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:

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. 

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

XO Tyler Jane

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:

http://www.earthlybody.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=30

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

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

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

My Holy Grail Makeup Products

Over the last, well, many years of my makeup, hair, and skincare product hoarding I have realized that there are a few products that I have consistently repurchased and use ALL the time. I call these my Holy Grails. I stand by these products because they have stood the test of time and me : ) You know those times where you go to a makeup counter, drugstore, Sephora, or wherever to get the newest most amazing product, and you race home so excited to pull it out of it's packaging to have the glorifying first impression, only to find that it falls flat of your expectations and completely takes the wind out of your supposed to be glamorous sails. Well, I can assure you these products will not do that. THESE are the products you bring home, tear open, and try only to have your expectations surpassed. You know, when you try it for the first time and you look in the mirror all doe eyed like "Bitch I am fabulous!" 

I have loved these products for years, and I hope I can help you find your own Holy Grails!

SmashBox Bronze Lights Bronzing Powder in Suntan Matte

  

I love this bronzer because it has no shimmer, so it makes for the most perfect contour color. It's not too warm or too cool toned, its just perfect. It also comes in a lighter shade for you more fair beauties.

NARS Portobello Eyeshadow Duo

These two matte brown shades are absolutely perfect for a neutral eye look. If I ever can't decide what to do with my makeup, this is my go to. If I want to spice it up I'll add some black winged liner and I'll blend a darker brown (MAC's Espresso or Charcoal Brown for example) into my outer corner. What's even more awesome is the lighter shade on the left is perfect for filling in my brows. I have medium brunette hair, if that helps to gauge. 

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Japanese Maple

This is the most perfect nude lip color. 'Nuff said.

MAC Pigment in Tan

I'm sure many of you have heard of this because so many people rave about it. It's that amazing. I wear it in the summer all over the lid and blend it out using my bronzer, that simple. Or in the fall I'll pair it with a burgundy eyeshadow, there's so much you can do with it and it looks amazing on all skin tones. 

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara in Extreme Black

Ok, so let me first say that I used to use the Diorshow Blackout Mascara RELIGIOUSLY. That is still my all time favorite mascara, but I'm ballin on a budget so I had to find the next best thing, and I did. I LOVE this miracle orange tube. It adds so much volume and length to my lashes, just like my Dior, but for a fraction of the price. The formulas and wands are strikingly similar. They are both a little clumpy, but thats what I like. No, not clumpy lashes, I like the thick formula. I'm not shy with my mascara, and I'll sit there for a good minute or two getting the application just right. I could do an entire blog post on mascara, I'm that ridiculous. What's even better is the formula does NOT transfer. I have long lashes, and many other mascaras will transfer to my under eye area leaving this black crescent shape after wearing it for an hour. This stuff does not budge, and it's not even waterproof. LOVE!

MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

I can't say enough great things about this blush, it is so perfect. I know this picture isn't the best, but the color is a golden bronze with a rose undertone. Its hard to explain, you just have to swatch it in person, it's gorgeous! If you're iffy about blush application and just want a shade that's more neutral but still has a beautiful glow with a hint of color then this is your perfect shade. It's not too shimmery, or too bronze, or too anything, it's just perfect. 

If you try or already have any of these let me know how they work for you!! I'll be doing a hair and skincare product list soon as well. Thanks for stopping by!!

XO Amanda

Birthday Shopping

HAPPY FRIDAY!

This last weekend just happened to be my birthday, and I was lucky enough to get a few fun gift cards! Here's what I decided to splurge on:

1. I love a good peasant top. They are great when I just want to wear something flowy and comfortable, but not look homeless. Plus, this Free People one is on sale now at Nordstrom.

2. "I saw Cady Herron wearing army pants and flip flops, so I bought army pants and flip flops..." On a more serious note, military is STILL in style. Get your camo now! I found these BDG skinnies at Urban Outfitters.

3. The best part of this vest you can't see in the pic above, but it has really cool long fringe in the back. Pair it with the camo pants? I vote HECK YES. The brand is ASTR from Nordstrom. 

A Better View:

Soon I will post my last interview, it's still in the works, but is totally worth the wait.Then I will be on to my next project. I can't wait to share it with you!

XOXO Tyler Jane

Midweek Motivation

Hello lovelies! 

So I have been lucky enough to have an entire week off of work (more on that later). And today, I have to go back :( But as my husband (and most recently Ashton Kutcher) remind me, I am lucky to have a job and to do what I am doing! 

Let's face it though, going back to work after a long vacation is always a little rough, and the motivation comes a little harder. Luckily, I always keep inspirational quotes around me to help me through my day to stay positive. Here are a few of my faves and hopefully they will help you too! 

 And lastly, my all time FAVORITE:

So put a smile on your face and let's rock this Wednesday out!

XO Tyler Jane

Interview 3: Rachel's Got Style

Hope everyone has fun weekend plans, and is ready for this interview! 

Meet Rachel:

Age: 26

Hometown: Ft. Worth, Tx

Occupation: Dancer/ Actress/ Comidienne/ Model

(Or more simply: "Every Woman")

One thing most people don't know: Rachel watches the Disney channel religiously

Believe it or not, Rachel and I actually went to Texas A&M together. We were roommates for 2 years. Rachel definitely has an unbelievable way about her. She is absolutely the biggest character I have ever met. She is hilarious AND an amazing dancer. So now, of course, she has moved to Brooklyn and if I know anyone that will make it in the big apple, IT'S RACHEL!

When I thought about making this project, she came to mind because she would always tell me about ensembles that at first I would cringe my face at and say... "REALLY?!" but then she would put it on and totally rock it!

That is what I love about fashion and style. It's so creative and free and what one person may not prefer, another could look absolutely amazing in it. 

Here are Rachel's answers to my questions:

1. What are your 5 "Can't live without" pieces right now?

1. Pale blue fit and flare dress. Brandy Melville

2. Red Converse

3. Timberland Hightop boots

4. White Minnie Mouse graphic tee. Forever 21

5. Pink body con, high slitted maxi skirt. Free People

EXTRA CREDIT:

6. My owl eye sunnies. Free People

7. Lace trim denim hot shorts. Free People

2. Where do you look for fashion inspiration?

"Whatever Vanessa Hudgens is doing! haha! Nylon magazine is great, especially the Japanese version. Usually I look to the past. I'm an old soul. Fashion is cyclical and I like to take cues from the first incarnation of a piece or garment. I watch a lot of old Soul Train clips, watching anything and everything Stevie Nicks, Diana Ross, Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson. I also take cues from the movies The Craft, Clueless and any movie with Molly Ringwald in it!"

3. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?

"I don't know about one. My style is very free-spirited and eclectic....but if it were up to me, if Peter Som, Betsy Johnson, Balmain, Chole, Marchesa and Chanel had a love child....that'd be the designer for me."

4. When you shop, do you plan your outfits or shop piece by piece?

"Piece by piece. I rarely shop with purpose other than to find the best deal on the best piece. I am a performer in NYC, which means I'm usually starving too! However, I'd much rather be starving and haute than starving and look hard up! "Ballin on Budget" is my motto. Cute may not pay the bills, but it could get you a free meal!"

5. What is your favorite season for fashion, and why?

I do love all seasons actually. Colors of Spring. The light airy fabrics of Summer. The layers of Fall. The Boots of Winter (not the fugly ones though).

6. What do you wear for a night out?

"Given the heat and humidity, I love a good bodysuit or crop top with a skater skirt combo. But if all else fails, a DRESS to impress."

Ex:

Crop Top: Necessary Clothing
Skirt: American Apparel
Shoes: Urban Outfitters

I hope Rachel's style and answers has given you some inspiration and some insight on putting together interesting outfits and knowing how to "work it". 

XO Tyler Jane

Dupe for MAC Blue Brown Pigment!

Hello everyone! So while I was at the drugstore last week I came across something I got very excited about! Yes, I found an EXACT dupe of MAC's famous Blue Brown Pigment. I had no idea how perfect of a match it was until I got home, and I couldn't believe it! The only difference is that this dupe is a pressed eyeshadow, not a loose pigment, but I found their effects and wearability identical. The dupe I found is by Prestige Cosmetics, and is the Total Intensity Eyeshadow in the shade Hocus Pocus.

I wanted to make sure that the quality of this dupe was up to my standards, and after wearing it multiple times I can tell you it definitely is. I am a waitress, so I am constantly running around and even getting sweaty, so I need products that can go through the ringer and come out on top. What I don't need are products that are running down my face as I'm trying to pour a $200 bottle of wine for a table, gross! I can assure you that anytime I share a product find on this blog, I will tell you if it is waitress approved, and if it is, you can rest assured that it wont budge.

I found this line at Rite Aid, and when I went to other drugstores such as CVS or Walgreens I could not find it, but I did find it at Ulta. My MAC Blue Brown Pigment is very well loved, it is one of my absolute favorite products to use for a night out. What I love about it is it's ability to fly solo. I press it all over my lid and I bring it up just a tiny bit into my crease, then with a fluffy blending brush blend it up, and it blends out into this gorgeous deep red brown. If I want to deepen the crease color I'll add a little bit of MAC's Brown Script.

The Prestige version blends out just as beautifully, and is equally as pigmented! I'm so excited to share this find with you, and even better is the money you'll save! The Prestige eyeshadow is only $8.50 compared to MAC's price of $21.00, less than half the price! You do get quite a bit of product when you buy MAC pigments, but it's almost impossible to use them up. I have had some of mine for over a year and they still look full. The only way you're ever going to use one up is if you are a makeup artist, or you wear it every single day. 

Here is the link to the Prestige site if you are not near a Rite Aid or an Ulta, and let me know what you think if you give it a try!

http://www.prestigecosmetics.com/total-intensity/eyeshadows/total-intensity-duo-chrome-eyeshadow-hocus-pocus.html

XO Amanda