What I'm loving

Let's just say my love affair with Glee this season has been kind of rocky. The storylines are a bit uneven and I'm just not loving all the changes.

That being said-I serious love their version of Coldplay's The Scientist they are performing this week. It's been my favorite song of theirs since it came out and I still love the way Glee interpreted it.

It's emotional and real, and I just can't wait to see it performed on Thursday!

xoxo,
Amanda

Emmy Awards 2012 Fashion Favs

It's that time again! Award season has officially kicked off and I couldn't be more excited. I love watching red carpet interviews in my pajamas with some chocolate. It's so indulgent and girly.

I can't wait to let you guys in on my favorites from the Emmy's last night so here goes!

Jessica Pare in Jason Wu- I honestly don't think there is anything more feminine and chic than a gorgeous Jason Wu dress.  The dress is fairly simple but the ruching around the bodice is a subtle but interesting detail. This monochromatic dress is just a knock out, and Jessica's glamorous hair and make-up takes it up another notch.

Julianne Moore in Dior Couture -Is this lemon color not to die for?! I seriously love it. Normally I'm not a fan of sleeves but here they just work. The dramatic pleats and bright color make this simple dress crazy fun. It also just looks amazing paired with Julianne's red hair...fabulous.

Allison Williams in Oscar de la Renta- I feel like green is so rarely worn on the red carpet even though it looks gorgeous. This emerald shade is on trend and just so beautiful. The art deco bodice is fabulously chic and really interesting. I love it all.

January Jones in Zac Posen- While I don't love the hairstyle she chose I can't deny that this look isn't amazing. This dress is just all sorts of fabulous. I love the bandage detailing combined with the voluminous skirt. It's sexy and feminine and I just love it.

Kristen Wiig in Balenciaga-  This is my unusual pick because the length is kind of odd for an award show but I really like it anyway. This soft lace design looks great on Kristen. It's sexy but not over the top and her easy, simple hair makes the whole outfit look effortless. I like it!

Until next time!

xoxo,
Amanda

September 2012 Birchbox reveal

September 2012 Birchbox contents-
Purple lace print Twistband
Youngblood Mineral Primer
Color Club nail polish in Status Update
Mighty Leaf teas-3
Nexus Split end shampoo, conditioner, and treatment
Benefit Radiant facial cleanser and polish


Overall my Birchbox this month is ok. It's not one of my favorites but it's better than some other boxes I've received. 

I really like that there is a wide array of products. Nails, face, hair, and then a lifestyle product. I love the nail polish sample size. As much as I love nail polishes, I hate that I rarely get through a whole bottle before it goes bad. This is such a good size to try out a trendy color for the season. While I don't love when my box is full of lifestyle products, I love the tea. I'm a tea fanatic so these samples are right up my alley! Birchbox also gets huge points for giving me more than one to try. I don't mind single use samples as much when I'm given more than just one to try.

The same thing can't be said for the Nexxus or Benefit samples. Quite frankly they are throw away items. The Nexxus samples came with a Bluefly order I made a few months ago, and then I didn't pay for them. I don't want to pay for samples that come free from other companies. The Benefit sample isn't as bad but it's still just a one use sample.

So...this box was ok. Could have been better but not the absolute worst.

xoxo,
Amanda

What I'm Loving- Zac Posen Spring 2013

Now to find a lifestyle where I can wear all these fabulous clothes everyday.

xoxo,
Amanda

Beauty Bag Favs

Here's a new roundup of my favorite new beauty finds.

Stila Self Adjusting blush-
The black compact is my new Stila Self Adjusting blush in pink. I must admit I have a soft spot in my heart for Stila products. All the ones I've tried are fabulous and very much worth their higher price tag. I particularly love this blush because it gives me the best girly pink flush ever. A little goes a very long way so it's one quick swipe and I'm out the door. It's easy, quick, and is the best color.


Everyday Minerals Girl Friday blush-
My other new blush love is Everyday Minerals Girl Friday blush. I got a sample of this with my Beauty Box 5 and I fell in love with it. Unlike the Stila this gives a more tan and plum cheek color. I love the dark blush, it's great for an everyday cheek color.


Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner-
The Eyeko liner came in my Birchbox a few months ago and it's just fabulous. It has a felt-tip marker like tip which makes application super easy. It gives me the ability to create a perfect cat eye every time, which is great for early mornings.


Avon Glow Lipgloss in Coral-
I had been looking all over for a coral lip color and this Avon gloss is a perfect match. It goes on much more sheer than the tube looks so it gives me a super sexy bright and fresh lip color. Totally perfect for Summer and into Fall.


TheBalm Stainiac in Prom Queen-
I'm new to lip and cheek stains but this pink-y colored stain is sweet but a bit sultry and I just love it. Instead of a really intense color, this stain gives me a more coral color which is much my style. For my first stain I really enjoy the wearability of this color.

xoxo,
Amanda

Enjoying my day off

Today I am doing nothing but enjoying my day off. I'm relaxing, drinking some coffee, and enjoying some daytime television. I suggest you all do the same.

Before I leave to enjoy my day some more, I wanted to leave you all with something I've been obsessed with for a while.

It's Time by Imagine Dragons has been playing non-stop on my phone, in my mind, and on my computer for weeks now. This song is seriously awesome. Enjoy!

xoxo,
Amanda

DIY Bow loafers-inspired by Marc Jacobs

In need of a good shoe DIY? Loving the cigarette loafer trend? Love bows? Well get ready for a perfect Fall trend DIY!

Marc by Marc Jacobs bow loafer-$275.00 at Barney's New York

After scoping out these super adorable bow loafers by Marc by Marc Jacobs I totally got the urge to DIY myself a pair.

Supplies-
Patent cigarette loafers-found mine at Kohl's
3/4 inch grosgrain ribbon
Heavy duty glue such as 527
Scissors, clear nail polish, fine sand paper

Start by cutting the bottom "tail" part of the bow. I cut mine to fit along the top of the shoe and cut notches in the ends. To prevent fraying, I coated the ribbon with clear nail polish.

Next we're gonna make the actual bow parts. First make two larger ribbon rolls that are 3 inches long. Now make two more small ribbon rolls for the center of the bows that are 1 inch long.

Now we're gonna construct the bows with all of the parts we've just made.

Glue the larger loop to the ribbon tail piece. Make sure to glue the part where the ribbon roll overlaps to the tail piece. I also kind of pinched the roll flatter on the sides, as you can see the difference in the pictures.

Glue the middle of the ribbon roll down, to give it more of a bow look.

Finally glue the smaller ribbon roll to the center of the larger one. I used clothespins to hold everything together as the glue dries. Once the smaller center is completely dried, the bow is done. Now we can add them to the shoes!

I placed mine right on the middle part of the shoe. Place a spot of glue on the shoe then hold the bow in place till the glue sets up. I used the clothespins again to hold to bow in the right spot while the glue dried completely.

Once the bow is secured-Voila! Enjoy you're cute new preppy-chic loafers.

xoxo,
Amanda