Modest in Hottest

Within the brief hour I stepped outside my apartment this afternoon to pay my rent and walk three blocks to the grocery store, I came to the conclusion that I hate winter (still). So now I am hibernating beneath my flannel sheets and thinking happy, warm thoughts because it is 7 degrees outside, and I'm drooling over J. Crew's retro-chic luxe tulle swimsuit collection. I can't wait to wear this ruched bustier one-piece with a pair of cat eye shades! Chicago should be steadily warm in what, only 6 months? Depressing.

Resort 2011

(clockwise from top left: Marni, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Erin Fetherston)

Since I have so few priorities over winter break, I spent hours sifting through hundreds of looks from Resort 2011 collections. I cannot wait for all the black slushy Chicago snow to melt and for it to be seventy-five degrees because 1) I'm sick of all my herpderp guy friends making fun of my Hunter wellies, and 2) I'm obsessed with all these bright colors, prints, and retro and minimalist designs. Can we just oogle over Tory Burch's mesh of bright, colorful patterns for a second? ... ...Okay.

In My Beauty Bag

Here are my 11 (odd number?) beauty must-haves that are so incredibly easy to transition from daytime to evening. Whether you would rather hit the snooze button a few extra times in the morning or are getting ready for a night out with your girls, these products are essentials in any beauty bag.

(L-R):

1.) Gilly Hicks La Perouse is the signature fragrance of A&F's "cheeky cousin." This pretty little bottle is full of flowery scents such as lilac and desert pea, blended with soft woods and musk.

2.) MoroccanOil Hydrating Styling Cream works wonders on dry, frizzy hair. One small pump on damp locks will leave you sleek and straight or curly and tame.

3.) Love the red lipstick trend but aren't quite so daring? NARS Sheer Lipstick in Gypsy is the perfect solution for those of us who aren't bold enough to paint our lips the shade of a tomato. Gypsy has deep, warm berry undertones to create statement lips but is slightly more sheer than other high-pigment colors. Not to mention, NARS lipstick will leave your lips moist for hours.

4.) CoverGirl Last Blash Fusion Mascara gives my pathetic lashes more length and volume no department store brand has ever done so before; not to mention it is super long-lasting.

5.) Clinique Shadow Brushes make applying my favorite pigments a breeze. Just a quick sweep of color over my lids and I'm ready to go.

6.) Bare Minerals Prime Time w/ Oil Control is a foundation primer that helps eliminate shine while keeping your make-up in place throughout the day.

7.) Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer in Twist of Fate can be applied as a top coat for a subtle sparkle or painted on in multiple layers for nails that look like a million bucks. Either way, your festive nails will be grabbing the spotlight on your next night out.

8.) Urban Decay Naked Palette contains 12 of the brand's earthy shades ranging from mattes to metallics. They may be neutrals, but they're anything but boring. Experiment with work-appropriate shades that easily carry over to night-time with smokey lids. With their Eyeshadow Primer Potion and 2 shades of their 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner included (black and brown), this is something everyone can wear.

9.) Dust Bare Minerals Mineral Veil over foundation to set it in place and for an airbrushed look.

10.) Buff on Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Foundation for flawless skin and a healthy glow that looks more natural than liquid foundations. Moreover, it takes about half the time to apply.

11.) Perfect brows frame your eyes, so if you've got sparse ones like I do, a long-wearing pencil such as Anastasia's Brow Wiz Pencil will help you fill in and create brows everyone will be envious of.