shopping bag Archives - A Girl Named PJ

Shop the #nsale: Nordstrom Anniverary Sale beauty exclusives

July 18, 2014

It’s been a rough week. We spent five hours on Tuesday in the pediatric emergency room, ten hours on Wednesday in the airport trying to return home, and the wee hours of the morning on Thursday packing for another flight. I desperately need a pick-me-up, and I’m hoping that some retail therapy will do the trick.

In a stroke of good timing, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (arguably the best department store sale of the year) begins today. While I love browsing the women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, my money usually goes towards the beauty exclusives, products and sets created specially for the Anniversary Sale. Larger-than-normal bottles of my favorite cleanser and several limited edition makeup palettes are already sitting in my online shopping cart, but I’m hoping to visit the Nordstrom near JB’s mom’s house this weekend to do some damage in person.

These are some of the Anniversary Sale beauty exclusives I have my eye on, including my go-to face wash:

1. Laura Mercier Flawless Exceptions set // 2. Philosophy Purity Made Simple facial cleanser // 3. Emi-Jay Pearl hair ties // 4. Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude color set // 5. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Anti-Aging set // 6. T3 The Party Couple styling set // 7. Clarins UV Plus HP Multi-Protection Day Sunscreen SPF 40 // 8. Stila Lip Glaze set // 9. Mario Badescu Complexion Perfection kit // 10. butter LONDON Funfair Fashion nail lacquer collection // 11. DevaCurl Home & Away set

Have a happy weekend — and let me know if you’ll also be indulging in some retail therapy! (Don’t forget that the Anniversary Sale ends on August 3rd.)

PS – My spring beauty essentials, and my five-minute beauty routine.

If you like piña coladas: the pineapple trend

June 26, 2014

If donuts are the new cupcakes (remember, you heard it here first!), then pineapples are the new…pears? Actually, I’m not sure what the fruit du jour was before this tropical treat took center stage, but suddenly, the pineapple trend is everywhere.

Pineapples have long been a symbol of hospitality. Did you ever wonder why the Williams Sonomo logo is a pineapple? But the pineapple also has a playful side that bloggers like Studio DIY and designers like Moschino Cheap and Chic have recently discovered.

Whether your look is playful or preppy, here are eight easy ways to get a taste of the pineapple trend:

1. Dress // 2. Backpack // 3. Baby romper // 4. Tee // 5. Pajamas // 6. Bracelet // 7. Infinity scarf // 8. Girls leggings

How do you feel about pineapple prints?

Plus, more pineapple picks:

… READ MORE!

Shopping bag: Tea Collection

April 22, 2014

Tea Collection’s Friends & Family Sale started today, so I spent some time browsing summer clothing for Levi and Asa. And I couldn’t resist sneaking a peek at the new arrivals for girls — Tea Collection’s sundresses are the sweetest! The sale ends tomorrow (4/23), so be sure to take advantage of it while you can. Here are a few of my favorites.

clockwise: sundress / tunic / shorts / dress / tee / shorts / tee

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I’ll be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Shopping bag: Spring beauty essentials

March 20, 2014

Happy first day of spring! I’m always inspired at the start of each season to incorporate a new fashion and beauty trends into my wardrobe. With the promise of longer days and warmer weather ahead, I’ve got my mind set on lightweight and easy-to-wear clothing and makeup.

Since I’m hesitant to purchase any new clothes until I’m closer to regaining my pre-pregnancy figure, I’m hoping to refresh my look with a couple of spring beauty essentials. Here are the brightening skin treatments, glowing makeup, and innovative hair products I’ve been adding to my virtual shopping bag.

Beachwaver curling iron: Why is it that easy, beachy waves are anything but easy to create with curling iron? I love the look of soft, undone hair but have yet to master the curling iron technique. I’d like to believe that this rotating curling iron by celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa would quickly and easily create the wavy hair I covet.

Clarisonic Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation: To prep my feet for sandal season (which is still several weeks away), I’m dying to try the new Clarisonic foot brush. My heels and toes are so rough and dry! However, if I’m going to invest in a Clarisonic, I should probably buy the face brush first…

Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer: The bags under my eyes have grown considerably this past month; I forgot how exhausting nighttime can be with a newborn! Since I don’t actually own a tube of concealer — or a jar of eye cream, for that matter — I’m intrigued by this multitasking product by Perricone MD that claims to treat and conceal. Bonus: It also features SPF 35.

Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Primer: Mascara is one makeup product I never leave the house without wearing — and I don’t always wash it off at night. So bad! I’m curious to see if prepping and conditioning my eyelashes with a lash primer makes a difference in how voluminous they appear.

Bobbi Brown Crystal Eye Palette: This limited edition eyeshadow compact for fair skin features four shades that work together to brighten and lighten. The combination of pretty pinks and shimmering silvers are perfectly on-trend for spring.

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish: The polar vortex left my lips terribly chapped and cracked. Even Levi has noticed. When he gives me a kiss, he often comments on the “boo-boo” on my lips. I’m almost desperate enough to spend $22.50 for smooth, soft lips!

Dior Addict Lip Glow: I hardly ever wear lipstick or lip gloss. I tend to feel like a little girl playing dress-up when I’m wearing a bright color, plus I’m too lazy to remember to apply it throughout the day. But if I can get my chapped lips in check (see above), I’d like to start wearing Lip Glow, a moisturizing balm that enhances your natural lip shade with a sheer hint of color.

What are your spring beauty essentials? Are there any hair or makeup trends that you’re looking forward to trying once the weather gets warmer?

Shopping bag: Minimalist dinnerware

March 6, 2014

As a kid, I sipped hot beverages from random souvenir mugs my parents brought back from their travels. We had two sets of dinnerware because we were kosher style — glass for dairy and white with black geometric accents for meat. We even had two sets of silverware.

I can only assume that growing up with mismatched tableware is what shaped my preference for more minimalist dinnerware. I tolerated JB’s striped Corelle dishes and black mugs when we first moved in together, but when it came time to register for wedding presents, I was adamant about choosing all-white everything. From the cabinet to the table, I’ve always loved the clean and modern look of white plates, bowls, and mugs.

So I was surprised by my immediate reaction to Kate Spade Saturday‘s new hand-painted high gloss glaze stoneware: LOVE. Their muted colors and simple shape still appeal to my minimalist preferences but would add a bit more character to our dining room table.

I don’t think I’d mix and match all four available colors, but I adore how the steel blue and pink look together. And separately.

Now, I wonder how hard it would be to convince JB that we need a set of pale pink dinnerware.

1. Glazed plate / 2. Glazed accent plate / 3. Glazed bowl / 4. Glazed mug / 5. Glass pitcher / 6. Low glasses