DENIM DAYS

I feel like I'm soaking up every bit of sunshine before I leave for New York next week:) But regardless of the cold and snow most likely awaiting me there, I can't wait to see New York again and of course I am super excited for Fashion Week. 

I started packing last week, I know, sounds crazy... but trying to fit a ginormous amount of outfits in 4-5 suit cases is a task indeed. What can I say, Fashion Week is not about traveling light:) And in the end, hard chooses and shoes sacrifices have to be made... Oh, how I hate to leave shoes behind:) wish I could bring them all with me:) But then again, I only have 5 suitcases. How about you guys, are you guys planning to attend NYWF? 

SAM & LAVI Ryleigh jumper | Saint Laurent Medium classic duffel bag { also love this red & cobalt blue version } | Dolce & Gabbana floral print pumps { similar options here & here } | ASOS earrings { similar here & here } | Movado Bold crystal accent bangle watch | Vita Fede Double-V ring { similar option here } 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

#SHAPEMATTERS WITH SMASHBOX FULL EXPOSURE PALETTE

Good morning and happy Monday, Everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! Since so many of you asked me about my beauty routine, I wanted to take this opportunity to talk to you about a few tricks and techniques I use when applying eye make up. Before we get into eye make up application specifics, the first thing we should consider is the shape of the eye. Our eye shapes are unique, applying eye make up based on our eye shapes helps to enhance the natural beauty of our particular eye shape and of course ensure the best results! If you are not sure what your eye shape is, Smashbox created a wonderful video to help you figure it out. 

To achieve today's look, I used Smashbox Full Exposure palette. What I like about this particular product, is the fact that it contains 14 universally flattering shades, perfect for creating anything from a simple daytime to dramatic nighttime looks. I found that the colors are highly pigmented, long-wearing, easily blendable and feel great on. The double-ended brush included with the palette, is my other personal favorite! The fluffy side is absolutely perfect for blending matte shades, and the flat side is great for laying down shimmer shades. Finally, the palette comes with an eye shape get-the-look insert, which not only helps to identify your eye shape but also gives detailed instructions, tips and tricks how to enhance the particular shape of your eyes. The palette includes 3 different looks (day, night and defined) for each of the main 6 eye shapes. For today's post I chose to create a night look, designed to elongate and maximize the shape of the round eyes. 

To create today's look, I started by applying a midtone slate with silver pearl all over the eye lid, using the flat side of the double-ended brush, designed specifically for application of the shimmer shades. The best way to apply shimmer shades, is to press down rather than sweep the shades across the lid. 

Next, I applied ashy dark brown along the eye crease using the fluffy side of the double-ended brush. I find that defining the crease adds depth to the overall look and also helps to emphasize the shape of the eye. Unlike shimmer shades, the best way to apply a matte shade is to sweep the color using a back and forth motion, almost like a windshield wiper:) 

Next, I applied suede black along the top of the lash line as an eye liner, extending beyond the natural outer corner to elongate the eye and to create my beloved cat-eye look. 

Finally, I dabbed a little bit of soft gold with gold and silver pearl into the inner corner of my eyes. This trick helps to brighten the face in general and to widen the eyes. Next, I applied the same shade right on top of the cheekbones to illuminate the face and give more definition to the cheeks.  I completed this look with two coats of Full Exposure Mascara and voila! All done! 

NOW, HERE COMES THE BEST PART! Smashbox is giving away a ton a great prizes including 1,000 Photo Finish 24 Hour Shadow Primers and deluxe samples of the Full Exposure Palette, up to 500 full size Full Exposure Palettes and a trip to LA for 2! 

TO ENTER:

1. Submit a selfie showing off your eye shape with hashtag #ShapeMatters via Instgram, Facebook, Twitter or directly on the contest site by CLICKING HERE 

There is no limit to how many selfies you can submit, just make sure your settings are public so that entries show up on the contest page!

Smashbox Full Exposure palette | Finders Keepers dress { similar here } | Samantha Wills earrings  | Tiffany & Co Atlas open ring

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

PRETTY PINK

As much as I love the darker and richer Winter color palette, I can never stay away from pastels for too long:) Don't really know what it is about this color palette I find so attractive, perhaps I associate these pretty colors with sunshine, warmth and Summer. And of course you know how I feel about Summer...

Basically, gimme 80-degree weather year-round, and I am one happy girl!:) Or perhaps I love pastels so much, because they are such happy, uplifting colors... Really, how can one not have a great day wearing a pretty pink sweater? :)

MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma top-zip satchel  | Dolce & Gabbana floral print pumps { similar options here & here } | ASOS sweater { similar here & here } | GAP 1969 sexy boyfriend jeans | Essie nail polish in "Clam Bake" | Wanderlust + Co double-bar & chain silver rings & multi stud gold cuff 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

NEW IN - MICHAEL KORS SELMA BAG

Good morning, Everyone! How is your week going so far? Wanted to take this opportunity to share my latest obsession:) Spotted this gorgeous MICHAEL by Michael Kors tote a few days ago, and simply couldn't resist... Love everything about it: the size, the shape and of course the color! Which, I suppose isn't that surprising considering my weakness for various shades of blue:) What do you guys think about it? 

MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma top-zip satchel & aviator sunglasses | Valentino Punkouture rockstud pumps | Essie nail polish in "Clam Bake" | Wanderlust + Co double-bar & chain silver rings & multi stud gold cuff 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

IN THE NAVY

Good morning and happy Monday, Everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend! Emil and I spent the past few days in Marina del Rey, which coincidentally ended up being the perfect location to shoot today's slightly nautically inspired outfit. Just as I've done countless times before, I got this jacket for New York Fashion Week, but couldn't resist wearing it right away. I know it's a problem, and I am trying to work on it:) Hopefully, you guys wouldn't mind seeing it on this blog again:)

 

Diane von Furstenberg Kenzie leather moto jacket | Cameo New Light skirt { also love this one } | Alice + Olivia bag { also love this black and white version } | Sigerson Morrison pumps { similar here & here } | Wanderlust + Co multi stud silver bangle, Art Deco sapphire & taupe cuff, arrow split rose gold bangle 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

PEARLS & SPIKES

I feel in love with these beautiful Gold Philosophy rings and pendant as soon as I saw them. I think what attracted me the most to these particular pieces, is the combination of feminine pearls and edgy spikes. Though, I think these pieces are still very elegant, this particular pairing is definitely more rebellious, modern and versatile. Yes, I am bringing up versatility gain:) What can I say, I love pieces that easily transition from day to night, and look equally great with a little black dress or a chunky knit...  

Gold Philosophy Pearl Spike necklace, Pearls & Spikes ring & Chance Diamond ring | Tasha Crystal Swirl clutch | Joie Caldine leather jacket | Butter London nail polish in "Trout Pout" | McGinn dress | Earrings - old { similar option here }

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

LEATHER LEG + SAINT LAURENT JANIS BOOTS

Good morning, Everyone! Today's look is all about current obsessions. You've seen a few of the items on this blog before, some more than others... :) Seriously, I am so in love with these Current/Elliot skinny leather pants and Illesteva sunglasses, I have to stop myself from obsessively wearing them everyday:) But I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to my most recent find! I've been lusting after these Saint Laurent boots ever since I spotted them in a store a few months ago.

So, I finally caved and in and got them:) As you know, versatility is important to me, and this particular style looks great with just about anything, from skinny jeans to dresses. So, I think I should warn you in advance.... I have a very strong feeling you are going to be seeing a lot of them on this blog:) 

Illesteva Leonard sunglasses | Current/Elliot ankle skinny leather pants { also here } | Club Monaco jacket - sold out { similar options here & here } | Gucci Soho bag | Wanderlust + Co multi stud silver bangle & arrow split rose gold bangle | Finders Keepers Even Deeper jumper { similar here & here } | Saint Laurent classic Janis buckle ankle  boots via Gasmy.it | Gold Philosophy Pearls & Spikes ring & Chance Diamond ring 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

RAD PLAID + KENNETH COLE CALF-HAIR SNEAKERS

Good morning, Everyone! Just wanted to say a quick hello and share a few pics of my new obsession: the raddest calf-hair crimson red Kenneth Cole sneakers. Can't really decide what I love most about them, the color or just how comfortable they are...  though, most likely it's the combination of both:) 

Kenneth Cole King calf-hair sneakers | Joie Caldine leather jacket | Rails Kendra button-down shirt { also love this color & this one } | Vita Fede Double-V ring { similar option here } | Gold Philosophy Pearls & Spikes ring & Chance Diamond ring | Burberry sunglasses 

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle