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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Last Post of 2011


The clock is ticking and soon it will be time to ring in a new year.  It's time to evaluate this year and think of all the things you should be grateful for and the things you can do better next year.  Many of us will be making a list of resolutions.  That will probably be dependent on whether or not we accomplished this year's new year resolutions.  Haha...  But really, for me, it's a time for reflection.

2011 has been an eventful year, some good some bad. Unfortunately I've lost some family members.  I'm just happy that their suffering has ended and they are at peace.  I love you!!  My mom finally got the promotion she's been after for a few years now.  As a manager she will have better pay and excellent benefits.  Go Mumsy!!  You deserve it!!  All in all it's been a good year.  I'm thankful for my job as well as my husband's.  I'm grateful that most of my family is healthy, sheltered, and employed.  In this economy, that's very important and I know I'm blessed.  I'm also thankful for all the friends I have.  I am truly lucky to have found some amazing and supportive people whose company I thoroughly enjoy.


Do you put together a New Year's Resolution List?  Mine are the usual suspects.  I want to stay healthy, go to the gym and stay better connected to friends and family.  What more can I ask for?  I'm quite satisfied with my life and everything else is just gravy.   I wish all of you a safe and happy new year!  

Friday, December 23, 2011

Winter 2011 Handbag Trends

Winter 2011 Handbag Trends



Kate Spade cross body - Essex Scout
$395 - couture.zappos.com

Kate Spade clutch - Summit Brynn
$295 - bloomingdales.com

Big Buddha hobo handbag
$95 - lordandtaylor.com


Looking around lately I've noticed the four biggest trends in arm candy right now.  The first one is color blocking, as shown on the beautiful satchel above.  It's a great blend of rich colors like mustard yellow, coral red, and black that would do well as an every day bag for work and school.  I especially love the gold buckles running down the front flap.  Asos is a totally affordable brand at only $127 for genuine leather.  


Clutches and cross body satchels are really big right now, especially ones with bold colors that really make a statement.  Kate Spade, one of my fave designers never lets me down.  I love her Brynn clutches and Essex Scout cross body satchels.  The clutches are large and roomy and mean to be carried underneath your arm or make use of the cute chain attached to sling over your shoulder.  I'm featuring Summit Brynn above but this style clutch comes in many more colors.  Oversized clutches are great for parties, dates and nights out with the gals.  The gold sequined detail is perfect for holiday parties which need a little bling in the outfit.  The cross body satchel is a little more casual.  This Kate Spade design is roomy and comes in many different colors and sizes.  It's perfect for running errands because it leaves your hands free.  I love the magnetic flap so you don't have to fool around with any buckles.

The last trend I'd like to mention is fur (faux).  Whether you want to go bold and opt for a purse that is completely covered in fur, like the one pictured above, or enjoy the subtlety of one with just the trimming, you can see that the Big Buddha handbag above is a great choice with a nice price.  It's been so cold everywhere lately that may have influenced all the fur accents in clothing and purses.  Not only can you bundle up in fur-lined boots, fur-trimmed coats and vests, but you can cuddle up with your purse as well!  Fur in anything makes me feel decadent and certainly gives the wearer a sense of luxury.


It is no secret that I am a big lover of handbags.  I believe they make or break an outfit.  They express your individuality, your style, your personality through the shape, the texture, the material, the embellishments.  I tend to let my handbags do all the talking, especially if they are as bold as the ones above.  My clothes are always basic and dark during the winter months and I prefer my pop of color to come out of my bags, shoes, and jewelry.  I also prefer classic shapes like the ones I chose above because trends will come and go.  Classics are forever.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Shopping Wix My Girlies!

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I love shopping at these types of events where local designers/artists get together and show off their talent.  Don't you?  I always manage to find some unique little bauble or piece of art to fall in love with.  I actually made a promise to myself that I wouldn't really shop for me but for other people (needed to whittle down the Christmas list).  So when I got an invite from a friend I was eager to go.  I only bought one thing for myself, 2 drawings that I plan on framing and using to decorate my bedroom.  That was my limit and it was very hard to stick to that plan.  I saw so many WorkPlayDate (WPD) pieces that I wanted that I really had to hold myself back.

One of the other reasons I loved going to this artsy, crafty event, besides looking at cool jewelry, was getting to wear this circlet/headpiece I just bought recently from a consignment shop.  I LOVE IT and so did other people.  The dark "antiquey" gold really complimented my black hair.  I got lotsa compliments because of that baby and I can't wait to wear it again.

With my fixation on jewelry, I'm sure this won't be the last time I'll be attending these events.



Friday, December 9, 2011

Pucker Up!


From top to bottom: bravado, witty, confidence

I walked into my local beauty shop just to get some false lashes (unfortunately I have short stubby ones and need the help) to wear to an event I'm attending over the weekend when a new display caught my eye.  I'm a sucker for makeup, particularly color (eyeshadow, lipstick, eyeliner, etc.), so when I saw the new bareMinerals Pretty Amazing lipcolors I swooned. 

Pinks, nudes, and berries...all perfect for fall/winter or even all year-round.  I immediately fell in love with 3 colors: confidence, witty, and bravado.  Originally, I was only going to choose 1 but after trying them all on repeatedly, drying my lips out during the process, I caved in and bought them all.  I just couldn't choose!  Although I would wear the colors anytime and anywhere, confidence would be considered more of an everyday look because of its lighter pink shade.  Witty is a vampy, deep berry shade that would be great for a night out.  Bravado is a rose color that has a hint of orangey-brown and is a shade in-between the other two when it comes to lightness.

The product is so creamy and smooth and just glides onto my lips.  I love the applicator and its pointed tip for accurate application.  The color itself is very pigmented and goes on matte with a little bit of shine.  Without any gloss, my lips still feel moisturized, not dry like other matte lipsticks.  Since it's not a stain, you will have to reapply because it can be rubbed off.  However, what I like to do is, like with any other lipstick application, outline my lips with a similar shade of lip liner then apply the lipcolor and blot.  It stays longer and even if some of it rubs off, the lip liner underneath will still show.  You can buy them for $16 a piece (totally affordable) online by clicking this link bareMinerals Pretty Amazing or going to your nearest Sephora or Bare Escentuals store. 
From left to right: confidence, witty, bravado

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Jeffrey Campbell - My New Guilty Pleasure

I have to thank one of my besties for introducing me to Jeffrey Campbell.  *You know who you are! ;)* His shoes are works of art that you can wear.

<~~~~I mean...just check 'em out!  I don't normally shell out more than $100 for shoes (unless they're leather boots) but I had to make an exception for these babies.  I actually got them on SALE the Saturday after Black Friday.  They were an extra 30% off on top of the sale price so they were a little over 40% off!!  I'll admit it...I drooled... ;)

These may look strange and uncomfortable to wear at first glance, but actually, they are suuuuuper comfortable.  The heels and the balls of my feet are well padded and the arch of my foot isn't too high because of the platform to heel ratio.  The heel is 5 1/2" and the platform is 1 1/2" according to the website but nearly 2" when I measured it myself.  This is the first pair that I actually bought on my own because the FIRST pair of JC's I had were a gift from my Mumsy.  She gave me the black, studded Lita as a very early Christmas gift.  I love her!

Unfortunately, Jeffrey Campbells retail between $140 to $300.  They are not everyday purchases, at least not for me and my budget.  However, if you feel like splurging and want to treat yourself to a show-stopping  fashion accessory then look no further.  I guarantee that if you walk out of the house with one of his shoes, you will be stopped by someone who wants to know where you got them from.

Monday, December 5, 2011

First Family Portrait!

I'm really thankful to have friends who are willing to be my guinea pigs as I branch out in my photography.  People are definitely harder to shoot than mountains, trees, flowers, and buildings!  And if they get photos that they love while helping me out...well all the better!!  With that being said, when the de Boer family asked me to take pictures of them for their Christmas cards this year, I said H E - double hockey sticks YES!

Our schedules finally meshed last Saturday and I was able to stop by and finally take these photos.  It was late in the afternoon and the sun was setting fast.  I had to get these shots before the sun went down.  I don't bring my own lights because I prefer to use natural light.  I was lucky with the background.  This bridge was only a short walk away.  I absolutely loved how they turned out and I hope they do too. If you want to see more of their pics just click on the photo below.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

The Genius Behind WorkPlayDate

What lady doesn't love jewelry?  I sure do and I'm fortunate that I have a friend who is the owner and designer of the latest jewelry line that I'm obsessed with.  Angela is the creator, owner, and creative designer of WorkPlayDate (WPD).  Her pieces range from feminine and preppy, with pearls and bow embellishments, to edgy with a rock & roll twist, with cascading chains, skulls, and crosses.  I’ve posted some pictures of the pieces that I have been lucky enough to score from her line.

Purple Crystal Ring

Pearly Bracelet

Long Pearl & Chain Necklace

Nerdy Pendant

Double Finger Pearl Bow Ring
Pendant

Dangly Chains Double Ring (bracelet bought elsewhere)

Multi Strand Pearl Bracelet layered over Ring & Bracelet Combo

Did I also mention they are all one of a kind?  That’s right.  When you buy one of her pieces, you get the satisfaction in knowing that you bought a little piece of artistry that no one else has.  I don’t know about you, but I like the thought of being one of a kind. 

This woman is truly blessed because she is as gorgeous as her pieces.  I really wanted to showcase her beauty and her enviable style.  The result is what you see below.  If you want to see the entire gallery, or my other photos, go to http://johannemoorephotography.smugmug.com or just click on one of the photos in the slideshow.