New In//Beauty

With all the holiday specials that have been rolling out, I found myself at Sephora lusting over new products. For the most part I looked from a distance hoping everything would somehow magically make its way home with me, but I pulled together a little self control and only picked up a few goodies! I got a few limited edition sets, which I am over the moon about, as well a good group of samples, and a few other bits!All of these I think would make the perfect gift for any beauty lover!

If you made a purchase of $25 or more Sephora was giving away one of three different sample sets. Each set came in a good sized make-up bag and came with products varying from Origins skin care, Chloe fragrances, to Burberry make-up. The products in all three sets were great, and they are all a good size for being samples!

Sephora//Airbrush Songe

I picked up Sephora's version of the Beauty Blender. I personally don't wear foundation, but I do use concealer in some areas, especially under my eyes. What I love about Sephora's airbrush sponge is the different size ends. The bigger end would be great for foundation, but the smaller size is perfect for smaller areas like around the nose and under the eyes! Also its about half the price of a beauty blender and gets the job done just as well!

Bite//best bite rewind

The Bite set of four lip crayons was something that as soon as I walked into the store went straight into my basket. I absolutely love Bite products, so when I saw this holiday set I knew I needed it! It has the perfect variety of colors from a very wearable nude and pink, to a more bold pink and berry! Even though these are in a set, they are give a good amount of product that will last a while!
(Top to bottom: Cafe/Aubergine/Coulis/Torte)

Hourglass//ambient lighting edit

This last one was a bit of a splurge, but has been worth every penny! I had been eyeing the Hourglass ambient lighting edit since it was released, but wasn't sure if I could bring myself to pay the big price for it. What made me get it was going in store and swatching all the products, and seeing how amazing they looked in person. Hourglass has very luxurious products, and for the price it makes sense. In this limited edition set you are getting six products that flawlessly go together. I am able to look past the price for the quality of the product, knowing it will last for  along time! I've had a few days to use this and I have not been disappointed. Definitely my favorite purchase. 

Checked Days

 Bracelet: Alex and Ani // Nail Polish: Essie// Rings: Brandy Melville

 Top: Zara

Boots: H&M // Jeans: Topshop

I love this checked top from Zara. It was part of a co-ord set, but since the shorts aren't really fall appropriate for where I am, a good alternative is the classic black jeans. The pattern of this top adds a little extra dimension to an other wise simple ootd!

xxAshley

Denim Diaries

A good pair of jeans is a staple year round. If you're like me, it can be quite tricky to find the perfect pair. Over the years I have found a few stores that I know will carry jeans that feel comfortable and look good on my body type. I've narrowed down my search to four stores, ranging from affordable to a bit of a splurge, that when I am in need of some new denim I go straight to! I've Taken my favorite jeans from these stores, and showed you my favorite ways to style them!

Affordable go-to: Forever 21

Forever21 is the go to place when you are in need of affordable clothing, but it can be hit or miss with the quality due to the low pricing. However over the past year or so I have noticed a huge improvement in the overall quality of their merchandise. Before this shift, like the the rest of the clothing, jeans were hit or miss with fit and quality, but when you scavenged long enough for the perfect pair it was a huge hit! Now I have found it to be even easier to find a good pair of jeans that are comfy and won't break the bank!

Middle-Ground: Zara

Zara is my most recent discovery and addition to my favorite denim shops. I had always been a big fan of the Topshop Leigh jeans because of the comfy jegging feel while still looking like actual denim jeans. Sadly the quality no longer matched the price, so I was in search of a new place to find a jegging that I loved. This brought my search to Zara. I found an even better jegging that was of a significantly better quality and about half the price, it was a win-win! I haven't ventured from the jegging type jeans from Zara, but from the multiple pairs I own, they are a great piece to have!

Largest Variety: American Eagle

American Eagle has by far the largest selection to choose from as far as a variety of fit, size, and color. There are 17 different styles and cuts of denim, each available in multiple washes! Why I love these jeans so much is that they are the most comfortable denim I own. They get that perfect worn-in feel, and by the end of the day they have the perfect amount of stretch to them. There is a pair of jeans for everyone here. No matter what size and body type you are, American Eagle will have the jeans for you!

Investment Pair: Paige

While Paige denim is quite the splurge, it is well worth it. These are so comfortable and will last you years! Even though the price may be high, do not let it scare you away from investing in their denim. The quality is amazing, so the jeans will last for a very long time!