Conscious collection for H&M

Last week I went to check out the new Conscious collection at H&M near my job. There was not much left of the collection but I did find some nice pieces. From the actual collection I only got one top.



The blue dress was my absolute favorite, followed by the pair of shorts in a beautiful blush color, then two tops and a skirt with suspenders. Overall it was a very successful shopping day.



Here is the blue dress but the picture really does not do it justice

Red capri and flats

Here I am wearing Calvin Klein capri pants and Banan Republic top with flats. Normally I do not wear flats and I only own two pair (which is very few for me) but somehow capri pants always ask for some ballet flats. I am considering buying a pair that I would really like. I have in mind something with closed toe and ankle strap. Have to look around and see what's out there.

Pleated skirt and opaque tights

One of my latest passions, wardrobe-wise, is raspberry color. It started unexpectedly when I purchased a pair of gorgeous raspberry heels. From then on I can't seem to be able to pass up anything in that shade, from raspberry all the way to burgundy.



Here I am wearing burgundy cashmere sweater, ASOS grey skirt, raspberry Via Spiga heels, and Hue raspberry opaque tights



And here we are with my pride and joy in the city, spending an afternoon on South Street

Easter and pleats

Today was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed magical half an hour on the balcony before going to Mass.



We did not actually make it to Mess due to our church being overcrowded. First time we cam there was not parking, second time we found parking but there were no places to sit and Alejandro didn't like us standing up and started crying, so we had to retreat very quickly.





It's been a great holiday weekend with homemade Easter bread, colored eggs, family visits and time outdoors. Especially I enjoyed being able to put away my warm clothes and put on my Zara striped boatneck and red ASOS skirt. It was also nice not to wear heavy winter boots for a change:)

Plum mascara?

The other day I got an e-mail from a friend asking me where should she get blue or plum mascara. At first I thought she was crazy but as I did some research, I got totally and completely infatuated with a plum mascara and now I am looking to try one. It actually really brings oput the eyes, especially brown and hazel ones.





The one I found to have excellent reviews was BADgal mascara. It is definitely next on my list

Hair brushes

My latest obsession has been donating my hair to the Locks of Love. For that I need at least 10 inches of hair and so far I only have 9. So I have been looking into ways to speed up hair growth and one of the ways was scalp massage and using the right hair brush. Apparently regular plastic or nylon hair brushes do not contribute to the hair growth, moreover, they damage hair and scalp.

I did some research and found out that it's best to use a brush with natural bristles for it does not damage the hair but massages the scalp. The best hair brush would consist 50% of boar bristles and 50% of nylon. 100% boar bristle hair brush could be too soft and not good for brushing hair.

I found the absolute best, the Rolls Royce of hair brushes - Mason Pearson and Frederick Fekkai brushes:






Each of which starts at $45 (smallest travel version) and goes up as high as $280! Brrrr, that's just crazy. I mean I will get myself one, I know I will, but later, when I convinve myself a little more.

Meanwhile I found very affordable alternative by Revlon - Amber Wave 50-50 All Purpose nylon-natural brush:


Interestingly, only Walgreens carry this particular brush and in most they are sold out. It took me a while to find a Walgreens that had two brushes left.

Will try and see, and if it works well, I will make an investment and get myself a Fekkai brush

How to wear a pleated skirt

Lately I have been strongly drawn to pleated skirts, especially the ones below the knee, with small pleats. Pleated skirt is a surprisingly versatile piece of clothing, you can wear it with just about anything.

I recently purchased Jason Wu one from Target and it is adorable but on a short side - few inches above the knee.

I have been checking out many different ways to wear a pleated skirt and here are my preferred ones:
1)Colorful skirt with a striped shirt

ASOS

2) Basic color skirt with bright opaque tights

ASOS, $62.67

3) Bright skirt with a contrasting or neutral skinny belt


4) Bright skirt with a neutral tank top
5) Neutral skirt with a bright tank top paired with a belted cardigan
6) Bright skirt with a flesh-colored top with a white or navy blazer

Zara, $39.99