MAC Makeup Must-Haves

let's take a moment to discuss a fan favorite, reader favorite and all-round favorite: MAC Cosmetics. my sister and i were chatting the other day and she asked me "Is MAC your favorite makeup?" the answer is a little more complicated than a yes or no. 

yes, MAC makes amazing quality makeup with an impressive lineup of products, but only a handful of those products are my MUST-HAVE makeup. the rest is lovely but i will forever insist that any mascara over $10 is over-priced and while MAC makeup is stunningly beautiful, it can also be stunt your wallet.

so here are the products that i can't live without, the ones i buy over & over again, because their quality, their color and their performance vs. price per use is unbeatable.

• Creme Cup is my new favorite lipstick. the subtle blue/pink tone makes it the perfect nude for anyone - not too orange.

• Mocha the best blush shade for the most natural blush tone. plum/pink complimentary on all skin tones.

• Fluidline a long-wearing gel liner that applies easily and goes a long way for the $.

• Mineralize Skin Finish packs on the highlight with major dimension.

• Pro Longwear Concealer is genius at concealing. lasts long, blends easily, covers like a dream.

• Naked Lunch, Carbon, Woodwinked and Shroom make consistent appearances in my lineup.

xo,

kristie

Favorite MAC Lipsticks

L-R: Politely Pink, Snob, Creme Cup, Innocence, Beware!

when it comes to lip color i am super picky. pink, nude and blue undertones are all musts for my lipstick essentials. lip colors have a tendency to look orange on me and the blue undertone helps keep it cool. pinks are my most flattering shade and work best with my fair skin tone. sheer colors are best for easy, casual wear and matte lip colors give a stronger impact. these are just my own personal issues with color but let's be honest, we all have them. finding the perfect shade(s) can be tricky.

MAC Cosmetic lip colors are my go-to when it comes to lip color. they apply smooth, last long and the color selection is on point. my favorite thing about MAC Cosmetic lip colors is that with the MAC recycling program, you can turn in any 6 empty product containers and get a lip color for free. this has certainly helped build my collection over the years.

while the colors above may look eerily similar, they apply much differently than you would think. here are the details on the best (for me!) MAC lipsticks:

the first, Politely Pink is a great pink color and applies sheer with a bit of lustre. it almost has a sheen similar to lip gloss except it isn't tacky and your hair doesn't stick to it when it is windy. great for everyday wear and applies easily on the go since the color payoff is subtle.

the second MAC lipstick, Snob, is my favorite MAC lip color of all time. i wear it most frequently and looks great with my clothing color palette - mainly greys. it looks pink but applies with a very subtle lavender undertone which makes it the perfect 'Barbie' pink for me.

the third,  Créme Cup, is my second favorite MAC lipstick. a little more subtle than Snob, this perfectly toned nude pairs well with a smoky eye or a casual look. it is a cremesheen color which makes it apply smooth like butter with the slightest hint of shine. 

the last shade, Innocence, Beware!, is a great nude with less pink undertones than Créme Cup. it is a warmer nude which makes it a great option for those of you with warmer skin undertones. i use it when i am wearing warm color tones and it looks great with gold accessories.

all that thought put into four shades that are extremely close in color? yes, it is worth it. these are just my four favorite MAC lip colors. tomorrow i will be sharing my spring lipstick update.

xo,
kristie

*a big thank you to my daughter and her friends for being my gorgeous 'lip models'. they are the cutest.

Spring Lip Color Update

one of my favorite ways to update my look for the season is a new lip color and this year i have decided to take it all the way to 11. Pink Nouveau by MAC is my pick for this season's change. Pink Nouveau is a bright pink color with a satin finish. this bright pink has a great blue undertone which makes it a perfect pink for me. additionally, it is such a great bright color that it matches everything. it follows the anomaly of a royal blue stiletto. when something matches nothing it seems to match everything. additionally read as cheetah print.

surprisingly my lipstick arsenal has little in the way of bright colors. i have pinks and nudes galore, deep rich colors for fall but my bright options are lacking and i am so happy to have found a solution.

along with my Pink Nouveau purchase i picked up a new lip liner to update my current overabundance of nude lip colors. the Hip n' Happy lip liner makes a great liner for nudes, brighten your lips completely by lining the whole lip with the Hip n' Happy and wear alone, or tone it done with a dab of nude lipstick. versatile lip liners are always worth the investment.

Pink Nouveau

Hip n' Happy

xo,
kristie

Makeup Wars Blogger Impulse Buys

this week's Makeup Wars is all about blogger impulse buys. we've all been there - you're reading a blog and see a product that you thing is such an amazing deal, great buy, must-have item that you immediately click through and order it.

yep, that's exactly what i did with the MAC Pro Palette Large. i have smaller versions and have seen the larger versions on YouTube. i repeatedly told myself 'it's too expensive', 'i don't want to have to order new pan refills', 'my little pots work just fine' and then i saw Nouveau Cheap write a post about how affordable these palettes really are. at the ridiculously good price of only $8 a palette and an additional $2 for the insert (blush or eyeshadow options) you've got yourself a pro palette. spend a little extra time de-potting your shadows and voila! palette complete.

why do you need this product? because having all of your shadows in one spot is life changing. (editor's note: i tend to exaggerate a bit when talking about how important makeup is) maybe not life changing but extremely convenient. you can pack all your shadows for travel without the bulk of individual pots, when applying your shadow you don't have to dig for the perfect complimentary color and selecting coordinating colors is oh so easy. there's a reason everyone loves the NAKED palettes so much, it is because they make eyeshadow easy peasy.

have i convinced you yet?

reminder, it is only $10.

xo,
kristie

check out my fellow bloggers' Blogger Impulse Buys

An InLinkz Link-up

MAC 217 Blending Brush - Top Ten

my love for the MAC 217 makeup brush has no bounds. i have a constant supply of beauty products to give as gifts but one of the most precious gifts i give is this brush. every woman should own the MAC 217. if this brush hasn't made it to your makeup bag, consider adding it to your wish list.

Top Ten Reasons Why You Need This Brush:

1. Brush Density. not too thick, not too sparse this brush has the perfect amount of density. it is thick enough to pick up a decent amount of product but thin enough to adequately blend as well.
2. Bristle Stiffness. this is really a thing. if your bristles are too floppy, you can't apply your color directly where you want it. if they are too stiff, you have no blending capabilities. these bristles are perfectly firm.
3. Brush Shape. the oval shape of the MAC 217 allows for easy blending. the product disperses easily and blends well.
4. Top 10 MAC product. when you head to the maccosmetics.com website it lists a tab of the top ten best selling MAC products. the MAC 217 brush made that top ten. pretty impressive from a brand that does so many products well.
5. Quality. the wood handle and nickel plate of the brush along with the quality of the bristles let's you hang onto the MAC 217 for, ev, er. use it, wash it, repeat. this brush will withstand use without compromising brush integrity.
6. Do-it-all Application. this brush is a magician. apply color only to the tip of brush for precision lining. apply color softly to the brush for highlight. apply a heavier color to the lid for all over color application or for grease definition. 
7. Doesn't Shed. yes, this can be an actual issue with brushes. the last thing you want when applying your makeup are brush bristles falling. getting a brush bristle off your eyelid without messing up your makeup can be harder than herding cats. you don't want to try it.
8. Works With All Consistencies. use it for cream shadows, makeup paints, loose powders, pressed powders, pigments, concealers or lipsticks. the MAC 217 is versatile.
9. Money Saver. while the initial investment might be higher than your average brush the MAC 217 can turn the cheapest of eyeshadows into well blended beauties. some investments pay off over time, and this is one of them.
10. The only brush i use consistently every day. i can't give it a higher recommendation than that.

xo,

kristie

New Years Countdown #5 MAC Makeup Must-Haves

everyone loves a little MAC makeup in their lives which makes it no surprise that this post hit the top ten of the most popular posts of 2013. read below to find out what my favorite MAC products are.

let's take a moment to discuss a fan favorite, reader favorite and all-round favorite: MAC Cosmetics. my sister and i were chatting the other day and she asked me "Is MAC your favorite makeup?" the answer is a little more complicated than a yes or no. 

yes, MAC makes amazing quality makeup with an impressive lineup of products, but only a handful of those products are my MUST-HAVE makeup. the rest is lovely but i will forever insist that any mascara over $10 is over-priced and while MAC makeup is stunningly beautiful, it can also be stunt your wallet.

so here are the products that i can't live without, the ones i buy over & over again, because their quality, their color and their performance vs. price per use is unbeatable.

• Creme Cup is my new favorite lipstick. the subtle blue/pink tone makes it the perfect nude for anyone - not too orange.

• Mocha the best blush shade for the most natural blush tone. plum/pink complimentary on all skin tones.

• Fluidline a long-wearing gel liner that applies easily and goes a long way for the $.

• Mineralize Skin Finish packs on the highlight with major dimension.

• Pro Longwear Concealer is genius at concealing. lasts long, blends easily, covers like a dream.

• Naked Lunch, Carbon, Woodwinked and Shroom make consistent appearances in my lineup.

xo,

kristie

MAC Makeup Must-Haves

let's take a moment to discuss a fan favorite, reader favorite and all-round favorite: MAC Cosmetics. my sister and i were chatting the other day and she asked me "Is MAC your favorite makeup?" the answer is a little more complicated than a yes or no. 

yes, MAC makes amazing quality makeup with an impressive lineup of products, but only a handful of those products are my MUST-HAVE makeup. the rest is lovely but i will forever insist that any mascara over $10 is over-priced and while MAC makeup is stunningly beautiful, it can also be stunt your wallet.

so here are the products that i can't live without, the ones i buy over & over again, because their quality, their color and their performance vs. price per use is unbeatable.

• Creme Cup is my new favorite lipstick. the subtle blue/pink tone makes it the perfect nude for anyone - not too orange.

• Mocha the best blush shade for the most natural blush tone. plum/pink complimentary on all skin tones.

• Fluidline a long-wearing gel liner that applies easily and goes a long way for the $.

• Mineralize Skin Finish packs on the highlight with major dimension.

• Pro Longwear Concealer is genius at concealing. lasts long, blends easily, covers like a dream.

• Naked Lunch, Carbon, Woodwinked and Shroom make consistent appearances in my lineup.

xo,

kristie

MAC Halloween Makeup Ideas

Halloween is quickly approaching, do you have any costume ideas yet? if not, here are some gorgeous Halloween makeup ideas courtesy of MAC. if this doesn't spark some ideas i don't know what will! they are clever, glam, gorge and every other adjective worthy of the MAC title.

The Great Gatsby

go 1920's glam with this Gatsby inspired look. straight golden brows, deep purple lips, white lined waterline and smokey eyes are all characteristics to play up. get your Jazz Age gear ready by pairing with a flapper dress and perhaps an old bottle, this was the era of Prohibition after all...

Catwoman

this Dark Knight look is so simple to recreate. stick with your typical glam makeup look accented by some berry red lips. 'paint' your mask on easily by using tape as a border for your mask lines - then simply fill in with black.

Gotye

why not go as 'Somebody That I Used To Know'? this Gotye look would make the perfect couples costume. pair it with a nylon bodysuit and a partner willing to wear a chic black bob and you are set.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn is the classic Halloween costume. odds are, you or someone you know will be wearing this! characteristics of Marilyn makeup include black eyeliner, less color more contour, red lips and of course the signature mole. to get the extra Marilyn effect, be sure to line the lower waterline in white. this will give you her dreamy bedroom eyes.

Hunger Games

Capitol makeup anyone? Hunger Games makeup is all about extremes. take your brightest pink blush and use it on your lids, your temples and your cheek bones. redefine your lip shape and change the color of your brows to bring the look to life.

Nicki Minaj

my personal favorite look to imitate. Nicki has such a signature style. this makeup plus a pink wig, a cute tutu and knee high stockings will help complete your Nicki-esque style.

xo,
kristie

Editor's Picks

there is a constant stream of UPS boxes arriving at my door and i get the privilege of testing and trying every new cream/gadget/styler that hits the market. however, when it comes down to it there are a handful of products i would buy and buy again because they are my ultimates. these products never let me down, they consistently get the job done (well!) and perform on all skin types, hair types and skin tones. 

1. KENRA - the Kenra 25 spray is the ultimate hairspray. it holds hair in place without that hairspray 'crunch', it lasts all day and its smell isn't overpowering. it is the 9 time winner of the Stylist Choice Awards and for good reason.
2. Kiehl's - i just can't quit you. i try other skin care lines. i like other skin care lines. at the end of the day i want something comfortable and Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream is my jam. like that worn out pair of grey sweatpants that fits just right and accommodates any amount of weight gain or loss, Kiehl's is the jar i am digging for when i want good skin.
3. Make Up For Ever - yeah, yeah, yeah - you've heard it before. i love this stuff. after getting stiletto tips put on my nails for Fashion Week i have gained a newfound appreciation for the HD Foundation + Kabuki brush duo. perfection.
4. L'Oreal Voluminous - don't waste your money on anything else. worth much, much more than its $6 price tag.
5. Tangle Teezer - when i find something i love i rave about it again, and again, and again! the Tangle Teezer is no exception. brush through tangles with ease, save your hair and skip the pain. i promise, it is a miracle worker.
6. MAC Woodwinked - there is a reason this particular shade of brown is the favorite shade of brown for every makeup aficionado. it just works. just the right amount of warmth to it makes the perfect hue for every skin tone. plus, it's a MAC shadow, need i say more?!

xo,

kristie

MAC Cosmetics Autumn/Winter 2013 Trends

i feel like a kid in a candy shop when i open the trend book that MAC puts out every 6 months highlighting the trends from Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer. this year's trends are full of energy, excitement, beauty and passion. from red lips to smoldering eyes there is a look or a style for everyone.

definitely take a minute to browse these photos (shared by MAC Cosmetics) that come directly from the look book itself:

the question is, which look will you be rocking this Autumn/Winter?

xo,
kristie

Trending Products: June

Trending June by blushingbasics featuring a bomber jacket

feeling a bit sheepish that i missed sharing my trending products in May but will you forgive me since i am sharing them early in June? 

this month has been a blur of activity (have i mentioned we're moving?) but there are a few items that have brought sunshine to my otherwise whirlwind of a life right now.

• Maison Scotch Jacket - originally spotted at the Nordstrom trend show, purchased through Shopbop and worn on the daily it has yet to wear out its welcome.
• Tooth Necklace - recently i subscribed to RocksBox, an amazing monthly subscription service for jewelry. RocksBox understands a woman's need for accessorizing as well as her perogative to  change her mind. frequently. this jewelry subscription service is the perfect solution as you can change out your jewelry selection if you get tired of it, or you can keep it if you love it. for only $15 per month, it's kind of amazing.
• Kiehl's BB Cream - i love all things Kiehl's and this BB Cream is no exception. not only does it work wonderfully as a BB Cream by providing sheer, natural coverage, it also corrects skin irregularities. not your mothers moisturizer. it is a thousand times better.
• MAC Temperature Rising - the Lipglass in Soft Serenade and Powerchrome Eye Pencil in Copper Strip are my jam. seriously, these two are the perfect bronze hued combo for summer smoky eyes and sizzlin' hot lips.

xo,

kristie

MAC Pro Makeup Tips

have you ever wanted to sit down with a MAC Pro artist and get some tips? well guess what? i did.

MAC Pro artists are like those girls from high school that were everything. you know the ones - they were edgy, they were artsy and most of all they were nice. their coolness came from their confidence in who they were and where they were going. you admired them for that.

meeting with MAC Pro Caitlin was like reconnecting with an old friend, she just gets you. more than that she sees the best in you and wants you to see it also. she embodies the spirit of what MAC cosmetics is all about, being the best you.

some stats on Caitlin:

Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Time with MAC: 20+ years

Makeup Style: edgy and experimental

Mother: 1 boy + 1 girl

i showed up to our interview with my son in tow (sick day) and was immediately greeted with a friendly smiley and a few moments of chit chat about Diary of a Wimpy Kid (book of choice brought along by Cohen). meeting another mom who could tell me about the most recent DofaWK put me instantly at ease.

we headed back to the private makeup room (i didn't even know these existed in MAC stores!) to discuss all things makeup.

first, i wanted to know how one becomes a MAC Pro artist? turns out, 20+ years with the company just might do it. Caitlyn explained how she began working in-store and proceeded to be promoted as an educational trainer throughout Asia. she moved to LA to continue as a trainer and eventually made the move to NY to work in the International Training Department which covered over 44 countries. educating MAC employees is important and MAC's thorough employee training is what makes them so successful.

Caitlin shared with me a story of an experience she had at Paris Fashion Week. she was working backstage and rounding up the models for their makeup. (note to the reader, MAC practically owns the runway when it comes to Fashion Week makeup) there were three models flipping through Vogue and she overheard them saying things like "her hair is so silky", "this skin is flawless" & "i wish i had that butt". the ironic thing was, the model who "wished she had that butt" was looking at a picture of herself. a picture that had been touched up and reshaped to become a person unattainable, even to that person themselves.

welcome to the world of beauty.

a world that projects images of women, bodies and beauty that is completely unrealistic.

Caitlin went on to explain that MAC embraces the idea of there is no single woman who represents MAC Cosmetics. sure there are the big names who endorse the Viva Glam campaigns (MAC AIDS Fund supporting those living with HIV & AIDS) but MAC wants you to know that you are perfect for MAC because you are YOU. they aren't pushing makeup as the key to making you beautiful, they are pushing makeup as a blend of art + fashion. kind of refreshing, isn't it?

MAC, short for Makeup Art Cosmetics, is an extension of the artistic palette except the canvas happens to be you. Caitlin says mix it up. be willing to change it up so that you are not relying on makeup. instead you are having fun with it. fashion is fluidity and MAC is consistently introducing new lines and new colors allowing you to experiment with trends and discover new things. "Makeup is fashion," says Caitlin.

it was then she brought out the book. the coveted seasonal lookbook that MAC puts out for fall/winter and spring/summer. included in this book are the four key trends to the season and beautiful high resolution images (untouched, which is practically unheard of) demonstrating each of these trends and which runways they were seen on. i have only ever seen PDF's and images of this impressive book and here was one just for me. i think my heart may have skipped a beat.

we discussed some of her favorite looks of the season which happened to be Sci-chedelic; daring pops of color and using makeup to make a statement. most popular are the Pur-itan bronze looks which happen to be the most 'marketable' of looks.

my last request was that she share her five favorite products from the MAC core line. they were:

• Natural Radiance, a primer with highlighting properties built in. pat it on your cheekbones and temples after makeup for fresh bounce to your skin.
• Highlighter Pens. apply product and give them a few seconds of drying time. this will make all the difference in their coverage.
• Bronzer in Refined Golden, her perfect hue.
• Pearl Creme Colour Base, a product i think i have raved about, vlogged about and use about a million times. 
• 217 makeup brush, the perfect brush for eyeshadow application.

after listening to Caitlin with intense attention i realized an hour had passed. while i could have talked to her all day, this cool girl was on her way to New York to shoot a tutorial video. i clutched the beloved lookbook and thanked her for the wealth of knowledge, Caitlin now has a fan for life. grabbing Cohen's hand we made our way out of the MAC store, but not without purchasing a few must-haves of course!

my MAC Spring Summer 2013 Lookbook with Refined Golden Bronzer & 217 makeup brush

xo,
kristie

Sunset Eye Makeup Tutorial {Step by Step}

sunshine, i just can't quit you. you're warm, delicious to lounge in and you brighten up my life. i caught a short glimpse of what spring and summer have to offer and then winter had to butt its bully nose back in. thankfully i am heading to LA on Wednesday and will be reunited with you soon.

the tutorial below was inspired by a gorgeous sunset witnessed here in the Mile High City and if you frequent this blog you know i have been longing for spring. this step by step eye makeup tutorial will help to brighten things up a bit and bring some warmth back to your life.

step one: apply a golden toned eyeshadow to your eyelid from the base of your lashes to the crease.

step two: apply a bright pink on the crease area of your eyelid. use a fluffy brush to diffuse the color and broadly blend it.

step three: apply a bright orange directly to the crease of your eyelid using a pencil brush for precise placement.

note - i used last summer's Call Me Bubbles MAC palette for this tutorial but any bright pinks, orange and golds will work well.

hopefully these step by step tutorials will continue to brighten up your life, even when the weather can't.

xo,
kristie

Correct & Conceal Under Eye Circles

under eye circles are the bane of my existence. i have been victim to them since i was young - any less than 8 hours of sleep at night and they would show their surly selves. i have finally developed a routine that helps to conceal and correct my under eye circles while still looking natural.

first, i use my must-have, conceal everything, superstar galactic concealer. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is a crime fighting ninja of a concealer and works wonders. using a flat synthetic brush i apply concealer beginning at the inner corner of my eye and brushing outwards.

second, to prevent concealer from creasing or migrating i use an invisible finishing powder. with a fluffy eyeshadow brush i apply a small amount under my eye. there are several invisible finishing powders i use and some of my favorites include MAC, Make Up For Ever and Laura Mercier.

last, my 'secret' to really brightening up red, tired eyes is to use a nude colored eye pencil on the inner rim (waterline) of my eye. this color of eye pencil can be really difficult to find and NYX Cosmetics makes an amazing array of nude pencils that are affordable and work perfectly.

unpack the bags under your eyes and enjoy a refreshed look courtesy of yours truly.

xo,
kristie

Lilac & Coal Eye Makeup Tutorial

let's face it, i'm all about simplicity. my design is to create unique and pretty eye makeup tutorials that are easy to recreate. the best makeup looks are not necessarily the most complicated, just well executed.

i have also added an element of showing you what color palette i worked off of for the tutorial. i hope you find that helpful when putting together your eye shadow colors.

today's tutorial is a simple three step tutorial creating a look inspired by one of my favorite sources of inspiration, The Real Housewives. those women can do makeup - mostly hits with the occasional miss. follow the step by step eye makeup tutorial below to recreate my latest Real Housewives makeup look.

• apply darkest shade in a triangle on the outermost corner of your eyelid. (i used MAC Black Tied)
• apply lid color to nearly entire lid, packing color densely on lid and softly blending into the darker shade. (i used a MAC pigment for this portion as pigments have great depth & color for a single product)
• use a neutral brown to blend the shades together and contour the crease of your eyelid. (i used my MUFE Cafe Latte)

xo,
kristie

MAC Cosmetics Archie's Girl & Year of the Snake Product Info

 M∙A∙C COSMETICS has done it again by bringing us another ridiculously cute comic book collection with the Archie's Girls. Two complete lines for you to select which alter ego suits you best: girl-next-door Betty vs. vivacious spoiled rich-girl Veronica. 

let's not forget about the packaging that is so sweet it'll give you a toothache. adorbs and just in time for Valentine's Day. the official release date for these products is February 7th, so if your man needs any gift ideas just casually slip him the link to this post. subtle, right?

MAC, you are giving my a major heart attack right now. i heart cute so hard it hurts, and this collection is cute! Archie's Girl has me wrapped around its pretty little finger. 

MAC Cosmetics + blushing basics = love.

check out the complete line and product images for the MAC Cosmetic Archie's Girl Collection below:

also available January 31st will be another MAC Cosmetics collection called Year of the Snake. included vibrant shades and shimmering finishes. pictured below is the full lineup of products in the Year of the Snake Limited Edition Collection, as well as some up close images to show the snake print/engraving on the products.

which one speaks to you?

xo,

kristie

Fall 2012 Makeup Colors

yesterday i shared new fall colors and collections for fall 2012. some great collections include Jemma Kidd for Target, MAC Styler Seekers, Urban Decay Naked foundations and Smashbox Image Factory. i have so many great products i can't wait to share in upcoming tutorials!

the best part about this segment would be my near wardrobe malfunction at 16 sec. into the video. yes, my mic base fell off the back of my dress and pulled my dress collar along with it! i panicked and then kept talking because this is LIVE television after all. while i felt like i ended up just rambling, the segment didn't turn out too bad.

check it out for yourself below:

xo,

kristie

Eyeshadow Love Notes

eyeshadow by blushingbasics featuring a matte eyeshadow

part deux in my series of makeup love notes. from my favorite to my least favorite products.

• Dior Shadow, i heart your pressed diamond shape but your price is a serious splurge.
• Rimmel, your low prices keep me and the Tman happy. thank you.
• Bare Escentuals, the unsung hero of shadows. haven't met a shadow i didn't like.
• Forever21 makeup, let's break up.
• Kevyn Aucoin, your makeup legacy lives on. you really know makeup. 

xo,

kristie

Trending August

Trending August by blushingbasics featuring citizens of humanity jeans

i've said it before and i'll say it again - my favorite post of the month. i love sharing what items are hitting the scene most, whether it be from my wardrobe or my makeup drawer. the items listed above are the trending cosmetics and clothing of the moment. 

1. chambray shirt - if you haven't invested in one of these, i would suggest it. we'll be seeing a lot more where this came from in upcoming seasons. 
2. stella & dot earrings - this isn't the first time these cuties have had a starring role.
3. colored denim - i love pairing my chambray with any colored denim. this pair just happens to be my current fave. for tips on how to wear colored denim, check here.
4. skinny belts - enough said.
5. gold shoes - i couldn't find my exact match in Polyvore, but my gold shoes are getting their fair share of spotlight.
6. MAC Casual Color - love this lip and cheek color. makes summer makeup a cinch. here's my t.v. segment on how to avoiding melting makeup.
7. Victoria's Secret Bronzer - summer is coming to a close and bronzing is at its peak.
8. Tweezerman Tweezers - good brows are the key to no-fuss makeup. for a video tutorial, click here.
9. China Glaze Neon - au revoir summer. this is the last time we will be sporting brights for a while.

xo,

kristie