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 

New year!

I can't believe we are two months into 2015 and I am barely getting back into the swing of things on this blog! I guess you can say I've been in hibernation -- it's been cold enough in NYC lately!

Last month we spent five beautiful sunny days in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and it was the best money we've spent in a long time!

Sunny days spent sipping coco locos by the beach, lunching in the cabana, day trips to see the Mayan ruins, crunchy tacos and guacamole, and spa days of pure rest and relaxation. 

Winter getaways are crucial for those of us who experience true winter blues -- a mixture between lack of sun, vitamin D, and physical activity in general during the winter can really wreak havoc on your state of mind.  To combat the latter of the three culprits, I've found myself really taking advantage of my gym membership.  Finding a workout class that I enjoy with friends who help keep me motivated have really been key to staying active during this chilly winter.  A fresh new set of workout gear and new colorful wristbands for my fitbit didn't hurt either (;

How has your new year been so far??

xo,
Alexa

What's in Makeup Bag Vol. I

It's always fun having a little snoop through someone's makeup bag; at least I think so! Here's what I carry on the regular (depending on the handbag I'm carrying, the number of items I carry can vary based on the amount of space I have to play with)

However, the usual suspects for any bag (big or small) are lip balm (this one by Khiel's has a cult following for a reason - super hydrating!), powder, concealer (love the Body Shop's stick concealers), and this cool portable compact brush/mirror that I picked up from Target by Sonia Kashuk. 

The lip colors are swapped out during the week depending on my mood, but one thing is always true - I carry a bright red and a nude shade at all times. Reds can instantly amp up your look if you're going out to drinks or dinner after work and can double as a cheek stain in a pinch for those days you need to add extra color to your face!

The nudes I had on hand this week are Jubilee by MAC and Boy by Chanel.  Jubilee is a caramel-y brownish-peach which is the perfect nude shade for olive/Tan skin tones, in my opinion. Chanel's rouge coco shine in Boy is a super sheer mauve with slight shimmer that mimics the natural color of your lips. It was kind of a lot of money to spend on a super basic color but the packaging is beautiful and classic and the shade is universally flattering so there's that!

The red shade is a new(ish) acquisition for me from Anthropologie. I'm always intrigued by their beauty offerings but had never really gotten serious about purchasing anything until this lipstick caught my eye. The shade is Poppy by Albeit Cosmetics. Love the retro gold packaging and the orange-red hue is perfect. 

Other random bits that found their way into my makeup bag (leather pouch from American Apparel) are bobby pins, a random lone throat drop (Ricola's are my fave), and last but not least, Bandaids. You never know when you or someone you know will get a blister or the random cut! 

What are your makeup bag must-haves?  

Xo,

Alexa