That winter glow tho

I've been obsessed with keeping my skin hydrated since the temperatures have taken a plunge. Though my water intake is still a work I progress (getting those 8+ glasses in every day is a challenge) - a few skincare products have really made a huge difference!

Some of these are old staples and some are new additions that have really boosted my glow lately! 

1. Mario Badescu facial spray with aloe, herbs, and rose water - this has been a staple in my routine and I've repurchased it about 4-5 times. It smells so fresh and is a great pick me up any time of day. I particularly like to spritz this on after washing my face as a toner before applying serums and moisturizer as it prepares the skin and adds another layer of hydration to be locked in by moisturizer. I also keep a travel size of this in my purse for on the go pick me ups. 

2. Kate Somerville Exfolikate - I got a small tube of this as a sample from Sephora ages ago and absolutely loved how soft and refreshed it made my skin feel. It's effective yet gentle and smells slightly of nutmeg which I love. I use it about once a week when my skin is feeling exceptionally grimey. Not to mention the rest of your skincare products absorb so much better after you've sloughed off that dull layer of dead skin. 

3. Iope Moistgen Serum - this is a new addition to my routine. As I entered my late twenties I figured it was time to add a more concentrated serum. This really feels deeply hydrating without feeling greasy and I've noticed a difference in the texture of my skin in the last month that I've been using it. 

4. DHC deep cleansing oil - this is a real miracle worker for my oily dehydrated skin. I've found that foaming cleansers tend to strip my skin of its natural oils and leaves my skin feeling oiler and tight to the point where it feels uncomfortable to make funny faces! This oil is the exact opposite and washes clean without feeling greasy! This teeny tiny bottle went a long way and I can't wait to repurchase. It removes stubborn waterproof makeup and rinses clean! So in love with this. It's also perfect for facial massage (YouTube "Lisa Eldridge facial massage" for reference). 

5. Elizabeth Arden 8 hour lip balm - with spf 20 this is a purse staple. It's not sticky but doesn't disappear after you put it on which makes it a winner. It has a light ointment scent but it wears off and is basically unscented - which is how I prefer my lip products. 

6. Simple replenishing rich moisturizer - I wear this day and night. It's moisturizing gel like texture agrees with my skin and is suitable for even sensitive skin. It does not contain spf so a separate sunscreen is required for day time (the only con really)

7. Clarisonic Mia 2 - this has been the biggest addition to my routine and I absolutely look forward to using it every night. While some suggest using it only a few times a week, I find that the sensitive bush head used once a day works just fine for me. It has been great at unclogging my pores and keeping my skin happy and ready to absorb all the goodness I mentioned above. Fingers crossed - I haven't had any major breakouts and I really credit that to this cleansing system. 

Another little non skincare gadget I use to stay hydrated is my portable desktop humidifier at work. People pass by my desk and are always curious about it. It's super cute and available on Amazon!

What are your skincare saviours?! Share them below - I love experimenting with skincare :)

Cheers,

Alexa

So long Summer, hello Fall...

With summer officially out of the picture, I packed up all my strappy tops, sundresses, and sandals and swapped them for knitted sweaters, coats, and boots. I look forward to this time of year because it means we can dress up again without sweating up a storm!

Though it's getting colder, the crisp air, pumpkin spiced lattes, changing leaves and knee high boots more than make up for it. 

The dramatic change in weather over the last few days (temps plummeted by 20 degrees - ka-ching!) got me excited to pull out my over the knee boots! I'm sure I'll want to curse myself for saying that once winter arrives 😁. I'm loving the look of tall boots for fall and winter and if I had longer legs I would want a pair of thigh highs too. #petitegirlproblems

Sweater: TJ Maxx // Skirt: H&M // Tights: Nordstrom // Boots: Ralph Lauren (Maiya Tall Stretch)

What clothing item or accessory are you most excited to rock this season?

Xx, 

Alexa

L.A. Girl Makeup

I've seen everyone on YouTube and all over the blogs using LA Girl cosmetics.  I finally got my hands on a couple of their products during an impromptu pit stop at Ricky's in NYC.  First of all, talk about being super budget friendly - most items are $5 or less and the pigmentation (of the matte lipsticks) was spectacular!

I spotted a couple of the cult favorites like the Matte Pigment Glosses (I can't wrap my head around that concept...matte and gloss?) and the Glazed Lip Paints (the packaging looks identical to the Too Faced melted lipsticks, pretty sure that wasn't an accident) -- but what really caught my eye were the Matte Flat Velvet Lipsticks.  The colors ranged from crazy avant garde shades in deep blue tones to bright fuschias and vampy reds all the way to wearable neutrals like the one I picked up called, Snuggly (GLC812).  At only $4, you will want to buy every single color.  Can't believe I was able to hold back and only get one!  I'm fairly certain I'll be back for more (GLC822 Runway is next on my list, a deep coffee brown perfect for fall/winter).

The concealers came in a wide range of shades (with both cool pink undertones and warm yellow undertones).  I counted roughly 16 different shades on display which is such a rarity for budget brands! Another huge plus, these are super pigmented concealers and they're only $5!  I picked out the color Pure Beige (GC976) after testing out about 3 shades that looked to be about my skintone.  At such a low price point, you can't really go wrong - if it's too light, use it as a highlight; Too dark, use it in the summer when you're skin is a bit more sun-kissed.

Loving the brush tip on the Pro.Conceal HD concealers!  Great for on the go touch-ups!

Matte Flat Velvet Lipstick in Snuggly - a great mauve for everyday wear.  The color swatch on the lid is also pretty accurate for this shade.

Looking forward to giving these products a go next week!  Have you tried L.A. Girl makeup?  If so, what are your favorites?  I'd love to read about your recommendations in the comments below!

Xx,
Alexa

Quarterly Chop?!

My previous haircut posts have been called "annual chops" but after this most recent cut...I think they may become QUARTERLY instead!

I was craving a change and after an impulsive decision last week, I picked up the phone after work and scheduled an appointment for the very next day (my day off work) at 11AM *the first appointment of the day*.  I lucked out that my favorite hairstylist was free on such short notice. Shout out to Grace from Tomoko Shima on 14th Street in Chelsea - she is literally the sweetest and I highly recommend her if you're in NYC! 

I brought a screen shot of Julianne Hough below.  Julianne is literally my girl hair crush, she can literally do no wrong when it comes to hairstyles and she pulls them all off so effortlessly...

How adorbs is she? 

And here is my rendition.... A mirror-selfie before heading out for drinks last weekend.  I just love an all black outfit.  Some people think it's boring but I happen to think that it's incredibly chic yet understated and classic.  The cut outs on this fun over-sized T makes it a little bit interesting and sexy without baring too much skin.

Top: Urban Outfitters / Pants: Kenneth Cole / Sandals: Zara / Purse: Carolo Pazolini

This is the first time I have gone this short with my hair and I'm absolutely loving it.  There was something cathartic about chopping off my hair and I really enjoyed that feeling.  I've gained a renewed sense of self - a confidence that I can't describe.  I feel a little modern-day Audrey Hepburn when I'm walking down the street and I have to say --- I'm not mad about it (lol).  

Not to mention, having a fun hairstyle has made me a bit more daring when it comes to my outfit choices.  I can feel a little shopping binge coming on as well - somehow I always feel the need update my closet whenever I make a big change with my hair.  Does this happen to you too?? haircut induced shopping.. lol

Hope your week is winding down nicely!  Happy almost Friday!

Xx,

Alexa 

Statement Skirts

I recently unearthed this awesome thrifted patchwork skirt from the depths of my closest and I absolutely can't wait to wear it this summer.  Maybe to Sunday brunch or afternoon tea?  Whenever I wear something crazy and loud, I like to anchor it with simple basics to keep the look grounded and pulled together.  This F21 cropped halter is on the cheap and the neckline shows just enough shoulder without feeling too exposed.

Cropped Halter: Forever21 / Skirt: Thrifted / Shoes: Schutz / Duckface: free! 

 

Obviously handmade, this skirt features some interesting embroidered creatures.  I'm picturing a super cool science teacher painstakingly stitching this together back in the late 70s  >.<  I owe this little find to my sister who bought it at Aardvark's Thrift Shop several years ago.  Unfortunately, the quaint little shop closed several years ago and the SFV is just a little sadder without it.   

Happy weekend!

xo,

Alexa

It's Pasta-O'Clock!

This past week, we indulged in the most delicious fresh pasta at Eataly with family for my mother-in-law's birthday.  I must say, if you're ever in  NYC, the La Pizza & La Pasta restaurant is a must!  Though the wait was a little lengthy at 45+ minutes on a Wednesday night, it was absolutely worth it. 

Additionally, the service was top notch with a knowledgeable waiter that asked us if we had any food allergies and was very attentive throughout our meal. Water glasses were always full and bread was replenished without anyone asking for it. 

I ordered the papardelle pasta with mushrooms and my husband ordered the beef short ribs ragu over tagliatelle pasta. Both were mouthwatering with fresh pasta that almost melts in your mouth. I had slight entree-envy over the short rib tagliatelle but thankfully, the hubs likes to share so we had a little of both :)

Here's the papardelle with freshly grated parmigian. Unfortunately I don't have photos of the tagliatelle because we dove right in lol

Inspired by our recent trip to Eataly - my husband and I decided to make some fresh pasta of our own!  While making fresh pasta seems like a very intimidating task - I was surprised by how easy it actually is.  Fresh pasta consists of only three ingredients: eggs, water, and flour!

After kneading the dough and rolling it out (several times) to reach our desired thickness, we cut it into strands and were left with mounds of fresh pasta! We cooked about 12 oz. and froze the remaining pasta in small nests to cook up for another midweek meal!

I whipped up a quick chicken Madeira with mushrooms to pour over our fresh pasta and garnished with sage and Grana Padano. It was so satisfying and we were throughly excited by our little restaurant quality meal all homemade in the comforts of our tiny NYC apartment. 

I just love rounding out the weekend with a delicious homemade Sunday dinner. Don't you? What are your go-to dishes? 

Xx,

Alexa

Annual Chop Vol 3 (+OOTD)

The ebb and flow of long to short hair continues. This year, I went for a Julianne Hough inspired bob that can be easily tousled for a messy bed head look. A quick google of "Julianne Hough 2015 short hair" will lead you to loads of photos of her short hair styled every which way and it really got me excited about this cut.

It's a simple haircut with lots of layers and so far, it's been super low maintenance. Even styling it with a flat iron to add a little bend to the hair takes no more than 10 minutes because there's really not much hair to deal with (love!). Dry shampoo and a little styling wax complete the bed head look. (Maybe I'll post on that later!)

Here's a before and after in the same outfit. Clearly something about the cut had me standing up straighter than usual  :)

Outfit details: The tie front dress is from Uniqlo ages ago - it was part of their designer project collection.  It's definitely one of those dresses that looks less than appealing on the hanger but turns out to be a winner once you try it on. Jacket is from H&M (yes, H&M from like 3 years ago.. It fills that All Saints void like a charm) and booties from Zara also from a few years back.  Sorry none of what I'm wearing is current - I just really like holding on to things apparently! 

Xx,

Alexa