Making the Switch

After three years blogging at The Fashion Planner, I've decided it's time for a change.  Check out my new blog Happy. Pretty. Sweet.

http://happyprettysweet.com  

I've spent the past few months playing with Wordpress and decided it was time to make the switch.  I'll still be blogging about fashion plus life and other exciting things just at a new location.

Do stop over and let me know what you think of the new blog!

Drugstore Beauty

I would happily blow all of my money at the beauty counter if only I did not have to think about those nasty little things called bills.  Thankfully, great beauty products can be had on the cheap.    

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 

A delightful cross between a lip balm and a lipstick, Revlon's lip butters deliver just the right amount of color while not drying lips out.

Alberto VO5 Tea Therapy

Great smelling shampoo that leaves my hair feeling squeaky clean.

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

This is the only bb cream I have tried, so I don't know how it compares to more expensive brands; however, this one from Garnier makes my skin look dewy and healthy.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara  

I love this mascara and recommend it to everyone.  It's so much better than Maybelline's overrated pink and green tube.

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray

I have thick hair that can be a pain to wash everyday, so this dry shampoo spray is great for in between washes.

What are some of your favorite drugstore finds?

The Love List

Picture via Pinterest

Loving:

• Helicopter rides
• These shoes
• Hanging out at the airport
• Making these protein pancakes
• Lace shorts

Reading:  Quickstep to Murder by Ella Barrick

Watching:  Dallas  

Listening:  Katy Perry's "Wide Awake"

Unplugged

It's amazing how hard it can be to jump back into blogging after a couple of weeks away.  My work trip went better than expected and included a helicopter ride, bear sighting, and brief stop at Mall of America.  I've been back for a couple of days now dillydallying around the house trying to get my summer plans in order...   

 Top: The Limited

Skirt: Gap

Belt: American Eagle

Hat: Scala (sent by LiptonPublicity) 

If you are looking for a sun hat, the Ribbon Crusher from Scala is fabulous.  I was sent a black and white version last year and wore it whenever I went out for a walk.  Needless to say, I am super excited about my new black hat.  Get 20% off a hat of your own with code SunHatSave20 until June 30, 2012.

 Shoes: Smartdogs Comfort Slippers (sent by LiptonPublicity)

Nail Polish: China Glaze Blue Iguana

I refer to these as my love chakra shoes because they are pink and inspired by holistic living.  The slippers are very comfortable and are antibacterial, which I've decided means perfect for wearing to the pool.  Nab 15% off a pair of your own until July 31, 2012, with code SUMMER12.

 YSL Rouge Volupte from a recent swap

This is the first YSL lipstick I have tried.  I'm loving the creamy consistency and rich color but am on the fence about the fragrance.

 Assorted nail polish from another swap

I've been a little swap happy on MakeupAlley, and new nail polish is very hard to resist.

A novel picked up at the airport

I'm half way through this Pulitzer Prize winner about three recent grads caught up in a love triangle. 

The Great Gatsby

Baz Luhrmann's remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, The Great Gatsby, will be hitting the silver screen this Christmas.  With the release of the trailer, I have been obsessing over 1920's fashion.  I suppose it is a natural extension of my Downton Abbey fixation.  The estimated cost of production is a whopping $127 million and truly looks like a feast for the eyes.

  

Here are a few of my favorite Gatsby inspired accessories...

Jenny Packham Poppy Bridal Headdress II

BHLDN Quixotic Cap

BHLDN Elizabethan Heels

I will be out of town for the next couple of weeks, but do visit vvb32 reads where I will be guest posting as part of the Paris at Noon event, which starts June 10th.

Weekend Styling

I love the weekend even though it no longer promises the lazy days of my younger years.  Two whole days of doing nothing have turned into 48 hours of trying to catch up on what I wasn't able to accomplish during the work week.  However, the weekend still calls for a relaxed style and right now I am loving pastels.  Refreshing mint and soft pink hit just the right note for weekend dressing.

Mint Tie Hem Tee 

Leggy Pop Jeans 

 Loeffler Randall Wedge Sandals

Leather Fringe Across Body Bag 

Chantal Sunglasses by House of Harlow

Winner of the Shopbop giveaway is Gustosa Giveaways!

The Love List

Cute kitty via Pinterest

Loving:

• My new Kate Spade satchel
• Walking through the park
• Hearting these polo shirts
• Getting a fabulous $6 haircut
• Going gaga over these fuchsia moccasins

Reading:  The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Watching:  Sherlock

Listening:  Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe"

What are your loving this week?  

Nailed It

A little summer nail inspiration...

All photos via Pinterest

Happy Monday!

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing that you will make one.

– Elbert Hubbard

Photo via Pinterest

This weekend was rather rough for me, but thankfully, it is a start of a new week alive with new possibilities.  Here are a few things brightening my Monday.

• This morning I discovered MICHI, which offers unique fitness wear.  I am drooling over the Moto Crop Pant and Lioness Bra.  I pretty sure these would help my run time improve.
• This video of Tavi Gevinson is very interesting.  She talks about feminism and the struggle to define oneself.  
• I am fascinated by the projects posted to Kickstarter.  Two projects that caught my eye are Hot Cakes ~ an organic Molten Chocolate Cakery and Crowded Teeth Fancy Stamp Ring.
• Apparently, Ricky's Sun Pocket Comb delivers sun protection to your locks to help prevent color fading.  Definitely want to get one for this summer.
• Did anyone watch the finale of Sherlock last night?  It was a cliff hanger to top last season's...

What is brightening your day?  

The Love List

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake via Pinterest

Loving:

• Wanting these jelly shoes
• Rage baking (the best way to burn off stress)
• Paining my nails with Butter London's Tea with the Queen
• Hearting this skirt from DailyLook
• Scrapbooking with my SMASH Book

Reading:  The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

Watching:  Sherlock, Once Upon A Time

Listening:  Haley Reinhart's "Free"

What are you loving this week?

Marika Miracles Slimming Capri Legging W/Tummy Control

Marika Miracles Slimming Capri Legging W/Tummy Control  

One of my goals this year is to run more.  I don't like running - I can't breathe, I get bored, etc. - but I feel so accomplished after finishing a circuit in a "yeah-me-I-ran-two-miles-and-am-still-alive" sort of way.  To reward my effort at getting into shape, I have been splurging on some fitness wear, so I was excited when LiptonPublicity offered me the opportunity to review the Marika Miracles Slimming Capri Legging W/Tummy Control.  The leggings are very flattering and super comfortable, and so far, my only complaint is that the sizing runs a little big.  I'm in between sizes and ordered a medium, which fits loose on me, so I wasn't able to judge the tummy control.  The leggings are available in sizes X-small through X-large and retail for $60.00.

Through the end of May, get 20% off any full priced Marika Miracles 

purchase with promo code: MIRACLES

What are some of your favorite fitness brands?  

Summer Reading List

This past week I was out of town for work, and the time spent away from my computer has left me disoriented.  What have I missed in the blogosphere?  What should I be posting about?  However, it is just the right time to start putting together my summer reading list.  While I love to browse bookstores and libraries for random, interesting looking books, lists just make me feel organized.  Here are a few of my summer must reads:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Love is a disease that must be cured.

Bossypants by Tina Fey

I'm expecting lots of laughs from the hilarious Ms. Fey.

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan 

A dystopian retelling of The Scarlet Letter.

The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones

The book has been described as a comedy of manners, historical novel, and 

supernatural thriller, so obviously, I have to read it.

Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

Wickham's murder throws Pemberley into the middle of a mystery.

What's on your reading list? 

Don't forget to enter the Shopbop $100 Gift Card Giveaway! 

House of Harlow 1960 Jewelry and a Shopbop Giveaway

Metal Sunburst Pendant

I love Nicole Richie's bohemian style and am a major fan of her House of Harlow 1960 jewelry.  Richie's collection of pendant necklaces, cocktail rings, and bangle bracelets are the perfect accessories for summer's requisite maxi dresses and espadrilles.  I currently have my eye on the pictured necklaces (which I think would look great worn together) and turquoise ring.  

Small Sunburst Pendant Necklace

Cushion Cocktail Ring

Shopbop has generously offered one lucky reader a $100 gift card!  Shopbop is the place to go for a great selection of designer pieces whether you are looking for some beach worthy Rich and Skinny jean shorts or a fabulous Jerome Drefuss messenger bag.

To enter:

Leave a comment with your email and favorite item from Shopbop.

Additional entries:

Follow The Fashion Planner (blogger, bloglovin', etc.)

Follow me on twitter

Follow Shopbop on twitter

Tweet about the giveaway

Last day to enter is Friday, May 18, 2012.

The Love List

Photo via Pinterest 

Loving:

• Buying a stack of vintage books from the Salvation Army
• Getting my jeans hemmed for free at Von Maur
• Going dancing
• Hearting this overnight bag
• Discovering Dear blank, please blank.

Re-reading:  Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Watching:  The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Listening:  Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping"

What are you loving this week?

Why Don't You...

Photo via Pinterest

Throw out 50 things?

Splurge on a new bag?

Organize your nail polish by color?

Go for a run through the park?

Learn to hula-hoop?

Take a class in something you have always wanted to learn?

Clean out your closet then have a clothing swap?

Buy a retro style bikini?

Give your mom flowers?

Look up an old friend?

Eat breakfast for supper?

Start a travel fund?

Recycle old electronics?

Learn how to braid?

Read about Georgiana the Duchess of Devonshire?