Behind the Scenes of my “Black Swan” Costume

I am still coming down from the fun I had dressing as the Black Swan for Halloween. It is, by far, the best costume I’ve worn in my life (so far). I put way more effort into this than I ever have for pretty much anything like this before. It wasn’t from a bag. I bought separate pieces and visited craft stores (I largely dislike craft stores). I thought I’d share some pictures from the “making of” process, which involved lots of feathers, fabric and hot glues, and Brad’s ability to sew.

I can’t thank The Sorry Girls on YouTube enough. If I hadn’t found their how-to videos, this costume probably wouldn’t have had a chance. Before I found it, I was staring at a leotard and a bag of feathers, utterly overwhelmed and confused. My favorite part might be the crown, which I also learned about from their channel. Instead of settling for an (expensive) tiara I’d never use again, I got to utilize hot glue sticks I already had and it looked so much like the actual crown in the movie. Loved it.

The makeup was another favorite part. There were LOTS of tutorials on YouTube to choose from, but I found this one from Dezired Beauty to be the most helpful and beautiful. I’ve done it so many times that I don’t need to refer to the video anymore.
I so wish I could do my makeup like that everyday…le sigh.

As appreciative as I am for the YouTube videos, I couldn’t have done it without Brad.
He tolerated the feathers that ended up everywhere, the tulle wrapped around everything, the hot glue melting away on paper plates, and the fact that I have no idea how to sew at all.
Without him, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get it done without having a minor nervous breakdown.

Outfit: Simple Sunday

We’ve all heard the phrase “Sunday Best” and, don’t get me wrong, I am all about dressing up whenever and wherever. But usually, Sundays are a detox day. There’s sleeping in and eating breakfast until noon in pajamas, and maybe getting out for some groceries or shopping for random goodies (for me, lately, it’s nail polish). That’s what this weekend was about. I won a couple bucks at the casino the night before, and decided to stock up on some new nail shades and a little brush for making dots and lines. But that’s besides the point.

I decided to wear something trusty and super comfortable. Enter this outfit. The shoes (you’ve seen them before here) are the newest piece of this puzzle. Everything else has been around for about a year, and will stay in my wardrobe for as long as they stay in tact.
Jeans, tee, drapey sweater…can’t go wrong. No siree. The sweater was a pretty cheap find at TJ Maxx (I want to say 10 dollars), but the tee is American Apparel. While I like a lot of American Apparel items, I HATE the prices. I can get a v-neck for 10 bucks or under at any store anytime. However, they totally end up being worth it. They last forever, and get better with wear. (I have an acid wash tee that’s been to London and back. The little holes and tears that have accumulated over time have just made it more loveable.)

When I wear an outfit as simple as this, I like to throw a little accessory in the mix. I recently got this Russian Doll necklace at Claire’s for less than 5 bucks. It opens. It occurred to me later that maybe there was once something inside it (like maybe a smaller doll charm, since that’s the Matryoshka way), but it was on sale. So I shan’t complain.

I also wanted to use this post to show off my new Fall-to-Winter jacket, an anorak from Target. I’m slightly obsessed. I’ve never been good at adapting to the cold weather change/buying sweaters or long-sleeved shirts or coats. But when I saw this, I knew I had to have it. I tend to wear longer shirts and layers, so the length was important (This mullet-esque sweater would not look good under a cropped jacket, in my opinion). The inside is a beautiful and cozy warm flannel. I love the drawstring, which allows me to look like a have a bit of a figure under the bulk, and the hood has a detachable fur trim. Worth every penny.

Sweater – TJ Maxx/Tee – American Apparel/Jeans – Bullhead (Pac Sun)/Shoes – Bass/Jacket – Target

Never mind my Barry Gibb hair in the top post. I’d blame it on the wind, but I am in desperate need for a cut.

“Weekend Update”

When I work Saturdays, the weekends are even shorter and sweeter than usual. It’s important to not let lost time bring me down. The highlight of the weekend came with Brad’s aunt’s birthday party. Did you know it was the first surprise party I’ve ever been to? It was Margaritaville/5 o’ clock Somewhere/Jimmy Buffett themed, so Hawaiian prints were necessary.
Can I just say how much I love theme parties? Apparently, we will be attending a 1950s themed party next weekend, and I have tons of theme ideas for when I have my own place to throw parties. Parties are already great, but making people dress up/down is that much more fun.

Also…cake pops are pretty much the bomb (I went there).

The reason this week will be a good one? It’s only 4 days! That’s right, I have a long weekend straight ahead. And it’s one of the best kinds, because I have Friday off (Fridays are an hour longer where I work…bleh). So, even if it’s a rough week in general, I have that to look forward to. Brad even asked for the day off. We are both getting haircuts and enjoying some time to ourselves.

Here’s to a great week, gang!

Food This Past Week…

This week went by super fast. I can’t believe it’s Friday. Heck, I can’t believe it’s November! The one prominent part of this week was food. Panera lunch Monday afternoon, Mexican on Monday night, Steak and Ale on Wednesday, and Domino’s on Thursday. (Not exactly health-conscious, whatever.) I have a work shift tomorrow, but after this, I only have 2 more left this year! And to make the situation even easier, I have a 4 day week next week (and hopefully the week after that, if my day off gets the final approval!). All good things. All good things.

Hungry yet?

Have an excellent weekend, all y’all! Here’s a cool cover song to kick off your days.

In the Bag: Makeup Edition

I decided to take you on a journey through my makeup bag. I recently purchased this cute makeup tote from Target (6 bucks, heck yeahhhh) and it’s a huge step up from the stupid, clunky box I was using before that would always open and spill things. 
There are four clear sections that keep everything super organized and easily accessible.
Bonus: I can detach the middle pouches for traveling!

Everyday Use

When it comes to my everyday makeup routine, it’s short and simple. I’m often rushing to get ready for work in the morning but I’m
low-maintenance anyway, so it works out! The products I use are meant to make me look awake and subtlety enhance my features.

From Left to Right:
EOS Lip Balm (I keep one accessible at all times)
Rimmel’s Match Perfection concealer
Maybelline’s Colossal Volum’ Express mascara  
Bare Minerals Tinted Mineral Veil, Warmth, and blush in Avant-Garden

EOS Lip Balm is something I’ve raved about in the past, and I still stand strong by it. It’s not waxy and the flavors/scents are yummy yet subtle. I don’t like to go beyond a lip balm on work days…too much upkeep. I recently ran out of my Bare Minerals foundations (I buy a sample kit that’s only supposed to last a month or so, and it usually takes me almost a year to go through because I basically use them for spot treatment only), but I’ve had a lot of luck with Rimmel concealers in the past and this is no different. As for my mascara, I am always changing that. I do not discriminate with mascara. All I care about is voluminous lashes…though I usually complain they aren’t thick enough even with mascara on. This one is doing the job for now, but when it runs low, I’ll surely have a completely different one in the bag.

These are the Bare Minerals products I still have and use daily. The Tinted Mineral Veil adds a little extra color to my skin. And I love the perfectly pink Avant-Garden blush. I wouldn’t have those products if it weren’t for my mom. As for the classic Warmth powder, it takes a while for me to go through a compact…I use it everyday, but only a light dusting for a slightly sun kissed glow.

A Little Extra…

From Left to Right:
Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil – Easy Going, Touch of Glam, Cool Down, and Go Wild
From Top to Bottom:
Cover Girl Natureluxe Gloss Lip Balm – Tulip, Coral, and Cabernet

On the days I know I’ll be seeing friends or going out or being social in anyway other than work, I like to kick it up a notch. It’s a little notch, but a little goes a long way. These eyeliners are way more fun than eyeshadow (and they don’t crease!). I am especially fond of the Purple and Blue sticks, they get the most use for sure. As for the lip balms, I am obsessed with these. They are the perfect stepping stone to lipstick, which can be intimidating for someone who’s usually very natural. I’ve worn them all, but Cabernet gets the most use. It’s super dark in the tube, but it puts a nice rosy color on your lips that brightens the entire face without the woes of it bleeding into cracks or moving onto the teeth. Highly recommend all these products above. They are inexpensive and worth every penny.

Special Occasions

From Left to Right:
NYX Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in Gray
NYC Brow/Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Bare Minerals Big and Bright Eyeliner in Black Coffee
Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara in Black
Rimmel Lip Liner in Nude
Wet n Wild lipstick in Stoplight Red and Smoking Hot Pink

This section of my makeup bag is maybe only reserved for special moments like dinners and dates and weddings and other moments that require a little extra effort. The eyeliners have made their way up the ranks on a few random nights, but lipstick is a once in a while thing.
The lip liner is necessary for keeping the highly pigmented lipstick in it’s place. I love how cheap and wonderful these lipsticks are, but I wouldn’t have purchased them if it weren’t for this excellent article on HelloGiggles. As for the mascara, I have used it on occasion, but my favorite thing to do on fancy nights is layer both this Bare Minerals mascara and the Maybelline one from above for super thick lashes.
It’s pretty excellent.

So, there you have it guys! I am by no means a beauty expert, but I am quite happy with the makeup I have (and continue to purchase time and again) and would highly recommend all of these products! Hope you enjoyed your peak into my makeup bag!

Some Things I Love Right Now…

Guys, it’s freaking NOVEMBER! We are in the 11th month of 2011. Halloween is over. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. I’m in complete disbelief. Time truly is flying. Luckily, life has been pretty great as of late. And I always feel it’s important to put the positive things into perspective and make a list of happy, lovely things (as so many of us bloggers love to do).

Just got done spending a week in domestic bliss with my boyfriend…hope for the future!
Yummy hot coffee to warm myself up on a chilly day
Shows that have me laughing out loud (see here and here and here and here)
Little treats (like necklaces and “fun money”) from my mom…I’ll never grow up at this rate
Mexican food and Margaritas on a Monday night
Watching my circle of friends grow and change
Planning my next nail painting adventure for Thursday (Desperate for some Muppets colors from OPI!)
My Halloween costume, which Brad made 10x better with this photo shoot he did of me
Cozy naps, which have been happening a lot lately
Getting the month’s new magazine issues (and the occasional package) in the mail

Outfit: Blue on Blue

I wore this outfit last week for a night of tacos, mulled wine, and pumpkin carving. (Pretty awesome night, if you ask me.)
Full-on denim was another one of those fashion faux pas controversies that became popular/acceptable as of late. I think we just need to accept the fact that THERE ARE NO RULES IN FASHION/RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN.

I wouldn’t wear the same shades of denim, so I guess that is following a rule of sorts. I’m not into the “redneck tuxedo” look, but some people can pull it off, maybe? Not me. This is a great, cozy outfit for a fall evening.  I bought this large denim shirt last year in the men’s section of Salvation Army. I love it. I feel like an artist or something when I wear it. Like I stole my dad’s old work shirt (or someone else’s dad…but paid for it) and decided to use it for all my creative and fashion-friendly endeavors. Another fashion “rule” to break…shop outside your gender. Even when I’m not out thrifting, I scan the men’s section for v-necks and cozy sweaters. I’m all about unisex.

Shirt – Thrifted/Denim Leggings – PacSun (Bullhead)/Belt – Forever 21/Necklace – Claire’s/Boots – Chinese Laundry