Not Kidding Around

When it comes to personal style, sometimes the easiest way to be unique is to find unique places to shop. And yes, it is just as easy done as said.

Now when I say "unique places to shop," I don't mean that you have to scour vintage or resale stores for items no one else will have or that you have to drop tons of cash on one-of-a-kind, made-to-order pieces either. And while you are certainly free to do so, if you're looking for an easy, inexpensive option, sometimes all it comes down to is shopping in the kids section. 

Stay with me here a minute. 

Kids stores don't just have clothing; often they have accessories too. Fun, playful pieces that you won't necessarily find anywhere else. The best part? They are usually cheaper. Heck, if I could fit into kids' clothing, I'd be shopping for head-to-toe outfits in a heartbeat. 

Moral of the story? Don't neglect the kids' department if you are looking to add whimsy to your wardrobe with some wallet-friendly accessories. I recently scored two adorable summer bags from J.Crew's crewcuts that will surely inject a little extra oomph into my outfits. 

(Shopping) Tricks are (not just) for kids.

crewcuts shell bag

crewcuts ice cream bag

Record (Re)Setting: Transformation Tuesday Edition

The Reservoir in Central Park: My favorite place to run

“The marathon is cancelled. Let’s drink.”

It was a text from my friend Liz; she and I had trained to run together that Sunday.

The day was Friday, November 2, 2012, less than a week after Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. The cancellation was necessary; nearly two hundred thousand homes were damaged and over hundred people lost their lives. It was the right and only thing to do, but selfishly—a small piece of my heart was broken.

Running was still new to me then, but in that short period of time, I had grown to enjoy how empowered it made me feel. Preparing for the marathon gave me a reason to stay focused. I saw improvements with each run: my legs felt strong and my heart and head clear. I mourned the loss of my 26.2 mile goal and months of training by quitting running. I quit taking care of myself too, and easily settled back into a gym-less routine I found comfortable and comforting.

Sometimes change is subtle, for me it was revelatory. It took nearly five years, some rosacea treatment medicine side-effect weight gain, and yet another not-worthy-of-my-time-but-I-liked-him-anyway guy who ghosted to realize I was truly ready to reset my life. I had to stop fixating on what was happening to me and just start making things happen.  And one crucial step would be to seize what eluded me in 2012 and cross that finish line in Central Park.

For years I had been wearing laziness as a medal but was now eager to trade it in for a real one. I joined a gym, took a hard look at my diet, and deleted every single dating app on my phone.

It was the summer of 2016, and it belonged to me.

My newly minted PR from last weekends Staten Island Half!

Summer became fall and I had completed the nine races and one volunteer slot required to qualify for the 2017 New York City Marathon. I had lost 10 pounds. Running aided in my self-confidence; it gave me moments of solitude to reflect not on what still lay ahead, but on how far I’d come. Winter arrived and I accelerated my weight loss efforts by joining Weight Watchers, which was gratefully provided for free through my work. Winter was soon spring and now summer has ended. Twenty pounds and loads of self-doubt lighter, I am nearly through my marathon training. My legs feel strong and my heart and head clear.

My final qualifying race!

True, I re-ignited my love for running, but more so I found a renewed sense of self-worth—fueled by the realization that only I can dictate my happiness. On November 5^th 2017, I will earn a medal to commemorate 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of New York City, but in reality that medal will signify a far more important achievement.

I will finish the marathon not only with a new personal best; I will finish at my personal best.

Left: March 2016, Right: August 2017 (Same work bathroom selfie :-p)

Long Weekend Musings: Are Kitten Heels the Cat's Meow?

If there were a shoe equivalent to salt and vinegar potato chips, the kitten heel may be it. You know what I'm talking about - people either love 'em or hate 'em. And the more I googled to validate that point, the clearer it became that kitten heels are definitely a polarizing accessory.

Admittedly, despite thinking about shoes far more often than the average human, I can honestly say that the argument for or against the kitten heel was not one I ever paid much attention to. But with this shoe trend popping up in more recent years, the kitten heel has managed to tip-toe its way into my thoughts; forcing me to take a stance once and for all.

And what did I decide?

Unsurprisingly, I fall on positive end of this shoe spectrum. Personally, I think what makes the kitten heel so controversial -- their dainty shape and borderline-old-lady vibes -- are actually the things that, to me, make them pretty damn cool. Perhaps it's because Emanuelle Alt wears them so well and I'm smitten with anything Parisian, but there is definitely something about a basic tee tucked into some high waist, straight leg, vintage inspired denim punctuated with a kitten heel that just feels incredibly effortless and chic that I can't help but think it's the bees-freaking-knees.

So, if you happen to be on the fence with regards to the the kitten heel, I have included a little food for thought over the holiday weekend: a selection of styling inspirations, my own interpretation of the trend, as well as some affordable shoe options. Now may be just the right time, because, hello! Labor Day Sales!
Images credits, clockwise from top: Roe Diary, Haut Appetit, Clique Mag, Who What Wear

On me (clockwise): Vintage Ferragamo slingbacks/Levi's jeans/J.Crew Vintage Tee/Vintage Gucci belt (similar); J.Crew Dulci Pumps/Madewell jeans/Abercrombie & Fitch bodysuit. Vintage Gucci mules/Gap jeans (similar)/Madewell t-shirt (old)/J.Crew sweatshirt

If I weren't on a shoe no-buy, I'd have the following in my cart:

These Sam Edelmans, another pair of my J.Crew pumps (they are so comfortable), and these rose gold Nine West mules (because, rose gold)

While the jury may still be deliberating on the ultimate fate of the kitten heel, my verdict is in: They're purrrr-fect.

Throwback Thursday: #Basic A(&)F

If at any point in the last 15 years, you told me that I would be making a ridiculous number of purchases at Abercrombie & Fitch in 2017, I would have laughed in your face. Like legit, rolling on the floor, so-hard-you-can't-even-hear-it type laughter. However, despite the fact that, up until this past winter, I associated Abercrombie solely with my high school/early college self and European tourists (though, to be fair, when I have found myself in the 5th Avenue store, I am 99% sure I'm the only NYC resident shopping there), I can say with complete and utter seriousness: they have some seriously good stuff out right now. And the price is on point.

While I could share a laundry list of recent purchases, in order to save some dignity in regards to my shopping habits, I would much rather use this post to spread the word that while Old Navy is currently providing me with the perfect fitted tank, A&F is killing it with their selection of bodysuits.

Now I know bodysuits are not #1 on the list of most universally loved items of clothing. In fact, I'd venture to say there is a lot of debate over their practicality (I vote a resounding "hellyeah!", but only if there are crotch snaps. No crotch snaps, no thank you), and many likely see no reason to wear them. But recently? I am hooked. The whole, not having to worry about a tucked-in top bunching up seems like one of the ultimate fashion hacks.

If you're into them too, feel free to shop my current faves here. Did I mention they. Are. All. On. Sale? (What are you waiting for? Jump to it!!!)

Dude, I'm still into OTS. No shade.

Strappy Back = Bringing Sexy Back?

Shoulder Ties are Super Sweet

Oh hay, it's just me in my Abercrombie bodysuit being #basic by taking a bathroom selfie
Madewell Jeans (on sale here!), J.Crew Dulci Pumps (old color) and earrings (old, but similar here)

Fast Post Friday: Form Fitting Tank Edition

Happy Friday y'all!

It's summer in the city which means I'm out of work at 1pm and the only thing I'm more excited about is the tank top I'm wearing. It is from Old Navy, is currently priced at $6 (though I snagged mine for $5) and happens to be reigning supreme as my favorite body-hugging-base-layer tank of the moment.

I have recently been exploring the form fitting top/bodysuit & high waist bottom outfit combo, and these tanks perfectly fit the bill - pun intended. I originally only purchased two, but went back the next day and immediately nabbed two more. (Yes, they are that great.)

Shop them here and see a few of the ways I styled them below!

Trust, you'll tank me for this advice.

Fast Post Friday - Fabulous Flats(ish)

(Most) of my shoe collection. I am thankful for a massive closet in my tiny apartment.

I am a self-admitted shoe whore. I don't consider that a negative term in my book because dammit that is how much I love shoes. I rarely take cabs so that I can buy more shoes. I food shop exclusively at Trader Joe's so I can buy more shoes. I bring my lunch to work every. day. so that I can buy more shoes (also, it's healthier so double win there). You get the idea.

Priorities, amirite?

I.

Love.

Shoes.

(And I'm not ashamed to shout it from the rooftops, your judgement does not faze me.)

So what does a girl with over 80 pairs (majority of them heels) do when she finds herself being wheeled out of her office on a stretcher after falling down the stairs and is told that she should only wear sneakers for at least the next six weeks? (Or rather, what does that girl do right after she whimpers to herself a little).

I'll tell you what I did, I bought a bunch of sneakers.

But of course that's not the point of this post (good job, Rebs), the point is more what I did after weeks of wearing sneakers: I bought a crap ton (read: 6 pairs) of flats/low heeled sandals on sale. (Is it just me or have there been a lot of good sales lately?)

Because clearly I was gonna cheat a little, and with mules/slides being the sandal of summer 2017, I felt it was my duty as a borderline-shopaholic, barely-blogger, full-time shoe whore to grab a few lot and share my picks with you! (Yes, all - what - three of you?)

From L-R, T-B:
Raye, Pour La Victoire, J.Crew, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor



Now, if you don't mind, I'm just gonna just slip on that gold pair and slide right into the weekend...

Fast Post Friday: Fabulous Feline

I don't need to remind you that I'm a beauty product junkie and I certainly don't need to tell you again about my mascara obsession (the struggle. is. real.), so it should come as no surprise that I recently stumbled upon a new mascara I had to try. (And if by stumbled, I mean I took myself to Bed Bath & Beyond to purchase ingredients for a DIY eyebrow growth serum -- a story for another day -- and purposely walked myself through the cosmetics aisle.)

Oh, hai lashes.

Bottom line: what I used to do with two mascaras, I can now do with one. This doesn't mean I won't ever buy my dynamic duo ever again, but right now I'm not sure I will need to. The proof is in the pudding...errrr, lashes.

Happy Friday, and you're welcome.

Throwback Thursday: Kylie Jenner revived 90's lipstick, and I don't hate her for it.

image via Byrdie

Last Wednesday it was cold and rainy. Despite the fact that the calendar was telling me it was spring, it felt like winter, inspiring me to apply my ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick in Kae; a dark, rich, velvety brown. Admittedly a rather aggressive color, I received compliments from four of my coworkers. (Embrace the bold, people!)

It has been just over 5 months since Kylie Jenner launched her break-the-internet lip kits, and the brown lipstick trend seems only to have gained momentum. In fact, it has become so ubiquitous, that I eventually succumbed to its siren song and purchased the 90's throwback hue.

And you know what? I kind of love it. So much so that I have added allll of the below shades to my ever-growing lipstick collection. And, lucky for you, each one is budget friendly (duh):

Revlon Chocoliscious
Revlon Mink
ColourPop Kae
ColourPop Limbo
ColourPop Beeper
NYX Beauty Mark
NYX Sandstorm

While the temperatures may be (slowly) rising, and it no longer feels like the season for brown lips, you'll still probably find me rocking the look because, whatever - it's da bomb.

Fast Post Friday - Game. Set. Match.

When it comes to fashion and beauty, there are those that love to follow the rules, those that live to break them, and those that don't believe rules exist at all. (<== me)

So, when getting ready for work yesterday morning, high on some recent Harmon makeup purchases (dude, drugstore makeup is the best) and freshly painted blue nails - I began debating the age old question "Is it okay to match your shoes to your bag?"

While the fashion world may be torn on how "right" or "wrong" this practice may be, I realized there is nothing out there (at least not after a cursory Google search) about matching your eyeliner to your nail polish.

So you know what I did?

I'm pretty sure you do.

Rebecca: 1
Rules: 0

Beauty Flash! Lots o' Lash for Little Cash

When better than Labor Day weekend to share a little bit of beauty advice? I know it has been an awful long time since my last post, but that's only because when I post I want it to be meaningful. And of course, what is more meaningful to us ladies than how to get long, voluminous lashes??? (Okay, there is plenty more meaningful things in the world but for the purpose of this post, let's just pretend for the moment, mmkay?)

Now, I am not going to lie and say that I don't already have long lashes, because, well, I do. But, they are blonde, sparse, and certainly lacking volume. And, because we're all being honest here, I will admit to being a biiiiit of a mascara whore (good for recommendations, bad for my wallet). Since I started wearing makeup in middle school, I would pretty much try a different brand and/or formula when a tube's three months were up. I had tried almost all the top reviewed mascaras, both high end and low, and for awhile refused to admit the possibility of finding the perfect formula at the drugstore. For years I swore by YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils and Armani Eyes to Kill, but after some formula changes, I set out on a quest for the best drugstore mascara to satisfy my specific needs.

After some intense online research inclusive of watching countless YouTube videos (this one became my obsession), I realized that not only can the perfect lash be achieved with drugstore mascara, it must be achieved by layering. So after much trial and error, I have finally--to your benefit--perfected the look of ultra-dramatic, super intense, mistaken for falsies, lashes. Behold:

Mascaras used: L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly, CoverGirl LashBlast Volume

Step 1: Apply one coat of Voluminous Butterfly to upper lashes using the short end of the wand. Flip to the curved edge to cover bottom lashes and finish off what is left of the product on your upper lashes. 

Step 2 (Optional): Remove any excess clumps with a spoolie brush.

Step 3: Use LashBlast as your second coat, covering your upper and lower lashes, focusing most of the mascara at the base of your upper lashes until you have used up all the product on the brush. If you need to go back with the spoolie, do as you wish and ta-da! You're done!

User beware: someone in line behind you at Starbucks will ask you what mascara you are wearing. It happened to me today, true story.

Fast Post Friday: Fab Forever Find

Getting this post in just under the wire, here's a bright beauty tidbit to kick off the holiday weekend.

While Forever 21 is known for trendy clothing at bargain prices, I have been purchasing products from their Love & Beauty cosmetic line long before I ever bought a $5 t-shirt. One of the last times I was there, I happened to snatch up their Velvet Lip Gloss in Fuchsia. It is more of a liquid lipstick, akin to the Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick for a fraction of the price (and honestly, a bit easier to apply too!). At $3.80, how can you go wrong?

Now go forth my friends, and bare a bold lip!

Back in the High Light Again

If you don't understand the origin of my title, well, you clearly aren't as cool (or as old) as I am.

To put it mildly, I am a collector of sorts. It began with Trolls in the 4th grade, morphed into Breyer horses in the 6th, and as I continued to "mature," suddenly I was collecting shoes, nail polish, and lipstick. Anyone who reads my blog can easily ascertain this.

My desire to collect comes in waves, phases, if you will, as if - perchance - influenced by the cycles of the moon. I am currently in a "highlighter phase" in which I continue to buy products that claim to give skin the look of being "lit from within." I may, in fact, be a sucker for marketing. Go figure.

As a teenager with acne (no but really, I eventually succumbed to Accutane and never regretted it), much of my experience with makeup had been in an effort to matte-ify my face, so this recent development is quite the deviation from my prior routine. But the tables, how they have turned! Now I can't get enough of glowing, shimmering skin. (No glitter particles, though, as it is not 1996. Granted, 1996 was kind of awesome and that glitter gel from Contempo Casuals was preeettty a-maze-ing. But that is another post for another time.)

Glitter!! Fabulous for the face, not so much for movies by Mariah...

In the past two months, I have purchased the products pictured below:

I may single-handedly be boosting Maybelline sales

While I use all of the above on a fairly regular basis, I have determined that two products in particular are my all-time-favorite-for-the-last-two-months-time-ever. That's a thing, just go with it.

Splurge: Benefit High Beam $26
Save: Maybelline Bronzer Stick in Subtle Bronze $7-$9 (LE but here for cheap) And if you can't find this in your local drugstore, Warm Nude is a pretty close alternative.

While these two products are of a different color family, both are amazing highlighters with just the right amount of sheen. Keep a light hand though, no one wants to be overly frosty. Unless, of course, you're an ice queen, because then, by all means, frost away.

And now, I leave you with me trying to get a good shot of how my skin looks wearing High Beam, told through some creepy bathroom selfies. The things we bloggers do!

Throwback Thursday: Oops! I Did it Again

I hate to say I told you so, but I most definitely have no problem writing it.

Yesterday, the fiercely fashion forward, fresh-from-the-runway, ultimate e-commerce dream closet, Moda Operandi instagrammed a rainbow of mirrored sunglasses by the Italian brand Spektre. That name should ring a bell because last Januray I spent a whole blog post singing their praises.

The mirrored lens trend is still going strong, and yours truly is proud to have been one the first to share the news. It also certainly doesn't hurt my ego to now learn that Moda Operandi is the first American e-tailer to stock the brand. 

So yeah, I told you so.  

Because it's Friday, it's Gonna Rain...

...and maybe I just wanted to sleep in a little more.

New Hue Review: What a Cool Blue

If you follow me on Instagram (and you should), you know that I've amassed quite the collection of cobalt nail polish. Nudge nudge,wink wink. Here's a hint, click this link.

Go ahead and judge me, I don't care.

It is well documented that blue is my favorite color and I will buy any almost any bottle in existence (see photo above as Exhibit A), so Jin Soon's "Cool Blue" from her Spring 2014 was of course no exception. When I saw the swatch on All Laquered Up, I knew I had to add it to my collection. 

Blinded by Blue

While my thoughts on nail polish usually begin and end with "will I wear this color?," I can say that the formula on this blue is fabulous. It went on like buttah, and five days after wearing it--yes I have been wearing the same polish for five days, pick your jaw off the floor--it has only just begun to chip. In other words, this is a rave reblue. Yeah, I went there.

Get enabled here.

Fast Post Friday: I Told You So Edition

Remember this post I wrote almost three years ago? You probably don't so I'm here to remind you that I was way ahead of the curve, because orange lips have been smeared all over the beauty news recently. I don't call myself the Sensible Trendsetter for nothing, people!

So if you happened to follow my lead back in 2011, you should be more than prepared for Spring 2014. If you never took the leap, I'm here to offer up some of my favorites to get the look; most of them daring, a few a slightly more demure.

From the Top:
- Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave - The perfect bright red orange
- MAC Amplified in Vegas Volt - Leans on the coral side
- Urban Decay Super-Saturdated High Gloss Lip Color in Punch Drunk - True, glossy orange
- Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Siren - Lighter and brighter
- Revlon Moon Drops Creme Lipstick in Orange Flip - A creamy, darker, true orange
- MAC Amplified in Morange - The boldest of the bunch, bright, almost neon amazing
- Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Fruitti - A sheer orange for the more timid

If none of these options speak to you, check out the links I provided above for additional inspiration.

Orange you gonna listen to me next time?

Thursday Beauty PSA - Fast Fresh Face

Because on Wednesday I couldn't get out of bed in the morning.

If you read my blog, you should already know the following things about me:
- I love beauty products
- I often choose lazy over everything

Putting on one's "face" seems like the anti-lazy person's ideal, but let me tell you that there really are some simple and easy steps to look instantly pulled together, even on a tight schedule.

You know the scenario: the idea of sleeping for just 30 more minutes sounds way more enjoyable than showing up to work with curled hair and perfected eye makeup. In situations like these, I rely heavily on the following:

- Pssst Dry Shampoo. I have touched on this product in a previous post, and whichever brand you favor, dry shampoo is a lifesaver for me. A few spritzes and I instantly feel better. After almost 30 years of hiding unwashed hair, I no longer fear oversleeping. I now clearly embrace it.

- Conair's Bun Maker. As someone with fine hair and not a ton of it, most of my attempts at buns just seem sad and small so I have NO shame when it comes to using a little filler. There are a lot of products out there (Hot Buns anyone?), but the Conair Bun Maker is easily purchased at any drugstore, Target, Ulta, etc. Not to mention that a Bun Maker bun looks much more "done" and fools coworkers into thinking you tried harder than you did. Trust me on this one.

The Hair Necessities

- Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Nude. There's a not-so-secret-beauty-trick that lining your waterline with white eyeliner gives the appearance of being more awake, but I recently learned that the same can be achieved with nude eyeliner, and in a far less dramatic way. Every time I would rim my lids with my NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, it just felt...scary and unnatural. But when I read about the Rimmel eyeliner, I realized there was a far more natural way to get that doll-eye look. I tend to pair mine with a simple winged cat-eye, but if you are more pressed for time, I recommend Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe for a no-primer-needed, gorgeous wash of color.

- Bright blush: I don't really have a "go-to" blush, but these days I reach most often for Maybelline's Master Glaze Blush Stick in Pink Fever. A few swipes in a pop of pink instantly adds life and energy to your face.

- Highlighting powder. Now, this is a new one for me. I didn't own a highlighting powder until last week but since purchasing one I've been using it every day. I do have a free sample of Benefit's Watt's Up and am definitely a fan, but when I stumbled upon Maybelline's Master Hi-Light Powdered Blush (can you see I have a thing for Maybelline these days?) in Nude (Permanent) and Natural (LE), I was wooed by their shimmer and color (and the reviews online weren't bad either!). Brush a bit of this shimmery goodness over your cheekbones and temples (hell go for the nose and cupids-bow if you are so inclined) to get that "oh-so-rested" glow.

3 Products is all it takes!

- Pink Lips. A matte, creme, or even glossy light pink lip is my first choice for a fresh face. Yesterday morning I chose Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate in 17 because it's a soft, creamy, neutral pink. I tend to prefer something light and easy to keep anyone from catching on to the fact that I haven't showered in over 24 hours...

On Wednesdays we wear pink. Check out the pocket mirror that I bought in '99!

So next time you see me in the office sporting the above products/makeup look/hair, you may want to steer clear. Just kidding guys, I don't smell.

Right?!

Insta Gratification

As strange as it may seem, it took me quite awhile for me to adapt to a world with Instagram. While most of my friends had begun scrolling and snapping fiendishly, I hadn't even opened up the app.

To be perfectly honest, I have never been great at taking pictures, even with the convenience of a smartphone. This is clearly evidenced by my meager number of postings, and a small crew of followers. Nevertheless, I am trying to become a better blogger by being more engaged with this whole social media thing, so check out some recent pics and follow me @Gift4Style!