The Must-Have Hangover Solution

There's really nothing worse than waking up with a hangover. Especially if you have to work. Trust me--I've been there.

So when I found 21 DROPS' Hangover Essential Oil Rollerball, I was very intrigued.

The oil is made with notes of Juniper Fruit Oil, Geranium Leaf Oil, Lavender Flower Oil, Cardamom Seed Oil. All of these oils combined create the perfect, natural, hangover solution. The product is 100% natural, which is a huge plus, and it really does everything possible to make you feel better after a night of partying too hard.

A few of the benefits? It instantly relieves your heavy head, eases your aching body, calms your upset stomach, and simply settle your nerves. It also helps flush toxins from the body, dispel nausea, and ease water retention. (Hint: helps your body to detox even when you haven’t been drinking. Drop it in your purse or pocket and apply throughout the day to soothe and refresh).

This is definitely something to keep with you at all times, and I think it makes a fabulous gift as well. You can get your own rollerball for $29. It's a small price to pay for all the benefits!

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

Make a Statement!

There are so many gorgeous statement necklaces out there.  Personally, I've always been more of an earrings girl than a necklace girl, so the whole statement necklace trend hasn't really been part of my look in the past.  But this amazingly gorgeous Maira Necklace from iBiss Boutique is simply just too pretty to pass up.

I think it's the vintage inspiration and flair of the necklace that I love most.  It looks like it's straight from the '20s--like something you'd see at one of The Great Gatsby's legendary parties.

Because this is such a large necklace, it's very important to pair it with little to no other jewelry. A small pair of gold studs is really all you'd need.  This necklace can dress up literally any outfit. Even busting it out and wearing it with a simple solid-hued tee and dark wash jeans would look elegant and classy. But it would also be beautiful worn with a little black dress.

This is the type of necklace that will never go out of style. And because it's only $26 (even though it looks like it could be way more pricey!), it's a completely affordable accessory to add to your collection.

Fashion Faux Pas: Ugly Printed MC Hammer Pants

I am honestly horrified that these pants even exist. I had to check the website I found them on a few times just to make sure that they weren't a joke.

Alas, the joke is on me, apparently. It seems that MC Hammer pants are officially IN STYLE! Thaaat's right. Unflattering pants that make normal-sized hips look gigantic and ankles look miniature in comparison are the "go to" pants for the season. Oh, and make sure to get them in an ugly pattern! Because that's the way to do it!

I mean, is this for real??!! Is this real life?? Why are these pants allowed to be sold in stores? The designer who made these should be brutally tortured.

The sad thing is that I've been seeing these pants all over the place. From high-end designers (who charge about $1,000 for a pair like this) to stores that I usually love, like Forever 21. It breaks my heart. Really.

Looking at the picture of these "pants"--and I'm using the term loosely--is so ridiculously disturbing. The fact that a model with an amazing body looks like she has, what I like to call, "child-bearing hips", is crazy to me. Any item of clothing that can do something like that should be burned. There should really be some sort of fashion recall for stuff like this.

A good rule to live by in general? If the model wearing the clothing looks like shit, chances are, there is no way that anyone will look good wearing the same thing. Ever.

The one good thing about these disgusting pants is that they do make ankles look tiny. You know...if that's something you're concerned with (hint: no one is!)

At least the pair pictured is only priced at $15.80. But to be honest, someone would have to pay me millions of dollars to even try on something as ugly as these pants.

And, as usual, if I happen to see anyone wearing anything that even slightly resembles these stupid pants, I will punch them in the face. Anyone who wears these should be arrested and have to spend at least a year in some sort of fashion jail.

I'm going to go puke. That is all.

A Party For Your Nails!

There's a new nail polish on the scene that totally tickles my fancy. You might be thinking to yourself, ummm Alana, you own over 300 polish hues and you obviously have issues. And yes, that's probably fairly accurate. But there's just something about Maybelline's latest Color Show Polka Dot collection that makes me swoon!

To my delight, fun textured polishes are all the rage. Chunky glitter, unique finishes, and groovy patterns are taking the place of the smooth, silky polishes we saw last year.  I'm absolutely loving it! Being a glitter gal at heart, I'm all about chunky, shiny, glitzy nails.

What makes the Polka Dot collection so different is that there isn't any actual glitter involved.  Rather, the gel-esque polish has black and white solid chunks mixed in.  I wouldn't really say that the effect looks like polka dots, exactly, but the different sizes of dots do look amazing and super fun.

The first color I decided to try was the pink hue (no big surprise there!!) and I'm honestly obsessed with it. When I first tried it out, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I thought that the color itself would be very sheer, but after two medium-thick coats, my nails were brightly colored, and the "dots" still managed to show through! It's practically a miracle.

Each of the five colors (Pretty in Polka, Drops of Jade, Dotty, Clearly Spotted, and Blue Marks the Spot) look great too. I'm proud to say that I own them all, and the polka dot look is def something I'll be sporting a lot this season.

Here's a look at the all the color's that are available:

So chic, right??! And since these delightful little bottles of fun are from Maybelline's fab Color Show line, they're very affordable at $3.99 each. So buy a bottle--or all five--and expect to get tons of compliments!

Happy shopping!

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

The Perfect Pink Purse

It's no secret that I'm crazily obsessed with handbags. I own over 50, and love each and every one of them in their own special way.

So obviously, when I add a new purse to my collection, I get pretty emotional.

My latest love, this Nicole by Nicole Miller Mini Chain Crossbody Bag, is amazingly gorgeous. It's got everything I could possibly want in a purse.

• It's pink
• It's little and adorable
• It was on clearance

I mean, what more can you really ask for in a purse? 

Size-wise, the bag is fairly small. So for me, that means that it isn't an every day bag (you know...since I basically carry my entire life around with me in my bag). Even so, it's a great evening/event bag. There's enough room for a wallet, cell phone, a couple lip glosses, and even has enough room left over for a few other must-haves. 

The best part? I found it at JCPenney for under $20!

This cute little bag also comes in yellow and green. Honestly, I might end up purchasing it in the green hue as well, because mint green always seems to be in style. I only went for the pink because...well, I'm a bit obsessed with the color (again, not really a huge secret). 

The entire Nicole by Nicole Miller line at JCPenney is actually pretty spectacular. Definitely Sassy Fashionista approved!

Happy shopping!!

Molly's Marvelous Guest Post: Stay Savvy My Friends

We all could easily spend a fortune on our appearance! Imagine what you have spent in the last year between beauty and fashion! Yikes! I Personally, I am working my style on a tight budget with limited resources. I’ve been welcomed to share a handful of my savings tips with you my fabulous new friend!

Nails

Take charge of that nail file ladies! Nail salons can be pricey and do serious damage to our shiny, beautiful wallets. I love the wonderful indulgence of a mani-pedi as much as the next woman, but save this treat for special occasions! (Just think how much more you will enjoy it when you go back!)  Give nail decals a try to add a little extra sparkle to that DIY manicure or pedicure! Throw on a clear topcoat over your new decal to ensure long-lasting wear!

Beauty

Get caught up and crazy in the coupon clipping crowd! Stay savvy! Keep your beauty in check by frequenting stores that offer coupon and saving perks. I’ve had great luck with Ulta, an in-store and online beauty retailer. I highly recommend signing up for the Ulta beauty club, it is free (my fav word), and offers regular coupons for $3.50 off a $10.00 purchase. Keep presenting those coupons, and you will be able to add back to your budget.

Fashion

Make sure to check out one of my favorite fashion online retailers, ModCloth! My last purchase was straight from the clearance rack, two gorgeous dresses coupled with a coupon for free shipping!  You can depend on this retailer to have a unique blend of indie, retro and vintage fashion we are searching for! The retailer has sizes from petite to plus size - making it perfect for any size and style. P.S. check out their massive rack of vintage shoes to add extra sparkle to your eye!

Makeup

Make your makeup work for its keep! My guilty pleasure is in buying high-end cosmetics, but in order to not break my budget, I can only allow for a single application that lasts me throughout the day. To get the most wear out of your makeup purchase a primer  and apply prior to makeup application. When you’re done with your makeup application end with a quick brush of finishing powder to keep your hard work entact. These two products are low-cost, and take minimal time to apply, so make sure to take advantage!

Ladies, continue to stay mindful of your budget and watch those pennies rack up into savings. Stay trendy my friends!

Molly is a recent college grad enjoying city living! Molly is inspired by color and beauty and is a lover of vintage and fashion. Follow Molly through the eyes of a plus size world! 

Who Doesn't Need a Popsicle Clutch?!

Ummm...how adorable are these??!

Kate Spade's pretty Popsicle Coin Purses are really tickling my fancy. Even though they're whimsical and cute, they're also classic, simply because they're Kate Spade. At first glace, they look like regular brightly-colored coin purses.  But a quick second look reveals it's true awesomeness.

Even though the bags are "coin purses", they're actually large enough to hold more than spare change. I'd say they're more like a large wallet.  Either way, I definitely need to have at least one of these in my purse at all times!

I think the Bright Beryl (teal/blue) color is my fave, but they all look great.

At $78 a pop (hahaha...get it??), the price is a little steep. But can you really deny yourself such a cute accessory? I think not.

Shop H&M Online NOW!

Eeeeee!! It's finally here!  I've been hearing the rumors for a while now, but it's finally happened! H&M now has an online shop!

I've been wanting this forever...there aren't really any H&M stores in my area, so any time I'm near one, I usually stock up on their fabulous frugal fashions.  But now that I can buy their amazing pieces online, I can keep up with their products and shop whenever I want to.  Huzzah!

I honestly love most of the items on the site, so it's tough to pick a few of my faves to share with you...but here's a handful of H&M's must-haves for the season:

Embroidered Dress ($34.95)
This adorable LBD is classic and will never go out of style.  The cut of the dress, and belt at the natural waistline, draws the eye in and creates an hourglass figure on almost everyone. It also has a cool embroidered pattern that makes the dress especially unique.

Wide Belt ($24.95)
I just love the pattern on this gorgeous belt! It looks fantastically ornate and would look amazing with so many things! This is the type of statement piece that can be worn for multiple occasions, and people will constantly ask you where you bought such an amazing accessory.

Handbag ($24.95)
This elegant satchel literally goes with every outfit you could possibly put together. It also comes in multiple colors (the leopard print one is super gorgeous as well!), and it's fairly large so there's plenty of room to tote around all your doodads.

Jersey Top with Lace ($12.95)
The pattern on this lovely top is so pretty--I can't stop looking at it! The lace detail only adds to the daintiness. The top even looks a bit vintage-y.  It's really a good piece to have year-round.  You can wear it alone for the rest of summer, and when it gets chilly out, it'll look super cute with a blazer!

Kimono ($24.95)
It's a satin kimono. Everyone needs one. Enough said.

I hope that gives you an idea of where to start!

Happy shopping!!

Happy Sisters Day!

Whether you have a sister in real life, or just some friends that you consider to be sisters, National Sisters Day is today--and it's a totally great excuse to shop!

Julep is currently selling some fabulous exclusive Sister Day Nail Polish Duos. Their polish is amazing to begin with, so having a fun sale like this is the perfect time to either stock up on some bottles, or to try out the brand for the first time.

There are five different sets (Confidante, Lookalikes, Remember When, Sidekicks, and Strong Example), and they're all super gorgeous.  Personally, I'm a fan of Remember When, which is a nice bright pink polish paired with a glitter topcoat. Each duo is expertly created--the two shades in the sets compliment eachother and look fantastic!

Each duo is $20. These cuties are only around for a little while, so stock up while you can!  And remember--you don't need to have an actual sister to enjoy the awesome shopping that National Sisters Day provides!! (But if you do have a sister, that's just all the more reason to buy nail polish...or at least that's how I'm going to justify it)!

How to Look Fab in Pictures

Now that pictures are all over the place (thanks to smartphones, Facebook and Instagram), it's easier than ever to find yourself seen in a handful of pictures that you don't even remember taking.

Make the most of the moment by looking your very best every time the shutter snaps with some helpful tips.

PRACTICE YOUR POSE
What would you do to improve your skills at anything else? You’d practice! It sounds corny, but spend a little time practicing in front of the mirror for a few days. You'll quickly discover what your best angles are, and what poses are the most flattering.  You can even take a couple selfies to compare poses. While you’re at it, practice different expressions and body positions.

TWIST TO LOOK SLIMMER
There aren't many things more humiliating than discovering a tagged photo of yourself on Facebook that packs on ten pounds with just the flash of a camera bulb. Trust me--I've been there! How you pose can make a tremendous difference in how thin you look in pictures.  The strategy is pretty simple. You can make a huge difference by standing slightly to the side and twisting towards the camera.  It instantly slims you.

TILT YOUR HEAD
When posing for a picture, follow the lead of Hollywood celebrities.  They basically make a living out of never taking a bad picture! To avoid a double- (or triple-) chin, first elongate your neck, then angle your jaw down just a touch. It makes your face look a lot slimmer, and is pretty simple to do.

APPLY MASCARA TO TOP LASHES ONLY
Your makeup can greatly change the way you look in pictures. Mascara can be a big one--it can totally change your appearance. If getting extra rest just isn't possible, fake it. Two coats of black mascara on the upper lashes lift the eyes and hides puffiness. Curling lashes before applying mascara enhances the effect and makes you look like you've had an extra hour of sleep. It can make a HUGE difference.

TURN OFF THE FLASH
You probably noticed that the flash in your iPhone’s camera doesn't make for the most gorgeous photos. If possible, make use of natural light to make you look more photogenic--and for a better photo overall.

HYDRATE SKIN
Fresh, hydrated skin always looks better on camera, so be sure to use a moisturizer well ahead of any important pictures. It's always a good idea to moisturize anyway, but if you need an extra reason to keep your skin moisturized and healthy, this is it!

SMILE AND BE YOURSELF
You’ll look best in photos when you look like you’re happy and enjoying the moment--and when you look like yourself. Above all, have fun! Those are always the best pictures to have anyway, right? The more your fun, natural personality comes through, the better the results.

Lips 'N Nips!

I have to admit, the name of this product is roughly half the reason I decided to write about it.

Dr. Lipp's Original Nipple Balm For Lips is technically for lips.  Why the nipple reference? Originally, it was made for sensitive nipples. Hence the name, and my initial intrigue.

But it gets even better than a simple lip product with a fun name. The product is actually a 100% natural, ultra-rich, long-lasting lip moisturizer and gloss. It's everything you could possibly want in a moisturizing lip product.

Because it has been medically proven to heal skin irritations, it's perfect for the sensitive skin on, and around, your lips.  And since it is completely natural, it's super effective in helping to heal even the driest and most sensitive skin. You can use it all over your body if you want! Basically, anywhere that needs some TLC can easily benefit from this super hydrating product.

On a personal note, this stuff is even specifically helpful for people with eczema (like me)!  It is hypoallergenic, tasteless, and odorless, which is all great for any type of sensitive skin. Another bonus? It repels new bacteria from entering your skin, and helps heals burns, abrasions, and minor incisions.

That said, you can use the "nipple balm" regardless of your skin type and end up with lush, ultra gorgeous lips (or nips!)

Fun fact:  this miracle cream is proven to reduce skin roughness by up to 40% in one hour. Pretty amazing, right??!

Each tube is about $15.

For the Man in Your Life: Vince Camuto Cologne GIVEAWAY!!!

My boyfriend is honestly obsessed with Vince Camuto's Mens Eau De Toilette. I've never seen anything like it. And, truth be told, he's not really the type of guy who is easily impressed by fragrances.  I'm also a pretty big fan myself--the scent is super yummy!

From the "James Bond"-esque look of the bottle to the scent itself, it's hard not to fall in love with Vince Camuto's fab fragrance.

The cologne has notes of black pepper, nutmeg, musk, and surprisingly, leather. It's a woody scent that smells great on everyone. There's something very grown-up and refined about it.

What I like most is that while the scent is strong, it's not overpowering.  There's nothing worse than a guy smelling like he bathed in cologne.  A couple spritzes of this stuff goes a long way.  It also works for any occasion, as it's not too fancy to wear during the day, nor is it too low key for an evening out.

It's the perfect gift for anyone, especially your main squeeze! Since it smells so amazing, you'll want to have it close by!

And I have one 3.4 oz bottle to give to a reader!

So if you're feeling lucky, enter the giveaway by sending an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "VINCE CAMUTO".  The giveaway ends 7/28 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Vince Camuto for Men eau de toilette sells for $57 for the 1.7 fl oz, and $70 for the 3.4 oz on their website vincecamuto.com and major department stores.

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

The Look For Less: Red Nail Polish

No matter the season, red nail polish always looks fabulous.  It's classic and looks amazing on all skintones.  It's just a fact. As a self-proclaimed polish addict, I almost always have an emergency bottle of red polish with me at all times.  My personal collection includes around 10 different red colors, each one slightly unique in its own lovely way.

That said, it can be hard to find a red polish that is of fantastic quality. My first fave red hue is Dior's Vernis Nail Lacquer in Red Royalty.  It really is the perfect red. It's a bright cherry red with cool undertones. When I found it, I knew immediately that it would be my go-to red for a very long time.

Then I tried out CoverGirl's Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Ever Reddy. It is basically the exact same color, applies like a dream, and looks every bit as gorgeous as its Dior twin.

While Dior's red polish is a steep $24, the CoverGirl version is a mere $5.99.

I hate to say it, being such a Dior fan and all, but save yourself some cash and opt for the drugstore nail polish.  Since it works just as well, and looks just as good as the pricier polish, there's no reason to shell out the big bucks for a beautiful red nail polish that'll get you through multiple seasons.

Tweeze Please!

Living in New Hampshire, I've definitely seen my fair share of unibrows, bushy brows, and even a few brow mishaps that I can't describe in words.

Tweezing eyebrows is something that every woman should take seriously.  The brows frame the face.  No matter what you do with your makeup, nicely shaped brows can either make or break the look.

Here are some important guidelines to go by while tweezing:

Trim & Shape
Use a spiral brush to define brow shape, brushing hairs up and into place. Using a pair of stainless steel Brow Shaping Scissors, trim excess length from each brow.  Make sure to check for equal balance and proportion as you work. Do not over trim.  It's a fairly common mistake, but take it from me--you'll end up looking like an idiot. And like you're always "extra surprised". Hahaha

Tweeze
First, use a warm washcloth to open pores. Tweeze along the natural shape and arch of your brow line with a Slant Tweezer. Grab each individual hair at the root to avoid breakage, and pull smoothly in the direction of hair growth. Once basic shape is defined, tweeze between brows to remove anything that remotely resembles a unibrow

Define
Apply brow powder or pencil to sparse areas using short, fine strokes. If you have dark hair, use a shade lighter than your hair color.  If you have blonde hair, use a shade darker.  Blend like crazy.

Soothe
Finish by applying a moisturizing face cream around the brow area.

Random beauty tip:  throw tweezers in the freezer, so you numb the skin as you pluck. (Just make sure tweezers are completely dry before using them.)

I found this super cute brow set from Tweezerman and Serphora.  Their Hot Pink Mini Brow Rescue Kit is perfect for travel.  It includes a Mini Slant Tweezer (in pink!), Mini Browmousse, Mini Eyenhance Highlighter Pencil, and a Mini Brow Shaping Brush. Each set is $25.

So, hopefully these tips are helpful! Good luck on making your brows look absolutely fabulous!

Happy Fourth of July!

I hope that all my lovely readers have a fabulous Independence Day! Remember to look amazing, have fun, and of course be thankful that we live in such a great country!

Looking for a last-minute accessory for the day? Stop in Forever 21 and grab one of these super cute Star-Spangled Heart Rings for under $4.

Enjoy!

Studs and a Bow? A Match Made in Heaven!

I'm absolutely smitten with this Turquoise Studded Bow Bracelet from Urban Peach Boutique.

I've been hugely into bracelets for the past year or so and this beautiful bauble would be the perfect addition to my ever-growing collection.

The fact that it's girly and a little tough at the same time is what I really find most appealing. I have plenty of girl-ified jewelry, and some tough, almost biker-chic pieces.  But I've yet to find something that captures both looks at the same time.  This bracelet does just that.  The bow is super elegant, but the studs give it some edge.

Color-wise, turquoise is very trendy this season, and it's a hue that looks great on everyone. And don't ask me how, but the color somehow magically goes with almost every outfit out there. You can even pair it with my latest nail polish love, Where's my Chauffeur? from Essie for a fun, matchy look.

The best part? Each bracelet is under $10!

Urban Peach Boutique is a store I hadn't heard much about in the past, but it's definitely worth a look.  Take a browse through their website for more pretty doodads!

Where’s my Chauffeur?

I change my nail polish nearly as frequently as I change my clothing...actually maybe a bit more.  So when I find a polish that I stick with for a few days, it's kind of a big deal.

Summertime to me just screams bright colors. Much as I love neon pink, and other brights out there, I'm really obsessing over blue and turquoise hues.

Essie's Where’s my Chauffeur? polish is exactly what I'm talking about.

The color is fabulous and stands out regardless of what you're wearing. I don't know how, but I've been sporting this color with virtually everything I own and it magically goes with it all!

Each polish retails for $8.

A Necklace That REALLY Makes a Statement!

I haven't really found a statement necklace that I've loved until now. This super gorgeous Reimbroidered Lace Collar Necklace from Girl Props has officially made me a fan of (some) statement necklaces.

This particular necklace is just so classy--what's better than lace? It's such a pretty look that can dress up any outfit.

Statement necklaces are all the rage, but it can be a bit tricky to wear them. Personally, I think pairing them with simple outfits is the way to go. Even a nice solid black t-shirt and jeans can be the perfect thing to wear with a show-stopping bauble like this.

You also want the necklace to take center stage (it is a statement necklace, after all!), so toning down the rest of your outfit really draws attention to it.  As far as other jewelry goes, make sure to wear small accessories that don't take away from the necklace. Classic diamond (or faux diamond) earring studs are usually a great way to go.

I also am loving the fact that this particular necklace is $22.99! I think it looks much more expensive and I know it'll get tons of use once it's in my jewelry collection!

Surprise!! It's a Fashionable Lunch Tote!

Per usual, I was spending some quality time shopping at Target when I stumbled up on this gorgey purse.

...Except it's not a purse!

This super cute Rachael Ray Pleated Lunch Tote is probably my new favorite thing ever. I only wish that this bag was around back when I actually used lunch boxes. Because I reeeaaally had some ugly ones!

I just love the idea of having a fashionable lunch tote. Think about it--it's the one accessory we don't really think about.

Great jewelry?  Check.  Perfect shoes?  Double check.  When it comes to carrying our lunch to work or even a casual outdoor get-together with our BFFs, we just never think to throw our food in anything cute.

The brown paper lunch bag is officially OUT!

Bonus? If you really want to, this lunch tote can double as a purse (which I'm quite tempted to do).  Each bag is under $30.

Happy National Pink Day!

I'm just tickled pink to announce that there's a special holiday that celebrates the color pink!  Today is officially National Pink Day. Being overly obsessed with pink myself, this is pretty big news.

The day is simply a special day to bust out your face pink doodads and look fabulous.

Personally, I like to celebrate the day by purchasing a new pink item to add to my already pink-filled wardrobe.

I'm absolutely loving these adorable pink Enzo Angiolini Scarla Suede Pumps. They're the most gorgeous pink shoes I've ever seen in my entire life. The $80 price tag is a little scary...but hey! Pink Day only comes around once a year!

So let out your inner girlie-girl and celebrate National Pink Day in style!