In My Makeup Bag

Every girl has her makeup staples. I like to switch things up pretty often, but I carry the same few items with me all the time and tend to use them as a base for more elaborate makeup days. These are the products that I use for my basic, everyday makeup.

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Porcelain

This goes on before anything else I wear. It is a little pricey at about $45 but I have had this forever and it is worth every single penny. I sometimes don't even wear any other foundation or anything if I am having a good skin day.

• Bare Escentuals Prime Time Foundation Primer

This goes on right after the tinted moisturizer. It makes my skin so soft and the rest of my makeup go on so smoothly. Another product that lasts forever so worth the price.

• One Hot Minute by Benefit

I use this on my cheeks for a nice light bronzed effect. It is perfect for every day and for my fair skin.

• Lancome Powder Brow Pencil in Chataigne

The perfect redhead brow pencil. 

• Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette

This brow gel keeps my eyebrows in place while adding a bit of color to the hairs themselves.

• Sephora Shadow in Tiramisu

A perfect brown neutral for the crease.

• Bare Minerals Shadow in Soul

This is my go to highlighter for below my brow and I often use it in the inner corner of my eye as well. Adding a light shadow to the inner corner makes your eyes look bigger, and I love me some Zooey Deschanel eyes. I also use one by MAC (I don't remember the name) for fancier occasions (it's brighter), but this one is perfect for most situations.

• Bare Minerals Shadow in Nude Beach

This color goes over my lid. It's got a pretty sort of lilac-y tone lurking, but it remains a beautiful color for everyday wear with my neutrals.

• Sephora Long-Lasting 12 Hour Wear Eye Liner in Matte Dark Chocolate

A perfect dark brown liner, and only $12! This lasts all day and looks great on just about anyone.

• MAC Loose Pigment Shadow in Copper Sparkle

I use this to line below my eye just below my lash line. It really makes my eyes pop and adds a little pizzaz to an otherwise neutral palate. 

• L'Oreal Grow Luscious Mascara

I know, it's drugstore mascara. I have tried literally dozens of mascaras in my lifetime, at a range of price points. My mom gave me this one after she heard Carmindy (of What Not to Wear fame) recommend it. I took it with a grain of salt but decided to try it. It's amazing. I have long, relatively full lashes but they are pretty light, as most redhead's lashes are. I am on a constant search for a mascara that a) makes it look like my lashes are longer b) makes my lashes look more full c) doesn't clump d) isn't waterproof because I hate when it smears down my face when I am washing it off. This is the one. Don't waste your money on anything fancier. This is the Holy Grail of mascaras. Seriously. Go buy it. It's like $6. Go.

So that's my everyday face. What are your favorite products? What can you not live without?

Spring/Early Summer Wish List

There are so many fabulous clothes out this spring! I was just thinking about all the things I would like to add to my life this season. I am trying to add things to my wardrobe that I can wear for work and for my personal life. Here's my list:

Stripe Racerback Cami at J. Crew Factory- Love this with pink cropped pants and a white or navy cardi.

Novelty Draped Tee in Summer Lime at J. Crew Factory- love this because it's casual and cool but still nice enough for work. I've seen this in person and it's actually much greener.

Springtime in Your Step Skirt at Modcloth- This skirt is perfect for spring or summer and for work or home. It's such a wonderful silhouette for most bodies and makes the waist look small. So cute!

Old Navy Blue Printed Denim Skirt- So fun and summery! Also pretty with other vibrant colors like bright pink.

A nice cropped dark jean, like the INC Skinny Cropped Jean at Macy's- so cute with so many tops, and they still look polished enough for work.

Pink Rolled Cuff Cropped Chino- I just love pink and navy together, especially with gold accessories. It's such a beautiful way to wear the nautical trend but with a playful twist.

Michael Kors Medium Jet Set Saffiano Travel Tote- this tote fits a 17" computer along with all your other necessities. It's perfect.

J. Crew Factory Emery Flats in Nude- such a great nude shoe and so versatile! I can't find the link to the nude one on the site (just the persimmon color, which I already own) so the link is to that, although I know they have the nude in the store.

Tory Burch Jackie Wedge Espadrille- these shoes scream "summer" and go with so many things. 

What are your must-haves this season?

Packing for a Five Day Trip

This weekend my husband, Tiny Dancer, and Sophie are all road tripping down to Southern California to visit his family and to see Tiny D's godparents and my dear friends. Monday, we're going to Disneyland while my MIL babysits- she's elated and I'll get to ride all the rides, as last time we went when I was 6 months pregnant and my feet were swollen to twice their size by 2 p.m. I've spent the past day or two trying to figure out what to pack for 2 adults, an infant, and a dog who thinks she's a princess. I will definitely post photos when we get back next week.

For this trip, I am using Real Simple's guide to "The Best Way to Pack a Suitcase" (find it here) combined with hints I have found that have worked for me over the years.

RS: Step 1- Gather all the garments you anticipate needing, then put half of them back. Select clothes in the same color family, packing more tops than bottoms. For a five-day trip, you'll likely need five shirts, two pairs of slacks or jeans, and one skirt.
     - I agree with putting half back. I ALWAYS overpack. I do, however, think an extra shirt is a good idea- especially if you are not staying somewhere you will have access to laundry services. I also don't think that a skirt is always necessary, depending upon the purpose of the trip. I am planning on bringing two pair of jeans (mine always seem to stretch out after a wear or two) and one pair of skinny black pants.

RS: Step 2- Choose knits, wools, and cottons. These fabrics tend to resist wrinkles and are versatile. Some garments can do double duty, like yoga pants that moonlight as pajamas.
     - YES, YES, YES! I always pack just one pair of yoga pants that are what I lounge in and sleep in. I try as much as possible to pack things that are wrinkle resistant. If I pack a dress shirt, I ALWAYS bring a cardigan or pullover so if the shirt wrinkles a bit, no one will ever know. 

RS: Step 3- Roll softer garments and fold stiffer ones. Underwear, t-shirts, jeans, cotton pants, and knitwear won't wrinkle when rolled tightly. Stiffer fabrics, such as starched cotton shirts, blazers, dressy pants, and skirts should be carefully folded.
     - I have three dress shirts in the cue for this trip, and I spent about 15 minutes carefully folding them so they don't wrinkle during the seven hour car ride. I roll everything else so that I can fit everything neatly in my suitcase. I want to make sure I have room for my Disneyland souvenirs! 

RS: Step 4- Arrange rolled items in the bottom of the bag. Think of your suitcase as a three-layer cake. The suitcase is the icing; the rolled items make up the first layer. 
     - I actually like to put my shoes on the bottom of the suitcase with the soles to the bottom. This way they don't get my clothes dirty with shoe gunk and they can all lay nicely next to their shoe friends. Then I stack my clothes on top of them and top it off with my makeup and toiletry bags, hairbrush, flat/curling irons, and any other incidentals that need to come on the trip.

RS: Step 5- Place folded garments next. For your (cream filling) middle later, start with the longest items, like skirts and slacks. Stack the garments on top of each other, alternating waists with hems. Position the pile flush with the suitcase, draping leftover fabric over the opposite end. (This conserves space since thick waistbands won’t be piled on top of one another.) Wrap the draping ends of the pile into the center. Next, lay collars of shorter items, like shirts, at the hinge with the ends over the handles. 
Fold the collars and ends over once and fold the arms in.
     - I had never thought about doing this before I read this article. Tomorrow when I load everything into my suitcase I'm going to try this. Seems like it makes total sense.

 RS: Step 6- Cover the pile with a dry-cleaning bag. It’s like Botox for your clothes. Because of the bag’s slippery surface, folded clothes don’t stay in one place long enough for creases to set. Easy upgrade: Place a bag between each layer of clothing. To get to a certain layer easily, simply pull the ends of the bag up on either side.
     -  Another one I hadn't heard of before now. I like it though. If I can dig up a dry-cleaning bag I will definitely try this and let you know how it works out.

RS: Step 7- Top the pile with the clothes you’ll need first. Anything goes with your top layer―a bathing suit or pajamas.
     - I agree with this, in theory. If you know what you'll be wearing first, you're about three steps ahead of me. I bring a bunch of outfits I think are appropriate and pretty much decide what to wear each day based on my mood and the weather. I try to hang my clothes as soon as I get to my hotel/host's home to prevent wrinkling and so that I can see all my options each morning. If you have the foresight to do this I'm all for it- I just can't commit to an outfit that far in advance. 

RS: Step 8- Snake belts around the perimeter of the bag. This cradles your three layers.
     - This too was new to me, but it seems like it will work out well. This way in addition to "cradling" the layers, it helps your belts stay crease-free and not get all awkward and coily. 

How do you pack for trips? What tips can you share to make packing easier?

Spring Fashion Trends

I just love Spring! And Autumn. And Winter. OK, so mostly I just hate summer. I am not good at being hot.

Spring brings with it a promise of new life, there's residual rain left from winter, and it isn't hotter than two goats in a pepper patch yet. Spring is also when all the best flowers are in bloom- peonies, dahlias, tulips- so full and fabulous!

Anyhow, I was browsing glamour.com and I came across an article listing the top 10 Most Wearable Trends for Spring 2013. Some of them are better than others, but here they are followed by my opinions of each.

1. Bermuda Shorts

I actually really like a bermuda short, if styled correctly. I have pasty white legs (yes, all year round- comes with being a ginger) and carry most of my weight in my thighs, so I feel like bermuda shorts do everyone a favor. They can look a little matronly if the top is not tailored/fitted, so I really like them styled like the photo above. They look casual but polished.

2. Black and White

Black and white together are such a beautiful and classic combination. I have a top similar to the one above I got at J. Crew Factory that I pair with a kelly green sweater and I get compliments every time I wear it. I love the whimsy of polka dots too- they keep things playful but are still appropriate in a professional setting. Black and white are always a good choice.

3. Peekaboo Pieces

HATE. Unless you are tiny and have no cellulite and are in great shape, you have no business sharing your wobbly bits with unsuspecting citizens. If you're not sure you qualify, play it safe and just don't wear this trend.

4. Statement Sunglasses

I have a love/hate relationship with statement sunglasses. The ones on the model on the left are adorable- bright, some whimsical flowers on the corners but in a pretty classic shape. The middle ones are tolerable- relatively neutral color but the shape is awkward. The far right glasses are horrid- they look like they're from the future and I can't think of a face shape they might flatter. Bottom line- keep one aspect classic. Whether it's color or shape, I feel like they need something to not look completely out of bounds.

5. Bold Stripes

Like horizontal, do not like vertical. I know this seems counterintuitive, as vertical stripes are supposed to be slimming and horizontal are not, but look at the photos above. The horizontal ones are adorable and fun. The vertical ones look like she's playing dress up as The Riddler from Batman.

P.S. What is happening with those red glasses the girl in the middle has on? They look like those glasses they make you wear at the dentist when they bleach your teeth.

6. Luxe Leather

Not a fan. I feel like leather is allowed in two places for clothing: jackets and shoes. What is happening with that middle outfit? And what average person is thinking "you know what would be awesome for spring weather? A full leather outfit." WHAT?!? I feel like I couldn't take someone in a leather outfit seriously. I am, however, all for a fabulous leather shoe.

7. Beautiful Beading

I actually like this trend for everyday, if it's done in moderation. The first dress (bright blue) is really beautiful for a wedding or nice party and it just screams "SPRING!" to me. The pink dress, although exquisite, sort of reads "Indian wedding" to me and can seem a bit formal for the average person to wear to her business casual job. Overall, though, thumbs up to beading.

8. Shorts Suits

One person is allowed to wear a shorts suit: Angus Young from AC/DC. Shorts suits on anyone else, especially women tend to look like an awkward schoolboy. The shorts are often WAY too short for any professional workplace. Something like is shown the photos above would be far too formal for any workplace that allows shorts. Overall, pretty awkward.

9. Sporty Dresses

I really love these. I think they are appropriate for most social situations and are pretty but still fun. They do tend to be relatively short, so for those of us with pasty/jiggly/dimply/imperfect thighs, these are a perfect excuse to wear fun colored tights that complement the dress.

10. Flats and Low Heels.

YAAAAAY! My shoe time has finally come! These have to be my two favorite types of shoes to wear. My mom is always bugging me to wear a "higher heel" (I'm 5'2" with shoes on), but I am SO not the girl who can lie and say I am not in pain wearing a 6" shoe. I've been lusting after those mint flats by Ivanka Trump for months now! I just picked up the Tory Burch "Reva" flat (see above)- a little pricey but SO comfortable and they go with EVERYTHING. I have also always been a fan of a pointy toed shoe- they really elongate my shorty-short legs and dress up any outfit. The ones above are Kate Spade (another favorite of mine).


So, there you have it. Glamour's Most Wearable Trends for Spring 2013. I do think they missed a giant one- nautical themed clothing. It is freaking everywhere and it looks so good on every body.

I'd love some comments here- what do you all think? Was Glamour spot on or do you have different ideas for this Spring?

Fix-It Friday: Kitchen Inspiration

We are moving into a larger house at the end of May and I have been extremely occupied by Pinterest gathering new ideas to turn the house into our home.

Because of this, I've decided to start a series of Friday blogs focusing on all of the changes and upgrades we are making to our home during the transition. This first week's post will focus on our new kitchen.

I have decided to redesign the kitchen using robin's egg blue and tomato red. I already have some turquoise in my kitchen, so I'll be combining the few items I have with some new additions. Here are a few photos of the direction I am heading:

I love the retro feel of this kitchen!

This is pretty close to the color I'm looking for.

The pop of color on this island is beautiful!

I love that there is just one wall and a few accessories in blue.

I am also looking at fabric to make a valance for over the window in the new kitchen. I really like the print of both of these below, but I am definitely hoping the find one with both colors (like the one on the bottom) to tie everything together.

What do you guys think? What are your kitchens like in your homes?

OOTD: Mint and Polka Dots

This afternoon, I went to lunch with a friend from work in Alameda and walked around Park Street for a while. This evening, my husband and I took Tiny Dancer for dinner with my dad and stepmom. This was today's outfit:

Mint Button Down: J. Crew Factory (here)

Polka Dot Sweater: Target (not on site)

Jeans: Forever 21 (here)

Shoes: Tory Burch "Reva" (available at Nordstrom)

Necklace: F21 (similar here)

Watch: Michael Kors "Lexington" (here)

Thick Silver Bangle: Kate Spade (Holiday 2012)

Thin Bracelet: Cape Cod Jewelers (here)

ABC's of Me

I've seen this post on a few other blogs and since I am new to the blogging world I thought it would be a good place to start. I'd love to hear some facts about you guys too, so please steal this and repost!

A. Age:  26 

B. Bed size: California King- my husband is 6'4" so we really need the space

C. Chore you hate: Scooping cat litter. My husband is very good about doing it though. :)

D. Dogs:  Sophie the French Bulldog

E. Essential start to your day: Juice. I love juice in the morning.

F. Favorite color:  All pinks and bright greens

G. Gold or silver:  In general silver, but I am learning to appreciate gold on certain pieces.

H. Height:  5'2" with shoes on. I'm really 5'1 3/4, but I always have shoes on in public, so 5'2" is ok, right?

I. Instruments you play:  I dabble in guitar and used to play piano, but really my only instrument these days is voice.

J. Job title: Human Resources Administrator

K. Kids:  One little Tiny Dancer

L. Live: San Francisco Bay Area, the most wonderful place in the world to live!

M. Mom’s name:  Carol

N. Nicknames:  Hol

O. Overnight hospital stays: Just when I had Tiny D

P. Pet peeve:  People eating, especially tortilla chips

Q. Quote from a movie/show:  "I'm not controlling, I'm aggressively helpful."

R. Righty or Lefty:  Righty

S. Siblings:  None, but I have some fabulous sorority sisters! 

T. Time you wake up:  Between 8 and 9 naturally.

U. Underwear: I wear them, yes.

V. Vegetables you dislike:  Asparagus.

W. What makes you run late:  When Tiny D makes a potty diaper right before I am ready to walk out the door and she starts screaming like a banshee until I fix it. 

X. X-rays you’ve had:  My right hand when I broke my right pinky in college.

Y. Yummy food you make:  The husband loves my Shepherd's Pie and Taco Salad.

Z. Zoo animal favorite: SLOTHS!