Weekend Finds & Lauren Conrad Style Book Review

Happy Sunday everyone!  Today Kevin and I went to Rice Village to try and find a coat for him for our trip.  We didn't have any luck at any of the stores we checked out, so we'll probably have to try the Galleria next week. It's more difficult to find stylish, heavier coats here in Houston since it doesn't get that cold here, even in the winter.

Today it was SO hot out. I mean like you could lay out by the pool hot...and it's nearly November!

Banana Republic was having a 20% off everything in the store sale today so we got a few things there and Kev got a new sweater at Express.  Here's what I got:

Black dress from Zara- I actually bought this yesterday but forgot to include it.  It's a perfect length for work and very soft and comfy.

Bath and Body works Wallflowers.  I absolutely love these. They keep the house smelling awesome. They were on sale 2 packs for $20 plus I got 20% off of my purchase using a coupon.

GAP "always skinny" jeans.  I got black ones.  I got these in a 28 (size 6) I like the way they fit and love that they have the stretch in them because they are much comfier than my always skinny destroyed ones which are just a denim without stretch.  I used a GAP Groupon and a store credit so these technically only cost me $45.

I love this satin top from Banana Republic's Monogram Collection. It was on sale for $31.99 and I got an additional 30% off.  I love tops that have detailing at the neckline like this. It almost acts as an accessory, no necklace needed!

Yesterday at Sephora I tried on a bit of this glittery gold nailpolish and I thought- it's perfect for the holidays!  I like to do my nails Lorraine-style and just paint glitter on one nail (it is a PAIN to get off.)  So I picked this up today.  I also ordered some stuff online because Sephora is having their Friends & Family sale (20% off everything on the site, use code FF2010).

I stopped by at MAC and picked up a Mineralize skin finish natural in Medium-Plus. I have seen a lot of bloggers and YouTubers using these powders and although my MAC Studio Fix is my Holy Grail powder, I thought I'd give this a go. If I don't like it, I can return it (I was not aware MAC had a return policy like this.)

 
 Here is is compared to my Studio Fix in C3 (on the right). The C3 is definitely a bit more yellow. I tend to enjoy yellow-toned foundations because they give a brightness to my skin.

I will report back when I've had a chance to use it.

I snapped some shots of my favorite parts of Lauren Conrad's Style book and wanted to share them here.  While I didn't think the book provided any ground-breaking information, it did give me a few cute ideas. My favorite feature was the Little Black Dress five different ways: (click to enlarge)

 

I really love the black lace slip under the dress in the first photo (from the left) I have been trying to find one online ever since I saw it with no luck!  I think it's great to have that one fabulous black dress in your closet that can really be styled so many different ways.  Every woman needs one of those dresses!

Here are a few of my other favorite shots from the book:

 Ohh a PINK bag!

Her hair and makeup are always so pretty and I love how she sticks to a signature look.  I feel I'm the same way. I know how I like my hair and makeup to look, and I stick with a look that works for me.  It's nice to try different things, but my hair has been every color in the book and I've tried different hair lengths...I've finally found a look I love (my current) and I'm sticking to it!

Lauren shows how a dress goes from day (office) to night (dinner)

Dear gorgeous rosette dress, I am in love with you. That is all.

Bottom line- if you love Lauren Conrad, I think you will like this book. The information isn't ground-breaking or something you haven't heard before, but it has great photos and great tips on things like organizing your closet, shopping better and even packing. 

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

xoxo,

Veronika.

PS- did you miss Motivation Mondays this week?  Check it out HERE!

Lulu helping me blog!

Hitting the Books: Confessions of a Shopaholic, Lauren Conrad Style & More!

I got a coupon in my email last night for 40% off of one book at BORDERS so H and I hit the bookstore this morning to pick up a few books.

Some of you may know this already and others may not...but H and I are going to Paris for Christmas and London for New Years (eekkk!) We are SO excited! Although I was born in Europe, I have only ever been back to the homeland (Slovakia) and H has only been to Spain so it will be incredible to experience this together.  I think it will be so pretty and romantic over the holidays too! 

I bought a travel guide and also a french quick reference book.  Some of you might not know this but I actually did French Immersion from grades 4 through 12 but because I haven't spoken it in many many years I need to brush up on my french before we go.

The other books are Sophie Kinsella's new book from her "Confessions of a Shopaholic" series which I love and Lauren Conrad's Style book.

I wasn't going to buy Lauren Conrad's style book initially, but then I read Lace & Blush's review of it and I just had to have it.  I already started to read it and I must admit it's a nice read and she gives great tips on staple items, styling, shopping, organizing, traveling etc.  It's not necessarily things I didn't already know but she does give some great style advice and there are lots of gorgeous photos (I don't think she can take a bad picture!) 

My favorite part is where she shows 5 ways to wear one dress.  She has some great ideas like put a lace slip underneath and just let it poke out a bit- very vintage-y and pretty.

Back to Paris-  I need to do some serious shopping before we go.  Because I moved to Houston I didn't bring any heavy coats with me so I need to get a few winter-friendly pieces/

On my list?

Flat boots

Boots with a stacked heel (nothing stiletto-esque)
Heavier coat
Skinny Jeans- dark denim and black
New camera (to take tons of pics!)
Gloves
New scarf
Winter hat
Small crossbody bag- to keep tour guide book, passport, money with me at all times

Can you think of anything else I might need? Let me know in the comments below!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

xoxo,

Veronika.