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Thanks for all the comments on my posts from earlier in the week. I have had family in town since last Friday and they are all, finally, gone. I love having everyone over but the kitchen needs to be scrubbed and I have loads and loads of laundry to do. I was glad to have had some posts ready to go so the blog was not neglected. During the week I received several orders from recent promos so you’ll be seeing those reviews over the next few days. The first one is from Madewell.

They had a 40% promo a few weeks ago and I found a couple of shirts to order that looked like they would be suited for my closet.

I ordered a Medium in the Curved Collar Top in Organza Stripe. The Organza stripe sleeves are what sold me on this top. It makes this plain white shirt interesting. It also comes in Green Stripe.

The fit runs small across my 34C chest. The arms were also a little snug. This almost seems a-line to me as just below the chest the shirt flows away from the body and is somewhat boxy. I thought I could keep it thinking it would work after a little toning up but then I saw the back. 
As you can see, the third button is pulling. I would be afraid it would come undone and I’d have no way of knowing. Also, the neck is really tight with the top button closed. Though my hair would be down and would cover the open button, I don’t think that is how this shirt is meant to be worn. Sizing to a large would only fix the upper portion fit issues but make the blouse look even larger on me. Sadly, this will be returned. I would say this runs small unless you don’t have upper body fit issues (larger chest, thicker arms, broad shoulders). 

Since the Linen Collared Tee in Stripe looked like it ran big I ordered a Small. The fit was a little tight in the arms but fit loose across the chest and waist. The shoulder is a dropped-seam and, due to the snugness in the arms, could really be noticed.

I do like the shirt in general and I would recommending sizing down if you can snatch it up. This will transition well through the Spring and early Summer.

As of posting, all sizes but XL are sold out so look for pop-backs on it if you’re interested. There could be some in-store so if you’re interested after this review, call around. 

Both shirts are currently on sale and the 40% off sale promo works for them. I am still trying to assess sizing from Madewell and because we do not have a local store I’ll have to keep ordering online.

Have you tried either of these blouses? How was the fit for you?

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After trying on the Scalloped Leather Skater Skirt at my Anthro’s Holiday Event I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Then, it went on sale, but I still waited on ordering. Then 25% off was thrown in and I finally pulled the trigger on this skirt. I ordered the 10 Petite as there was never a size 8 available.

I think the 10P was the right call on the size. It brings the length to just above my knee and makes it not so mini. The color is so pretty and nothing I’ve seen. The scallop detail at the waist and hem make the leather seem less harsh, IYKWIM. 
I just wasn’t sure I wanted to keep it or not as $180 was still a lot for a skirt I might only wear once or twice a year. Then it received a 3rd cut to $99.99 so I called for a PA and will be trying to figure out ways to wear this skirt. I have a cute little top coming soon that I think will be great with it. I will post the two together if it looks like the image in my head. 

And just a quick little styling option.

I also ordered the Brushstroke Blossoms Skirt. I really liked the dress but was thinking it would be more of a party dress. I can wear this skirt to places other than a party. I ordered both an 8P and a 10P and chose the 10P. It fit better in the waist and the length was just a little longer.

The waist has tulle wrapped around it. Just adorable. 

I definitely see this as a cute Valentine’s Day option. I’m so glad I ordered it. And I was able to get a PA on this when a 3rd cut took it to $39.99.

I usually am not very lucky with PAs so I was glad it was on two items I wanted to keep. I really can’t wait to try styling the leather skirt. Any ideas you want to give me on that?

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I ordered the Lucie Printed Fabric Slingback Flats in Grape/Natural before the “TAKENOTE” promo. I really liked the color and didn’t want them to sell out if they went on promo or sale. When I saw they were included in the promo I called for a PA. They are now sold out in my size 7 so I’m glad I originally ordered them F/P.

The material is cotton/silk and has some natural snags in it around the toe box. The toe is purple which is not like the image picture but I love it! And I love that both shoes match on the upper fabric.

The heel is mismatched but I’m ok with that.

On the first try-on they fit a bit loose. I had to tighten the strap two holes and now they don’t feel like they will fall off. I think the 6 1/2 would have been a little snug in the width so I’m glad I took my normal size. I don’t normally size down in shoes. I’m a consistent 7 in most brands. 

They totally remind me of Italy. I see these with a white dress or skirt and can’t wait to wear them this Summer.

I would have kept these at full-price but love that they went on promo. They come in Metallic Silver too!
Have you tried the Lucie Slingback Flats? 

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I am not, by any means, venturing into Beauty Blogging. There are way too many talented people out there who do a great job. But I do like to see what people use, especially on a regular basis so I’m going to show you mine.

I developed Rosacea a few years ago and my doctor recommended using a mineral foundation instead of liquid. He also put me on Oracea and a metro gel. The metro gel dries out my face so I use it sparingly instead of twice daily. One tried-and-true item that works for me is the Neutrogena Facial Cleansing Bar. It keeps my flare-ups to a minimum, especially when I miss taking the Oracea.

I’m still trying to find all my favorites to use but this is what I use right now. I start with Smashbox Photo Finish Color Corrector and then add my Philosophy Hope in a Jar A to Z Cream in Medium. Next is my Benefit Boi-ing Concealer. I am so happy Benefit added more shades as the Medium is perfect. Some days I’ll add the concealer under the A to Z Cream and that will be it for the day. My absolute favorite eye shadow is in the Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes. The pink alabaster shade is my FAVORITE EVER. I’ve tried to find something similar in other brands but it’s just not the right shade of pink. I use every single bit of this shadow until the container is empty. I use the second shade on my crease most of the time and rarely use the third dark brown shade. I really with Benefit would just make the pink alabaster shade and sell it separately. I’d buy it in bulk!

I curl my lashes with a heated curler and only add mascara when I’m going out. I use one of three lip items with my favorite being the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Bel-Ami. It is the perfect neutral lip color for me. I also use Fresh Sugar Rose’ and Benetint.

When I need a little more coverage I will use a pressed foundation that I apply with a mineral brush. Currently I’m trying out Cover FX and Studio Fix by MAC. I prefer the MAC but I still think both colors are a little light for my skin. When I take pics I can see a difference in my face color and my arms or legs or even neck. I’ve noticed that Benefit’s PoreFessional gives additional coverage to my Rosacea Flare-ups so I’ll add that on top of the Smashbox Primer when needed.

The Urban Decay Naked3 Pallette is great to keep your eyes neutral but still add a bit of fun. I don’t really venture too much from neutrals on the eyes. My go-to mascara is They’re Real by Benefit. If I’m in a hurry I can use this without curling my lashes.

See my brand new Big Beautiful Eyes! That pink alabaster will be gone in a few months. 

Right now I keep everything on the counter in a Cosmetic Organizer I found on Amazon. (similar here, here and here) I didn’t mention blush but right now I’m using Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Blush Duo in Rose Emotion. It’s coming out very pink so I have to tone it down with a little more MAC or Cover FX. I think I need to switch to Guava Glow. I had a MAC Blush I loved from year’s ago but frustratingly can’t remember it. 
Benefit’s Erase Paste does wonders to my dark circles and I’ll use that as needed too. 

So that’s my make-up routine. I would love to hear what you use. I am actually hearing great things about IT Cosmetics and their Redness Correcting Creme and Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer, my two biggest problem areas.

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As the weather adjusts to a normal Texas Winter, so does my wardrobe. During the Winter my house is sometimes colder inside than the temps outside. I usually layer up or wear a sweater during the day and Thursday was no different.

I also figured if I was going to bring my CPW down on the Silk Diamond Tile Skirt that I should start wearing it. I originally planned to wear my Tippi Sweater in Navy but the French Hen Sweater caught my eye. The navy sweater and pink beret matched perfectly with the pink and navy of the skirt. I slipped on my Cece Ballet Flats in Navy and was set for the day.

I had considered selling this sweater but now have the perfect skirt to wear with it. I can also pair this sweater with the Lace Skirt still NWT in my closet.

This pairing is a happy surprise and I hope to be a bit more creative with outfits this year.

Have a Great Weekend!