Boots And Things

I have the most thoughtful hubby! Check out what came in the mail for me the other day:

The Bailey Button Triplet by Ugg. I've been wanting these for awhile. They're such a stylish, casual, comfy little boot that I can easily wear with tights, shorts, skirts, etc. I'm so excited! I also received the care kit in order to keep my new little booties in ship-shape! :D

And as if these weren't enough, I was also gifted with this super-sweet vintage Gunne Sax dress, purchased from American Archive:

It's such a flattering and timeless shape! The straps were a touch too long, but nothing that can't be easily fixed by the tailor. Haha, it's so bad, but having this dress makes me want to get some pretty little western-style boots to go with it. I've been browsing Zappos and I'm totally in love with these distressed, slouchy boots by Durango:

Gasp! Aren't they absolutely gorgeous?! Unfortunately, the price tag is a little high for me and I think I'd be seriously pushing it if I asked my mister to buy me these babies when I haven't even worn the last pair (see above) that he gave me. Haha. Instead, I've settled for these:

Not quite the same, but adorable, nonetheless, and will still achieve the same look. These are Sheriff by Rocket Dog and are a steal at a mere $59 USD. :D

Currently scouting some cool locations here in northern Cali for a "prairie girl" shoot location featuring my sweet little dress and, hopefully, western boots. Crossing my fingers!

Hugs,
Cat

Current Obsession: Vintage Gunne Sax

Argh! I know, I said I'd be posting more, doh! This quarter really has me by the neck, however. We're only 3 weeks in and I feel like it's finals week already! I have one more term to go before graduation, so my professors are really stepping it up! I hope you guys don't mind intermittent posts in the next couple months that are more image-based with minimal text, haha. I just don't have the brain power to write so much these days, I'm using all my juice for school!

Anyways, the weather is getting nice and warm, though in the bay area, temperatures don't exceed the mid to high 70's even during the height of summer. Personally, I think pretty dresses would be perfect for this season and I'm currently OBSESSED with vintage Gunne Sax dresses right now, especially from the 1970's! Check out what I found on eBay:

I found these beauties on an eBay store called American Archive. Aren't they gorgeous? I just love how feminine, romantic, and shabby-chic they are! I like to imagine beautiful, boho-chic girls wearing them to outdoor music festivals back in the day...*sigh* so romantic! I MUST MUST MUST get my little paws on a few of these, they would make for some gorgeous shoots, wouldn't they?

Hugs,
Cat

Strolling Through Paradise

Hi all! So, looks like I'll be back for a little while again! :D After a grueling school term, my most difficult one yet, I took a much-needed vacation, during my spring break, on the island of Maui in Hawaii. We stayed at the gorgeous Westin Maui Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach. Such a beautiful, beautiful hotel. The grounds were impeccably manicured, we had an oceanfront room whose balcony overlooked five swimming pools and a perfect view of the beach, and there was even a waterfall and lagoon in the lobby, complete with live flamingos! I can't wait to tell you all about my adventures in the next post!

However, back to business. I thought, it's been awhile since we've done a style shoot, and where best to have one than in the amazing paradise that is Maui? So, early one morning before the hustle and bustle of other hotel guests, I got all gussied up and we were able to get a few good style shots that embodied the exotic and luxurious feel of my vacation experience.

This Forever 21 dress is one of my current favorites! The corset-style bustier is the prettiest blue floral print and has an open lattice design on the sides. The high-low skirt portion is a deep, navy blue chiffon and is partially lined. You may have seen my clutch from previous posts, Jason Wu for Target. And my black velveteen, open-toed pumps are from Cathy Jean.

Thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoyed this post! I've really missed blogging and am looking forward to posting more regularly in the coming weeks! :D

Hugs,
Cat

EOTD: Glitzy Purple featuring Urban Decay

Oh hello. Long time no see! This has got to be the most insane quarter I've experienced at school! No free time, no weekends. Boo hoo! I've been really sad and I've totally missed blogging. For those who have stuck around during this dry spell, thank you thank you!

Anyways, it's currently finals week for me, but I thought I'd take a break from my current project for a few moments to give you guys SOMETHING, ANYTHING! Since I've been so pressed for time these days, I've recently discovered ways of doing rapid, dramatic, long-lasting eyes. I wanted to share one of my favorite looks of the moment with you all:

This is a really easy look that takes just mere minutes and adds a nice color pop and sparkle to the eye!  Here are the products I used:

Clockwise from bottom left: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eyeshadow Pencils in Delinquent, Sin, Rehab. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Catfight.

From left to right: Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Eyeliner and Maybelline Full N Soft Waterproof Mascara, both in Black.

What I like is that this look requires no primer and (nearly) no brushes. The eyeshadow pencils are a smooth, lightweight formula that glide on easily and lasts all day with no creasing.  Here's how I got the look:

1. apply Rehab on entire eyelid and blend with finger

2. apply Sin to brow arch and blend with finger

3. apply Delinquent in a thick, winged shape along upper lash line

4. trace a thinner, winged line along upper lash line with black gel eyeliner, overlapping Delinquent

5. apply black gel liner to bottom lash line and outline with Rehab (this softens the line and also makes the black eyeliner more smear-resistant)

5. apply Catfight right on the boundary between the black eyeliner and the purple winged shadow

6. curl lashes, apply mascara, and you're done!

I've been sporting this look with different colors for a week or so now, the simplicity has me spoiled and it's hard to imagine going back to meticulous shading with pressed shadows once more. But, then again, my moods are fickle and a week or two from now, I'll probably be obsessed with something new. Hope you guys enjoyed this post! I promise I'll be back again once this week is over!

Hugs,

Cat

Sephora Ultra Vinyl Lip Pencil

Sephora's Ultra Vinyl Lip Pencils were on sale for $5 apiece so I couldn't help but to snatch a couple up. You know how I can't say no to a bargain! :) At more than half off the original price of $12, I got 2 lip pencils for less than the cost of one! Though I was really tempted to go with my usual hot pinks and fuchsias, I forced myself to get colors that I wouldn't normally consider. I settled on Gorgeous Peach and Strawberry Delish:

The Gorgeous Peach has shimmer and the Strawberry Delish has none. Both had a semi-opaque, glossy finish. I really like the jumbo pencil format, it makes shaping and filling in very easy. The formula itself is silky-smooth and the texture is moisturizing. Lasting power is pretty average, but since they're so portable, reapplying is a snap.

Gorgeous Peach and Strawberry Delish

I was a little apprehensive when I first received the Gorgeous Peach. When I uncapped the pencil, the color looked very orange-y and the finish looked very pearly. From experience, I know that such a combination looks ghastly on me. Upon application, however, the color was more of a warm, pinky-nude with just a touch of shimmer. Very wearable.

My favorite of the two is probably the Strawberry Delish, which ended up being a bright shade of light raspberry, demi-gloss, no shimmer. I liked it so much that I decided not to wipe it off and attended today's brunch with it on. I only had to touchup a bit in the center of my lip after two hours of eating and drinking. :)

 

Cheers!

Thanks for reading, happy Sunday, and goodnight! 

Hugs,

Cat

Candy Lips: My Lime Crime Lipstick Collection

I don't have anything terribly exciting to report as it's midterm week for me. I thought it'd be fun to do a colorful post compiling my little collection of crazy lip colors from Lime Crime:

Mint To Be

Airborne Unicorn

My Beautiful Rocket

Styletto

Countessa Fluorescent

Lips!

Hope you guys enjoyed this colorful post!  Happy Tuesday and have a great night!

Hugs,
Cat

Luxe Faux Fur

Hi everyone!  Boy, I've really missed being here!  :(  This school term is no joke, I've got a full load with four intensive courses, leaving me little time to do anything but hit the books.  I'm studying for a quiz and a midterm as we speak while working on a graphic design project.  *gloom*  But I needed a bit of a break and what better way to do so than to visit Style By Cat?  Anyhoo...nothing really juicy to post, although, Restoration Hardware is having a sale on their winter wares now that the holidays are over.  I got a really cute fur trapper hat and scarf made out of the softest, faux fur.  People can't tell that it's not the real thing and I've gotten asked a few times if I was wearing rabbit.  Of course, I would never do that!  Animals are for cuddling, not for wearing! :)

Turns out, me and my little yorkie, Miss Monday, match!

Miss Monday does not like taking pictures:

I purchased the scarf in Arctic Fox and the hat in Lynx. :)  Super soft, warm, and cozy.  Perfect for the chilly weather!  Hope you're all enjoying your weekend so far!  Back to studying for me.  Thanks for sticking around and reading!

Hugs,
Cat