It's All About the Bold Lip

Ruby Woo | VIB Rouge | Rebel | Volga | Riviera | Vivid Rose

I'm not always the biggest fan of wearing bright colors. Black is my mantra during the fall and winter seasons (in the spring and summer, too). Because of this, I have become obsessed with switching up my pout. It is crazy how a change of lip color can change the entire vibe of an outfit. Of the dozens of lip colors I've tried, these beauties best compliment my coloring and add dimension to absolutely any outfit. Below are my descriptions of the lip colors I have chosen:

MAC Ruby Woo:

This was my first "big girl", bold lipstick that I ever bought and it is still one of my all-time favorites. This lipstick has a matte finish and is a beautiful red with a blueish undertone. This lipstick is long wearing, but it is absolutely ESSENTIAL to smother your lips with a lip balm before using this bad boy. This is the most drying lipstick I own, but the color is so fantastic that I can look past that. 

BITE VIB Rouge:

I am so obsessed with this color. Unfortunately, you need to be a VIB Rouge at Sephora to get your hands on it, so its not available to everyone. It makes me feel pretty special when I'm wearing it though, knowing that I am a part of that exclusive crew. It is a bright red and has a creme finish. It glides onto the lips beautifully. I don't know what it is about this shade, but I can't stop wearing it.

MAC Rebel:

This is the perfectly subtle vampy lip. It is a dark wine color that stays on your lips FOREVER. This lipstick has a satin finish, and is much brighter on than what your see in the tube.

NARS Volga:

This lip-color is ultra-matte, ultra dark, and oh-so-vampy. Mango butter is included in the formulation of this lipstick to provide hydration. It is still towards the drier side, but much more moist than most mattes that I have tried. I would recommend applying a balm before applying this lipstick. The slim design of the tube feels so elegant in the hand.

DIOR Riviera:

Orange. A color I've always been intrigued to try, but not quite to it's full potential. This lip color is the perfect compromise. Between completely sheer and complete coverage, I would put Riviera at a fifty percent. The color is uber moisturizing and provides the perfect shine.

MAYBELLINE Vivid Rose:

This lipstick has a honey nectar formula that moisturizes the lips. I would describe the shade as a vibrant fuchsia, infused with a very dark pink. It feels creamy and hydrating, and even after worn for a while, a pink tint is stained to the lips.

xo,

Amanda

Euphoria.

I. FEEL. SO. INSPIRED.

....because honestly, what better did I have to do with my winter break than to go into a complete fashion coma (I swear, this happens every year).

One solid MONTH of t.v. shows, documentaries, literature, magazines, scouring the blogosphere, all in the search of everything fascinating, intriguing, and aesthetically pleasing in regards to the fashion industry.

Not to mention my transition back to school included NYFW stalking all day every day.

The vampy seductive lace used by Marchesa, the quirky Kate Spade creations, Pantone's color of the year, the inevitable emergence of SJP's shoe collection, not to mention I am DYING over just about every designer peep toe bootie that has hit the runway for the past 2 years....how could I not feel so exuberantly thrilled?

Not going to lie, fall fashion is definitely my favorite because I am (in my head) a completely vampy, sinister, diva. Everyone who personally knows me is laughing out loud because this is the opposite of the truth. I'm just not huge into wearing a ton of bright hues, but there is something to fantasize about in regards to the prints that emerge in the spring time. Especially silk prints that mirror themselves, seriously I'm drooling. Don't even get me started on matching separates...

Going along with my "I'M SO INSPIRED I'M GOING TO DIE" spree, I have invested in a Wacom Intuos pen tablet. Not the top of the line model by any means, but hey...this thing is really cool. I can already feel the ease that it is going to bring me in Adobe Creative Suite, not to mention the endless opportunities for sketching outfit ideas. I am in heaven. I sketched a little something that would be my ideal lazy day outfit (yoga skinnies and a baggy T), but let's be honest here...I would wear a variation that outfit everyday if I could.

xox,
Amanda

Agendas

As school is sneaking up on us (only one month away for me!) It't time to start thinking about stocking up on school supplies. I am still a huge fan of having a hard copy agenda, instead of just using my phone or computer. Each year I try to seek out the cutest option, since my agenda is something that I use every day and is constantly in my hand. Last year I ordered an Erin Condren Life Planner, and absolutely loved how you could customize it, but this year I am looking into different options for something a little different. Below are my top contenders (I am leaning towards the Kate Spade one!).

Kate Spade: $36

Lilly Pulitzer (Luxe): $40

Erin Condren: $50

xox Amanda

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Must-Haves

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is still in full swing, and below I have posted some pieces that I am still wanting to pick up!

xox, Amanda

Fall Foot Fashion

It may only be mid-July, but fall shoe styles are already starting to hit stores and I could not be more excited! Fall fashion has always been my favorite because of the dark colors and relaxed feel of baggy sweaters paired with the perfect pair of skinnies. Below I have compiled a selection of my must-have shoes to transition into the upcoming fall!

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1. The Vince 'Celeste' Pump in the color Pomegranate is absolute perfection in my eyes. I have been oogling over this shoe for weeks at work. The combination of a pointed toe, stiletto heel, and suede upper make the perfect combination for an edgy pump. This heel could be perfectly paired with a pair of dark wash skinnies or your favorite LBD.

2. This Kate Spade 'Fresia' Sandal in the color Black/Porcelain is the perfect neutral heel. It works with just about any outfit, and with the hint of gold accents has the perfect balance of fun and functional.

3. Every girl needs a pair of black ballet flats, and this pair of Miu Miu 'Jeweled Heel Ballerina Flats' have the perfect touch of glamour with the combination of crystals wrapping around the heels, and a sweet bow on the toe. Beware: these shoes run a little snug, so I would definitely recommend going a half size up!

4. Pedro Garcia, you have done it again. I can not get over how beautiful these Pedro Garcia 'Chenoa' Booties are. Not only are these booties super comfortable, but they are edgy enough for a night on the town. I am absolutely in love.

5. Oh Frye, you never fail to disappoint. These Frye 'Melissa Button' boots in the color Bordeux are the most beautiful color. I'd recommend going a half-size down in these bad boys. Honestly, you really can't go wrong with any pair of Fryes.

xox,

Amanda

These are the Moments..

To de-stress from finals last night, my friends and I took a stroll across the Stone Arch bridge. It was such a relaxing walk, and it was a great time to reminisce on the wonderful memories of my sophomore year of college. I can not believe how fast this year has flown by, but I feel truly blessed. The new friends I've made, the old friends I've held close, the good times, the bad times and the heartbreaks...I don't regret any minute of this year. I really couldn't have asked for a better school year, and am so excited to see what my first summer away from home has to bring for me. This is the first step towards the beginning of my adult life, and I am just so happy in this moment.

xoxo,

Amanda

Double Mint..

Top: TJ Maxx | Bottoms: Buckle | Sunglasses: RayBan | Shoes: Urban Outfitters | Earrings: Urban Outfitters (similar: here)| Necklace: Forever 21 | Lips: Dior Addict Extreme #536: Lucky

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Minneapolis, and luckily I had time in-between my classes to enjoy the weather! In celebration of the warm weather, I decided to pay tribute to my favorite spring color...mint.

I am just hoping that we are done with snow for the time being...

xoxo, Amanda