Trending August

Trending August by blushingbasics featuring Michael Kors

this month's trending post features some of my current faves and obsessions. i like to think that as people our styles and tastes evolve. whether that evolution comes about because of age, income, or lifestyle changes, it is bound to happen. perhaps my recent evolution is due to all three! regardless, let me share what i am loving right now:

• J.Crew - their chambray shirts beckon to me like peanut butter to jelly, a duo that should never be separated. i just can't quit the denim trend and thankfully it is still hot. J.Crew pencil skirts are a classic that will never be trending but just perpetually in. i tried to add a little spice to my life by going for a bright yellow hue. Spice Girls had it right when they said 'Spice up your life!'.
• hearts.com - sure i may be the beauty blogger for hearts.com but their message and products appeal to me beyond the boundaries of our blogging agreement. with products that help support human rights, education and environmental sustainability i can't help but be on board. these repurposed bullet casing earrings always get noticed and i love the pop of turquoise. (a little unabashed self promotion - check out my latest post for them here)
• Tangle Teezer - this is one of those products where you use it and wonder 'Where has this been all of my life?!'. seriously it is that amazing. it brushes your hair without pulling or damaging the hair and removes tangles with ease. i use it on my daughters who without fail cry 'ouch!' every time a brush comes near their head. however, the Tangle Teezer manages their mess without so much as a whimper. when i say you must try this product, i mean it. in fact, this product deserves its own post. #staytuned
• Laura Mercier Dark Spell Collection - the new Dark Spell Collection for fall is not only a show stopper but its Face Illuminator deserves to be put on a pedestal. it is one of those products that is almost too gorgeous to touch but you have to because it is even more gorgeous once applied. can't get enough shimmer. can't stop won't stop.
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - the color applies so smooth and is one of the best long lasting lipglosses i have EVER used. what is so amazing about this is that this product isn't touted as a long wear lipgloss, and yet this gloss lasts hours longer than any long wear gloss i have tried. worth every penny of its $3.50 price tag.

xo,

kristie

Trending Products for July

Trending July by blushingbasics featuring vintage cotton t shirts

here's a look at what's trending through my wardrobe and beauty routine at the moment. it's mid-summer and laziness is at its peak. with the hot days of summer and a cold pool beckoning i am most comfortable in my casual clothes, a hat (or scarf) to cover up my air-dried pool hair and bright, bright colors.

some of my favorites include:

loose baggy T's - like the t-shirt seen here are a must for a hot summer day. they're cool, they're casual and they're the perfect way to express a little attitude.

Ray-Bans - i think you've heard enough of me raving about these. i just can't get enough.

poppin' nail color - the essie summer line has been a constant on my nails this summer. the bright colors work perfectly with my bright tees and even brighter shades.

Avon Mega Effects Mascara - the latest and greatest in mascara technology. the Mega Effects Mascara not only lengthens but the brush handle pushes the lashes up and outwards during application for perfectly shaped lashes every time.

Van's Trucker Hat - like i said earlier, it is just as important to protect your skin as it is to protect your hair during the summer. UV rays are damaging to your silky locks and covering them up helps prevent that. additionally a hat is a cure-all for a myriad of problems: dirty hair, air-dried hair, sun in your eyes, and acts as a sunblock for your face.

these are a few of my favorite things.*

xo,
kristie

*for the moment.

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

Tribal Nail Art Tutorial

tribal nail art tutorials typically involve several colors of polish, teeny tiny brushes and a very steady hand. many people have complimented this tribal nail mani usually followed by the comment 'that must have taken you forever'. 

surprisingly, it didn't.

last year i posted about using permanent markers for manicures and created some simple tutorials with it. since then, the nail art trend has continued its popularity and has become increasingly complex. thankfully fine point permanent markers not only make it a cinch, they come in a variety of colors that make them more cost effective than purchasing individual bottles of nail art polish.

while i may be a beauty blogger i consider myself a nail art civilian. my talents only take me so far. thankfully, permanent markers help bridge that gap and allow me to explore creativity beyond paint brushes.

oh yeah i'm easy, easy like Sunday morning. Lionel Richie taught me that.

xo,
kristie

Makeup and Fashion Trends for Spring

Trending April by blushingbasics featuring yellow gold jewelry

what are my makeup and fashion trends for spring? as a mom my uniform tends to be jeans and a tee on the daily. running kids to and from school, practices, errands etc. i look for practical. when i find clothing that can stylish, but still comfortable and easy to wear, i am wishing i could high five myself. seriously, merging practicality, style and comfort is not an easy thing.

you may or may not know that i adore all things Topshop. 14 years ago i had a roommate who lived in London for a semester and brought me home a bowler purse from Topshop that i used and abused. off white and rust red (it was the late 90's after all) i carried that purse to work, school and every emo/hipster/straight edge concert i attended.

that's me and my beloved purse on the left. far right was my boyfriend, a drummer. like i said, the 90's folks.

that hair! emulating my favorite singer of the moment (from Pretty Girls Make Graves) who also happened to be my hairdresser. 

i digress. Topshop was and always will be a favorite. this spring they have brought midi tube skirts to their collection and i am snatching up one in every color. they are easy to dress up with heels or dress  down with flip flops. the jersey allows for casual comfort and the fit and length allow for style. 

gold everything of course. 

now is the time to start sporting that bronzer and one of my favorites happens to be the Clinique bronzer. not too orange and not too dark, this bronzer is perfect for the sun-kissed look. along with a golden glow is a pink lip gloss, Jane Iredale's PureGloss lipgloss. a perfect pink for spring the new PureGloss is glossy but not sticky and creamy but not heavy. a juicy contradiction, kind of like a Starburst. Jane Iredale products are good for the skin, and in this case good for your lips! definitely worth seeking out.

xo,

kristie

Spring Trending

one of my favorite posts of the month, the trending post where i share my favorite clothing/products of the moment. you know that feeling, where you love something so much but you can only wear that color for three months of the year? although there is the occasional trend that holds its place in popularity like a zit that takes root under your skin refusing to surface and thus be popped to obscurity. these others are ones you want to share it right this very moment because like all trends they can be fleeting.

here are some of my favorite items helping me make that gorgeous leap from winter to spring:

• my denim jacket. this item is a must/staple/requirement of any wardrobe. light enough for those warmer spring days but heavy enough to hold in the heat when it is cooler.
• the asymmetrical skirt. this lovely skirt above can found at TopShop and is a great alternative to a maxi for those of us barely passing the 5 foot mark.
• a neon t-shirt, or in my case, 4 neon t-shirts. they add such a brightness to cool winter wardrobe tones and wearing them takes me back to 2nd grade with my rolled socks and Keds.
• NYX butter gloss is my numero uno gloss for the moment. the color is not too warm, not too cool, but just right. plus, $5 a pop ain't so bad.
• Mary Kay Cream Eye Color is a quick solution for those moments when you have no time for anything but makeup that can be applied with your fingertips. i call those my 30 second makeup moments.
• CoverGirl outlast stay brilliant nail color. i'll stop shoving my love for this down your throat but if you missed my review, you can find it here.

what are your faves of the moment?

xo,

kristie

Nail Art Tutorial/Solution

if nail art is your thang but you run into the problem below, then the nail art tutorial above is your solution. apply your desired design to a plastic bag, let dry, peel off and apply to your polished nail. no top coat necessary, the polish binds to each other on its own.

easy.

think of the possibilities - shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day, eggs for Easter (i'm a sucker for all things cute) the options are limitless. nail art has never been easier and you can finally stop pounding your head in frustration because who can't relate to the image below?

xo,

kristie

Kate Middleton Holiday Hair

having lived in England for three years i consider myself a bit of an Anglophile.

with that being said, would you fault me for loving the fact that Princess Kate Middleton and i had the same idea for a holiday hairstyle? considering i created this tutorial a year ago i would definitely win in the category 'Who wore it first?' however she would hands down own 'Who wore it best?'

if you are interested in a hairstyle that is simple, quick and easy to achieve (and chic enough for a Princess) the above tutorial will be right up your alley.

An·glo·phile

 noun \ˈaŋ-glə-ˌfī(-ə)l\

: a person who greatly admires or favors England and things English

or according to the Urban Dictionary:

anglophile	493 up, 87 down
	Someone (more often than not American) who holds an extremely romanticised view of England and the English. Can be found putting on an Dick Van Dyke-esque English accent and saying things like 'rubbish'.

xo,

kristie

essie Rocks The CMA's

the 46th Annual CMA took place last night and along side some of those stunning women were some stunning nails. below is a selection of the hot colors from the CMA show - courtesy of essie.  

smokin' hot

good as gold

little brown dress

beyond cozy

xo,
kristie

October Inspiration + Free Printable

a long time ago i lived in a land called OH-IO. it is located in the midwest, nestled between the armpit and the belly button of America. having lived there i grew to love the atmosphere (THE Ohio State University & Columbus Crew MLS were the atmosphere) and formed some of the best friendships i have ever made.

that's where i met kiki. my idol.

my girl kiki and i have been collaborating for a long time now. we both started our blogs roughly 2.5 years ago. hers is a design/lifestyle/craft/DIY/awesomeness blog that of coursed propelled to stardom immediately. mine however has been plugging along try to keep up with her superstar status. (all joking aside this is one seriously amazing, kind, creative and genuine person you will ever have the luck of meeting, even if through the internet) we decided to collaborate on a new venture where i put together my 'Monthly Trends' and kiki creates (ironically her old domain name) one her of super incredible prints.

here is what we came up with for the month of October:

October Inspiration by blushingbasics featuring high heels

scarves, boots, nudes and neutrals are hot hot hot for fall (of course my love for all things Topshop pointed me in this direction). naturally i like this trending set considering i put it together, but what i really love is kiki's inspirational quote. that statement is true for every.single.person. while i wish i told you that more often, i really do believe it. i love you guys, yes YOU reading THIS blog right now. without you i would be words on a screen, with your support i become much more.

((((HUGS))))

interested in getting a copy of this print for yourself? be sure to thank kiki for creating this FREE printable and allowing all of us to delight in her creativity. 

enjoy!

xo,

kristie

Stella & Dot Fall + Christmas Collection

i heart stella & dot. they make stylish jewelry, take the guess work out of accessorizing and put so much thought into the detail it looks and feels like fine jewelry (without the price!). with having just released their Fall 2012 collection and their Holiday 2012 collection now available i put together some of my favorite items to get your wish list started.

first, let's talk bracelets. layering bracelets is so adorably cute & chic. creating your own personalized layered look is the hottest jewelry trend of the moment. in the picture above i put together three of my favorite bracelets which would look amazing solo or partied up. i have been wearing the link bracelet and cannot stop adoring it. if this blog suddenly goes empty it is because we ran away together. sorry, i love it that much.

check out these gorgeous teardrop earrings above. earrings are a must for any wardrobe. a woman dressed up without earrings is like a man dressed up without a tie - something's missing. they draw the eye upward towards your face, they enhance your face shape and add some sparkle to your ensemble. worth the 15 seconds it takes to put them on. promise.

when i first saw the lace Geneve Lace collection above i thought 'pretty' and moved on to the next piece of jewelry. when putting together this little look book of Holiday collection pieces i stumbled upon this video featuring the inspiration behind the Geneve Lace collection. i am officially obsessed. watching that video made me want to purchase every piece, plus it gave great tips on how to wear them.

pendant necklaces are one of the most flattering jewelry pieces you can purchase. their length elongates the neckline (good) draws the eye upwards (good) and makes any outfit instantly polished (good). you cannot go wrong with a pendant necklace. what is so great about stella & dot pendants is that they look good alone, layered and can be worn multiple ways. that is a lot of versatility packed into one piece of jewelry.

like i mentioned yesterday, jeweled collars are in. instead of investing a lot of moulah into one shirt, invest your hard earned cash in a statement necklace. wear it with dresses, shirts, camis or tanks. these collared necklaces above will transform a jersey tee into something spectacular.

last but not least, stella & dot has created a capsule collection for Breast Cancer Awareness found here. all net proceeds of the sales in this collection will help support breast cancer research. now you can use your power of shopping for good.

take a minute and check it out www.stelladot.com. just don't blame me if you can stop browsing this amazing site.

xo,

kristie

Fall Fashion 2012 Trends

Fall Colors: Oxblood, Mustard Yellow, White-On-White

Though it may not be the most pleasant sounding name, Oxblood has become the “IT” color of the season.  This deep red, almost burgundy hue, complements the other jewel-tone hues for fall, and can act as a neutral, pairing nicely with prints. 

Old Navy Shift Dress: $34.94, Dress Barn Blazer: $59, Stetson “Wilmont” hat: $80.00

Other popular fall hues include mustard yellow- as seen prominently on Hollywood’s red carpets- and white-on-white for the daring fashionista who is not afraid to go against the post-Labor Day rules.

Coldwater Creek Shawl Collar Pullover: $69.95, Old Navy The Rockstar Jean: $34.94, Bowtie Flats: $19.94
Boden Dress: $218

Fall Florals

Although floral patterns were a big summer trend, there’s no sign of them wilting for fall.  This season is all about BIG, moodier florals in darker shades.  Rock this statement look in both apparel and your accessories to take flower power to a whole other level.

Shoshanna Dress $330, Coldwater Creek Floral Blouse: $79.95, Charming Charlie black floral ring

Printed denim

Spring and summer were all about bright, bold neon denim colors, and fall is continuing to boycott the classic denim blue .  This season features colored jeans 2.0- colorful hues featuring animal prints, paisleys, polka dots and plaids.

Piperlime - Current Elliott Plaid Jeans: $208, Rag & Bone Ikat Jeans: $187

Jeweled tops/ Collar Necklaces

The jeweled neckline has emerged as another statement look for fall, as seen on numerous jackets, dresses and tops.  This silhouette accentuates the neckline and depending on your mood, can instantly create a sophisticated or youthful look. And the best part- you can create several looks without splurging on one top by simply clasping a collar necklace over a blouse to achieve the same look.

Piperlime I.Madeline Top: $69, Aryn K. Top: $89

Metallics

Metallic fabrics have become THE material for fall as seen in many capacities such as brocade, mixed-media items and denim.  This embellished material is the perfect way to transition into fall and prepare for the holiday dressing months to come.  Pair the metallic item with a more casual article of clothing to avoid looking too dressy, or accessorize your look with a metallic purse or pair of flats to instantly jazz-up your style.

Kooba Mini Cross-Body: $228, Chrystie: $328, Jonnie: $548, kmart Metallic Blazer: $18, Shoshanna Metallic Skirt

feels so good to be doing fashion posts again. i took a hiatus for a while but if you would like to see past fashion posts click here. or if you have a few extra minutes you can check out my video on How To Layer Clothes for Fall - one of the first few videos i made but also one of the most popular.

xo,

kristie

Trending September

Trending September by blushingbasics featuring denim jean jackets

aaaaccckkkk! i can't believe September is nearly over and i haven't even posted my favorite post of the month. without further ado, here is my September trend report:

September is a tricky month because we are technically still in summer season with fall quickly approaching. to make the transition a bit easier i have been loving my maxi dresses. the length keeps my gams warm when the cool breeze blows but it still maintains the look of summer. denim jackets are the perfect accessory as they give any outfit a cool vibe while functionally becoming the VIP of your wardrobe by keeping you warm when the temperatures drop. my Michael Kors sandals have been seeing a lot of mileage and i am sad to be putting them away for fall. till we meet again dear sandals...

makeup makes the transition to fall by becoming less colorful and more nude and natural. my Urban Decay Naked foundation is quickly becoming a new favorite as well as my Urban Decay eyeshadow pots can be found not only in my makeup drawer but also in my purse for quick touch ups. my Laura Mercier shadow bloc for fall is the superstar and will receive it's very own post - tomorrow.

xo
kristie

DIY 'Arm Parties' : Fall's Favorite Accessorizing Trend

 this season 'Arm Parties' are in full effect. no music or drinks, just jewelry hanging with jewelry. the latest accessorizing craze means packing on bracelets with every bracelet being invited. arm parties are seen on nearly every fashion blogger and while adorbs, there's a price tag attached.

this season create your own bracelets. friendship bracelets, beaded bracelets, braided bracelets and clasp bracelets are the cool girls in town, so make a few of your own:

if you have any good recommendations for DIY bracelets, i would love to hear. my inspiration came from one of my favorite fashion bloggers: stripes + sequins. seriously, check this girl out if you have a minute. she's brilliant.

xo,
kristie

Trending July

Trending July by blushingbasics featuring straw tote bags

probably one of my favorite posts to create each month is my 'Trending' post where i list the items that have made the most appearances in my routine. for the month of July, my beauty products have become scarce as most days are spent lounging by the pool with the kiddos and an extra large diet coke on hand.

included in my beauty must-haves for the month are my spray tanners for 'touch up' after swimming, my neon orange China Glaze polish (what other month can you wear neon orange and get away with it?) and the rest revolves around my beach tote, towel, and swim suit. July, i heart you.

xo,
kristie

Fall/Winter 2012 Makeup Trend Tutorial

here's a tutorial featuring how to use the Fall/Winter 2012 makeup trend of earthy, natural colors. use this easy step by step makeup tutorial to create your simple everyday look:



xo,
kristie

Jane Iredale {Review}

Jane Iredale is a brand i have a long standing connection with. i was first introduced to the line when i was 20 and working as an aesthetician in a Plastic Surgeon's office. because the line is so incredibly gentle and non-irritating it made the best post surgical cover-up. we carried the entire line of products and i spent many hours playing working with it.

when they sent me their lip glosses to try i was eager to reintroduce myself to the products. how refreshing to find that the product line is still as amazing as i found it to be ten years ago. the glosses are long lasting, have the perfect finish and the applicator is brilliant in that it allows you to get every.last.bit. of gloss. Jane Iredale you are genius.

how about the red for fall? perfection in a tube.

xo,

kristie

Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2012

From L to R: Palette Couture, Pure Chromatics, Dare to Glow, La Laque Couture, Rouge Pur Couture

shut the front door. seriously, it is so hot in here right now my eyeballs are burning. is the beauty of the products too much for you too? if there was a way to package 'hotness' then YSL has cornered the market. 

just looking at the new Fall/Winter 2012 makeup collection by Yves Saint Laurent makes me weak. this luxury makeup line oozes glamour. their color selection for Fall is divine. please, give me a second while i wipe the drool from my chin.

okay, enough with the obsession and on to the products. did you check out the nail polish colors? apply one of those gorgeous gems to your fingertips and enjoy feeling like a million bucks for the day. how about that Palette Couture? what you don't see is that the pressed powder mimics the pattern found on the cover of the compact. and the Pure Chromatics eyeshadow set? that lover of a palette can be used wet or dry to give you eight shadow colors. sigh.

investing in this makeup is sure to produce great results, but i use the word invest because it is a luxury brand and does run a bit pricey. my makeup obsession has its limits but it is nice to splurge once in a while. if you are selecting your splurge item for Fall, i would suggest the gorgeous Palette Couture. watch your girlfriends swoon as you touch up your blush.

xo,

kristie

Laura Mercier Cinema Noir

Laura Mercier's Cinema Noir is a formidable Fall/Winter 2012 collection. aiming for a modern look with a dramatic twist, you will find smoky eyes, highlighted cheekbones and chic nail lacquers in shades of cocoa. say goodbye to the brights of Spring/Summer and hello to the deep tones of Fall/Winter.

Laura Mercier collections are always a win because they provide universally flattering shades. my sister teases me because i refer to them as a mature makeup. what i mean by that is Laura Mercier follows the trends but isn't overtly trendy. you won't find shocking lime greens and yellows in the collections, purple lipliner will be nowhere in sight. what you will find are classic colors blended with the seasonal trends to create a glamourous look. thank you, Laura Mercier.

my personal standout favorite of this season's collection is the Shimmer Bloc. highlighting used to be a trick used only by the pros. now this makeup technique is seen on tweens, teens, (drag) queens, (real) queens and everything in between. if you are late to hop on the highlighting train, start with a Shimmer Bloc. they are easy to use and provide a gorgeous, flattering shimmer for your cheek bones, brow bones and cupid's bow.

below are some close-up shots of the collection. if you have a favorite Cinema Noir or Fall/Winter 2012 look, i would love to hear.

xo,
kristie

Nail Lacquer - Organza, Cocoa Suede

Eye Color Duet - Mystere

Shimmer Bloc - Starlet Mosiac