TAG: My Style Pile

One of my favorite Kaboodle girls, jessicachanel, recently blogged her "style pile."  She'd heard about it from ivillage.com, specifically through this link here. The idea is to gather together some of your favorite things, things that inspire you or define your style, and photograph them in a pile.  I just *had* to do this! I'm calling it a "tag," because I think it would be awesome if other bloggers posted style piles of their own, too - it's such a fun project!

There's also a little survey involved - scroll down for that. :)

(w/o flash)

(w/flash - the dolls look scary!) 

 

 

My style: I wear a uniform five days a week, so I really embrace getting to wear what I choose on the other two! I'd say my style is fun and also classic. I tend to go for basics (simple dresses, jeans, sweaters) and add on accessories to make it interesting (belts, scarves, jewelry, bags, cute shoes). I own one pair of tennis shoes, and they are only worn to the gym. I'm a girly girl, somewhat conservative, and definitely quriky.  Just to give you an idea - every member of my immediate family owns at least own puppet. I think this says a lot about us in terms of our quirkiness! haha

I'm inspired by: My mom, of course!  She bought a pair of sparkly purple Converse when I was shopping with her recently.  I love that she always wears what she likes! I'm also inspired by ladies like Gwen Stefani and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for their unique styles. I'm also one of the girls who LOVED that Emma Watson chopped her hair into a pixie.  I love bold girls! Oh, and I can't forget Barbie - the best dressed girl in the world. ;)

Something most people don't know about me: How about a few things about my younger self? First, I used to write raunchy Backstreet Boys fanfiction in high school that I'd pass around to my close friends, and I almost got busted passing around a nudey pic (screencap!) of Leonardo DiCaprio in middle school! I also wore an orange wig my last day of my junior year, and a hot pink one the last day of senior year. Oh, and I was "Invisigirl" in the Super Squad, my friends' group of imaginary superheroes.  How's that? Ha!

I hope you enjoyed this - I definitely enjoyed doing it! Please post one of your own if you'd like - I'd love to see it!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

what i got for christmas (from others + myself!)

Hey guys! I've missed you!!

This Christmas was awesome, but it went by too quickly! My parents came to stay with me for two weeks (they left last Monday), and my brother was here for a few days as well.  I also worked LOADS, as Thanksgiving through New Year's is the busiest time of the year at Disney.  So, when I wasn't working, I was spending time with my family, and vice versa.  I decided to just take a little break from blogging the past few weeks.  I was still reading everyone else's, though!

I think it's so much fun to see what other people got for Christmas, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite gifts as well.

The biggest gift isn't pictured here - but I'm sure you'll see it in the mirror when I take outfit pics soon (lol) - I got a new phone! I got a Samsung Fascinate, which is basically Verizon's answer to the iPhone.  I *love* it.  The best part is that it takes amazing pictures and video, and I can stalk Twitter and Facebook! ;)

Anyways, on to the haul!

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style: Baby, D&G The One, 

Barbie & the Rockers Hallmark ornament, 

NARS Etrusque e/s, Charming Charlie fox ring, 

YSL Touche Eclat & Metallic Colorama highlighter,

Target and Barnes & Noble gift cards

far left: UO nail set, Aldo wallet,

far right: cupcake calendar, Mod Cloth tree ornament, Lindor truffles (from a work friend),

handpainted(!) Hershey bar (from my neighbors)

Lots of new reads! (The Lying Game and Revolution I bought for myself)

Jingle All the Way interactive storybook w/Jingle doggy plush

Juicy Couture cosmetic bag set (from my brother!)

Tokidoki Robbery palette

Dal Dotori doll (I love love love her!)

Aveda Scalp Benefits shampoo & Dry Remedy conditioner,

The Body Shop Raspberry Ripple body wash & Watermelon lotion (these are YUM, and were only $3 each!)

Hello Kitty & Yorkshire Terrier re-ment figures, Kiwi Koala figure (random cuteness!)

I did a little after-Christmas makeup hauling (new MAC collections, drugstore items, and a very special something from Chanel) and got a few new clothing-type things, but I'm going to post about that separately.  Be back soon!  

xoxo,

<3 Jess

sick again, ramble, + a mini haul (anthropologie, lush, williams sonoma)

• Anne of Green Gables (Anthropologie exclusive edition, w/cute pinecone bookmark!)
• Voluspa Makassar Ebony & Peach candle ($9.95 on sale, originally $18)
• Lush Day of the Dead perfume (ordered this last month, arrived Tuesday)
• Williams & Sonoma Peppermint Hot Chocolate tin

So, as I'm sure I've said before, I *LOVE* the holidays and all the preparations for them as well.  However, this past month my immune system has been kicking my butt!! Tuesday afternoon I started feeling sick again, and nearly all of Wednesday I spent sleeping either on my bed or the couch. It's just a cold, but wow, is it a mean one! I called in to work today, but luckily my sinuses have started to clear up - I'm just sneezing and coughing a lot.  It's a good thing I didn't go to work - I'm grossing myself out!! haha When I got up today, I was walking around picking up tissues from all over my apartment - it reminded me of that scene in You've Got Mail.  

Since I've gotten some of my energy back, I've started my cleaning spree for when my parents come to visit in a few days (ack! a few days!!) -- this includes cleaning countertops, for those who freaked about the tissues! ;)  I'm doing laundry as we speak, and I've already dusted, cleaned the bathroom counters and mirrors, and changed the bedskirt on my bed (the one I had was torn up by a ceeeeertain 6-lb. someone, ahem...).  Um, can I just say, putting on a bedskirt is a PAIN in the ASS! I managed to knock over my bedside table in the process of putting the mattress back on the bed. Oy.

Earlier today I forced myself to take a shower, get dressed, and go to the store.  I wanted some nasal decongestant medicine, but I ended up getting a warm steam vaporizer, too (sorry, Nick, it's not the cute frog humidifier), and a couple more little gifts for friends.

I also ran into the mall (it's next to Target) specifically to grab a tin of Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Williams Sonoma.  I was tempted already, but watching Michele1218's Holiday Gift Ideas video pushed me over the edge. (Speaking of YouTube gurus - I'm dyyyying over here for a new TheCurrentCustom video - I know people either love or hate Lorraine, but I lovelovelove her. Love her Day in the Life videos on TheCurrentBoobies channel, but it's not the same... *sigh*) 

Since Anthropologie is right next to Williams Sonoma, and it's just so damn inviting, I stepped in there for a browse, too.  This is a never a good idea!! I got the Anne of Green Gables special edition, which I've been lemming for a while, and a yummy Voluspa candle on clearance. Not too much damage done. ;)

I wanted to include Lush's Day of the Dead perfume (terrible name for a perfume, in my opinion - "oh, what's that you're wearing?" "why, it's day of the dead!" "erm.. okay..."), because it just came in the mail the other day and it smells SO GOOD! Really fruity and clean.  Did anyone else pick up any of the limited edition Lush perfumes?  I'm really curious about Big and Snowcake!

Okay, lovelies, I'm gonna go sip some cough syrup and lay down until the laundry's done.  Hope you're all having a great (and healthy!!) December.  See you soon!!

<3 Jess

collective haul: sephora, sanrio, aldo, j.crew, ulta, bath & body works

Bath & Body Works ($10 off $30): C.O. Bigelow Power Berry Mask and Mentha Body Lotion

Sephora: Korres Jasmine lip butter, NARS Little Darling lipstick, Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar

Ulta ($3.50 off $10): China Glaze Swing Baby, OPI Tease-y Does It (this one has a damaged cap/brush - ugh! I'd exchange it but I lost my receipt, and this bottle was the only one they had when I got it...)

also from B&BW: cozy scented socks! (marked down to $3 a pair)

J.Crew bracelets - all majorly discounted - yay! :) 

Sephora ($20 off $40 or more): Bliss Super Minty Soap 'n Scrub (this is a repurchase - I'm obsessed!), face brush - I have a Clarisonic Mia but got this as a backup!, Laura Mercier travel size Tinted Moisturizer, Bliss mini hand cream duo

Bloomingdales: Chanel Genie Extrait de Gloss (I got this ages ago but realized I never showed it! I love this gloss!)

Sanrio: Hello Kitty pastry keychain, Demeter My Melody edt (this smells AMAZING - like almond liqueur and vanilla! Just wish it lasted...)

McDonalds: My Melody and Badtz Maru Happy Meal watches (I want them all!)

Bag from Aldo (20% off) - thanks Aleksis for convincing me I need this!

Hello Kitty advent calendar from my parents - the tree is felt and the decorations are velcro!

Cuuuute Christmas card from my parents!

I also got two dresses and a wide belt from Forever21 (one of the dresses was in my last post, the other I'm sure I'll be wearing soon!), and a white/black polka dot scarf and lightweight sweater from J.Crew (already on sale + 25% off). Oh! And a beeeeautiful Disney Princess Belle toddler doll from the Disney Store for Toys for Tots.

I think I only need to grab one or two more Christmas gifts, and I also want to get another toy for Toys for Tots.  Christmas is getting so close - I'm so excited!  My parents are coming down next week and my brother will be along soon after - having them here to celebrate with is really the best gift I could get.  I love my family - the worst part of living in Orlando is being far from them! :(

Okay, guys, I need to get my butt to bed! Hope you're all enjoying the holiday festivities as much as I am! :)

Lots of love,

xoxo

<3 Jess

couldn't resist a pic of my baby - the floating head ;)

face, outfit, & nails from tuesday :)

FACE: YSL Perfect Touch foundation (#05), NARS Sin blush, Dior Amber Diamond

EYES: MAC Malt eyeshadow, MAC On the Hunt Superslick liner, MAC Lingering brow pencil, Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara

LIPS: Illamasqua Filth lipstick + MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipglass (later switched to Illamasqua Fable lipstick + Chanel Genie Rouge Extrait de Gloss)

w/Illamasqua Fable + Chanel Genie

w/Illamasqua Fable + Chanel Genie

DRESS: Forever21

BOOTS (dark brown suede): Enzo Angliani (knee socks are VS Pink)

WATCH: Michael Kors (rose gold)

BAG, BRACELET: J.Crew

NAILS: Urban Outfitters Red 2 + Sephora by OPI Only Gold for Me on ring fingers

by request: swatches! ysl, mac, nars, lancome, chanel

TOP: first two are YSL Rouge Pur Couture #10 Beige Tribute (light swatch, heavy swatch), Rouge Pur #148 Tea Rose, Rouge Pur Couture #6 Rose Bergamese

BOTTOM: YSL Perfect Touch #05 Peach, Lancome Teint Miracle Ivoire 2C

lipstick swatches in different lighting

As you can see, Beige Tribute is what I'd call a "mauve nude" - if I hold the tube to my lips it almost matches my natural lip color perfectly.  It is less creamy/glossy than Rose Bergamese, but longer-wearing than Tea Rose (as I find all the Pur Coutures I've tested so far to be!).

As for the foundations, YSL Perfect Touch is quite watery, but I actually like that about it.  It gives a very natural, semi-matte finish. Despite it looking dark in the swatch, because it is water-based, it blends out nicely and doesn't even need to be set with powder (it also lasts pretty well and doesn't get yucky around my nose after hours of wear).  I've been wearing this a lot. I definitely prefer it to the Teint Resist, which I found to be too matte for my combination skin.  This also doesn't accentuate pores OR break me out (despite the fragrance, which is pretty strong) like the Teint Resist did for me. 

Lancome Teint Miracle gives a similar, semi-matte finish (but more dewy than Perfect Touch). It doesn't feel heavy or get cakey.  It does, however, dissolve around my nose area, settling into my pores, after a few hours of wear. I would recommend setting it with powder. I do think it's a good foundation, though - the best Lancome one I've tried so far.

TOP: NARS Little Darling, MAC The Faerie Glen, MAC Till Tomorrow

BOTTOM: Chanel Rouge Coco Magnolia, Chanel Magnolia + Genie, Chanel Rouge Extrait de Gloss in Genie

I think Little Darling and The Faerie Glen look similar on the lips, though Little Darling is sheerer and I find it to be a bit more moisturizing than The Faerie Glen.  Till Tomorrow is a bit darker, but still in the same shade family.  Till Tomorrow is a Pro Longwear Lipcreme, and while I like the staying power, I'm not loving the tacky feeling it leaves on the lips. I think topping it with a gloss or balm might help with that, though I haven't tried it myself (I've only worn it twice).

I really, really love Chanel's Rouge Extrait de Gloss in Genie.  It's exactly as I've heard/read others say - scary orange in the tube, beautiful on the lips.  I love it on top of a pink lipstick! I've worn it over Illamasqua Fable the past two days and I really love the effect (I'll be posting a FOTD tomorrow). I love the light rose scent and the non-sticky texture, too. As for Magnolia, I'm not a huge fan of it on its own - I don't like shimmer in lipsticks - when your lips dry they settle into the lines and just aren't the most flattering, in my opinion! However, topped with a gloss, the shimmer dissipates and it becomes a really nice, wearable/work-appropriate pink.  

Okay, I'm off to bed! Hope that was helpful.  Please don't hesitate to ask me for swatches or reviews - I'm always happy to oblige, even if sometimes it takes me a while to get to it! Ack! :)

I'll be back soon with more fun stuff - a FOTD, more hauling, and some outfits, too. :)

Thanks for reading - I love you guys!

xoxo,

<3 Jess

Products I'm Using Now

Sorry I haven't posted in a while - I'm actually overwhelmed with all I want to post! Work's been insanely busy and I feel like when I'm not working I'm sleeping, and on my days off I'm shopping! ha ha  Anyways, I saw this on a few blogs I read, and I did this about a year ago, but I thought it'd be fun to do it again.  I'm sure a lot has changed! I also added a few categories of my own...

HAIR

Shampoo:

Fekkai Essential Shea

Conditioner:

Fekkai Essential Shea

Styling products:

Fekkai Smooth Hair Cream (before drying), Aveda Volumizing Tonic (before drying), Elnett or Got2B 2Sexy (hate the name!!) hairspray

Hair mask:

None - the conditioner does its job well enough

 

BODY

 

Shower gel:

 Not a gel, but I'm obsessed w/Bliss Super Minty Soap 'n Scrub! 

Body moisturiser:

C.O. Bigelow Mentha body lotion, Carmex Healing Lotion

Deodarant:

 Secret Va Va Vanilla (been using Secret as long as I can remember)

Fake tan:

 None - I hate tanning products! Embrace the pale! :)

Fragrance (I added this one!):

Miss Dior Cherie, Laura Mercier Vanilla Gourmande, D&G The One

 

FACE

Cleanser:

 Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Milk, Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (gentle enough to use daily)

 Exfoliator:

C.O. Bigelow Rice & Bamboo, Origins Modern Friction 

Eye makeup remover:

 Ponds cold cream, Boots Soothing Eye Makeup Remover 

Moisturizer:

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (I HATED this back in the day, but I gave it another shot.... and now I really like it!)

Night Cream:

Clinique Youth Surge Night or Origins A Perfect World

Mask:

Fresh's Umbrian Clay treatment bar 

**also using Origins Brighter by Nature peel twice a week

 

MAKEUP

Primer:

Moisturizer is my primer! Most primers contain silicone, which breaks my skin out something awful, so I try to avoid them!

Foundation:

 YSL Perfect Touch (#5), Clinique Redness Solutions (Calming Fair), NARS Sheer Glow (Mont Blanc)

Foundation brush:

Mostly been using fingers, but Sephora's Platinum Air Brush #55 is the only brush I use for foundation. 

Concealer:

YSL Touche Eclat (under eyes), MAC Studio Finish Concealer (for blemishes)

Powder:

 MAC MSF Natural Medium (for all-over) or MAC Blot Powder (t-zone)

Blusher:

Nars Douceur

Bronzer:

None

Highlighter:

Dior Amber Diamond

Eyeshadow base:

Urban Decay Sin or Eden

Eyeshadows:

I pretty much use different ones every day! Been using the Wet 'n Wild Vanity palette and UD Naked palette a lot, though

Eyeliner:

MAC On the Hunt Superslick liner, MUFE Aqua Eyes 18L or UD 24/7 Lucky on the waterline

Eyelash curler:

I don't use an eyelash curler. The best mascaras curl my lashes anyways - and I hate extra steps! 

Eyelash base:

None. I've tried a few, but I don't think they make a big enough difference for me.

Eyebrow product:

MAC Lingering brow pencil (I've repurchased 2x!)

Mascara:

 Lancome Hypnose Drama (my absolute favorite - this hasn't changed in over a year!)

Lipstick:

YSL Rouge Pur Couture #6, NARS Little Darling, MAC The Faerie Glen

Lipgloss:

 None currently - I like lipgloss but the lipsticks I'm loving right now look best on their own :)

Nail colour:

 I was going to do my fingernails with OPI Tease-y Does It, but my cap/brush are defective! The brush isn't properly attached to the cap, and it falls off! However, I decided on Urban Outfitters Red 1 instead, with Sephora by OPI Only Gold for Me top coat on the ring fingers.  China Glaze Swing Baby on the toes. :)

I'd love for other bloggers (or non-bloggers!) to share what you're using, too! I always like to read things like this. :)

Like I said, I have so much to post - more hauling, swatches, favorites, etc! Stay tuned, I'll be back before you know it. :)

<3 Jess

Thanks for reading!

<3 Jess