Wednesday, 24 October 2012

OOTD DUMP


Ok, so I'm going to work on a new title for this series, but it seemed most appropriate.  I just hate the word "dump". But that's what this is. A big ole' outfit of the day dump.

Since I don't always do OOTD posts for each and every outfit on my blog, but I regularly post them on Instagram, I figured I would designate Wednesdays to OOTD Dump posts.  Hump Day, Dump Day.
...yeah, I won't say that again.  I mean, at least I didn't call the post that. Hump is another one of those words that always sound inappropriate.

Ok, mind out of the gutter, Tiffany.

Hopefully these types of posts will be helpful and interesting because everything is in one place: Photos, outfit details, ideas for where to wear it, where I wore it, and more interesting tid-bits.

This one contains photos not just from this week since this is the start of this whole series. For the following OOTD posts, I'll stick to just the particular week.  No, the photos aren't always going to look super professional or all the same.  Most photos are taken from my iPhone when I post to Instagram. Just keeping it real.
Occasionally, if I feel like it, I still may do a post on just one outfit here and there, but I'll still do these little collective posts once a week or every few weeks. Whichever makes most sense for the particular time.  Some weeks may have more, some may have less. Just depends on how many looks I photograph.

Here are some of my recent OOTD photos I've recently posted on Instagram with alllll of their details.

 I LOVE shoulder cut-outs.  This top is silky, amazing, and versatile.
Sparkle & Fade top (Urban Outfitters), 7 For All Mankind zip-ankle skinnies, Tory Burch bag, Cynthia Vincent Wedges


 The next look is one of my favs. I LOVE my printed corduroys. Looking back, I would have paired these with some nude heels or some suede taupe wedges. I wore this to the mall, so flats were the obvious choice.
 Express top, Club Monaco printed corduroy skinnies, Tory Burch flats, Louis Vuitton bag, Henri Bendel ring set


 So I really love this next top. So much that I wore it probably 8 days out of the past 2 weeks...haha. But seriously, it's so versatile. I love the way the leather details on the sleeves give it some edge.
 Club Monaco top, J. Crew bubble necklace (outlet), Henri Bendel large bangle

...and again
 Club Monaco top, House of Harlow resin necklace, 7 For All Mankind skinnies, Louis Vuitton bag, Henri Bendel studded bracelet


I really love this next outfit. Relaxed, but put-together. I wear an outfit like this during the day with flats and with heels like this to go out at night. I wore this out to dinner.
 Krisa Jacket (singer22.com), Club Monaco top, 7 For All Mankind ankle-zip skinnies, YSL pumps, Louis Vuitton bag


This next top is SO fun. It's super relaxed and comfortable, but with an edgy studded collar detail. When it gets cooler, I'll wear this top with a jacket or under a preppier crew-neck sweater to toughen it up a bit.
 top from Dress Up boutique, 7 For All Mankind "gummy" skinnies, Tory Burch leopard flats, Henri Bendel large bangle


You guys may notice I wear A LOT of 7 For All Mankind... Well, the truth is I have a hard time finding pants to fit me and theirs never disappoints.  My issue is that I have curves (ahem, hips and a rear), yet I wear a smaller size. The majority of pants I try on in the size I need don't fit me in the waist or behind. Or, if I get a size that fits those areas, they're baggy everywhere else.  7FAM seems to have a curvier cut and I like it.  It's funny how different brands are cut totally differently.  The problem is, they can be pricey. Every pair shown in this post were purchased from Hautelook or other similar sites.  They do 7FAM sales often, so I just make sure to shop those when there's something particular I'm looking for. 

So what do you guys think about this new series? Any ideas for names that don't include the words "Dump" or "Hump"?? ;)

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram! Search "makeupbytiffanyd" from the app!

Monday, 22 October 2012

Some Makeup Hauling! Sephora & Drugstore

It's always a great feeling to step into a Sephora after MONTHS of not going or really buying much makeup period.  Especially when I'm walking through the door with a 20% off coupon and a long wishlist.

I had SO much fun shopping and exploring the store that day. It was seriously the best Sephora visit ever.
Around Atlanta, there are three Sephoras I usually visit. This visit to the one at Town Center mall in Kennesaw was so great I had to mention it. I normally don't call out specific stores, but I had the best experience there. From the helpful guy in the fragrance department to the awesome girls throughout the store. They were just extra awesome. Not just because they knew I was a blogger- I don't think the guy had any idea who I was and was so helpful and knowledgeable.  It just really made such a great difference.
Ok, I got carried away. Enough Sephora love.  But seriously, it was good stuff.

So I hit the Sephora Friends and Family sale (I explain all sale details in the video) and got some really awesome new goodies. I also took advantage of a 20% off sale (with coupon) at Ulta, where I purchased all drugstore items (except one).  Then I hit Target for a few more drugstore items I needed.
So both hauls have a little bit of everything, which is fun.

...So much fun that I won't be shopping for makeup for quite some time.
Check out the videos below for all the makeup-y haul goodness!



What are YOUR recent awesome makeup-y finds??

Saturday, 20 October 2012

Recent Target Finds: Mirrors

I'm SO glad you guys are enjoying this new little "series" for my blog!
I certainly am. ;)

My last "Target Finds" post got a crazy awesome response from you all (and I really enjoyed doing it), so I'm back with another installment. A quick little post all about mirrors.

I was so impressed a few days ago with Target's mirror selection. I found myself aimlessly wandering through the home decor aisles, as I usually do, and did a MAJOR double take when I saw these beauties.

This is the one that won my heart.

Threshold Arched Windowpane Mirror
It's called the Threshold Arched Windowpane mirror and it's $59.99.  I have seen similar ones go for three times or more. It's made to be more of a "leaner" style mirror. I could see using two of them over a pair of nightstands on each side of the bed, or over a buffet or console table in a foyer. It took everything I had inside me not to buy this beauty, but I really believe our house has reached its decorative mirror quota.
So I will hang it here on my blog instead.

The next mirror is really unique. I've seen these "captain's" style mirrors all over the place over the past few years. I remember Pottery Barn had a similar one for $299, which is no longer available anymore. Yeah, this one is $29.99
Threshold Round Captains Mirror



This one was just beautiful. Looks so much more expensive than it is (well, that's to say with all of these).  I love the gold finish and at $39.99, it's an unbelievable price for the size. 
Threshold Starburst Mirror

So these definitely aren't all that they had, but just the ones I thought were extra special. If any of you have ever gone shopping for mirrors, you probably know how expensive they can get. So check places like Target first. It just might surprise you... ;)

Wednesday, 17 October 2012

Let's Meet Up!

Next weekend (Sunday, October 28th) I will be back in Minnesota at the Mall of America to meet YOU guys! I am so very excited. This event is extra special because it's not just a meet-up, but an exclusive pre-launch event for my new Defining Eyes kit that I've been teasing you guys with for a while now.

Beside the fact that we'll totally hang out, those that can make it will be able to get a FIRST exclusive look at the INSIDE of my new Defining Eyes kit I created for Sigma Beauty. You'll also be able to purchase it at 20% off -- an entire MONTH before it will be available to anyone else! Not to mention GIFT BAGS full of freebies and exclusive discounts for the new Sigma store.

Isn't the outside gorgeous?
 

Did I mention we'll totally hang out? ;)

Sunday, October 28
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Mall of America Rotunda
 MOA website event page 
**I will be there from 1-3, however, you may get there as early as 11 to go ahead and secure a place in line for the event and purchase the palette. There will be 300 available that day. 

So if you plan on having fun with me at the event, BE SURE to send a quick little RSVP email to marketing@sigmabeauty.com.  

Ok, so I'm getting ahead of myself...
For quite some time now, I've been working with Sigma Beauty to develop a really special makeup kit just for eyes. Seeing what was once just an idea in my head come to life in an actual kit I can share with you all is such an amazing feeling. It is fabulous and I cannot wait for you all to see it. From start to finish, I was very hands-on in creating the concept, products, design, etc.  I can't tell you how excited I am to finally share with you all this makeup kit I've created.

 I LOVE getting to meet you guys. I know you all see me pretty regularly online, but it means so much for me to be able to meet you all too.
See you then!  


Monday, 15 October 2012

How To Use Foundation for Highlighting & Contouring

Highlighting and contouring is a step that intimidates and scares many where makeup is concerned. Especially since most people associate highlighting with shimmery, frosted products and contouring with dark brown products.  And lets be honest... Like I've said a million times before, we've all seen the tutorials that make it look like rocket science. Or that make it seem like you have to draw a small feathery masterpiece on your face before you blend it all out anyway. Blending... How much is too much? ... How dark is too dark? ...
Scared yet?
Seriously, it's not that intense and you don't have to be a pro to flatter your face with a bit of highlighting and contouring action. Best part? If you wear foundation and concealer, you probably already have everything you need for this easy tutorial.
The idea is to apply your foundation in a way that highlights and contours, rather than adding extra steps and extra products specifically made for sculpting your face.
Highlighting and contouring is all about emphasizing your best features and flattering your face. So check out my video tutorial below to pick up some of my best highlighting and contouring tips and follow along with your own products. If you've never tried these techniques, you'll be shocked at the difference!


Products Used:
Sigma Brushes
(F84, P88, F86, F35, F20, F05)
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser foundation (foundation that matches your skin tone or slightly darker)
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ liquid foundation (foundation or concealer a few shades lighter than your skin tone)
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Under Eye Concealer
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, shade 1 (or lighter face powder)
Nars Laguna Bronzer (or darker face powder)


Hope you guys try the tutorial and LOVE the results!


Saturday, 13 October 2012

Coats DO Make an Outfit: My TOP 5 for Fall

During the cooler months, I think that coats are the most important part of your outfit. It's what people see first. It makes a statement and pulls everything together. If you've got a great coat or jacket, you don't always have to put a ton of thought into the rest of the outfit. The coat does all the work. So if you have several options, you're good to go. It's kind of "lazy-dressing" mentality, but it works and I love it. Just keepin' it real.
So since the temperatures are dropping and my coat closet is about to open for business, I figured I'd share with you all my favorite outerwear pieces for Fall, new and old, that provide me with LOTS of variety where Fall/Winter looks are concerned.

The pieces...

1. black leather "moto" style jacket... Tinley Road
I seriously LOVE this jacket. It's super soft and worn-in, it goes with everything, and I got a great deal on it. It's loooved.  I got it from Piperlime.com about 3 years ago for $52. I can't find this particular one anymore online, but these moto-style jackets are everywhere now. 
Well, they kind of have been for the past few years. But I think they are classic. I love pairing these tougher jackets with a dress or with skinny jeans and heels to girl-it-up a bit.

My new outerwear purchase for this year. Colorful, perfect fit, gold buttons... 
I think having a colorful and fun peacoat is an important addition to your coat closet. They're a little unexpected and I definitely don't feel like I have to match it with whatever I'm wearing underneath. Just throw it on and it makes your outfit. I was so back and forth between the vintage berry and dublin green when I was ordering it from J. Crew. That green is still messing with my mind. But I thought a fun hot pink would be different for Fall and not like I was jumping on the emerald green "Fall trend" bandwagon. 
Maybe I over-thought that a bit... ;)
J. Crew has an AMAZING outerwear collection this season. I'm trying my best to stay away from that store for a while. 

3. un-boxy trench in a basic color... Express
Let's talk about that "un-boxy" word a bit. Trench coats can look boxy. I hate that. So look for one that has a feminine fit: Slightly tapered at the waist and with some fun details. You don't want it to look like grandpa's raincoat.
Also, you don't want it to look too trendy so it stays classic year after year. Look for details like unusual buttons or different trim.  I was drawn to the faux-leather piping on my black Express trench last year.  I don't see this exact one on the website anymore, but they have some GORGEOUS trench coats this season.

4. winter white wool coat... Moda Skirted Peacoat, Victorias Secret Online
I'm not seeing the winter white shade I purchased in this coat last year as an option on the VS website for this style, but they have lots of other winter white wool options on VS online as well.
Anyway, I LOVE the look of a winter white wool coat. This coat was by far, my favorite and most-worn coat last year.
...and most asked about by YOU all ;)
You can really get away with a wool coat of any shape in winter white while still flattering your shape. Winter white (or lighter coats in general) generally don't look like a "dark blob" like a lot of black coats can. White really shows up. So you can get away with a more classic peacoat shape in white and still have it look flattering. This one (also from VS online) is a great option I also love.
So get your hands on a version of this beauty this year. It's one of my favorite pieces ever.

5. black wool coat in a feminine shape...
Ok, so I didn't want to use the "un-boxy" word again, but seriously, black wool coats can look so plain. But we will use the "dark blob" word again. There's a thousand versions of black peacoats for sale every year by every brand. They can all look exactly alike. ...and very unflattering (dark blob...dark, boxy blob).
What I've loved about this one the past 3 years I've had it is it's fun and feminine shape at the waist. It's a bit cinched in with some cute button accents. It always draws compliments.  When I'm out and about in this coat, I get so many questions as to where I got it. It's the perfect basic coat and I love it.
While this exact one isn't on the website anymore, the "Skirted Peacoat" mentioned above in black would be perfect! They're very similar. Just look for something that accentuates your waist and looks tapered in at that area.

*Notice how I paired all of these coats with the SAME jeans and  black top, but different shoes and coats.  Just so you could see how different coats/jackets can dramatically change an outfit.  

Here are the looks...
black top: Target, jeans: 7 For All Mankind Skinnies, black heels: YSL Tributes, brown boots: Aldo, House of Harlow necklace
See what a difference a coat makes?

And, yes, I took all photos for this post with my iPhone.
...because let's just be real. When Brad isn't home and I have no one to take a photo of my outfit, breaking out the huge camera would cover up like half my outfit in the mirror. Just sayin'.

Coats and jackets can be expensive so I keep mine for years. If you invest in quality, classic pieces, you can wear them forever.  When you think about how often you wear them and what an impact they make on your look, the investment makes sense.
Overall, I'd say my favorite places to shop for coats are Victorias Secret Online, Express, and  J. Crew. I know, I know... Those just happen to be all the places I linked to in this post and where I bought the majority of what I showed, but I'm just being real. The best deals by far can be found at Victorias Secret Online. Also, check Target! I've seen them carry really awesome peacoats and trenches the past few Fall seasons.

Have you guys picked up any new coats for Fall? What's your fav look from this post?


Thursday, 11 October 2012

What's In My Bag & Some Chain-Handled Handbag Love

I LOVE "What's In My Bag" posts. A handbag is such a personal thing. It's like all the best of everything you like that you MUST have with you, you know? A little peek into someone's personal life.  All the little possessions people have concealed on them at all times. Full of seeeeecrets...

Alright, maybe I'm taking it too far.
But seriously, I think you can tell a lot about a person by their purse's contents.

Even if mine is mostly makeup and a giant stick of deodorant... :/

Ok, let's not even think about what that must say about me.  I like to smell nice and have a million lipsticks on me at all times, so what? ;)


 Check out my video below for all the goods! 
(and all the junk I didn't photograph...)
OH and how could I forget the bag details??

Tory Burch Marion Tote
  
Here are some more similar chain-handled shoulder bags that I love...

$49.95


$39.99