Spring essentials

Who else is ready for spring? Now that it's March, I'm even more anxious for warmer weather. I'm excited to bring out some of my staple pieces that I go to the most when the weather is just starting to warm up. Pieces like chambray tops are great when it's not quite warm enough to wear summer dresses on their own, and I love graphic tees to pair with a blazer or boyfriend jeans. What are your spring essentials? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Polished Up: Sally Hansen's Gunmetal

Today's polish is another from one of my favorite lines. Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear polish in Gunmetal is a striking metallic grey with a hint of blue. Like with most polishes from this line, I saw almost a week of wear before any chips started to appear. The application is smooth and it took two coats to achieve the look above.
This is a great shade to match any winter wardrobe. 

My winter wardrobe staples

I haven't posted an outfit blog in a long time. When I sat down to think of what to show you all, I realized my winter wear has rotated frequently around some staple pieces. Below is a basic overview of what I have been reaching for this winter:

Winter uniform by lovieduck82 featuring an opi nail varnish

1. Chunky cardigans - These are great for layering and I have a few in several neutral colors (cream, navy, brown and tan).
2. Plaid - I love to wear plaid shirts under a sweater, or on its own (when the weather isn't 10 degrees).
3. Thermal shirts - Thermals are essential in the winter, especially this year that the entire country is experiencing frigid temperatures.
4. Skinny jeans - When everything is chunky and layered up top it's nice to keep it slim on the bottom. These are also great to tuck into boots.
5. Riding boots - Snow on the ground means I don't feel safe wearing boots with a heel. My riding boots (I own the pair pictured above) are great to keep me warm and on flat feet when it is slick outside.
6. Structured handbag - A personal favorite of mine. I love structured handbags year-round.
7. Dark nail polish - I love darker shades in the winter. It somehow makes me feel a little more cozy.
8. Gold hoops - I wear gold hoops a lot to warm my complexion in the winter chill.
9. Neutral eyeshadow - I've been reaching for the browns a lot lately, especially those in my Urban Decay Naked palette.

Looking back at 2013

2013 was a great year for taking time to have fun (went on a cruise with my lovely mom) and find my place in the world (with a new career after college). Though I didn't have as much time as I wanted to post more blogs, I felt blessed from the love and support I received from my Facebook friends. A big THANK YOU goes out to all of you who read my blog. You are amazing.
As we prepare for another year, here is a look back on some of my favorite posts from 2013.

Happy 2014! May it be filled with happiness, love and adventure.

Polished Up: OPI's An Affair in Red Square

Today's polish is OPI's An Affair in Red Square. I chose this polish for the upcoming Christmas festivities. This gorgeous red shade is perfect for this time of year. This polish applied like a dream on my nails. It has a smooth formula and I had no problems with streaking. I could have gotten away with just one coat of polish, but for a slightly deeper color I applied two coats.