My Dream Job - Join Me for a Linkup Party!

All of us have dream jobs...you know, those jobs that we probably could never actually have or wouldn't qualify for...but that we think would be the most amazing thing since peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Maybe your dream job is your current job? Maybe you love your job you are currently working in but have always thought you'd be excellent at something else in case your current job status changes? Or maybe, you had a childhood dream to be something...even something imaginary like a princess or a My Little Pony...or is that just me?

I'd love for you to stretch out your blogging fingers and join me on Thursday, March 5th to blog about your dream job. It can be your actual job, your imaginary "for fun even though it wouldn't pay the bills" job or even something that you've just always wanted to do.

Would you blog about your dream job and link up with me on Thursday? Spread the word and share it with your bloggy friends. I'd love to read about everyone's dream jobs...it will be so much fun to see how creative and interesting all of the posts are.

Will you join me? Pretty please with sprinkles and cherries and hot fudge?

Insta-Outfits v.3

Here are the latest and greatest outfit posts from my Instagram page [thestripedflamingo]. Someday I'll get back to doing it with an actual camera...this is just so much easier. Sigh...

I'm obsessed with this vest. I wear it all the time. How I wish I'd bought it in more colors!

I was loving the jewel tones for this day and how even my nail polish matched my scarf!

This was my Valentine's Day (or the Friday before) look. I ended up sort of matching the carpet. Weird!

I have no idea why this blue looks so crazy vibrant in the necklace...it's like a cobalty blue. I was totally loving this color combination though.

Some of my absolute favorite colors together. I'm not normally a huge patterned cardigan person but I happened to wear 2 in one week. How crazy is that?!

See the other Insta-Outfits posts here, here and here.

2015 Oscars Fashion Best & Worst Dressed

The Oscars are pretty much the culmination of the winter awards season. It's the biggest and best awards show so the celebs usually don't hold back. I absolutely loved some of the looks this year. Below are my best and worst fashion picks.

BEST DRESSED 

Jamie Chung

I loved this fabulous sparkly, sheer, firecracker dress. I'm a sucker for gradient sparkles...as you'll see with some of my other top picks.

Cate Blanchett

She's fashion royalty. She's always stunning and this black dress has an awesome silhouette. I absolutely love the pop of color in her turquoise statement necklace.

Rosamund Pike

I loved this stunning red dress. The silhouette and the fit are incredible. It's classy, yet interesting and updated. A+!

Anna Kendrick

I love this color on her with her skin tone and hair. The top halter neck part is so interesting how it wraps around the hardware and the sheer panel down the middle keeps this dress from looking like a prom dress. So pretty!

Naomi Watts

This dress was a lot sparklier on video camera. This photo makes it look duller...but it's still stunning. She always has great style and this is a great modern look without being too over-the-top. I also love her hairstyle here. It's like a barely-there wave and I heart it.

Anna Farris

Yet another example of a gradient sparkle dress that I adore. This silver number has a very classic fit on Anna but the sparkles make it more "Oscary".

Jennifer Lopez

OMG I'm obsessed with this. It was so much more sparkly on camera. I'm obsessed with the gradient sparkles (of course) and the monochromatic look of her dress and her skin. LOVE LOVE!

WORST DRESSED

Lorelei Linklater

This just looks very cheap to me. It's like a cheap stripper costume.

Chrissy Teigen

This look is WAY too Grammy than Oscar. It's just not classy enough. Also, those lips? Too dark.

Solange Knowles

I don't get this. At all. It's just weird and large and is it a dress? Pantsuit? Jumpsuit? I'm confused.

Lady Gaga

Oh Gaga. It's not as if I had high hopes...but this is just being weird for being weird. Maybe a strapless dress and no gloves and I could get behind it...but this is strange. I think it's because the gloves look like rubber cleaning gloves...no?

What do you think about my picks? Agree? Disagree?

Photos via.

Catbearding (& Dogbearding Too!)

So - I've been a bit quiet this week. I've been super busy at work and we've had bad weather (read: ice storm and really cold temps). Now, bad weather should really have no connection to whether or not I've blogged...but apparently it does. So, go with it. :)

Today I'm going to introduce you to something that is literally going to blow your mind. It may make you laugh...it might make you guffaw...or it may make you shake your head because it is so ridiculous. I hope you've not heard of it before because I'm about to introduce to one of the wonderful ingenuities of the human kind that has resulted from a combination of modern technology and pets.

Ladies and gentlemen...I present...CATBEARDING.

via

 

What is catbearding? It's exactly as it sounds. Cat heads as beards on human faces. And it is EPIC. Though I'm not a huge fan of cats, I am a fan of catbearding. Unfortunately, my feline allergies are so bad that if I were to actually pose for a catbearding photo, I would probably soon die from feline allergen exposure.

 

Luckily for me (and you) dog owners have responded to catbearding with...you guessed it...dogbearding. You're welcome and happy Friday!

 

via

Foundation Reviews

So, I'm not normally a big risk taker when it comes to foundation. I'm not a brand hopper either. For years and years I wore Bare Minerals foundation (the powder). The older I've gotten the more I've realized that my quasi-combination skin is getting drier and drier. The Bare Minerals original powder foundation just was too drying for my skin.

I was itching to try something liquid to help combat my skin dryness. In the last few months I've tried 3 different foundations and my reviews are below. (these aren't sponsored reviews...just my honest opinions!)

First up was Bare Minerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation.

This one had RAVE reviews and I was excited to try it. Overall, I was impressed with the coverage but only after I bought the brush that goes with it. That made the difference. I used shade Bare Linen. 

It was a little confusing that the shades don't correspond to the BareMinerals powder foundation. I usually wear Fair and Fairly Light in the powder foundation so this Bare Linen seemed like a blend of the too. This was a little too warm/yellowy for me. It will be perfect to wear in the summer when I have self tanner on but for winter...it's a little too warm toned. 

It was also still a little drying for winter. The texture will be nice for warmer weather. Lastly, I would say that it doesn't last a long time without a primer...definitely not as long as the powder foundation.

This is the newest liquid from the Bare Minerals group and it's more like a CC cream. It's marketed as a Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. It's Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue. I used the shade Opal.

Overall, I liked the moisturizing qualities of this one. The coverage is not as much as a traditional foundation so this would be really great for running errands or beach/pool side when you want some coverage but not anything heavy. It's supposed to increase the hydration of your skin by 215% after a week of use. I can't say that it did that for me because I didn't wear it for a week consistently.  (I wear more coverage for work.) I would really like to try this for an entire week on a vacation or something when I don't HAVE to wear anything heavier. I also wondered if you'd reap benefits from wearing something like this as a primer or under your foundation? Just an idea. I wouldn't venture to consider this a foundation after trying it. It's a tinted moisturizer and is a good fit once you stop considering it a foundation.

My overwhelming favorite of the three is a surprising choice. The winner is L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous foundation in the shade Porcelain/Light Ivory. 

I was very skeptical about this. First of all, I'm a bit of a foundation snob. Secondly, my skin is very sensitive and finicky. It's also a weird shade and it's very dry. I've always figured that drugstore foundation yielded a drug store "result" on my face. I saw someone review this on YouTube so I decided to give it a try. I've worn it for 3 days now and I absolutely love it! It seriously comes through on all the things it claims to do. (Even after 3 days! I can't imagine what it will do after a week!) I was a little bummed by the shade offerings...thinking it wouldn't match well. The shade was actually perfect. 

I seriously can't get over how much I like this foundation. My skin looks even, dewy and this stuff stays all day long. The best BEST part of this foundation is that it's $20 cheaper than the other two. Seriously, win win! 

I Judge You...

I am a judgmental person. I cannot escape it and it is ingrained into my personality. There are certain words, actions and images that instantly cause me to judge someone. Is it wrong? Of course. Can I stop doing it? Not really. So, be forewarned...I judge you...

...if you are an adult and you flip off the camera when someone is taking your photo.
If you are no longer a teenager (i.e., 19 or older) you shouldn't be flipping off the camera. I mean, you don't want photographic evidence of you in a moment of anger or frustration. And definitely do not post it to social media.

...if you call using e-cigarettes "vaping".
Dead. Still not sure how you can vape and it not interfere with your handlebar mustache or lip ring...but I digress.

...if you post very personal information on social media.
Facebook is not the place to air your dirty laundry. I'll repeat, Facebook is not the place to air your dirty laundry. Also, posting vague statuses that get people to ask you questions and hound you for updates? Dead.

...if you call bubbly water "seltzer water".
It's called club soda, okay? The only exception is people in food service...because they have to use seltzer water, I'm sure.

...if you are an adult and you STILL use "your" instead of "you're".
It's very simple to differentiate. Can you say "you are" in the sentence? If "you are" works, use "you're".
Example: You are my favorite. You're my favorite. {correct!}
Example: I love your shirt. (you can't say "you are" here...I love you are shirt.)

...if you enjoy listening to Clownye West for his musical abilities and his "artistic talent".
I call bull poop on that. Clownye is nothing but an attention-seeking jerk. Also, all you big ol' Beatles fans...what say you about Sir Paul with Clownye? Yeah...that's what I'm thinking too. He must be going senile.

...if you think Clownye is funny or correct in his antics and wild thinking.
Enough said. Or I guess I could correct this to say that if you don't think Clownye is an arrogant, attention-seeking jerk, I judge you.

What do you judge other people for?

Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas

One of my favorite things about Valentine's Day (besides the chocolate) is the color scheme. Literally, you can't wear too much pink! I LOVE pink. I'm still trying to decide on which pink cardigan I'll wear on Friday...so I'll probably just wear pink/red cardis for the rest of the week...you can see my outfits on Instagram if you follow me. (thestripedflamingo)

These ladies definitely know how to rock a V-day outfit and these are definitely on my short list to try this week!

Polka dots, plaid and a puffy vest! Perfect casual V-day outfit. via

I'm totally digging cheetah with the red and blush pink. via

Multiple shades of pink and look at those KILLER HEELS! via

How about a DIY Valentine's Day tee? via

Kendi's pop of red is on point! via

Digging the pink/red and cheetah combo. via

Red pants are totally a DO for Valentine's Day. via

Pink hearts, yellow cardi and sparkly flats! via

Have you planned your Valentine's Day outfit yet?

Grammy Fashion: Best and Worst Dressed

Last night's Grammy Awards had some great musical collaborations (which I totally love) and some great fashion. There was a lot of cleavage (some good and some gross) and lots of cut-outs (some tasteful...some not). Below are my picks for Best and Worst dressed. Photos via.

BEST DRESSED

 

 

Taylor Swift

She TOTALLY rocked this look. I'm obsessed with the color, the subtle ombre in the middle and the pop of the magenta shoes. LOVE! Cut-out verdict: subtle shoulder ones, yes!

 

Iggy Azalea

I loved this color and the fit of the dress. I'm not crazy about her hair but this entire look really gives her an exotic flair. Cut-out verdict: tasteful shoulder and ankle ones, yes!

 

 

Meghan Trainor

While I'm not a huge fan of the goth look, I thought this dress was interesting and cool and still new. (meaning...it's not something we've seen before in this exact look) Meghan makes me proud to be pale because this dress looks awesome with her pale skin and hair!

 

Gwen Stefani

I loved this look. As a veteran of the Grammy's I like that she didn't try to steal the show but kept it classy and cool. Her nude lip and makeup are stunning and I'm totally digging that interesting top. Cut-out verdict: the grid-like cut-outs in the top are cool and keep the outfit fun, yes!

 

 

Rocsi Diaz

I don't even know who this is...but I'm digging her sparkly champagne colored dress.

 

 

Kat Graham

I loved this dress! It was interesting and tasteful and cool. Cut-out verdict: yes!

 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Ariana Grande - loved the look but if this girl wears her hair in that same hairstyle again I will drive to LA and do it for her. I'm over the sassy high pony or sassy high some-up and some-down style. How about all down??
Beyonce - I wanted MORE! Maybe a brighter color? I was just kind of bored.
Miranda Lambert - I loved the dress but it kind of looked like she had on a pink bathing suit under a black dress. Also, I needed less of a beachy wave hair look.

WORST DRESSED

 

 

Jane Fonda

This was just bad. Like bad 70s disco workout video, bad. Coincidence?

 

 

Kim Kardashian

This looks like a bedazzled robe. It's too reminiscent of the J-Lo dress from back in the day and her chest area is freakishly shimmery...no?

 

Jenny Lewis

It's John Lennon (circa Yellow Submarine) meets the Bee Gees meets Rainbow Brite. It's a NO.

 

 

Charli XCX

Someone stole a white rabbit costume from a theater's production of Alice in Wonderland. And added their dress-up Barbie heels.

 

 

Madonna

Sigh. I'm just over her. This looks ridiculous and I wish she would just go all-out glam for one of these awards shows. This looks like a matador and Marie Antoinette costume mash up.

 

What were some of your favorites?

On the Hunt: Marsala Lipsticks

I posted yesterday about Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year - Marsala.

While I'm not the most excited person in the world to wear that color in my clothing, I am absolutely obsessed with finding a lipstick in a Marsala-like shade. This color is very versatile and there are a lot of Marala-looking lipstick shades out there. The key is get one with the correct undertone for your skin tone. (more on that here)

While I've not tried any of these yet, this list will help me know what to look for when I make my next trip to Ulta. :) Then I'll test in the store to make sure it looks okay on my skin.

Pantone Color of the Year 2015 - Marsala

First off, let me be honest with y'all...okay?

I'm not a big fan of this year's color. Pantone always picks a color of the year and usually picks great ones! This one isn't BAD...it's just not one I usually would ever wear or like.

This year, it is Marsala. A natural, robust and earthy wine red.

 Here are some ways you can wear Marsala...

And here are some colors to pair with Marsala...

I do love the wide variety of color options that can be paired with Marsala...especially the hues of green and blue that go with it.

Marsala + Aqua
Marsala + Olive Green
Marsala + Turquoise
Marsala + Cobalt
Marsala + Camel
Marsala + Cream
Marsala + Peacock Blue

The color pairing options are endless!

One of the things I am actually the most excited about is trying a Marsala colored lipstick. As long as I can get one with a more neutral (brown) than orange undertone, I think it would look really great!

Would you wear Marsala?

Best & Worst - Super Bowl Commercials

Happy Monday!

I'm stopping by today to give you the lowdown on this year's Super Bowl commercials. Even though my pick for the game lost (cough...because of a horrible play call on the 1 yard line...cough) the Super Bowl commercials were still pretty good.

Side note - did anyone else pick up on a somber note to a lot of them this year? I thought there weren't as many funnies as possible. Anywho, my faves and least faves are below.

Funniest

Doritos "Airplane"



 

I think the recorder part is my favorite.

Discover Card "Surprise"

 

It's a goat! And screaming! I love it! Also the sound the guy makes at :19 is amazing.

Super Bowl Rally Commercial



DID YOU SEE THE MY LITTLE PONIES?!?!

Saddest

Nationwide Childhood Death



I'm sorry. This was just sad. It's a bad attempt at a PSA.

Toyota Camry "My Bold Dad"
 

This was sad but in a good way. It was a sweet sad.

Meh Commercials

Budweiser "Lost Dog"



I saw this before the Super Bowl and while it was sweet...I'm getting kind of tired of the sad puppy stuff. How about a funny one next year?

Nationwide "Invisible Mindy Kaling"



This was funny, but underwhelming. I LOVE Mindy Kaling...but I didn't really get the commercial so much.

Inspiring

Always "Like a Girl"



This was SO good! Apparently it's been out for awhile but last night was the first time I'd seen it.

Microsoft "Braylon O'Neill"



This was great! Inspiring and sweet and true!

McDonalds "Pay with Lovin"



Which commercial was your favorite?