February 28, 2005

Today's outfit

• Tommy Hilfiger "Hipster" jeans, very faded
  
• Tryst deep v-neck tee with 3/4 sleeves, tie-dyed in browns and creams with a big pink heart at center chest/neckline
  
• tan Soda chukka-mules
  
• wedding set
• small dangly earrings w/brown stones
• brown Nine West bag with chrome rings
• brown leather hip-length belted aviator jacket with faux fur collar and lapels in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
• Neutrogena blush mosaic in Fresh
• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Maybelline Roller Color eyeshadow in Glidin' Glitter (not glittery really, but a nice sparkly brown)
• Kiss Me mascara in Black/Brown, top lashes only
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Who's The Fairest? gloss in Diva Shine
  

Today's fragrance

• Monyette Paris
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
• Clean & Clear salicylic acid gel
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
  
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15
  
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• March issue of Health
• Patternworks catalog
  

Today's obsession
Those bitches on alt.fashion are talking about apple green leather handbags and now I want one. I'm seeing a lot of them in stores (even the stores I shop, like TJ Maxx and Target) so it's just a matter of going out and procuring one.

I'm actually getting - gasp! - a bit bored with my spring palette before I've even had a chance to wear it! The thing is, while looking for more variations on the theme, I'm just seeing the same old thing over and over. There are about a zillion lavender cardigans out there right now - how many do I need? Ditto sleeveless aqua tops. So I may pick up more green, which is a good color for me. I'm seeing lots of orange which used to look good on me, but lately it just seems to wash me out unless it's a really autumny rust shade. The tropical and peachy stuff makes me look ill.

Just like on January 1st I was officially bored with winter and ready for spring, now I'm bored with spring (before it's started) and looking ahead to summer. No doubt I'll be done with that sometime in late May. Sigh.

February 27, 2005

Today's outfit

• baby blue knit lounging pants
  
• cream v-neck ribbed knit top with 3/4 sleeves
  
• Old Navy pink faux shearling mule slippers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler

Today's fragrance

• Kiehl's Musk Oil
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
• Clean & Clear salicylic acid gel
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
  
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15
  
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
Okay, so last night I applied another coat of the Neutrogena MicroMist tanning spray to my legs right before bed, and this morning I woke up looking like a blind chimpanzee with epilepsy had decorated my legs with orange spray paint. It was, shall we say, not a good look.

When I applied it yesterday morning, I didn't really pick up much color. The instructions say to hold the spray 6 inches from your skin, and I think I held it about twice that far away the first time around. So last night, I made sure to hold the spray a bit closer. There was still quite a bit of overspray and it was really hard to control where I was spraying this stuff. The product is colorless so it's hard to tell where you have and haven't sprayed it, especially since the overspray tends to wet everything down. Well when I woke up this morning, I could tell exactly where I had sprayed it. Only the areas that caught the direct middle of the spray stream picked up any color, and apparently the overspray doesn't do bupkis because the rest of my leg was still fishbelly white. Aiii!

So I am counting this product a miss. I am not a self-tanning novice by any means, but I found this stuff incredibly difficult to use. They really need to reformulate it with some sort of color indicator because without one it's nearly impossible to get an even application. Also, I found the final color way too orange. Run away!

Incidentally, if you should find yourself on the receiving end of a self-tanning catastrophe, don't panic! All you need is some body scrub and a bottle of exfoliating body lotion. (I like Jergens Skin Smoothing lotion because it contains AHAs and BHAs and it's cheap. Note: Don't buy Jergens Naturally Smooth lotion by mistake, because it's a whole different thing.) Use the scrub in the shower and apply the lotion at least twice a day to the areas you want to lighten and you should see things evening out within a few days.

As for me, I'm going back to my tried and true L'Oreal Sublime Bronze. I have the new spray in this line also and haven't tried it yet, but you're supposed to rub it in so I have higher hopes of getting an even application. Plus I know the other Sublime Bronze stuff looks much more natural on me - no orange!

February 26, 2005

Today's outfit

• Mossimo pinky-lavender velour drawstring pants and matching hoodie
  
• white cap-sleeved crewneck tee with "alt.fashion" on front in black lettering and "What are *you* wearing today?" on back in black lettering
  
• Old Navy pink faux shearling mule slippers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Neutrogena blush mosaic thingie in Fresh
• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Maybelline Roller Color eyeshadow in Make A Move Mauve
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Princess Pink
  

Today's fragrance

• Aroma M Hana-cha
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
• Clean & Clear salicylic acid gel
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
  
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15
  
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
Just a couple more reviews of recent purchases ... I really like this Maybelline Roller Color eyeshadow. It's very very subtle and sparkly and the rollerball applicator is actually much easier to use than I feared it would be. It deposits a very sheer layer of product and it's not the least bit messy. I need more of these!

I tried out the new Neutrogena MicroMist sunless tanning spray today, just on my legs. I bought the Medium shade, which is supposed to darken skin two shades. They also have a Deep, which darkens skin three shades. I found the aerosol-type spray a little hard to control. It covers a wider area than I thought it would, and there is lots of overspray, but it didn't seem to stain anything (this is not an instant bronzer, so it has no initial color). Still, you'll want to apply this naked no matter how small an area you're trying to cover.

True to the packaging claims, it sprays in any direction without clogging, and it was nice not having to rub it in and get my hands messy. The spray itself has a light scent that's not unpleasant. It dries pretty quickly - in about the same amount of time that it takes my Fresh Sugar roll-on deodorant to dry - and once dry it does not feel the least bit sticky or greasy or anything. However, once it dries and starts working, it does have that typical self-tanner smell that we all know and love to hate. Actually, it kind of smells like self-tanner overlaid with baby powder.

The color is supposed to develop within 2-4 hours and indeed, it took about 3-4 hours for me to see any indication of color. I wouldn't say it's two shades darker than my normal skintone, though. Maybe one shade. I may have held the spray too far away from my skin. It did turn out pretty even except for one spot below my left knee where I apparently lingered too long. I think I'll try another coat this evening and see if I can get more color. I shall report back!

February 25, 2005

Today's outfit

• Tommy Hilfiger "Hipster" jeans, faded wash
  
• l/s turtleneck sweater striped in white, lavender, baby blue and what I thought was black but on closer inspection appears to be a very deep purple
  
• silver/sky metallic KangaROOS
  
• wedding set
• silver hoop earrings
  
• black/bronze shoulderbag
• black Merona walking coat in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Neutrogena blush mosaic thingie in Fresh
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Lavender Marquis
  

Today's fragrance

• Child
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
• Clean & Clear salicylic acid gel
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
  
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15
  
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
So that Neutrogena blush mosaic thing I bought the other day is really kind of nice. The shade I bought, Fresh, is a mixture of pinky-rose shades. The combined effect is a bit lighter and brighter than my beloved Rimmel Pink Rose. It looks really pretty when applied with a light hand. The staying power isn't great, though; I seem to need to re-apply it in the early afternoon. But I like it enough that I'd consider other shades, like the bronze one that I saw at CVS when I bought this one. The display looked like there was supposed to be a third shade as well, but it wasn't labeled and there's no info on the Neutrogena website so who knows?

I think I've reached a verdict on the LipFusion: it does work, but very subtly. The first couple of days I used it, I didn't notice much of a change at all unless I put some sort of lip color over it, in which case I saw a little added fullness. For the past several days, though, I've been drinking more water and applying the LipFusion right after I've had my shower, and I do see almost instant plumping with that method. I would say the amount of added fullness is on par with what I got after a month of using CityLips. But again, the LipFusion works right away (or at least, within an hour). The literature says it lasts for up to 48 hours, but on me it's more like 4 or 5 hours, I think.

LipFusion doesn't sting, but it does give this weird numbness sensation right after I apply it. Then, within 10 to 20 minutes, I get a sort of cool tingling feeling that seems to be coming from within my lips rather than on the surface. Weird, but not painful or unpleasant. The main thing I don't like about it is that it's so incredibly thick and slick that I really can't apply lipstick over it. Glosses work great, and really emollient lipsticks seem to work okay, but MAC lipsticks are right out, and there's no way I could apply liner if I wanted to (which means I haven't been able to use my beloved N.Y.C. Pencil & Pouts).

Moving right along, I read in today's paper that the developers of a new shopping center that's going in near where I live are trying to woo some really high-end stores like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Ferragamo and Armani. Swoon! Not that I could afford to buy more than, like, a shoelace from any of those places, but to get to ogle that stuff in person would be way swell. They've already signed up Neiman Marcus, which we don't have here in Austin right now, so that's way cool! I can't wait until this place opens!

February 24, 2005

Today's outfit

• Express jeans, faded wash
  
• ancient Old Navy l/s v-neck knit top, striped in sage and cream
  
• white leather Nike Airliner sneakers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  
• black/bronze shoulderbag
• black Merona walking coat
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Nars blush in Orgasm
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Rimmel Vinyl Stars gloss in Star Dust
  

Today's fragrance

• YOSH Ginger Ciao
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
• Clinique Total Turnaround Cream
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
  
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15
  
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
So now I have a ginormous zit on the left side of my face. Just great. I haven't had a zit like this since the TruBlend catastrophe last year!

Jay won Project Runway! Yay! I started to lose my love for Kara Saun a little bit during the finale. She was sort of uncharacteristically bitchy for a while there. I actually thought some of Wendy's collection was sort of pretty, but I'm soooo glad she didn't win!

Not much else to obsess over today.

February 23, 2005

Today's outfit

• Guess jeans, medium wash
  
• black wide-ribbed v-neck sweater with 3/4 sleeves
  
• solid black DKNY "Rock On" corset sneakers
  
• wedding set
• silver hoop earrings
• black/bronze shoulderbag
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Neutrogena blush mosaic in Fresh
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Lorac Lip Polish in LKB2
  

Today's fragrance

• Bonne Bell Skin Musk Oil
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
• Clinique Total Turnaround Cream
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• DHC Blotting Lotion
  
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
My skin has suddenly become SUPER oily. I think it's partially a hormone thing, though it's not usually this bad, and partially a humidity thing, ditto. Also, I have a few little mini-zits, which I don't normally get since starting my current skincare routine, and a major case of bacne. Yuck!

When this happens, I have to go back to using mineral makeup exclusively (as far as foundation goes). Most of my other foundations don't break me out under normal circumstances, but they all sort of have that potential if my skin is freaked out anyway. I am so glad I "discovered" mineral makeup for cases like this! It's incredibly gentle and provides great coverage. I have a teeny non-taklon concealer brush that I use to apply more concentrated minerals right on top of any red spots, then I use my larger brush for full-face application to sort of blend it in. Voila! My skin looks nearly perfect, even if it's far from it.

This is also a good time to put in another plug for my favorite blotting papers, which are made my Shiseido and are part of the Pureness line. These are not the film-type papers, but a thick paper material that just blots like crazy. I find they blot more effectively than the films, and they're larger, too. They're certainly not the cheapest blotting papers out there, but worth every penny!

February 22, 2005

Today's outfit

• Express bootcut jeans, faded wash
  
• plummy knit v-neck with 3/4 sleeves
  
• Sbicca brown leather wedge-heel mules/clogs
  
• wedding set
• gold hoop earrings
• brown Nine West bag w/chrome rings
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Rimmel blush in Pink Rose
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Rimmel Vinyl Lip gloss in Disco Diva
  

Today's fragrance

• Ebba Miss Ebba
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Clinique Foaming Rinse-Off Cleanser
• DHC Blotting Lotion
• Clinique Total Turnaround Cream
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases
From CVS:

• Crest Vivid White toothpaste in Refreshing Mint (repurchase)
• John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Volumizing Shampoo for Amber to Maple tones (not a repurchase as I haven't tried the volumizing shampoo yet, but I'm hooked on the rest of the line and have repurchased many items)
• Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray in Medium (this is new!)
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer in Ivory to Fair (also new - it's a lightweight foundation, apparently, with retinol, SPF 20 and a sheer tint)
• Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Sheer Highlighting Blush in Fresh (also new - it's a mosaic thingie - and it was free with the foundation purchase)
• Maybelline Roller Color eyeshadow in Glidin' Glitter and Make-A-Move Mauve (buy one, get one free)
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• March Vogue. Whoa, this thing is totally bloated.
• Bliss catalog. Again? I think I just got one a couple of weeks ago.
  

Today's obsession
I can't believe I'm so late to the party, as in almost completely MISSED the party, on the whole Project Runway thing. When I heard it was coming on it sounded interesting, but I was like, "It's BRAVO. The people who brought us Jonathan Antin. How good can this possibly be?" So then I never watched it and people kept talking about it and I felt like an idiot. But because I'm obsessive-compulsive and all, I couldn't just, you know, pick it up in the middle of the thing. Because that would be wrong! So instead, I waited until this weekend and then taped the marathon on Sunday and now I'm hooked, and the damn thing will be over on Wednesday. Story of my life, people!

Anyhoo, I'm pulling for Kara Saun like everyone else in America, though I lurve Jay and will be happy if he wins, too. I know this has probably been discussed to death elsewhere, but how the hell did Wendy make it this far?! The judges have sort of hated her all along, haven't they? And yet she beat out Austin and the pretty pretty Robbio? Can we blame this all on Nancy O'Dell, whoever the hell she is? I have never watched her show, and I'm not about to start now so TAKE THAT NANCY O'DELL!

February 21, 2005

Today's outfit

• Old Navy white bootcut jeans
  
• Mossimo pinky-lavender s/s v-neck stretch tee
  
• started with Madeline silver strappy kitten heels, now wearing Old Navy silver satin flip-flops with sequined and beaded straps
  
• wedding set
• silver hoop earrings
• silver hoop necklace
• silver faux leather slouchy crescent bag
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
• Bloom compact powder foundation in Base One
• Nars blush in Orgasm
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura eyelash curler
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Lavender Marquis
  

Today's fragrance

• Ebba Miss Danielle
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin
• LipFusion
  

Today's purchases
From New York & Company, on sale for 70% off:

• white, black, lavender and baby blue striped l/s turtleneck sweater
• baby blue velour lounging pants
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I'm still searching for a print skirt that goes along with my spring color palette. I have skirts in solid white and solid lavender, but I'm craving prints! And of course, I will need some print tops to go with my solid skirts. It just never ends!

Because I've been shopping for "bottoms", I'm once again getting all pissed off about the whole vanity sizing thing and the lack of non-petite smaller sizes. And also, it bugs me when the sizes are inconsistent within a single manufacturer's line. At New York & Company, a store I love (it's like Express for the over-30 set), a size 4 fits me in some pants, while a size 2 fits me in others. Of course, it's very, very rare that I can even find a size 2 there. And while I appreciate that their pants come in three lengths, I'm apparently between lengths when it comes to most of their stuff - the "average" is just a bit too long, and the "short" is a bit too short. They had some gorgeous crepe trousers there that I would have bought in a heartbeat, but I just couldn't find a size that fit me the way I wanted. Very frustrating!

It's sunny and around 80 degrees here today, so I was finally able to wear some of my spring duds! Unfortunately, I made the mistake of wearing my strappy silver heels to the mall. By the time I got out of there, my pinky toes were bleeding! The Fresh Sugar deodorant is holding up well in the heat, though. I'm having no wetness problems at all, and only a slight odor breakthrough. You have to stick your nose in my pits to smell anything, and even then it's not bad at all, I don't think.

Also, I'm still waffling on the LipFusion thing. I know yesterday I said not to bother and that I wouldn't repurchase, but I've been drinking more water lately and now I think I might be seeing a more dramatic difference with this stuff. Argh! I'm just going to keep using it and see what happens.

February 20, 2005

Today's outfit

• Mossimo pinky-lavender velour drawstring pants
  
• white cap-sleeved scoopneck ribbed tee
  
• Old Navy pink faux shearling mule slippers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  

Today's makeup

• none! shocking!
  

Today's fragrance

• none
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• actually yesterday - March issue of Allure
  

Today's obsession
First of all, I'm sorry for going AWOL for a few days there. We had houseguests over the weekend and it seemed rude to escape to my office for any length of time, so I wasn't able to update. I was no fashion plate over the weekend, so you didn't miss anything!

Okay, so I have to update my impressions of LipFusion. After using it for a few days, I'm still not sure whether I like it. Honestly, I think I probably won't repurchase it. But I'm glad I tried it, because I was dying of curiosity and I wouldn't have been able to rest until I'd tried it for myself.

LipFusion is a very thick balm/gloss type product with a wand applicator. I find it difficult to apply most lipsticks over it because they just slip off and remove the LipFusion without depositing any color. It works fine under glosses and really super emollient lipsticks, though. I have to say that I'm really not seeing any instant plumping at all with this stuff. In fact, despite a cool tingling sensation that makes it feel like the product is doing something, I don't really see any plumping until I apply a colored lip product over the LipFusion. Then I notice that my bottom lip especially is a bit fuller. Nothing dramatic, but noticeable. However, I can't help but wonder if maybe it's just the thickness of the product itself that makes it appear that my lips are fuller? When I eat and drink and the product wears off, I'm right back where I started with lips that don't appear any plumper at all. This stuff certainly isn't lasting 48 hours on me. It's not even lasting 8 hours, I don't think.

My verdict? Save your money. I don't think I'm getting any added significant plumping with the LipFusion beyond what I get with CityLips, and CityLips is cheaper.

Now let's talk about the Fresh Sugar deodorant I purchased the other day. I bought this because the lovelies on the Who's The Fairest? message board said it was awesome. I was pretty skeptical - how awesome can a deodorant possibly be? - but the huge number of raves won me over. And I have to say, this really is an awesome deodorant! The only negative for me is the amount of time it takes to dry. It could be that I'm just so used to solid deodorants that I've forgotten how long a roll-on takes. Some of the WTF? folks said it dries pretty quickly, so what do I know? But this stuff smells great (the scent doesn't linger, though), does not leave any white residue, doesn't sting, and really seems to work all day on both wetness and odor. Of course, it's winter right now and I don't really need anything heavy-duty, but I'll be interested to see how this stuff performs in warmer weather. If it holds up, I will definitely repurchase this product despite the cost.

February 17, 2005

Today's outfit

• Guess jeans, medium-faded wash
  
• Express l/s deep v-neck knit top in a deep blood red
  
• solid black DKNY "Rock On" corset sneakers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  
• large black faux leather tote w/raw chamois edges and silver hardware
  
• black Merona walking coat in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Max Factor Colour Adapt in Creamy Ivory
  
• Estee Lauder Blushlights in Pink Shimmer
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Raisin
  

Today's fragrance

• none
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Clinique Foaming Rinse-Off Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• LipFusion
• Fresh Sugar roll-on deodorant/antiperspirant
• vodka (liter bottle of Grey Goose)
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
So I caved and bought the LipFusion. The gals at Sephora were raving about it, but then, they would. I put it on a little while ago and hmmmm. I'm not sure I'm seeing any "instant" plumping action going on here. But supposedly it can take up to an hour to really fill things out, so we'll see.

The product is an opaque, white-ish thick gloss type deal that goes on with a sponge applicator. It goes on fairly sheer, so it doesn't look like you've smeared zinc oxide all over your lips or anything like that. The formula is thicker than CityLips. It doesn't sting or burn at all, though it does tingle a bit in a non-irritating but kind of bizarre way. It leaves a glossy finish and seems to have good staying power. But again, I dunno if I'd say it was plumping anything, exactly. Maybe I'm dehydrated and the little collagen thingies don't have any water with which to work?

I'll try to update througout the day and let y'all know how this stuff works.

UPDATE: Okay, it's been about three hours since I applied this stuff, and I do think there's a little bit of plumping going on. Nothing dramatic at all - just a very subtle fullness. I applied my lipstick over it after it had been on for about an hour and that's when I could really tell a difference. Stay tuned!

February 16, 2005

Today's outfit

• Earl jeans, faded wash and frayed hem
  
• black l/s very fine knit splitneck sweater w/skinny drawstring tie at neck
  
• black faux suede d'orsay pointy-toed pumps with a big silver buckle and grommets across vamp (Prada knockoffs from Payless)
  
• wedding set
• silver hoop earrings
  
• large black faux leather tote w/raw chamois edges and silver hardware
  
• black Merona walking coat in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Bloom compact powder foundation in Base One
  
• Rimmel blush in Pink Rose
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift in Sheer Peaceful Plum
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Always Ascher
  

Today's fragrance

• Regina Harris
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Clinique Foaming Rinse-Off Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I know I'm way late because it's already over, but I'm still oohing and aahing and in some cases gagging over the runway pics from the Fall 2005 collections as presented at Fashion Week. I love the colors Carlos Miele used in his collection. Likewise Esteban Cortazar. Rich ivory and butterscotch shades seem to be popular this year, and I love them. Marc Bouwer used them as well, along with a gorgeous bronzey-olive shade that would look fabulous on me, if I do say so myself.

I kind of hate the Catherine Malandrino collection. I am no fashion expert by any stretch of the imagination, but her stuff just looks ugly to me. Speaking of ugly, I'm not sure what the Heatherette collection is supposed to be about, but dude! There are no words. The Chaiken collection is kind of pretty without the silly hats. Cynthia Steffe's stuff all looks like it was meant to be worn by a five year old girl. Ick!

Donna Karan was kind of heavy on the dark colors, but some of her shapes were pretty. Ditto Joanna Mastroianni. I've never heard of IISLI but their (her? his?) stuff was pretty nice. Ditto Twinkle.

Jeffrey Chow's collection was half gorgeous and half dowdy, from what I've seen. I dig the 40s silhouette he was working, though. Roland Mouret rocked the 40s look as well, as did Vivienne Tam. Mac Millan's stuff looked like some weird melding of 60s and 80s influences.

Dana Buchman's collection remains my favorite. Everything is pretty, and I can see myself wearing almost all of it (well, the cheaper knockoffs thereof, anyway).

February 15, 2005

Today's outfit

• J Crew natural linen pants (cut like jeans)
  
• Mossimo cranberry red s/s v-neck stretch tee
  
• Josef Seibel dark brown leather mules
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
• brown Nine West bag w/chrome rings
• Mossimo khaki linen very fitted safari jacket in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Bloom compact powder foundation in Base One
  
• Nars blush in Orgasm
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Raisin
  

Today's fragrance

• Escada Ibiza Hippie
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Clinique Foaming Rinse-Off Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• Mossimo "Delta" slingbacks in black
• Max Factor Colour Adapt foundation in Creamy Ivory (repurchase)
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Baguette Beige, Antique Bronze, Princess Pink and Always Ascher
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• Target coupons
  

Today's obsession
I experienced one of those rare moments when procrastination pays off today. I'd been lusting after the black slingbacks above at Target for weeks, and wonder of wonders, today they were on sale! Score! They are so cute with the little buckle detail. I had to go up half a size because of the pointy toe, which was lucky because they didn't have any more in my regular size anyway. Clearly, I was meant to have these shoes! I like them so much I may have to go back for the camel ones as well.

For some reason the Sally Hanson Diamond Lip Treatments were on clearance for roughly half-price, so I grabbed up the shades they had that I didn't (and that hadn't been obviously opened). Is it excessive that I have 7 or 8 of these now? Oh, who cares. If they're being discontinued already, then I'm glad I have so many.

I cruised through the clothing and handbag sections but nothing really grabbed me, for once in my life! There was a cute blazer in the junior section that had all my spring colors in it with the exception of silver, but I dunno, something about it just wasn't "me". So I passed.

Oh, also I checked out the new Olay Complete Multi-Radiance moisturizer. It's packaged like my beloved Complete Defense SPF 30 lotion, but it supposedly has some kind of "light enhancers" or something. To me, that reads as sparkle/shimmer, and indeed, mica is pretty high up on the ingredient list. Unfortunately, this stuff only has SPF 15 so I passed on it as well. Besides, I have plenty of shimmer potions to add to my regular foundation or moisturizer if that's what I want.

This was definitely one of my more restrained trips to Target!

February 14, 2005

Today's outfit

• Gap cropped jeans, medium wash
  
• chocolate brown s/s crewneck slinky tee
  
• chocolate brown leather slides
  
• wedding set
• egad, I forgot to wear earrings!
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• GloMinerals pressed base in Golden-Fair
  
• Nars blush in Deep Throat
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Revlon Moisturous lipstick in Chocolate Drizzle
  

Today's fragrance

• none
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Clinique Foaming Rinse-Off Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• Casual Corner coupon
• CVS card and keytag thingie, finally
  

Today's obsession
I'm not really obsessed with anything at the moment - I've spent all day doing laundry and cleaning out the garage and I'm just too tired to get worked up about anything. However, while cleaning out the garage I did stumble upon my old stash of perfumes/fragrances from back in college and high school. Man! Talk about your olfactory memory triggers! One whiff of Gloria Vanderbilt (the fragrance, not the lady herself) and I was back in my 80's club clothes and mall hair. Sand & Sable reminds me of the summer before my senior year in high school. Obsession took me right back to my college boyfriend. Halston was the first fragrance I ever bought, and I remembered vividly the first time I ever smelled it - when my aunt gave me a little miniature of it as part of my Christmas present when I was 12. I even found a compact of Coty's Wild Musk solid perfume (melted down to nothing, naturally).

Even though nearly all of it has turned, I've repacked it and stashed it in a box to be kept forever. I can't bear to part with any of it - too many memories!

February 13, 2005

Today's outfit

• Guess jeans, medium wash
  
• Old Navy "Perfect Fit" s/s wide v-neck ribbed tee in a salmon/coral shade
  
• white leather Nike Airliner sneakers
  
• wedding set
• gold hoop earrings
  
• white faux leather XOXO bag w/pink trim and silver hardware
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• GloMinerals pressed base in Golden-Fair
  
• Rimmel blush in Pink Rose
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift in Sheer Spa Sandalwood
  
• Lorac Lip Polish in LKB3
  

Today's fragrance

• Coquette Tropique
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Clinique Foaming Rinse-Off Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I remain obsessed with lip plumping products, especially the new LipFusion. The description sounds so compelling: apparently there's some ingredient in this stuff that seeks out the body's natural moisture and then uses it to expand, increasing the size of the lips for up to 48 hours. At $36, this stuff is even more expensive than CityLips, but if it actually works it might be worth it. If anyone has tried this stuff, I'd love to know what you think of it!

Meanwhile, I'm really liking the Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift. This comes in lipstick form and is very sheer and moisturizing. The Sheer Spa Sandalwood shade is a pale nude that really doesn't show up on my lips at all, but it makes a great base for other lip products. Sheer Peaceful Plum is a pretty berry-plum that's nice on its own or under a rosy gloss. There's a Spice shade that I'd like to get as well, and a couple of pinks that look nice. I have no idea if this is lifting or plumping anything, but it's a nice product regardless.

February 12, 2005

Today's outfit

• Earl jeans, dark wash
  
• lavender sleeveless shell
• lavender l/s crewneck beaded cardigan
  
• black leather Aerosoles square-toed calf-high boots w/stacked heel
  
• wedding set
• silver hoop earrings
  
• large black faux leather bag w/silver hardware

This evening, for dinner:

• The Limited "Drew" black flat-front pants
• Sioni chiffon wrap top with sheer butterfly sleeves, half black and half floral print with a side tie
• black leather NY Transit strappy stiletto gladiator sandals
• wedding set
• silver chandelier earrings with stones in various shades of green
• small black satin evening bag w/hoop handles, heavily embroidered with beaded fringe
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Max Factor Colour Adapt in Creamy Ivory
  
• Estee Lauder Blushlights in Pink Shimmer
• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Jane Eye Zing in Shrinking Violet as a wash
• Jane Eye Zing in Viva Las Vegas on lids and outer V
• Jane Eye Zing in Purple Heart to line
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Kiss Me mascara in Black/Brown
  
• Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift in Sheer Peaceful Plum
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Lavender Marquis

This evening, for dinner, I added:

• a pop of Rimmel blush in Pink Rose on cheeks
• Cover Girl Cheekers blush in Snow Plum as a highlighter
• more Jane Eye Zing in Purple Heart smoked into lashes
• more Kiss Me mascara in Black/Brown
  
• N.Y.C. Pencil & Pout in Lilac Duet instead of above lip stuff
  

Today's fragrance

• Child
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I've been looking at the runway photos from fashion week and have fallen sick in love with Dana Buchman's Fall 2005 collection. Every piece is absolutely gorgeous and wearable. That is all.

February 11, 2005

Today's outfit

• Express bootcut jeans, faded wash
  
• Old Navy pale pink wide-ribbed l/s v-neck sweater
  
• white leather Nike Airliners sneakers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  
• large white pebbled faux leather Mossimo MJ-knockoff tote w/silver hardware
  
• white Merona trench coat in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Max Factor Colour Adapt in Creamy Ivory
  
• Estee Lauder Blushlights in Pink Shimmer
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Sonia Kashuk lipsheer in Magic
  

Today's fragrance

• Ebba Miss Danielle
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• Express cranberry l/s knit v-neck top w/a tiny pocket on left sleeve, bought at TJ Maxx for $8.
• Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift in Sheer Spa Sandalwood
• Johnson's Light Oil Mist with Aloe
• John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Moisturizing Shampoo and Light Reflecting Conditioner, both for Amber to Maple hair, both repurchases
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• Sephora catalog
  

Today's obsession
So I had this theory that if I went out and bought a bunch of winter stuff, the weather would suddenly turn warm and sunny. Because I have that power, in case you didn't know. Well, unfortunately the stores have nothing wintery left at all except for nasty ratty sweaters with big holes in them and makeup all over them. So all I managed to snag was the above top at TJ Maxx, even though I saw tons and tons and tons of really super cute spring items that would have gone with my color palette quite nicely, but NO! I was there to buy winter stuff, and winter stuff only! Because if I buy any more spring stuff, then spring will not come until sometime in July. Until then, it will be cold and dreary and rainy like it has been for what seems like months on end now. I don't know if I'm imagining that we're having a really long-ass winter this year because I'm so hot to wear my spring duds, or if maybe we really are. Probably the former.

I almost scored a pair of Jones New York corduroys - just a basic five-pocket jean type design in a nice fine-wale oatmeal shade - at Ross on clearance for $17.49 but they were just a teeny bit too big so I put them back.

I am so bored with my winter clothes, and the stores don't have any winter stuff now except for crappy rejects, and the weather is still wintery or what passes for it around here, and that's just depressing. Blah.

February 10, 2005

Today's outfit

• Guess jeans, medium wash
  
• Mossimo l/s wide-ribbed mockneck henley sweater, brown with baby blue stripes at chest and silver snaps
  
• Sbicca brown leather wedge-heel mules/clogs
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  
• Nine West brown bag w/chrome rings
  
• brown leather hip-length belted aviator jacket with faux fur collar and lapels in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Bloom compact powder foundation in Base One
  
• Nars blush in Deep Throat
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Lorac Lip Polish in LKB6 & LKB7
  

Today's fragrance

• Sage Onyx
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• June Jacobs Cooling Cucumber Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I've been having way too much fun perusing other fashion-related blogs lately, and I finally hacked into my blog template so I could link to them in my sidebar. Check them out over there! I'll add others as I stumble across them.

February 9, 2005

Today's outfit

• Earl jeans, faded wash with a permanent crease
  
• Mossimo black s/s v-neck stretch tee
• Guess black heavy cotton wide-ribbed mockneck zippered sweater with brown leather trim and silver hardware
  
• black leather Aerosoles square-toed calf-high boots w/stacked heels
  
• wedding set
• large silver hoop earrings
  
• black/bronze shoulderbag
• Merona black walking coat
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Bloom compact powder foundation in Base One
  
• Nars blush in Orgasm
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Sally Hansen Collagen Lip Lift in Sheer Peaceful Plum
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Royal Romance
  

Today's fragrance

• Glow Sandalwood
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• DHC Mild Soap
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• Ulta flyer
  

Today's obsession
Just so you all know how ahead of the curve I am, the March issue of Shop, Etc. features a spread on all things lavender, declares that oversized bags are in, and features a shot of a model wearing a white skirt and jacket with an aqua top, silver shoes and a silver bag that they claim is very Helmut Lang and Armani. So ha! I am totally with it for like the first time ever in my life. I will enjoy it while it lasts. Assuming it ever gets warm enough to wear all my cool new duds, that is. Enough with the damp, chilly weather already!

February 8, 2005

Today's outfit

• Express bootcut jeans, faded wash
  
• Old Navy white l/s v-neck stretch tee
  
• purple/green/white KangaROOS Combat Joggers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  
• black/bronze shoulderbag
• Merona black walking coat
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Max Factor Colour Adapt in Creamy Ivory
  
• Estee Lauder Blushlights in Pink Shimmer
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Sally Hansen Collagen Lip Lift in Sheer Peaceful Plum
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Royal Romance
  

Today's fragrance

• Coquette Tropique
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• DHC Mild Soap
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I'm obsessing over stuff I didn't buy yesterday. Of course. See, I've been reading this swell blog about handbags and they've been touting the stylish affordability of the Old Navy navy tote with white piping (not on the Old Navy site, but in stores). I went to Old Navy yesterday and they had a few of these on clearance, and they were cute but I just didn't know if I could justify another bag, especially when it won't really go with much in my wardrobe. So I passed. And then I went to TJ Maxx and they had this very very cute navy fitted cardigan for cheap, and I got to thinking that if I had that cardigan and bag along with my white jeans, would that not be a cute semi-nautical look? But is nautical even in right now? I have no idea. I'll probably talk myself into passing this up, because what I really need are printed skirts and pants, hello, but I'm still obsessing. Sigh.

February 7, 2005

Today's outfit

• Old Navy black flat-front stretch twill cargo pants
  
• Mossimo scoopneck knit top with 3/4 sleeves in a raspberry pink
  
• black leather Reaction KC sneaker-oxfords
  
• wedding set
• gold hoop earrings
• black/bronze shoulderbag
• Merona black walking coat
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Max Factor Colour Adapt in Creamy Ivory
  
• Estee Lauder Blushlights in Pink Shimmer
• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Urban Decay powder e/s in Sin as a wash
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Kiss Me mascara in Black/Brown
  
• Nars gloss in Stella
  

Today's fragrance

• Escada Sexy Graffiti
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• DHC Mild Soap
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• Mossimo white v-neck s/s stretch tee
• Mossimo Polly wedge slides in black
• lavender cotton knee-length tulip skirt from TJ Maxx
• new buttons for my white trench coat - cute lavender flowers!
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• March issue of Shop, Etc.
  

Today's obsession
I'm having a Bad Pants Day. I tried on six pairs of jeans while I was out shopping today - SIX PAIRS! And none of them were quite right. See, all I want is a basic pair of jeans that goes with everything. Not too long, not too flared, not too tight, not too loose, no weird washes or whiskers, not too dark or too light. Is that so much to ask? Apparently so. I actually have a couple of pairs like that already but I wear them all the time and would really like to have a few more pairs in rotation. Ah well.

Also, I tried on the Isaac Mizrahi herringbone trousers at Target today. See, what happened there is that when I was at Target last week, they had these on the clearance rack with only one pair left in my size. I actually picked them up and walked around with them but then put them back. And of course, I did my usual thing where I obsess over them and wish I had bought them and count the hours until I can get back to the store, knowing they'll be gone. I even checked the website and found out they had them in my size so I ADDED THEM TO MY CART just to make sure I could get them. And so then I went back today and they were still in the store, so I tried them on. And they looked like hell. Seriously, they could not have been a worse fit. They were the right size and everything, but the cut was whack. The pockets gapped and the seams pulled and the ass was baggy and they were way too long and it was just BAD. So I didn't get them, obviously.

But I did get a very cute skirt at TJ Maxx, so that's good. It's a solid and I really need prints, but I bought it anyway because the fit was so good and it's exactly the shade of lavender I'm working for spring. Also, I got my buttons for my white trench coat and they are so cute! They're big flat lavender flowers. I'll sew them on today and post before-and-after pics!

February 6, 2005

Today's outfit

• ancient Express classic fit jeans, very faded (with a high waist and tapered legs, eeek!)
  
• ON l/s high v-neck sweater, striped in sage and cream
  
• Old Navy pink faux shearling mule slippers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Maybelline Wonder Finish in Porcelain Ivory
  
• Who's The Fairest? blush stick in Sheer Cinnarose
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Diamonds
  

Today's fragrance

• none
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• DHC Mild Soap
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Nightly Renewal Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
Still obsessing over my spring wardrobe. I'm going to have to lay everything out on the bed, match up outfits, and see if there are any wardrobe holes I need to fill. Other than some skirts and pants, I think I'm mostly set. How weird! What will I shop for now?!

February 5, 2005

Today's outfit

• Mossimo pinky-lavender drawstring velour pants and matching hoodie
  
• white scoopneck capsleeved tee
  
• Old Navy pink faux shearling mule slippers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Nars blush in Orgasm
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Signature Taupe, though knowing me I'll be dabbing on various other things throughout the day
  

Today's fragrance

• Tarte, from a sample
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• DHC Mild Soap
• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Moisturizer
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• none
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
So the March issue of Lucky came packaged with a Target flyer featuring tons of really cute stuff, none of which is on the website nor in my local store. There should be some kind of law against that or something. Maybe the stuff won't be available until March? Anyway, there is this gorgeous white Mossimo jacket that I like better than the one I already have, though actually they are very similar. And of course I will keep the one I have and will not buy the new one, because I'm not quite That Bad. Yet. But dudes, there is this cute pleated skirt that totally goes with my spring color scheme! It's white with a floral print including lavender and acid green! No aqua, but you can't have everything. There's also a really cute pair of slim fit white cropped pants. And in the ad, the model is actually wearing those pants with the white jacket and a pastel tee underneath. So maybe it would be okay to wear the jacket with my white jeans after all? What think you all?

February 4, 2005

Today's outfit

• white Old Navy bootcut stretch jeans
  
• pale lavender sleeveless shell
• pale lavender l/s crewneck beaded cardigan
  
• Sprint Metallic KangaROOS in silver
  
• wedding set
• silver hoop earrings
  
• Mossimo white pebbled faux leather MJ knockoff tote (the "KMS bag")
  
• white Merona single-breasted trench coat in the morning
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• Bloom compact powder foundation in Base One
  
• Estee Lauder Blushlights in Pink Shimmer
• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Jane Eye Zing in Shrinking Violet as a wash
• Jane Eye Zing in Viva Las Vegas very lightly swept up from outer corners
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Kiss Me mascara in Black/Brown
  
• N.Y.C. Pencil & Pout in Lilac Duet, pencil only, lined and filled
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Lavender Marquis
  

Today's fragrance

• Ebba Miss Danielle
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• DHC Mild Soap
  
• DHC Soothing Lotion
  
• Clinique Total Turnaround Cream
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Diamonds
• Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Signature Taupe
• Sally Hansen Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift in Sheer Peaceful Plum
• Milani Crystal Gloss in Sweet Desire
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• the silver sandals have arrived, and they are perfection!
• March issue of Lucky
  

Today's obsession
I love, love, love my new silver sandals! They are so cute, and so surprisingly comfy. Now all I need are a couple of cute skirts and maybe a pair of cropped pants or two and I'll feel pretty much set for spring! And maybe even summer as well!

I have no idea why I bought four different lip products today when I already have so many. See, I am sick in love with this Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment stuff. Seriously, it's the best gloss ever in terms of texture and wear and moisturization and whatnot. Not super pigmented, but I can deal with that, plus it's very sparkly which is always nice. However, that makes it even more puzzling why I thought I had to buy both a clear shade and a nude shade today when they will no doubt look exactly the same on my lips. I'm going to blame it on the codeine.

The Beyond Perfect Collagen Lip Lift is a new thing, apparently. There are maybe a half-dozen shades of lipstick that are supposed to plump, contour and define the lips with continued use. And as y'all know, I am all about the lip plumpers. I should have bought more than one shade of these - there was a pretty nude shade called Sandalwood or something, and a nice Spice shade as well, but I thought I'd get more use out of the Plum.

Okay, so that white trench coat I bought at Target? I still love it, but I think it needs some modifications. It looks a bit like a lab or doctor coat, with the half-belt in back and everything. And I don't love the buttons, which are faux horn and seem not to fit with the nice crispness of the coat. So I think I'll be making a trip to the fabric store to buy new buttons soon. The buttons are huge - just over an inch across - so I think changing them up will bring about quite a transformation in the look of the coat. Right now I'm envisioning either some sort of ornamental silvertoned shank button, or some funky clear or white floral ones. I'll have to see what they have at the store, I guess, or maybe browse online.

February 3, 2005

Today's outfit

• Tommy Hilfiger "hipster" jeans, faded wash
  
• Mossimo l/s mockneck henley sweater, brown with pale blue stripes across chest and silver snaps
  
• Josef Seibel dark brown leather mules
  
• wedding set
• dangly earrings w/brown stones
  
• brown SimonBlack Veronika bag
  
• brown leather hip-length belted aviator jacket with faux fur collar and lapels
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
• Nars blush in Deep Throat
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Bourjois Effet 3 D in Brun Fantastic
  

Today's fragrance

• none
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• DHC Soothing Lotion
  
• Botani Olive Serum
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• Merona white trench coat
• Mossimo pale aqua sleeveless top w/faux wrap bodice and a band of satin at empire seam
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• DHC catalog and samples
  

Today's obsession
I got the white trench coat! Yay! I had to go to two Targets to find my size, but I am so pleased with it! I think I'll get a lot of use out of it, and of course it fits in nicely with my spring color palette.

My silver sandals from Zappos should be here tomorrow. Yay again!

Sorry, nothing much else to say. I have both a sinus infection and bronchitis and the meds are making me even sicker. Joy.

February 2, 2005

Today's outfit

• Tommy Hilfiger stretch jeans, medium wash
  
• Twiggy black l/s fine knit splitneck sweater with skinny drawstring tie at neck
  
• solid black DKNY "Rock On" corset sneakers
  
• wedding set
• silver hoop earrings
  
• large black faux leather bag w/silver hardware
  
• black Merona walking coat
• hot pink fringed fleece scarf and matching gloves
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
• Nars blush in Orgasm
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Rimmel Vinyl Lip gloss in Disco Diva
  

Today's fragrance

• none
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Botani Olive Serum
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• from Zappos, Madeline Pennie sandals in silver.
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I finally bought the silver sandals! Yay!!! I've been keeping my eye on Zappos to see if they had anything that looked like what I wanted, and finally spotted the above pair. They are exactly what I want - strappy, not too high, and interesting without having too much ornamental crappe on them. I like that they have an ankle strap because I want to wear them with pants, but I like that the strap is low because maybe it won't draw attention to my cankles. And I like the teensy bit of bling on the buckle - just enough. I can't wait to get them! I shall, of course, report back!

Now I just have to find a nice white trench coat! I think I like this one from Target, but I want to see it in person (and save shipping costs, if possible). However, if this cold/bronchitis/sinusitis thing I'm dealing with goes on much longer so that I'm not able to get out and shop, I'll probably just order the damn thing sight unseen!

You've gotta love online shopping, man!

February 1, 2005

Today's outfit

• Express jeans, faded wash
  
• Old Navy pale pink wide-ribbed l/s v-neck sweater
  
• white leather Nike Airliner sneakers
  
• wedding set
• small diamond stud earrings
  
• large black faux leather bag w/silver hardware
  
• black Merona walking coat
• hot pink fringed fleece scarf
  

Today's makeup

• Revlon Skinlights Illusion Wand in Luminous Touch
  
• GloMinerals pressed base in Natural-Fair
  
• Jane Eye Zing in Rock Star used to fill brows
  
• lashes curled with Shu Uemura lash curler
• Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer (clear balm)
  

Today's fragrance

• none
  

Today's skincare
Last night:

• DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
• Botani Olive Serum
  
• CityLips clear overnight treatment
  

This morning:

• Clearasil Total Control Deep Pore Cream Cleanser
  
• Liquidity Hydrating Toner
• Boscia Amino-AG eye treatment
• Paula's Choice Antioxidant Concentrate
• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 moisturizer for sensitive skin

Today's purchases

• Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel
  

Today's mailbox goodies

• none
  

Today's obsession
I was browsing the New Products section of Sephora.com the other day noticing all the new lip plumping products that are out now, and darn if they didn't send me an email today conveniently listing them all! There are only three I'm really interested in:

• LipFusion - this appears to be positioning itself against CityLips as a product that will bring about some sort of long-term plumping benefit (as opposed to short-term solutions like Lip Venom). I'm interested! It costs a bit more than CityLips, but if I read any good reviews of this stuff I may just have to take the plunge.
• Pout Plump - this is supposed to work both in the short term and the long term. I don't know if I believe the long-term claims, but the packaging is so cute that it might be worth a try.
• Lip Venom Lite - this is a less potent version of Lip Venom for those who find the regular version too painful. I don't find it painful at all, actually, but I wonder if this might be a good product for days when my lips are a little dry and more prone to irritation.

It's still cold and rainy here and I'm feeling unmotivated to continue my search for the silver sandals just now. However, I've decided I absolutely, desperately need a white trench coat. So that may be my next purchase.