It's officially sandal weather in Portland, Oregon

We've had some really gorgeous days here in the Pacific Northwest and that means it's time to pull out spring sandals. I picked up this gorgeous pair of Ziera sandals in a limited edition color. The iridescent band is really pretty and almost reminds me of a peacock feather... the way it shimmers, not the color. When I tried the sandals on, I couldn't believe how cute they were because they literally felt like slippers! How great is that--comfy slippers that you can wear to work? Sold.

Even though we're beginning to see some sunshine, it wasn't so warm that I couldn't wear this lovely black sweater. It has beautiful detailing, a lot of stretch and a very smooth feel. This was a clearance rack find at Lane Bryant that was a steal. A simple black sweater is an item that you can wear with pretty much anything and will always be an easy option for a work day.

I love this Tarina Tarantino necklace because it's a functioning book that actually opens. I also have a love of Cameos and this pendant has the tiniest Cameo on the front. I don't like the actual necklace chain because the pendant doesn't hang correctly on it, but I do love the pretty pendant.

And my makeup... so much purple, I know... but I really wanted to try out all my new purple matte lip tints that Cailyn was kind enough to send me. I'm wearing the Purple Lilac Trio. I did a gradient ombre lip using the darkest color at the bottom and working my way up to the lightest color. The eye shadows are all from Urban Decay's Vice 4 palette and obviously continue the purple theme.

• Black sweater - Lane Bryant
• Crops - Torrid
• Dawn sandals - Ziera 
• Necklace - Tarina Tarantino

Photos by Sarah

*I received the matte lip tints complimentary from Cailyn Cosmetics.

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Dramatic night out makeup look video

Are you looking for a dramatic makeup look for a night out? This makeup tutorial video shows you how I did this dark gray and blue eye look using a new product from Rimmel: Magnif'eyes Double Ended Shadow and Kajal liner. You'll have to watch the video to see exactly what I think about this product, but let's just say I have reservations. I can, however, recommend the lovely lipstick from The Balm in the sparkly bronze color Foxxy Pout. What is your go-to makeup look for a night out? 

Shabby Apple in pink

As soon as I put on this dress I immediately felt like a princess. I just want to know where is the ball? This full length dress is fully lined and has a pretty pink bow at the waist. The top layer is lace, but it's not your typical lace. It's a pretty wave pattern with almost a vintage feel. The length of this dress definitely makes it formal enough for an evening event like a charity auction. And I just adore this hot pink color. You can get away with flats too because you don't really see much of your shoes. 

I also just got a fresh hair do. I updated my ombre with chocolate brown on the ends. The ombre starts up a little higher on my hair and the color is a lot fresher on the ends. I'll be going to Vegas in a couple of weeks for friend's belated birthday celebration so I wanted my hair to be ready! Now I just need to figure out what to wear...

• Alice Maxi Dress - Shabby Apple
• Silver shrug - Torrid
• Sandals - Ziera 

*I received the dress complimentary from Shabby Apple.

Gwen Stefani makeup look

This look is all about Gwen! It uses Gwen Stefani's eye palette and firebird lip products, all from Urban Decay. This neutral eye with a bright lip is a fun way to play with a bit of color. Have you used any of Gwen Stefani's new makeup line? What are your thoughts? Any favorites? 

If you want to check out my YouTube channel, click here.

"I'm lucky to not have a real job, to be able to express myself, be creative and be relevant," Gwen Stefani.

Little black dress love

Everyone needs a little black dress or LBD in their wardrobe. And if black isn't your color, you can always pick a different neutral that suits you better. Black is definitely one of my colors and this LBD is super flattering with quite a bit of flare. Besides the cut, my favorite feature is the lace! The long sleeves are all lace and it's comfy lace, not at all scratchy. Plus, there are some decorative lace panels on the skirt too. I purchased this dress from Lord & Taylor. It was on clearance and one of those I need to buy something else to get free shipping items, but I'm super happy with it. It's so wearable for a girls night out, nice dinner or theater show. This dress is from New Noir, my first item from the clothing line. Do you have a favorite LBD? Where did you find it?

For makeup, I'm wearing Rimmel's Magnif'eyes Kohl Kajal in "Dark Side of Blue," Urban Decay Gwen Stefani eye palette and the Balm's Foxxy Pout lipstick. Also, a big thank you to my friend Jackie for the Coach wristlet. It's a lovely Christmas present from an even more lovely friend.

• Fit-and-Flare dress - New Noir
• Magenta wristlet - Coach
• Honey bee ring - Torrid
• Cable Knit Over-the-Knee Tights - Spanx
• Gummibear shoes - Ziera

Photos by Sarah