Gap Tanks $5 each: vivid pink, vivid teal, brown

Am definitely using these as under-layers on the weekends. Sometimes as PJ's as well. I would have liked for them to be a bit thicker, but they are nice & stretchy and holding up well. Gap quality tanks are much better than Old Navy, which I have sworn off buying tanks from. They too often fall apart at Old Navy.

Gap Knee High Socks, gray argyle & brown/pink/cream argyle

Every fall/winter, I pick up a few pairs of knee high argyle socks. The ones at Gap are usually of good quality. These are not as thick as in years past, but the price was great: $5 for a set of 2. They are not pilling or unraveling on the inside, as some socks do, or shrinking.

Closet Organizer: Hanging Sweater Shelf x2 $10 each

I discovered that my old organizer, made of canvas & paper - has some spots on it - mold??? I don't know. But now it's been moved into the reception closet and I got new ones, made of polyester, more breathable, I hope, for my closet usage. I got them with the mindset that they are a temporary storage solution - for this apt only, and will not last for long beyond that.

After having these for about 2 months, I would say that I NEEDED one. I like having two, as it is winter and I like being able to put sweater, scarves, socks, and other such cold weather things in it. I have a lot of closet space, and since I'm trying to keep my "in use" wardrobe to a small amount, this leaves me with lots of rod space, which I feel well used by the hanging organizers.

ELF Mineral Booster Sheer

I decided to get this to set my powder foundation, L'Oreale Bare Minerale. I don't think this is necessary. But, it does cut shine. However, it's not convenient. I prefer a pressed powder as it's just easier to snap open a compact and easier to store. I'll finish this up and never get a loose finishing powder again. It's not worth the hassle for me. I can stick with Guerlain if I want to bother with the storage and convenience issues. Then again, I think I'll go with a limited edition palette from a high end brand brand with some nice pattern to it.

Also, no SPF and first ingredient is corn starch... how do I feel about that? Plus side: no parabens & dirt cheap.

NYX Eyeshadow: Charcoal Brown Review

I got this as a brow filler color. As a brow filler, it does a great job.

The other day I tried this as a liner shadow. Not a great idea. My sensitive eyes did water a bit from this shadow. I like the colors available of NYX, but it seems a pattern that they will irritate my eyes. Too bad, as the price point and color selection are fabulous. I think I'll stick with Revlon Colorstay Collection for neutrals. They never burn my eyes, and have great staying power.

NY & Co. Triple strand studded belt $17

Just got this belt and wore it immediately. And then wore it again the next day. Already loving it to pieces. I think I'll have to return my belt form Macy's as it's not getting any love now that I own this one. I hope it deals with wear and tear well. I've never gotten a belt from Ny & Co. At least, not one that had a buckle.

Four months later, this belt is holding up great. I use it moderately often, very often for a belt. It adds a bit of interest when I feel that an outfit is boring. I'm officially deeming this a good purchase decision.

Old Navy Women's Hipster Lace Underwear XS

Old Navy's super low prices often lure me to do things that I should not do. In this case, I had a $20 gift certificate, so I chose to try out some underwear. It looked cute.

I managed to gore the too delicate lace with my not so sharp fingernails the first time I wore them. Ugh. Otherwise, they are fine. They fit well, they don't ride up too much, they are low enough rise. I need to commit myself to buying only cotton clothing from Old Navy, if I ever make that decision ever again. Why do I do this to myself? I should stay away from this store.

Envia Hydrating Conditioner ($10, + s/h) 12 0z.

Envia works much better than Herbal Essences at softening my hair. Con: It has parabens. It almost softens as well as Bumble & Bumble. However, I do not care for the scent. It's not bad, but I don't particularly like it either. As I use it up I will continue to search for a new paraben free replacement.

But as it is, this will last me at least 4 more months. And I still have enough Herbal Essences conditioner for 3 months, and about 6 weeks of L'Oreal Everpure. So... that's a long time to find a replacement!

Bunnies on My Mind T shirt

Not usually a T shirt kinda girl. But this is super cute and gets lots of wear at home.

Saveabunny tote $15

I love this tote. It's a blue eyed brown bunny and although I have plenty of canvas bags, I still LOVE this one. It's my favorite.

Sex & the City Extended Cut DVD $8

I love this movie! I've already watched it 3 times, 2 month later. So - worth it. There's so much to see. The clothes. The beauty of the scenes. Sigh.

Via Spiga Leopard Ponyhair Pumps

Sexy shoes. I'm still learning how to properly walk in a 3 inch heel. This requires taking smaller steps which I cannot get used to. But I vow that I will. Because these shoes are awesome. And in my trial runs around the house, they do not hurt my feet - I just don't know how to move in them yet. It is Oct and the jury is still out. But I am rooting for these.

Cuckoo Clock Earrings, Target, $30

Love them! Use them all the time. Totally worth the full price I paid for them. (Which I rarely so without reserve.) My only hangup - they dangle a little crooked. But they are gorgeous and so much fun.

Old Navy PJ Pant, S, pink lion print

Very cute, very much used already. Some of my old PJ pants are about the bite the bullet.

Express Black Waist Cincher Belt S $40

I bit the bullet and paid full price for this baby. I have already worn it 3 times, so I guess it was worth it. (I am still resenting paying full price.) I am a little worried because it's polyester and I am afraid that the belt hole will not last very long. We'll see what happens.

Aldo Brown Mary Jane Flats $20

Ugh, I could not resist the price point on these. Of course I knew there was a catch. This shoes are Hard. As in, their exterior feels armour plated. They do not flex at all. I am guessing they do not breathe either, but I haven't used them enough to know yet.

Juicy Tubes Holiday 2008 Gift Set

Oh I saw this at Marshall's and I had to have it. I have been coveting it for about 10 months now. I love it. It was only $20, such a great price. And for that I got 8 glosses in a variety of colors and fragrances. Yum! I realize now how long it takes me to work through a lipgloss. I have enough lipgloss for the next 3 years now.

The Body Shop Lipgloss Gift Set

I was elated to find a 4 piece set on sale for $10. I have been stalking this set, waiting for a discount on it. I love these glosses. They are sticky, with great staying power, and they have a hint of color. Pretty indistinct. And a passionfruit taste/fragrance that is fabulous. And I will distribute them to my loved ones that have not had a chance to try these out. I am sooo thrilled.

Naturalizer flats in nude snake

Needed flats for walking & shopping. Most of my summer shoes are super fun - but high and not the most comfortable. I love these and use them all the time. It took awhile to convince myself that nude snake is a neutral, but it really is. I wear them as such and they are comfy enough to shop in all day.

Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Palette

I was lured by the dazzling color array and low ($20) price tag.

I love this palette. It is easy to work with, all the shadows blend easily. One of the deep purples does a weird streaky fading thing just like NYX Morocco. Strange, no? But they have great payoff and pretty good staying power with primer. When I run out (haha) I will think about getting the 88 matte. Or, maybe if I get to the point where I feel too old for shimmery shadows anymore. We'll see, this will last me for years and years, I'm sure.

NYX eyeshadow: Morocco

I picked this up at the Spa Expo because it swatched such a pretty purple, despite being a deep blue in the pan. It fascinated me.

After wearing it, I find that it is streaky on me. At application, the color is a great purple. After a few hours, it begins to change. Some spots fade, other turn blue. It's very odd, and not a look I'm going for. It also sometimes causes burning in my eyes. So this one needs to go. Color payoff is great at time of application, though.

Express drape front T shirt dress, deep blue + $8

This I bought with the idea that I would cut it into an assymtrical T. Like the last time, it is taking me awhile to get up the guts. It's such a permenant thing! I have started (9/09) on this projuect but still have not finished splicing it up to my specifications yet. But I am excited to be trying it out. ($8)

I've taken the scissors to it and it's great! But now the weather is considerably cooler and this may not get usage for awhile. But it is Sunny California, so we'll see! I'll keep it out instead of packing it away with my summer clothing, at least for awhile.

I wear this all the time on the weekends, it layers really well and is very comfortable and is a great pop of color.

Express tie front cropped cardigan, black/gray stripe

I got this for my strappy tops that tend to make me cold when I go from outside to inside.

Tissue thin cotton, I got a good number of wears out of it. I don't like the large amount of material that hangs off of the front when I tie it. I was glad I tried something a little different for me. But, I still don't love this piece after several months. ($12)

Express cowl neck t shirt, purple print XS

Another item I picked up from the clearance. I needed more weekend non t shirts to wear.

When I had picked it up, I would have preferred a solid. I reach for it more often than the blue drape, and I really like the print on this. Loving it, wearing it all the time.

NY & Co. Pendant: CZ studded gold snake

I fell in love with this piece as soon as I saw it. Unfortunately, it's a part of the Red Collection, and usually excluded from promotions. Until clearance time. While it wasn't discounted, I did get to use a coupon on it, which made it $25. I was absolutely willing to pay this, as the thought of not owning it caused me mild chest pains.

I have worn this several times since purchase and I LOVE it dearly to this day. I am so glad that I got it, even though it's too sexy for work and I can therefore only get away with it on the weekends. I like snakes on jewelry and this execution is perfect. My only small complaint is that in the photo the snake has red eyes, and mine has black eyes. But it's still really fierce.

NY & Company White Necklace: silver toned- multi strand

I needed one more thing to push me over $50 for free shipping, so I chose this. I have used it plenty of times since I got it, it's very versatile. It's a necklace that makes enough of a statement for me. I had the clasp replaced since mine came with one that stuck, and I ordered it online. Thanks goodness I'm good friends with a jewelry maker!

NY & Company White Shirt: Daiquiri +

I was obsessed with this shirt from the moment that I saw it, but the $50 price tag was completely off putting. I grabbed it then it went on clearance online for $8. I love it. I still love it months later. It has the same strange collar as the other shirt that I got, so it does pick up foundation from the neck. But it has lots of ruffles and I love that. Totally worth it for the love factor, even though cost per wear has not been stepped up yet. We'll wait until later in the year.

New York and Company White Shirt: Martini

Tuxedo Shirt! I love these. Unfortunately, I don't use it often. The collar is not the usual foldover kind, and it picks up foundatin off of my neck. But I love it and maybe when the temperatures go down will wear it more often. I hope. Cuz I do love it.

Express drape neck t shirt, bright blue XS

I am still in love with my drape neck tee from 6+ years ago. I am just not a huge fan if it's pale peach color. I think I had convinced myself that it was pink.

This one is a medium cotton jersey and the drape is great. The color was not my first choice either, but looks good on. I use it all the time for weekend wear, its intended purpose. It's my stand in for a plain t shirt, which I do not like to wear.

Leaf white gold 10K electro-plated earrings

These were cheaper when bought in multiples, so I picked up a pair for conversion into earrings. I didn't get around to having them strung until last month (8/09), and I have yet to actually take them on a test run (9/09). I do enjoy them, but I can't say yet if they were a good purchase yet. They may be gifted to someone come Xmas, if I don't ever get around to trying them out.

white gold 10k plated leaf pendant

While shopping at the international gem & jewelry show, I came across a vendor with gold electo-plated leaves. Since passing by the one offered by Szul, I've been fascinated by the idea. A $10 investment being much less than the $29 one offered, I went for it.

I don't wear this that often, as I do have other jewelry that I use more often, but I do use it occasionally, and that makes it worth it. I still like it a lot, 3 months later.

Pure Luxe Minerals

Loving the selection available at www.pureluxecosmetics.com and feeling a major need for more eyeshadow colors, I placed an order when they had a 25% off over $30 order. of course, I think it all evened out after shipping charges of $7, but hey, at least I held out! I've been stalking for weeks and weeks.

I love the color pay off, but I HATE the loose shadows. I have to press these to use them. After pressing, I find they really are fabulous. I love them. My only gripe is that the Illusion collection is not as vivid as I would hope. I really have a fascination with colors that have interference, and I was hoping this would be similar to Urban Decay. Alas, no. I will need to wait for Urban decay to come up with a kit of interference shadows.

OPI Nail Polish: Teal the Cows Come Home

OPI has fabulous staying power. I am trying impressed every time that I use this polish. They have a variety of colors - but not the widest selection, at least at my local Ulta. And it's healthy! Free of tolune and formaldahyde.

This color's a super fun shade and the it color of Summer 2009.

Coach Pouch Rose Gold Leather

I fell in love with this rose gold coin purse. I use it as a purse organizer, it holds my hand lotion, lipgloss, and lipstick. I love it. I use it in this capacity everyday. It also has my usb drive on it.

It helps me to be able to locate my smaller purse objects easily, and with daily use from May til Sept so far, it breaks down to under $1 day so far. And I imagine I'll keep using it for a long time. and if I get tired of it for this purpose, I'll repurpose it for something else afterwards.

So while, at the time, it seemed like an extravagent honeymoon indulgence, it's earned it's keep. I still love it to pieces.

Ulta Automatic Eye Liner Teal Blue

I love it! Great color payoff and great staying power. And often on sale for only $2. I used to swear by Revlon's Colorstay but this seems just as good and in a wider variety of colors for less.

Coach Leah Metallic Leather Top Handle Xsmall Tote 42416 +

I decided to upgrade myself. I find that I very frequently grab for my Fossil vertical stripe patchwork small tote. It's easy to carry and organizes my things. However, it's a bit too wide to fit into a larger tote bag.

This gold Coach tote, part of the summer line of 2008, is just a small tote with a zip top and and soft gold leather. Light blue lining. Simple, gorgeous. I use it all the time. A great neutral with a pop, in a lightly saturated light gold. It's wearing great, as well. I pledged, after my last Coach bag, to but only leather, since that ages best. It's a great choice.

Victoria's Secret Bikini Underwear, white lace, Intimissimi +

Got these on a whim, they are my faves!

Sexy, comfy and they fit well. And still machine washable. I need to get more. Unfortunately, not available online.

The Body Shop Camomile Eye Make Up Remover

I needed more remover, and decided to go back to this classic. It doens't take a large amount to work, and doesn't stink. It does not take off some waterproof mascaras, but I usually do not use mascara anyhow. I'm glad to switch back. It leaves no residue.

Mary Kay Lipstick Frosted Rose

I loved this color on me - similar to my natural li color, but slightly more metallic, a bit more frosty. Unfortunately, the particular lipstick that I ended up bringing home was very... old? It was unsmooth in application and felt sticky. So I had to return it.

When I returned it, I had just gotten 2 more lipsticks in a trade, and so I traded for a different product.

Ecotools Mineral Brush set +

I got this because I wanted a kabukie brush to apply my L'Oreal Bare Minerale Foundation and it got great reviews. The kabuki is super soft. I use the concealer brush with my mineral concealer. I love them both. I also use the large brush for finishing powder/blush, depending upon my mood. Great set. Super soft. The eyeshadow brush is too soft for me to control - but I use pressed pigments, not loose eye powders.

Mary Kay Eye Primer +

I love this stuff. Without it, my shadow wears off. Revlon 12 hour colorstay usually looks fresh for about 3 hours and is pretty faded by the end of the day, and that's the best of any shadow.

With this - colors are brighter and stay on through the whole work day. I love it! And it comes in a sanitary squeeze tube, not a dirty pot or wand like many other primers. Unfortunately, I think it has parabens in it. I make exceptions when needed, and this is an exception. I only wonder if maybe I should apply with a brush instead of my finger, in order to place less pressure onto the eye area to prevent wrinkles in the future. But then I would feel obligated to wash out that brush every day, or to have several in rotation. Ugh.

One tiny bottle lasts forever. Right now, 9-09, I still have plenty, and I use it at least once a day, possibly more on the weekends when I'm playing with different looks.

Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner Color Me Happy

Bought these cuz I had a coupon and it was on sale, two for $3.

Also, no parabens on the label. Surprise! So - less guilt for me. I love the smell of Herbal Essences. It seems to clean just fine. The conditioner, while it untangles my hair, does not leave it super soft. My Bumble & Bumble conditioner once a week definitely makes a difference.

Three V High Neck T Shirts, Banana Republic

Banana changed their return policy so I am stuck with these. We'll see if I can get any use out of them this winter. I got three in jewel fuschia, jewel blue, and black. I bought them as layering pieces for when it got cold. It's now 9/09 and I have not used any of them yet. I did pull the tags off the black one, since I thought it would be easiest to layer and so first used. All three are still new.

Mod Floral Magenta/Black/White Cotton Halter Dress

I am on the hunt for a dress for wedding season. We are attending 3 this year and I'd like to wear something different to each one. This dress is so cute and looked great on. I am just not sure if I will keep it for long because it's got a very young vibe about it. I loved the color and print and I loved the mesh sticking out of the bottom below the hem.

I wore it three times over the summer and I paid full retail price for it ($50). I think the cost per wear ends up pretty high when you work it out that way. Maybe I'll get more out of it next year. I'll have to remember that halter dresses are not for me. I don't end up wearing them because I get cold too easily in them. I prefer something with some shoulder coverage.

ELF Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara -

This was super cheap. But felt like gel, not mascara. It was too goopy to get an even amount on the brush.

Black Signature Satin Dress Butter By Nadia +

I love this dress.

It is fabulous. And I found it on clearance for $99. It is a little bit bigger than I would like. A tad bit, in the waist area. And the satin is a bit heavy for my small frame.

But - It looks awesome. It really is flattering to any woman's body. I have work it twice out, and seriously quite frequently at home, just because I feel pretty in it. So even if I don't wear it that often, this dress is special occasion, and I'll forgive it. It's so classic I can keep it just about forever.

ELF brightening eye color: Luxe -

This quad has some hit or miss colors. The textures vary A LOT and I can't deal with that. There's a strange shimmery red color that I think is very difficult to use. The cream color is too powdery. Totally a miss. The red color also stings my sensitive eyes.

ELF brightening eye color: Drama -

This quad got great reviews and looked like a pretty safe bet color-wise.

It's pretty smooth - almost too smooth. It breaks up a little too much. Each color is a different consistency. Some are more powdery, some blend too easily (I always use primer). This makes using more than one color (which I think most people do) very difficult. Also, I sometimes have sensitive eyes, and I think that some of the colors (if not all) cause me eyes to burn slightly. Pro? Color payoff is excellent. Staying power varies with color. I can see why the reviewers like this quad. It's too inconsistent and I'm too sensitive for it.

I currently (9-09) plan to scrape out this quad to use for pressing my Pure Luxe loose powders.

Cosmedix Clarity Serum -

The third product from Angel.

This product has a horrible smell. It does not moisturize at all. It also did not seem to help clear up my acne. There is also a very small amount of product for your money. It does come in a convenient pump container.

Cosmedix defy Age Management Exfoliator

Again from Angel. I was directed to use this AM and PM as a moisturizer. I have to say it does not seem to effect my acne - that still comes in cycles.

This product does a mediocre job of moisturizing. It also comes in a jar, and I feel that I need to scoop with something for sanitary purposes. This makes it incredibly in convenient.

Cosmedix reflect spf 30

Spray on sunblock that my trusted esthetician, Angel, recommended. I'm sure it does it's job, and it lightweight. However, I DO NOT enjoy the extra step of sunblock application after moisturizing in the AM. For this very reason, I can't wait until I run out. Pros: it's very lightweight and I do not detect a fragrance. It does not seem to make me break out. This 4 oz. bottle has lasted a long time.

Mac Holiday Brush Set: Eye Set

I didn't get this while it was in the stores but picked it up at the Cosmetics Company for $35. Not cheap, but I figured I was getting some good use out of the other Mac set that I had gotten as a gift the year before.

At this current time, 9/09, I do not think that I am using any of the brushes in this set, except for the eyeliner occasionally, and I do not enjoy using it. (I don't like how hard it is, I think it maybe be made to work with liquid or gel products.) I think I was using more of them for awhile, before the Face and Beauty Convention.

I will write this off as part of the experience. I was of the mindset that I had to pay a little more for a quality make up brush. I know now that this is not the case for me.

COACH LILAC PIECED STRIPE LARGE TOTE 13076

I wanted to check out the Coach outlet for my birthday and I was hoping to find a purple purse. I had already made the mistake of buying too large a Coach tote - it was too heavy for me when full and didn't keep it's shape.

I decided to go for a tote in a medium size, and this one is super cute, with four different horizontal strips of materials, lavender suede (gets dirty so easily!) with silver grommets, purple leather with C imprint, light purple with dark purple fabric, and a thin silver belt. The tote handles are adjustable, but really made for hand held use, not as a shoulder bag. (That was annoying at first but my posture is suffering from heavy shoulder bags.

I am disappointed that the suede, so light in color, is so difficult to keep clean, and that this bag, thought smaller than the other, still does not manage to retain it's shape by itself. And since it has only one large compartment, it does feel like a bottomless pit when I use it. But it's good for lugging stuff around on the weekends, and despite it all I do love the colors.

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lipgloss: Fineapple -

One of my best friends loves this, so I thought I'd give it a try. Smells great. Looks fine, give some shine. Not very sophisticated presentation, but I'll forgive it. I understand that's the branding of this product. Smells very fruity, lightly flavored. I like the variety of flavors they have. My problem? Didn't last very long. It also didn't seem to moisturize. Also - most shades have glitter. I have this away.

Mac 213 Fluff Brush

I wanted a smaller brush for more precise application of shadow. At this point, this bursh is not in rotation (9/09) but that could change.

I'm still happy to have this in my collection. I love the way it feels - well built.

Mac Eyeshadow in Parfait Amour +

When I saw this color in my friend's make up bos, I knew I had to have it - it was the perfect color that I had been searching for. Vivid, true, blue-purple. Semi frosty finish.

I don't know if I will ever hit pan in this shadow - but I LOVE the color pay off and trueness of the color over the course of a day. Great buy, even at full price.

Gap Gold Leather Belt (thin)

I saw this and decided I had to have it. It's been in stores for 6 weeks now and still no sign of it going on sale, so I decided to snatch it before it's gone. Problem? too big for me - I need to punch more holes in it. But I still love it. Even though it's 9-09 and I have yet to use it because it is still too big. I adore it and think it's awesome. So I guess for it's happy factor, it was worth $25.

Old Navy cotton blend T Shirt Dress, fuschia

Fuschia is the hot color. And according to my Lucky Style Guide, I am a good part Arty Slick. One of the basics? A t shirt with a long tail on one side. They suggested cutting a long t shirt dress. I was doubtful. But I had faith.

I was scared for a long time, despite my mere $8 investment. I looked and it and was afraid to cut. I think it took about 3 months to get up the nerve. And I am so glad that I did! With the bottom at an angle, and one sleeve cut off, and the other cut into a cap sleeve with slits, it hangs so interestingly and is great for layering on the weekends. I can't wait to see what more I can do with it.

Nicole Miller Enhance Eye Liner in Forest -

On the hunt for interesting eyeliner colors, as they are all the rage. Gree shadows look great with my brown eyes, so I thought I'd give this a try.

For me? Not enough staying power. Color was lovely. Gave this one away to a friend. This brand of eyeliner fades too fast for me.

Made of Honor DVD

I went for two, they both happened to be on special at Target.

Since I think Patrick Dempsey, I have seen this DVD again already. (9/09) That means this DVD was worth the purchase.

27 Dresses DVD

I can never decide if a DVD is worth it. They seem to spend most of their time taking up precious space in my living room.

27 Dresses is a cute movie, but will I watch it again? I have mixed feelings re: Katherin Heigel, and as of 9/09, I have not.

Almay Intense I-Color Mascara Lash Color, 021 Purple Amethyst

Curious to see if purple mascara would enhance my borown eyes, I settled on Almay's brand.

The formula has excellent staying power - no flaking, which is amazing, coming from me. Downside? The brush, which is a bit minimal looking and rubbery. I may just need to get used to it - but I kept poking myself in the eye with it.

Mary Kay Eye Make Up Remover -

This works incredibly well. However, I require more product than with the Body Shop's, and it leaves a greasy residue that I find very unpleasant. Also, not very cost effective and I don't like that I have to shake it. But it does work slightly better than the Body Shop's.

Ulta Eye Make Up Brushes

I got these on a recommendation from some of the beauty blogs I have been reading. I got the wrong kind and had to exchange them. (I didn't notice Ulta had both a regular line and a professional line of brushes, and the professional line was the one that was recommended.) I picked up a cream eyeshadow brush and a liner brush (liner's a gift for Julie!)