Merle Norman Draper

On August 8, 2014 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products1 Comment

YOU GUYS! I have been dying to talk about the amazing day I had at the Merle Normal Boutique and Spa in Draper, Utah a couple of weeks ago. I was of course thrilled when they invited me in for a facial and makeover, but I was not even close to prepared for the absolutely amazing experience I would have during my visit, how much I would love their little boutique, and how in love I now am with Merle Norman product! If you live in Utah, you must go in and see them. They offer FREE express facials and FREE makeovers-and really it is heavenly. And while I normally don’t love the way other people do my makeup (weird, I know), when Chelsee was done with me, I was beyond giddy with the results. So Utah girls, be sure to stop in and see them! Below are some photos from my amazing visit and my favorite products that Chelsee used on me (which are all now staples in my daily beauty routine!)…

Photos: iPhone snaps

Now onto the good stuff…THE PRODUCT! I am pretty set in my makeup routine, so it takes a lot for me to switch up products. But after Chelsee worked her magic on me, there were a few items that I knew were going to be staples in my everyday makeup routine, and so I wanted to share them with you guys!

1. Liquid Shimmer: This stuff is AH-mazing! It’s my favorite highlighter that I’ve tried. It goes on silky smooth and gives you that amazing candlelight glow. Plus it looks great applied over your eyeshadow with a brush. LOVE this stuff!

2. Purely Mineral Makeup (in shade L10): This stuff is like a dream! The L10 shade gives you just a tiny bit of coverage and a tiny bit of shimmer. I wear it over my foundation as a setting powder and it gives me the perfect amount of glow-plus it helps my makeup stay put all day.

3. Lip Pencil Plus: I can’t say enough about this one. I mean really, a lipstick on one end and a liner on the other? Talk about convenience! I have actually used this stuff for years and it’s a great go-to product. Plus the lipstick is super hydrating, comfortable (a MUST for me), and really long lasting!

If you aren’t in Utah, be sure to stop into your local Merle Norman to check out their great products, or visit them online. And if you are in Utah, then make sure you go and see Chelsee and the team for your FREE makeover and express facial! I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Merle Norman Draper

213 East 123000 South

Draper, UT

You can also check them out on Instagram, and Facebook.

Happy Friday lovelies!!!

FPF: Montana Love Tee

On August 9, 2013 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I will always have a love affair with my home state of Montana. There is just something so special about it that I can’t explain. It was the most incredible place to grow up and someday I hope I can raise my children there, or that it will, at the very least, be an important part of their lives too. And because I was lucky enough to marry a man who loves Montana as much as I do, every summer, J and I make a trip back to my hometown to soak in the beauty, the serenity, and all of the amazing-ness that is Montana. And this year’s vacation, as usual, was the high light of my summer. So when I saw these cute Montana Shirt Co. Tee’s everywhere on Facebook and realized their shop was located in my hometown, I knew I needed to get one so I could express my love for my home state with pride anytime, anywhere…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Be sure to stop by Montana Shirt Co. and check out their assortment of tee’s, tanks and hoodies. They have a ton of cute stuff and the quality is fantastic. But be sure to order at least a size up-the women’s tee’s run pretty small.

Hope you all had a fantastic week. Happy Friday!!!!!

FPF: Stella & Dot Trunk Show

On April 19, 2013 By all dolled upIn Deals, Favorite Products3 Comments

I had the privilege of hosting a Stella & Dot trunk show at my home last night. It was such a fun evening filled with amazing friends, a little vino, cupcakes, and lots of pretty, sparkly things. I was so busy playing hostess, that I didn’t get a chance to take any photos, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite things from their summer line with all of you. So if there is something on your Stella & Dot wish list, or if you are not familiar with the brand, please use this link to shop my trunk show or have a look around-so many fabulous things! I know I can’t wait to place my order!!!

I am also pleased to announce that I have had the honor to partner with my very favorite design and decor website, Design Loves Detail, as a regular fashion contributor on their blog! Please be sure and stop by to check out their fantastic and inspirational site, and also read my first post-complete with some of my fashion essentials and a little advice when it comes to getting dressed in the morning!

Happy weekend and favorite product Friday, everyone!

FPF: Best Make Up Primers

On March 29, 2013March 29, 2013 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Uncategorized4 Comments

Smashbox Primer | Victoria’s Secret Primer | Mac Prep and Primer | Bare Minerals Neutralizing Primer

While it might seem like just another added expense, I assure you that a makeup primer is an essential step to your beauty routine. Not only do primers help to hide fine lines and wrinkles, creating a silky, smooth canvas to apply your make up to, but because they drastically improve the application and look of your make up, you will find that you need to apply less make up. Particularly if you use a neutralizing version (my favorite!) which helps to reduce the appearance of any redness, spots, or blemishes. An added bonus? They also help to make your makeup last longer throughout the day.

Happy weekend!

FPF: The Perfect Glossy Lip

On February 15, 2013February 15, 2013 By all dolled upIn Favorite ProductsLeave a comment

Bonne Bell Lipsmacker (you can find this in any drug store) | Smashbox Limitless Lipgloss | Chanel Glossimer Lip Gloss

I LOVE a good glossy lip. And while Chanel Glossimer remains at the top of my list, I also recently discovered another lip gloss that I am enamored with-and that is Smashbox Limitless Long Wearing gloss. It is a fantastic product and lasts an amazingly long time. BUT it is a touch sticky on the lip so I like to layer it with my favorite chapstick. And then recently, on a whim I layered on my favorite Glossimer (Sweet Beige) over the top and the results were perfect. An ultra glossy lip with incredible staying power and none of that uncomfortable stickiness!

Happy Weekend!

FPF: Beach Essentials

On January 18, 2013January 13, 2013 By all dolled upIn Favorite ProductsLeave a comment

In honor of my trip to Nicaragua, and with spring break fast approaching, I thought for today’s Favorite Product Friday I might share my favorite beach essentials. So if you are lucky enough to escape to somewhere warm this winter, then this post is for you.

Happy weekend!

FPF: Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray

On September 14, 2012September 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products5 Comments

I had never tried a makeup setting spray until about two years ago when I was checking out at Sephora and the gal helping me convinced me to trade in some of my points for a sample of Urban Decay’s All Nighter. I was skeptical at first and assumed that spraying a liquid mist on my face would make me oily in my t-zone or be drying, creating a tight and uncomfortable feeling. But she assured me I would love it, and boy was she right.

Urban Decay’s All Nighter is like magic in a bottle. After applying your make up, you simply hold the bottle about a foot from your face and spray lightly 3-5 times. It actually feels quite refreshing but dries quickly and without a trace, and locks your makeup perfectly in place ALL DAY LONG! I have combination skin and normally get a little oily around my t-zone so always found myself having to retouch my make up during the day. But now that I have found this spray, that is no longer the case. I can go to work all day, and then out to dinner and drinks and not once have to touch up my make up. This stuff is seriously amazingly, and I might even go as far as to say life changing-well, as far as makeup goes!!! 😉

Instagram Filter: Rise

Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray: All Nighter (regular formula), Dew Me (for dry skin), and DeSlick (not pictured, for oily skin)

You can find these sprays at urbandecay.com, your local Sephora or Macy’s or anywhere that carries Urban Decay makeup.

A few weeks ago, I wanted to put my All Nighter to the test, so I picked up a sample bottle of the Make Up Forever Makeup Setting Spray when I was in Sephora. And I have to say that I was really disappointed. It felt wet on my skin, didn’t dry quickly, I was oily by lunch time, and I had a really bad break out after using it for a few days. I am sure it works great on some skin types, but it just wasn’t for me. So if you are looking to try a make up setting spray (aka a miracle in a bottle), then definitely give Urban Decay’s All Nighter a try!

Happy weekend, dolls!

Favorite Product Friday: Michael Kors Watches

On June 29, 2012June 30, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches12 Comments

I am obsessed with Michael Kors watches-and surprisingly by default. When white watches started getting popular a few years ago, I was on the hunt for a Marc Jacobs version and happened to stumble on a silver Michael Kors watch with a crystal clear band on ShopBop that I knew was “the one”. I ended up asking my hubby to get it for me for my birthday, and he did! And I have been in love ever since.

And while yes, MK watches are pricey, I can attest that they wear incredibly well, are very durable, stylish, and not only that, but a watch is a classic piece you will wear everyday and keep in your collection for a very long time.

You have probably noticed that I am almost always wearing a Michael Kors watch in my daily outfit posts-I simply can’t get enough of them. And lately my outfits don’t quite feel complete unless I am wearing one-usually with an arm party of bracelets. Although I have to say, I still check the time on my iPhone. 🙂

And here’s a tip, if you are looking for an MK watch and don’t want to pay full retail price, check your local TJMaxx and Nordstrom Rack. I have found 3 of my 5 Michael Kors watches at the Rack for under $100 and often see them at TJ too, but normally in the men’s section, so don’t forget to look there!

Happy weekend everyone!!

Favorite Product Friday: Conundrum

On June 15, 2012June 15, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Years ago, when I began my career in the fashion inudstry at a little boutique in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, I learned two vital pieces of information that remain relevant in both my professional and personal life to this day.

The first came from the owner of the boutique who was wildly successful, but hardly ever wore anything from her store. Curious, I asked her why one day and she was kind enough to let me in on the secret to her success:

If you want to be a successful buyer, the first rule of thumb is that you NEVER, EVER buy for yourself. Success as a buyer comes from understanding your customer and how current trend in the relevant marketplace applies to them.

And let me tell you, I have used this little nugget of information throughout my career and truly believe that it is what has helped me gain success and notoriety in my industry.

And the second valuable lesson I learned during my time there is that Conundrum is the BEST wine EVER. I received a bottle as a gift from my manager, and since the first sip that passed through my lips, I have yet to waver in adoration and LOVE for this amazing white table wine.

co·nun·drum/kəˈnəndrəm/Noun: A confusing and difficult problem or question.

Why is such an amazing wine called Conundrum you might wonder? I promise that once you try it, you will understand. This wine is truly the perfect blend of California white grapes; not too sweet, not too dry, not too tart, not too anything but perfection. It is so refreshing and delicious on the palette, you won’t know whether to serve it with dinner, enjoy it for cocktail hour, have a glass by the pool, or share a bottle with friends over lunch. So how to resolve the conundrum that is Conundrum? Make it your perfect wine any time-I promise you will not be disappointed!! And if you have yet to taste this fabulous wine, try and incorporate a glass into your weekend plans-I have a feeling one you taste it, you will be hooked. Just like I am.

🙂

Happy weekend!!!!!!!