August 29, 2014

What's in my makeup bag?

Let me begin this post by saying, "I am NO makeup artist." I have learned the little that I do know from my mom, my talented little sister, and YouTube. Nonetheless, I always find it interesting to see what's in my friends' makeup bags, so I'll give you a peak into mine. 
I do love fashion, and I enjoy getting dressed each day. I think that adding makeup (however much or little I feel like using) is a great way to add that finishing touch to my look of the day.
I don't use all of these items every single day. Sometimes, I use very few...sometimes, I use more than just these. These are the items that are currently (and have been for a few weeks) calling my makeup bag "home".






 As you can see, I really use my products..they aren't all shiny and new. I use them till I can't (or shouldn't) use them anymore.


1. Sephora Neutrals Palette *similar-this is definitely way too old, and I should have thrown it out a long time ago...maybe I'll do that now
2. Mac Fascinating Ruby: 6 Smokey Eyes Palette *similar-see above comment about needing to get rid of this, oops.
3. Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara-Mine is a sample size, obviously, but it's nice..I don't think I'd buy the full version though (I'd rather buy clothes).
4. NYX High Definition Eye Shadow Base-I've purchased this stuff over and over again..just as good as the high-end stuff, in my opinion.
5. Victoria's Secret Luminous Cheek & Face Highlighter *similar-I got this at the semi-annual sale this year and I really like it.
6. Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation-I have super sensitive skin and this hasn't broken me out, so I think I've found my new favorite, people!
7. e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit- I'm not great with eyebrows. Mine aren't very high-maintenance. I use the dark brown wax in this kit to keep my brows in place and that's as good as it gets.
8. NYX Above & Beyond Full Coverage Concealer *similar-I have dark circles under my eyes, to say the least. This stuff is great for covering them up, but don't use too much (of anything really) or your under-eye area will be cake city.
9. Inglot Shadows-I honestly don't even know what colors these are. I just got these in Dallas last weekend, but I really like them so far.
10. Mac Bronzing Powder-I was hesitant to try this because of my sensitive skin, but my sister uses this and really likes it so I tried it and I really like it. No breakouts because of this.
11. NYX Collection Noir Skinny Black Liner-I'm not particular about my eyeliner (I don't even wear it all the time). So if it's black and doesn't transfer, it's fine for me, and this one does the trick when I feel like lining my peepers.
12. Mac Sheertone Blush in Gingerly-I've been loving a natural blush color for a while now and this is the perfect one for my skintone.
13. Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Ivory-This color is matte and great for highlighting my brow bone just a bit. I don't like a shiny highlight.
14. Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Sand-I use this color for my lids pretty much daily.
15. Mac Pro Longwear Eyeshadow in Make Your Mark-This is a rich chocolate brown I use to darken the outer corner of my eyes if I feel like adding a little drama to my makeup look.
16. Mally Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener-I top my concealer off with this brightener. I don't notice much of a difference, but I do it just to feel like it helps. Haha.
17. Covergirl Lip Perfection Liner in Radiant-I don't use this every day, but when I'm feeling a pink lip, this is my favorite one to use. It's such a pretty (not overly bright) pink.



 As far as brushes go, I use a combination of these every day. I wash them (probably not often enough-geez I'm airing out all my beauty dirty laundry today, aren't I?) but as you can see, I did not wash them today.


2. Tweezers (I don't remember the brand) *similar-This and the next tool is the only maintenance my poor brows get at the moment.
3. Cuticle scissors *similar-I use these to trim my brows (I don't need to do this often).
4. Real Techniques Powder Brush-I love this for applying bronzer all over my face..basically setting my foundation with a matte bronzer (just a tad darker than my natural skin color).
5. Eco-tools Blush Brush**-it does the job. I'm not picky.
6. Bare Minerals Face Brush-This came in a starter kit, but I use it to blend all my face products once I'm done with foundation, bronzer, and blush.
7. Travel sized Mac blending brush *similar-This came in a kit I got for Christmas a long time ago. I never put this brush into product. I only use it to blend my colors out on my eyes.
8. Double ended small and large eyeshadow brush?? *similar-I got this at Walmart years ago. I don't even know what it's called (I told you I'm not a makeup artist) but I use the small side to darken the outer corners of my eyes and the larger side to blend that darker color in with my lid color.
9. Eco-tools Flat Shader Brush**-I use this for my lid color...that's all.
10. Eco-tools Precision brush**-I'll be honest, I made that name up because I don't know what this is either. I use it to apply the highlight color to my brow bone.
11. Eco-tools Angled Liner Brush**-When I do wear eyeliner, I tap this brush into black powder shadow and run it over my eyeliner to make sure it doesn't budge.
12. Eco-tools Large Shader Brush**-I made that name up, too. Don't judge. I usually just use this brush when I'm lazy and only feel like applying one color all over my lids.
13. Eco-tools Blending Brush**-I use this one to deepen the crease of my eyes.
14. Revlon Eyelash Curler *similar-I don't use this thing daily..only when I don't mind pinching my eyelids a little. It's not the curler's fault..I'm just not coordinated even enough to curl my lashes I suppose.

 **Here are two brush sets by Eco-tools that you can probably find similar brushes in. I purchased all my Eco-tools brushes in kits a very long time ago.

There you have it, folks. This is where all the glitz and glamour comes from...just kidding. But really this is my stuff..my not-so-cool but totally real makeup bag. Feel free to give me tips and tricks if you have them! I'd love to get better at this!


Blush, mascara, and lip color,
Brittani
<3

PS-My friend, Cady, got me this makeup bag and two smaller versions for Christmas one year. I don't know where she got them, but here's a cute one by Trina.

August 28, 2014

Grayscale

How cute is this gray dress that I got while on the shopping trip?!
I wore it for dinner Saturday night at the Grand Lux Cafe in the Galleria...delicious btw.


I love that it has long sleeves. I will easily be able to transition this dress into Fall with a pair of tights and cute boots! I paired it with this long faux horn necklace and gladiator sandals to keep with the boho vibe.


Dress: Windsor *similar
Sandals: Forever21 *similar

Dinner dates, comfy dresses, and mini vacations,
Brittani
<3

PS-I took full advantage of the stores that I love seeing online but have never been able to step foot in until this trip. I can't wait to show you the other cute pieces I got in Dallas!

August 27, 2014

That Girl

I was definitely "that girl" who stood in front of the stores to take pictures with the signs last weekend at the Galleria, but who cares?! I was so pumped to be there and to be able to see all the beautiful stores and products, I didn't care if I looked silly posing with the store windows!

I wore this outfit on Sunday for our last few hours of shopping fun.


This blue and white striped crop top was perfect for shopping. I haven't quite jumped on the crop top bandwagon but this didn't show much skin so I felt comfortable sporting this cute top. I love how it looks with the white shorts and sandals, too. And this colorful necklace brings just enough fun to the look while still keeping it really simple for walking the mall.


Shorts & sandals: Mossimo Supply Co. (Target) *similar & similar
Necklace: Anna and Ava (Dillard's) *similar
Bag: Michael Kors (Dillard's) *similar

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Michael Kors,
Brittani
<3

PS-I loved staying at the Westin Galleria and would highly recommend it to anyone spending time in Dallas.

August 26, 2014

Breakfast at Tiffany's

My fiancé surprised me with a fabulous trip to Dallas last weekend!
We had a wonderful time spending Saturday and Sunday in the Galleria. We stayed at the hotel inside the mall, so basically, we spent the night in a mall...a dream come true! Ha! Ha!

I wore this simple, flowy gray dress Saturday. It was sooo comfy for the car ride there and really comfy to shop in all day! I absolutely love this dress and wish I would have gotten it in every color!


I layered necklaces and bracelets to add interest to the plain dress.


These gladiator sandals and matching Michael Kors bag are the perfect finishing touches to this ensemble!

Dress: Boohoo *similar
Necklaces: all from Forever21 *similar, similar, & similar
Sandals: Forever21 *similar
Bag: Michael Kors (Dillard's) *similar

Eat, sleep, and shop,
Brittani
<3

PS-I bought lots of cute accessories and Fall wardrobe pieces that are sure to make an appearance come the cooler months.

August 25, 2014

Halt that Top



I am OBSESSED with this cute top from Forever21! I love the halter-like neckline and the crochet trim at the bottom of it! And the color is to die for!!


I paired it with these medium wash flared jeans for that "Almost Famous" vibe that I'm so in love with right now.


I stacked bracelets up my arm and threw these cool triangle style hoops in my ears.


These sky-high wedges were the perfect shoes to keep that glamorous feeling going throughout this outfit.


Lastly, I decided this ensemble called for a boho-chic braid which is my go-to easy, yet styled hair look.




Jeans: Aeropostale *similar
Earrings: Forever21 *similar
Bracelets: various brands/stores
Wedges: Qupid (Apricot Lane Boutique) *similar

Boho braids, Kate Hudson style, and fabulous shoes,
Brittani
<3

PS-Have you noticed that I'm a tad obsessed with Almost Famous, right now? I purchased the movie on Amazon recently and I couldn't get enough of the fashion and music. <3

August 22, 2014

Let's hear it for Fall!

There's no doubt that Summer is my absolute favorite season, but this Louisiana heat has got me sweating for some nice, cool Fall weather. I'm getting entirely too excited about all the amazing Fall trends we've seen gracing the runways this year. In honor of the upcoming Fall season, here are a few of my favorite trends to look forward to this year (in no particular order):

1. Robe coats-slinky, less structured jackets and coats I love a good, structured jacket that nips in at all the right places, but let's be honest, what's better than wrapping yourself up in a huge cozy...well, anything. Be it a jacket, a coat, a sweater...I can't wait to cuddle up in all of the above. 


2. Helloooooo, 1960's! This iconic decade will always, always, always be remembered for mod mini skirts and knee-high boots! Guess what!! They're baaackk! I couldn't be more excited to throw on that summer mini with tights and a pair of thigh-grazing boots! Always chic. Always.




3. Knit everything- tops (of course), but let's not forget bottoms Picture this: it's grocery day...boo! This season, we're skipping the sweats and throwing on that equally comfy pair of chunky knit pants! Whaaat?! YES, KNIT PANTS!




Marc Jacobs

4. Oversized sweaters, blouses, jackets, etc. There's just something about a huge sweater with adorable riding boots and a fab scarf. Comfy, cute, chic...it takes care of all three C's!


Isabel Marant

5. Extreme turtlenecks I love a great turtleneck. They just add that extra posh vibe! An extreme, chunky turtleneck with a pair of opaque black sunnies screams GLAMOROUS!


Ralph Lauren

6. Dusters We're not talking Swiffer here, people. We're talking long, almost floor-grazing cardigans and jackets. I can't wait to don an all black outfit topped with an amazing detailed duster. Hey, 1970's, I'm so happy to see you!




Marco de Vincenzo

7. All over sparkle What girl doesn't love anything sparkly? This is the season of "all things sparkle and shine"! Yayayayaya! Sequined tops paired with sequined leggings, sequined dresses, beaded jackets, beaded bags....EVERYTHING shines!!!


Marc Jacobs

8. Flora meets fauna in deep Fall hues We're bringing Spring and Summer's florals into Fall again this year by changing the color scheme! Switch out those neons for bold, dark shades and we're all set. I can't wait to rock this look!






Bye bye 102 degree days, helloooo 60 and 70 degree days!

Chunky knits, black denim, and shiny sequins,
Brittani
<3

PS-Have you started updating your Fall wardrobe yet? Let me know what you're on the hunt for in the comments section!

August 21, 2014

Hot Hot Hot

Today, I'm bringing a little South Louisiana up North. Here's a fun look for a laid-back day.


I dressed up this cute Tabasco t-shirt that my grandmother, Meme, mailed to me. (:
Her sister, Aunt Cheryl, works for McIlhenny (the makers of Tabasco) and I had several of these shirts when I was a baby. My whole family did. I've got pictures of all of us in them at the same time. Oh gosh. Haha!
Anyway, I was so happy to get this in the mail!


To give the t-shirt a little more style, I cuffed the sleeves up and tucked it into this pair of black denim shorts.




I added a pretty gold and black necklace, a black braided belt, and my infamous "Mirkenstocks" (mock Birkenstocks) to finish my easy, fun look.


My sweet fiancé also let me borrow his prized Ray-Bans for this shoot. I managed to drop them about 3 times (I'm the clumsiest person in the world) so I willingly gave his precious babies back to him.


T-shirt: Courtesy of Meme & Aunt Cheryl
Shorts: Aeropostale *similar
Necklace: Apricot Lane Boutiques *similar
Belt: Forever21 *similar
Sandals/Mirkenstocks: Tobi *similar
Ray-Bans: Target Optical *similar

I hope this fun look inspires you to represent your home even through your fashion. I miss my family more than you know and can't wait for my mom and grandfather, Pa, to come up to visit! Love you, mom!(:

Hot sauce, cajun music, and a little city girl all mixed together,
Brittani
<3

PS- You can't see the bird I was trying to quietly sneak up on in that last photo, but I got nowhere close before he flew away from scary little Brittani.

Visit Tabasco Online to find all the Tabasco your little taste buds can handle!

August 20, 2014

Sassy Safari

I have spent the last half of Spring and almost all of Summer searching for the perfect Army green vest and FINALLY I found this beaut!


The drawstring waist is perfect because with a boxy vest, the body can easily become consumed by all the fabric. The drawstring nips that problem in the bud by defining the waist and giving shape to an otherwise, shapeless top half.
I love the colors of the leopard tank underneath the vest. Not quite traditional leopard print, but not crazy either.
I wore my favorite skinny jeans for this look to keep my bottom half defined since the top is quite full. These are the most comfortable jeans I've ever owned (I have them in two different washes).
I cuffed the pants a bit to show off these cute gladiator sandals.
I love that the pieces in this outfit are so versatile. They can be mixed and matched with so many items in my wardrobe to create new looks. The vest is also a great transition piece for Fall. Throw a long sleeved shirt underneath it, and you're good to go!


Tank: Well Worn Los Angeles (Target) *similar
Jeans: American Eagle *similar
Sandals: Forever21 *similar

PS-I took these pictures in the Target parking lot. Don't judge.

August 19, 2014

Cheetah Girl

I suppose I was feeling a little "cheetah-licious" last weekend when I was invited to a birthday dinner.
This gray, cheetah printed tunic is so fun for a nighttime birthday celebration.
We had dinner at the biggest, loudest, most fun bbq place I've ever been to.


This tunic paired with compression-like leggings was the perfect dressy, but not too dressy look for this casual, nighttime event.


The neckline and straps have a sparkly silver thing going on which glams this top up a little more.


To add another silver touch, I wore these black sandals embellished with silver chain links around the ankle as well as on the toe strap part of the sandal.






Tunic: Forever21 *similar
Leggings: Aeropostale *similar
Sandals: Xhileration (Target) *similar

Cheetah, chain links, and bbq burgers,
Brittani
<3

PS-Here's a closeup of the makeup I wore. I rarely wear a colored lip, but this subtle bright pink is something I've been loving lately.
(Yes, my living room is in the background & my sister painted those beautiful pieces of art hanging above my couch.)


August 18, 2014

Style Recreation: Selena Gomez

How cute is Selena Gomez?!?! I think she is just so gorgeous and I love her style! I loved the outfit she has on here so much, that I decided to recreate it with my own version!


I found the perfect white button-down and a great pair of boyfriend jeans to replicate her laid-back look. (Also, I sized up on the shirt for an easy-going, comfy fit.)


I added a couple of my own touches with a pair of bright coral stud earrings and these cute mint platform shoes! They practically feel like flats when I wear them because the heel part isn't much taller than the actual platform at the toe. Perfect for clumsy me who looks like a newly walking toddler in heels.


I added the belt for another "Brittani detail" and this classy Michael Kors long-strapped bag.


{Please ignore my keys thrown on the step behind me. I do not own PhotoShop. (:}


I really loved wearing this outfit. White button-downs are a perfect basic that everyone (male & female) should have in their closet!

Jeans: American Eagle *similar
Earrings: Anna & Ava (Dillard's) *similar
Sunglasses: Cotton-on *similar
Belt: Apricot Lane Boutique *similar

Selfies, likes, and comments,
Brittani
<3


PS-Follow me on Instagram to get sneak peaks of my looks!