byhillary

I forgot to put in a title. Leopard and Red, oh great title. urg.

2010-03-11T09:55:00.006-05:00

Someone had a meeting and had to go to work early so they couldn't take my picture. Then I forgot my tripod. I went with camera balanced on dictionary in cubicle. I kept seeing people coming. My camera fell twice. I liked this outfit though so after 36 pictures of me looking around I just decided to pretend it was a theme. (But I just gave it away now didn't I?)

Dress Target (2006)
Ring Marc Jacobs gift from inlaws Oh hey let me link them too. You can check out my inlaws here.
Shoes Marc Jacobs (2008)
Tight Target
Sweater NY and Co (2009)
Belt Target (2008)
Glasses that keep falling down they are so stretched out by my melon Chanel (2008)

Today my nails are painted red. It is Kennebunk Port by OPI. Last night my mom and I were talking on twitter. Hello modern technology! and we decided to both paint our nails the same color.

My pop has a few "rules" in life:
Wash your face before dinner.
Put on some rouge before going out.
Keep your shoes shined.
Take off your hat indoors.
Dress for the occasion.
and young ladies don't wear red nail polish!

Of course that always made me want to do it more. But I also like to be good in my pop's eye. He is 83 and grew up in a working class Irish neighborhood of South Boston. He is VERY proud of his heritage and always insisted my cousin and I be too and that we tell people and wear our shamrock necklaces. It makes us look trust worthy. ha. But now in my AHEM 30's I don't think pop would mind if I wore red polish.

Did you have any fashion rules growing up that you still catch yourself now and again thinking about?

and bonus question. Hey I have an audience why not use them!
I am looking for new ways to style my hair and I am open to suggestions. Please no hair cut suggestions. Just ways of styling. I am not going to cut it but the flat everyday is getting a bit boring.

Edited to add. My mom just posted her red nails on twitter so I totally ganked it so you could see.

CoverGirl Smoky Shadow Blast REVIEW

2010-03-10T15:01:00.004-05:00

I had wanted to try this eyeshadow duo since I first saw the ad of Drew Barrymore wearing it in a magazine a short while back. I picked it up at CVS yesterday and it was buy one get one 50% off.

What it is is a double ended shadow stick with coordinating colors to create a instant and easy smoky eye. I picked it up in Silver Sky. One end is silver and one a dusky purple.

The directions say to rub Step 1 all over your eye to the brow bone and then put Step two in the crease and along the last line. Easy peasy. I didn't even blend it. It went on like a grease pencil or thick lipstick. It has a creamy consistency. I would put a eye shadow primer first because a few hours later I had definite creasing.

No makeup

With shadow.
Opened

Closed

I have no other makeup in these photos. Just the shadow. I don't even have mascara on. I am pleased with it (minus the creasing) and it really is a very easy and fast smoky eye. I can see throwing this is my purse for an instant new look if I was going out after work or just apply one of the two sides midday if I need a makeup refresh.

Getting the word out... Basse Mode

2010-03-10T12:13:00.005-05:00

Erin over at Work with what you've got clued me into Basse Mode which is a fashion magazine to be. They are looking for contributors and trying to get people interested. Check out their site here. I threw my name in the hat for consideration. Maybe you should too.

In their own words:

What is Basse Mode?

Basse Mode is, or will be, a real life hard copy magazine. One that you can buy in bookshops, or newsagents, one with beautiful images and thick paper.

Basse Mode is a magazine about what real women wear, feel and believe.

Basse Mode is a magazine built for normal everyday women. We know that the feeling of flicking through a glossy magazine can’t be beaten. However, all the magazines feature the same thing – unwearable looks, unaffordable clothes, and an emphasis on being and looking the same as one another. We want to condense all the brilliance that the fashion blogging world has to offer into something that we can put on the coffee table. That we can show off on the coffee table. A beautiful documentation of what real women wear, what real people think, and things that actually affect our lives. Nothing like this has ever been done before, but we think it could be brilliant.

Manifesto: What we are about?

First, let us start with what we aren’t.

We aren’t people who hate fashion, or who hate catwalks. In fact, we are quite the opposite – we believe catwalks are great for trend inspiration, and that catwalks can be the birthplace of some great ideas and great art. Oh, and great fashion.

We also aren’t those people who are anti-thin. We think girls come in all sizes from tiny to curvy, big to small, tall to short. We just care that you feel good about yourself and the way you look, and we want to share that with other girls who are at once just like you, and totally different.

Finally, we aren’t actually standing against all the current high-fashion glossy mags on the shelves. They have their place, and probably always will. We just got fed up with reading the same old same old, and wanted to offer an alternative, or something else to buy at the same time.

Now onto what we are.

We are three girls, three bloggers, who love reading the writing and looking at the pictures that fashion bloggers and non-fashion bloggers post on the web. We find more inspiration in the women around us both in real life and digitally than in the current magazines, because of the fact that they are imperfect and real.

We believe that low-fashion is becoming more important day by day. Low-fashion is real life fashion, achievable attainable and interpreted differently by every single person who wears clothes. The brilliance is in the creativity shown on lower budgets, with expensive signature pieces, or even just with reworking what you already have.

We want real girls to have a beautiful quality place to read about each other, because aside from blogs we have no tangible place to do this. Because we are brilliant, and we deserve it.

How can you get involved?

We are only three little bloggers in a very big world. We all have our contacts, but alone we have little or no power. We need you guys, all the people who have said the idea is brilliant, to support us all the way.

Firstly, we will need people to help write for us. To submit outfits, and opinions, and information on your life or career or aspirations. Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it. If you want to get involved, we would love to hear from you – so fill out the form here!

If you don’t fancy contributing then you could help by spreading the word. Please talk about Basse Mode on Twitter, post about us on Facebook. If you could write a blog post and say what you think about the topic that would be amazing! If you have any good contacts in fashion or publishing, it would be wonderful if you could put us in touch. However you share your information, why not share our campaign? If you are a fashion focused brand, retailer or magazine (or indeed a publishing house) who likes our ideas, please get in contact here.

Finally, the easiest thing to do is sign our petition by putting your details on the form below. This will allow us to build a list of names and prove just how much people like the idea of a magazine for and about real women, warts and all.

Stars shining right above you.

2010-03-10T10:16:00.004-05:00

Dress and sweatshirt Target (2008 and 2009)
Flower H&M (2007?)
Shoes Michael Kors 2010 from 6pm.com (they aren't on the site anymore)
Sweater tights Ann Taylor loft (2010)
Earrings gift

Flowers and dress detail

Makeup I think I look evil in the photo on the right

Shoes

Last night my computer pooped itself. Technically I dropped it and it landed on the edge of the top of the screen. I knew before I picked it up that it was a goner. I felt it.

So I sat there and freaked out for half and hour swearing up a storm waiting for Dave to get home. I only got it for Christmas last year. Yeah like 14 months ago. It is still "newish" Also this past weekend we dropped a ton of money at the vet. When Dave came home he was insanely cool about it. He immediately tried to get it to work. He got it hooked up to an old monitor and started copying over the harddrive to a removable drive just in case. An hour or so later I got this email.

Hello from FixxYur Computer Services Inc.

We here at FixxYur know how exciting technology is and how attached we can get to our computers and electronic devices. Unfortunately, accidents and incidents are a part of life with technology and it can be really traumatic when a computer that you know and love gets sick. But don't stress, there's hope!

Our technicians have been notified and they have already been able to identify the problem, order the necessary replacement parts, and locate repair instructions. The parts should arrive by the end of the week and we will work as hard as we can to get you up and running as soon as possible.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you need reassurance from our counseling department in the meantime.

Regards, FixxYur!

FixYa is an independent service provider focused on customer service and electronics repair. FixxYur will make every effort to repair your electronics in an efficient and cost effective manner, but sometimes situations arise that are beyond our control and this email is not to be construed as a guarantee of success and FixxYur can not be held liable for an inability to make successful repairs. Upon completion of said services you will be in debt to FixxYur Computer Services Inc. for a yet to be determined fee. Big time.

The worst part is the computer was a surprise gift from Dave. He had got a nice bonus that year and so he got me my very own pink sparkle computer (that's how I knew it was mine and he wouldn't take it) I still have my macbook but it is kinda old and it doesn't have photoshop on it. I was actually in the middle of editing photos I had taken for a review for the blog when I dropped it. I don't even know what happened. I was sitting on couch then it went ass over teacups. Dave is gonna crack it open and someone how teach himself how to replace the screen and hope that fixes it. Technically it is Dave's turn for a new computer his Dell we got when he started school crapped itself about a year ago and the macbook can't run Revit and he has done all his homework on a borrowed computer. (His cost a mighty chunk of cheddar because it has to run Revit. Mine is a interweb and potatoshop computer)

Have you ever broken a computer?
It is pretty unusal that I break my own device. I am klutzy and drop stuff all the time but never break it. Usually people break mine for me. The first week I had my sidekick (hello 2004!) Dave dropped a bowl on it and killed it. (broke the screen funnily) and then in 2008 Dave was plugging in my HTC phone the thing inside snapped out and the phone self combusted. (His broke the same week) we took that as a sign and got iphones. ha. My flat iron died recently too. I had a chi for 6 months and one day when I plugged it in NADA. Dave took that apart but he couldn't get it to work.

On a serious note I am VERY sad to hear about Corey Haim. I know he had fallen on hard times the past few years but I was a UBER fan since I was little. I have seen Dream a Little Dream over 150 times (I stopped counting eventually) It is mine and Dave's song too. If you or someone you know is suffering from a drug problem. Please get help. Hell email me if you just need to. Don't be too scared or shamed to admit you have a problem and seek outside help. Too many young, talented, amazing people are dying and we need to put a stop to this.

Edited to add. This was a joke email and just humorous and a fake company my husband was making up in an attempt at a joke. A company contacted me calling him fraud I changed the fake name to a faker name. I am tempted to post it because it was so silly. It was just a joke people!

You should still believe in an endless world and Konad nails 19

2010-03-09T09:20:00.003-05:00

I have an excessive amount of photos today because I feel like it was hard to get everything.
Full body,
Shirt and skirt detail
Closed coat detail
Makeup detail
Side view of hairdo detail
Nails
Shoes

Skirt New York and Co (2009)
Hoodie Marc Jacobs
Shirt H&M (2004)
Bangles H&M (2006)
Shabooties Nine West(2009)
Tights Hue super opaques

I got this hoodie coat off Gilt last week. After the mishap TWICE with Gilt where the sizing on the Marc stuff was wacky I erred on the side of caution and got it up a size. Now it is too big. I don't think it looks bad too big. I think it works and it is 100% cotton so I might shrink it. Previously I had got a dress from them and for sizing it said "runs a little large" and I thought OH IT IS DESIGNER and still ordered up a size. It fit like it was 3 sizes too small. I normally wear a 8 in Marc stuff (and they said it was running largeish) so I thought 10 would be safe and I could possibly take it in. It literally fit like a very small 6. I kept it(long story. I didn't mean to) And I have yet to wear it. urg.

This is Konad nails attempt 19. I liked how this one came out. I had already had the putty colored nails for a few days so I did the slate blue which is Mount Royal by American Apparel over it. This is a second day photo. Sorry my hands are shredded. I am covered in little cuts and scrapes I think I have been paper pushing in my sleep.

I asked a very similar question about your neurosis a few weeks ago but I want to get more specific. Do you have any bad habits?

I pick food off Dave's plate. Sometimes I just take his plate and give him mine because I like the shape of his better. I leave wet towels on the bed. I put ice cube trays back empty. I don't say hi. I forget to ask how your day was. I take way too long showers. I play with my iphone an obscene amount.

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-08T13:00:00.001-05:00

This is a post I was asked to write for become.com. You can check it out here. Or just read below. :)

St. Patrick's Day is in under two weeks so you better start dying your beer green now. In Boston St. Patrick's day is a holiday of sorts and you wouldn't look out of place in full on Leprechaun regalia. But if you are in any other part of the country and want to celebrate a wee bit of Irish heritage and not look like you are looking for a pot of gold, well then I have a few suggestions for you. Here are three items you can wear the rest of the year as well.

If you just want a touch of green might I suggest some green Chuck Taylor's? They work well for men or women.

If you are feeling a bit more daring how about a lovely green cardigan.

This cardigan from Nordstrom would look good over a white shirt and jeans. You can also throw it on after work and instantly be dressed for the occasion. Any green cardigan would work equally as well.

and lastly if you are feeling very daring how about a cute Celtics vintage looking T.

It says festive for St. Patrick's Day but no one would think it was weird if you wore it any other day of the year. The would just think you are a fan! Partnered with the green sneakers and jeans this would be a perfect Irish pub outfit.

I don't know where the sun beams end and the star lights begins it's all a mystery

2010-03-08T10:19:00.004-05:00

Shirt Ann Taylor Loft $3
Hip Slung Trousers Gap $38 I will explain why below
Shoes Clarks Narita
Vest H&M

Gap is having a sale right now if you bring in an old pair of jeans, ANY BRAND you can get 30% off any new pair of jeans and they will recycle your old ones into home insulation! I jumped at the chance because I needed new wideleg trousers. These are a bit different than my other pairs. They need to be hemmed too. I think I will do that tonight because in the full length photos they completely cover my heels.

I didn't tweak this photo because I didn't like it as an outfit one. I instead chose the nontraditional one above because I felt a bit more like myself in it.

For makeup today it is all MAC stuff. If you are interested in the specific colors I can look when I get home. I know the blush is Mocha and the lips Dazzleglass in Smile, the others I am drawing a blank on.

This weekend Dave had to survey a site for one of his classes so I went with him while he ran around Cleveland Circle in Brookline. It was a spectacular day out. It seriously was the best day all year weather wise. I kinda dug it there and possibly wouldn't mind living there. (I doubt it though because I am very anti-green line. It is the worst T line and I avoid it like the plague) Dave got a couple shots of me when I thought he was taking pics of other things.

Urg I need new glasses really something severe.

What did you do this weekend?

Dave and I took a giant 3 hour nap on Saturday which is worth mentioning because it doesn't happen often. Daisyboo went to the vet. (running total for those playing at home is $1,900 gag. urg. sniffle) we are waiting on the results to see what they think we should do now about her Diabetes. I didn't go and I am glad that I didn't. Dave thought I might of lost it when they did an ultrasound as they put the needle into her bladder to get a sample. My poor little girl!

We also had an Oscar party. By Oscar party I mean we ate a bunch of appetizers and drank soda and talked about the fashion.
Dave's commentary:
Charlize's dress looked like a frowning alien.
Amanada S' was cute but the top looked too severe for Lily. (yes he calls her Lily. Veronica Mars is probably one of his all time fave shows)
Zoe S' dress "it reminds me of those shirts at tjmaxx that were tiny and crinkly and you put it on and it's still ugly"
He asked me 3 times what Anna K was in that he has seen. Twilight hun. Twilight. We both agreed that her dress was amazing.
He also tried to find the show in HD because he was convinced Cameron Diaz did "something to her face she looks WEIRD!"

And the best sentence of the night.
"Waffle found ham in the trash should I let her eat it?"

Hilly phone home

2010-03-05T09:53:00.002-05:00

I am wearing clothes today. I am even wearing clothes I like.

Red track jacket with removable hood Forever 21
Striped Turtleneck Target
Cherry watch necklace Marc Jacobs
Ring Gift
Wideleg trousers Gap
Earrings QVC

But I feel like crap. My Elliot hoodie makes it a bit better.

What do you do for headaches and migraines?
pills, heaters, essential oils tell me what you do.

I am under a neurologists care and have been most my life but I am hoping one person will have that one thing that will work for me. I have taken every migraine rx out there. I have tried alternative therapies. I have taken epilepsy meds. I have taken herbal meds. I have tried avoiding foods. But I still get there so I am hoping one of you have that one thing I haven't tried. It is mostly for headaches. Migraines I have a medicine that works for most the time. Headaches well I just can't shake them no matter what I throw at them.

I need a reason, lets not be friends.

2010-03-04T11:18:00.003-05:00

Sweater Limited Christmas 1997 from my dad
Shirt Old Navy a few years ago
Olive cord blazer Fall 09 H&M
Boots Clarks Jan 2008
Wideleg pleated jeans Summer 2008 H&M
Watch Kenneth Cole Easter 2008

Makeup look down

Makeup looking up

Dave said I looked like a HAHVAHD profesah to today. (That is exactly how he said it.) he would know too because he has been a guest lecturer at Harvard. I know I have told you that before but hey I can brag I am proud of him. I only have terrible photos from it. It was weird enough I was there I was scared the camera would draw more attention to how I wasn't in the class.

I told him I was going for edumacated looking. I feel a bit of a hot mess with the two patterns. I am not a huge pattern person. It has to WOW me. I am certainly not into mixing patterns either. So I feel a bit off and uncomfortable to be honest. Eh it was clean. It is also snowing like mad outside but not accumulating.

Would you guys be interested in me writing up a post about my new color shampoo? It will probably make hair dressers cringe but these photos tell me it is working well! It really only works for people who dye their hair deposit darker. red, brown, purple etc.... It doesn't work on any "lifted" color (when you dye it lighter... lighter brown, red or blonde. Anything involving lightening)

A post in which I tease you.

2010-03-04T09:30:00.008-05:00

Hello my little chickadees. Are you feeling spoiled yet? You should be. I have a big secret! I am going to be doing another giveaway! Not yet, but in a few days. I have to keep you coming back.
(I am evil I know! You will just have to stay tuned!)

I can't tell you what it is yet but I can tell what it isn't! (but I wish it was because I need/want these things myself!)

It isn't a set of new counter stools.

It isn't a new set of pans. (LOOK AT THAT COLOR!) Think of all the casseroles I could cook in those. Yes all a sudden I would be domestic! (oh so if you want to buy me those I will make you a casserole. PROMISE)

It isn't a new bathroom faucet that doesn't leak and looks like a bird!

OK so I am filling my apartment with the things that it is not. You will just have to come back and see what it is!

quiz time kittens

2010-03-03T12:33:00.002-05:00

1. Have you seen House of Yes?
2. Whats your favorite book?
3. Lake or Ocean?
4. Favorite flavor of ice cream?
5. Middle name?
6. Lefty or Righty?
7. Define irony.
8. Have you ever ridden in a gocart?
9. If you HAD to give up a finger which would it be?

Please as always copy and paste the questions in your response. Waffle says scrolling is the devil.

I don't even like peas and carrots

2010-03-03T09:53:00.003-05:00

Shirt Ann Taylor Loft
Ring Peabody Essex museum
Trousers Gap
Shoes Nine West
Sweater Target
Belt Target
Nothing is new so I can't link you to any of it.
Top detail

In the interest of full disclosure this photo is photoshopped. See below it for the before

I did a very quick hack healing brush under my eyes. My "natural" undereye stuff looks fine in normal light but under the flash makes me look qwaaaazy. Did you know Adobe doesn't want me to say I photoshopped it? They don't want people using it as a verb. They are kinda jerks about it. So I am kinda a jerk and keep saying it.

It in now light outside in the morning I MIGHT be able to take pictures outside again! eeek! Today it was raining and snowing at the same time.

Do you have anythings you say or do that you know is wrong but frankly don't care?

I have a few. Some that come to mind is using Photoshop as a verb. I say pref-orated instead of perforated. People who correct IN GENERAL. Caputer for computer there are dozens more I am sure I just can't think of them right now.

I can be your baby doll, I can be your doll baby

2010-03-02T09:42:00.003-05:00

Ahem. I love that lyric. You know how when your parents call you a nickname and you think they invented it just for you? My mom has called me Dollbaby all my life. (along with Lucy followed a close second with Matilda) (oh and never Hillary) I kinda thought she invented it just for me. I was kinda dumbfounded when I learned that other people used the phrase (we are talking about when I was like 9) When the Soul Coughing song came out with St. Louise I secretly thought it was about me. (I do that often I have a whole list of songs that HAD to be written about me)

Jeans with seam sewn down front Banana Republic
Silk shirt Ann Taylor Loft (can you see the ruffle along the top?)
Scarf Gift from Loft
Cord blazer Ann Taylor Loft
Boots clarks (the reddish riding ones with the buckle)

The point? yes the point. There were these ADORABLE Japanese tourists at the counter when I was getting my brows done last night. A couple of them tried on Benetint and they looked like absolute dolls. When they left the girl doing my makeup said "Don't you want to pinch them?" they all had gorgeous rosy cheeks from the Benetint. I said DO THAT TO ME. I wanted to look like a doll. I went with Posie Tint because it actually showed up better on my fair skin. The Benetint was too dark it didn't pop on my skin. The posie is hot pink so it worked out well. I love that "I just went sledding and came inside and look how cute and pink my cheeks are" look.

I told a few people on Twitter that I had ordered a charm for my Pandora bracelet on Etsy and I said I would take pictures. I started mine March 2006. They all have a little meaning. I don't like to get them just to add to it. They have to speak to me. (I am DEEP)

Full bracelet.

Detail shots across.

And here is my breakfast

I haven't been feeling well for awhile now and a few specialist later NOTHING has been solved so I am going to try and eat things that do things. Yogurt for good tummy bacteria. (who thinks of this when they hear the word yogurt?) Honey for my sinuses. (My old allergist prescribed a spoonful of honey a day for me)
Yes I am still allergic to dairy but this hasn't been a problem. I won't question it and just go with it.

Any songs you are convinced are about you?

I’m just trying really hard to make you notice me being around

2010-03-01T10:31:00.004-05:00

I really love this dress. It has extremely low cut top (well that is a down side to me) and it has ruching on both sides of the waist. It has an added panel ruffle off center on the left side and on the back it has one off center on the right. The back is also comes to a point where it is longer.
Nanette Lepore 75% off sale at (summer 2009)
Brown Super Opaques Hue Tights Macys
Michael Kors shoes 6pm (Just checked and they are sold out)
Turtleneck Target (2007)
Sweater Gap (summer 2009)
Bangle gift from Lucky Magazine and the Loft. It isn't out yet so it isn't on the site.

Old detail photo of dress

For makeup I have on the Alice in Wonderland Palette again. Eat me Drink me all over lid and Mad Hatter in the crease and outer corner. A tish of white rabbit on the inner corner of eye. I have on Coralista blush by Benefit and Smile Dazzleglass by MAC

What did you do this weekend?
Friday night we chilled at home. Watched What Not to Wear and ate leftovers. Well I ate leftovers and Dave had a tatertot and bacon sandwich. He also made cupcakes. On Saturday Dave had a deep tissue massage appointment. (I had bought him a session for Christmas) He talked me into getting a pedicure. I wasn't sure how people to it in winter so I went to the place by my house and wore flip flops home. I have them use "you don't know Jacques" by OPI because I like to only get mani and pedi with colors I don't own. The woman noticed it matched my nails almost exactly. I had done them at home with Essie Mink Muff. I am pretty anti foot person and I have never done this before but. I wanted to show you the similarities and they are fresh from the salon so they look their best. ha.

We then went for a drive had lunch and got a ton of necessary items for the house at Target. I hate when you don't get anything fun. But I will be glad I have Febreeze and Clorox wipes. I did get the girls and Easter themed mat and put their Valentines one away. They are having quite the collection. Sunday I didn't leave the house. I read my book and watched Arrested Development and Dave did a Starbucks run and he spent the day on homework.

Edited to add. A few of my friends are really into "Happy Bench Monday" where basically you stand on something you are meant to sit on. (loosely) So today I did one just for them. It's a conference room table. My city isn't big on benches.

Alice in Wonderland polish REVIEW

2010-03-01T09:19:00.002-05:00

I had been keeping my eyes peeled on the lookout for the OPI series of Alice in Wonderland polishes. I accidented upon them this weekend in a store I went in for a totally different purpose. On the OPI site if you use the drop down you can pick to see the Alice collection (darn flash site you can't link to)

I bought Mad as a Hatter. It is a funky glitter with lot of colors but purple sparkles more than any other color.

When applying I would suggest loading up the brush and laying it on thickly. That is how you get the good glitter coverage. If not only a few glitters stick to your nails and you'd have to do a ton of coats. I put a top coat on mine at the end. They came out looking good but glitter is notoriously hard to capture on camera.

and extreme close up.

The downside? When glitter chips it chips in big chunks. Also it is NOTORIOUSLY hard to remove it takes some elbow grease and a bit of soaking to get it off. But I think it is worth it for the fun factor.

And the winner is...........

2010-02-26T15:34:00.003-05:00

Anna with comment #25.

and I verified my findings with two independent sources. (AKA two of the people in my life that tell me it like it is!)

Email me Anna at byhillary AT gmail DOT com !!

Thank you everyone who entered! I have to admit I was excited about who ever won but also felt bad only one could win.

grey, gray, gunmetal, slate,

2010-02-26T10:00:00.005-05:00

Sweater H&M (2010 but they don't have an online store)
Shirt Gift from Gram (2008)
Wideleg pleated jeans H&M (2008)
Shabooties Nine West (2009)
Bag Paulina Carcach on etsy
Ring Marc Jacobs (2007)
Earring gift from mom and I LOST ONE ON MY WAY TO WORK.

Sweater and makeup and kinda see the ruffles on shirt

Makeup close up

Shabooties

New purse

I have a couple spendy purses. I carry my life in them and I walk everywhere so I don't have a car to store things in or anything like that. That is how I validate a nicer purse. Not that it needs validating because my husband and I are in agreement with it. The last few I got I saved up for them with my "Ladies Nice Things" account. I was saving up again. (although a rainy day came along and I had to empty the whole thing and start over) and I decided it was foolish at this point to be doing that and instead I wanted to support a small designer and I hit up Etsy. I looked for "grey/gray leather bag" in and this is what tickled my fancy! I have been lusting after a gray leather bag for sometime now. I had this idea in mind for what I wanted it to be.
This totally satiated my desire. It is extremely well made, beautiful and SOFT! I love that it is handmade and not something put together in a sweat shop. Now I am not getting all causey on you but my mom is a crafter/artist. That is how she makes her living. People go to her instead of big box stores for supplies and hand dyed fibers and clothes she makes. In a ways I feel like I am supporting my mom by in return supporting another small designer. The Hello Kitty Tokidoki was just my way of personalizing it. :)

Check out my mom's latest creations she has up for sale here.

What are you plans for the weekend?
We have absolutely no plans. Dave was violently ill the entirety of last weekend so I hope we do something this weekend. I am up for anything really.

You only have a few hours left to enter my giveaway. No entries will be accepted after 2pm EST.
I will announce the winner later today. Once I announce it I would appreciate if the winner will email me right away so I can facilitate getting you in touch with the company as they will send the item directly to you.

I am just naturally curious

2010-02-25T16:11:00.004-05:00

If you are on my Facebook you know that I like to ask deepish personal questions at times because I like to know how people TICK. I just want to know how others think and feel and react to things. When I ask these things I am not proclaiming anything about my life. I just want to know more about others. My overly curious nature has gotten me into a LOT of trouble over the years. I probably should of been some sort of social worker or psychologist. I think this from my mother will clue you in a little to how I have been the past 31 years.

"Picture this~ Hillary little in car Seat~ heading to Grandma's house~ Hillary looks around ~ asks~ where are the people behind us going?
Me~ I dunno
Hillary~ are they going to Grandma's?
Me~ No
Hillary ~ why?

Me~ they don't know grandma
Hillary~ why don't know grandma?
Me~ I dunno why
Hillary ~they should~
Hillary looks around some more
Hillary~ that a Drake cup cake truck?
Me~ yes Hillary that is
Hillary~ that a duck on the truck?
Me~ Yes Hillary
Hillary ~ why is there a duck on the drakes truck?
Me~ it's there Logo
Hillary~ what's a logo?
If I had a penny for every question I answered I'd be filthy rich~ "

Words can't bring me down.

2010-02-25T10:30:00.005-05:00

I took pictures in 3 lighting situations today. The discontinuity makes my eye twitch.

Dress Target
Sweater tights Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes Marc Jacobs
Star necklace gift
Coo-coo clock earring Gift
Sweater Kohls

Better view of sweater.

Sweater tights

Even better view of shoes

Button, makeup and earrings

Hair

My button says "I love my cat. My cat does not care." I got it before I had Waffle. Waffle loves me.
See proof!

I loved hearing about your quirks yesterday. Now if you don't already read Bright Side Dweller
you totally should be. Yesterday she asked how do you flip the negative talk in your mind. I want to know this more.
What do you do when you are suffering from self doubt. Body, actions, job wise, heck LIFE wise?

OK this is REALLY weird but AS I AM IN THE MIDDLE TYPING THIS Beautiful by Christina Aguilera being sung by Evan Dando started singing in my ears. It was like a cosmic hug. I love when that stuff happens. My husband once read a philosopher said you are leading the path you are meant to lead when those things happen to you.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a flat iron!

I am out of witty Clue references.

2010-02-24T10:05:00.006-05:00

Dress (2007) sweater (2008) and scarf (2010) Ann Taylor Loft (totally not done on purpose. I told you guys yesterday I had a problem.)
Some might remember this dress.

Shoes Michael Kors (2008) I got them in Las Vegas for an insane 90% off. They are creepy pony hair. I refuse to touch them. I put them on and off by the heel.
Earrings Gift from a friend
Ring MFA store

Today is terrible weather wise. It is warm enough to rain instead of snow and it is POURING. This sweater had been missing for a year. Which is a feat in a 300 sq ft apartment. I found it last night and everything centered around it and my new scarf.

This scarf is the other thing Loft and Lucky kindly sent me. It is also from the new Spring 2010 line. It isn't on the site yet for sale but it is on the front page. The colors are soooo pretty and it is kinda light and filmy. A good scarf for when it is too warm to wear a scarf but you want to wear it as fashion. I need to brush up on my scarf typing skills.

Scarf and Earring detail

Nails, ring and scarf detail

This polish is my current fave. It is Mouse by American Apparel It is not available online but they do have it in stores. I have had so many people stop me to ask what it was. It is an unusual color. I really really dig their polishes.

Shoes

Makeup

For Makeup I did the Alice in Wonderland palette AGAIN, I have Muchness over entire lid and Eat me Drink me in the outer corner. I have White Rabbit on the brow bone. Coralista blush by Benefit. A brown eyeliner on top and bottom from MAC. For lips I have MAC Dazzleglass in GoldySparks a limited edition color from last year.

In answer to yesterdays question. I had tofu pad Thai and you saw what I was wearing.

Today I want to know do you have any weird quirks?
The reason I ask is I have a hangnail on my finger and I can't STOP PUSHING ON IT. It hurts yet I touch it constantly. I also rattle my door 3 times when I leave. I have dozens but those were the two I was thinking about when I came up with this question. I also am in crazy love with the feeling and sound of taking the plastic cling film off new appliances and electronics.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a flat iron!

It was Professor Plum in the library with the wooden shoe

2010-02-23T11:14:00.004-05:00

Today well today is interesting. NOTHING is coming out right. I was trying to combine too many things into a couple pictures. I have an article I am writing for another site and I was trying to use this photo for that but I honestly needed to take two photos, one with boots for that site and one with the shoes I am really wearing for today.
Here is the boots I only wore to get TO work. It is still the middle of winter here.

So this is what I am wearing right at this moment at work.

I didn't like how the first ones at home came out. But you can see the brown turtleneck and 3 layered necklaces in this one.

And I got this badass cuff that Loft and Lucky magazine gifted me from the upcoming Spring 2010 collection. I mean COME ON. I feel like a superhero in this thing. I already had an Ann Taylor stores problem. They are only encouraging me. (Random fact Dave used to work for Ann Taylor. Hence my problem. I got staff discount back then!)
The cuff isn't on the site yet so I can't link it. I believe they said it it will be out in March.

Really you can't see my makeup in any of those. So here is a makeup shot.

But if we are being honest I only care about the shoes.

There you have it.
Dress (2008) Banana Republic
Hoodie (2008) Old Navy
Turtleneck that is ruched a little (2007) Target
Brown stripey tights (2008) Vera Wang Kohls
SHOES Michael Kors 6pm. I got them last week on sale for $24.99 which was 89% off the original price (not my personal best actually. That was Loft 96% off) They are $26 which is still 85% off now but they are still an insanely good deal if you are interested in wood soled 5 inch platform heels!
Necklaces Mark by Avon (2008)
Cuff Gifted from Lucky Magazine and Loft

I said it before but I will say it until the cows come home because Dave thinks I should. I probably will just not tell you at all if I got an item and I don't like it. I'd rather just quietly reply to them that it wasn't up to my standards. It has just worked out that the few things I have been given lately I have loved. I don't want you to think I am plugging anyone that I don't support. I as always will only be honest with you. (Honest to a fault at times but hey that is what makes me interesting read.)

OH MAKEUP you want to know what I am wearing. (Thanks for the reminder Heather)
Eyeshadow. Again from the Alice in Wonderland by Urban Decay palette. I have Curiouser over entire lid and Queen on the cuter half. For eyeliner I smudge Permaplum eyeliner from MAC on upper and lower lid. For blush I have on Coaralista from Benefit. Lips was a limited edition Red Dazzleglass from MAC from last year.

What are you wearing today? And what are you having for lunch?!
I mean really that is what is most important.

Dear spring HURRY UP. Color lust.

2010-02-22T22:30:00.006-05:00

I had a lovely reader (and friend!) Heather write in and ask for me to do a post on what trends I am liking right now. I am not big on trends so much anymore because I realized that as a woman in my 30's I need to go with what I love and if a trend comes and it has things that work for my body great, if not don't force it. I probably did a few years ago. I am still working on compiling some outfits but I wanted to share my spring palette.

These are the colors I want to be in this spring.

For my spring wardrobe I am thinking of brown and navy dresses and skirts with lots of hot pink, butter yellow and acid green. This goes back to not forcing a trend. I don't look good in soft colored dresses that always reemerge every spring. I love them but a yellow dress on me is terrible. So instead I want to go with a navy with a princess sleeve butter yellow cardigan. Also this is a good way to have a multi season dress. Come fall I can wear a dark orange sweater with the same navy dress and instantly I am "fall" appropriate.

The AMAZINGLY talented Julie of Rottencupcakes made me this lovely template for my blog. She is a design genius. I told her I wanted "Clean Bauhaus with bunnies".

Side note. Does anyone know the hexadecimal code for a good hot pink? This isn't as neon as I want and I can't seem to find a good one. I want a NEON one.

What colors do you want to incorporate into your spring wardrobe?

It was Mrs. Blue with the wooden shoe in the hallway

2010-02-22T10:42:00.004-05:00

Blue and white Gingham shirt with front ruffle Gap
Lace cami Banana Republic
Highwaist skirt American Apparel
Suspenders Dorothy's Costume
Hat Dorothy's Costume
Shabooties Nine West
Bracelets, two heart ones gift from husband, Turquoise is a Celiac Awareness and the Pandora I bought myself and some charms and others were gifted
Necklace Gift
Shirt, hat, necklace detail

Makeup

Bracelets

Shoes

Makeup Alice in Wonderland palette by Urban Decay.I have White Rabbit over entire lid and Alice in the outer corner. I lined it with blue liner from the palette on top and bottom and then I sweeped MAC Solar White over the entire thing to make it shine opaly. For blush I have the pink from the MAC Hello Kitty Collection from last winter. Lips I have a milky pink Dazzlecreme (I forget the color name and I forgot it on the counter at home) My brows are done with Benefit Brows a-go-go

Do you guys like the linking to the products? I don't benefit from them and they take extra time looking them up but I get so many makeup questions I thought it might be helpful for you guys? Yah or Nay? I don't mind doing it but I don't want to do it if no one cares. Know what I'm sayin? Because I know what it is already. I own it!

What did you do this weekend?
Dave is VERY sick. He got poisoned we think this weekend. Poor thing has been sick since Saturday afternoon and he is home right now. OH SNAP I need to check out kitten cam I can spy on him!
OK checked. He must be in bed because he isn't in living room.

If you are interested in winning a Flat Iron please enter my giveaway. I will be randomly selecting a winner on Friday.

You are gonna want to read this! (hint it has to do with your hair!)

2010-02-21T15:50:00.010-05:00

Do I have a post for you!

I was gifted a Hana Elite Flat Iron from the awesome people at Misikko. They sell quite a selection of hair straighteners and other hair styling tools. Check their "Best Flat Iron" category for such brands as Chi flat irons, FHI flat irons and the Hana Elite !

From the product site:

100% Solid Ceramic Plates Never Peel or Degrade
Tourmaline infused into the heating elements for maximum thermal protection
Large Integrated Ceramic Heaters with Full Plate Coverage for the Most Consistent, Conditioning Far Infrared Heat Possible
Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading
Unique black ceramic plates won't discolor with use of products or hair dyes
Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types
Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss
Safe to use on Damp to Dry Hair
Beveled Edges mean Easy Curled, Flipped, Spiked or Straight Styles
Ergonomic Handle Design with No-Slip Grip
Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free
Sleek luxury matte finish
Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord Swivels 360°; Convenient Hanging Loop
Energy Efficient at 38 Watts
Independent On/Off Switch
Includes Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, & Special Edition Tin Case

I was positively giddy when I opened the package. Talk about presentation! It also smelled delicately sweet. I had recently broke my favorite flat iron and this couldn't have come at a better time.

First thoughts on looks alone. This is one impressive iron. The matte black handle and glossy black plate. SLEEEEEEK. They also included a heat proof mat, storage and travel case! Also some other fun goodies including a heat protector hair product. There is an on and off switch which surprisingly not all irons have! My last very fancy one didn't have one. There is an adjustable temperature dial that ranges from 140-450° F. It comes with a little book with recommended temps based on your type of hair.

I plugged it in, turned the dial to 350° F and an waited about a minute. I could tell when I hovered my hand over it that it was already hot! My hair is very thick and I have a lot of it too. It naturally has a wave to it. I had had my hair in a bun all day so I had a real big curl in it so I was really putting it through a test!
BEFORE

A quick glide over your hair is all it takes and the result is super sleek and smooth.

AFTER

It only took a few minutes to do my entire head. It looks and feels awesome. I can't stop petting myself. It was the kind of smooth that usually only a hairdresser can give me. My final opinion is it is a very superior product. It is professional quality and I would highly recommend it to anyone out there looking for a flat iron. I flat iron my hair every single day and I can see this being my new best buddy. It even came with a heat proof mat and travel case to safely take it with you when you travel.

Now the best part??? Misikko wants to give one to one of you my lovely readers! This iron has a retail value of $359. They will send you the iron directly if you win. Men enter for the woman in your life who wants straight hair!

The rules:
You have FOUR chances to win. To enter you must leave a separate comment saying you completed each step. (possible 4 comments total) I will use a random number generator and choose the winner on Friday February 26th.

1. Post a link to byhillary on your blog or Facebook or Twitter. If you don't have a blog or twitter then you can follow me on BlogLovin or any RSS service.
2. Follow Misikko on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/misikko
3. Blog about the giveaway on a personal website.
4. Join Misikko Newsletter NOTE this is temporarily broken. I will update when it is fixed. So please do one of the top three things until this is fixed.

Example:

"Hi this is Daisy and I just linked to you on my blog Daisybooandwaffle.blogspot.com"
"Daisy again I just followed Misikko on twitter"

As I mentioned I was gifted the iron from Misikko but I did not receive any other compensation. The opinion expressed is my honest opinion. I wouldn't review anything positively if I didn't believe it myself. I don't like it when others do it so I won't do it either!

EDITED TO ADD I was reminded by my lovely husband that right now Misikko is sending with each item purchased a $25 blank check that they would like you to give to the charity of your choice. They provided a list of some Haiti charites. They also included a prestamped blank envelope to mail it to your selected charity.

An outfit and a quiz

2010-02-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

Another morning of outfit photos before Makeup. So I did what I dislike most and took a glasses photo.

I had no energy for my hair today. I had 5 hours sleep (I am one of those people who can not function on less than 6.5-7 I blame my anemia) I did my hair in Kasmira's Messy Girl Updo with two hair sticks. I haven't been able to wear my hair up much because it is so darn cold I have to wear a hat most days. Today the sun is out though!

Green steve cami H&M
Black shirt that has some little detail. Not so plain? Ann Taylor Loft
Sweater NY & CO
Skirt Target
Tights unsure
Shoes Aldo
Bangles various gifts. I have on 21 bracelets.

Oh and I do not have on teal tights like the shoe detail. I thought people knew but I still get comments. I reuse details photos. I have giant labeled sets of accessories, shoes and such and plug and play where needed. Always refer to the full length photo if you see something that confuses you.

I don't know what is up with this cardigan. I have it in this green, the neon orange and big bird yellow (not mustard) and they are all the same size. The orange is the only one that has been washed (or so I think) so why all a sudden is this one too small? Look at the sleeves! Maybe it went to the cleaners and I didn't realize. I partake in fluff and fold as a dubious luxury (yes that doesn't make sense SHUT UP)

You can see how it all hangs better here

it HAD to of shrunk

Whenever I post an outfit and quiz on the same day one gets love and the other doesn't. Hey I am human I put things out there because I want dialog and interaction (I do not need just praise like some people) Hey I like to hear you like your cat or what you had for dinner. I want to know how your day was it isn't a rhetorical question..

Quiz TIME!

Have you ever been camping?

Were you a boy/girl scout?

Do you sing in the car/shower?

Dinosaurs or dragons? and why?

Ever ridden a horse?

Do you remember your dreams?

Can you speak any other language?

Do you have any hidden talents?

Your family is coming to visit whats the first thing you do?

As always please COPY AND PASTE the questions into your answer so people can follow along and don't have to scroll.