I recently went a little crazy at Baublebar. With my love of basic wardrobe essentials, fun jewelry is a must for me. I think so many people overlook jewelry and accessories when building a fun and versatile wardrobe. The problem is, it can be hard to find affordable "statement" pieces that are good quality. So that explains why I'm a bit Baublebar-obsessed. The pieces are affordable and there is so much to choose from. Which may also explain why this haul is pretty big. I found waaay too much I liked!
So since no big jewelry haul is complete without a good discount, Baublebar was nice enough to provide an exclusive discount code for my readers! Pick out all your baubles and enter code "TIFFANYD" at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order. Keep in mind, the code is only good for a few days (5/30-6/1), so don't miss out!
To see what I picked out and to maybe get some ideas, check out my haul video below!
So picking right up from last week's post all about my favorite decor books, I thought we'd continue the whole party with decorating the actual bookcase. They can be quite difficult to get right. Of course, there will be no rules or right or wrongs in this post, but I think that's what makes getting them right even more difficult.
At our last house, one of my favorite things about it were the built-in "bookshelves" in the family room. I had to do some serious digging (on my iPhone) to find this one, but here's the best shot of those I could find (well one of them at least...just imagine the other one on the right).
This shot probably doesn't do them justice, but they were HUGE. Like 3 feet deep. Ok maybe not that much, but you feel me. Definitely too large for just books. I had so much fun decorating those, but I could never quite seem to get them right. I was constantly "shuffling" everything around.
So fast forward to the new house hunt early last year. I knew that built-ins in the family room were a must-have for the new house wish list for me. I just love a good set of built-ins in a family room. Not just for books, but for storage (check out all the cabinet space beneath them), and displaying random tchotchkes. I love me some random tchotchkes.
While iPhone-digging for that last photo, I also came across this one on moving day into the new house last year...
Total chaos.
The first place I decorated in the house was literally the bookcase area. I really love ours. They aren't as deep as the last ones, but they are much taller with one more shelf and some recessed lighting.
Funny enough, I haven't majorly changed anything in them since. Because I'm really happy with how they turned out, I think I can *hopefully* provide some basic bookcase styling tips that may help you out if you're stumped!
Just for some reference as to how big these are (because photos make them look deceivingly smaller than they are), when I'm standing in front of them, my head comes right to the top of the second shelf (I'm 5'7"). Also, the paneling is right at 11' tall. You can see where it ends better in the photo above.
Here's a better shot of them...
That's why decorating shelves like this is difficult. Unless you own a small library, you're not going to be able to fill up large shelves like this with actual books. Plus I like the look of some interesting things on shelves mixed with the books as well. Problem is, when you add a lot of random things it can begin to look as chaotic as the moving day photo above. Because I have a good bit on the actual shelves, I like to keep the mantle really simple. Sometimes, I go around and "de-clutter" and remove everything from the mantle completely. But that's another post for another day.
Funny because I remember in a decor post a while back, someone commented that they found it funny that we had no books on our bookshelves. I counted. There are 34 (not including the little fake white ceramic ones and magazines, of course). Some are hidden around the corners of the shelves. There's just a whole lotta' shelf. You can see that a bit better below.
So let's just get down to my tips...
Start with your books, then add a "collection" of similar items. For me, it's white ceramic things. I've had all of these items forever and while they're all different, the similar color and material help to pull the entire shelving area together when scattered about.
Go heavier on the bottom shelf and lighter on the top. To me, it just visually feels right and gives you more to look at and actually be able to grab from on a more accessible shelf. For us, this works out perfectly also because the bottom shelf is a bit deeper and holds more stuff. Use some trays in this space to group lots of smaller items together without feeling cluttered.
Don't just arrange books vertically, arrange some horizontally as well with some items grouped on top of them. This works really well to display tinier items as well.
Mix in some photos and some "sparkle". I added some gold and mirrored items to ours. Even if you don't want anything super "bling-y" or crazy, adding something metal works well to add some different finishes.
Don't make every shelf look the same. Stagger items, group things by twos or threes, and add items of different colors and types to sort of balance everything out.
If you have a favorite magazine, save the issues and display them behind a bookend to add some more reading material to the actual shelf. I love to collect Elle Decor.
Remember that you can't really make any major mistakes. Just play around with the items and keep stepping back to see if it "feels" right. Sometimes I find it helpful to snap a few photos with my iPhone and look at it that way. For some reason, I can always see more things I don't like or that feel unbalanced from a photo.
Ours definitely aren't perfect, but I always smile when I look at them, which I think is a good sign. I like that they are definitely "arranged" and feel put-together, but still feel inviting enough to actually grab books from and look through when you want something to read.
So those are just the tips that work for me. Maybe they'll help you if you're stumped with your shelves or just feel like they're never "just right". Part of feeling "just right" for me is not being so perfect. Flip some books around, lean them in different directions... just have fun with it. That's what shelves are to me anyway... A fun place to display your favorite things.
So do any of you struggle with your shelves? What types of things/collections do you display on yours??
I thought I would do a little write up of the primer I have been reaching for most days for the past couple of months which as you can see from above is the Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base.
I started to write the review and as I was doing so I found it easier to say what this little potion 'isn't' rather than what it 'is'.
This is not polyfiller for this skin-if you like that Benefit 'Porefessional' or Smashbox 'Photofinish' effect then this is far lighter than those formulas. It does contain silicone but it doesn't feel like it does at all.
It's not mattifying, it won't particularly diffuse redness in the skin, it's not shimmery/pearlised at all and it's not particularly hydrating or plumping.
It comes in the worst packaging ever in terms of dispensing the product-NO PUMP FFS!! Why??? So much wastage.
It sometimes smells a little bit like glue.
I'm probably not selling it to you am I?
Although not labelled as 'primer' as such, this little jar of white liquid does make an excellent base for make up. It's subtly brightening without adding any colour-when you smooth it on the skin it just seems to blur imperfections and give your skin a soft focus look. Photoshop for the skin so to speak.
Although it's white it doesn't leave a nasty white cast on the skin (Hourglass Mineral Veil I am looking at you) unless you use too much-you literally need a fingerprint size blob on each cheek and the same on your forehead. The formula literally melts into your skin without feeling heavy or tacky leaving you 'foundation ready' in seconds. And when you do apply your foundation on top it sits better and lasts longer.
I like it. Despite it being more 'it isn't' than 'it is'.
I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
Because the first day of Summer will be here before we know it, I thought I'd share with you all a little video of my collection of essential summertime products. When the weather warms up, I always change up my routines a little bit, adding in some products that just make more sense in the warmer months for the health (and looks) of my skin. Some of these products are old favorites, some are new discoveries... all are awesome.
Hello hello and happy UK bank holiday Monday and US memorial day and just happy Monday if like me you have been in work today!
I have some really exciting things to blog about that I have bought recently-the beautiful YSL Swarovski crystal encrusted couture palettes, the Jo Malone limited edition Silk Blossom candle, the Kiehls new pore minimising cream and the YSL Kiss and Blush to name a few but I am going to be dropping off the planet for the next 7 days in preparation for my first exam-which I have a LOT to do for. I have a couple of pre-written posts scheduled but on the whole need to force myself to not get so distracted by ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING.
Life is very much all work and no play at the moment and probably will be for some time given my exams (if I do actually pass) continue until October. But roll on then when we can have a nice long holiday!
Am still undergoing medical treatment since I was sick a couple of weeks ago and hope to have a definitive diagnosis tomorrow morning-I seem to be keeping my doctors surgery in business!
I don't usually post on a Monday but as it's a bank holiday in the UK I thought I would sneak in a 'Lip Six' post!
Here are my last six lip choices!
Top row: (L) Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Dolly (love this brand and UK girls can now get via Sephora!) (R) NARS lipstick in Transeurope Express
Middle row: (L) Tarte Lipsurgence in Believe (R) Guerlain Rouge G lipstick in Gisele 08
Bottom row: (L) MAC lipstick in Crosswires (R) Dior Rouge Dior in 757 Souveraine
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I have to admit, I had a severe case of lip envy when I saw Laura from Laura etc wearing this exact shade, Pink Pong from Bourjois from the new Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet range.
So when last week it landed on my desk from the lovely Bourjois PR in Dubai I was delighted.
Here's the low down. Bourjois say this newest launch is a matte, velvety yet lightweight colour on the lips without drying or fading. I just can't disagree with their description!
Because I have been unwell recently I had been left with lips that were drier than the desert and I was really put off trying any liquid lipstick because I find them to be so drying and hate that tight, pulling feeling on the lips.
Since these have launched people have been raving about them but I also found that people raved about the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipsticks and my experience with them was bad. Very bad. Imagine colour actually peeling off your lips.
Now that my lips are more on an even keel I decided to give the Bourjois a go. I honestly don't think I own a lipstick quite like it in terms of texture. It actually feels velvety when you apply it but at the same time almost water like and SO pigmented. I find that the applicator wand dispenses just the right amount of product to cover my lips and I picked up a tip from Antonia at A Bit of Mac and Cheese and blotted the first layer and then reapplied a second layer.
As soon as I got to the office a girl came up to me and said 'what is on your lips, I need to go and buy it'-she was so surprised it was from Bourjois!
I can honestly say this liquid lipstick offering from Bourjois is super-it's not drying at all, I topped up the colour after 6 hours and I still had a light stain on my lips. It didn't bleed or smudge or get on my teeth. If you want long lasting, genuinely comfortable, matte lips then I can't recommend these enough!
Happy Friday Everyone! Today I'm sharing with you all my method for creating easy, volumized, beachy waves with absolutely ZERO heat. If you have stick straight hair like me, you know that getting a beachy textured look can be a big challenge. For such an easy-going hairstyle, it's usually pretty complicated (and fussy) for us to replicate- usually using curling irons and tons of product (which usually just gets crunchy and falls flat in an hour).
Well this method gives you great results with hardly any effort. It's seriously so easy, you won't believe it. All the work is done for you overnight! This volumized, wavy look will seriously last until you wash it out.
So right in time for the weekend (and hopefully for some warm and beautiful weather where you live), here is one of my favorite summertime hair tutorials. I hope you love it!
I used to do a post called 'the new additions' where everytime I found I was using 5 new things I would blog my initial impressions of them. I thought I would make the post more bite size and 'two new' is born.
And these are two new products I am LOVING.
First up, the Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation.
This is my FAVOURITE foundation of 2014. I like my foundation to be high coverage and relatively matte without looking cakey or mask like. Foundations I would put this little beauty in the same 'category' with for comparison purposes would be Nars Sheer Glow, Estee Lauder Double Wear, Chanel Perfection Lumiere and Dior Forever. But it's better. I swear.
I don't have flawless skin. This is the closest I can mimic to flawlessness whilst feeling I have nothing on my skin at all.
It feels quite thick and creamy when you pump it out and it gives lightweight yet full coverage. It's buildable and doesn't dry too quickly so you can work it into your skin. It doesn't oxidise at all and comes in 18 shades so offers something for everyone. I am the lightest shade (naturally) and it is literally the perfect match for my skin. The finish is matte without looking dull or flat.
Yes it is on the pricey side but this is the first foundation I have used in a long time that I have thought 'I want to repurchase this immediately'
Potential downside-it has SPF20 so great for daytime but not so great for flash photography. I haven't tried it (as I haven't been out in like ever) but I would probably go for a foundation with no SPF if I was going to have my photo taken in the evening.
More bad news (for UK girls)..the only UK stockists are Harrods and Heathrow Terminal 5. But come to Dubai and it's in Sephora and Paris Gallery :)
Oh and the perfect partners to this fab foundation? A thin layer of smashbox photofinish primer underneath for extra long lasting ability and apply the foundation with the Sigma F82 round kabuki brush. This is hands down the best foundation brush I have ever used. This foundation actually makes me feel happy and ready to face the day.
Next up is the Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner.
I purchased this online in the US and had it shipped to the UK last year whilst I was on holiday but it's been sat in my stash since.
This toner forms step 2 of my nightly 'double tone' routine and is a great 'hydrating' toner. Apart from the fact it stinks. Well it does to me anyway. To me it smells a bit like the sea (that'll be the algae I suppose) but most people seem to think it smells of lavender and tea tree. Luckily the smell doesn't last at all but I thought I would mention it!
This is my second Michael Todd toner and I have loved both-I will definitely be making another order.
Michael Todd's Blue Green Antibacterial Algae toner contains blue green algae and organic kelp in a base of aloe vera juice to soothe the skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, amino acids, tea tree oil and black willow tree extract-a proper little cocktail of good stuff that will naturally nourish and replenish the skin. This toner is aimed at removing bacteria from the skin for a clearer complexion and has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. And no alcohol.
Since using this toner I haven't had one breakout and my skin just looks healthier and clearer. I have actually decanted mine into a spray bottle which provides an excellent burst of 'wake up Stacey' in the morning when I drag myself out of the shower. It dries really fast too.
So there we go, two new massive hits. I am obviously incapable of doing a short and sharp post on anything so forget the 'bite size' comment!
I have been imagining putting a post like this together pretty much since I started these weekly home decor posts on here. I just LOVE books. In the world today of online inspiration (hello Pinterest and Instagram), it's still nice to know that sometimes, nothing beats sitting down with a beautiful book filled with hundreds of lovely images to be inspired by.
I sort of have a thing for interior design books. I have a shamefully large collection. Which works out because I think beautiful books are some of the best decor themselves. I have them scattered around all over the house... Beneath lamps, on coffee tables, stacked on bookshelves, next to beds, etc. I just love looking at them. Not to mention they also make pretty awesome gifts. To me, the perfect gift is a pretty book. Write a heartfelt sentiment on the inside cover and you're good to go. The recipient will have it forever.
Ok so on to the actual details of my favorites... I narrowed it down (pretty easily actually) to my 9 best. I was going to make it a round 10, but these were truly what stood out. I feel like no matter your actual decorating style, you can easily enjoy all of these and get inspiration from any of them for your particular space.
The two of these are super hard to compare, so I'm grouping them together. I think together, they contain so much inspiration and ideas, it's crazy. I love how they contain tons of beautiful, large images, while also providing a lot of actual useful info and thoughtful ideas.
When I think of these two books (and her style in general), I think of a good mix of styles. While at first glance her style comes off very classic and some pieces are very traditional, she mixes it up with more modern and eclectic pieces here and there which is what I really like decor-wise. These books have so many great ideas for decorating with collections (without feeling cluttered), wall (gallery) groupings, and table arrangements. They really have something for everyone. Also, if it's actual architecture of spaces that you like, you'll love both of these books.
Inside is a good mix of practical advice and guides on different types of furniture to fit your particular space and style...
...mixed with some really fun and easy (sometimes out-of-the-box) ideas and eye candy galore.
This one would be perfect for someone just getting started with their first space.
This next one I could probably look through every single day and feel inspired by something different each time: Black and White (and a bit in between).
Seriously so many fun ideas for adding black and white into your space. But don't let the name fool you... There's actually a surprising use of color in this one.
You can see in the widget image above, it has a pretty jacket. But when I saw the actual cover, I ditched it. You can totally see why, right??
This one contains exactly what the name implies... Photo after photo of glamorous rooms. Tons of inspiration in this one as well. Plus, the book is glam and decorative on it's own which is always a plus.
I got this book years and years ago, probably before I really even started collecting blue and white ceramics, now that I think of it. This was probably the first interior decor book I owned.
Your house and taste definitely doesn't have to be an explosion of blue and white to appreciate this book, though. It contains just as much floral inspiration as well and is full of interesting tablescapes.
This is a sweet little book, although much more "wordy" than the others. It's set up truly from A to Z. Discussing decor themes and key pieces all the way through the alphabet.
While "shabby chic" isn't how I'd define 100% of my style (I like a mix of a ton of different things), I can definitely get inspiration from this book. These are probably the only true "niche" decor books I have that truly focus on one type of decor style, but like I said previously, even if your style isn't defined as "shabby chic", you can probably be inspired from a thing or two in these. From the gorgeous antique chandeliers, to Ashwell's advice on flea market picking for unique finds and her practical thoughts on slipcovered furnishings, I think anyone could find interest in a thing or two.
On the other hand, if shabby chic is 100% your thing, any of Rachel Ashwell's books would be worth checking out.
Whew. So that's it for my favorites! There are SO many decor books out there in a variety of styles, but I really think that these would appeal to anyone. What are some of your favorite decor books?? I love finding new ones!!
I was asked by one of my twitter followers (hi Patricia) if I had tried any of the new Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Sculpting lipsticks and I remembered that one of my very dear friends bought one for me for my birthday, so especially for Patricia here is the review of the one I received which is the shade Defiant Coral.
If we wanted to keep this a short and snappy review I would say 'this is a great lipstick' but as I am not really one for short and snappy I will ramble on a bit about why I like it.
Firstly the packaging is really nice in navy and gold. The casing has that satisfyingly expensive feeling magnetic 'click' closure and the Estee Lauder embossed into the lid is a nice touch. Definitely one you wouldn't mind whipping out in public.
Estee Lauder describe this lipstick as intensifying, hydrating and sculpting. I guess by 'sculpting' they mean defining and plumping which I have to agree with.
The new range comes in 21 colours and my friend Sylvia bought me 'Defiant Coral' which was a brilliant choice for a coral lover like myself.
I found it quite hard to describe the feeling of this lipstick-it's not overly waxy or syrupy or even gel like. In fact it feels really lightweight, almost akin to a balm. But yet it's super pigmented, ultra smooth to apply and opaque in one pass. It feels creamy and hydrating but without any heaviness and without any bleeding into little lines.
Defiant Coral is a bright red toned coral on me and now a firm favourite in my make up bag. I tried to dupe the shade from a few already in my collection and found Mac Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Lady at Play to be the closest (and slightly cheaper)
Overall I am really impressed with this new offering from Estee Lauder and I have already got my eyes on another shade 'Tumultuous Pink' from the range! They're £24/$30 from all Estee Lauder counters.
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