Little Black Bag Haul

Hello Fashionistas! I recently watched Michele1218's video on the Little Black Bag service. I was interested in finding out more so I visited the site.  This is a  monthly service of high end accessories. Brands include Betsy Johnson, BCBG Generation, Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden and many many more. Items range from sunglasses, bags, jewelry, scarfs, and home goods. It is $49.99 a month and you get 3 or 4 items per "bag". Like many other services you take a style quiz to show them what your style is like. The first item of  your bag you get to pick out and the rest is picked for you. Buy no worries if you do not like what was picked out for you, because you can trade with other members. So this service is a mix between social media and shopping! 


In my Little Black Bag I got a pair of Betsy Johnson sunglasses, a pair of Lydell earrings, and a Echo scarf.. They came packaged in a white box with the Little Black Bag logo on it, and wrapped in black tissue paper. I was impressed with the packaging because it looked luxurious.


I was very pleased with my first Little Black Bag! It was a fun, and exciting experience.
To get your own Little Black Bag check out the link! Little Black Bag


Peace & Love
Katie <3


* Please note that I am not being paid by Little Black Bag, and that I paid for it with my own hard earned money! :)

Beauty Haul: Drugstore

Hello Fashionistas! I went to CVS today and bought a few things so I thought I would haul them to you. 

• The first thing I got was a L'oearl Colour Rich Balm in the color 218 Rose Elixir.  It was $7.79. My first impression:  I swatched it on my hand and it does not seem to have much color pay off, but seems to have a nice texture and a nice shine. 
• I also bought 2 of the Revlon Lip Butters in the colors 050 Berry Smoothie and 080 Strawberry Shortcake. They cost $7.39 each. My first impression: they have a nice color payoff for a balm and a nice texture and shine. 
• I got the Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch for 3.89. My first impression: not much color at all, but I expected and bought it for the moisturization. 
• Moving on from lip products I also got a Wet n Wild eye shadow single in 257A Kitten. It costs $1.99 It is a beautiful purple with a gold shimmer. My first impression: Great color payoff, and great texture. I think I'm going to really like this.
• I also got the Wet n Wild color icon eye shadow trio in the color 383B Knock On wood. It costs $2.99. It is a beautful burgundy, brown with gold sparkle, and blush pink. My first impression: Great color payoff and nice texture. I think this palette will make a nice eye look without much work. I have a few of these palettes already and like those so I'm confident that I will like this one as well.

You may have noticed that I bought a lot of moisturizing  lip products. This is because my lips have been so chapped and sore. I will keep you posted on if I like these products in later posts.


Peace & Love
Katie <3


* All items were purchased by me with my own money!

Fashion: When to splurge

Hello Fashionistas! A lot of us get wrapped up in buying designer pieces that cost a fortune. Is it really a good idea? Well, I believe that investing in your wardrobe is a good idea, but only to a certain point. I feel that when buying clothing you have to think about trends, and classic pieces. For example I recently bought a pair of red jeans. I know this is only a trend and will go out of style within a short amount of time, so I opted to purchase a inexpensive pair. On the other hand when I purchase a new pair of regular denim jeans I tend to spend a little bit more because I know I will wear them for a long time. When purchasing classic pieces it may be worth paying a little extra. If you buy high quality pieces they should last a very long time, and in the long run may save you money from repurchasing inexpensive items. Here are some of my tips when making a expensive purchase.

• Choose classic colors like black, brown, grey, or navy. These colors never go out of style and can be used in many ways.
• Choose classic pieces that can be worn with many different outfits such as jeans, blazers, skirts etc...
• Think it over! When buying expensive items spend some time making sure its what you want! Don't regret your purchase in the morning.
• Consider how often you will wear the piece. If your buying for a special occasion and only going to wear the piece once is it really worth the investment?

At the end of the day you want to feel good about what you bought and not buyers remorse.

Peace & Love

Katie <3

Trying Something New: Foundation

Hello Fashionistas! After using Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer tinted moisturizer for about a year, I decided that I would like to try something with a bit more coverage. I went to Sephora and asked the sales associate what she thought would be a good foundation for me. She told me to try the Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation. I've watched a lot of YouTube videos and new that there were a lot of people who really liked this foundation so I decided to give it a try. She color tested me and told me that 120 would be a good match for me. I bought the product for $40. That seems like a lot of money, and it is but this foundation should last a long time.
I've used it for about a week now and I like the results for the most part. It may be a little bit to yellow for my skin tone, but if I blend it very well I think it works fine. I like the coverage it gives me, I haven't had any bad reactions to it, and it seems to stay put all day. I use 1 1/2 pumps and dot it all over my face, I start to blend it with my fingers and finish with a flat top kabuki brush from ELF. 
If your looking for a new foundation give this one a try. 


Peace & Love
Katie <3

The Look In Plus: Pippa Middleton

Hello Fashionistas! Ever sense the royal wedding we have been fascinated with Pippa Middleton and her style. I think that is because she is so classy and chic. She always looks put together and I am very inspired with her style. I thought I would take one of her outfits and make a plus size version. Hope you enjoy!

Lane Bryant

First off Pippa is wearing a medium dark wash boot-cut jean. You can wear any pair of jeans you already have, but I found this pair at Lane Bryant and thought it would be a great starting point for this look. They are $59.95 and come in sizes 14-28. What I like about these jeans is that they are a medium wash, boot-cut, and they would be a very basic piece you could add to your closet. They could be worn with countless other outfits.

Old Navy

Pippa added a pop of color with her blouse. The pinky coral was a great contrast to the navy cardigan. I found this one from Old Navy, and I like it because it has some detail at the neck, like Pippas and it flows away from the body. This shirt costs $17.50 and comes in sizes 1X-4X and comes in a blue and white wave pattern.

Eloquii

The next piece I choose was this blue draped cardigan. I believe Pippa is wearing a navy one so I chose this one from Eloquii. It costs  $49.90 and comes in sizes14/16-22/24. It also comes in a toupe and purple. It is draped and looks a lot like the on in the picture. Whenever you are trying to look put together a important thing to remember is layering. By adding a simple cardigan like this, or a jacket you will amp up your outfit.

Modalu

We cannot talk about Pippa's style without talking about the Pippa bag! When Pippa started to become a style icon Modalu changed the name of this bag to the Pippa Bag because it is her signature piece. She has one in every color, and fabric. This bag flew off the shelves and had a waiting list! It costs $308.39, which is a lot of money but this bag is very classic and if you get it in a classic color it will last you the rest of your life. 

Famous Footwear

From what I can tell from the picture Pippa is wearing black booties. I found these Dr.Scholl's and thought they would be a nice piece to add to the outfit because they have a small heel, and a nice rounded toe. They cost $68.99 and come in sizes 6-10. Once again these would be a classic piece in your closet that could be used for many other outfits.

Forever 21

Pippa is wearing gold hoop earrings, and I think you can get away with wearing just about any gold hoop, but I found these at forever 21 and you cannot beat the price of $3.80! They also come in silver. They are about 9cm long and will be a statement piece. I do not recommend wearing large earrings with a larger necklace. I think it is just to much.

Macy's

In a closer picture you can tell that Pippa is wearing a fine gold chain with a diamond like stone. Very dainty and pretty. I found this one at Macy's for $35.10. The chain is gold over silver, which really helps with the price, and cubic zirconium stones. This is such a classy necklace, it will sparkle in the light without being to much.
















Well that's my look! I hope you like it, and will try a few of the pieces. Let me know in the comments what your favorite piece is.


Peace & Love
Katie <3


* Inspirational Picture is take from http://bestfashionmode.com/thrifty-street-style-of-pippa-middletons/

Makeup Faves: Cream Eye Shadow Sticks

Hello Fashionistas! I have been in love with cream eye shadow sticks! I wear one almost everyday under my powder eye shadow to brighten the color. I have many different brands and each has pros and cons.


 My most recent purchase was a MAC Shadestick in cakeshop! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! I wore it under a sparkly eyeshadow and it stopped fallout of the glitter, and really made the color pop. I wore this all day and did not notice any creasing! It was awesome, because I do have oily lids and I almost always have creasing at the end of the day. The main drawback to this product is the price. It is pretty expensive and can only be bought at MAC stores, counters, or online. And for me I do not have any stores, or counters within a reasonable distance so I have to buy online without testing the colors. Another drawback to this product is that there are only two colors in the permanent collection. I think they release some in their collections but they can be difficult to find.


I also have several Urban Decay 24/7 glide on shadow pencils. I like these, their color selection is nice. I like the more neutral colors but they also have some beautiful bright colors. I got a set of 5 or 6 on sale from the website but you can also buy them from Ulta and Sephora. I did notice some creasing after wearing them all day which I expected.


The NYX jumbo eye pencils may have the largest selection of colors. I have about 10, and I love the color payoff. They are very inexpensive as well. They are very creamy and glide on very well.  The main problem I have with these are that they crease easily! I still wear them often but I need to put a eye primer on first. I have only seen them at Ulta or NYX online. 


Wet and Wild also has a cream shadow pencil. I love this product as well. It is very creamy and pigmented. I really love the price, and how easy they are to find. Most drugstores, and discount stores carry the brand. Just like the past two I did notice some creasing after wearing it all day. But for the price and how easily it is to find I will continue to use them. The color selection is moderate. I love pixie which is their only neutral shade, but the colors are also very beautiful. 


I hope this helped you, I know I am obsessed with these cream sticks and many of you probably are too. Leave me some comments about your favorite brands and colors!


Peace & Love
Katie <3

The look in Plus: Taylor Swift

Hello Fashionistas! I was flipping threw a magazine and saw this picture of Taylor Swift and thought wow what a fun outfit. I really like the colors together. I was inspired to find a similar one for us plus size girls. Hope you enjoy it!


I started looking for a similar skirt! The one Taylor is wearing is a pleated yellow one that comes just above the knee. I thought this one from Macy's would look nice on me. I liked that it was pleated and light just like Taylor's. I like my skirts to come to my knees or just below, just my own preference, so I found one that did. I also like how the belted detail. It gives it a little something extra.

Charter Club Skirt

Taylor is wearing a navy blue cable knit sweater. I wanted to find something that will take me into the spring and summer seasons. I found this yellow shirt from Lands End. I would tuck it in just like Taylor did with her sweater. 

Lands End

You cannot see in the picture but she is also wearing red wedge shoes. I found these at DSW. They are a patent leather red wedge that would look super cute with this outfit. I love the bow on the toe. They are very famine and classy.

DSW

I couldn't tell if Taylor was wearing any jewelry or not. I would wear a pair of small studded earrings.

This is not the exact same outfit Taylor wore, but was inspired by her. I hope you like this, leave a comment about what celeb outfit you like.

Peace & Love

Katie <3

Skincare

Hello Fashionistas! I have been working on clearing up my skin for years! And I think I have finally completed this difficult task. I have very oily skin that is prone to blemishes and breakouts, and I have always found it frustrating. I have started a very strict skincare routine and it has seemed to work wonders for my skin. It finally hit me the other day when I was at Sephora getting a new foundation when the lovely associate who was color matching me complemented my skin! I have never been complemented on my skin before! I was so excited so I thought I would share my routine. 


The most important step in any skincare routine is to always wash off your makeup before bed! You skin needs to breathe! At night when you are sleeping you are making new skin cells, and if you have makeup on the new skin will grow over the makeup, causing breakouts, clogged pores and all those things we hate. 


I always take my makeup off with makeup removing towelettes. I do not use a specific brand, I think they all work about the same. I have used the elf brand, target brand, dollar store brand, and I am now using Neutrogena in the blue pack. After I remove my make up I always wash my face with a facial cleanser. This is important because it will get the dirt, oil and any makeup left over off. I use the Clean and Clear morning burst facial cleanser with a scrubby that came with the Loreal 360 clean. I have tried many many many facial cleansers but I always go back to my morning burst. After washing my face I use a clay mask about 1 or 2 times a week. I like the Freeman Beautiful Face Clay Masque with avocado and oatmeal. I smear it all over my face and let it sit until it is dry. I then wipe it off with warm water and a wash cloth. This mask cleans out my pores and leaves it feeling very clean. I always put it on right after I am finished washing my face because the warm water opens my pores. Next I put Clean and Clear acne spot treatment on any blemishes I might have, or when I feel one coming. This stuff is great! You will see a difference the next day! It does have 2% saliclic acid in it so if you are sensitive to that you might want to try something else. After my spot treatment I like to put my eye cream on. I use VMV Hypoallergenics Reeverything Eye Serum, and finally I apply my moisturizer. I use Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital cream. I also put on EOS lip balm on my lips. 


When I get up I wash my face with the Morning burst cleanser, and every other day I exfoliate with Queen Helene's Oatmeal 'n Honey natural facial scrub. I only excfoliate every other day because it can dry out your skin if you over do it. After washing I use Clean and Clear Morning glow moisturizer, and the EOS lip balm. 


This is what works for me. I think a lot of it has to do with that I take off my makeup every night, and wash my face twice a day. Let me know in the comments about your skincare routines. 


Peace & Love
Katie <3

Fashion Trend:Colored Jeans

Hello fashionistas! A very hot trend this year is colored jeans. It seems everyone is wearing them! I've seen Kim Kardashian, Khole Kardashian, Ashlee Green and tons of other celebrities wearing this bold fashion statement. Many of us plus size ladies may have thought that this fashion trend was out of our reach. Not so! 
I was shopping at the mall the other day and went into Lane Bryant just to look around. They have colored jeans! I was so excited! I decided to look online to see if I could find some more choices and I found many choices. 


I am going to purchase a pair of red skinny jeans. I want to pair them with my black boyfriend t-shirt I got from Target. I think it would be a fun and edgy look. The nice thing about this trend is that you can wear these in the spring and summer as well! This trend will not only last one season so you will get a lot of use out of these jeans.


Peace & Love
Katie <3


Check out the pictures and links below!

Forever 21's plus sizes

                         
Lane Bryant

From Old Navy        

            

   Blue and red jeans at avenue   

 

Hello fashionistas! I recently organized my makeup collection and realized that I have quite a lot of sample size products. I really enjoy samples because you can try many products for the price of one, and they take up less space. For Christmas my parents got me a subscription to a service called Birchbox. What Birchbox is is a monthly subscription (kind of like a magazine) of $10 and they send you a box full of high end sample size beauty products. I really enjoy getting my Birchbox every month. It is almost like getting a present, because you never know what will be inside. I have only received 2 boxes so far but in them I have received perfumes, eyeliners, skin care products, and hair products.


What I would like to do is review my Birchboxes each month. I will test the products out and tell you what I think. 
If you would like to know more about this service check the Birchbox website, their blog, or check them out on youtube.


Peace & Love
Katie <3




* Please note that I am not sponsored by Birchbox, all opinions are my own :)

Valentines Looks for Plus

Hello  fashionistas! Valentines Day is just around the corner and I thought I would create three different looks for you for the special day! You can choose a look based on your plans for the day for $150 or less! Each outfit is complete with shoes and accessories. 

Outfit #1 All dolled up! This look is classy, and elegant for a more dressy day. 

I started this look with this
pretty red tank dress
from Dressbarn. I chose
this dress because it sinches above
the hips to showcase your smallest
area. It will hit just at the knee to keep
you legs looking long!

These black open toe shoes are the
perfect to accompany the dress
because they are a classy black shoe that
will add a bit of sophistication to the
outfit. Found at Famous Footwear

This clutch from Payless will add class to
the outfit. With just enough room for
you lipstick and cell phone you will
be ready to celebrate all night!

 

This stretch bracelet from Target will keep your outfit
classy and dress it up a bit.

These threaded earring from Target will add
elegance and sparkle to the outfit.

 This entire look costs only $149.44! Many of the pieces you can use in another outfit, or can substitute a piece you already own.

Outfit #2 Semi-Casual: This look is perfect if you want to look put together without looking like you spent a lot of time.

I like to wear a leather jacket when
I want to look put together without
taking a lot of time.  This one is from
Dressbarn and has a great shape that
will show your curves. 

This red shirt from Old Navy is great to wear
under jackets, or sweaters. The red color
is great fro Valentines Day.

Dark wash jeans are slimming
and will show your curves.
These are from Fashion Bug

These shoes will add length to your legs. These
wedges will be more comfortable than
regular heels. These are from Payless.

These earring are from Forever 21 and
will dress up the outfit just enough.

 

This bag will dress up the outfit a bit and  edge
it up a bit. You can find it at Forever 21.

This outfit will only cost you $126.52! Like the dresser outfit, many of these pieces can be used in other outfits or can be substituted from things you already own.

Outfit #3: Casual: If you want to look festive and put together but still comfy. 

 

Scarfs are very popular and will add
 a pop of color to your outfit. The heart
pattern is very festive and can be found
 at Old Navy.

This is a basic top that will hug you in all the right
places. Found at Old Navy

 

These jeans from Old Navy  are  a great
dark wash.

   

These red shoes from Famous Footwear will add color
to the outfit.

These earring from Forever 21 will add some
glam to the outfit. 

 

This ring will add some color and glam to the look.
From Forever 21

This outfit will only cost you  $98.73! You will look and feel festive!

I hope these outfits help you figure out what to wear on Valentines Day. I hope you have a great time. Leave some comments about your past Valentines Day outfits.

Peace & Love

Katie <3

   
 
   
 
  

Locks of Love

Hello there fashionistas! I would like to tell l you about what could be stressful situation for some ladies. I recently (about two weeks ago) cut about 10 inches off of my hair. I had been growing my lushish locks for about 2 1/2 years, and felt that it was time for a change. I originally thought about trimming the split ends and adding in some layers when I watched a HeyKayli video on you tube. She was cutting her daughters hair and donating it to Locks of Love. This changed my mind completely. I thought about how my hair could help a child with cancer. I immediately went to the Locks of Love website and started to investigate. Here are some of the requirements for donating to Locks of Love.

• The hair must be 10 inches or longer
• The hair must be bundled into a pony tail or braid
• Locks of Love cannot accept bleached hair

 Many salons will offer a discount if you donate your hair. When you call to make a appointment ask if they offer any discounts for Locks of Love donations. In my case I went to Ulta and my haircut was free!! I did however have to mail the hair in myself but it really was not a big deal. It feels great to have a new look and to know that I helped a child in need. Please leave some comments about any of your hair cut experiences.

Peace & Love

Katie <3