Shopping for Fall

We all seem to get into a shopper's frenzy around the end of Summer. With cooler temps promised to us around the corner, there's no better way to prepare than to go a little crazy and snap up as many new items as possible. I normally like to add pieces in slowly so that I don't make impulse purchases. I clean out my closet, take inventory of what I already have and what I am missing, and then I make a list. I also read my Fall fashion magazines, check out blogs and Pinterest, and then go from there to edit my wishlist. It seems like quite the process, but it really isn't. I find this is the best way to manage my money and prevent me from overspending. But let's face it, Fall is to fashion what football is to many, so I do let myself splurge a little. The darker jewel tones and the moody hues get me so excited. Even if Fall is a joke here in southern California, I take it quite seriously. Not to mention it's my big 3-0 tomorrow so the excuse to shop is real my friends!

Here's what I've added so far:

Steve Madden Leopard Flats

J.Crew Pave Link Bracelet 

(Identical affordable option)

J.Crew Valentina Pumps

Express Twill Moto Jacket

Caslon Drape Neck Cardigan

Ann Taylor Sleeveless Trench/Dress

Loft modern skinny moto jeans

So what do you think? Have I made some wise choices so far? Neutral and basic enough, right?

Before I say "happy shopping", I'd like to thank you for making my 20's more bearable. I can't believe I'll be 30 years old tomorrow. I don't feel 30! Or at least I don't think I do (until I go to a bar and see how 20 year olds get along). It's hard to put into words, but I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your support and friendship. I started this blog when I was 24, and it's crazy to think how long ago that really was. Just when I get down on myself for not being where I thought I would be by the time 30 hit, I remember that life doesn't work that way, and that it's ok to feel a little "off" about it. So before I start rambling, I'll just say goodbye, and have a great day! See you next week on the other side :)

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A new favorite

Wearing //

Express striped portofino

J.Crew skirt (old)

J.Crew Factory Sandals

Kate Spade bag

Express bracelet

Gorjana cuff

Stella & Dot rebel pendant

I love a classic button-down. It can be worn with practically everything, and it always looks clean and put-together. Express makes my favorite variety, and I own about six of them in different colors and prints. When Express had a sale a few weeks back, Gina kindly did us all a favor and wrote a post about it (otherwise I never would have known). I bought two, but this one is by far the one I reached for all weekend long. I wore it twice, that's how in love with it I am! I wore it first with a simple skirt, and then I wore it again the following day with distressed denim. 

Speaking of Gina, I am linking up with her and Carylee today :)

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Current Beauty Staples & Recent Buys

My beauty routine changes ever so slightly on the weekends, but regardless of what I'm wearing on my lips, cheeks, and eyes, I always gravitate to these key basics seven days a week. These "current" favorites have been my staples for the entirety of Summer, and I don't see them changing anytime soon regardless of Fall being around the corner. These are all tried and true, and I recommend each and every one.

I linked to the products I could find online

    1) M.A.C. Fix + : I dampen my beauty blender sponge with this spray and then use it to blend my foundation into my skin. I find that it creates a seamless, perfectly blended canvas. The fact that it smells divine is an added bonus. I don't set my foundation with it, as I still swear by the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray, but I love Fix + as an all around refresher.

   2) NYX eyeshadow in Champagne (you can find this at Ulta): This beautiful golden brown is what I wear on my lids Monday through Thursday as an all-over color. On the weekends when I have more time to play with other shadows, I still like to layer it on the center of the lids for a pretty yet subtle pop of shine. I just find that it really brings out the golden flecks in my eyes, and the consistency is very creamy. 

  3) M.A.C. Extra Dimension eyeshadow in Sweet Heat: I feel guilty for mentioning this product because it was limited edition but I know they come out with these every few months now in new collections. I actually don't use this on my eyes - I use it as a cheekbone highlight! It's the perfect amount of sheen that makes my skin glow and it helps my face look more tan. It's just a gorgeous highlight and if you ever spot it in a CCO, grab it. 

  4) Urban Decay Brow Box in Brown Sugar: I often used pencils to lightly fill in sparse areas but then my friend told me that powders tend to look a bit more natural. I'm all about natural, so I picked this one up and it's been my go-to ever since. My brows look much more even and fuller than they used to, and while I would love to grow out even more, this powder conceals any bald spots. 

  5) Benefit Eye Bright: I love putting this on my brow bones as a natural highlight, but I also dot some in the inner corners of my eyes to brighten them up and make me look more awake! I have Veronika to thank for her recommendation. It's a great product. 

  6) Origins GinZing: This brightening eye cream (notice a trend) helps to depuff my under eyes and although I still miss my Khiels avocado eye cream, I have really grown to love this. I wear it underneath my concealer and I've noticed a difference in how the concealer applies and the overall look and finish. 

Now here are some recent buys that I have yet to try (I literally just received my NARS order last night). I'll keep you posted on my thoughts, but I can already say that I'm dying to dig in to these gorgeous shadows and liquid illuminator. I hope to wear them for my 30th birthday party and definitely had that event in mind when I bought them. 

Maybelline "The Nudes" shadow palette,  

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Dione

NARS BLKR Illuminator

If you have any questions, let me know! 

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