writing now: summer skin care essentials

I'm in the process of moving (talk about stressful!), so I'm sure my OOTD will mostly consist of tights, flip flops, and sweatpants, not very interesting right?!  But I did want to share with you my summer skin care essentials.  I actually took photos of my actual products, but they kinda suck - so you're stuck with these stock photos!

I have very oily skin.  VERY.  I look like a completely different person by late afternoon without some kind of intervention so I'm exploring different options for keeping the oilies under control!.  I've already blogged about my love affair with blotting linens here but there are some other products that I'm using and having success with!

First, I've found that I have to prep my skin well.  I think daily light exfoliation really helps to keep my pores clear of oily buildup.  I also try to moisturize my skin a couple of times a week.  When my skin is dry - either from inadequate moisture or using harsh products - it tends to overproduce oil.  I've had great luck with Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.  It seems to hydrate and plump my skin without causing extra oiliness.  After washing my face (right now I'm using Neutrogena's Fresh Foaming Cleanser) in the am, I use Neutrogena's Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 70.

 photo credit: here

It provides sun protection and mattifies my face. It also gives me a white cast which means I have to wear some kind of foundation or powder (I use an alternate sunblock for days where I'm not planning to wear foundation).

 photo credit: here

Laura Mercier's Oil Free Foundation Primer is a must on days when I'm planning to spend a lot of time outside.  Outdoor, summer weddings, picnics, outdoor shopping, etc. are more tolerable when using this product. I apply it over my sunblock carefully because it tends to spread it around if I rub it on haphazardly. 

 photo credit: here

I am loyal to my MUFE High Def Foundation, but this summer heat has been brutal *already* so I've switched to a powder foundation.  The liquid was sliding off my face during the work day. I do still use the liquid for special occasions and pair it with the primer mentioned above with success.  I've had good luck with Estee Lauder's Double Wear Foundation in Truffle.  I've repurchased it 2 times already and will repurchase again.  It covers the white cast left behind by my foundation and gives me buildable coverage.  Some days a girl just needs a little bit more help, ya know?!

This is longer than I intended it to be, but I have just two more products to share

 photo credit: here

This product is the holy grail of all holy grails MAC Loose Blot Powder.  Mine is in the color "deep," however, these are really translucent, and I've used my friend's powders without any issue.  I really believe they are colored only to make the consumer feel better about purchasing them.  I apply this with the MAC 136 right before I leave the house.  [OH NO!  I think MAC may have discontinued this!  WHHHYYY???!!!!] I also own the Pressed Blot Powder in deep dark.  I don't think the color of the pressed blot powder is as superficial as the loose blot powder so I would not use this product in just any color.  My pressed blot powder shattered into a million pieces a while ago, and I just put it back together (using rubbing alcohol).  It's ugly, but it gets the job done!

There you have it!  The products I'm currently using to try to win the war with my oily skin!

reviewing now: statement necklaces

In a previous post I mentioned that I've recently become interested in "finishing" more outfits and one of the suggestions from the Alteration's Needed Forum, was that I do more accessorizing.  My first attempt at that did not go all that well.  I purchased some necklaces from Charlotte Rousse.  They were nice necklaces, but 2 out of the 3 that I purchased broke within a month.  This does not make me a happy camper.

Enter New York and Company.  I have an aversion to spending a ton of money on trends that I'm not sure I am going to keep up with - and I'm not sure that necklaces are going to make a strong appearance in my wardrobe.  My girlfriend and I were in New York and Company scoping out the sales (no, I don't think NY & C is exceptionally petite friendly, but I have managed to find some winners in there clothes-wise), and I saw the jewelry was 50 - 60% off, AND we had a coupon for $30.00 off if you spent $70.00.  I picked up some necklaces in a few colors to see which ones I would reach for first before I make a large investment.

 All of the necklaces have this adjustable clasp, so you can decide how long, or short, you want the necklace to be.  They also feel incredibly lightweight (but not cheap) and don't get in the way of my workday. 

This one is a white shell necklace that includes a flower.  I was worried that the flower would be a little too large for my liking, but I think it adds a certain something to an otherwise boring outfit.  The suggested retail price is $19.95.  In the second picture, I am wearing the necklace on the shortest clasp.  (All the rest are worn on the longest, and this is how I typically wear them).

This necklace is a purple color.  I haven't actually worn it yet, but I like the color and think it's going to be a great color for summer and into the fall (I actually purchased a flower pin and a racer-back shirt from H&M in the same color!)  The suggested retail price of this necklace (and the rest of the short necklaces) is $16.95.

This green necklace has gotten a lot of wear, especially when I am wearing something in a particularly plain or boring color.  I like that it adds color to an outfit without being really loud - some days, you just don't want LOUD!

I also wear this necklace quite a bit. It just adds a pop of something spe-shul! The color is a little more vibrant than the necklace above.  I'm surprised that I reach for it as often as I do.  That's why I'm happy that I decided to take a chance and buy these necklaces in so many different colors, especially considering how reasonably priced they were!

I tend to gravitate towards longer necklaces.  I wear this one all the time.  It's true that longer necklaces do elongate the petite frame!  I'm going to be on the lookout for other longer necklaces. At this point, I would feel comfortable investing in a few, quality necklaces similar to the one above!  I believe this one retails for a little more than the shorter necklaces, perhaps $23.00 or so?  I don't remember the exact price and the tag has disappeared!

Well hopefully you enjoyed this review and you will be seeing these pieces in future outfits posts!

wearing now: running errands

Here's a simple look I put together for grocery shopping a few Saturdays ago.

jeans: BCBG t-shirt: Miley Cyrus/Max Azria for Wal-Mart shoes: unkown necklace: Express

I also paired this outfit with a gray boyfriend sweater that I threw in my purses just in case the stores were a little chilly - they always are!

I think one of the most important parts of this outfit is the way these jeans make my butt look!  I love BCBG jeans.  These were a little long and I had them hemmed so that I could wear them with flats.  I frequently pursue BCBG outlet store in hopes of finding jeans that fit well - I think these might have been 20.00 + 10.00 in alterations: well worth it!  This was also another attempt at accessorizing. Normally I live in black flats, but added some red, patent leather, pointy toed flats and I also added a necklace. 

wearing now: sheath dress

I had the pleasure of watching a court proceeding take place (the judge was like a real-life Judge Judy! I love her!).  I have watched enough Judge Judy to know that you need to look as if you are dressed for court when you are before I judge, and I don't get to dress up very much in my professional life, so this is what I wore!

dress: express shoes: nine west pearls: gift from friends

I think I could stand to get the hips on the dress altered a tiny bit, and may explore the option after I move, but I think it fits well off the rack.  It's a miracle!  I purchased this back before Express went off the deep end with their vanity sizing.  Ahhhh.  Those were the days.

Here's a shot of the back.  The split can be a tiny bit provocative, but it does make it easier to walk.

Check out the exposed zipper in the back *love.*  It does present a problem because it is gold and I tend to wear more silver jewelry, but paired with peals, it doesn't pose a problem!  I threw a cardigan in my purse just in case it was a little chilly in the building (and it was!).

giving now: free murad oil control sample

Click here to receive your free sample of Murad's Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15 inside your local Sephora at JC Penny!

The coupon is valid through July 15th.  I plan to pick mine up soon!

wearing now: pretty details

Jeans: Gap Jean Leggins Shirt: Jaloux  Shoes: BCBG Bracelets are old, don't remember who made them sorry!

I wore this outfit about a week ago.  I think I was headed to a friend's sister's graduation party (how's that for confusing?!).  She graduated from high school and it was a really emotional transition for her and her family.  Soooo proud of her, heading to UVA in the fall!

I made a post on the alterations needed forum about how I really need help learning to FINISH outfits.  Anyone can throw a top and bottom together (or even easier, a dress!).  I got a lot of great recommendations including hair styling, shoes, and of course accessories!  I've recently started experimenting with using accessories to complete my "looks."  Here I paired teal bangle bracelets with gold bangle bracelets.  I didn't want to wear a necklace for fear that it could compete with my shirt's neckline.

See how interesting and pretty it is?  I've really been working hard to incorporate feminine details into my daily outfit and this shirt made it really easy!  I recently purchased some new accessories (word to the wise, Charlotte Rousse necklaces are not made for everyday wear!), and will do a post on them soon.  

Thanks for reading!

reviewing now: gap legging jeans

Gap legging jeans became an overnight sensation in the petite community.  I rarely purchase things regular price (why? everything goes on sale eventually...but I suppose that's a post for another day), but I actually considered purchasing these jeans at the sticker price Lucky for me, the entire Gap store was 40% off the day I happened to wander in.  Goooo me!

Now on to the review.

I initially purchased these jeans when I was about 15 pounds lighter in a size 24 (00).  I was absolutely thrilled because they actually fit!  I read somewhere (I believe it was here) that petite women should consider the materials clothes are made of when considering making a purchase, especially denim, and that they should look for denim that has some kind of stretchy material as they tend to be smaller than those that don't.  I have personally found that to be true, and these jeans fit the bill! I had to size up to a 25/0 after the weight gain.

Materials:
99% Cotton
1% Lycra (Spandex)

Size 25/0

I've never worn them, and they are a little tight on me in the picture, but should easily loosen up with a little bit of wear. I definitely will be line drying these and not putting them in the dryer.

But as you can see they fit really well in the waist. I really had to tug on them to get the waist line to poke out a little. I wouldn't even have to wear a belt with these. The jeans are a wee bit short for my tastes on me, and I may take them to my tailor to have the hem let out a bit. They reach a little above my ankles.  If my tailor can't take the hem out, I'll probably roll the bottom up for a french cuff look and wear them as ankle pants.

Here's a quick shot of the jeans from behind.  Petites around my size may want to try on a 26 to compare the size difference. Those that are a little smaller should try the size 24 or 25.

Another quick caveat:  The jean leggins appear to fit differently depending on which wash you purchase them in, so I definitely recommend trying them on before purchasing.  Here are the same jeans, same size, but they clearly fit differently.  These are a tiny bit more lose and are definitely longer than the gray wash.  I have worn and washed these before.

Future wearing now preview!  Hope you found the review helpful!  You can find this review and many others here!

wearing now: chartreuse

It's incredibly hot outside.  So hot, that I just want to stay inside.  Since I have to go outside in order to work, I'm trying to find outfits that are cool, but still presentable for work (if ya know what I mean ;) ) That means I've been wearing a lot of dresses lately.

 Dress: Express Necklace: Gift from friend

I purchased this dress awhile ago (maybe 2006??) and have only worn it twice since I purchased it!  The deep-v neckline presents a small problem, but it's nothing a lace cami couldn't fix! Jewelry consisted of your basic pearl necklace and earring set.  They (especially the earrings) tend to be a staple addition to any work outfit.

This is my first time taking pictures of myself, so of course I didn't get a picture of the whole ensemble, but the shoes are your basic patent leather flats.  I'm sure that heels would've been a better choice, but I don't wear them very often.  Yes, I do see a pair of Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps in my future!

reviewing now: oil blotting sheets

Now that the weather is warming up, I'm having to break out the heavy artillery.  I have incredibly oily skin (for this I can't thank either of my parents, their skin is *normal*).  Hopefully I'm going to age really, really well (do you hear that God?!), but in the meantime, I still have to go out and face the public. 

I've come to heavily rely on oil blotting sheets to help control the shine throughout the day.  Sometimes I have to use them twice within a single work day...I'm thinking that's got to be some kind of record...right?!  I'm going to review the two oil blotting sheets that I'm currently using.

First up, e.l.f. Shine Eraser Oil Blotting Sheets

who: eyes lips face

what: Shine Eraser Oil Blotting Sheets

where: I purchased mine from Target

when: about 3 months ago

why: they were cheap!

What say they?
Shine Eraser: absorbs oil and shine; mattifies shiny skin; pore minimizer; woven texture eliminates shine and keeps skin-matte for hours; green tea extract helps re-texturize skin, masking facial imperfections.

Ingredients: microcrystalline wax, caprylic/capric triglyceride, green tea leaf extract.

What do I say?
I think these are a good value all things considered.  They are priced at 1.00 for 50 sheets and get the job done.  Sometimes I have to use 2 sheets in order to remove all of the surface oil from my skin.  I wouldn't say they leave my makeup perfectly in tact, but I think it is unrealistic to expect that they would.  They claim to have green tea in them, but they don't seem to have any fragrance at all. I leave these in my cosmetics bag at work and use them throughout the workday.

Next, Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens

who: Boscia

what: Green Tea Blotting Linens

where: I purchased mine from Sephora

when: about a month ago 

why: I purchased the Lavender Blotting Linens and loved them, so I planned to repurchase, but fell in love with this packaging 

What say they?
Instantly blot away excess oil and perspiration without disturbing your makeup. Hint: Let your personality shine, not your skin! Tip: Perfect for lipstick blotting too.  Made from finely-woven leaf fibers of the exotic Abaca Tree Plant and infused with one of nature's most powerful antioxidents, Green Tea, to help soothe and freshen your skin. Slim package fits perfectly in your pocket, handbag or desk drawer.

Ingredients: Green Tea

What do I say? 
I love these as much as I loved the Lavendar Blotting Linens and would probably repurchase.  They are a little pricey at $10.00 for 100 sheets, but well worth every penny!  I wish I had purchased more when Sephora had them on sale for $5.00.  If there is a next time, I'm going to take a page out of my mother's handbook and make sure everyone I know heads to Sephora and purchases 2 (which was the limit per person during the last sale). I can smell a hint of green tea on these sheets. I carry these around in my purse.

Comparisons
Aside from the obvious price difference, there are a couple of other difference between the two sheets.

The e.l.f. linens don't have a mechanism to release one sheet at a time.  You have to slide the sheets out of the container, making an effort to only grab one sheet at a time.  Most of the time I only remove one sheet, but sometimes I accidentally pull multiple sheets from the container.  The Bosica sheets pop up one at a time.

The Boscia sheets are nearly twice the size of the e.l.f. sheets.  That could partially explain why I only need to use one Boscia Sheet and I sometimes use two e.l.f. sheets.  I find that the Boscia sheets also fit in my hand betters.  Sometimes my fingers end up coming in contact with my face when trying to use the e.l.f. sheets.

The Verdict
The Boscia Blotting Linens are the clear winner for me.  I think the fact that I carry these in my purse and don't want to be without them says it all.  The e.l.f. sheets certainly serve their purpose, though and I would consider repurchasing to stock in my office and would also repurchase these if I was out and about and needed a quick fix.  If you are new to blotting sheets and want to see what all the fuss is about without breaking the bank, I would recommend giving the e.l.f. sheets a try!  Here's a hint: if you find yourself in a pinch, brown napkins (think Starbucks) and toilet seat covers can also double as blotting sheets! 

wearing now: i now pronounce you man and wife

I helped a friend set up for a wedding he was organizing last weekend (which turned into a greeter position - I wonder how that happened ;) ).  I was told that dress was "business casual" i.e. "don't dress up too much because it ain't that kind of party, but don't look like you came in from the farmer's market."

skinny pants: Express shirt: Wal-mart sweater: Forever 21 necklace: Charlotte Russe belt: Forever 21

I added the sweater at the last minute for a couple of reasons: 1) the shirt is a little shapeless and I wanted to create a waistline and 2.) I was worried that it was going to be a little chilly in the venue.

I couldn't have been more wrong about the temperature in the venue.  Couldn't have possibly been more wrong.  It must have been 100 degrees inside when I first arrived.  Thank goodness I pushed the sweater sleeves up!

Clearly my self picture taking skills could use a tiny bit more work!

loving now: may 2011

Here is a list of some of the products that I've reached for regularly during the month of May.  I think the only things that I actually purchased this month were the Beauty Blender and the Salux Cloth.  The other products are things that I've been using for a while now.

Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation - #178 (purchase here)
Beauty Blender Sponge (purchase here or here)
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder - Deep (purchase here)
MAC Loose Blot Powder Dark (purchase here)
MAC Blush - Love Thing (purchase here)
Milani Blush - Sunset Beach (purchase here)
Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser (purchase here)
Salux Cloth (purchase here)

I guess at some point I should get around to giving you an idea of my skin type, skin tone, skin care regimine and makeup routing.  And some product reviews should be coming too.