A Perfect Match

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It has been a while since I have put together a few outfit sets. I ran across this v-neck long-sleeve shirt while browsing online and thought of how easy a simple piece could be incorporated into outfits. The possibilities are endless but I came up with a dressy version as well as a casual version. Of course the idea of a long sleeve t-shirt lends itself to casual wear but I think with the right pieces and accessories, it can work for the evening as well.

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One of the biggest challenges of styling clothing is taking a piece from winter to summer or vice versa. I know in the past there have been many articles of clothing in my closet that have only seen one season at a time. I think taking summer pieces and making them work for winter is the easy part. (Really, have you tried to make a winter parka work for summer?) By simply adding longer pants and a blazer, a top worn in the summer can be worn in the winter as well. Go check your closet - I bet you have several tops that can be thrown under a blazer or cardigan for a perfect look now.

Have a great day!

Palm to Palm

Tobi top, Francesca's blazer, pants, and earrings, Target heels, gifted necklace, F21 bangles and clutch,
Charming Charlie rings

I mentioned in Friday's post that I have been lucky lately scoring printed pants at boutiques around town. I picked up these cute wide-leg pants a week ago at Francesca's. The pattern of palms (trees, not hands) was too fun and sort of made me feel like I was channeling my inner Golden Girl. (Please tell me you all know what the Golden Girls is!)

If you haven't ever watched the show or have never heard of it, this is one of my favorite scenes. They just don't make shows like that anymore.

Have a great day!

Make-up Routine

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I shared my skincare routine in a previous post and promised to share my daily make-up routine this week. As you might have read in that post, I consistently use the L'Oreal Studio Secrets primer after I moisturize. After it dries, I apply Covergirl & Olay's foundation with a sponge, blending gently. One of the things my mother taught me was to apply foundation and concealer gently. There is no reason to pull at your skin. Gravity will take care of that in years to come so I see no reason to speed its progress. Sometimes I will take a tissue and rub along my jaw line to ensure there are no lines or streaks. After my foundation, I apply the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. The product comes out of a small rounded sponge at the end, which I love. I use my ring finger to gently blend in the remaining product under my eye. Next I apply my BareMinerals powder foundation with a large brush. Really, this powder can be used as foundation but I just do a light dusting over my face. The final step in this section is applying my Urban Decay Primer Potion across my eyelids. This primer is great - it helps my shadow go on smoothly and vibrantly and keeps it in place all day long.

My favorite shadow right now is the L'Oreal Smokes Quad. It's actually light enough for day wear but I have experimented with adding more for night. I never use the little sponge brush that comes in a shadow pack. I have an assortment of different brushes to apply my shadow. If you are looking for some reasonably priced brushes, check out Ulta or Target.  

After I apply my shadow, I always do a cat eye with my Almay liquid liner. I rarely use pencils anymore because I can get a bolder, more dramatic look with my liquid liner. I think it is easier to apply than a pencil as well. 

I curl my lashes before I apply mascara. Since I have very straight lashes, I start at the base with the curler and give it a few squeezes and then hold it. I continue doing this as I slowly move down my lashes until I reach the end. A few coats of my new favorite mascara by IsaDora is the final touch to my eyes.

Next, I add a bronzer to my cheeks for a little color. I have been using Mary Kay bronzers for a few years now. The color pictured above isn't the exact shade that I own, but it is close. 

Finally, I put on a few swipes of my favorite lipstick. I have loved the deep berry shades that have been so popular and this Amber Suede shade is my absolute favorite.

So that is my make-up routine. Just as I thought, it is slightly more involved and lengthy than my skincare routine.

Have a great day!