Another Lovely and Affordable Dress

I really like this one...  I have been on a little search to find a sort of "abstract art" dress.  Something printed... to wear over tights that makes me look artsy and 20-something-cool.  Because that's what I am, right? 

From New York and Company.  They often have some great budget friendly finds.  

This Just In

There is, in my opinion, a serious shortage of green pumps.  Are they un-chic or something?  I'm just having a little obsession with them, for some reason.  Ever since last year when I saw this picture in the October 2008 InStyle magazine. 

They are by Pura Lopez, are over $300, and currently seem to be unavailable.  So, I don't want that exact shoe, but something similar.  In the magazine, the color was a little brighter, but certainly not obnoxiously so.  Just a nice forest green. 

I have found a pair of teal green pumps at Target's website and I am really trying to decide.  Some would say that for the price, it's a no-brainer.  However, it's not something I need.  Also, they aren't quite the color that I had originally wanted.  And would they really be versatile?  I can't justify something that I will only wear with a few outfits.  I'm also not sure how I feel about the t-strap (interrupting the line of the leg, ya know).

They are pretty, though. 

Make up Overhaul

I really would like to have a simple make up routine and I am going through a process of refreshing and organizing my make up repetoire.  I was using Laura Gellar's Tint Hint, which I liked.  But as it got near the end, I thought I wanted to try something new.  Can't put my finger on why exactly, but the desire for something else was there.  I decided to be budget friendly and give a drugstore brand a try.  Now, don't get me wrong - I use grocery/drug store products all the time, but I do not wish to go back to the land of powder blush and there just isn't much else at the grocery store. 

Anyway, I gave Almay's Smart Shade Blush a whirl.  When I first put it on, I laughed out loud with glee because I truly felt it was amazing!  It blends easily and really does seem to sense your perfect shade. However - After a week or two my love began to wane.  I am, as I have mentioned before, oh so very pale.  It is not pigmented enough for me and I didn't find it very buildable either.  My porcelain cheeks need more help. 

I am dying to try Bobbi Brown's new cheek tint.  I really want to get to my local Nordstrom so I can see them in person and perhaps try them on.  I have actually never tried Bobbi Brown cosmetics because yes, I used to live under a rock, apparently.  When I was growing up with my mom, anytime we needed make up it was either Merle Norman or Mary Kay.  Or the grocery store.  Bobbi Brown is much more.... I don't know.... "pink" than I imagined.  The stuff I saw and heard about the line in the past made me think it was only for a granola, natural, earthy look.  But there's actually a surprisingly wide range of colors and pinks!  (Maybe kind of dying to try the creamy lip color too, but that's another post)

Oh my...  I love this dress.  It's gray.  I am trying to get myself into more a-lines but this is really adorable.  I do worry about the fit - Target is hit and miss for me. 

 

I'm kind of trying to include more chic neutrals into my wardrobe.  Occasionally I think I am drawn to bright colors too often.