Sunday, November 13, 2016

LipSense Review

I would bet on the fact that you've heard of LipSense before! I started to hear about this company on Instagram and they're known for their super long-lasting lip color. If you are wondering if it really is as long-lasting as they claim, the answer is yes! If that's all you want to know, head to the bottom of this post for a special discount code and to see who to contact to order yourself some LipSense. If you want to know every detail that I've experienced while trying it out for myself, keep reading!

If you've read any of my reviews before, you know I take note of every little detail and this instance was no different. Let's note that I have pretty sensitive lips and hydration is my number one priority. I am always applying lip balm and basically only wear hydrating lipsticks so keep that in mind :) I like to be thorough with you girls though!

First off, there are SO MANY colors to choose from! Like, a daunting amount but also an amazing variety! I searched a lot on Google for some color swatches other than the one that they provide on the site. They definitely give you a sense of the color on the site but colors always look different on an actual person. I ended up searching something like "LipSense swatches on lips" which helped a bit and I also tried finding any evidence of colors on someone with my skin tone. Am I a weirdo or does everyone do this!? It's just crazy how the same color pink can look so much different on lighter skin than it does on darker skin. Since I was doing this as a review, I went with a relatively safe color of pink for me. It's called "Luv It" by LipSense.

LipSense gloss and "Luv It" shade

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Nordstrom Fall Clearance Sale Picks


Tuesday, November 1, 2016

October Instagram Roundup: 5 Ways to Wear a Choker

As I was getting together my Instagram roundup for October, I realized a majority of my outfits featured chokers... Then I realized I may have a problem. Instead of doing the usual Instagram roundup, I decided to showcase some of my favorite outfits that incorporate chokers!

Are you guys on the choker train as well?! Tell me your favorite ways to wear them in the comments section below!

Top: Old Navy
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Target, similar



Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Beautycounter Product Review

I had been seeing a lot of talk about Beautycounter lately since they made their way into Target for a short period so I was really excited when my friend Kendra reached out to be about trying some products! She is a Beautycounter consultant who truly loves the products and I could tell by the way she was talking about them. She graciously let me pick out a few products to try and the most intriguing ones that I found on the site were the Peppermint Lip Conditioner, Lip Sheer, Sea Salt Spray and Charcoal Mask. 

Before we get into the review, let me tell you a little about the company and why they interested me in the first place! Beautycounter is actively advocating better skin care across the board by strictly regulating the ingredients they put in the products. They follow the FDA regulations of the UK since the United States had very little restrictions in beauty care and they haven't been updated since 1937! How concerning is that!? Their mission is to remove all harmful ingredients from beauty and everyday care products. And what really makes them different from other companies is that that they keep true to their mission without compromising the effectiveness and quality of the products.


Thursday, October 6, 2016

My Hair Routine for Curly Hair (Part 1)

I have gotten so many comments and questions about my hair over the last few months and I am so happy that I am finally getting a chance to write about it! I thought it was too much information for one post so I'm breaking it up into two different parts; the first one will be more about the products I use for prepping my hair before styling it, and the second post will be more about the techniques I use to curl my hair and the whacky ways I keep my curls intact all day.

If you have any specific questions, please send me an email [astoldbystacy@gmail.com] or DM me on Instagram because I'd really love to get all your questions answered! Also, do you guys like videos or step my step blog posts more on these types of topics?

Before I get too far into this post, I am going to step onto a little soapbox real quick and say that not all hair is created equal. The products and techniques that I use may not work for you. And what works for someone else may not work for me. For example, I know the "popular" or most common way I've seen to curl hair is by drying and straightening it before curling it and there's no way I have time for that. Plus, my hair is naturally wavy and very thick so just thinking about blow drying it, straightening it, THEN curling gives me anxiety. I curl my hair a little differently than what the norm is and it works for me so that's all that matters. Play around with different techniques and do what works for YOU!

With that being said, here are the steps I take from pre-showering to the beginning of curling my hair...


Sunday, October 2, 2016

Fall Essentials: Trendy Items You Need!

I've been trying to get my hands on all the hot items I missed last year, plus popular items that are trending right now! I've had my eye on a fur vest and a pair of OTK boots so you better believe I am grabbing them before it's too late!

I wanted to share some of my favorite fall essentials with you in hopes that you don't miss out either!



Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Instagram Roundup

This cocoon cardi is to die for, you guys! I feel like a little kangaroo in her mama's pouch. I may just cuddle up in this and hibernate in it for the rest of winter. If I go missing, you'll know where to find me.





Are bell sleeves my new obsession? Maybe. Is it a problem? Not yet...

But in all honesty, this is a craze that I can get behind. I love the "umph" factor that bell sleeves add to an outfit. I love them on dresses and I love them on tops and I plan to add more to my collection throughout the fall!





So happy I finally got my hands on a Who What Wear piece from Target! I browsed the collection when it originally came out but wasn't completely awed by it (in all honesty) and the price point wasn't perfect for me. I went to Target last week while on vacay in Florida and found this adorable top for only $16! (Not featured in this photo is the adorable button up back!)

Necklace: Purple Peridot


Thursday, September 8, 2016

Sarah Combs Events Launch Party

I had the pleasure of attending a sweet friend's new business launch party a few weeks ago and it was so much fun! Sarah has always had an amazing sense of design and the parties I've seen her thrown in the past have been astonishing. The time, effort and thought that she puts into planning parties and making her clients happy is truly impressive. I can't rave about her work enough!


Sarah Combs Events is one of the newest event planning and styling businesses in Dallas! She offers complimentary personal consultations, customized event designing and pays amazing attention to her clients' vision! She can plan and design any occasion from dinner parties to baby showers, to corporate events and holiday parties! Sarah Combs Events offers a wide range of services that flow together for a cohesive theme and she always keeps your budget in mind! And she will seriously take care of anything for you - the invitation design, to the table scape and the color scheme of the backdrop!  If you're not already convinced about how amazing Sarah and her company is, go check out her website [www.sarahcombsevents.com] to see what she's all about and definitely take a look at her portfolio - I promise you will be more than impressed!

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Labor Day Sale Favorites

Labor Day weekend is one of the best weekends to shop! To make it a little easier on you, I rounded up a few of my sale favorites along with all the Labor Day codes to use while you're online shopping this weekend!







Nordstrom: Up to 40% off summer clearance (until Sept. 11) 
Target: 25% off clothes, shoes & accessories, up to 30% off home items with code LABOR25
Old Navy: All jeans, dresses and tees 50% off (discount applied at checkout)
Loft: Buy one style, get the next 50% off, and a flash sale that includes an extra 60% off all sale styles with code FLASH
Forever 21: Select clothing items start at $5, BOGO free on all sale items with code BOGOFREE
Gap: 40% off your purchase with code PARTY
Ann Taylor: Extra 60% off all sale styles
Love Always: 20% off your entire purchase with code LABORDAY20

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Bell Sleeve OTS Top and Distressed Denim

I've been on the hunt for an OTS top that is right for me and I have finally found it!! This bell sleeve top in mauve is so perfect for the end of summer and heading into fall! It is super comfy and flattering. I got a lot of compliments on it when I wore it out to dinner the other night which is always exciting. It also comes in black and looks like most sizes are still available so hurry and go grab yourself one!


Wednesday, July 27, 2016

L'Oreal Makeup Review from Influenster

I was lucky enough to receive this package of L'Oreal products for testing purposes, and all thoughts are my own!

Overall, I really liked all of the L'Oreal products that were sent to me from Influenster! I will probably be repurchasing half of these items again for myself.


Voluminous Volume Building Mascara
This. Stuff. Is. Amazing. But there is one caveat... It does leave some weird fall out and markings if you do not use it along with some kind of base coat. Before I got the L'Oreal lash primer, I was using an old mascara that I wasn't really a fan of as my "base" coat and that worked perfectly fine but without something on your lashes, this mascara leaves such weird markings. I had a few flakes throughout the day and would also somehow get mascara marks in my under eye area - I am still dumbfounded as to how this happened and where the markings came from - but I figured out that if you use a different mascara on your bottom lashes, you are golden! I guess you could also use the lash primer + this mascara on your bottom lashes too, I just haven't tried it myself.

So other than needing a base coat and needing to use a different mascara on your bottom lashes, this mascara is seriously amazing! It makes your lashes so long and just as the title suggests, you can definitely build up the thickness or volume. I didn't have any problem with mascara chunks on my lashes, and the formula leaves your eyelashes looking so pretty, thick and spread apart. This is my new favorite mascara, for sure.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

White Dress and Pink Accessories

Anyone else love wearing white in the summertime?!

Personally, I am not super fond of bright colors on myself and have always been one for neutrals but I love adding pops of color to my outfits, especially in the summer! Partly because white is one of the easiest colors to match with bright accessories, and let's be honest, it's also partly because this is the only time that I have a nice tan and white accentuates that. This is simple look I put together for church and I ended up really liking it! These tassel earrings plus the pink Kate Spade purse just make me happy inside.

What's your favorite way to accessorize in the summertime?






Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Nordstrom Sale: Neutrals

The sale of the season is here and in full swing! If you have a Nordstrom card you can shop now, and if you don't, get ready to shop this Friday!! I've rounded up some of my favorite neutrals finds from the Nsale - what are your favorite pieces or items you are on the hunt for?!



Thursday, June 2, 2016

How I Buy Trendy Items Without Breaking the Bank

Putting down money towards trendy pieces has always been something I struggled with. No matter how absolutely adorable those peep-toe espadrille wedges or OTS dresses are, I almost never invest in expensive trendy pieces because of three reasons: 1) the price tag! 2) in a month or so they will be on the decline and I will be out a few hundred dollars 3) I'm not sure if I will even like them on me.

(And I totally do not mean to hate on the bloggers and beautiful ladies out there who can spare a few hundred dollars to spend on dresses and shoes - I'm just not at that stage in life and that's totally okay. Who's with me!?)

how to buy trendy pieces without spending a lot of money

So Instagram is my main source of finding out about the newest fashion trends so when I see a trend on the rise, I like to see where people are buying those items. I usually like photos that are linked with LTK (liketoknow.it) and click through that to see what products are being posted and how much they are. I'll be honest, I very rarely purchase items through LTK because of the price. I don't know if anyone else agrees with me or if I'm over here on a lonely island by myself, so let me know in the comments how you feel about LTK and what your budget is when purchasing items!

So now that I went a little bit off subject, let's get into how I shop for trendy items on a budget..

After I peruse the interwebs for the latest trends and like some lovely LTK photos, I try to decide if this new item is something of interest to me; I tend ask myself these questions: Does it fit my style? Is it a trend that will look good on me? Is it something that is way too expensive? Or is it something that is just a bit out of my price range but that I can patiently wait for it to go on sale?

If I decide that a certain trend is something I want to try, I then search out less expensive options to purchase first before I splurge on the "real deal." My go-to websites for this is usually Forever 21, SheIn and Old Navy.

I just honestly don't like spending a lot of money on clothing or accessories (I RARELY spend more than $25 on one item!) and I especially don't like spending a lot on potentially short lived trends. It hurts me to even think about spending $300 on anything but especially pieces that are simply having a "moment." If I'm going to spend that much on a pair of shoes, it's going be on a pair of classic black or nude pumps.

Espadrille Wedges/Flats
Love this trend! And love the different variations of espadrille wedges and flats that have been all over Instagram lately but my wallet does not like the price tag so I was on the hunt for a less expensive option and found a few options that are perfect dupes (I actually own the middle peep-toe pair and love them)




OTS Tops/Dresses
I'm really not sure how I feel about this trend on me, but I absolutely love it on everyone else! For that reason, I wanted to get a cheaper option to try out and found this dress from Forever21. I actually kind of like it on me but have only worn it once. So in this case, I don't really plan on getting many (if any) more OTS pieces unless I absolutely fall in love because I rarely wear the one I already own.




This also comes in a rust color!

I've seen some OTS pieces go for upwards of $70 but found all of these for under $20!!




Gladiator/Lace Up Shoes
Another trend I have been loving for a few months now are lace up flats! (Gladiator sandals, whatever you want to call them. You know what I mean!) My adoration for this trend started with the Kady Ballet Flats from Target and since I bought that pair, I've just been adding to my collection! I recently got one of the pairs listed below - can you guess which one? You can find the answer over on Instagram!





Designer Sunnies
Of course, fabulous sunnies are always a summer staple but who wants to spend hundreds of dollars on such a fragile item? Not me! Having an expensive pair of sunglasses stresses me out. I'm not the most careful person when it comes to keeping my sunnies in shape - I throw them in my purse, keep them in my car, and lose them on the reg - so I don't like the stress of worrying about them. Why pay $325 for a pair of designer sunnies when you can purchase a perfect dupe for under $20?! Here are a few of my favorite options:





And here, I'm wearing at $10 pair from Sophie & Trey! How cute!?

cheap designer sunglasses

If any of these inexpensive options are something that I end up falling in love with, maybe I'll start investing in the more expensive options but for now, these will do the trick!

Do you have any tricks to buying trendy items?! If so, comment below with your tips and also let me know how found my blog :)

Monday, May 9, 2016

L'Oreal EverPure Repair and Defend Review from Influenster

I was sent 4 products from the L'Oreal EverPure - Repair and Defend collection from Influenster for testing purposes and wanted to share my findings with you! Let's start with some info about the products...

The L'Oreal EverPure Repair and Defend collection is the one I received but they also have a variety of solutions that focus on moisturizing, volume, smoothing or blonde hair (which I'm excited to try). I think the big "draw" about these products is that they are sulfate-free. Sulfate-free shampoos are great at cleansing the hair and scalp by cutting through the dirt and grime. They are especially great for hair that is naturally prone to dryness, or is course, curly or fragile and fine. It's even better for color treated hair because sulfates can strip strands of color and no one wants that! 

So the L'Oreal website says that this collection is their "first sulfate-free color-care system for damaged, color-treated hair. Infused with Acai, Goji and a UV Filter, the Antioxidant Complex repairs and strengthens hair while helping keep color pure. Our Shampoo & Conditioner deeply strengthens and helps protects from color aggressors." - all great benefits!! So now that you know a little more background on these products, let's get into the review! 



The shampoo is the type of shampoo that takes a few washes for your hair gets used to it. On the first wash, I wasn't a fan. Second wash, I liked it a little better and now I've been using it for about 3 weeks and love it! It has a salon shampoo smell and I love the fact that it's sulfate free! I don't have super color treated hair so that may play a part in my experience as well (I just have a very subtle balayage). I’ll be honest, I didn’t really find anything particularly amazing about this shampoo by itself, but I think it works well with the whole L’Oreal EverPure collection. I would be really interested to see how it works on more color treated hair than mine! 

The L'Oreal conditioner has a fantastic scent of minty goodness! It smells like a salon quality conditioner and I love it! The downfall is that I find myself having to use lot of product to even really feel like I’m conditioning my hair and what stinks even more is that the bottle is pretty small (I usually get the huge family size bottles). I have long, thick wavy hair and go through shampoo and conditioner like crazy so that's the one thing I would change about this product. 

As for the mask, I honestly am not sure how I feel about the mask, and don’t have much to say about it. I have been using a decent amount in my hair and following the directions (let it sit in your hair for 3-5) and it does make your hair feel softer in the shower, however, I’m not sure that it makes a difference once my hair is dry. I think it could be a nice condition mask for some, but it doesn’t “wow” me and I don't think I will be purchasing it myself. 

The leave in conditioner is another one that a little time to grow on me. I didn’t see a difference in my hair within the first couple of uses but now I really like it! I’ve been looking for a great leave in conditioner that would help with frizz and shine and this product does just that! It’s a lightweight serum and it doesn’t take much to make a difference so be careful when applying! I would start with a small amount and build up with each application - I use about 2 and a half pumps for my thick mane! 

So overall, I think this L’Oreal EverPure collection is definitely one to try if you have color treated hair and are looking for a new group of products that helps nourish, treat and protect color treated hair! If you've tried this line before (or any others from the Ever Pure collection), let me know what you think!


Shop these items:





Thursday, April 7, 2016

Stella & Dot Havana Pendant





Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Stella & Dot Pavilion Necklace




Saturday, February 6, 2016

Green Sweater and Cognac Accents




Shop this look:

Friday, February 5, 2016

Cute Valentine's Day Outfit Inspo

I was lucky enough to get to do another collab with Chantilly Dallas for a little Valentine's Day inspiration! My adorable peach sweater and arrow necklace are both from them and the sweater will be linked at the end of the post :) The arrow necklace is unfortunately unavailable online but the good news is that if you live in Dallas (or nearby) you can stop by Chantilly for their massive warehouse sale this weekend! They are moving locations and hoping to lessen their load by marking everything down to $20 or less!! The sale hours will be:

Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 11am - 4pm

Location:
1130 Dragon St. Suite 190
Dallas, TX 75207

I particularly like this outfit because it isn't too Valentines-y; it can be worn on any given day and look amazing!







Necklace: Kendra Scott
Arrow Necklace: Chantilly Dallas
Jeans: Hollister
Purse: Target
Booties: Charlotte Russe, similar, similar