It's been more than 6 months since my last cleanser collection video so I figured it was time for a new one! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
10/31/16
10/29/16
Foundation Review: Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation and Concealer, Revive Moisturizing Veil and Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation
A new foundation review is up on my channel! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are all the products mentioned:
10/28/16
Friday Finds
Happy Friday! I have wanted to do a post like this for quite awhile, and figured that fridays would be the best day to have a chit chat post. I come across a ton of things during the week (books, foods, movies, clothing, etc) and always want to share it with everyone. Snapchat (@alittlebitetc) is typically my way of sharing quick finds, but I know not everyone uses Snapchat so I figured I would round it up into a post that I will do 2-3x/month.
1. I've begun the slow process of decorating my new home, and am going room by room so it will take quite a long time. #decoratingisexpensive I started on my bedroom and will be doing a room reveal (or what I've finished thus far) in the next week or two, but in the meantime I had many questions on certain items so I thought I would link up what I have so far. This is my first time having a king sized bed and it has changed the game! LOL I started with that and decorated around it. Here are my nightstands, lamps and bedding. I recently hung some artwork which I love - and here is the site from which I got all the city maps. You can also follow me on Pinterest to see what other home items I am loving and bookmarking for future purchases.
2. Today is my birthday (*insert confetti emoji*) and all I wanted for my birthday was a new robe and pajamas. I stopped wearing my old sweats and t-shirts to bed last year and invested in matching pajama sets. It's amazing how much I love getting ready for bed now! I already have this pair from J.Crew that I LOVE (and they are perfect if you have a short inseam like myself), so my mom got me this pair for the winter. I was also in need of a cozy robe to wear after the shower so I got this one as a gift and adore it. I will have to force myself to get dressed each day.
3. I've fallen off on my reading spree because I hit a patch of books that weren't as interesting. Currently I am reading Don't Try To Find Me, but it is taking me quite a long time to get into. Any good recommendations of what I should read next?
4. Ok, I have finished Strange Things on Netflix and may be the only person that didn't really like the series. Ugh. I am going to start watching Narcos hoping it will be more interesting. Nothing can ever replace my Law and Order: SVU reruns I watch every single day (#bensonandstablerforever), but hopefully something will come close.
5. I'm quite a creature of habit when it comes to my online shopping destinations, but I picked up a few pieces from & Other Stories recently that I am excited to try. The brand has a classic and clean aesthetic that I love, and the price points are a bit higher than Zara but not as expensive as Club Monaco. This scarf was a must buy, and then I snagged this sweater which may be the most perfect chunky sweater I have seen yet! They had some cute coats as well - this one, this one and this one being my favorites.
6. Fall is always a huge candle burning time for me, and I am almost done with all of my candles from The Paris Market. I bought them directly from the store in Savannah, so I will have to order them online going forward but they are too good to not keep buying. I would recommend all the scents, but Curate and Forage are my two staples. And the packaging is so minimal and chic that I love just keeping them on my nightstand as decoration. The scent is so strong that I don't even have to burn them to enjoy the fragrance.
7. All of the holiday beauty sets are beginning to roll in, and it is so overwhelming. LOL Even I get holiday set fatigue because there are so many to choose from. I usually get most of mine from Space NK because they have the nicest ones in my opinion, but there are a few from Nordstrom that piqued my interest. I love anything Jo Malone so this and this immediately caught my eye. The new Diptyque holiday candles came out which are always an amazing gift to give (and get), and I kept checking to see when the Advent Calendar would be in stock but it looks like it is already sold out. Hopefully they will restock it but it may be best to check a Diptyque store.
8. I've had some questions about what types of socks or stockings I wear with my ankle boots. The truth is that I typically go barefoot during the spring and summer, but I buy these and these from Nordstrom in the fall and winter. Socks are often too thick so I prefer a thinner trouser sock or anklet, however I will warn you that both can run easily which is a bummer. I can typically get through an entire season with just one or two packs but need to buy new ones each fall.
Hoping you enjoy this new series and any questions you may have feel free to email me, tweet me or leave them below!
Shop more cute pajama options:
10/27/16
An Easy Outfit to Replicate
I get outfit ideas from so many places - pinterest, other bloggers, people on the street, my own past outfits...the list goes on and on. And while I may not always have the exact items someone is wearing or showing in a picture, I love when I can replicate the look with similar pieces in my closet. That is always what I have enjoyed about blogging - creating outfits with pieces from my wardrobe that have been there for years and can be reworn a ton of times in a ton of different ways. A silk button-down, skinny jeans and boots is certainly not a novel outfit, but it always feels effortless yet pulled together. And yes, I almost always leave the back of my shirts untucked. Years ago I saw an executive in an office I was working at wearing a pencil skirt and silk blouse yet the back was left out and somehow she did not look disheveled. From then on I was obsessed with trying the style on myself. I also hate tucking things in so it was it was a natural progression for me I suppose. LOL
Shirt - Club Monaco (similar here) | Jeans - Mother Denim | Boots - Isabel Marant (similar budget version here) | Bag - Proenza Schouler | Hat - Janessa Leone
Shop more wool fedora options:
10/26/16
3 Natural Serums I'm Loving Right Now
So many natural skincare products have been on my wish list lately, so I am excited that I got to check a few off the list these past few months. I have been testing 3 serums and needed to share them with you after loving the results.
1. Vintner's Daughter - To say this was on my wish list was an understatement. There has been so much buzz about this serum that I couldn't wait to get it on my face! This serum is full of so many great vitamins and potent botanicals that it really delivers on performance. It targets anti-aging concerns, firmness, radiance, clarity and congested skin struggles all in one serum! It has the texture of a medium weight oil, but can be used as a serum under moisturizer, as a face oil or alone. I wanted to get the full experience so I used it alone after cleansing and toning, and within a few days my skin responded amazingly. I noticed my forehead bumps minimizing, a stubborn chin breakout began to subside and after 2 weeks I could see a significant difference in my skin's overall texture, tone and clarity. Even some hyperpigmentation left over from summer began to fade! I have begun adding a moisturizer on top of this for some nights, but I am still loving the results of just the serum used alone. So much hype, but this lived up to all of it.
2. Kypris Antioxidant Dew - After falling in love with this top seller from Kypris, I was anxious to try more from the line. I had just finished up a bottle of one of my favorite morning serums, and this came at the right time and was a perfect addition to my morning skincare line-up. It's has a lightweight yet incredibly hydrating texture, that immediately makes my skin feel supple, moisturized and wears beautifully under makeup. While I look for a potent anti-aging product for my evening routine, my needs in the morning are focused on keeping my skin hydrated and balanced for the entire day so my makeup looks its best. I found that on the mornings I would use the Antioxidant Dew, my skin was less oily at the end of the day and my makeup stayed in tact longer. While I can use it alone, I also enjoy wearing it under a daytime moisturizer (loving this one right now) or an SPF (alternating between this one and this one) before my foundation.
3. Odacite Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate - Even though I have combination skin that can be on the oily side, I still look for products that will give me a great glow. I have certain skincare products that make me shiny (often I don't continue using them) and others that make me glow. This Odacite Concentrate falls in the glow category, though the thicker texture initially had me nervous. It is a rather rich oil and I was hesitant that it would be too heavy for my skin. I used barely one drop after cleansing and toning, rubbed it gently between my palms and then pressed it into my skin. It took about 1-2 minutes to sink in, but there was no residue left on my face and it absorbed completely. The glow was almost immediate and my skin instantly looked healthier. And the more nights I used it, the better my skin looked and the glow continued to the next morning when I would wake up. If you have drier skin, I would recommend adding it to your morning routine to boost radiance under your foundation.
*pr samples included
Shop more of my favorite natural skincare products:
10/25/16
Girlfriend Jeans
I struggle with finding boyfriend jeans that don't overwhelm my frame. My legs are muscular so I don't want to add any extra bulk, yet I still love the slightly oversized and baggy look that they give. I had heard of "girlfriend" jeans and that they were a bit slimmer in shape and thus more flattering. Since I am always gravitating towards skinny jeans, I decided this would be the perfect combination - baggy yet slim. When I saw these jeans on Revolve, the shape looked perfect and the name of the brand is GRLFRND! These are described as a skinny fit, but are clearly more baggy than most of my traditional skinny jeans. I absolutely loved them and have worn them non-stop since they arrived. There is no stretch to the denim so they are stiffer than what I am used to, but I like that look for this style.
After buying these, I was interested to find other traditional "girlfriend jeans", so I rounded up a few from different retailers that I thought looked interesting: these are a great price point, love the high waist of these, these have very little distressing and look more classic, and here is an entire page of girlfriend styles! I also picked out my favorite styles from the brand, GRLFRND down in the widget below.
Have you tried the girlfriend style? What are your favorites if you have?
Sweater - Ulla Johnson (more sizes here) | Jeans - GRLFRND | Shoes - Coach (similar here) | Bag - Chloe | Sunglasses - Chloe
Shop more GRLFRND jeans:
10/24/16
Fall Sweater Haul | H&M, J. Crew, Shopbop and Nordstrom
It's sweater weather! Here are a few that I picked up over the past few weeks. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are the products mentioned in the video:
And thinking about getting this H&M sweater
10/22/16
My Top 5 Makeup Products From Every Category!
This video is a big one - it's my top 5 favorite makeup products from every category! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are all the products mentioned:
It Cosmetics Your Brows But Better (discontinued)
.mark On the Dot Neutrals Palette (may be discontinued - have not been able to find it online)
10/20/16
How to Style a Moto Jacket With a Midi Skirt
There are so many looks that can be created with a moto jacket, that I could keep this series up forever! I didn't realize how versatile a moto jacket or leather jacket can be. I have always loved the look of a moto jacket with something a bit more feminine so I thought this faux leather midi skirt was the perfect pairing. It's an old skirt but there are still a ton of similar styles out now, and every fall/winter season I see new ones being released.
I am excited that the trees are finally beginning to change colors down here so Stan and I are planning a day trip out to Skyline Drive next week. It's a famous highway that stretches through Shenandoah National Park and has some of the most scenic views in the country. We love going on day trips as much as we can so having a car now has finally allowed us to get away whenever we want to!
Jacket - Blank NYC | Skirt - Topshop (similar here and here) | Tank - Topshop | Shoes - Valentino | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney | Clutch - Clare Vivier
Shop more pleated midi skirts:
10/19/16
Oribe Launches Makeup and Skincare
Oribe is the master of hair care, but he is now expanding his empire to include makeup and skincare items! I am already a huge fan of Oribe products and the packaging and formulas are truly remarkable so I knew that anything else launched had to be of the same quality. Just from a first look - the new products immediately wowed me with their ornate (yet still elegant) gold packaging. Here are my thoughts on the few products I tried from his new line:
1. Oribe Restorative Body Cream - While I thought for sure the lipstick would be my favorite item, this body cream won me over instantly. It is rich and decadent, yet surprisingly lightweight when on the skin. I used only a small amount at a time, but it did an amazing job at nourishing, soothing and hydrating my skin all day long. I put it on in the morning and by evening, my legs and arms still felt soft and moisturized. The scent is fragrant but not overwhelming and would be fine layered with one's daily perfume or left alone for a most subtle effect. I have a feeling this will be a lifesaver for my skin when temps drop and the snow comes. Eek!
2. Oribe Golden Face Oil - While the body cream was incredibly decadent and rich, I was happy to see that the face oil had a more lightweight texture. It's not the thinnest oil in my collection, but fell more in the middle range of textures which worked well with my combination skin. I prefer to use this at night because it does make my skin very glowy even after being absorbed, and I wake up with even and calm skin the next morning. It contains Sea Buckthorn Berry and Rose Hip which help moisturize the skin but also target anti-aging concerns.
3. Oribe Illuminating Face Palette in Sunlit - This palette was the most surprising to me because I had expected it to be very shimmery and more of a highlighter. However, once I swatched it on the back of my hand I loved that it gave a slight radiance but not an intense shimmer. I showed all the shades separately above and then swirled together as one shade. I prefer to mix the colors together and dust them over my cheeks to give a subtle bronzy glow. I can wear it alone which gives me just a hint of color, but also layer it on top of other blushes to add a bit of warmth to my cheeks.
4. Oribe Lipstick in Nude - Yes. Yes. YES! This nude lipstick is beautiful! The color is on the paler side when on the lips (see me wearing it here), but I love the look. The formula gives medium coverage and feels creamy on the lips but not too slippery or too matte. I find that the lipstick lasts a good 5-6 hours on my lips before needing any touch-ups, and looks great alone or layered under a gloss or balm.
*pr samples included
Are you thinking of picking up any of these new products? Which ones are your favorites?
Shop the entire Oribe makeup and skincare below:
10/18/16
How to Style a Moto Jacket With Skinny Jeans
A moto jacket paired with skinny jeans - groundbreaking, right? Ha! This combination is definitely not the most unique one, but is always a no brainer. It's easy to put together and if I add a pair of pointy pumps - I instantly feel polished and chic. To be honest, I think pointy toe pumps could make a potato sack look chic. When I splurge on pumps, I like to get Manolo Blahniks because they are the most comfortable for me (I get the 70mm or 90mm), but I have found a few other less expensive brands that do an amazing pointy toe pump style. I live in these by Coach and since I have become a Sam Edelman fan after buying these boots - this style from Sam Edelman is one that I love.
Temps climbed back up into the 80's today and yesterday so all of my fall pieces are on hold right now as I go back to summer dresses and t-shirts. I'm not anxious for winter, but I was just beginning to get used to sweater and light jacket weather. And my hair was falling into its no-humidity stride and living its best life as it does every fall. How rude of this weather to not consider our hair before switching things up. Thankfully my new curling iron is working wonders and is helping to smooth out some of that frizz for me. I gave a quick review in my latest video so be sure to check that out!
Jacket - Blank NYC | Tank - Joe Fresh | Jeans - Mother (similar here and here) | Shoes - Manolo Blahnik (budget option here) | Bag - Proenza Schouler | Sunglasses - Illesteva
Shop more skinny jean with ankle zippers:
10/17/16
My Favorite Dark Lip Colors for Fall + T3 Whirl Trio Review
After doing my favorite nude lip colors for fall, I wanted to do one for darker shades. Here is that video - hope you enjoy!
Below are all the products mentioned:
10/14/16
My 5 Favorite Ankle Boots for Fall + Saint Laurent Shopping Tote Update
Fall is in full swing and that means ankle boot time! Here are my top 5 favorite styles along with a ton of similar ones at different price points. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!
Here are all the items mentioned and similar options:
10/13/16
How To Style a Moto Jacket With a Feminine Dress
I thought I loved my faux leather moto jacket until I picked up it's sister - the suede version. Aaah! I didn't think I could love it more but I do. I think the difference is this one is real suede whereas the other one I have is faux leather. The different fabric could change the shape and way it forms to the body, but the suede one is double the price of the faux so I would assume the quality to be slightly better. I'm continuing my moto jacket styling series and I love that this dress has a more delicate quality to it which contrasts the jacket. I didn't show the full dress but it actually has long sleeves and a mock turtleneck so it is great for the transitional weather, though I can see it working well into the spring season too. I enjoy pairing an edgier jacket with a softer or more feminine item to balance out an outfit. I also styled this suede jacket with another super girly item that I will be showing on the blog next week so be sure to check back.
I love fall but it's beginning to move into the part of the season where I need to bring 15 layers with me and then take them off midday because it warms up quite a bit by 4pm. However, I am still enjoying the fact that the humidity is nearly gone and my hair can finally live its best life. Speaking of hair, my curling iron (that I just showed in my tutorial video) broke and I am on a mission to find a new one. I ordered this one and unfortunately am sending it back because the curls it gave me were way too tight. I did some more research and settled on this set, and am hoping it is as good as everyone says.
Jacket - Blank NYC (25% off and also available here) | Dress - Leith | Boots - Sam Edelman (also love this style for a lower heel option) | Bag - Chloe | Sunglasses - Illesteva
Shop my Shopbop sale picks:
10/12/16
The 2 Eyeshadow Palettes You Need This Fall: Urban Decay Ultimate Naked Basics Palette and Lorac Mega Pro Palette 3 (with swatches)
I'm sure we all need another eyeshadow palette, right?! Ok, maybe we don't need one but we always want one. While new ones get released every.single.day - I really think both of these rather large newly released palettes are worth adding to a collection. The new Urban Decay Ultimate Naked Basics Palette which is all matte and stunning, and the new Lorac Mega Pro Palette 3 which contains every shade of eyeshadow you could need to create beautiful (but more neutral based) looks.
1. Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics Palette - I have the original Urban Decay Naked Basics Matte palette and have been using it for years. The texture is perfect, the colors are perfect - I love how it gives me such a clean and polished look. The new Ultimate palette has a row of gorgeous rosy/beige/tan neutrals and a row of rich earth tones plus a deep graphite and inky black. There is some fallout when using this palette as I find with all of my Urban Decay Naked palettes but the colors blend so beautifully on the eyes and give the most pristine matte finish to the eye that I find it worth the slight powder drop.
2. Lorac Mega Pro Palette 3 - If there every was a palette that contained every color I could ever want - I think it is this one. 2 rows of matte, 2 rows of shimmer and all somewhat neutral shades. There is no electric blues or vibrant kelly greens for me to have to avoid - all of these shades are ones that I could use to create an everyday look or even a great polished evening eye without being too over the top. The texture is as I would expect with a Lorac palette - buttery, buttery, buttery. The colors blend smooth, evenly and look stunning on the lids. There is minimal fallout but with certain dark colors I recommend doing your concealer after your eyeshadow so you can clean up if anything drops while applying. The colors are rich and I think this would be a gorgeous palette for almost any skin tone. It's not the easiest palette to travel with but if you already bring multiple palettes with you for every trip (yup, I know that struggle), this could solve that problem. There is not a single color that is missing from this palette that I would need to supplement with another. Another hit from Lorac - though I am a bit biased and think this is the best mega pro palette yet.
*pr samples included
Shop more Urban Decay and Lorac palettes:
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