april bag + balm1

POSTED ON Posted on April 7, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

bag: rennes five inch small wallet pouch in liac, $40

balm: topshop balm in sheen, $8

you don’t need me to tell you that pouches are all the rage, so why not toss your pretties into this little lovely? it’s made of the softest distressed lambskin, complete with a gorgeous brass zipper and adorable lining. it also comes in bunches of other beautiful colors. the topshop balm is the perfect thing to tuck inside – it’s glossy, moisturizing, and sheen is the best your-lips-but-better blush hue. it goes on smooth for a soft, shiny finish and, as a bonus, it kind of tastes like watermelon jolly ranchers. i’ve been wearing this daily and i think it’s safe to say that i will definitely finish the pot i’ve got and repurchase.

what do you think of this combo? looks like it belongs in my kind of easter basket!

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happy birthday to me14

POSTED ON Posted on April 6, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

{via pinterest}

hello, age 29! we’re going to be great friends you and i.

28 was an incredible year and i’m sort of sad to see it go. i had the best time being engaged (even though it resulted in the shameless neglect of this very blog!) and the most amazing wedding i could have imagined. plus, now i get to call the guy of my dreams my husband :)

it will be a tough year to top, but i have even higher hopes and bigger plans for 29. to kick things off, i complete my mba program in just a few short weeks, take off on my long-awaited mediterranean honeymoon, and hopefully embark on a brand shiny new career not long after i land back on us soil. i am filled with optimistic anticipation and can’t wait to see how things unfold.

so while i’ve got your attention, i must give endless thanks to my friends, family, and all of you lovely readers who support me and this little passion project of mine (and all that i do) – i feel so lucky to have you.

now let’s celebrate!

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wanted: emersonmade seersucker dress7

POSTED ON Posted on April 5, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

could this seersucker dress from emersonmade be more adorable? it’s girly, vintage-esque and looks so figure flattering. oh, and do we even need to discuss the pockets?! of course it’s sold out in every size but 10. alas now i have inspiration for my next spring dress – and the bar has been set very high by this beauty.

ps – if you’re wondering, em is also the creater of the gold coin necklace you see up above. aren’t they gorgeous?

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it’s here! stila forever your curl mascara0

POSTED ON Posted on April 5, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

this new formula was first announced by sarah lucero, celebrity makeup artist for stila, at new york fashion week and i’m happy to announce that it has landed at stila.com! she told us that the revolutionary mascara curls your lashes immediately upon application but then also works to curl them over time so you can toss your lash curler.

i am yet to test this so a full review is pending, but i’ve received oodles of questions about forever your curl with its innovative lash perming / curl memory technology since writing about it on my return from nyc.

other things to note on this much anticipated newbie mascara: it’s fiber-free – meaning you shouldn’t feel it when it’s on like you do with blinc and some of the “tubing mascaras; the brush is very cool – designed to really stretch and lengthen lashes; the color is blackest black – the only appropriate shade for mascara as far as i’m concerned; it’s long-wearing but water resistant – so you will most likely need remover to take it off.

so what do we think? will you purchase and try forever your curl? it’s available exclusively at stila.com for $22.

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little luxuries: mor perfume oil + lovely links1

POSTED ON Posted on April 4, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

mor cosmetics is known for creating some of the prettiest products out there. i’m a longtime lover of their lip delights but today i’m doubled over with glee for little luxuries perfume oils. i’m a bit biased since i generally prefer oils to sprays (it just seems to me like the scent is more concentrated, easier to apply and blends well with everyone’s body chemistry), but trust me when i say mor hit the nail on the head with these sweet smelling vials. each patterned glass bottle holds a soft and feminine scent with a rollerball applicator. the dreamy collection of four contains:

  • belladonna – musk, vanilla + sandalwood
  • snow gardenia – mostly gardenia, with juniper berry + angelica
  • lychee flower – lychee flower + black cherry plum
  • marshmallow – rose petals, white carnation + cotton candy

i think lychee is my favorite (smell like my favorite martini? yes please!) but marshmallow is oddly delightful and sends my senses reeling back to the days of this stuff. these babies are simply inviting, belonging on everyone’s dresser as far as i’m concerned. at $20 they’re price friendly, a little goes a long way and staying power is impressive.

note: these are sold out in a bunch of places, but i did find all four available on zappos – hurry, hurry!

{and a few lovely links for your monday}

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thursday purseday: spring fling4

POSTED ON Posted on March 31, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

top to bottom: asos boxy flat lock clutch / banana republic stone bow clutch / the sak classic crochet wristlet

it’s april tomorrow! my birthday month and last month as a graduate student, among other things, but also hopefully the month that pretty weather will return to dc and wherever you lovely people are. unless it’s already spring there and then i’m jealous. can you please tell me what the sun looks like? i’ve forgotten. but anyway, while the sun continues to hide behind gloominess around these parts, i am craving summer brights and love the look of these three unique candy-colored clutches. you’ll be happy to know that they range in price from $17 – $79 and they are definitely options that could carry you beyond the warmer months. i think the classic sak wristlet might be my favorite. and at $17, i’m not sure i can hold back!

if you’re coveting a purse, pocketbook, clutch, wallet, wristlet or handbag on this fine thursday purseday, link it up down below. i’d also love to know what’s on your accessory wish list for this upcoming season. sunnies? scarves? sandals? bangles? share!

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Posted in accessories | Tagged | 4 Comments

bare escentuals giveaway winners!2

POSTED ON Posted on March 30, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

{via design darling}

congratulations to two lovely ladies: liza and donna!

please check your inboxes for an email from me. your bare escentuals pretties will be on your way to you very soon :) many thanks to all who entered and played along. i hope to do more giveaways in the near future!

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Posted in mixed bag | 2 Comments

stila garden bliss all over shimmer is your personal lighting crew2

POSTED ON Posted on March 29, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

how cute is this compact from stila?

the bronzey peach shimmer powder and etched-on garden flowers are so fresh and youthful, but i promise it’s more than just a pretty product. the main neutral shade is the perfect thing to take any winter complexion from light to bright with a big fluffy brush and an all-over dusting. i’ve been using it to warm up my skin tone and then swiping a shadow brush over the floral design to brighten up my eyes – the pinks blend really nicely.

now,  if you’re not into shimmer (and i am normally not into shimmer), let me just say that this palette is more soft and subtle than you you might think. stila is known for creating a flawless face and this powder actually hides and detracts from imperfections, which is something we can all get behind (unless you are nicole kidman – i swear that woman does not have any pores – and then hello, nicole! thank you for reading the glossarie.)

but, seriously, i’m really loving the friendly and practical versatility of this guy. can you resist?

the stila cosmetics garden bliss all over shimmer palette is available online for $28.

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Posted in blush, bronzer, cheeks, eyes, face, lids | Tagged | 2 Comments

lipstick queen fired up4

POSTED ON Posted on March 28, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

i was inspired by this post on the birchbox blog to investigate how to play nice with red lip color. we all know i’m fair and my makeup preference is conservative girly – i fear spicy and edgy. i love, however, the idea of the red lip and have been determined to overcome my shyness and sport this classic shade with confidence. the lipstick queen herself (i should have known she would have the solution!). poppy king,  has won me over with her fired up gloss, the sheerest juiciest red that gives my lips a hint of what they’re longing for without scaring my coworkers. the brush applicator is, well, the bomb, the formula is nonsticky and the long slim tube makes this guy so purse friendly you’ll want it to live there forever. ta da! confidence boosted.

fired up is available online at barneys for $18.

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friday link love0

POSTED ON Posted on March 25, 2011 by lara ramos BY lara ramos

it’s been a week, kids. so i am opting to start my birthday shopping a little early and very first on my list is this droplet bracelet from favor jewelry. monika reed’s pieces are each prettier than the next and her spring lookbook oozes inspiration.  it will be a sweet little sparkle in my gloomy textbook-filled weekend of three papers and one presentation due next week. oh, and also the snow we might be getting in dc on sunday. the first sunday of the cherry blossom festival. you know, the one that signals SPRING is official. seriously, mother nature?!

anyway, what’s on tap for your weekend? want to write my papers?

how about a few lovely links, then :)

happy friday, dolls!

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