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