Congratulations to Sarah Martinez for winning my Instagram giveaway! Thank you so much to everyone who participated. It was so exciting to pick out the pieces in this giveaway, and I look forward to having many more giveaways in the future.
If you didn't see my post about free ties for the first 20 subscribers to Tie Cargo, make sure you check that out. All you have to do is use coupon code "tiezero" at checkout, and your name-brand tie will be on its way. Normally it is $10 for one name-brand tie per month. Examples include Armani, J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. Go check out Tie Cargo!
Thank you again to all who participated in my giveaways! Y'all are so awesome! Have a wonderful night!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Thank you so much for helping me reach 2,000 Instagram followers. I am so blessed to have so much support. I pray this feed continues to be an area of positivity and support, and may everyone learn something new from one another, including myself. Y'all inspire me every day to keep working at what I love, and hopefully I inspire others, as well. I am so happy to be able to provide encouragement for those who just want to be themselves. Best to everyone in whatever life has to offer. Don't hold yourself back because you don't think you have enough, or don't have what it takes. You would be surprised that the only person's opinion that matters at the end of the day is your own. So own it!
I will announce my giveaway winner tonight by 10PM. Keep an eye out! Also, there is another chance for some to still win freebies. It's already up on my Instagram, or check back today for my next blog post.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I ordered a couple of things on President's Day from Forever 21, because they had free shipping on orders over $21. I like to shop from home a lot, so I was happy when I saw that deal. I bought the mint cardigan in the photo, as well as another shorter mint cardigan. I also had to get socks that say check meowt and selfie. It all came to under $40, and they will all be getting a lot of wear. I am so pleased with my purchase, and the cardigans will be great pieces for transitioning into spring.
Let me know if you bought anything during the President's Day sales. Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway for 2000 Instagram followers. Almost there!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Hey, y'all! I hope you had a great weekend. I am excited to reveal the third item in my giveaway for 2000 Instagram followers. If you haven't entered, make sure you head over to my blog and read the rules to enter. I am so excited about all of your support. You have all helped me nearly reach 2000 followers, so hurry and enter. Don't forget you get extra entries for following me on all of my other social medias, but you have to leave a comment with your information on my blog so I know you entered.
I've used Klorane's eye mask patches, but I have not tried those from Shiseido. I know Shiseido has a good reputation, so I am excited to give these away, because I would love to try them myself. They are extra soothing when you keep them in the refrigerator.
Make sure you follow me on Instagram for daily updates. Have a wonderful Monday! Also, find me on YouTube for daily mini vlog updates, and such.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Here is the second item reveal in my giveaway. This Fashion Coloring Book is from Neiman Marcus, and it is so adorable! I am so excited to give this away. If you haven't entered yet, make sure you hurry up and head over to my 2000 Instagram Followers Giveaway post to read all of the rules. Y'all have been so supportive. I have almost reached 2000 followers, so hurry!
Follow me on Instagram to see the rest of the giveaway items, and much more. Also, I made a video that goes with this giveaway. Head over to my Youtube channel and subscribe. Don't forget to give the videos a thumbs up!
Best wishes!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
Yesterday I got my February 2015 Ipsy Glam Bag. I was so excited to receive this months delivery, because the bag is super cute, and I really wanted a rose gold makeup brush. The brush is so much prettier in person. I really don't have any complaints about the items I received.
The Cargo cosmetics lip gloss is a beautiful light pink. I like the formula, because it is a little stickier, and seems to stay put for a long time. The size of the sample is great, and will last me a long time.
The ModelCo blush is a gorgeous deep peachy pink with a beautiful highlighting shimmer. I'm definitely going to use this color a lot, especially on cold days. The sample is basically full-size, and I can't complain.
The Eva NYC Up All Night volumizing spray is a great sample size and smells amazing. I would use the products just because it smells nice. It doesn't leave any type of sticky residue or anything on your hands when you run them through your hair after applying the product. After it dried, I definitely felt some major lift, so this might just be the next item I purchase once the sample is gone. I am crazy about voluminous hair!
The Pencil Me in Cosmetics pencil is so cool, because it comes with a sharpener on the lid. I think that is just genius! I have never seen something like it before, and I need it because I am so bad at keeping my pencils sharp, since the sharpener wanders off from time to time. I never forget to put the lid back on my pencils, so I might also need to buy these pencils in every color. I do have one complaint, and that is since I have been an Ipsy member back in September 2014, I have received two purple eyeliners, and they really aren't my favorite colors. I do use them, so it's not a waste to me, I would just like a few other colors like brown or gray.
The Luxie Beauty large angled face brush is gorgeous, like I said. Nice brushes are not cheap, and this one is so pretty. The bristles are super soft, and I don't have any complaints about the bristles falling out yet. I would definitely consider purchasing the rest of the brushes that go in this set.
I also want to mention something about the Ipsy bags. I have only liked the size of two of my Ipsy bags as far as personal use, but I love giving the bags away as presents. Each pattern every month is so pretty, I just can't use all of the bags because they are not large enough for the makeup I carry around in my purse. My favorite bag so far is the one from September 2014, because of the bag shape, I can fit a lot more cosmetics in it. I like how it zips at the top and not on the side like this month's bag. I really liked last month's bag, as well, because the zipper was on top. Does anyone else feel the same way?!
Let me know if you are an Ipsy member, or what you think about these items. I included my referral link above, so if you sign up, you can show you were referred by me. I'd love to see if anyone uses it. Let me know! Also, don't forget about entering my giveaway for 2000 Instagram followers. I will reveal the prizes on my Instagram account over the next couple of weeks. Find me @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I received this sweater as a gift from the boyfriend's grandmother, Grammie, whose mother made it for her. It is such an amazing sweater to have lasted so long and look so perfect still. Grammie keeps all of her belongings in pristine condition. It is just astounding, and it motivates me to take better care of my things. Grammie has given me many beautiful things and such amazing clothing hacks. I'm excited to start sharing some of those secrets with y'all. Who doesn't want to make their clothing last as many years as possible, so you have more money to spend on other things? I know I do. Anyway, you cannot find the top above anywhere, as it is one of a kind, but my black skinnies are from Nordstrom's, and my kiss loafers are from H&M. I bought both items over six months ago, so I am uncertain if you can still find them.
If you haven't seen my blog post about my giveaway for 2000 Instagram followers, go check it out! I will be revealing the prizes on Instagram over the next few weeks. Find me @dressdynamicdallas. Best to y'all!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I received these Tarte Brazilliance skin rejuvenating marajuca self tanning face towelettes in my Allure Sample Society Beauty Box several months ago. I'm not sure why I waited so long to try them, but now I am addicted. I have never tried any type of bronzing towelettes before, but I am a huge fan of self tanners.
These are so easy to use! All you do is wipe the towelette evenly all over your face and neck. I also rub the towelette on the back of my neck, onto my shoulders, and down my the front of my chest. I like to use them before bed, and you wake up with a bronze glow. It definitely makes you look like you got some sun, or just healthier and more vibrant. I love my natural porcelain skin, but it is also fun to be able to have a warmer glow if I want.
Let me know if you have tried these, or if you have any recommendations. Don't forget to enter my giveaway for 2000 Instagram followers. You can find out more on my Instagram @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post about my hair care, and the OGX Quenched Sea Mineral Moisture is something I wanted to talk about a little more, just to emphasize how much I like it. I bought this product, because I needed something to tame those little fly-aways that happen right at the top of your forehead when you are way overdue for a haircut. My hair gets too oily if I apply products like this dry, but when I put it on damp hair, it dried so beautifully. It has a nice scent, and the bottle really makes me feel like a mermaid when I use it. You can find this product at most department stores. I bought mine at Walgreen's. It's also super affordable. I think it was under $5.
Let me know if you have tried this or any other OGX products. Also, let me know if you have any recommendations. I love finding great products. Don't forget to check my last blog post and enter my giveaway. There are going to be so many prizes! Find out more about the prizes on my Instagram @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
On Thursday, February 19 there is a Spring Style Preview at Free People in Highland Park here in Chicago, Illinois (correction). The first 50 people will receive a special gift. It is from 6-8PM and will have live hair tutorials. Check the Free People in your area for similar events.
Make sure to follow my Instagram @dressdynamicdallas and check back here for updates.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I don't care if they are fake or not, I love Kylie Jenner's lips. I think the full top lip is so sexy (like Pocahontas). I do not know if I would go as far as to get lip injections, but I do love faking it for now.
I used Rimmel London Kate Collection color in 08, and colored just outside of the the line of my lips. I didn't have a matching lip pencil, but this would probably be a better choice first and then go over it with the lipstick. I blended in the bottom center of my lip with Rimmel London Kate Collection in 113. On my top lip, I went over it with a dark brown gloss from Bobbi Brown. I didn't press my lips together for the photo, but it still looked gorg even after I did. You might also use concealer on any discolored areas around your lips and chin.
I hope you enjoyed this lippie tutorial. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. Also find me on Twitter @anotherusestore.
Stephanie
I was so excited when I saw these lip-shaped toothpaste squeezers on Instagram. Not only are they adorable, but they are super handy. I think the actual name is toothpaste squeezer, but as you can see, it works well on expensive beauty products, or any other items that may come in a tube. I love stretching my products. I haven't gone as far as cutting off the end of the tube and using a q-tip to get out every last bit possible, but I am highly debating it, because I am curious to see just how many more uses I can get out of a product. You can find these toothpaste squeezers on Amazon, and I am sure you can also find them on eBay.
Soon here I will be following up with a blog post about my empties. It's getting to be that time where a bunch of my products are about to run out, and I thought what a good time this would be to discuss each one. It also means I am going to need a few more products. I should be heading over to Sephora this weekend and following up with a beauty haul on that, as well.
Hope y'all had a good day!
Stephanie
I ordered this sample off of the Jo Malone website because I am obsessed with this scent, as most people are who smell it. It was so exciting when I discovered you can request samples of certain fragrances. Jo Malone is a wonderful store where I wish I could spend thousands of dollars. I want everything!
If you are uncertain what to get your sweetie for Valentine's Day, this is certainly a great idea. I believe you can find it at stores, such as Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom's, and if you are in New York, I believe you can get same day delivery in certain locations. It's not too late to get something your loved one will certainly enjoy.
Let me know if you have tried this scent and/or other Jo Malone fragrances. Also, don't forget to follow me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. Have a wonderful evening!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I almost completely forgot today is Friday the 13th. I saw Instagram posted something about superstitions and will post on Monday those who have used the hashtag #WHPsuperstition. I was excited when I saw it because I think superstitions are so fascinating. One of my favorites is don't step on a crack or you'll break your mama's back. There are so many other superstitions, I cannot wait to see some of the superstitions that are added to the hashtag collection. There are already some awesome posts!
I am feeling better today. Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and I look forward to sharing what the boyfriend has planned. I hope y'all have a lovely weekend!
I always get dry lips in the winter, much like most people. And as I'm sure most people do, I search for a lip balm that I don't have to apply all day long, but will actually heal and moisten my lips. Several years ago I jumped on the natural bandwagon, and tried looking for more products with less chemicals. And L'Occitane is one of those brands with less harsh chemicals.
I love L'Occitane products all around. When I visited New York City last March, I stopped in the L'Occitane store in the SOHO neighborhood. I bought the Immortelle face cream, along with this lip balm and hand lotion set. This lip balm is amazing. Not only is it very simple and doesn't have any strange flavors, it actually seems to heal my lips and keeps them smooth all day long. I don't have to apply it very many times in a day because it lasts and lasts. Not only that, but I received so many freebies. It was worth it. I still have several of the products I rotate with other items. If you have never tried any L'Occitane products, I highly recommend it. And it's name dropped in Gossip Girl! Lol!
I hope y'all enjoyed this review. Let me know of any other L'Occitane products I should try. Also, follow me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
If you are looking for a gloss to make your lips truly irresistible and kissable on Valentine's Day, Soap & Glory's Sexy Mother Pucker Extreme Plump is what you need! I have never tried Soap & Glory products, but have heard wonderful things. I am very pleased with the lip plumper, and look forward to trying more products in the future.
Some have said that lip-plumpers can sting or burn, and since this was first lip plumper I was a bit leery. The Soap & Glory Extreme Plump actually feels really cool, and I'm sort of obsessed with the tingle. It does give my lips ultra-shine because the formula is a little thicker and stickier. I also like that it does give my lips a bit of a swollen, pink look. This lip shine is clear, so you can apply other lip products.
Let me know if any of you have tried this product or other lip-plumpers. Also, don't forget to follow me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas and on Twitter @anotherusestore. Hope y'all a wonderful day!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
If you haven't made plans for Valentine's Day, I have a few ideas for you. Especially if you live in the Dallas area. This year I was inspired by a luxurious French-theme for Vday. Having a theme for Valentine's Day is fun to help mix things up. This year I thought a French theme would be fun. I happened to come up with a few ideas to have a fun and romantic evening.
The first idea is to wear something either ridiculous Vday themed with cupids and French-style patterns, such as polka dots and lace. You can find the red sweater above at my Etsy shop at AnotherUse. If you need an idea on what to purchase your love, gifts from Lush are wonderful. Although this is not a French-themed item, you could certainly purchase L'occitane or some other French bath product. For dinner, make a date at a lovely French restaurant. In Dallas, I recommend Le Bilboquet or Mercat Bistro. I am sure there are plenty of other French restaurants in Dallas, but these are the only two I have been to and love them. After your dinner date, you could drive around and look for your dream home and get to know one another better. I always find it so exciting to talk about what you dream of in a home and yard, etc.
I hope y'all have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Even if you don't have a date, you could still do all of the above by yourself. If I were single, you bet your bottom I would be enjoying a French-themed bath with a bottle of French Rose. I'm still not certain about my Valentine's Day plans, but I think this year the boyfriend might be bringing food home instead of taking me out. Eatzi's is doing some Valentine's Day specials on Lobster tail and other deliciousness. Either way, there will be photos. Check back for last minute Vday ideas, and what I actually end up doing. Let me know what y'all have planned!
-xoxo-
Stephanie
If you saw my Ulta beauty haul post last month, I said I am going to try and do an Ulta and Sephora beauty haul every month. I'm not sure if I am going to continue to do the same store, or just change it up with different beauty hauls each month, but we will see what happens. Let me now if you have a preference. I'm sort of obsessed with Ulta and Sephora right now, so I think I will be purchasing plenty there in the next year.
I have been wanting a stippling brush for a little while now, and decided to buy the Real Techniques stippling brush at Ulta, since I like the eyeliner brush from the same brand, which I received in my Ipsy bag. It's a decent brush, and I like switching it up between using my fingers or a sponge (although, I usually end up using all three for better coverage). I'm not sure if there are brushes that don't lose their bristles, but when I was washing the brush, I noticed a lot of the fibers falling out, and there were a few on my face. This always happens with my larger brushes, so if anyone can suggest better brushes that don't lose their fibers as often, let me know. Fleur Deforce mentioned the Sephora stippling brush is really nice, but she didn't mention whether or not it loses many fibers.
So I went to Ulta yesterday with the intention of purchasing a makeup remover, and decided to wander around a bit more since I never knew there was a discount aisle. I dug around when I found the discount aisle, and was about to walk away when I saw piles and piles of plushy fabric. Upon closer inspection, I saw they were robes on sale. I had to double take the price, because I was impressed when I saw they were discounted from $60 to $5.97. Not only were the robes on sale for $5.97, but I had a coupon for $3.50 off $10 or more. So, when the above was all said and done, I ended up paying $4.74 for the most plushy robes I have ever felt. I bought the first robe as a gift for my boyfriend, since I didn't see any size small robes (and knew I would borrow the robe anyway). But after I got back home, I decided I wanted to go back and get more robes for gifts before they were gone. I was so excited because I don't find many deals that are that good. So far I have given away three robes, and I plan on getting more. The coupon for $3.50 off ends on the 14th. So get to your local Ulta and see if you have these robes on sale near you.
I also bought Rimmel London lippies on a whim. There was a sale on Rimmel London products, buy one, get one 50% off. I didn't need them, but I was curious how they work, since I have not tried many Rimmel London products. I really love the Lasting Finish Kate Moss collection color I bought in 08. I bought a nude color in 113, but I am not certain if I like it alone, although I do like it under the 08 as a base. The finish is more on the matte side, which I like, or will add a gloss on top for shine. The packaging is adorable.
I also bought the Provocalips because they are cute, and I don't own any long-wear lip products. I was bummed when I got home because the nude Provocalips was open and leaked everywhere in my bag, but I am thankful I just bought a cosmetics organizer, because if you leave it standing up you won't have that issue. I tried shutting the product tight and holding it upside down, but the color still seems to seep out just the slightest bit, which is gradually wasteful. I like the formula, and it really does stay on your lips well, but I have not timed it yet to see how long. I will be sure to follow up about this product in a later blog post. I have not opened the pink Provocalips, because I do not want it to leak everywhere.
The last two products I bought this month is the Maybelline Fit Me concealer and the Color Elixer gloss. I wrote an earlier blog post about these items, which I am loving right now. Be sure to look through some of my prior posts to find more beauty loves.
I know this is a long post. If you made it to the end, good for you! I don't normally write this much, and I might need to start making YouTube videos for these hauls. I haven't decided what I want to do yet. Let me know if you would like to see a video versus a blog post about my beauty hauls.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
I bought the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara after seeing a commercial for it on YouTube. The commercial made me laugh, and I really wanted to see how awesome this hyped-up mascara was. I have to say I love it! Especially once I learned three coats was best. It bothered me how it was a bit flaky like most mascaras, and I had to brush black chunks off my face from time to time, but it certainly makes my eyelashes look unreal. I wear it so much I probably need to buy a new one. It is definitely worth purchasing if you love long lashes.
-xoxo-
Stephanie
