Blue Marine Mullet

I’m sure we’ve all done the “let’s put a word into Google and see what comes up in auto recall”. While trying to think up a name for today’s post, I decided to put in these two words “Marine” and “Mullet” and the first link on the page was a YouTube video. Curiosity peaked my interest (curiosity also killed the cat) so I clicked on it....and 30 seconds later I closed it. I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor and trying ever so hard to get that image out of my head. To give you a gist of what I saw - it was a Marine (i.e. US Marine) who had a mullet and was dancing to Back that A$$ up…you guys know the song….

So while I had a really great story for today’s outfit, this one trumped anything I was going to say.

 

 

 

 

 

note to self: bring sunglasses.

 

What I am Wearing:
Dress: H&M

Shoes: Nine West
Belt: Banana Republic
Jewelery: Necklace (Gifted)
                 Bangle: Gifted
                 Rings: Mexico and F21
Lipstick: MAC - Lustering

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Lace, Lilac and Ladders

It's mid week and already I feel I have done more than I normally do in 7 days. One of my biggest accomplishments was writing. Yes I write here on this blog and post. But I went back to my roots. Journaling with a pen and paper. AND. I wrote a letter. This letter was a goodbye of sorts. To someone who made an impact in my life and I have to say, it took me a VERY long time to let go. It was as if I had physically, emotionally and mentally turned a new leaf.

And then the greatest thing happened. The next after writing this letter, I woke up (on the right side of the bed ;p), and everything was as it was supposed to be. Calm. Centred. Right.

And so of course the day goes wonderfully as well. I work in an area that is absolutely wonderful places to take photos. Kat and I have been experimenting with different backdrops and we've been running into some excellent photo op locations. Its as if it was MEANT to be! I felt the ladder was so symbolic of where I am and where I am going. On to bigger things, and climbing to new heights.

What I am wearing:
Skirt: Dynamite borrowed from the bestest Sister ever….A.K.A. my only sister :P)
Lace Tank: Banana Republic
Sweater: Old Navy (thank you Groupon Coupons for giving 20 dollars worth of clothing for 10 oh yes!)
Shoes: DKNYC
Lips: MAC Up the Amp, and Angel mixed.
Pearl Necklace: gifted

Have you started a new chapter in your life? What makes you want to climb higher?

Full Skirts and Florals and Fifties

Lately I have been inspired by vintage looks, classic looks, full skirts and of course florals. Since today is a good day (I am all carbed up) I thought it would be time I had an outfit post. My friend Kat (she also gave me my first blog award! What an amazing week this has been : )) so graciously took these photos of me.

I love skirts, and dresses and rarely ever wear pants (unless you consider yoga pants at the gym) . I know most people find skirts and dresses annoying, but personally, I find them free-ing, flowy and comfortable.

I am going to keep it short today and let the pictures speak for themselves, but the skirt I am wearing if my first ever online purchase from ModCloth. Absolutely love it and cant wait to remix it over and over again.

What I am wearing:
Skirt: ModCloth Top: Old Navy (Last Year)
Belt: Rudsak
Shoes: Expressions (The Bay)
Lipstick: MAC (Cyndi Lauper's Colour)

Gussied up for the Ottawa Gala

Lovelies

As you know I went to the Ottawa Gala this weekend with my good friend Divalosophy. I wont get into too much of the gala itself but post a few pictures of my dress and makeup. Pop Champagne does an amazing jop of describing just how the night was...a high school dance...sigh...

Well in one respect it was a great night because got to put on some cute dresses and have a great night out.

Dress: Marciano (its about 3 years old)
Shoes: Aldo (Available now and on sale!)


Here are some pictures of my Makeup

XOXO

N

MACing it up or BROWNing it out

Loves

I have major problems when it comes to finding the perfect concealer. I have brown skin so the under eye area can look dark more often than not. For the past few years, I have been wear Bobbi Brown Corrector and Concealer to work on this issue. While I do love the coverage, I find that it starts to cake after a while and create unflattering creases….I am just not sure what exactly is the best type of concealer/corrector for me.  I have also tried MACs liquid concealer that boasts 8 hours of coverage…I have to say that while I do like the lightness of it…I don’t think it lasts a full 8 hours.

In any case here is what I have been wearing….

Bobbi Brown Corrector
This is pink- or peach-based that helps to neutralize under-eye darkness and is designed to be used before Creamy Concealer. The product says it wont crease. The corrector is also infused with skin conditioners to protect the delicate under-eye area. Featured on Essence.com (March 2011)

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer
Once you've applied the Corrector, top off with a yellow-based concealer that instantly camouflages dark circles. It goes on easy, blends smoothly and stays put. Plus it’s infused with skin conditioners to protect the delicate under-eye area. Featured in 'Health' and 'Instyle' Magazines (March & April 2011)

Now its not to say that the corrector and concealer don’t work….its about the stayness factor….


Finally my FAVOURITE product from Bobbi Brown right now has to be their Long wear Gel Eyeliner!
This little tub is my favourite and while I am able to put the liner on the top of my eye and not have it move, I find that it "falls" if I apply it to the bottom….Do you guys have suggestions on how to make it stay? I have heard the MAC gel eyeliner is amazing…


What are you using these days?  What do you suggest for me?


Xoxo

N
Images are c/o Bobbi Brown

Pretty in Pink

Friends

As you now I was at a bridal shower this weekend. And if I do say so myself, the Bride-to-be was a great sport with all of the games we played. We had a great time at Smokeless Joe's where we spent the better part of the afternoon and evening eating and drinking : ). An excellent way to spend a Saturday if I don’t say so myself!

My dress for the bridal shower was a pale pink/nude colour. I paired it with a great wedge heel from aldo as I figured I would be in them for a long period of time. Hence the ankle support. And I think they look pretty darn cute!

What I am wearing

Dress: Marciano
Shoes: Aldo (on sale now)
Necklace: Aldo Accessories
Lipstick: Chatterbox (MAC)

Making it Up

Friends,

Apologies for not getting a post out to you all sooner. I managed to take pictures and everything yesterday, even managed to write my entry, but sadly I forgot my camera at work and so could not show the outfit I wore.

I decided to show the next best thing.  This weekend, my girlfriend is having her Bridal shower in Toronto. There were talks of getting make up done etc. However, being on the budget I am, I decided why not BUY products that I could use for a good 3 to 6 months and do my own makeup, rather than have someone do it for me for one day, where the probability is that I will be disappointed.

So I decided to make a trip to the MAC store in Yorkdale Mall and picked up these three must haves for the spring and everyday use!

My MUST HAVE is the whirl lip liner…similar to the old SPICE liner that MAC used to produce. Reading up on the liners, it was brought to my attention that the formula for the old SPICE liner was changed to make it more chalky and brown rather than have the pink undertones.  How sad! Whirl is the next best think and really matches the shade of my lips well. I find that by putting the liner on, my lipstick stays put for much longer.

I also purchased MAC's fairly recent Viva Glam Gaga lipstick, this one is an amplified crème. I found that it goes one very "beige" but with the right lip-gloss its definitely become one of my favourite looks. Plus 100% of sales of VIVA Glam products goes towards the MAC Aids fund, what a great cause!

My last purchase was for a more pink-ier lipstick. As you remember I also purchased Faux a few weeks back. And while I like it, I wasn’t in love. Chatterbox is definitely my new favourite and can't leave home without it. It’s a great lipstick to add on top of the Viva Glam Gaga and Whirl Liner as well.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and favourite lip colours as well. Suggestions for my skin tone is also always appreciated and doesn’t have to be only MAC either!

Lip Service

Its another Monday in Ottawa…and while I am loving that we have sprung forward into spring (for those of you who know don’t know, our clocks went forward an hour yesterday) to take advantage of more sunlight. However, the one less hour of sleep is making me less perky this A.M. and on top of it I think I may be coming down with something as I have a little tickle in my throat :S

As I mentioned last week, I am on a strict, no spending diet and am finding creative ways to be a frugal shopper. I finally saved up six MAC Makeup containers and was able to swap it for a new lipstick. I was REALLY hoping to get one of my favourite colours again, but sadly (as is the case when you find the perfect colour) my fave lipstick has been discontinued! And while I really do love MAC, I swapped for a new lipstick, that I am not sure if I love, but am in like with. I have been pairing it with another lipstick to get the "perfect shade", but here are some pictures of the NONpurchase!

MAC Lipstick
Colour: Faux






Now as many of you know, I also have a blog on Tumblr (http://thefinebalance.tumblr.com) while I will continue posting there for those of you who are following, I am making Blogger my permananent home. So for those of you on Tumblr, feel free to add me at http://theartfulbalance.blogspot.com

Xoxo N

P.S. What are your thoughts on the colour?