August Collective Haul

In my previous post, I shared that I went shopping and mentioned how my purchases would be included in a haul post. Since it is the end of the month, I figured why not share all of those items, as well as any other significant item purchased this month. Turns out I bought a lot. Funny how organizing allows one to actually see how much is accumulated.The initial look at the pile of purchases shocked me. I got that slight heaviness in my chest and hint of regret you feel when you know you've spent a decent amount of dough.Those feelings aside, what I purchased were either much needed, in preparation for autumn, or too good of a deal to pass up. All in all, I'm pleased as punch with every single item.

(Items with a ♥ next to the name also include a review! Bonus!)

HOLLISTER

Alcazar Twill Parka

FOREVER 21

Classic Wool Floppy Hat (no longer available)//Cross Print Crop Top (no longer available)

KOHL'S

Candies Crochet Cold-Shoulder Top

Apt. 9  Cold-Shoulder Top

ZUMIEZ

Zine Pocket T-shirt (linked is similar top)//Zine Blackberry Beta V-Neck T-Shirt

(from Wet Seal) Solid Skater Skirt//Lunachix Maroon Daisy Skater Skirt

WET SEAL

Linen Hooded Anorak Jacket

Lace Bottom Crop Top

DELIA'S

Liv High-Rise Jeggings in Medium Light Acid//Liv High-Rise Jeggings in Indigo Rinse

Nail Polish ($0.99 each!)

TARGET

Babydoll Dress

Patterned Leggings

J.C. PENNEY

Peasant Top

MACY'S

Derek Heart Mock Turtleneck Cropped Top

♥M.A.C.

Ruby Woo

This was just the lipstick I was looking for. With autumn right around the corner, I was dying to get my hands on a quality bold red lip colour. After snooping around the M.A.C. lipstick shelf and looking at practically every colour, I finally came across this beauty. This lippy has definitely lived up to my expectations. The pigmentation is topnotch. The longevity of this lipstick is mind blowing. The matte effect is so retro and mature. The only downside to this lipstick is that it does dry out your lips. Put lip balm on prior to application and problem solved. I highly recommend this lipstick. It will definitely be my go-to colour for autumn! Once again, I am delighted with this M.A.C. purchase.

  
♥LUSH

Brightside Bubble Bar

This is my favourite bubble bar for the summer months. The citrus scent is quite strong, which I love, because I find that it relaxes me. Just looking at this makes you look at the "bright side." Perhaps I'm partial to it because of my love for yellow, but I think we can all agree that yellow is a happy and positive colour. Once crumbled under running water, the water's clarity turns to the deep tones of a Mediterranean sunset. Oodles of bubbles are produced from one section of the bar. Though it is pricey compared to other bars, I think it is worth the splurge. It is such a treat!

Pink Bath Bomb

At first glance this bath bomb seems quite simple. It is adorned by pastel flowers. The smell is pleasant; nothing overpowering. Like with every other bath bomb, the fizzing makes you eager to hop into the tub. After the bath bomb dissipates, you're left with a slight pink tinge to the water. However you're not left with solely the pink bath water, but tiny hearts, as well! This bath bomb isn't so simple anymore! As cute as these hearts may be, they can get annoying when they start clinging to your body. Despite that venial issue, this bath bomb is great for an elegant yet playful bath. Lush says this bath bomb is inspired by Audrey Hepburn, and like Audrey Hepburn, it's a classic.

Sex Bomb Bath Bomb

I've always heard such great things about this bath bomb and can attest to each comment. This bath bomb not only looks delightful with the two tones and rose, but also smells amazing. There is a hint of a floral fragrance to it, which contributes to the overall pleasant smell. It dissolves relatively fast and leaves the bath water a pretty carnation pink colour. Soaking in this bath will leave your skin feeling so silky after. Candles, soft music, a glass of your favourite beverage, plus this bath bomb will leave you with an irresistible experience that you'll want to incorporate into every evening.

What are some of your recent purchases?

~Moll

An Arbitrary Adventure & Shopping

This look is very casual and basic, as I didn't want to coat my face with tons of makeup when I only intended to relax and goof off outside this morning. My absolute best friend and I went adventuring (as per usual when we have free time), and found a lovely grassy field. We were pleased to find that this field had a marvelous view of the surrounding towns and mountains. This impromptu trip consisted of us taking pictures, walking around, and just being our usual dorky selves. It was simply wonderful to be quite honest.

The more I look at this picture, the more it makes me cringe. >.<

 

EYES

♥CoverGirl Professional All-in-One Mascara in very black

♥two colours from the e.l.f. Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette 

BROWS

♥Sonia Kashuk Tinted Brow Gel

♥a matte brown colour from the e.l.f. Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette

FACE

♥Almay Clear Complexion Foundation in ivory

♥CoverGirl Trublend Minerals Loose Powder in translucent fair

LIPS

 ♥Maybelline Color Whisper in Made-It Mauve

I definitely recommend all of these products. I've had great luck with them!

Here are some random snaps from today! 

The view!!

I LOVE wildflowers!

It was a great cartwheel!... until I fell on my bum.

After that morning adventure, I threw on a kimono, re-applied my lipstick, changed my top and shoes, and off I went to my local sublime shopping center. I got some serious shopping done. *cough* Stay tuned for my first haul post!! *cough* Goodness gracious. My bank account needs some TLC after that one. It was worth it though! The majority of my purchases are in preparation for this upcoming season. I seriously cannot wait for Autumn to roll around!! 

Hat: Target

Kimono: Homemade

Top: Target

Shorts: Thrifted

Bag: Target

Shoes: Target

Have a lovely day and stay fabulous!!

 ~Moll

Review: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisterizer

Don't apply that much lotion on just your hand. :P

WHAT is it? Self-tanner

WHERE did I purchase it? Walmart

WHEN? Beginning of this summer

WHY I purchased this? So I'd actually be tan for once

Cost: $8.64

Why not post a review of self-tanner at the end of summer? This is for all of you that'd like to continue having a tan into autumn. Or those who are leaving on a holiday to a warm location and would like a base tan. Lucky you for going on holiday to somewhere warm! I'm currently sat in a hotel room in New York City and it's freezing!! I just needed to get that complaint out.

As you could probably tell from photos on this blog, I am quite pale. The Irish side of me makes it next to impossible to tan. I go from the palest a person can be to fire engine red. And to boot, my skin then feels like it's on fire. Naturally once the redness fades, I'll have a very slight tan; however, I don't see burning and damaging my skin as the best option for obtaining a normal skin colour. Seriously, once I tan, my skin tone finally matches the palest shade available for foundations. I guess that's why all of my friends call me ghosty...

But this summer they couldn't because I've had Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer in my skin product arsenal! I can honestly say I've been quite pleased with the results. The natural build of a tan promised on the tube transpires. Initially I used fair to medium and after three days of use I was left with a noticeable natural looking tan. After I had a base tan, I applied the lotion once a week. With one application per week, the colour barely faded between applications. All that's necessary to attain and maintain a natural looking tan is applying the lotion once to twice a week.

Of course if you're looking for a darker tan, utilize the lotion more than once a week, but this will run into problems. If you'd like a darker tan, I recommend going to the next colour range of tanner. That is exactly what I did, though I have far from a medium skin tone, but the results still looked natural. Once I had a medium tan from the lighter lotion, I began using the medium to tan one.

For the most part this product does work well; however it isn't perfect. If too much is applied in a short period of time, streaks and splotchiness will occur. This lotion takes quite a while to dry. When I had used it once a day, three days in a row, I could still feel it on my surface of my skin hours later. That layering of the lotion led to inconsistencies of colour. I also found that shaving causes streaks. The first day I used it, I shaved twelve hours later thinking it wouldn't be a problem, but when I looked down at my razor I noticed some of the lotion came off on the shaving cream! My legs looked quite strange. I can assure you I didn't make that same mistake twice! Thankfully a little water and attempt at evening the lotion out will reduce streaks. Just keep in mind that it is a lotion, so to work to its full potential it needs to be completely absorbed.

The solution to these problems is to let the lotion absorb for 24 hours. No shaving, no creams, no scrubs, etc. Just let it be. Even after that, keep in mind that a product like this will rub off if too much pressure is applied on any given area. After a shower or bath, rather than rub your skin to dry, pat it. That will prevent the lotion from coming off. Again, if unevenness occurs, wet that area and massage the lotion back in. That will solve the problem.

For those of you who don't feel like reading this, here's a convenient little chart for you!

Have you tried this product? What is your favourite self-tanner?

~Moll

One Direction Concert: Part 2

OOTN

Never have I ever taken outfit pictures at 2:00 am... until now.

Jacket- Wet Seal

Top- Wet Seal

Shorts- Thrifted

Bag- Kohl's

Earrings- Kohl's

Arrow Necklace- Kohl's

Multi-Chain Necklace- Delia's

Watch- Target

Ring- Kohl's

Midi Ring- Kohl's

Sandals- Target

Nail Polish- Essie (Marshmallow)

FOTN

Sooo this is my first FOTD/FOTN post...

Never in a million years would I have thought that I'd actually plaster my face on this blog because I'm such a private and relatively shy person (^-^), but a bit ago I shared a tiny picture of myself. So in expansion of that action, no matter how scary the thought of this is, I figured why not show my makeup for the evening. Since I've started blogging, there were days that I really wanted to show everyone my makeup, but restrained that urge. Now is a good time to take a chance (make a change, and breaaakkkkkaaawayyy *chuckles to self*), right? Am I making it a big deal showing my face, or do other people struggle with putting themselves out there, too? I'm really curious to see whether or not I'm the only one...

I can never take pictures that get both of our faces in the shot! Whyyy

Sorry for the cruddy phone pictures.

EYES

♥CoverGirl Professional All-in-One Mascara in very black

♥four colours from the e.l.f. Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette 

BROWS

♥Sonia Kashuk Brow Definer

♥Sonia Kashuk Tinted Brow Gel 

FACE

♥Almay Clear Complexion Foundation in ivory

♥CoverGirl Trublend Minerals Loose Powder in translucent fair 

LIPS

♥Maybelline Color Whisper in Made-It Mauve 

Have a lovely day and stay fabulous!!

~Moll

One Direction Concert: Part 1

The other day, I had the absolute pleasure of attending my very first One Direction concert. Goodness, what a fantastic evening I had!! Prior to this concert I'd only been to ones at colleges, so it was very exciting to see the dynamics of performances at gigantic stadiums. Sure that was neat, BUT IT WAS MY FIRST TIME SEEING ONE DIRECTION LIVE!! Plus, I was able to share this special night with my best friend as a birthday gift to her.

Basically from the time the group was formed to now, we've loved them. Their personalities don't seem doctored by the pressures of the media. They are who they are- just goofy guys! Their music is either very upbeat or romantically poetic. As they've grown, so has their music. I love how it's developed and is really becoming their own sound rather than cliché pop beats. Also, they're young attractive British lads; what American girl wouldn't be all googly eyed for that??

Here's a small portion of the hundreds of pictures I took!!

... and then there's Harry attacking the keyboardist...

A rubber chicken and sassy sashaying.

More sassy sashaying.

I've lost my One Direction concert virginity, and it was absolutely perfect!

~Moll 

The Liebster Award

Wowwie!

 I'm finally getting around to posting one of these! Prior to the Liebster Award, I was nominated for the Sunshine and Versatile Blogger Awards. If I recall correctly, (which who knows because those were from months ago) I was nominated twice for each. I have all my answers for those on a piece of paper... that I lost... Whoops!! So rather than going chronologically and posting those first, I figured I'd do one of the Liebster Awards! ("Yeah, why not put them off even longer, Moll!")

I was nominated by the lovely Natalie Ann from Petal Poppet Blogs. Thank you once again! You're a doll!

Before I continue on, I was nominated for the Liebster Award 7 more times after Natalie Ann had nominated me. Firstly, THANK YOU!!! I'm both honoured and flattered. Secondly, I promise to complete all of them, but I'm going to somehow condense them...?? I don't want to bore you all by droning on and on about myself. Stay tuned for those if you're interested in getting to know me better, though! (Don't get sick of me!!)

Rules:

♥Post eleven facts about yourself.

♥Answer eleven questions provided by the person who nominated you.

♥Nominate eleven blogs with fewer than 200 followers.

♥Link your nominees in the post.

♥Create eleven questions for your nominees.

♥Let your nominees know that you've tagged them! Remember: No tag backs!

11 Facts About Me:

1. I'm a super indecisive person (so as you can imagine, some of these questions were difficult to answer).

2. I own over 30 pairs of shoes. *slaps wrists*

3. Taped on one of the walls in my room are a bunch of fortune cookie fortunes.

4. I'm a self-taught pianist.

5. I have big blue eyes.

6. I'm ridiculously particular about my eyebrows.

7. I can't stand the smell or taste of cooked eggs.

8. I'm a hippie at heart; though I feel like that conflicts with the shopaholic within me. I just really love nature!

9. I'd much rather have a great experience over material possessions.

10. I love other eras. The Roaring 20's are pretty swell!

11. I'm a night owl.

Natalie Ann's Questions:

1. What is your favourite season and why?
Autumn. Autumn where I live is the epitome of what it should look like. Like most people who favour Autumn, the colours, smells, crispness to the air, and ability to wear a wide range of clothes really makes it for me. Plus, Halloween and Thanksgiving fall in Autumn. Who wouldn't like a chance to dress ridiculously and eat twice their weight in food?

2. If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? 
*Unlimited wishes for my family and me.
*Three wishes for all of the good-hearted people in the world. (Think of the greatness that could spread all around the world! Talk about taking the pressure off of me and my use of wishes, and killing two birds with one stone.)
*Lastly, I'd wish for every sad person to get a balloon.

3. Why did you start blogging?
 I love writing and this is the perfect outlet to make my thoughts known without having fancy-shmancy connections. Honestly, I just love forming twenty six letters into a variety of words that I can arrange in a certain way to fashion fathomable musings.

4. Which other bloggers are you currently loving?
Before I started my blog, I loved This Fashion is Mine (and still do)! Since having been in the community for a while, I've been enjoying FashionGirl134's posts. She's an incredibly talented designer! 

5. What is one interesting fact about yourself?
I am extremely flexible and can put my feet behind my head.

6. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I'd say the UK, but I feel like that wouldn't be much of a change from America. That being said, I'd go to Germany! I'm learning German, so hopefully someday I will get to the point where I'm comfortable enough with the language to immerse myself in that country. The countryside, castles, and cities are beautiful in pictures, so I'm sure I'd be gaping in real life if I ever had the opportunity to visit. It's also rich in culture. Plus, I have a few friends out there that I'd like to see!

7. What is the one thing that you cannot live without?
Water, food, air...? haha Arghhh. I hate admitting this, but my phone. I'm a complete phone junkie- it's bad.

8. What is your favourite movie?
How about three? "Pride and Prejudice," "Bridget Jones's Diary," and "Love Actually."

9. What is your favourite song?
This is probably the hardest question. I don't necessarily have favourite songs; rather I have favourite bands or artists. There are songs I listen to on repeat. But this playlist constantly changes. 
Here are six examples:
"Fairytale" by Alex Preston
"Born to Die" by Lana Del Rey
"Skeletons" by Real Friends
"The Torment of Existence Weighed Against the Horror of Nonbeing" by Mayday Parade
"She Will Stay Beneath the Moon" by Adam Barnes
"Don't You Remember" by Adele

10. Describe yourself in one word.
Ambitious 

11. What is your favourite childhood memory?
Each summer, my family and family friends rent cabins on a lake, so I have many many amazing memories from those trips. One that I'm particularly fond of was from when I was eleven. I got up at 6 am and went down to the dock to fish by myself. I'm a bit of a introvert, so I thrive off of the peace and quiet solitude has to offer. As the sun slowly rose, I stood there fishing. My bobber was as still as the water itself. Eventually my father walked down and joined me. We didn't talk, just fished. It was the type of understood silence, so it wasn't uncomfortable or empty. We're both people who are deep thinkers, so we let each other be, but still enjoyed the others' presence. It was simply nice.

My Questions:
1. What is your favourite quote?
2. Describe your dream holiday.
3. What does a typical day in your life look like?
4. What is your favourite topic to blog about?
5. Who is your biggest inspiration?
6. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
7. If money was not a factor, what would your dream job be?
8. If the sky's the limit, what would you do next?
9. What do you do in your spare time?
10. What do you feel are the best and worst aspects of blogging?
11. What quality do you appreciate most in a person?

Nominees:

♥Faith

♥Vanessa

♥Lucy

♥Lauren

♥Jalina

♥Steph

♥Emily

♥Caitlin

♥Mary

♥Becca

♥Gabriella

Let me know when you've answered your questions! I can't wait to read them! :)

Have a lovely day and stay fabulous!!

~Moll

Outfit Inspiration: Let's Go For a Picnic!

Have you ever created an outfit inspired by the most random thing? Such is the case with this ensemble. Like usual, I was casually scrolling through tumblr and one of the many images I came across was of cut up watermelons. Firstly, that gave me a hankering to enjoy this yummy summer fruit. Secondly, I realized how well reds and greens can work together in an outfit without looking like Christmas spit up all over it. And thirdly, it made me want to put together an outfit for a nice picnic where I could actually satisfy this unexpected craving for the melon. Whilst enjoying watermelon, why not sport its colors? 

Hat: $29.99

If you happen to go on a picnic, with any luck, it'll be a warm sunny day. Of course utilize sunblock, but why not add a fashionable hat? I love floppy hats. They not only add sophistication to any outfit, but shade your face and shoulders effectively from the sun. If you're anything like me, you burn too easily. That being said, this is definitely an item worth investing in.

Sunglasses: $22.86

Branching off of the sun issue, sunglasses are a must for me. My eyes are very sensitive to bright light, like the sun. I suppose that's what happens when you have blue eyes. At least sunglasses are a fashionable accessory. 

These round frames are so chic. For quite a while I've been all about the vintage clothes and accessories. Luckily these ones are retro and they are in style now. I find these types of items fascinating because they show the evolution of fashion.

Nail Polish (in Going Incognito & Russian Roulette): $8.50 (each)

You can never go wrong with slapping on a coat of nail polish. It finishes off any look and makes it look more kempt. Usually I tend to stay away from darker colours during the summer because they don't quite match the brightness and liveliness of this season, but when wearing an outfit with a ton of white like this one, it balances it. Either of these colours would look great with this ensemble!

Bag: $29.99

The scarf and cut outs add a nice touch to the bag. They jazz it up a bit. The cut outs on the bag also tie into the ones on the sandals. Nothing gets better than pulling together small design elements from multiple items! The size of the bag is quite convenient, as well. It is large enough to fit all of your normal purse necessities; plus a camera, water, journal, or anything else you'd like to bring on a picnic!

Crop Top (comes with matching skirt!): $60.00

This contemporary crop top was the first item I chose for this outfit inspiration. I'm happy to have found it first because it not only encompasses the colors from the watermelon, but it gave me direction for the overall style of this ensemble. The shape and pattern of this top are simply fantastic.

Let the lady bugs on it bring you luck for having a sunny day!! 

Shorts: $58.00

The contemporary style of this outfit is continued through these shorts. I love these because of the shape. I have a black pair similar to them. They are so comfy and practical. Perfect for if you decide to be active and walk around during your picnic!

Sandals: $194.99

These are a tad pricey; especially since they can only be worn during one season. Oh well, though; they're very cute! You can never go wrong with a pair of sandals like these. They are so simple and clean looking. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I think the thick heel sandals and shoes are a great trend. I just love what these sandals add to the look.  

And of course I had to include a picnic basket! :)

What would you wear and take on a picnic?

~Moll