Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Tina Fey's Bossypants

I just started reading this last night, and I'm already half way through the book. This should tell you something because, even though I am somewhat of a fast reader, I was sleeping a majority of the time between then and now.

I was especially interested in reading this because I have recently become hooked on her show 30 Rock thanks to Netflix. There are certainly many similarities between Liz Lemon and her actual life, and I have yet to go more than a few minutes of reading without laughing aloud. It can be a little crude at times, but always in the funniest way possible.


Here's a brief excerpt from her commentary on the "ideal American body image":

“But I think the first real change in women’s body image came when JLo turned it butt-style. That was the first time that having a large-scale situation in the back was part of mainstream American beauty. Girls wanted butts now. Men were free to admit that they had always enjoyed them. And then, what felt like moments later, boom—BeyoncĂ© brought the leg meat. A back porch and thick muscular legs were now widely admired. And from that day forward, women embraced their diversity and realized that all shapes and sizes are beautiful.

Ah ha ha. No. I’m totally messing with you. All Beyonce and JLo have done is add to the laundry list of attributes women must have to qualify as beautiful. Now every girl is expected to have: Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits. The person closest to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes.”



If you're looking for a fun, funny, easy read, this is a must. If it doesn't have you laughing or at least smiling ridiculously to yourself by a few pages in, something might be wrong with you.

(Or you might just be a little classier than I am, so I guess that's ok too.)

Monday, March 5, 2012

Revlon Lipstick & Lip Butter

When I'm on the hunt for new lip color, I'll admit that I'm usually less concerned with the brand and instead after a specific color. However, it has occurred to me that I have a clear preference for Revlon. This started unintentionally with the purchase of the Moon Drops Creme Lip Stick in Love That Pink, followed by the Colorburst Lip Stick in True Red when I needed a replacement for a lost red lip stick.

I love both of these, for their awesome color, creamy feel, and their usually long lasting wear. After my most recent discovery of the Colorburst Lip Butter, I think I'll be sticking with Revlon for a while.

I came across the Lip Butter through a friend's new tumblr account (You can check her out here- but I'm warning you, you'll probably want to buy ALL of the makeup she posts about... I know I do!) and went out to buy some almost immediately. I love that it is so hydrating but also has that great color. I went for the Tutti Frutti, a coral color shown in the center below, which has the perfect pop of orange without being TOO much. I got mine for $7.49 at CVS, a price that is absolutely worth it for such a moisturizing lip color. I'm sure I'll be back for more soon!


(I also just stumbled across a deal on Ulta's website where you can buy 2 and get one free! I definitely recommend taking advantage of that one.)

What are your go to's for lip stick or lip color? Do you have any favorite brands or colors?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Spring Time Floral

I made a stop by Target today and am so glad I did a quick peek at the clothing section because I ended up coming home with FOUR of the dresses. Isn't it always when you least expect it that you end up finding something you really love?

I had to get multiples of this first dress (I also bought the second pattern shown) because I LOVED it. It was very similar to another dress I have from Target that I have absolutely worn out. The fit is really flattering, so I felt justified buying three of them. Not to mention the fabric patterns were all so different that they practically look like different dresses as it is.




I bought this one, but I'm still thinking about it. I love the overall fit and the feather pattern on the dress, but it definitely accentuates your back side because of the gathering and I'm not sure my butt needs any more accentuation. Haha. We'll see, but I'm guessing I'll end up keeping it.

These next two are dresses that I tried on but didn't end up getting. The first one was just a bit too tight in the chest and the second is probably better for those of you who don't have much of a butt. I did love the details on both of them though. The back of the first one is SO cute and it's more of a turquoise color in person.


I skimmed through the Jason Wu collection and there were definitely some cute items embracing the spring florals, but nothing really stuck out at the fit of dress I was looking for. Have you bought any of the Jason Wu or current Mossimo dresses? I'm looking forward to giving my daily wear a little dose of spring!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

TOMS Ballet Flats

At one point I practically lived in ballet flats, but I have found that it's hard to find a good pair that is totally comfortable without requiring much "breaking in". I was really excited to hear that TOMS would be rolling out a line of their own ballet flats! I have yet to own a pair of TOMS, mainly due to not being able to decide which pair I would want, and was curious to see what styles would be available for this new line.

The ballet flats, which were debuted this week, range from $74 to $84 and are available in 13 colors/patterns. I'm interested to hear feedback from anyone who has purchased a pair. With pricing so high for a pair of flats, I'm hesitant to even consider it without knowing the quality and comfort is worth it.


Has anyone already ordered a pair? Do you plan on doing so? I would certainly love to hear any feedback about them. I think for now I may try to narrow it down to a pair of the classics for Spring.

You can check out the new line of TOMS ballet flats for yourself here. Which style would you pick?

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Love: Lana Del Rey "Born to Die"

This album has been a MUCH ANTICIPATED release for me. Even more so with the fact that the few tracks available on Spotify mysteriously disappeared a few weeks ago, leaving me with YouTube as the only source for any of her music.

Lana Del Rey first came onto my radar with a feature of the song Video Games in an episode of Gossip Girl, but a lot of people are now familiar with her due to her not-so-inspiring performance on Saturday Night Live. I certainly don't think it was TERRIBLE, but for anyone who already knew her music it was clear she was nervous and not performing as well as her other live performances available on YouTube. For those who didn't, many brushed her off and criticism spread like wild fire.


I don't know why everyone has such a strong opinion about her, be it positive or negative, but believe me when I say the album is ABSOLUTELY worth buying. Her vocals are hauntingly beautiful, and I'm quickly finding that each song is more addicting than the last. I have half of the new songs already saved as favorites just after a first listen on Spotify and am now on my way out the door to buy a physical copy. My only complaint might be that some of the songs I have come to love from her YouTube releases didn't make the album. This, however, is easily overcome by the new material.

You can pick the 12 track album up at Best Buy, currently on sale as a new release for $8.99 with a normal list price of $10.99. A deluxe 16 track version is available on iTunes for $11.99. If you're not ready to fully commit yet, check her out on Spotify by searching "Born to Die". I have a feeling that if you like it, you'll love it.


Monday, January 30, 2012

Steve Madden Spring Picks

I don't let myself wander to the Steve Madden website often, but it has been a while so I decided to take a peak and see what was in the works for Spring. Here are a few that caught my eye:



CHIEEFF in Coral Suede
$89.95
The perfect simple & cute spring/summer wedge!


TASSAL in Cognac Leather
$69.95
One of my favorite colors in shoes because it goes with everything.


IROQUOIS in Cognac Leather
$179.95
These wild little things caught my eye pretty quickly... if only I had the money laying around!


RIOTTT in Pink Multi
$99.95
I love this eye catching color combination.


And of course the sale/clearance section:
My MADIEEs in Stone Leather!
ONLY $59.99
This shoe in the Cognac Leather has been a wardrobe staple of mine, and you can currently get them for nearly a THIRD of the original price in the Stone Leather. Jump on it!

TEXXIE in Cognac Leather
$64.95
Also on sale from an original $159.95, this was another one of my top picks back when I bought my pair of MADIEEs, with just a little extra detail on the side.


It might be safe to say that I want any shoe that's available in Cognac Leather- it's just such a great color that goes so well with black, patterns, or just about anything else you can mix up. Are you dying to have any of these or any other Steve Maddens this season? Or is there another pair of shoes out there making your mouth water?

If you just can't resist, use the code SMFREESHIP on any purchase over $75 to get free shipping from SteveMadden.com!

Monday, December 26, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Hello everyone! I wanted to pop in and say Merry (belated) Christmas to everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend with family, friends, or whoever it may have been spent with.

I had a wonderfully relaxing weekend with family and was apparently a VERY good girl this year. I'd say the highlight as far as gifts were concerned is my NEW DUVET AND ALTERNATIVE DOWN COMFORTER! I listed both on my "wish list" but kind of just hoped for the duvet, and was actually shocked when I saw my parents had gotten both. It's definitely even harder to drag me out of bed in the mornings now.

My brother apparently ALSO loves my new bed spread and took a nice little nap on it Christmas Day. He then tried to convince me that I wanted to sleep on the couch that night so he could sleep in my bed. I don't think so!

We also went and saw Girl with the Dragon Tattoo yesterday for our usual movie & Chinese Christmas tradition. I usually just go along to whatever movie is picked, and to be honest I had not read the book and had no clue what this was really about. It ended up being really good, although REALLY sexual. I guess if you did read the book you would know that but it was a little unexpected for me. I would definitely recommend it, though!

I hope you're all easing back into the daily routine or still enjoying time off!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Christmas Wish List

You know you're getting old when any given wishlist consists mostly of things for the kitchen. I'm really trying to think ahead here and stock up on things I don't have for when I have another apartment. I'll sneak some DVDs and music on the list so I'm not totally lame. If only that Lana Del Rey album was already out...

It Might Get Loud on DVD
(Amazon)
Documentary about the electric guitar from the viewpoints of The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White

Immersion Blender
(Target)
Preferably with detachable end

Full Sized Coffee Maker with Custom Brew Strength
(Target)

4 Piece Glass Cylinder Canister Set
(Target)

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland
(Amazon)


Florence & The Machine- Ceremonials
(Amazon)


Christy Fringe Moccasin Slippers
(Target)

Chestnut, Size 9

Melio Frosted & Mirror Finish 20 Piece Flatware Set
(Target)


Set of Plain Black or White Dishes

Bridesmaids
(Amazon)


Mossimo Kloe Wedge Booties
(Target)

Black, Size 9? I guess I'll need to wander in and try these on

Wamsutta Down Alternative Comforter
(Bed Bath & Beyond)

Full/Queen

Binx Faux Fur Duvet Cover Set
(Bed Bath & Beyond)

Black, Full/Queen
(This might be a bad idea... I don't know that I'll ever get out of bed. But I think now that I've seen it I am going to have to have it one way or another. I'm sorry, savings account.)



(Most pictures linked to specific website)

Wow, that was a terrible idea. Every time I make a Christmas List I always find so many things that I never thought of and end up falling in love with them. (Cough... duvet cover, you will be mine.) Looks like my savings account might be taking a pretty big hit post Christmas with all this home shopping!

I also feel the need to disclose that I ridiculously contemplated registering for a "wedding" to myself at Target just to get some organized list of everything I'll need for a new apartment. I thought that might be taking advantage of the system though. That wedding I went to last weekend had me so excited about EVERYTHING on their list... and also a little sad that someone already bought them the waffle maker. Isn't it just so much more fun to buy presents for people that you would also love getting? Now I'm in the mood to start making my lists for what to buy everyone else!

What's on your Christmas list this year?


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Photo Booth Fun

Saturday I went to my friend's brother's wedding, and much to my delight they had a photo booth at the reception. These are my FAVORITE and this was the first time I've been in one at an event like this. Even more fun was the little scrap book station they had set up next to the photo booth so you could make a page with one set of the picture print outs for a book the bride and groom got to keep.

I couldn't resist sharing these with you as soon as they were all posted on the photographer's Facebook page.












And last but certainly not least, my favorite picture of the bride and the groom:


Friday, November 11, 2011

Tulle Time

Yes, you're welcome for that cheesy Home Improvement reference.

We have less than two weeks left in the Chicago apartment and are trying to make the most of it (though I'll be gone this weekend for a wedding), so last night we went to dinner at one of our favorites: Sullivan's Steakhouse. Long Island Martinis, Filet Trio, and White Cheddar Au Gratin Potatoes? Check, check, and check. Yum.

I love this dress because it's comfortable, cute, and so easy to accessorize with a million different things. I like to keep a little edge on the tulle so it doesn't look too frilly, and these boots did just that.




Oh! And you'll have to excuse me because it does have a little bit of product in it, but for the most part my hair is still pretty silky and shiny from the olive oil treatment the other day- even after a coloring! I'm thinking I might start doing these at least once or twice a week.


Now you'll have to excuse me, I'm off to pack for my second of three moves in less than 6 months. Let's cross our fingers that by the end of January I'll be settled in Denver and won't have to worry about moving for a while!

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