Madewell Goodies

 

It's strange to think I've only recently discovered how much I love Madewell. Maybe it's because whenever I saw the name I thought it was this other store...either way it's pretty ridiculous since I feel like I can get away with wearing any item from here. The nearest store is a little under an hour away so I haven't had a chance to really browse in-person, but from what I have seen I'm in love! I stepped in because I was in the city doing some Christmas shopping (meant to go for Uniqlo but ironically never even made it into that store). I had to resist buying things for myself because I promised myself that this year I would not buy anything except presents for everyone on my list. 

Seeing that this no longer applies I've already gone through their website making my mental wishlist...now I just have to wait for next month's paycheck. 

• Silk Pajama Top: everyone needs that simple cream top that goes with everything and can be dressed up or down (yet isn't a stiff button-up shirt)
• The Archive Boot: my mom promised me some new black leather boots for Christmas so now I just need a cognac color and I'm set!
• Chain Minibag in Calf hair: since I'm usually wearing basics I like my accessories to be in fun colors or prints
• City Storyteller Scarf: can also be transitioned into spring
• Glitter Skinny Belt: I've always wanted one since I saw one similar last year at Gap
• Drifter Shades: I see cool glasses all the time at work but not so much for sunglasses. These are so different from my classic black Ray-Bans
• Cat Ring: This is just too cute
• Penfield Kasson Parka: I realized I'm lacking in casual jackets so this parka in a fun color is great
• Knitstripe Sweater: I'm always on the hunt for fun sweaters and this one isn't too Christmas-y so I can wear it as long as the weather allows!

Current Favorites

First off let me say that I know that it's ridiculous that it's been over a year since I last updated in here. I have a terrible habit of getting really into things for a while, and then because something in my life changes (ie: moving back home) I can't fit all those things in my life anymore.

But I still want to keep up with writing/blogging. My friend that I met through Livejournal does update every now and then on her blog so it got me motivated to start this up again. I decided that I would revamp the layout to help me get started. (So all my efforts to make this place look pretty doesn't go to waste!)

Since it's been a while...I thought I'd start off with a few of my favorite things (all very, very random).

Books

I'm usually such a big reader, but haven't been good about reading anything other than magazines for the past couple months. When I found out that The Perks of Being a Wallflower was being turned into a movie I knew I had to pick it up before watching it. I haven't gotten too far into it, but it's definitely a fun read. 

Inside of a Dog is another book I purchased (sadly all through Target since there are no more bookstores in my area...tear). It's a more science-y book, which I do like, but I have to be in the mood for something more "intellectual" to start this. I am halfway through this one though! If you're a dog lover and/or own dogs then this is an interesting read.

Beauty

Surprisingly not too many beauty favorites since I've been cutting down on my makeup purchases lately. I know the L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows have been popular for a while, but I only just tried Bronzed Taupe and it's so lovely! I am especially impressed by the texture of them. They are so soft, velvety, and apply easily. I always wear my shadows with a primer, but even without the staying power on these are quite good. 

For lip balm, I have been loving this Dior Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm. Since the Soft Lips chapsticks are my HG I usually don't look for new lip balms, but these are great for applying right before bed. And while I'm not a fan of rose scents, this one smells nice; not too overpowering. 

 

Bags

 Since I've started taking classes again I needed something that could carry everything for work, school, and play. So I had bought a decent-sized tote bag from Urban Outfitters for about $50. Unfortunately after a couple of wears the zippers on the sides broke. Then I decided to just purchase something that would last me for a long time, even if I had to invest a little more. Hence came the Longchamp Le Pliage purchase. I never got the appeal of these bags when they first became popular, and even resisted a little when deciding to get this since so many people own these. But seeing that I commute a long ways to work and school, consisting of both public transit and walking, this bag would fit perfectly for that. It a) carries a ton and is lightweight, b) is water-resistant (I'll be walking a lot through rain) and c) it can be folded up and used for travel. I went with the color "Bordeaux", which is one of the newer colors they have out, so I can at least have that in uniqueness.

And onto my next favorite...this Sonia Kashuk Makeup Bag. She always has the most fun patterns and colors for her makeup bags so I decided it was time to upgrade to something that could fit more of my stuff. I liked that this one was made out of a more stain/water resistant material, opened up all the way, and had two long zippered-pockets inside. It couldn't be more perfect. 

Food

Like I said, these are random. First off, I love carrying around these Chex 100 Calorie Snack Mixes in my bag when I get hunger cravings. They're not the healthiest things per say, but they're super yummy and help keep my blood sugar up. And for something more fancy I adore Godiva's Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Honestly their high quality chocolate really makes a difference. I treat myself to a bag of these every once in a while when I'm in San Francisco (unfortunately...or fortunately...this has the nearest Godiva in my location).

And that finally concludes my current favorites post. Obviously after a year of not updating this is what happens. I already have ideas of things I want to blog about so I'll try to be better about keeping this blog updated. Fingers crossed.

Summer Time Wishlist

As gloomy as the weather has been, it hasn't thwarted me from fantasizing about things I want for the summer. Even though yesterday called for my leather boots and cargo jacket, I've already been ordering warmer weather pieces such as the heart-shaped sunglasses above. This summer is definitely all about easy, flowy pieces with pops of color and print.

• Urban Outfitters Sweetheart Sunglasses
• Top Shop Blue Flower Cutout Dress
• Jessica Matrasko Allison Ring
• Steve Madden Fantsikl Wedges
• Elizabeth and James Estelle Blouse
• ASOS Leather Portfolio Clutch
• Yves Saint Luarent Rouge Volupte Lipstick

Stress-free

I've currently been obsessing over soft, neutral colors and vintage-looking jewelry. This weekend will be the perfect time for me to search for some of these and relax after my Friday midterm. (Can you believe it's almost the end of January?)

(And if you'd like the links to any of the items above, leave me a comment! I accidentally forgot to save them like I usually do).

I can't get you out of my head

I've kind of been in an obsessive shopping mood lately, but (thankfully) I have curbed my cravings and have only purchased a few items that I actually need. Though impulse purchases have been to a minimum, my I-want-to-get-this-eventually list has been growing longer!

• There are so many lace-up booties out there, but these in particular caught my eye. Not too crazy and the perfect heel height.
• I didn't realize how hard it would be to find a relatively inexpensive, but simple quilted chain bag. Everything's either overpriced or plain ugly. But this one is the perfect all around.
• Usually palettes don't interest me, but the Urban Decay Naked Palette has been getting so many good reviews it's hard not to want it.
• I don't know if it's blatantly obvious by now, but I have this about rings and knuckle/armor rings in general. I thought I would get over this one by now, but I can't stop visiting the site to stare at it! (It doesn't help the Free People catalog arrived yesterday and it was featured on practically every page).
• I love Nicole Richie's Winter Kate collection, and this cardigan is my absolute favorite.
• Out of all the Mulberry for Target bags, this one caught my eye right away. Perfect for carrying around all the junk I need throughout the day.

Forgot this store existed!

I just realized the other day that I haven't shopped at Urban Outfitters in such a long time. And I have no idea why since I do love their stuff. I guess I'm being frugal and haven't bought any big purchases since I'm trying to save up for these wedges I've been eye-ing for months. But there's no harm in making a wishlist and internet-window-shopping right?

• I can never pass up edgy jewelry like this pyramid and rhinestone ring.
• Turquoise jewelry like this bracelet has been weirdly attractive to me lately. They're so bohemian.
• The perfect summer blazer.
• I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this Wildfox raglan tee on the UO site. I'm very tempted to order this since I've been wanting these ever since I've seen it on multiple celebrities.
• I don't own any nude bags and this moto satchel would be amazing with softer pieces.
• Jeffrey Campbell makes the most amazing shoes, and this one is no exception.
• They're called modern tribal drops on the website, but I honestly don't find anything "tribal" about them (in a good way).
• I used to hate rompers, but they've been growing on me lately. I'm very picky about them though, which is why I don't own one yet. But this flower printed romper looks promising!

Expensive Macaw

Judith Leiber Crystal-embellished parrot clutch

Am I crazy for wanting this? Haha, I can't help it! It's so adorable. Then again, in my dreams since it's about $6,000! Crazy, I know.

Swarovski and Skulls

How fabulous is this Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Clutch? Seeing that it's $1,595 I can't believe it's already sold out! Though I have to admit if I had money lying around, I'd definitely snap this up.

Why not?

MICHAEL Michael Kors Desert-Large Drawstring Satchel

This bag caught my eye while I was out shopping yesterday, and I can't get over it. I literally want this bag in every single color. I actually went to go look at it because, from the back, it looks like a minature version of the Birkin bag. So I just had to go over and take a peek. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that in the front there are two structured pockets with buckles and a dangly MK emblem. Though on the website it is featured in only two colors, at stores there is also a chocolate brown available which is just to die for.

Steve Madden Baustin Bag

I ordered this Steven Madden Baustin fringe bag in black suede over the weekend. I'm so excited for it to arrive in two days. I've been lusting after a messenger-style fringe bag, but it is unbelievably hard to find one. Either they are in ridiculous colors, materials, or the fringe is too long/misplaced/etc. I've never seen this bag in person, so I'm hoping I won't be disappointed when I open the package. I'll let you know the verdict when it arrives.