Putting on my Face

So it is no surprise just how much I love makeup. I wear literally a full face of makeup to class everyday, which is sometimes silly because I sweat it off in dance class. However, there is something to be said about staring at yourself in a mirror for hours and being able to like what you see.
My favorite makeup brand is:
CLINIQUE

When I switched from drug store makeup to "big girl" makeup I started with bare minerals at first which I loved, but it didn't have enough coverage (I still use the powder ). Now,  clinique doesn't clog my pores and doesn't make me break out. I use their eye shadow, mascara, blush/bronzer, chubby sticks, foundation, powder, lip gloss,the Happy perfume, and the 3 step skin care system ( I highly recommend this!).

My go to concealer is benefits Erase Paste. Its simply the best for under-eye circles. It doesn't just cake under my eyes it covers and lasts for a long time. I think I had a pot of the concealer for over 6 months.

MY MAIN POINT IN THIS WHOLE POST...............
is talking about how I save on makeup.

Ebay is great for buying bundles.

Since I know my skin color number for clinique I don't have to try on the different options. I've bought some GWP's  (gift with purchases) on ebay because they are such great travel sizes and you can bid on them and wind up with a great deal.

But speaking of GWP's... Today my mom and I went on a makeup shopping spree.. I was running low..of literally everything and my bank account was about to take a hit but luckily my mother saved the day. We went to Macy's and bought my powder and foundation and they were having a GWP deal for limited time.  

Sometimes Its worth it to spend money on skin care and makeup, I can find deals on ebay for products I know will work or bundles that I cant pass by. Often though, department stores will include a GWP that will make the deal worth it! I suggest buying at these times, they also make great gifts!

Spooktacular Savings

Lets be real for a second.
  I love parties,
I love to dress up and  go out especially when there is a theme. So Halloween has always been a fun occasion to wear something spectacular. Every year I try to be something creative and original. Now, I have been a cat and a bunny (who hasn't) but I like putting my own twist on things and making my own costumes. My mother always handmade my brother and I's costumes growing up. She would buy old prom gowns from the thrift store and I would be Miss America or she would buy material and create my own costume. Frankly speaking, the costumes you buy at the store are cheaply made and overly priced!

Pinterst is full of amazing diy Ideas! I highly suggest snooping around to find something fun and different. My costume last year was inspired from a picture I found off of Pinterset.


 Last year I was a Scarecrow! I used costume makeup for the face painting, my roommate's floppy hat, and a flannel and TADA costume for under 4 bucks!

 with some of the room mates^

^^^^^I will admit I looked scary at first glance, especially in the dark. I spooked myself a couple of times!

<<<<This is the start of my costume this year! any guesses as to what I'll be??? I will update when complete!

Why Does Pre-Owned Have To Be A Bad Thing?

So many people have a problem with wearing used clothing. Personally I do not. While certain things I want to be mine (ie undergarments) I believe that buying used is just as good if not better that buying new.  When people turn their nose up to pre-owned items I like to point out these things..

1. When you buy previously owned, it is usually cheaper even if it has only been worn once. The price still drops. Which means you can get a shirt regularly 80 for 65 because someone wore it to a lunch decided they didn't like it and took it off.

2. People try on clothes all the time, this means bodies have been in the clothes you call "new". Washing a garment disinfects any previously owned odors. However, if it comes from a home with smoking or pets the seller usually informs the buyer. This allows the buyer to be informed of the environment and to then decide if the allergens are worth the risk.

3. When an item looks just as good pre-owned as it does new it means that it is made with quality. Some items will fall apart after the first wash, When you are buying pre-owned items you do need to notice wear and tear but if the item has been washed multiple times and it looks pristine, then you know the stitching is made with quality and that the fabric and dye will not fade.


I bought my Hunter Boots Pre-owned on Ebay and saved around 80 dollars. They had been worn once and have barely any wear on them. I've been saving up for these boots for a long time, so to finally get a pair and save a bundle made me overjoyed.
This is how I wore them for the first time:

It was chilly in Fairfax on this rainy day so I styled my hunters with a monogram, a polka dot cardigan and my favorite AE jeans. 

p,s, I advise knowing your size before you buy, I tried on my Hunter boots at Nordstrom before I looked for them online.

The Non-Sorority Sorority Girl

Sooo I've been in a rut for a couple weeks because I realize how much I regret not going greek.

 
As a dance major I chose to focus on dance and not rush, as my parents have provided me with expensive training for this career choice since I was 5. The struggle however is that every time I go into a store that sells Lilly I realize just how much I would have loved to be involved with greek life. Being a dance major requires a lot of time and devotion, so I didn't want to risk my profession by being distracted with sorority obligations.

Being Non-Offiliated is harsh. My entire life I have been a part of (and/or lead) clubs, honor societies, and organizations. Sister-hood is something that I know I would have loved to be a part of. Also, I cant deny that cute shirts, school spirit opportunities, crafts, and parties are also a turn on to greek life. As a prepster I find that this culture usually regards sorority life as a tradition and a no-brainer. However in my special dance major circumstance I realize that having one foot in and one foot out of an organization is not something that I would want to be a part of. I love to be involved, and not being able to commit my full time and energy towards something would be devastating. ASlo,,, can we talk about expense. Im paying my way through college and I have barely enough to buy groceriers, how would I ever pay for dues? I guess all-in-all I would have made it work. however, I have to accept that my decision has lead me to where I am today. It has given me the opportunities and paths that have changed my dancing for the better. And also my dance major family at GMU is something I could never replace.  College is what you make of it, so you better live it to the fullest or you'll look back and realize that you let an opportunity slip through your fingers!
-Much love
Rachel


MY MASON DANCE COMPANY FAM:

Dorm Room

I've been crazy busy for the last few months and I have let my blog slip through my hands. However, I am back, and I am really excited to share my diy creations for my dorm room! I ditched some of the Lilly Pulitzer this year in exchange for a more Kate Spade vibe. My mom and I had a hard time fitting everything in the van this year I was so squished on the way back to GMU.

I made all of my canvas decorations by hand.
 I used fabric left over from my head board to cover one of the canvases and then used gold tool to make a big fluffy bow!

my headboard is also something I was so excited about. I used a diy guide found on my Pintrest to make it. It took a lot of hard work but it was well worth it

I really wanted polka dots on my wall.. After all what's a kate spade room without gold polka dots?
I tried to find removable wall stickers but I couldn't find affordable ones. I was determined to diy and then I ran across these Wilton Cake Cutouts. The size was perfect and they were so affordable. I spray painted them using Krylon Metalic Paint. And then used the ever useful command strips to secure them on the wall.

With the same spray paint I painted these intricate bottles I saved  from last year, a lamp,  and also my metal shelf for my tv.

I did a lot of handy work putting together my room. I bought a couple shelves and these added for great storage.

I also bought ruffle pillow shams and had them monogramed.

I used a Styrofoam board to cut out my own monogram and spray painted it gold (This was not so easy)

I used colorful paper to back my pictures and put them in a collage over my desk.

I bought this really cute rug from Marshalls which put my room all together.

I love my cozy and colorful room! I believe in making my dorm as comfy as possible that way it makes me excited to go home every evening!

Thrift Store Goodies

I popped in to a thrift store today and found some awesome deals.

I found pink chino 5 inch shorts and a classic tea length green and white seersucker dress. 

The dress is jcrew. And the shorts are merona. I love merona shorts and own a couple pairs, they are cut very similarly to jcrew's but are about half the price. 

Here are the two items.{ I really need to get better lighting} 

This is how I styled the dress. I added my favorite white lilly pulitzer bow belt and some strappy nude heels. All I need is a big monogramed marly lilly hat and I'll be set!

I'm also thinking about making it a little shorter. This will enable me to wear it more often.

This is how I styled the shorts. With a lace lilly pulitzer blouse and a pearl headband. Just add some jacks, and it's a perfectly preppy day outfit!

My joe fresh ensemble

I pulled my joe fresh outfit together with my navy shorts and pink striped boat neck top. I added my lilly pulitzer bow belt and my navy and white jacks to give it more preppy flare. This was a great outfit for work!