Arm Candy Study

I have been all about the arm candy trend, I love looking at the combinations people come up with. I even made a whole board on pinterest! Since I have close to 200 bracelets I thought I would try my hand at it and give you some #armcandy how to's & inspiration!

-Use the textures and colors in your outfit for inspiration
-Add sparkle!
-Mix metals
-Throw a watch in the mix!
-Try both arms- a few on each or really commit and do ten!
-Make your own friendship style bracelets, inexpensive way to pile them on!
-Add to your outfit by trend- boho, girly, neon, edgy, rocker, etc...

Are you in to the Arm Candy trend this Spring & Summer?

xox Camille

Bold & Neon OOTN

In my room I have a clothing rack I use to separate my new clothes before mixing them in with my closet. I had this sheer blazer for a while and was waiting for the right outfit to pair it with, I think this is it! Besides the shoes everything else in this outfit is also a recent purchase. 

I picked up a few basics on friday, I love the pure white tank top, just what I was looking for and only $2.80. This skirt was a steal from H & M at only $5.95. H & M usually sizes with numbers but this skirt was a medium but they also had it sized with numbers. I asked the cashier about that and he said the junior's department is sized in numbers and the misses's is s,m,l and cut looser, good thing to know if you are between sizes! 

The accessories: a neon yellow bag and huge chunky necklace.  I am a pretty small, 4'11'', but it never stops me from wearing huge bags or jewelry.  I just fell in love with this necklace, I found it at JC Penney for only $8! It has the elements of an expensive fashion piece with a price I can afford.  As for the neon bag, I didn't want to commit to an expensive neon bag, because bags really aren't my thing so finding this one for $11 was the perfect price to follow the trend. 

Sheer Blazer: Material Girl/ Macy's $11

Tank Top: Forever 21 $2.80

Skirt: H & M $5.95

Shoes: TJ Maxx (Glitter Bottom DIY)

Necklace: Worthington/ JC Penney $8

Neon Bag: Old Navy $11.40

Belt: from another skirt

Do you like the neon / color block trend?

xo Camille

NYC Experience: IMATS 2012 (pictures & videos)

Arriving in NYC on Friday after a very long ride was fabulous. I was starving, so off to The Plaza I went to meet Alicia and friends for some dinner at The Plaza Hotel's The Food Court.

We woke up very early to make our way to the IMATS, I was extremely lucky and skipped the line to get in, it was a few hundred people long. Right away I got in line to meet JulieG. I told her that I saw her last year at IMATS but I didn't start watching her videos until right after. Then, I died a little because she told me I had nice skin, when I told her I use NYC color, she couldn't believe it. Super Compliment! Then she told me she liked my outfit and she tried my purse on, sweetest girl ever! She's just like her videos!

After meeting Julie we wondered around a bit, and I took a few photos:

Super Soft Brushes, I didn't buy any but they are supposed to be really good!

Queen of Blending, I don't even watch her videos, she was just wearing this crazy outfit!

Fun glitter, even safe for lips! I got some put on my eyes!

Pictures from the Make Up Museum:

E.T. face mold from the set of the movie.

Black Swan makeup maps and test pictures.

Old time makeup and tools.

Royal Family wig replicas.

Full body makeup, the live model was being painted from the time the show started at 8:30 and I took this around 3.

In this picture you can see she I only wearing underwear. Both the thigh-highs and garter are makeup!

I also loved the Stila Fashion Show, I took a video of the finale and a picture of every outfit so I made a short video:

And of course I saw Kandee Johnson! She was incredible, she is a truly genuine person and I was so glad I got to hear her speak! I also made a short video of her coming on stage:

She called a girl, Taylor, on stage. One of her cheerleading teammates messaged Kandee and told her that Taylor was just diagnosed with cancer,would be at the show and really wanted to meet her. So Kandee called her up on stage and gave her a handwritten note and a gift. It was so sweet, everyone was cheering for her.

After Kandee it was definitely time to leave, we had been there since 8:30 in the morning and there wasn't much more to see.

 We took our picture with the IMATS backdrop to end the show! 

I actually didn't buy too much this year, I basically never need an eyeshadow again, so I was on the hunt for good lip, cheek and foundation products. This is what I got:

Free Jesse's Girl Gift (3 products), Mehron Blush Palette ($35)*, Mehron HD creme foundation ($9)*.

(*show price)

I love the Mehron/ Celebre HD creme foundation, I got this last year and it is amazing! Mehron makes professional theater makeup and this product has full coverage with a lightweight formula. 

This blush palette was quite a splurge for me, but for under $5 a blush you can't go wrong. These are so super pigmented it's going to take me quite a bit of time to get used to them but the colors are gorgeous!

The free Jesse's girl gift is so generous! a mini palette,  nail polish and eye dust! 

Colors left to right, top to bottom:

Tropi Coral, Rosewood, Mocha, Contour

Mojave, Wine Berry, Just Peachy, Bold Red

I was just getting into makeup the first time I went to IMATS and it was a little overwhelming, but going a second time I had more of a handle on things and knew what I wanted to see and do. I think the shows are the best part, take advantage of the free lessons! There are so many different things to see, many of the makeup line creators go to IMATS and you can meet them. The ticket was a little pricy at $45, but all of the different things you learn and see are amazing! If you like makeup I would absolutely recommend it.

Read about IMATS last year

Read about how I packed for the trip & what I wore

Read Alicia's NYC Experience

xo Camille

NYC Outfits (Packing Light Experiment)

This past weekend I visited NYC for the International Makeup Artist Trade Show (IMATS) and since I knew at one point I would be lugging my luggage around I made a point to pack light (see this post). In One carry on I packed 9 pieces of clothing, 3 pairs of shoes, 1 pair of pajamas, undergarments, accessory bag, makeup bag, toiletries and my laptop and case! This is the outcome of my 'experiment':

Day 1: Travel
I needed an outfit that would keep me warm, but that could also adapt to the weather. These layers worked perfect! Sitting on a bus for 5 hours, you want to make sure you're comfortable, too.  The leather jacket was the perfect piece for this particular weather, it was a low of 60 degrees at night! The Cheetah print loafers were a bit of risk because this was the first time I wore them, but they turned out to be probably the most comfortable pair of shoes I've ever worn. I am definitely on the hunt for more (I've seen them in cobalt blue and black).




Day 2: IMATS & Dinner
When I was putting together outfits for IMATS I literally thought to myself "What Would Kandee Johnson Wear?" Inspired by her love for candy colors, cheetah print, and fun jewelry this is what I came up with. I love the mix of stripes and cheetah print. This bib necklace definitely added an element of edge, while mimicking the colors of my skirt.


As for my dinner dress, I've written previously about it that I love the casual material mixed with the fancy style of the dress.  I added a statement necklace to amp up the glam!





Day 3: Shopping & New Jersey
Sunday was a really nice day, warm in the sun but still breezy. We went to a fab place for mexican brunch and did a little shopping. I ended up meeting my boyfriend in NJ, and we never made in back into the city for Monday.


Day 4: Traveling Home
If my boyfriend had taken me back into the city again I would've worn the outfit from day one. I would've skipped the jacket and cardigan because it was 80 degrees out. Since he drove down in his own car I wore my pj's on the ride back!

To read about my NYC experience Click Here!

Do you think you could pack light?

xo Camille

New York Bound: Packing Light

The gym is probably the only place I go and bring one outfit. Staying even one night, I'll pack 3 or 4 shirts. So for my long weekend trip to New York I decided I would carefully plan outfits and bring only ONE bag. This is my itinerary I will be leaving MA on a bus to Penn Station. When I arrive, after a four  six hour bus trip, I will be meeting Alicia for dinner. On Saturday we will be spending the day at IMATS and then dinner plus some other fun. Sunday will be brunch and shopping. I'll be meeting up with my boyfriend on Sunday night and spend the day in NY on Monday. Total Outfits Needed: 5.

The bag, challenge accepted!

Black Scarf: JC Penney

Nude Leather Jacket: Kohl's

Gray Cardigan: Old Navy

Black Flats: TJ Maxx

Cheetah Loafers: TJ Maxx

Nude Heels: TJ Maxx

Pink Collared Top: TJ Maxx

Black V Neck: TJ Maxx

Ripped Skinnies: Macy's/ Levis

Sheer Printed Top: TJ Maxx

Striped Skirt: Rue 21

Denim Dress: TJ Maxx

Lace Tights: Charlotte Russe

Leopard Earrings: JC Penney

Belt: JC Penney w/ skirt

Gold Necklace: Forever 21

Zipper Necklace: Kohl's

I fit all this plus my laptop in it's case!

Friday: Bus and Dinner (1)
To be comfortable and chic, a challenge I will take!
Black V-Neck Tee
Gray Cardigan
Nude 'Leather' Jacket
Ripped Skinny Levis
Black Scarf
Cheetah Loafers
Leopard Earrings

Saturday: IMATS, Dinner and Nightlife (2)
Pink Collared top
Striped Pencil Skirt
Black Skinny Belt
Cheetah loafers
Zipper Necklace

Denim Cocktail dress
Nude heels
Nude 'Leather' Jacket
Gold Necklace
Lace Tights (maybe)

Sunday: Brunch and Shopping (1)

Ripped Skinny Levis

Sheer Printed Blouse

Black Flats

Nude 'leather' Jacket

Black Skinny Belt

Monday: Exploring New York (1)
Ripped Skinny Levis
Black V-Neck Tee
Gray Cardigan
Nude 'Leather' Jacket
Black Flats

I'll be posting my outfits plus pictures of the trip!

xo Camille

Restyle A Men's Dress Shirt

I stole this plain white dress shirt from my boyfriend almost two years ago. And although I have worn it a few times "boyfriend style" it essentially just didn't work on me. So I reworked it to give it some girly style and attitude! This is how I did it:

Supplies:

Fabric Scissors

Funky Chain (I picked mine up at a consignment shop, this only cost about $4 & I didn't even use it all)

Needle & Thread (Pick a color that matches the shirt. Mine is a tan, more on that later.)

OR

Sewing Machine 

Stretchrite Elastic (This is optional, you will need a sewing machine)

First I cut the sleeves off leaving about two inches from the seam,

I then went back and trimmed it down so that I was able to fold the fabric twice.

After I did that I should've pinned it all in place, but I'm a rebel so I free handed it. I also could've done this on a sewing machine but this was the only light colored thread I had so I did a blind stitch. 

In the picture is what the arm hole looked like when I finished, I basically made the excess fabric as wide as the existing seam, then sewed it to that seam so it wouldn't show on the outside of the shirt.

What the shirt looked like when I finished stitching the arm holes.

OPTIONAL (sewing machine required):

To make the sides ruche-d I took the elastic and sewed it on to the existing side seams.

You need a sewing machine to do this because as you sew it you stretch the elastic which in turn, creates the effect  (it was then I found out the white thread was in the machine the whole time).

Lastly, I added chain detail to the shoulders. It took me awhile to figure out where exactly I wanted to place it but, the nice thing about this is that you can always detach it by ripping the stitch and changing it up! I also used the tan thread with this chain because I think it blends in best. With this large chain I used seven links on each side of the shirt.

Overall, this was a really fun little project. It took me about 2 hours sewing the armholes by hand, it would be much faster, of course, with a sewing machine!  I love how the ruching on the sides opens the shirt in the front, a nice little detail. I love it paired with the red jeans and in the warmer months a bright top underneath and black shorts would work!

How would you wear it?

What would you Restyle?

xo Camille

Little Girl, Big Purse

Being most indecisive about my purse, it has taken me forever to finally choose a new one. I would really like to save up some money to buy a nice designer bag, maybe a Speedy bag? Well, for now, I'm substituting with this bag I found at TJ Maxx for only $19.99.
I first spotted it in black, but thought it was just too dark for spring/summer, so when I came across it in this blush-taupe color I just fell in love.

Front of the bag, I like that it is clean of logos, and the shape is nice.

Back pocket, I use for my cell phone or keys.

I love the light gold color of the hardware, it looks a lot more expensive!

Inside it is very big. One thing that I need is a flat bottom, anything slouchy and things just get lost. Basically all I have in the middle is a wallet, make-up bag (I use it for hair ties, medicine, and little things like band- aids), little calendar, and sunglass case.

The cute little organizer pocket, I love that it has a space for pens! Also, I love the stretchy pockets, perfect for all the lip products I carry!


What kind of bag do you carry and what do you love about it?
xo Camille

Free gift with purchase

My boyfriend's mother and I are always going to Macy's for the free gift at her favorite makeup counters. She had a few extra makeup bags so I asked her if I could have them, I think they will be perfect little going out clutches. They hardly look like makeup bags anyways! She gave me three; a trendy tribal print from Estee Lauder, Metallic pouch from DKNY, and a patent red bow bag from Estee Lauder, too. I think the red one might actually be meant to be a clutch but it is very slim.

If you have any cute makeup bags hanging around try them out as a clutch! A fun way to have a trendy handbag on the cheap!

xo Camille