Let’s Talk Lashes

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

*Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Avon*

Although I don’t wear make up every day, when I do the first question you ladies ask me is “Are your eyelashes real?!”. Talk about a confidence booster! I’ve always had decently long eyelashes which made me hesitant to try lash extensions or any sort of lash boost serum because I didn’t want to risk damaging my natural lashes. But with bold eyelashes having such a moment right now, my moto quickly became the longer and more voluminous looking, the better! So I set out in hunt of a natural remedy to get my eyelashes to visibly grow.

I looked into several lash serums but the price tag would quickly talk me out of it. It wasn’t until I found Avon’s Anew Clinical Unlimited Lashes Lash and Brow Activating Serum that I decided to take the plunge. Normally $60, currently on sale for $40 (use code LASH at checkout), it was the best price I had seen so I figured if it didn’t work I was only out $40 instead of $100+ like all of the others I had seen. I also recently started using Avon True Color Love at 1st Lash True Color Mascara and to say that the lash serum and mascara are a “perfect pair” is all too true! Grab the duo here.

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Let’s Talk Lash Serum


WHAT IS A LASH BOOST SERUM?

Think of it as a daily vitamin for your eyelashes! Just like your body should be getting daily vitamins to grow big and strong, your eyelashes can be too. Anew Clinical Unlimited Lashes Lash and Brow Activating Serum is made with a blend of the peptide technology Capixyl, which promotes thicker, fuller, healthier-looking lashes. Not to mention, it’s Paraben, Sulfate, and Phthalate free plus it is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested!

HOW DO YOU APPLY IT?

I apply it every night after I have washed my make up off and cleansed my face. Just swipe it on your eyelids at the base of the lash line where you would put liquid eyeliner. I just use one dip for both lash applications.

DOES IT IRRITATE YOUR EYES?

Personally, I never had any itching, redness or burning from the serum although I have read that can be a side effect. If you look at the reviews on this product, you will see that there are very few people that have had any of those side effects either:)

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?

Patience is key which is so hard! I have been using the serum (almost) every night for about 5 weeks now and I would say I just started seeing noticeable results last week (week 4). For best results, you are encouraged to use it for 12 weeks. I plan on using the whole tube and will keep you gals updated!

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Let’s Talk Mascara


WHY USE THIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SERUM?

For me personally it was important for me to use a quality mascara so as to take the best care of my lashes during my lash transformation. The Avon True Color Love at 1st Lash True Color Mascara is great because it contains vitamins A, C and E to condition your lashes, and olive oil & Lycopene to strengthen your lashes.

WHAT MAKES THIS MASCARA STAND OUT?

For one the price tag, which is always a selling factor for me. But more than that, I love it because it is thick without clumping. Other mascaras that I have used required upwards of 5-6 applications before seeing the desired effects. On fast days I only need one swipe of this one and on days I want a little extra “oomph”, I still only need 2-3 applications. It does not transfer onto my eyelids at all throughout the day and it is very easy to take off at the end of the day. I hate mascaras that refuse to come off when I want them to!

WHAT IS THE PRICE?

$12 or you can buy the lash serum and mascara bundle for $45 + free shipping!

WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

You can find both the Avon True Color Love at 1st Lash True Color Mascara and Anew Clinical Unlimited Lashes Lash and Brow Activating Serum on Avon’s website.

HOW DO YOU APPLY IT?

The same you would any mascara! There are short and long bristles on the applicator brush making it very easy to comb through your lashes. I usually do one swipe on the top of my lashes (side closest to my lid) and then 2-3 on the underside always making sure to evenly spread out my lashes from the base all the way to the ends. I usually do one application all over and then the after that I will work from the inside of my eye to the outside. Just like a pair of false eyelashes, you want the outside (furthest away from your eye) to look the longest and fullest!

 

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

*Left Photo: Left eye has one application of mascara, right has none. Right photo: one application of mascara on each.*

Avon Lashes

Left eye has one application of mascara and the right has none. This is the length after 5 weeks of use.

Avon Lashes

Lashes with one application of mascara.

General Lash Questions


HAVE YOU HAD LASH EXTENSIONS?

I’ve worn false lashes but I’ve never had lash extensions. I usually wear false lashes for big events and photo shoots. Even with longer lashes, I will probably always do this just because it makes them stand out more for photos. I’ve heard way too many horror stories from friends about lash extensions ruining your natural lashes so I haven’t tried them. I’ve heard once you start you really can’t stop because it makes your natural lashes shorter and more sparse.

HAVE YOU HAD A LASH LIFT?

No but I want to! Lash Lifts will give the illusion of longer lashes without actually addressing the “problem”. Just like lash extensions, it is a temporary fix and a bit of an investment. For me personally, I wanted to try out a more natural remedy before investing in something like this. I’ve done some research and Lash Lifts are upwards of $150 and usually last about 6-8 weeks.

HOW DO YOU WEAR EXTENSIONS AND WASH YOUR FACE?

Since I only wear false lashes, I remove them before washing my face. For lash extensions, since you technically aren’t supposed to wear mascara, I’ve heard you wash your face the same way you would without extensions, just be extra careful around your eyes as not to rub, scrub or wash too intensely. I would recommend hitting up your good friend YouTube for this one:)

Avon Lash Serum and Mascara

Photos by: BanAvenue

To locate an Avon Representative, visit Avon.com. If looking for more information on the lash serum visit HERE.

Shop the $40 Avon Anew Clinical Unlimited Lashes Lash and Brow Activating Serum HERE (use code LASH for discount)

Shop the $12 Avon True Color Love at 1st Lash Mascara HERE

Shop the $45 Unlimited Lash Duo (serum + Mascara) HERE

Shop the

*Thank you Avon for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Tuesday Trend: Fall Prints

It’s been a hot minute since I did a Tuesday Trends post but your girl is bringing them back because they are some of my favs! Is it weird that making these collages is almost therapeutic to me?! I bet most bloggers would tell you i’m crazy for saying that because they take hours!

While none of these are “new” trends by any means, they are certainly in full force this season! I went from being a camo hater to lover in 0.2 seconds. It’s funny how we see trends pop up and tell ourselves “you’ll never catch me in that” and then end up eating our words later on. I used to think camo was just for rednecks and hunting season but somehow the fashion industry has turned it into arguably this season’s hottest print. Camo silk scarves have become a thing y’all and there ain’t nothing redneck about that. I slowly started my camo obsession with this pair of Levi’s (pictured below) and it’s only gone crazy from there.

Now when it comes to the plaid epidemic, I actually had no idea how popular glen plaid (or that that was the name of it for that matter) was until fashion week when every single blogger showed up in a plaid blazer! And here I was thinking I was rocking a very unique blazer.. WRONG! While glen plaid blazers are all the rage right now, you will find everything from sock booties to pant suits. My favorite blazer that I have found is this one from Express (pictured below). If you would like a less expensive option, this one from Target is very similar!

And arguably my favorite trend this season because it’s usually so hard to find is leopard! I’ve always been a fan of leopard accessories, like my leopard pumps for the office and leopard scarf to wear with tunics and over the knee boots, but I love that you can now find leopard everything. This leopard shirt has been a top seller for the blog (runs true to size). I’ve dressed it down for the weekend and up for the office. Leopard is definitely a print that is timeless and classy which makes it perfect for all occasions, including the office.

Fall Prints

If you want to try out any of these trends I’ve round up a ton at all different price points and several are on sale right now. Pink Lily Boutique has a lot of camo and leopard cuteness right now (some linked below) and I have a 15% discount code for you ladies – SHELBI15! Another place worth checking out is Express because they have a TON of camo and are currently having a sale!

Fall Prints- Camo, Glen Plaid and Leopard
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September Top Ten

I am in shock that it’s October 1st! Mostly because I’m sitting here looking at all of my New Year’s Resolutions and realizing we are way closer to 2019 than I realized and I have yet to start so many things that I wanted to. I’ve been slacking on the blog the last couple of months with all of my travels but I plan on finishing out the year strong so if there is something you would like to see before the year is over, please let me know!

Now, continuing on with the monthly top favorites, or the most purchased items by all of YOU, it is no surprise that we have some “repeat offenders” but I was surprised to see that almost all of the top sellers were sweaters and cold weather items. It’s safe to say we are all ready for the fall weather! Several of September’s top selling items were top sellers for previous months as well such as the Gucci belt dupe (going strong for almost a year now!) and the Abercrombie off the shoulder sweater. If you enjoy these types of post and are curious about how I obtain this data and track sales on the back end, scroll down to the bottom of this post for more information on that!

Now presenting… September Top Ten!

September Top Ten

These high waisted ankle pants sky rocketed to the top of the leader board this month. It’s safe to say that Work Wear Wednesdays are not dead and I will be bringing you ladies lot’s more before the year is over! While these pants come in 8 colors, unfortunately there is very limited sizing left. I suggest sizing down if in between sizes as I tend to think Express runs on the bigger side.

September Top Ten Purchases

September Top Ten Purchases

Not only do I love love love these boots, I’ve received an overwhelming amount of good feedback on these. AND they are somehow still 40% off with code COZY40! The best way for me to describe them is almost like a stretchy scuba material. They are the only pair of boots that actually stay up on my legs because they are so stretchy, but do not stretch out. I can wear them with leggings, pants and even bare legged- they always stay up! They do run on the small side so I suggest sizing up at least a half size, full size if you plan to wear thicker socks. I got my true size (European 38 and I wear a true 7.5). They fit very snug. I’ve seen them on girls under 5″ and those over 6″ and they work for all heights! Also, I highly suggest expedited shipping if you want to receive them sooner than 4-6 weeks. I cannot sing these boots praises enough and yes I did pay for them myself and this is not sponsored:)

September Top Ten Purchases

This oversized sweatshirt keeps coming in and out of stock of the camo print but if you can snag it, DO IT! It’s long enough to wear with leggings which makes it a crowd favorite plus it comes in 15 colors so even if you aren’t a camo fan, I highly suggest this style sweatshirt in all of the colors. It fits true to size but if in between sizes, size up!

September Top Ten Purchases

This fan favorite sweater from last year is back! It is one size fits all but I’d say it fits like a medium. It also comes in white and is still 40% off with code COZY40%. Again I highly suggest getting expedited shipping if you want this sweater sooner than 4-6 weeks.

September Top Ten Purchases

September Top Ten Purchases

This sweater has been a top seller for 3 months now and for good reason! It personally one of my most worn items. It’s light weight enough to be worn with shorts which is good for us Southern girls who can’t quite rock over the knee boots just yet. It fits oversized but runs true to size. I wear an XS in this sweater. If they don’t have your size, I highly suggest checking out Abercrombie’s sweater collection because they are absolutely killing it right now!

September Top Ten Purchases

September Top Ten Purchases

What do you know- another sweater! This sweater is currently 50% off + free shipping with code SURPRISE. It also comes in a pretty pink as well. It runs true to size but since a lot of sizes are sold out I suggest sizing up in petite sizing. I’m wearing an XS regular but could have done a small petite!

September Top Ten Purchases

September Top Ten Purchases

Every time I post these sock booties, you girls go CRAZY! They are just $30 right now with code ZZGET15. They run true to size if you don’t plan to wear socks, size up a half size if you do want to! I know the retailer might shock you but I promise they are great quality!

September Top Ten Purchases

It’s no surprise that the Gucci belt dupe stays in the top ten every single month. It is now available in 3 sizes: smallmedium and large. And good news because they brought the brown belts back!

September Top Ten Purchases

September Top Ten Purchases

This coat was a top seller last year and I’m so glad that they brought it back this year! It’s a total steal and while it might pain you to think about buying a coat this early, I promise you it will sell out ASAP! Last year, it was already sold out by now. I suggest sizing up if wanting to layer underneath. It is currently 30% off (discount applied at checkout).

September Top Ten Purchases

I know it is hard to see in this picture, but this plush tunic was another hot commodity both last year and this year! It comes in 4 colors and is under $25 + 30% off! Perfect to wear with leggings and over the knee boots plus i’ve heard it’s a good one for teacher since it’s SO comfortable and covers your bottom. It runs true to size and if they don’t have your size stocked, you can size up in petite sizing! For ex: i’m normally an XS regular but would get a small petite.

And as a reminder on how I obtain the monthly top ten data…

I use an affiliate program called rewardStyle. This means that if you click on any link- whether it be from my Instagram or blog- that takes you to a product page on a retailer’s site and rewardStyle is able to track that it originated from me. Some affiliate programs will pay the influencer for every click that they generate from their site. RewardStyle pays per purchase made. This means that if you click on one of my links and then end up purchasing that item, I will get a small commission (usually between 7-12%).  Many bloggers use this same program as part of their revenue source.

Because I use this service I do have access to data analytics. This means I can track what items are clicked on and purchased. I cannot see who clicked on them or what other items might have been purchased. For example, if you click on my Abercrombie shorts link and then purchase a swimsuit and a top in the same transaction, I will only be able to see that a purchase was made and that the shorts link is how you got to the retailer’s site.

These analytics are incredibly important to me because it allows me to see what all of you are liking. At the end of the day, this little blog business of mine is meant to be a resource for all of you so having the ability to track and measure each product’s success is invaluable. Coming from a Finance background, I tend to geek out over the analytics side of it as I find it incredibly intriguing what all of you are liking, buying and clicking on the most! It gets my gears turning because I genuinely want to bring you products that you are going to love and want to buy (at the right price point of course)!

Like I mentioned, this little blog is a full time business for me which means I am so appreciative when you choose to click and shop through my links – whether that be on Instagram or the blog. I have poured everything I have into being a resource for all of you so that hopefully it makes your life a little bit easier. I know that shopping through my links is an extra step for you, but please know it makes all the difference to me. It is how I am able to continue sharing great deals, try on sessions, and everything else. O and it allows me to pay my bills 🙂

All of that is to say, shopping through my links does not cost you anything additional (the item is the same price), the retailer will just pay me a small cut since I am the one that referred you. Please know I am so thankful when you choose to shop through my links and give me credit for helping you score a great find!

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Evening of Design Recap

Evening of Design Robbins Brothers

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting some of Houston’s top influencers for an Evening of Design. This special event was to celebrate the upcoming engagement season (November-February) with a first look at the release of some of Robbins Brothers featured designers’ newest pieces. Even coming from someone as single as they come, trying on some of the prettiest, biggest diamonds you’ve ever seen all while surrounded by your best girls and bottomless wine, is just about the best girl’s night ever. What made it even more special is that not only was it a fun event for everyone in attendance, we were also able to raise money for a very special cause!

The event benefited Wish Upon A Wedding, a non-profit that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing serious illness or life-altering circumstances. Robbins Brothers graciously donated $50 to the organization for every guest’s social media post using the hashtag #SelfieForAWish.

Evening of Design Robbins Brothers

Evening of Design Robbins Brothers

Evening of Design Robbins Brothers

I know I’d be a bad friend if I didn’t share these gorgeous pieces with all of my lady friends! No matter your relationship status, a girl can dream right 😉 Below are the seven featured designers and some of the exclusive pieces that were brought in for the event! Feast your eyes ladies!

Tacori – Always one of my favorite brands as their style is very modern and glamorous. With a line from chandelier earrings to engagement rings, this designer has the most gorgeous, clean cut pieces I’ve ever seen!

Robbins Brothers Evening of Design

Henri Daussi – Every single piece from this collection was a total showstopper in every way. If you are a fan of classic, elegant designs with a dramatic center diamond, Daussi is for you!

Robbins Brothers Evening of Design

Karl Lagerfeld – Inspired by Parisian architecture, this collection has some very intricate and geometric designs that you can’t miss. The fashion icon himself designed this line and I think it’s that background that brings something different to the table than any other collection out there.

Robbins Brothers Evening of Design

Coast Diamond – Designed by Jay Gilbert, this line is by far the most elegant one of them all, yet still incredibly timeless. Several of these pieces are paired with gorgeous gemstones, though not pictured here, that bring the rings to life and make them stand out from the rest!

Robbins Brothers Evening of Design

Michael M – Michael M’s collection is bold and brilliant. His European background definitely plays a role in the charm that each piece brings as seen through his unique, sophisticated approach to each ring.

Kirk Kara – One of my personal favorites because of the intricacy in each band detail and romantic appeal of each setting. These rings are truly one of a kind and are perfect for a more sophisticated, daintier style.

Robbins Brothers Evening of Design

Simon G. – With bold pops of color, this collection has something for every occasion whether it be an engagement, anniversary, graduation or birthday!

Visit Robbins Brothers’ website for more information on these designer collections and if you missed my previous blog post about diamonds, check out Mama Adams’ and I’s taste in engagement rings here.

*Thank you Robbins Brothers for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own!*

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New York Fashion Week 2018

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

New York Fashion Week Street Style Outfits

My third year of New York Fashion Week is officially in the books! This year was fast and furious to say the least since it was smack dab in between two other trips. I had two full days in the city and I tried to make the most of every minute! There were lot’s of meetings, new friends, and rooftops and very little sleep but I wouldn’t change it for the world because I feel so blessed to have these opportunities do be doing what I love! Life motto lately: “You can sleep when you’re dead”.

I only RSVP’d for one fashion show as my focus was more so on brand meetings and connections this year. Sadly, due to rain I didn’t even make the one show I was really looking forward to going to, Nicole Miller. Thankfully I still was able to make it to almost all of my other events and meetings. Some of my favorites this year included the Liketoknow.it party, Lulu’s party, Shopbop party, and OK Magazine party. No, I did not just party my little heart away during fashion week but due to privacy reasons I am not able to disclose several of the brand meetings that I had so that’s why you get a long list of parties instead 😉

DO YOU HAVE TO BE INVITED?

Heck no! My first year that I went, I booked a plane ticket and hotel room and told myself that even if I didn’t get invited, it would be the trip of a lifetime to go to NYC during fashion week. No matter how small you are, if you do the work to pitch brands for fashion events, you will have at least a few events to go to. Even if you just go to meet with other fashion influencers and brands, it is 100% worth it! Getting invited to shows, showrooms, brand meetings, parties, etc are all the same. Most are not going to reach out to you unless you’ve already gone in years past. YOU have to do the work. This means sending out hundreds of emails. Read more about how to get invited to events here. And for the record, my first year that I attended NYFW, I had less than 5k followers and guess what? I still got invited to fashion shows:)

HOW DO YOU GET TO MEET WITH BRANDS?

Fashion week (or honestly any trip to New York) is a great time to reach out to brands and PR companies that you have already worked with in the past. If you’ve never looked at the signature line of brands you’ve been emailing, you should start 🙂 Most are headquartered in NYC! There is nothing like putting a face to a name, especially when these brands work with hundreds if not thousands of other influencers. Anything you an do to make youreself stand out is going to put you ahead in this industry! Before fashion week each year, I will make a point to look through my collaborations over the past year and reach out to some of the brands that I have yet to meet with. I will just shoot them an email letting them know I am in town for fashion week and that I’d love to meet face to face. Some brands I’ve simply gone to their office, others I’ve met for coffee and then some already have scheduled events or showrooms during fashion week and will invite you to those!

HOW DO YOU DRESS THAT FAB ON A BUDGET?

Not going to lie, it’s hard. If you want to go to fashion week and not spend a ton of money on outfits the best ways to look baller on a budget are to rent, borrow or be gifted clothes. This definitely takes some time and effort but can be done several different ways. 1) Reach out to local shops before your trip and ask if they will let you pull some clothes to showcase during fashion week. Most places do this regularly for photoshoots or other events so they should be used to it. Mention you will tag them in all social posts giving them credit and they should be more than happy for the trade of services. 2) Reach out to PR companies or brands in NYC that have showrooms or might want to dress you for the week. Again, many brands do this so asking is not weird at all especially if you’ve worked with them in the past! They will appreciate the exposure opportunity. 3) Many PR brands have gifting suites during fashion week which means FREE CLOTHES. This is where it’s at ladies.

WANTING TO ATTEND NYFW?

Have you thought about going to fashion week but not sure where to start, how to get invited, who to reach out to, etc? The posts below from years past should be helpful when thinking and planning to attend next season! If you have any other questions, I’m more than happy to answer them in the comments below!

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK TIPS

BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN NYC

INSTAGRAM ROUND-UP: NYFW OUTFITS

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