Make Me Up, Buttercup

Today for Make Me Over Monday I wanted to talk about a few of my new favorite beauty products I've picked up recently.

Until recently, I have always been pretty 'safe' when it comes to my beauty products. I use what I have, and what I've been given by my friends and family, and I don't really venture very far beyond that. I think it always had to do with the fact that I felt more comfortable spending my money on things you can physically see - like clothing. Plus for me, it always seemed a little bit ridiculous that people would spend more than $10 on a lipstick. 

But boy was I wrong. I've realized that investing in quality beauty products can really pull together your entire look and give you a flawless application. Essentially the products I got are bae at the moment, and I'm going to let you all know why.

First and most importantly, the reason I walked into ULTA - The Naked Skin Concealer by Urban Decay.

I cannot say enough good things about this concealer. First and foremost, the difference between my old concealer and this one isn't even comparable. I was using a potted concealer and, for the most part, I've always had decent skin. Maybe a pimple here or there or even a scab from where I may have picked at it (yeah I know, I shouldn't do that, we're all human). So I really haven't had much to cover up so I always though my concealer does the trick. The issue I always had was with my under eye coverage. I would use this thick concealer under my eyes, that simply isn't made for that area. It would crease throughout the day and just feel so heavy under my lids.

The Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer is everything and more that I could have ever hoped for. It is light weight but still full coverage. Before I would have to load up the product to make sure it actually covered the problem area and even then it wouldn't stay. This product is long lasting, and looks so natural on your skin. I could go on for days but I would just recommend you go try it out for yourself.

The Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer comes in 8 different shades and retails for $28.

The second product I wanted to talk about is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz.

Now I was first introduced to this product because I am an avid Jaclyn Hill viewer on YouTube. She is Queen and everything she recommends I must buy. But really. She raved about this brow pencil and I wanted to try it, but I was hesitant at first. I had always filled my eyebrows in with powder, which I was completely satisfied with. Then I tried to fill in my brows with a pencil, which I felt like gave me a little more precise of a brow than the powder had.

After I got this product everything I knew about filling in my eyebrows had changed.  This is the most fool proof way of filling in your brows. On one end it has a spooly to tame the hair and on the other side is the twist up pencil. Depending on your strokes, you can be as light handed or bold as you want with you look. I love the color, it's perfect for my brows, but my favorite part has got to be the spooly. If i mess up along the way, when I brush my brows out at the end it softens the harsh line or mistake I made while applying and makes it as if it never happens. Leaving my brows looking natural and gorgeous. This is a great investment and I guarantee you will fall in love like I did.

The Anastasia Brow Wiz is offered in 9 different shades and retails for $21.

The last 'makeup' product I want to talk about is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water.

Now this is something I originally didn't think I was going to buy. I went into ULTA originally just looking to buy the Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray, but once I asked one of the associates she steered me towards this product. She said the reason she likes it better is because it is both a primer and can be used to set your makeup (like I originally wanted). I also wasn't hesitant to buy this because Jaclyn Hill owns it, typical.

So when I went home I was eager to try it out. I sprayed some on my face and went to apply my foundation. My foundation has never applied so smoothly and with such ease. Now granted, I have never used a primer before, but this has definitely sold me on the general idea of primers. I also use it to set my makeup and I think it does a good job of hydrating and making my skin look dewy, but honestly I don't see much of a difference in how long my makeup lasts. Regardless, this is a 'primer' and is made for that reason, which they nailed and I couldn't be happier with the result.

The Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water retails for $32

Last product I want to talk about is the Living Proof Curl Enhancing Styling Mousse.

This product, I'm going to be honest, I'm not completely sold on yet. I originally bought it because I have naturally curly hair, but I wanted something that I could put in my hair while it is damp and when it dries it would have add more definition to my natural curl while also keeping them tame and not getting affected by humidity.

Overall I am not in love with this product. It definitely holds a curl, but my ends are the only issue and tend to get frizzy and lose their hold throughout the day. Now this may be for multiple reasons - I could just need a hair cut, I may need to add more product to those said areas, and maybe I need to try and diffuse it with a blow dryer instead of letting it dry on its own. There are many different methods I want to try to improve this product. I'm not saying it's a 'no' yet, because I really want to love it. I have other living proof products that I'm obsessed with, and the smell is to die for. But it is a mousse which I like, so it gives my hair hold while not leaving it 'crunchy'. The verdict is out on this product, but if you have any suggestions please leave me a comment letting me know!

The Living Proof Curl Enhancing Styling Mousse comes in 2 sizes with prices ranging from $15-$28.

So there you have it, my recent beauty purchases.  I am very pleased with all of the products I picked up and can't wait to try others and let you guys know what I think. I think this means I've officially become a 'make up' person. Can't say I'm mad about it ;)

Until next time,

Casey Rose

It's A Wrap

Today's post is in honor of my newest Instagram account! 

I've decided I want to do more fashion and OOTD posts and I thought, what better platform to post on than Instagram! Aside from it being my favorite form of social media, I also love it because you can be creative in the form of pictures which is right up my alley.

Today's post is the outfit I wore this Sunday to church on Mother's Day.

The dress is a plain cotton black maxi dress and sunglasses are from Francesca's Collections, the cardigan is old from gap, scarf is old from Lands End, sandals are Gold Jack Rogers, and the watch is from Micheal Kors.

So what do you guys think? Like these kind of posts? I will keep them up if you all want to see them, I thought that this was a fun thing to start and I actually enjoyed shooting these photos (with the help of my lovely brother, of course)

Also, check out my new Instagram - @bowsandarrowsx3

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Find Your Passion

Recently I have been applying for all sorts of different internships for the summer time. They range from internships with PR companies, to marketing and sales internships, and even a golf tournament assistant position. However, through the application process I never felt extremely pulled to one internship or another. I just thought 'oh this might be cool' or 'this applies to my major' and decided to apply. I never thought 'Wow, if I end up getting this internship I would probably want to work for this company after college', which ended up disheartening me. If I have no urge or passion for these internships now, how will I feel working these jobs for the rest of my life after I graduate? I swore to myself from a young age that I would never be that person that worked a mundane job just to get by. I wanted to pursue a career path that I really, truly loved. That's when it hit me - event planning.

I was speaking with my friend about my issue one day and she explained to me how I was the type of person who needed chaos in my life - in that she meant I do very well handling multiple tasks at a time and keeping a level head while completing them. I also knew I wanted to work with people, because if I didn't I'd go insane. And finally I knew I wanted to do something that allowed me to be creative and also wasn't the same thing day in and day out. This made me realize event planning is for me.

It is the kind of job where you really get to be completely creative, you are working with other people on a daily basis, and you certainly have a different job every single day. This excited me because I know how broad event planning can be! If I chose to tailor it into the sports world I could, but I could just as easily stick with weddings and parties. The limits are endless with this field! That is why it is a perfect fit for me :)

Now I am going to encourage you to go out there and pursue your dream job. You may not know what it is just yet, but start by doing things you love. Find your passions and then try to think of a way to incorporate them into some kind of work aspect, because after all...

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Soaking Up The Rays

It's that time of the year again, time to start thinking about Spring Break. Seriously though, who thought to have Spring Break so early? It will still be decently cold in North Carolina by the time break rolls around. And we can all agree, the time span between Spring Break and 'New Years Resolution' making is not long enough to be swim suit ready. But, we'll make due!

So today's Wish-list Wednesday's will be all about swim suits! Because what's more motivating than trying to imagine yourself in a bikini at this time of year? Yikes!

First off we have the Beach Sexy Scalloped Halter Top from Victoria's Secret starting at $36.50

I started swim suit shopping a couple of weeks ago and one of the places I always love to check first is Victoria's Secret. They tend to always have great quality pieces in a variety of shapes and colors. This particular top caught my eye. I tend to be the girl that only wears bandeau style tops, however this top was just different and cute enough to get me to click the 'add to my cart' button.

This is the Beach Sexy Push-Up Bandeau Top from Victoria's Secret starting at $28.50

And I'm such a hypocrite, here's a bandeau top - how typical. But I seriously love bandeaus, it's the best option for tan lines and if we're being completely honest here - tanning is the main reason I buy swim suits in the first place. I have this top in a pretty coral color that I got last year but the thing I like the most about this top this season is the print shown in the picture above. It is in the pattern 'white paisley' and I fell in love with that print when I was first shifting through their tops. I would probably pair it with a solid bottom that pulls out one of the colors in the top - so cute!

Lastly is the Beach Sexy Cheeky Hipkini Bottom from Victoria's Secret starting at $18.50

Lastly we have the piece that ties it all together - bottoms. Now for me I am not a tiny, stick-thin girl. I have curves, hips, bigger boobs. Having the body that I do makes it hard to find the right bottoms at times. The style that seems to be coming back year by year is the string bikini bottoms. Now, that does not work for me. It is normally too tight and creates an awkward bulge around my hip area. This is why I tend to go for something a little more like the picture above. It has a thicker band around the hips and for the most part highlights the one part of my area that I decently enjoy - my butt. So the cheeky hipkini is always a go, thanks Victoria.

Now I realize talk about bikinis makes some people uncomfortable. Hopefully talk about what styles fit my body type better, as I definitely do not have a 'swim suit body', makes some of you a little more confident that you'll find something out there that suits your body type!

Until next time,

Casey Rose

World Traveler

Oh hey, it's almost been two weeks! Where in the world have I been, I bet you've been wondering?

No? Oh awkward.

Haha but really I have been MIA for almost 2 weeks and I'm here to explain. Also to catch you up on what has been going on.

Well the last post was two Wednesday's ago and that Thursday I ended up driving down to Wilmington for my best friend's wedding! It was such a beautiful wedding, I'll insert pictures below, but needless to say it was very hectic and I really didn't get the opportunity to sit down at my computer to do much of anything, nonetheless blog. So here are some pictures from her lovely wedding :)

Some of the other bridesmaids and I.

The beautiful bride!

Their first dance!

Father daughter dance

Avengers cake for him

The table we sat at, whoops not family of the bride!

Sparklers to send them off!

It really was beautiful and I had such an amazing time celebrating my best friend marrying the man of her dreams. I'm so glad I could be apart of it.

From Wilmington I decided to visit a friend and make the long trek up to Washington D.C.! Yes, the nation's captial.

While I didn't spend much time there, I did end up getting to see some sights and even go to a Nationals game! Overall it as a fun trip and I would love to go back. Maybe not take the metro again, yes I may have gotten lost - clearly I am not meant for the city, but I would definitely go back :)

After DC I came home and honestly didn't do much. I got sick, felt like crap and laid in bed all day. I also worked, so my life has been pretty boring. 

However, right now I am at the beach! My family has rented a beach house here for the last two weeks of summer and I am so excited! My last two days working at Francesca's are this Thursday and Friday and I have a retreat this weekend, but come Monday I will be back at the beach soaking up the sun during my last few days of summer vacation. I will update you guys about my trip sometime next week when I have more pictures.

Other than that, I promise to update this more! I have been sucking lately, but I pinky promise I'll be better :) (not that anyone really cares, haha)

Until next time,

Casey Rose

High on Life

If someone asked me to describe my style in three words I would probably use girly, conservative, and preppy. But for whatever reason, I am always envying how these (as I like to call them) 'hipster' girls dress. You know the ones, that are so tall and skinny, wear high waisted shorts, cut off shirts, and combat boots. I love that style and even though I would probably never convert my closet to dress like that at all times, I think adding a little flair from people or trends that inspire you is completely fun and a great way to spice up your wardrobe while also staying a little bit in your comfort zone.

So today for Fashion Friday I will be talking about a recent purchase I just made from Urban Outfitters. Yes, I bought high waisted shorts. I had bought a pair from American Eagle years ago, loved them to death but unfortunately grew out of them and they also weren't as high waisted as I probably would have liked them to be (since I have a longer torso and high waisted to some is like barely scraping the bottom of my belly button). Anyways, I bought the shorts below from Urban Outfitters and immediately fell in love and knew I had to get them.

Now if you know me at all, if I were to get a pair of high waisted shorts - these would be them. But while I must say even though these might have been made for me, it took me a lot of pairs to be completely sure. I had tried on so many shorts, ones with fringe, ones without, different colored washes but these were the ones I kept coming back to. They were $60 and I almost didn't get them because they were $20 more than the exact same pair, the only difference was the lace on the side and I didn't really know if I could justify paying $20 for lace. However, I convinced myself and I am so happy that I did. These were the perfect length, again I am a little more conservative so I wasn't a huge fan of the shorts that were showing a little booty. And they also were high enough to cover my belly button, another huge plus! Also, the lace = girly...need I say more?

My advice to you if you are in the market for a good pair of high waisted jean shorts is try on as many as possible, in as many washes, lengths, and styles as possible. A good place to start would be Urban Outfitters just because they almost always have them and from there you can find ones you like and maybe find them for cheaper elsewhere, but at least you know what you want.

Now that I had my recently purchased shorts, of course I couldn't wait to go home and try them on and make as many outfits as possible! Here are a few of my favorites...

This first one I have actually already worn out to dinner with my friend. The shorts are BDG Erin High-Rise Denim Shorts from Urban Outfitters. The shirt is (old) from Urban Outfitters. And the necklace is (old) from a local boutique.

I loved this look because I feel like it is so nautical. This shirt I have owned for the longest time now and every time I put it on it just reminds me of summer, I don't know why but I love it.

The next look is kind of more casual. It is something I would probably wear with cowboy boots to a summer concert. I wore something like this when I saw Chiddy Bang, only I had on low rise jean shorts. I like this because since the shirt is a crop top, you don't see any of my stomach (which I am insecure about) and it high lights my favorite parts of my body - my arms and neckline.

The shorts again are from Urban Outfitters. The top is (old) from Forever 21. And the necklace is the Tinley Park Floral Necklace from Francesca's.

This last outfit isn't exactly my favorite, maybe because I didn't really try to make it look as nice as I could have, but the concept of it I love. This is a look I would probably wear to a party with wedges. I love these kinds of tops, I have two of them and one in a dress form...I'm also looking for a white one, yeas I realize I'm crazy. However like I said before it high lights my favorite part of my body - my upper body (shoulders, arms, neckline, etc.)

Again, shorts from Urban Outfitters. Top is from a local boutique and the necklace, again, is from Francesca's.

I hope you all enjoyed this Fashion Friday. I think this post kind of relates back to the first post I had ever written on here. It was about how even if a style is 'meant' for a certain body type, you can still rock it and make it your own for your body type. I certainly do not have the skinniest figure and I know I have some hips. Plus this whole high waisted shorts deal doesn't do wonders for your ass, sorry about it. But I am in love with these and I think I made them work for my body type :)

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Ocean to Ocean

Hi! I realize I suck and that I haven't really posted on this blog in forever. Last weekend as you may or may not know I was in San Diego for a conference for Pi Phi. I was planning to keep this blog updated while I was there but there was no internet and any down time I had was dedicated to sleeping. So I will try and make it up here!

I had so much fun making new friends and learning lots to take back to my chapter when the fall comes around. I can't tell you exactly what we talked about, mainly because it would take up four pages, but the majority of the conference was dedicated to voting in the new Grand Council as well as different sessions that you could go to to focus on what is a main need for your chapter.

I went to a lot of the Recruitment sessions because our chapter is new and we still aren't totally awesome at recruiting. I learned so much and got so many ideas from different chapters. I even got to speak with someone from Alabama, who has a pledge class the size of our whole chapter...yeah seriously..., and just listening to the way she does things on a Greek heavy campus was so interesting and gave me lots of ideas to try out when I returned in the fall.

So my rant is over and even though I couldn't fill you in on everything, I hope the pictures that follow make up for it :)

Off to San Diego!

The pretty fountain behind the hotel

The view from my room - gorgeous

The pretty harbor with the San Diego Sky line

The $75 Rugby shirt I HAD to have.

The pretty letters for convention

Night one's dessert, so precious and so good!

Cookie Shine!

Philanthropy project on the last day

Throw what you know!

Sis Mullis, the cutest Pi Phi ever

Grand President being sworn in!

Before the Carnation Banquet - last night's dinner

The plane ride home :(

I hope you enjoyed a few pictures from the trip. I had an amazing time and want to go back!

Until next time,

Casey Rose

Thank God for the Red, White, and Blue

Happy (day after) Independence Day everyone! Yesterday marked the 237th birthday of the USA! 'Merica.

So in honor of America's birthday I thought I'd show you my outfits of the day! (Yes outfits, as in multiple) I had an outfit that I wore to work as well as an outfit I wore to a friend's party. Enjoy!

This is the outfit I wore to work today. The dress is a 'ballet' style dress from Francesca's from a long time ago. Scarf is also from Francesca's, I've also seen a similar scarf from Free People. Belt is from TJ Maxx and shoes are flats from Steve Madden.

My arm candy of the day was my white watch from Michael Kors. The two bracelets are from Francesca's as well as the scarf in the background.

This is my party outfit. The top is old from Francesca's. The skirt is also old from J Crew but they have similar styles, not the same color, on the Factory website. And the shoes are the Silver Navajo's from Jack Rogers.

This is a PicStitch where we saw the fireworks last night. It was in Chapel Hill on the UNC football field. Even though I am a die hard NC State fan and it may have been a little uncomfortable being on Tar Heel stomping ground, it was a nice place to see fireworks.

I hope your Independence day was full of fun and friends! Happy Birthday America!

Until next time,

Casey Rose