The Return of Mom Style : Casual Girls’ Night Out

Mom Style is back! Well, sort of. I haven’t posted one of these in ages, mostly because I still have no idea how to get shots of myself without a helpful assistant on hand. So instead, I decided to use what I have, a tripod and my lovely assistant Lulu, who provided ample laughs and blurry craziness. Hooray!

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I’m part of a group of cute ladies who I meet for dinner once a month (the official title is the “Sassy Supper Club”…oh yes it is) and last week we celebrated the holidays one month late because we were all too crazy in December to get together. We decided to do a nail polish exchange, which is a fun, cheapish way to do gifts with a group of girls that I highly recommend. We ate out at Louie’s Wine Dive and I was thoroughly impressed with not only the food (lobster mac and cheese!), but the bourbon cocktail menu. A good time was had by all.

I sometimes struggle with what to wear to stuff like this, since, as a working mom, I feel like all of my clothes are either business casual or sweatpants. I’m sure you understand. And since I’m on a tight budget, high end pieces won’t work for me. I threw this outfit together and think it turned out pretty cute!

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Glasses: Warby Parker
Sweater: Forever 21
Chambray Button Down: Nordstrom (in the juniors section…way better prices)
Jeans: Mossimo via Target
Shoes: Vintage
Watch: ASOS
Clutch: Marc Jacobs via the Neiman Marcus Collection at Target (on sale for $29, say what!?)

Beauty Tips from a Newly Christened 30 Year Old

Super hilarious photoshoot today with the talented Christina Gepner. As per usual, I made a lot of goofy faces.

Earlier this year I wrote a post explaining how happy I was to turn 30. And so far, I’m still pretty happy about it. At the time, I felt exactly like Jennifer Gardner in “13 Going on 30,” and I knew that being “30, flirty and fun” would be the best time ever. OK, sure, I’m not exactly like the character in that movie. I don’t have a jet setting life in New York City as a magazine editor or anything, but I am digging this new decade. I have a rad family that loves me, a new career on the horizon and a to-do list that’s a mile long (in a good way). And it may sound conceited, but I look pretty damn good these days.

At 20 and even 25, I still had no idea who I was style and beauty-wise. I basically dressed how my friends dressed and wore the same make-up they did (even though I am so pale I’m almost translucent and they look like they came straight from the beach). Around 26 I started to explore who I was in terms of my style and creative tastes, and with that came a whole new outlook on beauty products. My beauty regimin today consists of a few simple things:

– Hair care: Man oh man, did I used to abuse my hair. I have naturally wavy, blond hair, and I spent years straightening it with a hot iron and bleaching it or dying it dark (depending on my mood). These days I stick to drying it naturally without heat and only washing a few times a week. My main products are Bumble and Bumble Curl Creme (for wavy curls), Fekkai Glossing Cream (for straight hair days) and Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo (to extend days between washing).

– Skin care: I confess, I never used to wash my face before bed. I know, so gross! These days I use wet wipes while I’m traveling and when I’m at home I use the Neutrogena Wave system. I really want to upgrade to a better machine (the wave was in my stocking last Christmas) and I’m thinking of either the DDF Revolve System or the Clarisonic (anyone heard good things about either of these?). I’m learning as my skin gets older, I need to invest in better products to keep it healthy. Which, you know…duh!

– Make-up: A few months back I went on a major make-up purge and now I only use a few products on a daily basis. I use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation, lightening concealer to get rid of the dark circles under my eyes (total problem area), mascara, creme blush and a lip tint. It takes 5 minutes, tops. If I’m going out or getting fancy, I add red lipstick (this is my fave), eyeshadow and some powdered eyeliner.

Now for some fun news! DDF is offering Crazybananas readers a special deal on their DDF Revolve 400X Kit. You can get this awesome system for $45 (retail price $98!) with free shipping through Jan 31, 2013. Click here and then use the code DDFMICRODERMA at checkout. And as an added bonus, you can get a second product for half price, with free shipping, through Jan 31, using the code 2013DDFSKIN! Hooray for happy skin!

Have your beauty routines changed as you’ve aged? I’d love to hear any tips and tricks!

(Photo by Christina Gepner)

Lemon Loveliness

Did you all know I’m a featured blogger over at Sweet Lemon Magazine’s blog, the Zesty Digest? It’s true! And trust me, it’s awesome. I love writing for a new audience and knew this was going to be a wonderful experience, but I have been floored at how amazing it’s been. And I’m not just talking about the writing. All the other young women who write for this site are some of the most fantastic, unique, intelligent ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure of (virtually) meeting. The love, support and encouragement that they all share with each other, and luckily with me as well, has been one of the most rewarding pieces of this experience. Since this week is a time to give thanks for all the good things in our lives, I figured I’d start with the Sweet Lemon gang, since they have shown me so much support and love over the past few weeks. Here are some of my recent favorite Zesty Digest posts, from some pretty incredible ladies:

This post by Brittney Ann on Communicating Abroad is fantastic! So many awesome resources for keeping in touch with loved ones when they are living in another country.

Julie wrote a truly wonderful (and for me, quite timely) post on the Art of Losing Someone. It is poignant and full of advice for those of us that are suffering and wading through the pain of personal loss.

Nikki’s post on some of her favorite upcoming movies has me so excited to get to the theater over the holiday weekend!

Adair makes super fun music mixes for the Zesty Digest almost every week. My current fave is her Rolling Stone Magazine anniversary tribute!

Miss Megan was the person who led me to Sweet Lemon in the first place, and I will be forever grateful! I’m also pretty grateful for her post on foods that can make your skin look beautiful.

There are so many more awesome posts over at the Zesty Digest, so you should really head over and check it out! You can find my recent posts on stylish glasses, tips on doing something nice for others, and a letter to myself at 20-years-old.

Zesty Digest Girls in Glasses

And if you’re getting pumped for the holidays, you should really click over and paw through the new Sweet Lemon Magazine holiday issue! You won’t be disappointed!

Fun News!

Want to hear some exciting news? Well, little old me is over on Pinterest as a Guest Pinnner for Alt Summit! Yes, THE Altitude Design Summit! I’m so pumped and honored to be a part of the amazing Alt community, and I hope everyone joins in the fun. Right now I’m working on the Color Lovin’: Orange board, which pretty much means I’m pinning anything and everything in my favorite of all the colors. Yay!

Pinterest

If you’re on Pinterest, come on over and follow me (I’m Crazybananas). Do you have a favorite Pinterest board or pinner? Some of my favorites are Amanda Jane Jones, Paris Rouzati (the creator of Sweet Lemon Magazine!) and Sarah James.

And if you’re looking for more info on blogging and design, Alt Summit is the place to be! Even if you can’t make it to one of their amazing conferences, their blog and online classes are incredible and filled with great tips and tricks.

Happy pinning!

Pinterested – Girls in Glasses

Okay, yes, I admit it. I’m a girl and I love Pinterest. I am such a tragic cliche. But a tragic cliche with a brand new headboard that I made myself, bitches! So Pinterest haters can suck it, because I can’t help but spread the love. One thing I have noticed, however, is Pinterest can make your preferences pretty stinking obvious. I was looking through my boards (admiring my impeccable taste) when I realized there are a few items and styles I find myself pinning again and again. In fact, it borders on ridiculous. First up, girls in thick, dark rimmed glasses.

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I mean, really, Megan? How many images do you need to pin of brunettes with long wavy hair wearing dark rimmed glasses? A million, apparently. What can I say, it’s a look I love.

Image sources: sunday brunch stripes : shopbop elizabeth and james : nat the fat rat : the chloe conspiracy : color blocking love : kristine or polly

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If you too love girls in glasses (or Doctor Who-themed housewares), come follow me over on Pinterest!

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