Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show featuring Smashbox

As winter slowly fades away and spring begins to blossom, we tend to embrace the new season with open arms. Spring is a particularly anticipated season, dare I say even more so than summer, because it is the first time we are able to shed those extra layers of clothing and see the Earth come back to life.

With the arrival of spring officially here, it is also time to welcome new trends. Each year, Nordstrom hosts a Beauty Trend Show to feature all of the season’s latest and greatest cosmetic and beauty must-haves. Women who live and breath an obsession with the world of beauty drag their butts out of bed way too early on this very Saturday and wait to hear what is in store for them this season.

This was my first year attending the Trend Show, and though I was forewarned of the chaos this event brought on, I was not nearly prepared for what the true meaning of this day entailed. After listening to representatives from cosmetic lines give the 411 on everything from the newest breakthrough foundation to BB cream’s little sister, CC cream, I had the awesome experience of getting my makeup done by Smashbox. Luckily for me, this was the same day I was celebrating my 23rd birthday so I had a special look in mind. Stay tuned for my birthday OOTD featuring this makeup look!

My makeup was done by makeup artist Meghan McDonough, who was an absolute treat to work with! She transitioned my vision into the look I was going for that evening seamlessly. We also threw in a few laughs here and there :)

 Red lips, naturally ;)

 P.S. This red lipstick does not budge. I’m wearing the shade Infrared Matte.

Before (eek!)

After (oh hayyy)

Thank you, Meghan!!

Products Used: Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer // Halo Highlighting Wand in Gold // Studio Skin Foundation in 2.1 // High Definition Concealer in Light // Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder in Light // Brow Tech in Dark Brown // Bronze Lights in Sunkissed Matte // Heat Wave Eyeshadow Palette // Jet Set Gel Eyeliner in Deep Black // Hyperlash Mascara  & Full Exposure Mascara // Blush Rush in Radiance // Be Legendary Lipstick in Infrared Matte

//stephanie

Photography by Pamela Hsieh

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Grumpy in Grey

Is it spring yet? Yeah yeah, if you’re living in Chicago, the answer is obviously no. With the official first day of spring just two days away, I’m just itching for some warmer weather and a bit of shrubbery and flower blossoms. I know I’m not alone on this one. Is that too much to ask?

During a trip to Carnivale for my friend’s birthday, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take pictures in front of this wall that radiated fire and energy. For just a moment, and I mean a mere moment (it was freeeeeezing), I fooled myself into thinking that spring was a-comin’. A girl can dream. Had I not seen this wall, you could say I was grumpy in grey.

Here’s a peek at what I wore for the occasion :)

 As promised, an OOTD outtake. Hair flip fail.

Dress: BCBGeneration (via Ideeli, old) // Belt: Target (old, similar) // Jewelry: HRH Collection tassel bracelet; Bakers earrings (old) // Bag: Louis Vuitton // Shoes: Charles by Charles David (old) // Cheeks: bh cosmetics; Bobbie Brown Golden Light // Lips: Dior Pink Baiser 361

//stephanie

Photography by Justine Gershak

Carly Cristman @ Cole Haan

You know that time around 2pm when you head to Starbucks for a little pick-me-up? That time when you consider giving a 5-Hour Energy a try for the first time? It happens to the best of us; we all need a kind little slap in the face once in a while. Well, it may not be 2pm, but who doesn’t love a little Thursday night shopping to perk up your day? Hey, sometimes it’s fun to pretend the weekend came early! Until you make the sad realization that it hasn’t…

Yesterday a few of my girlfriends and I moseyed down Michigan Avenue into Cole Haan where the fabulous blogger/stylist/model/YouTuber/etc.etc.etc. Carly Cristman was there to share her fashion/styling tips. The first time I met Carly was at her Nanette Lepore meet-up back in September, so I was excited to hear that she would be hosting another and catch up!

Upon arrival, I spotted a tall blonde sporting an all-over sequin dress. That could only mean one thing: Carly Cristman was in da house. After chatting over champagne and cheesecake-stuffed strawberries, browsing (and drooling over some of) the colorful spring collection, it’s safe to say that I had a lovely Thursday evening :)

Thank you to Carly for having this meet-up!

Let the shopping begin!

I’m a sucker for classic pointed-toe pumps.

Getting myself into trouble…

Want? Need? Same thing, right?

I’ll take a pair of the white option too, please.

Yellow oxfords, anyone?

Leather jackets perfect for every season.

The fabulous Carly Cristman.

Blazer: H&M (old, similar) // Top: BCBG Paris // Skirt: The Limited // Boots: Cole Haan // Jewelry: Michael Kors watch, bangle; Forever 21 bangles, earrings; Tiffany & Co. ring // Bag: Alexander Wang // Cheeks: NARS Orgasm, Bobbi Brown Golden Light // Lips: Rimmel Airy Fairy // Nails: Revlon Mischievous

//stephanie

A Dose of Black

After three months of winter in Chicago, I can’t help but feel that the cold and snow have overstayed their welcome, especially after last week’s snowstorm. And while yesterday graced us with 50 degree weather and spring may be well on its way, it’s never out of season to don all black.

I wore this outfit to my first visit to Dose Market at the River East Arts Center with my new friend Justine. If you haven’t checked out her blog yet, be sure to make your way over there! For a dreary Sunday, Dose Market was the perfect daytime activity to escape the rain and sample some delicious sweets and wine and browse through beautiful clothing and handcrafted jewelry. It took everything in me to resist purchasing a gorgeous, simple black top (that would have gone perfectly with today’s motif!) If you haven’t gotten your Dose yet, be sure to check it out next month on April 14!

After careful consideration (and probable regret), I’ve decided to include my best outtakes in each OOTD post. Warning: I fumble with my hair a lot. Here’s the best of yesterday’s:

Top: thrifted // Blazer: H&M (old, similar) // Pants: H&M // Jewelry: Michael Kors watch, bangle; Forever 21 bracelet; Tiffany & Co. ring; Express earrings // Bag: Alexander Wang // Shoes: Nine West (old, similar) // Cheeks: NYX Pinched, Bobbi Brown Golden Light // Lips: Chanel La Fascinante // Nails: Revlon Mischievous

//stephanie

Photography by Justine Gershak

February 2013 Favorites

Whoop whoop! Time for monthly favorites! Am I the only one that’s dumbfounded that it’s already March? It feels as if we were just ringing in the new year a few short weeks ago.

I don’t have many products to share with you this month, so I’ll just keep it short and sweet.

Chanel #38 La Fascinante // Who doesn’t love a matte red lip? Though this was the first Chanel lipstick I have ever tried, I knew I wanted a bold shade of red. Everything from the application to the pigmentation to the staying power and the packaging is spot on. Plus, every girl deserves to indulge in a little Chanel every now and then ;)

Essie Topless and Barefoot // I don’t think I’ll ever find a nude polish that I love more than this one. Topless and Barefoot is the perfect neutral that wraps up romance and elegance in a little glass bottle.

Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive // If you’re tired of holding your breath while using the Duo lash adhesive to avoid the strange sour odor, please do yourself a favor and switch over the this baby right here. Revlon does it again. This lash adhesive is not only completely odorless, but the brush applicator allows you to apply exactly the right amount of glue you need. It also dries clear so there’s no need to run your eyeliner over the glue once it dries.

That’s all folks! Until next month! And as always, thank you for reading :)

//stephanie

Wearing the Red Carpet

It’s no secret that the Oscars are the most buzzed about, most glamorous night in Hollywood. Aside from awarding this year’s best actors, directors, producers, etc., with that infamous gold statue, the red carpet is what really steals the spotlight.

I hate to break it to you, but I’m no celebrity (shocker, I know). In fact, my weird faces and signature noises (i.e.: Chandler from FRIENDS), would make me the most awkward celebrity ever. Think Jennifer Lawrence during her press conference times ten, and you’ll get the idea. Or just take a peek at the second to last photo below. My point is, I’m just a regular ‘ol gal, who will probably never have a chance to make it to the Academy Awards, so I’ll indulge in the next best thing.

Fortunately for me, the Chicago Blogger Network exists. And fortunately for its members, there’s no way Kelly Ryan O’Brien would allow the Oscars to come and go without throwing a fabulous party. This year, CBN and Kelly hosted this particular affair at Nellcôte. Hey, if I can’t walk down the red carpet, I can at least attempt to wear it right?

From the bottles upon bottles of Moët and Oscar-themed cocktails (the Silver Lining was de-licious!) to the scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, being surrounded by Chicago bloggers was the cherry on top.

I’d like to thank the Academy…er, Kelly, CBN, and Nellcôte for hosting this year’s Oscar Party :)

Wah. This is what blogging in winter looks like. #chicagobloggerproblems

With bloggers Justine and Sabrina. Photo courtesy of Nellcôte.

Dress: Forever 21 (sold out, similar) // Shoes: Michael Kors (on sale!) // Jewelry:  necklace from Indonesia (gifted), Forever 21 bangles (old), Michael Kors watch, Bauble Bar earrings (discontinued) // Bag: thrifted // Cheeks: NARS Madly, Bobbi Brown Golden Light // Lips: Victoria’s Secret Celebutante (discontinued) // Nails: Essie Topless and Barefoot (fingers), China Glaze Aquadelic (toes, limited edition)

//stephanie

Photography by Justine Gershak

Showered With Chevron

If you’re a typical girly girl, you’ve probably bought into the chevron trend at one point or another. Come on, either you or someone you know has slapped it onto the back of their iPhone or adorned their couch with throw pillows of said print. In my case, it was a dress.

I had been looking for a long-sleeved shift dress like this for ages. The only problem was that most of the ones I found either swallowed me whole or made me look pregnant (two looks I’m not particularly fond of :P) Alas, upon stumbling into Akira with a gift card from Christmas, I uncovered this chevron number. I couldn’t be more grateful for the timing as the Chicago winter this year has been reared its ugly head one too many times. You hear that Chicago, YOU’VE OVERSTAYED YOUR WELCOME.

Which prints have you been loving?

Dress: Akira (sold out, similar) // Tights: unknown // Shoes: Forever 21 (sold out, similar) // Jewelry: HRH Collection necklace, Michael Kors bangle, Forever 21 bangle, Kate Spade bangle, Michael Kors watch // Cheeks: NARS Madly, Bobbi Brown Golden Light // Lips: Wet ‘n Wild 908C

//stephanie

Photography by Natalie Zehak