore and have tried a ton of different products. my biggest concerns for make-up include dark under eye circles, uneven skin tone, and oiliness. Through trial and error, I have found that these products (and application method) work the best for those issues. I'll be addressing only face make-up in this post, but stay tuned, because my eye make-up routine is up next!

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

It's no secret how effective this line of primers is. They have so many different types for different concerns, such as color correcting, mattifying, luminizing, and hydrating. Although some individuals are starkly against silicone primers (even though they don't clog your pores), I find that nothing works better or is more necessary for foundation (powder or liquid). It's like a Swiffer for your make-up and will snatch it right off your brush and make it stay despite daily tribulations.

Givenchy Photo'Perfexion Fluid Foundation

Almost every time I run out of foundation, I try the newest one that the Sephora saleswoman tells me too. I've loved Make Up For Ever, Lancome, Bare Minerals, and Urban Decay, but nothing has impressed me like the coverage, softness, and durability of this one. When I first switched to it, my fiancé immediately commented on how flawless my skin looked. Definitely a keeper.

Urban Decay Good Karman Optical Blurring Brush

There are many ways to apply liquid foundation, and after using a typical "foundation" brush, I found that the make-up didn't look blended. It seems counter-intuitive to use a powder looking brush will lots of natural bristles for a liquid; however, buffing it on to the skin produces a much more natural look. Plus, it feels so nice to apply!

Eco Tools Bamboo Powder Brush

When it comes to any of my powders - bronzer, blush, and setting powder - I use this brush. It's cheap, but incredibly effective at transferring to the face and not just shifting down the shaft, thereby needing to use more precious product and no one wants that.

Lancome Star Bronzer Natural Glow

During college, I applied a bronzer on cheeks and called it a day. My, how the times have changed! Now, I put it all over (strategically, of course), on my temples, bridge of my nose, tip of my chin, and hollows of my cheeks. I prefer a matte color of bronze so as not to appear sparkly, especially in photos.

Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance

This color makes me so happy, as do the results. Yes, it is a bright blush. Yes, I only use a little on only the apples of my cheeks. It brightens up my face with the nicest and most flattering flush, like a ran in the winter or pinched my cheeks for color. It's a nice addition to the bronzer.

Clinique Even Better Concealer

I do not suffer from dark under-eye circles (thank heavens), but I do need coverage and brightness where my face creates shadows.  A big concern of mine is darkness under my eyes resulting from long eyelashes (boo hoo, right?). This product is creamy, not cakey, and lasts and lasts. To apply, I use my ring finger, it's much more gentle this way, rather than prodding this tender area with harsh bristles. However, this alone is not responsible for keeping the run off from my mascara away, it's necessary to use a powder to set everything.

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder

 Lifesaver. Pure and simple. While it may appear white, I promise you it is as translucent as lucite and provides an airbrush finish. Applying this powder is like when you go to get a manicure/pedicure and slathering your almost dry nails with a cuticle oil, so that if you brush against something, the oil moves and not your polish. There's no better way to ensure your expertly applied foundation, concealer, bronzer, and blush stays put!