Thursday, December 22, 2011

revamp + some thoughts

hello everyone! i hope all my lovely readers (old and new) are having a wonderful holiday season.  if you follow my blog (which btw thank you) you know that i've been gone for quite some time.  the reason being of course is that university started up again and i was back in school on that nerd grind..(insert witty joke here), but now i'm home for the greater part of the month of january which is both a blessing and a curse, i mean i love being home but we all know how that can get boring quite fast.  if you do follow the blog you may have noticed that its been a smidge (OKAY A LOT) revamped! lol i'm super excited that blogger has such fab new layouts, i love the polaroid-esque view (speaking of polaroids i'm thinking of getting one for planning outfits, taking crazy snapshots, etc but more on that in a later post).  anyways, i find the new layout to be a bit simpler and just more fun to look through, let me know what you guys think!  In other news i just finished up the semester here at college so i'm just waiting on the grades (the WORST part), so far so good on the one's already received but just a tad worried for my statistics class (i love it and hate it all at the same time).  Has anyone ever had a professor they just thought was great at everything but teaching? Because thats how i feel about my stats professor, he's an awesome person, knows a ton about the material but just has a hard time teaching it to us :/ Anyways i've got a ton of beauty and skincare related items (sheseido, ysl, amazing cosmetics, nars, rimmel, and the list goes on) to discuss with you guys as well as a couple of other things to share which i should be getting to in posts later this week.  i've been thinking a ton about school and my future career choices lately, sort of having little inner conflicts with myself over whether i'm heading in the right direction and just choosing what the best path will be for myself.  As of now my major is business related; i love business, it just energizes me to think about it but i've just been a bit conflicted on which route i should go, however theres plenty of time to think about it so no (major) worries.  Also as a fashion/beauty loving girl i keep finding myself drawn to the industry, maybe a career in business within fashion? we'll see. One thing i'd like to note for business majors though: you cannot just be in it for the money.  Even if the job is all ABOUT money, you have to love the job.  Personally I find that theres just something so exhilarating about making deals, finding the best way out of a problem, talking to people, supplying them with what they want, traveling (which i am absolutely crazy about wanting to do in the future), and just doing something you love no matter what.  I am seriously that loser that stays up watching CNBC documentaries, keeping up with stocks, etc. I find that people who are in my major that lack the commitment to the actual job and are just in it because they think they'll make a ton of fast money aren't doing well in classes. For any job/field of study that you want to pursue: do it for yourself, do it because you love it, do it well.  Thats just my little philosophy on the matter.  If your choosing a major based on what your parents, teachers, friends want than you'd just be doing yourself a disservice.  Remember that in the end YOU are going to be the one that has to live with it and you deserve to give yourself the best chance at happiness that you can -- so make wise decisions :)  (lol sorry for the mini rant guys - i've just seen so many people at university miserably doing a major which they clearly didn't want to do but have stuck with for the joy of appeasing others) Basically what i'm saying is, in the case of what your going to do for (hopefully) the rest of your life: satisfy yourself first. This is one of those times where its totally fine to be selfish.  

xoxo,
bella

p.s. work towards your wishes,
there may be some magic just waiting around the corner 


photo taken by one of my best friends at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City





Monday, August 22, 2011

BEST mascara i've ever tried and over 1,000 page views! wohoo!

ahh guys i've finally reached over a thousand page view, and i know it's not a lot in the blogging world by any means but it means a lot to me so for any one out there that follows this blog: thank you so much!

now on to some business ;)

so the best mascara i've ever tried to date has to be the L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black.

okay two quick things:

-the formula is a bit wet, it takes a minute to dry but it's a good thing for me because it gives me a little bit of time to get it just perfect
-i've heard that this mascara flakes or transfers for some people but i haven't had that problem at all

photo property of L'Oreal Paris

i love the formula, it's actually very comparable to the DIOR show mascara, which is about three times the price, so i think your getting great value for the money on this one, it leaves lashes looking full and super dark and lush, which i love.  If you need a going out mascara, i'd recommend this one for sure :)

xoxo, 
bella

Friday, August 12, 2011

va va voom: mila kunis for Glamour UK

i don't even have to describe it. 
the pictures speak for themselves:





xoxo,
bella

Saturday, August 6, 2011

anticipation.

hello blogging world, so i (as always) apologize for not updating the past few weeks, it's been really busy at work and at home and i'm just a wee bit tired lol.  that doesn't however mean i don't have lots to share and babble about. I am super excited to go back to university in a few weeks, as much as I adore my family i really prefer living on my own (well semi-own: i have THE most amazing roommate).  So with that comes the inevitable college prep time: buying new accessories for the room, getting together with friends, and just enjoying the last of summer before being thrown back into the world of academia.  Speaking of furnishings, i'm really looking forward to getting a couple of fab new things for the room this year: a couple of cool paintings or wall art (parisian themed i believe) are in order, as well as a new layout that complements both privacy and practicality. Along with the usual list of things needed for a new school year a couple of new fashion finds are necessary.  I'm thinking along the lines of a luxe pencil skirt (Banana Republic anyone?), new fall trench, a couple of cozy cardigans and pullovers, and of course a new pair of jeans (i got these fab gray skinnies from the BR Monogram line that have just the right amount of spandex to be inanely comfortable).  Along with a few well chosen accessories i think it'll shape up to be a great year (fashion wise).  As far as the beauty department goes, changing it up a bit for fall is always easy.  This summer i've really been steering away from heavy makeup, sticking with subdued eyes (thank you UD Naked Palette) and lush lashes with pops of color thanks to fun, flirty lipsticks.  I've also OD'ed on nail polishes a tad, okay a lot, current favorites are Essie's Fifth Avenue (GORGEOUS red) and OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona (perfect nude esque shade for my tanner skin tone).  Other favorites include OPI's I'm Wired, which was in heavy rotation in the beginning of the summer, it is the quintessential summer "pop" of reddish coral.  I am so looking forward to creating outfits and beauty looks for this year!

favorite photos for today:


Bottega Venetta Fall 2012


the adorable Hailee Steinfeld in Miu Miu


Selena Gomez looking chic as ever

all photos property of their respective owners

xoxo,
bella

Friday, July 22, 2011

HEAT wave.

those of you living on the east coast (like myself) or the midwest know what i'm babbling about right now. i'm all for summer, and heat, and fun but this is ridiculous.  and just i am writing up this post the power has chosen to go out, fantastic, no AC, kill me now.  Current temperature is a cool 109 degrees.  RIDICULOUS.  lol, i usually don't take to this blog to complain about the complexities of weather and the what is happening on the home front, but i really felt like i had to say something about this.  anyways i hope all you stylistas and of course the stylish fellas are staying cool and refreshed.  also i'd like to say that my heart goes out to the people of Oslo, Norway for the tragic bombing that just happened there.  No one deserves to have to live through something like that.  power just came back on, sweet. oh and another thing! Happy Birthday to the fab Selena Gomez who just turned 19 today, she's a true Disney gem.  

currently obsessing over the GORGEOUS and talented Pretty Little Liars cast:
photo via here

xoxo,
bella

Sunday, July 17, 2011

photos of the week

all photos courtesy of Vogue Italia 
& property of their respective owners.

chloe pre summer 2012

ermanno scervino


fall 2012 trend: brown on brown (brioni)


jason wu


olivia palmero in a fab suede jacket 


tommy hilfiger 2012

xoxo,
bella

Monday, July 11, 2011

british takeover.





photocredit to whomever took all these fab pics

j'adore<3

xoxo, 
bella

Monday, July 4, 2011

Model Spotlight: Jourdan Dunn


looking fantastic in this Burberry Fall 2011 ad with fellow model Matthew Whitehouse.



totally encompasses the model off duty look during fashion week in paris.
serious outfit envy.

xoxo,
bella

Hailee Steinfeld for Miu Miu Fall 2011

this girl is shaping up to be a fab fashionista!


xoxo,
bella

Mad Men for Banana Republic

Mad Men for Banana Republic, 
the store released pictures of a capsule collection to launch in August 2011,
I personally cannot wait to see it,
BR is a place close to my heart and I think the styling of the pieces in these pictures is absolutely flawless and the collection looks impeccable, cant wait to check it out!



love that cheetah bag, and the silk tie blouse!


xoxo,
bella

kate moss got married. galliano dress. sigh.

stunning.

xoxo,
bella

emma watson for seventeen magazine.

i think i seriously love her,
i have literally bought every cover she's been on for the last few months.

its the awkward smile<3


xoxo, 
bella

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

serious lust: Chanel sunnies


photocredit: chanel

xoxo,
bella

kim.

so sexy.

xoxo,
bella

emma watson for vogue

she has the most adorable 
awkward smile ever,
and thats why i love her
oh and the years of being a fabulous actress.



photocredit to vogue

xoxo,
bella


Thursday, June 9, 2011

just beautiful.

i rarely ever see anyone get it so RIGHT.
jennifer lopez, thank you.

xoxo,
bella

Chloƫ Sevigny (for O.C.) Resort 2012

just really loving the juxtaposition of this collections, 
definitely a dark light theme going on,
particularly gorgeous:


the detailing on the skirt, and the sneakers! sorta old school sexy.



the designer herself, she's wearing a laser cut (what seems like) leather dress.
what a stunner.

xoxo,
bella

sale alert: Calypso St. Barth Sample Sale! (online)

the brand that famously encompasses all things summer and luxurious
is having a sample sale! the online sale won't run though
just enter the code "SAMPLESALE" at checkout to get
50% off on certain items.
here's the site.


lacey short

lace top
ceri cardi
seashell sandal (LOVE)

josi wedge




they have some pretty adorable stuff for a ton off of retail, so if you need some cute summer clothes take a look! oh and the brand also recently collaborated with Target for some great affordable pieces:



both of these adorable summer totes run for about $25 
quite the bargain if you ask me.

all photos property of calypso st. barth and target

xoxo,
bella

Louis Vuitton Resort 2012

here's a roundup of my favorites:



photocredit

i'm feeling particularly inclined towards the strappy's in the first set,
the bows are a cute touch.
love the detail on the jacket in the second set and as for the third
the chambray effect is fabulous.
very parisian chic.

xoxo,
bella

video of the (year) week.


one of the best videos ever made.
she is one of my favorite stars and for good reason.

xoxo,
bella

Burberry Prorsum Resort 2012

another little Burberry tid bit:
i need that red lined trench in my closet, 
right now. absolutely in love.

xoxo,
bella

Burberry Fall 2011 - flawless.


few things excite me more than well dressed men.
burberry, never ceases to amaze.

xoxo,
bella

summer trend: neon!

okay so let me just start this off by saying i originally just wanted to post about this FANTASTIC boyfriend style blazer featured in the Diane von Furstenberg Resort 2012 collection, and then i remembered i also had a super useful site to share with you guys. 
i seriously want this jacket. 
the versatility alone makes it spectacular.
it's probably going to cost a pretty bundle though, sigh.

as much as i love to lament about my college student budget woes, i'll go on with the post.  as far as the DVF 2012 Resort collection goes, i will say that it is as per usual fab, and that the bright pops of color in the majority of the outfits keep it totally fun and flirty.  I love neons, esp for summer, and ofcourse if done right in the winter via a poppy nail color or bright shoe.  But for summer i am adoring the idea of wearing a neutral ensemble with a neon pop a la DVF.  what do you guys think?

also gorgeous on the runway and (probably off of it as well) this little number:
i am a total sucker for anything coral,
and yes this does it for me, 
stunning.
plus am i the only the one that finds orangey hued outfits go smashingly with aqua, because that aqua bag is working all kinds of wonderful on this look. 
ps: how cute is the model's makeup? so fresh faced, loving the winged liner.

another neon vixen:
Ashley Greene
photocredit to whomever shot the above picture!

her dress is by Michaels Kors (who is fittingly standing right next to her in the picture above) and is from the Michael Kors Resort 2012 collection, love the color! definitely a statement mini.

oh and also neon works amazingly well in the beauty department:

Dior Addict Lipstick in Diorkiss (#578) $28
quite the punchy pink no?

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Siren $7-8 depending on your area
classic summer color!

Urban Decay Matte Eyeshadow in Chronic $17
now this would make for a gorgeous summer eyeliner (esp with a neutral eye for work!) or even on its on i think it would look great, thoughts?

Essie Pretty Edgy $8
not a traditional neon by any means, but essie's pretty edgy from last years summer collection is a color i personally own and happen to love.  trust me, you'll stand out.

Chanel Le Vernis in Mimosa $25
in my mind,
its very difficult to go wrong with Chanel.

photocredit to essie
Essie Brazilliant $8
this little number is from the summer 2011 collection and it is just the thing to perk up one's day.
such a fun summery orange...reminds me of sitting beach side while sipping on pink lemonade, now thats something every blogginista needs! :)

oh and before i forgot, you guys should check out racked.com!
the link above is specifically for NYC but they cover a bunch of metro areas and let you know of all the deals and steals going on in your part of town, honestly, who doesn't want to know about a stellar sale?

here's to some great summer finds, enjoy the bargains!

xoxo,
bella