Late Summer/Early Fall 2013 Haul

It is that time of year again!  You know, back to school!  Even though I am several years out of school, I still enjoy stocking up on fall essentials this time of year.  Enjoy the video!

Alyssa

Day and Night Makeup Look -- Talk Through Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znPAUR9cWSo

This summer has been an exceptionally busy one, and most days I go directly from work or another day activity to dinner or an evening event. My hectic schedule calls for a versatile makeup look that is appropriate for both day and night.

My first ever talk through makeup video can be viewed by clicking the link above. I clearly need a little practice with the camera, but I hope you enjoy what I have filmed.

Alyssa

Summer Clothing Haul!

Summer is in full force! So, of course I need new clothes to go with the warm weather. Check out my clothing haul to see my new purchases!

Alexa

My Trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

This past Saturday I took a day trip with Mike to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.  It was so incredibly beautiful and such a peaceful experience for us to share together.  You can visit their website by clicking here to learn more about exhibits and visitor information.  I hope you enjoy some of the pictures I have shared.

Alyssa

Transitional Look

[Scarf] Forever 21
[Tank top] Nordstrom BP
[Jeans] BDG Urban Outfitters
[Purse] Marc by Marc Jacobs
[Earrings] Vintage

This past week has consisted of cool mornings and warm afternoons, which is perfect for leisurely runs and outdoor dining but it is not so easy to select an outfit for this ideal weather. However, this past weekend I was particularly satisfied with my outfit selection. I paired a stylish pair of BDG Urban Outfitters tie dyed jeans that are embellished with studs around the pockets with a simple black racer back tank and light weight cotton scarf. The cotton scarf provided warmth in the morning as it acted as a shawl, however in the afternoon when the temperature rose the scarf became an accessory. I also selected a no fuss chain link over the shoulder purse and vintage earrings to complete the look.

Alyssa

Most Worn Things TAG -- Summer 2012 Edition

Hi everyone! I am loving this Most Worn Summer Tag that is going around YouTube. Here is my version – enjoy!

1) Most worn Nail Polish: Essie Fiji
2) Most worn scent: Creed Virgin Island Water
3) Most worn hair product: Feather hair tie
4) Most worn bag: Vera Bradley beach bag
5) Most worn shoes: Havaina butterfly flip-flops
6) Most worn accessory: Heart bracelet
7) Most worn clothing item: Sofia fringe bikini
8) Most worn foundation: MAC Prep & Prime
9) Most worn blush/bronzer: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
10) Most worn lip product: Baby Lips pink punch
11) Most worn mascara: Sephora Outrageous Volume
12) Most worn eye product: Nars Sugarland eye shadow

Alyssa

Saving a Little Summer for the Rest of the Year

Years ago on a cold winter day I purchased a bottle of body wash from Sephora because I was drawn to the Hawaiian packaging and aroma. When I actually started using the product I realized that it worked just as well as it smelled. Not only did it moisturize and cleanse my skin but it also helped remind me that summer was around the corner.

Today I still continue to purchase Joey New York Beautiful Body Seaweed Body Wash, however it is a little more difficult than it used to be. The Seaweed Body Wash is no longer available in Sephora and therefore I take to internet searches every few months to locate the product. Occasionally I can find it on Amazon and other times on eBay. I don’t mind putting in the effort to track down the product because the end result is worth it.

The fragrance reminds me of the best possible smelling tanning lotion with a hint of fruitiness. I actually do not use this product in the summer. Rather, I save it for the winter when the beach seems so far away.  And while I'm not looking forward to the summer wrapping up, I do take comfort in knowing that I have this little gem in my shower.

Alyssa

Hot Summer Nights

The other night I went on a double date in Brooklyn. I was looking forward to this dinner for weeks but when the day actually came I couldn’t figure out what to wear. The weather was so hot and muggy and putting on a dress and a full face of makeup was the last thing I wanted to do. Therefore I decided to go with a very thin cotton dress. In order to dress up the simple black frock I added a pair of Gucci wedges that only come out of the closet for special occasions.

[Dress] Love from Ya-Ya (Nordstrom circa 2007)
[Shoes] Gucci
[Purse] Louis Vuitton Wallet
[Nails] Essie Van D’Go

Alyssa

A Tank Situation

The summer weather has finally kicked in, and already I’m starting to get sick of it. The upside to this crazy hot weather is that it simply necessitates a tank top and shorts and your ready to go. I’ve recently acquired some great tanks and I just cant wait to show them off. I’ve picked my three favorites, they are three very different tops but they are perfect in every way!

1. This shirt I bought at Nordstrom. I love it because it’s silk, and because of its colors. The yellow is lighter on the sides of the stripe, and it gets progressively darker as it reaches the middle.

2. This shirt is Free People. I love it because it is so big and flowey that it can be thrown on, and very quickly be accessorized for the daytime, or for the nighttime.

3. This shirt is from Nordstrom as well. I didn’t like this shirt at first, the horses on it really threw me off. What I did like about it was the peter pan like collar, and the open back. Once I put this shirt on, it was clear that it was a keeper, and I’m learning to love the horses.

Alexa

Summer Heels

[shirt] Top shop
[shorts] Theory
[shoes] Stuart Weitzman
[bag] Louis Vuitton
[sunglasses] Ray-Ban

I LOVE heels.  I mean, I REALLY LOVE heels!  But sometimes in the summer I get a little shy about wearing them, especially the really high ones.  The last thing I want is to be one of those girls with high heels on and short shorts with a tight tube top.  Something about that just doesn't work.  So this weekend I decided that I needed to pair one of my favorite pair of Stuart Weitzman's with a very appropriate outfit.  I opted for a very tailored pair of navy Theory shorts along with a blousey gray shirt from Top Shop.  I love this shirt because it is not symmetrical.  The right side has a sleeve that comes down almost to my elbow.  While the left side has a tank top strap.  The blouseyness made the shirt conservative enough to pair with high heels.

Alyssa

If its not broken...don't fix it...

After hastily packing for a weekend out of the city I realized that all the outfits I picked, even my pajamas, followed the same design logic - patterned bottom and plain top.  In fact, all the bottoms are from the same store, Forever 21, and 2 of the 3 tops are from the same store, Nordstrom.  While the pajama top is from Victoria's Secret.  As they say, if its not broken, don't fix it!

Outfit 1:

[jacket] Abercrombie and Fitch

[tank top] Nordstrom BP

[leggings] Forever 21

Outfit 2:

[pajama bottoms] Forever 21

[pajama top] Victoria's Secret

Outfit 3:

[tank top] Nordstrom BP

[skirt] Forever 21

[watch] Marc Jacobs

[shoes] Tory Burch

Alyssa

Fringe Love

Where does one's love of fringe come from?  Was I born with it or did it develop over time?  I'm not really sure, all I know is that Alexa and I both LOVE any and all things fringe.  While I recommend staying away from a full-on fringe outfit (i.e. fringe hair accessories, shirt, skirt and boots), I do believe one fringe piece can be a great accent to any outfit.  Above I am pictured in a fringe shirt while below is a picture of my new fringe bikini (which I am dying to wear by the way) by Sofia.  L Space also makes an adorable and similar bikini.  You can check it out by clicking here.

Alyssa

A Lace Encounter

Despite the fact that its been rainy and 50 degrees outside for the past two weeks, I am certain that summer weather is out there...somewhere. In anticipation of its arrival, I have been looking for some neutral pieces that I can wear multiple times and ways. I was looking on the Forever21 website and I found a super cute pair of lace shorts which put the idea in my head that I needed to own them, now. This thought eliminated the idea of ordering them online because it really would be impossible for me to wait a week to get them. Anyway, I went to Forever21 and I could not find the shorts, or any other version of lace shorts. I was about to give up when I spotted these Free People shorts in Lord and Taylor, I tried them on and what do you know? They are adorable. I can't wait for the sun to come out so that I can wear them!

Alexa