My Favorite Things

MAYBELINE COLOR SENSATIONAL HIGH SHINE IN CORAL LUSTRE

This shade is great with so many of the bright citrus colors that are gracing the fashion landscape this season. Too orange for you? Try starting with a nude pink base (I prefer Clinque’s Chubby Stick in Whoppin’ Watermelon), then lightly layer the coral over the top, being careful not to go too far into the corners of your lips. Blend together, and you’ve got a fresh spring shade!

CLINIQUE ACNE SOLUTIONS LIQUID MAKEUP

Not only is this the most lightweight foundation I’ve ever worn, but it kept me breakout-free during my most stressful time of the year. Buy it HERE.

CLINIQUE FRESH BLOOM ALLOVER COLOUR

This is the perfect makeup if you’re always running late — like I am. I use it daily as a blusher as well as color for my t-zone and eyeshadow. It takes just a few seconds to swipe all over, and the result is easy and flawless. Buy it HERE.

WOMEN’S MERONA MAGASKA COMFORT RIDING BOOTS

These were not the boots I went to the store to get. But, I needed a casual black riding boot, they were in stock, they were my size, and they didn’t break the bank.

I’ve gotten complimented on these boots several times, and people are surprised to learn they’re from Target. The soles are rubber, and the booths themselves are partially elastic, so they’re super comfortable.

REVLON COLORBURST LIPSTICK – CORAL 080

This is my absolute favorite shade of lipstick.

As we’ve already established, I love Mad Men and I’m a sucker for product placement, so when I read that the brilliant Janie Bryant used a Revlon shade of coral, you know I was all over that.

As someone who had never worn bright red lipstick before, I was a bit unsure at first. The more I wore it, though, the more I loved it and appreciated the vintage look it gave me.

The orange undertones are very complementary to my pale skin, and it works for all seasons.

BASS WOMEN’S GLENBROOK OXFORDS

These are quite possibly my favorite things in my closet.

I was first turned on to these shoes while reading “The Fashion File” – a book by “Mad Men” costume designer Janie Bryant. The book shows a similar style by the Brooks Brothers’ Black Fleece label, but their several-hundred dollar price tag was a bit way out of my budget.

Fortunately for me, a simple Google search showed me these, which I bought for a mere 10 percent of the Brooks Brothers price.

These shoes are show-stoppers. I don’t think I’ve ever worn them without receiving compliments or stares, which I choose to interpret as compliments.

I love wearing them with a cardigan, a pencil skirt and black tights. Replace the cardigan with a blazer for special events.

L’OREAL PARIS EYESHADOW - CHARMING COCKATOO’S GAZE

I’m a sucker for endorsements (J-Lo is thisclose to convincing me to buy a Fiat). So, when I saw the L’Oreal Paris limited edition Project Runway line, I knew I needed to get on that.

I was first drawn to the Charming Cockatoo’s Gaze eyeshadow. The pinks and blues create great contrast that can be mixed and matched for day or night. I love using all four quadrants for evening and just the first two for the office.

On a side note, I also bought the Sultry Raven’s Pout , which is a fantastic nude lip color. It’s great for fall, pairing well with browns and oranges.

THE LIMITED - PIPED WAISTBAND MINI SKIRT

In what is an overall fantastic fall line for The Limited, this item is exceptional. The colors and texture make it a statement piece, and the length works for office or evening when paired with tights and a pair of boots. I’m calling it the perfect fall skirt.

MAC LIPSTICK - SNOW ORCHID

I’d been looking for a bright pink lipstick a la Nicki Minaj since the 2010 Grammy Awards. Having completely missed the boat on the “Pink Friday” promotion MAC ran in November of that year, I thought I was out of luck.

Happily for me I had some extra time a couple weeks ago and stopped by my local MAC counter to see if they had something else. The super-helpful sales girl didn’t laugh when I told her I wanted to look like Ms. Minaj and informed me of a new line of bright, bold colors that would come out a couple days later. She let me try on Snow Orchid and although it was a bit more fuchsia than I had in mind, I loved it.

Two days later I went back to the store to pick it up, and grabbed a fierce purple, Violetta, just for fun.

Allow me to reiterate – I LOVE Snow Orchid. It’s bright enough that it’s fun and makes a statement, but not too outlandish that I can’t wear it to work. It also gets high marks from me in terms of its longevity. It lasts through my morning coffee, and I only need to reapply after eating.