SEPHORA: Makeup (and more!) for the Masses


What can I say?  I'm a junkie. A total makeup slut. I can't help but want every new product that comes out. So when I heard that Sephora was opening up a stand alone store at the Empire Mall, I was stoked. Although my bank account got scared. Very, very scared (every time I go into the makeup superstore, I admit it- I spend a small fortune:)!

Bank account aside, Sephora has always been one of my favorite stores. Not only do the people that work there know the products, they are super excited to show you how they work (note: they actually don't even work on commission, which is cool. I can't stand pushy sales people!). I got a chance to check everything out last Wednesday (and meet with the store manager and color lead), and was super impressed. And of course I walked away with a few things for myself-every woman has to indulge, right!!??

A product that I buy time and time again is DIOR's original "Diorshow" Mascara.  It's fool proof, and is the best mascara, hands down, that I've used.  Love. A product that I've wanted to try for sometime now was DIOR's Airflash Spray Foundation. I have a slight fascination with the fact that it's like airbrushing your face, and let me tell you-the application IS hard to get used to, but the results are fab. My skin looks super balanced, and the coverage is medium (my freckles still show:).  Finally, I grabbed a super hot pink blush by MAKEUP FOREVER for summer.  I love a bold cheek color, and this definitely makes my cheekbones flushed.

To my new Sephora besties, I will definitely be back. I make friends easily-especially when they make me look pretty:)

Feature Friday: Chelsea's Boutique


Chelsea's Boutique
The Store Your Husband Doesn't Want You To Find
Location: 321 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Hours: Monday 12-5pm Tuesday-Saturday 10am - 6pm
When you come into Chelsea's you will experience shopping in a new light. There are no pushy sales people, only kind hearted women happy to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Not only will you be able to afford a whole new outfit at Chelsea's, but you will also be surrounded by people who care about you and wanting you to look your very best. When you shop at Chelsea's you will be shopping the latest trends in a fabulous environment of antique displays and comfort.
Define your shop in 3 words: unique, affordable, trendy

Price Points? Jewelry- $12-30 Tops- $15-50 Dresses $25-75. We want women to enjoy shopping and not worry about breaking the bank by coming into our store. Our prices are always low to maintain that fabulous shopping experience.
Sizes: XS-3X 

What products do you carry exclusively? We carry boutique style brands that you won't find in large department stores. Because of that, we only carry a small amount of each item. We usually only get 6 in of each item so your purchase is truly unique! We also carry a new line of handmade jewelry made from antique silverware! It's called Prairie Flair Design and is made by a local artist, Stephanie Olson. She makes necklaces, charm bracelets, and earrings!
What is the best part about working with clothes!? I love being able to make someone feel special and beautiful by helping them find that perfect outfit. To see someone walk out of my store, glowing, is a feeling like no other.
Any fun events that you host in store? We offer personal styling, closet makeovers and private parties. Chelsea's Boutique also hosts fundraising events.
Do you run any deals/sales consistently? Each Wednesday evening we have Facebook sale! Our new website will feature online only options that are $50 or under. Hoping to launch this within the next month!

***Does your shop deserve a mention on Sioux Falls Style?  Calling all woman's clothing and accessory stores and boutiques-big and small! Contact Jessica at: jkfarley@gmail.com



Sioux Falls Style Muse: Casey Matthiesen

I find style inspiration everywhere: pinterest, fashion blogs, magazines, tv shows and movies. But most style inspiration comes from other people-woman who dress to impress, girls who look good without even trying (the hardest to achieve!), and creative, funky people who rock great leather jackets and 4 inch heels.

As many of you know, I also run the online shop, ELOFSON, which features vintage pieces curated by yours truly, plus awesome art and home décor. And because I love to get style input from others, I've decided to feature a collection of 16 vintage pieces that reflect a local stylista's vibe each month.
May's Muse is Casey Matthiesen-a local gal with her own unique flair for fashion.

Name: Casey Matthiesen
Hometown: Garretson, SD
Hobbies: Playing the piano, painting, working out, and being outdoors.
Favorite items from this collection: I ended up loving the blue jumpsuit, and also loved the converse with the cheetah skirt and layered top!
Describe your personal style: I love to layer outfits and wear different pieces that you wouldn't normally think you could wear together! I also like to wear different styles-- from a pair of vans to a cute pair of wedges, I love to mix it up everyday.
Style icon (famous person that you think dresses cool!): Lauren Conrad
Summer plans (concerts, parties, lake adventures….)?:I plan to do a lot of painting, pottery, and drawing to get ready for Art School in the fall, LOVE spending time at the lake and on the boat, eager to spend time with friends and experience some night life :) & of course very excited about the internship at the MoVM!

SHOP CASEY'S COLLECTION NOW THROUGH MAY 31ST!

***
Are you interested in modeling for Sioux Falls Style?
Send a few pics with your name, age, and stats (size:) to: jkfarley@gmail.com

Mother's Day Style Swap


Shopping is something that I do well, and without my mom, I wouldn't be the retail guru that I am today. And even though she doesn't know it quite yet-my daughter, Eva has shopping in her genes, too. Eva and I have been shopping together since she was 1 week (my first outing after she was born was the Empire Mall, of course!), and we've been hitin' the shops together ever since.

And although she loves to bring home the goods (what 9 year old doesn't!??), her and I don't exactly have the same sense of style. She rocks tomboy chic, while I prefer pretty and polished.

So for this Mother's Day, I found it only appropriate to challenge her to a style swap: she picks out an outfit for me, and I for her. The outcome?  For me-a funky mix of stripes, polka dots, and bold accessories; and for her:a cute-as-a-button classic look. 

Eva may only be 9 years old, but she's on her way to finding her own individual style, and I can't wait to see how it will evolve. Happy Mother's Day to all the fashionable moms out there!



My Sister's Closet

Jacket: vintage / Leggings: Max Studio via TJ Maxx / Blouse: vintage:) / Boots: Steve Madden
 
Growing up with an older sister was tough. We would bicker over anything and everything. There were fights that involved biting, softball practices that resulted in broken noses (total accident, I swear!), and even more slammed doors than I can count. But really-I just wanted to be around her. I looked up to her, envied her freedom, and aspired to be as smart and confident as she. I even earned the nickname, "Static" because I followed her around everywhere. Was I a pain in the ass? Yeah, probably. But I think she kind of liked me...at least a little:)

Totally off limits? Her closet. But of course I had to sneak a shirt or two. And when she found out, there was only one thing to do: 1. Hide. 2. Deny. 3. Blame it on the dog?
 
It wasn't until she went away to college, that we became BFFs, and most of you in similar situations aren't surprised that we talk (gossip) more than our fair share every day:). And now, years later, she may just let me borrow an item or two from her closet. But our tastes have changed, and while she's more into classic basics-I'm a nut for vintage. For example, the blouse above-one of the shirts I used to covet from her closet in the 90's, is now mine (thanks to our mom cleaning out her basement closet).  But this time around I'm not hiding it, I'm wearing it with pride. Or maybe I just want to revert to my 12 year old self and say, 'Nah, nah, nah, nah boo boo!".  Oh, how times have not changed!

Black & Blue

Top: Old Navy / Jeans: Mossimo via Target / Vest: Mossimo
Trench: Worthington via JC Penny / Boots: Mossimo
 
I love a good deal, and when I find an exceptional sale-I buy in bulk, especially if it's a basic that I can pair with a variety of other items. This long sleeve tee fits a bit loose, and is longer than usual-which I love-plus it's 100% rayon, so it won't shrink (confession: I also air out a majority of my clothing instead of washing-I hate the wear and tear that the washing machine can cause!). Oh, and it was only $3.99!  I bought the standard black, white, and the cobalt above.
 
Also on my hit list!?  The ability to wear a trench/aka light spring jacket. This is the time of year that I yearn for, and it doesn't last long!  This trench is a nice break from the standard khaki tone, and keeps my waist defined (I love the shape it gives!).  Here are some of my favorites:
 

Early Weekend

Dress: Old Navy via MoVM Clothing Swap / Scarf: Gift / Jacket: Old Navy
Bag: Vintage / Tennies: Converse / Hat: Target
Today I'll pretend it's the weekend. So, in lieu of heels and tight ass jeans, I am wearing a dress that feels like a snuggie, and converse. Bam! Hello-comfort! Now if only I would dress this cute on an actual weekend day...trust me-things get scary when I have no where to go:)

House Favorites


I'm not only obsessed with clothing, but I love me some home décor as well....especially now that I'm sure we'll be living in this house until I'm ancient. And I'm okay with it. Our house is small, but quaint. Old, but rustic. We've really grown as a family, living in this tiny house-and I've gotten used to the "charm" it holds.
The design process is slow at best-that's the hardest part.  As much as I would like to design this house over a long weekend, it takes time to create a unique and interesting space. Plus, just like my wardrobe, I love to mix old with new; antique with modern. Here are some of my favorite new/old pieces:
1. Our wedding cake toppers.  Since we are an artist family, it was only fitting that these would do our main cake justice (my sister made 18 small cakes, and they were all amazing!).  We all kind of take turns moving the bride and groom.  Most of the time they are in questionable (and rather x rated positions).
2. Our new living room rug, and color scheme. I stalked this rug on Overstock.com for a while, and had to have it when the price lowered to under $200. Our living room takes a good day-to-day beating, so I don't like to spend a ton on flooring, as it will likely need to be replaced frequently.
3. My newest obsession: chairs.  I bought this at a local thrift store for $3.  Yep. $3 fucking dollars.  I love the clean lines and intend on reupholstering it eventually (although when I asked around for a general quote, I found that no one does this cheap-so I may have to let it sit naked for a bit).
4. I have many obsessions, by none that will rival my love for mannequins. This came from an old haunted house set up, add a quick spray of gold paint, and it's shelf worthy.
5. Mayan calendar-my husband, a history buff, has a thing for this reproduction, which was given to us from my parents.
6. Black and white striped fabric--I'm debating what to do with this-there are so many options, and I can't decide! 

Lets Polka

JEANS: No Boundaries / PONCHO: No Tag / BAG: Marshall Fields
BOOTS: Steve Madden / NECKLACE and SCARF: Vintage

Busy day today, and it's all good.  Tomorrow is my Friday. Love ya!

No Big Deal


JEANS: Juicy Couture / BUTTON UPft: Old Navy (men's) / SWEATER: Merona
JACKET: Bebe / HEELS: Nine West / NECKLACES: Vintage / BAG: Gift

Everyone who knows me, knows that I love a good deal...especially on clothes, shoes, and donuts. And I find them a lot. It's like I'm a deal magnet. Want to know what's on sale, and where to find it? I'm your girl. I even look for deals while on vacation. Take this suede jacket, for instance. I found it at the Buffalo Exchange in Vegas (a consignment shop known for killer labels and trendy clothing).  I had heard of this store (many other fashion bloggers shop there), but had never been. To say the least, I was super excited:).  So excited that I walked from all the way downtown, to it's location at the other end of the strip. Ya all know Vegas-you totally think places are way closer than they actually are:)  Anyway--when I saw this jacket, I died.  Perfect condition, awesome brand, and a great neutral piece to add to my wardrobe. And a steal at $39.  I squealed with glee,  purchased the coat, and went on my way (totally grabbing a cab back "home"). Little did I realize-suede gets dirty fast. Really fast. And before we even made it home, it ended up filthy. Forty dollars later (dry cleaning is expensive!), my jacket was back to new. So, in actuality, I didn't really save to ton on this jacket (add cab fare back to my hotel at $30, and the total jackets' cost ended up being $110), but it's a piece that I will wear forever.
Also, my pants are totally tight.  Happy Friday!