I'm in love with Ivanka Trump's Scapoli Flats

I spotted these beautiful Ivanka Trump Scapoli jelly flats (in navy) at Marshalls a few weeks ago but sadly, the smallest size (size 6) was too big for me. I couldn't get them off my mind. I went back and luckily, they still had the size 6. I'm going to try and put some inserts in them to make them work but we'll see!

Over this past week, I searched online for them in a size 5 but they seem to be sold out pretty much everywhere. With some luck though, I (or boyfriend) was able to grab them in pink but 1) I don't know how the color looks in person and 2) I don't know how a size 5 fits -I'm almost always a 5.5.

I can't wait for them to arrive in the mail! The photos online do NOT do them justice. They are so elegant yet so playful at the same time. I can't wait to switch out my ugly rain boots this winter with these gorgeous bright flats. Oh, and I hope they're comfy.

If you're interested and see them anywhere in your size, the navy and light pink (it has a hint of coral) are absolutely to die for.

Where To Buy: Marshalls, Macy's, Endless, Zappos


Image Source

Seriously? Super G?!

Gwen Stefani (or her team) seem to always come out with the cutest things. I love the designs on their makeup bags and their perfume collections. I don't necessarily love the actual fragrances but I do love the perfume bottles. I think Super G (above) may be the best yet! I've never seen anything like it. However, I'd love to see the other Harajuku girls dressed up as super heroes and mermaids -why is it always about G?

Oh, and I just bought these adorable makeup bags. I also bought a third for my upcoming giveaway. Buy here.

Photo Source (1st image)

Floral Summertime Dress

Picked up this little number for only $10 (on sale) at H&M. I'm in love with the print.

 Have a beautiful Tuesday. <33

Urban Decay 15-Year Anniversary Palette Review & Swatches

Repurchase: Yes
Price: $55.00 (15 x 0.05 oz)
Overall Grade: A-

Urban Decay's 15-Year Anniversary Palette seems to be the "most talked about" product at the moment. At first, I was unsure about it but as time went on, it became something that I had to get. I wanted it more for "blogging purposes" in the beginning but after having worked with the palette, I'm falling in love with it more and more every day.

The Packaging: As I mentioned before, I don't like the packaging. To me, it's a hot mess. The lid of the palette is packaged in a smoky mirror material and contains a cool "laser-cut filigree design" along the edges (as described on UD's product page.) The top of the lid contains a purple, jeweled "UD" logo. Inside the lid, there's a huge mirror which is a nice touch. The tray holding the shades is made of a bright purple, mirrored material. And the final touch is a "secret compartment" -the tray holding the eyeshadows is removable therefore revealing the tiny compartment.

While the design is indeed very original, I rather have something more practical. The cons?

• Too heavy
• HIGHLY prone to fingerprints
• The lid is too loose and comes off very easily
• Not ideal for travel
• Too big to store
• The hidden compartment is so small. Sure, there will be room after all the eyeshadows are used up but 1) Who's is going to actually use up all these shades and 2) It'll still be too small and too bulky even if you use up all the eyeshadows. I'd much rather have a jewelry or trinket box that I can store a lot in.

In other words, I'd much prefer something in a sleeker, more compact design. Why does Urban Decay always feel the need to package their amazing their amazing eyeshadows in such bulky, impractical packaging?!

The Product: The palette contains 15 limited edition shades that have never been released before. While some have argued that there are dupes, of all the UD eyeshadows I own (and I only own 2 other palettes -sold the rest of my UD palettes), I don't believe there are any "exact" dupes. Yes, there are bound to be similarities but no exact dupes as again, these are all new shades.

As for the product itself, the color payoff, like most Urban Decay eyeshadows, is excellent. I didn't hit a single "true" dud. I read Christine's review and she mentioned that Tainted "sheered out easily." I guess in a way, it does, but I really didn't have too many problems with that particular shade -it's actually one of my favorites in terms of color. Each shade applies very smoothly (like butter!) and blends fairly easily. However, out of all the shades, I did find Evidence to be slightly chalky and stiff. It didn't feel as smooth as the others but overall, I'd say the quality of the shade is still very good. As for the shade that I liked the least, it would be Blackout. I had to layer it on a few times to get a "true" black and while it is a very good matte black, I do feel like I have other matte blacks that are better.

The Color:
I've read so many shade descriptions for this palette -here's my take on the shades..

1. Midnight Rodeo- Taupe-y brown bronze with a touch of champagne and subtle glitter
2. Midnight 15- Frosty pale, "dirty" champagne with a touch of silver shimmer
3. Vanilla- Pale yellowed ivory with golden shimmer
4. Flow- Frosty light peachy champagne with shimmer
5. Chase- Frosty tanned bronze with a touch of gold and shimmer
6. Tainted- Slightly warmed, rosy lavender with champagne shimmer
7. Junkshow- Bright violet-fuchsia with a touch of violet shimmer
8. Omen- Blue-violet with silvery blue shimmer
9. Evidence- Deep sea blue with blue shimmer and sheen
10. Deep End- Frosty teal with shimmer
11. Deeper- Deep bronze with a touch of olive and golden shimmer
12. M.I.A.- Deep brown with the slightest touch of plum and copper shimmer
13. Ace- Very deep gray with subtle silver shimmer (leans almost blue to me)
14. Blackout- Matte black
15. Half Truth- Cool deep silvery purple with silvery shimmer

Swatches..

Above (with flash) from left: Midnight Rodeo, Midnight 15, Vanilla, Flow, Chase

Above (with flash) from left: Tainted, Junkshow, Omen, Evidence, Deep End

Above (with flash) from left: Deeper, M.I.A., Ace, Blackout, Half Truth

Overall: This is a great value. At $17 per single (0.05 oz) eyeshadow, you're basically getting 15 full size eyeshadows for the discounted price of $55. Individually, the eyeshadows would cost a grand total of $255 -that's a savings of $200!

The palette contains shades from three categories: neutral shades, bright fun shades, and deeper, smoky shades. This is a palette that could fit individuals of all different tastes. It's a great all-around palette for someone who's just starting out and would like to buy high-end eyeshadows in a variety of different shades. It's also a wonderful palette for any makeup junkie or collector.

The quality is there. The only reason the palette got an "A-" is because of the packaging. Change that and it would definitely be a a solid "A".

Where To Buy: Urban Decay, Sephora (in stores)

This should be coming to other retailers by the end of July/early August

15-Year Palette IN STOCK @ UrbanDecay.com

Just checked the site and the 15-Year Anniversary Palette is in stock again at Urban Decay. Buy it here.


The palette is being SOLD OUT everywhere so I'd jump on this fast if this is on your list.

UPDATE: Two minutes after posting this, I checked again and it's out of stock. Prior to this post, I was able to proceed to the checkout and enter my info.. I didn't order but I made it to the page where I just had to log on through PayPal and pay. Smh..

Rice Krispies Treats Birthday Cakes

What do you bake 2 boys (who are allergic to ingredients in traditional cakes) for their birthday? Rice Krispies cakes of course.

Toy Story

Lego

I didn't have much to work with as far as decorations went and time was very limited. I made both cakes plus another batch of Rice Krispies treats in 1.5 hours. I have to say I was pretty proud of these although they were both fairly simple and easy to make. =P

I got some really cute pictures of the kids but I'm a little weary of posting them up since I've had my photos stolen dozens of times.. =\ It's really too bad. I love sharing photos of my friends and family.

Anyways, after attending a gigantic birthday celebration (4 birthdays!) today, I went home and took photos of the Urban Decay 15-Year Anniversary Palette. I'm hoping to have the review up tomorrow. Have a nice Sunday night everyone.

I Got It: Urban Decay 15-Year Anniversary Palette!!

Remember how I was debating over Urban Decay's new 15-Year Anniversary Palette? Well, after it sold out, I wanted it 100 times more. I know -I'm crazy. =P Since then, I've been on the phones with Sephora and Macy's nonstop and checking online retailers on a regular basis. Anyways, I found it at Sephora last night (they weren't on the shelves yet -I had to ask) and I couldn't be happier.

However, one thing that I absolutely HATE about it after only have examined it for 15 minutes? The packaging. I don't care what they say. Sure, the packaging could be revolutionary, original, and unique but to me, it's just a mess. It's basically made of a smoky mirror material -think H&M store mirrors (I believe most have these types of mirrors.) It's tacky, HIGHLY prone to fingerprints, and the lid doesn't even stay on properly. This is NOT ideal for traveling whatsoever. Yes, I understand it's more for "display" but I have way too many products to be putting everything out on display. I'd prefer if everything was neatly tucked away..

BUT, I am loving the shades. A review and swatches will definitely be up soon. I know I haven't been posting many reviews lately but this is priority #1.

 

Also, this week my bestie sent me a hand-made bracelet. Thought it matched the palette. =P

Have a lovely Saturday everyone. <33

Why I Love Beauty 360..

I had been eyeing the Jack Black Face Moisturizer (with SPF 20) and Eye Balm for about a week now. My original plan was to pick them up at Sephora but I decided to try Beauty 360 instead. Sure, with Sephora, I'd get my points but at Beauty 360, I always always get so many extras. I've walked away with many (full size) GWPs and samples in the past.

Yesterday, after picking up my two Jack Black products, they also gave me a mini Lip Balm in Lemon & Chamomile and set of three hair products! Also, they had a whole bunch of samples jars so I snagged to of those. I'm not sure if it's just my local Beauty 360 that's so generous but give them a try! They always have so many awesome deals.

Summer Cleaning

My room's been a mess lately. I've been doing some major organizing and spring summer cleaning. I just can't wait for it to be over.

One of my favorites..

Above: Thai Iced Tea -one of my favorite drinks in the whole world. I told my boyfriend to snap a picture of it.. I meant to take pictures of all our yummy Thai food but by the time I remembered, we had already eaten it all. Story of my life.

Damage

 Above: Damage from yesterday's shopping trip with one of my girls. It looks bad but considering what we got, we saved a ton. A haul post should be up soon.

Nudey Tuesday: Urban Decay Bronzer in Gilded

This is really just a quickie -no in depth review today and I do apologize! I just haven't had time for them and am seriously reconsidering the way I write reviews. I still want to keep a majority of it the same in terms of how I review the actual product but I think adding things like the packaging and going too into detail about things that aren't too important are just more time consuming than they are useful.

Anyways..

I picked up Urban Decay's Bronzer (for face and body) in Gilded last week during the 25% off summer sale. I actually only wanted to get a Pocket Rocket gloss for my friend but since free shipping requires customers spend $50+, I threw in a few extra items that I definitely didn't need.

Since the sun starting showing its face around here, I've been on a real bronzer kick. I have a handful of bronzers but they're all either matte or very tan or orange-y. I wanted something that was shimmery (but not over the top) and golden.

Review..

Urban Decay's new bronzer in Gilded does the job. When applied, it shows up as more of a "glow" -no disco ball cheeks here. I have more of an olive undertone but I love how the warm, very golden bronze color brought so much warmth to my skin. To be honest, I felt like Asian Malibu Barbie and as lame as that sounds, that's a plus in my book -at least on certain days.

As for the negatives, I think the only thing I can say is that the bronzer lasts about 5 hours (applied over primer.) But then again, I've seen so many bronzers and blushes only last for 2-3 so I'd say 5 hours is pretty average.

Prior to purchasing the bronzer, I read Christine's review. She notes in her review that this (new) version contains a lot less product than their previous one which I didn't catch. I absolutely hate when companies do that. However, being the makeup junkie that I am, I'm not too concerned about that because I know I'll never use this up. And $26 (for 0.26 oz) is actually cheaper than I'd expect from a high end brand since other (high end) bronzers usually go for around $30 and up.

Overall Grade: A-


Swatches..

Urban Decay Bronzer in Gilded

More Photos..

Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette: To buy or not to buy?

It's 5 a.m. and I've been staring at Urban Decay's 15-Year Anniversary Eyeshadow Collection online for the last 30 minutes. Since Christine's review went up, I've been checking back at UrbanDecay.com all night for it to go up. Sadly, the 25% off summer discount code doesn't work. Sadly, Urban Decay isn't on Ebates. I'm so cheap -I know $55 is a great deal for this palette but $60 (including tax) is pushing it when I already have so many gorgeous eyeshadows sitting in my makeup drawers and littered all over my table.

I could wait for Sephora to carry it so that I at least earn some cash back and 55 points. I have a strong feeling that this will sell out FAST. Remember the Naked Palette? People still weren't able to get that months after it launched. I don't want to make that mistake. What to do..

UPDATE: Just checked and it's sold out. Ugh.. and this is just 5 hours later!

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Free Make Up For Ever "Must Have" Kit for VIBs @ Sephora

Sephora is currently offering this awesome Make Up For Ever "Must Have" kit to VIBs who make any purchase of at least $35 or more.

The kit includes a printed logo bag, HD Microfinish Powder, Smoky Lash Mascara, Aqua Eyes liner in 0L, and Lab Shine gloss in S2.

The offer started Friday but I went in yesterday to pick one up and they still had loads left. You can also score it online using the code MUSTHAVE. You may or may not need the email/print-out but I never have a problem when I forget it at home.

For more information on the VIB program, click here.

New Cut & Dye

I'm the type of person who can't wait for anything. Last Sunday, I scheduled a hair cut at some 5 star place (according to Yelp) but I found out I wouldn't be able to come in until Thursday. THURSDAY. I couldn't wait four days. So, I popped into some random place and got a trim and some long side bangs for $11.

Right after, I stopped by CVS and picked up two boxes of L'Oreal hair dye. And now I have this. I like it so far but I think the bangs are way, way too long. But the stylist kept telling me how great "long" bangs are so what the hey, I thought I'd give them a try.

I think I like my hair pulled back more though..

I hope you all have a gorgeous weekend. <33

P.S. On another note, Blogger has been acting CRAZY. I'll be signed in and trying to leave comments here and on other blogs but it'll act like I'm "signed out." Ughh.. So I apologize if I'm not commenting -I'm really trying!

Forever 21 Jewelry Anyone?

I'm really sorry for being MIA! I've been super busy. =( I didn't know I'd be so busy this summer.. Anyways, I've been frequenting Forever 21 a lot lately. I honestly never paid attention to their jewelry selection until now and I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised with what they have to offer. Cheap costume jewelry that I won't be afraid to lose (you know, because I misplace my stuff all the time..)? Yes Please!

Oh and I resist these cupcake stickers..

Have a fabulous Friday. <33

When You're Feeling Down..

 It seems that when one friend has boy problems, we all do. It's contagious. So for the last few days, I've been keeping busy hanging with the girls and my family.

Hope you all have a beautiful 3 day weekend and Happy early 4th of July (in case I don't post tomorrow.) Will possibly post a monthly favorites (for June) but still unsure. See you all soon!

Sonia Kashuk Brush Sets on Sale @ Target!!

I always miss out on the fabulous Sonia Kashuk limited edition brush sets when they go on clearance so when the newest sets packaged in a chic teal and orange combo came out, I made sure to keep my eyes wide open for any sales. For months, I checked up on them during every visit. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I was not about to pay full price when I knew they'd eventually go on clearance.

Yesterday, when I stopped by Target for some lunch, I got lucky! Most (or all?) of the products from the Spring collection were plastered with clearance stickers featuring amazing markdowns. I quickly checked for the Gold Mine set (7 piece brush set) but it was gone. I left with the Small Treasure set (4 piece brush set) without even fully knowing if I wanted it.

Later on, I visited another Target and found three Gold Mine sets left! I was ecstatic. =) I picked up one and left feeling pretty darn happy and accomplished. I'll test these out during the next few weeks but from what I can tell, these brushes feel fairly soft and look nice for the price. We'll see how they hold up though. As far as online Target reviews go, the Gold Mine set has a 5 star rating.

Gold Mine Set ($17.48 from $24.99)

 Small Treasure Set ($10.48 from $14.99)