Mad About Plaid!
Happy post Thanksgiving to all! I hope it was filled with good food and good company.
My day was quietly spent with the family. Looking VERY forward to celebrating the Christmas season! I hope to have some festive holiday outfits and gift ideas coming your way soon. In the meantime, check out my plaid/Tartan Thanksgiving outfit from yesterday.
Plaid Shirt // Gap Vest (Last Season) // Snood Scarf (Nordstrom Last Season) Similar Here
Watch // Sunglasses Similar Here // Boots // Madewell Bag Similar Here
Lipstick: I layered "Relentlessly Red" by MAC and "Fig" by Smashbox on top of eachother
Lip Lovin'
I thought I would share with you some of my favorite lipsticks that I am wearing quite frequently this season. Like my clothes, my makeup tends to get a bit darker in the colder months. I like a saturated lip in the Fall and Winter. I also find that I tend to go for lipstick over lip gloss. It gives me a more dramatic finish and makes me feel put together.
(AND my when my hair is flying all over the place in the cold wind, it doesn't get plastered to the side of my face!)
I also find that I can get away with being much lazier (YAY!) in these months because a bold lip doesn't call for much else on the face so really, I slip on my shades, a swipe of lipstick and I'm out the do'!
*No Flash*
*Flash*
From left to right:
Smashbox "Pretty Social" - This is the perfect pink/ nude that doesn't wash me out. I think a "go-to" nude is a color everyone should have ready to use in their collection for all seasons and occasions. It can be your signature color when you are not delving into different shades.
For me, this has quickly become my absolute favorite. I like that it is a satin finish, it gives me a drop of sheen and doesn't leave me looking like a zombie.
MAC "Plumful" - This is a pretty, sheer berry color for all year round. It's a good everyday color without full commitment to a statement lip.
MAC "Pure Heroine" - VA VA VOOM! This is a straight up, dark, bold, rich, gorgeous "in your face" color and while some might think it's too much, I have to say, it's not! I have very fair skin and it really compliments an Autumn/Winter look. Don't let the initial color scare you off, It's very wearable. I get lots of compliments and I know you will too!
Maybelline -Mattes- "Lust for Blush"- The perfect rose/violet matte color. It's very creamy, if that makes sense for a matte finish. It's moisturizing and has such a nice feel on the lips. It's also very pigmented. This has quickly become a cult favorite - don't believe me? Take to the internet - YouTube in particular and you will find that the bloggers (haaaay!) and vloggers swear by this color! If you can find it, snatch it while you can!!!
Smashbox "Fig" - While I am partial to plum and berry colors, I do enjoy a nice dark burgundy color, something with that cool red tone to it. This is that color. It gives me a dark lip but again - it's still wearable.
I hope you get a chance to check one (or all) of these out and find a favorite of your own!
xoxo,
V.V.
Madewell Transport Tote
A few blogs back, I mentioned how I am a Madewell convert. Don't know how I got by without their wonderful little goodies in my closet! One of those wonderful goodies?
The Transport Tote. A blogger favorite, might I add.
It's the perfect everyday bag for work, weekends and socializing. I am particularly smitten with my gold foil initials on the front of the bag. I bought this bag months and months ago and finally used it for the first time. Have a looksy! And pick one up for yourself!
Or perhaps add it to the Christmas list.....?
Why must blogger's face always be so serious? Would it kill us to smile? Sheesh!
Myself included, obviously. =)
- V.V.
Cozy Autumn Home
Being cozy is one of my favorite feelings. Obviously, and especially in the colder months.
My husband & I live in an apartment and not a house so its especially important to me to make the place look and feel warm, inviting and aesthetically pleasing.
When Autumn rolls around, I like to add little touches that make a big difference.
You shouldn't have to settle for anything less than fabulous no matter WHERE you live, no matter WHAT budget you have.
I took some snaps of cute little things I did around the apartment to achieve cozy.
This is the entrance to my apartment. I like piling up the pumpkins on the stairs. Sortve like what you would do with the outside of a house - just inside!
It's also unexpected and welcoming when you first walk in. And this rug. I love this damn rug! I change my hall and kitchen rugs often because there are so many colors, prints and varieties, it's hard to commit to just one. I found this one online and fell in love because it reminded me so much of myself......chic, sophisticated, sassy and sarcastic! ;)
Mini pumpkins on my garden stool....
For my bedroom, I was going back and forth with buying a full rug to go under my bed and hit the perimeter of the room and every time I found one that I wanted to purchase, I would hesitate. Picking a color and a pattern would mean having to have the bedding and curtains match that particular rug- thus, not allowing for change - which I absolutely crave and need.
I became semi-obsessed with the sheepskin rugs that are everywhere in the last year or two. I researched and found the perfect one for the foot of my bed. I love it so much! It's neutral, matches with everything, soft, luxurious and convenient for the space.
I'm glad I didn't settle for something I would have only enjoyed for the moment. Talk about cozy! I catch my husband walking on it and I know he likes it too!
The dining room table gets the most attention when the seasons change.
It's the place where I eat my meals, have coffee, relax and have chats with my husband every day.
It's the focal point of the apartment I would say. When I entertain, we all commune here.
The table is the number one place (in my opinion) that you can change the overall "feeling" of your home. I had my parents and in laws over for dinner a couple weeks ago and wanted to make a cozy, Fall table. Here's what a big table needs to feel warm, rustic and inviting.
1. Simple centerpiece.
2.Textured placemats. (On sale!)
3. Neutral napkins.
4. Natural napkin rings. (On sale!)
5. Earthy serving pieces.
6. Table runner.
Done!
And yes, my husband and I do use these things even when we don't have company.
Life is too short not to enjoy all of the wonderful, pretty things you work hard for to purchase!
It's not about taking pictures and putting them on the internet or Instagram to show everyone else what you have and then stuff them in a closet when there is no audience.
I live my life like this every day - not because I want to show off to someone, but because I strive to make myself happy. When I walk around my house by myself, I want to be pleased with what I've created for myself and how I've decorated where I live. I like to surround myself with nice things (and that doesn't always mean expensive things!).
I suspect that some of you do too! And that's why I started blogging.
I figured, maybe I had a flair for being creative and fashionable and wanted to share these things with people who felt the same and shared my interests.
So my point is! *lol*.....pull out those fancy dishes and glasses and use them for yourself on a random Tuesday! You deserve it!
This is what the table looks like when it's clear of food and tableware.
In the evenings I sometimes light all the candles in the house and shut the lights
and it looks so pretty.
I found these little ceramic pumpkins at Target. Not sure if they are still available.
During the Spring and Summer, I remove the candle from this hurricane and fill it with fresh flowers. My table would be lost without this gem! I highly recommend purchasing one.
For $20, it will stay on your table every day of the year!
More candles! I love chunky candles all over!
I found these at Target as well. Ridiculously cheap and they are quality and beautiful.
And of course my fav candle from Bath and Body works - "Sweater Weather".
What makes a home more cozy than something freshly baked from the oven?!
It makes the house smell so good and a warm treat for yourself or guests is always the nicest touch! I also have a glass cupcake candy jar that holds goodies for all on their way in or out!
Last, but not least....a throw/blanket for the couch. it really does make a difference! I like ones with fringe that hang down off the arm of the couch. When you walk in, you just feel the warmth which is what I want. I love to snuggle up to a good blanket with the candles flickering when I watch Vampire Diaries! xo
My friends, I hope I have given even just one of you some inspiration while you are decorating and entertaining this holiday season. I hope you achieve "cozy" in your Autumn home by trying one of these examples and I hope you spoil yourself with "the good stuff" in life. Grand or simple. If that means a freshly baked cookie or a candle or pulling out the glasses you got for your shower 15 years ago, then damnit, I say do it! DO IT! Live your cozy life NOW! Not later, not when you buy a house, not only when company comes over but now. Make yourself happy and cozy tonight! <3
- V.V.
