A few recent purchases (makeup, skincare, fashion)

So, the plan was to do my 2010 favorites post this week.  The problem is I just realized that the majority of my makeup I left at school, and I won't be going back for another two weeks.  That one will have to wait a little while, I apologize, but I will get to it!  I know I've been enjoying reading everyone else's.  For now, I thought I'd do a quick post of a few new things I've gotten (And some much-needed!):

Makeup-

 

I've been REALLY frugal with buying makeup recently, because there are a few more "investment" type things I want and I can't justify buying makeup when I could be saving (Although I really want the new Too Faced Romantic eye palette- so pretty!).  

Victoria's Secret mineral pressed powder- I picked this up in the store last week when we marked a few things 75% off (usually beauty things go on sale a little before Semi-Annual sale starts).  Half of it is glittery and half is just a normal powder.  It's OK, but I'll probably just keep it for when I run out of my Bare Minerals mineral veil.  It's not very pigmented.  

Wet 'n' Wild Morbid nail polish- I picked this up on a whim at Walgreens.  It's so dark compared to what I usually wear!  But pretty, nonetheless.  

Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion- I've wanted this for the longest time!  I loved the way Lash Blast Volume worked for me, so this is a welcome addition to my makeup collection.  Expect a review shortly, as soon as I've had more time to play with it.

Skincare-

Aveeno Clear Complexion daily moisturizer- I got this at Target last weekend, and so far it's not anything amazing.  I'm going to keep it around for the spring, because for now I think I need something heavier (my skin gets so dry in the winter).

(Not pictured:) Aveeno Daily Moisturizing body lotion-  My dad has sworn up and down by this stuff for years, and finally I bought a bottle last week.  It's amazing!  I work out at night, and usually when I get to the gym I notice that my legs are on the dry side.  I applied this around 9am a few days ago, and when I went to the gym that night (around 8pm), my legs still looked moisturized.  I also love the smooth texture/how easy it sinks into my skin.  It's a little pricey at about $8 a bottle, but it's so worth it in my opinion. 

Fashion-

Victoria's Secret cotton t-shirt- Got this for $9.99 on sale yesterday during the Semi-Annual sale.  These are so soft and really flattering.  I got it mainly for sleeping/working out in.

Charlotte Russe tank tops- These were 2/$5 during their after-Christmas sale.  Score!  I really needed some more layering tops.

Forever 21 necklace and scarf- These were purchases made with a Discover gift card I got for Christmas.  The necklace is so girly and pretty, I love it!  And the scarf has this "destroyed" kind of look because of the frayed ends.

American Eagle coat- I needed a new winter coat so badly this season, and I saw this one a few months back when they first got it in stock but I worried it wouldn't be warm enough (it doesn't feel that heavy).  After looking for about three months with no luck (and having tried this one on again two more times), I decided to get it.  Here's the best part:  it was marked down on sale for $99, and then all redline items were an extra 30% off.  I only ended up paying $70 for it!  Awesome deal, especially when I was ready to fork over upwards of $200 for a good coat.  

The North Face hat- I also needed a warm hat, and I didn't want anything too out there or obnoxious-looking.  This was a little more than I wanted to pay ($30), but it has an inner lining around the ears that I know will be nice.  In Chicago I have to walk everywhere, so everyone wears hats, gloves, scarves, the works!

What have you guys purchased recently?  Anything with Christmas money or gift cards?  (Speaking of gift cards, I have to use up my Sephora one still.  I'm thinking of getting UDPP, but I'm unsure of which packaging to get.  I was thinking of seeing if my Sephora-which is inside a JCPenney- has the XL size, and if they do, I'll decide between that or just splurging on the Professional size.  I'm also not sure if I should get the original version or Eden.  I love that Eden conceals areas on the eye as well as primes.  Any thoughts?)

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Collective Clothing/Accessories Haul! H&M+F21

Long time no post again- I'm so, so sorry!  I seriously haven't purchased makeup lately, and it's to the point that I've forgotten how it feels to get excited over it.  It's a really sad deal, guys.  However, in place of not buying makeup I have been treating myself to the occasional clothing purchase.  The Forever 21 and H&M up the street from me are quickly becoming my most frequented stores!
I was really in need of more cardigans/sweaters for winter, so I booked it over to H&M.  I've been really impressed with both their selection AND great sales this season.  If you're in need of some good quality fall/winter staples, I highly suggest checking there!
On my Christmas list is a good pair of flat ankle boots and oxfords.  I'm waiting to find some that aren't too trendy but still inexpensive and of decent quality.

Alright, enough about my clothes lemmings.  Onto the collective haul!

Left: satin/lace top, F21 Right: lace long-sleeve top, H&M

I actually got this cami-style top to wear to a party on Halloween.  It's really pretty and I get compliments from my best friend every time I wear it!  I'm loving this dusky-pink shade for fall, I don't know why!  Same thing going on with the long-sleeved shirt from H&M.  It's not the most comfy shirt because of the lace, but I love the color and design.  It has little buttons going up the back of it, too.

Left: shawl-collar sweater, H&M Right: ruffle-trim cardigan, H&M

These two sweaters I got BOGO free!  One of the best deals you can find at H&M right now.  The cream colored one was $35 and the dark grey was $25, so I only paid $35 for both.  I'm tempted to go back and take advantage of this deal again, lol!

Left: scarf, F21 Right: long-sleeve cardigan, H&M

This animal print scarf from F21 is huge!  I love it.  I just got it last night and haven't taken it off, haha.  Same thing goes for the cardigan, which came from H&M.  I want to go back and buy it in different colors, although this was the one color I was drawn to (And there aren't any deals on it right now).  It's just a plain long-sleeve design, but the sleeve has buttons along the cuff and pockets in the front.  It feels like it's quality, which I really appreciate.  I've been wearing this as much as possible though!

(Wearing the scarf+cardigan pictured above.  The top is also new but you can't really see it- it was a gift I just received in the mail from my best friend.  I thought it was so sweet of her!)

I got these jeans from F21 with the lacy cami on Halloween.  They were only like $15, and I've been wearing them all the time!  Unlike a lot of F21's cheap jeans, these feels more durable (Not high quality, but better considering they were cheap).  

Lastly, these hair pins are all from F21 and super inexpensive.  The top two grey ones came in a pack, and then the bottom three were in their own.  Each was under $3 (I'm sorry I can't remember the exact prices!).  I love how cute and girly they are!

That's it for my collective haul!  It's been really nice treating myself this season.  All this no-buy business has paid off!  

What have you guys been purchasing?  Any good deals you'd like to share?  I'd love to hear!

<3

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I've been away... and a few new things

I'm so so sorry I haven't blogged this week!  School picked up a LOT late last week, and then this weekend my boyfriend and parents came to visit me.  This week I've been feeling kind of "off" (I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong), so all of that combined led to the infrequent posting.  I hope you guys understand!
This weekend was a great time spent with my boyfriend and parents.  My boyfriend has never been to the city before, so it was a nice change of pace for him especially.  Here are a few pictures:

This was at the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park

Looking down from the Sky Deck on the 103rd floor of Willis (Sears) Tower- I almost got sick, lol!

On a river boat tour that went out on Lake Michigan

We took a TON of pictures, but I won't spam this entire post.  I'm happy I finally got to do more tourist things!  And it was the first time I've been on the lake, so that was beautiful.

Anyway, I've inadvertently put myself on a shopping ban of every kind the last week or two.  I really didn't mean to, but there hasn't been much that isn't ridiculously out of my price range that has "spoken" to me.  Haha.  I shop by the motto that if you don't get that excited feeling when you see something, it's not for you.  

This weekend, though, I took a much-needed trip to Target.  I picked up Maybelline Full 'n' Soft mascara, and Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue gel-cream moisturizer (I had two coupons- a $2.00 and a $1.00, so in total I got it for about $4!).  Afterwards I went to Walgreens where they have select Wet 'n' Wild products 50% off.  I've been looking for darker lip color, and being $.49 I thought the Silk Finish lipstick in Dark Wine would be a good place to start.  I seriously love this color!  I'll feature this in a look sometime soon, don't worry.

(I'll also do some kind of review on the Garnier moisturizer once I've used it awhile)

I also got this cute knit hat from Forever 21 tonight... just because.  :)  I definitely don't need it or anything, just felt like buying myself something.  Hey, it's been a rough week!  ;)

Thanks for bearing with me, again- I know my blog has been ridiculously slow!  And I've fallen behind with responding to comments, but I read each and every one.  You guys are awesome.

<3

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Love from Arezu! (Pic heavy)

A few weeks ago, I got an email from the lovely Arezu over at Chica De Belleza about winning her birthday giveaway!  I was so excited, and I'm still a little baffled at my luck.  She was extremely generous in what she gave away- today I'm going to share it all with you!

MAC Cheeky Bronze MSF (I never even imagined I would own a MSF, so I am so excited to wear this!  I was worried it would be too orange on me, but I'm thinking it'll work perfectly as a bronzer or peachy blush.  It's much sheerer on my skin than it looks in swatches.)

Annabelle eyeshadow quad + four Annabelle eyeshadows (Buff Naked, Vanilla Chilla, Bronzed Idol, & Ebony)- Annabelle is a Canadian drugstore makeup chain, so I've always been curious about the brand.  The eyeshadows look nice from what I can tell so far.

MAC On A Misson Blush- I LOVE this.  I've been having an obsession with purple-pink blushes but haven't found anything quite right, so this is going to be perfect for fall when I want plum-pink cheeks.

MAC Night Maneuvers eyeshadow- This is a really pretty muted dark brown.  I'm loving cool dark browns right now.

Forever 21 eyeshadow trio in Silver- I've never tried any beauty products from F21 but have been interested.  The packaging is too cute.

Annabelle Le Gloss lipglosses in Superstar and Nude Suite, LA Girl lipstick in Fling, Annabelle eyeliner in Black- The glosses are really pretty.  Unfortunately the lipstick is too brown on my complexion, but I'm thinking I could pull it off with a pink or red lipgloss.  And I've been playing around with the eyeliner tonight- I actually don't own any black eyeliners, so this has been fun!  

Lastly she sent me this makeup bag which will come in handy- I only have one travel makeup bag and it's an old one from MAC.  It's pretty big, and this one is compact.  And cute!

F21 eyeshadow trio, MAC Night Maneuvers eyeshadow, Cheeky Bronze MSF lightly blended, On A Mission blush, Annabelle eyeshadow quad (the lighter colors didn't really show up in the picture, but they're there!)

A huge thanks to Arezu- you are awesome, girl.  I can't wait to put together a real look using everything.  :)

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OOTD: First Day of Class

Today is my first day of classes!  I wasn't feeling nervous since I took classes at the college where I lived last year, it was more of a "ugh, time to start school again" kind of feeling.  Of course I woke up a little later than planned and was in a rush getting out the door.  I took these pictures when I got back from class.

Top: Forever 21

Knit blazer: Forever 21

Jeans: American Eagle

Sandals: American Eagle (Not too much variation in brands, I just realized this haha)

Necklace: Forever 21

Bracelets: the bigger one is from the Icing, and the smaller ones came in a set I got from Target years and years ago.

The sandals are the same ones I wore in this OOTD.  I rolled up the sleeves of my blazer because I thought it looked more "daytime" that way (Even though it is knit so it's not really dressy to begin with!).  

Closer picture of the necklace.  It has a little fabric bow on the chain, it's so cute!  I got it for only $4.80.  I love F21 for cheap accessories, haha.  That is Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro nail polish in Marine Blue on my nails, too.  

My first class went well!  My teacher is weird but amusing, and I finally met some other girls who are in my major (fashion retail management).  I've only met a couple so far, so it was really nice to talk to them.  

Hope you guys are having a good "first" day of the week.  Thanks for reading! :)

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Goodies From The (Twin) Cities (Pic Heavy)

Phew, I'm finally home.  It feels nice to be back in my own territory, even though I so much enjoyed seeing relatives and shopping.  But today I want to get right to the point and show you everything I purchased!  I didn't get any makeup, I should mention, but I'm actually quite proud of myself for that.  I need to hit pan on some favorites before buying more.  :)

First is what I'm most excited about, my new purse from ALDO:

This picture really doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea.  It has gold hardware that is kind of hard to tell from this, and I just couldn't find a good angle that captured it quite right.  Anyway it was $48 but I had a $25 Visa giftcard, so after tax I only paid $26.  

(The scarf didn't come with the bag- I got that on my trip too, from Wet Seal for $3!)

I love the inside:

It has two large compartments separated by a zippered pouch in the middle, and then on either side of the lining there are pockets.  This bag is seriously huge, but I just love it!  I threw my cardigan in there yesterday while shopping and you couldn't even tell. 

OK, next up is all clothes/accessories.

Nordstrom Rack:

Like I mentioned yesterday, this was my 2nd time going to a Nordstrom Rack.  The first one I went to I had reeeally wanted to find a pair of cool jeans, but it didn't end up happening.  This time it did!  Well, they're not that cool or anything, but still what I've been wanting.  They are by a brand called Vigoss and they are "straight" leg jeans.  Super super soft, and they have some rips in the knees, but my favorite part is the back pockets.  I love all the little details in them!  I got these on sale for $29; they were originally like $54.

Heritage 1981, Forever 21, and Wet Seal:

These pants I got from Heritage 1981, a sub-brand of Forever 21.  They're those wide-legged, really lightweight linen pants that are perfect for summer.  I don't have any others so I was happy to find these!  They were $22, I think (Sorry about not being exact with the prices, I already cut off the price tags and I just don't feel like looking for my receipts right now, lol :).

Top & Cardigan from Heritage 1981, Scarf from Wet Seal

I realized when I was buying the three clothing items from H1981 that they made a great outfit, lol!  Yes, I wore them all together the next day.  :)  The blue top was about $22, and the cardigan was $24.

This scarf, along with the one tied to my bag, were both $3 at Wet Seal.  Seriously, if you live by a Wet Seal you have to take advantage of this sale!  They have some really cute scarves.  This one pictured here is my favorite of the two, because it's colorful floral with cute little gold leaves hanging off the fringe.  A girl working at Forever 21 was like, "Oh, your scarf is so... unique?  It has jewelry on it!"  Haha.

This is an empire-waisted dress with low-cut sleeves that I got from Forever 21.  It hits a few inches above my knees, and ties in the back.  I love it, although I wear it with a tank top underneath because the top goes down farther than I'd like.  

Not pictured is another top I got, which I'm wearing right now; it's similar in style to the blue one but it's a pale peach-pink.

Accessories: For Love 21 and Claire's

  

The rose necklace I got from Forever 21's accessory store, For Love 21, for $4.80.  The long beaded necklace is from the clearance tower at Claire's, which was like $2.75 after the price reduction.  I love these, and so did my baby cousin, too!  She kept playing with them when I held her.

Guys, I still can't believe I got this much.  Just knowing how much I spent is nearly killing me, but I am truly happy with every single thing.  I've worn everything on my trip so far, and my purse is being so well taken care of.  Haha.  Oh, I just remembered that I did also buy a purse-sized lotion from Victoria's Secret- the Honeysuckle & White Patchouli kind- and it was $1.75.  Gosh, I'm such a sucker for great deals!  Especially when it brings the price down to under $5.  Anyway, thanks for reading- I was really excited to share with you the goodies I found!

More on my adventures at CVS another time.  :)

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