Today I'm back with a quick post about a truly exciting event I had the chance to participate in: an invitation by Marie Claire US, to shoot with them for the Detroit Edition of their Beauty Road Show section. The awesome thing was, some of my favorite Detroit fashion bloggers were invited, as well! Read on after the jump to see a sneak peek of the action!

An extreme show of bravery atop the Willis Tower - Skydeck Chicago experience

After months of waiting on waiting lists and stalking websites in what felt like an eternity, I finally said hello to my very own pair of Adidas Superstars - yes, everyone has them and yes, everyone wants them, but whether or not you choose to ride the Superstar bandwagon, it's undeniable that Superstars hold their own distinctive cachet. They've also given me nothing but good memories, having worn them most of the time during my weeklong trip to Chicago last month (more deets on that later!:)). Not only that, they're ridiculously comfortable and they literally go well with anything. I might actually rock a holiday party with these and a nice sequined number. Game plan, maybe?

Sincerest thanks to my dear sister who copped these for me for my birthday - I mean, I've been saving for them forever but we don't turn away gifts, right?

Hope November has been treating you all well! xx

In the beauty department, I found two things I know I need to get by: a signature scent I could spritz on no matter what occasion or mood I'm in, and the perfect pinky coral blush that could brighten up even the most sallow of complexions. In my case, I've found my perfect duo: D&G Light Blue Eau de Toilette, and Chanel Reflex blush.

Firstly, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't love D&G Light Blue, or anyone who doesn't know it, for that matter. Yes, the scent is a classic, taking me right back to the mayhem of my early twenties. Launched in 2001, this scent has been iconic ever since and is probably one of the first things to come to mind when it comes to the perfect summer fragrance. I like my fragrances light and casual, and Light Blue's balance of sparkling fruity-floral notes with a hint of citrus does it for me. Plus, it's one of the very few scents my husband actually can stand-- he's incredibly sensitive to fragrance and would get headaches or a stuffy sinus easily, but he lets me getaway with this!

I've been on a bit of a blush collecting streak (I used a lot of my Estee Lauder gratis on blushes!), but nothing I've swatched is as beautiful as the Reflex Joues Contraste blush from Chanel. It's just the most finely milled, pinky-coral blush with a slight golden sheen. It is a beautiful, vibrant blush which deserves way more attention than the NARS Orgasm, in my opinion -- unfortunately it is a limited edition color from a past collection, and the item has been discontinued. :( I'm so grateful to have snagged this beauty for my arsenal!

Many, many thanks to Fragrancenet.com for sending me these incredible full-sized items for consideration. Did you know that Fragrancenet has one of the most competitive prices for high-end luxury fragrances and cosmetics? Check them all the time for specials -- they have an ongoing EXTRA 20% OFF SITEWIDE with free US Shipping! :)

This apparently applies to dudes who strike a "nice balance between a beer gut and working out". Also, a dadbod is a guy who is "not incredibly chiseled, but at the same time, is not unhealthy." For a visual example, see Chris Pratt early Parks and Recreation days, and of course, Leonardo DiCaprio. Just like the college sophomore who coined this term, and I believe, majority of ladies our there, I am 100% all for the appreciation of the Dadbod. My husband is a young and healthy Dadbod, and I always reassure him that he's never looked better, haha. 

But what of us moms whose bodies have forever changed post-partum? The term "mombod" eventually happened as well, and the interwebs were flooded with gorgeous, glorious bodies of women showing off their tiger stripes, baby bellies, and just how their bodies have changed since delivering their precious ones. I, of course, let out a huge solo whoop -- I just love how times are quickly changing and people are more accepting and less body-shaming! I looked at old photos of myself, being all skinny and everything, and while I probably could never restore a few "elements" back (a stomach without tiger stripes!) , I did pop out a living, breathing human, and that is the greatest feat anyone could ever say they've accomplished. My baby is seven months going in now, and it still never ceases to amaze me how he evolved from a union of cells to how he is now... and yes, my body was responsible for that nurturing. So yay, mommies!

So here I am, in an outfit post lauding my new body. I'm still several  pounds over my pre-baby weight, but it's not the end of the world. Own the changes, live it, and love it.