a holiday collaboration follow-up

Back in July, I blogged about the Target + Neiman Marcus holiday collection.  Today, I am blogging to brag.  

Our adorable niece Amelia asked for a "super fancy dress" on her Christmas list.  In my state of panic and frenzied last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve, I decided to see if Target had any affordable fancy dresses that had maybe gone on sale.  When I came across their Target + Neiman Marcus section with everything marked down 50% and this Marchesa dress, I knew I had struck gold.  

Check out what's left of the collection here (ships for free)---I contemplated this Marc Jacobs pouch (I'm a huge pouch fan) and this DVF jewelry box but decided I should be shopping for other people, for once! 

Hope you had a lovely holiday!

wish list: accessorieeees, pleeeeease!

Speaking of tassels, I'll take one of each of these, please... 

Tassel Bracelet ($52)

Tassel Key Chain ($28)

winter nails

I'm loving these two colors (+ an added touch of sparkle!) this season...

OPI Steady As She Rose $6

Essie Carry On $8

one to watch...

Marissa Webb is an up-and-coming designer who debuted her label at NYFW this year... and I am a huge fan already!  It's really no surprise because she was Head of Womenswear and Accessories Design at J.Crew.

Her pieces definitely have that J.Crew "aura" about them, but what I love is how well she balances the femininity with a bit of masculine edge.  And the color selection is gorgeous!  

a minor, tassel-tastic DIY

I was recently re-introduced to tassels, and reminded how fun they can be to accessorize with, thanks to Potluck Paris.  On a visit to their office/warehouse a few weeks ago, I was gifted this amazing necklace which was made in-house by the lovely lady in charge (the idea was inspired by her recent trip to Paris, where she saw similar accoutrements)! 

After several wears (paired with the J.Crew necklace seen above to make a small "neck party"), I started noticing tassels popping up everywhere.  Then, I had an idea...

I had been in the market for a new clutch to add to my collection of one (this one in Poppy), and came across this gem on ASOS.  When it arrived, I really thought it could use a little zhuzhing... like a tassel!  I hopped onto Etsy and found a huge selection of leather tassels, and ended up with this, priced really well and not a lot to ship.  Using some pliers and a jump ring, I connected the tassel to the zipper and voila!

You can get a jump ring at any jewelry supply or bead store.  Remember to get one made of a metal that isn't super pliable so it doesn't come right off when you pull the tassel to open your clutch. 
 

you + donate = a cute tote

 {image + styling by noelle sharp}

While there are many great deals out there on this Black Friday, one of the best I've seen all day is on USA Projects.  My friend Carrie's sister, Christy, is an artist currently based in LA and hand-weaving is one of her specialties—she has been teaching in this area for the last 7 years.  

In her effort to raise money for a Jacquard loom, there is a super fun deal being offered on her USA Projects campaign page.  For a $50 project donation, you get a canvas tote bag screen-printed with an image she designed (shown above).  The best part is, she has matching funds available for the next $1,000 worth of donations meaning that until those funds are exhausted, totes are only $25 (plus you get a tax deduction)!

So what are you waiting for?  Get on it!

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!

 Alder Natural Hair Powder ($30)

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.)

Josie Maran Argan Oil ($14-$96)

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!

 Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($19)

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).

 Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($5)

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?