Weekend Window Shopping: Labor Day Sales!

Lots of good online shopping this weekend! Here are a few you might want to know about, with my picks for awesome stuff. (The eBates link is my referral link, btw):


Banana Republic - 40% off your purchase (20% off BR Picks) with  BRLABOR. Plus 2.0% back with eBates. Yeah, this is going to happen:

Ann Taylor - 50% off all sales styles (and selected full-price styles) applied at checkout. Plus 2.5% back with eBates. This dress is so cute:

Boden - 20% off Sitewide + Free Shipping & Free Returns with code HD12502Y. Plus 2.5% back with eBates. Love this waterfall cardigan:

Shoes.com - Extra 25% off on sale shoes with code SALE25. Plus 4% back with eBates. Lots of Fryes on sale including these:

Bloomingdales - Extra 20% off Big Brown Bag Sale with code BIG20. Plus 6.0% back with eBates. Ooh, Marc by Marc Jacobs on sale:

Friday #GoHugo

I thought it was time for another Beckham picture. I hope you agree.

The Beauty Workhorse.

Do you have those products that you've been using forever that you just take for granted? Rebuying them is a pain in the ass because it's not a fun purchase, but it's such a dependable workhorse that you can't imagine what could replace it, right?

I feel like I've probably talked about most of mine - Benetint, Dandelion blush, The Colossal mascara, Primer Potion, etc., but I have a few that I feel deserve a bit of praise.


Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation



Marianne and I have reviewed this before, but I am still consistently impressed with the awesomeness of this foundation. On the weekends I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer but for the weekdays I always use Smashbox because it JUST STAYS PUT. I don't have to touch up much during the day and it doesn't transfer on my clothes or oxidize. Good stuff. Solid. Worth the money.


Urban Decay Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush

When I first bought this I wasn't terribly impressed with it but in retrospect I think what I was actually not impressed with was the Urban Decay Naked foundation it's meant to be paired with. When used with the Smashbox foundation it's pretty freaking good. I usually apply foundation with my fingers and then used this brush to blend it all out. It's not sparkles and magic, but it does give a really nice finish.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brush



This brush is so good, you guys. I've had one for years and I totally take it for granted. It's just the perfect size for dotting just the right amount of concealer on a zit or dark spot. It's available for $26 on it's own but it COMES WITH the Flawless Face kit (along with another good brush) which is pretty much the deal of the century.

Fresh Sugar Plum Lip Tint



Ha ha, just kidding. I used to love this but my last one went rancid in less than six months and I am OVER IT. It's too expensive and makes me so mad. So this is my request - can anyone recommend a decent replacement? Basically, a berry or plum tinted lip balm in a tube that I can apply in the car without a mirror. Ideas?

Summer Wish List: How'd I Do?

So, back in May I wrote up a summer wish list with my horrible summer budget restrictions in mind. Now that *sob* summer is nearly over, I thought it'd be interesting to see how closely I stuck to what I needed. My list:

Denim Shorts

I bought the Old Navy Sweetheart Denim Shorts (Outfit here) and I wore the everloving shit out of them all summer. They were the best and I'm sorry I didn't buy a second pair. Yay for Old Navy! My favorite place to buy cheap t-shirts and shorts.


Yellow Clog Sandals

Sadly, I did not buy these. I did wear my black pair by Lotta From Stockholma whole lot so I really do think another pair is in order but it didn't happen this summer.

Aviator Sunglasses

This one hurts my heart. A lot. I found the sunglasses I desperately want - the Oakley Restlessbut they're expensive, so it'll have to wait for now. I'm still wearing my old MBMJ pair but one of the lenses keeps popping out. The next time it happens I'll probably stomp on them and head to the Oakley store.

Small Necklace

I bought this! I got the House of Harlow mini sunburst necklace and it's been great. I've worn it a lot this summer. The exact version I bought seems to be gone, but it comes in other great colors.

Magic Dress
Sad face. I didn't find my new magic dress this summer. Instead I've just been wearing my old magic dresses from the past and wishing they didn't look quite so sad.

Fun print blouses
I didn't buy any new ones this summer, but my favorite spring blouse purchase (worn here) has been one of my most-worn tops this summer. I always look for Olive & Oak when I go to Marshalls but I haven't found another one I like as much.

Review: Banana Republic Fall Collection.

Oh man, you guys. Banana Republic is back and they totally have my number. I went to the mall on Saturday to return something and OMG. It's like the new creative director knows me in a deep and personal way.  There wasn't a a ruffle or a sad blahstel color ANYWHERE. Everything looked sophisticated - black and grey and leather trim and moto details. It's all so good that I sort of wilted in the store and the next thing I knew I was in the dressing room with a giant pile of stuff to try on. Away we go:

This Perforated Faux-Leather Pencil Skirt was one of the first things I grabbed because it's so freaking cool, but it's a little too edgy for workwear:

I'm wearing it with the Faux-Leather Trim Sleeveless Blouse which I liked, but i'm not sure the color was doing much for me. Also, that's a lot of faux in one outfit. But man, that skirt. Next I tried on the Sloan-Fit Zip-Pocket Pencil Skirt which I thought was cool with the zipper detail:

Not a great photo, but you get the idea. This one seemed more workwear legit, but I didn't love the fit as much as the first one. Still, oooOoohh, zippers. Next I tried on the Dot Print Riviera Dress because the sales assistant insisted it would change my life:

Meh. The print was interesting but those elastic waists are just not good on me, I need a little more structure. I'm sure the bare feet help. Next, I tried on pants and striped shirts because YAY STRIPED SHIRTS. This is the super great Mini-Stripe Long-Sleeve Tee which I love and cherish. It comes in three different colorways too! I just can't resist a striped shirt and this one is really good:

It's just the right amount of fitted-but-body-skimming and I like the curved hem. The pants are the Sloan-Fit Zip-Pant which didn't really fit well and made my ass look flat which NO. (Sorry, it's nearly impossible to photograph black pants in a dressing room.) 

I also tried on the Faux-Leather Trim Striped Top (because the unhinged dressing room lady was wearing it and would NOT SHUT UP ABOUT IT'S GREATNESS. JESUS LADY FINE I WILL TRY IT ON.) but the fit was slightly too oversized and they only had the lighter beige-y color that wasn't my favorite:

Unhinged lady also brought me a pair of the Sloan-Fit Black Moto Pant which I very much like because they have cute leather trim detail and zippers and moto knee stitching:

I know, you can't see any details at all. But check them here and I did manage a detail shot:

I didn't get photos of them, but I also tried on the Moto Sweater Jacket which I found awkward and the Faux-Leather Trim Open Cardigan which I very much plan on purchasing. Yes. And damn, there were so many other things I didn't even have time to try on but I am PRETTY SURE most of my fall clothes will be BR, which is stupid if you're a style blogger but too bad. Garanimals 4EVR!

PS. Today online they are offering 30% off with BRPRIME plus 2.0% back with eBates. (I'd wait for a 40% off code, but that's just me.)

Weekend Window Shopping: Back to School

It's been a long time since I've been in school but I still miss the ritual of back to school shopping, so here's my (uh, sort of) grownup version of back-to-school via Nordstrom who's currently doing double cash back with eBates! (my referral link.)


These have a Fast Times at Ridgemont High feel, right?

Sam Edelman 'Becker' Calf Hair Slip On

And who doesn't need a badass leather jacket? Nobody, that's who. Unless you're a mathlete.

Trouvé Leather Moto Jacket

And of course you need some awesome motorcycle boots because boots.

Steve Madden 'Msfresh' Moto Boot

And this had a very cool exchange student feel about it.

Joie 'Eloisa' Sweater

And a really good pair of straight leg jeans because denim is everything. Every. Thing.

Paige Denim 'Skyline' Straight Leg Jeans

Love! All of it unnecessary for my life but really cool. And then I found this and, yeah. I can’t top this:

Alexander McQueen 'Padlock' Leather Backpack

Friday #GoHugo

There aren't words for how awesome this photo is. Nooooo worrrrdddssss.

Perfecting Crazy.

A: Do these pants make my pants look big?

image: The Sartorialist

L: This woman looks 5'2" (BUT maybe that's just the most unflattering pants possible's fault?). So judging from the camera height, that makes the SHobbit approximately 4'3".

A: I think that is accurate. I also think she's doing everything in her power to make those pants awful.

L: That's a thing now, right? LOOK CRAZY! #perfect.

A: Are you kidding?

image: The Sartorialist

A: #totenorms

L: I think I'm going to start doing this. I live in New York friggin' City. I should get to dress like a Crazy.

A: Be a Crazy! What do you have to lose? And maybe the SHobbit will come take your picture. Wait.

L: Turnabout is fair play, Adrien. And! I have 7 year olds at my disposal who dress like total maniacs if unsupervised. I'll just be alll, "One of you pick mama's outfit, the other, get up on the counter and do my hair."

A: PLEASE DO NOT THINK FOR A SECOND I FORGOT ABOUT THAT. It's the single best thing anyone has ever done for this blog. EVERRRRR. Now, get them kids working and get Crazy.

L: How am I doing? Crazy enough?

A: WELL DONE.

Adrien: Bobbed It.

 Oh hey, so I got a haircut! I talked about what I wanted to do in this entry and last night I got it done:

I swear to you when she cut it my hair sighed a breath of relief and immediately felt healthier and bouncier. I swear! It's hilarious how much my hair hates being long. Just hates it. My stylist made it a little piece-y, which I thought was cool, but I was short on time this morning and just let it do it's normal thing:

The cardigan looks red but is in fact very, very orange. I don't know why I bought it because I never wear it ever. Until...I realized that it actually works with the sandals I'm wearing that also don't really go with much. It's a little garanimals but it made me happy. 

The dress is Ann Taylor and I've had it for several years, but I think an great animal print shift (even better on sale!) is a fantastic thing to have. I basically treat leopard as a neutral because it works with black, brown and bright colors. Because I say so. 

Details! My sandals are Chie Mihara, who makes the best, cutest sandals ever. My bag is a MBMJ Teri, which you can only find on eBay these days. My bracelet is Giles & Brother.

BUY THIS: J.Crew Deals.

Lots of good deals going on this week! I thought J.Crew and J.Crew Factory both had good stuff on sale, so here's the info.


J.Crew 
In stores & online: extra 30% off final sale styles with code SHOPSALE. Plus 2.0% cash back with eBates (my affiliate link.)

My pick: I love the jewelry at J.Crew more than anything else. I'd get the Celestial earrings.

Celestial Earrings

If you're feeling more practical, this would be a great time to pick up a Schoolboy Blazer or cashmere sweater, assuming you know your J.Crew sizing well. (I’m not big on final sale unless I’m 100% sure.)

Collection Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

J.Crew Factory
25% off any order with code EXTRA25. Plus 1.5% cash back with eBates (my affiliate link.)

My pick: The Factory version of my beloved Downtown Field Jacket:

Factory Pocket Utility Jacket

The discount code brings it down to $63.50! Not bad at all. Factory jewelry is also super cute:

Factory Stone Flags Necklace

Right? Good stuff. If you have any recommendations, please post them!

Ding DONG.

L: I have NEVER seen a "mic wire" there or like that.

A: I WANT TO BELIEVE.

L: Those packs go on the back. So I'm calling his bluff.

A: YES. THANK YOU. Something isn't right here. I mean everything is right, but I don't buy it. Unless he's got a whole microphone down his pants...

L: YES! The entire thing. Right down there. Picking up pant sounds.

A: That's usually how they do it, right? Because IDRIS ELBA PANT SOUNDS.

L: I volunteer as tribute! I will be the next microphone wire for Idris Elba's pants! For science, of course.

A: I mean, COME ON. The first picture? That is definitely his Stringer Bell.

A: And he's giving us the finger in the third one, which is awesome.

L: Ding. Dong.

A: *CLAPS WILDLY*

Adrien: ALL THE SAMPLES.

I'm such a beauty sample whore, you guys. I just love being able to try stuff I don't need before wasting my money on it. Luckily, Sephora knows this about me and every now and then they tempt me with a really good sample bag. Right now if you're a VIB customer* you should definitely take advantage of the current glut of sample bag fanciness with code VIBPARTY. Also, Sephora is offering 8.0% back with eBates which is really damn good.

I ran out of my foundation so I reordered so I could get this this sample bag. I mean, check it:

Right? Here's what's in it:

• Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! (0.08 oz)
• Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black (0.06 oz)
• Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm (0.23 oz)
• Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen (0.5 oz)
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette (0.05 oz), 
• Blinc Mascara Amplified (0.12 oz)
• Dr. Jart+ BB Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 (0.2 oz)
• Make Up For Ever HD Blush in 410 Coral (0.01 oz)

Here's what I think of all that crap:

Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! This I actually already have in the same sized sample. It's a good product but I don't know why you'd ever buy the full size because the sample is huge and will last for freaking ever. I'm going to send this to Marianne because that's how I do.

Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black. This stuff is actually fantastic to the point of making me want to spend more than $7 on mascara. It holds a curl, doesn't seem to fade and doesn't flake. I also like the funky brush. 

Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm. Who knows. I put this under my eyes and it didn't seem to make things worse? The jury is still out.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen. This is a deluxe sized sample which I appreciate and it's good stuff. Basically the LM primer with sunscreen. I've been using it every day.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette. Perfume ain't my thing so I haven't even bothered to open it yet. I probably won't.

Blinc Mascara Amplified. My last experience with Blinc mascara (which is the "tubing" type) was RULL bad, so I will probably give this to some unwitting victim/friend.

Dr. Jart+ BB Water Fuse Beauty Balm. I have used this a few times and it's fine but the color is a little...grey. It looked fine once I'd blended it in, but there's only the one shade? Grey. Okay.

Make Up For Ever HD Blush in 410 Coral. This was a little bubble card sample and I am going to use up every bit of it. It's lovely stuff - cream blush that kind of dries down to a powder. The color isn't something I would've picked but it's really quite nice in a flushed coral-y way. I might actually buy this. 

There's also a Marc Jacobs Highliner in there in a bronzy brown color that was my 100 Point Perk. It's super nice and a good color for me, just kind of hard to hold because it's teeny.  

And, on top of all this I also got the three normal samples you get to pick with any order, and those are mixed in with that picture too. I haven't tried them yet. 

*If you're not at VIB status you can check out the other Sephora codes here.

Weekend Window Shopping: Parseltongue.

I remember a few years ago I was looking at a cool snakeskin bag I couldn't quite afford and Nina was encouraging me to consider it because the sale price was really good. I said to her, "I'm just not sure I'm a snakeskin kind of girl." Oh ho ho. That seems hilarious now, because you slap some python on something and I'm instantly all, WANT. Snakeskin is the new leopard I guess. Here's what I love:

Friday #GoHugo

You know who likes Hugo? Rainer and Victor. At least, I'm sure they would if they met him.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, But Not As Hard As Reaching The Tippy Top Shelf.

(Marianne has temporarily come out of seclusion because this was too good to pass up.)

A: Girl!!!!!!!!!!

M: I know!!!!!

A: That just made my day.

A: CAMILLA.

M: CAMILLA DID YOU EAT ALL THE CHUNKY MONKEY?

A: CAMILLA DON'T YOU DARE CHANGE THAT CHANNEL.

M: PLENTY OF MEN WATCH TLC.

A: NO I'M NOT CRYING I HAVE ALLERGIES.

M: I FIND "A BABY STORY" TO BE VERY WELL DONE.

A: CAMILLA. BLANKY. NOW.

M: NO NOT THAT ONE WHY IS EVERYONE AGAINST MEEEEEEE.

A: HAS KANYE CALLED YET? ARE YOU SURE?

M: ARE YOU SURE THE PHOINE IS WORKING? CALL ME.

M: CAMILLA DID YOU CHANGE MY RINGTONE TO "I CAN'T MAKE YOU LOVE ME?"

A: CAMILLA WHY ARE WE OUT OF HOT POCKETS AGAIN??

M: YOU HAVE ONE JOB!

A: CAMILLAAAAA!!!

M: ...
...
...
...
camilla?

Badass Fall Things.

 So, I have a vision of my ultimate fantasy wardrobe - a cool, rocker-y style. Limited color palette with lots of skinny jeans, slouchy tees, sharp blazers and black chelsea boots. Minimal but interesting jewelry and one or two really fantastic bags that would perfectly age with time. Basically:

I'm Kate Lanphear.

AKA pretty badass.

Yeeeeaaah. So, realistically, I don't have the lifestyle that goes along with this style or the job. Or the budget. All that said, I'm super fucking excited that every average store's fall collection seems to include moto-styled jeans, leather trim and lots of black and grey. Heaven! Here's what I've already got my eye on:

Banana Republic Faux-Leather Trim Blazer

Banana Republic Faux-Leather Trim Open Cardigan

Madewell The Anouck Loafer in metallic

JCrew Celestial Pendant

Hugo Guinness for J.Crew “You Are Here” Sweater

Madewell skinny skinny coated motorcycle jeans

Ann Taylor Faux Leather Sleeved Striped dress

Boden Milano Dress

Ann Taylor Modern Zipper Pocket Skinny Jeans

Ugh, so much wanting! Fall is already killing me and it's still summer. I am pretty sure that some kind of leather-trimmed jacket or cardigan will be on my fall wishlist, as well as a pair of zip-pocket jeans. Those metallic flats are also stabbing me in the heart, but we'll see....