Old Navy - Work Appropriate

I love Old Navy. However, I find that Old Navy is, a lot of times, in appropriate for work. At least finding a complete outfit. Even when Old Navy puts together "Work Outfits" they're still not really work appropriate for most people. What I do like to buy there are pieces that I can mix with my work clothes to give myself a quick and easy style.

But, I'm now finding that with a little patience while I'm scouring their website I can put together looks that might actually make it past Casual Friday.


For instance, take a basic piece like the Jersey Tank Dress. On it's own...not so great. But, when paired with things like the Linen-Blend Blazer, Sliver Wedge Boots and Leather Rope Belt I can get away with wearing this on, say, a Wednesday. Happy Old Navy to Me! Cheap clothes here I come!

Jersey Tank Dress $15

Sliver Wedge Boots $37.50

Leather Rope Belt $19.94

Linen Blend Blazer $39

To Prime or Not Prime - Is That The Question?

I got the best email today from MAC. Each line has their own version of a face primer. I have so far resisted buying one (although I have tried samples) because it just seems like an extra step that didn't really do anything for my face. I didn't notice a huge difference in how my makeup looked after using a primer.

MAC is really great about giving tips from their artists so that you do your own "runway" look quickly and easily. Their newest set of tips is all about how many ways you can use their face primer Prep + Prime. I might actually buy this product to try it out after reading all these great tips! Take a look:

Prime Future is prepping the way for plush, radiant skin, and beautiful makeup application! Prime your routine with these tips from our Online Artists:

Lisa T: Prep + Prime Skin Smoother works best to lighten deeper lines and texture when massaged with your fingertips. It works as a youth balm, erasing fine lines and texture to create the smoothest possible foundation application.

Tia: To achieve a natural looking glow, mix Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion with Sun Rush Lustre Drops and apply to the skin as a primer under your foundation using the 130 Brush.

Maura: Add a dab of Prep + Prime Skin Smoother to any Cremeblend Blush! Buff on the apples of cheeks with the 109 Brush for a diffused air brushed flush!

Dianna: As the weather warms up, lighten up your foundation routine! Try mixing a drop of Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion into your foundation to sheer it down. Apply using a Pro Performance Sponge dampened with Fix+.

Ivan: Turn your favourite concealer into a foundation. Mix a few pumps of Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion with Select Cover Up Concealer or Pro Longwear Concealer for a fuller coverage foundation with a skin-like, smooth finish.

Amy: I was addicted at the very first application. I love to add a drop of Prep + Prime Moisture Infusion before my moisturizer morning and night. It's amazing over the neck area as well.

How to Put on Fake Eyelashes

OK, so one of my favorite sites is Joyus.com. I don't go there very often but I do subscribe to their mailing list because they send out pretty informative newsletters. Their site is cool because they have a lot of how-to information, mixed with shopping and trend alerts. Today they have a great new video about the art of putting on fake eyelashes that's pretty good. While the video is simplistic the tricks they give you work pretty well. What they don't show you is when to put on your eye makeup. I put mine on first (eyeshadow, liner & mascara) before adding in fake eyelashes.

The only disagreement I have with them is what type of lashes to use. I personally prefer Urban Decay because they're super full and sturdy for the money. I can usually get 4 wears out of a pair of these lashes. I also like the Sephora brand, especially the value packs because again, they're pretty sturdy and they're not as over the top as Urban Decay so they're more suited to everyday wear.

Whatever you choose though, make sure you get the glue on right. That's the whole trick to putting on eyelashes. Good luck!

Benefit Speed Makeup

Now, this isn’t a sale but, I thought you would enjoy this video that Benefit made showing their 5 minute face. I don’t use all of these products but, I actually do use this system to do my makeup for the day. The products that Benefit uses in the video is their Hello Flawless Oxygen Foundation, Erase Paste Concealer, Instant Brow Pencil, They’re Real Mascara, and Coralisa all over color. Here’s the video so you can see for yourself.

I actually use a similar routine but have found my own products that seem to work for my skin tone and texture. I don’t use foundation at all. Instead I use Benefit’s Boi-ing concealer and then dust on some MAC translucent powder. For my brow’s I use MAC brow powder. I use mascara but I use Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Action. I also use a version of Benefit’s Coralisa powder. However, I use the Dandelion. Finally I add in one more essential product – LIPGLOSS.

This is great video to show how quickly makeup can be done and it can be done to enhance natural features rather than hide or overpower them.

Updating Your Shoe Wardrobe

Shoes are a pretty important accessory. Every season requires a new type of shoe. For example, you're not going to wear sandals when it's snowing. But that's an easy example. Here's a better one: you're not going to wear open toe pumps to work if it's going to rain. You would wear boots or high-heeled booties right? But season doesn't dictate everything about your shoe wardrobe. Your shoes also have to match your personal style and vibe. A girly-girl who wears dresses and skirts won't be buying lug-soled anything as it'll look a little out of place with her super sweet dresses. So how do you get an extensive shoe wardrobe to fit all of your needs?

Every season I take a look at my shoe collection and try to figure out what I need to fill in the gaps for the upcoming season. By that, I mean what's new and cool that I don't already have and shoes I need to either fix or replace due to wear and damage (IDEA: If you don't have a cobbler that you trust find one STAT). Taking the time to do this every 3-4 months means I have a pretty good idea of what I need when I'm out shopping or surfing the net for sales. Having a mental list like this will also cut down on buying shoes that I may wear once or twice but, really don't fit into my wardrobe style and needs. Also, it's easier to stand in your closet matching up shoes and outfits rather than try to figure it out when you're out shopping if a certain pair of shoes will fit into your wardrobe. Finally, if you know what you're looking for you can make sure you're spending your dollars wisely by catching sales and promotions rather than paying full price.

Here's a great example of how I recently updated my wardrobe. One of the trends for spring is having a really bold pop of color on your feet like electric blue or bright turquoise. Coral would even be great. I have a pair of electric blue flats but nothing in the bright turquoise or coral families. Plus all I have are flats, nothing in heels for a dressier situation. I recently saw a sale on Steve Madden shoes at 6pm.com. Steve Madden is known for funky shoes and super bright colors. This is a great place to find the shoes I need at great price. I definitely struck gold. Here's what I bought:

P-Rada $45.99 (Reg. $99.95)

Steve Madden P-Gabor $45.99 (Reg. $109.95)

Now these shoes may or may not work with my wardrobe. Once I get them home I'll have to figure out if they're exactly what I need or if I need to keep looking. But overall, I'm pretty happy with my find.

Shopping like this I got two pairs of shoes for $92 (plus tax and shipping) instead of paying $210 for the same exact shoes. Having great style doesn't happen by accident. It definitely takes some time and planning but, can be done with a limited investment by planning ahead and buying pieces that will last for several years.