OOTD: The Navy Polka Dot Dress

I picked up this darling little dress from Old Navy a few weeks ago and am loving its vintage-y feel. It's originally $34.94 but I scored it for less than $20 during a store sale (word of advice: never buy anything full price from Old Navy -it's bound to go on sale about 2-3 weeks after it first hits the store.)

If you're more on the petite side, it'll be a little loose. I don't mind it because of the tie.

Old Navy Pleated Chiffon Tie-Belt Dress

I asked my boyfriend to snap some photos for the blog..... NEVER again. I can't keep a straight face or even a normal smiley face when he's taking pictures. He makes me laugh too much. And not even a fun, cute laugh -a dorky, super wide with eyes closed type of laugh. I kept the really embarrassingly hideous ones out of the post.

Flats are from Talbots.

Have a fun Monday! <3

Valentine's Day Gingerbread House Project

 

Boyfriend and I bought some gingerbread kits during the holiday season but never got around to doing the projects. We decided to finally build the house but added our own Valentine's Day twist to it. Above are our two little gingerbread people.

My boyfriend recently shaved his head and is now sporting a (teensy) mohawk which is what that line of blue frosting is. I was going for a Madonna vibe but then changed my mind and went for a Jackie O look.

We decorated the pieces first before putting the house together and let me say -WHAT A MESS. We had to add loads of extra frosting to get the walls to stick together which is why it doesn't look as neat and pretty as it should.

This is my favorite part of the whole house. While I was striving to make the house look "normal" and pretty, he was getting creative and doing things like this!

I like my candy corn Valentine's Day lights.

Decorating supplies

Although our house collapsed in the end (we rebuilt it 19395343 times), we had so much fun building it. It was nice to just make something together and see the end result. I'm very lucky to have a boyfriend who will do things like this with me. Our next project will be finishing up the gingerbread people kit!  -_______-

Surprise Hello Kitty Stickers

Boyfriend likes to buy me these.

Loving Korean Hair Clips

Dress Search: Time for Teal?

 I'm on the lookout for a Valentine's Day dress. Something cute but with some added length (long sleeves/longer length/etc.) since it will be cold. And another thing, something preferably teal.

Everything I'm giving my boyfriend is sports related and teal is the team's main color. That's where this dress comes in. I've had my eye on this Forever 21 dress for about a week now but the x-small and small sizes were sold out online. Luckily, I randomly popped into a Forever 21 store last night and found the last x-small!

The strapless dress is a deep, rich teal. It features a sweetheart neckline, empire waist, and pleating detail throughout the dress.

I do really like this dress and I can see it being very versatile. It can be dressed up with heels for an evening out or dressed down with flats or even flip flops on a cool summer day.

What do you think?

Have a marvelous Thursday loves.

Kate Spade Inspired Glitter NOTD

 Ulta "Wild Night" and three coats of Ulta "Piñata-Yada-Yada"

(Inky blue with rainbow glitter)

This reminds me of Kate Spade for some reason -I could've sworn I saw something like it in an email or something. Simple yet glamorous. Anyways, have a fabulous Wednesday.

 

13 New(ish) Polishes

I picked up a few new polishes during the last few months. As you can see, I'm still VERY into all things shimmer.

 Swatches: ROW 1 from left- OPI Teenage Dream, Wet n Wild 24 Carats, Wet n Wild Diamond In The Rough, Wet n Wild It's All In The Cut, Ulta Piñata-Yada-Yada. ROW 2 from left- Ulta Diva, Ulta Baby Doll, Ulta Wild Night, Nailtini Sparkler, Sally Hansen Dune, Sally Hansen Sorbet, Revlon Candy, Sally Hansen Model Behavior

Random Fall Outfit

I was cleaning up my laptop when I came across this OOTD taken from last Fall. Since I'd hate for photos to go to waste, I thought I'd post even though it's months late!

 H&M Navy/White Striped Blazer

Gap Shirt

Gap Corduroy Legging Jeans

Sam Edelman Adena Flats in Gunmetal

Best Friends

 

My local Sanrio store (and I'm sure others too) has come out with many new Dear Daniel & Hello Kitty items for Valentine's Day. One of my closest friends is named Daniel so anytime I see Dear Daniel stuff, I like swoop it up right away. I was so happy to find this best friends necklace.

 I also picked up a set of key caps and some pins. If you have a Daniel in your life I recommend stopping by your local store and taking a look! They also have a bride and groom set of them and things like that (way too much for my Daniel and me though.)

The Importance of Flowers

Tonight I'm up late caught in my thoughts on "life" again. My boyfriend got me flowers the other day -he always does. In the three or so years that I was with my ex, never once did I receive a thoughtful bouquet of flowers. He did once buy me a single rose off a San Francisco street after much kicking and screaming but that was it. My boyfriend now has gotten me (a bouquet) of flowers five or six times since last October. Oh yea, and we've only "officially" been together for a month.

Ok, maybe it's not so much flowers that are important, it's the gesture. It's the thought and time put into things of this nature whether it's getting you your favorite fancy beverage from the upscale coffee shop down the street or picking up the latest issue of Cosmo. These little things here and there are so extremely important. A few days ago, he got me an owl shaped candle and some tiny boxes with owls on them (yes I love owls!) It's these small things that remind me just how lucky I am. This isn't to say that my ex was horrible or anything. He did these "small" things sometimes but never on his own -I always had to ask.

Anyways, I'm beyond thrilled to be with a person who does these "small things" naturally without my nagging/begging/pleading. If you have a guy like this, hang on tight and remember to return the love.

<3

Kitty Ring

This Week's Hauls

I picked up some things during Sephora's extra "20% off sale" sale. I got to use a gift card too so that was an extra bonus!

Harajuku Lovers Jingle G

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Baby

Hello Kitty Liquid Nail Art in Red Sparkle

Hello Kitty Liquid Nail Art in Night Sparkle

Smashbox Brow Tech Wax

The Brow Tech was the only non-sale item. I've been lemming for it since mine ran out but Sephora stores stopped carrying it and it was out of stock online since forever!! I wanted to pick it up during the F&F sale so I'm really unhappy that I had to pay full price! However, I am relieved to finally have it.

Hair clips from Giggles and Frills

I see a ton of other Etsy sellers with practically the same items (right down to the color) so I think a good amount of them are just using the same pattern. However, what makes Giggles and Frills stand out is that she doesn't just do felt hair clips. Most of the clips are made with ribbons which are creatively put into place to form various objects like rainbows and ballet slippers. I highly recommend this seller.

And lastly, I bought "He's Just Not That Into You" which is one of my favorite movies. =)

Have a terrific Friday everyone.

Fishtail Braid

I'm not the best with hair. I've been trying to learn how to fishtail braid for THE longest time and after many failures, I've finally got it. My braid may not be the best but I am very happy. I loved this easy peasy video.

Late Night Creation: Whimsical Bracelet

I stumbled upon a store called Brighton Collectibles over the weekend and was immediately drawn to their vast array of pretty things including many accessories and jewelry. The "jewelry station" immediately caught my eye because of the assortment of chains, ropes, beads, and charms that could be combined to make your very own work of art. However, once my eyes landed on the prices (about $10 and up per bead/charm), I was out of there in a flash.

I headed to my favorite bead store and went to work. I purchased about $20 worth of supplies (beads, charms, wire, clasps, etc.) and headed home. I ended up abandoning the cool charms I purchased to save for a future project and created something more simple instead. My bracelet cost only about $8 to make. I figure if I'd made one at Brighton, it would've cost around $130 or more (everything was ridiculously expensive.) Next time, I plan on saving even more by purchasing my materials online.

Here's my little creation:

Do you ever get inspired to make things on your own? With the high prices on everything today, I'm finding myself resorting to DIY projects more and more. I also purchased the earrings below (on sale) from Aldo to make some brooches ($10 for everything.)

Have a super sweet Monday loves. <33

Diggin' the Green

I've been looking all over the place for a green coat (forest or emerald would be fine) but since winter's nearly over, the coat search has turned into a jacket or blazer search.

I was thrilled when I found this beauty while roaming Forever 21. At around $32, I'm a happy girl. I don't generally wear the same coat or jacket every day because I LOVE outerwear too much to stick to one piece so something "fun" (as opposed to a classic black blazer or tan trench) needs to be on the "more affordable" (aka cheaper) side.

I'm loving it. What do you think?

I'm Back! An Update on.. well, everything.

I've been gone for a really long time -I think possibly the longest I've ever gone without writing a post. Usually I'd apologize for being gone but to be honest, I'm not sorry. It was a much needed break. This semester has been incredibly hectic along with life in general. I drifted away from makeup BIG TIME. I've accumulated quite a number of new products (old habits don't change huhh) but didn't touch a thing. It's tough making time for makeup or any full (or partial) beauty routine with life gets chaotic. I'm finally on winter break though and I'm ready to get back into blogging. =)

So what's new? I've made it a point not to get too personal since this is of course a beauty blog but I guess there are a few things I'd like to share (or my posts could get confusing!) This year, I'm staying very focused on school because it's my first year taking all of my major/minor classes. So blogging time became study/paper writing time. I also broke up with my boyfriend of 3-4 years a few months ago. Now I have a new boyfriend and to be honest, I'm much happier.

Also, I've acquired a few new obsessions. I've always liked hair accessories but now I'm in love. I mean, it's gotten to the point where it's a wee bit extreme. I wear a hair clip or headband every day nearly every single day. I also now have an unhealthy outerwear addiction (blame it on the sales smh..) And lastly, I've grown a deep love for salad. I am absolutely in love with Pluto's and must thank my dear friend Nina for introducing it to me months ago. I go practically once (or more) a week. And what does my fave salad consist of? Romaine lettuce, avocado, boiled eggs, onions, sunflower seeds, wontons, and Asian dressing. Yum!

If you live in California, please visit this place!

Oh, and lastly, I also got a new camera (Canon T3) which I purchased as a birthday present to myself and cannot wait to show you the loads of pictures I've taken. Seriously, I have a lot to share. All my friends make fun of me for snapping photos of every detail of my day but I always tell them, "It's for the blog!" So now I must post them. Here are a few random snaps of my life, hauls, food, and more. I'll see you all soon!

 Pluto's

 Yum!

 Hawaiian

 Beard Papa's

 Cutest hot chocolate I've ever seen (too bad it didn't taste as good as it looked!)

 Salted caramel hot chocolate

 Gingerbread hot chocolate (and Dr. Pepper)

 Chips Ahoy! Candy Blasts

 I'm loving these polar bears

 So cute!

 Love these too!

 I was VERY disappointed to learn that they no longer give you all the flavors. I got original, wild cherry and tropical (two of each.) Where's my butterscotch and mixed berry?!

 I bought a few Chocomize bars for a some of my loves for Christmas and am so excited! I haven't tasted them yet but I love the idea of being able to create your own chocolate bars. You even get to "name" each bar yourself -the name is printed on the back.

 Boyfriend got me this fabulous Bebe crossbody last month and it's currently one of my favorite bags. My other favorite is this gorgeous Gap bag I got on sale for around $17 (please do me a favor and check it out because it's really a lovely bag.)

Some of my hairclips..

I ordered these on Etsy from Giggles and Frills last month and am in love. Sure the clips are a little "childish" but I love cute and even sometimes even outrageous, unexpected clips.

Forever 21 headband.

Some clips I bought from some little Asian shops -I've come to LOVE Korean hair accessories.

Hello Kitty landyard my boy bought me.

Oh and it turns into a tape measure!

Red and cream roses.

Single pink rose my dad bought me.

Dried pressed roses from a few months ago. Whenever my flowers start going bad, I press them. I just stick them inbetween two sheets of paper, put them into a large book (like a dictionary), and put heavier books or objects on top of that book. Check back on them a few months later and you have beautiful, pressed flowers.

Lights!

Gigantic lantern.

I have so many more photos to share and will try to post soon. I still have Christmas photos and hauls and I'm so behind. I will be working on other posts during the next few days. Have a wonderful weekend. <33