blonde

Always a Bridesmaid…

Over the weekend I was excited to be a bridesmaid a bridesmaid for the third time. I thought this was a perfect time to show some of the bridesmaid’s dresses that I’ve worn, and talk a little bit about where I found things for the most recent wedding.

In 2012 I was a bridesmaid in my friend Katie’s wedding. She had a gorgeous ceremony at a local church here in NJ and then the reception at a nearby hotel ballroom. My dress was from David’s Bridal, and was floor length. Unfortunately I have no full length photos!

In October 2013 I was a bridesmaid in my friend Alyssa’s wedding. It had the most incredible country vibe – and I love that she wore boots to the reception (and that all of us could wear boots as well!) Her wedding was on a golf course up near Vernon, NJ. The dress was super comfortable, and was originally long. We had them cut to better fit the feel of her wedding – and it was perfect for the weather.

This past weekend I was a bridesmaid in my cousin Michael’s wedding. They had a ceremony in an adorable local church, and the reception at a really enchanting mansion in Bensalem, PA. I forget to get a picture of the back of my hair, but my girl at Blo Out in Hamilton, NJ did such a great job – I loved it! Our dresses were from Bill Levkoff and we picked them up at the Bridal Suite in Hamilton, NJ. [Note – beware of ordering from there!]

I love seeing these photos in progression! I also want to share my accessories for the most recent wedding. The necklace I wore was our bridesmaid’s gift which she picked up from Etsy. It is super cute and I’ve already worn it again! My earrings were simple pearls from Charming Charlie, and I wore bracelets from Bourbon and Bowties that I picked up at a local boutique. (I’m a HUGE Bourbon and Bowties fan!) I found a matching wrap at Nordstrom Rack ($12!) and it was perfect since the day was freezing. I did my own makeup for the day and even got a spray tan. My purse (below) was PERFECT! I picked it up from a seller on bitdazzle, but click here for her etsy store. Her work is fantastic and the purse was reasonable at $38. So many compliments on it – even the photographer loved it! It fit my iPhone 6+ without a problem. I’ve posted some pics below – the purse I purchased had a light pink ribbon. My shoes were Bandolino from Macys – just a dusty rose heel. Nothing fancy.

Where are some go-to places to pick up items for bridesmaids? I was running all around like crazy trying to find things to match.

Follow me on Instagram! @gvgp1989

IMATS and VIB ROUGE SALE HAUL

I’m so excited to share my IMATS and Sephora VIB Rouge sale haul (and a few products from CVS too)!

Brands:

Becca, Marc Jacobs, Bite Beauty, Nest, Milani, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Model in a Bottle, Esquido Mink Lashes, Z Palette, Tarte, Stila Cosmetics, LA Girl, Buxom, Benefit, Makeup Forever, Josie Maran, Smashbox, Korres

IMATS NYC 2015

Last weekend I decided to head out to IMATS, the International Makeup Artists Trade Show. It is held in various locations throughout the year, and I was able to attend the show in NYC. I wanted to write about my impressions, advice and what I would do differently next time.

I bought my ticket months in advance, and planned everything out – which vendors I wanted to hit, which products I wanted – a day or so before. I packed light, and unfortunately this time I went alone. I had a notebook with the items and the original prices so I could compare, and also kept in mind that anything I could find at Sephora I could pick up with the VIB Rouge sale that started the next day. I took a mid-morning train, attempting to beat the hundreds of people in line at Pier 94. I walked right in, and initially it didn’t seem that bad. However, once I started to head over to the brands I wanted, the lines were LONG. Some were shut down, some were an hour or longer. To avoid this, I walked around to understand the layout, and then headed over to the less crowded lines. I set a low budget for myself, and didn’t overspend because I missed some of the brands I wanted due to the lines. If I stood in the line for Sigma or NYX I would have been there all day and only left with those products. The line for Lime Crime was bad too – and Anastasia was shut down. I wanted to pick up some Ben Nye – but I can find it way cheaper on line, and I’m not in need of any at the moment.

I REALLY wanted to hit Lady Moss, but I couldn’t get a good view of the booth, and didn’t want to wait in line to see what they had.

I was able to get to the following tables:

-Tarte (all mascaras, blushes and lipsticks were $10!- I did snag a pic of their price list!)

-Zpalette

-Model in a Bottle

-Stila

-Esquido Lashes

-One table that sold LA Girl Cosmetics (I can’t remember the name of the stand!)

I made it a bunch of others, but they either didn’t have a decent discount, or were sold out of what I wanted (ahem, MUFE…)

I advise planning ahead and take a friend. If I wasn’t alone I could have waited in the longer lines. I also only stayed a few hours, but should have stayed much longer. Knowing the products you want ahead of time helps too – so you budget for what you want, and bring extra for the fun things you find on the way. Oh and DRESS COMFORTABLE! You are waiting in lines and wearing heels and fancy clothes doesn’t make that any easier. I forgot to take pics during the day – but I did snag a selfie!

My next post will be a haul!! Were any of you at IMATS NYC???

Living Healthy

Over the past few years I knew that I needed to start living a more healthy life. I wasn’t happy with myself, and needed to figure out a way to start myself on a better path. When I left college I was 10-15 pounds heavier than I ever had been in my entire life. And I had lost weight since my junior year when I was even a little healthier. The truth is that I just didn’t know what to do. Now I see what I was doing wrong, but back then I couldn’t figure it out. I over ate, ate things that made my body run poorly and hated to work out.

Ok, so who really likes to work out? I don’t mind it now, but when I was heavier I would joke that the only way I would run was if someone was chasing me. And even then, I’d say there was a marginal chance that would happen. When I turned 25 last fall I made a promise to myself to make this my best year yet. And so far, so good. Shortly after my birthday I joined a kickboxing gym, and fell in love. It is the hardest thing I’ve done in my life, but I have never felt so good and empowered. I’m so thankful I decided to give it a try because I was terrified I couldn’t keep up when I joined the class. Now I feel like I can take on the world.

Unfortunately with the ups, comes the downs. Last summer I was sick constantly and my stomach hurt terribly. After a few months and some tests I found out that I have gastroparesis. Basically I can’t digest properly and have to take medicine multiple times a day to regulate it. I also need to follow a FODMAP diet (I can do a post on my daily eating soon) and I live as gluten free as possible. No, I don’t have celiac, but I feel so great eating gluten free. And it bothers me deeply when someone dismisses a gluten intolerance. I wish those people could live my life for a bit, and see how hard it can be to eat foods with gluten, and feel like crap. I’ve seen how foods go through my body – and I can feel the aftermath often for a day or two. I’m all for eating clean, but I always indulge! And just to mention it – I’ve been out of college since 2011 and have lost 60 pounds. I’m living proof that hard work and dedication pays off!

Thankfully I have a great support system, and everyone takes care to make sure there is something I can eat when we go out. I hate making a big deal about it, but it adds unnecessary pressure to situations. I’d love to connect with others who know what its like to live this way – because while hard, its been the best life style change I’ve made, and I’d like to hear how others have done it as well. I’m going to post more about my diet, work outs and health in the future. But wanted to get the ball rolling!

The healthiest I’ve ever been!

Review: Birchbox March 2015

So this month Birchbox first upset me, then totally surprised me. I had logged in and selected my item for March box in plenty of time, only to receive a notice that something was wrong with my payment info. I can’t figure out why that would be, because nothing changed from the month before. So I fixed it, and was disappointed when the item I pre-selected wasn’t in my box. (VERY disappointed because it was a product I was itching to try, but I digress…) However, I wound up with seven items in my box instead of five, and it was quite the pleasant surprise!

Harvey Prince Singular Scentsations Imperial Gardenia: $29

I haven’t even smelled this yet because I couldn’t believe I received ANOTHER Harvey Prince sample. Since I first joined BB I now have something like 8 or 9 different ones. Enough is enough…. (I also don’t like anything floral)

Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: $34

I’m really into face products lately, and this is supposed to mimic microdermabrasion. Can’t wait to give this a shot!

Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Body Balm: $29

I think I’ll be swapping this one. The scent is super strong, and I so badly want to like it, but I just can’t. The aromatherapy scent just isn’t for me.

Jelly Pong Pong GLOW GETTER Highlighter: $14

I’ve heard great things about this brand – can’t wait to try it out! It looks like a tiny bottle of nail polish and is a gorgeous color.

Davines Ol/Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion: $41

This is a FULL SIZE product. I love hair oils, and hope this is really nourishing.

Somehow I wound up with both the shampoo and matching conditioner! It is so rare to receive both, let alone THREE products from the same line. I received shampoo from the same brand last month though, so I’m hoping I don’t get a three-pete. But for now, I’m excited to actually try the line!

Review: Sample Society March 2015

I decided to keep trying Sample Society, at least for another month, because I was so excited that Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara was going to be included. I’m familiar with all of the brands this month, so I’d say that from the start, this box is a win.

Juicy Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer: $45

I’ve been on the fence about Juice products. I’m so excited to try them, but usually I can’t get past the smell. I now have several tubes and jars from the line, so perhaps I’ll give it a shot, and work past the smell. Anyone out there a Juice Beauty fan? Let me know what products you like!

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara: $24

I was SO excited to get this because of all the hype surrounding this product. I should admit I haven’t used it yet, since I have so many tubes that I’m trying to work through and finish up. Can’t wait to try it!

Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray: $24

I do like their dry shampoo, so I was thrilled to give this a try. I’m interested to see how it compares to the Oribe version.

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm: $12

I’m not a huge lip balm gal, but the write up in the pamphlet in the book makes me want to give this a shot. Especially if it isn’t greasy. I’m weird and LOVE sticky glosses, but I can’t stand greasy balms.

Cargo Essential Lip Gloss: $16

Mine is in the color Madrid, which is a dark plum color. Since we’re going into spring I would have preferred a lighter pink or coral, but I do enjoy a vampy lip.

Verdict: This box (as I mentioned above) is a win for me. Brands I have heard of, coupled with products I actually wanted to try. Way to go Sample Society.

Carmindy & Co. 5 Minute Face

Last September I received the Carmindy & Co 5 Minute Face kit for my birthday. I’ve always been a huge fan of Carmindy’s on What Not to Wear, so I was hoping I would fall in love with her products. And for the most part, I do.

The kit comes with 5 beauty products, plus the adorable bag – all in a gorgeous tiffany blue color. The packaging is fantastic and I love the cosmetics bag.

One of the best items is the elevating mascara in black. It isn’t anything overly special, but it is one of the items I use most often. And is perfect for day to day use.

The item I use ALL the time is the love struck blush in Universal Pink. I literally use this everyday, and the color mixes and blends beautifully. I can’t recommend this blush enough.

The Carmindizing Highlighter is great. One side is powder, the other is cream, and the color matches my pale skin perfectly. I don’t use a highlighter everyday, but this is the one I reach for whenever I want to use one.

The Kiss Me Lip Butter in Rose Passion is just ok. It is a coral/red color, and is extremely sheer. More of a balm consistency. Perfect to run errands with, but not so great for work or for going out with friends. It isn’t that pigmented, so I find it similar to chapstick consistency. I’m a lip gloss kind of gal.

The product I don’t like at all is the Ever After Eyeliner in Espresso. It isn’t dark, rubs off easily, and I can’t stand the brown color. I love dark, black eye liner, so this naturally doesn’t fit my routine. If you use brown eyeliner though, you might really like it for a soft look!

Overall I love the brand. This kit is sold out at HSN, but I believe you can buy the products separately if you want. I know she has many other products in her line, and I can’t wait to try other products from Carmindy!

*Edit* I found this kit on this site: http://www.softsurroundings.com/P/Carmindy_5_Minute_Face_Kit/

Hair Care Review: Aveda and Kardashian Products

Recently I was flipping through a magazine and saw that Aveda has a new product out called “Naturally Straight.” Over time it is designed to smooth out curls and reduce frizz. The ad in the magazine said that samples can be picked up at your local Aveda salon. I’m SO glad I went and picked one up – I love this product. It is a two component system – first you apply the smooth infusion – naturally straight cream while hair is wet. After you style you apply a few drops of the dry remedy daily moisturizing oil. Go pick up your free sample! Highly recommended!!

I also picked up a new flat iron recently. I went to Ulta and found that the Kardashian’s are now making a line of hair tools. I generally don’t like celebrity products like this, but this iron is produced by CHI, and my old iron (Babyliss) wasn’t ceramic and was ruining the ends of my hair. This iron gets SO hot, and is apparently infused with some kind of oil product promoted by the Kardashian line. Unlike the CHI there are various heat settings, and the more I use it, the less time I find it takes me to tame my hair. And you can use coupons on it at Ulta, making the $90 price tag more affordable. Another item I’m definitely recommending (and I’m so surprised I like it!)

Review: Glossybox February 2015

Last month I didn’t cancel my plan before the monthly deadline, so I wound up receiving the February box. I have to say, as annoyed as I was at myself for not remembering to cancel earlier, the theme of the February box was adorable.

Julep Color Treat in Heartleigh – Full Size $14

This is so cute for February, but I don’t find Julep nail polishes to be all that great. There is a tip included on the card regarding how to best use it, but I don’t think I’ll be giving this a shot.

Unwash Bio-Cleansing Conditioner – Full Size $36

This is supposed to replace shampoo and conditioner. I’m always skeptical of these types of products, but considering I have crazy hair I’m always willing to try new products.

Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butter in Pink – Full Size $14

This is the cutest little tin of lip balm. I prefer lip gloss to these little pots, but it would look cute just sitting on a dresser as a decorative item.

Scalisi Skincare Cleanser and Exfoliator – $25

This promises to be a “mini facial” and I’m SO excited to try it. I’m testing cleansers and I can’t wait to add this one to the list.

Rituals Cosmetics Foaming Shower Gel Sensation in Yogi Flow – $15

I wanted so badly to love this product. The packaging is adorable. However, when I tried it out the Indian rose scent was so incredibly overwhelming, there is no way I could use this. Total bummer.

I thought the presentation and products in the box are adorable. They all have a romantic vibe and would be perfect for date nights.

Review: Birchbox February 2015

Last year I suspended my subscription to Birchbox because I became unhappy with the selection of samples in the box. Over the past few months I’ve been closely following what changes Birchbox has made, and I decided to give it another shot. I must say – this box was a great way to begin!

theBalm cosmetics – Read My Lips Lip Gloss – BAM! Full size $15

I am a huge fan of theBalm since discovering their products from Birchbox ages ago. This color is ok – definitely more of a summer color, but I love the formula. I may be purchasing some other colors.

Paula’s Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths – Full size $22.40

I also discovered Paula’s Choice through BB, and it is another brand that I absolutely adore. I have yet to use these, and while I don’t have keratosis pilaris, I still want to see how they are on my skin.

Laura Geller Beauty – GlamLASH Dramatic Volumizing Mascara – Full size $24

This is another mainstay brand, and I was thrilled to receive an LG mascara. I LOVE this mascara, which is surprising, because the brush is so itty bitty. Usually I layer on a few mascaras for the effect I like, but I love how this looks!

Harvey Prince – Ageless – Full size $55

I have yet to try this, and to be honest, I used to hate receiving perfume samples. I recently looked through my pile of them, and I have received over 4 different samples from Harvey Prince, so I wasn’t that excited. However, I want to test all of the perfumes for my blog, so this makes a great addition to the pile.

Davines MINU Shampoo & Hair Serum – Shampoo Full size $25 – Serum Full size $23.50

I haven’t tried the shampoo yet, and I’m curious to see how it works. I have however tried the serum (hence the open package in the photos) and I’m not thrilled with the smell. But I have crazy hair, and am always looking to try new photos.

GabGoesGlam

Beauty. Lifestyle. Fashion.