Sweet, minty pumps by Ivanka Trump.

So, I recently found my dream pump.

I'm generally not a big fan of "celebrity" brands, but I've been shopping for a sensible, yet attractive close-toed heel in a patent finish. I sorted pumps by rating on Zappos and found that the Janie pump was very popular with the customers. Yes, this shoe is very attractive, but the deal was sealed when I noticed that they 1.) came in a dreamy, shimmery shade of mint patent 2.) were marked down to $69 from $99.

They are so, so gorgeous in person and, as an added bonus, they're among some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. The interior is lined in buttery leather and the footbed is generously cushioned. It's as if I'm walking on clouds! No break-in period necessary. I feel like I could run for miles in these!

I can feel a shoe addiction coming on! The Janies are available in a variety of wearable colors. I'm also exploring other styles by Ivanka Trump as well as the aesthetics, workmanship, and quality are on point, especially for the reasonable price. I know what I'd love under the tree this year for Christmas!

Hugs,
Cat

Bossy Boots by Butter London

Hey all! Miss me? Yeah, so sorry. I know, I'm forever apologizing for being absent. I noticed that I was a *much* more consistent blogger when I wasn't in school. ^_^; Oh, well. What's a girl to do? All I can say is that I think about Style By Cat all the time…when I'm trying out some new product, or get a new pair of shoes, or discover some fantastic fashion find. I just can't find the time. T_T

Good news! I'm in finals week right now, which means, by next week, I'll finally have some room to blog a bit more! Yay! I just thought I'd kick things off with a little review of one of my favorite new nail polishes: Bossy Boots by Butter London!

Yeah, I know. It says "Butt" London due to poor placement. Lol.

I first came across this color several months ago when I got a salon mani pedi. It was so unusual. I wasn't sure if I even liked it, but gravitated toward it for some reason. Even my manicurist thought it was weird. But once I got my tips and toes polished, we were like, "Whoa, that actually looks kinda nice!". I received compliments and inquiries about it while I was out and about, and, once it started chipping, I knew I had to buy myself a bottle.

I'd describe it as a creamy, pastel, green tea shade. It's very opaque, I almost didn't have to do 2 coats, and applies very smoothly and evenly. It's slightly warm, which I find compliments my skin tone quite nicely. I really like it because, while it's unique, it's not an over-the-top shade, making it striking, yet very wearable.

Anyways, I really miss you guys. I miss blogging. I dunno. Am I changing the world, am I making a difference, am I doing anything revolutionary? No, not really. It's just fun, it's expressive and meditative for me. I find it satisfying to be able to communicate my thoughts and share my little joys with my readers. I can't wait until Wednesday is over! (my last final for the year) Then I'm free to come back and blab on and on about whatever! XD

*BIG* hugs,
Cat

Latest Shop Obsession: ChicWish!

I have my favorite online shopping haunts: Forever21, ShopRuche, ModCloth, Express, etc. I've heard of ChicWish through a number of bloggers, but I never got around to visiting the site until this morning. I was very pleased to find that ChicWish is currently offering beautiful, holiday-weather pieces at very reasonable prices. In addition, they currently are offering 30% off plus free shipping for new customers.  Not a new customer? That's ok, there's a 10% off coupon for orders over $50. Just use offer code: THANKS10.

I was so excited, I checked these beauties out of my basket this morning:

I love the elegance of the damask print on this Baroque Print Dress with Contrast Collar juxtaposed with the sassy, short length. The embellished bow detail at the collar is so adorable! I know the weather is getting rather chilly, but imagine how smashing this would look paired with some cozy, fleece tights, mary janes, and a pretty cardigan for a polished, holiday look.

I own a number of trench coats in a variety of colors, however, it was love at first sight when I laid eyes on this romantic, oyster lace pattern coupled with the sophisticated trench cut that I so adore. This Floral Lace Print Double Breasted Trench Coat was a must-have item for me, as I find the feminine spin on a classic cut irresistible!

I know it's been awhile, but I couldn't help but come on after my long break to share the excitement! Happy holiday shopping, friends!

Hugs,
Cat

Hot Plum by Maybelline

Consider this another tribute post to my obsession with bright pink lipsticks! I was so inspired when I came across this image of Rihanna:

In an attempt to steal her lip-look, I purchased a tube of Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids in Hot Plum.

Oops! Got too excited and used it before I photographed it. Hehe.

I had this funny thought before I tried it. Since Rihanna and I have similar coloring, I figured I would look just as glam wearing this fetching shade of fuchsia. I was confused when it looked a little different on me. I thought: "Why the heck doesn't it look as good on me as it does on Rihanna?!" After several minutes, I had an epiphany.

That's because I'm not Rihanna. Duh. XD

Oh, I colored my hair semi-recently. I should post about it. LOL

Not to shabby! Actually, Hot Plum has come to be my new favorite bright lippy shade! It suits my complexion very well and pops without looking clownish, IMO. I think it's because the subtle purple tint offsets my strong, yellow undertones. LOVE IT!

Thanks for reading tonight and have a great weekend! I'm *THIS* close to finishing up my new filming rig so I'll hopefully be able to start making videos again. :D You'll be the first to know!

Hugs,
Cat

Guess what? It's OK to wear makeup to the gym!

I don't know if you guys know this, but over the course of the last 3 years, I have morphed from a chip-eating, soda-drinking couch potato to a bit of a workout junkie. I spend 4 days a week kicking butt at my Muay Thai gym, and the other 3 days doing Bar Method. In addition, I'm currently doing the 30-Day Squat Challege (this version), underhand and overhand pull-ups, and recently started incorporating hip-hop cardio dance lessons and Zumba into my weekly routine.

About 75% of the time, I'm wearing makeup. Here are a some locker room selfies I took after a rough Muay Thai training session. I typically look like this after most of my workouts.

So you're probably wondering why I'm bringing this up. It begins with a fitness inspiration that I admire on Instagram. Her name is Mimi Kong, you can check out her Instagram HERE. This lovely lady works out hard and takes nutrition seriously, all the while being very sweet to her fans. Here are a few images of her striking some very becoming fitness poses:

Images property of Mimi Kong 

Images property of Mimi Kong 

Getting to my point, I was admiring some of her workout images when I came across a vicious comment from another user:

"Girls that wear makeup to the gym are sluts and whores who aren't really there to get a good workout."

Whoa whoa whoa!!! First, most of the images where she's wearing heavy makeup are for photo shoots, she doesn't actually wear dark eyes and false lashes when she's getting down to business. But even if she did, so what? How is it anyone else's business whether or a not a woman chooses to wear makeup during her workout? And to classify a stranger as a "slut" or a "whore" just because they happen to have a little face paint on while they're doing their crunches is actually quite sad and pathetic. Often, I find that this kind of attitude comes from insecure people with low self-esteem projecting their dysfunction onto others. Sadly, it's mostly women trying to bring other women down. If these girls, who seem enjoy griping for no reason, were actually at the gym to work their butts off, they wouldn't take notice of who is or isn't wearing makeup. What a pitiable existence one must have, to be angry day in and day out based on how others are living their lives. I truly think that one of the secrets to happiness is to STOP HATING and to put that energy towards improving your own life!

Now I don't put makeup on to go to the gym, but if I happen to have makeup on (which I do because I do other things during the daytime before I hit the gym in the evening) I'm not going to take the time to wash it off before I work out. Makeup on my face doesn't mean I'm not there to get a good workout. Trust me, I've done 1000 roundhouse kicks, out-planked my entire class, and suffered 300 punches to the gut by my trainer in a low squat position...all the while with smokey eyes and glossy lips.

Ok friends, that is my rant for the day! Happy Friday, everyone! I'm off to the dance studio for my hip-hop lessons now...eyeliner and all! :D

Hugs,
Cat

Fuchsia Flash by Maybelline

So Urban Decay is heavily marketing their new line of Revolution Lipsticks. I LOVE lipstick and I totally fell in love with a bright fuchsia shade called Anarchy.

Those of you who know me probably aren't surprised, lol. Unfortunately, the $22 USD price tag is a little steep for me. Even MAC lippies average about $15, so I found it hard to justify paying so much for a single tube of lipstick. I decided to go on a little internet quest to find a suitable dupe and came across Temptalia's review of Urban Decay's Anarchy which lead me to Maybelline ColorSensational Vivid lipstick in Fuchsia Flash. 

I was sold due to the favorable review and comparison so I picked up a tube at my local drugstore.

I couldn't wait to try it! The color is vibrant and pigmented with a subtle, glossy sheen while the formula is slick and lightly moisturizing. I think it's such a fun, bold shade, while being surprisingly wearable. I was initially worried that the cool hues would clash with my warm, yellow undertones. However, I think it works on me rather nicely. I found that it looks best on me paired with a thick stroke of black cat eye liner and lightly flushed cheeks.

I'm compelled to purchase more shades from Maybelline's Vivid's lip color collection now! I strongly feel that I'm getting high-end quality product for a drugstore price. I can't wait to explore more colors! :)

Hugs,
Cat

Hi-Low...how do you do?

I'm so in love with asymmetrical-hem dresses and skirts! Maybe it's just me, but I think they're quite flattering for girls who wish their gams were a little lengthier...such as myself. Anyhoo, I got this navy-hued, jersey hi-low dress from an online Asian fashion boutique called Sammydress. It was such a bargain for only $9 USD!

 The fabric is nice, soft, and machine-washable. I can also easily dress it up with a decorative belt, pretty jewelry, and heels...or wear it casually with sandals or flats.

 

Sammydress offers thousands of fashionable pieces are below-bargain prices. I can totally vouch for this dress, however, I've received a few shipments from them and, to be honest, I'm only satisfied with about 60-70% of the items I've purchased. Some pieces that I've ordered have been very poor quality, one dress nearly fell apart when I tried it on. Others are simply not as described. I bought a satchel and clutch that were photographed and described as white in color, but were actually TAN in person. Very disappointing. So beware!

Anyways, hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday so far!

Hugs,

Cat