Rain, Rain...Go Away

It is raining cats and dogs where I live and it is keeping me indoors. So this forced me to take OOTD pics in-doors. I usually love to go out and take pictures around things that motivate or compliment my outfit, but today there was no luck. I hope you enjoy this OOTD and take some time to relax and have something warm and comforting, catching up on your favorite TV shows. It is a perfect day to watch, the oh, so sad, Grey's Anatomy :( *shedding tear

Sweater - Forever 21

Jeans - Citizens of Humanity

Boots - Xhilaration by Target

Jewelry - Forever 21

Black Leather

So apparently Instagram is causing sites to be flagged with Spam ware.  Yes, this happened to me last week and it took this entire time to figure it out :( It has not been fun! So here is the last post, that I deleted while I was trying to figure out what the problem was. Sorry for the lack of posts and thank you all for your understanding :) More posts to come...

Top - Banana Republic

Skirt - Forever 21

Shoes - DVF

Jewelry - Forever 21

How To: Clean Your Makeup

Have you ever wondered why you are suddenly breaking out? You think to yourself, I haven't tried anything new...it could be that you need to clean out your makeup and brushes. Just think, how many germs makeup carries from us using it every day. You need to clean your brushes at least once a week, and also spray them with a daily cleanser after every use. You also want to spray your eyeshadow with alcohol after every use, to limit any eye infections. Here is my Step-by-Step process of how I clean my makeup and brushes. Please note that these are methods I have learned from the makeup academy I attended (click here) to things I have read in magazines and books over the years. 

Cleaning Your Makeup

Tools You Need: 

1. Anti-bacterial Wipes (Target sells these for $1)
2. Makeup Brush Cleansing Towelettes (Face Secrets from Sally's)
3. Makeup Remover Wipes (Neutrogena)
4. Alcohol in Spray Bottle
5. Cotton Swabs (Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks)

Step 1: Clean Your Pencils 

• Sharpen the pencil. 
• Spray the pencil with alcohol.
• Put the cap back on.
• Clean your sharpener with an Almay Makeup Eraser, this really allows you to get into those hard to reach spots. Spray with alcohol after you are done.

Step 2: Clean Your Palettes 

This step includes all your powders and creams

• Spray each palette or powder with alcohol.
• If messy, take a q-tip and clean up the edges.
• Easy! 

Step 3: Organize

• Pick up a drawer organizer from your local Target or Walmart, this will allow you to separate all your makeup and make it easy to find what you need.
• Put away any makeup palettes or colors that are not in trend with the season. For example, I stored away all the lipsticks, eyeshadows and blush from spring/summer collections. I kept out my everyday palettes (UD Naked) and those with fall colors. 
• You also want to fill up one spray bottle with alcohol and one with water. Make sure to label them, so you don't get confused :) It happened to me and I finally labeled them!

Step 4: Everyday Essentials

• Get a tray that will hold your daily essentials (mascara, powder, foundation, concealer, and other tools). I got this one from the dollar section at Target. 
• I also have a makeup organizer that holds all my pencils, mascaras and tools. This keeps things out of my way but I can easily grab it if I need it. 
• I keep balms, stains and brushes in glass jars. The transparency of the glass lets me see what I have and keeps it organized. 

Moving on....

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Tools You Need:

1. Baby shampoo
2. Warm, filtered water
3. Two shallow jars, one for the soapy water and the other with clean water (shallow jars will keep water from getting into the handle, which can cause rust)
4. Brush Guards (Got these from Birchbox)
5. Clean towel
6. Paper towels

Step 1: Soap Up Your Brush

• Swirl your brush in the soapy water.
• Make sure water does not reach the top of the handle, as this can cause it to rust.
• With clean hands, spread out the brush, this allows the water to get through to the center.

Step 2: Wipe 

• Wipe the makeup residue off on a paper towel.
• Make sure you wipe in the direction of the brush hair, you don't want to damage your brush in the process.

Step 3: Dip Clean

• Dip the soapy brush into the jar with clean water.
• Wiggle the brush around to make sure you get rid of all the soap.

Step 4: Squeeze Back Into Shape

• Holding your brush pointed down, allow any excess water to drip off the brush.
• Squeeze out any extra water and shape the brush to its original shape. 
• You could also slip on a brush guard to keep the hairs in place. 

Step 5: Dry Your Brush

• Lay each brush on the towel, with the hair end hanging off the ledge. This allows for any water to drip off and it won't sit on a wet towel (which could cause bacteria build up).
• I know that many suggest hanging your brushes, but this method has worked for me.
• You could hang them from a clothes hanger and securing each brush with a small clip. 
• Drying time could take up to 24 hours, please make sure they are completely dry before using them. 

This concludes it folks! I hope you enjoyed this How To. Let me know if you have any requests for future How To's. 

Vintage Green

I just love it when I am taking a drive and I spot a place that compliments the outfit I am wearing! I immediately want to pull off and take some pics. There was a bonus with this stop because they also had a pumpkin farm!! 

Sweater - Express

Cargo Pants - American Eagle Outfitters

Shoes - Calvin Klein

Check out these pumpkins! 

OOTD Inspiration: Kim Kardashian

Today's OOTD was really inspired by Kim Kardashian. She mentioned in an interview that her favorite colors to wear are black, creams and white. She is also known for rocking leggings and cinching in her waist, giving her an hourglass figure! So I paired this Black & Cream sleeveless, cinched cardigan with my favorite leggings (see below for details). I just love being inspired by the Kardashian sisters. I think that they each have their own sense of style and women of all shapes and sizes could relate to them. 

Cardigan - Forever 21 

Leggings - Express

3/4 Sleeve Tee - Old Navy

Necklace - Dorothy Perkins

Sunnies - 99 cent store!!!

Ring - Forever 21

Shoes - Michael Kors

Purse - Ferragamo

Autumn Beginnings

Today is the first day of fall and I have already filled my house with Autumn scents from Bath & Body Works and put out my Halloween decorations! I just love this time of year. I enjoy wearing all the fall colors and dressing in warm clothes. The fall color palette is the most flattering on me, so I just enjoy it. What is your favorite part about Fall? 

Sweater - H&M

Pants - H&M

Shoes - Candie's

Ring - Banana Republic

Necklace - Vintage

Bubblegum Pop

This fall we are going to see pops of color! So when I spotted these leggings from H&M, I instantly fell in love with them. I toned them down with a denim jacket, just so that I wasn't to bright! Traditionally rich browns, reds and oranges are in for Fall, but don't be scared to incorporate some bright colors into your wardrobe! 

Denim Jacket - Forever 21

Shirt - Target

Leggings - H&M

Shoes - Nordstrom