Monday, October 13, 2014

flower power.

American Apparel shirt, Forever 21 skirt, American Eagle purse, MAC Ruby Woo lipstick, Forever 21 rings
Photo credit: Cecilia Rosenbaum
Just wanted to share an outtake from a recent shoot for CollegeFashionista. The full post is here. Red is my favorite color and I love incorporating it into my outfits whenever I can. It's a quick confidence boost and looks amazing with a wide variety of styles.

xoxo

Sabrina

P.S. Follow me on Bloglovin for the latest updates!

Friday, October 3, 2014

my life lately.

Style Guru Bio pics for my third semester with CollegeFashionista!

Sephora by OPI Leaf Him at the Altar
Baking mac and cheese with friends

The last of the Nutella brownies. 'Nuff said.

To continue on the Nutella streak, I made Peanut Butter Nutella Banana Bread.

Classic Hot Fudge Sundae, because dessert is clearly my entire life.
Fun summer nails!

Tartufo, a.k.a. the best Italian dessert ever.

Although this Affogato is a close runner-up!

Vintage and Forever 21 rings, Assorted bracelets, Claire's orange nail polish
Shoes from my CollegeFashionista Style Guru bio!
I just wanted to share with you a few snapshots of my life lately. A bunch of these posts are end of summer/beginning of fall, so I'll probably be doing another updated one of these in a few weeks. I have been writing away for CollegeFashionista (and loving it!). Check out my latest post here. I'm so glad that it's finally October. I want as many pumpkins, baked goods, and sweaters around me as possible.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

xoxo

Sabrina

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin! Hit the button on the right to check out my page!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

best of the nudes/darks.

From left to right: Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9, Clinique Different Lipstick in Spiced Apple, MAC Frost Lipstick in Viva Glam IV, CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in 280 Clove, Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 420 Deepest Cherry, Urban Decay Lipstick in Venom

After doing posts on both bright and red lipsticks, I knew I wanted to share my natural and dark shades too. However, I don't have enough colors to do two separate posts, so I thought I'd just combine them all. There's actually a nice natural progression between the two categories, which you can see in the swatch picture above. I'm a big fan of all these colors and I hope you find some new inspiration from this.

1. Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9 - $20
    I have to give credit to Sephora for this color. The company included it in the 2014 Birthday Gift set. At first I was somewhat hesitant because I'm not normally a fan of nudes. Silly of me to doubt Make Up For Ever. This lipstick is fantastic. It has a sweet floral smell and one of the creamiest formulations I've ever come across. It really is a your lips but so much better color. I'm in love.

2. Clinique Different Lipstick in Spiced Apple - $16
    This is an oldie but a goodie. As the name suggests, it is perfect for fall. It is a very bohemian, yet sophisticated color. It feels very light on your lips and is quite moisturizing. Clinique just knows how to make great makeup.

3. MAC Frost Lipstick in Viva Glam IV - $16
    I know a lot of people don't like frosted lipsticks, but this one may make them change their minds. First of all, the color is gorgeous. It is a neutral berry shade with a hint of gold sparkle. I love pairing it with neutral or gold eyeshadow. It looks so glamorous and chic. Also, it lasts a while, so don't worry about having to constantly reapply.

4. CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in 280 Clove
    Ok, so this technically not a lipstick, but it has a decent amount of pigmentation so I thought I'd include it here. This is a nice way to enhance and darken your lips a bit. I love it for a subtle makeup look or for an easy way to transition to fall makeup.
*CoverGirl has discontinued this, but they offer LipSlicks Smoochies in B4N and it looks pretty similar.

5. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 420 Deepest Cherry - $5-8
    This is one of my favorite vampy lipstick colors. It smells lovely and looks so nice on my lips. It does look better with a matching or a nude lip liner. Also, this is one that requires exfoliation first. While it doesn't last the longest, it looks great after a quick touch up. I will definitely be rocking this again come fall.
*This is another discontinued item. Just this color has been discontinued and I don't understand why because it's gorgeous! Oh well, at least I still have Red Revival from this line.

6. Urban Decay Lipstick in Venom - $22
    As I mentioned in my post on bright lipstick, I am obsessed with Urban Decay lipstick. The stuff is incredibly pigmented and has amazing lasting power. That's a win-win if there ever was one. This color is the most gorgeous deep berry and looks so flattering with an otherwise natural makeup look. If you don't own a tube of UD lipstick yet, you seriously need to go get one.

Hope you liked this lipstick collection roundup!

xoxo

Sabrina

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

little lace dress.

American Eagle dress, Michael Kors purse, Simply Vera by Vera Wang heels, Pac Sun sunglasses, Topshop earrings, assorted bracelets


It's been way too long since I last did an outfit post. Things are going to change guys, I promise. I have been doing some back-to-school shopping recently and I'm super excited to do a haul post and/or some outfit posts. Stay tuned!

I haven't worn this dress nearly as often as I would like. It's so chic and can be easily dressed up or down depending on my mood. I wore this to a nice restaurant recently and was quite pleased with the overall outfit. I wore the dress with the comfiest heels in my closet and my favorite earrings from TopShop. They are so cool and I couldn't pass them up when I saw them in the store.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS. My article was featured on the CollegeFashionista homepage this week. I love the floral outfit I put together!

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

best of the brights.

From left to right: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 026 Abstract Orange, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 12, MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned, Urban Decay Lipstick in Anarchy, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 440 Cherries in the Snow

Lipstick is one of the easiest accessories out there. It gives you the power to change your look with a single swipe (Ok, more than a single swipe if I'm being honest here). While my tried-and-true lipstick shade will always be red (see my "best of the reds" post), I love to experiment with brighter lipsticks. Summer is the perfect time to make the switch to a fun lip color, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 026 Abstract Orange - $5-8
    I had been a longtime admirer of this color before I finally caved and bought it. The color is a gorgeous burnt orange that works just as well in fall as it does in summer. The only drawback is that it is not incredibly long-lasting. I think it may be because of the lipstick's "Pearl" finish. I'll speak about it more later, but I found that the "Creme" version of the lipstick lasts an incredible amount of time.

2. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 12 - $5-8
    This lipstick was my first foray into the Rimmel by Kate collection. I have since added quite a few reds from the line to my makeup bag. I love this lipstick because it smells exactly like fruit punch. It is also the perfect bright summery coral color. While it doesn't have great lasting power, a few touch-ups after meals are all you need to get that bright hue back on your lips.

3. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned - $16
    It's a MAC lipstick, so obviously it's pretty fantastic. The color payoff is amazing. I would definitely recommend lip liner with this though. The color does bleed without it since it is such a creamy formula. Also, wearing a nude liner underneath makes the color pop even more. It's a warm highlighter pink lipstick that looks lovely in the summertime.
    *Tip: Make sure to exfoliate before you use this because it will highlight any flaky skin or bumps.

4. Urban Decay Lipstick in Anarchy - $22
    While this is the most recent addition to my collection, it is easily one of my new favorites. Urban Decay has one of the best lipstick formulations out there. The colors go on smoothly and don't dry my lips out. They have super lasting power and the pigmentation is amazing. Case in point: Anarchy is one of the brightest shades in the line. I wore this color all day through eating and drinking and it still looked fantastic. An occasional touch-up wouldn't hurt, but it is not essential.

5. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 440 Cherries in the Snow - $5-8
    I didn't know that this color was such a cult favorite until well after I purchased it. This is one of my absolute favorite lipsticks. I don't know why there is such a difference in lasting power between the "Pearl" and the "Creme" finishes, but this one lasts FOREVER. I have no idea how it lasts so long. I wear clear liner with it to prevent bleeding, but that's it. This stuff clings to your lips and lasts through eating and drinking no problem. I would recommend this to everyone.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS. Stay tuned for a nude/dark lipstick post coming soon.
PPS. Have you seen my latest CollegeFashionista post? It's about how maxi dresses CAN work for petite girls!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

back to school.

back to school.

This has been the busiest summer of my life thus far. In between running around for jobs and working on internships, I have not had too much of a break. Thankfully I have one month before it is time for me to go back to school and I plan to take advantage of it. My goal is to work on some last-minute projects, cook a few new meals, and read as much as I possibly can. Of course, I still need to do a bit of shopping before classes begin, so I thought I'd share some inspiration.

I've been loving florals lately, so this blazer and cropped shirt work out perfectly. I also have an obsession with boyfriend jeans and distressed denim and will definitely be looking out for a few new pairs. The black hat would be a perfect addition to my ever-expanding hat collection. I have a similar one in gray (see this post), but this one would be perfect to wear with pretty much everything. Finally, I'm on the search for a good pair of black ankle boots. Not only do these ones look incredibly chic, but I'm betting they are also super comfortable.
Good luck on all your back-to-school shopping!
xoxo
Sabrina
PS. I'm still writing for CollegeFashionista! Check out some of my latest posts here.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

a little bit of spritz.

My lovely storage station was a great find at TJ Maxx.
From left to right: Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea, Taylor Swift Wonderstruck, Katy Perry Meow!, Chloe Classique, Gilly Hicks Kissing Point, Britney Spears Believe, Juicy Couture Peace Love & Juicy Couture, Kim Kardashian Gold, Calvin Klein CK One Shock, Clinique Happy, Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck, Burberry Weekend
In the past few years, my interest in perfume has expanded dramatically. After going through two bottles of With Love by Hilary Duff, I decided it was time for a change (although I will still always love that scent). So I began to create the collection you see here before you. I have definitely found some winners, along with some that are just OK and that I will not be buying again. It's fun to switch up fragrances and experiment with different smells in order to find the one that is best suited to you.

Here's a rundown of the fragrances and my thoughts on each of them:

Bath and Body Works Sweet Pea
    It's not bad as far as inexpensive fragrances go. It kind of reminds me of a sour candy for some reason. It goes on sweet, don't get me wrong. Yet there is also a nice sour, or zingy smell to it. I only wear this one in spring and summer.

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck and Wonderstruck Enchanted
   I don't know about you, but the two TSwift perfumes in my collection smell remarkably similar. Perhaps the only difference is that the blue one is sweet and floral while the red one is sweet and fruity. This is likely not the best description of them, but it's the best I can do. I like them a lot and wear them all year round.

Katy Perry Meow!
    If you like sugary smells, go buy this one immediately. It is the sweetest fragrance I have found thus far, which is probably a good thing because I don't think I could handle anything stronger. I do like it though since it is an instant pick-me-up. This is also one I can wear throughout the year.

Chloe Classique
    As I was researching this post, I found that this perfume is now discontinued. This is sad, but understandable as many of the other Chloe perfumes easily trump this one. However, I like this one's heavier floral scent. It feels appropriate for special events and parties. Or for feeling glamorous whenever.

Gilly Hicks Kissing Point
    I doubt this perfume is still available in stores, although you could probably find it online. This is quite a heavy, musky perfume, but I like it. I would only wear it in fall or winter or at night. It definitely has a strong scent, so a few sprays go a long way.

Britney Spears Believe
   Looking back on it, I probably shouldn't have purchased such a large bottle of this stuff because it feels like I will never get through it. But it was on a great sale at TJ Maxx, so I couldn't pass it up. I love this perfume for summertime. It's so light and fresh and helps me feel ready for the day.

Juicy Couture Peace Love & Juicy Couture
   This perfume smells remarkably like grass. Not in a bad way of course. It just really smells like grass. There is a nice sweetness about it and so it works very well during the spring and summer. All in all, it has a very clean scent. And the bottle is gorgeous.

Kim Kardashian Gold
   I took a bottle of this with me when I went to Italy and used the whole thing up. I was so surprised by how good this smells. It seems like a combination of lime, coconut, and vanilla. I'm probably so impressed by this perfume because it reminds me of With Love by Hilary Duff. They are not the same at all, except for the vanilla notes and the slightly heavier quality. I love them both though and will continue to rely on them as standbys.

Calvin Klein CK One Shock
   Do you like lemonade? Then get this perfume. It smells fantastic and lasts for a really long time. It is sweet and sour at the same time. I just love it. The bottle is super cool too.

Clinique Happy
   So I know I only have a mini of this, but I've been through two minis before this one, so I feel like I can include it here. This perfume has somewhat of a cult following, and for good reason. It smells like fresh oranges and is absolutely perfect for spring and summer. Also, I have been complimented on this perfume more than I have on any other perfume I own. I don't know what to say, except that Clinique did a great job on this.

Burberry Weekend
   This perfume is the queen of sweet, fresh perfumes. It is so light and seems like it is on the verge of being vanilla-scented, although it doesn't get there completely. The name is apt; I love wearing it on the weekends, and in spring and summer more generally.

xoxo

Sabrina

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

best of the reds.

The best of the reds
From left to right: Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Theodora, Maybelline ColorSensational Lip Color in 645 Red Revival, MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 10, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 01, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 11, and Clinique Quickliner for Lips in 35 Rich Red
You may have noticed that, in addition to being obsessed with leopard print, I am also a bit of a lipstick fanatic (see here and here). Red lipstick in particular is one of my absolute favorite makeup items. It has the power to instantly add glamour to any outfit. Recently I have collected quite a few reds that have become some of my go-to products. Here are the descriptions of each of them, as well as some tips and tricks that I have discovered along the way.

In order from left to right:

1. Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Theodora - $20
I got this when I purchased the limited edition Theodora palette that Urban Decay released for Oz the Great and Powerful. I liked the movie, but I loved the makeup even more. This shade is very similar to, if not an exact dupe of the F-Bomb shade in the normal Super-Saturated line. The color payoff is fantastic, but it does need to be reapplied after you eat. It is also quite sticky for a lip stain/lipstick hybrid.

2. Maybelline ColorSensational Lip Color in 645 Red Revival - $5-8
This was the first drugstore red that I purchased and I have to say that I have definitely gotten my money's worth. This is a bit of a darker red and looks quite glamorous on the lips. Before putting this on, you have to exfoliate and moisturize your lips, as the color clings to any flaky bits. Also, make sure to use lip liner beforehand unless you want the color to bleed halfway through the day. This one requires multiple reapplications.

3. MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo - $16
This is without a doubt my favorite red lipstick and likely my favorite lipstick ever. It is one of the most expensive brands in this selection, but it is the best in terms of quality. This lipstick is extremely matte. It has blue undertones and looks like the perfect classic red. Make sure to moisturize your lips beforehand so that they don't dry out later on in the day. This stuff lasts forever and doesn't even need a reapplication after eating. I will definitely buy a back-up when this tube reaches the bottom. Also, I love the vanilla scent.

4, 5, and 6. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 10, 01, and 11 - $4.50-6
I'm doing these three together because they all have the same formulation. These all smell like fruit punch, which can be a bit overpowering at first. They are pretty similar to the Maybelline formula above, although they are slightly less creamy. Other than that, the lasting power is pretty much the same. Keep them in your purse during the day because you will need to reapply. Lip liner is essential. As for the colors, 10 is a light blue-red. 01 is a classic true red and quite similar in color to Red Revival above. 11 is the darkest of the three. While it does not get quite into burgundy-red territory, it comes pretty close.

7. Clinique Quickliner for Lips in 35 Rich Red - $15
Finally we come to my saving grace in the red lipstick department. I have pretty full lips and so my lipstick tends to fade or to bleed out if I don't use lip liner. This formula lasts forever and matches with all the reds I own. Also, I love the windup tube. It keeps the product clean and I don't have to worry about sharpening it.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS. I will be writing for CollegeFashionista this summer as well! Make sure to stay up-to-date on my posts here!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

emerald.

Members Only jacket, The Classic shirt, Zara pants, Rock & Republic flats, Forever 21 earrings, Urban Decay Venom lipstick


This month has been rough. I've had a ton of work to do and the blog has fallen behind a bit. No worries though! I have some fun posts planned for the weeks to come and I hope you all will stay tuned.

I took these photos on a relatively nice spring day. This outfit reminds me so much of my time in Italy.for a few reasons. First, I actually purchased the pants in Italy during one of my many trips to Zara. I was drawn in by the gorgeous hue and knew that they would be the perfect way to add a subtle dose of color to my wardrobe. Second, this jacket was a staple for me while I was living abroad. It is light enough for a cooler spring day and works well as a layer over lighter jackets and sweaters. Lately, these two pieces have become some closet essentials and I love reaching for them whenever I can't figure out what to wear.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS. I hope you've been following me on CollegeFashionista! I love writing for them!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

pattern play.

Betsey Johnson coat, TJ Maxx shirt, H&M pants, Claire's earrings, Michael Kors shoes


My obsession with printed and/or colored pants is still in full swing. These ones (last seen here) were an absolute score from H&M and have the ability to make pretty much anything look chic.  I love how cool they look with this coat.  The mixture of the two patterns is so much fun.  I lightened the outfit up with a white shirt and (of course) leopard boat shoes.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS.  Are you following me on Bloglovin? Check out my page!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

leopard and lace.

American Eagle coat, Zara dress, H&M tights, Jessica Simpson heels, Nine West gloves, Forever 21 scarf, Nine West earrings, MAC Ruby Woo lipstick


I figured it was about time to do another leopard-themed outfit. Honestly, if I could wear leopard every day, I probably would. This lovely dress is from a Zara that I stopped into while I was in Italy. Not only is the mixture of leopard and lace absolutely perfect, but so is the shift shape of the dress.  I love pairing shift dresses with rocking heels, and I think that these ones are the perfect match. The gold studs give these simple black booties an unexpected edge. This is definitely an outfit that I would not mind repeating.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS. Check out my latest CollegeFashionista post here!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

spring and sun.

spring and sun.

spring and sun

Even though the the topsy-turvy weather prevents the snow from melting, I can still look forward to spring. Honestly, those beautiful sunny days can't come soon enough.  I'm ready to pack up the winter coats and pull on some shorts instead.  Spring fashion is more appealing than ever, with the abundance of florals and chic sandals.  Everything is just so pretty.  Springtime shopping, here I come!

xoxo

Sabrina

Thursday, March 6, 2014

bueller...

Forever 21 hat, Forever 21 jacket, TJ Maxx t-shirt, Forever 21 skirt, H&M tights, Bamboo flats, Homemade earrings, MAC Ruby Woo lipstick


"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is perhaps one of my favorite movies of all time.  I could watch it on repeat and it would never get old.  So, when I saw this shirt in the guy's section of TJ Maxx, I knew I had to have it.  I love the idea of matching it with a punky, grungy outfit.  This jacket is an oldie but a goodie, while the hat is new and already much loved.  And of course, red lipstick is always the perfect way to add a bit of a punch.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS.  Are you following me on Bloglovin?  I would love it if you did!
PPS.  Check out all my CollegeFashionista posts here!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

do the floral polka.

Betsey Johnson coat, H&M shirt, Free People skirt, Forever 21 scarf, Nine West gloves, H&M tights and socks, G by Guess boots

If you don't know by now, I am a big fan of mixing prints (see here for another example).  It's fun to make two different patterns work together.  Polka dots and florals are some of my favorite prints, so putting this outfit together made me really happy.  Plus, print-mixing is a nice way to keep things fresh in the middle of winter (or any time at all).

xoxo

Sabrina

PS.  Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin!
PPS.  I love writing for CollegeFashionista!  Check out some of my posts here.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

hot chocolate.

Revlon Foxy, Sephora by OPI Come to Pappa-razzi!
I had never really liked brown as a nail polish color.  It always seemed like such a boring, matronly color that I associated it more with dirt than with nail polish.  Yet recently I came across this beauty from Revlon and have been forced to think twice.  Not only is it a soft chocolate with the slightest bit of shimmer, but it also looks incredibly elegant on your nails.  If you're looking for something different for your next manicure, I would definitely suggest a chocolate polish. It's just enough to make a statement without being too dramatic.

xoxo

Sabrina

Saturday, February 15, 2014

surprise.

Wet Seal sweater, Forever 21 skirt, Charlotte Russe tights, Forever 21 headband, Handmade earrings, Gifted pin, Forever 21 shoes
Forever 21 ring, Pulsar watch, Chamilia bracelet, Revlon Spanish Moss nail polish

So, in case you hadn't noticed, I cut my hair.  A lot.  I actually had already gotten the cut in my last outfit post, but I was wearing a hat then so it wasn't really noticeable.
I absolutely love having short hair.  It's so low maintenance that it's practically no maintenance.  I had just been so tired of my long hair after coming back from Italy and felt that it was time for a change.  While I admit that it was a bit of an adjustment (my ears and neck get cold really quickly now), I am really loving this new style!

xoxo

Sabrina

PS.  Make sure you keep checking out my CollegeFashionista posts every Friday!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

best beauty buys of 2013.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I am a huge makeup junkie.  I love trying out new products and finding gems that I can rely on for years to come.  To me, makeup is just another accessory.  Like a great pair of earrings or a statement necklace, the right lipstick or eyeliner can add a fresh element to any outfit.  However, that's not to say that bold makeup is all that's important.  The real stars are the products that you don't always notice.  While things like foundation and moisturizer don't always get the hype they deserve, they should not be forgotten.

This past year I focused on both my statement products and my undercover necessities as I tried to sort out the winners from the losers.  While I am still constantly on the search for new products, I thought I'd share with you some of my tried-and-true favorites from 2013.  They range from low-end to high-end, so there's something here for everyone!

1.  Moisturizer:  Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
This stuff is absolutely amazing.  I use it every morning before putting on makeup.  I've also been using it at night recently, since my skin has been getting dry.  It's so light and it absorbs immediately.  I'm pretty sure this is a forever product for me.

2.  Eye Cream:  Clinique All About Eyes
I've only tried a few eye creams so far, but this has definitely been the best.  It noticeably lessens dark circles and puffs.  I use this every morning and it gets the job done.

3.  Foundation:  Covergirl Natureluxe foundation #325
There are multiple things about this foundation that make it perfect.  To start, it's a drugstore foundation.  It matches my skin tone exactly.  I have yellow undertones and often have issues with foundations that have pinkish tints.  This one is a great match.  Also, it has SPF 10, which makes me feel better on the days when I forget to put on the real stuff.  It has a lot of natural ingredients and smells fresh too.  The coverage is light, but buildable.

4.  Concealer:  Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer and Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer
Ok, so I have two but I use them for different things.  I use the Rimmel for around my nose because it's lighter and blends in nicely.  The color Soft Honey 103 is great.
The Clinique one is for the rest of my face, which is slightly darker.  It conceals pimples and blemishes easily and blends into my foundation well.  I use the shade Medium 04.

5.  Under-eye Concealer:  L'Oreal Paris MagicLumi Concealer
So technically I have three concealers.  Oh well.  I know this one has gotten a lot of hype online with beauty bloggers.  The reviews are true.  This stuff is amazing.  It conceals dark circles while highlighting the eye area so you look fresh and awake.  I'm almost out of mine and will definitely be repurchasing it.

6.  Eye Primer:  NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
I used to use the Urban Decay primer but found that my shadow would always be creased by the end of the day.  So I switched to this one and have not had a problem since.  Eye shadow doesn't budge. 

7.  Powder:  Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
I bought this after reading a bunch of positive reviews and am so glad I did.  Although I do not have excessively oily skin, I do feel a bit shiny by the end of the day.  This powder is just the thing to keep my makeup in place and my skin looking matte.

8.  Bronzer:  NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder
After finishing a horrible bronzer that was both too sparkly and too orange, I knew I had to find something that was the exact opposite.  However, I didn't want to pay too much either.  I did a lot of research and ended up deciding on this one by NYC.  Now I use it every day and it does not disappoint. It blends in nicely and offers the perfect tan color.  I use it all year.  Not only is it incredibly cheap, but it also lasts forever.  The best part is that it is neither sparkly nor orange.

9:  Brow product:  Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
I was wary of this product when I received it as a sample from Sephora.  Now I realize I was worrying for nothing.  This is the product you never knew you needed but cannot live without after trying.  I just finished my sample and need to buy some more ASAP.  Groomed brows really make a world of difference.

10:  Highlighter:  Benefit Watt's Up!
Highlighter is such a great product.  It immediately illuminates your face and makes you look alive.  I love the Benefit one because the shimmer blends in easily and matches my skin tone really well.

11:  Liquid Eyeliner:  E.L.F. Liquid Eyeliner in Black
If I had to put just one product on the list, this would be it.  I don't understand how this stuff is only one dollar.  It stays on all day, lasts a while, and makes such an impact.  I have gone through a few of these now and make sure that I always have backstock. 

12:  Pencil Eyeliner:  Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
 If a better eyeliner than this exists, then I certainly don't know about it.  I own this product in multiple colors.  Some of my favorites include Perversion, Smog, and 1999.  They stay on all day and are really pigmented.

These have been my tried-and-true products this year.  I hope you guys try some of them out!

xoxo

Sabrina

Friday, January 24, 2014

pink and zigzag.

Sephora by OPI Sample Sale, Nicole by OPI I Pink I Love Him (clear sparkle), Nicole by OPI Flirt Alert (pink), Nicole by OPI OMB! (design)
After creating these nails, I realized they would be perfect for Valentine's Day.  They're a fun twist on the usual red and pink.  I've been loving different nail designs lately and I thought that zigzags would be fun to try.  I think they look cute with the pink background color.  Of course, the color scheme could easily be changed for this.  In fact, I may just try something similar in green or blue!

xoxo

Sabrina

PS.  New article here for College Fashionista!  You need to see these amazing faux fur heels!

Monday, January 20, 2014

the puffer.

American Eagle jacket, Forever 21 t-shirt, Hollister cardigan, American Eagle pants, Benetton belt, H&M scarf, American Eagle hat, Mandee's gloves


The weather has been crazy this week, with a downpour one day and snow the next.  I have no idea what's going on, but I hope it ends soon!  In the meantime, I've been battling whatever Mother Nature throws at me with this amazing puffer jacket.  It's one of the warmest jackets I own and I absolutely love the fur accent on the hood.  Today I paired it with a beanie and light pink cords.  I have to say, I'm loving fun pants lately, whether they be patterned or colored.  It's nice to switch things up from the basic jeans once in a while.

In other news, I am now blogging for CollegeFashionista!  I'm really excited to be contributing to such a fantastic site.  Check out my Style Guru bio here and don't forget to look out for a new post on that site every Friday as I write an ACCESSORIES REPORT.  I'll still be writing for this blog too, so look out for upcoming fashion, nail, and food posts soon!

xoxo

Sabrina

PS.  Follow me on Bloglovin to get all the latest updates!!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

wavy stripes.

OPI Got A Date To-Knight!, OPI Servin' Up Sparkle, L.A. Colors white and navy polishes
The combination of pink and navy, whether it be in an outfit or for a nail design, is a formula that is practically always guaranteed to work.  I like it because it is an updated version of the classic navy and red sailor combo.  And of course, it looks even better with a bit of sparkle!

xoxo

Sabrina

Thursday, January 9, 2014

winter wear.

American Eagle coat, The Classic shirt, H&M pants, H&M flats, H&M hat, Vintage brooch

 
 
The weather outside has changed from frightful to absolutely horrifying.  I don't know about you, but when the thermometer reaches seven degrees Fahrenheit, all I want to do is cuddle up with a hot cup of tea and a good book.  Luckily, that's what I've been doing, at least when I'm not freezing beyond belief to take the quick fashion pic or two.  Oh well.  Counting down the days until summer!
 
xoxo
 
Sabrina
 
PS.  Follow me on Bloglovin to hear next week's exciting announcement!