Guest Posting: In the Fashion Lane

Today I'm guest posing over on my girl Mandy's blog In the Fashion Lane.

I stumbled across her blog over a year ago via another mutual friend and have been following her ever since.

Mandy is a true fashionista but shows it in a real girl way.

She mixes high and low pieces and always manages to make it look so effortless!

I'm still working on that.

Check out  my top five Fall must haves for this season.

These are all pieces I've either recently purchased or plan on buying in the next month to incorporate into my current wardrobe.

What's on you must have list for Fall?

Switching Things Up : Fall Hair

One of the best things about pregnancy was the fact that my hair finally grew out.

And right now it's brushing the tops of my shoulders which for me, is pretty long.

I've had short to medium length hair all my life (with a few episodes of extensions in between) but I've had the same hair since we found out I was pregnant last summer.
The same hair.

As someone who switches hair colors/ styles like she buys shoes that is a long time.

No color or highlights just trims for the last year.

A year people!

With the weather (hopefully) cooling off and my need for change imminent I've decided to switch things up.

I need some hair!

Thankfully my BFF is also my hair dresser.
So she is always up for the random late night text about hair, color, cuts & styles.

I'm thinking of getting a full weave (meaning lots of long extensions)
Upside:  I don't have to worry about my hair so much for a few weeks.

Downside:  Baby Ninja likes to pull hair.

But I'm dying for a change. Like absolutely desperate.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Last time I had it long it looked like this:

A little dark with some reddish highlights.

Just long enough to put up but still fun to play with.

Not sure I still want it to be too dark lest I get frustrated with it come December but I have got to do something.
So I'll be scouring the internet all day for further inspiration and then heading to the salon tomorrow.
Stay tuned.....

Do you switch up your hair for fall?

Trendsday Wednesday : Subtle Smokey Blue

The number one makeup look I get asked about the most is the smokey eye.

Over the years I've found that everyone has their own perception of a smokey eye and what

The beauty of this makeup look is that it can be done in so many different ways with so many different colors!

Today I'm showing you how to play up brown eyes with one of the fall season's hottest colors: Cobalt Blue

I found this image on Pinterest (originally from a French makeup lover) and it spoke to me

The image on the left is the inspiration and the image on the right is someone else's interpretation

I love how the blue has hints of purple in it as well as a distinct cobalt liner and that the rest of the face was kept clean and neutral.

That keeps the look easy enough to wear on a night out or an afternoon play date in the park. 

To vamp it up for evening I would suggest adding a brighter blush and some false eyelashes as seen in the image above.

My interpretation of the 'pinspiration'

1) Begin by lining the upper eyelid with a deep blue pencil or cream eye shadow

To give it the creamy feel I simply wet the brush I used: M.A.C shadow in Contrast and also added Tilt by M.A.C

2) smudge the liner around with a fluffy brush or q-tip

3) Using the same liner/shadow line the lower lash line underneath eyelashes and smudge with q-tip 

4) Apply a shimmering purple/blue color all over the lid and blend into the crease ( M.A.C. Plum & Purple Haze mixed with Red Ginger shimmer purple &shimmery blue)

5) Line water line with dark brown (M.A.C. coffee eyeliner) or black eyeliner (M.A.C Smolder Eye Kohl)

6) Apply eyelashes for added effect (Ardell Natural lash)
Keep the rest of the face clean and fresh by using a hint of blush in the same tone as your skin color ( I used M.A.C in gingerly) and a nude lip gloss or lipstick

All the makeup used:

   

*side note: I first primed my lids with Urban Decay's Primer Potion
**please keep in mind that skin tone changes the overall intensity of this look.

Tell me - is this a trend you would ever try?