Mystery Box and Skylark

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I succumbed to yet another beauty box subscription -- the Blush! Mystery box is a lot more expensive than Ipsy, but has substantially more products.

(picture missing one product that came in the box -- a deluxe sample of B.Kamins BB Cream)

So far, I absolutely love it

 

Pencil skirt again

 

With my blush! Mystery box goodie (Skylark nailpolish in Jelly Shot) and the very chic GCC pedometer (which has gone through quite a lot of adventures in the past week--- including being dunked into the toilet)

One of the full size products in the May Mystery box is the newly released Skylark Nailpolish set in Wild and Free -- the line is by YouTube beauty gurus, Elle and Blair Fowler (Elle being one of my Youtube beauty guru favorites - love her!)

About the product:

"Inspired by the hottest trends of 2013, Skylark by Elle and Blair Wild and Free Mini Nail Lacquer Set offers 4 fabulously chic shades perfect for spring and summer! From muted tangerine and lavender to mint green, pale grey and opaque nude-pink, these fashion-forward polishes will add the perfect touch of flair to any outfit. Even better, they promise a smooth finish that's resistant to streaks and chips"

I don't know about being resistant to streaks ---- I had to use about 5 coats (2 thin, 3 thick) to get to a finish that was smooth and opaque. However, the drying time is ri-dun-ku-lous! I lost track of how many manicures I've botched because I got impatient  -- these dry within a minute, even with multiple thick coats. So it was definitely not a painful experience at all. 

As for being resistant to chips -- it survived pretty well after a vigorous cleaning session in the kitchen last weekend, so I am pretty impressed with it.

The price point is slightly too high, though, in my opinion -- I would never have bought this on my own. But include it in my subscription box that cost less than the listed retail price for the nailpolish? I am there!

Shirt - J.Crew Perfect fit Tee

Skirt - J.Crew no.2 Pencil skirt in double-serge cotton (2012 color)

Shoes - Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps

Bracelet - Forever21 necklace

Back to Basics: Pencil Skirt

If I had to choose an outfit that feels the most "me", this would be it.

 

Sweater - Topshop

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool

Shoes - Ann Taylor Perfect Pumps in Black Patent

Earrings - Forever21

J.Crew No.2 Pencil skirts are one of the many items that I like to hoard  collect  wear. The most flattering/well-cut version for me are the double-serge wool skirts.

And always with a fitted top -- because baggy tops that don't stay tucked in makes me cranky.

And of course, pumps. 

Patent, preferably. 

Although if it comes with a red-sole, I'll "tolerate" basic leather ;)

 

I Ran Out of Clean Clothes =)

Well, not really. But it is a throwback to the last words from my review of the shirt

I dislike wearing baggy/non-form-fitting tops with skirts that do not keep the top tucked in tight. 

This is an example.

Makes me feel sloppy especially when the shirt pulls out more than the 1.5 inch that I like
 (I am being facetious here, but you get the idea - there's a line where it transitions from perfectly laid-back baggy to tuck-your-shirt-in, you-slop!)

Shirt - J.Crew Faded Chambray Popover 

Skirt - J.Crew No.2 pencil skirt in double-serge  cotton (last year's color)

Sandals -Mossimo "Falk" from Target

(totally do NOT get this because the cotton striped soles - which was the reason why i got them. Can't say no to stripes -got super dirty quickly)

Back to Basics: Robble, Robble

It's no secret that I love stripes.

And that I veer towards classic neutrals like black and white.

Which made me realize that I am channeling the Hamburglar in fashion choices. 

image via here

Note to self: Get wide brimmed hat. No point doing things halfway ;)

Dress - Mossimo Knit Maxi from Target

Sandals - Aldo

Necklace - J.Crew

Hot Pink Tassels!

As mentioned here, I did indeed stop by Old Navy to check out their selection of chambray shirts. 

It is a no-go.

The colors are too blue, similar to the J.Crew Keeper Chambray. And the sizing...I forget that I have a hard time with Old Navy sizing. 

The smallest size just doesn't fit right (too big in some areas, slightly too short in others)

However...the girls' XL is a good fit =) 

So much for trying to dress more appropriately for my age

Dress - Old Navy Girls Tassel-Sleeve Dress

Sandals - Target

Java Tunic

I am glad to be able to throw on a tunic dress and go

Consistent with sizing for J.Crew tunics, this is a 00. I was positively drowning in my normal size 0.

Dress - J.Crew Java Tunic

Wedges - Aldo

Bangles - Forever21

Back to Basics: White Denim

It is ironic how "cropped" pants are ankle length on me. 

I found out during a recent health checkup that I am apparently 5'3" rather than 5'4". I have shrunk an inch, when I can hardly afford to lose any!
Oh, the trauma to my poor delicate nerves!

And white jeans tend to make my bottom half shorter and dumpier than they usually do.
One would think that I would learn...

But I love the idea of white denim. So I shall just have to continue visualizing long, lean legs.
And avoid looking at reflective surfaces.

 

Turtleneck - Gap

Jeans - J.Crew cropped matchsticks

Wedges - DV for Target