Blog Bash Recap

Rebecca of A Daily Something hosted the fabulous #blogbashNYC a couple weeks ago with special guest Victoria of A Subtle Revelry. It was not only a ton of fun but a serious learning experience. I can be somewhat of a wallflower so it was a challenge to break out and mingle but I'm so glad I did! I learned lots of great networking techniques and brand building. Not to mention the killer drinks and snacks provided by The Stand, HoneyBee Brownies (their red velvet brownies were to die for) and Kumquat Cupcakery!

As if all that wasn't enough, we celebrated Rebecca's birthday, won some raffles, and walked away with awesome swag. I had a wonderful time and met the most genuine people.

Be sure to check out Audrey Allure and Trend HUNGRY for some unique finds and looks that won't break the bank.

Thank you again, Rebecca for making all of this possible!

Special thanks to

Brooklyn Slate • Chris Ozer • Curious Creatures • Doodads and Noodles • Hipsters for Sisters • HoneyBee Brownies • Jim Kamoosi • Knot & Bow • Kumquat Cupcakery • M Wild's Studio • Michelle Edgemont • Miniature Rhino • Patina Vintage Rentals • Paper and Olives • Pink Olive • Pins and Needles • Red Table Stationery • Ravenna Girls • Scratch Weddings • Tim Gibson Photography • The Stand NY • True Florette • Walker Standstill • Yes Jess Knits

     

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Mini Haul & Drug Store Makeup

1. Free People Scarf | 2. Mossimo Tee | 3. CoverGirl Eye Enhancers in 740 Brown Smolder | 

4. Old Navy Leggings | 5. CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer in 710 Light | 6. C9 by Champion Sports Bra |
7. NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in 720A Sunny

It's amazing what a little shopping can do for your mind. Bouncing around from store to store gives me a rush and who doesn't love getting home to unwrap all the shopping bags and play with new toys? Especially at these prices, a little cash goes a long way. 

1. I've been eying the scarves at Free People for a while now. I was originally going to snag their 'Tattered Flag Scarf' (which I'm still debating) but when I saw this one was on sale, had the flag pattern, and puppies and kittens - I was sold! I didn't think they'd have it in stores since it's on clearance but I took a shot in the dark and I found it! They also had the plain flag scarf which is much softer but I kept to my list. (Yes, I had a list.)

2. This was an impulse purchase at Target since it was only $8 and I've had an ongoing love affair with their t-shirts for a while now.

3. I've been in dire need of a shadow to fill in my brows. All of the brown ones in my current makeup collection are too dark or red or everything in between! I started out cheap because I expected it to be another failure but low and behold, it's a perfect match, phew!

4. I've been on a long hunt for plain leggings. They're a staple in everyone's wardrobe and they're almost disposable so low cost is what I aim for. The first time I purchased a pair, it was in grey and I've since lost them. I have no idea where they ran off to but they are gone forever. This was the perfect opportunity to replace them and get another pair in black. Grey. Black. I'm set.

5. Okay, I'm going to admit it: I rarely wear concealer. And not because I don't need it but because I'm just that lazy. I apply more foundation on the areas that should be covered in concealer and it's just not working anymore. Again, I grabbed a cheap try and it was an instant winner.

6. As mentioned in my previous post, these bras are my all-time fave! Neon is so hot right now and so I grabbed one of these bad boys on sale in a bright, corally orange (yes, I'm making 'corally' a word).

7. I've been bouncing around between so many different bronzers this summer ranging from Clinique to Bare Escentuals to Victoria's Secret, blah blah blah. None of them really won me over so I decided to try some drug store brands. I'd heard some great reviews about this NYC bronzer from other bloggers and at $3, I took a shot. Another sweet gamble paying off.

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Working out on a Budget

1. Forever 21 Tote // 2. C9 by Champion // 3. Forever 21 Tank // 4. Old Navy Compression Capris // 

5. Gaiam Yoga Mat // 6. Victoria's Secret PINK Bottle // 7. Super Pump Max // 

8. Blender Bottle // 9. Nike Shocks

Working out can be dreadful but if you have the right things to motivate you, it can be easy to look forward to! I by no means get "dolled up" for the gym but I do like buying fun work out clothes. Fancy brands can be expensive and while a gym membership alone can break the bank, here are some of my favorite cheap finds. 

1. Normally, I'm a sucker for compartments and fancy bags but this tote is cute, cheap, and does the trick. When it comes to running to the gym, I'm not organized. I like to just throw all my crap in there since they're all large items and run out the door. This bag is not only bright and fun but easily washable should you spill anything in it or if it starts to smell like a gym bag. $10.80 @ Forever 21

2. I LOVE these sports bras! I need good support when working out and while these bad boys don't do the trick on their own (I need to rock an under wire bra underneath) the add the best supplemental support not to mention the colors! I also like that they come up a little bit higher than your average sports bra so they keep the ladies together plus it's a happy accident that the neon pokes out adding a pop of color. $16.99 @ Target

3. There's no such thing as owning too many tank tops especially at this price. They're great for layering on just on their own, too. $4.80 @ Forever 21

4. These are my favorite workout pants to date. They are not only super comfortable and flattering but they have a cool hidden zipper pocket in the pack. It doesn't hold much but you can definitely shove an ipod in there! $22.94 @ Old Navy

5. I love yoga. And it's important to have a good mat. Gaiam is the yoga mat and they offer the most relaxing prints. $21.98 @ gaiam.com Get a FREE yoga workout video when you buy any Gaiam mat!

6. Spending more than 10 bucks on a water bottle might not be necessary but how could you resist such fun colors! Sure beats a boring Poland Spring bottle any day! (No offense, PS - you are my favorite water) $12.50 @ Victoria's Secret

7. I started using this stuff a few years ago and it really makes a difference. It tastes great and gives you that extra push you need when working out. Please follow directions carefully. $35.99 @ The Vitamin Shoppe

8. This bottle is just perfect for drinking your Super Pump before any workout. It blends your drink thoroughly and comes in so many colors! $8.95 for 20 oz. bottle @ blenderbottle.com

9. I've had these sneakers for five years, I'd say. I recently bought a new pair of Nike Frees to replace them and I was super disappointed and returned them. Despite running on fumes, these sneakers are still very comfy and provide all the support I need. I don't see myself replacing them anytime soon.

What are some of your favorite workout clothes? If you need to spruce up your collection, VS Pink is hosting their private shopping event this weekend! Sign up here to get your invitation now!

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Fashionably Skinned

It's no secret that I love tattoos. It's a beautiful way to not only express yourself but have constant reminders of things or people that truly matter. For me, it's more of the latter. But these works of art are not to be taken lightly. I mean, they're permanent. I'm not going to point the finger and judge but in my own opinion, tattoos should mean something, ideally. I believe that this is a good way to avoid getting sick of them. Think about it - if you get something because it's "pretty," inevitably, you will tire of it. That would be like wearing the same shirt for the rests of your life. Personally, tattoos aren't just decoration. It doesn't hurt if it's beautiful (no pun intended) but it should be everlasting and I'm referring to its meaning not its shelf life. I don't know how many tattoos I have but I can tell you only one was "because it was pretty." And I'm a little embarrassed at that. Luckily for me, it's in a place that I can't really see; ergo I can't tire from it. Anyway, I'm not going to sit here and explain why I got every dot of ink on my body but do yourself a favor: sleep on the idea, make sure you NEED to have it permanently sewn onto your body, and pick something that will be as important to you 70 years from now as it is today. 

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