How To Start Building Your Makeup Stash On a Low Budget

Three years ago, when I started developing a makeup obsession that has only grown with time, I was far from having unlimited funds to finance that obsession. I was a university student with a new baby, so "money for makeup" really didn't make it onto my monthly budget. Then, to top it all off, my little makeup bag got lost with everything I owned inside. So I pretty much only owned a translucent powder, a blush and a mascara and perhaps a lipstick or two. If you are anything like I was, then I will show you here a few strategies to start building a beginners makeup kit without having to break the bank.

First off, like any other time when we don't want to spend a ton of cash, the most important thing is to know where to splurge and where to save. Since I am covering the most commonly used/raved about makeup items, this is going to be a pretty long post, so you can read it all (yay you!) or you can just skip to the item/s that interest you.
Without further ado, here is a comprehensive list of makeup items:


Primer:
It is true that primers will make your makeup stay on for longer. However, I don't think they are a must-have, specially if you aren't on a very high budget. I will even be brutally honest and confess that when I am on a big rush (ehem, every other day), this is the product I skip.



Foundation:
This is to me the most important item in a makeup bag. It basically makes or breaks your look. A good foundation will give you a flawless complexion, blur the little imperfections, and make your finished look stand out, while a bad one will appear blotchy after a while. If you find one you love, you really don't need any more, just stick to that one and it will do (don't tell the beauty bloggers who hoard foundations like a dime a dozen).

Also, there is no need to splurge to find your perfect one. Sure, high end brands like YSL, Chanel, Dior etc. can make you feel really lush and fancy and wonderful, but there are many other drugstore brands out there that make outstanding ones too. It is all a matter of finding one of the many great ones out there for less than 20 USD.

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Concealer:
This is one of those items that really depends on personal preference and skin type, and you can also find them at several price points. Again, you only need to buy one.

People with problematic skin might go for a concealer that delivers very high coverage, and for this I do recommend a good brand, as it it will cover more than a cheaper one and is also less likely to crease on your face. If your skin usually behaves well (you lucky dog!), you can go for a more budget-friendly version.


Setting Powder:
This is definitely an item to save on. Drugstore brands like Revlon and Rimmel sell excellent versions of powders for very little money. In my personal experience, there isn't a huge difference between high end powders and drugstore ones, just find one you like and you're good to go.


Bronzer/Highlighter
I'm just gonna say it. If you are only starting out with makeup and don't have unlimited funds, then (gasp!) there's really no harm on skipping bronzer or highlighter. Sure, they can really glam up your look, and from time to time a little contouring works wonders to complete your look, but it is by no means an essential (double gasp!).

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Blush:
To be brutally honest, I mostly stay well away from drugstore blushes. I have always found that they just don't have the same pigmentation and staying power as more expensive ones. Also, I find the application of high end blushes to be more even and they blend more seamlessly than the cheaper ones. Most of my favorite ones are on the 20-30 USD range, so if you can afford that, I suggest you do.

Also, if you can, this is the item to get more than one of. Since there are so very many options to go for, having two or more different blushes allows you to subtly alter your look (stopping you from falling into a makeup rut) and it also ensures you can use a season-appropriate one.


Eyeshadow Primer:
Nope, you don't necessarily need to buy one when you are starting to build your stash. Yes, this does make your eyeshadow last slightly longer and yes, it might feel kind of nice to apply, but this really isn't a must-item and instead you could be using that money towards a nicer blush or eyeshadow palette. The only case in which I would say that it's worth buying it from the get-go is if you have extremely oily eyelids and can't keep eyeshadow on longer than ten minutes.

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Mascara:
All you really need is two good mascaras. One that gives you a natural look, sort of "oh, I woke up like this, thankyouverymuch" while still helping your eyes stand out. This mascara is great for daytime, to go to work and for those days when you don't want to look like you have a ton of makeup on. Then you also need one that will give your look that extra OOMPH and create a "falsies" effect. You can be all "yea, they are real, that's right" (or something less lame than that!).

My opinion on how much to spend on mascara has shifted in the last year or so: I used to only buy drugstore mascaras because I didn't see the point of spending big money on one, until I bought a few higher-end mascaras this year. I realized that they do hold a curl better, last longer and are smoother to apply so there's no risk of mascara goop anywhere. Still, there are several drugstore mascaras that are very lengthening and defining and perform beautifully, so when money is an issue definitely go for one of those. The best drugstore ones I have found are: Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara  ($8.99); CoverGirl LashBlast Bombshell Mascara ($8.54); and the Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket Mascara ($5.99).


Eyeshadow:
I have come to realize that spending slightly more on eyeshadow ensures better pigmentation and color payoff, as well as longer staying power. However, I do have one exception: the Maybelline Color Tattoo range starts at $4.19 and they perform just as well (if not better) than much more expensive ones. They also come in a huge variety of colors, so you can easily take your pick of two or three basic colors and you are set. Another great option for buying eyeshadow is to get your hands on a good palette that contains a few basics, so that you can create several looks out of just one item. There are great ones out there starting at $15, like this Stila Eyeshadow Trio ($18) or the Smashbox Full Exposure Travel Palette ($22), which is simply stunning and so versatile.


Eyeliner:
Don't spend your hard-earned money on expensive eyeliner: there really are a ton of great ones out there for you to buy at very reasonable prices. Some of the most raved-about are the Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Eyeliner ($4,49) and the CoverGirl Bombshell Intensity Eyeliner ($6.64).


Eyebrow Pencil:
I am of two minds when it comes to eyebrow pencils and gels. If you have very sparse, light or unruly eyebrows, then definitely get your hands on a good eyebrow pencil that will fill in the gaps or that will tame all those little misbehaving hairs. After all, eyebrows are crucial to your finished look, some makeup artists arguing that they are the most important feature as they frame your face and can make someone look much younger or older depending on how they are kept. Brands like Anastasia and Hourglass both have much raved-about versions, but they cost big bucks, so when money is an issue, brands like Milani and NYX have much more affordable options. Alternatively, use an eyeshadow in the same shade as your eyebrows, which has pretty much the same effect as a product specifically designed for eyebrows.

If you are one of the lucky ones with gorgeous, full eyebrows, I think you can make do with a little spoolie brush just to tame little flyaways, and make sure you keep their shape by plucking them regularly.

A little beauty trick if you don't have a lot of experience with gels and pencils: use a cheap, clear mascara like this one from Maybelline to tame your eyebrows and keep them in place all day.


Lipstick:
In general, having a lipstick for each season is a good rule of thumb. That means a girly pink or rose lipstick for spring; a bright red or orange for the summer; a deep plum or berry for fall and a pretty nude for winter. With these you can easily create several looks so that you don't always look the same, and you are basically covered for any type of event too. Like with foundations, having a luxe lipstick feels wonderful but it's completely unnecessary with a market inundated with all kinds of excellent lipsticks at all price ranges. Almost every drugstore brand will carry a great version or two, with good color payoff and staying power; it is just a matter of going out there and doing some research until you find them. You really don't need to spend more than $10 USD on a lipstick to achieve good results. And while you are at it, add a lipgloss or two for those days when you don't feel like doing a full face of makeup (NYX does some of my favorites and they don't cost more than $5 USD!).

I hope this has been a helpful guide for those of you that are starting out with cosmetics and want to be smart about it. If you liked this post, don't forget to subscribe!  :)
Love you bunches!

Decorating My New House v.1: My Perfect Vanity

Okay, so I know I have been super inconsistent in my posting the last couple of weeks.. but this time I do have a legitimate excuse: I moved! not only houses, but cities, too. And jobs. And I am so very, very excited because I am now living by the sea, in a city I absolutely adore, where many of my very best friends live. However, moving can be such a pain! Packing everything up, arranging movers, unpacking everything again and arranging it... it can get a bit overwhelming at times (and it did!). So instead of letting myself be swamped by a huge to-do list, I decided to focus on the best part: decorating my house from scratch!

Being the beauty hoarder that I am, the first thing I wanted to sort out was my vanity. At my old place I didn't have the room to set a space just for me, where I could keep all my products organized and nicely stored, so when I started house-hunting I specifically looked for a space where I could arrange a gorgeous vanity to fit my needs. My needs being:

1. Sufficient room for all my beauty products.
2. Lots and lots of light (have you ever done your makeup in the dark, only to realize you resemble a drag queen once you have left the house!? not me, definitely not, never, no sir!).
3. Vintage inspired, yet not grandma-y, to match the vibe of the rest of our house.

When I was contacted by One Kings Lane, I was delighted to see that they had a ton of awesome stuff in a huge variety of styles and price ranges, and I let myself go wild looking for all the things I need to create my own perfect vanity. Fun, fun, fun! If you are wanting to update your own vanity, or add some nice touches to the one you already have, you will almost certainly find something there to fit your own style and budget. After some browsing around, here is what I ended up loving the most for my new space:

1. Vevey Oversized Mirror: In my opinion, the best way to start designing your vanity is with your mirror. A huge statement mirror will set the tone for the rest of the vanity, and you can then keep decorating around it. My favorite one from their site is this wooden one. I love the shape and color, which give it a vintage feel, but the wood counteracts its effect so it doesn't look outdated. And of course, by being oversized (29" x 45") it doesn't need a lot more to make a statement. And it brings in lots of light, too. Basically, it ticks all the boxes for me. For even more inspiration on how to make the most out of your mirror, I found this great list of 7 Ways to Work Magic with a Mirror. It is well worth a read!

2. Roland Table Lamp: I am in love with the texture of this lamp. I think it adds personality to it, while the white cotton shade keeps it sleek and clean. It also pairs perfectly with the mirror! Can you tell by now that I love things that have a lot of contrast to them? I find them so much more interesting!

3. Trellis Frame: I like the elegant feel of keeping my vanity light and neutral with some gold accents, but I still think it's fun and fresh to add a pop of color. My choice is this too-cute frame in teal, perfect to keep a picture of my boys right beside me when I'm doing my makeup. I love it a lot.

4. Apothecary bottles with gold accents: I love the old-school vibe of apothecary bottles, but sometimes they might be a little too old looking for my taste. But then I saw this chevron one and the polka-dotted one and they were exactly what I wanted to complete my vanity! Again, they are super contrasty: old bottles with modern golden accents? yes, please! I'm thinking I will put some fresh flowers in it because I love that it's kind of unexpected, not to mention fancy and sophisticated, no?

I am really happy about these four choices, I think they fit my personality and the rest of my house to a t, and I am super excited to have such a nice space to get ready every day. What about you? Do you also have a nice little haven all of your own in your home? I would love to hear about it!


This post was created as part of the "Reflect Your Style" campaign, together with One Kings Lane. 
All opinions expressed here are my own.

Rad Find Time #1: Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Tint

Hi, there! Welcome to A Bunch Of Radness, version 2.0 if you will.
From now on, this will be a space dedicated to all things beauty, with some fashion and cocktail posts thrown in occasionally too. I am very excited about this. I had been wanting to streamline the blog for quite a while now, but for some reason didn't find a way that worked for me and that inspired me to create fresh, original content more regularly. One of my biggest passions for a long time has been beauty: I have devoured hundreds of beauty blogs and youtube videos on all things skincare, makeup and bath and body, and I finally decided to take the plunge and create one of my own.

Once again, welcome. The post for today, Rad Find Time, will be a regular series featuring a product I have absolutely loved and that I feel deserves to be raved about in its own post. Today's turn is for the Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint in Fiery. ($24).

I know the whole lip crayon craze is quite old by now, but this bad boy is something else. I was a bit hesitant when I first bought it. I didn't think it would be anything special, but I was so wrong. It definitely performs way better than other (cheaper) lip crayons, such as the Revlon Just Bitten, hence the larger price tag.

The first thing I noticed when I opened it was its very distinct minty scent, which is always nice and refreshing. Then I put it on and half-expected it to feel drying, as some lip crayons often are, but it was quite the opposite: the texture is super smooth and creamy, and made for a very pleasant application.

I immediately fell in love with the color, too. It has most definitely become my go-to red: it is obviously matte (hence the name: "Matte Lip Tint"!), which has been my preference for lip color lately. Also, I find that it's not too deep nor too girly, and looks sophisticated without looking heavy. It works for both daytime and nighttime (or at least I've worn it for both haha!) which is also a plus.

The pigmentation and lasting power of this crayon are incredible. It lasted a whole day of work (eating and drinking included) with only one touch-up. Usually with lip products, you either get amazing color payoff or a non-drying formula, but that is definitely not the case with this one, a win-win for sure!
In conclusion, I am more than happy to pay the $24 for more of these crayons, considering high end lipsticks are usually above the $30 mark.

My Style: Sunday Layers (In Hot Weather!)

Hello and welcome to another style post!
I haven't done these very often, but I find them really fun and intend on doing them more frequently from now on.
This week my pick were layers. You might be thinking: "Have you gone insane!? layers in a city that is perpetually 90º F  (30 - 35 ºC)!!!!?" And for the most part, you'd be right, but the thing is, when the weather is so preposterous, every single place blasts their air conditioning. So I've identified those places where I immediately freeze upon entering, and yesterday I knew I was going to one of them (our mall) so I decided to layer it up.

Graphic tees are everywhere now that people are getting into spring mode, and I love me a good graphic tee, so I wore one with little wolves and birds, and on top I wore a green button down shirt that I "stole" from my mom (and when I say stole, I mean that I mentioned it was cute once, and she let me keep it). And then I just wore my black zippered tights.

Accessories were kept simple, with a vintage statement necklace, and outside I also wore a hat I've had since forever (can't even remember where it's from!). My glasses are from Detour by the blogger Zoella, and you can get them here.

Once inside, my hair was a lot more under control:

This was a perfect option for a Sunday outing. The button down shirt was very lightweight for this weather, but perfectly comfortable inside too, and when it got too warm I just took it off just and left the sleeveless tee. Finally, the outfit was completed by my all-time black pumps, and voilà.

The Body Shop Body Butter Reviews

If I was stranded on an island and could only have one beauty product with me, it would definitely be a body butter. And within the body butter universe, The Body Shop ones top the list, because of their texture, their moisturizing properties and their yummy yummy scents. The Body Shop has an endless selection to choose from, ranging from subtle and floral scents to the most intoxicatingly scrumptious ones, appealing to all tastes.

I have been known to hoard body products of all shapes and sizes, and of course body butters aren't the exception, which is why today I am sharing my thoughts on the ones I have at the moment:

1. Mango Body Butter
This body butter smells so strongly in the pot, that I feared I would smell like a walking fruit salad when putting it on. However, the smell was so tropical and irresistible that I had to get it, and when I put it on, I found that it leaves me with a fresh, summery scent but not overpowering at all, which was nice to find out. This would be one of the best ones for the summer.

2. Chocomania Body Butter
By far the thickest body butter I own. I love using it when my skin is in need of some serious, deep moisture. The scent is also a lot stronger than the other ones and lingers on your skin, which I like because it smells like a delicious dark chocolate. If you like lighter body lotions though, this one is probably not for you, as it is on the greasier side.

3. Moringa Body Butter
The smell of this body butter is nothing short of divine: it is floral and delicate, and in my opinion, the most feminine one I own. I use it whenever I feel like putting a nice perfume on, as it is so subtle that it complements them perfectly. It's texture is nice and creamy and light, but equally as moisturizing. The funny thing with this one is that I always walked past it at the store, it just never caught my attention. But when I got it given for my birthday this year I was instantly hooked, I wore it all the time and was bummed when I ran out. I think it has become my favorite of all as far as scents go.

4. Strawberry Body Butter
As sweet as Chocomania and as feminine as Moringa, this is one I have to get over and over again. I love all things strawberry, and this body butter does not disappoint. It is also one of the scents that lingers on your skin the most, so I hardly ever wear perfume when I put this on. I'm not gonna lie, I love the compliments I get when I wear it. And the texture isn't too thick or too light, just right.

5. Shea Body Butter
There are two things I love about this body butter: it is the most deliciously moisturizing one of all, leaving my skin baby soft; and the fact that its light, nutty scent doesn't compete with my perfume, so I can put it underneath anything I want to wear and it doesn't overpower it. Definitely a must have for the winter to avoid dry, rough skin.

Over the years the ones I have tried that haven't impressed me (which is why I don't own them anymore) are:
- Satsuma: way too overpowering. I smelled like I had smeared a mandarin all over, and I didn't particularly enjoy that.
- Olive: this one has a lot of fans out there, but for me it wasn't bad, it wasn't good, just... meh.


If you have tried The Body Shop body butters, which are your favorite?

How To Recover From Shopaholism

My name is Veronica and I am a shopaholic. More than a shopaholic, I am a window-shopaholic. Few things feel better than browsing stores for hours (both online and at the mall), and marveling at shiny new products, perfect tops, gorgeous bikinis... and then I remember that I have bills to pay and I hesitate for a second... perhaps I can live without power for a week?  No, no, I have a toddler, I can't. And the cycle repeats itself countless times.

It all starts when I go online just to take a peak, only for two minutes, at say, the new Bath & Body Works candles. Next thing I know, I am re-planning my whole budget in my head trying to accommodate not only five different candles, but also two body lotions, three hand soaps, one room spray and one body wash. I add them to my cart, but I already know I will never checkout. I stare at them for embarrassing (and creepy!) periods of time, like a zombie. My fiancé has tried and failed to do an intervention. I have carts on several different sites including, but not limited to: Dailylook; Amazon; Target; Lush; Bath & Body Works; Luvocracy, you name it...

**This may or may not have happened to me before**

I started thinking about that thanks to Black Friday. If you don't know what this is, it is the day after Thanksgiving (aka today) when all the stores go on crazy, ridiculous, irresistible specials. Today is the day when us, the shopaholics, suffer the most: either by looking at our credit card statements after we have spent way way way too much, or by having the irresistible urge to spend but not being able to. That is why today I decided I would come up with my very own ways to overcome this addiction, and help fellow shopaholics along the way:

1. First and foremost, NEVER EVER watch "Confessions Of A Shopaholic" again. This movie is extremely counterproductive: I for one, trick myself into thinking that I can buy whatever I want because one day in the future I will just get my act together, easily get rid of all my debt and marry Hugh Dancy.

2. Pull that credit card statement out. It is scarier than watching The Shining on your own, but you gotta do it. Go over each and every item, and start making a plan on how to repay it. You will probably be so exhausted afterwards that you won't feel like going out shopping.

3. Enroll in a program to get rid of said debt, like this one from LearnVest. They will be more than happy to lecture you on your spending habits until you don't feel like doing it anymore.

4. Ask your boyfriend (or any guy, for that matter) to stay with you on a day you are particularly tempted to go shopping. They dread shopping so much that they will do anything in their power to prevent you from going.

5. If you are into alternative therapies, it couldn't hurt to try tapping. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like: you tap your forehead. This therapy claims that by tapping on specific stress-reducing acupuncture points, you become more analytical and thus less likely to make impulse buys. Just, try and not do it at the mall or inside a store, you don't want to freak people out by going all jedi on them.

6. This one is not for the faint-hearted, and it requires you to be fully honest with yourself: take the 107 retail cards you carry. Study each one and decide which are actually useful (in terms of the rewards you get and how often you use them) and which ones only trick you into buying more unnecessary crap, only to get 20 cents off that unicorn horn powder that you "absolutely must have". Once you have identified them, take them, and snap away... you can do it!

7. Finally, repeat after me: I don't need yet another pair of boots; I don't need yet another pair of boots; I don't need yet another pair of boots... and breathe...

My Nighttime Skincare Routine Plus Reviews

Finding just the right products for your skin is no easy task: for me it has been a trial-and-error process, and it can sometimes be very daunting and disheartening when I have high hopes for a product and the results are disastrous (LUSH Fresh Farmacy, I'm looking at you!). Right now though, I am pretty satisfied with these four gems, and although my skin is far from perfect, they are delivering pretty satisfactory results at the moment:

Let's start with the first one:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover Wipes: These and The Body Shop's Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes are the only wipes I have ever tried that do not break me out. However, I prefer the Neutrogena ones, as the Tea Tree Oil tends to burn my face slightly, for some reason my face reacts to them (not strongly, though). And considering they are half the price ($6.39 USD) I am likely to just stick with Neutrogena.

They are the first product I use: they get rid of the first layer of makeup, and I also remove all of my eye makeup with these as the other products aren't really suitable for the eye area. I wouldn't recommend using only cleansing wipes, as they really can't get rid of all the dirt and gunk, and the face just doesn't feel clean. 

Then, I use the Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser:

 It has a lovely, soothing texture and it continues to get rid of all the makeup the wipes left behind. It claims to help prevent breakouts thanks to the salicylic acid. I am actually neutral on that: I don't think it particularly prevents them, but it also doesn't cause them. Plus, its texture calms my skin and it is very good at removing makeup and dirt.

Then I move on to LUSH's Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser:

I just have to say that this product is Heaven sent! Being a huge Lushie, I had heard all of the hype surrounding this product: nearly every day someone would express their disappointment that it had been discontinued, and I kept wondering what could possibly be so darn great about it. Then they brought it back (this time permanently) around a month and a half ago, and I decided I had to see for myself.

I have to say here, that I was extremely hesitant to purchase it, as the description states that this is for "all skin types". Now usually, I would stay miles away from any product that is meant for all skin types, as my face has declared war on anything that isn't specifically for oily skin. But this time curiosity got the best of me, and I ordered the small pot (Now I wish I had ordered the larger one!). The first thing I noticed is its yummy scent: it smells of corn and caramel, but not in an overpowering or overly sweet way, it is very subtle. Then, I grabbed a pinch of it, just a little pea-sized one, as a little goes a long way, and mixed it with water to create a paste. I massaged onto my whole face, and was afraid it would break me out because it felt very moisturizing. When I rinsed it off, it did leave my face feeling soft and supple, but also squeaky clean. I have now been using it for around two weeks, and not only does it not break me out at all, but my face is softer than ever. I never ever put moisturizer on at night because my face would just go nuts, but with this product I don't even have to! I have now become one of the thousands that swear by it.

If it is starting to get really cold where you live, then run don't walk to get this! your face will be desperately needing some hydration, no matter your skin type, and this product will give it just that in the nicest possible way.

Using these three products leaves my face completely makeup- and gunk-free. For my makeup and skin type, this is the only way I feel truly clean.

Finally, I top off my routine with Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion, a toner that unclogs pores and absorbs excess oil. Since I've been using it, I have definitely noticed a difference in the amount of oil on my face. It contains significant amounts of salicylic acid, so I don't recommend it for sensitive skin types, as it can be a little irritating (it does tingle a little when I put it on).

So far, my skin hasn't declared war on me with this routine, so I don't think I'll be changing it any time soon. Don't fix what ain't broken and all that, ya know?

Socially Conscious Christmas Gift Ideas

There are two types of people in this world: the earlybirds who have already started their Christmas shopping, and the ones who leave it until the last minute and find themselves running around on Christmas Eve trying to find the perfect gift for Aunt Muriel (which, let's face it, will either end up being a book voucher or a fruit basket). I have been known to be the latter. This year, however, I decided to be different and hopefully have around 30% of my list crossed off by the 1st of December. A girl can dream...

With that in mind, I started thinking about what sort of presents I would like to give this year. I also really want to try to be less commercial with my shopping, and be more socially conscious about who I am supporting. Small business owners often have amazing and creative stuff, and definitely more original than mainstream. Also, since they aren't mass-produced, the quality of the products is likely to be better.

If, like me, you want to get a head start with your shopping, here is a list of some rad small businesses and how they can help you out. Or, you could wait until the 24th and come back to this post to make your life easier. You are welcome.

1. For your bad-ass mom who loves the simple, elegant things in life: this Turquoise Oracle necklace from Soul Makes

 
2. For your little sister who is an aspiring fashionista: these cute heart-shaped Silver earrings from LilyEmme Jewelry

3. For your classic and sophisticated father, this messenger laptop bag from Sew Much Style

4. For your little bro who lives for comic books: a cellphone case from Bluez Skiez

5. For your bestie who has recently developed an obsession with all things pink and vintage: these vintage drop earrings from Jacaranda Designs

6. For your eco-conscious, meditative and somewhat hippie aunty: an opium, sandalwood and soy candle from VoodooWick

7. For your pet-loving little cousin: a rad pocket journal from Mountains Of The Moon.

8. For that friend you always take with you to pamper yourselves: a bath bomb gift set from Elegant Rose Boutique

9. For your stylish and ever-so-practical workmate: this fun green and ivory tote with leather bottom from Milo And Molly

10. For your boyfriend's newborn nephew: a too-cute-for-words hat from She Makes Hats

11. For your cousin whose life-long idol and role model is Julia Child: a super chic apron from Annabel's Aprons

Vintage Accessories

I am mostly modern and minimalist when it comes to decorating a house, but when it comes to decorating myself (read: jewelry) I have a soft spot for vintage items. I just feel that they have a wonderful charm to them; they are romantic, classic and sophisticated. They immediately add character to an outfit. Here is a collection of some beautiful vintage items, each with its own unique story to tell:

Left to right from top to bottom:

Vintage Necklace from White Rabbit Designs  //  Vintage Beaded Purse from Little Tree Vintage  // Pastel Vintage Necklace from BogieBacall  //  Museum Treasure Bracelet from Ruche  //  Vintage Butterfly Ring from MelaniesFabFinds  //  Brushed 14K Gold Earrings from LilyEmme Jewelry  // Vintage Flower Pin from The Hokey Pokey  //  Vintage Scarf from Eclectic Shop  //  Another Vintage Scarf from Beta Accessories

Gray - Yellow Home Decor

I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with pink. If it was up to me, everything I own would be pink (except clothes, I do like to play with different colors when it comes to my outfit). But my room, for example, would probably resemble something like this:

This is SprinkleOfGlitter's bedroom, one of my favorite bloggers. This was love at first sight for me.

However, I have a fiancé that would never in a million lifetimes let me do that. Shame. However, I was lucky enough to find a trend that fits both our styles perfectly: the contrast of gray and yellow is delicate and subtle, without being too feminine. It gives a very modern look to the home, but makes it feel romantic and cozy at the same time. We are both minimalist when it comes to decorating, which this trend matches perfectly, as a few, simple details bring any room to life. In short, I think this is the one for us.

Here are some examples of yellow-gray home decor:

WALL DECOR

1. Flowers and Chevron; available  here
2. Even more Chevron; available here  (Probably the most likely to be approved by fiancé)
3. A more delicate print; available here
4. Cute quote and design, also perfect for a nursery; available here

HOME ACCESSORIES

1. Collection of pillows, from Zinc Door
2. Gray and Yellow bedding, from West Elm
3. Floral contemporary rug; available here
4. Chevron coffee mug, available here

I think it is a lovely combination of colors, don't you?

Beauty Trend: Nude Nails

While spring and summer are seasons known for fun, flirty and relaxed trends in beauty and fashion, fall is really where the most sophisticated, feminine and elegant trends come to life.

This season one of the biggest trends that I am in love with are nude nails.  Not only are they gorgeous, but they are also super versatile: they transition ever so smoothly between day and night, work and fun. They really are appropriate for any occasion (which is not the case with other nail trends, like magnetic polish or 3D accents). 

If your skin is on the darker side, this is definitely a must-try, as the nails will stand out beautifully against your skin. However, nude nails don't only suit darker-skinned girls: pale girls can benefit from wearing sheerer shades of nude, so as not to create an undesirable contrast with their skin. A good rule to follow when choosing a flesh-colored lacquer is to go for one that matches your foundation, and that way your nails won't clash with your overall look.

Regardless of your skin tone, clean nails and cuticles are crucial in order to rock this trend as any dirt will definitely show. 

If you love being adventurous with your nails, fear not: this trend doesn't have to be plain or boring. Here are some tips to add an edge to your mani:

1. Add nail strips over the lacquer. Here, YouTube beauty guru MissGlamorazzi is rocking a stunning, chic manicure wearing Essie Topless & Barefoot underneath, and Revlon by Marchesa nail strips on top, in Beaded Couture:

Image from Ingrid Nilsen's Instagram account, @TheGridMonster

2.  Add an accent nail:

Image by Bellasugar

3. Incorporate nude shades into some fun nail art:

Image from Stylosophy

There is an endless selection of nude hues to choose from now, from really sheer, barely-there tones to light brownish nudes. To make it easier for you to choose, I have rounded up my three favorite options: a light nude, a medium nude and a darker one.

Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in 104 Funny Girl

Essie Ballet Slippers

O.P.I. in Barefoot in Barcelona

Finally, I did my own nude nails. I am absolutely terrible at doing my nails, but I do them from time to time anyway in hope that practice makes perfect (or at least acceptable!), so please forgive the quality of my manicure:

What is your favorite nail trend this fall? And are you going to be wearing the nude nail trend?