10.29.2012

wak in closet's beauty round-up

I don't fashion myself a beauty connoisseur by any means.  However, I have recently come across a few new products I LOVE and wanted to share with you!


Up until I discovered this hair powder (thank you, Refinery29!), I washed, blow-dried and styled my hair every single day.  I was too afraid of the oils weighing down my hair at the roots (unless it was the weekend) and too self-conscious about it looking bad.  Now, I use this every other day (and sometimes for a second consecutive day...)!  Not only does it work well (the powder blends right into my black hair), it also saves me time in the morning and gives me a bit of volume I wouldn't otherwise have.  (ps. I've heard some good things about this one... on my list to try and I will report back.)



There are very few body lotions I can say I love.  Nivea is at the top of my list, but can still leave my skin feeling a little sticky (even though it's thoroughly moisturized).  My girl JOAT gave me a lovely lip treatment by Josie Maran for my birthday, so I recently decided to give the trial size of her Argan Oil a try.  I am a huge fan already!  The oil has no parabens, sulfates or anything synthetic, and it can be used pretty much everywhere—hands, elbows, legs, cuticles… even your split ends!



Earlier this year I ventured into the forgotten territory of liquid eyeliner.  I think it had been at least five years since I had last used it, but had never found a brand that stayed on my eyelids without smearing or smudging.  I heard about Urban Decay 24/7 through Refinery29 (yes, another great recommendation from them) and am already on my second bottle!  The best thing about this eyeliner is that it stays on all day and night, but it's not at all difficult to remove (my favorite remover coming up next).




This one is not a recent find by any means, but wanted to share it with you because it's so great!  On a trip to Mazatlan with some of my best girlfriends in 1998, Courtney (a.k.a. The Good Eater) recommended these Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads... and I've been using them ever since.  They are, quite possibly, the easiest and most convenient way to get your eye makeup off.  And remember to get the oil free version (purple label)—this is a critical detail! 

Do you have any beauty products you swear by? 

10.24.2012

new favorite label: wai ming

I failed to report back on what was, quite possibly, one of the best trunk shows I've ever attended back in March (yes, March)!  I am terrible, I know...


Emily Brady Koplar of Wai Ming is the sister-in-law of a friend of mine from work.  I was invited to her show which featured beautiful pieces from her Summer and Fall collections and left with a pair of gorgeous white pants (which I wore many times this summer) made from a lovely, textured Italian fabric.  I also pre-ordered an amazing skirt from her Fall collection (below) and am loving the leather waistband and the hint of metallic in the tweed.

Abigail Tweed Skirt

Her line is incredibly sophisticated and fresh, with just the right balance between timeless and trendy.  Here are some other Fall looks I adore!


 Lauren Long Sleeve Dress with Leather Trim

  Betsy Printed Chiffon Dress

 Katie Knit Dress

Check out her website to see if there is a store near you.  If you're in the Seattle area, The Finerie may have a few Fall styles left.  Stay tuned for her Spring 13 collection! 

10.18.2012

wardrobe staples



As I've mentioned before, I am a huge fan of Shopbop's lookbooks.  I hadn't come across any recently that were share-worthy, until today!  LA stylist Jessica de Ruiter shares her top 10 wardrobe staples and I am officially in love (and slightly obsessed) with every single ensemble...

This leather dress is amazing.



If I could only wear one outfit to work every single day for a year, this would be it.  I am coveting (co-vet-ing) those shoes...



I've got a hunter green sweater similar to this one, so it serves as inspiration to pull it out of my closet this weekend and pair with some comfy boyfriend jeans.



The P.O.C.s (pops of color) here are fab!  I am digging her messy bun.



I will also be channeling her four simple rules of style:
1.) Less is always more.
2.) Dress beyond the urgency of fashion.
3.) Incorporate a little imperfection or an element of undone.
4.) Include a subtle masculine/feminine component.


Stay tuned next week... I will be sharing a very special new favorite label!

{all images via}

10.06.2012

feeling like fall...

We have had some amazing September weather here in Seattle and the forecast for the first part of October is looking sunny!  The air has definitely gotten a bit of a bite to it, but the typical grey rainyness is not upon us... yet.

If you recall, Fall is one of my favorite shopping seasons.  I can't lie.  I've been doing some online shopping recently to help me transition into what will soon be the colder months.  Here are my favorite finds!