Beading

 I have a special appreciation for craftsmanship when it comes to clothing, beading in particular, the time and effort that goes into it just blows me away, and this gorgeous skirt is no exception. Another vintage find from my amazing cousin (last one here) from the talented Oscar De La Renta, a man who knows a thing or two about craftsmanship.

 shirt old navy, shoes dolce vita, skirt oscar de la renta, belt vintage, bag dama handbags, ring c/o jewelmint, necklace honey rose and k.

Shining

 sometimes monday's just need a little sparkle to help start the week off on the right foot.

 leggings forever21, shirt oxford and regent (DIY), vest chicos, boots tjmaxx (old), bag piper and blue, jewelry jewelmint, h&m, vintage

Spot The Steal - Steve Madden "Beasst"

Looking for a dupe to Steve Madden's gorgeous "Beasst"?  It would seem that Target caught the bold pink bug, and is selling an almost identical, sans the suede, for less than 1/2 the price of Steve's version. What do you think? 

Mossimo's Paisley in Pink, $29.99 Target

Steve Madden Beasst in Fuchsia, $72.99 Endless

I snagged them (seen here, and here)

Best Lemon Bars Recipe

I wake up early every Saturday so I can hop down to the Farmer's Market just to indulge in freshly baked lemon bars, they've become somewhat of a weakness in my life, between the cooling yet tart flavor and the crumbly crust I just can't help myself and have been know to buy a few more than I 'need' to. So imagine how dangerous it was when I found this amazing, and (so so so) simple recipe for my very own lemon bars from home. Mmm.

Lemon Bars

Crust

1 1/2 cups  flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp lemon zest

1/3 cup butter, room temp.

Filling

4 large eggs

1 1/3 cups sugar

1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed and strained

Preheat oven to 350˚F and line 13×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil.

Start by making the crust.  In a large bowl, mix  flour, sugar, salt and lemon zest. Add butter to flour mixture and blend with an electric mixer at low speed until mixture is crumbly. 

Pour into pan and press mixture down with your fingers to form even layer.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until just lightly browned around the edges. For the filling, whisk together eggs, sugar and lemon juice in a large bowl.

 When the crust comes out of the oven and is still hot, pour in filling mixture.

 Bake for about 20 minutes, or until filling is set and does not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.

Cool completely before slicing. 

Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and enjoy.

This Week...

I love when I have a week filled with shoes, packages and comfort food.  What makes your week?

Finally snagged these babies to realize this, uh oh, going back.

Who doesn't love a cheeseburger and fries on the beach?

 New hair straightener from HANA.

 Box of vintage goodies from my cousin, I wore the Miu Miu here.

And we took some pictures of the 4 of us...

The "Venice" 3 Ways

After getting the "Venice", I teamed up with Stylemint to give the versatile striped top three different looks. What do you think? Next time I'm going to go with a more colorful separates, since I unintentionally went with dark hues.

Frills

Navy Ruffled Skirt, Black Tights, and Pumps

 Top Stylemint, Skirt Zac Posen for Target, Shoes Vince Camuto, Bag H&M, Tights Old Navy

 Vested

Layered Jewelry, Menswear inspired Vest, Black Skinnies, Fuchsia Pumps

Vest Express, Jeans Elizabeth Grace, Shoes Target, Bag Old Navy, Necklaces Jewelmint and Vintage

Eclectic

Pleated Skirt, Berry Oversized Scarf, OTK Socks, Pumps, Statement Ring and Clutch

 It's Fashion Friday

watercoloring

 Ok, it's true, I love purple a little too much.

 dress h&m, shoes candies, bag h&m, necklace honey rose & k

Plumed Colors

 It's been awhile since this shirt last surfaced (here, and here) and since it seems to be turning into Spring here what better time to bring out the lovely colors of the peacock plume.

 top liberty of london for target/DIY, shorts go international target, blazer target, shoes vince camuto, tights old navy, bag piper and blue, ring h&m, necklaces jewelmint & DIY, 

Daily Buzz Style 9x9: Day To Night Make Up Tutorial

When I was chosen to put together a Day to Night Make Up Tutorial for Daily Buzz's Style 9x9, I immediately knew what I wanted to do, a simple cat lined eye and a nude lip for day and for night, my signature bold lips, fuchsia in particular. 

And since most of you know, like my hair, I don't spend a lot of time on my make-up, since well, I already spend far too much time standing in my closet looking for clothes to wear. Not to mention, the whole chasing after two under 3 all day, leaves little time for primping. I literally spend 5 minutes on make up, and I'm totally fine with it.

For Day

I substitute moisturizer for primer and have found it has exactly the same effects as actually priming your face, especially when make up is applied immediately after. Then I lightly go over my face with a cream make up, conceal as needed and then add a some bronzer. Too Faced - Pink Leopard is my Favorite.

Next, I apply a little white shadow to my eyes (temples and upper cheekbone) to 'hightlight' my features with a large eye shadow brush.

Then, I carefully line my lids with liquid liner. Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Liner in Black Brown is my long time favorite.

Mascara is next, top lashes only. (Note - Putting mascara on your lower lashes has been known accentuate dark circles) Then I 'clean' up whatever smudging might've happened. 

After the eyes are all set, I set everything with a little 'mineral' powder.

After I add a touch of color with blush, just to give a little more glow, and blend.

 And of course, what's a make up 'routine' without lips? I went with a nude shimmer gloss (seen here).

And Voila! Day To Night in Under 5 Minutes.