My Forever 21 Finds

I'm usually a fan of braving the crowds for Black Friday but for some reason, I could not motivate myself to leave the house. I decided there wasn't anything major on my list that couldn't wait till the madness died down. I did however venture out Saturday morning and wander into my local Forever 21 store. I was browsing the website the day before and had a mental list of items that grabbed my eye. Since their sizing can be a bit off for me (and since you can't return anything for a refund), I wanted to actually see these items in person before dishing out my debit card.

 

 

 

The Items I Left Behind:

 

 

High-Low Satin Pocket Top

 

This top looked like it would be a cute top to throw on and the fit was alright, but I wasn't sure I liked having a black satin square on my lady parts.

 

 

Glittered Cross Tee

 

I really loved this top - it looks much better in person than in this photo. I had it in my hands all the way to checkout but decided to pass because it was bigger than I would have preferred (it was from the Forever 21+ line). But for $12, I may just have it taken in.

 

 

Bejeweled Collar Necklace

 

I have NO idea why I left this behind. It was so gorgeous and the quality was much nicer than you would expect from Forever 21. And how perfect would this be for the holidays!?

 

 

 

The Items I Brought Home:

 

 

Buckle Tab Utility Jacket

 

I have been on the hunt for a utility/military style jacket like a crazy person! But because it's not something classic like a blazer, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it. I happened to see this on a random rack and immediately tried it on. I loved it! It's a tad bigger than my normal size but I think it will work out great with whatever I wear underneath.

 

 

Heart & O Rings (not seen online)

Round Rhinestone Ring (black)

 

 

Black Triangle Earrings (not seen online)

 

 

 

It had been some time since my last Forever 21 visit, but I was pleasantly surprised by some of the finds within the store. I think it's a great place to find some current trends at such an affordable price point!

 

 

*Not a sponsored post - just my own opinions!

MAC Haul

I can't get enough of MAC Cosmetics. Aside from the necessary items (foundation, powder, concealer, etc), the not so necessary items always get me - hook, line & sinker! Every single time I visit a MAC counter, I get lost in their endless shades of eyeshadow & lip colors. Before I know it, time has flown by and I leave with no less than a handful of goodies to play with at home. Here are some of my latest purchases...not all from one trip though! ;)

First up, the face products...

L - R: Fix +, Oil Control Lotion

This was a re-purchase of the Fix +. I really like how it sets my makeup & I have noticed an improvement of how long my 'face' will stay put since using this product. The MAC artist suggested the Oil Control Lotion as my face tends to get a tad oily as the day goes on. I have been using it for a week or so & I think it has helped a tad in controlling the oil, but I can't say I have noticed a major difference. It is pretty lightweight & absorbs quickly into my skin. I am just not sure yet if I will buy it again once this one gets used up.

L - R: Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation (in NC25), Select Sheer Pressed Powder (in NC30), Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer (in NC30)

Everything here was a re-purchase. I have been using their foundation/powder/concealer combo for several years now & since it's been working well, I really haven't had a need to look elsewhere. The only difference here is that the MAC artist suggested I take the NC25 in the foundation because my skin currently isn't so tan (I usually buy NC30). Well I am finding that it's a bit light on my face but since I keep forgetting to exchange it, I am just adding a little bit of tinted moisturizer & it's working. Next time, I will stick with my NC30.

Next up, the eye products...

L - R: Brule Eyeshadow (Satin), Expensive Pink Eyeshadow (Veluxe Pearl)

Both of these eyeshadow colors are new for me. I have seen Brule featured on beauty blogs & videos as a good highlight color. I'm not sure why I never picked it up before. And Expensive Pink was one of those not so necessary items that sucked me in. It caught my eye & I thought it was too pretty of a pink to pass up!

Lastly, the lip products...

L - R: Girl About Town Lipstick (Amplified; from the Fashion Sets collection), Hibiscus Lipstick (Cremesheen; from the Surf! Baby collection - no longer available)

The colors offered in the Fashion Sets collection come in a lipstick, lipglass & nail polish. Once I read reviews & saw swatches of the colors offered, I made a list in my iPhone of the colors I was interested in seeing up close. Girl About Town is so pretty on & I may go back for the lipglass version. The Surf! Baby collection is one from summer 2011 & this lipstick was actually purchased on eBay! I was on the hunt for a pretty coral lipstick color & after some Googling, I came across a post on Temptalia featuring Hibiscus. I became obsessed & HAD TO HAVE IT. In came eBay & voila! I love love love these two lipsticks!

L - R: Sheen Supreme Lipsticks in Fashion City & Ultra Darling

Another first time purchase, but I am in love! The smoothness of these lipsticks is ridiculous. They go on super smooth & they feel so creamy! Fashion City is a soft coral-y color & Ultra Darling is a pretty rosy pink. Love them. I will probably check out what other colors they have because this formula is pretty amazing!

So that is all! Whew! It's pretty crazy how much I love MAC Cosmetics. I had my makeup done there for my own wedding day & for other weddings that I was in. There may be other brands that are better or whatnot, but I figure if it ain't broke, then why fix it??

And holy moley, have you seen their newest collection Hey ,Sailor! Oh you know, I already have my iPhone list started! ;)

The Latest from Old Navy

I have been to Old Navy twice this weekend and walked out with quite the bundle! Old Navy is such a great place to shop without breaking the bank - they usually have several coupons out at a time too! Check out my pics and see what I brought home!

Faux-Leather Boat Shoes in gold

Bow-Tie canvas Ballet Flats in black

Cropped Linen-Blend pants in black & wine

Colored Denim Capris in green

Polka-Dot Boatneck tee in black/pink*

Printed Button-Front Tank in pink*

Printed Button-Front Tank in white*

Double Strap Printed Tank in purple*

 Ruffled Chiffon Maxi Dress in punch*

I wore this dress to church this weekend & got a bunch of compliments!

Old Navy had tons of cute clothes in store paired up with some great sales! Check out your local store because the online prices are sometimes different than in store.

Have you shopped Old Navy lately?

*Marked clearance in store!

Sephora Goodies - Part 2

IIt's been a few months since my last Sephora haul but I had a wad of coupons burning a hole in my wallet for a few weeks now and I finally put most of them to use. I hit up a few different stores for clothing and beauty products and I might share the rest of my purchases this week. But I definitely wanted to share what my Sephora haul consisted of because every single item I bought was a first time purchase. I hope that if you have tried any of them, you will share your feedback with me!

Bumble and bumble. prep

I needed some sort of heat protectant for my hair since I regularly use a blow dryer or flat iron. I have tried a few other brands but haven't found a keeper. The Bumble and bumble. rep was in store and she highly recommended it, calling it the "primer" of hair care.

Ouidad Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-In Spray

Another necessity. I will be leaving for a little fun in the sun this weekend and while I never forget to bring suncreen for my face and body, I tend to neglect my hair. Ironic for a Florida resident, right?? I should know better!

Benefit Cosmetics boi-ing concealer

It's described as an "industrial-strength concealer" and that is what sold me. I don't have a lot to conceal on my face but I am tired of buying concealers (that aren't cheap) and finding that they don't even last the whole day. The Sephora  makeup artist applied it for me and it looked really natural blended into my skin.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

I'm playing a little game with facial cleansers now. Since I have normal/dry and sometimes sensitive skin (with occasional patches of eczema on my hairline), I am trying out different brands to see which gentle cleanser works best. The reviews online looked good so I picked up a smaller tube to try out myself.

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine lip gloss in Pin-Up Pink Shiny

This was my VIB perk and it scared the crap out of me when I saw it on the counter. It looks like the brightest, scariest hot pink ever but as you can see here, it's not so bad!

Please share your thoughts if you have used any of these products...I'd love to hear how they worked (or didn't!) for you!

This is the *LAST WEEK* to receive a discount in my shop!

Every item is an additional $5 off!

SHOP NOW!