The Midi Skirt

Wearing: Express skirt

Express blouse (love the sleeveless for Summer!)

Zara pumps

Kate Spade bag (so pretty and similar by Rebecca Minkoff)

Michael Kors Watch

Essie polish in "Find me an oasis" (obsessed)

I've always loved the 1950's. I still religiously watch re-runs of "I Love Lucy" and not so secretly can mouth the lines of practically every single episode. When mid-length or midi skirts started popping up everywhere, it instantly reminded me of that time period. I wanted to get in on the trend, but let's face it: at 5 foot 2 inches, they aren't exactly flattering on me. I resisted, telling myself that I would look absolutely ridiculous in one. Then the Express skirt came out, and after reading Courtney's take on it, I decided to just go for it. See, fashion isn't always about how something makes you look. Rather, sometimes it's about how something makes you feel. And this twirly, insanely voluminous skirt, perhaps too much for my petite frame - makes me feel fabulous. Isn't that the whole point?

Quick note ladies: I was featured yesterday on a great website called Pumps and Push Ups. I had a wonderful experience working with Brooke, and I would love for you to read the interview! 

Link!

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Lip Service

Two beauty posts in one week? Pretty good! I'm on a roll it seems, and my favorite product to blog about is definitely pictured below. When it comes to excess, my handbags, nightstand, and vanity are filled to the brim with lipsticks, stains, balms, and glosses. Once only interested in nudes and baby pinks, these days I'm all about a bright bold lip.

Quick note: The tray is from Target. I actually keep it on a ledge between our kitchen and living room, and I change the decor out depending on my mood or the season. I love trays for displaying my lip treats though, and am thinking of getting another for my vanity. The random crystal button at the bottom? It went in the center of our wedding cake's bow :)

I grouped my new Spring lip colors according to color, and the bottom two are glosses. 

Right now, orange is my shade du jour. Yes it's trendy, all over the runways and magazines. But it's also surprisingly flattering! I never thought I'd be brave enough to pull off such a vibrant color, but I'm telling you that it works! I find that it lifts the complexion and brighten up the entire face. I like to go for more of a true mandarin shade, and avoid anything that's too peach or watered down. The M.A.C. lipstick shown was limited edition, but it's called Fashion Force if you're interested in locating it. However, the orange I highly recommend was actually one I saw on Ella and Carylee. It's the Revlon Lacquer Balm in Tease. Glossy and the perfect shade of orange, it's got just enough red in it to keep it classic, and it's what I've been wearing a lot lately. The Maybelline elixir gloss is in "Mandarin Rapture", and I like to dot just a bit on top of Tease for added shine. 

Of course, you can't think Spring without a bright pop of pink on the lips. My favorites are also by Revlon. The original Balm Stain in "Lovesick" is the best fuchsia ever (last worn here), and "Flirtatious" is equally gorgeous. I like the formula of the lacquer balms better because they offer some shine and they are much more moisturizing. My Chanel glossimer in "Glaze" is the perfect topping to any pink lip. 

I think I've covered all six, but if you have any questions feel free to ask!

What is your favorite lip shade?

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Camel & Cobalt

Wearing: Frenchi blazer (old) (similar here & here)

Loft sunwashed tee (must-have)

Loft jeans

J. Crew pumps (love these & dream option)

Nordstrom necklace (similar)

Stella & Dot bracelet

Revlon balm stain in "Lovesick"

If it's one thing I love, it's a great blazer. Truth be told, I don't like showing my arms very often because they aren't as toned as I'd like for them to be. I affectionately refer to them as my little sausages, a term that makes hubby roll his eyes and smirk, giving me that "what are you talking about" look. He probably doesn't know whether to laugh along or reassure me. But you know, even if I did have amazingly toned Madonna arms, I think I'd still prefer to cover them with a blazer! They instantly give you that polished look, and you can throw one on over anything for immediate chic. I decided to pair my neutral blazer with shades of blue for a fun date night look.

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