My week in GIFs.

It's been an interesting one..... But basically, here's how it went:

A friend traded in his iPhone and outrageous monthly plan for a stupie pre-pay.... Then posted his new number on Facebook.....

My sisters and me when we found out our mom is dating again:

When my boyfriend gave me his Facebook password and I took the bait:

When my girlfriends want to go out on a weeknight, I'm just like:

But worst of all.... I have to be on a food budget thanks to my frenzy to pay off my student loans by age 30. This is how I feel right now:  (*I DID accidentally go to De Cero with the girls last night.... But it was SO worth it)

Let's pull for a better week next week.........

Review: Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Daily Balancing Moisturizer

Good morning to any fellow beauty junkies who stumble upon this post!

Skin has always been a preoccupation and issue for me.  I am periodically extremely acne prone with combination skin. By "combination", I mean either dry to the point of peeling and flaking - mostly at the tip of my nose and the area between my nose, lips and cheeks - and oily on my forehead.  I have large pores in some areas, seemingly none in others, and a good deal of scarring.  With a prescribed cocktail of Ortho-Lo (birth control pill), tretinoin/Differin cream and the anti-bacterial Cetaphil bar at night, and a benzoyl peroxide face wash with an antibiotic gel in the morning, my skin is pretty much breakout free.  Once I stop that routine for a few months, however, the acne returns.

This routine may save me from acne, but (aside from the retinol cream), does little in the way of anti-aging, glow inducing, pore minimizing, or etherealizing.  I'm always on the hunt for one or two small products I can include in my regimen to make myself feel a little pampered without disrupting the prescribed routine.

A few months after I had neglected my acne routine for a while, I tried the Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin daily balancing moisturizer and LOVED it.  It is a little pricey for a drugstore moisturizer - about $14 US for 50 ml/1.7oz (especially when I already love and use the Cetaphil regular giant pumper of lotion, which is about $12 US), but it only takes a small pump to cover your face and it actually did help to start clearing up my skin - and smells great to boot.  It's not a super thick, overwhelming cream, but it definitely moisturizes well and doesn't wear out like most moisturizers for acne prone skin will. The pump is fantastic - it comes with a tight fitting cap to avoid lotion-bag-syndrome and allows you to pump only as much as you need.

Best of all, it is cruelty free, paraben free, and (as all of the "Yes To" line) contributes to the Yes to Seed campaign, which has created a global community of schools that engage students in planting their own school gardens to help in the fight against hunger (http://www.yestocarrots.com/yes-to-seed-fund.html).  Win-win no matter how you look at it!

On a whim yesterday, I also picked up a small size of the famed Caudelie Beauty Elixir at Sephora (a fantastic and expensive line of non-chemical products).  I'll write a full review on this after I've had a chance to really try it out, but my first impressions are positive.  It smells amazing (fresh and herbal on first spray - but if you aren't a fan of the smell, it doesn't stick around long), feels invigorating and cooling on the skin, and seems to help even out redness.  I'm wearing it without makeup today to see how my skin reacts and, so far, I think it's doing well.  We'll see after a few days how it really shapes up to the hype!

I'm also in the market for a fantastic eye cream - if anyone has a recommendation for a cruelty free product they love that minimizes dark circles and lines, shoot me a message or a comment!

Xx,
K

Something of an outfit of the night post

Since moving into Chicago from the suburbs, I've been spending a bit more time out with friends and family than I have in the past.  As I'm trying to move away from the "more clothes is better" mantra and more towards that of "key versatile pieces is ideal", I've been mixing and matching some of my favorite, most flattering pieces each time I head out, and the compliments are constantly flowing.

About a week ago, I went for drinks and a Flosstradamus support show with my roommate and a few friends.  The picture below was taken at our private side room in Drumbar and features a few of my favorite, most worn pieces (as well as freshly cut, slightly awkward bangs).

Sleeveless collared shirt (asymmetrical and sheer), TJ/TK Maxx; Black lace skirt: Laundry by Shelli Segal (old - nordstrom.com); Bag: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. in raspberry (rebeccaminkoff.com); bangles and bracelets: heirloom and vintage; raffia wedges (not visible): Steve Madden. 

How should one define "Morning Person"?

As far as I'm concerned, one of the greatest joys in life is nap time, or linger in bed time.  I love to lounge. Lounging, taking my time, poking around, then madly rushing to and from wherever I need to be make my life what I consider to be a well rounded one.


The only downside to this lounge-rush pattern is that, on some occasions, you wind up going to nearly half 10 in the morning without noticing you have eyeliner smudged on your nose.  Of course, by half 10, you've already had face to face interactions with your team and supervisors... not to mention you've most likely ridden the L with hundreds of strangers whose sunglasses couldn't possibly help hide the big coffee colored line in the middle of your face (MAC's Teddy is my daily go-to).


Luckily, today's miniature snafu can be sidelined by a new obsession: coffee ice cubes!


Generally, I put a few in a large mouthed water bottle and let them melt a little on my way to work before dumping a mini creamer into the mix.  Today, however, I snagged a little of my roommate's insanely delicious smelling crème brûlée flavored low cal creamer and let the cubes melt in it on the commute.... While I feel slightly guilty for snagging the creamer, I'm officially in heaven.  Yes, I realize chemical creamers are innately disgusting and no, I regularly do not like sugar in my coffee, but somehow my taste buds knew it would be a rough go this morning and decided to rescue me preemptively.  You've gotta try this.


Right now we're riding on the roomie's leftover Starbucks House Blend from the morning - filling the ice cube tray with it in the afternoon and then dumping the cubes into a container once frozen (repeating the next day).  The flavor would probably be better with Kickapoo or whatever the tasty Trader Joe's coffee is that my mom loves, but I'm no coffee snob and the slow melt keeps me from doing the chug-jitter-bug all morning long.


This evening I plan to upload a few pics of my recent obsessions and favorites, and this summer staple will be included.


Until then, double check the mirror before you leave the house and have a fantastic morning!


Xx

A neon summer

The past few years have brought us textile lovers glorious architectural lines and beautiful austerity.
Celine, MaxMara, and Jil Sander have flourished under the economic freeze inspired lines. For someone who loves black and grey, the perfect little jacket, black skinny jeans, and the perfect riding boot, this has meant that getting dressed every day has been an easy affair.

Then Prada's Spring '12 campaign hit me with all of the force of a 1958 Ford Thunderbird (I like the clean lines).  My most coveted item? Their insanely impractical flame heels.

While I may never own a pair, I can credit the shoes with igniting a lust for color and boldness deep within my cold, black and grey tone heart.  Recently, while sleepily Google image searching "neon", I stumbled across the DV by Dolce Vita Archer sandals in neon pink and my heart jumped.  They were the perfect balance of chic thin strap sandals and bold, carefree neon pink; at once both youthful and polished.  I've  developed a habit of searching for the best price on everything I purchase in anticipation of my upcoming move, so I perused the web until I found them on sale for about US $44.00 on Amazon (gotta love Amazon).  While I promised myself that I would hunt for textiles and products that are first and foremost kind to other species and the environment, I'm loving them almost daily.

They are lightweight, strap firmly onto my feet to help avoid nasty shin splints and my usual stumbles, and are just bold enough to elicit countless compliments and inquiries without turning heads of bewildered glances.

Behold my feet loving on the sandals, toes coated in Essie's Mint Candy Apple polish (no longer available), and the mountain of freshly fried, fake cheese covered potato chips I dug into at this past weekend's Aurora Blues on the Fox Festival.

Stella for spring and summer

Fashion is certainly something I love to talk about, think about, look at, pet....  But something that is even closer to my heart is the environment.  It's not always easy to blend eco-friendly with fashion-forward, so those who can impress me beyond words.
Stella McCartney's collaborations with companies like Adidas, H&M and Target have helped bring eco friendly fashion into the public eye (and to the athlete's foot - I'm completely dedicated to her line of Adidas Response trainers!).

While we're all huddling indoors cranking the heat and I'm sleeping with a full length fur coat as an extra bed spread, one of the quickest ways we can kick the seasonal blues is to start planning our spring and summer wardrobes.  Stella's Spring '12 line is architectural, unusual and (as always) eco friendly, to boot.
Here are my top picks from her Spring line, followed by those from her summer.
These spring looks are avante-garde yet ultra wearable.  I love her use of bold colors and chunky stripes; most collections have leaned towards the pastels and floral appliques this year - she livens everything up a bit!  .... yes, most of these picks are black and white - I just can't help myself!

  

While I adore the spring line and its edge, I can honestly say I am obsessed with her summer looks.  Summer collections don't usually entice me all that much - they generally seem either scandalous or standard.  Stella takes her appreciation for comfort and whisks it up with a touch of bold this year.  I love the use of sheer screens in the form fitting dresses and am head over heels for the billowy, sexy feel of many of the pieces. Color blocking is very hot right now and will continue to be - I love how she balances the trend with subtle patterns and lace. While her spring collection may be a little more difficult for shorty's like me to pull off, these summer pieces are bound to be flattering, comfortable and guaranteed show stoppers:

Let's check out my top picks for the big Barney's sale

Everyone loves a good sale and who doesn't love Barney's?  Here is a very (boringly formatted) list of the pieces that get my vote for those everlasting sale finds your wardrobe can't live without (okay, maybe I'm talking about my own wardrobe).  These pieces are generally classic - they'll come up again and again - or I promise you'll at least wear them out by next year.  Pulling these sorts of pieces together during a big sale can not only liven up your closet in the now, it will help you round your collection for the future.

Marc Jacobs Chain Strap Wedges - Drooling over these for ages is an understatement. I love hardware on shoes, but feel it's sometimes hard to pull off in the business world.  These wedges are absolutely amazing and, whatd'ya know - the only size left would fit me ;)

 L'Wren Scott Tropical Python Cutout Bootie - I would wear these to the grocery store.

Marni Wooden Platform Mary Janes  - Perfect with jeans or tights, these aren't your average mary jane's.  I love the autumnal color palette - it can give those people who prefer darks the pop of color they need to pull them through a dreary winter.

Loeffler Randall Irina Pumps - I never justify shoes. These take that boring old nude platform pump and update it to work with Spring '12 and Pre-Fall '12's ladylike silhouettes.

Carven Cutout Dress (black) - Hot mamma!  I love the balance in this piece!  Carven's pieces are generally pretty sexy, yet tend to always leave enough to the imagination.  The puffed shoulders and conservative silhouette of this piece makes the half moon cutouts in the bust work perfectly.  Pair this one with sheer black stockings, as it's styled on Barney's.com, or go bare and wear some bright knockout pumps to make it a little more playful.

The Row Gabston leather skirt - One piece no 20-something should be without is the perfect black leather skirt.  This is a tricky one, however, as length, leather texture and cut are infinitely important and can take you from rocker-chic to trash-heap in a matter of stitches.  The Row always uses the softest leather that will fall nicely and move with you. The above the knee length is balanced with it's peek-a-boo slit, giving a bit of an edge to an otherwise pencil-esque look.  Wear this one a few times to rough up the shininess and break it in - no leather should be worn seriously when it's brand new.

Jil Sander Twill Cropped Slim Pant - I've been looking for a classic pant that I could fall for for what feels like eons.  These pants give a little more room in the hip area, which any girl can be grateful for, as they won't make you look like you're wrapped up in cheap tight pants.  The length is perfect for a peplum top and cute pumps, which are going to be hot for spring, but I think they'd be great with moccasins or ballet flats and a cute fair aisle sweater (with a boat neck).

Martin Grant Riding Coat - Coat gene overload!  I LOVE THIS.  It's unusual, yet chic.  Feminine, yet architectural.  This is perfect for weekend shopping, as it's not too bulky but will keep you warm moving from place to place. The length is nice, as it won't hinder your transportation hopping, but will keep your legs toasty warm.

Boy. By Band of Outsiders Single Button Blazer - Need I say anything about this? Not only is the line named for one of my favorite movies, but chic blazers are one of my daily go-to's.  The slim, feminine cut of this double breasted blazer adds instant class without making you look stuffy.  The gold buttons are a slightly nautical touch, keeping the look of this young and fresh.  You could definitely pair this with your favorite skinnies, or leave it open and go for some classic trouser jeans and killer pumps.  Be sure to layer on some vintage jewelry - feel free to mix metals - as few things are hotter than a flattering blazer and unusual statement accessories.

Red skinnies by James Jeans - I LOVE red denim.  James jeans are generally flattering, but a little skinnier in the thigh than J Brand.  I like the weight of these for a colored skinny jean though and could see these with an oversized grey sweater and some wedge booties or Sebago moc's. Red jeans are great, particularly in this more muted color, because they add a pop of color without overwhelming your outfit.

Isabel Marant Cream Fringe Dress - Normally I would steer clear of this sort of dress in the winter, but I'm loving the idea of this with some sweater tights and a pair of Sorel Cate the Greats for brunch (avoid fringe moccasins with this piece, double fringe is too festival and reminds me a lot of the past few springs).  Wear your hair half back or in a top knot and pair it with the Lanvin high collared coat below to dress it up a little.

Rag & Bone Napoli Dress  - This dress, in the fabulous plum color, is a great day dress.  Brushed jersey looks a bit dressier than traditional and the slightly scalloped hem with more length in back is a nod to one of Spring 12's hottest trends. You can pair it with black opaque tights and your favorite booties with hip skimming blazer at work and throw a sequined cardigan on to take it into dinner.  Try a top knot and some chunky gold jewelry to play up the edginess of the asymmetrically placed zipper.  I might also pair this with my favorite grey Elizabeth and James 3/4 sleeve menswear blazer if I was feeling a more comfy vibe.

Black High Collared Jacket by Lanvin - The coat gene is pulsing through my veins at this time of year and I can't stop gawking at every architectural and unusual piece of outerwear I come across.  This jacket by one of my favorites, Lanvin, is one of those pieces that will make you look effortlessly hot. Throw it on over just about anything, as the jacket is meant to be bigger (perfect for a freezing Chicago winter when you just want to pile on the layers without looking like a bag lady).

 

Today I can't live without:

J Brand's velvet skinnies, seen here at Bergdorf Goodman in black: J Brand Velvet 901's
These are absolutely to die for. Not only does J Brand make some of the most flattering skinnies on the market, but who wouldn't love to feel cuddly in the freezing cold Chicago weather while remaining absolutely chic?  While J Brand tends to stretch, I'd suggest sizing true to size or sizing up, instead of going down. While they may stretch, you don't want to have the velvet pulling across your thighs (okay, I don't want the velvet pulling across my thighs....).

You can pair these with classic pumps, like BG has done here, or go for something a little funkier.  I love the Lanvin pink wedge pumps and am obsessed with these suede Marc Jacobs wedges with the gold hardware.  These skinnies would also work famously with your coziest ankle booties (like these Pierre Hardy's) or, if you'll be out and about, my favorite Sorel Cate the Greats.  Channel some spring florals  to shake the snowy blues with this season appropriate top by Prabal Gurung (quickly becoming one of fashion's hottest darlings) Prabal Gurung floral top and you're set for work and/or play.

Lanvin pink wedge pumps, on sale at Barney's: http://www.barneys.com/Wedge-Pump/501451183,default,pd.html?cgid=W_WEDGES

Mark Jacobs suede wedges, on sale at Barney's: http://www.barneys.com/Chain-Strap-Wedge/501224628,default,pd.html?cgid=W_WEDGES

Pierre Hardy Fur Moccasin Wedge booties, Barney's: http://www.barneys.com/Fur-Moccasin-Wedge/501365564,default,pd.html?cgid=W_WEDGES