2.10.2014

Nobody's Perfect

If there is a "couldn't have said it better myself" moment, this would be it. Because, you see....nobody's perfect. Yes we all like to think everyone is as perfect as their blog, instagram, or facebook account's portray, but those are only glimpses of everyone's life. There is absolutely no one who is perfect, but (and this but is as big as Kim K's) despite our imperfections, everyone certainly has a purpose. Whatever that purpose may be, it is most definitely different and always changing, and important.




If I am being honest with you guys, I am sort of struggling with what my purpose is. I am totally in the middle of jobs (translation: unemployed). I mean, I have this blog, and its pretty much a small business (those who aren't bloggers probably don't realize that it pretty much is a business), and I have Elizabeth & West (which is slowly but surely getting there, I swear), but nothing with a steady income, you know? It has been years since I have had to job search, interview, let alone figure out what I want to do. Do I get a part time job and have my other part time job be my blog (because it pretty much is at this point...one that I absolutely love), or do I get a full time job? What am I even qualified for? I was a business owner for a couple of years and before that a teacher, so at this point in my life I am pretty much starting from scratch...in limbo, if you will.  I am sort of lost as to what my purpose is- or not so much lost, just trying to figure it out! I know part of my purpose is being a Mommy, and a wife and being there for my girls and my husband.

I know, though, that my purpose is so much more than that- so much more than being a Mommy and being a wife! I guess I could look at this as a new journey, a new chapter. I am working on it though and that's the best I can do at this point, right? I have been plugging away at my blog so it continues to grow, making myself proud by putting myself out there to make contacts for freelance opportunities (total sidenote...its kind of frightening just emailing big wigs, but its kind of awesome too. Any big wigs reading this....I'm here...I'm available...I'm cool!) and just using my time I have now to focus on growing my small business that is my blog, and exploring all sorts of opportunities.






Outfit Details: 
Shirt: JCrew /// Pants: Old Navy /// Jacket: Gap (love this) ///Shoes: Target /// Bag: Target /// Necklaces: Cross Pendant (gifted), Stella and Dot, Brin and Bell Initial Necklace 

My point is, if you are ever unsure-you have a purpose. Everyone does. It doesn't matter if yours is different than someone else's- its just as important. Not sure what your purpose is or still trying to figure it out? Welcome! My name is Rebecca and I will be your pilot! We've got time to figure it out, all we can do is try our best. And remember, nobody's perfect. (But these red heels are, aren't they?!?!)

Don't forget to enter my Jane Iredale giveaway here! There are still two more days left! 

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2.07.2014

Casual Vacation Print Mixing

I can't deal with this winter anymore! It's hard to think that two weeks ago I was sitting on the beach in mexico sipping a Pina Colada. My biggest decision was whether or not to lounge by the pool or the beach. Ugh!

This outfit was one of the first that I packed when I was getting things together for my trip. The pants were great for the casual nights, and roomy enough for my liking! I had planned on even tossing them over my bathing suit with a loose fitting tank, but instead just wore them in the evening! I am looking forward to breaking them out when the weather gets a little warmer! I think they would also look pretty cute with my white Converse sneakers!




Outfit Details:
Top:  Forever 21  /// Pants: Forever 21 (love these) /// Sandals: Gap (similar) /// Necklace: Old Navy /// Jacket: Gap (super cute) /// Bracelets: c/o Charming Charlie, Stella and Dot

So instead of wearing sandals and my denim moto jacket, I am wearing boots and layers upon layers! Yuck! Have a great weekend, everyone!! 

If you haven't done so yet, link up your favorite winter trend, and enter my Jane Iredale giveaway! 


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2.06.2014

Jane Iredale Makeup Review/Giveaway!

Happy Thursday, everyone! Hope those of you that are in the northeast like me are warm, have power and are thawing out! It is bitter!

If there is one thing I love besides fashion, its makeup/beauty products! When I went to Lucky FABB this past October, I was introduced to Jane Iredale makeup. I was given their PureMoist Lipstick (in Margi) to try as well as their PureGloss Lipgloss (in Crabapple), and I was hooked! I wear the lipstick just about every day and add the lipgloss for a little extra umph for date night or just when I need a little extra kick in my step!

I was sent a few more items and was super excited to give them a try. I have been playing around with them over the last couple of months and really do love it all!






Here is the look I created with other Jane Iredale makeup I was sent! I like it because it can be an every day look, which I get a lot more use out of. Plus, it lasts a long time. This was late afternoon and I had already been wearing everything for a few hours!

And a total side note- I am certain my neighbors think I am taking pictures of them. The best natural lighting is in my kitchen, so naturally I decided to set up the camera/tripod right in the kitchen, at our patio door to take these pictures. "Oh hey neighbor in your backyard with your dog. No need to pay attention to my camera with a big lens on a tripod. I swear the lens is facing me, not you! Really...I swear..."



#OOTD Shirt: IWYP: By Whitney Ellen /// Cardigan: Old Navy




Let me break down my look for you:

EYES

I used the PurePressed  (mineral pressed) eye shadow in Hush as my base. It is a pretty light and sheer color. Plus, it helped lighten up the PurePressed color in Merlot that I used all over my lids. It is a pretty deep purple. I didn't want to wear it too dark for daytime errand running, so the Hush really gave it a more subtle look. I will note that they are both matte colors, so there is not shimmer to them. I love a good matte eye shadow every once in a while. Finally, I used PurePressed in Double Espresso for my eye liner. I have also used the Double Espresso before to add some dimension to my creases and corners (it is also matte). 

What I like about the shadows is that you can apply them wet or dry which gives them more versatility. Plus, its great for delicate skin and sensitive eyes (with the help of Pine Bark Extract). I noticed it wore well too. Usually when my daughters play in the bath tub I stand on their bathroom stool and inspect my face in the mirror (I know...weird?). I noticed that my makeup (overall) still looked awesome. 

Finally, I used Pure Lash mascara. It goes on really smooth and I noticed it didn't flake at all throughout the day. It doesn't make my lashes look super full, which I prefer, but it did lengthen them! 

CHEEKS/LIPS

I am wearing In Touch Cream Blush in Confidence. I am OBSESSED with this blush. I never really tried any type of cream blush, only because I am not a huge fan of cream shadow. I thought it would be just as awful as cream shadow- until I tried this. It gives a nice glow as opposed to a matte look of powder blush, its super easy to apply AND it has real cocoa extract in it, which makes it smell (and taste a little) like chocolate. Bonus: You can use it on your eyes and your lips. I am actually also wearing it on my lips in this particular look as well. 

FINISHING TOUCH

I used the 24 Karat Gold Dust in Rose Gold over my cheeks for a little added shimmer. It is great to use not just on your cheeks but your eyes and lips too! 

Overall, I am pretty pleased with everything! It lasts well throughout the day, the quality is really great too! 

Now is your chance to win two Jane Iredale lip products! I happen to love both of these! First is the Sugar & Butter Lip Exfoliator/Plumper. The organic brown sugar removes your dull skin (and tastes so good you can lick it off!), and the tinted lip plumper moistens and plumps your lips ($25). The lipgloss in Crabapple ($24) adds the perfect shine to your lips! 


Enter to win below! Best of luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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2.04.2014

What She Wears Linkup: Fave Winter Trend

It was a balmy 40 degrees this weekend, you guys! It felt amazing! So amazing that I almost didn't need to wear my favorite winter trend!

You know how when you find a comfy, cute and stylish outfit, you just stick with it? That's how it was with this outfit. I had literally like one errand to run on Friday and didn't feel like spending more time getting ready than what I would be out and about so I tossed this outfit on and rolled out.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Enter Sunday morning, getting ready for church- I decided to wear it again (evidence of church? My church daycare sticker I accidentally left on for the pictures!)! Except I did maybe fix it a little...I wore my Old Navy vest instead of a coat, but you better believe I wore my favorite Zara blanket scarf. This scarf has been my absolute favorite trend this winter. It goes with everything, keeps you so warm, and can totally double as a blanket! I know this scarf will be a timeless accessory for me and will be something that I wear time and time again! Despite the fact that it is plaid, it really is versatile, which is one of the many things I love about it!

This month's What She Wears link up theme with my co hosts Meagan, Dawnelle, Jalynn and Brandi is all about your favorite winter trend! We thought this would be perfect since we are in the heart of winter, and because winter trends can vary so much! We can't wait to see what you all pick as your favorite winter trend!







Outfit Details: 
Scarf: Zara /// Sweatshirt: Old Navy, old (similar) /// Vest: Old Navy /// Jeans: Gap /// Shoes: Converse via Kohls /// Purse: Purchased in Mexico /// Bracelets: Stella and Dot, Brin and Bell 

Show us your favorite winter trend! It can be a collage, pictures, previous post, whatever winter trend you want to share! Link up below, and don't forget to check back next Tuesday to see who we all chose as our favorite! 




Linking up with Lauren and Shanna


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2.03.2014

Menswear: Day to Night

Wardrobe versatility doesn't just apply to a woman's closet! There are many pieces in a guy's wardrobe that can easily transition from day to night and even into the weekend. Plus, it seems that most offices are taking the more business casual route with their dress code, which stretches anyone's wardrobe even further! No need to just invest in three piece suits that are just worn to work! Purchasing separates is a great way to build a versatile wardrobe.

Here are a few ideas on how to transition basic menswear pants, a dress shirt and a vest from day to night!

 First, we will take a look at khaki's. A pair of khaki's are so neutral and to me, a blank canvas. Easily mixed and matched with other pieces, it can be transitioned from day to night with simply changing the top!

Outfit Details:
Day: Sweater: Target /// Chambray: Target /// Bowtie: Kohl's /// Pants: Gap /// Shoes: Steve Madden 
Night: T Shirt: Old Navy (similar) /// Hoodie: Target /// Shoes: Adidas via Kohls

Swapping out a dress chambray shirt and bow tie with a tee shirt and zip up hoodie is super easy to do. Something as simple as even changing the shoes from dress to sneakers is also a quick change. Don't have time to change the whole look? Remove the bow tie, untuck the button up and you've already made your look a little more casual! If the off white sweater is a little too casual for the office, you can always wear a suit jacket instead! 

Next, lets take a look at your standard dress shirt! 

Menswear: Day to Night
Outfit Details:
Day: Suit Jacket; Kohl's /// Suit Pants: Kohl's /// Shoes: Target /// Tie: Target /// Shirt: Target 
Night: Watch: Fossil /// Velvet Blazer: Zara /// Shoes: Converse via Piperlime /// Jeans: Target

I love a good collection of dress shirts in a guy's closet. They don't have to be fancy or expensive either. Changing out of the suit and tossing on a pair of jeans and a casual blazer (I love a velvet blazer!) is a quick and easy way to get more wear out of your dress shirts. If you get enough of suit jackets or blazers at work and want to take a breather during off hours, just cuff the sleeves and wear untucked. You will still look put together, but definitely more casual!

Lastly, check out how easy it is to transition a suit vest from day to night! The third piece of a three piece suit doesn't need to be reserved for just the office!

Day to Night 2

Incorporating a suit vest into your evening/weekend wardrobe is simple! Just like the previous pieces, simply adding a pair of jeans, and even a pair of sneakers changes the whole look of the vest and gives a more casual vibe! 

Take a look at your wardrobe, get a little creative and try to mix and match some of your work pieces with your more casual ones! Even better, next time you go shopping, try choosing items that you know you will be able to wear at least two or three different ways (I do this when I shop)! You will be surprised how much more wear you will get out of items when you put some thought into it!



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