Friend Friday - My Beauty Picks

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite
higher-end product? 

 I use a combination of drug store makeup and higher-end products in my everyday routine.  I think my favorite drug store product would probably be Maybelline Mineral Powder foundation in "Natural Ivory".  I have used Bare Escentuals makeup in the past, but wasn't that impressed with the amount of coverage and the staying power for the price.  I found this Maybelline version while browsing in Walgreens one day, and thought I'd give it a shot.  I loved it!  The coverage is great, it lasts all day, and the price is fantastic! 

My favorite "higher-end" product is a little more difficult to choose.  I guess, I would probably say it is Clinique's "Almost Bronzer".  Having a pretty fair complexion, I have a hard time finding a bronzer that doesn't look orangy or make my skin look dirty. This bronzer is perfect for shadowing and giving a nice "glow". 

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live
without? 

My go-to product would be Benefit's "Coralista" blush.  I received a large sample of this blush in a kit from Sephora, and I loved it the first time I used it.  It is the perfect peachy-pink shade to make my cheeks look like they are naturally flushed, without being glittery or sparkly.  I have been using it every single day since I got it, and I will purchase the full sized version when my sample runs out. 

 
3. What's the best hair product you've ever used? 

I was introduced to "It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product" a few years ago, by a hairdresser friend.  She told me it was great as a leave-in conditioner, a heat protectant, and a shine spray, while also being really good for your hair.  It's got a nice fresh scent, and doesn't make my hair look greasy or weighted down at all.  

 
4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look
back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did
that? 
Well, I will admit that during my early teen years (around 1998, when I was a freshman in high school) I rocked some pretty horrendous bangs.  I got up extra early to make sure they were curled just so, and used a tremendous amount of hairspray to keep them looking "perfect". 

Yes, believe it or not, that is me and my high school friend, Lauren, in homeroom freshman year. 
 
5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic
products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and
personality? 
A few month ago, I bought the Urban Decay 24/7 Jackpot set from Sephora.  It's got some really cool colors that I wouldn't normally try to pull off, but they actually look good!  I'm glad I gave it a try, and will probably buy the full size of a few of the colors when my pencils are down to the nub. 

 Make sure you check out the other bloggers participating in "Friend Friday".  A list of participants can be found at Katy's Modly Chic blog! 

Friend Friday - Outfit Planning (or lack of!)

So, I've only done one "Friend Friday" in the past, but I wanted to get back to it because I think it's a wonderful way to delve a little deeper into the blogging mindset, and to learn a little more about the bloggers we read every day. So here we go. . . ! 

source

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?

In all honesty, I usually don't plan my outfits ahead of time.  Unless there is something in particular I'm dressing for that day (a party, wedding, meeting for school, etc.), I usually just figure it out in the morning.  Of course,  with the weather being so crappy lately, I've had some idea that my outfits should incorporate boots and layers.  

 2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month,
weekend?

Ummmm. . . . no.  I wish I could say that I have it together enough to plan my outfits for the entire week, much less month, but I don't .  I'm a known procrastinator, and although I yearn to be organized and proactive about my outfits, I usually end up scrambling in the morning trying to put something decent together.

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already
worn so you don't repeat? 

I don't have a specific way of tracking outfits, but I seem to have an uncanny ability to remember what I've worn and how I've worn it, so I'm usually able to avoid repeats.  Of course, sometimes I love the way an outfit comes together so much that I will repeat on purpose (usually with slightly different accessories), as long as the people I'm seeing that day haven't seen the outfit before. 

For example, if my sis-in-law and I went out shopping on a Saturday (Which doesn't happen often enough, in my opinion. I'm talking to you, Mandy!), and I loved the outfit I wore that day, I might repeat that outfit to go to a Thursday night class.  

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?
(Trial try-ons?  Hanging items together?) 

Many times I will use an outfit in a magazine, or one I've seen on a fellow blogger as inspiration, and I also keep a list of possible outfit combinations I've come up with/seen, to try out.  I then dig in my closets to try to find pieces to re-create these outfits in my own way.  Sometimes I don't have the pieces I need, so I improvise and create a new look.  When I'm putting together an outfit this way, I usually hang the items together to get a feel for the way they will look as an outfit.  Then I will try it on and make adjustments accordingly.  Often, I will love the way the outfit looks on the hanger, but will not be so pleased when I have it on my body, so I will make further changes to make it work for me.  

On days when I don't have a specific source of inspiration, I  usually just go with the try-on method.  This is usually much more frustrating, and causes me to start the day off aggravated and feeling like I am rushed to get out the door.  There is much grunting and sighing involved, and usually Jimmy yells, "You okay back there?" a few times during the process.  I also hate having to hang up my whole closet again after I have completely demolished it in my frenzy.  

You'd think I would learn.  

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do
to cut down your dressing time? 

 I think I already unintentionally answered this question.  I definitely need to work out a system to become more organized.  On days when I'm not wearing scrubs, I need to try to have at least a plan for my outfits ahead of time.  But first, I need to work on cleaning out my closets! 

Do you have a certain routine for getting dressed in the morning (or evening)?  Do you plan your outfits far in advance?  I'd love to hear what your strategy is!  

My First "Friend Friday" - Focusing on the Negative

1. Do you post pictures on your blog, or would you if the opportunity
came along, of people with poor fashion//beauty sense? 

 

I have never posted photos of anyone on my blog for the express reason of poking fun of them.  I wouldn't want my photo on somebody's blog as an example of how not to be fashionable, so I don't feel it's right to do it to others.  I also think that with the "headless fattie" phenomenon (You know, the way they use those photos of overweight people from behind or from the neck down to highlight the news stories of the "obesity epidemic".), I am always scared I'm going to turn on the news and be one of the people who's ass is used to illustrate the story. I would never, ever want anyone else to feel that kind of apprehension and fear, no matter how "out of fashion" they are.  

2. Do you read any blogs that highlight the bad? Why? 

 

While reading some other "Friend Friday" posts (I'm a little late to the party), I noticed a reoccurring theme of bloggers reading "People of WalMart".  I have to admit that I occasionally look at their site for a quick chuckle, but lately, I have just been more disgusted with their commentary than amused.  

3. Should these bloggers get permission to post the pictures from the
subject in the same way the street-style blogs do? 

 

I think they should get permission to post these photos, but really, who is going to give permission to someone who says, "Hey there!  Your outfit/hair/shoes are really ugly. Do mind if I take your picture to put on my blog, so that all of my readers can make fun of you?".  I sure as hell wouldn't give my permission!  I think the people who take these photos usually wouldn't have the guts to ask the person's permission anyway.  These type of people seem to prefer to make fun of others from behind the safety of their own computer screens. 

 

4. As human beings we are fascinated with disasters - of all sorts -
why do you think that is? How to the blogs/websites that highlight the
negative thrive? 

 

I really don't have a good answer for this question.  I guess it's just human nature to want to see people doing worse than yourself, as sad as that is.  

I think the reason blogs that focus on the negative thrive is because misery loves company.  I really do believe that if someone is harassing you for something, they are probably a bit jealous of you for some reason.  Maybe because you are getting attention, or maybe it's because you are so self-confident that you feel fabulous going out of the house in your crop top and 5'' tall stiletto heels, while they have no self-confidence whatsoever.  I feel that people who focus all of their energy on making others feel bad obviously has something seriously missing in their own life, and wants everyone else to feel as miserable as they themselves do. 

  

5. For many, fashion is subjective. Do you think, there can be
anything that is objectively bad in the fashion world? 

 

I might not be the best person to answer this question, because I sometimes look at high fashion runway shows and think, "Whaaat. . . ?! "  So really, in my head at least, many of the things I see in magazines or on runways are bad.  I suppose that anything can really be looked at as "fashion".  Although I have to say, I cannot stand it when I see people out in public with visible underwear, bra straps, or wearing pajama pants.

 

Make sure to check out Katy at Modly Chic, and the other fantastic bloggers who are participating in Friend Friday!