NYE Make-up!

Happy New Year Beautifuls! 

Couldn't think of a better way to close out the Bluetique Blog year and write my first post, than to share one of my biggest passions with all you lovely ladies - makeup, makeup and more makeup! Just wanted to share some really easy, yet statement looks for New years with y'all!

This was such a fun one to do and I had some amazing faces from the office to play on!

Whitney needed a little extra help! :)

Hunter has the most lovely green eyes so I did a very simple smokey eye on her using purples to bring out her eyes.  I first used a purple liner from Urban Decay, color 1999, in her crease before I put any shadow on so that the shadow would be more intense over top.  Next, I used a pallet from Lorac called Star Struck that has three different shades of purple, starting with the darkest in her crease and along her lash line.  I applied

the lightest color to the rest of the lid and then blended the two together with the last color.  I added a little liner and mascara, filled in the brows and Hunter is ready to go!

Whitney was obviously a little more challenging! haha that picture makes me giggle!  Whitney has the perfect eye shape to do a thick winged liner.  This is such a super easy to look to achieve.  I added a base color to Whitney's eyes (MAC's Rice Paper shadow) and defined her crease slightly with a mat brown shadow.  Starting from the middle of her lash line,  I pulled the black gel eyeliner (MAC's Blackout)  above her lash line to create the cat eye effect.  Then filled in below that line to make the line thick.  Mascara is all the needed after that!  Did a slight contour to her cheek bones (Guerlain's Bronzing Powder in shade 4) and added a red lip (YSL's Rouge Pur Conture #1) and that completed her pinup look!

Hope to have inspired you to go home and play with the fun makeup goodies that you have and to enjoy your New Years Eve!  Goodbye 2013, Hello Gorgeous 2014!

Jaci

Aerial Yoga

So this past weekend I needed some change in my regular fitness routine..it seemed I was sick of running throughout the neighborhood for the millionth time. I had recently heard about a new studio in town that offers Aerial Yoga which is basically flying, I decided I'd give it a go.

This was the coolest experience I've ever had. Once enrolled in a class the instructor fits you to your hammock so you'll be sure to master moves above the ground. We did everything from planks to downward dog and to my favorite, crazy inversions. If you're lucky enough to have a studio in your town offering aerial yoga..I suggest you try it ASAP!!

Here's a little video for you to enjoy :)

So tell me, would you try this?!

Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Monday, y'all!

Let's go to the Movies

Hey kids, it's that time of year again. No, no, not that thing happening on the 25th but all of the movies coming out this month! If you're like me, then you have to be uber excited to see all of this greatness Hollywood has in-store for us. I mean we go from the fantasy world of Bilbo Baggins to the vivacious world of the seventies..and everything in between. Here's a list of all the movies I'm looking forward to seeing this month.

1. American Hustle

The cast is enough for me..Good Times, Bad Times may have a little something to do with it, too

2. The Wolf of Wall Street

Leo is in it..enough said

3. Inside Llewyn Davis

If you're in to folk music, this is for you. Also, did I mention Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan are in it?!

4.Saving Mr. Banks

Who can't wait to learn about the real Mary Poppins?!

5. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Just looks wonderful in general..Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig, y'all

6. Her

I mean, Spike Jonze is back

So tell me, do you want to see any of these movies, what are you looking forward to watching this month?!

Happy Holidays!

Blue Apron Meals

So if any of you are like me, you love to cook but absolutely have zero time to get to the market and fix all of the gourmet meals you dream about. Enter Blue Apron Meals, my new lifesaver. Basically you'll create an account with them and pick your preference of meat & fish or vegetarian. I personally chose the meat & fish and I loved it...I hear the vegetarian is just as wonderful and even better if you're a clean eater. So once you sign up, you get your box every week. I picked the lowest amount of meals per week available, mainly because my weeks are crazy and plans change in an instant (oh the lifestyle of a twenty-something).

 This. is. the. best. thing. ever. 

I'll show you what happens when this gift arrives at your door

First, the box comes (yay!)

It's insulated..don't worry

Then all of this prettiness happens

These were the meals in my box:

1. Sesame Chicken

2. Chipolte Steak Salad

3. Seared Hake

I decided to go with the sesame chicken, because who doesn't love Asian cuisine?

So you pull all of the ingredients and get to cookin'

It gives you a step by step guide..a must for me

and voila!! Yummy sesame goodness for me

I also love these meals because they serve two to four people, so have your friends over and they'll be super impressed by your gourmet meal...or save them for leftovers. I did with the chicken and the salad, they were great for work the next day.

All in all, I'm a super fan of Blue Apron. I would definitely give it a go or maybe gift it as last minute idea...who doesn't like food delivered to their front door?

So tell me, is this something you would try, do you like to cook?

Let me know in the comments below :)

Happy holidays, everyone!

For the Wanderer

Hello again! I hope all of you are almost done with all of your shopping (I'm a different story). One of my friends is about to take off around the world...so I've put together a list of some things she's asked for to make her world trip even better. So, if there's a globetrotter in your life, this list is for you! 

First things first. If you're about to leave and get lost, you must read The Lost Girls. It's a true story about three twenty-somethings quitting their jobs and jet setting into the unknown. An absolute must read, in my opinion. Find your copy here.

Phrasebooks are necessary for sure..especially when you're only in a city for a couple of days

I prefer these cute books from Penguin..find it here.

The Lonely Planet series is also a must have..they have guides for just about every city in the world..why not start the New Year in Thailand?!

The New York Times 36 Hours series is also a must. It's a book made for adventures only lasting a day and a half...36 hours

Or for the dreamer in your life..try this print from Etsy

Finally for anyone on your list seeking for adventure, try this tee

So tell me, if you were about to travel the world what would be on your wish list?!

Little Wish List

So to start the holiday cheer this year I asked many of our Bluetique ladies what they'd like to gift and/or receive this holiday season.  This is what I got!

Elizabeth

Director of Retail

This duffle is perfect for the woman on the go.  For a weekend out of town or a gym bag, everyone could use a weekender bag in their lives.  I plan on gifting this to my daughter but don't tell!

Jaci

Lexington Manager

 This is my favorite gift to give other people when I can't decide what to get them!  Comes with 14 samples of the most popular fragrances and a voucher for a full sized bottle of one of the fragrances. They have the opportunity to try all 14 then take the voucher back to Sephora to receive a full sized bottle of their choice!  As for myself I would like to receive monogram everything!  I am getting married next year so an updated version of everything will be necessary!

Jacquie

Harrisonburg Manager

I want this bright and sunny coat from Bluetique Charlottesville.  I can already picture myself driving around in my happy yellow VW Bug during the cold winter months in this.  Cozy, warm and spreading joy :)

Whitney

Director of Marketing

I'm trying to find funny cross-stitch decor for all of my friends! They're great because until you really read them, they look like something your dear, sweet Grandmother stitched for you. The hard part is picking the perfect one for each friend, while staying on the right side of too risque!

Leslie

Director of  Marketing

For my sister, Hunter.  I'm not getting it for her, but it reminds me of her and I know she'll read this post and then she will be sad that I didn't get it for her! 

Ashley

Miami Manager

So one of the things I am giving people this year (and secretly hoping to receive) are socks! Socks, in all of their magical forms. Boot socks, over the knee socks, thick wooly winter socks and of course, socks with adorable graphics. We have a wonderful stock of different socks here in the Oxford Bluetique, my favorites are a pair of brown fairisle printed over the knee socks and some lovely mustard and burgundy boot socks with a cable knit design (i have bought the mustard but keep eyeing the burgundy ones).

Boot socks are definitely on a lot of Christmas lists this year so I will certainly be perusing my store to find the perfect ones for my friends. Also, a lot of my friends and family are book nerds. What is better than to curl up in your most favorite reading nook with a book and some thick, cozy socks on? Needless to say, they will be receiving some of those from me!

Rachel

Charlottesville Manager

I picked an oversize sweater/shirt and I really like this one I saw on the website here. The unofficial uniform in CVille seems to be an oversize sweater with leggings and boots and it's pretty much the most effortless comfortable outfit ever. I always get compliments on my awesome sweaters so all my friends will most likely be getting some sweaters and I am hoping to receive some more for myself!  Plus, everyone needs leggings this time of year and if you roll them up like the camis they make a great stocking stuffer!  Some classic leggings here!

Hunter

Director of Inventory

I've had this scarf since September and I'm in love with it. It's huge and cozy as well as an infinity scarf. That's a trifecta if I ever heard one :) Everyone should have one of these to cuddle up to on cold winter days and nights!

Chaney 

Website Manager

My older sister is getting married in May and has been hinting at the fact that she would like a cute little ring holder for Christmas. She knows that someone is going to get it for her but I guess the cat is out of the bag now! 

Rainy Day Blues

Don't you miss the days when rain meant skipping class and watching movies all day while eating junk food? I sure do. What I wouldn't give to be wrapped up in a blanket with my sweet pup right now. So, for all you lucky guys and gals that are able to do that, soak it all in, it'll be gone before you know it!

My mother has always been a phenomenal cook. One of my favorite recipes from her is her potato soup. Being a secret recipe, I won't share that with you guys, but I will offer up a replacement. If you feel like peeling yourself out of bed for a little home cooked meal, here is a wonderful recipe for potato soup from the Pioneer Woman (love her so much) for some inspiration. I hope everyone has a wonderful rainy day, happy Friday!

 

Made with love,
Chaney

Fab Find

Looking for a unique gift this holiday season?  Bluetique may have just the thing for you!   Another place you might want to look is the Etsy shop Harts and Stars.  While researching for our upcoming gift guide, I stumbled upon her unique jewelry site.  Harts and Stars makes your favorite actor/celeb a commonplace in your wardrobe by putting their face on rings or earring posts.  Sheer genius if you ask me.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.  In the meantime, Ryan Gosling, you are mine.  Click here to shop.  

xoxo,

elise

New Girl on the Block

Hi pretty people! My name is Chaney and today is my first day behind the scenes of Bluetique Cheap Chic. How exciting?! I wanted to tell you guys a little bit about myself since I will be on here quite a bit. I am one of 3 girls, one older and one younger, we do just about everything together. I danced in high school, and much like every one else I miss it very much. I started working as a sales associate for Bluetique a few months ago and am so excited to continue on with the company. I won't bore you with a thousand facts about me, so with that, I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday and I can't wait to hear from you all! 

Dirty Dancing

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a fun filled and restful weekend...if only they could last longer. I caught up on some much needed rest and watched a couple of new and old movies, my absolute favorite weekend activity. Much to my surprise I cam across Dirty Dancing on Sunday, (que angels singing) this film is my guilty pleasure. I cannot help but smile when I watch baby and johnny dance. I even catch myself smiling, it's ridiculous! How can you not help but love these two?

My friends know how much I love this movie, they give me a hard time, but I could care less. One of my besties sent me a link about a couple who performed baby and johnny's last dance at their wedding. I know, I know, its cheesy but oh so cute!! Check out Terra and Drake have the time of their lives here! Try not to smile, I dare you.

So tell me, what did you do this weekend, do you love Dirty Dancing too??

Splurge versus Steal

We see you Zara!  Ever the dedicated Zara shopper, I happened to be on their site last night looking for the perfect winter coat because well, duh, I should have planned ahead of time and it's about to be negative a bazillion degrees outside.  I found exactly what I was looking for and more.  Zara not only has an amazing winter coat selection but a pretty impressive shoe selection as well.  I couldn't help myself.  But that is a good thing because I just so happened to stumble upon a pair of shoes quite similar to some we carry.

Enter the Zara Leather Ankle Boot With Interior Wedge.  It bears a more serious name than we can bear and a bit too high of a price tag as well.  If you want these babies as your own click here.  

If you like the style (and added height boost) but want a more affordable prize..we have you covered.  Click here!

Style with skinny jeans, an Aztec print sweater and all the necessary winter accessories and you are instantaneously considered cool, boho and chic in my book.  

Happy Hump Day!

An Ode to the Color of the Year

I'm sure you all know that the Pantone Color of the Year is emerald green and what a divine color it is. So I decided to do a little post about this fabulous color. I went into our Lexington store and pulled all things emerald..there were too many pictures for one post, so I picked my favorites. You'll find them below and in no particular order :)

These emerald necklaces will only add to your party ensemble, how can these not scream holiday cheer?

Or if you need a little something to wear..why not try this stunning emerald dress with some black pumps

Going for the casual look this winter? Cuddle up to this over-sized knitted sweater by the fire

Here's a close up of the scarf, not emerald but I must say it's a real winner 

Spice up your arm candy with these must have Lily & Laura bracelets?

Pick up a pair of emerald Hanky Pankys, you'll be happy you did!

Just add some emerald earrings to your outfit, there are tons more in store!

So tell me, how do you wear your emerald pieces; what color are you looking forward to wearing this holiday season?

xoxo,

hunter

Playground Style

 

 

I have a feeling I am not the only one who looks in the kids section of the J Crew catalogs despite having zero kids.  I love how Jenna Lyons styles the J Crew catalogs as a brand but there is something about seeing this sophisticated clothing on the bodies on wee little boys and girls that just melts my heart to pieces.  I think I could learn a thing or two from her and from them. I love the way she incorporated color into these fun fall looks.  So presh.

It's almost here...

 

Disclaimer:  Bluetique does not support one religion over the other but supports holiday spirit at the highest!  We love hot chocolate, building snowmen and warm fires enjoyed with friends.  With that said..

 

 

I, personally, have been listening to Christmas music since before Halloween and this has absolutely nothing with my faith (or lack there of) but simply with the underlying cheer that resonates within the simple Christmas Pandora station.  Absolute bliss.  Needless to say, I have already been looking into what gift to give my mother and what I will be wearing to our Christmas Eve party.  While these are just minor details in the big scheme of the holiday season which is run on love and thankfulness...a little décor and ambiance never ever hurt anyone.  One of my favorite parts of the season is the countdown.  You guessed it- advent calendars.  My brother and I used to fight over who got to open what days because..well..chocolate..duh.  So here are a few options out there for those of you who just can't stand it any longer. 

 

1.  By Luciana

 

2.  Martha Stewart

 

3.  The Papery Nook

 

Around the Town

Tomorrow is Friday, y'all and we can't wait for it! It looks like it's going to be a super fun and jam packed weekend in Lexington, lots of things happening here. We'll have to give ya an update Monday of all the fun things we did, but until then, here are a few instagram pics from last weekend!

Some of the Bluetique girls got to hang last Friday, and we had a ball. While E took in the sights of the pumpkins at transy and Whit played with her pup, Fanny. Elise made a yummy pie and we hope she shares the recipe soon. Finally, Hunter and Leslie celebrated a recent engagement! Doesn't the bride look beautiful?!

Pretty fun weekend to top, but I think we can do it.

Happy almost Friday to all of you bluetique girls out there!!

Tell us, do y'all have any fun plans for the weekend?