Miami Getaway

I've just returned from another Miami vacation to visit family and friends. I'm terrible at remembering to take photos of people, usually because I'm having such a good time just hanging out. But, I've managed to snap a few photos of the beautiful scenery and a really ritzy lunch at Joe's Stone Crab on Miami Beach. Though I was there for a week, as always, the time flew by and before I knew it it was time to head back to the west coast. I'll be back soon enough but I had a great time and some much needed Miami time.

xo, kim

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

I'm going home to Miami in a little over a week. I'll be there for about 5 days. I'll be attending one of my best friends' bachelorette parties (the main reason I'm making the trip) but I'll also be visiting some friends and family while I'm in town. I, like most women I know, tend to over pack. This time I want to keep it simple. Especially when it comes to the makeup I bring along. I usually pack tons of makeup to give myself lots of options. But, I typically end up wearing the same things over and over again the whole time I'm on vacation. So, this time I decided to really pair it down and bring just the essentials and a one tried and true bright lip option (Revlon's Fire & Ice lipstick). Pictured above is ALL the makeup I'm taking on this trip. It all fits nicely in my makeup bag (except the Stila palette which I'll pack separately) and should be all I need for a 5 day getaway. 

What are your must-have pieces for day-to-day? Do you keep it simple on vacation or pack your bag full of makeup goodies for vacation? 

xo, 

kim

Shopping My Stash

I'm so broke, you guys. I'm not like in danger of becoming homeless broke, but I do need to seriously put myself on a budget. In keeping with this new goal, I've decided to forgo any frivolous shopping in the next few months. And in turn I will be "shopping my stash" when it comes to my makeup and product stash as well as my clothing stash. I have quite a lot. More than a lot of other people have and I should really start to use up the products I've been hoarding and get creative with the clothes I already own rather than keep spending money I could be saving. Above are some quick iPhone photos of the clothes and shoes I have to play with when it comes to making outfits as well as my makeup stash and my little daily makeup bag (which is adorable if I do say so myself). I'll try to document as much of this as I can and will for sure keep a log of the things I use up to put in a post when I've emptied a few containers. There's a few products at the top of my list to use up, namely a NARS foundation and a few hair care products so I'll keep you posted. 

Have you ever shopped your stash? How do you beat the temptation of shiny new things? Any tips or tricks to help me out during this journey of product usage? 

xo, 

kim

Les Tai Tai Model Mirror

I purchased a Model Mirror from Les Tai Tai almost a year ago in the pink leopard print case. And it lasted me a good long time. I took it with me every time I went out on the town, but one morning as I was going through my handbag from the night before I opened it up and the main mirror was totally cracked. It must have fallen at some point, possibly while still in my bag.

I don't necessarily fault the company or the quality of the product for this mishap, as I'm pretty sure it was my own neglect that caused the mirror to break. Seven years of bad luck, here I come I suppose. Oh well.

The other day as I was browsing other blogs, I came across a "what's in my bag" post and noticed a photo of this Model Mirror sitting in the bag and I decided it was time to repurchase. This time around I went for the Hippy Skull II case as it's a bit more edgy and I love the shiny black and what looks like rose gold tones. It's an adorable little addition to your clutch for the evening or even your daytime bag, and I always get compliments when I use it in public.

Have you tried the Model Mirrors from Les Tai Tai? Are there any other dupes out on the market yet that I should know about?

xo,
kim

A Cheap Girl's Guide To Buying A Balenciaga Handbag

My beloved mint green Balenciaga handbag pictured above

The inspiration: Mary Kate Olsen photographed with her mint green Balenciaga bag circa 2006.


Ok. Before you chastise me for spending a small fortune on a handbag, let me explain. For years I longed for this bag. Ever since I spotted it on an at-the-time very stylish Mary Kate Olsen in 2006 I wanted this particular handbag. In that particular shade of mint green. But, it cost a LOT of money. I mean a LOT. So, for years it remained a pie in the sky dream. I even went so far as to purchase a knock-off in NYC once (which I do not recommend or condone). I used it maybe one time and never again as in my opinion a knock-off will always feel like a knock-off to those of us who love handbags and I felt like a fraud wearing it. Just my own opinion. Regardless, It took me about 5 to 6 years to make this bag my own. To make a long story short, I saved my money and  allowed myself one splurge for my birthday in 2010. It was finally time to pull the trigger. As a note this bag is the most expensive item I have ever purchased for myself thus far and I had a hard time pressing the "submit" button on the payment page knowing how much it cost. But, I did and I'm very happy I did.

Now, Balenciaga constantly changes the color offerings of their leather bags so if you are in the market for one, I suggest frequently checking out the selections they offer in store or online. If you have a particular color in mind (like I did) it can take some time for that color or its most recent incarnation to show up. You see the color of MK's bag is not the exact same color of mine as hers was manufactured around 2006 and mine in 2010. However, for all intents and purposes I got my mint green bag. A lot of girls opt for a black or beige toned neutral bag because they feel it will be more universal and go with more of their wardrobe. Which is true. However, if you're like me you use this bag as your statement piece go with a color that first attracts you. Think of it as something to add some pizzaz to an otherwise blah outfit. Personally, I'm glad I spent my money on something unique and not just another black handbag.

I wear this bag in summer, fall, winter and spring and I feel it matches with quite a lot of my wardrobe. And if it doesn't, I don't really care. I spent a lot of hard earned money on it and I will wear it whenever I please, thank you very much. If you're looking into a big ticket handbag I really recommend doing your research. Don't just buy a bag because everyone has it. Go to the store. Feel the bag, hold the bag and really get a sense of whether or not the bag suits your lifestyle and personal style. Take the price into consideration as well. As I said, I had the money set aside to pay for it in full. I would NOT ever recommend that you put yourself in debt by using a credit card that you can't pay off in full to purchase an expensive handbag. It's not worth it and the feeling of satisfaction will be much better knowing you saved your money and could pay the bag off in full.

Overall, handbags are a personal choice. My sister might not understand why I chose to spend my money on a handbag but she may have her own preference of what to spend her money on and that's what makes the world go 'round.
If you have any questions about purchasing a pricey bag I'm more than happy to help with whatever I can so feel free to ask and happy shopping!

xo, kim

Hair Envy

I found this photo on Pinterest and fell in LOVE. I've been experimenting with my hair color the last few months, trying out a bit of the ombre trend (though truthfully my hair is too short to be a true expression of ombre hair). This photo represents everything I want in hair color. I love the dark/natural roots, the natural looking highlights that start a few inches down and the light, bright blond color at the tips. Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous! This photo will definitely be accompanying me on my next trip to the salon.

Are you loving this natural look or is a full on head of highlights more your speed?
xo, kim

Mederma Scar Cream +SPF

before

after

A few months ago I had a minor surgical procedure which resulted in three very small scars on my abdomen. Before I even went under the knife, I knew I'd be using some sort of topical anti-scar cream to minimize the scarring I knew I'd have. After researching online, I decided to go with Mederma. Specifically Mederma with and SPF of 30 (being summer was fast approaching I thought it wise to incorporate the SPF if I did venture out in the sun). I've been using it as often as I can remember, which typically constitutes one to two times a day. The package recommends applying the cream three times a day but on work days, that's almost impossible. The packaging also said the cream could be used on new or old scars and claims to work in just 8 weeks for new scars and up to 6 months on old scars. I can't remember the exact time frame I've been using the cream, but it has been at least two months and so far I'm pleased with the results. As you can see from the before and after photo of my most noticeable scar it has healed nicely and diminished a significant amount. I'll continue to use the cream until I think it has healed all it will heal and see if it continues to shrink. If you're in the market for a product to help diminish the appearance of scarring, I highly recommend Mederma. Do you know of any other scar-reducing treatments? If so, let me know. I'm always up to try new tricks.

xo,
kim