Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Day Clutches!


I love a good clutch purse. 

I love it even more when it's worn during the day. There is something so ridiculously chic about an oversized clutch that I just can't get over. Clutches tend to be more fun and expressive than your regular, everyday purse. Obviously, you won't be carrying this all the time, so you can experiment with different styles and colors more than you usually would! Plus, a clutch screams "night on the town" which instantly excites me.

When you carry a clutch, people's eyes are going to be drawn to your hands and fingers, so why not pretty those up too? A killer manicure and cocktail ring can spice up any outfit, and this is the perfect opportunity to give them some much needed attention!

  Bling Diamond Dome Ring
Glitzerland by OPI
Bling Diamond Dome Ring-Charlotte Russe

I love the girlyness of this clutch, and think the nude/sparkly polish adds a very polish look to it. When I wear a nude polish, I love to have a lot of sparkle in my ring. This combo is perfect for a Sunday brunch-it's ladylike, structured, and very classic.


rhinestone trim stone ring
ASOS Faux Snake Clutch Bag ASOS Faux Snake Clutch Bag
No Boundaries by Essie
Rhinestone Trim Stone Ring-Go Jane

I'm obsessed with this look. The dark brown and green are very sophisticated and polished, but the rhinestones and the hot pink polish add an unexpected punch of fun. All I can think of when I see this look is Ron Burgundy-"I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany". 



Crush Faux Leather Ruffled Clutch-Murval
Aquadelic by China Glaze
Bejeweled Cluster Ring-Forever 21

I'm not usually a matchy-matchy person, but the clean-ness of this clutch and ring will look amazeballs with the bright aqua polish. The white and the aqua just reminds me of a tropical beach, so relaxed and fresh. 


leatherette fold-over clutchDovima Opaque Nail Polish
Leatherette Fold Over Clutch-Go Jane
Dovima by Nars
Rhinestone Knuckle Ring

There's something about turquoise and red together that I absolutely love. The edginess of the knuckle ring gives this look an extra kick of bad ass-ery (excuse my language). I would definitely tuck in the chain strap and make this a clutch, but love that it's versatile enough to be both!


So would you or do you already carry a day clutch?

Ciao!


One dress, four ways!

One dress, four ways!

The one thing I love about this dress (besides the amazing color) is that it is so versatile and can be worn numerous ways. I'm usually in a different "style mood" each day, and there are times when I definitely want to sex it up a bit more than usual. So here are four different ways to wear this dress-add some pink ballet flats for a girly vibe, or carry a structured bag for a more classic feel. Throw on a blazer to make it more work appropriate, buy some tights to take it into colder weather, or slip on some gladiator sandals to dress it down. The possibilities are endless here, it's all about adding your own creative touch and making it your own. 

So which style best suits you?

Ciao!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

How 'bout a little beauty?

For those of you who know me personally will know that I used to work for Benefit Cosmetics. I'm currently in the running for a Counter Manager position for Lancome too (so cross your fingers for me!), and along with fashion, I love make-up. I have to hide a lot of it from my husband because he thinks I don't need to wear the stuff (awww!) and it's a waste of money. Well, he's wrong. And now that we finally have an Ulta here, I can indulge in my obsession as often as I want. 

Anyways, I'm trying to branch out with this bloggity-blog and include a wider array of topics, so this is the start! I want to spread the love about Benefit and share some of my all time favorite products of theirs and tell you why you NEED this stuff in your collection.

"hello flawless!"
I've always had a rough time finding a foundation that worked for me and would cover the uneveness of my skin. Since it's so dry, it gets flaky and I get these awesome red patches all over my face. This stuff covers amazingly well and doesn't feel heavy or cake-y on my face. Plus, it comes with two applicators, a sponge for heavier coverage, and a brush for lighter coverage.

high beamhigh beam
This will forever be one of my favorite products of all time. And it lasts forever, which is an added plus! This is a "highlighter" of sorts, but it can be used so many different ways. My favorite way to use it is to put it on my cheeks (you only need three little dabs), and then put blush over it. It gives you such a pearly glow. You can also put a little on your cheekbones (above where you put your blush) as a highlighter. Put a little under your brow bones too! 

BADgal lash mascaraBADgal lash mascara
Hands down, my favorite mascara. It's never clumpy, never flaky, and always leaves your lashes looking super full. They also make it in plum which intensifies your eye color (and seriously, it works!).

1010
&
CORAListaCORALista
Their blushes are AWE.SOME. I really love "10" because it's the perfect bronzer for pale skinned bettes like myself. It has a blush "built in" to it, so once you swish your brush around in it, you get an even amount of color and bronzer. It's genius! The CORALista is beautiful on any skin tone. And it smells pretty too! These are just two of my favorites, but I seriously love all their blushes.

I'm a bit bummed that they've discontinued products that I used to love, but I'm really excited to try some of their new stuff!

So tell me, what's your favorite line and your favorite products?

Ciao!

Urban Decay Naked Palette Giveaway!

Megan over at The Frugalista Diaries is giving away two Naked Palettes from Urban Decay! I've been drooling over these forevs, but every time I have the extra fundage to pick one up, they're sold out. These puppies are HOT I tell ya! ;)

Buuut, if you don't want to take your chances and need one of these NOW, you can find them right 
here and here! 

If you want in on this awesome giveaway, head on over to her blog and read the rules-then share, tweet, or re-blog and wait on the edge of your seat to see if you won-I know I'll be doing that!

Ciao!


American Rag at Macy's!

Usually when I think of this brand, I think of "Little House on the Prairie" fashions. Lots of small floral patterns. maxi skirts, ruffles, all that type of stuff. But now, it seems their style has evolved and now includes tribal patterns, cut-outs, and a more eclectic and funky vibe. I'm totally diggin' it and love some of their new stuff. 


I love the simple black and white print on this. I'm usually not a huge fan of the "mullet dress", but I think in this case, it works. LOVE the orange wedges they paired with it, and surprisingly, it doesn't look too Halloween-esque to me. I think a bright blue would be gorgeous as well. A black/silver/gold lace up sandal would also work. 


I'm a huge fan of jumpsuits and rompers. Huge. I love everything about them, which truly makes me believe I was meant to be a disco belle from the 70's. Can I just say that I'm loving on the high bun too? This is a beyond perfect vacation piece and I love how it has the pockets. Since I'm a hippie at heart, I'd wear it off the shoulders with some killer bangles and sky high heels. Maybe take it all the way and go with some platform heels, kinda like this...
Qupid Heigl 59 Green Velvet Peep Toe Platform Pumps

I'm obsessed with aqua lately. Specifically aqua and red. It's such a pretty combo that I can't get enough of. Matter of fact, I'm redoing my living room in a simliar combo-coral and navy. Oh, and my kitchen is blue and red-notice a pattern here? Obviously, this combo works, I mean, it's been on our flag for ages. ;)
Anywho, this bustier top is super feminine, but still structured enough to look put-together enough for drinks. They've paired it with dark denim, but I think it would be SO perfect with a lighter wash, and some colorful heels (the aqua Loubs are coming to mind, but we won't even go there).
Coral Faux Leather Peep Toe Slingback Cork Platform HeelsGold Over Silver Moonstone Flower Earring

I know I already posted a jumpsuit, but I saw this romper and I had to share it. I think it's so adorable, and the hearts make it perfect for a date night! I like the belt, but I'm not 100% sure I'd have it showing, or if I'd even wear it at all. I love how the possibilites are endless here-you can make this outfit as sexy or as innocent as you choose. I'm gonna go with sexy, since it is date night, after all. 

Red Faux Suede Cinch Strap Decor Slingback HeelsSnake Skin PU Leather Envelope Clutch - Black, Gift Idea

That's it for right now, I had a blast with this post, hope you enjoyed it as much as me!

Happy Shopping!
Ciao!





Monday, February 20, 2012

just some recent obsessions...

Long Pleated Chiffon Skirt in Mint
Isn't that color just the bee's knees?! It's so pretty and soft and reminds me of Easter eggs...
think I may have found my outfit for church this year. And YES, we are going.

So girly, right?! Paired with those little khaki shorts, it makes the look 
even more adorable! Not quite sure what's up with the clunky Pee-Wee Herman
"Tequila" shoes, but whatevs.

I am LOVING this color combo. The orange and navy is so pretty!
This top is the perfect mix of casual and dressy and could TOTES go from 
work to happy hour. Throw a blazer over it for work, and add a sparkly clutch for drinks!

Embellished Vest in Black
Ohmygosh...this is so BA!
I love the embellishments, and would love to make this a little more girly
with a soft dress and heels.
So. Pretty.

Tobi has their new arrivals 30% off...you seriously cannot beat that.
Check out their site today!

Happy [online] shopping!

Ciao!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Pantone's Spring 2012 Fashion Color Report!

Reading this solidifies the fact that Spring is just around the corner! That means Spring Break, spring cleaning, springing forward, and spring babies at the zoo! Woo-hoo! There are many reasons why Spring is my favorite, but it's mostly because it means that Winter is over and I have 7-8 months to enjoy some sort of decent weather. Beyond all that though, (and probably the real reason) are the clothes. The shiny and new clothes. Each year, Pantone releases their Spring Color Report and it's filled with all things bright and beautiful (and should instantly cheer you up if you're as fashion obsessed as myself). You can see the full report here, but read on for a more in-depth look at the colors and some new pieces to incorporate into your Spring wardrobe!



That chart gives you a general idea of the colors, but I'll go more in depth with each color and give a brief description to help you along. They usually have the individual colors posted, but this year they did things a little differently and it was difficult to find the swatches. But that's ok, we'll just improvise, right? Right. 

1. Tangerine Tango
This was Pantone's 2011 Color of the Year. It's a beautiful reddish orange color that is sure to brighten up your wardrobe.

2. Solar Power
A bright and cheerful yellowy gold shade. This will definitely add a pop of color to your closet and will guarantee you stand out in a crowded room!

3. Bellflower
A delicate and soft purple. There's nothing "lavender" about this, so don't get it twisted; Bellflower can hold it's own against the blues and greens of the color world.

4. Cabaret
A punchy pink hue that adds an extra "oomphy" of girlyness to any wardrobe.

5. Sodalite Blue
The most perfectly preppy navy blue you've ever seen.

6. Margarita
Just like the drink-but without the hangover. A light and airy green.

7. Sweet Lilac
The perfect soft purpley-pink for Spring. 

8. Driftwood
A dark, muted gray that won't remind you of April showers. 

9. Starfish
Light brown is back! My new favorite neutral.

10. Cockatoo
A dark aqua shade that will remind you of crystal blue waters and skies.

What's your favorite? I really love Driftwood and Bellflower, although I think all the colors this season are gorg. 

The next couple posts, I'll focus more in depth on the colors and find some pieces to bring these colors to life. If you find anything on your own, feel free to share! Until then...happy shopping!