Glo Minerals Full Bloom

"Bloom where you are planted"

Glo Minerals has been so generous to me over the years and I have written honestly about my appreciation for both their makeup and skin products. This collection for Spring '17 is right up there with my favorites. It's called Full Bloom and is one of three limited edition color collections, with a nod towards metallic blends and peach tones. Because I have light skin but dark features, the collection really enhances my lips, cheeks, and eye color.

The kit includes:
Cream blush in Fig
Full Bloom eye shadow quad  - harvest, suede, mahogany, and dusk
Cream shadow stick in Keepsake (which I already own)
Gloss in Pueblo

Price: $58

Each kit comes with a card that explains how to apply each of the products, so for the purpose of this post, I decided to follow the directions on the back. I used the entire cream shadow stick all over my lid, and even dabbed a bit on my brow bones and blended it out. I then applied all four of the shadows on my lids, using the dark dusk color as a liner. As usual, the shadows are all finely milled, pigmented but easy to blend, and very soft. They also have a satin finish, which I prefer. Matte can look too drying, while shimmer can look too tween so satin is the perfect in-between.

However my favorite products from the collection are the cream blush in Fig, and the gloss in Pueblo. The blush gave me pause because it looks so dark in the pan, but it really comes across as the perfect peachy glow. And the gloss! The gloss is non-sticky, moisturizing, and the perfect peach. It's my first go at trying either of these products from the line but it won't be my last.

When I think of Spring makeup, words like "fresh", "youthful", and "glow" come to mind. I like my makeup and clothing to match all of the beautiful greenery and colorful flowers around me. I think it's safe to say that this kit encompasses these quite nicely, and you'll be seeing this look on my face a lot! As usual, Glo was kind enough to send me these products but all opinions are my own.

How do you like to switch up your makeup for Spring?

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Springing Forward

Well hello there! We meet again. Last week I was in bed for three days with a horrible bug, but I got plenty of rest and took care of myself. I had no interest in getting dressed or reaching for beauty products, which is why I didn't blog.

I'm back with an outfit that is the perfect transition to Spring. Aside from the allergy fits that plague me, the season is beautiful here and I welcome it with open arms.

Wearing //

Loft cami

Express boyfriend blazer

Old Navy jeans

Nordstrom clutch, similar

Stella & Dot bracelet

Can we talk about my new Stella & Dot bracelet?! It feels strange to call it that because it's such a unique piece. A swath of silk chiffon hand embroidered with gold and silver metal. It ties into a beautiful bow and can even be worn as a choker. This is why I love Spring - I can be as girly as I want to be! 

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Style Tips for Curvy Petites

Most women are 5'4 and under, and yet I don't think we are represented well in the fashion industry. Some companies have come around though and I have seen an increase in retailers accommodating petites. For instance, Express now has a selection (albeit limited) of clothing suited for petites. As an avid shopper of the store, I was thrilled to see that section on their website. Other petite friendly retailers include Ann Taylor, Loft, Banana Republic, and ASOS.

However, I am petite AND curvy so oftentimes I struggle to find a good fit. I'm not even talking perfect, just good enough. For reference, I'm 5'2 and currently a size 8. I'm larger on the bottom, but I have big arms so tight sleeves are usually an issue.

I've never considered myself an expert on petite shopping or sizing, because I think any good tailor can solve most of the frustration. My philosophy will always be to wear what you want and what makes you feel confident, regardless of any "rules." I know midi lengths don't flatter my body, but I wore them consistently a couple years ago because they made me feel feminine. Plus, I love a good throwback to different fashionable eras.

These days, I'm sticking to what works best for my body and I think these general tips can help anyone who is also petite but curvy. They aren't rules! Just formulas I use when I don't want to bother to think about what I'm going to wear.



1) Use jackets, blazers, long cardigans etc. to cinch the waist and smooth things over.

* Tip: I wear these spanx boyshorts underneath ALL of my dresses. Nate laughs and calls me a grandmother but if they are good enough for the movie stars, they are good enough for me! Little lumps and bumps are magically gone.

2) Nude shoes elongate your legs, making them appear slimmer.

3) Pointy toe shoes also create a similar effect no matter the color and even if they are flat. As much as I love the classic shape of a round-toe ballet flat (see below), I've discovered that pointy toe flats are more flattering.

Comparison: 

4) If you're going to wear a trendy of-the-moment dress that doesn't offer much shape, make sure the accessories are simple and structured. Showing a little skin can't hurt.

5) Skinny denim in a dark wash is your bum and thighs' best friend. I love some distressing, but clean looking jeans are universally flattering. 

* Tip: Dress to enhance the smallest part of you. For me, I like to accentuate my waist and legs. For you, it may be your shoulders and back. Dressing to play up your favorite features is a lot more fun and mentally boosting than dressing to cover up what you don't like.

Favorite jeans here & here

Favorite jacket here

Favorite pumps here 

Favorite nude sandals here

Do you have any tips that you swear by?

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Real Talk: The Open Road

I've always been a creature of habit. I like to have a set schedule and routine, otherwise I get overwhelmed. I've always craved stability, something or someone to count on. But every once in awhile, I get this crazy urge to get out, drive the open road and step out of my comfort zone. "Anywhere but here" I tell Nate, when this nomadic feeling washes over me. It symbolizes freedom, youth, simplicity. It shows me that as much as I love "stuff", I really only require a handful of things to be wholly happy.

We have plans to take mini road trips as often as possible for the next few months. We bought an old Jeep Cherokee that hopefully will make these little dreams a reality. On our list: Grand Canyon, Oregon, Utah, Colorado. It would be amazing to go across country, but I'm not sure that's entirely possible this year.

Our trial run was Joshua Tree National Park on Saturday. I did some research before we left, but the park is massive and I knew we wouldn't have enough time to see all of the natural beauty. The rock formations (and climbing them) were our favorite. Nate has a fear of heights but he climbed higher than I could stomach so I was on my own for a bit! I climbed up to a flat bluff, and practiced mindfulness. All I could hear was the wind, and for the first time in months, I was truly present and at peace sitting there by myself. I would definitely recommend visiting if you're a nature lover. I wouldn't even consider myself much of an outdoors person but even I loved every minute of this. There truly is something for everyone.

Sometimes we don't need therapy. We just need to get outside of ourselves. Get off the beaten path.

Barker Dam

Joshua Trees are big!

Overlooking Palm Springs and the mountains (with snow!)

What do you do to clear your head? 

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