Bits and Pieces: Bell Sleeves

 

As a New Yorker, it is standard to have too many black pieces in your wardrobe.  However, after many years of working in the cosmetics industry and being forced to wear black, I rebelled for a little while.  I purchased only non-black clothing, until I realized that when I wanted something basic and classic to go to - it was the only answer.  So I began buying black pieces again, but my rule is to find things that have a little something different to them - like this blouse.  The bell sleeves give it an extra flair that makes it feel a little more exciting (yes, blouses give me a thrill, ok?).  A standard black pencil skirt is a non-negotiable for me, and this one from Ann Taylor has been worn so often I am concerned it just may fall off me one day.  But if I am going to wear an all black ensemble, then bold accessories are a must - even if just a few.  These silver J.Crew pumps are probably one of the best buys I have made all year - seriously.  When am I NOT wearing them?  It's ok if you don't remember, I pulled the posts for you - here, here, and here.  See?  They go with everything.  It's a shame I didn't buy a back up.  Oh, geez.  Would you listen to me?  

Blouse - Club Monaco | Skirt - Ann Taylor | Belt - Club Monaco (old but similar here and here) | Necklace - Ann Taylor (old but similar here) | Shoes - J.Crew (similar here and here) | Lips - Armani Rouge Ecstasy 503

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Have you entered my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Giveaway yet???? Well, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! It's amazing - click here to enter. 

What Should Be On My Vanity

Bronzer, mascara, masks - oh my!  Here is a look at my current beauty wishlist items - click on each link for more information:

1. Guerlain "Crazy Paris" Terracotta Healthy Glow Powder

2. Laura Mercier Artist's Palette For Eyes

3. Chantecaille Supreme Cils Mascara

4. NARS Galathee Nail  Polish

5. Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

6. Chantecaille  Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask

7. Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer

8. Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex

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Sunday Nailday: Jin Soon Mica

Jin Soon "Mica" with Jin Soon Matte Top Coat

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Have you entered my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Giveaway yet???? Well, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! It's amazing - click here to enter. 

New Beauty Bits: Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital Review

 

Little else brings me as much joy in life as trying out new skincare - well frankly, ANY skincare.  But especially when it's from a brand that I know and love, and already use regularly.  Many of you have heard me wax on poetically for months and months about the Perricone MD Blue Plasma (new to this blog? well hello there.  Here is the original post), and now it has birthed a little sibling - Blue Plasma Orbital.  YES. YES.  And more YES.  And I had the pleasure of receiving one from Perricone MD to try these past few weeks, and it is every bit as good as I anticipated, and my anticipations were high, ya'll.  Like way high.   

 

If you are unfamiliar with the Blue Plasma line, let me give you a brief synopsis of this revolutionary, and ground breaking product line.  Formulated with salmon roe enzymes and copper, it is a non-acidic daily peel that gives you all the benefits of a peel without the irritation and redness.  It helps to dissolve dead skin cells, exfoliate, purify and rebalance the skin's hydration- otherwise know as pure magic in a bottle - trust me.  And now, all of that goodness is available for the eye area! *throws confetti*  Using similar ingredients, the Blue Plasma orbital helps to remove dead skin cells, deliver immediate tightening benefits and address any fine lines by smoothing and hydrating the area.  That sure may be a mouthful to say, but it delivers on its promise.  The texture is a smooth and water-like gel that dissolves instantly into the skin - giving a soothing and refreshing feel upon application.  The instant tightening effect is for real you guys...it is quite amazing.  They advise it to be used underneath another eye cream, and I find that it layers well with almost any other I use.  It seemed almost impossible that I could fall any more in love with the Blue Plasma line, but this new addition has solidified my absolute devotion.  BFFs for life - count on it. 

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Have you entered my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Giveaway yet???? Well, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! It's amazing - click here to enter.

Giveaway: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

With so much celebrating going on around here (it's my birthday next week), I felt it would be the perfect time to do a...... GIVEAWAY!!!!  And since we all know how I am Hourglass' biggest fan, I felt it was only necessary to give away one of their limited edition Ambient Lighting palettes in honor of all the birthday festivities.  (I need to hurry up and type this before I change my mind and keep it for myself - seriously. It's awesome.)  So without any further ado, let's talk about how one of you can win this awesome palette! 

1.  Follow me on Twitter @alittlebitetc.

2.  For a second entry, like A Little Bit etc on Facebook.

3.  Leave a comment below this post letting me know what is one beauty product you would want for your birthday.  Please be sure to include you twitter handle for reference. 

4.  The winner must have a valid email address to be contacted.  

5.  The contest ends October 31st at 11:59PM EST and the winner will be announced on my blog on November 1st, so be sure to check back.

Items featured are not affiliated with any brand, no compensation given and have been purchased by me.  Giveaway open to US residents only, and the winner will be selected at random.  Good Luck!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Bits and Pieces: Fair Isle And Flare

Nothing says nature like black patent leather ankle boots and a pleated, a-line skirt, ya know? If I can't blend in to my surroundings, then at least let me stand out in them.  And judging from the above pictures, I think my mission was accomplished.  While last weekend was just an exercise in fall foliage appreciation, this weekend was the main event.  A drive up to Northern Connecticut put us deep in the heart of some of the most beautiful foliage I have ever seen.  And naturally I couldn't resist getting out and taking pictures amongst nature and all of its splendor - which always elicits a giggle or two from people walking by - I'm used to it, thanks.  But it may seem odd to be wearing these fabulous boots in nature, but let me tell you something - these 3.1 Phillip Lim beauties are some of THE most comfortable boots I have ever owned.  Walking, standing, EXISTING in them is a delight, so get ready to see them all winter.  You're thrilled, I know.  And let's not overlook my car washing skirt, I mean my Alexander Wang neoprene pleated number.  So full and fun to wear, that I love to twist back and forth eliciting a movement much like those car wash systems - but minus the soap and water obviously.  Though it was quite overcast, my Opening Ceremony Fair Isle sweater did the job to keep me warm and season appropriate.  Farewell foliage, until next year.  I am planning my outfit already.

Sweater - Opening Ceremony (similar here and here) | Skirt - T by Alexander Wang | Boots - 3.1 Phillip Lim (also loving these) | Ring - Club Monaco

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The Finished Look: Polished Smoke

Is there such a thing as an anytime smoky eye?  Many associate a smoky eye with a dramatic, bold, brazen look and one that is worn only once in a blue moon to a very formal or special event.  But one of my favorite looks is a smoky eye but done in a more understated manner that can be worn to dinner, drinks with friends or even a casual night out.  It's fits my lifestyle and personality more when I can take a makeup look and dial it down to a subtle finish rather than being afraid to go smoky because I have nowhere fancy to go.  I have makeup and I want to wear it, darn it!  And I want to wear it NOW!  Here's is a look I do often for a night out, casual or  dressy but one that I can wear anytime and almost anywhere but still feel glam.

This Stila Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer is one miracle makeup I tell ya.  Just a little bit goes a long way with this product and is applied best with a buffing brush to create a flawless and airbrushed finish. Using the Hourglass Ambient Light Powder in Dim Light (also available in the new palette here) along my cheeks and hairline, I get a subtle glow that's more than a highlighter but less than a bronzer.  A few swipes of the YSL Touche Eclat in shade 1 under my eyes for extra brightness, and then I prime my lids with the Hard Candy liquid eye shadow duo.  Using MAC Charcoal Brown on my brows gives a good shape to my face and eye area.  Blending the two darkest shades (plum and gray) of the Dior "Grege" palette together on the eyes gives a gorgeous plummy-brown look, and then I finish off by sweeping the dark plum shade through the crease to give a little more depth.  Taking MAC's eye kohl in Smolder, I rim my inner water line and smudge it softly with the dark plum shade from the Dior palette, and then line the upper lash line with Bobbi Brown's gel liner in Caviar Ink.  I finish off the eye look with the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara in black for a dramatic lash.  I rarely put mascara on my bottom lashes because it smudges too easily with my eyes, but will do so if I am going for an intense look where the smudges won't be noticed amongst the shadow. 

Tarte's blush in Dollface is a bright pink in the pan, but reads more peachy pink when on my skin, which works well with brown and plum tones on the eyes. I use a heavier hand on the blush because with stronger eyes, I like to have a stronger cheek.  I finish off the look with what has become one of my favorite shades of all time - Ilia Beauty's "Nobody's Baby" - the perfect natural lip color that both looks AND feels great on the lips.  And there you have it - a polished smoky eye fit for almost any occasion.  To see more of my finished looks, click here to see previous posts.

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Sunday Nailday: China Glaze Gossip Over Gimlets

China Glaze "Gossip Over Gimlets"

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Drugstore Diaries: Wet N Wild Eye Palettes

The people are a-talkin' about these Wet n Wild eye palettes - mainly how the pigmentation is so intense for such an inexpensive product (trio of eyeshadow is under $3.00).  So during my lunch break I like to wander the aisles of Duane Reade and recently decided to pick up a few to see for myself if the buzz was warranted.  And I can confidently say after wearing for a few weeks - yes, the buzz is warranted.  The color selections were a little disappointing, but then again I know my corner drugstores do not carry as many versions as the larger chains so perhaps I have not been exposed to all the palettes.  Needless to say, I went for two neutral combinations (left is 'Walking on Eggshells' and right is 'Silent Treatment') and found the quality of the texture and wearability more substantial than I had anticipated.  Wet n Wild n Surprising should be the new company name, amiright?  Take a look below at the swatches from my two trios:

The colors are a tad more frosted than I would like, but after blending together the shimmer does settle down into a wearable look for the office. The "instructional placement" concept is nice but I prefer to use the colors as I darn well please - and never would I use a shimmer shade on my brow bone - the horror!  I prefer to use the lighter shades on my lid and work the dark shades through my crease or as a liner.  Caveat emptor however, these are quite delicate shadows and ones that I am sure would not travel well.  Just a dab into the palette with my brush and powder goes everywhere so I can only imagine what my bathroom floor would look like if one were to slip from my fingers - what a mess.  But then again at this price, I could afford a few back ups so maybe I will throw caution a little more to the wind with these.  What is life without taking risks?????

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What Should Be In My Closet

It's been a while since my last "What Should Be In My Closet" post, but that doesn't mean I haven't been window shopping up a storm!  Fall is the quintessential time for rich colors, textures, patterns galore - worn separately or mixed up together.  Naturally everything I chose above was in subtle neutral tones but with a bit of flair to make it stand out amongst the myriad of items most of us have to wear just to keep our body temp above freezing here in NYC.  Oh, I don't want to think about it, so let's just shop, shall we?  Click on each link below to shop the item:

1. Cut 25 by Yigal Azrouel Coyote Fur Trimmed Parka 

2. Club Monaco Julie Striped Turtle Neck

3. Club Monaco Tala Infinity Scarf

4. Topshop Black Quilted A-line Skirt

5. Diane von Furstenberg Anette Pumps

6. Diane von Furstenberg Shara Lace Wool Sweater

7. Club Monaco Quilted Rivet Stud Gloves

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Bits and Pieces: Fall Colors

In hopes of seeing fall foliage this past weekend, I dressed for the occasion.  I felt that if I dressed for it, it would come. Unfortunately we didn't drive far enough upstate to really see any nature masterpieces, so hopefully it will migrate down closer to the city in the next few weeks.  Regardless I felt incredibly fall perfect in this weekend's outfit - a comfortable wool skirt, tartan printed button down and my favorite fall purchase so far - these Ash ankle boots.  Because I am always cold, I brought my Club Monaco infinity scarf to keep warm, as well as my J.Crew field jacket.  But nothing worked better at keeping me warm than a HUGE lunch at Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, NY.  If you follow me on Instagram, you would have known that it was simply gluttonous, and I feel so ashamed (no I don't) that I ate that much (it was mostly my husband) and I will never do it again (yes I will, and probably a few times this week). 

Shirt - J.Crew (old but love this and this) | Skirt - J.Crew (similar here and here) | Belt - Ann Taylor (similar here) | Scarf - Club Monaco | Bracelet - Giles & Brother | Boots - Ash |

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Beauty Bits: The Right To Mist

I feel it is very important to regularly exercise our 1,247 amendment, 'a person's right to mist'.  Whether at work, at home, or reading blog posts, you should mist freely and openly because you CAN.  And because your skin needs it (and because it feels amazing but that sounds a tad more selfish, so go with aforementioned reasons first). I like to keep a bevy of mists around me at all times because who knows when the mood will strike for a blast of hydration.  Variety is the spice of life, and the spice of beauty products, yes?

1. Boots No. 7 Mineral Water Spray - This looks like water. This feels like water.  Yet it is packed with minerals to help hydrate the skin in a flash.  This is a no muss, no fuss mist at a wonderful price point, that frankly can be bought in bulk for every place you feel the need to stash one.  

2. Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist (c/o) - This is decadence in a mist format.  From the way the bottle looks, to the efficacious formulation, to the actual manner in which the product is dispensed from the bottle, I feel fancy every time I use this.  While most mists come out in a strong spurt, or in an uneven distribution leaving one part of your face more damp than the other, this milky emulsion has a fine and delicate delivery system that feels more like a luxe spa treatment than a hand held mist.  Pinkies out when using this gem.

3. Murad Hydrating Toner - This is truly a toner designed to hydrate and help balance out the pH of the skin, but still makes it into my list of mist loves.  The spray is a tad strong so it is best used at home after your cleansing routine, but no doubt this is a winner at replenishing and rebalancing the skin.  I use it both morning and night after I have cleansed and used an exfoliating toner - my skin is them primed and ready for a blast of hydration.  And I blast away.  A few times at that.  It's my right, remember?

4. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater - How do I love thee Mario Badescu? Let me count the ways.  Just the name of this product alone suggests calm, peace and relaxed skin - and it delivers just that.  Perfect as a toner, or as an on-the-go boost when you need it, this spray is suitable for all skin types and immediately gets to work to address any redness, irritation or dryness.  Such a hard working little mist this one - it's only right that I give it the proper acknowledgement and praise.  

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Sunday Nailday: Julep Keira

Julep "Keira"

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Beauty Bits: 10 Fall Nail Colors To Try

It's no secret, I love me some nail polish.  Every sunday is my special time to get my nails done and pamper myself - heck I even named an entire series of posts after it - Sunday Nailday anyone?  So while I do not change up my makeup too much, I enjoy keeping things fresh and new each season with my nails.  Spring is fun to delve into the world of pastels, summer with the bright neons and fall/winter brings out the dark and moody side to my nails.  Jewel toned polishes in both shimmer and cream finishes are what make up most of my cold weather nail game.  And today I am bringing this excitement to you with a look at some of the colors I enjoy wearing this time of year.  If I have worn it in a post before, I will give a link to the swatch.

From left to right:

1. Chanel Black Satin (worn here)

2. Deborah Lippmann Stormy Weather (worn here)

3. GOSH Cosmetics Deep Purple (worn here)

4. NARS Superstar (worn here)

5. Julep Keira

From left to right:

1. Julep Alfre

2. Butter London Wallis (worn here)

3. Color Club Catwalk Queen (worn here)

4. Marc Jacobs Blue Velvet (worn here)

5. Chanel Malice (worn here)

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A Bit Obsessed: September 2013 Beauty Favorites

Another month has come and gone, another round of favorites that I can't get enough of using.  A few new brands that I have never tried before blew me away with their products, and I couldn't wait to share them with all of you.

1. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (c/o) - A now, tried and true fan of Dermalogica, I keep this in my shower because my morning routine can't bear to be without it.  A lightly milled powder that you apply to a wet face, and it gently exfoliates and cleanses leaving the skin soft but not irritated.  One of the biggest differences I have noticed is in how my makeup goes on each day after using this - smooth and flawless.

2. Nuxe Lip Balm (c/o) - This is one of the brands that is new to me, and this lip balm was an initial stand out stunner.  I know, it's a lip balm - big whoop.  Not so fast my friends - it is a matte lip balm.  *cue shock and awe*  And it takes lip softening to a whole new level.

3. Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Concentrate (c/o) - What the what?  A beauty sleep concentrate?  Yes, I looked at it the same way too.  And to be honest, when I was sent this product, it sat and sat for a week or two, while I gave it the side eye every night.  So I took to the blogosphere to find out more - and people were absolutely RAVING about this product.  Neal's Yard is a hugely popular organic brand primarily found in the UK, and this is one of their cult classics.  Very few products make me say "whoa" the minute I apply, but this not only wowed me upon application, it has become one of my favorite products ever!  It is designed to replenish, recharge and hydrate the skin overnight - basically it makes the skin perfect.  How I ever lived before without this product, I will never know.  Team Beauty Sleep Concentrate!

4. Cover FX SPF 30 Protection Primer (c/o) - Primers come and go in my routine, with most never standing the test of time after a few uses.  I recently revisited this Cover FX primer and found that it has kept my makeup lasting longer and with less mid-day shine consecutively day after day after day.  Go ahead, invite me for dinner, drinks, dancing - the whole nine yards after work.  My makeup is covered.

5. Avon True Color Eye Shadow Quad in Berry Love (c/o) - Another day, another eye shadow palette, right?  WRONG.  Avon's new eye shadow formulation is ba-na-nas!  The texture feels like velvet and blends seamlessly (see swatches here), and frankly I feel ridiculous that I have not discovered these sooner.  Like beanie babies, I want to collect them all.

6. Hourglass Lip Stylo in Shade 4 - Can I even go a month without having an Hourglass product in my favorites?  Highly doubtful.  I just love everything they make, and of course this nude lip stylo in a subtle peach shade is no exception.  Love the texture, love the color, love the application, love, love, love.

7. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Chantilly - All the hype? Yes it's really worth it.  Radiant to the tenth power, creamy to the tenth power and has coverage like no other.  My under eye circle do not stand a chance.

8. NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base - NARS really kills it with the titles of these products as they manage to live up to the name perfectly.  Priming the eye lid, making it smooth and locking in my shadow for the entire day - the product is the epitome of multi-tasking.  And it does it supremely.

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Sunday Nailday: Tom Ford Black Sugar

Tom Ford "Black Sugar"

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Beauty Bits: Nighttime Correction

While it's important to get the proper amount of rest each night for our minds and bodies, I find that the biggest tell tale sign of little sleep is on my skin.  If I don't have the proper amount of rest, my skin looks dull, lackluster and often begins to break out.  But interrupted sleep is inevitable so I need to do my part to help it in every way I can - and the answer for me is using an effective night cream.  Adding a multi-purpose cream that is designed to help address numerous different concerns has made a world of difference in my morning after skin.  Currently I have two products in rotation, one a long time staple and the other a new discovery.  The Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial is a mouthful to say but a favorite (and cult classic) to use.  The texture is quite thick so a little goes a long way, but with ingredients designed to target uneven tone and premature aging, this cream packs quite a punch.  I find that my skin has a significant glow when used regularly, and any summer pigmentation issues that have carried over to the fall have disappeared.  The Kiehl's Multi Corrective Cream (c/o) is new to my arsenal but has quickly earned its stripes.  With ingredients that help to retexturize, smooth and and sculpt the skin, my first initial result was waking up with texture-less skin.  No lumps, no bumps, no dry patches - nothing!  As I began to apply makeup after my shower, the foundation melted right into my skin and wore beautifully that day. A coincidence? I think not.  Since then this cream has been on repeat each night (though suitable for the day as well), and my skin cannot thank me enough.     

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Bits and Pieces: All Business

A serious outfit for a serious season. Spring and summer are the fun and playful months, but when the cooler weather hits, clothing gets more serious - darker, heavier and worn in multiple layers.  It's still nice here in NYC, but I am always the gal in the room that complains "I'm cold".  I know, I know, I annoy me too.  This outfit made its original debut in the summer, and now it was time to 'fall-ify' it by adding a blazer, ankle boots and some heavier accessories.  There is nothing I love more than a new outfit, but sometimes it is nice to shop your closet, taking an older outfit and sprucing it up for the next season.  And when it gets really cold, I can see this outfit working perfectly with a big chunky sweater and tights.  The same easy transition can not be said for my mood and attitude during the cold weather.  Blah. Blabbity-blah.  But I am already planning on investing in some amazing coats for it so clearly I have found a silver lining.  

Blazer - Club Monaco | Silk Tank - Joe Fresh | Skirt - Club Monaco (old but similar here and here) | Belt - Club Monaco | Boots - J. Crew (old but similar here) | Necklace - Ann Taylor (old but similar here) | Ring - House of Harlow | Lipstick - Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte in Razzberry

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