Over the past 2 weeks I've been using Physicians Formula's Va Va Voom Mascara to test out it's claims of being non-smearing/smudging and ability to get you the perfect Spring eye. I even tried using different eye shadows as well as my usual "spices" from Chanel.  But, before we get to that, how adorable is the packaging? I love the little shoe charm, such a cute added touch. 

The product did not smear or smudge during the time I wore it and came off pretty easily with my usual makeup remover, no hard scrubbing. It also has a great smell, probably the result of the cocoa extract and vanilla and musk infused into the product; that's why it's called the "Sexy Booster." I'd say it's definitely worth the $9.99 and is going to be one of my regular mascaras, I'm always trying new ones so I never say one is my absolute favorite.


Here are the looks I created with the mascara. I'm all about simple, especially when it starts getting warmer. Who wants to go crazy with their makeup if it's going to melt off?



* Disclosure: I have received free products from Harper's Bazaar in connection with my affiliation with Harper's Bazaar Style Ambassadors**.

** The Ambassadors are a nationwide network of Bazaar's most influential, well-connected, and fashionable readers who have been hand selected to represent Bazaar. I am NOT, however, employed by Bazaar, my opinions are my own. I am honored to be part of such a great group of women.

I always feel very 70s when I wear these Free People flares, and the addition of my new necklace really added to the vibe.  I won this super cool locket at South Moon Under's Grand Opening party, it's by House of Harlow and doubles as a locket! Now I just have to figure out what to put inside it. I also won this House of Harlow "Engraved Orb Pendant Necklace."  This is what I wore on Mother's Day, although it was a little too warm for the top, but I'll take warmth over cold any day, wouldn't you?

Top: Equipment (sample sale), Jeans: Free People (Marshalls), Wedges: Steve Madden (DSW), Sunglasses: Etienne Aigner c/o Marshalls, Necklace: House of Harlow "Tribal Locket Necklace" c/o South Moon Under, Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports & Mom's

Last week while browsing through Net-a-Porter's "What's New" section, I came across this gorgeous Valentino purse, which has since sold out.  I decided to bring back an old post; Lust, Love, Less and find similar bags so we could get the look without spending a fortune.

This would also be fun to DIY, if you found a nice tan shoulder bag for a reasonable price you could create your own design with embroidery thread and/or buttons.  I may go that route because I've been wanting to do something crafty for a while (but I'll probably be too lazy).

Valentino Purse: $3195
Ash Handbag: $225
MMS Purse: $19.95

A very close second for the "Love" bag, but the other one had the colors better.
Patrizia Pepe Handbag: $222


Honorable Mentions:

Antik Batik Bag: $133


Anya Hindmarch Handbag: $465

Saldarini Clutch: $75

Natural beauty. Is there anything better? I love the makeup, or lack of, in this photoshoot from Vogue Australia. It also doesn't hurt that it is set in the woods, I do enjoy long walks under the trees. Although admittedly I haven't done it in a while, I should change that since I have woods in my backyard!


Photo Source

I wore this last weekend to head to one of my favorite stores, Mother Earth Gallery (it has autoplay music, beware).  I have a wide array of interests: fashion, Harry Potter and precious stones.  I don't know much about the latter, but I intend to do some studying on the subject to learn more about the stones and rocks I've collected through the years.  I have always been drawn to stones and gems, even when I was younger and the interest hasn't really faded. In fact, it has gotten worse. I spent faaaaaar too much money on the two pieces I bought on this trip, the same with our previous trip back in January.  I need to be very careful whenever I enter the store.

Sweater: Forever 21, Top: Ralph Lauren (Roundabout Resale), Jeans: Current/Elliott (The Outnet), Sandals: b.o.c. (Marshalls), Bag: Wink and Winn (giveaway), Necklace: Geoclassics, Bracelet: Crystal Vibrations Jewelry (use code BBarrow1002 for 10% off), Watch: Skagen (Rue La La), Rings: vintage, Brilliant Imports & Mom's


Below are some photos of what we (my sister, her boyfriend and I) bought and a behind the scenes shot of me taking the photos.   I bought the green malachite and the egg shaped septarian; cool, aren't they?! (The last photo also shows House of Harlow necklaces I won from South Moon Under.)

Yesterday I showed some photos of my newly organized and "designed" bedroom (see previous layout.) Today you get to enjoy some detail shots, exciting, right!? If you want to know what something is/where I got it ask in the comments! Figure that's easier than me listing everything in all the photos, who wants to read all of that?

Update: Everyone loves the plate my jewelry is on, so I'll share where it's from: MARSHALLS! (obviously.) I can't remember the brand but you'll be able to find something similar.

It's been just over a year since I last shared photos of my room [see here]. Since then things have changed a lot. I changed my bed to a loft bed so I could get more storage, so the room looks a little more cramped and less airy but there is a lot more space.  Tomorrow I'll share some detail shots since I took too many pictures.

To maximize the space in my tiny (barely 9x8ft) room I use a lot of storage units.  My bed is lofted with shelving and, rather than making the second bed that came with the set (to go underneath), I put my shoe bookshelf and cute cabinet I scored at Marshalls to get even more space.  Then I have my other large shelving unit (IKEA), small green dresser (from Home Goods) and larger dresser - it's actually a baby changing table, the top folds down, but I use it as two shelves to get more surface area.

We also took the doors off my closet and use a curtain as a separator to avoid needing to open doors, which take up a lot of room.  It's all about using every bit of floor and wall space when you have a small room.  If I had the money/wasn't lazy I would install a pocket door so I don't have to worry about swing room for the door.

Everyone here knows I love a good deal! So when I saw a pair of gorgeous coral sandals at Marshalls for $34.99 that were similar to a pair by Marni that I had my eye on, I knew it was fate.  The Marni pair was $496, so I'd say these Mula sandals are a much better buy!  They're also more fun since they're red and textured rather than nude, I'm always a fan of color in my accessories! And they're built for comfort, with special insoles, which is always a plus! I can always count on Marshalls to help me find more affordable pieces.



* This post is in collaboration with Credit Card Insider's "Splurge vs. Save" Campaign. I was not paid for this post, I just thought it was a fun idea!