Silver Screen Style // Forrest Gump

It's been a little while since I've posted a Silver Screen Style. I took a little break for February, but no worries — it's back!

I really love the movie Forrest Gump. I really enjoyed it as a kid, but honestly hadn't watched it for a really long time (probably since high school?). I noticed a couple of weeks ago that it was on Netflix and put it on as background noise while I was working. Well, I ended up being glued to the thing as if I had never seen it before. This movie is so. Good. The depth of the characters and the cross-stories are amazing. By the end of the thing, I was crying. Crying! Over a movie I have seen a million times! But no shame. This is such a great flick.

The Muppet Coat

I've been lusting over finding a Muppet coat for a while. Like, a really fluffy one — pink or black or white. I love the plush monster-fur versions, but many I've found as of recent have been a little too "real." I want one that it obviously (maybe even comically) faux.

You've Got Nail 31

I have been really excited to try the Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat. When I saw it for trade on eDivv, I jumped at the chance to get it. (Seriously... eDivv is so awesome for trying new products!) My experience with Julep polishes has been pretty good. The makeup has been not-as-exciting, but thats a different story. The claims on Julep's site that this is a great polish for smoothing imperfections, quick dry, and a high shine are what had me hooked.

Daily Face

We all have our routines. A lot of Minis send me questions about what products I use on the daily, so I figured I'd give you a step by step of my process.

Weekstagram // February 23

Three symmetrical photos from my time in Philly. A SEPTA Station, the New Jersey Blue Hole, and the Eastern State Penitentiary. // The last lonely box of sugar-free discount Valentine's Day candy. // The February shop my closet was great! There are still a couple of items left. // We got a little warmer this week, and I met up with Tori for some yummy Sultan's Market. // Emergency cheese. 'Nuff said. // An emoji IRL // Train stops and sunshine.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

Also — I've mentioned it on Twitter and Facebook, but I'm super interested in finding some new reads. If you have a blog, please tell me in the comments! I want to check you out! :)

You've Got Nail 30

I recently picked up a new brand (to me) of Matte Topcoat — American Apparel. For years, I've been loving Essie's Matte About You, but I had to use up a gift card and did so on this topcoat.

There is a Light

The Chicago winter has been brutal this year. I've been spoiled in dodging crummy weather — Columbus in '10/11, Chicago in '11/12, and Philly in '12/13. It sorta feels like this year has been those past three years piled on top.

Have Unwanted Samples? Try eDivv

Sometime last month, I was invited to join the beta version of a new service called eDivv. What is eDivv? Well, the concept is great — swap your cosmetics samples for items that you actually want. So many of us are signing up for a variety of different subscription sample boxes. I've had pretty decent luck with my boxes over the years — most of the time I end up with half a box of items I like, and half that I could live without.

Cult Cosmetics: Image Theft and False Advertising

Edit 2/18 — After doing some additional research, I found this article written by Cult Nails (not the same as Cult Cosmetics). It seems as though images aren't the only thing they're fond of stealing — their entire brand concept seems to be lifted from Cult Nails. Digging deeper, I found this article as well. There seems to be other shady things happening with Cult Cosmetics — spamming bloggers who use Cult Nails, lifting tag lines, and even telling bloggers that they are the same company.

I have also checked Cult Cosmetic's website. They have changed their ToS to note that any image you "make available to them" through their Site (social media is not clarified. Before it claimed that it was only an image submitted to their site), they have full right to use it and provide no compensation to the User.

Other reviewers have claimed that Cult's polishes are not "cruelty free" as they have claimed. I am trying to find more info on this.

Edit 3/11 — Cult Cosmetics has stolen images again! I've added more info to the bottom of this blog post.

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I'm bummed that I even have to be writing this. When I first began purchasing the Cult Blackbox subscriptions, I was excited about the brand. I was into their packaging, their product, and their message.

I spent some time trying to decide whether or not to write this. I don't like attacking anyone. But it does get to the point where Cult keeps creating these same problems for themselves, and trying to shut down anyone who brings up the issue on their home turf. So while my personal issue with them was resolved (more on that in a bit), I'm furthermore insulted with their continued theft of images from the nail art world.

February Shop My Closet Sale

This month's Shop My Closet sale is small, but mighty. I've added fourteen items to the sale page — American Apparel, H&M, jewelry and more starting at $6. There's always free shipping in the US. Head on over and check it out. All items have sold out.

Weekstagram // February 16

Some wonderful heart sequins that I ended up using for my Valentine's Day mani // Looking through old photos, I found this shot of a window in South Philly. It was in the market and was a collage of vintage photos. Pretty rad. // And I also came across this photo of the cherry blossom outside my South Philly house. I can't wait until spring. // Space patch. // On Thursday, I went on a quest for pie. Ended up getting a piece of Nutella Cheesecake at Bang Bang. // Flashback flowers. // My red and pink picks from my Valentine's Day sale. // Brock got me the most amazing Valentine's Day gifts ever — a tulip (my favorite flower!), a bunch of amazing donuts from Stan's, and a framed photo of Agent Dale Cooper. It's on my nightstand. I was totally blown away. // And of course, dreaming of summer. This poolside shot was last year in LA. I cannot wait for sunshine to come again.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

Four Ways to Wear an Undercut

One of the things I love so much about this haircut is that it's versatile. Actually, it's far more so than I ever thought it would be. For any of my readers who have an undercut or are considering it and want some ideas for how to style it, check out these tips!

You've Got Nail 29

Happy Valentine's Day! I wanted to do a set of non-traditional V-Day nails and had these awesome heart sequins hanging out in my DIY kit. They're pink, but sort of shine off a blueish-green shimmer, so I decided to paint my nails to match.

Womancrush Wednesday // Lupita Nyong'o

“I always love to learn new things. That’s the reason I like being an actor. I want to have a varied human experience, to do things outside of my comfort zone. I want to be uncomfortable — acting is uncomfortable. I’m interested in doing things that terrify me.” — Lupita Nyong'o

Giveaway // Ronen Chen Pam Satin Tank

If you didn't win the lingerie set, fear not! I have a second giveaway for the Minis this month. I'm so excited that you were into the Adore Me giveaway and I'm happy to introduce you to the Ronen Chen Pam Satin Tank. At the end of this post, use the widget for a chance to win your very own!

You've Got Nail 28

I wanted to a quick and easy Valentine's Day manicure with the purple that came in my last Julep box. Even though the rest of my box was a big disappointment, I do quite like this color. Here's what I used:

❖ Julep Nail Laquer in Octavia [similar or subscribe to Julep Maven]
❖ Julep Nail Laquer in Love for the heart and lines
❖ Seche Vite Top Coat
❖ Pink nail gems

Weekstagram // February 9

Picked up some incredible glasses. You can get them here. // A later gram shot with some funny graffiti in the women's room of the Clipper. So weird that there were curtains instead of doors. Maybe it has something to do with the ghost. // More snow in Chicago. Is winter ever going to end? // The launch of the Mini Penny x Dusty Rose Capsule Collection. See it all here!

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

Date Outfits // Introducing the Dusty Rose Vintage Capsule Collection!

I'm so excited to announce my newest project — a Mini Penny x Dusty Rose Vintage Capsule Collection! This is a 21-piece collection and it all available starting today in my Etsy Shop! Be sure to head over and check out all of the great stuff. Remember: free shipping on all US orders!


But I also wanted to take some of these pieces and give you some ideas for your Valentine's Day dates — weather it's going out with your hottie significant other or hitting up the town with your friends. It's a great occasion to dress up!

All items below have sold. Please go to the Mini Penny Shop to see current items for sale!

Throwback Thursday // The Red Shoes

So I shot these photos last October and never got around to sharing this outfit. What a better time to showcase these amazing red pumps than right before Valentine's Day, right?

Review // Julep Maven February Modern Beauty Box

This is my fourth Julep Maven box and this time, I decided to branch out and get a makeup-centric box: The Modern Beauty. I normally opt for the nail boxes, but was really excited to try out the gel eyeliner — plus I wasn't in love with most of the colors available. I figured it'd be a good time to try the gel and just add on the one nail color I wanted for the extra $4.99.

Giveaway // Win a Lingerie Set from Adore Me

Who's getting excited for Valentine's Day? Well, I unabashedly like this holiday — with the heart cookies and the pinks and purples and reds. Oh, and the pretty lingerie.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide with Given Goods Co

With the holiday of love right around the corner (not to be confused with Love Day, folks), what better way to show you care than by gifting not only something amazing, but something that also gives back. There are so many philanthropic brands to choose from, and Given Goods Co. is a fantastic marketplace where you can find many different causes in one spot.

Weekstagram // February 2

A new (shorter) cut and Valentine's Day donuts! I love V-Day! // Scored a free slice of pizza at Dimo's thanks to Popular Pays. // Spodee Wine was rad enough to send me a bottle. Have you nhad this stuff? It's amazing! Imagine... a boozy Tootsie Pop! // Snowy Saturday morning coffee and hangs with a friend.

Follow Mini Penny on Instagram at @minipennyblog.

February Color Palette

Makeup Forever Aquarelle in Bright Red, Sephora // Shoe Cult Crosswind Pump, NastyGal // Knitty Chunky Bobble Jumper, Topshop // Double Down Watch, Diesel // Essie in Tiny Wine-ey, Beauty.com // BITE Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in Pomegranate, Sephora // Cozy Rib-Knit Slouchy Beanie, UO