Things I Am Currently Obsessed With: Go To Products

Hello darlings!

What!?! I know. It's shocking. I wrote a blog post.

I've been testing products in a very lazy fashion so I don't have full reviews yet and I haven't done my nails in ages except for a short vacation in May. So instead, I thought I'd share with you the top products in my current routine.

Left to Right: MAC Misty Me, KIKO 110, Too Faced Light, Stila Intense Black, Wet n' Wild Blossom Glow

MAC LiquidLast Liner in Misty Me
When I first bought this I was feeling some immediate regret after making an impulse purchase. It's so expensive for such a tiny amount of product. But as I've played around with it, I've become a bit obsessed. This is the most amazing metallic silver liner. It's so bright and bold. You don't need to build it up. You just swipe it on and you've got liquid metal on your eyes. The brush it comes with is not amazing or anything but I haven't had any issues with it. You can do a double line with a black liner but I find that doing a clean wing is a bit tricky when I'm rushing. My favorite way to wear this is to draw a line from my inner corner to halfway or a third of the way across my eye and then finish the rest of the line and the wing with black liner. It gives me the same pop of brightness as an inner corner highlight and keeps basic black liner from looking so heavy.

KIKO Kajal Pencil in 110
I don't know what it is about summer but I always want to play around with aquatic blues. I bought this liner and a nude liner from KIKO to use on the waterline. That did not work out as planned. They smudge. Oh boy, do they smudge. But on the upper lash line, this works great. The formula isn't so firm that it tugs at the eye when you apply it but it does stay in place. It's an easy way to add some color to an eye look and look like you spent more time on your makeup than you did.

Too Faced Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer
I did not like this at all when I bought it. I actually thought I was going to return it. But I gave it a second chance and now I love it. It's not a perfect color match for me. The shade I have is a bit light but otherwise, I think it's a good medium to high coverage concealer that doesn't feel too heavy and doesn't crease too much under the eyes. I apply it with a damp makeup sponge and if I'm feeling fancy I'll set it with a powder.

Favorite Pictures

I don't have any particular skill when it comes to photography but I enjoy it. Here are some of my favorite photos that I've taken.

I was taking the bus home on one of those fall days when you don't realize it's going to get dark as early as it will, and I just looked up and was struck by how gorgeous the clouds looked. It was a windy day and the clouds honestly looked like the big pink marshmallow puffs that float across Impressionist paintings. I had to take a picture.

This is one of those times that my camera surprised me. I've always loved the different tones that get captured in the changing colors of leaves in the fall. I'm just amazed by the clarity in this picture. I feel like I can just step into the picture and breath in the crisp, fall air.

A Few of My Favorite Things...

I thought I would share a few of my favorite discoveries this year to launch into 2012.

Chloe perfume by Chloe http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P256308&categoryId=C22090

I am not an expert on perfume but I do believe in being confident in what you like and Chloe perfume is a perfect example of that for me. I first discovered it at Sephora months ago in the summer and I think I've taken home maybe 3-4 little sample sprays before finally committing to getting my own 1 oz bottle in a recent Sephora sale. The thing I love the most about this perfume goes beyond the floral notes of Rose, Pink Peony, Freesia, Lychee, Magnolia Flower, and Lilly of the Valley, and of Cedarwood, Amber, Honey because honestly, I can't distinguish all those scents. To me, it just smells pretty, feminine, and floral. No, what I love is that this perfume really sinks into your skin and mingles with your body chemistry to create something special. As I wear this perfume, it doesn't wear me. Instead, it deepens from a basic floral into something richer and more sensually feminine while still staying sophisticated. I can wear it to work and class, running errands or to meet someone special. However, as with all perfumes, you need to wear it for a while and see how it settles on your skin. I would definitely suggest getting a sample and testing it out for yourself.

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black: http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2011/07/maybelline-eye-studio-lasting-drama-gel.html

I've included a link to my original review and months later, I still love this product just as much. It is my go to eyeliner, easy to use with the best results. You're not going to do any better than blackest black. It is the perfect finishing touch to my eye makeup looks and the perfect thing for any fan of winged eyeliner. My only additional note would be to wait for those Maybelline BOGO 1/2 off sales to roll around though they are worth the hefty $12 price tag in my opinion.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface: http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-of-tartes-amazonian-clay-12-hour.html

I love this blush. You know I love this blush. It gives me (fair, Asian skin) a lovely, natural flush and it is generally my everyday blush and has been since I got it at Sephora. It is easy to work with, gives great results, and lasts all day.

e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/face/blush/contouring_blush_and_bronzing_powder

Where else other than e.l.f cosmetics are you going to get a $3 bronzer/blush duo that works this well? Before I got my Tarte blush, I used to use the blush and didn't really have any issues with it though it isn't as pigmented as I would like. However, the bronzer is magnificent. I think it works perfectly with Asian skintones or any light skintone with a bit of yellow instead of red as a base. I tap a little onto my e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/brushes/single-brushes/powder_brush and sweep it under my cheekbones and slightly up, to make them look a little higher, and then tap again and sweep the color along my jawline and down my neck. I think every girl needs this in her kit.

Covergirl Natureluxe glossbalm in Marble and Peony:

http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2011/10/review-of-covergirl-natureluxe-spf-15.html

Why do I mention these in just about every makeup look? Because they are just that amazing. I have very dry lips and Covergirl natureluxe glossbalm is the one product that works for me 100% of the time. They are super moisturizing and Marble and Peony are just the perfect colors. Marble is your basic my lips but better sheer, brightening pink and Peony is the perfect pop of red which you can wear as a sheer red or build up to a brighter color.

Favorite Nail Polishes of the Year: O.P.I.'s Ski Teal We Drop and Essie's Sew Psyched

I know neither of these are new but they were my favorites for fall and winter. Beautiful formula and great colors for my skin tone and the season.

L'Oreal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow in 510 Electrified: http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-of-loreal-paris-hip-studio.html

I love the shimmery color in this palette. The formula is amazing, buttery and smooth. The color is just magical. This is my new favorite eyeshadow. If I lost all of my eyeshadows, this is the first one I would go out to repurchase.

Things I Am Currently Obsessed With

I know I haven't done one of these in a while. It's probably because now, when I'm obsessed with something I usually just save up and get it for myself and either I love it as much as I think I will (Tarte blush!) or it ends up disappointing me (all mascaras :( ).

1) Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface (REVIEW AT THIS LINK) http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-of-tartes-amazonian-clay-12-hour.html

I've been gushing about this ever since it came in the mail from my Sephora F&F haul. I blog about it to you. I tell all my friends. I've stopped just short of accosting random strangers... It is a problem. But this blush is wonderful.

2) Circo Ceramic Banks available at Target

I have a certain acceptable quotient of girly and adorable. For example, there will never be enough videos and pictures of puppies looking adorable but I hate the color pink. I would say that on the whole, the way I dress and decorate my apartment has a more classic, feminine sensibility than any overt fondness for the adorable. However, I was transfixed when I saw these in Ingrid/Missglamorazzi/TheGridMonster's vlog from Target. So cute! These are my favorites.


Image credit: target.com $12.99
http://www.target.com/p/Circo-Ladybug-Bank/-/A-13531580

Image credit: target.com $12.99
http://www.target.com/p/Circo-Dirt-Bank-Frog/-/A-13060582


Image credit: target.com (out of stock at time of post)
http://www.target.com/p/Halloween-Piggy-Bank-Doctor/-/A-12631236

3) Lena Erziak Adam and Aime handbags

I can't imagine how you would make the Adam handbag without some knowledge of bag construction, but I feel like the Aime bag could be DIY-ed. I'm still trying to work it out. Maybe I could use a hard shell gourd or a round empty candy container that splits in half.


Adam $2650 http://www.lenaerziakshop.com/pre-fall-2011/adam.html


Aime $2375 http://www.lenaerziakshop.com/pre-fall-2011/aime.html
(Oh, and be sure to check out the Aime in gold. It is absolutely gorgeous.)

4) Pauletta Embellished Dress from DVF

I'm obsessed with this dress because of the fabric, simplicity, and dupeability. I could totally make this dress. Maybe not with hundreds of sequins, but it would be easy to find a shimmery gold fabric that would look the same at a reasonable distance.

http://www.dvf.com/Pauletta-Embellished-Dress/D4024006T11,default,pd.html?dwvar_D4024006T11_color=GOLD0&start=8&preselectsize=yes&cgid=sale

5) Black Eyeshadow look

I don't know what it is about this look, but I can't manage to mimic it. I've been fixated on it ever since I saw it on one of my favorite nail polish blogs, Fashion Polish.

Image credit: YSL/FashionPolish.com
http://www.fashionpolish.com/2011/09/yves-saint-laurent-new-blacks-black.html

6) Braccialini handbags

There is a storefront near me so I'll sometimes pass by if I've gone to Benefit or MaxStudio. These bags are just so lovely and whimsical. However, they're also not really practical. Yes, they have more traditional styles, but come on, the adorable designs are really the ones you want.

One of my absolute favorites is this one with a little squirrel. http://shop.braccialini.com/cz/temi-handbag_914733.html

But the one I'm obsessing over is this little mushroom/toadstool handbag because it is so DIY-able. Sure, it would take some work but this is just implementing basic sewing/quilting skills. All you have to do is make a good pattern. http://shop.braccialini.com/cz/temi-small-shoulder-bag_917746.html


A lot of my obsessions these days are about jewelry and hangbag DIY and clothing design. I have a portfolio full of designs crying out to be made as well as some simple designer dupes I could quickly get out if I just had the time. I don't think I'll ever have the sufficient time for this to be a DIY blog but maybe someday I'll do some posts on simple DIY jewelry. Would you be interested in that? Let me know in the comments. Also, let me know what your obsessions are this month or what is on your wish list for the holidays. :)

Things I Am Currently Obsessed With

I haven't done one of these in a while for a couple of reasons, I just finished classes (only to start again soon...ugh), I have not been scouring the internet for new obsessions as much lately, and I have been finding a multitude of things to occupy my time. Including struggling to get my Essie polishes under control enough to paint my nails. Sweet Talker, Lapis of Luxury, and Turquoise & Caicos all fell apart on me a few days ago, watery and terrible. And yet I'm still excited for their fall handbag-inspired collection. I'm ridiculous, I know.

These are not real "obsessions" but more categories of obsessions since again, I haven't had much time to focus on specific things.

Handbags. I have no real fondness for handbags, or shoes for that matter. Yes, I'm betraying my gender and fashionistas everywhere. They're just something I like but don't need. Anyway, apparently I'm not good with mine (or likely I fill them with too much junk) because the two I've been switching between this year have kind of fallen apart. I have this adorable leather cross-body bag with a lace print that almost looks like a sun print (there's probably a term for this but I think in terms of art and not leatherworking). I got it in Argentina for a ridiculous $20 but the piece on the side anchoring the strap kept breaking and thus releasing the strap and when I got it repaired they broke the zipper. Grrr. My other bag, my dark brown studded Michael Kors is also fall apart at the strap. The leather is peeling and I don't think it will survive much longer. (Note: I think Kors is a hack who mostly designs rectangles and tube dresses. I got the bag as a gift for a birthday a long while back.)

I am currently toting around a flower-patterned Le Sportsac that I got as a gift for the same birthday (Seriously, giftcards, people) but I need something more fall-appropriate. I cannot afford these but I am lusting after them nevertheless.

http://www.markcross1845.com/collections.htm

So simple and restrained yet I can't stop staring at them. Since I don't really care much if something is designer or not, I will probably just pick up some kind of similar imitation bag in Chinatown (from a store, not off the sidewalk). Not trying to get arrested. :)

Pleated skirt. I don't even know if this style will look good on me but that doesn't stop me from being obsessed with it. I should really just figure out how to make one of my own but...ah...laziness.

http://www.satineboutique.com/shopping/designer-satine/item10102014.aspx

http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11863204&cp=4213681.4366394.2769021&view=all&parentPage=family


These are two standouts to me. The Satine because I've been loving asymmetry lately and the BCBGMAXAZRIA because I just love that brand. Some of the cutest and most figure-flattering dresses in my closet come from them.

Juliet Dress. This needs a bit of background. In middle school, as many other middle schoolers do, we read Romeo and Juliet. A sad translation which didn't really do anything for me. Definitely check out the Arden Shakespeare version instead. Anyway, I had to do a scene as Juliet and for this I headed off to H&M where I miraculously found the perfect dress. It was $40 which wouldn't bother me now but back then I was on my parents' budget and didn't have much say in the matter. After my scene, which was brilliant by the way, I reluctantly returned it to the store and it's always going to be one of those returns that I regret. I know by now the dress likely would not fit me and I know that I can barely remember what it looked like and I've probably built it up in my head to be more than it was. But logic and reason don't apply when it comes to a girl and her fashion memories. So ever since then I've been on the lookout for my "Juliet dress".

The most I remember is that it was sheer, black, seemed vaguely historical and looked spectacular on me.

Here are pieces I've come across that remind me of my Juliet dress.

http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11768911&cp=4213681.2769162.2768993&view=all&parentPage=family


Too long and too masculine. I think my dress may have been cinched at the waist.

http://www.foleyandcorinna.com/p-940-embroidered-sequin-cover-up.aspx

This is not really very close at all but when I saw this coverup it just brought me right back to obsessing over my dress. Also, it makes me think I could replicate it if I could only remember exactly what it looked like.

Amsale. I don't know where the heck I think I'm going but I recently picked up a gorgeous dress at a ridiculously discounted price $60 and after rummaging around their website I am just fixated on the gorgeous fit, cut, and simplicity of their bridesmaids dresses. It's too much work to edit and post all the gowns I want but their site is pretty easy to navigate.

http://www.amsale.com/bnp/bridesmaids/bridesmaids2.shtml

Eyeshadow. Now that I've perfected my cat eye, just in time for the revamp of the 1960s trend (thanks, fashion) I need to be a little bit brave and risk doing something a little more daring in terms of eye makeup. I've done it in the past and then smudged on a nude cream color to go for a safer, more subtle pop of color. One day I'll try a smoky eye. In the meantime I'm hunting down various eyeshadow colors to play around with.

I think that's all for today. Talk to you soon. :)

Things I Am Currently Obsessed With

The perfect casual, loose, white button-down.

http://suiteorchard.com/store/details.php?pid=540&cid=33&cName=

The perfect mix of feminine and strong in a cocktail ring. Also, affordable Alexander McQueen.

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/us/en/shop/Womenswear/Shop/Sale/Sale-Accessories/P-GOLD-chrysanthemum-RING.aspx

Feminine, mature, modern, and flashy earrings.

http://alexisbittar.com/product.php?productid=22604&cat=280&page=1&defvarid=17752

A quirky knick knack. One of the few ways you can "literally" do something figurative.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66269106/heart-in-a-jar-hand-blown-glass?ref=tre-4dee973d53b86d91a1c5a870-2

Things I Am Currently Obsessed With

Georgia Varidakis "Fan Coral Brooch" $160 (available on georgiavaridakis.com)

Varro Pave Knife Earrings in Rhodium $60 (available on noirjewelry.com)

Ruby Red Garnet Natalie Portman Oscar Inspired tassel earrings $325 (available ElleBernard on etsy.com)

White Seed Pearl Tassel Earrings $650 (available Bjewelledcz on etsy.com)

Beetle Earrings $20 (available on ericaweiner.com)
SUPER UNDERWHELMING viewed in person. :(

Beetle Earring $13.50 (ragtrader on etsy.com)


scarab beetle earrings $13 (accidentalcharm on etsy.com)


Silver Egyptian Scarab Earrings $16 (ragtrader on etsy.com)


Vermeil Coral Branch Necklace $28 (StarfishAndTheSea on etsy.com)

Turner Classic Movies

Can you make yourself into the person you want to be? That is, can you actively choose the things you want to influence your creative and critical faculties or do you have no control over what ends up sticking with you? Is there a point at which you've already shaped the bulk of who you are when new stimuli won't signficantly change you? Wow, what a way to start a post about old movies, right?

I say this because I think my love of classic films started around the time I moved to a new house before high school and discovered the cable channel Turner Classic Movies. I began to collect films much in the way someone else might collect brooches or stamps, thus making myself into a classic film lover. But is it that easy? If you collect stamps, you're a stamp collector. But can you consciously decide to be a fan of something without a certain level of pretension...pretending you belong in the same category as film experts when you're still making your way through the movies that everyone regards as the ultimate classics?


Roman Holiday
I only just recently watched Roman Holiday and fell in love with it. I think part of that is due to the two screenwriters. It blends the edge of a serious drama with the lighthearted romance of the best romantic comedies. It's currently sitting on my bookshelf. But does just discovering something make you a fan in the same way that someone who has watched a movie 50 times is a fan?


Possessed
This film broke my heart in spite of the happy ending. Sure, some parts were a bit rushed, but has the artfulness, the deft hands at work behind the scenes and the skilled players in front of the camera. There is so much art in what they don't say explicitly yet manage to convey nonetheless. This is a movie I would study to learn the craft of acting. Hell, I want to take a screengrab every other second and sketch and paint them all. It's so achingly gorgeous and poignantly dramatic without destroying the illusion and crossing into the improbable. At least for me. I also discovered this movie earlier this year and it's currently sitting on my bookshelf.


Holiday
This movie was absolutely adorable. One of the best things I've watched on hulu. Yes, I also discovered this one earlier this year. There's something so relatable about Hepburn in this role, something here that's missing in her movies with Spencer Tracy. The specific circumstances aren't important, I connect with that look in her eyes. The look when you aren't merely trying to hold up your end of the conversation but are trying to be so effervescently charming that you'll captivate the object of your affections. That unguarded look, perhaps a little awkward, a restrained longing you can't help revealing when you think that he won't notice. That pained look when he finally approaches but it's not quite right and he doesn't say the things that he ought to in that crucial moment and the opportunity passes by yet again. Not to mention, the movie is absolutely gorgeous and she wears her clothes beautifully, with the enviable carelessness of someone who would act the same regardless of what she was wearing. Oh, and I adore the following quote.

“He’ll be up in a minute. Are you sure you want to get over him?”

“Because it seems so hopeless, is that it?”

“Don’t you know? Then let me tell you something. You’re twice as attractive as Julia ever thought of being. You’ve got twice the looks, twice the mind, and ten times the quality. You could charm a bird off a tree if you would. And why not? If you were in her way she’d ride you down like a rabbit.”


The Shop Around the Corner
Next is my favorite Christmas movie. I think I discovered this one earlier, perhaps four or five years ago. I've certainly watched it enough times since. I practically have the final scene memorized. I don't have much to say about this one since I've spent so much time thinking about it already. By the by, that's one of the reasons I'm resistant to overanalyzing things as an English major. You take the joy out of it if you pick it apart to discover all its secrets. I'm letting this film sit for a while until I start to forget some of the dialogue and it can regain it's magic and win me over again.



I couldn't have this list without Astaire and Rogers. They were probably my first favorite classic film couple and I eagerly awaited when TCM aired another of their films, even if I was too drowsy to truly enjoy them on first viewing at three o' clock in the morning.


Ninotchka
I've been searching for another Garbo film to love (Queen Christina is just too outdated and over-the-top) but for me, the ultimate is Ninotchka. She is so charming and relatable in this movie, realistic and dramatic without carrying it too far.

Quality Street
I thought I would cap off the list with an adorable film that I never seem to see on anyone's favorite list. I saw this first many years ago but I didn't see the whole thing until earlier this year. It's so cute. Again, Hepburn is effortlessly charming and relatable whether poignantly dramatic or adorably flustered. It gives her a different means of displaying her comic skill instead of simply playing the eccentric heiress to Cary Grant's straight man.

So, does this collection make me a classic film buff or just a casual viewer? I don't know. They just make me happy. Regardless, if you haven't seen them, you should give these films a chance. I think you'll like them.