Pendant Plaid Returns

Fall is on the way and I love nothing more than fall colors.  Karina is on top of things with their new Fall 2021 collection which features the return of this gorgeous Pendant Plaid print in wonderful styles like this Emily Dress. Save an extra 15% with code Dress4me. 

If you happen to live in a part of the world like mine in which summer and autumn have to battle it out for a month or so before summer finally withdraws, you'll appreciate the necessity of short sleeves and long hems. 

I find it best to layer up at this time of year because it will likely be autumn in the morning and summer in the afternoon, but I thought I'd change up my layering technique a little this time around by putting a sweater under my dress instead of a cardi on top.

I like it, and although I've got a month or two before I need it, I'll keep this little idea in mind for October.  In the meantime, I grad a light cardi or a jacket on my way out the door in the morning and wait for all the glorious colors of fall to arrive and match this pretty dress.

Shopping Info: Emily Dress in Pendant Plaid-$108 from Karina Dresses Save an extra 15% with code Dress4me,  Texago Flats-$120 from Charlie Stone Shoes, American Beauty Lipstick - $24.00 from: Besame Cosmetics

Pucker Up: Trying Bésame Lipstick & Rouge

I'm not immune to those facebook ads that pop up in my feed, mostly because those ad have been specifically targeted to me based on my browsing history.  For the most part I ignore them as the violation of privacy that they are, but every now and then one does peek my interest and after I see it a couple hundred times I give in and go investigate.  Such was the case with Bésame cosmetics. 

My favorite foundation that I've been using for nearly 20 years was discontinued by Mary Kay in favor of a new line which just doesn't match my skin and quite frankly doesn't measure up to the old stuff at all.  So, I've been searching for cosmetics lately when Bésame came across my feed.  

I was gifted with some true vintage cosmetics years ago in the form of lipstick and rouge which I used occasionally.  They weren't really my colors--back then I hardly wore any make up at all--but I kept them because the colors were so pretty and beyond that, the cases were gorgeous.  

I still remember exactly how they looked: a rich pink pressed rouge that came in a tiny gold box and the lipstick was the richest red in a gold metallic case with ridges running down the length of it like an art deco artifice.  I remember looking at it and sighing at the sheer glamor of a by gone era, wishing we could have some semblance of that in modern times.  Sometimes wishes comes true.......

I looked at Bésame's line of cosmetics for several months before deciding to take the plunge, and here was the hook:

Classic elegance.  Modern beauty.

Luxury meets clean beauty.

Bésame is committed to sustainable practices and safe ingredients. By taking out fillers and poor quality ingredients, we’re able to create luxurious products that wear all day and look beautiful on your vanity. We’re constantly evolving to offer more refillable and low waste products. Every product is gluten, paraben, mineral-oil, phthalates, formaldehyde, and cruelty-free.

So, basically everything I've ever wanted in my make--up all rolled into one.  I decided to try it.  Unfortunately, Bésame doesn't currently offer foundation, so the search continues on that front, but I did decided to try some cream rouge and a couple of lipsticks.  Before buying, I did take the quiz to let Bésame help me find the shades that would look best on me and the recommendations were American Beauty and Bésame Red.

The unboxing experience is such a treat, like opening a gift (you have to watch the video!) and the cases have that vintage elegance that's sadly missing from most modern products.  As far as my lipstick quiz picks go, I love both of these colors.  American Beauty has more pink to it and is supposed to be a redux of a shade popular in 1945 and Bésame Red is such a lavish warm tone based on a popular color in 1920.  They're extremely rich and moisturizing, plus they stay put!  I haven't noticed any bleeding into fine lines.  I'll keep you posted, but at present, I'm in love with these lipsticks!

When I was in my teens and 20s I never wore rouge; it just looked a little too over the top on my make up.  The 30s however were a different story and I found that my cheeks needed just a hint of color.  As I enter my 40s, I've seen my skin become a little dry and in need of more moisturizing products instead of powders.  That's why I decided to try a cream rouge.  There are three colors to choose from and I chose the Poppy, a shade reminiscent of a popular 1938 rouge, since it seems like it would be a little more subtle than crimson and a little more natural to on my skin tone than apricot.

I've never tried cream rouge before, so in all honesty, application was a little tricky.  I put way too much on one cheek and had some difficulty blending it to match the other.  But, by the third or fourth application I think I've got the hang of it, and it feels so nice on my skin.  

Overall, I've been really happy with this experience and these products that I will definitely be back for a few more shades as the season changes.  In the meantime, if you've been curious about Bésame, don't hesitate to try it and don't forget to Check out the video below for a little unboxing and sneak peek at what you can expect if you order from Bésame.

Shopping Info:  

American Beauty Lipstick - $24.00, Bésame Red Lipstick - $24.00, and Poppy Cream Rouge-$20 from: Besame Cosmetics, Lipstick Shaped Clutch Bag - $18.00 from: SHEIN,  Moon Top, City Classified flats, Skirt from Chicwish

Holiday Dresses: Johanna in Celebration

Another gorgeous holiday style coming at you from Karina Dresses Holiday 2020 Collection .  I know it seems like the holidays are still so far away, but they really aren't and personally I like to get a great dress that will carry me through any occasion the season may bring.

This Johanna dress is a wonderful stretch fabric, has a nice long length and a fitted waist, but it's stretchy so it's not too fitted.  I like to be able to breathe during all major holidays.  And it has Pockets!  Plus, this fabric has a nice weight to it, so it's perfect for cooler temps.

This print is called "celebration" and I think it's a perfect fit because soon as I saw it I thought of silver tinsel and champagne bubbles.  That's why I styled this Johanna dress with gold geometric earrings and gold heels.

 

I also like the name because it's a little reminder that this is a season to celebrate--celebrate faith, family, friends and every single blessing.  It's also the time of year to be a blessing to others, as a matter of fact, there's never a bad time of year for that.

I know it's been a rough year for all of us, many of us have literally been closed off from the rest of the world, but there are plenty of reasons to celebrate each and every single day and now more than ever.  So, where ever you are, put on your best, open your heart and count each and every one of your blessings.  We all have a lot to be thankful for and so many reasons to celebrate.

Shopping Info:  Johanna Dress in Celebration from KarinaDresses

Some Bunny New on the Farm

“There is so much in the world for us all if we only have the eyes to see it, and the heart to love it, and the hand to gather it to ourselves--so much in men and women, so much in art and literature, so much everywhere in which to delight, and for which to be thankful.”~from Anne of the Island

First of all, his name is Fluffy and yes, he does know how adorable he is.  He is shy, but he likes a cuddle now and then and a good scratch between the shoulders.  

The season of thankfulness is upon us, so I am thankful that he didn't mind coming with me on my outing today.  In fact, I think he enjoyed a little time in the grass and for my part, I was thankful for the company.  He's less boisterous than the dogs, less chatty than the cats that typically  join me whether or not they're invited.

I'm thankful for the breathing space this little hilltop farm affords us all and thankful we have so much space we're able to share it with these animals that bring such joy to our lives.

Today's outfit is one of my new autumn favorites.  Nothing in the outfit itself is new, rather it has been put together from some of my old reliable pieces, it combines some of my favorite fall colors in a warm, layered look.  

The tan beret matched the tan skirt, and the rust top with its floral print brings a little visual interest.  Add the tween trench coat with the corset tie back which always gets compliments when I wear it, and some black tights and boots, and I'm all set for a walk in the chilly autumn air.  Of course, Fluffy always looks warm and stylish in his fur coat.

Shopping Info:  Top is old from Shein, Skirt is old from LOFT, Coat is from Victorian Trading Co.  Boots are old by Steve Madden

Bitten by the Houndstooth Hound's Tooth

Looking for some bright colors to ring in the autumn season?  Me too!  I did a little thrifting and a little closet scouring to find some fresh prints to mix and brilliant colors for this time of year that are slightly outside the typical palette of pumpkin spice and gourd colors.  I hope you love the results as much as I do!

This is my little inspiration board that I created before I went shopping.  I do this because there are so many options out there I get distracted and wind up with three of this, none of that, and a couple of something I wasn't even looking for.  Creating a board like this not only helps me visualize what kind of look I want to create before I even leave the house or hop on the internet, it also helps to keep me focused on exactly what I was looking for.  (Don't worry, if you don't have time to do tons of thrifting, I have links for everything below so you can find exactly what is pictured on my inspiration board.)  

As you can see, we're starting with Golden Rod Yellow, Black & White, and Teal Blue.  After I have my colors picked out, I look for interesting prints.  I found the bulldog top with all the colors I was looking for at Unique Vintage!  And it is such a cute top!  

Then I went looking for a skirt to compliment it and decided to mix prints with a houndstooth print pencil skirt.  I decided that a black cardigan or blazer would be best and even though I chose yellow heels for the board, black heels would look just as nice. 

Then, for the that extra splash of color I chose a teal envelope bag.  Now, this bag is cheap.  I mean, really cheap, but I was really looking for the right color, size, and style over quality.

I don't really use a purse for carrying much beyond my wallet and keys, and I don't intend to keep this as an heirloom to hand down to my grandchildren.  It's just cute for a couple of years and then it will likely be spent.  No biggie.

On the plus side, this bag has held up well so far, and it came with a removable chain.  You really can't beat that when it comes to the world of fast fashion.

Also, it just occurred to me that I've paired houndstooth with a dog print and there MUST be an adorable pun in there somewhere even if a bulldog isn't technically a hound.  I may not think of it in time before I post this though.  So, those of you who hate all my puns can just consider this a freebie.

If you've loved this houndstooth trend we've been exploring together here on the blog, you should know that more great houndstooth styles are on the way this autumn!---Wait!  Just came up with the title pun!  Too bad, pun haters!  Better luck next time!

Shopping Info:  The Dream of the Crop Cotton Cardigan Scholastic, Mustard and French Bulldog Print Tamara Blouse from Unique Vintage, Jacquard Pencil Skirt from Talbots, Spring to Mind Ankle Strap Heel - Short Length, Teal bag from Amazon