Tanya Burr Inspired

I've been watching Tanya Burr's beauty makeovers and tutorials on YouTube for a few years now. It's been SO exciting watching her become more and more popular and well known because she's such a genuinely sweet person. Watching her tutorials completely confirmed and re-energized my love of makeup. Seriously just listening to her say (in her awesome british accent) that a product was "comPLEEtlee lov-lay" and I was scribbling it down on a piece of paper and heading to the store. :) 

But super cool accent aside, she's very talented and beautiful so it only made sense that she would be my next illustration inspiration. :)

Watch more Tanya Burr videos HERE. :)

fashion52: photo challenge (21/52)

This week's photo is a little on the softer side. It was one of those quick unplanned shots where the sun was hitting just right. The blouse is from Lauren Conrad's line and is gorgeously feminine. I paired it with black skinnies and black high heels to toughen it up and balance the girly-ness. :) 

outdoor wedding: dress search

I'm so very excited for a family wedding we have coming up this summer.  They're such a sweet, kind couple and I can't wait to see them exchange vows up by the lake at the family cabin. I have no doubt it will be completely beautiful.

Now down to the details. what. to. wear? :) The ceremony is at 5:00 pm and outdoors, so it could get cool. The colors are coral with touches of yellow. From what I understand, the feel is rustic elegance in a relaxed, intimate, outdoor setting. Read: on the grass = leave the high heels at home ladies. So I'm leaning on something floaty and feminine. Possibly have a touch of coral in the pattern. And definitely something that works with flats and matching cardigan. Oh, and I can't forget, I have to be able to keep up with two young boys that may or may not WILL get into mischief at some point in the night. ;)  ... So. Here's my first official round of online searching. ;)

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fashion52: photo challenge (20/52)

I really love experimenting with color and also have been dabbling in geometric patterns & designs. So when I came across this scarf at Target, it seemed... *inhale* ...meant to be ;). I paired it with a emerald/jade flowy tank, navy skinnies, cognac ballet flats and added a pop of contrasting color with a beaded coral-y pink bracelet.

fashion52: photo challenge (19/52)

I picked up an amazing fashion sketch pad from Urban Outfitters on our most recent MoA trip.   It took about three and a half weeks to crack it open, which I suppose is about right on track for a working mother of two. Either way, it was even more amazing than I had realized - a garment encyclopedia, industry terms, inspirational readings and links, all on top of 380 figure templates. 

A cool trick on top of it all: The croquis (templates) are printed with a particular ink tone so that they'll disappear when scanned or photocopied, eliminating evidence of the template. How sweet is that? ;) 

map wall art - part 1

I’ve been brainstorming wall art ideas for quite awhile now. (see MAP section) Right now I’m trying to create two complimentary designs – one of Italy (where we’ve been), one of Hawaii (where we'll go someday). I’m also brainstorming ways to combine graphic elements of a few other favorite things: maybe string lights? constellations? minimalist design? pop of color? grey + white pattern? I feel like I could design this project 50 different ways but am struggling to come up with one design I like. Here's part 1 of the process: Starting off with some inspirational maps and designs, doing some sketching and then messing around the hawaii map. Once I get a design that I'm happy with, if that ever happens, I will start the Italy map and WA-LA, we will get some design work up on the walls. :)

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fashion52: photo challenge (18/52)

A very cool cousin of mine has been requesting some help in the closet-fashion area. So a few of us gathered together one Saturday morning, filled the coffee cups and headed upstairs. What followed was: a mountain of clothes on the bed, clothes being thrown into the Goodwill box, kids coming, going, crying and giggling, coffee refills (thank you coffee wench ;) and a whopping 33 new wardrobe combinations. It was an awesome time and I could definitely get used to doing the Closet Stylist / Wardrobe Designer on a more regular basis :) 

beauty phases

Just like a relationship timeline, I feel like I go through phases with makeup. It starts with that first impression and that "ooh, not bad" moment. After that comes the addictive, can't get enough phase. And if it's meant to be, it moves into the last phase of being your all-time favorite go-to that you just can't go wrong with. The kind that, if you found out they were going to discontinue, you MIGHT just go out and buy the rest off the shelf before it's too late ;) 

BONUS: All products below are under $10 :)

L'oreal Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Rose On

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms in 'Quenched', 'Cherry Me' and 'Melon Mania'

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes in Blackest Black