How to Clean Makeup Brushes (Because You Know We All Should More Often…)

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Sarah S.

The simplest way to clean makeup brushes, including foundation, concealer, eyeliner, and eye shadow brushes, is to use baby shampoo. Simply wet the hairs of the brush in warm water then gently massage baby shampoo into the hairs. Depending on how long it’s been since your last brush cleaning, you may need to repeat a few more times. Once you are done cleaning, gently dry the brush with a paper towel. Then set the brush on a paper towel to dry. You may also need to reshape the hairs. Let dry completely before using.

How easy is that?

Essential Beauty Supplies has an easy step-by-step of this process as well.

Ciao!

Sarah

Great Finds at Belmont Army Store, Chicago

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Sarah S.

A couple weekends ago, I spent an afternoon shopping around Boystown, Chicago with a couple friends. I lived in downtown Chicago for about five months, but I had never really properly explored this part of the city. Coming from Madison, it was refreshing to see the vibrancy and energy of Chicago…not to mention all the amazing places to go shopping. One of my favorite places from this trip was the Belmont Army Store, which boasted four floors of amazing and unique merchandise. The first floor was a hip, urban boutique, the second a shoe store, the third an army surplus store (coming back here when I have more time to explore this for longer!) and the fourth a perfectly overwhelming vintage shop. I think I could have spent a good half a day in there, but being pressed for time (our parking meter was dangerously close to running out, and we were still at least five L stops away), I only purchased one dress, below, by BB Dakota for $72. That’s more than I would usually spend on a dress, but the fit is perfect and $72 is worth the experience of this shop!What’s your favorite Chicago find?

Ciao!

Sarah

p.s. Want to know how I’d style a stripe dress like this? Check out 3 Ways to Style Zig Zags and Stripes.

3 Ways to Style…Zig Zags & Stripes

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Sarah S.

3 Ways to Style…Zig Zags & Stripes

Bold stripes and zig zags is one of my favorite summer trends. I think Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade Saturday do it best: sleek 60s-inspired silhouettes, bold lines, and two simple colors.

In my opinion, if you’re going to wear this bold trend, you might as well go all out: mix patterns (yes! florals!), add pops of bright colors (neon is still in, you know), and try a sharp, simple silhouette to draw attention to the pattern.

How are you wearing this summer’s zig zag trend?

Ciao!
Sarah

3 Ways to Style…a Chambray Shirt

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Sarah S.

When I asked my sister what she thought was a difficult piece of clothing to style, I didn’t expect her to say a chambray shirt. To me, a chambray shirt is a go-to piece; it’s what I grab when I’m in a rush and want to keep my look polished but casual. But when I thought about it, I initially avoided buying a chambray shirt for a while, because, like my sister, I wasn’t exactly clear on how to style it. Can you wear it with jeans? How about a skirt? Below are three easy ways to incorporate a chambray shirt into your wardrobe. I bought mine at JCPenney for $19…so it’s worth the small investment for sure!

Ciao!

Sarah

3 Ways to Style a Chambray Shirt

My Kate Spade Saturday Sunglasses…Have Arrived!

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Sarah S.

$50 at Kate Spade Saturday

Available in yellow, cherry tomato, and black

With free shipping and free returns, who could resist?

Haven’t met Saturday yet? Read my recent post about the new Kate Spade brand.

3 Ways to Style…a Maxi Skirt

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Sarah S.

If you’re like me, you bought a maxi skirt last season…when they were finally on sale. The good news? You’ll still see lots of maxi dresses and skirts around this spring too. The bad news? Maxi skirts are still just as hard to style as they were last year. My biggest trouble is figuring out the proper shoes, but I think my best bet is a espadrille wedge, a Capri sandal, or a classic pair of flats. Add in a touch of tribal patterns, and who would ever guess you had trouble styling that skirt?

3 Ways to Style…a Maxi Skirt by sspoto29 featuring a long sleeve sweater

Ciao!

Sarah

Meet Kate Spade Saturday

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Sarah S.

Kate Spade Saturday, Kate Spade’s new life style brand, just opened the doors of their new flagship store in Tokyo, but thankfully for those of us in the States, Saturday is available online (and with free shipping and free returns too!).

Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com

I fell in love with the bold prints, bright colors, practical and versatile designs, and affordable price points. The brand definitely has a quirky character (check out their F.Y.I Guide).

Here’s to hoping their forecast is correct!

The brand was actually developed with Japanese customers top of mind, and I think it’s refreshing to see something different pop up in the U.S. Right now. The only Kate Spade Saturday item I’d be in the market for are these sunglasses at $60.

Meet Saturday here.

Do you have any favorite items from the online shop?

Ciao!

Sarah

How to Style…a Sporty Dress

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Sarah S.

DKNY, Rag & Bone, Victoria Beckham, Spring 2013

Photo courtesy of Glamour

This spring’s trendy sporty dress is fun and flirty, but how do you style it? Dress it up with wedges or down with sneakers or take it flirty and casual with colorful flats. Here are three ways I’d style a sporty dress. Add tights to my second look, and I’d wear that work now! How would you style your sporty dress?

How to Style a Sporty Dress by sspoto29 featuring steffen schraut

Steffen schraut
stylebop.com

Karen millen
karenmillen.com

Dress
modcloth.com

Tory Burch patent flat
$310 – harveynichols.com

Jessica Simpson platform sandals
heels.com

Pastry trainers
$90 – bankfashion.co.uk

Hollister Co hollister co
hollisterco.com

Dorothy perkin
dorothyperkins.com

Round sunglasses
ocshades.com

Maybelline lipstick
$21 – nelly.com

The Perfect Interview Outfit (for Us Ladies!)

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Sarah S.

When I was interviewing for positions in the fashion industry last year, I had a lot of trouble putting together the perfect outfit. My career center at college encouraged a very conservative look: black slacks, black blazer, button up shirt, and modest heels. Online, I found advice on interview outfits but most of these were directed at men. I couldn’t find any resources with advice for women on how to dress professional, stylish, and make a good impression. A conservative suit and pencil skirt sound professional…but also very, very boring. It wasn’t until I reached out to some fashionable professional women did I start to get a good understanding of what to wear to an interview.

Thankfully, Refinery 29 has put together nine fool-proof interview outfits for the successful, stylish, professional woman. Here are my three favorites. See the other outfits here.

What is your advice for interview dressing?

Ciao!

Sarah

What’s Inspiring Me Right Now…

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Sarah S.

DIY wardrobe ideas like this sweater infinity scarf. It’s still too cold to buy spring clothes, but I’m bored of my winter ones. Maybe a DIY refresher is all I need!