thank goodness for makeup

A friend of mine has a saying she uses to bestow the ultimate compliment upon something: "it's almost as fun as makeup." I couldn't agree more - for me, makeup is the ultimate "thing" that is just pure fun. Instantly, I am transformed into a nine year old girl swiveling up a tube of petal pink Christian Dior lipstick and marveling at the candy-like color when I dive into my makeup bag. I don't expect everyone to relate - to some, makeup is weighted by a world of marketing, controversy over the definition of beauty and damaging body image issues. In my world, nothing replaces the feeling of having a slick of lipstick, a brush of eye-liner, a wash of blush and a coat of mascara. I just feel *dressed* and that makes me happy.

image via

oh, wear!

 

Just thinking today about the (almost) weekend with Hero Hubby and the girls and how nice a crisp and sunny fall day is. Not quite overcoat weather, but a warm sweater will do just fine. Have a cozy weekend!

sweater | jeans | flats | bag | earrings | scarf | lipstick

baby shower chic + enter fall

One of my dear friends is having a baby this month and we celebrated with her over the weekend at her baby shower. In my dreams I would have worn this ensemble to the event. I actually wore a dress similar in color to the one pictured... not quite ready to let go of summer yet.

Speaking of showers, it's going to be raining here for most of the week and I could not help but ogle over these unique umbrellas.

The close of Labor Day weekend seems to signal the unofficial start of fall. I stepped outside my front door and caught the sight of several leaves twirling their way down to the ground. The days remain warm and sandals and knee-skimming shift dresses in sunny patterns are still breezing about town. Window-boxes continue to overflow with bright flowers and it doesn't really feel like fall yet - but, I guess you can't argue with the leaves.

hair clips | dress | clutch | bangle | sandals | earrings | lipstick | perfume

leaves image unknown

color inspiration: lavender

 

 

 

When putting this post together I could almost smell the sweet herbal aroma that is distinctly lavender.  Dried lavender wrapped in brown paper is simply romantic.  I love the combination of navy blue with lavender in the outfit... perfect attire for a bicycle ride down a country road or stepping into a taxi on a warm summer afternoon in the city.  The wedding cake displays lavender in all it's culinary beauty and lavender vanilla lip balm looks as delicious as it is soothing.  I love this color and I am on the prowl for some recipes for lavender confections.  What are your favorite ways to use lavender?

outfit | cake | lip balm 

lavender flowers photo via purplefoodie.com

colorful kisser

 

It took becoming a mum for me to discover the power of lipstick.  Be it lip gloss, lip stain, or good 'ole fashioned lipstick, I am smitten with my compatriot in the trenches of motherhood.  Though my hair may be a clump of indeterminable fuzz on the back of my head and my clothes resemble the food pyramid more than Marc Jacobs, my face is aglow with dewy color that lets the world know I still care about upholding some sense of style.  

I just adore these color palettes via Refinery29