Mail Time

I don't know about you, but I am feeling the "Winter blues" like crazyyyyyy. Last week, I enjoyed a 60  and sunny day of shopping. Today, I have yet another snow day. What gives? I am as indecisive as the rest of them, but seriously Mother Nature, your indecisiveness is a little TOO MUCH. I'm not asking for summer weather, I'll be complaining about that soon enough (am I right?), but could you please cut the snow and cue the sun? I need some fresh air and some sunglasses, that's all. Please and thank you!

But, I'm pretty sure Mother Nature doesn't listen to little old me, and the ground hog called for a longer winter so, in the meantime, online shopping is my "weathery" blues bandaid. 

 Let me start off by sharing that I am not usually an online shopping fan. I live for the instant gratification of finding an item at a great price and wearing it the next day like a trophy (literally..."Oh you like my shirt? I got it for like $17 at J Crew Factory!"). Online shopping seems like torture sometimes! I saw it, liked it, bought it, saw the money exit my bank account, but now I'm stalking the mail man for it (also...literally). But, when the package arrives, it seriously feels like Christmas. That in itself makes online shopping a cure (in my opinion) to the "Winter blues." Feeling down? Here is a package filled with pretty things! Fine by me!

Like store shopping, I have some online shopping rules and guidelines.

1.) Beware of shipping costs.

Do you really want to spend $10 on shipping? To me, that's a few lipsticks. If you can get this item in store, do it. If not, online is the way to get sizes you can't find elseware. Check shipping rules. Sometimes stores offer free ship to store shipping or have special offers for free shipping when you spend a certain amount of money. But, just like with coupons...DON'T spend extra money just to get free shipping! See how that doesn't really make any sense (but it's soooo tempting). 

2.) Check size guidelines.

I like to buy items online that I'm pretty confident will fit. i.e. accessories and shoes. I will purchase items of clothing from stores that I buy from often, so I know the fit. I strongly dislike returning online purchases!

3.) Don't keep it if you don't like it.

Speaking of my dislike of returning items...just because you don't like it, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. You wouldn't buy something in the store that doesn't fit you or that you didn't like at all. So don't fall into the online trap of keeping things you will NEVER wear. Most stores have free returns anyway...it's the hike to the post office that gets me every time...

Here are some items I am patiently waiting for/stalking the mail man for. 

So Olivia Pope! H&M

H&M...already sold out! Similar here

H&M...already sold out! Similar here (on serious clearance!)

The Limited...my favorite work pants...on sale now!

If it has to be nasty outside, might as well have a cute umbrella from J Crew Factory! 

Been lusting over this Zara jacket since October. It's now over $100 off!

Printed tights and a scarf...perfect for work! I love shopping Old Navy online because they have so many Tall options! Old Navy

Love this color/fabric...so interesting! Old Navy

My favorite t-shirt from Old Navy now comes in Tall!

Can't wait to wear this to work! Old Navy

What is your favorite way to fight the "Winter blues"?

XOXO-Courtney

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Candy Crush

Okayyyyy...what is with me and pink lately? I swear to you I have NEVER been a pink girl. I did have a hot pink room once because it matched my dark denim bed set that I copied from some Disney Channel star (probably Lizzie McGuire). Anyway, for some reason I have been giving pink a chance lately. It started with lipstick (thank you, Pink Pearl Pop) and has been spreading into my wardrobe! I mean, why fight it?

I snagged this pink sweater from J Crew Factory for less than $20. The bubble gum pink color is seriously PINK, but for some reason I had to have it. Each time I have worn it, I have gotten so many compliments. Apparently, pink compliments my skin tone. Who would have thought?

Not to mention, hellooooo, how perfect does it look with the Candy Crush necklace from Kute N' Klever? I put this necklace on hold for spring/summer. But, you know what, this necklace is such a refreshing pop of color in this dreary winter we've been having (wah, wah, wahhhh). So, on the first 60 and sunny day we've had in 2847829085 weeks, I thought, what a perfect time to rock this necklace and enjoy the sunshine. (I wore this around Old Town, Alexandria and I was seriously the brightest thing around town...ha).

Outfit Details: Necklace-Kute N' Klever (c/o) // Sweater-J Crew Factory // Sunglasses - Charming Charlie (similar here) // Booties-Target (Love these)

So, the motto of my story is....give PINK a chance (or whatever trend you thought you didn't like)!

XOXO-Courtney

Instagram: @Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

A trip to Old Town just wouldn't be complete without some s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g (outside shopping=windblown hair, okay).

Dark Circles (dun dun dun...)

As an Italian woman, I feel that my dark circles are become more like black holes under my eyes. And worse--with age, I find them harder to cover up. If you read my recent beauty post, you know I have tried to tackle the root of the problem with Eye Hope in a Bottle by Philosophy (which is amazing by the way), but my results are not seen overnight. 

See what I mean!?

So, I have been trying to find a concealer that can truly disguise my dark circles. I was in search of a miracle, honestly. I needed the thickest, most life changing concealer that could make my under eyes appear bright, light, and well rested. On this hunt, I have tried a variety of concealers, then even more highlighters trying to find a solution. Now, I know it isn't concealer, foundation, powder, or even highlighter I needed, it was RED LIP LINER!

That's right beauties, red lip liner. My favorite beauty consultant at my local Ulta store, John, taught me the trick--and I can't wait to share. John, if you are reading this, you are fabulous!!! This is a great tip that I just couldn't keep to my dark eyed self. Women, this is a must try!!! He explained that the dark circles are really a hue of blue, which can be a combination of your blood and really thin skin. The reason I could not find this amazing life-changing concealer to cover this up is because concealers are skin colored. Using the red lip liner and a concealer (exactly the color of your skin) you can apply the mixture to combat the blue hue. Voila you have a dark circle corrector!

Let's begin by when to use this little trick in your makeup routine. After my primer, and right before my full face foundation I use this mixture in a half moon shape under my eyes. {Note: this is unlike my concealer that I apply in a triangle shape down the base of my nose. Keep this just on the dark circle areas--for me, that also includes the inside of my eyes, as seen in the pictures}. Once this genius mixture is ready, I cover with foundation, then concealer and continue with my regular makeup routine.

Step 1: Choose a creamy red lip liner. I am using Too Faces Perfect Lip in Perfect Red. Simply because John recommended it because of its consistency.

Step 2: Add some concealer. This is a darker color than my other concealer to help balance my skin tone. I am using Amazing Concealer by Amazing Cosmetics in Ivory. My everyday concealer is Bare Minerals Light 2. Then, mix them together with a concealer brush. Mine is from Bare Minerals. 

Step 4: Apply all over the dark circle areas in a half-moon shape. You can see how pink this looks! It has instantly taken away that blue black color.

Step 5: Cover with foundation and concealer.  Viola!

Here is the AFTER!

// Floral Blouse here // Pink Top H&M old similar here // Lips MAC Candy Yum Yum topped with I'm Passionate // Nails Essie Marshmallow //

Is this not the perfect way to Polish off your look!?

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know if you try this tip. I am now on day 3 and have really seen a difference, especially in my photographs. 

Thanks for stopping by!

--Kelsey

Instagram: @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Layering Neutrals

Floral Chambray Old Navy // White Denim Loft // Faux Vest SheInside (I could wear this daily) // Necklace Brina Box // Purse Forever21 and dying for this one // Booties Nine West // Lips MAC Rebel // Sunnies Loft (for $5) similar here //

Don't let this picture fool you--yes, there is sun, but, with the wind chill, Buffalo has YET to rise above freezing temps. Sorry for the WINDY photos lately, but it is the best we can do! (Unless you want more pictures inside a library... ) Well then, moving on!

White denim is a staple for me! Although it's not quite summer ready, I couldn't help but slip them on when pairing it with a great floral chambray. White is effortlessly chic, clean, and always Polished (unless it becomes dingy white, you know the white t-shirts with yellow arm pits---ugh, must we go there!?) As a neutral it goes with EVERYTHING--even other neutrals. Chambray, camel, and black looks bold and rich with saturated 'color' when laying up against this crisp white jeans... is it summer yet?!

Pairing an outfit does not always revolve around color. Here I used great textures and details to make this outfit pop. How could I avoid this great vest? The color, the fit, the length--it's possible to wear it with everything! When a new piece is easily incorporated into my wardrobe, like this vest, I know it was a good addition to my closet. In fear of looking like I stepped right off the ranch, I wanted to break up the denim-on-denim look. A bit of faux fur was just the trick! 

Thanks for reading!

--Kelsey (& Winston)

Follow on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Photo Bomb: Winston Kipp (our baby)

Ar(gan)e You Using Argan Oil?

Find this spray here

Get your shine on.

Hi Polished ladies! It's no secret to those who know me that I LOVE my hair. Like, L-O-V-E, cupid shot his arrow, kind of love. Let me back up...

Once upon a time, an 18 year old high-school senior named Courtney cut her long, blonde (Laguna Beach highlights were in, okay), hair in an attempt to make a change before going away to college. In true Polished fashion, she collected her research and determined that an inverted bob (think Posh Spice circa 2007), would be the most fashionable choice. She loved her new hair cut for about 2 weeks. One day, she realized that her styling options were now SO limited. And with her naturally wavy and thick hair cut this way, gone were the days when she could rock the "beach wave" look. She got real sick of her straight iron after a while and decided it was time to do the hardest thing EVER...grow it out.

AH! Growing your hair out it THE WORST. The awkward stages, split ends, uneven growth, spur of the moment cuts because it is such as awkward length and the ever so dreaded "just a trim" that turns into 3 inches. Wah. 

My journey to "grow it out" took about 3 years. Why? Because I tried to do it without killing my hair. Hair health is important to growth and to styling and I decided to suck it up and make it a priority. Why bother with long hair if it is dry and brittle? I had regular "trims," used heat products and stopped highlighting it for about 2 years (I got a little bored and dyed it burgundy during the process, oops). 

While doing this I became a little obsessed with finding products that would contribute to the overall health of my hair. I spent so much time growing it, I wanted to protect it. I like using products, but not too many. I don't like the feeling of too much product in my hair, yuck. I love to use CHI Silk Therapy. I swear by putting it on damp hair before drying. Like any product, it stopped being as effective after repeated use (like, for years, haha). So, my best friend Tiff gave me this oil spray she got but didn't want (thanks, Tiffy!). We were both hesitant to use the spray because of it's "oil" namesake. To both of us, that screamed "greasy hair by the end of the day." I wash my hair every 3-5 days (also for health), so greasing it up unnecessarily and causing the need to wash more frequently was not on my agenda. But I did a little research on One and Only Argan Oil Spray Treatment and decided to give it a try.

I am SO GLAD that I did. I have been spraying this on damp hair (do not spray the roots) and have seen a huge improvement in the shine of my hair. So much so that I have been wearing it straight a lot more! And in all honesty it does not leave my hair feeling oily or greasy...which is a huge positive in my book.

I would suggest that everyone give it a try and don't let the "oil" term freak you out!

What shine/health products are you obsessing over?

XOXO-Courtney

P.S. As for my story above, Courtney and her newly grown hair are living happily ever after.

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Leopard & Leather

// Jacket H&M in stores similar here // Denim here // Scarf NYC// Booties similar here // Lips MAC Russian Red // Belt Target // Watch here (LOVE) //

Have you stopped over to see Jade at A Spoonful of Style? Well, I was obsessing about her fabulous jacket posted here. I was equally devastated to see it was sold out in my size (UGH). 

Thankfully, I spotted this great alternative at H&M in stores for $40. I thought it was perfect because it screams Polished to me. The high color, the leather sleeves, and the detail on the back, I knew it was something that could easily be added to my wardrobe. This is the definition of trendy--when you can add a few articles can be integrated into your existing wardrobe that you LOVE. This is it! 

Spoiler Alert: I thoroughly enjoy shopping! Shocker, right!? Well, besides the art of shopping, I love physically taking my finds home with me for a personal fashion show. When shopping online, my 'shopping high' is... well, kind of deflates. Although I LOVED her jacket, I was happy to snatch this up and wear it out of the mall! (You all know I am not kidding!)

Thanks for stopping by!

--Kelsey

Follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Are You Sure That Isn't MAC?

Between shoes, clothing, accessories and makeup, being a Polished lady can cost a lot of money, even for the most savvy of shoppers. But, because I'm a teacher and make millions, I don't even have to look at price tags. L-O-L. Between 6 years of college life and now being a new teacher, I have had to learn ways to stretch my money to purchase items that I love. I mentioned in a previous post about smart spending, that I typically don't spend over $30 on clothing and most accessories. So when it comes to makeup, that number goes wayyyy down. I have a really hard time spending a lot of money on cosmetics. I am all about drug store products. I love the products that I use and I definitely love the price. 

But, I like a great lipstick as much as the rest of them! And let's just all admit that MAC has THE BEST selection of lipstick colors, both classic and trendy. But, at $15 or more a tube, I can't buy all of the colors that I want to own. I mean, I don't even spend $15 on most shirts that I buy! I did splurge on two MAC colors because I was in NYC and I put the money aside just to buy these colors in the Times Square store (tourist alerttttt). Rebel and Pink Pearl Pop are amazingggg and I LOVE them. Which made me become obsessed with other MAC shades. I must have put 25 colors on my list and quite a few of them in an online shopping bag that has yet to be checked out. I trust my instincts and if I really thought buying all of those $15 lipsticks was a good idea, I would have done it. But, something told me not to.

While surfing the web amidst my MAC lipstick obsession craze, I came across MAC "dupes." A MAC dupe being a lipstick that looks very similar to a MAC shade. So, I researched lipstick brands and suprisingly, Wet N' Wild and Revlon seemed to have the most similar colors and positive customer reviews! I mean, really, Wet N' Wild?! I used to shop in that section when I was 10! But, hey, I listen to my fellow makeup lovers. So, off I went to Rite Aid (they had a sale on Revlon that day!) to find my dupes! 

I am literally AMAZED at the colors I found. I bought 7 lipsticks for $25! 7 MAC lipsticks would have run me over $100! That in itself is a WIN in my book!

Left (top to bottom)
 Dollhouse Pink 967-Wet N' Wild
 Think Pink 901b-Wet N' Wild
Pinkerbell 968-Wet N' Wild

Right (top to bottom)Don't Blink Pink 966-Wet N' Wild
Stoplight Red 911d Wet N' Wild
Va Va Violet 663-Revlon
Fuchsia Shock 815-Revlon

 Disclaimer: I purposely wore a neutral cheek and mascara ONLY in order to spotlight the lipsticks. 

MAC Cream Cup

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Think Pink 901b ($1.99)

**FINALLY, the perfect nude/pink for everyday wear

MAC Pink Nouveau 

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Dollhouse Pink 967 ($1.99)
**I love the way that the Wet N' Wild lipsticks applied! A perfect, smooth, matte look.

MAC Girl About Town

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Don't Blink Pink 966 ($1.99)
**This color does not photograph as bright as it actually is! It turned out to be one of my favorite shades!

MAC Girl About Town

Dupe: Revlon Fuchsia Shock 815 ($8)

**I love this color...pretty similar to Don't Blink Pink by Wet N' Wild but is glossier and a little more muted.

MAC Viva Glam Nicki

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Pinkerbell 968 ($1.99)
**This is a fun color for a fun occasion!

MAC Russian Red

Dupe: Wet N' Wild Stoplight Red 911d ($1.99)

**I am SHOCKED how long lasting this red is!

  
MAC Cyber

Dupe: Revlon Va Va Violet 663 ($8)
**This is a little more glossy than I usually choose, but I seriously LOVE this shade!

What are your favorite makeup "dupes"?

XOXO-Courtney

For more beauty tips and tricks, check us out on Instagram at @Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

The Midi Skirt

Sweater Old Navy // Midi Skirt (obsessed! And only $20?!) here // Shoes CathyJean // Necklace Target // Earrings here // Lips MAC Russian Red // Nails Essie I'm Strong //

I found this lovely red midi after receiving a request from a fantastic blog follower with a dilemma. In the summer, she loves her maxi skirt but struggles to make it winter ready. Here is my solution--allow me to introduce you to the midi skirt. 

Now, don't get me wrong fashion friends, you can definitely find me rockin a maxi skirt in the summer, but using this piece in the (Buffalo) winter posed a lot of problems for me. Naturally, my first thought it what shoes would I wear. Maxi skirts look great with sandals {wedge to gladiator} but not so much with a boot or stiletto. Length of course plays a factor, but I think it is the fabric that presents the biggest hurdle. Most maxi skirts are made from cotton or linen, such a summer fabric. Of course, depending on the skirt, maxi skirts are often full of bright colors and loud floral patterns--again perfect for summer.

Since I didn't want to abandon the skirt trend, how could you right? I found the perfect solution--hello MIDI! The fabric, the color, the length... just perfect for winter. Easy to dress up with a stiletto and some fabulous jewels, but also easy to wear with ballet flats and a t-shirt (yes like a 'hi, I borrowed this from my husband's closet' t-shirt).

...must I add, how can you pass up such a great deal for only $20!? The hardest part is choosing the right color! Oh, so Polished.

Hope this helps! Much love,

--Kelsey

PS Follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B