Drug Store Beauty 2




My first drugstore beauty post was a success so I thought another one was in order. A few of these products are fairly new to me and have made a great first impression. Others I have been using awhile and keep buying!

1. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Graphic Eyeliner - I wear a thin line of black eyeliner almost everyday. This eyeliner feels like a marker and is really easy to control. You can create a thick or thin line with relative ease and the color lasts all day! My favorite eyeliner is still this one but this Maybelline eyeliner is a close second. 

2. Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer - If highlighter and concealer had a baby it would be this product. It reflects the light which helps blur and conceal any blemishes or dark circles. On days I only wear a little makeup, I will skip foundation and use this under my eyes and on any redness and I look refreshed. 

3. Covergirl Professional Loose Powder - Loose powder is a makeup staple. It sets your foundation and concealer for the day. This concealer is as good as any of the expensive ones. It's finely milled and won't change the color of your face when you apply. It is sheer enough to keep a glow but you can add an extra layer to mattify your skin. 

4. E.L.F. Angled Brush - A good makeup brush is just as important to makeup application as the makeup is. I have collected a variety thru the years, some are high end and some are a little more economical. I bought this one on a whim and am shocked at how great of quality it is. The angle of the brush works well for applying bronzer. I use it to hit the hollows of my checks, under my chin and around my hairline.

5. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Setting Spray - I've used settings sprays before and always loved them. They makeup your makeup last a lot longer. Because of the higher price tag of most sprays, I saved it for a special occasion or any time I knew I would be taking pictures. The lower price of this spray means I use it almost every day! It works so well and feels great on your skin!


Do you have any favorite drugstore beauty products?

Kara Krittenbrink
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Off the Shoulder Top



 





I hope everyone had an amazing Easter! I spent the day with my family. We went to mass and then to my Grandma's for lunch. There is nothing like a wonderfully cooked meal and family time to completely recharge you. I now feel ready to take on the next week!

I've been asked several times how to put outfits together when you are in a rush. Sometimes I wake up late or am running late and don't have time to focus on what I'm wearing. When I'm rushing around my house and barely have time to brush my hair, I have to go with an outfit I know works. For me, that is working with a classic color combination. Camel, denim and white will always work! There are a million ways to put those three colors together and I bet you already have these colors in your closet! As the weather warms you could trade out this outfit for denim shorts.

I have white tops for every season. To add to my spring and summer collection, I knew I wanted one that is off the shoulder! This one is perfectly breezy and casual. Although it is simple, it has a few special details to make it special. This top will be on a heavy rotation for the next few months. It is currently sold out on Old Navy but I've found similar ones that I love here and here

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White Off the Shoulder, sold out (similar here and here)
Denim, old (similar here) - Heeled Mules - Crossbody Bag, old (similar here)

Kara Krittenbrink
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A New Silhouette: Wide Leg Denim







Last Fall wide leg denim came back with a vengeance. It was all over every fashion magazine and every brand seemed to have their version. It was hard to go into a store and not see atleast a few pairs of wide leg denim. This 70's inspired style seemed to pair perfectly with the lace up tops and fringe that we were also seeing. 

I like this trend but for quite awhile I didn't think it was for me. I love love love skinny jeans and how they flatter my legs. Dark, light or distressed most of my jeans are skinny. The only other pair I own is a pair of boyfriend denim. I think maybe I was scarred by the last time I wore wide leg denim. I believe it was in junior high and I remember pairing them with clunky shoes (mainly my doc martens). This made me look wider and was just a bad decision!

Finally I was in Madewell and decided to give them a try! Oh, how my mind was changed! I was surprised by how my legs looked long and lean. I was instantly a believer. After deciding I had to take these home, I realized how wide leg jeans are working now. First, it's important to find a flattering wash. I would recommend dark or a medium wash. Second, make sure the upper half is slim fitting, this keeps the look from swallowing. Last but certainly not least, wear wide leg denim with heels! This may be the most important thing to know. Heels will make your legs longer and balance out your whole look.

Wide leg denim can be as versatile as any of your jeans. As a general guide I like to keep my top half slim fitting to balance the wide leg but feel free to do whatever makes you happy! As with any jeans, one pair aren't perfect with anyone. I also love this pair, this pair and this pair!

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Wide Leg Denim - Leather Jacket, old (love this one and this one
Heeled Mules - Lace Pullover, old (similar here)

Kara Krittenbrink
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Anthropologie Sale



Spring is officially here but you wouldn't know it by the temps in Oklahoma last weekend! We were in the 30s and 40s and all I wanted to wear was my spring clothes. I celebrated Easter early with half of my family and it was the coldest Easter Egg hunt!



Today is just a quick post of some great items on sale at Anthropologie! These tops and dresses area all perfect for this transitional weather! This dress would layer well with a long sleeved white button down and boots now and when it is colder you could wear it with pumps! 

I love lace for day and night. This top puts a casual spin on lace with the stripes. Denim and leather bottoms with a blazer would get you thru the cooler temps. Grab your favorite pair of cutoffs when the weather heats up! The cinched waist on this lace top is perfect for date night! The sheer sleeves give a hint of skin.

This plaid shift is a great work piece. Shift dresses are always a great idea for business casual or more casual work environments. They are a flattering cut for most body types. I have several that I rotate thru all the time for work.

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Kara Krittenbrink
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Bow Back Dress








Coming or going, this dress makes a statement! Just the color of this dress made me fall in love! It's rich, bright and screams "look at me". After I saw the cut out and bow in the back, I knew I had to have it. 

The cut of this dress is very flattering for many body times. It is fitted, without being tight. If you have curves, it skims them and if you don't it shows that off too. The high, sophisticated neckline keeps the dress conservative enough for all types of Spring and Summer functions. Since I bought this dress I've worn it to a rehearsal dinner and a wedding! 

The look here is styled a bit more casual. The caged sandal and simple jewelry were great for the outdoor wedding I went to. I wanted to keep the focus on the dress. Since it was a bit chilly this weekend I added a blazer to keep warm. Black or nude pumps and a statement necklace would dress this up for a nicer event. 

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Bow Back Dress - Caged Samdals, old (similar here and here
White bangle, old (similar here and here) - Snakeskin Clutch
Lipsense in Blu-Red and Bouganvillea Gloss
Kara Krittenbrink
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Spring Reads


I'm not sure what it is, but lately I have been getting myself back into reading. It really is one of my favorite things to do but I sometimes think I don't have time. When I finally make time for it, reading is so stress relieving for me. Now that I'm in the habit of it again, I needed to get a reading list together so I always know what to start next! I like to switch up genres so I don't ever get tired of any certain kind. 


I stumbled upon this book when I was actually looking for a different one. When Breath Becomes Air just came out this January and is already a New York Times Bestseller. This book chronicles a neurosurgeon's life. This true story shows the life of a obsessive surgeon as he faces his own mortality after a stage IV lung cancer diagnosis. As someone that lost a parent to this disease (see my story here) I want to see the change from doctor to patient and how he faced the disease. .I'm sure it will be a tear jerker but I've also heard it is quite inspirational.


I am a huge fan of Mindy Kaling! Not only do I find her hilarious but she's also an inspiration with her career and work ethic. Every speech of hers I've read also leaves me wanting more. She mixes a strong message with humor for something that speaks to almost anyone. Why Not Me is a collection of essays about her life and career. I actually just listened to it in audio form (she narrates it herself) and didn't stop laughing the entire time!


Her three shows already own me every Thursday night (TGIT anyone?) but now I can learn about the woman behind them. Year of Yes is the story of how Shonda Rhimes changed her life in a year. It is refreshing to hear that someone so powerful still had struggles. For one year she said yes to everything that scared her. As someone that is in the middle of a big career change, I think I will definitely learn something from this book!


I mentioned another book in this series on my first book list (here). The latest installment comes out in May! The Crown continues the story of Princess Eadlyn's struggle to decide if she wants to find love. She sees how The Selection (think The Bachelor meets royalty) worked for her parents but doesn't know if it's in her destiny. This is your perfect pool/beach read! Who doesn't want to read some romance and see if a princess finds her prince?


Several friends have recommended this book to me! All the Light We Cannot See takes place during WWII, which is one of my favorite time in history to read about. Another New York Time Best Seller, this book  Two paths collide from opposite sides of the war. A German man rethinks how he helps the Nazis while a French woman is fleeing them. I'm not sure how the two lives come together but I'm excited to find out!


What are some books on your current reading list?
Kara Krittenbrink
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Floral for Spring... Groundbreaking


Sometimes a cliche is actually a classic and that's how I feel about florals in the Spring! Dresses, skirts, tops and shoes.... I love floral pattern on everything. It truly is a classic look and something you will wear year after year. This is not the last time you will see florals here this Spring! Easter is around the corner and it makes the perfect time to pull out a girly, floral dress. 

Although some of these prints are quite bold, I promise they can be worn again and again. For a more conservative look, nude heels and simple accessories keep everything cohesive. I love this green floral maxi dress for how easy it is. The cut is simple and would flatter so many body types. 

Pattern mixing (see how here) is always a good idea. This dress and this dress do it for you! My favorite look for Easter church is this dress and this dress. They create a sophisticated but chic look on their own.  

Beyond Easter these dresses would be great for Spring weddings, showers and other fun events!

What is your favorite way to wear to florals this Spring?

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Kara Krittenbrink
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Denim for Days


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Denim skirts are back again and they are begging to be worn. Gone are the pleated denim minis that I wore 10 years ago. The update versions have button fronts, darker washes and A-line fits. I scoured some of my favorite stores and found some must have denim skirts. If you want a mini, knee length or something in between, I have you covered. 

My favorite is this button front version in a medium wash. I also love this one, which is just a little bit shorter. The pleats and dark wash on this skirt make it a little more dressy. This skirt has the classic, never go out of style look in the perfect medium wash. For a more unique take, this denim skirt has a diamond pattern!

Whichever one you choose, you will have endless styling options! Dress up your favorite t-shirt and tennis shoes by adding a denim skirt. For a casual date night add your favorite blouse and wedges. Denim skirts are really as versatile as your favorite pair of jeans!

How will you be styling your denim skirt this Spring?

Kara Krittenbrink
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And the Oscar goes to...








For me, wedding season has officially begun. This weekend I had the honor of being in the House Party for one of my sorority sister's wedding. It was very special to get to read a passage from the bible at her wedding! 

She wanted all of the House Part members to be in metallic sparkles. I took this opportunity to use Rent the Runway again (last RTR here)! RTR is perfect for any special event. It allows you to wear a dress or outfit that you may not normally afford. They had so many great sparkly options and I had so much fun picking my dress out. If you are worried about knowing your right size, you don't have to be. Rent the Runway sends you two sizes so you will have a perfect fit. 

The back of this dress is what makes it so special! The low back is an interesting contrast to the conservative high neckline in the front. One thing that isn't conservative is the fit. The stretchy fabric of this dress glides over your curves and creates a sleek, sexy fit. The stretchy fabric also makes the dress really comfortable and easy to dance in! With this much sparkle, accessories aren't really needed. Simple gold heels paired well with the dress without compete with all of the sparkle. 

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Sequin Dress - Gold heels, sold out (similar here)

Kara Krittenbrink
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Save and Splurge: Lace Dress



For Spring I have fallen in love with the Little White Dress. It is a true classic that fits so many occasions. This season my favorite LWD is one with lace. In a modern cut, lace can be very sophisticated. I kept the outfit monochromatic because the lace has so much detail in it. A few simple accessories finish it off. I love a hot pink lip anytime but especially Spring and Summer. Pink is an alternative to red and flatters everyone!

Although the price points for these two looks are different, I really love them equally. Both of the dresses are high quality and have intricate detail in the lace. When you are looking for inexpensive alternatives it is important to look at the details. Concentrate on the fit, cut and the fabric. 

With Easter coming up, this look would be perfect for that day. If wherever you live is chilly on Easter, add a trench coat (like this one) to top off your outfit. With wedding season coming up, it is a time for lots of showers and engagement parties. I would recommend a LWD for any bride to wear to her shower or celebrations, especially ones with lace details!

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Save
Splurge
Kara Krittenbrink
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Spring Wishlist



Here are just a few things I have had my eyes on lately! 

How perfect would this floral dress be for Easter? These citrus heels would be the perfect pop of color with any look. 

Pink has been on my mind lately! This wrap vest is the most subtle shade of blush. A linen blazer can go with almost anything and this pink one would look perfect over your favorite dresses. 

Tassels and Pom Poms are everywhere and I love it (as seen here)! These sandals will be great with cutoffs and your favorite spring top! This purse is blowing up instagram. The multi colored tassels add the perfect personality for spring and summer outfits. I can imagine it with an all white outfit!

I've been wanting a jean jacket for Spring. This wrap version is an interesting take on the classic wardrobe piece. 

Kara Krittenbrink
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Simple is sometimes the best!







Today's outfit is pretty simple. I wanted to show how versatile a (faux) leather skirt can be. A simple t-shirt and heels are all I needed to make an outfit. I love mixing causal with more dressy pieces. I always think it creates a more interesting look. This skirt is sold out but this one, this one and this one are all equally great!

The weather here has been up and down. I think we are done with tights for the season but I can't be too sure! Most mornings a jacket is needed but by mid day I can get rid of it. I bought this polka dot number last year on sale (see here). The fact that it is light weight and water proof has really come in handy for this time of year.  

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V-Neck T-Shirt - Leather Skirt, sold out - Suede Heels, old (similar here)
Polka Dot Coat, old - Sunglasses

Kara Krittenbrink
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