In Celebration of Ariel

While accessorizing this sea foam skater dress from Akira in Chicago, my friend & photographer Gina and I realized the look reminded us of The Little Mermaid's Ariel. Coincidentally, the Disney classic is being re-released on October 1, 2013!

My First Birchbox

I received my first Birchbox in the mail!  

What is Birchbox? Their website says: “Join Birchbox and receive monthly deliveries of high-end beauty and lifestyle samples from top brands. It's the best way to discover new products and buy with confidence.”  All for just $10 a month!  Plus, if you fall in love with a sample, then you can go to birchbox.com to purchase the full size product with free shipping. 

I joined to learn about these new products and to share them here with you. 

September’s box included:

• Ruffian Nail Lacquer in Fox Hunt, exclusive to Birchbox 
• Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm
• Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips
• Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo
• Beauty Protector Protect & Condition

All of these products have four out of five star ratings and hundreds of reviews.

I was so excited to share my first Birchbox with you that I haven’t even tried all of the samples yet!  I did try the Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips and the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm.  The lip balm has a thicker consistency that seemed to last longer and moisturize better than others.  I’m looking forward to trying it as the weather grows colder and my lips grow more chapped. 

I really like the beauty balm!  It’s a moisturizer, sunscreen with SPF 45, anti-aging cream and light coverage makeup all in one!  This could save me five minutes every morning, which means five more minutes of sleep!  Happy girl.  The coverage was ideal for a daily foundation and a little goes a long way.  I added some concealer to my nose and under my eyes, topped that with pressed powder, bronzer and mascara and headed out the door.  I may have to buy the full size, even at $39.  Four products and five minutes of beauty sleep?  Totally worth it.

Stay tuned for more beauty product reviews from my Birchbox!  For more information about Birchbox or to subscribe, click here.

Fashion Friday Guest Post on "Focused To Be Fit"

Happy Friday, friends!  My friend Lauren from “Focused To Be Fit” asked me to be a guest writer for Fashion Friday on her healthy living blog.  From rebellious street wear to traditional American pastoral I provided a summary of Fall 2013’s fashion trends.  Read the post at focusedtobefit.com!

Stay tuned for more fall fashion, style inspiration and outfit ideas right here!

Fashionably,
Kate


Rebellious Street Wear
 

For more fall fashion trends go to "Focused To Be Fit"

That's What She Wore: Marlaina Stone & Nautical Stripes

Going back to work after a long weekend is always a challenge.  On the weekends I often enjoy getting dressed, but the morning of a work day, especially after a long weekend – ugh.  So here’s some fashionspiration for the 9 to 5ers from my friend, Teresa Costanzo, president of Card Advertising,Inc.

She’s wearing a gorgeous necklace and bracelet by Marlaina Stone from Leo Marks Jewelers on Secor Rd.  She paired the statement-making jewelry with a navy peplum top and striped skirt.  What do you think of this chic nautical work wear?

The Details

Top: Banana Republic
Skirt: Banana Republic

Necklace and bracelet: Marliana Stone at Leo Marks Jewelers

Shoes: Anne Klein at Macy's

Thanks to Teresa for being so chic at work and Gina of beatbeatheartbeat.com for taking her picture!