The holidays are looking very different this year, there are no Christmas parties to attend, dinners to host or cocktails with friends. But even with the lack of face-to-face social interaction I still feel inspired to get fully ready most days. As you have probably noticed I typically keep my make up pretty simple and light and mostly play with my hair {and a few hair accessories!} to change my look.

Whether straightened out with a smooth blow out or curled in beachy waves, long loose hair is my preferred style. I was very excited when Wal Mart reached out for a collaboration with Remington’s new hair tools, the Pro Wet2Style collection. I had not used this brand before and was blown away by the results. 

Typically I let my hair air dry after my shower for a bit. After applying a heat protecting cream I then blow dry quickly while combining it with my hand. This is to ensure the low part of my head is dry before I bring in other hot tools. It is a bit time consuming but regular curling irons require it. Luckily the Wet2Style collection works with damp hair! Saves so much time. Remington's Wet2Style tools are made with ceramic and ionic technology to protect against damage and frizz. 

The blow dryer is the perfect size for the job. It is very light and powerful without getting too hot.

Presentation and packaging are huge for me, and that includes my hair tools. Loved the soft lavender color of this collection along with the clean modern look. 

This hot air curling iron is the tool I was the most excited about. I had seen the high-end version {that comes with a prohibiting price} and was very curious about the results. It curls the hair just like a regular hot tool but provides a smooth bouncy result that lasts all day.  It was surprisingly fast to do my entire head!

To curl my hair evenly I divide my head into three sections and star curling in layers {bottom, closest to my neck. Then middle section then the top of my head}. Once my head is fully done and the curls are cool to touch I give it a good shake so they loosen up and provide a soft beach wave look. 

Finish off with a glossing cream and cute hair accessories and I'm done.

Blow dryer comes with a range of great accessories. You can purchase the tools here, here and here. 

It's been ages since I last owned a flat iron but I really loved this one. The ceramic plates were very gentle to my hair. I was able to get soft smooth straight hair in no time. Make sure to always use heat protecting spray!

Thanks for reading, until next time!

xx, 

N.

Thank you Wal Mart for sponsoring this post. 

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Cuyana Travel Case Set Review

Oh goodness! I can't believe it's been almost ten days since I last posted here! Life has been so crazy busy. We are wrapping up our move and the kitchen remodel on our new home. It's looking so nice and bright in there! We have to be out of our townhouse by Sunday so we have been running around getting everything ready. There's been no time for shoots the last couple weekends; but this week I WILL make time for a couple posts.

First up, the review of this wonderful Cuyana Travel Case Set. I'm obsessed! I had been looking at this set before Christmas but could not bring myself to spend $100+ dollars on a make up bag. It was time to upgrade my Anthropologie make up bag and my $ 6 Forever 21 bag I had been carrying in my tote. I finally decided to pull the trigger a month ago since I found myself looking at them on the website almost every day.

They released a few new colors for the Spring Collection and this sunny yellow was calling my name. I was also loving this color but I'm not a big fan of the silver zippers. I prefer gold all the way. Now on to the actual review:

Construction: The cases are very sturdy, each piece is nice and thick and the leather is beautiful. When they first arrived the leather was somewhat stiff and hard but now that I have been using them for over a month they have definitely softened. The zipper is very strong and keeps the items inside well contained. Due to the flat bottom the cases stand on their own, and even with the soft leather the walls of the bag still stay up and straight as you use them.

Interior: The cases are lined with a soft brown synthetic fabric that makes it easy to wipe it clean. I'm very OCD about having my make up always be perfectly clean and looking like it just came out of the box; I don't usually worry about getting the interior of my make up bags dirty because I wipe everything as I use it. Accidents do happen though and sometimes eyeshadow or loose powder spills, the color of the interior makes it easy to mask any potential stains that may remain even after cleaning.

Monogram: I looooooove all things monogrammed, so of course I paid the optional $15 to have both bags stamped with my initials in gold. I love it! It matches the zipper so well and gives it a little extra detail that makes them special. I've gotten so many compliments every time I pull out the small bag from my tote.

Size: The large case is 7" x 12" x 3.5" and the small case is 5" x 8" x 2.5". I included the pictures above by my toothpaste so you could get a general idea of the sizing. The large case is LARGE and fits so much stuff. I can easily double as a toiletry bag and I would be able to fit full sized deodorant, toothpaste, body lotion, etc. The small one is also large enough that I can carry my everyday make up, lotion, pills, toothbrush and toothpaste. They are both very spacious without being bulky.

So are they worth the price? In my humble opinion, yes, they absolutely are! I will have these cases for years and years to come and I can already tell they will hold up well and only get more soft as they age. I have owned this Cuyana wallet for almost two years and I am amazed at how new it still looks and how well it takes the abuse inside my purse. If you are in the market for a new make up bag I encourage you to consider this set, you won't regret it!

The next Cuyana item on my wishlist is this gorgeous travel wallet; I need to get it before my summer vacation in June! I'm also madly in love with this bag, so perfect for work!

Hope you enjoyed this review, let me know what you think :) Talk to you soon!

xx, Nicole

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Madewell Intimates Review

Bralette // Panties

If you haven’t heard by now, Madewell just introduced their brand new line of intimates three days ago. Much to the brand’s simple style, the pieces are defined by soft fabrics and unexpected details. The collection consists of bralettes and panties in lace, modal and cotton. If you have not noticed by my posts, Madewell is one of my absolute favorite stores so I headed down to The Domain {the best shopping area in Austin} to try a few of them on.

I found that the Lace Liana Triangle Bralette runs reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally small. I’m a 34B and the Large barely fit me. This is truly the set I was hoping to purchase but I could not get over the bra dents on my back. That being said the bralette is absolutely adorable! They are very…how do I say this?...well-made :) The lace is gorgeous, the strap on the back has an off-center hook and the shoulder straps are comfortable. As I mentioned before, I felt like the strap that goes around my torso was a bit tight for my taste but I do understand why the designers did that, it provides GREAT support. I love it! It really holds the boobs up and kind of cups the whole thing into perfect round bouncy little things. I tried every color on and the sizing is consistent within the style. I’m somewhat obsessed with the periwinkle color and might purchase soon.

The lace panties run about a size small. I just held them against my hips to figure it out since we are not allowed to try them on. I do appreciate the store doing this as a hygienic measure. I always wash my underwear before I wear it the first time; but I love the extra caution Madewell takes to keep the pieces as fresh as possible.

The Eliza cut-out bralette was really cute as well. I was drawn to the nude/black combo and was not disappointed. Super soft fabric, good support and cute enough to wear it exposed {as in backless or see-through shirts – please don’t go through life in just a bra}. The Medium fit me quite comfortably and the matching panties in Medium seemed the right size for me as well.

Now on to my absolute favorite set that I purchased and want to wear forever, the Mesh-Trimmed Michele bralette and panties. Oh. My. God. It is by far the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. I’ve been loyal to the Only Hearts Triangle bralettes ever since I discovered their little shop in Santa Monica; but I did always wish they provided just a little bit more support. Well, the Michele does just that. The fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable, the mesh detail adds a touch of sexy, the back has the 3 hook option for closing and it provides the perfect amount of support. I purchased the matching panties in Medium as well; they are as comfortable as the bra.

I’m thinking seriously about buying the black and blue colors on the Michele set because I love them THAT much. If you haven’t, I encourage you to hop into a stop and try them. Like me, you may just find your bra soulmate.  

Happy Friday!
xx, Nicole



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