a bit of online shopping: ASOS, MAC, and OPI

Hello lovelies!  Happy September 9 (a few days late...)! I personally love September because 1) it's my birthday month (yay Virgos) and 2) it means no more sweltering Florida summer heat! (well, usually anyways...)  I did have a great summer, though - hope you all did, too.

While MAC recently came out with their fall nail polish collection and Fabulous Felines collection, I'd rather save up for the Venomous Villains collection releasing at the end of the month. I couldn't resist the Jade Dragon polish (awesome name) or Of Royalty lipstick, though.  Both were just so up my alley!

MAC Jade Dragon

OPI Ski Teal We Drop

MAC Of Royalty lipstick (Fabulous Felines)

I was surprised by how similar Jade Dragon and Ski Teal We Drop look when applied (I'll do a NOTD soon!).  And speaking of similar, I've heard (read?) a lot of bloggers saying they'd pass on Of Royalty lipstick from MAC's new Fabulous Felines collection because it's a dupe of Viva Glam Gaga and/or Saint Germain.  Well, since I'm a lipstick-a-holic and own too many pinks, I thought I'd do a swatch comparison with some MAC shades that are comparable.

Top Row: Viva Glam Gaga, Of Royalty, Saint Germain

Bottom Row: Creme Cup, All Styled Up

I think of all the shades swatched, Of Royalty is closest to Viva Glam Gaga, but a bit warmer toned -- more wearable perhaps than Gaga (also worth noting: Gaga is a Lustre finish, while Of Royalty is a Cremesheen). Saint Germain and All Styled Up are much brighter, while Creme Cup is more of a nude, brownish pink.  I think if you love pink lipsticks, this one's worth the purchase (or at least a testing!).  I think it holds its own against the others. :)

Now, I have virtually NO budget allotted for clothes shopping lately, but I did manage to scoop up some deals on a few things for fall... all online!

Old Navy faux fur vest ($12 w/coupons), ASOS dress

The faux fur vest look isn't for everyone, but I LOVE it. I know I'll wear it a lot, with jeans or dresses, and besides, $12 is a steal!

The dress I got with my cousin Christie's wedding in mind. I love this color!  It looks much cuter on....

ASOS dress & sweater ($11!)

The printed maxi dress I was *shocked* my boyfriend liked (though he did add "I'd like it shorter" -- I actually think I would too!).  It has batwing-type sleeves and a cinched waist w/a tie in back. It's totally bohemian looking, and kind of crazy to be honest, but I love it! It's nicely fitted as well.

The cardigan was just a throw-in, but I love the ombre animal print and the neutral colors will look great over so many things. It's really soft as well.

I'm pretty hesitant about ordering clothes from ASOS, because though shipping is cheap to the US ($6!), you have to pay to ship it back for a return, and that is the OPPOSITE of cheap! So I was really pleased that the three pieces I ordered fit well, looked nice, and were well-made.  

Okay, time to get my butt of the computer! See you all soon and thanks for reading!

<3 Jess