style statement tuesday/what i wore wednesday

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today is style statement tuesday with jessica and tomorrow is what i wore wednesday with the pleated poppy! 

here’s an outfit i wore one afternoon after work when braxton and i were running some errands and stopping at my mom and dad's.

i love how comfy it is without being too casual or sloppy.  sometimes it’s good to feel presentable in your sweats! J

cardigan: j crew factory

shirt: banana republic factory (in stores only)

necklace: j crew factory

thick leggings or really tight pants: old navy (old)

boots: sears (old)

watch: target (in stores only)

what i wore/style statement

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today we’re linking up with jessica, and then tomorrow starts a new link-up with the pleated poppy for “what i wore wednesday.” 

we had an outdoor wedding to go to this weekend.  it’s a pretty confusing event to dress for this time of year because here in ky, one day will be 55 degrees and the next 75 degrees.  saturday was one of those 70-ish days, but we had some hard core wind, so i opted for more fall wear, which didn’t hurt my feelings at all. J  bring on the tights and boots!

 sweater: tj maxx

skirt: kohls

boots: kohls

necklace: madewell

watch: target

our make-up must haves

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please forgive us for being m.i.a. the past few days.  life had us hostage. J  with fall coming on, we thought we’d share a few of our make-up must haves with you.  even if you try to keep your face from getting any sun in the summer, it’s bound to happen and we all know that a little glow relieves some of the need for make-up.  but with our skin lightening up a shade or two this time of year, it’s harder to hide those imperfections.  here are a few things that we love:

leshia:

mark just pinched instant blush tint

i just bought this about a month ago and i love it.  for some reason i’ve always had an aversion to blush.  my cheeks have some color to them and it just hasn’t been as much of a necessity as other things.  but this, i love.  it’s a cream, and while i usually don’t buy them due to breakouts, this doesn’t affect me like that at all.  definitely a new favorite here.  just swipe a bit over the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers.  it gives me just enough color that i don’t look washed out, but it isn’t harsh.  i use cheeky.

mark imark custom eye shadows

the custom aspect of this product allows you to pick the colors that you want and put them in the snap case.  i love being able to do that versus buying a palette or combo at the store and only using a couple of the colors.  i’ve been using this eye shadow for over a year now.  several people have asked me how i get my eye makeup to stay in place, and i always tell them it’s the imark shadow.  i don’t even need to use a primer anymore.  i have lots of colors, but i’m currently in love with goldi luxe and truffle.

covergirl lash blast mascara

i couldn’t begin to tell you how long i’ve been using this mascara.  i’ve tried lots of others, but i always come back to this one.  it lasts, doesn’t smudge & gives great volume.  if they ever stop making it, i think i might die.

katie:

estee lauder double matte foundation

having a baby does lots of crazy things to your body.  apparently in my case it makes your skin super oily.  i’ve had such a hard time finding the right foundation since braxton came along.  i have to use a super light, oil-free moisturizer, but i’ve found that a foundation can make or break the look.  satin and dewy finishes don’t do it for me.  i love this stuff.  i just recently discovered it after reading some reviews and i think it’s a go.  i’ll be honest, it’s pretty liquid-y and doesn’t smell the greatest.  but if it keeps my face from looking like it’s covered in a layer of vaseline, i can deal with that.

amazing cosmetics concealer

i was blessed with hereditary dark circles.  these aren’t the kind that say, “i missed out on a couple hours of sleep last night.”  these are the kind, when left alone, look like i’m dressing as the bride of frankestein.  not a good look for me.  i’ve tried lots of concealers.  so far, this one is the best i’ve come across.  i’m always up for trying something new, but for now, i will stick with amazing cosmetics.  it helps me look more….alive.

stainiac lip stain

i’ll admit it.  lipstick scares me.  i would love to be totally confident with some bright red lips.  but i’m just not there yet.  i got a sample of stainiac in a birchbox and it definitely fits the bill.  it’s buildable, so if you want sheer, it can happen.  but if you want a bolder, brighter lip, just add a couple layers.  it applies like a stain…not satin-y or glossy.  so i can layer my favorite gloss over it.  it lasts forever, too.  if you shy away from lipstick, give a stain a try.  i bet you’ll love it.

we’d love to hear what some of your favorites are.  we’re always game for new make-up. J

fall fashion week

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today is the last day of fall fashion week with deanna.  i've really enjoyed looking at all the outfits and getting fresh ideas.  this outfit is pretty neutral, but i love it.  the sweater came from jcp and i love it.  it's so soft and pliable.  i know that's a really odd word to use for a sweater, but i can't stand those sweaters that just sit on your body like a board.  this one actually forms more to your shape instead of looking the same on everyone.  the skinnies are merona brand from target last fall.

these boots are my absolute favorite ever.  i got them at kohl's last year, and i've searched to see if they still have them but no luck.  they did have some really similar ones, so if you're in the market for some fabulous riding boots, check them out.  make sure you stop by retail-me-not first and get a coupon code!

this outfit would look super cute with a scarf.  preferably a purple one...  but since i've yet to purchase one of those, i went with my "katie" necklace that i've had since i was about six years old.  i'm not sure how i've managed to keep up with it all these years, but i love it.  very carrie bradshaw-ish. 

here's to fall fashion week and sweaters and boots and pumpkin spice lattes!

target fall must-haves

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ahhh, target.  how i love you. 

 

 

anybody out there with me?  i feel very deeply for tar-jay. (slang for target)  they have the most adorable clothes and i am just crazy about the fall fashion this year.  here are some of my must-haves for the upcoming chilly weather:

 

 

 

blazer/grey 3/4 sleeve dress/purple polka dot scarf/striped jersey dress/boyfriend watch/open-back blouse/sueded wedge/royal blue cardigan/boatneck dress

 

 

hello fall!!

 



september birchbox

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it's that time again!  that time of the month when i walk to my mailbox and find my tiny little brown box all full of goodness.  i love it.  maybe i'm just a sucker for surprises or it makes me feel important to get good mail.  i don't know.  all i know is this little box gets me darn near as excited as a sale rack.

 

ok, let's start there on the left with the royal blue polish.  my first thought was "eeeek"....but i actually tried it on my nails and decided it would be pretty great with a neutral outfit. 

 

next, in the back, we have some mighty leaf tea company teas.  i haven't tried them yet because honestly, it slipped my mind, but now that i've remembered them i'm pretty excited to light my pumpkin candle and drink some tea!

 

we also have a twistband.  cute little way to throw your hair up.  this one is printed like red lace.  nice little burst of color.

 

front left corner is jouer matte moisture tint.  i'm kind of disappointed this came this time of year just because i'm more apt to use a tinted moisturizer in the summer when my face has some color.  when i get pale i feel like i need more coverage.  i am kind of intrigued by the "matte" finish. 

 

front middle is boscia oil-free nightly hydration.  i've been using this and i have to say i love it.  before my son was born i would've said i had combination skin.  now it is defiitely oily and i have a hard time finding products that don't make me feel even greasier.  this doesn't and i love it.

 

front right is twirl by kate spade.  heavenly.  so feminine.  i want the biggest bottle they sell, please and thank you.

 

remember you can get all these products at birchbox!  i'm usually too much of a tightwad to spend $10 a month on something like this, but honestly, i'm hooked.  i love that i can try out products (such as the boscia) to see if it works for me before i buy it.  the tube in the box would probably cost $10 itself, so not a bad deal, really. 

 

while we're on the subject of beauty products, what are some of your favorites?  i plan on doing some reviews and telling you my take on some of the stuff i've tried.  any feedback or recommendations would be appreciated.  happy almost friday! :)

style statement tuesday & fall fashion week

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today we're linking up with two of my favorite bloggers.  jessica @ the only ten i see & deanna @ delirious rhapsody.  both ladies are hilarious and very fashion forward.  check them out!

so here's my classic trendy outfit of the week:

i love the classic red top with the flare leg jeans and snakeskin belt.  and my shoes...well they are my absolute favorite heels ever.  my grandparents gave me a pair of black pumps for christmas one year and i literally wore them until the heels broke off.  i couldn't find any for years that could begin to measure up, and then i came across these beauts at target last year...for $12.  i am in love with them.  plus, how cute are the ruffles?? 

shirt: thrifted (loft )/ belt: thrifted (ann taylor)/ jeans: old navy (last fall)/ shoes: target (last summer)/ necklace: kohls (this summer)

style statement tuesday

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remember the link up with jessica?  well, today we're back with our first official style statement tuesday!

did you pick your style statement?  mine was classic trendy. 

here's my first outfit: 
(side note:  working on the whole point & shoot camera on a timer thing.  iphone pics in the meantime.)

sweater: jcp (love their new pricing.)

jeans: jessica simpson @ tjmaxx last fall

shoes: walmart clearance (i have totally gotten my $1's worth out of these)

necklace: knock-off jcrew bubble necklace that i scored off ebay for $14

let me know how your first outfit turned out! :)

style statement tuesday

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happy tuesday, y'all!  today (and tuesdays in the future), we're linking up with jessica @ the only ten i see.  i found her blog through our friday linkup with lauren @ from my grey desk.   

you can read more about this on her blog, but she found out about "style statements" from some fellow bloggers.  a style statement is a 2-3 word phrase that you use to describe your style.  i've stewed over this but i think i finally narrowed it down.  i like a classic look, and i can make classic pieces last a loooong time.  but i'm also a sucker for a good trend.  it might take a while to grow on me, and some i never do like, but there are times when i think some animal print or polka dots or colored jeans really make an outfit.  my style statement is classic trendy. 

it's also important, once you narrow down your style, to choose a style icon--someone who can be your "go-to" for inspiration.  i've chosen kate middleton.  she's so classic, but she adds trendy items or colors, as well.

 

exhibit a:  classic blazer with trendy skinnies.

 

 

 

 

exhibit b: a classic peplum dress, belted.

 

 

 

exhibit c: classic cardi with skinny and knee-high boots.

 

 

catch my drift? :)

 

 

what's your style statement?  join us on tuesdays as we venture through our closets and possibly some sale racks! 

 

 

 

the bracelet

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i never sit on pinterest for hours. that's a bold faced lie. i love it. it takes up lots of time, makes my list of "to do" grow longer and longer, all the while my wallet getting smaller and smaller. no, seriously. i can thank pinterest for this blog post.

 

 

i saw this gorgeous turquoise and white bracelet that i wanted to make. it's one of those three-strand beaded ones. i didn't think it looked too awfully hard.... i couldn't have been more wrong. first of all, it requires supernatural, god-given patience of which i do not have and forgot to pray for that day. secondly, it requires 20/-5 vision and i also am lacking in that area. i just got reading glasses.

 

 

but before i learned all that i went to michael's and got all my goodies to embark on this diy journey. i set out to make this for katie, and since i knew she already had plenty of turquoise, i went with coral. so this being my first time making any sort of jewelry, i was a tad bit overwhelmed in the huge jewelry section in michaels. how in the world are there possibly that many clasps to choose from? i eventually stumbled across some thin wire that looked strong enough to hold the beads i had chosen and i was finally able to decide on a clasp.

 

 

side note: if you haven't already noticed, i am not much of a planner. that's where katie comes in. i am notorious for "running to the store" to get everything i need, only to find out that i don't have what i need at all. i am telling you all this to make you aware that this exact scenario also happened with this bracelet. i got so frazzled trying to make this, that i forgot to take pictures through the process. for that i apologize--i will try to do better next time. :)

 

 

the easy part was beading the wire. the hard part was tying the knots. next time i will try to show you pictures of how to tie knots and how not to tie knots. i was working on this late at night and i finally asked cb to come help me. he tied those knots like a pro! all the fishing has finally paid off. :) credit here goes to my hubby! this is the first time katie's seeing her bracelet, too, so katie--here's the jewelry cb made you! ha!

 

 

so here's the finished product. not too bad for my first try! when i get a little more practice under my belt, i hope to have some of these for the etsy shop.

 

 

have you ever had any jewelry making experience? if so, what are your tricks of the trade?

 

very jane deal

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have you all heard of very jane?  it is the cutest little online boutique.  they have several deals each day on all kinds of things--jewelry, clothes, accessories, decor, cute things for the kids--you name it.  today they're having an amazing deal on these cotton scarves.  how cute is this grey polka dot one??  $4.99 with $2.50 shipping for a grand total of $7.49.  can't beat that.  how adorable would that look this fall with some skinnies and a dolman top? 

 

 

they've also got these great fabric earrings from ivy lane accessories.  the navy striped ones would look great with my imaginary outfit. :) 

 

 

happy fall fashion!



august birchbox

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i am happy to announce that i am the official receiver of birchbox!  if you don't happen to know what this is, let me fill ya in.  for $10 a month, i signed up on the birchbox website to receive samples of high-end beauty products.  i am a cheap-o at heart.  but i've learned over the years that you really can't be too good to your skin.  after all, you only get once shot at no wrinkles.  unless of course you pay for an expensive treatment or therapy which probably will cost more than the preventative products in the first place.  anyway, i really like getting these samples before i go out and spend a small fortune on the chance that a product will work with my skin.

 

 

 

 

 

here's what i got this month:

 

apothoderm stretch mark cream

 

i was thrilled with getting this.  no sarcasm, seriously.  going back to the cheapo thing, i've always been too afraid to splurge on stretch mark cream.  but i'm trying out this sample and we shall see....

 

jouer moisturizing lip gloss in birchbox pink

 

when i first saw the tube (left side in the picture) i thought it was nail polish.  glad i didn't put it with my nail stuff and never try it out!  love it!  and $20 isn't too awful bad for a good lip gloss.  it goes on smooth with just enough tint. it's not all gloppy like some lip gloss.

 

juicy couture viva la juicy la fleur

 

man.  i am a sucker for a good perfume.  and i'll be honest--i wouldn't have ever picked this up had i been at the fragrance counter in macy's.  it just doesn't "look" like something i'd choose.  but oh my goodness.  it is divine.

 

shu uemura art of hair full shimmer illuminating shampoo

and

shu uemura art of hair full shimmer illuminating treatment

 

i haven't tried these yet.  i use redken for color-treated hair right now and it's pretty reasonable for professional shampoo....works well on my hair, too!  so even if i do love these, i don't see myself paying that kind of money for shampoo.  but i am excited to try them out. :)

 

 

last but not least, they threw in the new schick razor.  birchbox doesn't usually do this, but i am glad they did!  i'm always in the market for a new razor.  haven't tried this out either.  just put a new blade on my schick hydro. :) 

 

can't wait for next month!  it's like a mini birthday once a month. :)

 

 

 

 



Well, here we are!

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Hi y’all!  Welcome to our brand new blog!  We are so excited to finally be up and running!  Big thanks to Nina at Nina’s Design Studio for all of her fabulous work on the blog! 

You can learn a little more about each of us under our “about us” tab.  But just to give you a little background—we are two twenty (ahem, thirty) something ladies chasing a big dream.  We love, love, love dressing up our homes, our closets and our faces. Girly girls in so many aspects, but consider yourself warned—we live in a tiny town in Kentucky so you miiiiight see some camo on here every once in a while.  Our husbands spend their free time hunting and gathering.  (That is possibly a bit of an overstatement.)   Matter of fact, both of us hunt, too.  And it is quite a sight to behold. 

Anyway, we hope that you stumble across something on our blog that you find helpful.  Whether it’s a project, a pretty little outfit, or a recap of a crazy day, know that we’re so excited to be here sharing it all with you!  Thanks for stopping by! 

We’d love to hear from you, so comment below or shoot us an email!