Praying for Sunshine

Shirt Gap // Crop Sweater Gap // Denim Target now $14 // Booties Nine West // Bag H&M (literally just sold out) similar here // Necklace Kute 'N Klever c/o // Lips MAC Snob //

I am dying for some SUNSHINE! Remember, I live in Buffalo (home of blizzards, and now, a vortex?!) You know you live in Buffalo when... 28 degrees feels like a warm front!! So, when I saw this sweater, I had to have it in yellow.

Since I try avoiding all things that make my 5'2" self shorter, you would have never seen me sport a crop top. Hello, I live in heels--not because I like the air up here but because I'm trying to appear eye level {at least to my husband who calls 6'4" home}. When these sweaters were an additional 50% off, I decided to try it on and found it was a great layering tool. You can actually see the shirt underneath it! Who knew?!

Moral of my story--try not to create a "You would have to kill me to wear that" list. Try something knew (especially if it's on sale). 

Thanks for stopping reading. Feel free to leave suggestions on recommendations you would like to see on Polished. 

--Kelsey

Follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Just Wing It

Name an eyeliner trend and I have worn it! Bottom line only, yep. Top lash line only, definitely. Both lines, uh huh. Smudged eyeliner, sure did. Thick white eye liner, hey, I was in 7th grade once, okay. I have experimented with pencil liners, liquid liners, powder liners, colored liners, gel liners, and just about anything they offer in terms of eye lining tools/products. 

I don't tend to do a dramatic eye makeup look very often. I am proud to admit that I love my eyes (ladies, let's all just appreciate what we were given, there's nothing vain about that). The shape, size, and color (thanks, Mom!). So, I try to play up the feature and not do too much. Because of this, I always tend to revert to a simpler and more subtle eye liner. One thing I do know is that I have officially given up on pencil/stick eye liner. These liners go on too thick and I can't get the precision that I want. But, I would keep going back expecting it to be different! Isn't that the definition of insanity? Anyhow, I am more of a brush and powder/gel kind of gal. 

Lately, I have been hooked on cream/gel liners and a winged eye. Something about this eye look is classic, but trendy...totally Polished. People often ask me how I achieve this look without looking costume-y. The truth is, practice. I am no artist, trustttttt me! My drawing/painting abilities have been far surpassed by my 1st grade students (for real). Using a gel liner and a brush is literally like painting. So, what do you do when you're not good at something? Do something else, keep on keeping on and practice!

The tools/products are also important. I find that an angled brush makes the job 123483% easier. A cream or gel liner as opposed to a powder is also my go to because it glides much like paint. 

I use an elf brush and cream liner. I am not one to spend a lot of money on makeup. The bargain shopper in me just can't do it! The total for these products is a whopping $6. Haha, yes, S-I-X dollars. And let me tell you, I swear by these products (which I buy at Target, of course)! The brush works perfectly and is long lasting. The cream eyeliner is smooth, rich in pigment (there is nothing worse than having to keep retracing a perfectly done line for more color, that's a disaster waiting to happen, for me at least),  long lasting, and it doesn't run or smudge (Hallelujah, AMEN).

Find your perfect products here!

elf Angled Brush (I use this)

elf Cream Eyeliner (and this)

Smashbox Jet Set Liner

Sephora Smokey Cream Liner

Stila Smudge Pots

Sephora Pro Bent Liner Brush

Lancome Duel End Liner Brush

Coat all sides of the brush with cream liner, remove excess for a smoother, finer line.

Start at your upper lash line where your inner lashes begin, draw a fine line across.

Start in the middle of your upper lash line and begin to draw a line upward and extend past the outer lashes.

I like the look of a gradual wing. I accomplish this by creating a thicker line toward the outside of my lashes. Make sure it's a continuous line, it should look like one stroke outward and upward.

Voila!

Notice the gradual increase in width.

A simple eye, brows and a statement lip is my new favorite face look.

Thank you for reading! What eye-lining tips and secrets are you keeping?

XO-Courtney

For more makeup looks check us out on Instagram - Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Radiant Orchid

On Wednesdays, we wear pink Radiant Orchid! This year we are wearing orchid-Pantone's color choice of the year. A what a great choice this is! Orchid is a youthful and bright fuchsia, with a bit of pink and purple. It's easy to see how eye catching this color is. Best part? It looks great on everyone and through each season! 

Top Old Navy // Skirt Express // Tights H&M $5 // Booties Target  for $15// Clutch here (different color) // Necklace (loving) Kute N' Klever c/o // Lips MAC Snob //

Spoiler Alert: I am not a millionaire {shocker} or even close! I cannot afford to recreate my wardrobe when a trend blows through. Instead, I like to stay trendy through my accessories. It's simple and affordable to pick up an orchid belt, bag, or even statement necklace. Once I saw this necklace from Kute N' Klever, I knew it was the perfect fit. Um, hello!? Radiant orchid. Check. But, it has so much more--crystal jewelry, rather than beads, (another trendy idea) and it's multicolored (staying trendy for longer). 

When I invest in a trend, it has to be one I like.  Seems simple, right!? By definition, trends are constantly developing and changing. So, if I am going to ride the trend wave it must be fitting-right color, fits my style, looks great on me, and can be easily incorporated into my wardrobe {unless it's worth recreating my entire identity, which could happen!}. 

Thanks for checking out my newest loved trend!

--Kelsey

Follow on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Holy Chic

Find these AMAZING earrings at Shamelessly Sparkly

Outfit Details: Sweater-Forever 21 (sold out online, check in store...similar here) // Pants-H&M (similar here  in corduroy and here) // Shoes-Target // Sunglasses-Ray Ban // Earrings-Shamelessly Sparkly c/o

HOLY CHIC! 

I just love some fashion humor. I could not resist! 

But let's talk about the earrings. These earrings are bad a** for real. They speak to me, I swear. Crystal, red, green, gold, and spikes...I mean...hello! I love the way statement earrings make me feel. Earrings frame your face, so how they look is actually important when Polishing an outfit.  Not to mention, wearing spikes makes me feel confident and tough...but in a feminine way. I suggest you all check these beauties out ASAP!

XO-Courtney

Instagram: Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp

Get Your Hair Did

This week I tried a new product, Daily 10 leave in conditioner. It promises to produce silky hair--and it DELIVERS! Since I was sporting a sleek look, I quickly noticed how damaged the ends of my hair were. I mean damaged-like could split each hair strand in two! Ugh--let's just say I avoided human contact and mirrors for the rest of day and drove straight to the hair dresser's. 

Needless to say, three inches {and a new color} later.... here is my new look! I am still shocked at the difference 3 inches makes, my hair feels so short. However, I love this healthy locks look. Now this blunt cut gives my hair a thick healthy look, check out the ends of my hair--thick, right!? Fingers crossed that healthy hair will allow for a quick growth :) 

In the meantime, I tried a new hair technique with faux rollers. Be sure to use a hot spray--I typically use Kenra Hot Spray (which I LOVE LOVE LOVE) but my hair dresser gave me a tester for KMS, which I like too. Grab some duck bill clips and a straightening iron.

We are going to start with a mohawk--starting top middle area and working all the way to the nape of the neck. Then, we will focus on the sides.

After you have sprayed the hot spray, run the straightener through a section of your hair.

I use my finger to curl the hair around in a large barrel (hence the faux roller). Use a duck bill clip to hold it in place. You can buy duck bill clips at Target!

Now that the mohawk is complete, pin up the sides. The big barrel helps promote volume--just the way I love my hair, HUGE.

Typically, when my hair is all pinned up, I will do my makeup or rush around finishing something up--just give your hair enough time to cool. Then, unclip it all and shake it out. Add some tease and hairspray and voila! 

I am new to hair color. Less than a year ago, I was a hair color virgin! AHHH! I used to believe that hair coloring was created to truly change your hair color; Since I am a natural brunette, I didn't see the need to color my hair brown. Now, proven wrong, I love the shine and life a fresh color gives my hair, face, and {hate to admit} my ego! haha-so true, right!? 

A fresh cut and color is just so Polished!

Thanks for stopping by! Much Love,

--Kelsey 

Follow us on Instagram @KelseyMKipp and @Courtney_m_B

Love, Love, Love It.

 I find myself channeling my inner Teresa Guidice (circa early, no court appearance days, of course) every time I find a product or see something that I reallyyyyyyyy like. "I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!" Courtney, do you like that? "YES! Love, love, love it!" Courtney, have you seen those tan booties at Target? "YES! I love, love, love them!"

You get the point. When I love something, I love something, a lot, and I love sharing it with people even more! No shame in my game. I have found so many amazing new ideas and products on Pinterest and Instagram because people have shared the LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

Now, it's my turn. :)

I need to start doing this more!

Found this tangle tamer at Marshalls and am now OBSESSED! This brush detangles my hair, fits in my bag, and has some secret magical powers to add serious volume to my curls! Order yours here!

See what I'm saying, hello voluminous curls!

This outfit. (Necklace-Purple Peridot // Jeans-American Eagle // Booties-Target // Shirt-Express)

Gold sparkle journal (JCrew, sold out, but I LOVE this one, too), gold pen, and new coffee table books, LOVE x 3.

This phone case (Forever 21 and OMG, look at this one!).

I mean, this necklace is seriously beautiful, I can't get enough (Kute N Klever, c/o).

This accessory combo (Ray Ban, Shamelessly Sparkly, c/o)

way·far·er

noun

1. A person who travels on foot.

(P.S...I didn't make this connection to the name of these sunglasses, shame on me.)

Have you read this book? Holy LOL. I mean an actual LOL, not like a quick giggle.  (Jen Lancaster)

Monogram everything. (Home Goods)

If you follow me on Instagram (Courtney_m_b) you know that I just scored tons of new books at a book sale (B.I.G. Book Sale). How could I not buy a book with this title? Plus, it goes with my shoe mug, given to me by an amazingggg co-worker, who knows me so well! 

These booties. So much love. (Target-clearance, heyyyy! Check in store for more sizes)

As always, I can't thank you enough for reading and supporting our blog. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you! 

XO-Courtney

Check us out on Instagram for more lovable posts...Courtney_m_b & KelseyMKipp