Friday, January 30, 2015

Makeup Review: Lime Crime Velvetine

It's been a while since I've done a makeup review!  To be honest, I was in a bit of a rut when it came to my makeup routine.  I decided to try something new: A very deep red/almost black lip color.  I usually stick to something light and pink but I love how something as simple as a lip color can dramatically change your look.  My initial reservations about such a deep color come from laziness.  I just don't want to have to keep applying the color, worrying about how it looks over time or it bleeding, and it transferring onto my coffee cup, husband, and baby.  I've done my research and Lime Crime Velvetines are my new favorite.

Lime Crime Wicked Velvetine

For the look I wanted, I decided to go with their Wicked shade.  Of course, before applying any color to my lips I always apply a primer.  My current favorite is Lip Insurance by Too Faced.  I'll also line my lips with a red pencil for a more finished application, but like I said, I'm lazy and didn't do it today.

Before
Lime Crime Wicked Velvetine

First off, this is the best smelling lip stain I own.  It smells like vanilla frosting.  I love it!  When I apply it I only use a small amount and start in the center and brush out.  Wicked is pretty potent with one coat, but I like to use two for an added dramatic effect.  Once the color dries it's on.  It survives lunch, coffee, and the billion kisses I gave Bianca everyday.  I've tried a vast amount of lip stains and Lime Crime surpasses them all.  By far.

After
Lime Crime Wicked Velvetine

The only down side to this product is the fact that it does have a drying effect.  I don't ever use a Velvetine on its own, so I didn't really notice this at first.  As long as your lips are already moisturized and primed, you won't have an issue with it drying.

Velvetines come in a bunch of cool shades (I also have it in Cashmere) and cost $20.  It's also available on Modcloth, which is great because there's always a coupon code floating around.

Have you tried Lime Crime's Velvetine line?  What's your favorites?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Junebugs and Georgia Peaches: Pink Elephants

Happy Wednesday!  I'm guest blogging for Amelia and June over at Junebugs and Georgia Peaches today.  I'm featuring a gorgeous Bernie Dexter dress too, make sure to check it out HERE!

Bernie Dexter Sugardoll dress in Pink Elephants Modcloth I'm All Cheers

xoxo

Ashley

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Raining Cats

Voodoo Vixen Katnis dress

Yes, sometimes dreams do come true!  That's how I feel about this dress.  I had been eying this Voodoo Vixen perfection for months but it was sold out on their website.  Because I'm a crazy impulsive person, I scoured the internet to find a website that carried it.  After a couple of hours of work (it really was difficult to find) I found it at a UK boutique.  The shipping was quick and it came with more than enough time to wear at Bianca's birthday party.  The good news is I've been in contact with Voodoo Vixen and they're going to be restocked very soon.  I feel like everyone should own this dress, it's absolute purrrfection (I also hate that I just did that).

Thursday, January 22, 2015

What's On My Radar: Current Loves

If you haven't yet heard, Unique Vintage started a new campaign on Tuesday.  #iamunique celebrates women for being (you guessed it) unique.  As someone who has been a longtime customer turned employee, I've always felt represented by UV.  Their house brand and the others they carry happen to coincide with my personal style, which to some can be "odd".  It's such a treat to find the clothing I love on one site and (to you Los Angeles ladies) the brick and mortar store.  I've dedicated this month's picks to my favorite Unique Vintage finds!

UV bernie dexter serenity bridge
I've been obsessing over this dress for months!  The Veronique cut is a perfect fit for ladies of all sizes and this print is a staple for spring.  Get in my closet now!

1940s Style Black Floral Satin Old Masters Wiggle Dress
A gorgeous floral velvet wiggle dress.  Do I really need to say more?  Voodoo Vixen is another one of my favorite brands that carries a vast amount of gorgeous dresses.  I love a dress with a little sleeve so this number really has my heart.

Black Patent Cut Out Irella T-Strap Heels
As a mother and someone who loves to wear heels, most of my current footwear is inappropriate for the playground.  Not to mention, entirely uncomfortable!  I have these exact shoes in pale pink and I'd love to add a black pair.  The kitten heel is cute and functional and goes perfect with pretty much everything in my closet.

UV bernie dexter varick dress
I've never been much of a cat person but I go a little crazy for cat printed everything.  Those kitties mixed with vintage looking portraits... AMAZING!  You know it's a well made dress because it's Bernie.  Worth every penny!

Red High Waist Pleated Blair Midi Skirt
It's my intention to add more separates to my wardrobe this year.  As you already know, I have a closet full of dresses and a few skirts/tops to break it up.  I'd love to have a pretty red midi skirt like this one.  It's so versatile and works year round.

Unique Vintage Burgundy & Gold Garden State Mesh Cocktail Dress
At this moment I have the sample version of this dress on hold.  Pictures do not do it justice, it's perfect!  I don't have anything in this color and I can always find a reason to wear a pretty tulle dress :).

Brown Leopard Print T-Strap Mendel Flats
I'm always on the hunt for comfortable yet cute flats for my dresses.  A t-strap is a great way to get away from the sometimes boring ballerina flat.  You can never have enough leopard print, right?

UV green sinclair flapper
I'm absolutely serious when I say that everyone needs a flapper dress in their closet.  Whether it be for a Gatsby themed party, Halloween, or New Year's Eve, a flapper dress is perfect for so many different occasions.  Since I've been enamored with green lately, this Sinclair flapper is right up my alley.

What's been inspiring your closet this season?

xoxo

Ashley

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Zombies Attack!

Folter Zombie Attack dress

I don't usually take outfit photos on "dirty hair days" but it's the best time to experiment with new hairstyles.  When I had bangs I loved to wear my hair down and curled.  To be honest, I think about chopping them almost every day.  I'm doing my best to grow them out, and much like any security blanket, I hid behind them.  Now that my bangs are long enough to style I'm trying new things.  I'm no hair expert but I'd like to add a few more styles to my routine.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Bianca's First Birthday

I'm so excited to share these photos with you!  Bianca's birthday party was perfect.  We had a great turnout and most of all, Bianca had the time of her life.  I couldn't have asked for a better day.  Although I don't think I'll be planning such a large party for her second birthday.  It was a lot of work!

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday

Bianca's First Birthday
Photography- Vivian Atnil
Cake and Cupcakes- Suga Lane Gourmet Treats
Bianca's top and skirt- Posh Peanuts
Bianca's crown- Princess Abigailia
My dress- Voodoo Vixen
Hair flower- NicCoCo Creations

xoxo

Ashley

Friday, January 16, 2015

Luck Be A Lady

Luck Be A Lady dress in Geen Plaid

I'm pretty sure green is my new favorite color in my wardrobe.  I don't have many green dresses but I just bought two for Christmas/my birthday and I can't stop wearing them.  This Closet UK dress should be a staple in every wardrobe.  Modcloth sells it in a wide range of colors and prints (this isn't my first one) and I can see a couple more in my future.  It compliments every body type and it's one of the more comfortable dresses I own.  Plus, it has pockets.  You know how important that is!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Changing Tides

Vintage Watercolor dress

It's been so tough getting out to take outfit pictures lately.  Bianca and I were sick over the holidays (she unfortunately still is) and now I'm weaning her off breastfeeding so she has been a beast.  It's obviously much easier for me to get out in my backyard for a few minutes to snap a couple of pictures, but I'm staying true to my word by refusing to be lazy about these posts.  Once I start to feel pressure about posting, blogging stops being fun.  So I'm just getting out when I can and posting the next day.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Baby Came Back

Retrolicious Modcloth Houndsleuth dress

This dress is both old and new.  I bought it about two years ago, excited because I had wanted it for such a long time.  It was a bit snug but I made it work.  It collected dust in my closet until after Bianca was born.  In a postpartum depressive state, I hastily sold it because it wasn't even close to zipping up at the time.  I regretted that decision ever since.  I scoured the internet for months until I found a used one in a size up.  It was a miracle!  This one is a little loose but I'm just happy to have it back in my closet.  I'll never take this dress for granted again!

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Twelve Months

Is it weird that I have tears in my eyes as I write this?  I can't believe it's been an entire year with this little nugget.  She's changed my life so much.  I remember mothers telling me how different your life becomes after you have a child and that you truly don't understand that kind of love until you do... And I would give a major eye roll.  As annoying as those comments are, they're absolutely true.  Having a baby is all about giving a part of yourself for the well being of someone else.  As someone who can admit to being a pretty selfish person in the past, Bianca has changed me for the better.  Now I can't even picture my life without her!

Bianca 12 months

Just like last month, Bianca has been on the move!  She falls a lot less these days and can walk much faster.  I might even say she runs!  She's also getting adjusted to walking in shoes.  She doesn't wear them very often so she looks like a little baby deer when she has her little ugg boots on.

Bianca 12 months

Because she's been so focused on walking she's been a little stunted in the vocabulary area.  She talks all the time but in her own gibberish language.  She does say dada a lot, that's about as sophisticated as it gets.  She's great at understanding us when we talk though.  At least she knows when I don't want her to do something.  Whether she chooses to listen is another story...

Bianca 12 months

Bianca is now completely on solids.  I still make her pureed food, but only because that's the only form of vegetable she will take.  Much like her parents, she enjoys a lot of "bad" food but compliments it with fruits and veggies.  I'm still breastfeeding, but only 2-3 times a day.  I'm hoping to have her completely off breast milk in a few weeks!

Bianca 12 months

Now for the most exciting news: Bianca now sleeps in her crib!  Both at night and for naps.  I really enjoyed co-sleeping, but I never realized how little sleep both she and I were getting.  Now that she has her own space to sleep it seems like she's much more rested in the morning.  I'm still adjusting to sleeping more than 2-3 hours uninterrupted, hopefully I'll start to enjoy the solid nights of sleep Bianca is giving me these days.

Bianca 12 months

These monthly updates have been such a joy.  I frequently look back at the younger months and can't believe I ever had a baby that small.  Now that she's moved into toddler mode, I'll probably update every six months or so.  Of course, you can always find super cute pictures of her on my Instagram too!  Thanks so much for reading my journey into mommyhood.  It's a bittersweet goodbye but I'm excited for our future together with a toddler :).

xoxo

Ashley

Sunday, January 4, 2015

You Cottage My Eye

Bernie Dexter Osterley dress in Country Cottage print

It doesn't happen very often but I had a baby free outing on Friday.  Kevin was sweet enough to spend his day off watching Bianca, so I took advantage by meeting up with Serli of Le Soleil Chic.  We had a nice shopping/coffee date at one of our favorite local shopping centers.  I knew Serli before she started blogging, but we've bonded even more now that she does.  There's a special place in my heart for my blogging friends because we truly understand the love and the struggles behind it.  She's always fun to hang out with but this was our first shoot together.  I love being behind the camera and it's rare when I get to photograph anyone other than myself.  Luckily, I had the prettiest subject and the pictures came out beautifully!  I'm sure you'll get to see them on her blog soon :).

Friday, January 2, 2015

Take It Easy

Unique Vintage dress

Happy new year!  I've actually just emerged from one of the worst colds I've ever had.  Bianca was sick and about 24 hours later I was just as miserable.  It ended up ruining my New Year's Eve (I was in bed by 8:30) but I'm finally starting to feel okay.  Trying to care for a sick baby while trying to take care of yourself is ridiculously hard.  Thankfully she's almost back to normal so I assume I should follow suit.

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