What I Buy Again and Again: Beauty Edition

Benefit's The POREfessional

theBalm's Hot Mama Blush

Benefit's Brow Zings

Sephora Long Lasting Eyeliner High Precision Brush

Amazing Concealer To Go

So I know I've said it before, and you will surely hear it again, but I really, really love makeup. Though many of my coworkers may disagree with me (it's hard enough getting to work on time in appropriate clothes, forget about hair and makeup), I do love wearing it and trying out new products. I'm constantly reading blog posts about the newest product or a brands line that is blowing up everywhere, and now I've even been lucky enough to integrate it into my work lately (it has made my obsession pretty much skyrocket). Anyway, regardless of the list of new products in my head that grows with every Sephora trip, there ARE a few products that I absolutely love, and find myself actually buying again when it runs out.

The POREfessional: I'm a true believer in primer. It creates such a smooth surface for your foundation to just glide right on...and this primer feels like silk on your skin.

Hot Mama blush: I actually got this as a sample in a Birchbox quite a while ago, and am down to the last particles of dust. It's a perfect peachy/coral-y shade that I think would look good on anyone. It's not too much, but just enough.

Benefit Brow Zings: In my post college years, I've become obsessive with my brows. They can make or break your face. I don't splurge on many beauty appointments, but brows is a different story, I will ONLY go to Benefit Brow Bar now. No matter who I get, they do an awesome job. So no surprise I'm obsessed with their brow kit. 

Sephora Liquid Liner: Since my competition dance days when I perfected my liquid liner cat eye at the age of 12, I've never gone back. Liquid liner is the only way to go, and this one is cheap, simple and looks great.

Amazing Concealer: Last but not least, my number one favorite product. Sadly, I have not been blessed with great skin. I am always stressed and my face likes to let everyone know, especially since moving to NYC. But this stuff, its so concentrated it just takes a tiny dot and will cover anything. I swear by it. Seriously.

Sorry I got so wordy! Get me on this topic and it's hard for me to shut up...

Do you have any products you buy over and over?

-n.

It's All About The Cape.

Cape found in FL with Grandma (but love this, this AND this) // NY & CO Jeans // Boots: DSW// BaubleBar necklace

So these were obviously taken before NYC got hammered with extreme snow and cold (I thought I wasn't living upstate anymore...). I got this cape last year while doing a major shopping trip with grandma (see a reoccurring theme here? My grandma has good taste). At first I was doubtful, but now, I'm in love with it. It's so warm and cozy and I love changing up my outwear. Then...there's the boots. I saw these babies while shopping with my mom and was surprised with them. I know, shopping runs in my blood. I'm going to blame it on them, they must have taught me from a young age. 

Whatdya think...have I convinced you to try the cape?

More Gloverall...

On the Bookshelf.

So one of my all-time favorite activities is reading. I slacked big time on the personal reading in college with how much I had to do for class, but ONE positive of getting into the real world is how your free time skyrockets, and I suddenly am back to devouring books. My coworker has helped fuel my reading passion with our constant book swapping, and then of course there's my friend Rachael's blog. She actually works in book publishing and reads more than anyone I know, so I'm constantly looking to her for recommendations. I also absolutely love Goodreads to keep track of all the books on my list! It definitely is more organized than the running note I had in my phone. Anyway since I love getting ideas on what to read next from friends and blogs, I thought I'd share some of my own!


Just Finished:

 

Reconstructing Amelia//All You Could Ask For// You Knew Me When

First off, go read Reconstructing Amelia. Especially if you were a fan of Gone Girl, you'll love this book. It's a similar type book, not an upbeat read but a quick one as you just want to know the ending! All You Could Ask For was a pretty emotional one, girls beware there might be tears, but again I would recommend. THEN there's You Knew Me When. I didn't have super high expectations for this one, I thought it would be a normal chick flick read...and while it was, there's just something about it that made it stand out a step above the rest. Try it out. 

Currently Reading:

Dark Places

So I, like the rest of America, I really enjoyed Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (if you haven't heard of it you've been living under a rock). I had heard similarly good things about her other books so I went for it. Well, this one is decidedly darker than Gone Girl. Basically it's taking me a while to get through it simply because I have to be in a certain mindset to read this book, because it is VERY disturbing. Admittedly I'm wimpier than most, but the title is pretty accurate. I'm sure the ending will be a doozey knowing Flynn, so Ill be sure to report back. 

Up Next:

 

Financially Fearless//Sloppy Firsts//The Happiness Project

As you may notice I have some "lighter" books on the horizon. I'm on a serious "me" kick for 2014 and Financially Fearless (I'm a daily reader of Learnvest.com, financial articles are really interesting to me even though I have zero money for said financial advice) is part of that kick. I've seen The Happiness Project floating around the web for a few years now and it's always been on my list, so I think now's the time to finally read it. And then Sloppy Firsts, well I read it way back when and I'm thinking it will be a fun, light read to get me back into the series. 

And so there you have it! Anyone read any of the books above? Did you love or hate? And BRING ON the book recommendations in the comments! 

xo n.

Bows and Pink

H&M Bow Print Dress (love this one and this one too) // BaubleBar necklace (old, but similar) // Express tights // Leather Jacket (gift from Grandparents! They're so stylish) // H&M heels (old, but love these or these) // Ban.do bobby pins (can't find online, but these and these are so adorable).

Happy Monday! 
Man, this is going to be a rough one. Between it being the first full week of work in what seems like forever, and the weather being downright awful, I'm pretty sure it's going to be iffy on my mental survival rate this week. The winter blues is real guys (all comments of encouragement welcome this week).
Anyway, what better way to pep up a dreary day than with a super fun outfit? I feel like this is one of those outfits that people would describe as "Nicole". I'm a sucker for this kind of cut dress with a fun print...and well hot pink heels is kind of a no-brainer. Someone recently said this dress reminded them that sometimes I dress like Jess from New Girl. While I'm not sure that is a total compliment, I had to agree with them on the dress. Though, hopefully the added necklace bling and leather jacket made it a tad-less New Girl-ish. She's pretty hilarious though so I'm still ok with it.
I hope everyone survives the continued crazy weather!
xo n.

More Kate Spade...

Burgundy and Leather.

Michael Kors Jacket// NY&Co leather leggings// Black Booties (old, but I love these)// Baublebar midi ring//'Love' ring (similar)

OK, so....here we go.

Ever since I've started this little blog I've wanted to do some outfit posts. I never wanted to turn the whole thing into outfits because I like to write and post about so many other things, but somethings I really do love in life are clothes. The only problem is (well there were several problems): a. I didn't have anyone to take my pictures. This has been solved by feeding my lovely roommate coffee from DD and cajoling her outside to play photographer. She did so well! b. It's kinda weird taking photos of your outfits! I read sooo many blogs everyday and love to see what they're wearing, but when you do it yourself it's super easy to doubt yourself. 

2014 is all about what I want to do however. So, I think it's fun, and I hope you like it too! (all like...ten people that read this little blog of mine :)

Anywhooo, enough with the rambling. Basically it comes down to I'm obsessed with this jacket. It's my first "big girl jacket" and I can't stop loving it. I eyed it while Black Friday shopping with my Mama and just couldn't stop admiring. The perfect burgundy, leather sleeves and gold accents...ah I wanted. Sadly with my funds I had to pass it up, but because my Mom is the number one best mom in the world, and she appreciates some amazing clothing as much as I do, she surprised me with it on Christmas!

Who needs anything else when you have a fabulous jacket?

So, what do you think...continue with some outfit posts?

xo n.

Goodbye 2013

Ah 2013. Another year gone, and man that went fast.

As the first day of 2014 is already almost over, (and Facebook decided to delete this video on me. gr.), just thought I'd take a look back. While it was honestly a pretty non-eventful year, I did try and fill it with some fun moments (and apparently a whole lot of hairstyles!).

I have a list of things I'd like to fill 2014 with, but for now I'm going to keep them in my head. I AM excited however to let go of silly people and silly things in life and make it all about me...because hey, that's what being 25, single and living in Manhattan is all about right?

Here's to another year and making it ten time more eventful than the last! 

Welcome 2014.

xo n.