Take It Off

Great...you've got your super glam smokey eyes on, ready to take on the world. Now what? Well, when it's time to lay down for the night, you're best off removing everything pre-beauty sleep. Above I've provided you with eye makeup removers that are not only super effective but completely affordable. The Almay remover pads are handy, great for travel and inexpensive. My preference is the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Not only are they great for travel, as well, but they also smell clean and don't over dry your skin. 

Holy Chic

If you're going to slum in a t-shirt, might as well say "Holy Chic" right? I totally agree. This Old Navy t-shirt pairs perfectly with a cargo jacket like this one above. Sass up this top with a high waisted midi skirt, heels and statement necklace. Perfection. 

Turned On To Tortoise

All I'm saying is...they were $9.95 from H&M and they are AH-MAZING. 

Rented The Runway

Did I tell you all about my fabulous experience with Rent The Runway? Well, let...me...tell...you. I ordered a dress for a black tie optional wedding of my girlfriend, Grace. I read all the reviews on their website but was, naturally, still nervous that the dress wouldn't fit me perfectly and that I'd end up in a mad sprint to find the perfect party dress with a formal twist. However, as soon as I put this dress on, I felt like a ballerina princess. This dress was over $625 retail and I rented it for $40. THAT'S a steal. I had such a great experience, I'd recommend it to all of you. Have a fancy wedding? A formal? A Christmas party? Give it a go!

Brighten that Blonde

I took my own advice and got some purple shampoo. Deep colored purple shampoo like this Clairol Shimmer Lights shampoo ($8 at Sally's) helps brighten blonde hair and remove brassiness. I used this for the first time last night and LOVE it. Not only does it smell good but helped brighten the blonde in my hair. Don't be caught off guard at how purple this shampoo is - just use it! Do NOT use this every time you wash your hair. I would suggest maybe twice a month. 

Home Sweet Home

Well, we are all moved in. We have purchased the cute blue chair above (Homegoods, duh!) and we are looking to reinvent our whole living room. Out with my boyfriend's bachelor pad black leather couches and in with the sophisticated couch/chaise lounge in a nice neutral color. Next up, we are adding a little texture to our hard wood floors with a cow hide rug. Our general tendency is to go for a modern/rustic chic vibe so we would tie that in with a metal table. We currently have an awesome steer skull hanging over the blue chair I'm pretty obsessed with that corner of the room. Eclectic is the name of my game. Home sweet home.

Splurge vs Steal

So...like every woman breathing, I was DYING for these Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee black leather boots. However, while I'm still swooning over a recent promotion, I can't go spending $635 on a pair of boots that will likely be ruined in one day in the Chicago snow. So...I did what I do best. I almost physically ran into the deal of a decade. I found a pair of black leather over-the-knee boots that are the spitting image of Stuart's masterpiece. They are by Unisa and I found them at DSW. How much you ask? A whooping $50...
<insert wide-eyed emoji here>

They are basically identical you say? Well, thank you...I think so myself.

Can you tell which is which?
(The top one is Unisa and the bottom is Stuart Weitzman. Boom.)

Time for Tortoise

Fall is here, friends. And while in my life as new non-Florida resident has brought on a little "winter anticipation anxiety", I'm definitely trying to slow down and enjoy the short fall like a true Chicago gal. One fall fashion trend I am all jazzed about is tortoise shell jewelry. I bought a pair of $9 snazzy tortoise shell earrings from H&M that reminded me of just how fab tortoise shell is. Last night, I wore a tortoise shell necklace similar to the one here on the bottom right with a black and white striped long sweater. Unexpected but oh..so fall!

Fashion Find of the Day: We Like Big Bows

This may not tickle all of your fancies...but I LOVE this blouse. Black...white...obnoxious bow? Sign.Me.Up.
This blouse, from Nasty Gal, is so versatile. Mix this feminine piece up with an edgier piece like the leather bottoms above. This can be paired with pants, highwaisted shorts, skirts, etc. With a bow that big, you can keep everything else in your outfit quite simplistic.

Tuesday's Tip: Heat Things Up

Some of you may know this quick and easy tip for enhancing your eyelash curler and some of you are about to have you minds blown. Grab your blow dryer and warm up your curler by directly blowing hot air on it for about 10 seconds. Make sure it's not uncomfortably hot before using it on your lashes. This will ensure that the curl will last longer and be a bit more intense. Voila - va voom lashes!

Drugstore Products I Can't Live Without: Makeup Edition

Sure I have a ton of hair product faves, but of course, I have makeup must-haves too! Here are a few products that you can get at your local drugstore that if you try, I'm sure you'll love!

Baby Lips is the silkiest of lip glosses. My fave coworker, Sam, introduced me to it and now I'm an addict. I put it on and wear it alone or under my lipstick. It has the perfect amount of shine.

Milani Baked Blush is my NARS alternative. The best color is Coralina (comparable to NARS Torrid). Give it a go!

Revlon ColorStay liquid liner is a product I've been using for years. The felt tip end makes it easy to make a nice, clean line. For the cat eye look, this is a must!

L'Oreal Telescopic mascara is THE product that I depend on. I find it to be better than Benefit's They're Real...and THAT'S saying something.

Revlon ColorStay concealer makes my dark under eye circles vanish. The sponge tip helps with easy application and it doesn't come out too quickly so it's manageable. If I didn't use this, I'd look like a zombie.

Rimmel Stay Matte powder (I use the translucent shade) is another keeper. After I apply my concealer and foundation, I dust this lightly on my entire face, focusing on my t-zone and under my eyes to lock in the concealer. Next up, bronzer! This powder is good for touch ups throughout the day to downplay oil and shine. 

Drugstore Products I Can't Live Without: Hair Edition

I've been growing my hair out for what seems like decades. It's like a whole new world. So maybe options! Every morning I have a series of thoughts..."Curls? Straight? Curly pony? Top knot? Braid? Craaaap. I'm shaving it off. Britney Spears did it." With long hair comes a bit of maintenance. I do believe in the occasional splurge but I'm here to tell you there are some fab products hiding at your local CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc. I'm here to save you the time and money and tell you exactly what to snatch up.

This Dove shampoo and condition with pure oil is LIFE CHANGING. Not only is the scent blissful but it makes you hair so soft. It feels like silk after just the shampoo, pre-conditioner. That's a winner in my book.

It's a 10 ...well, I'd be surprised if you haven't heard of it. It's truly a miracle. It's performs 10 duties...volume, shine, detangling, etc. What's not to love here?

This L'Oreal hairspray is perhaps more than Tresemme or a Pantene hairspray but...Rachel Zoe uses it. It's a classic, it does some heavy duty holding and has a scent that I'm crazy about.

Shower caps...sure make you look like a granny instantly but hey, they work. My hair made a 180 when I stopped washing it so often. I try to keep it down to 2-3 times a week. This cuts down on the drying, styling and overall stripping of my hair's natural oils. Another tip? Air dry those locks! I haven't used a hair dryer in over a month and a half and can tell a big difference.

Suave Keratin Dry Shampoo - this is my main secret. As I mentioned, since I don't wash my hair as much these days, dry shampoo is essential. This particular kind is under $3 and smells AH-MAZING! Spray at your roots and brush out your hair. I spray a little before bed and when I wake up. Give it a go!

This Organix oil is the perfect product for post shower wet locks. It smells heavenly and soaks into your hair easily. I only put this product on the bottom 3-4 inches of my hair and only use about a drop the size of a quarter. Always go for less first...you don't want to end up over doing it and having to rewash your hair (my worst nightmare).

Enjoy these drugstore products - less fancy but major bang for your buck! Happy shopping!