Wednesday, February 27, 2013

My Favorite Beauty Products


I promised y'all last month that I would share my favorite beauty products with you girls, since a bunch of you shared your favorites with me (and several of your favorites are on my beauty shopping list to try out). So with out further ado, my beauty favorites.

Favorite nail polish brand/color? Some of my favorite brands are: Essie, OPI, Julep, Sally Hansen Insta-dri, Rimmel London. Color wise I enjoy wearing pinks, corals, reds, purples, greys, and mint green. 

- Favorite blush? First off, let me say I'm addicted to blush so I'm always open to trying new brands & colors! My favorite powder blushes are the e.l.f studio line blushes in Mellow Mauve & Tickled Pink, theBalm in Frat Boy, and NYX in Mocha. I've also tried out two cream blushes: Cargo in Key West & Youngblood in Pink Cashmere -- I love them both in the summer for a natural flushed look.

- Favorite lipgloss? Alright, I'm also addicted any & all lip products. I love e.l.f's supershine lipglosses that are only $1 in the summertime, on vacation, or when I'm at the beach. My other favorite glosses are: Bath & Body lipgloss in Strawberry Cosmo, Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Dare Devil, Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Whisper, C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine, and Mark Glow Baby Glow in Honey & Blow Kisses. 

- Favorite lipstick? I recently started wearing lipstick (as in last fall, before that I was a gloss girl only) and I've come to really enjoy it. I haven't tried too many brands out yet -- Revlon & MaryKay only so far. My favorite's for Revlon are: Pink in the Afternoon, Love that Pink, and Certainly Red. My all time favorite is MaryKay's in Apple Berry. Sometime this year I want to try out MAC lipsticks -- like Ruby Woo. Ooh, I also love NYX's lipstick pencil in Hot Red (this is the only red lipstick I've worn in outfits posts on BF).

For lip butters (which are like a lipstick) I like the Revlon Lip Butters in Candy Apple & Raspberry Pie. I also really like the brand new Maybelline Color Whisper in Rose of Attraction. 

- Favorite lip balm? When my lips aren't too chapped (or under my lipstick) I like: Burts Bees in Mint, eos in Sweet Mint, and YOUDABALM in Coconut. In the cold winter months, or when I'm sick and my lips are really chapped I like C.O. Bigelow's Rose Salve (which you can buy at Bath & Body Works).

- Favorite eyeliner? In pencil form I haven't found the perfect one yet, of course I haven't gone looking for one either. But, I enjoy Starlet Cosmetics eyeliner pencil in black for when I'm in hurry (though it does have fall-out as the day goes on). For liquid eyeliner I enjoy e.l.f's from their $1 line, I also like e.l.f's studio gel eyeliner too.

- Favorite eyeshadow? I adore Wet 'N Wild's eyeshadow trio in Walking on Eggshells. I also like my Stila Merry and Bright palette. Someday I really want to try out Urban Decay's Naked palettes (1, 2, and the Basics).

- Favorite mascara? I'm not really picky about my mascara but some of my favorites are: Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes!, Benefit's Badgal Lash & They're Real.  



Fav Beauty Products

- Favorite face mask? I've come to adore the Quea Bella face masks at Target! They make my skin feel so silky smooth for days afterwards (and some of them help with my dry flaky skin problem). The flavors I've tried so far are the cucumber peel & the chocolate mask (which smells so yummy!). 

- Favorite face scrubs? I've tried out two so far (and I only use them like once every week, or so) and they are the Clean & Clear Deep Action exfoliating scrub, and the St. Ives Apricot scrub. 

- Favorite body scrub? The lavender sea salt body scrub from Trader Joe's is amazing! All of the girls in our family use it. The scrub has really helped with my dry skin problem & helps make my skin feel all silky smooth. If you have a Trader Joe's near you, you should really pick up some of this scrub to try out.

- Favorite body wash? JASON Organic Body Wash in Lavender or Rose Water, and Bath & Body Works Shower Gel. 

- Favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Hmm...I love the Twisted Peppermint, Pink Chiffon, Sweet Pea, Forever Red, and Pairs Amore.

- Favorite perfume? The only full size bottle I own is a body spray by Bath & Body Works in Pink Chiffon -- which I love. I do own several perfume samples, and I have some favorites that I would love to own in a full size bottle someday. My all-time favorite is Miss Dior by Dior (plus the packaging is adorable!), the runner-up would be Twirl by Kate Spade. Honorable mentions would be (in no order) Forever Red by Bath & Body Works, Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift, Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture, and Viva La Fleur Juicy by Juicy Couture.    

- Favorite makeup brushes? I've only used e.l.f ones and I like them.

- Favorite makeup brand? Hmm...Revlon, NYX, e.l.f, or Benefit.


Monday, February 25, 2013

Black Dresses for Spring

I don't know about you, but I love wearing dresses, especially in the spring & summer. Now, judging from the title you might not think that a black dress would be the best for warmer months -- but they are very versatile for different occasions (everyday, church, formal events, parties, etc...). Plus you can accessorize black dresses with punches of color, be that with cardigans, scarves, belts, shoes, handbags, necklaces, or just any piece of jewelry.  
Of course, your black dress doesn't have to be solid, it could be in a really cool print like polka-dots, stripes, bows, floral, birds, etc... Now, I really like my polka-dots for dresses (in any color scheme) -- they just fit my style best. *grin* Personally I think every girl needs a basic/simple black dress in her wardrobe. Of course, I haven't found my perfect LBD yet (I need to though). *smile* Anyhow, to give you an idea on how I would style the above polka-dot dress for Spring, let me share a Polyvore set I made for y'all.

Polka-dot Dress for Spring

Personally, I would wear the polka-dot dress with a jean jacket (love those -- perfect for either those cooler days or nights), define the waist with a belt (you could also use a color one), colorful shoes (I picked flats), a nice classic bag (the one I picked matches the leather of the belt), and some cute earrings (of course, you could use any jewelry of your choice). This outfit would be perfect for shopping with friends, a luncheon date, a picnic, or a concert in the park. Of course, you could just wear this outfit for normal everyday wear too, like to work. Also, instead of leaving the jean jacket sleeves down, why not try rolling them up a bit -- looks cute, stylish, and gives off that somewhat relaxed feeling.

You can find all of the black dresses featured in this post on a site called, New Look. It is an UK based company that sells some adorable clothing for fairly reasonable prices (they have a wide range of black dresses -- something for everyone). You should really check their site out.

Have you found your perfect LBD yet?

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sunday Style: Zooey Deschanel as Jess in "New Girl" Inspired OOTD


Today's outfit that I wore to Church is a perfect example on how the TV/Movie Inspired Fashion Event works. I took a picture of Zooey's character in New Girl that I found on Pinterest (as I've never seen the show) to create and inspired "Jess" outfit. In the picture "Jess" is wearing a green gingham button-down and a navy/black(?) skirt, from that picture I took those elements, plus added others that seemed very much like her: polka-dot tights, colorful flats, crossbody bag, etc... (all from studying pictures found on the internet). You can do this with any movie, or TV show for the event -- your goal is to just capture the feeling of the outfit you are copying/getting inspiration from. Make sense?  
What I'm Wearing
Gingham Button-down -- J.Crew Factory
Navy Skirt -- Secondhand
Belt -- Vintage
Pearl Necklace -- c/o OASAP
Polka-dot Tights -- Target
Green Flats -- Ruche
Watch -- Betsy Johnston @ JCP
Bracelet -- J.Crew
Earrings -- Kohl's
Nail Polish -- Rimmel London in Steel Grey

Friday, February 22, 2013

OOTD + Ramblings

::What I'm Wearing::
Floral Dress -- Made by Me
Chambray Button-down -- T.J.Maxx
Anchor Necklace -- Forever 21
Bow Earrings -- Forever 21
Cowgirl Boots -- Christmas Gift
Green Tights -- JCP

As most of you have seen, I'm running a blog sale right now. Just so y'all know, after about two or three weeks, what ever doesn't sell will be thrown away. 'Cause I've got no room to store everything. You can see everything thats for sale under the Shop My Closet tab.

Also, I've decided to run a special on ads right now. Making right now the perfect time to try out an ad spot on the sidebar & sponsor BF. Buy any ad this weekend and get another month free (no coupon code needed). You can buy your ad today here. Or shot me an email about buying ad space.

I also have some updates about the Movie/TV inspired fashion event. You do not have to have any sewing skills to do this event, as we aren't going for perfect replicas of movie/TV costumes. The goal of the event is to take things that are already in your closet, or you can buy some things if you want, to create inspired everyday outfits. You also don't need vintage clothing to do this event either. Just dig around in your closets to find things that will work for each theme -- accessories will be your best friends for this event! Also, you don't have to stick to the list of movies/shows I gave in the blog schedule -- you can use your own favorites for each theme/genre.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

TV/Movie Inspired Fashion Event

Glee - Gossip Girl - New Girl - Once Upon a Time
Are y'all ready for the first blog event of 2013? Well, I hope you are because come March 3rd through the 9th Bramblewood Fashion is hosting the first ever, TV/Movie Inspired Fashion Blog Event! It is going to be so much fun!!  

Of course you are wondering, how is this event going to work? What movies & TV shows will be used for the event? What if I have never seen them? I'm glad you asked. For each day of the week there will be a set theme for your outfits, you will then take pictures of your outfit and post them on your blog. Once your post is live you will then link-up your post to the link-y on my blog each day. It is alright if you have never seen any of shows/movies I suggest for your outfit inspiration, as some of my suggestions for outfit ideas will be from shows I've never seen myself -- I just like to get outfit inspiration from them.

Blog Event Schedule
  • Sunday -- 1900s - 1920s (Downton Abbey, Sarah Plain and Tall series, Christy, Anne of Green Gables, Road to Avonlea, etc...) 
  • Monday -- 1940s (Captain America, Laura, Magic of Ordinary Days, Roy Rogers films, Shadow of a Doubt, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Bachelor & the Bobby-Soxer, The Story of Seabiscuit, etc...)
  • Tuesday -- 1950s (It Happened to Jane, Roman Holiday, Sabrina, High Society, Rear Window, The Man Who Knew Too Much, I Love Lucy, The Donna Reed Show, etc...)
  • Wednesday -- 1960s (That Girl!, Gidget, An Education, How to Steal a Million, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Help, That Funny Feeling, Mad Men, etc...)
  • Thursday -- 1990s - 2010s (Sherlock, Leap Year, Decoy Bride, New Girl, Sleepless in Seattle, Gossip Girl, etc...)
  • Friday -- Fantasy/Fairytale/Sci-fi (Doctor Who, LOTR, Enchanted, Chronicles of Narnia, Avengers Films, Once Upon a Time, etc..)  
  • Saturday -- Your Favorite Movie/TV Show
What You Need to Know

When is the event? -- March 3rd through the 9th (Sunday - Saturday). 

What is the event about? -- Creating modest outfits by using movies & TV shows as our inspiration. This is a great way to practice taking inspiration from outfits you normally wouldn't wear (for what ever reason) and adapting them to your modesty standers & style. 

How can I participate? -- By taking pictures/video of your outfits and linking them up {your blog post/OOTD video} on Bramblewood Fashion via the daily linky that will be shared in post for the week.

Are there any rules? -- Yes, I do have one rule. Keep the outfits modest. If I find an outfit to be suggestive, I have the right to remove that link from the linky. You can wear pants/shorts/jeans/etc... just make sure they aren't skin tight or too short.

How does the blog schedule work? -- Well, for each day of the week their is a set theme, you can then pick out any movie/TV show that fits within the theme for your inspired outfit.

Y'all can help spread the news about the event by sharing a blog event button on your sidebar/web/blog/etc... All of the buttons are located here. I am open to hosting a few giveaways, so if you want to sponsor one drop me a email at: bramblewoodf (at) gmail (dot) com

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Valentines Day OOTD + Hautelook Haul

::What I'm Wearing::
Cardigan: Old Navy
Jeans: Secondhand
Lace Blouse: Forever 21
Necklace: Portobello Road Market
Earrings & Headband: Claire's

Hautelook referral link: http://www.hautelook.com/short/2SfIz

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Warby Parker Hayworth Collection

Today Warby Parker released their limited-edition Hayworth Collection which takes its inspiration from the 1940s & 1950s Old Hollywood -- letting everyone channel their inner: William Holden, Barbara Stanwyck, James Cagney and Dick Powell. Each frame is topped off with vintage touches rendered in their signature custom acetate and premium Japanese titanium. It's a new twist on Old Hollywood.

Neville in Sugar Maple -- My favorite!
Which is your favorite from the Hayworth Collection? 

Who Inspires Me (Fashion Wise) | Lauren Conrad

Are y'all ready for another post in my Who Inspires Me (Fashion Wise) series? 'Cause I haven't done one since December -- which isn't that bad considering I once went a whole year, or so without doing one. Well, this time I'm talking about Lauren Conrad whose style I just adore -- plus her hair & makeup is always flawless too. I haven't even mentioned yet how I love both her Style & Beauty books too, which are filled with wonderful tips that I have used on a daily basis. I have also created a Pinterest board for LC.

 This first look would be fairly easy for me to recreate with my ASOS pleated skirt, a black top + blazer. The second look is just adorable with LC wearing a vintage 1920s dress. ♥
 The first look is perfect for either fall or winter as it is so simple yet chic! While the second look is perfect for that warmer wear during the spring & summer.
I'm in love with Lauren's hot pink dress. ♥
I fell head-over-heels in love with this outfit LC posted on her Instagram. ♥
Alright, I know where Lauren's blouse is from in the first picture. How? Well, I almost bought this blouse at Kohl's (it is from LC's line there) last fall on clearance -- but I didn't {and now I'm wishing I did}. The second outfit is very relaxed, yet stylish with her bootcut(?) jeans, a simple tee, and gauzy scarf {I have one just like hers from F21}.

What do you think of Lauren's style? What is your favorite outfit of her's?

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Random Updates


Alright, as you might have noticed -- I haven't done any posts in February when I said I was going to do a Valentines Day series and all. Well, I have a reason for my absence -- I came down with an awful sore throat & cold on Tuesday (hence, keeping me from doing any blogging or filming any videos). You see, I want this series to be done with videos mostly, but with me sounding & feeling awful that wasn't happening this past week. Hmm...maybe I will be able to squeeze in a few videos next week! *fingers crossed I get better fast* Anyhow, I was able to film, edit, and upload one video before I got sick. It is a nail art tutorial on how to get cute little hearts on your nails -- you can watch the DIY video below.



Also last night I was going through my photo booth videos & deleting the files I no longer needed when I realized, I had never edited & uploaded my Library Book Sale haul video from last month. So guess what? I did that last night/early this morning. Yeah, finally!!



 I don't know about you, but I've been craving warmer weather like crazy lately. Except, I would like to skip the allergy season part that is always really bad for me the first month or so {that part I'm not craving}. Anyhow....with all my spring fever/summer blues I've created a Pinterest board & some Polyvore sets to help me with my warmer weather cravings -- though I kinda think it just makes it worse.

Country Spring
Refresh-Mint

Summer Blues

You can see a few more spring/summer sets on my Polyvore page. Which ones are your favorites?

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...