Tag: missguided

Why I Will Never Shop At Missguided Again

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It’s with a heavy heart that I have to untangle myself from slay-worthy, trendy and most importantly affordable clothing. I’m sure like me, many of you have heard of the U.K. based clothing brand Missguided by now; you’ll see their fierce pieces on some of Youtube’s most fashionable bloggers and immediately be ready to place an order. The company may seem like the next ASOS or Forever 21 with an even edgier website and all-star collabs. So you’re probably wondering why I just sprinkled in buy-worthy adjectives to describe a website I will never shop at again… well I’m sure you can see from the image, but I’ll explain further.

I had placed five orders total to missguidedus.com between 2013 and July of 2015. The first three orders I placed I had no issue with. The highest one totaled $126.50 (I promise pricing is relevant to this post). My fourth order, the dreaded fourth order, totaled $177.60. For all orders I used a coupon code, so that fourth order I got 20% off and “free shipping”, Missguided states it has free shipping on most orders to the U.S. So I’m doing fine, loving most of my new stuff, until about a month later I receive a FedEx bill for $68. I see the company on the bill is Missguided, so I contact their customer service concerned why I’ve received a bill from them.

I emailed a customer service representative back and forth and with the response I got you would’ve thought this happens all the time. Shannon, the customer service representative, told me it’s customs that enforces the fee if you place an order out of the U.S. Your order must be over $200 she states, mine was only $177.60, so I’m even more confused until I realized that the 20% off promo doesn’t count towards customs, they only count the clothes at their full price.

My first inquiry was why had I ordered from other out-of-states sites such as ASOS and Sabo Skirt for similar prices and never gotten a customs fee? Next, I wondered why the hell this website advertises “free shipping” (there is no disclaimer when you order, you must go to their Help page and read up on delivery to figure out you may be charged a customs fee) when you place an order even close to $200, which is not an outrageous amount to spend for a seasonal buy. I asked Shannon these questions and she directed me to the delivery questions page on their website which made me feel like Missguided was blaming me instead of taking responsibility for not having a clear disclaimer on their website.  If they had a disclaimer at checkout they would still get the sale, but I would’ve placed two orders to avoid a very large shipping fee.

Good companies firstly have a shipping disclaimer, I work for a retail Ecommerce site and we have one when you checkout for certain states/countries, also we would never not offer to try and make the situation better by either paying the customs fee or offering a coupon code at the very least. Missguided did none of this. I got a measly sorry, and “We hope you’ll reconsider” shopping with us after I told Shannon I’d no longer purchase from them. Oh, but it gets better.

So, I finally decide to pay the customs fee recently (I was hoping stupidly it’d go away), but as I was talking to a co-worker about my experience, she was going through a shipping debacle elsewhere, she said she’d check their website. I did, and now it states in their delivery questions section you have to spend $800 to be charged a customs fee. It’s not even a year after my shipping horror story and now I’m even more enraged. I just paid a $77 customs fee (with interest the fee went up) for a $177 order and now you have to spend $800 to be charged!?

I took to Missguided’s Facebook, which I encourage anyone who may still want to order from there to checkout because there’s a slew of other people who have shipping issues with them, which made me feel like a part of a very sad fashion army. They asked me to privately message them  and I did. I inquired why the customs fee had changed and if they could do anything to assist with the fee I had been charged. Once again, I received the same response. Which to me means this is a company issue, not a customer service personality issue.

After reading everyone else’s qualms with their shipping, I felt validated. That’s also why I needed to write this. Missguided is blowing up, many fashion and beauty gurus I love who live in the U.S. order from them, and I know many other people are influenced to buy clothes from the clothing sites these girls buy from. I’m not sure if they are sent these clothes, or know about the customs fees, but it’s a shame their viewers don’t know about the possibility of outrageous shipping fees. I wouldn’t even mind if it was made clear in their checkout, but it’s still not. I tested this 20 minutes ago by adding over $800 worth of merchandise into a cart and going through checkout to see what the shipping said. Still, there was no disclaimer, just a $14.99 shipping charge. (I didn’t purchase by the way this was all before putting in my shipping info). All I have to say is check the disclaimer on out of country sites, but honestly if it’s a good website, you shouldn’t have to.

Note: Sizing is really off for this site as well, I’m normally a size 0-2 and I ordered a dress in a 2 and then a 4 and it was so stiff I couldn’t get it past my hips for either. 

Kiss-Proof Valentine’s Day Looks

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Hi beauties! If you’ve noticed something different about my page you would be correct; I changed the layout and URL for my blog, which you can now share with your friends as abeautycapsule.com! I’m super excited to take this step towards a newer look and feel. Anyway, today I’m here to recommend my favorite kiss-proof lipstick options, even if you are only kissing you pet this V-day like moi, haha. I also have two makeup looks, warning the red lip was NOT kiss proof, but I will give red lip options that are. I’m also going to give you some Valentine’s Day date night options; so all in all this is a jammed packed post. I would like to get a romantic halo smokey eye look up before V-day as well. But for now read on for some lovely looks.

Best Lipsticks for Smooching

*Disclaimer: These are what work best for me. Performance can change based on lip care, eating and drinking. For best wear time I apply a lip balm, let it sink in for a few minutes, then pat it off a bit and then I apply my liquid lipstick. Also, I find any high-pigment lipstick is going to have some transfer. To eliminate I’d pat with a tissue. 

  • Reds
  • Pinks/Magentas
    • ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in More Better 
    • OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Mina 
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks in Sad Girl
  • Nudes
    • OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Bel Air 
    • Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Dolce
    • NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick in Soft Spoken (I’m obsessed with this for everyday)

Makeup Looks

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Products:

Primer: Nivea Post Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin (you’ll understand once you watch Nikkie Tutorials explain here, and yes it really works!)

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way in Porcelain, applied with the It Cosmetics Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush

Concealer:  Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Fair Neutral, buffed out with a damp Real Techniques sponge

Powder: Maybelline FaceStudio Loose Powder 

Brows: Sculpted with the Maybelline Brow Define and Fill Duo in Deep Brown (only use pencil side) then filled in with the Anastasia Dipbrow in Dark Brown. Set with NYX Brow Mascara in Espresso

Contour: Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette shade Sombre. Contoured nose and cheeks.

Eyeshadows: 

Liners: Jordana Cat Eye Liner in Black Leather and L’Oreal Silkissime in Black on the waterline

Blush: ColourPop Between the Sheets 

Highlighter: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer 

Lips:

1st lip: NYX Soft Spoken with NYX Ever Lip Pencil

2nd lip: L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Gloss in Shanghai Scarlet (This is NOT a liquid lipstick). This color will transfer, but it does wear evenly, and does not bleed. But if you plan on kissing you partner, beware, unless you want to leave some kiss marks.

Dress: Lulu’s

Date Night Picks

 

Bringing the Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am: New Year’s Look and What’s Coming in 2016

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IMG_3103Hello loves! I hope everyone had  a splendid and spectacular New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I didn’t have enough time to post my makeup look before I went out in good ol’ Atlantic City (a resolution for next year is to celebrate somewhere else) but I decided I’d post this snazzy glitter-bombed eye look incase any of you want to wear it to work Monday; I kid, I kid. I also wanted to share with you what I have planned for 2016. I’d really like to get a handle on my Sony A5100 (if anyone has tips, please leave below) and up the quality on my photos and start shooting videos! I also plan to create my own website, and deliver more reviews and fashion photos. Any other suggestions you guys would like for 2016 are encouraged! Below I’m going to leave my favorites of 2015, and of course this makeup look. P.S. A year review of my favorite products will hopefully be up next week, I’ll be in Florida at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (insert heart eyed emoji here) so I hope to get it up before Wednesday. Happy 2016!

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Primer: BECCA Backlight Priming Filter 

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation-Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer- Fair Neutral

Powder: Makeup Forever Translucent Setting Powder

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade- Dark Brown with NYX Brow Mascara- Brunette

Eyeshadows: 

Eyeliner: 

Lashes: L’oreal Telescopic- Carbon Black. Velour Lashes for Sephora– Fluff n’ Dolled Up.

Blush: Milani Baked Blush– Rose D’Oro

Highlighter: BECCA Cosmetics Jaclyn Hill x Champagne Pop (used on cheeks, nose, cupid’s bow, above brows)

Lips: NYX Slim Lip Pencil- Ever. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick– Dolce.

Extras: Top- Missguided. Necklace: BaubleBar 

2015 Favorite Life Things!

90’s Inspired Makeup: Colourpop Fall 2015 Collection

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90s makeup look 90s makeup

Good afternoon fellow makeup lovers, it’s officially time to break out out the fall makeup looks. I am so excited for fall and the darkness that comes with it; I love dark lips, eyes, clothes, you name it. This year Colourpop Cosmetics officially stepped up their game and released an amazing 90’s inspired collection for their fall lookbook. With product names like Poison, Grunge, and Boy Band I just had to have this collection, as I’m sure many of my fellow 90’s babies will too. Not only are the names a reason to put these items in your cart, once again Colourpop’s insane quality and price point won’t disappoint. Below is swatches and all the details of this makeup look. I also threw in some 90’s fun facts about myself, feel free to share yours =). P.S. Halloween looks will be coming up as soon as October hits.

Swatches

Colourpop 90s collection
From left going clockwise: Stereo, Central Perk, and Boy Band.
Colourpop 90s swatches
From wrist down: Central Perk, Boy Band, Stereo, Grunge, Poison, Oh Snap, Grunge Lip Pencil

I picked up three Supershock shadows in the shades Central Perk, I’ve recently become Friends obsessed, so I had to have this. Also it’s my first matte shade from Colourpop and it’s a stunning coffee bean maroon-brown. I also picked up Stereo, a gunmetal purple with sparkles, and Boy Band which is a golden brown with sparkles. For the lips I picked up three Lippie Stix in Grunge, which is a matte and a super-wearable brown and is very Cindy Crawford in the 90’s, Poison, which is a to-dief-or matte burgundy red that I’ll probably wear on the daily, and Oh Snap which is more of a peachy nude, I haven’t tried this yet but it’s a very pretty neutral. I also picked up the Grunge Lippie Pencil, which I highly recommend as finding a brown toned lipliner isn’t easy. You can find all these on Colourpop’s Fall 2015 page.

Makeup Look

fall smokey eye

Primer: Smashbox Photoready Primer

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Porcelain

Concealer: It Cosmetics Eyelift in a Tube in Fair (I’m still on the fence with this, it provides really great coverage, but it also has a tacky consistancy I don’t love. I got it during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty so it was half off).

Powder: Revlon Aqua Mineral Makeup in Fair to set.

Brows: NYX Microbrow Pencil in Brunette and their Brow Mascara in Brunette. (I skipped powder for this look because 90’s brows were a bit more structured and thin).

Eyeshadows:

  • Crease: NYX Matte Shadow in Maybe Later with LORAC Pro Palette 1’s Espresso in the outer crease.
  • Lid: Coloupop Supershock Shadow in Central Perk
  • Browbone: LORAC 1 Cream and White mixed together
  • Lower lashline: LORAC 1 Black lightly smoked out
  • Inner corner: LORAC 1 Nude

Eyeliner: Maybelline Gel Liner in Blackest Black on both the top lashine and pressed into the lower lashline.

Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black topped with Too Faced Better Than Sex (only on the upper lashes)

Blush: Tarte Get Cheeky Holiday Palette in the Shade Breathless (LE).I really wanted almost no color on the cheeks for this so a matte brown/tan works best some similar options are, L’Oreal True Match Blush in Bare Honey, for darker skin tones I’d use their blush in Soft Sun. NYX’s HD Blush in Taupe is another fan favorite.

Highlight: NONE. For a 90’s look I wouldn’t use a highlight as tempting as it may be.

Lips: Colourpop Grunge Lippie Stix and Lippie Pencil.

90’s Fun Facts

  • Favorite Boy Band and Song: N*Sync all the way, and that’s tough but I love their song Pop.
  • Favorite show: I had so many, as a little kid I loved Rugrats and Global Guts, as I got older Boy Meets World.
  • Favorite Pop Princess: Christina!
  • Favorite Spice Girl: Posh, still to this day it’s Posh.
  • Mood Rings or Snap Bracelets? Snap bracelets, I had a zebra print one.
  • Favorite rock band: For awhile Nirvana, then I went through a massive Green Day phase.
  • First Concert: N*Sync (thanks Dad!) and P!NK opened.
  • Favorite Board Game: Girl Talk, you must check it out if you haven’t
  • Favorite snack: Pizza lunchables and dunkaroos (let’s get real their still a favorite)

Hope you guys liked this, let me know what you’re fun facts are and if you like these types of things,  also my top is from Missguided!

Bold Brows: Anastasia Brow Wiz vs NYX Micro Brow

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Bold brows

Bold brows have taken over for good, which for some blessed specimens (Care Delevingne I’m looking at you!) they are fortunate to have hairs that need no fillers; for the rest of us we need products to get that beautiful and bold brow look. Over the past few years I’ve used everything from the Maybelline Quad Natural Smokes darkest shadow, not one of my best makeup moments, to Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyebrow Mousse, which I still love. But like most brow lovers, I’ve relied heavily on brow pencils. At first, we had the infamous and lovely Anastasia Brow Wiz, but at $21 it’s not always the most affordable tool. But once you go all bold brow gal there isn’t any going back. So like many others every three months I’d suck it up and buy my Brow Wiz for $21. But recently more affordable brands have stepped-up their brow game. The drugstore brand that intrigued me most was NYX. I love their products and think their quality is great, so I was super happy to find their Micro Brow Pencils featured similar shades to Anastasia’s Brow Wiz’s. But did NYX’s pencil give me those bold, shapely brows I was used to? Read below for my Brow Showdown.

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Showdown

A little comparison: NYX and Anastasia Beverly Hills Pencils feature the same amount of product, each has 0.003 oz. Both are cruelty free, side note: if you want to save the fur babies use the app Cruelty Cutter, you can scan products and see if they test on animals.  Another similarity, both feature spoolies, or those little brushes to put those brows in place. So really the only major difference is price and performance. As I mentioned above, Anastasia’s Brow Wiz is $21, whereas NYX’s Micro Brow is $9.99. Also Anastasia offers 9 shades, where NYX offers 8. But I believe that all the core shades are in both collections. An in-depth review is below.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: The shade I wear is Medium Brown, and I’ve also used Brunette which is now called Dark Brown. I love this pencil to really shape the brows and carve them out, but I don’t love this to fill in my brows. The product is a bit hard, which is great for shaping, not so much filling in. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve filled in my brows with this, but usually just to get a defined tail. Also, the last Brow Wiz I received the product would not twist up right and would fall out. I’ve had about three Brow Wiz’s so I think my last one was just a bad egg. Overall this is a great brow product with many colors and is definitely a staple.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil: Similarly to Anastasia’s shade, I wear Ash Brown in the NYX pencil. For NYX this product is a little pricey at almost $10, but considering the alternatives all hit the $20 mark range, this is a steal. Micro Brow is much creamier than the Brow Wiz. That’s not to say it’s so creamy you’ve got product everywhere, it’s just easier to use. I love this pencil for both carving out my brows and filling in. The spoolie is a bit rougher than the Brow Wiz, but it’s not a huge deal to me.

Verdict

You can’t go wrong with either the Brow Wiz or the Micro Brow pencil. But personally I like the NYX Micro Brow a bit better. Even if the price was the same, I’d go with Micro Brow. I find it to be easier to use and I can use it to fill in my brows, and I’m also able to blend without tugging like with the Brow Wiz. Whichever weapon you choose though bold brows never lose.

Extras:

Bold brow and red lips

Makeup: 

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and Smooth Foundation in Porcelain

Concealer: NYX HD Photoready Concealer in Porcelain

Powder: Makeup Forever Transluscent Powder

Brows: NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Ash Brown, Brow Bar to Go to fill in, NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette. Carved out with lightest shade in NYX Correct and Conceal palette.

Eyeshadows: NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in Maybe Later and Espresso for the LORAC 1 palette in the crease, LORAC 1 Palette White and Cream on the lid. White on the brow bone.  Espresso on the lower lashine. Nude on the inner corner.

Eyeliner: Top liquid liner is Jordana Cat Eye liner in Black Leather. Bottom liner is L’Oreal Silkissime in Charcoal.

Lashes: Ardell Glamour Demi’s.

Contour: Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette, mixed Sombre and Shadowplay

Blush: Milani Powder Blush in Romantic Rose

Highlight: Colourpop Cosmetics Butterfly Beach

Lips: Colourpop Lippie Stix in Fighter with Fighter lipliner

Top: Missguided Jersey Wrap Over Bralette in Black  (from first photo) Missguided Halle Crepe Dress (second photo)

Bachelor Degree Beauties: Graduation Dress Picks and Makeup Look

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Appearance from Ms. Ivy

 

IMG_7374Hi beauties! Graduation season is finally here, and surprisingly I haven’t seen too many blogggers or magazines offer up looks or grad makeup. But have no fear, I’m also graduating in two weeks getting my Bachelor’s in Public Relations from Rowan University, so I know the struggle of finding graduation dresses. I’m super excited to close this chapter and open another, I’ll also be able to dedicate more time to my blog, but of course I loved shopping for my graduation dress as well. A lot of friends have struggled picking the perfect dress, so I wanted to make a list of my top picks so you can look classy, feel comfortable and look timeless (lets face it that crop top combo that’s so in right now might make you cringe in 10 years). Below are my picks! P.S. The dress above is a couple of years old from Zara, I’m not wearing this exact dress, but I’ll link mine below, it’s fairly similar.

Graduation Dresses Galore

For your dress, whether it be high school, graduation or you Master’s, I like to stick with neutral/lighter colors. Most ceremonies are outside or in a humid gymnasium so the lighter the better. Also many high school ceremonies require white, and light neutrals will always look great. I also would avoid complicated necklines, such as strapless, you want to be able to wear a regular bra comfortably of an important day.

  1. Nasty Gal Levina Lace Dress – White, $88. This is the dress I’m wearing, it’s currently sold out :(, but the length is perfect for sitting, yet still short so you won’t be hot and the lace detail is timeless. This dress is available in a blush color here, which is also a great option.
  2. Nasty Gal Daniella Lace Dress, $88. Great for adding a bit of flair with the blue color and print.
  3. Nasty Gal All A Flutter Dress, $78. This was actually my second choice, I love the 50’s style flair this brings and the flowiness.
  4. Topshop Strappy Lace Bodycon Dress, $75.
  5. Missguided Crepe Pleated Waist Detail Midi Dress Nude, $80. A midi dress is great because it won’t ride up or give you a Marilyn moment.
  6. Coldie Lace Short Sleeved Mesh Insert Midi Dress Nude, $70. This dress gives the illusion of a crop top and skirt but is one piece. The lace makes it timeless and the cropped look gives it the trend factor you’re looking for. P.S. Missguided restocks a lot, so put yourself on the email list of a dress isn’t in your size. 
  7. Mandy Brocade High Neck Skater Dress Mint, $64. If you’re a girl who loves Mad Men style, this dress is for you. I love the mint as an alternative to nude and white as well.
  8. Zara Mid length flounce dress with open back, $99.90. This dress it the epitome of timeless and has a bit of trendiness with the open back.
  9. Zara Guipure stars dress, $99.90. I LOVE this dress, I think it perfectly incorporates new trends but old school style both grandma and you can appreciate.
  10. Forever 21 Floral Lace Scoop-Back Dress, $19.53. Inexpensive and you could easily wear this again, it’s a win-win.
  11. Forever 21 Eyelash Lace Combo Dress, $27.90.
  12. ASOS PETITE Embellished Crop Top Skater Dress, $81. Perfect baby blue and the embellishment adds an extra glam factor.
  13. ASOS Mesh Insert Fit And Flare V Neck Mini Dress, $87. This is for my girls who just love black. The nude skirt inserts make this summer apporiate, while giving you that classic and sleek style.
  14. ASOS Premium Romper With High Neck In Bonded Satin, $99. A lot of my friends love a romper, and I think it’s totally cute and appropriate, you just have to find the right one. This one is super elegant.
  15. Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Pinafore Lace Mini Dress in White, $79.
  16. Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Medallion Fit + Flare Dress, $79. This dress comes in a baby pink, sky blue and white, and they would all fit perfect for graduation. Also the unique lace adds a trendsetter vibe.
  17. Macy’s Jessica Simpson Kymball Lace Dress, $69.
  18. Sabo Skirt Wander Lace Dress – Vanilla, $39.
  19. Francesca’s Rayne Lace Dress, $48.
  20. Francesca’s Zoe Lace Romper, $48.

Recommended Footwear

I would wear a wedge or heeled sandal, as many ceremonies are outside. I would not wear a high heel as it may get stuck in the grass, or you could trip (that’d be me, for sure). My top picks are below:

  1. Anthropologie Jeffrey Campbell Eudora Heels, $178.oo. These are the shoes I’ll be wearing, in the color Honey. They are way over what I would normally spend, but I know Jeffrey Campbell’s are extremely comfortable while still looking great. I also love a suede insole in case your feet get clammy in the heat.
  2. Steve Madden Women’s Rosana Block Heel City Sandals, $99.
  3. Aldo OKELANI High-Heel Sandal, $90. This shoe is available in cognac, white and black, perfect for any dress.
  4. GoJane Fringe Forever Strappy Chunky Heels, $33.70.
  5. Zara Fringed block heel leather sandals, $99.

Makeup

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Products:

Foundation: L’Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte 24 Hour Foundation in Classic Ivory (I recommended putting an SPF on under)

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer on Fair Neutral

Powder: NYX HD Banana Powder

Brows: Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse in Medium Brown, NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette

Eyeshadows: NYX Eye Base in Skin Tone, LORAC 1: Lt. Bronze on Lid, Taupe in Crease, Sable on Lower Lashline, Cream on Browbone. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lavish Palette Rum Cake LE on outer lid, can use any shimmery brown. MAC Pigment in Naked on top of Lt.Bronze, used with MAC Fix +.

Eyeliner: Jordana Cateye Liner in Brown on Upper lashline. L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Brown on Waterline.

Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic in Carbon Black.

Blush: Colourpop Cosmetics Holiday

Highlighter: BECCA Cosmetics Liquid Highlighter in Opal topped with BECCA Pressed Powder in Moonstone.

Lips: MAC Soar lipliner all over the lips and NYX Black Label Lipstick in Tea Rose.

Styling Band Tees: I’m With the Band, But I Still Want to Look Like A Girl

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So I have something to admit, I used to be a bit of a punk wannabe back in the day. You know, I had the scene side bangs, the rimmed black eyeliner that would even scare a mama raccoon and a taste for Green Day and Fall Out Boy (I may still sometimes indulge in the last one). I may have retired my Warped Tour style years ago, but one thing I’ll never retire is my love of music.

Recently, I’ve realized the concert tees I used to rock in middle and high school, usually with a pair of ripped jeans and Converses, are not all that flattering. Many music tees are oversized and look boxy on a woman’s frame. Fortunately, many stores now carry women’s sizes, but if you still love a cult band (like I do) you may have to style that tee into fitting like a shirt you got from Forever 21. Below is this look, my style tips and picks for best concert tees, as well as my favorite bands/ songs at the moment and lastly makeup deets. Enjoy darlings!

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Outfit Details and Style tips:

Tee: City and Colour Women’s Sometimes T-Shirt, $25

Skirt: ASOS Full Midi Skirt on sale for $16.50 but only in yellow (sad face) similar American Apparel Chiffon Pleated Skirt or Missguided Rai Faux Leather Full Midi Skirt Burgundy 

Shoes: Go Jane a few years old, but this style is my ride or die and I can’t find similar ones anywhere (extra sad face).

Tips:

When fashioning up a band tee I suggest:

  1. Accessorizing, whether it be a statement necklace, such as the Zelda Fringe Bib Necklace from Bauble Bar or the Etched Tribal-Inspired Necklace from Forever 21, adding Navajo jewelry, ear cuffs, bangles, the works, really adds style to a band tee.
  2. Headware is your best friend: This is not the time to slack on your hair or pull it in a pony. If you want to go for rocker girl chic, working out that do is a must (even if it is that California bedhead look). I love headwraps such as the Leaf Fringe Goddess Chain Headwrap by Urban Outfitters or ASOS Fine Filigree Hair Crown. I also love a good hat, which will keep the sun off your face at outdoor concerts and festivals. My picks: ASOS Skinny Band Felt Floppy Hat (comes in black and burgundy) and H&M’s Felt Hat in Wool.
  3. Even if there are not women’s sizes by a mens small.
  4. To make a larger size shirt work tuck the shirt into a skirt, this also works with high-waisted shorts (not so much jeans, the fabric tends to bunch in the jeans).
  5. Add a belt to cinch in your waist and any extra material. My picks: H&M Waist Belt and Forever 21 Braided Faux Leather Belt, I love a braided belt because you can use the braids as holes to tighten at the waist where regular belt holes wouldn’t hold up a belt on a skirt.

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Top Concert Tee Picks

  1. Forever 21 Rolling Stones Racerback Ringer Tank (their selection of women’s fitted concert tee’s is probably the best out there and so inexpensive!, browse their graphic tee section for more options)
  2. H&M Ramones Oversized T-Shirt
  3. Beyonce Pink Name Tee 
  4. Junk Food The Who Tee 
  5. Hot Topic The Rolling Stones Fang Tee 
  6. Hot Topic The 1975 Logo Girls T-Shirt
  7. Urban Outfitters The Strokes Boyfriend Tee
  8. Rad Drake Royals Tee  (this Royals collection is hilarious, features Beyonce, Kanye, Lana Del Rey and more dressed in royal clothing)
  9. Spencer Gifts Dibs On The Guitarist Racerback Tank
  10. Target Taylor Swift 1989 Tee 

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A List for the Fellow Music Lovers

I only picked rock/indie music this time, if anyone wants my R&B, Hip Hop or Pop picks I’ll do those in another post.

  •  City and Colour is my perfect music, so I like every song, but give these a try:
    • We Found Each Other in the Dark, As Much As I Ever Could, Little Hell, Grand Optimist, Waiting…, Comin Home and Hello, I’m in Delaware, Sleeping Sickness.
  • Ed Sheeran: Tenerife Sea, Thinking Out Loud, Bloodstream, Give Me Love
  • Dashboard Confessional Hands Down, Stolen, Vindicated, Dusk and Summer
  • Death Cab for Cutie: The New Year, Crooked Teeth, Summer Skin, I Will Follow You Into the Dark
  • Led Zeppelin: Levee Breaks, Heartbreaker, Whole Lotta Love
  • The Rolling Stones: Beast of Burden, Satisfaction
  • The Doors: Roll, Baby, Roll
  • Vance Joy: Georgia, My Kind of Man
  • Hozier: Arsonist’s Lullaby, From Eden
  • The Lumineers: Slow It Down, Flowers in Your Hair, Dead Sea
  • The Civil Wars: Devil’s Backbone, The One That Got Away
  • The 1975: Sex, Chocolate, Settle Down

*Support these artists and buy their music on Itunes!

Makeup Details

IMG_5526

 

Foundation: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte in Classic Ivory (obsessed with this, it’s full coverage and you can use if you have dry skin!)

Concealer: MAC Prolong Wear in NW15

Powder: NYX HD Photoready Banana Powder

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Filled in with Tarte Amazonian Brow Mousse in Medium Brown, Set with NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette

Eyeshadow: Crease: LORAC Megapro Khaki, ABH Chocolate (outer crease). Lid: ABH Tamanna Dress Your Face Palette Blush and Gilded. Browbone: ABH Fresh. Lower lashline: ABH Chocolate

Eyeliner: Top Liner: L’Oreal Gel Liner in Espresso. Bottom Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero.

Lashes: Velour Lashes Carli Lash

Blush: Milani Rose Powder Blush in Tea Rose (super pigment, similar to Tarte’s blushes for half the price).

Highlight: BECCA Pressed Skin Perfector in Moonstone

Lips: Lipliner: MAC Soar. Lipstick: NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Flutter Kiss

 

Hope you guys liked this mash-up of a post! Let me know if you prefer this or a post dedicated to a single item (clothes, makeup, music, etc.) By the way, all photos were taken by my best friend, Brielle Stanks at the Weymouth Furnace County Park in Mays Landing, NJ.

Forget About Dark Colors; You’ll Want Powder Blue this Fall

.Reading time 3 minutes.

 

Photo of me Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me
Taken by: Brielle Stanks

In the Pale

The pale color trend has definitely continued from last years runway shows; I mean who could resist the cotton candy colored hues that for surprisingly  stand out as edgy against the sea of blacks and burgundy’s fall clothes usually bring? Last year it was pale pink, courtesy of Celine’s über popular pale pink coat (view here on vogue.com look #6). This trend broke open when Kim Kardashian sported this coat, click here to see. But this year I’m predicting another pale hue is going to be taking names and stealing the money out of your wallet. But don’t worry, this trend is too beautiful to float away, so you won’t be having any puffer jacket regret next season. Below are your pale hue options!

 

Photo of me Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me
Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me Taken by me
Photo of me
Taken by me
Photo of me Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me
Taken by: Brielle Stanks

Look at bottom of post for outfit and makeup details!

Powder Blue Favorites This Year

Missguided Lena Cocoon Coat Powder Blue $75.98 here

H&M Knit Sweater in Light Blue $34.95 here 

Forever 21 Lace Pencil Skirt in Light Blue $17.90 here 

ASOS New Look Peggy Chain Shoulder Bag $24.62 here

Zara Laser-cut Leather Court Shoe in Sky Blue $89.90 here

Missguided Louisa Pleat Front Tapered Leg Trousers Powder Blue $37.98 here

Missguided Cady Crepe Skater Dress Ice Blue $37.98 here 

Outfit and Makeup Details

Dress: H&M, not the exact same but very close, here 

Boots: Shoemint, from a few years ago, similar here and here 

Belt: H&M, not online but got in store a few weeks ago, similar here

First Jacket: Nasty Gal BB Dakota Hot Damn Coat $118 here

Second Jacket: Zara Leather Jacket no longer in stock but similar here and here 

Purse: Forever 21, similar here

Watch: Michael Kors here  cheaper option here

Makeup:

Smashbox Photo Ready Anti-Redness Primer

L’oreal Lumi Foundation W-1-2

MAC Prolong Wear NW20

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Brunette

Whitening Lightning Brow Bar to Go

Milani Clear Eyebrow Gel

Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette, shadows: Naked and Buck (crease) Gunmetal and Virgin (inner corner)

Urban Decay Naked 2  Palette, shadows: Suspect and Snakebite (lid) Foxy (browbone) Snakebite (lowerlash line)

Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner

L’oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero

Tarte SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Liner in Rose Gold (Limited Edition) similar here 

Milani Luminoso Blush

The Balm Mary-Louminizer Highlight

Maybelline Maple Kiss Lipstick

Jordana Rock ‘n’ Rose lipliner

Birthday Beauty and Outfit on a Budget, Plus Lorac Megapro Swatches, Review and Look

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Picture taken by me. Wearing Lorac Megapro and Nasty Gal dress.
Picture taken by me.
Wearing LORAC Megapro,  Nasty Gal dress and Bauble Bar earrings.
Photo taken by me
Photo taken by me

This past week was my birthday, and like most girls I wanted a pretty dress without the pretty hefty price tag. But finding a cute going-out dress on a budget isn’t the easiest of feats. Luckily, I have hunted for all the girls out there who need a dress for any special occasion. Below are a list of dresses appropriate for a nice dinner with family or friends, which also make these picks great for a wedding, or even a special date night. Best part is? They’re all wallet friendly!

Photo by Bruce Pearlman
My best friend, Brielle Stanks and me         Photo by Bruce Pearlman

Both of the dresses my friend Brielle and I wore for my birthday dinner were from Nasty Gal, my dress is still on sale for $39.20. Brielle’s dress is from last year, but below will be some great options like her’s.  Nasty Gal’s sale section is an abundance of wonderfulness you can’t usually find on many sites; I assure you, you are not getting the leftovers of what no one else wants here! Below are links to some great finds from Nasty Gal and other cool girl sites.

 

Nasty Gal’s Knitty Gritty Dress  $31.20

Nasty Gal’s Between the Pleats Dress $23.20

Nasty Gal’s Garden Life Floral Dress   $34.00

Missguided Lilja Asymmetric Bodycon Dress in Floral Print (similar to Brielle’s) $30.38

Missguided Letje Tailored Bodycon Dress with Contrast Detailing $32.28

H&M Lace Circle Dress (I own this in black, but I love the red too!) $39.95

ASOS Midi Bardot Body-Conscious Dress $37.90 (I love the forest green, also if you’re a student you can ger 10% off at ASOS)

LORAC MEGAPRO SWATCHES AND REVIEW:

Photo taken by me
Photo taken by me

The LORAC Megapro is easily the most coveted holiday makeup item this year. Like many makeup devotees I sat eagerly to get my hands on this, actually my sister did, as it was a birthday gift, but a lot of hounding her went into getting this  (sorry Rachel!). I love both the LORAC 1 and 2 palettes, and I’m glad to say the Megapro does not disappoint. It has a wonderful array of mattes, like every matte you’ve ever needed to blend the crease is here, and sparkling shimmers and satins. Some of the shades are a bit more powdery than the original 1 and 2, but these are still highly pigmented and blendable. If I can suggest one palette to put on your holiday wish list this is it, but it’s limited edition and currently out of stock (if I could insert a crying emoji, I would). Amazon and loraccosmetics.com should restock, so get your hands on it quick!

 

 LOOK FROM THE LORAC MEGAPRO

Photo taken by me
Photo taken by me

Products:

LORAC Megapro eyeshadows: Sepia and Brown (crease), Maroon and Copper (lid), Deep Teal (lower lash line), Espresso (outer corner), Opal (brow highlight) and Sand (inner corner)

Eyeliner: Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES eyeliner in Azurite green similar here 

Gel Liner:  MAC Cosmetics BlackTrack gel liner similar here 

Brows: Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse in Medium Brown and Milani Clear Brow Gel

Foundation: Loreal True Match Lumi in W1-2

Concealer: MAC Prolong Wear NW 20 similar here 

Blush: Maybelline Master Hi-Light in Coral

Bronzer: Tarte Park Avenue Princess

Highlighter: Physicians Formula Miami Strip

Lipliner: Jordana Rock ‘n’ Rose

Lipstick: Nyx Euro Trash

Lipgloss: Gerard Cosmetics Cocoa Bean