The velvet blazer

My conservative office or church party look

 with these perennial winter favorites:

1. Velvet blazer - my vintage velvet blazer has been with me since high school (1990's), and it never goes out of style every winter; makes any outfit instantly more dressed-up (similar blazers currently seen at J.Crew, Banana Republic and Target)

2. Cable-knit sweater - since my velvet blazer has always been a bit loose on me, it is perfect to wear a chunky sweater underneath. My favorite cable-knits are from Eddie Bauer (I try to stock up when they go on clearance during springtime at my local outlet mall). 

3. Leopard print heels - fashion bloggers definitely influenced me on these. They do miraculously blend well with any outfit, yet are more "special" than just plain black pumps. 

4. Gold purse - my vintage Judith Jack convertible gold purse has probably made the most appearances on this blog. Another item that spruces up any outfit to a more festive level!

*More holiday inspiration here, here, and here. 

Barbie style inspiration

Today's outfit borrowed from...Barbie!

Since I was a little girl, I have been a fan of the Barbie doll. I remember the commercials during cartoon hours were extremely enticing. My parents didn't have extra money to buy toys for us, but somehow, someone gave me a rip-off version of the Barbie doll (with curly brown hair). It was so much fun to make her clothes out of old socks and to imagine where she was going with her new outfits and hairdo! Barbie is definitely about being creative with fashion!

I really haven't given Barbie a thought for a long long time, until I recently stumbled across Barbie Style on instagram. Whoever is styling her is amazing,,,like a pro-fashion blogger! It seriously made me want to go buy a Barbie doll all over again. Maybe when I pay off my school loans by end of the year, I'll buy myself a "real" Barbie doll and start honing in my sewing skills to make doll clothes....just maybe, haha! Can you ever be too old to play with dolls?

Neapolitan ice cream palette

I was skimming through an ULTA advertisement, and this new Physicians Formula Nude Wear line caught my eye. I'm not needing any makeup products at the moment, but man, I give Physicians Formula the award for "prettiest packaging!" 

The dainty metallic bows made me want to purchase these goodies right away! But as a smarter consumer now, I always check reviews online before buying any cosmetics. My favorite drugstore reviewer is Musings of a Muse. All the products that I have bought based on her reviews have been great! Thus, I generally will not buy anything now unless it's "Muse approved."

Here's her reviews on the above products:

PF Nude Wear Glowing Nude Powder: I can tell the powder will be too sparkly or itchy for my face, so no buy. 

PF Nude Wear Touch of Glow: maybe I might try this with my Ulta coupon...

Have you been sucked into buying cosmetics with cute packaging?

And why not wear an outfit inspired by this pretty Neapolitan ice cream colors too?