let this be our little secret...

Hello everyone.

There was a small project I had been working on for a little while. I am finally finished!!!

Meet B:

My beautiful, funny and talented sister.

Isn't she gorgeous???! [Not that I need a response to know the answer already.]

Well this past weekend I persuaded her to let me do a mini photo shoot with her as my lovely model. [Actually, it didn't take much persistance; she was all too happy to jump in front of the lens... I guess classic cases of narcissism runs in the family, eh??]

[Does this pose look familiar? It should!]

Anyways, other family members have been no stranger to my blog so why should my sister be any different? She asked my style opinon on an outfit one day and I about lost my mind! From then on, I have insisted that I throw my "expertise" into damn near each outfit she decides to wear. Lol. [If only I were kidding.]

Check out more of  my handywork below...

[You all will be pleased to know each item was inexpensive, which is the point of this blog!]

I wanted everyone to see her as I do, a beautiful person from the inside out and one of my daily inspirations!

Now, tell me that big sis doesn't know best! ♥

All items hauled from F21, Charlotte Russe, Target, JCPenney and our very own closets.... :)

what do say to taking chances...?

Happy Thursday!

...well, the day's almost over. I can't help it if i'm a night owl, though! :)

All I can say is... thank goodness it's Friday tomorrow! Me being "ready" for this week to be over would definitely be an understatement.

Anyways, moving on to the good stuff.

I have been on this whole "50s kick" lately and been playing around with my makeup and hair. You know, beehives, red lipstick, and swingy skirts... all of that. Today, I kept it pretty simple. I had been messing around with this bright pink lipstick that CoverGirl's colormatching assessment has sworn I could pull off and thought I do a little bit of hairplay too! Check me out below...

Cute, no?

I can't even remember what I was thinking here... maybe I was trying to look alluring??? Idk, but I don't think it was working, lol. Here go a few more...

What do y'all think about this pink lipstick, though? Can I rock this??? Maybe you need to see something a little bit closer...

                                                     

[Hahaha... my lips are so freakin huge!]

Now what do you think???

Have a good night every one! ♥

                                                       

... just in case you were wondering, that's my skeptical face above!  :P

happy blogaversary!

Happy Birthday to my blog!

It's hard to believe I started one year ago... It's amazing how fast the time went!

I promised myself that once my "blogaversary" rolled around that I would use that as a jumping off point to start fresh and be better with my posting. My goal is to really put more effort into my posts to make this space an enjoyable and interesting place to stop by at on a regular basis.

I hope those of you reading will continue to join me on another year!

Thank you.

♥

duh!

Yesterday, I had an 'aha' moment...

You know what I'm talking about, right??

That moment when the lightbulb finally flashes on and you go, 'A-HA!' The point when something finally clicks.

I have been feeling all out of sorts and just not myself. I wish I could say that it's this funk I've been in for a few days, but it's been more like months! I have been disappointed in myself because I have allowed another person to dictate my happiness and self-worth. I was always one of those people who coud've cared less about what someone else thought, until it was the person I loved and desperately wanted approval from. Once I realized this person did not care the way I wanted them to, I was CRUSHED!

My whole world seemed to change and collapse in on itself. I forgot about that confidence and felt lost without this person by my side. I didn't believe time would heal me and just felt like I would be miserable forever!

Then, yesterday it clicked.

Why am I the one moping around??? This person couldn't care less about me and yet I am still wasting energy even thinking about them... That doesn't even make any sense!

I knew who I was before they came into my life and now that this person is gone, it gives me a chance to be even better than before.

It's so cliche to tell you all that I realized I'm too good for this person and how they weren't worth my time to begin with, but it's true!

It took me a moment to get there, and I had to be reminded a few times as well. Still, to not being doing the things I love [like blogging!], getting out of my house and spending time with people who actually care because I'm crying over someone else is nuts and I refuse to do so [anymore]!

It helps to log in and see I still have you all reading my blog [eventhough there has been a lack of content].

As my 'blogaversary' approaches it feels so good to be back to my former self; the girl who was confident and happy and excited to be starting something so important to me [this blog, of course!]... If that isn't fabulosity, I don't know what is!

It fills me with pride and pleasure to be able to say to myself, 'Hello, old friend. I've missed you so.'

cheap thrill monday!

Yes.

It's me.

In the flesh [sort of...], if you count photos as in the flesh!


Oh... how I have missed the blogging world!

For anyone still watching this space, I'd like to present to you....

Wet N' Wild's new MegaProtein mascara in Very Black!

[Sorry the picture is so fuzzy, the flash wasn't cooperating with the white packaging...]

Saying this stuff is awesome is an understatement! I put on just a few coats and looked like I had on falsies! Check it out for yourself...

The best part??? It only costs  $1.99! [That would be the cheap thrill part...]

Now, I can't give an absolutely perfect review considering I haven't worn it all day or anything. Still, if this product can go the whole day without flaking or giving you that" spidery" look, I'll give it 5 stars. I was pleasantly caught off guard by the smoothness in application and how it dried fairly quickly to allow me to build upon each coat...

I personally love for my lashes to look long, so I did about 3 swipes to get em looking real good! [Remember to wriggle the brush as you go...] You like the look??!

Yeah, ya do! Now go on and get a tube of your own... I promise, it's worth it! ♥

Hope everyone had a wonderful start to their week! Sweet dreams...

 

update.

I am sorry for the lack of posts lately! I know I started this challenge for myself, but recently life has been throwing every last negative thing it could at me... From becoming a single lady again, to breaking just about each and every fingernail, it has all come down on top of my head!! I will be updating more very soon. I think as far as my style challenge goes... maybe a C-??? I don't know because typically if you don't even complete the assignment, that's an F! I think I'll attempt a second go-round after I have roped each area of my life in.

Thank you to my few followers for sticking with me! It makes me happier than you even know. Brb, promise!

♥

operation: color me stylish - day 9

Alrighty! We are steady moving along...

Check me out below!

The simplicity, yet chicness of this outfit seems surreal...

So, the story behind this awesome cardigan? I found it chillin between two hideous options with a $15 price tag. Why would the price be relevant? Because, right underneath the Marshalls tag was one with Tahari's MSRP of $178!!!! By no means am I bragging, but I like to share my finds and the places I go, because not only can you find things at more affordable places (Walmart, Target), sometimes you even stumble across the occasional designer or name brand for less (dare I say, cheap)! If I ever come off as uppity or pretentious let me know! That is certainly not my angle. Shall I list my finds below? Yeah??! I thought you'd like to know...

Cardigan: Tahari found at Marshalls. $15
Tank: Hanes. Purchased a men's value pack for like $5
Khakis: Dockers. Also found at Marshalls. $14
Shoes: BCF $10
Necklace: H&M $3
Earrings: Kohls $5
Glasses: Prescription.

More posts to come tomorrow! Gonna finish watching Law and Order: SVU and catch some zzz's!

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

operation: color me stylish - day 8

Day 8.

I really wish I could have been able to post these pictures on their current dates! I had been having the worst week (started last Thursday)... it seemed like bad luck was following me everywhere. First, my car got towed, then I burned my fingers on my hair straightener, I left my work keys at home and started breaking out in stress pimples [growls under breath...]!

Anyways, we aren't here to talk about all the bad, are we? Nope! We're here to look at clothes...
....keep scrolling!

The mixture of browns and blues turned out nice. For some brightness, I threw on these cool golden orange earrings and a bracelet I tacked on to my order from Urban Original, back during my birthday. I purchased this skirt from American Eagle Outfitters... one of like three items I've gotten from that store. I like their preppy vibe, but IMHO they want a little too much for some of their more basic pieces. The eyelet detail on this skirt made it a must have though... ;)

Jacket: Marshalls. You can check out my other post on it here.
Shirt: Walmart $5
Skirt: American Eagle Outfitters $12
Boots: Payless $30. Another gift from the boyfriend! Ahhh... he knows I melt for stylish shoes!
Bracelet: Urban Original $4
Earrings: H&M $3
Glasses: Prescription. For those that do wear glasses, mine are Converse [side note: I didn't know they even did glasses, but they have some really cute, youthful styles.]!

I hope everyone else had a better transition into this week more than I did! ;)

operation: color me stylish - day 7

I got a new camera yesterday!!! Woo hoo!!!

Can you guys tell that I am super psyched?? As I promised, I'm playing catch up with my photos. Actually, there will be a couple of posts following this one...

Check me out in day seven's outfit.

So... whaddaya think? I liked it. I felt really girly, but comfortable at the same time. I just adore the shirt because it's got these really forgiving sleeves, especially considering my upper arms are one of my "not-so-favorite" areas. The sparkly headband is my favorite, plus I'm a sucker for anything with bows! You prabably can't tell, but my skirt has got tiers and my peep-toe wedges have bows too. So cute, no?

Top: BCF $7
Skirt: Marshalls $10
Scarf: Walmart??
Headband: H&M $2.80
Peep-toe Wedges: Payless (from FOREVER ago). Can't remember the price! However, just about any pair you find there will be affordable...
Earrings: Kohls $5

Hope you like it! ♥

arrrggghhh!

I regret to inform you that I will not be able to post any new photos until I receive a new camera...

I'm anticipating that it will not be a long wait and rest assured that I will be catching up with the days I have already missed. It would be a crime to keep you all from this fabulousness, no?!

Okay, I'm totally kidding (about the "fabulousness" part).

Stick with me, I'll be posting soon! I promise... pinky swear!!! ♥

operation: color me stylish - day 6

It's day six! Still doing pretty good (...minus those few days without photos. tee hee.)! I've been enjoying some of the outfits I have chosen. My makeup however, is still lacking a bit. My skin has been going a little haywire, so I have been trying to lay off the stuff. Nothing but mascara and lip balm...


Okay. Enough rambling, looky here:

These pictures are completely cheesy.

I was taking them myself, so that's why the angles are a little weird and all the extra in the background (sorry about that!). Still, not bad for an amateur.

Top: Target $4
Jeans: Old Navy $8. One of my favorite pairs. Dark denim is the best!
Blazer: BCF. I can't remember the price, but they always have good deals there...
Scarf: Target $3
Shoes: Target $9. I haven't worn these out yet. I'm still waiting for Spring. [sigh]
Earrings: Your everyday basic silver hoops. I got them in one of those three packs.
Ring: Kohls $3. A pretty silver and turquoise combo.
[side note: I liked how my hair turned out. I was just going with something, and for short hair, I like that it looks like I have a cute bun on the top of my head.]

It was a great day, today. Nothing in particular happened, I think I just woke up on the right side of the bed for once. Had to rise a little early, though, so I'm off to bed for some of that good ol' beauty sleep! Goodnight, loves.

Hope everyone had a great Tuesday. ;)

operation: color me stylish - day 5

Yes. I am well aware that this post is over due from last week. I actually had a few things that kept me rather busy on Thursday and Friday and I didn't get a chance to take pictures and post like I wanted! I knew I wasn't going to be including weekends, so I figured the best thing to do was to start fresh this week, no? Well, for those that are still checking out this space, take a look at today's choice...

Ooh la la! I felt like I had this cool parisian rocker thing going... okay, maybe I'm reaching a bit, but still cute, right??!
This dress has been my all time favorite, ever since I got like from 2 - 3 years ago! You can see me wearing it here too. I love the color, the fit, and how it makes me feel girly, yet comfortable. Dresses have always been my "go-to", even from when I was younger (you could totally ask my mom!). It's something about them that brings out the confidence...

Jacket: Stein Mart $40 (One of the best purchases made EVER!)
Shirt, scarf and earrings: All from Walmart! For $6, $5 and $4 respectively.
Dress: JCPenney $30 marked down from $100!!!
Shoes: a gift from my bf. You can see a closeup here and me wearing them here.

Got a few March issues of my favorite mags. Is anyone else as ready for spring as I am??? ♥

operation: color me stylish - day 4

Alrighty... now we're bringing things a little more current! Without further ado, I give you today's little ensemble:

It was one loooooong day at work today! I'm pretty sure I put in 12 hours!!!! For me, that's a lot. It was nice to unwind a little by getting cute. My hair wasn't being so cooperative so I just tucked it into the messiest little ponytail. Obviously, this pink scarf is my favorite. I find myself reaching for it again and again (see?). And these shoes and the dress, you saw them up close here and here. One thing that this is teaching me already is that black, blue or grey seems to be the basis of a lot of my outfits... I wonder if that will change over the next few days?!

Dress: Thrifted
Shirt: Walmart $7
Tights: Walmart $5
Belt: Simply Fashions $6
Scarf: A gift.
Shoes: Another gift from my bf.

Wish I had more time to chat, but I am truly exhausted! Plus, I got an early day tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by... Ciao, bellas! ♥

operation: color me stylish - day 3

Sorry I missed posting yesterday! Did everyone enjoy their Valentine's Day??? I truly hope so! I spent some time hanging with my family and my boo and it was pretty good Sunday.

Anyways, enough about that and on to yesterday's outfit...

Yeah... I kept it real laid back yesterday. And, you can't really tell but my shirt is this really pretty royal purple and my pants were a deep navy. It doesn't sound like they go together, but I was diggin it! Lastly I used white as a pop of color.

Shirt: Old Navy $3
Cords: Old Navy $6
Tank: Hanes (purchased a men's pack)
Hoodie: Old Navy $5
Jacket: Stein Mart $40
Shoes: My beat up, "dirty, but still cool" Pumas

Side note -  Notice the dark nails? It's this really cool, new plum polish by Wet N' Wild that I have fallen in love with. I'll have to update a little later on it...

Had I been here to tell you, Happy Monday! ;)

operation: color me stylish - day 2

Today was pretty good!

No. 1 - It's FRIDAY!

No. 2 - I went to see Valentine's Day with my mommy... it was cute, but not quite what I had expected.

No. 3 - I liked my outfit today too! Ha! I'm really on a roll, no? Check me out below:

The fact that I am wearing fuschia and purple on my way to see a V-day movie is purely coincidental, I swear! And, please excuse the face above, there wasn't any makeup on it yet! ;)


Tee: Target $4.24
Tank: Hanes (the men's kind) from Walmart. I don't remember the price... I wanna say, 5 for like $7?
Denim Pencil Skirt: Gap. I got it on sale too! One of those Friends and Fam discounts and it was already clearanced.
Scarf: Walmart $3
Tights: Target $5
Shoes: Bahama Sunwear $12
Ring: BCF $4. You can't really see it though.
Necklace: Walmart $3. You can see a close-up of it here.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Once again, thanks for taking the time to stop by... Later!

Comment, subscribe, follow, whatever! ♥

operation: color me stylish - day 1

So I mentioned that I wanted to dress a bit better and really test myself color-wise...

Today I kept it pretty simple, I mean, it's only day one!!! Take a look for yourselves and tell me what you think:

And a close up of my jewelery and makeup...

Dress: Target $5
Tank: Kohls $5
Skirt: Charlotte Russe $10
Sweater: Marshalls $7
Belt: Dots $5
Tights: ?
Boots: Coconuts $19
Earrings: H&M $3.80
Bracelet: from a random beauty store for $1!


I loved everything about this outfit. Even though there is still some black, the blue was enough to lift my spirits! It's still a bit cold, so the layering helped. The dress I'm wearing underneath my skirt has got to be the most comfortable in the world. And, the cute little cardigan is by Kenar. I found it on the clearance rack at Marshall's and it made my day! I had been wanting something with leopard print and actually found a couple of things last month. I'll be updating on my clothing haul soon, that way, everyone can see the stuff I'll be incorporating during my personal challange.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday! ♥