Friday Fab Five

Happy Friday All!

Here's to a super fast Friday and great weekend ahead! Here are five fabulous products I am currently obsessing over...

1. It's a 10 Plus Keratin: a beauty staple in my book. It is just like my tried and true Its a 10 leave-in treatment but even better since it contains Keratin. The benefits of Keratin are endless and I believe every gal should incorporate it in some way to their hair rituals. My locks get tons of love and attention with this product without being weighed down or greasy!

2. Caress Body Wash in Sheer Twilight: My goodness this body wash smells AAAMAZING! It is the perfect blend of sexy, sultry and fresh. It leaves my skin super soft and smelling like a dream!

3. Maybelline Illuminating Pen: while we all would love to own YSL's Touche Eclat, not all of us are Rachel Zoe and can afford to shell out the dough. I do own the YSL version and yes I do love it (will do a comparison soon), however this cheaper version does the trick at a fraction of the cost! The highlighting pen not only hides undereye circles, it also brightens up your peepers and covers blemishes with ease.

4. Mary Kay Night Emollient Cream: as stated before, I loathe dry hands and am a lotion junkie. However, sometimes my hands (and feet) need a little extra lovin. That's when I pull this stuff out from my nightstand drawer and apply a nice coating. A little greasy at first, my skin soakes it up and voila! Instantly smooth hands by the time my alarm goes off.





5. Metal Hair Clips: technically not a product and to be honest I am not entirely sure who makes these little gems but I highly suggest them! They make sectioning off hair for drying, curling or straightening a breeze and keep hair out of your face without leaving behind creases during makeup application. Personally I like to use them after I have curled my hair to give it extra body. I simply pull my freshly curled locks up into buns on my head and pin them down. By the time I take them out I have super model hair (well sort of anyway).

Any products you are currently loving?

xxA

Maxin and Relaxin

The weather can get rather tricky this time of the year. Last Friday it was 80 degrees and  blazing hott, yesterday it dipped down to 50. Make up your mind Mother Nature!

This unpredictable weather makes dressing appropriately a sort of task each morning. But nothing is more perfect for undecidable weather than Maxi Skirts! I myself own just one, but am thinking about expanding my closet. Maxi Skirts can be dressed up for work and evenings out AND dressed down for Sunday errands. Seriously though, I cannot express how amazingly put together they can make even the simplest pieces look.

However, one has to be careful when putting together outfits with Maxi Skirts. One wrong piece and you could make the mistake of looking like a slob or your crazy aunt circa 1960.

Some things to keep in mind:

1. Balance: maxi's are loose and flowy, opt for a tighter top. Think a fitted tank, shirt or even a body suit.

2. Take it easy on colors and prints: pair bold colors with more demure ones and in my opinion, ditch the prints all together since they can look super resort-ish

3. Pairing the right shoes is essential: you want to have an easy breazy look with maxi's. Try sandals, flats or wedges. Leave the stilettos in your closet.

4. For a more polished look, throw on a fitted button down

5. Keep the jewelry simple by focusing on one statement piece. Whether it be a necklace, cuff or earrings, take it easy on the bling.


Here are some great Maxi Skirt looks....

What are your thoughts on Maxi Skirts?

xxA

Pinteresting...Nooks

Last Thursday I bought The Hunger Games. I have never been one to get caught in all the hoopla over  books and movies but have heard rave reviews about the Suzanne Collins novel so I decided to pick up a copy. Purchased at 8:00 on Thursday evening I was well into it by Friday...with less than 100 pages left I finished it on Sunday. The book was a pure page turner. I was hooked. I can see how folks have become so obsessed with a teen-targeted novel. I highly recommend. Spending the past few days reading during every free moment (which wasn't much) that I could possibly muster really got me thinking about nooks and how I desperately need one. Here are some prime examples of simple, yet perfect nooks...

Don't they look just divine? I can totally see myself curled up with my next book and a cup of tea.

Have you read The Hunger Games? What were your thoughts?

xxA

Cocktail Anyone?

Here are a few cocktail recipes that are both pretty to look at and kind to the taste buds...Enjoy!

The Barbie Shot:

1 oz. Coconut Run

1 oz. Vodka

1 oz. Cranberry Juice

1 oz. Orange Juice

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Passion Fruitini:

1 shot Citrus Vodka

1 shot White Cranberry Juice

1 shot Passion Fruit Juice

1/2 shot Orange Liquor

1 tbs Cherry Juice

Garnish with an orange peel twist

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Peach Collins:

1/4 cup Simple Syrup

1/4 cup Lemon Juice

1/2 cup Chopped Peaches

1/2 cup (divided) Peach Vodka

1/2 cup Club Soda

Garnish with peach slices

_______________________

Buck Fizz Recipe:

4 oz Champagne

2 oz Orange Juice

1 tsp Grenadine

serve in frosted Champagne glass

Cheers!

xxA

Work It

I've been in the professional world for a little over a year and a half now. I may not be a fully seasoned corporate big wig yet but I have learned a thing or two about proper office attire. Here are some do's and dont's on office chic...

1. Tuck away the girls! No one wants to see your cleavage in the work place so do think about your neckline. That doesn't mean you need to wear a turtle neck, but keep in mind that no one is going to take you seriously when you dress like Pam Anderson.

2. Keep the makeup to a minimum. Ladies, please leave the smokey eye and false lashes at home. Workplace makeup should look natural and pretty, not trashy and clownlike.

3. Shoes. 6 inch stilettos have a place and it sure as heck isn't in the office. Same goes for UGGS, over the knee boots and flip flops. Flats and pumps are always classic picks and can be found in a wide array of colors and styles that will fit your office look.

4. Do keep it young and fresh. Just because you work in an office doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your youth and rock black pantsuits every day. Throw in pop's of color, fun jewelry or unique patterns to keep your look fresh and fun.

5. Do maintain your mane. Keeping your locks in order is key throughout the day. You don't want to suffer with hair shellacked with hairpsray nor do you want to fight with hair falling in your eyes. You want to look polished but in a "I didn't spend 2 hours on my hair" kind of way. Go for more natural looks like soft curls, naturally blow dried hair, buns, or even a flirty (but polished) ponytail.

6. Dress comfortably. You spend 8, 9, maybe even 10 hours in the office every day for five days a week. That is a long time to be uncomfortable. That being said, too tight clothing could really be a bother, as with sky high heels. Also, temperature fluctuates so it's wise to keep a cardigan or pashmina handy.

7. Buy staples. A crisp white shirt, tailored black pants, and a cashmere cardigan are all great investments that will last forever and NEVER go out of style. An added perk: throw a pair of jeans or silk top in your bag and you have an after work outfit that just oozes Mad Men sexiness.

My picks for best wear to work style:

Going with a more natural look with
glowing skin and bold lashes
and brows with a suttle lip.



Flowing lush locks are always a classic go to.

A take-charge pony tail like Portia's

Cute and easy updo's to keep hair out
of you face while looking put together.
 

  What are your Do's and Dont's of office chic?

xxA

Pintresting...Gallery Walls

Good Morning Lovelies and Happy First Day of Spring!

I recently moved into an apartment in downtown Annapolis on a street once visited by Thomas Jefferson. It is one of the oldest streets in Annapolis and the same goes for the buildings. My little piece of the world was built in the 1800's (true story, I looked it up) so it has A LOT of  character! That being said, it makes decorating a bit of a task. The living room is a bare space with little furniture and bare walls and could use some sprucing up. But going for a streamlined modern look (which I usually prefer) is absolutely out of the question as is a more rustic approach. I have stared at the room for over a month now and have finally figured out just what to do...a gallery wall! I think just one wall painted with a pop of color and peppered with eclectic artwork and frames will really liven up the space. Here are some great examples of gallery wall perfection!

Now...what color paint?

xxA

Sweet Feet

This past weeked the weather was perfect for a St. Patricks Day pub crawl (will post a recap soon) and the near 80 degree weather really put me in a great mood! There is just something about longer days, warm sun, dresses and sandals that put a smile on this gals face. It also sent me into a hizzy over sandals. I usually stick to my trusty Jack's and Rainbows but here are some styles that I am currently coveting...

Ralp Lauren via Piperlime

Ivanka Trump via Piperlime

Cassia Sandal via Tory Burch

Hamilton Whipped Thong via Michael Kors

Georgica via Jack Rogers

Arturo Chian Capri via Piperlime

Miller 2 Sandal via Tory Burch

I may or may not have just purchased one (or two) of these last night...

Are there any sandal styles you are currently lusting over?

xxA

Friday Fab Five: Green Edition

Happy Friday Lovelies!

Since it's still my "green week" here is a special edition of five fabulous products I am currently loving...

1. Loreal EverStrong Overnight Repair Treatment: this little fellow was a random drug store buy. I have been interested in overnight leave in treatments for quite some time but as I have mentioned before my strands tend to get a little, okay a lot, on the greasy side if I use too much product. But at $5.99 (thank you Rite Aid Wellness Card) I threw it in my basket. Well...this may be the best decision I have made all year! The non-greasy formula smells like a dream and is a light consistency cream. Just a few pumps is all you need then smooth through your dry hair. Give it a few seconds to dry then comb through. Surprisingly, there is no left over residue and it leaves your hair soft, I even went the next day without washing my hair and still, NOT GREASY (this is epic). When I did finally wash my hair, it washed out nicely and when dried...soft supple and shiny hair. I kid you not this stuff is groundbreaking!

2. Maybelline Define a Brow Eyebrow Pencil: I am a HUGE advocate for lush and full eyebrows. I firmly believe that eyebrows can make or break a persons look. I am not overly zealous with the tweezers and I haven't had my babies waxed since I was 19. I tend to like mine nicely defined yet not looking painted on (you know what I'm talking about). Granted, my eye brows aren't perfect, sigh, so I need a little extra help. Enter: the brow liner. I have tried numerous liners, even from the top brands *cough cough* Anastasia, but I never fell in LOVE with one until now. Maybelline's version is more like an eyeliner pen than pencil which makes application a breeze. The other ends is a fine toothed brush that magically takes away any excess and blends it all together flawlessly. And, it comes in 5 shades sure to match any brow.

3. Clean and Clear Morning Burst Shine Control Cleanser: You've heard my shpeel on the Clarisonic and my oily skin...well, combine a shine controlling cleanser, with bursting brightening beads AND a lively scent with the Clarisonic and we have pure magic people! In the morning's we can all use a little pick me up and our faces are no different. This cleanser literally wakes up your skin and leaves your face feeling fresh. Added bonus: it really does control oil! Jackpot!

4. EOS Refresh Everyday Hand Lotion in Cucumber: I love hand lotion more than anyone I know and I have given numerous products a whirl. And while, I usually stick to my AHAVA there are some times that call for a more portable and let's be honest, less expensive lotion. Eos' Cucumber Lotion is great for on the go: beach, pool, boat, night out, and is just as good, if not better than most top of the line hand lotions. The packaging is super cute and it leaves your hands nice and soft without that thick after feeling.

5. Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Intense: if you are looking for a crisp light scent that won't break the bank, this one is a great choice. I wore the original version in high school, when my parents weren't gung-ho about powerful scents on their little girl. Now that I have gotten a little older and my signature scents have obviously changed I can't help but come back to Green Tea. And now, the Intense version, is well..a little more intense, more adult-like. With notes of herbal carraway, peppermint and citrus it is the ultimate too cool for school scent.

I am also going to start reviewing the not-so-fabulous flops that I have tried. So stay tuned...

What products are you currently loving?

xxA

What to wear...

This year St. Particks Day falls on a Saturday which means just one thing...a whole day of inhabited green fun. From casually enjoying a few green beers, to music festivals, to pub crawls the right green threads make all the difference. And, let's face it...no one wants to be pinched! While I do enjoy going  all out for holidays, I do tend to keep my outfits on the festive YET classy side. You wont see this gal rocking a green tutu or wig. Same goes for sporting events...ladies don't wear logos (thank you South Carolina for that lesson). So here are some great outfits to frolick around in like a leprechaun.

What are your thoughts on dressing for the occasion?

xxA