Design Editor

LINK LIST | Let's Talk Beauty + A Video From Me

I've been into makeup since my mom started giving me her "free with purchase" Clinique samples when I was in middle school. I wasn't supposed to wear it in the real world yet, but that didn't stop me from sneaking it to school and posing for my class portrait wearing two tons of white eye shadow. Busted.

Since then, I've found some things that actually work for me. Here are some recent faves: 

1. Dreamy Eyes Eyeshadow by Flirt!  I've had more people ask me about the shadow called Golden Lady. I dab a tiny bit on and it adds that perfect amount of shimmer. 
2. Eye makeup brushes. Ditch the foam applicators and cross to the other side! The results are like night and day. I found my favorites at the Bare Minerals outlet. The angled brush for applying shadow-like liner, the precision brush and crease defining brush. 
3. Coty AirSpun Translucent Powder. There's a reason why this powder has been around since 1935. I put it on with the old school powder puff that comes with it.
4. Burt's Bees White Tea Face Towelettes. I've used a lot of these types of wipes to take off my makeup and this is by far the most refreshing and smells great.
5. bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer. I'm not a fan of a lot of foundation, so this primer keeps the minimal amount I use on all day. Completely smooths your skin too.  
6. Essie nail polish in Ballet Slippers. My go to color.
7. L'Oreal Colour Riche lipstick in Fairest Nude. I'm a simple lips gal. Other than glosses, this is the only lipstick I use.
8. Tip for kids! Goody Ouchless Elastics. My girls live in these hair bands. Bows and barrettes fall out, but these don't budge. You will however, find one in every nook and cranny in our house.

It felt a little funny to write about the makeup I wear without a good point a reference, so I took a little video. Gulp!

You can also watch this video on Vimeo.

Do we use any of the same stuff? What are your tried and true faves? Please share!

Shop | BirdaKnits

There is nothing like the joy of an unexpected package in the mail. I experienced this last week when my friend Meredith's mom sent me the cutest handknit mittens for my girls. (I may have squealed a little bit.) This is the second time Roberta Sheffer has gone above and beyond with her knitting needles for me. She also made the girls beautiful sweaters when they were born, soft white and pinky peach with little animals on the buttons. Check out the adorableness here.

It gets better. Roberta has just opened an Etsy shop called BirdaKnits so you can all enjoy her gorgeous work. The shop features warm woolen mittens knitted from vintage traditional Scandinavian patterns. Amazing gifts for Christmas! A few samples of what you can purchase:

KRISTINA Mittens

JULIA Toddler Bonnet and Mittens

GRETA Mittens

So lovely! BirdaKnits also offers men's styles and custom orders. Stop by the shop here. Thanks again, Roberta!

Fashion | My Uniform

Do you have a uniform? You know, your look. The tried-and-true basics from your closet. I just looked at my I'd Wear This Pinterest board and laughed because it's basically the same outfit over and over again. I mean, I like and appreciate fashion, but I'm not a slave to it. I wish they had runway shows for gals who primarily shop at Forever 21, Ann Taylor Loft and Target. People who literally never have an occasion for an evening gown and just want to see cute ways to wear sweaters and leggings. You know?

Here are the elements of my uniform.

• JEANS I'm lucky that I don't need to get gussied up for work, so I live in jeans and jeggings. Blue, black, white.
• BOOTS Once it gets a little chilly, I'll live in boots. Knee high, mid-calf, faux Uggs.
• CARDIGANS I love long cardigans, primarily without buttons, though my sister just got me a boyfriend sweater from J.Crew that I'm loving.
• NECKLACES I heart costume jewelry. Love doing a pop of color with beaded necklaces and layering thin metal strands of varying lengths.
• BLOUSES Flowy tops hide areas people don't need to see while being cute and stylish. I can indulge in my love of pattern here too.
• FLATS I live in my Steve Madden patent leather and leopard print flats.
• BLAZERS If I'm not wearing a cardigan, I'm wearing a blazer. Black, gray, tan. Sleeves rolled up.
• SCARVES Obsessed with scarves. Obsessed.
• TEES If see a cool design or an '80s concert shirt, I literally can't help myself. I'm probably getting too old for this, but I don't care.

That about sums it up. Now, at home it's a different story. I'm all about the lounge wear: Yoga pants, hoodies, fleece jackets, Converse sneakers. I just don't have the energy to do anything past that. What are some of your favorite things to wear? Any new trends you're loving?