{Hair Envy: Short Cuts}

Simply put and just as the title of this post reveals, I have hair envy. Short hair envy to be exact.  I have been contemplating cutting my hair for several years now. D, doesn't prefer it, but if I ultimately decided to do it, I know he'd get over his long hair obsession as well. I'm constantly pinning short hair and these are a few of the ones I love!

{I love the look of Mena Suvari's longish bob}

{ And the effortless but sleek look of this shoulder grazing classic bob}

{ This short version is probably the most extreme, but gorgeous on this gal nonetheless}

My fear is that I will regret the decision and it would take forever to grow back! Plus, I'm not so sure short hair is a good look for me since I have a very round face. I had short hair at one point in my life, I think it was around 7th grade. Since growing it out after that time, it's been and stayed pretty long. Okay, my hair is mega long! My hair dresser won't let me do it in just one hair cut session. She suggests that if I ever really decide to do it, that we should cut in stages. This way, if I chicken out then it won't be too dramatic. We'll see!

{Pardon the backward selfie. Ha!}

xx, Shiela

{Beauty Show Stopper: Red Lips}

A red lip is like the little black dress or a pair of perfect diamond earrings - timeless and feminine. A red lip exudes confidence and when done right could be an absolute show stopper.

{Like Julianne Hough's red lip look}

The red lip isn't just for special occasions or a night out in the town. Life is short, wear it as part of you're everyday look! To avoid looking overdone, keep the rest of your makeup simple.

{A good example is Shay Mitchell's look}

The hard part is to find the best shade for you. It's taken me a very long time, but, I think I've finally found mine. 

{Fierce by Tarte}

{Here's a swatch}

The staying power of this lipstick is incredible. I apply it in the morning and even after lunch my lipstick is still very much intact. This lipstick is matte and very pigmented. I like the matte look for myself much better because I have full lips. Matte formulas typically are too drying but this one is amazing and does not settle in the lines on my lips. I try to remember to apply a swipe of lip balm before the lipstick but even when I don't, my lips stay moisturized but not shiny or glossy. 

xx, Shiela

| Note: Item(s) mentioned above were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review |

{Louis Vuitton Bag Shaper Review}

As promised, this post focuses on reviewing the handbag shaper I ordered from Etsy for my Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM bag.

{Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM}

Let's start with the good:
1. The shaper came sooner than expected. The Etsy shop quotes approximately 2-3 weeks because the shapers are handmade. The shaper I ordered was delivered in a little over 2 weeks.

2. The wipe-able, reinforced stiff bottom matched the fabric used for the rest of the shaper. This is a minor detail but a very nice touch.

3. The flexible sides are fantastic. This is an extra special feature because the LV Neverfull can be cinched at the sides for a different look.

4. The shaper is lightweight. This feature was very important to me because of the main reason I bought a Louis Vuitton bag. The bag is large and very sturdy. The straps, although very thin, can hold up to 200 lbs. This makes it great for both travel and everyday use. All this and still a very lightweight bag. I didn't want to ruin this special feature with a heavy shaper.

{Lots of room and interior pockets for organizing}

Areas for Improvement:
Color. I ordered the khaki color based on the shop owner's communication that this is the color that her customers purchase for this exact handbag. However, when I received it, the color was off. This may not be a big deal for most, but it was a deal breaker for me. The reason for this is because the LV Neverfull is an open tote style bag which means that anyone can see inside my bag at anytime. I just prefer a shaper that matched the color of the interior closer. The interior of the bag is a more beige-y brown and the shaper is more greenish beige color.

{Interior colors}

Like I said earlier, I contacted the shop owner prior to making the purchase to inquire about the color choice. I scoured the internet for reviews and pictures to see if the khaki color matched the interior of the bag. Had I come across a review similar to this or a review in the feedback section of the Estsy shop, I would have passed on this color. Instead, I would have chosen the chocolate brown version to match the interior stripes which would have complimented the beige interior much better.

{Interior stripes and text in a chocolate brown}

Verdict:
Unfortunately, I returned the shaper. I considered exchanging the khaki for the brown but was not offered  free shipping for the replacement purchase. Had I been offered the accommodation, I definitely would have spent the $67.95 to purchase the brown shaper. I lost about $20 for purchase and return shipping.

My search continues. I ordered another base shaper from an entirely different company. I will post another review on that one once I receive it. In the meantime, I hope this helps!

xx, Shiela

{Wardrobe Essentials: Leopard Print}

Simply put, I love leopard print. It's definitely, certainly, positively a wardrobe essential. Why? Because it's sassy and sexy. And, a well placed leopard print can make any outfit, just that more fab.

If you're only beginning to build your leopard print collection - yes you, every woman for that matter, shall have a leopard print collection - and are still unsure about joining the club with the rest of us, I'd recommend buying a leopard print accessory. Leopard print earrings, belt or even a fabulous scarf.

{Like this scarf}

Then, when you're a bit more brave, but still can't quiet wear leopard as you're main piece, then buying a seasonal item like a coat or gloves with leopard print trim will work. 

{Subtle leopard sleeve detail and a red lip}

When you're finally feeling brave, then take the plunge and make leopard a center piece of your outfit. The shorts below is a good example. Picking a pair of leopard print shorts is a bit less jarring than a pair of skinny pants in leopard print. 

{Summer shorts!}

Then, when you're feeling bold, go for it with an all over leopard print item like this amazing summer dress below!

{Flowy dress and perfect accessories}

I love to incorporate leopard print as much as I can in my wardrobe. Especially for work. But, I still have to be mindful of the conservative environment at work. These leopard print pumps are by far my favorite pair of shoes!

{I know I snuck in the snake skin peep toe pumps in there. I couldn't help it!}

{This is how I typically wear these shoes to work}

xx, Shiela

{Skincare Routine Part II: Night Time Routine}

My night time skincare routine is a bit different from my morning routine in that focuses a bit more on deep cleaning my skin. After wearing makeup for over 12 hours on an average day, my skin gets pretty oily and by bedtime my makeup is ready to come off! Like I said in my morning routine, I have very oily skin and I don't typically reapply makeup or powder too much throughout the day. Especially if I know I'm going straight home after work, I just leave my skin alone for the rest of the day.

For my night time routine, I don't neglect treating my skin and I certainly incorporate some in there. It's easy to overdo treatment so I'm careful to find products that are super gentle for my very sensitive skin. 

1. I start with taking off my eye makeup with Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. I've tried other eye makeup removers and this is by far my favorite. It is effective and does not sting or irritate my eyes. This is important because the skin around the eyes are thin and delicate. 

2. I cleanse my skin with La Roche Posay Efflacar Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. This really deep cleans my skin and takes off all my makeup. However, it doesn't over dry my skin. In fact, it really does leave my skin pretty soft.  

3. With the La Roche Posay face wash, I sometimes use my Clarisonic Mia for an even deeper clean. I only use this about once or twice a week. I'll do a more detailed review of this in an upcoming post. 

4. After cleansing, I use Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Acne Treatment & Moisturizer. Like I said earlier, I try to be consistent with treating my skin since I'm very acne prone. I use a very thin layer of this lotion. It's very gentle and doesn't sting or dry my skin. 

5. While my moisturizer is drying I use La Roche Posay Hyrdraphase Intense Eyes Hydrating Eye Care Gel under my eye and lid area.

6. The last step is optional. I only use La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo treatment on active breakouts. Even though I already use the Philosophy treatment and moisturizer, I feel like this really focuses on the actual breakout to speed up healing. 

I'm sure you've noticed that I use a lot of the La Roche Posay products. I will be doing a detailed review on these products in a future post. I discovered these products from a YouTube beauty blogger and they have since changed my skin. Make sure to look out for that post!

xx, Shiela

| Note: Item(s) mentioned above were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review |