Francescas Collection Statement Necklaces

It's been a while since I've actively gone out to look for more jewelry pieces to add to my armoire, probably because I just haven't found the right pieces for myself in while.  But while I was out shopping with one of my girl friends last weekend, we decided to stop by Francescas Collection (which we all know I have slowly become obsessed with).  They were having a promotion on their accessories and jewelry pieces (which were all Buy One Get One 50% Off), and because of that I decided to take a look around to see if I find anything that popped out at me.

The two pieces I picked up were on display, and for good reason.  They were eye catching and just beautiful statement necklaces.  I don't have any statement necklaces in my collection, just because I've always been more drawn to the dainty/delicate style, but these were too beautiful to resist.

The first piece I picked up was just stunning, and definitely an impulse buy.  I walked by it and just couldn't resist. It is a bib style necklace (that is more modernized) with a thin, gold plated chain and multi shape resin stone pieces making up the bib.  The deep blue is beautiful, and I love how this lays on the neckline.  When I brought this necklace home, I actually searched online for more similar statement pieces, and came across an exact replica from the Monique Leshman line (it was called the Sodalite London Bib Necklace) and it retailed for $120+).  So you can imagine how happy I was to pick up such a piece.

The second necklace I picked up was something my friend had picked out from the display for me, and I was definitely attracted to the subtle nude tones of the necklace.  It's definitely a statement pieces because of it's size and style, but the toned down color makes it more wearable.

Statement necklaces have definitely made a mark in the fashion world, and I don't think they will be going away anytime soon.  It definitely gives out a more powerful and confident persona, which can be paired with any basic look to really step up your outfit.

xoxo,

Eve

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss

At the last Sephora VIB event, I decided to take advantage of the promo that they were offering their loyal customers and pick up a few items I've had my eye on for a while.  For the past few months I've heard Ingrid (also known as Missglamorazzi on YouTube) rave about how much she loves the Dior Addict Ultra Glass in 576 Sari Pink, and because of that I decided to go to the store and see what the gloss is all about.

I am usually not a gloss kind of girl, just because I am not a fan of the tackiness of it, so I usually stick to lipstick with more of a sheen (or a colored balm).  However, after swatching Dior's Addict Ultra Gloss at the counter, and giving it a try on my lips, I found myself really loving the formula and consistency of the gloss.  

The Dior Addict Ultra Gloss has a lightweight formula with a smooth texture.  Instead of a sticky/tacky gloss, you get a more creamy and moisturizing consistency.  I love the sheen and short of bit of sparkle the gloss has in the formula.  I am not a fan of the glittery or super sparkly glosses, so this is a great balance for me.

What's also different for me is that the applicator on the gloss is a brush applicator, instead of the common doe foot applicator.  I thought that I wouldn't like the brush applicator as much because I was worried about the bristles splaying out or having the application being uneven, but I was very pleased with how easy and smooth the application was.  The only thing is that it's easy to apply too much gloss at a time with the gloss, so I usually make sure to not pick up as much gloss when applying.

As for the shade Sari Pink, I am just as much in love with it as Ingrid is.  Sari Pink is described as a vibrant rosy pink that is just beautiful! Even though it's a bit bright for the season, I feel like the shade pairs well with a lot of nude and pink lipsticks if you needed that pick me up look.  I have also enjoyed wearing the gloss on it's own for that quick application.  The gloss has not left my purse since I've picked it up, and I definitely might be looking into other shades in the line.

xoxo,

Eve

BCBGMAXAZRIA Simone Skirt

After a long day shopping with one of my girlfriends today, I came home with a bag full of groceries feeling exhausted and very congested.  Boo to catching the cold!

However, I did receive a nice surprise which made my night a little bit brighter (literally).  One of my cousins had dropped off a very nice (and very unexpected) early birthday gift.  I guess she found out with my obsession with BCBGMAXAZRIA, so she went on a little shopping trip for me.

Boy does she know my taste! I was definitely shocked and excited when I opened the gift.  I actually have been eyeing the Simone skirt for a while now, but wasn't able to justify spending that much on a skirt.  But I can say I loved receiving it as a gift!

The BCBGMAXAZRIA Simone Skirt is described as a "powerful" skirt.  It's a high waisted, bandaged style skirt, making it very fitted.  The stretch material makes the wear comfortable and horizontal textured piping gives the skirt a bit of dimension.  I am loving the bold, bright pink color of the skirt.  It's definitely eye catching and can be the focal point of any look.

Pair this bold skirt with any basic top, for that easy going, chic look.  Layer on a few jewelry pieces and you'll be ready for a night out with the girls!

xoxo,

Eve

Sephora VIB Event

Thursday night, Sephora was hosting a special evening event for their VIB members for the Holiday season.  I stopped by after work and boy did they really make the event special.  There was a nice DJ set up with great music, drinks, and cupcakes.  Along with all of the treats, all VIB members (and a friend of their choice) were given an additional 20% off their entire purchase (which only happens twice a year).

20% might not seem like a lot, but it does make a difference with the higher priced items.  I usually wait for this promo to purchase my essential skincare items and any higher end make up products on my wishlist.  It's also a great time to purchase any Christmas gifts for friends/family for the Holidays, seeing how all of their Holidays sets are now set out for purchase.

At the time of the event, I only decided to pick up a few essentials on my wish list.  Because I still have a chance to purchase online with the 20% off, I think I will make a second Sephora haul a little bit later.

The items that I purchased were the following:
- Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
- Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Treatment Bar
- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss #576 Sara Pink
- Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Pads

Along with my purchases I was given the following for being a VIB:
- Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Mini Perfume (100 point perk)
- Sephora Tote
- A bag full of samples
- Sephora VIB Coupons

This was, by far, one of the best Sephora events that I have ever been too.  They definitely amped it up this year for their dedicated customers, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I and definitely glad that I was able to pick up a few items that have been on my wish list for the past few months (at a discounted price), and I can't wait to make my second haul after I edit down my list a bit.

xoxo,

Eve

Essie Smokin' Hot

For my nail polish choice for this week I decided to go with Essie's Smokin' Hot, which I was quite happy to find in my collection.  The weather seems like it's going to be cloudy and rainy for a few days out of the week, and after the weather this evening I thought Smokin' Hot would be an appropriate color choice for the gloomy weather.

One of my favorite color choices to go to for the Fall has always been these darker, muddy colors.  They are better than going for a straight black polish because it's not as stark, and also are very wearable for school and work.  I do enjoy brights for Fall too, but I tend to get a bit obsessive when it comes to making sure the polish color goes well with whichever outfit I decide to wear.  So these types of darker colors just make my life a bit easier.

I love the deep grey of Smokin' Hot because it does have that touch of brown and purple in it, making it quite a unique color since it's not just the obvious charcoal grey.  The color is extremely creamy, which is expected of the darker shades from the Essie collection.  The formula was easy to apply, going on opaque in two coats, and the finish is very glossy (which I love).

Hopefully the weather will clear up by the weekend, then maybe I can change it up to a brighter color (which I haven't worn in awhile).

xoxo,

Eve

Aldo Courtenaya Knit Scarf

Winter is quickly approaching, and the early mornings are getting colder and colder.  So a must have is definitely a thick, knit scarf to keep warm and cozy.  One of my favorite scarves to have are infinity scarves.  I get quite annoyed with scarves that you just wrap around and tie or let the ends hang because I find that they won't stay put around the neck.  I am constantly having to re-adjust them.  But with the infinity scarves you just wrap it around two-three times and they stay put.

I had mentioned in my last post that one of the places that I have been enjoying lately has been Aldo.  They have really amped up their accessories collection for the Fall/Winter and I was really happy to find this very dense, knit, infinity scarf.  I love extra bulky scarves to keep cosy because that's what scarves are for.  Winters in the city gets too cold for the thin, more fashionable scarves.

Aldo carries this specific scarf in a variety of colors, which I probably will go back to get, but I was immediately drawn to this burnt orange.  I definitely don't have any scarves in this shade, and I thought it would be a nice addition.  The burnt orange definitely screams Fall, and the color just grows on me more and more.

If you aren't a fan od the more bulky scarves, Aldo does carry a variety of other scarves that might suit your style more, so definitely give them a look.

xoxo,

Eve

Aldo Skinny Belts

One of the must haves for me lately (that I have slowly been trying to stock up on) are skinny belts.  You can really finish up a look by just adding a skinny belt around the smallest part of your waist.  And because it's getting colder and colder here in the city, having a skinny belt to cinch in all of those layers is an essential.

One of my favorite places to look for belts and other small accessories is Aldo.  They have really been working on improving their collections, and I have been finding a lot of great items their for the Fall.  What also great is that the quality of their pieces have improved a lot without the high price tags, so you can find some pretty affordable pieces there.

The first thing I knew I had to pick up were just the basic black and neutral belts.  It just works and goes with any look, and it easy to work with.  Especially when it comes to those days where I just don't want to be bold and work with color.  So when I came across this duo pack that had both a black and neutral belt I just knew I had to have it.  What's also interested is that they are reversible belts, meaning that the buckle part can flip over the the black belt turns into a silver belt while the nude turns into a gold.

The last belt I was quite attracted to was the navy blue belt.  I loved the color for the season, and thought the little chain detailing on the side would be a great way to edge up a basic look.  It also came with a tassel detail (which is a pretty big trend for the season), but I think I am just going to take that off and hook it on my key chain.  Having the chain detail on it is quite enough for me.

Overall I am so happy I found these to work into my closet.  I love the quality (and the price) of these belts, and will definitely be able to get a lot of use from them not just for this season but hopefully year round.

xoxo,

Eve