Fashion Faux Pas: Men in Polka Dots

Okay, so I have to start off by saying that I absolutely love polka dots. I own oodles of polka dot printed frocks, and I find them to be the classiest pieces in my entire wardrobe.

That said, polka dots are for women. Not men. I cannot think of even one exception. Men simply should never wear polka dots--even if it's some stupidly ironic, annoyingly ugly on-purpose look.  It just doesn't work. Guys in polka dots look hideous. I know that sounds harsh, but it's true.

For some ungodly reason, I keep seeing polka dotted shirts for men all over the place. Apparently it's a new "trend". And I clearly do not support this.

Even one of my fave stores, Forever 21, has a ridiculous Polka Dot Print Shirt for men. Granted, the shirt is under $20...but that still doesn't make it okay.

Probably the most annoying thing in the picture of this particular shirt is the fact that the model is sporting a few "manly" tattoos. I'm sorry, but regardless of how masculine your ink is, it's still not okay to dress like a complete idiot.

So please guys (and women who shop for their guys), PLEASE do not purchase polka dot printed items for ANY reason.

I swear, if I see a guy wearing anything remotely similar to the shirt pictured, it will get violent.

That is all.

Just In Case...Grab This Case!

It's almost Valentine's Day! Huzzah! Quite honestly, it's my all-time fave holiday. Yes, I know it's totally cheesy, but I just love it. I mean, what's better than a day that's totally dedicated to love?!

That said, it's no secret that lots of us ladies "get lucky" (or at least hope to) on such occasions. No matter what you're relationship status is, it never hurts to be prepared--especially when it comes to having safe sex,

Now, you could just throw a couple boring condoms in your bag and call it a day.  But why not have some fun with it?

These super chic Just In Case compacts offer a way to have fun, and be prepared at the same time.  Each one is coated in sparkling clear acrylic, and open to a mirror, with a hidden compartment for condoms inside. It's great because anyone who sees it would just assume that it's a normal compact mirror. So, you lose the creepy factor that comes along with carrying condoms around.  It's out little secret!

The compacts are small enough to keep in almost any purse, from day to night, and come in different colors that suit any look: Mystic Metal, Petulant Pink, or Rendez-Vous Red. I think the red hue is best, especially for Valentine's Day, but it all depends on your taste.

Each compact is $24 and comes with two condoms to get you started.

Beauty Blunders: Makeup Mistakes and How to Fix Them

It happens to the best of us--one minute you're applying makeup like a pro, and the next thing you know your face looks like a six-year-old colored all over it with magic markers.

No need to fret! I've compiled a list of the most common mistakes along with quick ways to fix them (without sudsing up and starting from scratch!)

Tone down cheek color
I know I've definitely thrown on way too much blush without thinking. It's one of the most annoying things, and I used to just wash my skin and start all over again every time I did it. Luckily, that isn't the only way to make your face look less clown-esque. When you've put on too much powder blush, sweep a clean, fluffy brush across your cheek, then wipe it on a towel to remove the excess.  Continue brushing and wiping until you get the right intensity. For cream blushes, lightly smooth on a dab of lotion to water down the color. If neither way works, just add a swipe of foundation or translucent powder on top and blend it in.

Soften eye shadow
Go too dark or intense? Layer a lighter shade on top to make harsh shadow look much less extreme. A great go-to hue is shimmery taupe--it neutralizes most colors. Or if you waaay overdid it, brush your foundation on top of the bright shade to tone it down.

Remove heavy lipstick
If you've overloaded your lips with color (or used the wrong shade entirely), apply a clear gloss or balm over it, then blot with a tissue to dilute it. Repeat until you've subdued or removed the offending layers.

Fix eyeliner smudges
Run a cotton swab over liner to soften the color, or dip it in makeup remover first to fix a crooked line. If this happens often, there are also cotton swabs that come pre-soaked in makeup remover for quick fixes. You can find them at most drugstores.

Remove mascara mishaps
If your lashes look a little clumpy, put a very small amount of moisturizer on your fingers and pinch the larger clumps. This will release the buildup immediately and will allow you to apply a new, lighter coat of mascara on top.

Stay fabulous!

The Perfect His & Hers Rings (Just in Time for Valentine's Day!)

Whether you're looking for wedding bands, lovers rings, promise rings, or even just friendship rings, EverMarker has the most spectacular options out there. Plus the prices are crazily reasonable.

Out of all their Lovers Rings (their term, not mine), I'm really into the Tungsten Steel Lovers Telepathy Rings. The idea is just too cute to pass up!

Even though the rings are more of a novelty item than anything else, they're actually really well-made and look super pretty in person.

Yes, they'd make kick-ass wedding rings, but I don't think they need to be limited to that. They'd even make great friendship rings, as far as I'm concerned. Get a bunch and hand them out to all your lady friends in honor of Valentine's Day! Or surprise your main squeeze with the matching rings (unless you think it'd freak him out!)

The best part is that the set (one men's ring and one women's ring) is under $65! You can also get them engraved for under $5.

Love it!

Laura Geller Brightening GWP at Ulta!

It's no secret that I'm a pretty much overly obsessed with the ever-coveted makeup gift with purchase. Currently, Ulta is offering up a fabulous Laura Geller GWP that I'm quite frankly drooling over.

All you need to do is spend $30 or more on any Laura Geller products (trust me--it's easy to do!), and you get:

• Travel size Spackle Primer
• Baked Balance 'n Brighten Foundation
• Foundation Brush

The products are valued at $44, and work amazingly on all skin types. The two products work really well together and give skin a "glow from within" look--and let's face it, we could all benefit from anything that makes skin look extra fantastic, especially this time of year!

Needless to say, there are oodles of amazing products to choose from in order to qualify for the GWP.  Personally, I'd go for the Eye Calligraphy Color Liquid Liner Trio ($30). The liner applies like a dream and the set includes the most gorgeous hues (Captivating Cobalt, Enchanting Emerald, and Classic Black).

Happy shopping, ladies!

Fashion Faux Pas: Wearing a Bra as a Top

Who could forget the infamous episode of Seinfeld in which Elaine's frenemy Sue Ellen Mischke, flat-out refuses to wear a bra? Well, at least until Elaine "helpfully" gives her one as a gift and Sue Ellen wears it as a top. In true Seinfeld fashion, The episode is one of my all-time faves, mostly because I find the idea of wearing a bra as a top simply ridiculous.

Apparently wearing bras sans shirt is some sort of real life trend. Seriously. And I'm not talking about crop tops, or anything else that would even remotely be considered clothing. I'm referring to, what I would call, legitimate bras.

Celebs have been going for this look quite a bit lately.  Here are a handful of famous ladies trying it on for size (for their own safety, I'm not naming names):

 

Granted, all the gals have insanely amazing looking bods.  But I'm sorry...that simply doesn't make it okay.

Don't get me wrong--I love a fabulous bra. I probably own 50 or so gorgeous bras, courtesy of Victoria's Secret for the main part.  But much as I love how pretty they are (and trust me some of them are the cutest things ever) I still don't see myself wearing them front and center for the world to see!

Got a fantastic bod? Great. Own some super pretty bras? Awesome. Just do me a favor. Keep 'em underneath an actual shirt.  And if you're feeling gutsy, show them off to your main squeeze.

That is all.

BEST IDEA EVER: Pro Tip Clips for Nails

If you know me at all, then you are painfully aware of how much I love nail polish. It's an addiction, yes, but quite a pretty addiction if I do say so myself.

Last year, I really got into gel manicures. Even though I can be quite fickle when it comes to the hue I sport on my nails, I loved the fact that the gel manicures I got lasted for up to two weeks (something almost unheard of for someone who constantly picks at her polish).

But when I felt like removing the polish, it was seriously a messy, multiple-hour-long event.

That's why I am currently in luuurrrve with these fabulous Pro Tip Clips. They remove even the most difficult polish with ease--including chunky glitter--without making a mess, in a timely fashion.

How do they work? You soak a remover pad in acetone, clip them onto your fingers, and let them soak for 15-30 minutes. Then you simply take the clips off, removing even the harshest of nail polish.


I'm really loving this idea! Though I'm kind of over my gel polish phase, chunky glitter will always be a part of my nail regime. And honestly? I've practically ruined my nails filing, scraping, and attempting to remove glitter in the past. Not anymore! Huzzah!

Each Salon-quality Manicure Removal Kit contains 10 reusable, sanitizable finger clips (2 thumbs, 8 fingers), and a storage box for $39. The site also sells a pedicure version for the same price, and a combo set that contains both for $68.

Really not a bad deal, considering how much use you'll get out of it!

Pretty Pink Pumps

I've probably written this quite a bit, but here goes (again): pink never goes out of style!

It's easy to fall into a bland shoe rut, especially when it's chilly out. Usually in the winter, if I need to dress up, I tend to grab one of the million pairs of black heels that I own.Yes, they're awesome to have for last-minute outfits, but why not try something bright and unexpected?

A bold pair of pink shoes, like these gorgey Steve Madden Varcityy Suede Pointy Toe Pumps, can really liven up your look. They're unexpected, and surprisingly go with more outfits than you'd think. They're also pretty seasonless, so a pair like this can be worn for any season transition.

Another plus? A pair of heels like this can be dressed up or down, depending on what you wear them with. A pair of dark wash jeans and a solid-colored tee can look casual and chic with the heels, while a cute little black dress can be unique and fun with the bright punch of color.

Each pair of pumps is about $90--a great price for how much use you'll get out of them.

Be Prepared for Hair Emergencies!

I like to think of myself as a Girl Scout, at least when it comes to beauty products--I am always prepared.

My purse constantly contains a "beauty emergency kit" of some kind. You never know what the day might bring, and having a few makeup essentials on hand is always a good idea. Hair-wise, I usually just throw a couple hair ties in with everything else. That was before my very stylish mom found this amazing Hair Emergency Kit by Scunci.

The super cute set contains everything you could possibly need for nearly any hair problem:

• 12 small clear bands
• 12 bobby pins
• 2 black elastics
• 2 headbands (one thin, one thick)
• 1 mini jaw clip

Also, everything comes in a pretty little case--just perfect to throw in your handbag.

Unfortunately, I cannot find a place to buy the set online. That said, you can purchase the kit at a few different drugstores (my mom found it at Riteaid). It's definitely worth buying; no one likes a bad hair day!  Each kit is $5.99.

Fashion Faux Pas: Wearing a Bra that Doesn't Fit

We've all been guilty of this at some point in our lives.  Wearing the wrong bra (size, shape, and even texture), can completely ruin your look. No matter what outfit you're wearing, always remember that your undergarments are the foundation. I've seen the most adorable outfits look like complete crap simply because of an ill-fitting bra.

Stop looking like a fool, and take the extra time to find the right bra for you! Here are some tips on shopping for your perfect bra:

Bring a Friend--Friends can make even the most tedious tasks enjoyable. If you have a gay friend, take him. He's less likely to get distracted looking for himself. But really anyone who you trust to give you a no-bullshit opinion is perfect.

Get Measured by a Pro--This is really important. Find yourself an old-school lingerie shop (you know...the kind with bloomers--yes, bloomers-- hanging in the window). Those places are legit and the old ladies who work there know what they're doing.

Fit First, Style Later--Every company makes bras a little differently, and it can be crazily infuriating to have to find your size in multiple stores. So go into a store with lots of different brands and try on one of each, rather than going from shop to shop. Once you find the brands and sizes that work for you, you can start searching for pretty styles that you actually like. It doesn't matter how beautiful a bra is, if it doesn't fit and it's not comfortable, you probably won't wear it.

Even It Out--I don't know any lady whose knockers are perfectly symmetrical. It just doesn't work that way. Fit your bra to your largest breast and, if you need to, use a pad to fill in the other side.

Stick To The First Hook--It's a fact: bras stretch out over time, that's why they have three hooks in the back, so you can adjust them as needed. Going straight to that third hook cuts the life span of your bra in half. If the bra feels best on the third hook, chances are, you need to go down a band size and up a cup size.

Spend What It Takes--Maybe you'll be lucky and the bra of your dreams will come in a value pack from the Walmart, but don't let the right one slip away just because it's more than you were planning to spend. The right bra is worth the investment. Like I said, your bra is the foundation of your entire outfit. If you start out with a bra that doesn't fit properly, your entire look will suffer.

Happy bra shopping, ladies!

Makeup Must-Have: Make Up For Ever's Fifty Shades of Grey Collection

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to read Fifty Shades of Grey.  Even though I'm still as much of a bookworm as ever, I wasn't completely sold on the whole concept. After seeing the movie previews, I became pretty much obsessed with reading it though, and my lovely boyfriend actually bought me the trilogy for Christmas. Needless to say, I absolutely loved it and am waiting quite impatiently for the movie to come out!

Since I've fallen in love with the unconventional love story, I also was crazily excited to see that Make Up For Ever just barely came out with a makeup collection based solely on the story.

The entire collection looks fabulous (not surprising, since Make Up For Ever always has incredible products). My ownly issue? None of the products are gray! I was surprised by this, since the color itself is mentioned throughout the story a bunch. I just assumed that eyeshadow-wise, there'd be a palette of soft gray hues.

Instead, the shadows are all nice neutral colors that are actually quite gorgeous, so I can't complain very much.

Here's a pic of the different products available in the collection:

 

I'm sure it comes at no surprise that my top pick is the Give In To Me Eye and Lip set ($79).  Each kit comes with the following:

• Artist Shadow palette in I-514, ME-612, S-556, I-625
• Graphic eyeliner
• Smoky Extravagant mascara
• Rouge Artist Natural lipstick in N4
• Lab Shine lip gloss in D14
• Exclusive keepsake box

And yes, of course I'm loving the box. The keepsake box features a hidden compartment and key so you can lock away secrets of your own. I mean, how cool is that??! All that aside, the products in this set are gorgeous and flatter nearly every skin tone. This is also a great kit to buy if you've never tried any Make Up For Ever products and you want to give them a go. The price may seem a little steep, but the quality of this makeup is totally worth it.

Along with the main set, Make Up For Ever also has a super pretty Desire Me Blush Trio ($49). The blush hues are fun to mix and match to create your own unique look, and it all comes in a super cute keepsake pouch.

If you want to get something from the collection, but aren't up for spending a ton, try out the last set in the collection, the Tease Me Lip Trio ($32). You can purchase it in either nude or berry colors--personally I love a berry lip for Winter. This set comes with matching lip pencil, stick and gloss to create the perfect look for your pucker.

The entire collection is Sassy Fashionista Approved! I absolutely cannot wait to wear this gorgeous makeup when I drag my boyfriend to see the movie (it comes out on Valentine's Day)!

THE Perfect Super Glam Sweater

For all my fellow New England ladies who have had ridiculously freezing weather (today reached a balmy 7 degrees...seriously), I feel your pain.  Weather like this sucks for oodles of reasons, but finding ways to look stylish in the cold is almost downright impossible.

That said, it can be done. The easiest way? Pick up an embellished sweater or two (or 20, if you're like me). I am absolutely loving them these days. Somehow, they've got the ability to keep you toasty warm and looking incredibly gorgeous at the same time.  I know--it's pretty much a miracle.

One of my faves is this Gemstroked Sweater from Loft. The cut of it is on the casual side, mimicing the look of a sweatshirt, but the blinged-out details dress it up a bit and make it wearable for nearly any occasion.

I'm pretty much in love with it, in case you couldn't tell.

Each sweater is $64.99. The store has some other fab tops for the season; some of them are even on clearance (huzzah)! Check out the site for some more chilly weather looks.

Happy shopping!

Merry Christmas, Fellow Fashionistas!

I can't believe another year has gone by! It's been a great time for me here at Sassy Fashionista, and I hope that all of you have enjoyed the past year as well.

Have a ridiculously amazing Christmas (or whatever you celebrate around this time of year)!

xoxo Alana

Up & Rising: Buy the Latest Fashions Without Breaking the Bank!

Fantastic new shopping site alert! Up & Rising is an incredible new online boutique that offers up something different--fashions from the greatest emerging designers from all over the world for extremely reasonable prices.

The site does all the work for you.  They find the best new fashion designers out there and sell their most gorgeous items all in one place.  It's the perfect site for anyone who wants to always look trendy and classy, but doesn't want to spend thousands of dollars to do it.

The site has oodles of gorgeous frocks to choose from.  Here are my current faves, pictured below, from left to right:

1. Zoe Karssen Batman Shirt ($36.53) - This sleeveless tee is adorable. First of all, who doesn't love Batman?! Secondly, I love the fact that the infamous logo is a bit girlified. It's a great top to dress up or down, and the price simply can't be beat.
2. The Fifth Flashing Lights Dress ($48.92) - Honestly, this is the perfect little black dress. It's effortless, sexy, and is flattering on all body types.
3. Finders Keepers Jump Then Fall Bustier ($70.63) - I've said it over a million times: leopard print never goes out of style. The black and white print is perfect and it goes with anything. The cut of the top literally couldn't be more flattering, and the sassy slit on the side adds a little extra allure to the top. Love it!

The site also carries some super pretty accessories. My top pick?  This chic Nazar Silver Arrow Bracelet ($106.56). It's classically beautiful, and has a great message: stay on the right path and reach for your goals.


Take some time to check out the site for yourself--You won't be disappointed!

My Latest Obsession: a Clutch With Some Bling!

Forever21's fabulous Abstract Sequin Beaded Clutch has practically everything I look for in a bag.

It's no secret that I love anything glitzy, so obviously this bag with bling immediately caught my attention. I love the fact that the beading tones it down a bit, but the bag is still pretty glitzy. The size is great--it's got enough room to hold any essentials you need for a night out, but it's small enough that it won't be annoying to keep with you at all times.

The gold hue is actually a nice, neutral tone, so you can wear it with just about anything. You can easily pair the clutch with a little black dress for a holiday party, or use it to dress up your fave boyfriend jeans for a fun afternoon look.

Each bag is under $25, so you can afford it on nearly any budget.  In fact, if you've left some of your holiday shopping until the last minute, this fab clutch would make a delightful gift for any fashionable lady on your list.

The Look for Less: Liquid Liner

Liquid eyeliner is one of my must-have makeup staples. There's nothing more classic than simple eye makeup paired with a bold, liquid line above the top lashes. The look is flattering for all eye shapes, and adds a touch of glamour to any look.

After trying out tons of different liners, I've found that the easiest ones to apply are the marker-esque versions. If you can color with a magic marker, then trust me--you can apply liquid eyeliner in marker form with ease.

Once I figured that out, I found my very first fave liquid liner: LORAC's Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner. It applies like a dream, never dries out, and is super easy to apply. At $26, it always seemed completely worth it, since it saved me tons of time and effort. Honestly, I still love it and always have one in my makeup bag.

That said, I recently found a product that is basically identical to it for a mere $6.99! Jesse's Girl has an amazing Liquid Eyeliner that seriously seems to be almost exactly the same as its pricier competition.

I've tried both, and they really do work quite similarly, at least as far as I'm concerned.

My advice? Save the $20 and go with the drugstore liner this time around. Then you'll even have some cash left over to stock up on other fun makeup products! Win-win!

Happy shopping!

Pucker Up For the Holidays!

For all you lip gloss lovers, Sephora has oodles of fabbity-fabulous lip sets just in time for the holidays.  I probably spent over an hour browsing their lip sets alone today, and of course I've added basically every product the store has to offer to my ever-growing Christmas wish list (which is totally okay for a 29-year-old woman to have).

That said, I did find one set that gave me a bit of a seizure of delight.  Soap and Glory's Sexy Mother Pucker Total Kiss Up Lip Plumpers Set looks absolutely divine. I've been a huge fan of their plumpers for a while now, and this super sexy set is just calling out to my lips!

What I love most about their plumping gloss is that it really works (!!!), but doesn't irritate my lips, like others I've tried in the past.  The gloss is also very long-lasting, and simply feels amazing.

The colors included in this particular gift set are perfect for holiday parties, regardless of how fancy they may be, and will also work throughout the season for nearly any occasion.  The colors are Candy Gloss (champagne shimmer/vanilla flavor), Half Naked (dusty rose/buttered popcorn flavor), and Punch Bowl (hot berry pink/ raspberry chocolate flavor). You can try them individually, or mix them up to create a unique look.  Each color is somehow magically flattering on most skintones--even my ridiculously pale skin can pull off these gorgeous shades.

Each lovely set is $15--actually a great price for what you're getting--and would make a perfect gift for any gal on your Christmas list (including yourself, obviously!) The set is a new, exclusive, limited-edition product, so make sure to grab 'em while you can. I have a pretty good feeling that they're going to go quickly.

Happy shopping!

Gorgeous VS Angel Wing Necklace Set

Umm...Victoria's Secret is selling some incredible items this holiday season! Every time I check them out, I find something that I immediately lust after.

Besides their usual adorable lingerie, fragrances, and makeup products, Victoria's Secret started selling some fabulous jewelry that I'm completely head-over-heels in love with.

They've got this new pair of Swarovski Angel Wing Necklaces that are quickly making their way to the top of my Christmas list.

The two super pretty angel wing pendants have shimmering Swarovski elements and are each on a simple silvertone chain. The necklaces are classically beautiful--they have just enough bling to them to give off a fun unique sparkle, but are also small and dainty enough to be worn with nearly any outfit.

Here's a closer look:















You can easily wear the necklaces together, but I like the idea of giving one to a lovely lady in your life. They're like the grown-up version of best friends necklaces! They'd make a great gift for just about anyone on your list (including yourself, of course).

Each pair comes in a bling-tastic gift box and together cost $78.

...SO, who's going to buy me a set??!

Fashion Faux Pas: Male False Advertizing...Down There

Yes, I'm completely guilty of false advertizing myself, courtesy of the lovely push-up bras that Victoria's Secret has to offer. They do make my cleavage look pretty awesome, and I don't know what I'd do without them.

That said, upon finding The Solution's Trunk in my Junk for men, I nearly passed out with horror.

Call it a double standard, but I think this product is pretty ridiculous. Basically it's a simple cup that is worn between the actual junk and undies (or mankini) that adds some extra padding to the area.

The site promises wearers oodles of second glances, and some fun comments (like "elephant trunk," "Hercules" and even the ever-coveted "OMG!!!").

The big problem I'm imagining, is what happens when a guy gets the result he's looking for: an actual hookup? Does he ditch the bonus junk pre-boning sesh, or just wait for the girl to discover the quite literal HUGE lie?

With Christmas right around the corner, this would make a crazily hilarious gag gift, and I'm seriously considering buying some for my guy friends.

At about $12 per "package", it's pretty affordable for anyone looking to get some extra attention.

The Look For Less: Double Wrap Studded Bracelet

Bracelets are one of my all-time favorite accessories. I absolutely love wearing tons of bangles. They're a great way to make any outfit look unique. 

Studded bracelets are currently at the top of my accessory list. They can toughen up whatever you're wearing and look fabulous on everyone.

Pictured above are two very similar-looking trinkets. The difference? The one on the left is an Hermes bracelet and retails for $520. On the right is an almost identical wrap bracelet from Forever 21 that costs a mere $6.80.

Quite a price difference, right?! Personally, I'm never planning on spending hundreds of dollars on a bracelet. It's just not happening. Especially since the cheaper version looks so much like the ridiculously over-priced pick.

That said, both bracelets are gorgeous. The gold plated pyramid and ring detail provides just the right amount of edge for any ensemble. The simple black leather strap allows for limitless flexibility when it comes to incorporating this piece into any outfit. It's quite honestly the perfect accessory for anyone, and would make a great gift (hint, hint).

What do you think of this look for less? Would you get wrapped up in either bracelet?