For the Girl Who Loves Handbags

I have to admit, I'm a handbag-aholic.  It's an addiction.  I probably own over 50 purses. I know, I know...it's a little ridiculous.  But what can I say? I love them all!

To show how much handbags mean to me, I found this super cute Robinson Small Tote Key Fob by Tory Burch.  If you love purses, why not show the world by having a handbag keychain?

It comes in a few colors, but the orange is my fave.  It's even made exactly like the actual Tory Burch handbags.  It's has real leather on the exterior and has a colorful contrasting lining.

I love it!!  It makes a great gift (or, you know...a gift for yourself).

Each keychain is $55--not bad for the quality of the piece.

Fashion Faux Pas: Hello Kitty Adult Onesie

Much as I love Hello Kitty, I simply cannot believe that a Hello Kitty adult-sized onesie exists.

Journey's (which is actually a fabulous shoe store) is selling this hideous "outfit".  Their stance is, "Who says kids have all the fun? Channel your inner child with this fleece onesie."


Umm...no thanks.  I admit, I do tend to wear pajamas sometimes when I'm at home, for comfort purposes.  But even my pajamas are not horribly embarrassing.  They're actually quite cute.  This onesie just is not acceptable, even for wearing at home.

And yes, I'm sure that it's very comfortable, but that doesn't make it okay to wear.

Oh and if you happen to be one of the millions of people who think that wearing pajamas in public is cool, here's a tip: This onesie is not socially acceptable in the real world.  You will get your ass kicked if you wear this in public.  That's a promise.

Just Say Yes to Blueberries!

It's never too early to start using anti-aging products. I've always been told that if you start using them in your twenties, you'll have a lot less to worry about when you get older--it's just easier to prolong aging than it is to fix signs of aging after the fact.

As you ladies probably know, I'm a huge fan of all the Yes To products.  I use most of their skincare products religiously.  Their Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh collection is my latest obsession.  All of the products work fabulously.  They all are clinically proven to reduce signs of aging and sun damage, which is amazing.  Also, just like their other collections, none of the products irritate my super sensitive skin.  Believe it or not, that's a huge bonus for me--finding skincare products that don't hurt my skin is very difficult.

Though the Yes to Blueberries collection has been around for a bit, they've added some fantastic items to it that I absolutely love.

One of my fave products is the Daily Repairing Moisturizer with SPF-30.  It's really important to use products that have SPF, especially in the Summer.  It's something we don't usually think about, but it's a necessity.  Not only does it protect your skin, it also prolongs getting wrinkles.  It's a win-win.

The moisturizer is formulated with organic cotton thistle, which assists the boost of natural collagen production and skin rejuvenation.  I def noticed a difference in my skin after using it for a week.  My skin felt refreshed and looked healthier than ever.

Another fab product is the Softening Facial Exfoliator. Unlike most exfoliators out there, this one is super gentle, yet still helps to reveal soft, smooth skin.  I used this before applying the Daily Repairing Moisturizer and the combination really left my skin looking great!

For anyone worried about existing wrinkles, the Deep Wrinkle Filler gets the job done.  The product is clinically proven to immediately reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.  It helps skin look more youthful after just one use--what's not to love about that?!

The best part about all of these products is that they are mostly all natural and they are not tested on animals. Huzzah!

If you want to try out the whole line, I highly suggest getting the Clinical Age Refresh Regimen.  It contains a bunch of the best Yes to Blueberries products, and it costs about $80.  Not really a bad price, considering how well all the products work.

Definitely Sassy Fashionista approved!

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by a PR company. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.  

Heels With Tons of Bling

Usually, I despise anything that even remotely gives off the look of disco-ball-chic.  And these shoes are right on the cusp of doing just that.  But there's just something about these Rocha Platform Pumps that I absolutely love.

Of course if you're going to be sporting a pair of heels that pack this much bling, you've got to tone down the rest of your outfit.  I suggest going with a monochrome look--a little black dress would look great for a night out.  Just make sure to only wear simple jewelry.  These shoes are practically jewelry on their own and demand to take center stage when they're worn.

Currently, the heels are on sale for $55.30 (marked down from $79).  I'm not sure how long the shoes are going to be in stock, so if you love them as much as I do, get shopping!

Gorgeous Sweater Dress You Can Wear Now and Later!

Victoria's Secret has the best dresses, hands down.  Every dress I've gotten from them has been super flattering, pretty, and has lasted forever.

That's why I'm totally smitten with their Ribbed V-neck Dress.

Technically, it's a sweater dress.  That said, the material is thin enough to be worn during the end of summer.  It's also warm enough to wear for fall, which is right around the corner.  It's a great transition piece.

This dress is quite flattering.  V-necks always look great on any figure, and the flare of the skirt gives off the look of an hourglass figure.

It comes in a few different colors (navy, red, and black).  Personally, I'm a fan of the navy.  Although, you can never have enough black dresses...you really can't go wrong with whatever color you choose!

Sweater dresses are going to be HUGE this fall, so now is the best time to buy a few.  This one is $69.50, which is actually an amazing price, as most sweater dresses tend to cost over $100.

Girly Habits Guys Don't Get

Okay, so this is from a guy's point of view.  I def don't agree with all the things on the list, but it does give us a few things to think about!

Here's some girly habits that guys simply do not get:

Clutches
No, we will not hold your wallet, keys, brush, and cell phone. You chose to carry that useless bag.

Decorative Pillows
If we're not allowed to rest our heads on them, and you're not using them to playfully beat your cute yoga instructor, Amber, during a slumber party, there's really no point.

Thank You Notes to Close Friends
You already told them thank you in person. Alternatively, your phone is right over there.

Leggings
Tights are hot. So why wear fake tights that cut off at the ankle and make us think of bursting sausages and 10-year-old girls? Because we know you don't want us to find either of those things attractive.

Eyelash Curler
It looks like a medieval torture device. Besides, aren't eyelashes already curly?

That Massive Purse
Okay, you really only need your wallet and maybe some lip balm. Unless that thing is secretly full of money, guys don't get it. Also, if it is, we want you to treat.

The Thong Thing
You wear a rope between your cheeks so we won't notice the barely-noticeable lines that reveal you're wearing underwear. But we like thinking about you in your underwear.

Frenemies
When you complain about a friend one day and then hang out with her the next, it's confusing. Guys have frenemies, too. Except we call them "former friends" and we don't ever talk—or think—about them again.

24/7 Makeup
We will never understand why women need to put on lipstick and mascara to run to the store.

Changing--Again
Swapping your clothes a million times before you go out confuses the hell out of us. You look great in any outfit.

Plucking Your Brows
We appreciate that you make sure you don't have a crazy unibrow, but how can one woman withstand so much pain on a regular basis?

I'm actually relieved at some of the things on the list.  I generally hate wearing thongs, so if guys aren't fans of 'em, I'll gladly wear some boy shorts!

[Source: Cosmopolitan]

Fashion Faux Pas: Wearing Plaid With Plaid

First of all, sorry for the blurry picture.  I was at the bank the other day, and saw this guy and just had to take a pic with my phone (which admittedly doesn't take the best pictures--especially when I'm trying to be secretive about it).

But honestly...plaid with plaid??! How is this acceptable? The sad thing is that both clothing items are great looking on their own, and if they were worn with a nice solid color, each piece would look perfect.  Together though, it's a bit much.

Even if the plaid hues were similar colors, it might work (on second thought, it might be worse).  I just can't believe that this guy thought his outfit looked decent! Am I in the wrong here?

I wish I had my Fashion Citations with me at the time because this dude would have gotten one for sure.

The lesson here is:  plaid can be cute--but stick to wearing one piece of clothing with the pattern.

That is all.

Ain’t No Party Like a Gatsby Party!

Lately I've been a bit obsessed with The Great Gatsby.  You could say that I've got Gatsby fever. It was one of my fave books when I was younger, and when I found out that they made a movie of it (coming out this Winter), I practically had a seizure of delight.  Especially since Leonardo DiCaprio is playing the lead, Jay Gatsby.  Swoon.  Check out the trailer here.

Since I'm so freakishly Gatsby-obsessed, this awesome Party With Jay Gatsby Top is currently on my wish list.  I frequently wish that I had lived during the 20s because the style, fashion, and huge glamorous parties really appeal to me.

So advertising the fact that I'm in love with Mr. Jay Gatsby might get me a couple of weird looks.  But whatever.  Wearing a shirt this cool is so worth it!

You can purchase it for $30.99.

Perfume for Booklovers

I love to read. Ever since I started reading in my second grade class for a competition, I've been a bit obsessed.  Yes... I'm one of those people who has a library card (and actually uses it), and when I'm not working or writing, I'm usually reading.

So when I found out about Steidl's fragrance, Paper Passion, I was more than a little intrigued.

Apparently, the fragrance is supposed to smell like freshly printed books. I know it sounds a little weird, but I do know that scent and find it quite calming.

Of course, the best part is that each bottle comes hidden inside the pages of a book.  I mean, how cool is that??!

All you bookworm fashionistas, get this stuff stat!

Get Fab Curls with Ouidad!

I'm proud to have naturally curly hair.  That said, it can be quite a struggle to find products that tame the type of curls I have.  Without using the right products, I end up with what I like to call, an afro of "wavy/frizz/grossness".  Not really attractive.

It's especially difficult to get my curls under control during summertime.  My hair is not a fan of the humidity that we get in New England.

Since I've tried countless products to tame my mane, I know something good when I see it.

Lately I've been obsessed with Ouidad's Curl Quencher hair line.  Everything I've tried so far has made my hair look gorgeous, without having to spend oodles of time on it.

The Curl Quencher set comes with moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and a styling gel.  Curly hair looks it's healthiest when it is well moisturized and this set definitely gets the job done. After using the shampoo and conditioner, my hair felt soft, smelled incredible (the scent is boyfriend approved!), and was ready for some styling.  My hair is usually very dried out and is a bit damaged from heat styling and from the sun.  So the fact that one use of the shampoo and conditioner made it soft and manageable is a pretty big deal.

Once my healthy-looking hair was washed, I tried out the styling products.  I started out with the Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream.  It made my curls look amazing.  It's probably my fave product in the line.  It just seemed to do everything possible for my curls. My hair dried quicker, completely eliminating the need for any heat styling, and my curls looked healthy and moisturized.  

I also tried out the styling gel, which defined my curls even more.  What I like about the styling gel is that unlike most hair gels, it added moisture to my hair.  Usually when I use gel, my hair ends up looking a bit dried up, so this stuff really made my hair look and feel extra healthy.

Another great product is their 12 Minute Deep Treatment.  It's a fab product to use to give hair a boost, and quench thirsty hair.  I've been using it once a week, or so, to keep my hair extra healthy.  The unique thing about this product, is that heat actually helps it work.  To use, completely saturate damp hair with it, cover hair with a shower cap, and blow dry.  Ten let it sit for about twelve minutes.  Before rinsing it out, add conditioner to your hair to seal in the treatment.  This is really a miracle product and is perfect for making fried hair look and feel ultra gorgeous.

All of the Ouidad products I tried are honestly amazing.  They're reasonably priced (most products are under $30), and because the quality is so great, you can get a lot of use out of them.

If you want to try out some of the great products Ouidad has to offer before stocking up on the entire line, try out their Love Your Curls Starter Kit.  It includes the following:

• 2.5 oz Deep Treatment Conditioner
• 2.5 oz Climate Control Gel
• 2.5 oz Clear & Gentle Shampoo
• 2.5 oz Balancing Rinse Conditioner
• 2.5 oz Botanical Boost Spray Conditioner
• Ouidad Wide-Tooth Comb

It's a fab way to try out the line, and everything is travel-sized--perfect for taking with you on the road!  It's also a mere $35.

The verdict? Ouidad is most definitely Sassy Fashionista approved!

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by a PR company. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.  

Bath & Body Works Paris Amour Tote GWP

Oh Bath & Body Works, how I love thee!

I'm completely, utterly obsessed with Bath & Body Works' Paris Amour scent.  It came out last year, and ever since, I've been stocking up on every product that comes out in it.   The exclusive Paris Amour scent is an absolutely dreamy blend of French tulips, apple blossoms and sparkling pink champagne, inspired by a romantic stroll through the streets of Paris. Yummy!

Currently, B&B Works is offering up an awesome Gift With Purchase in the fantastic scent--an adorable tote bag filled to the brim with goodies galore.


All you have to do is spend $30 in the store (not difficult to do!), and you get this fab $82.50 value gift for $20.  Here's what comes in the set:

• Signature Shea Enriched Shower Gel (10 oz.)
• Shea Enriched Body Lotion (8 oz.)
• Fine Fragrance Mist (8 oz.)
• Liplicious Lip Gloss (.47 oz)
• Pocketbac (1 oz.)
• Pink Pocketbac Holder
• Pink Gauze Sponge
• Gorgey Tote (14.5" x 4.25" x 11.25")

Per usual, the tote is what I'm most excited about.  I mean, how adorable is it?!

These sets are going to sell out like crazy, so I'd get shopping immediately!

Want Gorgey Skin? Try Vapour Organic Beauty!

Finding a good foundation can be crazily daunting.  It's really tough to find a product that doesn't look cakey, yet still covers up imperfections.

I'm constantly searching for something that makes my skin pretty and happy.  My latest find? Vapour Organic Beauty.

I hadn't heard of them until recently, and was delighted when I tried out a few of their products.  Vapour Organic Beauty is a high-performance cosmetic and skincare brand that is absolutely fabulous.  Their products utilize a unique light texture, while at the same time, delivering highly pigmented color and nourishing skincare.  Everything in the collection is 100% natural and chemical free, with a minimum for 70% certified organic ingredients.  The result of using these products is gorgeous-looking skin (without disrespecting the environment--bonus!!).

The product I love the most is their Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation.  It's quite honestly the best foundation I've ever worn.  My skin is super sensitive, so most foundations tend to irritate it.  But the Soft Focus foundation actually made my skin feel healthy and soft, while providing the perfect amount of coverage.  The formula is amazing.  When I applied the foundation, I found it to have almost a velvet-esque texture to it and really felt quite luxurious. 

The Soft Focus foundation comes in a bunch of different hues--there's definitely a shade out there for everyone.  Here's a look at the different colors available:

I recommend this product to anyone who wants to have flawless-looking skin, without feeling as if they're wearing a mask.  The entire line is absolutely amazing.

Each bottle of the Soft Focus foundation is $48, which is really a great price for what you get--beautiful looking skin.

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by a PR company. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.  

Socks With Some Flair!

With all the fashion trends in the world, it's easy to forget about one fabulous accessory--socks.  In the past, socks were mainly gifts that you got for Christmas, hated, and pretended to like.  But now, there are some totally fashion forward socks that are perfect for the upcoming fall season.

Gold Toe is an amazing example of this.  The quality of their socks is fantastic.  They're super comfy, soft, and highly durable.  I absolutely love my pairs, and I have a feeling that I'll be getting some use out of them for a while!

There are so many options to choose from.  I mean, this is a whole entire website dedicated to socks, so they really know their stuff.  That said, I do have a few faves that I think will come in handy when it starts to get a little chilly out.

I love love love all of Gold Toe's knee high socks.  Argyle is always a fall staple, as are knee high socks, so the combo is superb!  Their Fargo Knee High with AquaFX in Navy is particularly adorable.  They have a reinforced toe and heel, to make them last, and keep feet dry all day.  Each pair is $8, which is perfect for a pair of socks that is not only trendy, but will also last for multiple seasons.

If you're looking for some fun socks, Gold Toe also has that covered.  They offer up some fun packs of ankle socks that come in bright colors and patterns.  There are a few packs on clearance, like their fab Fashion Cushion Liners.  They come in an assortment of pink or blue hues (obviously pink is the best!) and they are great for everyday wear.  Currently, the pack of 6 pairs is $13.60.

The lesson? While you're checking out the latest trends, don't forget to look for socks!  You'll be glad you did.

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by a PR company. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.  

Body Blunder: the "Tightens Vagina Expert"

I stumbled upon this gem today. I can't really wrap my mind around it.  Apparently, the product tightens your...ahem...private area.  I highly doubt that it works. And I can think of a lot of better things to spend my money on.

The most hilarious thing about this product is actually the packaging.  I love that the Chinese to English translation is "Tightens Vagina Expert".  You'd think that someone would have picked up on the grammatical error, but no.

Also, the ingredients read as follows: top soybean extract, collagen, albizia julibrissin durazz, galla chinensis, psoralea corylifolia, incaryillea sinemsis lam, morinda umbellate, cortext eucommiae, pericarpium granati, rhizome curcumae longae, and so on.


Yes, the package actually lists "and so on" at the end of the list of ingredients!! Can you even believe it??! I mean, what else could be in there? It might be something crazy! I think they got to a certain point and just said, “Screw it, it’s full of a bunch of weird crap, you don’t know what it is and you don’t care if you’re eating a mystery pill to tighten vagina expert.”

The whole thing is beyond ridiculous.  I don't normally write about stuff like this, but I just couldn't help myself from sharing the horror!

Jackie's Corner: Swimming in Retro Style

Jackie Houston is an image consultant, based in Rhode Island.  She offers up tons of fashion assistance, including closet makeovers, online personal styling, and personal shopping.  For more info, check her out on her site, Facebook andTwitter.

Not seeing an itsy bitsy yellow polka dot bikini in your future? Go retro instead. It’s much easier to feel well dressed — instead of merely undressed — when you sport a retro swimsuit.

The beauty of retro and vintage-inspired swimwear, especially from the 1940s and 1950s, is the inherent elegance and sophistication of the designs. The notion of focusing on what you wear instead of on what you bare can be just as sexy as the most daring bikini. This is the concept at many stores including Shabby Apple and Rey Swimwear  which both offer absolutely gorgeous swimsuits to flatter every figure shape.

The most difficult part of buying a swimsuit is choosing a source — there are pages and pages of retro-inspired swimsuit sites. Before you order, read their size charts carefully and check their return/exchange policies. Most brick and mortar stores commonly carry vintage-inspired suits as well because they’re so flattering and the best looks — maillot halters, underwire bra tops, skirted bottoms, etc. — are timeless.

The next task is figuring out what style is best for your figure and activity level. Even the most glamorous swimsuit loses its appeal if it provides zero support while you’re playing volleyball. If you enjoy beach sports look for suits with adjustable tops, wider straps and a bottom half that won’t ride up and cause discomfort. Many two piece retro bathing suits are sold separately, which allows you to buy your perfect sizes. This is particularly important with a larger bust size. Halter necklines with wider straps, bra-style tops and suits with underwire cups are best for a fuller chest or anyone looking for comfort and a bit more support.

One piece suits with princess or vertical seaming and ruching around the middle are best for apple shapes and look great on virtually everyone. The seams help visually elongate the body and shirring or ruching creates the illusion of a smaller waistline.

Pear shapes look best in sweetheart or structured bra tops with details like ruffles to add volume and visually bottom a heavier bottom half. Keep the bottom half of the suit simple or opt for a slightly flared skirted bottom that glides easily over the hips.

When you’re considering your next retro swimsuit, look for lingerie and dressmaker details — like boning and ruching — combined with unusual and often luxe fabrics — like tulle and velvet — that can transform your day at the beach into a glamorous event.

Reach for a faux or real flower to tuck behind your ear (or into your hat), retro shades and footwear (espadrilles or wedge sandals, for example) to match your chosen era to complete the look.

Victoria's Secret's Perfect Smoky Eye Products

Victoria's Secret has a bit of a hidden gem.  Not many people know how amazing their makeup products are.  I absolutely love them!

I had the opportunity to try out a few products and was really pleased with the results.

The Eye Shadow Quad is great.  It comes in a bunch of different colors, but to be honest, I actually prefer the basic grey  hues.  They're flattering on nearly all skintones and the colors really work well together to create a smoky eye look.

Another benefit is that each individual shadow literally tells you where to apply it.  This is perfect for someone who is new to the makeup world.

The colors are highly pigmented, and I have a feeling I'll be using this quad for a while!

Another fave product of mine is their Eyeliner. I've never used a pencil liner that applies as smoothly as this does.  Despite the fact that it's super blendable, it does last all day.  The smudger on the opposite end is fabulous.  You can make the line as sharp, or as blended, as you like.

Do yourself a favor and check out Victoria's Secret's makeup line!  You won't regret it!

 Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by a PR company. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.  

Gorgey Clinique Gift With Purchase

Tee hee hee...I absolutely love Clinique, and I'm quite obsessed with any and all gifts with purchase.  Soooo, Lord and Taylor's current Clinique GWP is like a dream come true!

First of all, I can't get over how cute and summer-ific the makeup bag is.  The print is adorable, and almost has a retro feel to it. So pretty!

Here's what you get (in addition to the fab bag) in the gift set:

• Repairwear Uplifting Firming Cream
• 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-off Formula
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
• Choice: Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Cupid or Sunset Glow
• Choice: Chubby Stick in Woppin' Watermelon or Chunky Cherry
• Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
• Quickliner For Eyes in Dark Chocolate

I've tried most of these products and they're all amazing.  Clinique's makeup and skincare lines are really superior to almost anything else out there.

To get the GWP (a $75 value!!), just spend $28 or more on Clinique products.  That shouldn't be too difficult, as they have so many fab products to choose from.

Happy shopping!

Horrible Hair Decision: WAY Too Much Hair Bling

Lately, I've been seeing tons of people walking around with an unacceptable amount of glitter in their hair.  Either they simply take a glitter gel and over use it, or go crazy with Hair Tinsel.  I even witnessed a woman at a formal event sporting about 50 strands of cheap silver hair tinsel--she looked like a disco ball, and like she was ready for a rave.  And she was over 40 years old.

Don't get me wrong, I love fun hair ideas.  When used in small amounts, hair tinsel or glitter can make your strands look fabulous.

The problem is that people try it out, fall in love with it, and add tons more (because obviously more is better...NOT).

Even when used properly, I'd say that it's a look for ladies in their 20s and 30s.  If you're older than that, you just look weird--like you went to Claire's and stocked up on hair doodads to make yourself look younger.  It simply doesn't work.

Here's an example of hair tinsel that looks fantastic:

I'd actually leave out a few of the strands, but for the most part, Beyonce knows what she's doing and looks great.

So if you're thinking about trying out this hair trend, please avoid looking like a glitter bomb just exploded all over your head.  You will look like an idiot.

That is all.

I Heart Nail Tattoos!

Nail art has become quite a passion (or obsession) of mine recently.  I love finding new ideas and products to make my nails stand out.

My latest  find? These adorable Nail Tattoos from Top Shop.

They work like normal temporary tattoos, but come in much tinier designs.  You actually apply it the same way you would a regular temporary tattoo: place the tattoo on your nail, apply a bit of water, remove the paper, and finish with a thick top coat to make the design last.

This particular set contains tattoos that are all black, which I love because you can wear them over a bright summer polish that you already love to add some extra pizzazz. 

Each set comes with 86 tattoos (!!!) in oodles of fun symbols.

The tattoos are $14, which sounds a little pricey, but since there are over 80 little tattoos, it's actually a pretty good deal.

Here's a look at some of the designs:

Cute, no?

Fab Convertible Dress

In case you ladies haven't picked up on it, I'm the ultimate girly girl.  I spend my summers almost exclusively in dresses--it's my fave season for fashion.

So it almost goes without saying that I'm constantly looking all over the place for cute dresses.  Even though I probably have over 20, I just can't resist this Change My Mind Striped Convertible Dress from Mark.

It has everything that you need in a dress; it's flowy in just the right spots, and is flattering for nearly all body types.  The best part? You can wear the dress three different ways! Each look is gorgeous.  And if you're like moi, you don't like wearing the same dress multiple times, so the fact that you can switch it up a bit is fantastic.

You can get this fabbity-fabulous dress for $35. Not bad, right?!