Falling For Fall

We are in the last days of Summer and I am finally accepting that fact.  Summer is my favorite season and I hate to see it go but with the fall season comes....fall fashion and beauty.  I love switching my fashion and beauty routine, now that is one thing that I can appreciate.  So without further ado here are the fall beauty trends that I am dying to try.

1.  Va-Va Volume

Yep, you heard right.  The same hairstyles that I dreaded when I was younger are now trending.  Middle parts, huge curls, and big waves are back in.  The bigger the hair the better (even the ponytails are big).  

2.  Bold Nails

This fall season says goodbye to neutrals and hello to bold.  No matter if it's dark, bright, metallic or glittery just make sure it's eye-catching.  

3.  Cat-Eye Makeup

To be honest some runway makeup looks are much too theatrical and whimisical for everyday wear.  However, this is on look that can be worn without odd looks from onlookers.  

4.  Matte Skin

During the warmer seasons we all want that dewy glow.  Well, kiss that goodbye because matte is now in. Take out the powder ladies velvety smooth isn't just for pin ups anymore.

5.  Textured Lips

This season isn't so much about colors as it is about texture.  From flat matte to extreme gloss it seems that just about any color will do just as long as the textures are extreme.  I personally prefer deeper colors but don't be surprised if you catch me with a pink or a red lip.  

So as much as it pains me to pack away my warm weather items I am truly excited about what the fall season has to bring.  What are some of the things that you're looking forward to this fall season?

Photos courtesy of:  Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Clutch Magazine, Sharada Baker Beauty

To Knockoff or Not to Knockoff

As I mentioned last week, I have been on a bit of a shopping spree and there's nothing better than thrift shopping.  So what better place to go than our neighborhood flee market?  The flee market is generally where I go to find unique pieces and other useful/useless trinkets. Well as I'm perusing the wares I began to notice a huge trend...knockoffs!


Definition

Knockoff - a copy or imitation of someone or something that is popular; typically at a lower price


The Dilemma
I understand that these items aren't in many of our budgets so we seek cheaper alternatives but is it necessary to purchase a fake?  Often times they aren't even believable fakes.  We all know that you can not possibly purchase a Louis Vuitton Speedy for $30.  That bag cost me about 2 months rent.  Designers work hard to come up with new innovative fashions.  They did what it took in order to create these things that many people covet so badly.  If it is so important for you to have that handbag or those shoes just save up for them or catch them on sale but please no knockoffs.  People who purchase the authentic items can spot a fake so that cheap imitation isn't impressing anyone.  Another alternative would be to purchase a bag that is a made by a relevantly lesser known label but isn't a knockoff.  The style may be similar but there is no apparent mimicking of labels.  That way you're stylish but within your budget.  I opt for these types of bags all the time.

Stay Classy
If you can't afford it don't purchase a cheap, ill-made version.  Save for it and treat yourself if you want it that badly.  That's what I did.

Knockoff vs. Real comparison courtesy of fashionlaw.foxrothschild.com. 

Face of the Day: Gray Skies w/ a Pop of Color

It's pretty gloomy here in South Carolina today.  It makes you just want to stay in bed and sleep but if you're like me you had to tough it out and go in to work today.  What better to wake you up than a bright lip color and a cup of coffee?  The color on my lips is Sail La Vie by MAC (it's one of my favorites).  With such bold lips I kept my face simple....no shadow just winged liner and MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish.  Also featured is my 'I got coffee crazy face'.  I hope everyone has an awesome day.

Spring Wishlist

It's going to be Spring soon.  I love Spring and Summer, they are my two favorite seasons.  I really really do not like cold weather.  Seriously, if I could go into hibernation until Winter was over I would without hesitation.  So in anticipation of Spring I put together a tiny wishlist of things that I'm looking forward to purchasing on my next outing.

1.  The Original Blushing Cuff $50.00  (Pictured top second from the right)

Available at www.shopwithhrh.com.  Her jewelry is awesome and she also has a YouTube channel.  I briefly browsed through the pieces before picking the piece that she is shown wearing.  It just caught my eye and that's what I look for when I'm shopping online.  Something has to pop out at me.  

2.  Stay Sweet $16.50 & Viva Glam Nicki $15.00

I had Viva Glam Nicki but after leaving it at a friends house I just came to the conclusion that I would not be able to retrieve it so I'll just purchase a new one.  I heard about Stay Sweet from the Archie's Girls collection and everything I have heard has been great so I think I'll give it a go.

3.  The Kindness Handbook: A Practical Companion by Sharon Salzberg  $13.35

A coworker was raving about it so as soon as I get to Barnes & Noble I'm going to pick it put.  I mean as soon as I get in there. 

4.  The Madison Wedge  $39.90, The Braylen Wedge $29.90, & The Selena Heel $29.90

All available at www.alloy.com.  I love wedges and I need another go-to heel.  I believe the Selena comes in different colors and I'd like to get at least two.  However, the wedges are a staple.  Where are you going this Spring without them?

5.  The Molly Pintuck Cropped Pants $125, Midi Knit Skirt $69, & The Ponte Pencil Skirt $89

All can be found at Bebe.  I really liked the selection while I was browsing today so I'll be back for those items.  Today was just a very good perusing day.  Next up is shopping day.  

 How can a girl go wrong when she already knows what she wants?