The Daily Gimme: Ravesh Bow Pumps + Hukkster

$148.95, Nordstrom

Review: Korres Wild Rose Daily Brightening and Refining Buff Cleanser

$24, Sephora

I have been using this cleanser for a few months now, fairly regularly. I dunno. It's okay. I got it in a set with some night cream, which is also okay.

The Daily Gimme: Flounced Peplum Tankini

$140, Anthropologie

Finally. With the end of Negotiation Workshop and the "completion" of my fall term paper draft, I have some breathing room. Spring term classes have officially started, and they are a walk in the park compared to Winter term. The only thing that got me through the tough times was the promise of Spring Break in St. Lucia. As such, I've already collected three (THREE!) swimsuits. I would love to add this one to my collection, but the price point is a bit high considering I would probably only wear it for a week every year.

I've never owned a white swimsuit before, mostly because I feel like white + water = peepshow. However, I bet the quality and structuring of Anthro swimsuits would be superb. Anyway, I would probably pass on the plain bottoms and pick something from J. Crew; I like their twist-front bikini bottoms, which are available in white. I like the simplicity of the top, but it's also sufficiently unique. The cut-out at the neckline adds a bit of sexiness, whereas the peplum flounce services to hide a tummy and give a demureness to the whole thing.

The Daily Gimme: Madelaine Pumps

$39.95, Shoedazzle

Welp, Negotiation Workshop is still happening. so . . . yeah. These shoes are cute though! I would love them with a gray sheath dress or even a blousy shirt and skinnies. I wish I was one of those girls who could wear heels even on the weekends.

The Daily Gimme: Gold Lion Bangle

$85, Baublebar

Super busy because of Negotiation Workshop this week and the next two. But check out this shiny.

Off to Newport!

Celebrating New Year's like the Vanderbilts used to. 

The Daily Gimme: Striped Sandals by Dolce Vita

$64.99, Modcloth

Yeah, I know it's January. In Boston. But it's good to plan ahead. Also, I was shopping on Newbury Street today and I saw a bunch of Dolce Vita shoes, so I feel like the Universe is telling me to buy these shoes. Just kidding.

But I still want these sandals.

They're a bit pore polished and socially acceptable than my Rainbows. Also, British people really frown upon flip-flops. Did you know that?

Meadow at Midnight Slipper from Modcloth

$49.99, Modcloth

I refuse to be held hostage by boring brown shoes. Moccasins don't have to be boring, friends. They can be cute and covered in little flowers. I returned two other pairs of moccasins before I settled on these for my take-out-the-trash, get-the-mail, across-the-street errands.

They're comfy, have good non-slip soles and are warm and furry. They are a bit loose, but they have no half-sizes, so it is what it is. Unfortunately, like other moccasins, they can get a bit grungy and gross after a few weeks of wear. However, they will work for the winter and at this price, you can't expect them to last forever.

The Daily Gimme: Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

$21.99 14.60, Amazon

I am fairly new to the makeup game. I never really wore it in high school or college. When you wake up ten minutes before you have to leave, you have to make some tough decisions. Usually I just had time to brush my teeth and pop in my contacts. But, as I have more money and more reasons to wear makeup (acne scars, slight discoloration), I have become more interested in makeup.

However, interest does not equal knowledge. Although it seems kind of ridiculous to buy a book about makeup application, it kind of makes sense. This is one of the most highly rated books on Amazon for makeup, although I have never heard of it. I worry because it was published in the '90s, and that's really not the dated look I'm looking for.

There are some other options that I might try to pick up used, such as either of Jemma Kidd's books (here and here) or Bobbi Brown's book. The brand new book by Scott Barnes is also receiving rave reviews. 

Review: Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara

$21, Sephora

I got a mini of this mascara in a set that does not appear to be available anymore. (It also included face primer, eye shadow primer, lip primer and lip gloss.) As might have been mentioned before, I have short, sparse, nearly-invisible lashes that also do not curl well.

This mascara was only so-so. It didn't clump, so that was good. But it also didn't do much of anything else. My lashes just looked slightly longer and darker than normal. There was maybe a slight curl. I'll keep using the tube for an everyday natural look until it runs out, but I'm not going to buy a new tube (certainly not at $21). 

The only thing that set this mascara apart was the very flexible brush with lots of tiny bristles. It felt like more mascara was going on and that it prevented clumping. I think that this mascara brush would go great with a better formula.

tl;dr: You're better off with the pink and green tube.

The Daily Gimme: Fresh Elixir Ancien

$260, Sephora

I can't remember the last time I wanted something so badly. This shit was hand-blended in a monastery in the Czech Republic. Come on. In a goddamn monastery! The reviews are sparse but glowing. I highly suspect that there might be stem cells in this stuff, which is why they have to outsource it to Eastern Europe. I'm okay with it.