25 Thoughts I Had While Shopping the Sephora VIB Sale

April 21, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

1. I've been holding out for this all year, it's ok if I go a little crazy.

2. Ok, maybe I should set a budget. How about $200. That's manageable.

3. Benefit has such cute packaging. I wasn't going to buy mascara but this tube is so cute, I need it.

4. This Bite Beauty lipstick tester looks gross, who does that?

5. But they have the prettiest set of colorful lip glosses. Not that I would wear baby blue or yellow, but they would look pretty on my vanity right?

6. I should probably go ahead and grab a little shopping basket. I know they'll come give me one if I don't.

7. Oooh nail polish that is flattering for your skin tone? Yes, please.

8. When did they rearrange the store? I know Cover FX used to be right here.

9. I can't decide if I should try this new setting powder. I have one from the drugstore, but VIB Sale. Yeah, I'm getting it.

10. It would be great if this lighting existed in real life.

11. Why is the Too Faced section so small? I wanted the Color Pop palette and they don't even have it!

12. Oh crap, I forgot to grab that eyebrow serum from the Anastasia Beverly Hills display. I'm not spending that much money on that little tube unless it's on sale.

13. All of the perfume is rearranged too? Where is Elizabeth and James? I want to try that because everyone is talking about how great it is.

14. Here it is. Should I go for the black or white one?

15. Yeah, not getting the black. Sandalwood makes my throat hurt. Am I the only person allergic to certain perfumes or am I just weird?

16. My little basket is getting pretty full. I hope I'm not over my budget.

17. I'm out of face moisturizer, I should probably go ahead and pick up a new one.

18. I wonder how much this is going to be.

19. Let's go to the back corner and calculate (accountant, duh!)

20. Ok well all of this is like $230. I wanted to be under $200, after the discount of course. I'll ditch this lip liner.

21. The hard part will be getting past all of the little minis while you wait to pay.

22. Phew, successfully dodged that bullet.

23. Score, there's actually something I want to spend some points on.

24. Oh dang it! I forgot to pick up a sunscreen. Looks like they don't even have what I wanted though. Bummer.

25. Whatever, I'll just do another order online.

PS - Today is the last day to get your VIB Sale on, so don't miss out!

xoxo,

Amanda

Purple Blazer + Purple Lips

April 20, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

I picked up this new Too Faced lipstick at the Sephora VIB sale (still going on btw!) and immediately had to wear it. It's reading a little bit more pink with this look, but the color is actually called Melted Violet. I was hesitant to rock a super bright lip like this in general, but as you know I've been getting more and more adventurous with my makeup lately. With the first swipe of this on my lips, I was in love. And if you're not so into bright colors like this, there are some gorgeous everyday shades in this line as well!

I paired this purple blazer with a cream lace peplum top and it's one of my favorite looks for springtime at the office. If you are required to wear dress slacks rather than jeans, this would absolutely work for that too, or even a pencil skirt! I'm all about versatility and this combo definitely doesn't disappoint in that department.

Happy Monday!

Blazer | The Limited (old) | Try This!

Peplum Top | The Limited (old) | Try This!

Jeans | Loft

Flats | Tory Burch (Nordstrom Rack)

Clutch | Francesca's Collections

Lipstick | Too Faced Melted Liquid Lipstick in Melted Violet

Photos by Chelcey Tate

xoxo,

Amanda

Gingham with a Pop

April 16, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

I'm usually drawn toward pastels in the spring, think Easter egg, but this combo of navy gingham and orange espadrilles has won my heart. This top is light and breezy which is perfect with jeans now when it's still a bit cool, and it will work just as well with shorts or a skirt when it gets warmer. Not to mention that button-downs in general now have a designated section in my closet. I can't get enough of them. Buy all the button-downs! And in case you were wondering, I scored these shoes in the sale room yet again at Von Maur. Like you even had to ask, am I right? I was on the hunt for a cute pair of shoes for spring and summer that would be comfortable if I was doing a lot of walking, but not a sandal. As soon as I laid eyes on these, I knew they were mine. If you like the thrill of a sale find, be sure to read my tips for scoring the best deals over here!

Top | J. Crew

Jeans | Loft

Espadrilles | Michael Kors

Handbag | Michael Kors

Photos by Chelcey Tate

xoxo,

Amanda

Jump Start Your Day + Get Out the Door Quicker

April 13, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

Ever since I moved to my new apartment last summer, which is a mere 5 minute drive to my office, I had this idea in my head that I would get into work earlier since I cut down on my commute time. Let me tell you, I was very wrong. Instead of getting up at the same time and starting my day a bit earlier, I pushed my alarm time back to get more sleep. Habits like these are incredibly difficult to break, but I've been bound and determined to make the changes in my daily routine so that I can get a jump start on my day. Whether you need to get out the door 5 minutes earlier or 50 minutes earlier each day, incorporating these changes will help you achieve just that!

Save Five Minutes By:

Deciding what to wear the night before. It's no fun to be scurrying around in the morning wondering what the heck you're going to throw on before ultimately settling with the first thing you picked out.

Multitasking while you're brewing coffee. If you have a Keurig, you know you have a few minutes while it heats up and brews the coffee, so don't just stand there watching it! I like to use that time to dampen my beauty blender and get ready to apply my makeup.

Save Ten Minutes By:

Applying a simpler makeup look. Sure, that eyeshadow tutorial using seven different colors is gorgeous, but you'll look just as put together with a sweep of color over the lid and in the crease.

Packing your lunch the night before / meal prep. This change has been a huge life saver for me! It's so nice to not have to worry about what I'm having for lunch and just be able to grab and go from the fridge on my way out the door.

Save Fifteen Minutes By:

Eating breakfast at the office. Not only do I prep lunches, but I also pre-make yogurt and fruit parfaits in mason jars, which are just as easy to grab and go and eat at my desk while I prepare for the work day.

Save Thirty Minutes By:

Showering at night. If you could only make one change, this would be the one to go for. However, it's been the most difficult habit for me to break. I tend to stay up late to the point of being exhausted and ready to pass out in bed, so by changing things up and unwinding from the day with a shower, I am not only able to slice that chunk of time out of my morning routine but also feel more mentally rested and prepared for the day to come.

Save __ Minutes By:

Getting up when your alarm goes off. This is obvious, but you are your own worst enemy when it comes to alarm clocks and the snooze button. And depending on your crutch and how long you like to lay in bed, this could save varying amounts of time for different people. As long as you have the right mindset, one that says you're ready to tackle the day, you'll be good to go.

What are some of your tips for getting out the door quicker in the morning?

xoxo,

Amanda

So Fresh and So Spring {Makeup Look}

April 10, 2015 Amanda Hollingsworth

I've pretty much been using the Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar palette since I bought it earlier this year. I'm obviously obsessed with the chocolaty goodness smell but the colors are equally as amazing. I've played around with it a little bit with some different looks that are a bit out of my comfort zone, but if you want a fresh-faced look for spring then you can't go wrong with this either. Here are the details on my day-to-day makeup as of late.