Katy Perry and Vogue - Afternoon Social

Vogue’s newest cover features one of my favorites – Katy Perry. In their behind-the-scenes video she spills her beauty secrets, explaining her approach to make-up past and present. It’s refreshing how unafraid she is to publicly acknowledge her hang-ups and I wish more celebrities would be more candid. For the full Vogue article click here.

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Colorize Your Office - Afternoon Social

One of the things I hate most about working in an office  (well, other than actually working in an office), is the sheer dullness of what most offices look like. There’s nothing flattering about florescent lighting and beige walls. That said, over the years I’ve come up with small ways to brighten my surroundings and make my desk or office a bit more inviting while also transforming it into a space that I actually don’t mind hanging out in. Accessorizing with some colorful additions is an easy way to renovate a space that you don’t normally have much control over (Unless of course you work from a home office and can really go all out). Here’s some office gear that will brighten up your Monday mornings and make your day at work a little more exciting.

Colorful Pens - Afternoon Social {All Bundled Up pen and container set, $18}

Picture Frames - Afternoon Social

                  {Picture Frames from Jonathan Adler, $11.87 each + Two’s Company Retro Mod Frames, $40 each}

mousepads and folios - afternoon social {Mouse pads, $9 each + Soft Folios, $14 each

Office Supplies - Afternoon Social

{Jonathan Adler Power on The Go Charger, $28 +Heart Paper Clips, $3 for 50 + Bunny Paper Clips,  $7 for 20 + Kikkerland Retro Tape Dispenser, $10 + Swingline Stapler, $9 + }

Notebooks - Afternoon Social

{Notebook, $4 +Notebook, $8 + Things To Do Notepad, $6 for 3}

IFB

Action/Reaction

One of the things I love the most about blogging is that there are both actions and reactions in content. Action: making, creating, styling. Reaction: commentary, reviewing, dissecting. It satisfies both the heady space fashion can sometimes occupy, as well as occupying our two little hands. This week we have a great combination of things you can do and things to think about, and heck a couple of things you can put on your summer wishlist.

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Skirts: Minis, Pencil, Maxis, L’Huillier, Tibi, Milly, A+O Skirts, Anine Bing, Derek Lam, Donna Karan, Paul & Joe Sister, Herve skirts

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Macarons {Source}

Macaron Inspired Nails

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Clarsonic - Afternoon Social

 

I’m incredibly dubious when it comes to beauty products. Whether it’s an expensive cream or a product that costs only a few dollars at the drugstore, I spend far too much time reading online reviews and debating about whether I should buy it. When I think about all the time I spent reading about Maybelline’s Dream Bouncy Blush I’m a bit ashamed, because 1. It’s a blush, and 2. reviews were not great but I bought it anyway, which defeated the whole purpose of reading them (by the way, contrary to those reviews I think it’s great).

So when I first heard about the Clarisonic brush I immediately had my doubts; there was just far too much fanfare to live up to the expectations. But, of course, I read plenty of online reviews and after mulling it over for a few months (yes,  months), I decided to go out and get one. The very first time I tried it I fell in love. “But everyone loves the Clarisonic,” you say sarcastically, “it’s the beauty product of the moment.” To which I reply, “yes, that’s true. But it’s because it works.” And to which I’ll also tell you that I don’t just jump on any beauty bandwagon. For example, I once excitedly got my hands on several samples of La Mer, the cream to end all other creams, and was super disappointed.

But back to the Clarisonic. I have oily to combination skin that likes to break out on the regular. To keep it under control it needs to be washed very diligently. So while the Clarisonic has not replaced all my favorite lotions and potions (although the company does sell their own), it has certainly upped my game. I use it nearly everyday, which may be overkill, but I find it really sloughs off all the yucky and makes my skin feel great. I’ve also found it keeps the breakouts at bay.

It’s an incredibly useful and effective addition to your normal beauty routine, so at the very least I encourage you to consider it. But I’ll stop pushing it now, because it you’re anything like me, you’ll need to read at least 100 more reviews and spend months debating the pros and cons before you even think about purchasing one. Once you’ve done that, I’ll be here, waiting to hear how it changed your life. Or maybe just your skin.