AMAZING Deal From ELF!

ELF has been going crazy with sales lately--and I love it! Their latest and greatest is giving us lovely shoppers 50% off all best seller products.

First of all, how amazing is that?! There are some great products on sale.  My fave? The Master Makeup Collection. Look at it. It has everything you could possibly need.

Here's what you get:

• 84 eyeshadow shades
• 36 lipgloss shades
• 6 blush shades
• 4 concealers
• 4 shimmer cream shades
• 1 face brush
• 1 lip brush
• 1 duo eyeshadow applicator 

Umm....that's quite a collection, no? I'm an avid user of all ELF products, so I can assure you that the quality is great.  Everything is well-pigmented and gorgeous. The regular price is $40, which is ridiculously cheap for what you're getting, if you ask me. But now? You can get it for a mere $20!!! Just use the code BESTSELL when you checkout and the discount amount will be deducted.

Honestly, how can you not get it?!

Shameless Self Promotion: the New Issue of Applaud Women is Out!

Yes ladies, it's that time again. The ever fabulous Applaud Women has come out with their summer issue and as usual, it's packed with great info as well as entertaining features.

And yes, I'm biased. My feature in this issue is Summer Solutions: Beat the Heat with Style.  You can read it online here (just click the cover to access the issue).  My piece is on pages 36-37, so click through and read some of the other great articles along the way.  If you have trouble finding mine, try clicking the direct link here.

Here's a screen shot of my article:

Not too shabby, huh? Check it out and as always, make sure to read up on the other fab articles the mag has to offer. 

OPI GIVEAWAY!!!

Alright, I know that my last few posts have been me basically professing my love for OPI. I fully realize that I have an obsession (you should see my nail polish bin--yes, bin). But now, you girls actually get to benefit from it!

Yesterday, I filled you all in on the Kardashian's fave shades,  Over the Taupe and Bubble Bath.  They're pictured on the right.  The shades are very different, but both are perfectly on trend and look fabulous on all skintones.

I've got one set of these pretty hues to give to a lucky reader.

To enter, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "OPI KARDASHIAN GIVEAWAY".  The giveaway ends 8/5 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies!!!

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

The Kardashians Flaunt Their Fave OPI Shades!

Oooo. So, it's not just me who seems to be obsessed with OPI's amazing polishes.  The Kardashian sisters are all over the fab stuff!

Khloé and Kourtney Take Miami stars and OPI fans Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian wore OPI at the Beach Bunny Swimwear 2011 Collection debut during Mercedes Benz Miami Fashion Week, on Friday, July 16. The sisters chose gorgey colors for the event:  Khloé, wore Bubble Bath, a soft milky pink (she's a pink girl like me!), Kourtney wore Over the Taupe, a personal fave of mine (it's a very unique mushroom-esque hue)!

The colors are pictured below:

 How gorgeous are they? You can pick up these shades and more at salons and spas nationwide including chains like Beauty Express, JC Penney, Regis, Trade Secret and ULTA.

New Swiss Collection From OPI!!

Everytime OPI comes out with a new collection, I can't help but squeal and jump up and down on my bed.  Getting new nail polish colors is like Christmas for me!  Opi's colors are always of the best quality and the colors are unique.  Plus, I always get a kick out of the names.




Their latest Swiss Collection really tickles my fancy.  This collection is actually for the fall/winter 2010 seasons, but I'm giving you ladies a little sneak peek ahead of time!


It looks like we have a lovely looking green and some blues but in all actuality, I’m surprised at the vast number of reds.  They are all unique and pretty; I'm just a bit surprised that there are six in the collection.

Despite that, all of the colors are fab for fall.  Each is a bit darker than the bright colors we've been seeing, but they work perfectly with the new fall trends.

The image below has each shade in the order that I've reviewed. The colors pictured are a little bit off, so I'll do my best to explain them.

Here's what's included in the collection:

I’m Suzy & I’m a Chocoholic- This is a red with brown undertones.  It comes across as almost orange-ish, or brick colored. There is no shimmer in this shade.

From A to Z-urich- I really love this color.  It's definitely more of a real red, but with pink undertones.  This is the perfect shade for someone who wants to try red, but doesn't want to go all the way just yet.

Color so it Hot Berns- Now THIS is a bright red--not for the weak. If there's such a thing as neon red, this is it. This has no shimmer; it's a nice cream polish.  Be aware that if you wear this, your nails will get lots of attention!

Just a Little Rosti at this-  I'd say that this is almost more purple than red.  It looks like a berry hue. This also is a cream formula and applies like a dream. 

William Tell Me About OPI- This is a super dark purple.  It's one of those shades that is almost black, but isn't.  I love the plum hue and I'm glad that dark shades are back in style!

Ski Teal We Drop- This is a dark, deep teal; more blue than green.  Looking at it, the color reminds me of ocean water on a perfect sunny day (I know, I know this is a fall/winter shade--not lectures please) It's cream-based as well.

Diva of Geneva- Huzzah! This is a shimmer color (and we all know how much I love a bit of bling on my nails!)  The hue is a grape-like purple with a hint of pink. I layered it over William Tell Me About OPI and the combo looked divine.

Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous- This color is the most difficult for me to explain. In the picture, it simply looks like a silver shimmer, but in person it is so much more.  There are shades of blue, green, charcoal and of course silver contributing to this amazing color.  If you only buy one shade from this collection, make it this one.

Glitzerland- A shimmery gold.  This one looks more or less like the picture.  It's a yellow-ish based gold and looks super pretty on.  The polish is a bit on the sheer side, so if you don't want to go wild and have lots of gold all over the place, you can just apply one coat and be left with a sheer wash of gold shimmer.

Yodel Me on My Cell- This is a bright blue with some teal shimmer to it.  The color is a lot like Ski Teal We Drop, other than the fact that it includes shimmer and that the base color is more of a true blue.

The Color to Watch- This is a beautiful lavender shade.  It has a pearlescent feel to it and has bits of gray shimmer throughout it, making the color darker and more interesting than a plain lavender (which we've all seen a million times all over the place!)


Cuckoo for this Color- Okay. This is the big one.  This shade has a hunter green base, mixed with the slightest bit of blue.  It's quite dark, but not in the same way that William Tell Me About OPI is.  There is a hint of shimmer to the hue, but it is certainly not glittery. This is one color you'll need to see for yourself.  It's definitely my fave!


 The OPI Swiss Collection launches on August 1st, 2010.  OPI is sold at salons and spas nationwide including chains like Beauty Express, JC Penney, Regis, Trade Secret and ULTA.


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

Throw on a Scarf!

My love of scarves has basically been proclaimed all over the internet.  I just can't get enough of them.  I have a whole drawer in my dresser dedicated to scarves (and not all of them fit)!

My reason for my overly obsessed love is that scarves can change up any outfit.  They're the perfect accessory. I'm never without a scarf. If I'm not wearing one around my neck, I've got one tied onto my handbag or in my hair.  They are super chic and if you get yourself a seasonless one--one that isn't made of wool or too-thin summery fabric--you can get a lot of use out of it all year long.

One of my personal faves is this Abstract Ikat Scarf from Ann Taylor Loft.  The color is universally flattering and definitely works for all seasons. The pattern is gorgey, yet it isn't huge and in your face.

This particular scarf is on sale for $15 (marked down from $34). Nice, no?

Who's in Charge?

Charles in Charge used to be one of my absolute favorite shows. I'll admit it: I had a tiny crush on Scott Baio.  Since those days, he hasn't been doing so well and has ended up being somewhat of a fame junkie willing to do anything to be seen.

But that doesn't take away the fact that he used to be my pretend boyfriend.

How amazing is this XO Scott Baio Crew shirt from Urban Outfitters?! It brings back all my memories of love and affection for him.

Mr. Baio is in the typical 80's pose (leaning over one knee) and looks ready to take charge on anything. Hahaha. Get it? I'm hilarious.

This shirt is great. And at $8 each, it's a steal.

Pretty in Pink

Since I'm the hugest klutz in the world (despite my 16 years of dancing), I've taken to wearing flats rather than sky-high heels.  Luckily for me, flats are actually in style now and there are some super chic ones out there.

This pair from Cutesy Girl is calling my name.  The shoes are pink, which of course I'm obsessed with, and there are adorable bows with grommets. What's not to love?

The pink hue itself is actually quite good--it isn't neon (way too over-the-top) or pale (like wedding shoes).  The shoes are just a nice medium shade of pink that flatters nearly everyone.

For those of you who don't want to wear pink of your feet (by the way, I hate you), there are also a few other colors to choose from.

I highly suggest that you buy yourself a pair.  Each pair is about $18. 

Gray is the New Black

It's true.  This season, black nail polish is taking a back seat to its more understated cousin: gray. 

I personally love the look.  Gray gives you the same "stand out effect" that black does, but it does it in the chicest way possible.  It's easier to wear and apply (think of all the times you've had to take a q-tip to your freshly painted black nails to fix mistakes). 

Lighter grays are great for summer and also work well for the transition into fall.  The color is unexpected and unique, which is exactly what you want in a polish.

My fave? Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure in Commander in Chic.  The hue has just the slightest bit of purple to it and is anything but boring.

You can pick up a bottle for under $7.

WHAT??! A Bra You Can Fill With Booze

Cleverly named, the Wine Rack (har har har) is the latest way for us gals to carry around wine, beer, mixed fruity drinks or whatever we please. In a bra. It's like a canteen for your breasts.

It’s basically a sports bra fitted with a bag for liquids that can be filled with up to 750 ml of wine, a.k.a. an entire bottle (yes, for real), creating the illusion of big chest. Win-win?

Wear it to work and sip wine all day! or wear it to boring family events and fill it full of vodka!

Personally, I enjoy the huge straw poking out the side for drinking assistance. It's not noticeable at all. Note my sarcasm.

This is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen. Who the hell invented this?

Each "bra" is about $28 each.

The Prettiest Summer Dress ON SALE!!!

Delia's Juliet Eyelet Dress is my latest obsession. I mean, how adorable is this dress? It's so cute and the cut would look good on nearly every body type, as it nips in at the natural waist and skims the rest of the body.  Bottom line: it's very flattering.

I'm mostly a fan of the details that make the dress unique.  The eyelet details and ruching  at the top make this fabbity-fabulous dress stand out.  The color is great; it has a watermelon hue to it, which is just so pretty and perfect for summertime! It also comes in black, lime and white.

The dress is currently on sale for the amazingly low price of $19.99. How can you not get it?

What's Better Than a Pink Rabbit Ring?

I recently moved, and my new place came with an adorable wild rabbit who lives under a shed in my yard.  I named her Bonnie and she visits constantly. She's the perfect pet because I never have to take care of her; I just get all the joys of having a cute bunny to play with!

So when I saw this ring, it reminded me of Bonnie and I knew I immediately had to have it.  It's also got some pink rhinestones, which doesn't hurt.  Plus it's just an awesome, unique ring. It's the kind of accessory that would be the focal point of an outfit--any more bling would make you look like a pimp, or pimpette.  On it's own, it's gorgey.

You can buy your very own "Bonnie" Bunny Ring from Urban Outfitters ON SALE for $6.99 (marked down from $20)!

Fashion Faux Pas: Mesh Shirts

On my way to work the other day, I spotted a guy wearing a shirt much like the one pictured.  The only difference is that his was teal. Which makes it even worse, in my eyes.  I tried to grab a quick picture with my cell, but he was gone by the time I dug it out of my enormous purse.

Mesh t-shits? Really? How did this happen?! I get that it's been fairly hot out lately and mesh shirts might cool you down (since it's basically like not wearing a shirt at all)...But I'm sorry to say guys, wearing a mesh shirt is probably the stupidest move to make.  You end up looking like an idiot. Wearing mesh at all is simply unacceptable.

I honestly can't believe that this type of shirt is sold anywhere.  I was actually shocked to see anyone wearing mesh.  It's quite disturbing.

Note to all guys out there:  either wear a regular, normal shirt, or don't wear a shirt at all. Anything in between is ridiculous.

I'm Totally Smitten with Revlon's Just Bitten Lip Stain Marker

EEEeeeee!! I love this stuff! A while ago (actually a couple years ago), I wrote of my love for the original Just Bitten lip stain.  It was great and I still use it now.

But Revlon has come out with a divine new marker version of their lip stains.  Their Colorstay Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm is truly my new favorite lip product (for now).  The marker makes the stain super easy to apply; just literally color in your lips! It's pretty fool-proof.  There's also a balm on the other end to soothe your lips and to wear over the stain.

Color-wise, there are about 10 different shades--all of them gorgeous.  Personally, I love wearing a bright red lip stain in the summer because it's an unexpected look.  Pair bright lip stain with barely any other makeup to avoid looking overdone. 

The product itself is great. When I tried out the stain, it lasted all day and still managed to come off easily with a little makeup remover. It's perfect.

New For Oily Skin: Origins Zero Oil Collection

For all you ladies with oily skin, Origins has a fab new collection! Their new Zero Oil collection is perfect for those who regularly have oily skin, or for those who tend to have oily skin in the summer (that'd be me).  Even though I tend to have dry skin most of the time, summer really makes me break out like crazy--not good.

The two products that I love, and now cannot live without, are the cleanser and lotion.

The Zero Oil Deep pore cleanser with Saw Palmetto & Mint is simply divine.  It has a tingly feeling to it, so after washing my face with it, I felt super clean.  At the same time, I didn't feel like it dried up my skin, it simply cleansed it. It's foamy and deeply cleanses skin, plus it leaves absolutley no residue behind.  It's pretty much perfect for summer when we're all sweaty and our skin gets oily. My face has never felt cleaner.

As for the Zero Oil Oil-free lotion with Saw Palmetto & Mint, I was also impressed.  It's lightweight, yet definitely hydrating.  It reduces shine and leaves a matte finish.  I found the lotion great to apply before makeup application.  It gave me a smooth canvas to work with.

So, I'm pretty much in love with these products.  I don't think it's possible to marry skincare products, but if it were, I'd consider a Zero Oil wedding.  Too far?

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

The Cutest Flash Drive Ever!

Okay, I know this isn't really "fashion" related.  But these Mimobot Flash Drives are quickly becoming one of my fave accessories.

These little cuties come in three different designs: Owlsley, Golden Panda and Buddy Chub Rainbow (pictured). The rainbow hued doodads make me want to jump up and down with delight.  It's like a little doll that you want to carry around with you.  Except it's also a flash drive. BONUS!!

Each flash drive holds up to 2G.  They're great for techies who want cuteness with their tools.  They're Mac/PC compatible, so whatever you've got, they should work.

I think I'm in love.  With a flash drive.

Fight Frizz: Avon's New Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment

I've lived with frizzy hair since I was born.  I remember being in first grade and have a mean kid point and laugh as he said, "hahahaha it looks like you just got electrocuted in the head!!!" Brutal stuff.  So anti-frizz products are close to my heart.

I've tried literally hundreds of frizz remedies and have found some winners and some unfortunate huge failures.  I'm happy to say that Avon's newest anti-frizz baby, Advance Techniques Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment is nothing short of the bomb diggitty.

So many factors make this product absolutely fabulous. The first thing I noticed when I opened up the bottle was the scent. It's very tropical-smelling, if that makes sense. Kind of like a pina colada. Honestly, that alone made me like the product.  But I also loved how it worked.  I used maybe a quarter-size amount (a little more than suggested since my hair is crazily thick) and really liked the results. My curls looked like curls, rather than merely contributing to a ball of frizz like they do when left to their own devices.  The Lotus Shield didn't seem to make my hair oily or leave behind any weird residue, AND it made my hair gorgeous. 

Bottom line: I don't look like I "got electrocuted in the head". Or even close.

Avon Advance Technique Frizz Control Lotus Shield comes out in late July, 2010. Once it comes out, you can get it from a local Avon representative or on their website for $12.

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

Keep Your Shades in Something Pretty

There are so many ugly cases for sunglasses that often I end up going commando and just throwing my sunglasses into my purse without any protection.  Hey, I'd rather be fashionable than have something ugly in my handbag.  

But I'm simply in love with these adorable Trina Turk Needlepoint Eyeglass Cases.

The colors are fabulous, the design is funky yet delicate…pretty much perfect.  It also borderlines on being something my grandma might carry, but it’s just stylish enough that it’s cool and has more of a vintage feel than an old lady’s doodad.
 
If for some ungodly reason you don’t carry around sunglasses, the pouch is also a cute mini-bag for makeup or accessories.  I’d even use it as a clutch.
 
Each case is $24.50, which I think is great for such a cutesy accessory (especially if it protects my sunglasses a bit).

For All the Creeps out There: The Key Knife

Not all knife-carrying lads like to be flashy and show off their blade.  Maybe they don't enjoy all the flash and pizazz that a knife out in the open gives.  Or maybe they're crazy and already have a few arrests under their belt, and carrying a knife around wouldn't look great.

Whatever the reason, Garrett Wade's Key Knife is one of the creepiest things I've seen.  I know that there are often little things in life that you might need a knife for; my boyfriend always has a little pocket knife with him...But hiding it and pretending it's a key?! Seems like a bit much.

Here's one of the reviews: "The [key knife] is the best key on my key ring."  I imagine he said that after stabbing someone on the subway. It's also troubling that his house key, or car key doesn't even match the awesomeness of his knife key.

Here's another obsessed review: "This perfect little key-knife is one of those things you just can't put down. You will love the feel of it. You hold it and love it and treasure it. You put it in your favorite place in your purse or car. Then you just know you HAVE to order more for only your most special friends. My doctor, my sons, my sister and of course another one for myself" He sounds so emotional about it that I can't help but feel for him. At the same time, I don't know...if someone purchased a key knife for me, I would take it as a weird threat.  I find the fact that this man would purchase one for his doctor a little strange.  Really?! But maybe it can be used for surgery on the go or something...

I find this knife both hilarious and highly creep-tastic at the same time. I mean, it is literally a hidden knife that is made to look like a normal key.  Imagine being on a first date with a guy who has one.  Maybe you just need to cut something and he busts out this elaborate key knife to "help" you. I'd freak out, run away and change my phone number.

Yet, I must admit that a small part of me wants to buy one for the hilarity of it. They're $24.90 each.

The Cutest Wristlet Ever...is by Vera Bradly?!??

Every time I even walk by a store that sells Vera Bradley purses, my blood begins to boil.  I have such a hatred for their old-lady-ugly-quilted bags that I can't really even put it into words.

But now they've got a new line called Frill. For the most part, none of the pieces are offensive and most of them are actually pretty damn cute!

My fave product is their Hangin' Out Wristlet. The flowers are gorgey and a wristlet like this will never be out of style.  Plus, I don't think it even has the words "Vera Bradley" anywhere on it, which is a huge bonus.

The bag is currently on sale for $13.50.  There are other patterns, but some of them tend to lean towards the ugly Vera-ness that I think we'd all like to avoid.

So here's the lesson: even if you absolutely hate a brand or shop, check out their store every once in a while. You might be surprised like I was (not that I'm going to be purchasing tons for Vera goodies anytime soon)!

The Perfect Product to Refresh Hair

Summertime is my hair's worst enemy.  I constantly have to run into the bathroom and desperately look for some sort of magical product to make my hair look fresh rather than the hideous afro-chic look I've been sporting.

Well, now there's a divine product by Wen. Their Fig Replenishing Treatment Mist is amazing.  I love the line already, but I have to say that this is my fave product by far.

The mist has it all: it hydrates hair, controls frizz and even works as a leave-in conditioner.  The mist can also be used on the body, which is a lovely added bonus. Also, it works on the face and helps "set" makeup.  Is there anything that this amazingly perfect product can't to??!

The 6oz bottle is small enough to throw in your purse to refresh yourself throughout the day--at least that's what I'll be doing!  The scent is nice as well; the fig scent is fresh and light so it won't clash with any perfume you happen to be wearing.

Each bottle of the mist is $32.  A little on the pricey side, but since it can basically do 57438957 things, I'd say it's worth it!

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