Seasonal Fragrances

I can count on one hand the number of fragrances I have worn throughout my life. Beginning with the grapefruit like scent of YSL’s Baby Doll and then moving onto Juicy Couture’s original perfume in college. Does that make me a dedicated consumer or extremely picky?

Over the last 4 years however, I have settled into two distinct scents – Chanel’s Allure and Creed’s Virgin Island Water. The two fragrances could not be more different, but for some reason they really work for me. I use the strong unmistakable Chanel scent in the winter. On the contrast, I use two sprays of Virgin Island Water in the summer so that I smell like beach vacation at all times. This abnormally warm March weather is really throwing me off however – do I make switch to creed early or continue using Allure for a few more weeks? Decisions decisions!

Alyssa

A Day

Tomorrow is A day for every Pretty Little Liar’s fan out there! There have been plenty of times throughout the show’s life that I have been sure that I knew who A was. But, after last Monday’s episode, I have no idea! I like to think that it’s Maya because it would make sense for her character, otherwise, what was the point of her constantly leaving and coming back? I also like to think that it’s Melissa because well, honestly, she’s getting on my nerves. Jenna is an obvious choice because she’s always been a sneak, and I know, I know she lied about being able to see last episode, but honestly, Hanna pulled her out of a burning building, if Jenna is A, diva should have stopped sending texts. But honestly, I would be quite excited if A turned out to be someone that no one expected, like Mr. Fitz, now thats a twist! Or Caleb? I mean he’s just really beautiful so I doubt it, but it’s an option. Or Byron! No one suspects the parents! Alas, at this point A could be anyone and I can not wait to find out who that head bit-ch is.

Alexa

Seasonal Cross-body Bag

Recently I’ve been debating over whether or not to buy a cross-body bag for the spring and summer season. Please notice that I did not say invest in a cross-body, merely just buy. You see I’ve been torn as to what I’ve wanted, chain strap? tribal print? quilted print? This weekend I actually went into Bloomingdales and let my shopping intuition lead me to whatever it was drawn to. Turns out, my shopping conscious is drawn to faux snake skin Marc by Marc Jacobs. Now I know that the word faux does not conjure up the most fashionable image, but to be honest, I love it. Basically, the bag is a cross-body and it is a perfect size to fit, well everything that I need. I’m also really excited to match its neutral color scheme with some bright color blocked outfits this spring.

Alexa

Snow White

One of my favorite past time activities is watching movies, I sometimes think that my dream job could be that of a movie critic. With this in mind, I have been anxiously awaiting the release of both Snow White movies; Snow White and the Huntsmen (June 1) and Mirror Mirror (March 30). Im excited that two movies based upon the Brothers Grimm fairy tale are being released so close together, because they both take on a different perspective. For example, Snow White and the Huntsmen seems much more serious and aims to portray White as a strong character, while Mirror Mirror aims to be a bit sillier. Despite the different tones, I am just so excited that the world is paying attention to Snow White again! All in all, I can’t wait to see both of them, let the countdown(s) begin!

Alexa

Shoe Shopping!

This season I’ve been exceptionally skilled at buying the ‘it’ items when I see them. I mean, I know that new things are constantly hitting the stores, so in all fairness it might pay to wait, but with certain items, like shoes, you should snag them while you can. I’ve approached my shoe shopping with this mentality and below are my new loves. What’s that you say? please talk about each pair? Well....ok! The ballet flats were a fun score at Target, flats are always in, and this tribal print is everywhere in shoes. The pink tie shoes are from Spring, they are just amazing and I am sooo excited to wear them! Finally, the fringe ones are Steve Madden, I love fringe so nobody should be surprised by this purchase. And there you have it, my spring shoe preview, are you as anxious to break out your spring wardrobe as I am?
Alexa

Semi-nude Lips

[L i p P e n c i l] Mac Dervish [L i p s t i c k] Mac lustre [L i p g l a s s] Mac lustreglass

Pencil

 

Lipstick

Lipglass

When I first learned how to do makeup, I focused only on one area of my face – my eyes. I practiced blending eye shadows, using cream bases, curling my eyelashes and using every possible eyeliner known to man. I used a very basic foundation and completely ignored my lips. Even until recently, I ignored my lips, using a little bit of chapstick only when necessary.

I am proud to report that I have recently branched out and begun a lipstick regimen. I like the look shown above because it is a clean everyday look. I apologize for the poor picture quality, but I hope you still get the gist.

[L i p P e n c i l] Mac Dervish

[L i p s t i c k] Mac lustre

[L i p g l a s s] Mac lustreglass

Alyssa

Color Blocking

It seems like every magazine I flip through and every storefront I view, I see color blocking, color blocking and more color blocking. Looks like this trend is here to stay for a season or two, so it is time to go shopping!

I wanted a piece that was light and airy and could take me into the spring and summer months. I also wanted something that was versatile and could be worn in or out of the office. My search led me to one of my absolute favorite go-to designers – Lipsy London. It seems like it took forever for this little gem to arrive in the states, but it was certainly worth the wait. I love the sheerness of the top, paired with the delicate chocolate brown buttons and bright pink features. Of course, the best part of the blouse is the small cutout with a tie front.

With lots of love from Lipsy, I mean Alyssa

Homemade Potato Chips

Raw potato slices brushed with butter

The final product

This past Saturday I had a lunch date with some of my family and some of Michael’s family. While the majority of the menu was taken care of, I wanted to contribute something as well. I decided that homemade potato chips and bruschetta would be the perfect addition to the other items on the menu - salad, sandwiches and quiche.

 

In order to make the potato chips, first preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Then, slice three baking potatoes very thin (about 1/8 of an inch). Dry the slices and arrange them in a single layer on a sprayed baking sheet. Brush the slices with melted butter (about ½ a stick will suffice for 3 potatoes). Then, bake the potato slices for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. After removing from the oven, immediately sprinkle with salt. My advice would be to ensure the slices are all the same thickness. Otherwise, the thinner slices will burn and the thicker ones won’t get crispy. Enjoy!

 

Alyssa

Shut the Fringe up!

Its safe to say that I have no patience in any aspect of my life, so when I go in to a store and see something that I like, I typically end up leaving with it that day. Two months ago, I surprised myself by going into Nordstrom, falling in love, and leaving empty handed. Angels cried, and the heavens cursed me, it was a life changing moment. What could have caused such a reaction from the entities up above? A SUEDE FRINGE JACKET (something so amazing it can only be described in all caps).

Now, I did not buy the cowboy worthy jacket because at some point, even a fashoinista has to put her foot down (well wallet) to a high price tag. So anywho, the other day I was walking through Nordstrom, Nordstrom note in hand and a quick flash of fringe caught my eye, and oh mon deui! It was my beloved jacket on sale, yes thats right sale. Needless to say, I left the store, one fringe jacket richer, please enjoy a visual representation of love below.
 
Alexa