Monday Monitor Shopping - asos

Sometimes on chilly weekend mornings, I sit in my pjs and my fuzzy slippers, with my coffee and I monitor shop.  You know, the modern equivalent of window shopping.  Many people find this torture if they can't afford to buy. For me, it helps me to see what's out there and helps me to refine my list from "Ooo that's cute." to "I really have to buy that.".  I leave my credit card in my wallet across the room.  That way if I'm tempted to buy, I have to really give it some thought, get up from my comfy seat and dig for my card. This weekend I did a little monitor shopping at asos.

 

I'm thinking of warmer weather and gravitated toward bright colors and fun shapes.

Do you monitor shop?

 

Be sure to enter the giveaway for a skirt from Skirt the Issue!

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#12) - Drinks and Lipstick

 There are days when only certain things will perk up my mood. Those are the days when I call my closest friends, who always make me laugh, long for the end of the day to see {msL} because she always makes me feel better, make a favorite cocktail and put on my favorite lipstick. For some people that last one seems silly or doesn't fit them.  For me it works every time. If I feel good about myself then that makes me happier. Bright lipstick works every time. It can make a simple outfit more polished. Great lipstick with a t-shirt somehow seems fancier. It's a simple tool in your arsenal.

I'm in love with all of the bright lipsticks out this year.  My latest obsession is the Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids collection. I love all of the colors and already own many of them.

This post on Beautezine has great swatches.

I even wore Hot Plum (far right in the photo above) on my wedding day (photo below).  It's a fantastic bright fuchsia shade.

A great way to jazz up your favorite sweatshirt and cargo jacket. I'm sure the necklaces didn't hurt either.

Now for the drink. On our wedding day we chose to serve beer (2 of our favorites), wine (red and white) and two signature cocktails. My personal favorite was the Lucky 13 (vodka cherry limeade). We also created a drink called the  Rock Star. It's a rum and passion fruit drink. The Lucky 13 was by far the most popular (reddish pink drink below).

 

Lucky 13 (vodka cherry limeade)

vodka
lime juice (fresh is best but bottled is good too for simplicity)
Monin cherry syrup (best I've found, don't use grenadine, it's not the same)
Sprite (or any lemon lime soda)
ice

Fill a rocks glass with ice.

Add 2 oz of vodka
Add two splashes of lime juice (about 1/4 oz, more if you like it tart)
Add 1/2 oz of cherry syrup
Fill the glass with Sprite and stir.

ENJOY!


It's a great summer time drink.  You can make some alterations to the recipe if you are calorie conscious. Use club soda or sugar free Sprite in place of regular Sprite.  There are also sugar free cherry syrups available but we chose Monin because it doesn't have a fake cherry flavor. You could also use cherry juice, like Ocean Spray or Old Orchard Very Cherrie. If you substitute juice you will need to alter the proportions.

If you have a down day anytime soon, try a little pick up. Grab your favorite drink and put on some fun lipstick.  Thanks Elizabeth.

Lust List for Spring

Oh, if money were no object and I didn't have a budget to stick to, I'd buy all of the things I want. Unfortunately, I need to stick to a budget and I sometimes make hard decisions about my fashion and beauty purchases.  Today, I've compiled my lust list for spring. I'd love to have all of the items on this list.  Some are affordable, some aren't.  I may also be able to find some frugal alternatives.

First on my list are the ATTACK Leather Gladiator boots from ASOS.  I'm definitely ordering those.  They are amazing and the perfect bad girl option for spring. I'm in love with the military style vest from Boy. by Band of Outsiders. Of course they don't make it in my size, so I'll have to hunt for an alternative. The studded bag from Aldo is fantastic. The pinkish color turns the tough studs into a spring bag. I've had my eye on the Prada Baroque sunglasses for some time. I know there are similar versions available for much less but hey a girl can dream. Obsessed is a mild word for how I feel about fuchsia lipstick. I even wore it on my wedding day.  I've heard some friends rave about NARS Funny Face.  It's on my must have list. In the spring, as the weather warms, I have to switch from my heavy cream moisturizer to something lighter. Serums are my moisturizer of choice for spring and summer. I've read good things about Boots No. 7's version. It's affordable and available at Target.  Sold!  Every girl needs a little bling.  I used to have four holes in my ear but I let the upper two close. I just have my lobe and my cartilage piercings left. This ear pin is fantastic. It will slide into my lobe piercing but give the look of multiple piercings without any bulk or weight. It's sparkly, pretty, and cool. I may need to rework my spring fashion budget or get a second job.

What's on your spring lust list?

It's Ok to Change Your Mind

Thank you all for indulging me with so many wedding related posts over the past few weeks.  With less than a month until the big day, it's all I can think about. This past weekend, I went to visit my mom for a wedding dress fitting.  I've mentioned that my Mom is making my dress. She's been working hard. I had a great weekend with my Mom, that included a trip to one of my favorite antique stores and lots of wedding talk.

A peek at the back of my dress, vintage pin I'm planning to wear in my hair, and my shoes (a bargain from Neiman Marcus Last Call)

 One of the best lessons I've learned through wedding planning is that you have to stay true to yourself and your inner voice.Over the course of planning, I've changed my mind about our location, my dress, our food, my jewelry, and other things. I'm usually very decisive and I have been when it comes to my overall vision.  The idea of an intimate wedding and an amazing party with great drinks, food and music. Changing my mind has been a bit out of character but I know now that we'll have the day we truly want.

Red or Fuchsia lipstick?

A few more feather projects for the big day.