Friday, December 6, 2013

Kitten's Christmas List

Hey ya'll! 
Hope everyone is staying warm this December. Here in Az it has finally cooled down to the 40's. I am so excited it finally feels like holiday season. Yesterday I shared with you some ideas for giving men gifts. Now, here are some things I have been drooling over this winter season:

 I am obsessed with this Free People plaid top with sequin yoke above. It can also be found in a red plaid. I prefer the yellow because I feel I can wear it a little longer past the holidays, but both are extremely cute ;)


Loving these Jeffrey Campbell heels. The heel is thicker and the cutout gives them just enough edge. Caution: They run half a size big.








 To the right is the absolute cutest Second Nature By Hand sign. There are many different styles and sayings, all very affordable ($25), but this one is currently my favorite. 
 If you ever feel the need to splurge on an amazing smelling candle, you must try Dyptique! This Feu de Bois fragrance is my favorite but there are many amazing ones.

Levtex pillows are so fun! I don't know about you, but I could definitely see these on my bed.

Kate Spade New York has the cutest household and office supplies line! This insulated tumbler is a must for any stylish gal on the go.

Hope you all have a great weekend.
XOXO, Kitten




Thursday, December 5, 2013

Great Gift Ideas: For Him

Hello everyone!

Around this time of year it can seem overwhelming to think of the perfect gift for people in your life, especially men! You can't just buy them cute earrings or bracelets and be done with it. Men don't quite accessorize as much as women so it can often seem like a daunting task. Well I am here to make your life a little easier this holiday season. 
Here are some gift ideas for any man in your life: dad, brother, husband, son, etc... 




men's christmas

Here is the trick for men: They NEVER buy themselves basics! If I didn't buy Omar's socks, undershirts and underwear... he would no doubt still be wearing the same ones as when we met. And I know he is not alone. Men just simply do not think about updating their basics. That is why they have us women, right?! So don't think it's silly to splurge on these items for stocking stuffers and little side gifts. They will honestly be grateful for them. 

One accessory men DO take pride in, is their cologne. Not too fond of the one he wears? Now is the time to pick it out yourself! If you are worried he will not like it, get him a gift set like #4 above (Jo Malone, can be found at Nordstrom). Nothing is better than a good smelling man. My husband is currently obsessed with Tom Ford's Tobacco and Vanilla. And if you aren't splurging this year just go to a department store and stuff that stocking with FREE samples! 

Keep an ear out also of what he is looking at when you guys go shopping together. Lately, Omar has been talking about beanies and how he wants another one. You can find cute, stylish beanies at H&M, Barney's, and all price points in between. Also, my husband wears denim shirts, 90% of the time. So why try and get him something different? I know he will love it and wear it a million times. G-Star makes beautiful denim shirts, as well as PRPS. 

Still nothing coming to mind for your guy? Let's go the extra step: What are his hobbies and interests? Omar works on cars in his free time. So I might just get him a gift card to Checkers or Summit Racing.





What magazine's does he read? Buy him a year's subscription!



At the end of the day, it is really the thought that matters. Get him something that you know he will enjoy and use. Sometimes men are so simple we try to overcomplicate a gift. Don't do it.  this season is about loving and caring for each other.

XOXO, Kitten


Friday, November 22, 2013

Make Up Must Have: Inglot!

Happy Friday!
So while I was in Las Vegas at a makeup artistry workshop I new I had access to so many makeup lines and stores that I don't have access to at home, and one of them was the Inglot store! I have always wanted to try the line, but I am always weary of ordering products sight unseen so this was my chance to check it out! I know it is possible many of you are in the same boat since Inglot is only available in a few major cities in the US. It's also available in many countries around the world, but still only major cities, so I hope my experience can help!

Let me just say that the staff was extremely friendly and helpful and didn't try to sell me the entire time. Having worked retail, I understand the stress managers put on you to SELL SELL SELL, but some people just want to browse in peace, and they let me do just that. I of course was drawn to the huge array of eyeshadow options they had, within 15 minutes I had swatches halfway up both arms!

I decided to create my own eyeshadow palette. They had palette sizes ranging from 1 eyeshadow to 10 which was great! I of course chose the 10, because I don't know how to buy in moderation. I chose shades that I knew I didn't already have in my collection or that I thought looked more unique. I went for some gorgeous green shades, a matte apricot, and a few taupe/violet/burgundy shades. I knew I would get a lot of use out of them for Fall and Winter!

Each shadow is only $6! Thats almost have the price of a MAC refill pan shadow. The palette is $16 and has a magnetic lid, which I love! 


Inglot eyeshadows have numbers rather than names for the shades, here are the shades starting from the top left and going across:
Top Row: #47, #414, #419, #44, #412
Bottom Row: #465, #423, #37, #07, #368

All these shades are very pigmented, blend beautifully, and feel like velvet (they feel just like NARS shadows!). I will say that when I was swatching in the store there were a few that felt a bit chunky and just not as smooth as the others, and I could tell that those would be a bitch to blend. This is why I like to swatch!! But all of these blend very smoothly and effortlessly. These all have shimmer except the matte apricot on the bottom right. #07 is a GORGEOUS highlight; #412 is also a beautiful inner corner highlight if paired with a green smokey eye or if you're wanting to add a touch of color. #412 is not an opaque shade (much like the finish of MAC's Stars n' Rockets) so its gorgeous when layered. 

I also picked up a gel liner, and after using it this quickly became my holy grail gel liner. It has a matte finish, glides on without breaking up on the skin, is waterproof/smudge proof, and is black as night. The black liner is #77 and is only $12! 


If you have nay questions about any of the products or want to know more detail about any of the shadows feel free to ask! Have a great weekend!

XO Amanda



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Our New Name!

Hello!
If you have read our blog before then you'll notice our name change! We have decided to change for a few reasons one being that I (Amanda) have stopped moving around and am living in one place. It was just time for my boyfriend and I to settle down, so we bought a house and here we are! One of the reasons I am so excited about this is that I can now start a career in Makeup Artistry! I just got back from a 3 day makeup workshop in Vegas that was so amazing! I learned so much and met some amazing people. So now I just need to take the next step! 

Tyler and I will write a new About Us page and we have a new email as well so go with the new name. Our previous name just didn't make much sense now that I am no longer moving around. It's crazy how quickly life can change! But that's what makes it so fun : ) 

We chose Kitten & Rose because the names are personal to us for different reasons. Kitten is Tyler's nickname that was given to her by her wonderful husband. As for Rose, roses have always been given to me for every occasion by my Dad since I was very little, I love them so much that I always have a fresh bouquet in my home and I even have a tattoo with roses that is very special to me. This is just a very brief explanation but we love our new name because it symbolizes things and people that are very special to us, so we thought it was perfect! 

XO Tyler Jane and Amanda

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Why I Love Working Retail

Yes, you read the title correctly. I enjoy working retail, and trust me, it's not for the money or recognition. If you are looking for either of those things in life, this is not the career for you. I have come to the realization that 90% of people will never take my job seriously.

I commonly get asked/told things that are both straight forward and slighted jabs. 
Ex: "So, when are you going to start looking for a real job?"

Ex: "It must be nice to work a mindless job for a while."

Ex: "I could never just sell clothes all day."

All you haters listen up! I love what I do and there are far better reasons than money and recognition to do something in life. I enjoy meeting the people I work with every day. People come to me and I get to help them put together outfits for their life! It may not be brain surgery, but it is FUN. I go to work and get to enjoy it every day. I have amazing coworkers who are fun and naturally we are all outgoing, strong women.

I have developed strong relationships with many of my clients. They call me to order them things or my favorite is when they come in to simply say "hi" and see what new things we have in. I have clients from all over the country as well as Canada and Mexico. I always know what is going on with current events as well as events coming up in my area. I get to have conversations with clients with all sorts of backgrounds and careers. I love knowing I am creating a positive experience in our customer's lives.

The environment of retail is always fast and upbeat. Everything is always changing rapidly. It is my job to be ahead of trends and be able to educate others on what is right for them. 

But let me tell you: if you think my job is in any way "mindless", you have another thing coming. In order to be successful, not only do you have to be quick on your feet but also quick witted. You are constantly solving people's questions and concerns. Socially, you must be top notch. Verbage is huge when it comes to sales. Knowing what to say and how to say something is not a skill that a lot of people have. You must always be honest, but sensitive to their feelings. You must always be directive, but not pushy.  And the number one thing you must ALWAYS be is patient. Never must a customer hear or feel that you are losing patience with them, otherwise the whole thing is over and YOU failed, not the customer. 

Retail is not for everyone, but it is a career that I find rewarding, and at the end of the day, if you do what you love, the rest will come naturally.

XO Tyler Jane

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

What to Wear to a Wedding

Here in Arizona, Autumn is the most popular time for wedding season. I have worked extensively with clients who are looking for what to wear to a wedding, both Mother of the Brides/ Grooms (aka MOB or MOG), and guests. Today I am going to lay it out for everyone by answering a few commonly asked questions as well as show examples!

Commonly Asked Question #1: "How soon should I start looking?"

This is a question that gets asked to me EVERYTIME. Although it is an exciting time and you are so thrilled for your daughter/son/sister/cousin/friend/etc., it is best to wait until 3-5 weeks before the wedding to look for your dress.

If you start looking too soon, you will be looking at dresses that don't coordinate with the season of the wedding (ex: shopping in December for a June wedding). The fabrics, colors, and styles will all change by the time the wedding comes around and you will no longer be happy with the dress you bought months back.

3-5 weeks is perfect timing so that you are in style and have time for any needed alterations and accessorizing.

Commonly Asked Question #2: "Should I wear a full length or cocktail length dress?"

This can be answered by considering the following:

  • Are the bridesmaids wearing long or short dresses?
  • Is it a night or day wedding?
  • What does the attire say on the invitation?
  • And always the most important question, WHAT DOES THE BRIDE WANT?
There really are no rules when it comes to length, but it is nice to consider these things when trying to decide what is most appropriate for the occasion. Also, if you are not %100 comfortable showing your knees try some hosiery! It is not out of date at all in this kind setting, and it does wonders for those varicose veins or knee troubles.

Sidenote for the mothers: At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember when planning all this craziness is that after the bride and groom, the mothers are the most important people there. Wear what you love and feel comfortable in, and have some fun!

Commonly Asked Question #3: "Is it okay to wear black?"

I personally feel that wearing black is a taboo that is long gone. If you are most comfortable in black, then ROCK IT! The only no-no left with color at a wedding is NO WHITE (DUH). Everything else in my opinion is perfectly acceptable.

Sidenote: If you usually like black, but don't feel comfortable, a great alternative is navy.

Favorite looks for MOBs and MOGs:
The top row is all Tadashi Shoji. This is my absolute favorite brand with a close second of Adrianna Papell found right underneath. Both brands have a great understanding of what a more mature customer is looking for (thicker fabrics and modesty). Ralph Lauren is another fabulous brand to keep in mind!



Favorite looks for guests:
Nothing is more fun than having a reason to shop for a fun party dress! These three brands are my personal "go-to's" when looking for a cute dress to wear to any special occasion. 

Thanks for stopping by!

XO Tyler Jane

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

October: Exciting Amazingness Month

WOWZA! I cannot believe October is here! I have so many things to be excited for:

1. My first anniversary
2. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
3. Halloween

Although I have only been married a year, I feel as though I have learned so much and am so thankful to be on this wonderful adventure of marriage. Omar is so many things I am not, and has taught me a lot about life and helped me look at things in a better light. I could not be more grateful that God has brought us together. He has made me more accountable for my own actions as well as helped me stand up for myself when needed. He is the hardest worker I know and very multi-fasceted. He supports me and gives me meaningful advice. 

Family Photo from our Engagement Photo Shoot

I am also proud to announce that this is the second year he has been nominated as a Best of the Valley candidate for Best Hair Stylist in the Arizona Foothills magazine. Here is a link in case you are interested in voting. (I would be forever in your favor!) 

Best of the Vally: Best Hair Stylist

Secondly, Breast Cancer Awareness month holds a special place in my heart. My mother Lynne Bryson passed away in 2000 from Breast Cancer. At the time I was 12 years old and never really talked about it very often. This year I have decided to take action. I am trying to raise enough money to participate in the 3-day Susan G. Komen walk. 60 miles in 3 days! Our team tents together overnight and we have all kinds of fun. In order to participate, though I need to raise a minimum of $2300. So far I have about $1000, which is a great start, but now I only have a month left! Luckily, an old high school pal has started selling bracelets on her website to help me out. It is only $12.00 and $8.00 of each bracelet goes to me! Here is the link to check out her website:

Sophistifunk Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet

or here is the link to go directly to my website to learn more about my efforts and donate directly:

Susan G. Komen Profile

And lastly, many people don't know this but I am obsessed with Halloween and decorations and festivities and pumpkins and hot drinks and fireplaces and snuggling and all things fall!! AHHH

need a moment to calm down...

Okay so moving forward, this season I tried something new! A group of ladies from my church had a little get together to make fall wreaths. I was so excited. I had no idea what I was doing and my wreath turned out AWESOME. Seriously, even if you are the worst craft person ever, if you are looking to do something fun for fall to add a little domestic decorating to your home. Try making a wreath: instant ego boost.

My wreath hanging on my front door!
In a couple weeks I am hosting a pumpkin carving party so I am excited for that as well! Hope my updates on life and love have been entertaining for you, and please support my husband and more importantly the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Here is a song that popped into my head as I was writing this blog, just a simple reminder that everything good and bad happens for a reason....

Darius Rucker: This

XO Tyler Jane


Friday, September 27, 2013

Chit Chat and Some Beauty Favorites

Hello! So I hope if you're reading this you don't mind some of my random ramblings, I have quite a bit going on in life at the moment and it has always helped me to have a sort of outlet. That's why I love blogging, I can make it be whatever I want. Despite this being a beauty/fashion blog sometimes I just want to open my laptop and write what I'm thinking, and the fact that maybe 5 people will read it is completely fine with me, if you are one of the 5 hey girl!! 

Anyways, first big thing going on is my boyfriend and I just bought a house!! Holy hannah I can't believe we have our own house, we are beyond excited! But let me tell you, getting a home loan and dealing with loan officers is pretty much like going to the DMV everyday for 5 months. Each time you go in and think you have everything, they then tell you that they need a goat, the seventh horcrux, and the blood of 20 virgins. So make sure you have those...
So the house is small but has brand new carpet, paint, and some other restorations which is very exciting to me. Trying to picture my boyfriend and I standing at the threshold of a bathroom attempting to redo the damn thing is probably the worst idea ever. Its nearly impossible to decide what kind of feel or theme you want in your home. Yeah I thought I totally knew this up until I actually had to make some decisions then my brain goes all "OOHH lets be shabby chic in the bedroom but maybe Victorian in the living room and OMG I NEED that black glass chandelier!" So I'm trying to control myself and narrow it down. All i know is I want our bedroom to be our sanctuary and our living room to be cozy, the bathroom/kitchen are just going to have to wait until I get my shit together.
Then there's budgeting for furniture. And I'm sure ya'll can imagine trying to give a woman a furniture budget is ridiculous and painful, limiting our decorating always ends up in flames and something wicker. But that's life, so I'm attempting to furnish my home on a tight budget, which is cool but of course not as fun. Oh well the black glass chandelier will have to wait. 

ALSO I'm attending a makeup artistry workshop in November! I think I'm more excited about this than the house, is that bad? Probably but who cares right? The workshop is 6 classes 4 hours each over  a course of 3 days, and the best part is the classes will be taught by some of the best makeup artists in the country! It's so amazing watching other artist's techniques, you can never have too much information or inspiration. No matter what lever of makeup artistry you are at you can always learn something from other people. I can't wait to share what I've learned in future blog posts! I want to do makeup looks on here, I just don't have a nice enough camera yet, once we are settled into the house and my bank account is back above sea level I am going to start saving for one.

This post title includes me mentioning some beauty favorites so its probably high time I did so. Sorry I don't have pictures, our apartment is in shambles from packing and getting ready to move : )
It's getting chillier outside so I have been needing a more rich moisturizer for the day time and I have been loving my Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream. My favorite part is the texture, it feels like you are rubbing velvet on your skin. It is also great to use before applying makeup because it absorbs quickly. This one might be too rich for daytime if you are oily, I am very dry though so it is perfect. 
Next is the L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara. I LOVE this stuff, the smaller plastic wand makes it easier to get those hidden outer lashes and lower lashes while still having the volumizing power of the wands with bristles. 
Lastly I will mention a lipstick that is absolutely gorgeous for fall, MAC's Up the Amp. I don't think this one gets enough love and it really should. I am including a picture of this one though because I want you guys to see what I'm talking about. It is a rich lavender violet shade, and it is an Amplified lipstick so it is a creme but has a slight glossy finish. I am completely obsessed with it, it's a no brainer foe me when I am wanting to add a pop of color while wearing a neutral eye. 

I know it looks more pink in the photos, but that's just because I was using synthetic lighting but I promise it is a purple shade : )



This will look beautiful on most skin tones, unless you have very rich pink undertones you must own this one : )

I hope you have a fantastic weekend and thanks for stopping by!

XO Amanda

Friday, September 20, 2013

LA Thrift Shopping: Tips & Tricks

~Hello Everyone~

So today is Friday, woo hoo! Too bad that doesn't mean much in the retail business, but today I am excited to share with you my trip to Los Angeles and my thrift shopping adventure. Let me tell you: I  am not very experienced. However, when my husband and I started dating we used to take many trips to L.A. and he would thrift shop all the time! It took me a while to get used to. To be completely honest I am a bit of a shopping snob. I do not like to dig and I like the idea that if I need a different size of something it is readily available or can be ordered. In L.A. though you can find so many wonderful treasures at second hand stores that you wouldn't be able to in any other state (besides New York) and since L.A. is significantly closer, I am here to share with you my wonderful finds.

I spent the day that Omar (the hubs) was at work to do my exploring of Santa Monica:

View of the Santa Monica Pier andBeach

Amazing Oyster Bar
Delicious Lunch


Cute Performing Gal (sorry didn't get her name)


Stopped in Brandy Melville, Thought this shirt was hilarious ;)
Step 1: Selling
The rule I live by is if it has been in my closet more than two years and I have not worn it, it goes!
I don't care what it cost, you can't let things own you. Don't keep it if it no longer serves you a purpose in your life, trust me: you'll feel better.
I had about 4 pair of jeans and a couple jackets Omar wanted to sell. I got a total of about $100 between these two second hand buyers- Crossroads Trading Co. and Wasteland, both located in Santa Monica. They have second locations of each on Melrose also. Sometimes, if they don't buy at one location, they will at the other ;)




Step 2: Buying
I didn't find anything at Crossroads, but had a lot of luck at Wasteland! I took back around 20 tops to try on and 4 worked. All in perfect condition and with their original tags attached. I'm telling you, quality! I won't even try something on if it looks snagged or worn. 


Brands from left to right: Joie, Marc by Marc Jacobs, All Saints, Parker
Each top cost me around $30-$45. Brand new, these brands will easily cost you anywhere from $200-$300 each. I like to think the work I did digging, is worth the savings. With tax, the total came to $180, and with the money I made from selling my other clothes, the difference was only 80 bucks!! Woo Hoo! ~Happy Dance~

Here are some other places I went while looking around:


Another Designer Secondhand Store: Had a Beautiful Chanel Display!

Amazing Store that I Want EVERYTHING From... Check Out the Website

American Rag

























Above are pictures from a store called Mister Freedom. They have a lot of classic, raw denim and antiques. They sell clothing both new and used. I loved how they had everything displayed. 

Hope you enjoyed my post and think a little differently about thrift shopping. And next time you are in L.A. give it a try!

XO Tyler Jane

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Freaky Friday: Fashion by the Bohemian

Hello! So Tyler and I thought it would be fun to switch for a day and post about the other's specialty! So today I am going to talk to you a little bit about my fashion obsessions. For as long as I can remember, I have been OBSESSED with rose gold. I'm pretty sure it is due to the fact that I am equally OBSESSED with roses, so loving rose gold was just a given. It all started when I was a little girl, and my Dad began this tradition with me that for every Valentines Day and Birthday he would give me a giant bouquet of roses. To say I am a Daddy's girl is an understatement, he has been my rock for as long as I can remember and I am the person I am now because of him. You can imagine of course my excitement as a 6 year old when I got my first bouquet. I loved everything about them, they're perfect smell, their softness, rich color, and of course beauty. Not to mention they are the ONLY flower I am not allergic to, crazy huh? Anywho, I love all things rose, and rose gold is at the top of my list! I can't think of anything more fabulous than blush colored gold. So I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite pieces! I took close ups of the ring and Folli Follie watch because the lighting made it difficult to see them in the larger picture.


Folli Follie Watch

Ring

Also, I didn't list the designers of the 2 smaller bracelets because I bought them in a boutique I used to work in and for the life of me cannot remember who makes them. The designer of the ring was Bailey, Banks & Biddle, but they are no longer in business : ( I believe a larger jewelry designer bought them out, which is such a shame, I loved their pieces. 

Lastly I'd like to show you a pair of shoes I just found because 1. They are AMAZING and 2. You can still buy them!! I know summer is coming to an end, but I really don't care, I had to have them! They are literally my perfect sandal, not to mention they are by my absolute favorite sandal company, Dolce Vita!


Ahhh, how gorgeous are these?! Who could resist python, mint, and gold all rolled into one?? Ok I need to stop, but you fellow shoe lovers will totally get me lol. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

XO Amanda


Friday, September 13, 2013

Freaky Friday: Beauty by the Wife


Ok guys and gals, for Friday the 13th we are doing a flip it post where I, Tyler, will talk to you about a beauty product I recently tried and had great success with. Then, Amanda is going to have a post about fashion/style. 

Right now, I am on the road to la la land (Los Angeles) with my wonderful husband for his work. One thing I love about living in Arizona is that we are close to so many awesome vacation spots.

Anyways...
About a year ago I started having gel manicures done. Then, a few months ago, I decided I wanted to have long nails and the only way to do that was to get acrylics! So I made the plunge and then went traveling. Big mistake. I had a person totally ruin my nails with the drill. When I got back home, the guy who does my nails said that I needed to take a 2 month break and let my nails grow back naturally until they were back to better strength. I have always had trouble with my nails being thin, they flake and it is even hard for me to keep my gel manicure on! 

When I got home I posted an update on my Facebook asking my friends and family for nail remedies. A few girls from my work replied that nailtiques had worked for them and I should give it a try. I immediately went to the nearest Ulta and got myself a bottle. The first week I put a coat on everyday. After that, I slowed it down to about once or twice a week.

Today I can't even believe the difference. They are so strong and healthy. They are still short, but that is because I have a nail biting habit (my achilles heel). But they are so much better and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you and go get my nails done again when I get home. 

Here is a pic:


Go buy it now!

K, Thanks

XO Tyler Jane







Saturday, September 7, 2013

My Neutral Palette!

Hello! It's finally the weekend and that means Sunday night football is almost here!!! Yes, I am obsessed with football, who says you can't be a girly girl who also screams at the TV? I am a full on Saints fan and I wear my black and gold loud n' proud : ) But while I am waiting for Sunday I wanted to share with you what is in my neutral eyeshadow palette! It took me some time to create my perfect neutral palette, and I absolutely adore all these colors. Whenever I travel, I know I can take just this palette with me and be able to create an endless number of looks with it. I do love to play with color, but when in doubt, blend those neutrals out! : ) Ill go through each of the colors as well and give a little blurb about how I use them! All but 3 of these shadows are by MAC, the 3 labeled with MUG are by MakeUp Geek : )

You will soon notice the large number of warm toned shades in this palette, and this is because I have yellow undertones so the warm shades look the best on my skin. Cool tones can look muddy on my skin if I don't use them correctly, just like warm tones can look too orange for people with pink undertones! However I do have a few, and love them just as much!

Enjoy!


Satin Taupe - metallic grey with some warm brown undertones. So beautiful on its own, and is a no brainer for a smokey eye if you only want to use one color!

Woodwinked - soft warm gold, looks gorgeous with a warm brown in the crease. I use it with Saddle or Brown Script.

Mylar - slightly sheer frosty white. This shade isn't overly pigmented, but I love it in the inner - middle part of my eye because you can then use any color blended in the outer area and crease. It is described as having a shimmer but its barely noticeable. Also a great highlight!

Shroom - soft off white with shimmer. Quite pigmented and one of my favorite highlights!

Nylon - soft golden shimmer. Another highlight favorite if I want to add a touch of gold.

Dazzlelight - soft beige with shimmer. I love this highlight shade if I'm doing a softer makeup look. It's not as pigmented as Shroom or Nylon but still adds a lovely glow.

MakeUp Geek Peach Smoothie - matte peach. Perfect mid toned transition shade when I'm using light warmer browns such as Texture or Saddle.

Rule - soft orange. I LOVE this color. Anytime I use a warm brown in my crease (which is most days) I just pop Rule just above my crease to add a little something extra. It's just beautiful and not as loud as MAC's Orange.

MakeUp Geek Shimma Shimma - metallic chanpagne. This shade is a no brainer all over the lid with a mid toned brown in the crease, I also love pairing it with purple shades.

All That Glitters - beige/gold with shimmer. This is another gorgeous all over the lid color, I love it with  Saddle in the crease. 

Naked Lunch - soft pink with shimmer. This is a MAC cult favorite, and while I do love it, I don't reach for it as often as I thought I would. But I do love it paired with deep magentas and purples.

Samoa Silk - soft matte peach. This is now discontinued I believe, but does the exact same job as MUG Peach Smoothie, I personally like MUG's version better : )

Omega - soft beige/taupe. This shade is widely knows as the perfect shade for filling in brows for those with blonde/light brown hair, and it is, but it is also a great mid toned brown crease color for cool toned eye looks!

Wedge - soft beige/taupe, but with more brown than taupe. Another beautiful cool toned brown. I love using this in the crease as a transition shade when I am doing a smokey eye using blacks or greys.

Patina - taupe brown with gold shimmer. This shade is so universal, and that's why I love it. It can be blended out with warm OR cool shades depending on my mood! It's a great color for Fall when blended out with Wedge and Ground Brown.

Arena - soft golden peach with shimmer. This shade really doesn't get enough love, and its so gorgeous!! Sometimes I'll just wear it all on its own blown out kind of messily, and blend it out under my eye as well. 

MakeUp Geek Cocoa Bear - deep matte red/brown. This is a great dupe for MAC's Brown Script, but it has just a touch more brown. Gorgeous crease color, or blown out on its own for a red/brown smokey eye.

Cork - satin brown with a hint of gold. You don't see any shimmer in this shade when applied, so it is a great brow shade for those with darker hair BUT it can come off a bit warm if you have yellow undertones like me, so I have to be careful if I use it to fill in my brows. I prefer Omega, but I will add Cork to the tail of my brows to deepen the color. Also a beautiful transition crease shade, especially with Patina. 

Ground Brown - rich matte brown. This is a Pro shade so you can only buy it online or in a Pro Store. This is a MUST have for deep brown smokey eye looks. Its beautiful. 

Swiss Chocolate - soft red/brown with more brown than red. I LOVE this shade. If I want to deepen my crease just a touch when doing a neutral eye look this is my go to. It's not too dark, but just dark enough.

Brown Script - rich matte red/brown. This is my ALL time favorite eye shadow. It's almost like it was made for my skin tone and eye color (which is green). It is just so warm and rich, if you have warm undertones you MUST own this. I look for any reason to wear it! I prefer it to the MUG version personally.

Saddle - matte golden/orange brown. Another gorgeous warm brown, I use it in the crease pretty much anytime I use a beige shimmery lid color. 

Texture - peachy brown with a hint of gold shimmer. You don't really see the shimmer when you apply this. It has a touch more warmth than saddle and is lighter. I use it a lot to add depth to my crease when I'm doing a dramatic winged eyeliner look with a bright lip and don't really want color on my eyes. 

Soft Brown - warm soft matte peachy brown. Last but certainly not least, this is a must have shade for everyone. It is a great mid toned crease color that can be used with just about any eye look. It's such a basic necessity. 

I know this was a lot of info! But I hope it helped if you were considering buying any of these! Feel free to leave questions/comments! I hope you all have a fab weekend!

XO Amanda

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Everyone's Got a Budget: Boots

When I started researching for this post, I instantly became overwhelmed. There are so many kinds of boots: hiking, rain, steel toe working, bovver, dress, etc. So I have decided to focus on my favorite kind of boot: the Western Boot. Growing up in Cave Creek, AZ I have a special fondness for western boots.  Being raised on a ranch and riding daily, they naturally hold a soft spot in my heart. I have a true appreciation, and who am I if not true to myself? If you do not love western boots as much as I, that's okay! No judgement here, hopefully, if nothing else, you will at least learn something new and fun. So here we go...

The very first pair of boots can be tracked to Genghis Khan, who wore a red boots with a high top and wooden stacked heel. In the 17th and 18th century all boots in England had high tops and stacked heels. During the U.S. Civil War, however, soldiers wore a Wellington boot. Named after Arthur Wellesley himself, the first Duke of Wellington. It is a four piece construction that is calf length and has a low heel, simple for mass production. When the war ended, in 1865, the soldiers took their boots home with them and they continued to wear them for practical reasons. A few years later, America welcomed in the era of the cowboy-- and the cowboy boot as we know it today. 

Cowboy boots today say a lot about the person wearing them. For this reason, their popularity has long moved far beyond the cattle ranch and onto the feet and into the collections of fans worldwide. The best boots today are still made in the American West and Mexico. They are handmade only and have very intricate details. If you are lucky enough to get on the list of a popular boot maker, it can take up to 3 years to receive them. A lesser known maker, but still high quality, will take about 3-4 months. Cheaper boots are machine made and have very little distinction. My personal favorite western boot brand is Old Gringo. Based out of Texas, these boots are absolutely gorgeous. I have two pairs myself, that are heavily worn. Here are some better pics than the ones I would give you of mine:


Old Gringo Boots


Now, talking about the fashionable boot, booties are soooo in for fall and I couldn't be happier! They are so comfortable and dressier than regular flats. I can wear them all day (which is not always the case when working retail). Here are my favorite booties that are "must haves" in my opinion. 

Booties

P.S. Had to throw a motorcycle boot in there <shoot me>


XO Tyler Jane







Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Best Ever Product for Dry Hair!

Hello!
 I wanted to share a product with you all that I am sincerely obsessed with, and I mean obsessed. I'm pretty sure that I alone make up a considerable portion of this company's sales. First, let me just try to explain my hair to you because it is quite the drama queen. As I'm sure you could guess, I have dry hair, but it goes beyond that. My hair does whatever the hell it wants, seriously. It has some wave to it, but it is rather course and thick, long, not at all color treated, and it's kryptonite is humidity. If I try to tell it what to do it just gets angry, SO over the years I have been on the hunt for something that would work symbiotically with it. Something nourishing, protective, and above all hydrating, but with no greasy feel or residue. This product keeps us both happy, I LOVE it:

 Marrakesh X Leave-In Conditioning Spray

This stuff is like liquid gold for me. It not only makes my hair healthy, but it also gets ride of the frizz, adds shine, softens, enhances my waves, protects from heat, while still feeling light on my hair. If I don't wash for a few days, there is never any greasiness or residue. This is because much like your body absorbs vitamins, my hair actually absorbs this product rather than it just sitting on top acting as a band-aid. I have used it loyally for years! I once took a trip to visit my parents and forgot to bring my little miracle bottle with me, and I figured I'd be fine....umm NO. My hair was again a frizzy mess! You know, the illustrious kinks you get rather than nice waves. Yeah its not cute, and that's what I had, like it's my hair's way of going on strike or retaliating. The minute I got home I washed and spritzed, and my hair was yet again fabulous. 

I know this seems a bit dramatic for just one product, but I love it that much! The other great part is it's only $15.99, much cheaper than many other high end products I have tried and not loved. Here is a product description as given by the company, Earthly Body:

Infused with Argan Oil and Hemp Seed Oil and:
-Detangles
-Prevents Split Ends
-Seals in Hair Color
-Speeds Drying Time
-Adds Brilliant Shine
-Controls Frizz
-Strengthens Hair
-Shields Hair From Sun and Wind Damage
-Moisturizes All Hair Types
-Protects Hair During Thermal Styling

All Marrakesh products are also:
Animal Cruelty Free (PETA certified!)
Gluten Free
Pthalate Free
Sulfate Free
Paraben Free
Petroleum Free
THC/Drug Free
Made in California : )


I'd like to mention that I have used MANY other similar products such as It's a 10, Redken, Alterna, Kerastase, Frederic Fekkai, Phyto, tons of drugstore brands, and many others and none of them worked nearly as well for me.

Also, if you have oily hair you will still love this! I would recommend only spritzing it onto the ends of your hair and not your scalp, since you already have moisture there : ) The link to the website where you can purchase and read more about Marrakesh X is below:


PLEASE NOTE: This post is not at all sponsored, in fact I'm 99.9% sure Earthly Body has no idea I even exist, I just love their products! I also noticed thst they just changed the packaging so the bottle on the site looks different from mine, but they are the same!

XO Amanda

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Everyone's Got a Budget: Denim

Oh my gosh! I am so excited to share with you my next series of posts! This project I am doing is to help everyone learn more about what it is, exactly, that they are buying. I know this was supposed to be posted yesterday, but what kind of fashion blog would this be if the posts aren't fashionably late?

I will start this off by saying this: EVERYONE HAS A BUDGET.

 I know what you are thinking, probably something like "Not Bill Gates, or Beyonce!" But listen to me, even Bill Gates, and yes... Beyonce have a budget. It just might not be in the same figures you or I think in. But I am not here to judge or put limits on anyones budget or thinking. That is why I am going to cover all budgets and show you exactly what you are getting for your money and why certain designer clothing is priced higher than the "more affordable" options. I am going to make my first post about denim because I feel denim is such a trademark of fashion. Everyone has a great pair of jeans that they love and feel good in. But why are some jeans expensive and others you can find at target? What's the difference? Well that's what I am here to fill you in on....

Okay, so let's start at the beginning by explaining how and why denim pants were created. Believe it or not, they were not always considered stylish, or a garment that "everyone" had. They were made for construction workers, cowboys, and the working class in general. The first American producers of jeans were the Levi Brothers. In order to make them affordable to make, they would use copper rivets instead of thread to connect the fabric together. There was no prototype, meaning every pair of jeans were unique. Today, many companies will pay top dollar to get a hold of an original Levi jean in order to use it as a prototype for their business. 

Believe it or not, Toyota Motor Corporation, was first a textile company. Then known as, "Toyoda Automatic Loom Works". The founder, Sakichi Toyoda, created a loom machine with innovations which led to quicker production. That is why, to this day, all of the best selvage denim is made in Japan. The cost of selvage denim is higher because it takes special machines to make them. The twill is tighter and denser, using more fabric. You can compare this to the price of different sheets with higher thread count. Selvage come from the phrase "self edge", referring to the natural end of a roll of fabric which prevents the fabric from unraveling. In addition, the denim made in Japan uses indigo dye which dyes only the longitudinal threads. This means there will be natural imperfections in the denim which makes each pair unique in their making. Most denim made anywhere else is going to cheaper synthetic dye with less impurities and creating a more consistent look for mass production. 

Here are a few examples of denim brands still made in Japan today:
Celebrities you may know have been seen wearing these brands: 
Halle Berry, Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Usher, Tom Cruise and Ben Affleck

This type of denim is meant for "purists", those who appreciate the original way things were made. Everything is authentic. Because the denim is not washed and treated beforehand (also known as raw), when the owner buys them and starts wearing them, they will wrinkle and wear differently than any one other pair. Meaning each pair is unique to their owner. Other brands include Mr. Freedom, Nudie, Naked & Famous, and Sugar Cane.

 Personally I look HORRID in these type of jeans. Why you ask? Because the denim is so thick and is %100 cotton, it does not stretch to curves. I am a pear shape myself and so I personally need a little elastine or lycra in my denim in order to create a shape that is flattering. This is why many people instead by designers who make a denim that has other fabrics mixed in such as Hudson or Paige. These designers pre wash the denim and treat it so that they can tell the consumer exactly how they will wear and fit them. They can make multiples of the same jean in order to sell a large number of them. 

Here are the denim brand you are probably most familiar with:
The jeans above will still cost you a pretty penny, and for good reason. They are trendy, have different washes and colors available and you can rely on them and how they are going to fit. Also, they are going to give you the stylish, flattering look you desire and will last you about a year of heavy wear (if not more).

The bottom of the totem pole denim is for people who want to look trendy and "in the moment" and do not care about longevity or quality. And there is nothing wrong with that! Listen, $50 for a pair of jeans to last the season and be cute? Why not? Here are my recommendations for affordable denim on any budget!


I hope this post has been helpful and gives you some insight on exactly what it is you are paying for! Please feel free to comment with any suggestions of your favorite brands and fits. Hope you are all enjoying this gorgeous Sunday.

XO Tyler Jane

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Interview 4: Oscar's Got Style


Welcome to the "Everyone's Got Syle" Finale!

Meet Oscar:
Age: 27
Hometown: Incline Village, Nevada
Occupation: Retail Professional
One Thing Most People Don't Know: "I'm a yellow belt in Karate!"

I met Oscar through coworkers. Personally, I do not know much about men's style/fashion. I thought this interview would be a great way to learn something new as well as be able to share my new found knowledge with all of you!

1. What are your 5 "can't live without" pieces right now?
Arm Party! (So fun)

Army Pants (Obsessed)
 PACSun

CHUBBIES! (Most comfortable shorts ever)

Studded Shoes (Perfect for a night out)
Steve Madden

Hawaiian print button downs (Fun and colorful, perfect for summer parties)

2. Where do you look for fashion inspiration?
"I often look at my favorite accounts on Instagram such as @kanelk_k, @eljaviergarcia, and @alstillo. I also keep up with celebrities Kanye West and Scott Disick for styling tips. My favorite men's magazine for fashion is GQ."

Ex:



Polo: Carolina Herrera
Linen Shorts: Toscano
Shoes: 1901
Sunglasses: Tom Ford

5. What is the key to creating a great ensemle?
"Accessories! It can definitely make an outfit or bring it together."

Ex:


Hawaiian shirt: Modern Amusement
Shorts: Chubbies
Shoes: Sperry
Watch: Michael Kors
Sunglasses: Neff

3.What items are you most likely to splurge on?
"Sunglasses and belts! I am obsessed and have a nice collection."



4. What do you put on for a night out?
"A nice pair of great fitting jeans, a cool tee with a blazer or button up."

Ex:


Denim Vest: Forever 21
Tee: Rook
Camo Pants: PACSun
Shoes: Steve Madden
Sunglasses: Dior


I don't know about you guys, but after this interview it has definitely given me a new perspective on men's fashion, and a few good gift ideas for the hubby. Oscar also informed me that Chubbies are THE shorts to have! So whether you need them or the man in your life does, get 'em now.

I hope you guys have enjoyed my little fun interview project. It has been very successful! This Saturday will be the beginning of my new adventure and I hope you like it even more. 


XO Tyler Jane