November 2015 | Paint The Town Chic
Victoria's Secret sweater, old | Charlotte Russe Vest (black not available, but love this and this) | Renee C Skirt, Golden Tote surprise | Crossbody, old | Charlotte Russe Boots

This holiday look revolved around the midi skirt I received as a surprise in my November Golden Tote (a full review will be coming soon!)  When I first pulled this skirt out, I couldn't see it as a winter item.  But I kept going back to it and challenged myself to winterize it.  It has such a pretty pattern and the reds make it a great holiday option.  I paired the skirt with sweater in a brighter red, which is in the pattern. It's actually grown on me and is now one of my favorites!  I will definitely be wearing this to one of my upcoming holiday events!

I like this skirt paired with the tall boots.  It's a little more casual, so I would pair this with black pumps for a dressier occasion!  And the fur vest just adds that special touch to any look!


Holiday Look - Midi Skirt

Victoria's Secret sweater, old | Charlotte Russe Vest (black not available, but love this and this) | Renee C Skirt, Golden Tote surprise | Crossbody, old | Charlotte Russe Boots

This holiday look revolved around the midi skirt I received as a surprise in my November Golden Tote (a full review will be coming soon!)  When I first pulled this skirt out, I couldn't see it as a winter item.  But I kept going back to it and challenged myself to winterize it.  It has such a pretty pattern and the reds make it a great holiday option.  I paired the skirt with sweater in a brighter red, which is in the pattern. It's actually grown on me and is now one of my favorites!  I will definitely be wearing this to one of my upcoming holiday events!

I like this skirt paired with the tall boots.  It's a little more casual, so I would pair this with black pumps for a dressier occasion!  And the fur vest just adds that special touch to any look!


November 27, 2015
Lilly Pulitzer Juliet Dress in What A Raquet (sample from Warehouse sale) | Sweater vest, old | So Booties, old (but love this and this) | Bauble Bar Koa Drop Earrings (comes in 4 color options!)

Today I'm sharing a quick styled post.  Lilly lovers all over understand the pain of winter, which makes it harder to sport Lilly.  I love pairing my dresses with warm tights and a vest or oversized sweater (layering is a must for fall/winter!)  And we all need a pop of color, even on cold days!  I'm especially loving this Juliet dress in one of my favorite prints of this year, which I snagged during the Warehouse sale.  This sample has full sleeves, but the dress typically has three quarter sleeves.  I wish there were more full sleeved dresses because I love them for winter!

Also, I'm sure I've styled these Bauble Bar earrings before, but I'm really loving wood details!  It definitely adds a bit of visual interest to these pretty earrings!

Monday Blues

Lilly Pulitzer Juliet Dress in What A Raquet (sample from Warehouse sale) | Sweater vest, old | So Booties, old (but love this and this) | Bauble Bar Koa Drop Earrings (comes in 4 color options!)

Today I'm sharing a quick styled post.  Lilly lovers all over understand the pain of winter, which makes it harder to sport Lilly.  I love pairing my dresses with warm tights and a vest or oversized sweater (layering is a must for fall/winter!)  And we all need a pop of color, even on cold days!  I'm especially loving this Juliet dress in one of my favorite prints of this year, which I snagged during the Warehouse sale.  This sample has full sleeves, but the dress typically has three quarter sleeves.  I wish there were more full sleeved dresses because I love them for winter!

Also, I'm sure I've styled these Bauble Bar earrings before, but I'm really loving wood details!  It definitely adds a bit of visual interest to these pretty earrings!

November 23, 2015
Renee C blouse | Express Suede Skirt c/o Brandzaffair | Charlotte Russe Boots, on sale!! | Peacoat, old

Suede and button front skirts are two of my favorite fall trends, and when I found both in this Express skirt, it was love at first site.  This skirt is such a versatile piece because it can be dressed up for a fancy occasion, worn to work, or styled for a casual outing.  I did size up one size, but it wasn't necessary (I just prefer my skirts to be a little roomier!)  This particular skirt is only available in stores now, but they have a few other button front options that I'm eyeing.

And a quick note on these boots.  I had been searching for the perfect pair of over the knee boots for a while, and found this great option at Charlotte Russe.  I was looking for a cheaper option because I wasn't sure how it would look on me.  But these books feel so luxurious and they are very comfortable!  I will be wearing these a lot this season!

If you haven't heard about Brandzaffair, it's definitely worth checking out.  Not only does the site offer a way to shop all of my favorite brands in one place (Express, Lilly Pulitzer Kate Spade, JCrew and much more) they also make a donation for every purchase made.  This is a win win!  It always feels good to support companies that give back to the community!

Hope everyone has a great week - I know I'm definitely looking forward to the holiday!

Casual Thanksgiving Look Featuring Brandzaffair

Renee C blouse | Express Suede Skirt c/o Brandzaffair | Charlotte Russe Boots, on sale!! | Peacoat, old

Suede and button front skirts are two of my favorite fall trends, and when I found both in this Express skirt, it was love at first site.  This skirt is such a versatile piece because it can be dressed up for a fancy occasion, worn to work, or styled for a casual outing.  I did size up one size, but it wasn't necessary (I just prefer my skirts to be a little roomier!)  This particular skirt is only available in stores now, but they have a few other button front options that I'm eyeing.

And a quick note on these boots.  I had been searching for the perfect pair of over the knee boots for a while, and found this great option at Charlotte Russe.  I was looking for a cheaper option because I wasn't sure how it would look on me.  But these books feel so luxurious and they are very comfortable!  I will be wearing these a lot this season!

If you haven't heard about Brandzaffair, it's definitely worth checking out.  Not only does the site offer a way to shop all of my favorite brands in one place (Express, Lilly Pulitzer Kate Spade, JCrew and much more) they also make a donation for every purchase made.  This is a win win!  It always feels good to support companies that give back to the community!

Hope everyone has a great week - I know I'm definitely looking forward to the holiday!

November 22, 2015
I can't believe it's almost time for holiday season!  To get into the holiday spirit, I wanted to share some gift ideas over the next few weeks!  One thing that really gets my attention is when companies give back.  Today's gift guide highlights some of those companies that do support causes (and of course they are just really cute items that needed to be shared!)


1. Bene Scarves
Scarves are a great accessory to give as a gift; and Bene offers a variety of beautiful prints.  Proceeds from each purchase of a scarf go to helping girls in Ghana complete their education!  Another heartwarming detail is that each print is named after one of the girls who benefits from the donations!

2. Kendra Scott
I've noticed that Kendra Scott is one of those trendy brands that everyone seems to love, but they offer much more than pretty baubles.  Currently there is a selection of jewels available that benefits KIDS/Fashion Delivers.

3. Satya Jewelry
Again, you can't go wrong with giving jewelry as a gift, and this unique pendant is beautiful and supports a great cause.  Almost half the price of this particular necklace goes to helping provide clean drinking water to families in India.

4. Punjammies
I recently came across Punjammies and was drawn to their pretty prints and and comfy looking loungewear!  But each purchase also helps provide jobs for women in India.  Bonus, there is a Punjammie item for everyone in your family!

5. Toms
Most of us are familiar with Toms and their dedication to helping the community.  Every purchase goes to benefit a great cause, and a purchase of a Tom's bag goes to helping with a safe birth for a woman and baby in need!  

6. Out of Print
As a book lover, I can't get enough of this site.  If you have any literary lovers in your life, Out of Print offers tees and other items featuring quotes from popular novels.  With each purchase, a book is donated to a community in need.  Definitely a unique gift that also supports the community!

This is just a small selection of brands that support a great cause.  Since I'm always looking for gift ideas, I would love to hear about other companies that give back.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Give Back

I can't believe it's almost time for holiday season!  To get into the holiday spirit, I wanted to share some gift ideas over the next few weeks!  One thing that really gets my attention is when companies give back.  Today's gift guide highlights some of those companies that do support causes (and of course they are just really cute items that needed to be shared!)


1. Bene Scarves
Scarves are a great accessory to give as a gift; and Bene offers a variety of beautiful prints.  Proceeds from each purchase of a scarf go to helping girls in Ghana complete their education!  Another heartwarming detail is that each print is named after one of the girls who benefits from the donations!

2. Kendra Scott
I've noticed that Kendra Scott is one of those trendy brands that everyone seems to love, but they offer much more than pretty baubles.  Currently there is a selection of jewels available that benefits KIDS/Fashion Delivers.

3. Satya Jewelry
Again, you can't go wrong with giving jewelry as a gift, and this unique pendant is beautiful and supports a great cause.  Almost half the price of this particular necklace goes to helping provide clean drinking water to families in India.

4. Punjammies
I recently came across Punjammies and was drawn to their pretty prints and and comfy looking loungewear!  But each purchase also helps provide jobs for women in India.  Bonus, there is a Punjammie item for everyone in your family!

5. Toms
Most of us are familiar with Toms and their dedication to helping the community.  Every purchase goes to benefit a great cause, and a purchase of a Tom's bag goes to helping with a safe birth for a woman and baby in need!  

6. Out of Print
As a book lover, I can't get enough of this site.  If you have any literary lovers in your life, Out of Print offers tees and other items featuring quotes from popular novels.  With each purchase, a book is donated to a community in need.  Definitely a unique gift that also supports the community!

This is just a small selection of brands that support a great cause.  Since I'm always looking for gift ideas, I would love to hear about other companies that give back.

November 20, 2015
I love versatile pieces that can be transformed into different looks.  It really comes in handy with the seasonal weather we have here.  As much as I would love warm weather all the time, I have so many dresses that I would love to continue wearing into the fall and winter.  So today I wanted to share two looks featuring the same tunic!
Here's a better look at the tunic being styled.  It's an Hourglass Lilly star print tank dress that's light enough for the spring and summer, but perfect for layering in cooler weather!  Personally I love this styled with a little edge and prefer it for fall styling opps, such as the following!
Outfit One:
Hourglass Lily Tunic from Moxie Style | Oversized Cardigan from Moxie Style | Booties, old
Outfit Two:
Hourglass Lily Tunic from Moxie Style | Sweater, old | Boots, old

It's amazing how one small change can make a huge difference.  I love both the open cardigan and the oversized sweater.  I need more pullover sweaters so I can replicate look two with other summer dresses!

Hourglass Lilly is a brand found in subscription boxes (Moxie and Golden Tote for sure) and I'm sure it pops up in online boutiques as well.  I even found a few HL items on Amazon!  They are made with the softest material and they are so comfy-I highly recommend the brand!  The tunic and open cardigan are not currently available on Moxie's website.  It was purchased during a special summer sale but I will keep my eye open in case they pop up.



One Tunic...Two Outfits

I love versatile pieces that can be transformed into different looks.  It really comes in handy with the seasonal weather we have here.  As much as I would love warm weather all the time, I have so many dresses that I would love to continue wearing into the fall and winter.  So today I wanted to share two looks featuring the same tunic!
Here's a better look at the tunic being styled.  It's an Hourglass Lilly star print tank dress that's light enough for the spring and summer, but perfect for layering in cooler weather!  Personally I love this styled with a little edge and prefer it for fall styling opps, such as the following!
Outfit One:
Hourglass Lily Tunic from Moxie Style | Oversized Cardigan from Moxie Style | Booties, old
Outfit Two:
Hourglass Lily Tunic from Moxie Style | Sweater, old | Boots, old

It's amazing how one small change can make a huge difference.  I love both the open cardigan and the oversized sweater.  I need more pullover sweaters so I can replicate look two with other summer dresses!

Hourglass Lilly is a brand found in subscription boxes (Moxie and Golden Tote for sure) and I'm sure it pops up in online boutiques as well.  I even found a few HL items on Amazon!  They are made with the softest material and they are so comfy-I highly recommend the brand!  The tunic and open cardigan are not currently available on Moxie's website.  It was purchased during a special summer sale but I will keep my eye open in case they pop up.



November 15, 2015
Sweater, Moxie Style | Tank, old | Lauren Conrad Jeans, old | Dolce Vita Booties, from Nordstrom Rack in store

As soon as I saw this sweater, I needed to have it!  This is part of Moxie Style's curate your own mystery tote (see here to purchase a tote!).  I've shared my love of Moxie before and this purchase justified my feelings on this great company.  

But let's chat briefly about how amazing oversized sweaters are.  I've paired them with jeans, dresses, leggings, everything really.  Because of the coloring on this sweater, I wouldn't pair it with any colorful pieces-the sweater is the standout piece here.  This sweater looks great open or closed with a belt.  I also love the asymmetrical shape-it works for even petite heights!  These oversized sweaters will transition great as the weather gets colder.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Veteran's Day today!


Comfy Oversized Sweater

Sweater, Moxie Style | Tank, old | Lauren Conrad Jeans, old | Dolce Vita Booties, from Nordstrom Rack in store

As soon as I saw this sweater, I needed to have it!  This is part of Moxie Style's curate your own mystery tote (see here to purchase a tote!).  I've shared my love of Moxie before and this purchase justified my feelings on this great company.  

But let's chat briefly about how amazing oversized sweaters are.  I've paired them with jeans, dresses, leggings, everything really.  Because of the coloring on this sweater, I wouldn't pair it with any colorful pieces-the sweater is the standout piece here.  This sweater looks great open or closed with a belt.  I also love the asymmetrical shape-it works for even petite heights!  These oversized sweaters will transition great as the weather gets colder.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Veteran's Day today!


November 11, 2015
During the colder seasons, my skin tends to get really dry and tight.  And since winter is around the corner, I've already changed my skincare routine to include more deep cleansing and moisturizing daily!  There are so many great products out there, but I recently discovered a brush that has worked wonders for my skin - the Magnitone Lucid Cleansing Brush!
Step 1 - Cleansing:
For the best results, it's important to start any skin care routine with cleansers that are tailored to your skin type.  For me, I look for products that are for oily to combination skin.  I'm especially loving items that contain charcoal, which I've found helps absorb oils.  Once you have a favorite cleanser,  it's time to get a cleaning tool to help with that deep cleansing!
I tested out the Magnitone Lucid Brush, though it looks like they have a similar brush here!  What I love about this brush the most is that it has preset times to help guide the cleaning process.  Once you start the brush and lather up your cleanser of choice, you have 20 seconds to clean the forehead and brow area before it beeps.  The next 20 seconds is to clean the cheeks, from the ears to the lips.  After the second beep, you end with the t-zone.  Once a minute is up, the brush automatically turns off.  I used a gentle pressure and moved around my face slowly.  I felt results immediately after the first use.

For your convenience, you can use this in the shower as well.  I can only see myself using this once a day during my morning routine.  Using this brush definitely made me feel more energized, and that could definitely come in handy in the morning!

Step 2 - Moisturizing:
I apply moisturizer immediately after washing because it absorbs better on wet skin (after I pat dry my face).  I could definitely see a difference while applying moisturizer after using the Magnitone Lucid.  The moisturizer absorbed quicker and my face was left glowing and healthy!  I typically use a light moisturizer with SPF during the day, and an extra moisturizing cream for the night.  Olay products are a favorite at the moment.

Of course there are many other steps or skincare products that you may be using - face masks, toning, etc, but cleansing and moisturizing are the most important in my opinion and will always be staples in my daily routine.

I'm always looking to try new things, so I'd love to hear your favorite winter skincare products!








*Thanks to Magnitone for providing this sample in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions stated above are my own.

Winter Skin Care Routine Featuring Magitone

During the colder seasons, my skin tends to get really dry and tight.  And since winter is around the corner, I've already changed my skincare routine to include more deep cleansing and moisturizing daily!  There are so many great products out there, but I recently discovered a brush that has worked wonders for my skin - the Magnitone Lucid Cleansing Brush!
Step 1 - Cleansing:
For the best results, it's important to start any skin care routine with cleansers that are tailored to your skin type.  For me, I look for products that are for oily to combination skin.  I'm especially loving items that contain charcoal, which I've found helps absorb oils.  Once you have a favorite cleanser,  it's time to get a cleaning tool to help with that deep cleansing!
I tested out the Magnitone Lucid Brush, though it looks like they have a similar brush here!  What I love about this brush the most is that it has preset times to help guide the cleaning process.  Once you start the brush and lather up your cleanser of choice, you have 20 seconds to clean the forehead and brow area before it beeps.  The next 20 seconds is to clean the cheeks, from the ears to the lips.  After the second beep, you end with the t-zone.  Once a minute is up, the brush automatically turns off.  I used a gentle pressure and moved around my face slowly.  I felt results immediately after the first use.

For your convenience, you can use this in the shower as well.  I can only see myself using this once a day during my morning routine.  Using this brush definitely made me feel more energized, and that could definitely come in handy in the morning!

Step 2 - Moisturizing:
I apply moisturizer immediately after washing because it absorbs better on wet skin (after I pat dry my face).  I could definitely see a difference while applying moisturizer after using the Magnitone Lucid.  The moisturizer absorbed quicker and my face was left glowing and healthy!  I typically use a light moisturizer with SPF during the day, and an extra moisturizing cream for the night.  Olay products are a favorite at the moment.

Of course there are many other steps or skincare products that you may be using - face masks, toning, etc, but cleansing and moisturizing are the most important in my opinion and will always be staples in my daily routine.

I'm always looking to try new things, so I'd love to hear your favorite winter skincare products!








*Thanks to Magnitone for providing this sample in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions stated above are my own.
November 08, 2015
I'm finally catching up on some blog posts now that October is over, starting with last month's Ipsy bag review!
1.) theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matte Hughes Liquid Lipstick
It was so refreshing to see a lip product that wasn't a dark shade.  I sampled the shade Committed, and it is the prettiest nude color!  This matte lipstick also has great coverage without feeling dry.  I would definitely try some other shades.

2.) Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion
I've liked all the other Dr. Brandt products I've tried and this was no exception!  I love exfoliating products, and use them about twice a week, especially in the colder weather.  I really liked the light lemon scent.

3.) Delectable Hand Cream
Winter hasn't even started and my skin already feels dry.  This hand cream is already beside my bed and has become part of my nightly routine.  I love that it also nourishes cuticles and does not leave my hands feeling greasy.  It has a light coconut scent.  I'm not liking strong scents any longer, especially at night.  The best part is that this hand cream can be found at Target, and there are a few additional scents!

4.) MICA Cream Eyeshadow
I love when Ipsy sends exclusive items, and this eyeshadow just happens to be one of them.  It's a pretty bronze shade, and I especially love the metallic quality.  Once it was applied and set, the eyeshadow did not smudge.  I may even use it as a highlighter or a bronzer since I don't use eyeshadow frequently.  I typically dislike getting this type of item, but I'm actually really loving this!

I couldn't find any cream eyeshadows on their website, but you can check out their entire beauty collection here.

5.) Emite Makeup Tweezers
While this isn't the most exciting item to receive, extra beauty tools are always useful!    I'm still getting the hang of using this particular tweezer, but I love that it's hot pink.   So far, I think I'll be sticking to my trusty pair of Tweezermans.

Overall, a great bag with items I will definitely be using into the winter.  I already snuck a peek at my November bag and I'm looking forward to getting it and sharing it with you!

October Ipsy Bag Review

I'm finally catching up on some blog posts now that October is over, starting with last month's Ipsy bag review!
1.) theBalm Cosmetics Meet Matte Hughes Liquid Lipstick
It was so refreshing to see a lip product that wasn't a dark shade.  I sampled the shade Committed, and it is the prettiest nude color!  This matte lipstick also has great coverage without feeling dry.  I would definitely try some other shades.

2.) Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion
I've liked all the other Dr. Brandt products I've tried and this was no exception!  I love exfoliating products, and use them about twice a week, especially in the colder weather.  I really liked the light lemon scent.

3.) Delectable Hand Cream
Winter hasn't even started and my skin already feels dry.  This hand cream is already beside my bed and has become part of my nightly routine.  I love that it also nourishes cuticles and does not leave my hands feeling greasy.  It has a light coconut scent.  I'm not liking strong scents any longer, especially at night.  The best part is that this hand cream can be found at Target, and there are a few additional scents!

4.) MICA Cream Eyeshadow
I love when Ipsy sends exclusive items, and this eyeshadow just happens to be one of them.  It's a pretty bronze shade, and I especially love the metallic quality.  Once it was applied and set, the eyeshadow did not smudge.  I may even use it as a highlighter or a bronzer since I don't use eyeshadow frequently.  I typically dislike getting this type of item, but I'm actually really loving this!

I couldn't find any cream eyeshadows on their website, but you can check out their entire beauty collection here.

5.) Emite Makeup Tweezers
While this isn't the most exciting item to receive, extra beauty tools are always useful!    I'm still getting the hang of using this particular tweezer, but I love that it's hot pink.   So far, I think I'll be sticking to my trusty pair of Tweezermans.

Overall, a great bag with items I will definitely be using into the winter.  I already snuck a peek at my November bag and I'm looking forward to getting it and sharing it with you!

November 05, 2015
Floral Maxi Dress | Pashmina, old | Dolce Vita Booties, Nordstrom Rack (not available online) | Tote Bag, old | Chloe + Isabel Earrings, old

Now that crazy October is over, I'm finally back with a new styled post!  This dress is something I didn't know I needed until it found it's way to me.  I love floral prints...I love dresses with full sleeves...I love maxi dresses!  In short, this dress is perfection.  The darker base makes it the perfect winter floral print as well.  The dress will be on major repeat this season.  Wouldn't it look great paired with a fur vest?  That just may be how I style it next time!

Something I struggle with is pairing shoes with maxi dresses; that's why I included a peek of my booties.  Since it's cooler out, booties are my go to.  I also have to get a pair of lace up shoes as my flats collection is sadly lacking at the moment!

Since this dress is already so busy, I didn't want to add much jewelry.  But a simple pashmina did the trick.  I just folded a regular scarf in half (fold it so that all of the length is still there!) and tied the ends, which created the infinity scarf look.  This particular scarf was a little heavier than others I own, so I'm sure it'll work better with the others.  And yup, get ready because I wear scarves a lot in the winter!


Winter Floral Maxi

Floral Maxi Dress | Pashmina, old | Dolce Vita Booties, Nordstrom Rack (not available online) | Tote Bag, old | Chloe + Isabel Earrings, old

Now that crazy October is over, I'm finally back with a new styled post!  This dress is something I didn't know I needed until it found it's way to me.  I love floral prints...I love dresses with full sleeves...I love maxi dresses!  In short, this dress is perfection.  The darker base makes it the perfect winter floral print as well.  The dress will be on major repeat this season.  Wouldn't it look great paired with a fur vest?  That just may be how I style it next time!

Something I struggle with is pairing shoes with maxi dresses; that's why I included a peek of my booties.  Since it's cooler out, booties are my go to.  I also have to get a pair of lace up shoes as my flats collection is sadly lacking at the moment!

Since this dress is already so busy, I didn't want to add much jewelry.  But a simple pashmina did the trick.  I just folded a regular scarf in half (fold it so that all of the length is still there!) and tied the ends, which created the infinity scarf look.  This particular scarf was a little heavier than others I own, so I'm sure it'll work better with the others.  And yup, get ready because I wear scarves a lot in the winter!


November 02, 2015

@paintthetownchic