My 2014 Beauty Favorites

2014 is coming to a close and a new year is already knocking at the door. Not much to brag about this year in terms of accomplishments but I definitely traveled quite a bit. From Alaska to Turks & Caicos, all new places for me to explore. I guess traveling to all these new places should be considered an accomplishment.

This blog have been much neglected over the years, but I finally gave it's own home! If you haven't noticed, going to melliescloset.com will bring you directly to this blog. No more .blogspot.com. Mellie's Closet is now getting branded! This is now my permanent home to all things girly. I'm getting a little tired of the whole pinky purple theme, maybe I'll work on cleaning up the theme a little bit.

Enough chit chat. time to share my ultimate 2014 Beauty Favorites!  These products aren't necessarily new in 2014 but they are things that I've discovered in 2014 and easily became my everyday staple.

My 2014 Beauty Favorites - SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion $70, Sally Hansen Dries Instantly Top Coat $6, beautyblender Pure $20, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Sticks (discontinued), Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette $58

Looking at this bundle, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette was the only one that launched in 2014. It's a limited edition that contains 2 blushes from their permanent collection and one exclusive color Incandescent Electra. I love love this exclusive shade because it gives the most natural looking pop of color.

Blogmas 2014 Day 10: Christmas Stocking Nails

Merry Christmas! Well I didn't make the daily blogmas posts but at least I got 10! =)  The last one for this year's blogmas, wanted to show off my Christmas Stocking nails.

Milani Nail Art in White Canvas, Sephora Formula X in X <3 Rouge, Etude House Juicy Cocktail Set #2 color, Sally Hansen Dries Instantly Top Coat, Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat

Originally I wanted to do a deep red nail color with a dash of gold glitter nail polish as my holiday nails but I realize I don't have any deep red nail colors. (What happens when you only shop for pretty pastel colors.) The closest I have in red is this classic candy apple red - Sephora Formula X in X <3 Rouge, a freebie for renewing my VIB Rouge status! So I got inspired to recreate this Christmas Stocking nail. Very easy to do since it's just a French manicure especially with the Milani Nail Art that I usually use as the French tip. The little gold glitter rim along the French tip is usually what I do to cover any imperfect lines. You can check out how this method looks on a normal French manicure here.

Blogmas 2014 Day 9: The Cozy Winter Sports Fan OOTD

Recently the Fanatics.com team reached out to challenge me into creating a "sporty luxe" look using any one of the hats on their website. Not that I'm any type of sports fan myself, but I happily accepted the challenge since I thought it's a different way to change up my outfits. Now what would I wear if I'm invited to a sports event this Christmas? Or even better, if I were to go watch the ball drop!

It was quite overwhelming combing through the thousands MLB hats on Fanatics, but as a New Yorker, it was an easy no brainer for me to narrow down to the New York Yankees hats to find that one piece to start off my look.  I decided to go with this New Era New York Yankees Ladies Chunky Stripes Hat. A chunky knit beanie that seems perfect for the season. The cute pom pom makes it a little more adorable when worn as a slouchy beanie.

New Era New York Yankees Ladies Chunky Stripes Hat (Pic from Fanatics.com)

Here's the final outfit:

Armani Exchange Mohair Sweater Tunic (old), D-ID Denim New York Skinny Jeans,  3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel in Ink 

To match the slouchy knit NYY beanie, I decided to go with my favorite winter attire - sweater tunic + skinny jeans. Winter calls for winter whites and this fuzzy wuzzy mohair sweater tunic does just the trick. Paired with a medium wash skinny jeans - not distressed ones! (In case you're going to a corporate sports event.) And a mini crossbody to keep your hands free to clap and cheer.

Blogmas 2014 Day 8: Winter Layers for a Christmas Shopping

Ah not sure how all these other bloggers do it, I can hardly keep up these posts! Skipped the weekend posts as I was busy doing my Christmas shopping. So sharing today, my OOTD for a crazy spree at Bloomingdale's.

American Eagle Cardigan (old), Old Navy Crew Top (old), AG Adriano Goldschmied The Prima Skinny Jeans, Arturo Chiang Fedra Ankle Boots (old)

For a long day of shopping amongst crowds, I always opt for comfy wear. Something I can maneuver around in without the bulk. It's a steady 30 degree weather here in NYC now, so for some added warmth, I had on a big wrap around scarf to keep me cozy (not pictured.) Winter time is also when I stock up on long sleeve tees that's perfect for layering up like the way I paired it with a 3/4 quarter sleeve cardigan.

AG The Prima Skinny Jeans in Wilde

These AG jeans are so heavenly soft! So soft that they almost feel like jeggings. Super stretchy and the mid rise is perfect to cover up any unexpected gut expansion. Sometimes skinny jeans can be a pain to put your legs through, but I have no difficulty with these at all, they just slip right in.  The leg openings also tuck perfectly into my ankle boots.  I got it in a size 26 (my usual size) and it fits like a glove.  The Wilde wash is the perfect dark blue denim. $75 for a pair of jeans is quite pricey but I don't regret a single penny.

During this shopping spree, I also picked up a pair of J Brand jeans for $25! Bloomingdales hold a dear place in my heart now, can't wait to style that!

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet?

Blogmas 2014 Day 7: Stuart Weitzman Semi Over the Knee Boots on Sale

Here's another sale alert. I just purchased these Stuart Weitzman Semi Over the Knee Boots from Bloomingdales that's on sale for $455. I also received a coupon code for an additional 40% off sale price and got these for $273!

Stuart Weitzman OTK Semi Suede

I've tried on the SW 5050 boots before and didn't like them. After reading some reviews from Jean at Extra Petite, I decided to give these wedge versions a try. I actually purchased these in the suede version instead of the black nappa version because I still love my Coach Lilac boots the most. Also on sale at Bloomingdale's right now.

Blogmas 2014 Day 6: Review Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream

Today's post is a quick review of goodie that I received from my Glossybox - Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream.  Bitter cold and dry winter is already here and I needed to switch up my hand cream to something more moisturizing. (My Bath & Body Works hand lotions are just not cutting it in this weather.)

Aerin Rose Hand and Body Cream (image from aerin.com)

Not going to go over my usual review stats as this was only deluxe sample that I am using.  Full size bottle retails $40 (yes! for hand cream) and comes in a 4.2 oz bottle. Probably not something I would have carried in my purse anyway, so the deluxe sample was very very welcomed!

The hand cream is a semi thick cream that instantly melts into your skin leaving it feeling and looking silky soft and matte. Seriously if it weren't lychee like scent (it doesn't smell like roses to me) it left behind I would have forgotten that its there. I love that it doesn't leave any heavy greasiness at all, I can seriously still open bottle caps without any slip or slide.

Sad that the sample is running out and I'm going to need to look for another hand cream to help keep it from drying and cracking.  For those who are curious on how I heal my dried cracked hands, I douse my hands in Aquaphor or Vaniply (depends which one is handy) every night. But these are just way too greasy to be used during the day when I'm working.  I've stocked up on some Bliss and AHAVA hand products, looking forward to giving those a try soon.

Let me know in the comments if you've tried other Aerin beauty products, they seem to be very pricey Estee Lauder. How are you combatting the winter?

Blogmas 2014 Day 5: Stocking Stuffer Pick - Mally Beauty Mystery Collection

Sharing a perfect gift for any beauty junkie or makeup newbie. There's a new Mystery Collection Beauty Bag on Mally Beauty today.

Mally Beauty Mystery Collection Bag

This bag is $25 and will be worth $178 with 10 full size makeup products plus a mini crossbody purse! I bought 2 of these bags and I plan to gift them in a White Elephant with friends and my teen cousin who's just starting out on makeup. You get free shipping with $50 purchase, so buying 2 was perfect. Now I just need to worry about it getting here on time. Hopefully it does.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Blogmas 2014 Day 4: Clinique Coupon on Gilt City

For today's Blogmas post, I want to share this free $30 off $80 coupon voucher for Clinique from Gilt City with you. If you aren't a member yet, you can get a 25% off discount code if you sign up via my invite link.

This is a great discount PLUS you can get a 5 piece gift with any $35 purchase PLUS you get Free Shipping on any purchase! The voucher expires on Dec 28, so you have plenty of time to prepare for holidays or save it for yourself.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector $39.50, Clinique Cheek Pop in Peach Pop $21, Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel $25

Not sure what to buy? Also sharing my favorite Clinique products at the moment. The Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector and Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel are definitely my daily skincare staples. The Dark Circle Corrector feels almost like a eye primer with some tint to help cover dark circles. Eye makeup applies so much easier.

The Clinical Clearing Gel has been calming my pimples. It doesn't heal them right away, but it does help prevent them getting any nastier. I love how quickly it dries so that it acts as a barrier between the pimple and my concealer.

The Cheek Pop in Peach Pop gives you the most subtle flush of color that I've been using it whenever my skin looks sallow. Of course I also love the cute daisy print.

Let me know which of these are your favorite products from Clinique!

Blogmas 2014 Day 3: Company Holiday Party Outfit

Today's Blogmas post is a little late because I just came home from my company holiday party not too long ago. Wanted to share the outfit and jewelry I wore to the party.

Featuring a LBD (little black dress) that I got from Piperlime for $14!

Pim + Larkin Kimmie Peplum Dress (original model pic here, similar styles here), Yesstyle Contrast Trim Open Front Cardigan (similar here), Gap Knit Tights (old, similar here), Coach Lilac Boots (here), Coach Wristlet (old, similar here)

Blogmas 2014 Day 2: Shopping Bloomingdale's Private Sale

Welcome to Day 2 of Blogmas, so far majority of my day was spent scouring Bloomingdale's website left and right for items to put in the my shopping cart and take advantage of their Private Sale going right now, ending tonight.

In the end, I decided to only pick up 1 item. These AG Adriano Goldschmied The Prima Skinny Jeans.

AG Adriano Goldschmied Jeans - The Prima Skinny

I've been looking for a pair of designer denim jeans for a while now, it seems all fashion bloggers have a distressed pair and I want to see what the hype is all about. Everybody always say how soft and comfortable they are.

I saw these AG Adriano Goldschmied jeans on sale for $100.80 plus another $25 off every $100 with code PRIVATE, bringing the price down to $75.80. Not too bad! Didn't want to get another pair of distressed jeans so these AG Prima Skinny jeans seem the best choice and I love the wash. I've never tried these before, hopefully the sizing isn't off.

Anybody own a similar pair? Do you believe that there's a different between these designer jeans vs. non-designer?

Update - I received these jeans already and they are OH SO SOFT. Worth every penny! I can't wait to share some styles with them on.

Blogmas 2014 Day 1: Preppy Winter White for Work OOTD

Got some inspiration from Sydney from Sydney's Fashion Diary to do Blogmas! All it is is that you can expect daily blog entries from me until Christmas. I'm a little late but we'll see how well this goes. Hopefully this would give some quick insight about me and also motivate me to write a little bit more.

For Blogmas Day 1, let's check out today's outfit of the day.

Banana Republic Burnout Sweater (old, similar here), Express Utility Shirt (old, similar here), Banana Republic Wool Skirt (old, similar here), Gap Knit Tights (old, similar here), Coach Lilac Boots (here), Coach Wristlet (old, similar here)

My semi preppy outfit for work. I almost feel like a librarian/old school teacher, so I tried to make it a little more fun by rolling up my sleeves. I love how this sweater has a band hem to complement the A-line full skirt, helps narrow my waist and give me a bit more of a figure. Excuse the hand in the pocket picture, I just can't resist skirts with pockets.  These Coach Lilac boots I've mentioned last year as a perfect dupe for the Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots.

That's it for Day 1, look forward to more tomorrow!

Monthly Empties: A Quick Log

It seems a little pointless reviewing products from so long ago, but I had kept all the pictures taken from each month's empties. So here's a comprehensive list for logging purposes. This way you can see how often and how quickly some of these products get used up!


April 2014 Empties

Apr 2014 Empties

• Diorsnow D-NA Control White Reveal Day Essence (discontinued - still available here)
• Shiseido Superieur Lifting CE Emulsion (discontinued - still available here)
• Clinique Rinse off Eye Makeup Solvent  (a gwp staple)
• Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener (a gwp staple)
• Victoria's Secret Hand Cream with Shea Butter in Warm Embrace (discontinued - still available here)
• My Beauty Diary - Black Pearl Mask

Review: Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector

If you've seen my last post, you'll find that the Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector has made its way into my daily skincare routine. Equitance is a Japanese skincare brand with a skincare line that targets the brightening and radiancy of the skin. I've been lucky to try their key serum which retails for $125.

I'm definitely no stranger to Japanese brands and their brightening skincare products. Shiseido's White Lucent line and SK-II products constantly show up on my monthly empties. The important thing to remember is that Asian brightening products are not meant to make you look more "white", no matter what we do, we won't turn caucasian. Brightening skincare is meant to leave you looking radiant and healthy glowy.

Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector

Now for the facts:

Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector Facts

Review: My Current Morning Skincare Routine

I recently shared this picture on my Instagram account with my current morning skincare routine. Thought I'll quickly review it here as well and share the correct way of applying SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence.

Current Morning Skincare Routine featuring SK-II, Clinique, Estee Lauder and Equitance

These are all the products I use every morning now - I don't normally use a cleanser in the morning so it's not included. After washing my face with water and towel dried, I use a cotton pad, soak about a quarter size of the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion and lightly wipe my whole face with it. Then I follow up with the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence by pouring a few drops onto the palm of my hand and then patting/pressing it all over my face. Depending on the consistency of the serum of the day, I'll debate on whether to apply the eye cream or serum next. Lately I've been testing out the Equitance Brightening Serum + Spot Corrector, which is a thicker formula so I apply my Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector first. This eye cream provides some light coverage to conceal my dark circles and will help de-puff and swelling around the eye. After the serum, I would spot treat any blemish and active breakout that I have with the Clinique Acne Solution Clinical Clearing Gel. Everything is finished off with a light moisturizer preferably something with broad spectrum SPF - the Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face & Neck Cream gives off a pearlescent glow without being too shimmery.


I'm thinking doing a more detailed review on SK-II products since I've been spending so much money on them lately.  And will definitely share my daily night routine as well.

How does your morning routine look like? Does it contain any of these goodies?


P.S. The Equitance Brightening Serum + Spot Corrector was sent for me to review by Influenster.

Reveal: Dior Secret Diva Monthly Box June - October 2014

The Dior auctions are open again. Until Oct 10, you can check out their website to bid for once in a life time experiences or monthly subscription boxes.  I ordered their monthly subscription box last year - for $600 you'll receive 1 full size new release Dior beauty product every month. You can check out what I've received in the first 5 months here. Here's to the recent 5 months.

June & July 2014 Dior Secret Diva Box

June and July boxes came with the new Dior Addict It-Flash ($26) and It-Line ($31).  The Dior Addict lip products are one of my favorite lipsticks so I was very excited to see the new coveted mascara and liquid eyeliner.

Swatches: Butter London in Cream Tea

I bought this Butter London in Cream Tea Nail Lacquer during one of the Gilt sales. Price came out to be $5 instead of the usual $15. I'm sure it's discontinued but I'm very glad I picked this up! I couldn't resist taking multiple pictures of my nails. So I apologize beforehand if there's one too many of similar photos.

Butter London in Cream Tea

Butter London's Cream Tea easily became my go-to summer nail color.

OOTD: Bold Stripes With White Flares

Since there's another crazy sale at Banana Republic ($50 off $100 in stores and online, use code BRTAKE50), I thought I'll share my latest find that I'm absolutely in love with. 

Triple action! Featured Item Banana Republic's Multi-Striped Tank Size 0, VS Cardigan (old), The Limited Flare Trousers (old), Steve Madden Pumps (old)

I picked up this Banana Republic Multi Striped Tank in store 2 weeks ago. And I must say it definitely isn't something I usually pick out for work. But despite being out of my comfort zone, I just loved how the bold stripes look and decided to pair it with white flare trousers to bring out the top. The bold stripes are actually in a very deep navy blue color. 

Very lightweight material that feels cool on the skin - perfect for summer time! Loved that it is fully lined so I don't have to worry about undergarments peeking out. It has a lower neckline that borders around the edge of revealing too much but it's not too bad. I love the skinny round straps but because of the keyhole design towards the back, it might be a little snug to pullover.

BR Multi Striped Tank Up Close

The top definitely has a boxy fit that might not flatter those who are on the petite/smaller side. I am wearing a size 0 and I probably won't wear it by itself. But when paired with a snug lightweight cardigan, you can still see my waistline.

Otherwise, I just love how the top works out into the perfect summer white work outfit. 

As usual, BR online prices severely differ from their store prices. I picked up this top for $17.99, but I see that the price online is $59.99. I'm glad I got a great deal, but you might want to double check your local BR before splurging online. Also take into consideration $50 off $100 in stores and online, when you use code BRTAKE50, ends July 26.

And of course let me know what your favorite summer picks are. 

Launch: Warby Parker's New Beacon Collection for Summer 2014

Today's the launch of the Warby Parker's latest collection of eyewear: the Beacon Collection for Summer 2014.  Warby Parker has a nice collection of trendy and classic eyewear designs and the new Beacon Collection is no different.

Reveal: Glossybox X Bergdorf Goodman May 2014 Subscription Box

I just returned from an Alaskan cruise on Monday and finally got a chance to go through my Glossybox! This one was their May subscription box and retails for $21 as usual but the best of all, it was a collaboration with THE Bergdorf Goodman! The name itself already promises luxury.  In addition, this month's box will include 6 samples instead of the usual 5.

Ready to check them out?

GlossyBox X Bergdorf Goodman May 2014 Box

There were a total of 15 different samples that are part of these Bergdorf Goodman boxes. Here's the 6 that I received:

Reveal: Le Metier De Beaute Mar, Apr, May 2014 Beauty Vault VIP Boxes

I was going to wait for my June box to arrive before posting this, but I figure I should do it quick and give more people a chance to check out the Le Metier De Beaute Beauty Vault VIP program since the 2014 subscription just opened up! Don't miss the chance to get all these wonderful products for $29/month. The value of each box almost triples that $29 cost (on average).

Let's get to it! 

LMdB March 2014 Beauty Vault VIP Box - Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer and Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo

The March box was the sole reason I was even interested in the LMdB brand!! The brand offers one of the most expensive under eye concealer on the market - the Peau Vierge Correcteur Concealer at $95! And guess what? To my utmost surprise, this little baby was in the box! It's also the first time the subscription box included a complexion product (everything else so far were color or skincare). I'm also very happy that they had included one that is in my shade (in Medium).  I've read that they actually try to send out a lighter shade for those with fair skin tones.  They also included one pair of their Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo (retails at $150 for 8 pairs). Total value of the box is an unbelievable $113.75!

OOTD: A Not So Casual Casual Friday

My company has a business casual attire policy at all times. You don't know how much I envy those of you that can wear jeans to work or have casual Fridays! Trust me when I say I was ecstatic to see that my company sponsored a charity event where anyone who donates are allowed to wear jeans on the specific day.  There have been 2 of these events in the last few months and I hope there'll be more in the future.  I figured I'll show you my outfits since I hardly get to dress up this way. (I feel like I'm pulling out an inner Wendy from WendysLookBook.)

Casual Friday 

Reveal: Dior's Secret Diva Monthly Box March, April & May 2014

I got so excited when I received my May Dior Secret Diva box yesterday that I thought I should share it right away! But before I show you what I got in my May box, let me share the March and April boxes first. If you follow me on Instagram (@melliescloset) you would have seen them already. Details of this subscription box service can be found in my previous post.

Dior Secret Diva March 2014 Subscription Box (photobombed by Macie)

Monthly Empties: 1st Qtr 2014

Time to share what has been showing up in my Glossybox at the end of the month. Sadly it really has turned into quarterly empties post, but I'm working on it!

January 2014 Monthly Empty

January of 2014 was a pretty boring month. Only 3 items emptied out, but I finally finished my Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion (and yes this is the old packaging so you know how long it's been sticking around!)

Event: Viktor & Rolf BONBON Eau de Parfum Launch Party @Saks

I can't believe how lucky I was after casually replying to an old @Saks tweet on why I would want to meet Viktor & Rolf. I already own their signature fragrance Flower Bomb and knew they were coming out with a new fragrance. But what I didn't know was that simple reply got me a ticket to meet them in person AND be part of their launch party at Saks!

I arrived at 6PM after being stuck in NYC traffic, but that was okay, because Viktor and Rolf just arrived and I was able to walk in with them at the same time!

Viktor & Rolf walking into Saks. Probably the only glimpse of their full outfit.

After reaching the Saks PR team, I was ecstatic to know that I actually won a FULL SIZE BOTTLE of the new BONBON fragrance! And to top that off? Walking to the front of the line and getting it autographed by the designers themselves!

Rolf autographing

Then Viktor autographs

Swatches: Marc Jacobs Beauty - Enarmored Hi-Shine Lacquer in 102 Daisy

March with it's daylight savings time definitely took a toll on my body and my schedule! Finally a post for March. The Marc Jacobs Beauty - Enarmered Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in 102 Daisy (what a mouthful, even for typing) was definitely a luxury item splurge for me - retailing at $18 and only available through Sephora and Marc Jacob's website.

Sephora Haul with YSL Volupte Sheer Candy

Marc Jacobs Beauty - Enarmored Hi-Shine Lacquer in 102 Daisy

Swatches: Nail Inc Bling It On Floral Nail Polish Set - Bloomsbury Way

I saw Jess's video on a Kawaii Nail Tutorial and couldn't help but try to attempt it on my own. I personally have never tried any type of nail art, so I decided to pick this Nail Inc Bling It On Floral kit up from Sephora retailing $25 (still available here for $13) .

Nails Inc Bling It On Floral

Reveal: Dior's Secret Diva Monthly Box Jan & Feb 2014

Not sure why there isn't a lot of info on these, but you saw right, super high end luxury cosmetic brand Dior has a monthly subscription box as well, it's the Secret Diva subscription. The Dior Secret Diva subscription is slightly different than Glossybox or even the Le Metier De Beaute one that I've been sharing. The Secret Diva subscription was part of Dior's annual Auction event in October where all profits are donated to Look Good Feel Good. The Secret Diva was a limited quantity auction (I think there was only 100) and each subscription was $600 for 12 monthly boxes. Now $600 is very pricey upfront especially when you compare it to all the other subscriptions (LMdB was $348), but I consider it as part charity donation and am just fulfilling my annual charity donations (though this is not tax-deductible). Also for $50/month, you will receive full size Dior products which includes limited edition and early releases of the upcoming product launches. I see this as a foot in door with other pristine beauty bloggers ( XD  ok, I stop dreaming.)

The Secret Diva programs starts in the beginning of the calendar year and I was expecting to receive mine on the 8th of each month as advertised, but my January box came before the year even started. Here's the reveal of my very first Dior Secret Diva - Jan 2014:

Luxe Dior packaging for each Secret Diva box.

Review: Missha Complexion Coordinating BB Cream in No. 2

BB creams was all the rage a few years ago and now this past year, we see a flood of CC creams on the market. Missha's M Perfect Cover BB Cream was the first I ever tried and I definitely jumped on when MisshaUS.com announced they have the Missha CC cream on their Facebook page! Of course there was a little false advertising, in my humble opinion, because it wasn't a CC cream, instead they called it their CC BB cream. (Confusing eh?) Well Missha launched the new Complexion Coordinating BB Cream .

Missha Complexion Coordinating BB Cream No. 2 - Flawless Complexion

Twist top packaging

Bulky packaging compared to the M Perfect Cover BB Cream despite the same content

Missha Complexion Coordinating BB Cream Facts

Reveal: Le Metier De Beaute Dec 2013, Jan & Feb 2014 Beauty Vault VIP Boxes

Just wanted to share more of what I received in my recent boxes from Le Metier De Beaute. And I continue to be amazed at all the product value you receive with this subscription. Though I will admit that I was a little disappointed with what was sent in the 2 boxes this year.

LMdB Beauty Vault VIP December 2013 Box

Monthly Empties: 4Q 2013

Sad to say that my monthly empties turned into a quarterly empties post! I just haven't been able to finish enough products I suppose, which is not good as I've accumulated so much more products this quarter. ::raises fist to Sephora VIB sales::

First up is the Oct 2013 empties. I can probably even nickname this the toner empties month.

Oct 2013 Monthly Empties

OOTD: Winter Office Drapey Comfort

It's 2014! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and wish every one of you the best in 2014. I'm hoping for more posts in 2014. Wish me luck!

I haven't done one of these for a while. I've recently changed from commuting to work via public transportation to driving. So now I have the luxury of keeping myself from the cold as minimal as possible. So removing the bulk of layers, I get to dress a little lighter even in this bitter cold.