So often we make haste and impulsive decisions when our emotions are highly revved up. At times we make decisions when we’re extremely happy and think the ideas formulated during this happy state seem like the best idea ever or decisions we make when we’re angry that we end up lashing out at those we love by saying and doing things we would only regret later.

I know I’m guilty for impulsive decisions but as I’ve made these decisions, I try to throw in some rationality. Some ideas look great on paper but when I’ve tried to execute them, I find that the idea just wasn’t the best idea ever. What I’m NOT saying is that we should NOT try. The emotional state we are in during the time of decision is somewhat temporary and our minds are clouded by pure emotions, not an ounce of rationality. All you need to do is take the time to let our emotions settle in. On the other hand, don’t take too long in settling in the emotions that you just don’t make a decision at all.

Often in relationships, we are so quick to end relationships during arguments and fights (of course there are certain boundaries that call for an immediate end, proceed with caution) because of the high emotions of hurt, pride, and anger. Often in our careers, we often STAY in unhappy and unfulfilling positions because of the temporary fear of job security (yes, not everyone is able to quickly leave secured jobs for personal, financial, or family reasons). Point being, just let your emotions marinate and shift through the feelings that cause you to even consider making those particular decisions. Don’t pack your bags unless you’re truly ready to leave.  

Photo credit: Picture taken from a Pinterest post from RawForBeauty.com website. (Don’t you just love those suitcases!? So retro!)

Thanks to Pinterest, Instagram, and hashtags, it’s made it quite effortless to find inspiration to express feelings, emotions, moods, etc. When you have the ‘passion for fashion’ it’s becomes easy to get wrapped in the physical and visual aesthetics of outer appearances. You would think by my Instragram #OOTD (Outfits of the Day) photos, that’s all I do! Of course, I simply wouldn’t post every breathing moment on social media but I wanted to get back to why I started this blog – to write and hopefully bring positivity to those that take time to read my words.

Hence, today’s quote! With make-up, clothes, shoes, hair extensions, nails, an iPhone and some apps, we can portray whoever we want to be. Sometimes we spend so much time focusing on our outer selves that we don’t spend enough time working on our inner selves. Are the decisions we make daily in line with what we truly want for OURSELVES. Not to please others, but for yourself? Are the actions you partake in, in line with the morals you believe in? Is the inside beauty just as beautiful if not more beautiful than the superficial outside beauty?

I will be walking in the 2013 Walk to End Lupus Now™ to raise funds for the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) this weekend in New York. Our goal is to raise $350,000 for the 100,000 people living with lupus in the New York area. Your donation will help me reach my personal fundraising goal and I hope that you’ll help me reach this goal! I realize these are tough times for many people, but every little bit helps!!

Donation Link: http://lupus.donorpages.com/newyork2013/TeamMamaTracyBeckerHills/ 

Those that know Mrs. Tracy, all know her as a daughter, a mother (to all that comes in her life), a sister, a wife, a friend, and just an amazing person! A woman who lifts your spirits with just a simple kind-hearted “Hello.” She has always been there for us to pour our woes and worries, so now is our time to help out! Let’s get together and help support a cause that will help fund research for a cure for this horrible disease. As I walk in honor of Mama Tracy in New York, please come join the team with me or help contribute what you can.

WE LOVE YOU MRS. TRACY!

Donation Link: http://lupus.donorpages.com/newyork2013/TeamMamaTracyBeckerHills/

With any new ‘trend’ I’m trying out, I like to ‘buy on a budget’ and go to smaller massed produced stores like NYC’s Necessary Clothing where tops range from $15-25. Not bad, eh? I visited the store a few weeks back and picked up this black and white floral peplum and paired them with my grey jeans at home. Since it was a casual weekend, I paired them with some ballet flats (YES, Kristin wears flats). With the grey, black, and white, I needed pops of color so I decided to add-on Givenchy’s new Le Rouge Semi-Matte Lipstick from Sephora in Muted Red-Orange!It’s such an amazing rich color for Spring!

This is my favorite outfit since it’s so simple but edgy as well. The jeans are light grey with a paisley floral print from New York & Company and I’ve paired it with a simple black sleeveless peplum tank.

Hope you’re enjoying the Spring weather. It looks like New York City has finally broke over the 40 degrees and the sun is out! Hello Sunshine!

I’m obsessed over Sephora and I love that I finally have reached their VIB Beauty Insider status! As an “insider” you get a birthday gift from Sephora! This post is a few months late being that my birthday in January but its good to know I get to start off my year with some new freebies from Sephora when you make a purchase during your birthday month. Sephora’s 2013 Birthday Insider Gift feature Benefit Cosmetics’ They’re Real! Mascara and Watts Up Highlighter!

I’ve used the Watts Up Highlighter a few times to highlight my T-line down to my nose and my brow bone, of course blending into your foundation. Another use is taking a small flat make-up brush and use it to highlight the bottom eye area (below the eyeliner). It is a bit creamy so blending is a must especially if you’re only using power foundation.

I’m absolutely in love with their mascara since it doesn’t clump and it really thicken and extends your lashes. The tip of the mascara brush has little bristles to get those hard to reach bottom lashes! Remember when applying, place the brush at the bottom of your lashes, wiggle it left to right a little and then brush up. It’s not water proof but I’ve gone to the gym during my lunch breaks, sweated all over and still looks great – a quick touch up may be needed.  

Another benefit to becoming a Sephora Beauty Insider is collecting points for each purchase and receiving even more samples. Earlier this year, I hit my 500-points and decided to “cash-in” my points for Sephora’s NARS Sample Pack! (Again, apologizes for the late post!) The 500-Point Perk included NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base, NARS Pro Prime Pore Refining Primer, NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in “New Lover”, and NARS Orgasm Blush.

So far, here’s a quick overview of these new samples! The NARS Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base is applied to my entire eyelid area to the my brows, applied my eyeshadow (using Urban Decay’s Naked Basics Palette) and eye liner. The entire day (6am application to 9pm removal), my shadow kept from creases or running. Score! The Velvet Lip Gloss in “New Lover” gives me a little of shimmer/gloss/pinkish-nude tint so it’s great for everyday application. NARS’ infamous Orgasm Blush works for most skin tones and I’ve applied to my cheeks and even as eyeshadow. I haven’t use the primer since I normally don’t use primer on my face but from the reviews on Sephora, it rates quite well!  

I hope to share more of my cosmetic stash as I add more to my make-up drawers! Until then! Enjoy the warm weather!

Apparently, “Miss Dior Cherie” is now named “Miss Dior” and then “Miss Dior” is now the original 1947 called “Miss Dior Original”. I found a blog post on Beauty Buzz going into detail of the change, so you want to know more, please check out their blog post here!

I purchased Miss Dior Eau de Parfum which is a ”delicate blend of Calabrian Bergamot and vibrant Gardenia highlighted by fresh and luminous Indonesian Patchouli, Miss Dior Eau Fraiche is a sunny, springlike and eternally elegant scent” (according to Dior.com). Check out the fragrances at Sephora!

I love music! It is such an amazing outlet for our feelings! From time to time I like to incorporate a song for some midweek motivation and today is that day. Two-time Grammy Award-winning Canadian R&B recording artist Melanie Fiona latest album, The MF Life has a tune titled “Change the Record.” Her song expresses a person that is just fed up with being in a bad relationship. So, a solution to the problem, is do better and change the situation.

You can do better, then do better
If you don’t like how he’s playing then change the record
You can do better, then do better
‘Cause I don’t know what kind of games you’re playing
But it’s time to change the record, record, record

Applying this to daily life, if we are fed up with something we don’t like, then do something to change your situation. You can’t complain over a scratched up record (a bad situation) on not playing the song (your life) correctly if you don’t make a change. It’s always interesting as we approach the end of the year and people start to want to make some changes for the upcoming new year. It’s great to make plans but don’t forget or be scared to execute! Change your record and make your amazing life soundtrack!

To check out Melanie Fiona’s video:

Skirt: Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt; Top: NY & Company Satin Keyhole Top; Boots: Shoedazzle Melrose Suede Taupe Boots; Outwear: Banana Republic Capelet Trench Khaki; Jewelry: Michael Kors Watch, and Kate Spade Bangles

Below are just some the items that Helen Wong’s illustrations are on! I like the simplicity yet the details of these illustrations! So chic and so New York!

New York & Company Chic Tees, Illustrations by Helen Wong

During the event, I also picked up their “Midnight New York” fragrance which has “a burst of fresh peach and honeysuckle, blended with exotic jasmine and seductive patchouli” according to the website. I love the scent of jasmine but I always associate it to Spring and Summer scents with light and simple. “Midnight” is a bit stronger yet floral just perfect for a Fall and Winter scent. Lastly, I scooped up Revenge (dark and red) and Bemused (light and nude) lip glosses! Can’t wait to try them out this weekend!

NY&C Beauty – NY&C Lip Gloss in Revenge (left) and Bemused (right) // Midnight New York Fragrance 3.4 oz. and 0.33 oz. // Chic Shopper Tote Bag and NY&C Logo Phone Case

Note: All product photos on this post were taken from http://www.nyandcompany.com.

The capelet is warm and cozy with it’s detachable faux fur and I am in love with the color! Unfortunately, for those blistering cold days, my arms were exposed so I paired it up with some elbow-high leather gloves. The touch of pearls softens the black-on-black but if it’s a night out you can layer on the silver metals!

Still obsessed over my capelet, the following day I took a casual spin and paired it with my Alfani Riding Boots (ladies, if you are looking for some wide-calf boots you should definitely check out Alfani boots).

So far the New York winter has been subtle! Stay tuned for more winter wardrobe!