{snapshots}

{a peek into my shoe collection.  :) }

{sunnies family}

{current scents: Miss Dior Cherie, Viktor & Rolf FlowerBomb, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle}

{miniature gingermen!}

{brought the Holidays to work}

{christmas: in my home}

Christmas is one of my favorite Holidays!  I get excited to listen to Christmas songs all day long, the smell of wood burning fireplaces, the glimmer of outdoor Christmas lights, spending time with family & close friends, and the instant mood of wanting to get cozy & snugly!  This was the 1st year we decorated our home for Christmas since purchasing it last year.  :)   

Sorry for the lack of posts lately!  It's been busy with the Holidays!  Promise to have more posts when things settle down.  xo, jules

{cozy cool}

Vest: asos. Shirt: TopShop. Denim: JBrand. Shoes: VS Colin Stuart. Purse: Chanel. Jewelry: BaubleBar, J.Crew, Michael Kors, BR, Lia Sophia.

{teach back: bright pastels}

Sometimes pastel nail polishes can look pretty muted when applied.  There is a solution to this problem: apply a white polish first.  Here's how: 

{tools}

{essie 'need a vacation', sinful colors 'snow me white'}

1. White nail polish
2. Any pastel nail polish

{how}

1. Apply base coat
2. Apply one or two coats of white polish
3. Apply two coats of pastel polish 
4. Finish with top coat

{sephora by OPI 'havana dreams'}

{winter's colorblock}

Jacket: ON. Shirt: ON. Denim: ON. Shoes: Enzo Angiolini. Purse: asos. Belt: J.Crew. Sunnies: Gucci. Jewelry: Michael Kors, BR, Stella & Dot.

{drugstore haul}

I'm starting to venture out to drugstore make-up brands and rediscovering some of the products out there works just as well (and sometimes better!) as the higher end make up brands.  Continue reading to find out my thoughts on these...

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I've been a die-hard Diorshow fan for a very long time and out of pure curiosity I dabbled  with other brands (Too Faced Lash Injection and others) to see if there's anything else out there that stands up to it.  I finally ruled out Too Faced Lash Injection.  It had me fooled for a quick second (more like one whole tube) then I realized it's a great concept but still needs a lot more perfecting (too clumpy thus making it difficult to use & finding the mascara had a tendency to stay on the applicator brush rather then to your lashes).  Through blog research I've read great things about CoverGirl's Lashblast Fusion mascara.  I decided to give the Waterproof Volume & Lengthening (purple tube... photo makes it look blue) in Dark Black a try.  What's the verdict?  I love it!  Although it doesn't "curl" your lashes like Diorshow, it does give good length and volume (you have to build up the volume).  This mascara doesn't get clumpy as you build which is another point for CG.  What makes this mascara shine even more?   It's only roughly $7.00 a pop!  My wallet is definitely screaming, "WHOOHOOO!!".  

Sticking with CoverGirl, I wanted a more Fall lipstick so I grabbed "Divine" from their LipPerfection Lipcolor line.  I was a bit timid of how purple the tube of lipstick looked but was pleasantly surprised when I tried it out on my hand.  It turned out to be a more pink berry color.  The color was exactly what I was looking for!  Fall/Winter calls for more berry tone colors and this is the one.  Although it marketed as sustaining moisture, I felt I had to apply lip balm before applying the lipstick because it did dry my lips a bit.  This line does have staying power -- I only had to reapply once in the day I was wearing it.  

{from left to right: sinful colors 'snow me white', sally hansen 'blackout',
salley hansen 'gunmetail', orly 'rage', orly 'luxe'}

Okay, so I went a little crazy buying nail polish.  Orly applies very silky, however, you do need two coats for the color to look good.  Sally Hansen Hard-Nails applied nicely as well (pls, ignore how messy I applied them -- I was in a hurry).  I purchased the white polish for a certain purpose and I will show you in a future "teach back" post for what.  :)  Hope you enjoyed my reviews on my drugstore haul and hopefully it helps you with your future drugstore brand decisions.  xo, jules

{baublebar}

As of late, bauble pearls have stolen my heart.  I love clusters and clusters of different sized pearls mixed with sparkly gems.  Today, my BaubleBar package came (my 1st order with them and won't be my last!) and I have to say, I am not disappointed.  Love! Love! Love!  Can't wait to wear these beauts out!  P.S.  If you're in the spirit of giving, feel free to give me kudos by using my invitation code: 23538.  You get $10 off your 1st purchase!  xo, jules 

{each piece of jewelry comes in an individual suede pouch}

{snapshots}

{Thanksgiving tablescape 1/2 way set.  hosted at my house... it was a success. :) }

{great aunt's family stuffing recipe.  the. best. ever.}

{been wanting an animal print blouse.  finally found the one.  tweet, tweet.}

{new from asos: faux fur vest & orange cross-body purse}

{lately loving the LC (lauren conrad) waves.  will do a tutorial on this style soon.  promise.}

{sky high}

Jacket: BR. Shirt: Zara. Shorts: Zara. Scarf: Zara. Boots: VS Colin Stuart. Tights: asos. Sunnies: BR. Jewelry: J.Crew, BR, Stella & Dot, Michael Kors. 

{lemon tea cake}

With the Holidays here, it's always nice to arrive at someone's house with a gift in hand.  It's even better if it's a gift of a yummy treat.  I baked this lemon tea cake with just that in mind.  This recipe is full of lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon simple syrup, and lemon glaze.  Recipe is from Miette's cookbook.  

I hope you all have a scrumptious Thanksgiving with the ones you love.  xoxo, jules 

{dotted bow}

Jacket: F21. Top: J.Crew. Denim: JBrand. Shoes: Mia. Sunnies: Oliver Peoples. Handbag: Louis Vuitton. Jewelry: BR, Stella & Dot. 

Disclaimer: Please disregard my wrinkled silk shirt; I just got out of an hour car ride!  <3  xo, jules

{snapshots}

{new kicks}

{s'mores!... a whole new way!  substitute solid chocolate with
mini peanut butter cups.}

{homemade clam chowder & garlic bread from a Portuguese pal}

{patterns in my closet}

{love anything personalized}