It's been a while since my last Favorite Things post and, let me tell you, I've missed it! Ever since my first one last spring, I've come to really look forward to sharing the things that are currently putting a smile on my face. So, without further ado, I bring you my favorite things for October 2013!
I absolutely cannot think of a better way to start than to share my most favorite fall lip gloss. I first discovered it when my friend, Annie, shared it on her blog. I went out and bought it that very weekend and was so glad I did. Philosophy's caramel apple lip shine is destined to be your new favorite, too. It's smooth, not sticky, on the lips and it has the perfect hint of burgundy color. And the flavor? Love.
Also pictured above is a new favorite fall polish. I'm wearing OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona. To me, it's the perfect creamy milk chocolate color for my skin tone. It has pink undertones, so it still feels soft and feminine without being all out girly. I'm sure I'll wear it several times throughout the season.
I've talked about my issues with my skin before. Even as a 30-something adult, I still struggle with oily, acne-prone skin. On top of that, my skin doesn't react well to benzoyl peroxide, the usual first choice for dermatologists, and can also be quite sensitive. It drives me crazy. But, every once in a while, I find a product I really feel makes a difference in neutralizing my skin's oily tendencies without drying me out so much I overproduce oil (thus negating any potential gains). Recently, I've found Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Masque and I just love it. I use it twice a week and my skin feels so much softer and so much more balanced. Plus, at about $4.00 a tube, it's a steal. Definitely one of my best finds of late.
The next three finds are ones I've been saving since July. A few of my best girl friends and I hit the Nordstrom Anniversary Pre Sale pretty hard, (I'm not sorry) and it's been pretty tough waiting to wear the awesome finds I brought home. This top was one of the first items I got to wear, thanks to a mid-summer trip to San Diego. I bought it in white and green and, let me tell you, I could've bought it in nearly every color. It's comfy without looking sloppy and can easily be dressed up or kept casual. What's not to love?
I think we all know I have a thing for apples. So naturally, when I saw this shirt, I just had to have it. I love that the yellow and taupe combo doesn't make the pattern so obvious. I'm also a huge fan of the light weight fabric and the fit. In fact, the fit was so perfect for me, I picked up the same style of shirt in a light chambray.
Jackets are one of the best things about fall and I'm definitely a fan of the current fitted blazer trend. When I saw this Olivia Moon knit blazer in an uber fun red and black stripe, I knew I'd be trying it on. (Unfortunately, they're currently sold out of the red stripe, but they still have the green stripe, which is just as cute.) But with my broad shoulders and hourglass shape, blazers can sometimes be a challenge. Lucky for me, the cut was perfect and the stretchy fabric meant I didn't have to choose between looking cute and actually be comfortable. Score!
Have you read The Book Thief yet? I'm about 2/3 of the way through and I'm completely hooked on it. Markus Zusak's writing style is so distinct and, in some ways, jarring, but it really works for a book set in World War II Germany. All day long, I find myself thinking about the time when I can go home and spend some serious time in the world of Liesel Meminger, the book's main character. I can't wait to see how the story plays out, but at the same time, I don't want the book to end. Isn't that the way it always is with great books? The movie comes out November 15th, so you still have time to get through the book before then. I know I'll be going to see the movie, which was directed by Brian Percival of Downton Abbey fame, but I just really hope it does this incredible book justice.
I absolutely cannot think of a better way to start than to share my most favorite fall lip gloss. I first discovered it when my friend, Annie, shared it on her blog. I went out and bought it that very weekend and was so glad I did. Philosophy's caramel apple lip shine is destined to be your new favorite, too. It's smooth, not sticky, on the lips and it has the perfect hint of burgundy color. And the flavor? Love.
Also pictured above is a new favorite fall polish. I'm wearing OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona. To me, it's the perfect creamy milk chocolate color for my skin tone. It has pink undertones, so it still feels soft and feminine without being all out girly. I'm sure I'll wear it several times throughout the season.
The next three finds are ones I've been saving since July. A few of my best girl friends and I hit the Nordstrom Anniversary Pre Sale pretty hard, (I'm not sorry) and it's been pretty tough waiting to wear the awesome finds I brought home. This top was one of the first items I got to wear, thanks to a mid-summer trip to San Diego. I bought it in white and green and, let me tell you, I could've bought it in nearly every color. It's comfy without looking sloppy and can easily be dressed up or kept casual. What's not to love?
I think we all know I have a thing for apples. So naturally, when I saw this shirt, I just had to have it. I love that the yellow and taupe combo doesn't make the pattern so obvious. I'm also a huge fan of the light weight fabric and the fit. In fact, the fit was so perfect for me, I picked up the same style of shirt in a light chambray.
Jackets are one of the best things about fall and I'm definitely a fan of the current fitted blazer trend. When I saw this Olivia Moon knit blazer in an uber fun red and black stripe, I knew I'd be trying it on. (Unfortunately, they're currently sold out of the red stripe, but they still have the green stripe, which is just as cute.) But with my broad shoulders and hourglass shape, blazers can sometimes be a challenge. Lucky for me, the cut was perfect and the stretchy fabric meant I didn't have to choose between looking cute and actually be comfortable. Score!
Have you read The Book Thief yet? I'm about 2/3 of the way through and I'm completely hooked on it. Markus Zusak's writing style is so distinct and, in some ways, jarring, but it really works for a book set in World War II Germany. All day long, I find myself thinking about the time when I can go home and spend some serious time in the world of Liesel Meminger, the book's main character. I can't wait to see how the story plays out, but at the same time, I don't want the book to end. Isn't that the way it always is with great books? The movie comes out November 15th, so you still have time to get through the book before then. I know I'll be going to see the movie, which was directed by Brian Percival of Downton Abbey fame, but I just really hope it does this incredible book justice.