personal bests 2011 - clothes et cetera

I was just talking with a friend at work and I was inspired to write this post - my first one in a long time. We were talking about how amazing the internet is when you're looking for information about products you'd like to try or clothes you're thinking of buying. Product reviews are the most incredible resource for information and I have never been led astray {knock wood!} by other women's feedback - especially when there are an almost overwhelming number of reviews for a single product, sometimes even too many to read. This is one of those cases in which women are so lucky; we have access to the most thoughtful, honest, and thorough feedback on cosmetics {I don't think I've ever used the word 'cosmetics' before, and it felt totally unnatural} and clothing... and I am so appreciative of the time all of those women have taken to write them. I have reviewed a few items, on occasions when I felt so strongly that I just had to share my thoughts so that other women could benefit as well... I guess it's a sort of pay-it-forward concept... having said that, I have not given back nearly as much as I have gotten over the years.

So, in that spirit {and, I suppose, in the spirit of the upcoming gift-giving season} I just wanted to share with you a few of the greatest things I've purchased over the past year or so, some of which are entirely thanks to all the amazing women out there who do take the time to pass on their thoughts and advice to the rest of us.

*These are in no particular order, and will not include my own detailed opinions, as I want to cover as many items as possible in the time that I have right now - suffice it to say that I LOVE every single thing on this list. Just imagine the label "Best Ever" on all of these.

Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush

Benefit Erase Paste



Benefit They're Real! Mascara



Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2
I recently started using this instead of facewash, and my skin has never been happier.
That might sound crazy, but it works for me.

Natalie One-Piece Swimsuit from Anthropologie
It seems that they no longer carry it but I'm sure you could find it at another
Seafolly Swimwear stockist.



Foxy Lulu Hotshort {formerly the Lacey Lulu Hotshort} from Lululemon
This isn't really of this year, as I've been wearing them for years, but I love them so much that I had to share.



Gap jeans {and pants}... wow. I own all of these, they are incredible.

 

Super lightweight long & lean jeans in cortez
so flattering

 

curvy jeans in dark wash
best all-around jeans

Skinny boot corduroy pants in hematite
so comfy and cozy and stretchy



Lightweight real straight jeans in black
so perfect for someone like me who could never wear skinny jeans or 'jeggings' {who on Earth came up with that awful word anyway?!}

Well, I think that's about everything that comes to mind {for now} in terms of clothing and makeup. I hope this helps someone, in some small way, with taking the plunge and buying a new product. Everything I've listed here is totally worth it, you will not be sorry.

Also, as this list grew longer and longer, I began to realize that I am going to need an entirely separate post for house-y things... and actually yet another for food-y things. I guess it's been a good year.

Or maybe I'm just getting older and wiser...

madewell

These past few days, I've been spending a lot of time in the sale section of the Madewell website. As I've said before, I have no problem admitting that I am a little behind the curve when it comes to, oh, quite a few things I guess, but especially trendy-type-things. I also have no problem admitting that I have a major mental block when it comes to paying full price for certain things, okay, okay, for clothes. Unless it is a really special item, or if I am shopping for a specific occasion the day before said occasion (which I do all too often) I much prefer to wait for things to go on sale. Knowing that pretty much everything does eventually, it makes it really difficult for me to justify paying full price. And that is just my very personal feeling on the matter. I definitely do not think I am a cheap person, it's just that there are a million other things I would rather waste spend my money on. Like absurd amounts of expensive cheeses, for one.

Anyway, for those of you who already know how great Madewell clothes are, this won't come as a surprise. But for those of you who are new to this, like I am, here are few things that I found - my virtual shopping cart, if you will. I have yet to decide which items I will actually be buying... and I would absolutely love any comments!

balldrop mini - $60

 

pleated pembroke dress - $130

 

rooftop party dress - $30



shimmer dust tee - $40



silk capulet tank - $70

sketched feathers dress - $80

 

ticker-stripe tank - $25



tomboy tee - $20

Stetson denim havana - $55



So... any thoughts??

lovely lace

Only over the past few years have I discovered that I really love the look of lace. In the right piece of clothing, I find it can be a perfect union of femininity, tradition, and contemporary style. To celebrate my new passion, I thought I'd do a rundown of some of my favourite lace clothing items. Many of these pieces are so classic and timeless that I know I could wear them for years to come. Having said that... some of them I can afford, and others I can barely afford to look at.

Here we go, in order from 'don't mind if I do' to 'only in dreams'...

AE Lace Skirt - $38

Lace & Tulle Cami - $50 (currently on sale!)

Essential Summer Shift - $128

Gemsa Lace Dress - $229



Dream Strapless Lace Dress - $232



Lace Asymmetrical Dress - $247



Oblique Blooms Dress - $258

Lace Zarita Dress - $323

Leather & Lace Dress - $437

the coolest t-shirt

Why does it seem like children's clothes are so much cooler than ours sometimes? I love this lightning long-sleeved children's tee from Areaware... so striking! (yes, I did.)

And it's 100% organic cotton! Like I said, sometimes I wish I was a kid again. It says size eight is currently on sale... I wonder if that would fit?

Another great find from Areaware is the My Brother's Frame by Harry Allen. I really enjoy how it makes such a big statement, yet in a relatively compact size. I'm also really digging the completely monochromatic layered frame and matting. Check out the fun colors!

 

This is some great inspiration to hunt down some ornate frames at a thrift store and give them a spray paint makeover, matting and all! Another thing to add to my growing list of DIY ideas. Now if spring would just get here...