Coffeecake

Spring Handbag: Knotted Mini Tote from Ann Taylor

via www.anntaylor.com

I am really liking this  "mini tote" from Ann Taylor. It is a nice blushy beige color, very fresh for spring, with a light croc pattern.  I tried it on in store and found it really comfortable over the arm and a great size, too...not too big and not too small. It's conservative, but stylish, too.  It could be easily dressed up or down and would make a nice handbag for work, shopping around town, or an evening out.

Photo credit: AnnTaylor.com

Product Review: Sephora by OPI Modern Flowers Collection

Lately I am really obsessed with the Sephora by OPI line of nail polish. This is a line created by salon favorite OPI and, as the name suggests, sold exclusively at Sephora. The latest collection is the Modern Flowers Collection, a palette of pinks, purples and green. I love the colors, especially how they look all together.  However, I have tried various purples, and have not been too thrilled with how they look on me.  The lilac looks really pretty, though....Go With the Flower is described as "bright tulip pink with hot pink shimmer" and sounds irresitistible, as does the coral Cover Me in Petals ("vivid tigerlily red-orange").   Leaf Him at the Altar (metallic vine green) is fun, too.  Can't wait to try them out !  Here's the full list of colors:

Iris I was Thinner: Medium iris purple

Cover Me In Petals: Vivid tigerlily red-orange

It's Bouquet with Me:  Sheer violet with silver and holographic glitter

Go With the Flower: Bright tulip pink with hot pink shimmer

Handpicked for Me:  Light pink lilac with silver shimmer

Leaf Him at the Altar: Metallic vine green

The Sephora by OPIline sells for $9 per bottle.  It is free of many of the harmful ingredients found in other polishes.  I have a couple of bottles and find that it wears very well. My favorite color so far is "Set the Mood", described as a metallic dark pink and a great alternative to reds for this time of your.

And check out a great blog for nail polish reviews: StephsCloset (not me, another Stephanie!) She shows you just what the polishes look like on and gives great suggestions for the nail polish obsessed.

Great Fall Colors at Ann Taylor Loft--including Maternity items

I recently stopped into Ann Taylor Loft to check out their fall maternity items (yes, select AT Loft stores carry maternity!)  They had some very cute items, and in great colors--rich reds, turquoise, gray and black and white prints.  I got a long gray sweater jacket and a top with a black and red floral print.  The regular line also had great colors--including a rich mustard yellow that I loved.  I also loved the crinkle patent tote for only $49(!), which came in a variety of fall colors.  There seems to be a better selection in the stores, so check it out at your local Loft. 

Easy Beauty Products for an Early Spring Glow

There are a couple of beauty products I am loving right now. The first of these is Nars' The Multiple.  This stick is very versatile, and can be used on lips, cheeks and eyes. I personally have used it only for checks, but I find myself using it again and again. It's easy to stick in a diaper bag and can be applied directly, then blended with your fingers. 

I already have a variety of colors, including Cannes, Mustique, and Portofino, and recently purchased Orgasm, the same peachy color as Nars' best-selling powder blush.  Available for $37 at Sephora (shipping free for orders over $75). (Orgasm is available exclusively at Sephora.)

The other product I am loving right now is Frederic Fekkai's new "Hi-Lights" Hair Mascara from the Fekkai line. It's available in both cognac and gold.  I have dark brown hair and the cognac worked really well on my hair.  It comes in a tube , with a wand just like regular mascara, though the tub is slightly larger. You brush it through your hair where you want to add highlights. The highlights last until your next shampoo.  It adds that extra bit of oomph when you want a little something more, but don't know quite what to do with your hair.  It costs $20 at Nordstrom.