July Favorites

It's that time of the (month, year?) again! Monthly favorites. I know my July cover photo above looks strikingly similar to my June Favorites, but you guys seemed to really respond to how I did last month's photography so I decided to do this month in the same fashion (I only have the privilege of using my white window seat area when I'm home so next month and following when I'm at school, it will probably change but I will try my hardest to mimic it). Despite the similarity, I promise though, all of these products are different! (Don't let the neutral-pink-black color combo fool you!) July flewwww by, and these are some of my beauty and fashion favorites I've been loving and using a ton this month.

PS: I'm doing this thing now where if you click on the italicized name of each product, it'll link you directly to where you can purchase it, so you don't have go searching for it online :)

Lezzzzgo.... 

Makeup 

01. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer- Ah, an old time favorite of many of you beauty gurus out there I'm sure. I've been into makeup (like really into it) since about my junior-senior year of high school, and since that time, I had constantly read and heard about this product via Youtube. I saw it as slightly  gimmicky, and wasn't actually interested in ever trying it mainly because I was attached to my Benefit primers, and didn't see a reason to branch out. Additionally, this was before I started seeing a dermatologist, so I was terrified of it breaking me out. I recently got a sample of this from Sephora, and I figured- well, why not? (Like, my face isn't gonna fall off or anything..) So I did! and I'm actually really liking it. I was afraid it was going to be greasy and heavy, but it's actually the exact opposite: extremely light-weight and smooth. Consistency wise, it's a little denser than Benefit's Porefessional, for example, but it leaves the same super-smooth-to-the-touch after-effect. If you use too much of it, it will feel a little greasy I think, but the concept is to use a small amount just to prep your skin. Since using this, I have noticed a difference in the amount of shine on my face during the day- it certainly has decreased. However, I wouldn't necessarily say though that this has kept my makeup from fading throughout the day. Alas, I'll keep trying it and see if it's something I'm willing to purchase in full-size. I would recommend using a moisturizer or sunscreen before putting this on as well.

02. Urban Decay NAKED Basics- Round 2 (or 3?) for it being in my monthly favorites! I recently went to the Adirondacks for a few days and only brought this palette (clearly, it is caked with shadow  outside of the pans.. whoops!) and it was so easy and brilliant. There are just a lot of different looks you can do with this, and I think the matte shades make it even more appropriate for summer. To sparkle my eyes up a bit, I used Mac's Chilled on Ice paint pot on my lid, with a little of Naked 2 and Faint in my crease and boom! Done! (with an eye look that looks way more complicated than it is). It's compact, easy to throw in a purse or suitcase, and I really would recommend it to everyone, seriously! I've gotten so much more use out of it than I ever thought I would.

03. L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga- The new crowd favorite mascara, it seems! Ok, so I was totally on the fence about purchasing this mainly because it comes across like, extremely, extremely gimmicky. I'm not really sure what particular audience they were really going for for this one (teenage girls?) but between the cheesy commercials, kind of outrageous packaging (like, it's not that bad but all black might have been sleeker and not so Forever 21), and the whole "Miss Manga" deal, at first I was completely like: hell no. I then read up on it and watched a few demos/ reviews on Youtube, and since I believe that L'Oreal makes the best mascaras ever (in all seriousness though), I was convinced enough to try it. (I know you're bracing yourself for the cliché 'I LOVED IT!' right about now). But, yeah, I dig it. I honestly am not sure if the whole bendy-brush thing is totally necessary (I would call that the gimmick), because it seems like the wand and formula does more of the work, but I was actually surprisingly impressed. I think that the Voluminous line is all about the formula and not so much the applicator, and that's what actually makes them good. This definitely gives you nice thick lashes as opposed to length, so that's something to keep in mind if you're thinking of purchasing it. So far I've actually never had any clumping problems with this (again, because of the magical formula), but I'll most certainly be on the look-out when it starts drying out in a few months. All in all, definitely a pretty great mascara, I have to say.

04. Mac's Lord It Up Pearlglide Eye Liner- One of my all-time favorite liners!! I've been so obsessed with this for my lash-line this month. It's a beautiful pearly-hazelnut brown with some shimmer and sparkle. I first discovered this when they put it in the Mac Archie's Girls collection, and I went through the entire pencil within the first few months of having it so I purchased the actual permanent line one. Since it is a pearl glide, I would recommend not using this on your waterline or tight line if you have sensitive eyes because of the sparkles! Otherwise it's a great liner color either for your upper or lower lash line.

05. Park Avenue Princess by Tarte- This baby Park Avenue Princess Bronzer was in a Sephora points box I received this month with all Tarte products. I'm still making my way into really learning and using Tarte, but so far I love what I've experienced. All of the products are extremely long lasting, durable, and pretty (packaging wise and pigment wise); and this bronzer is no different! I've been using this everyday since I got it at the beginning of July with my theBalm Powder to the People powder brush, and I adore it! It's slightly shimmery and gives a really nice glow to my face and works with my tan. If you are a NARS Laguna fan, you're definitely going to like the wear of this product and I would recommend giving it a shot.

06. Mac's Immortal Flower Satin Blush- What a beautiful and refreshing color for summer! Unfortunately, this shade is discontinued (womp... I'm like 99% sure), but there is a review of it on Temptalia if anyone would like to check that out. I recently purchased this on a whim, however, at a CCO in upstate New York, which sells discontinued Mac Makeup. I was drawn to its airy-peachy-pink tone, and liked it immediately once I swatched it cause the pigment is extremely powerful. I knew I had to get it, and I've been infatuated with this blush all month, using it every single day. It has a nice satin finish and is extremely soft and light. It's a beautiful shade and a really nice take on a coral/pinky-orangey blush for summer. 

07. Mac's Whirl Lip Liner- Ahhhhhhhhh. That's really all I have to say. Ha- just kidding, I really love this pencil. I've heard various things about it but it never actually caught my attention until Kylie Jenner released that she uses Whirl liner to fill in and line her lips for a gorgeous mauvey-brown look. I think Whirl is especially brilliant because it really suits any skin tone. I also think that if you apply this with a heavy hand and precise lines, you really can get that uber-plumped look that Kylie constantly sports. Whirl looks brilliant on its own, but to make it a little more pink/purple-y I like to use Dusty Rose by NYX Black Label over it, as seen in my Taming Lookbook. To make it a little more brown and give it some sparkle, Viva Glam V by Mac looks amazing on top of it as well. 

I've just swatched the two pencils above for yallll. As you can tell, they're both extremely pigmented and GORG.

Miscellaneous

08. Bed Head After Party- I'm not really sure what I love more about this product: its absolutely absurd packaging, or the fact that the first line on the back where the information is, reads: "YOU MUST HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR TO USE OUR PRODUCTS" (yep, that's in caps) or the fact that its named, "After Party." (lol whaaaat). Anyway, in all seriousness, After Party is a smoothing cream that can be applied on your hair wet or dry and is perfect for styling or blow drying your hair. I've actually loved and used this product for over two years now, and can't believe that this is the first time I'm mentioning it in a monthly favorites! It smells absolutely scrumptious, and really moisturizes my hair when I'm feeling it's super dried out without making it greasy. I would recommend this for straight or slightly wavy hair, and it's definitely one of my go-tos.

09. Lush's King of Skin- I know what you're thinking, "Alanna, did you actually (sloppily) photoshop a crown onto a body butter bar?" Yeah, yeah I did (Bed Head's humor is rubbing off on me, clearly). Ah, all jokes aside, I love this body butter bar by Lush! If you're not too familiar with Lush lingo, a body butter bar is exactly what it sounds like, basically a bar of moisturizer. King of Skin is the same exact blend of Lush's Buffy, sans the exfoliator, so it's great to use to just moisturize areas like your legs after you shave. I will be blunt, the scent is extremely acquired, so you're either going to love it immediately or hate it immediately. I have to say, though, I think this scent can grow on people so chances are, you'll end up liking it no matter what. This bar will give you like, the smoothest skin possible (like smoother than smooth). It's literally incredible and you should definitely check it out if you're looking for a new way to moisturize. 

Fashion 

10. Lokai Bracelet- One of my staple items I've been wearing all month! I recently just got a Lokai Bracelet and it's just the cutest summer accessory. Lokai bracelets are made up of clear rubber beads with a black and white bead on each side. The black bead contains actual mud from the Dead Sea (the lowest point on Earth), and the white bead contains actual water from Mt. Everest (the highest point on Earth). The concept of the bracelet is to remind those who wear it that there will be ups and downs in life, but it's a full circle (to put it in Lokai's actual words- "to stay hopeful at lows and stay humble at highs"). I think the whole idea and message behind this bracelet is incredible and I love that it's portrayed through a fashion accessory. To purchase one, or read more about the project, check out Lokai's site here!

11. Joy Divisions Flats- If you couldn't already tell, I've been LOVING these flats that I purchased at DSW. They are sold on Nasty Gal but I was able to find them locally without ordering them online, so I assume they're pretty available. They're just super easy to slip on and great for various kinds of activities, weather, and outfits. They're also a prelude to the pointy-flat trend that's starting for fall, so I'm really loving that factor as well. So cute, easy, and chic. They also come in white at the front and black at the back too!

Lookbook 

A collection of clips/ review of my outfits for this month:

"Teach not thy lip such scorn

For it was made for kissing, lady,

Not for such contempt"

[Richard III 1.2]

Yay for August!

Cheers, x

PS: If you've been following my social media accounts, you may have noticed lots of Lala related posts. We are officially launched, and I'm proud to serve as the Lala's Wear Editor and a regular contributor! I will be posting for them every two weeks!

Check out theLala here

Check out our pledge to you here

Want more? Watch our trailer.

I'm so excited and thankful to be a part of this incredible start-up and I hope to see you guys spreading some #lalalove! xxxxx 

Valley of the Queens ♛

How rad is this little alley located in the town of Lake George, NY?! It's a colorful gem hidden amongst the strip of tourist ice cream shops and countless DILLIGAF stores (bonus points if you figure out/know what dilligaf means..). I know what you're thinking, why do her pants look so familiar?! Because, that is, they are! I purchased these incredible floral pants from the Brandy Melville section of Pacsun up in the Adirondacks. And, yes, I do have a BM kimono made of the same fabric, which I adore. These pants are gathered at the waist and ankles with elastic, and I knew I had to grab them. The only complaint I do have is the elastic on the waist is so thick and kind of tight (the fault of the BM golden rule of 'one size fits all' - believe me, I love their clothing, but do not see the point or benefit of that particular policy because one size does NOT fit all, but that's a whole other can of worms to open...). So, what to do to improvise? I slightly cut the elastic of the waist and expanded it with a little more elastic and a few stitches. Easy as that! I paired it with this black tank that I purchased from Necessary Clothing (easily a BM dupe) and my favorite black sandals that I purchased in Rome (I like to refer to them as my Wednesday Addams shoes). I went with no necklace accessories or earrings, just my black sunglasses from Forever 21, and my typical stack of arm candy. 

I've always gotten a lot of curiosity when it comes to the bracelets on my wrist. To expand on that, it's kind of like my "signature" thing that I do. I wear a stack on my right hand (I'm a lefty, so it doesn't effect writing or eating..), and have worn it this way since freshman year of high school. Obviously, not all of my bracelets have lasted since then, so I switch them out frequently once they break (usually the leather ones) or go out of style. My stack currently consists of ten bracelets I've been sporting this summer (from wrist to mid-wrist): my Lokai, my Buddha bracelet, my Rosary bracelet from the Vatican, a vintage 66 Alex&Ani (with spikes!) which I received as a gift, Kenneth Cole's AWEAR bracelet, another gold spiky Forever 21 bracelet, a fabric hair-tie Miss Lindz made me, a leather bracelet from Brandy Melville, a rope bracelet, and finally, my thick leather vintage bracelet which was given to me as a gift as well. I often switch them out by season but some are always in the stack I wear. (Fun fact, I take them all off when I'm sleeping except for the fabric hair tie, KC AWEAR, BM leather bracelet, and rope bracelet!)

And there you have it, a fun and super simple ensemble that I decided to call 'Valley of the Queens...' after looking at that gorgeous backdrop.

"My love's more richer than my tongue"

[Lear 1.1]

Cheers, x

PS: the Lala launches TOMORROW! Please check out our trailer here : 

Horus

Psychic reading anyone? ... just kidding, so not into that stuff (I'll leave it up to movies & books to experience it). One of the things I adore about LG has to be its downright character. It's like one of those towns that remind you of a Stephen King novel or a Supernatural episode. Yesterday, I sported this casual ensemble for poking around town. First off, I'm wearing another one of those incredible Aerie bralettes, but this time, in the off white color (if you know me well, you know I love cream or off-white lace, it's soooo gorgeous). I put this loose Brandy Melville top over it, with a lace decal (to pick up the lace of the bralette) shaped in the eye of horus (again, if you know me well, you know I'm  super into ancient Egyptian art [like, take me to the Egyptian wing of the MET all day any day..]!). Thanks to my geeky interest, the eye of horus represents protection and power, and I love the way the lace outline of it dominates this loose tank. I've paired this top with my BDG light wash high waisted shorts, and my favorite Urban Outfitters sandals (in which I trekked through all of Italy in..). On my neck, I'm wearing my black choker and two silver necklaces. The first is a vintage coin necklace that I ordered off of Etsy (Made from Coins by Jessie Driscoll), and the second is a dog tag that I've had for years! Last but not least, my glasses are from Forever 21. (I tragically lost my black ray bans so I won't be getting a new pair of those for a little bit... eeeekk)!

"Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides

Who cover faults, at last shame them derides."

[King Lear 1.1]

Cheers, x

Floral Damask

Greetings from Lake George you guys! This is my thirteenth summer I've visited here (yeah.. you read that correctly, 1 3..) and I have to say, I love it even more every time I return. Tonight for dinner, I put together this easy, breezy ensemble wearing one of my new favorite tanks from Brandy Melville. It's this gorgeous dark floral print, and is so easy to dress up or dress down. Underneath, I'm sporting this amazing lace bralette from Aerie. (I got hooked on these thanks to Miss Lindsey!) They're incredibly comfortable and adorable to hide your bra under loose flowy shirts. Find the black one I've paired with this outfit here. My circle skirt is from Forever 21, and my shoes are c/o Joy Division (obsessed with these if ya can't tell..)! This awesome gold chain necklace with black fringe (reminiscent of one I borrowed from Miss Lindz in our Midsummer Lookbook) I purchased from Forever 21, and my fun neon clutch was purchased in Rome!

"Time and the hour run through the roughest day."

[Macbeth 1.3]

Cheers, x

Bad Kate

For my last few Shakespeare Lookbook collabs with Miss Lindsey, I haven't been writing down where all of my outfits are from, but this time around I've decided to share with you guys where you can find (or try to find!) these pieces. For the first look, my black and white Beetlejuice striped crop top is from Necessary Clothing in NYC. It's one of my go-to, easy to wear and find crops that I'll either go out in or pair with shorts for a summer day. It has a severely awesome racerback as well, which gives it an interesting shape. My shorts are c/o BDG, and my sweater that I've tied around my waist is from Brandy Melville. My shoes are by Joy Division. My necklaces are from Italy (the silver sun) and my cross (with Jesus!) is one my family actually just received in the mail from an organization (super random, but it works!). 

For my second look, I was a little creative. First off, you may recognize that skirt from my May Lookbook, only, I flipped it inside out. The beauty about certain jersey maxi skirts (this one is from UO) is that majority of the time, you can probably reverse them as long as you cut off any tags (the seams will be pretty invisible if it's a dark color like the one above). I paired this with a simple black bandeau, and threw over a Free People sequin smock. Finally, I paired this with my black choker, cross necklace, and large felt hat from Forever 21 (I was feeling really American Horror Story: Coven for this look if you couldn't already tell...)!

Finally, my third look is this amazing dress I found at UO a few months ago on sale for like $20. No, seriously, it was a total steal and naturally, it was hidden amongst the cornucopia of chaos that UO's sale section usually resembles. I literally am obsessed with those mesh cap sleeves (be still, my heart)... the actual dress is by Dress the Population, which is totally sold at Nordstrom's and I most certainly recommend checking them out! My shoes are Jeffrey Campbell Inabas (in lust with these) which I got a while ago on Karmaloop, and my necklace is borrowed from Miss Lindsey. My rose gold cartilage hoop is c/o Maria Tash as well (I wear this like 24/7 so if you were ever wondering where it was from, there ya go!) Oh, and last but not least, I'm head over heels for this new lip combo I've been sporting (featured in all of these photos)- Mac's Whirl Lip Pencil (line and fill in your lips) with a bit of NYX Black Label Lipstick in Dusty Rose on top! It makes for a gorgeous plumped but still natural lip!

And so you have it: bad Kate. (I mean, she is the shrew in 'taming of the shrew' after all..)

"If I be waspish, best beware my sting!"

[Taming of the Shrew 2.1]

Cheers, x

PS: Stay tuned for our lookbook:

Good Kate/ Bad Kate~ Taming of the Shrew coming soon on Miss Lindsey's channel!