Happy Halloween!

Have a fun, fashionable Halloween, ladies!!  Check out these designer-inspired pumpkins (you can even use them as a bag)! Give it a try if you have a little time on your hands.

Victoria's Secret Has Your Back

Backpacks really take me back (hahaha like my word play?) ...I had some pretty awesome ones when I was still in school.  But nothing as cute as these super adorable backpacks from Victoria's Secret.

I absolutely love them! I also think that, as an adult, it's totally fine to wear a backpack if you want to.  Especially if it's as cute as these ones.

All of my handbags are usually super heavy, as I carry around tons of stuff wherever I go. Having a backpack like this would really help my shoulders out because the weight would be balanced.  Plus it has a bunch of pockets to keep things organized.

The backpacks come in a bunch of different designs.  I love the one pictured (pastel blue floral).  That particular pattern costs $44.50.  Depending on the design you like, the price ranges from $39.50-$79.50.

Look for Less: Pippa Middleton's Handbag

I'm not usually one to covet celeb accessories, but I saw this picture of Pippa Middleton and instantly fell in love.

It's the perfect universal bag.  Because it has both black and brown material, it literally goes with any outfit. The color blocking is trendy and classic at the same time.  I also really love the size--not crazy huge, but large enough for me to tote around everything I need (which is a lot).

Needless to say, the bag is super expensive.



So I went crazy all over the internet and found a very similar one for a lot less! Khol's Nine & Co. Sweet Sophistication Tote has the same basic look to it.  It's really almost identical.

And it's on SALE for $35.50 (marked down from $59)!!

Yay!

ELF Thinks Pink!

Breast Cancer Awareness month is coming to a close.  But there are a still oodles of products that support the cause.

One of my absolute faves is ELF's Lotion Wipes.

The idea is pretty cool--rather than carrying around tubes and bottles of lotion, you can use the wipes to moisturize your skin, and make it smell lovely.  It's a great product to use on-the-go and the application is mess-free.  You also never have to worry about squeezing out too much lotion and getting it all over the place, since the wipes contain a pre-measured amount of lotion.

ELF is being super awesome and actually donating 100% of the profits from their new Peony Petal scent to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Each set of 15 wipes is $3.

While you're on the site, be sure to check out the fab sales they've got going on!

How to Fix Hair Emergencies

Ever since the sixth grade, I've been coloring my hair.  And I've seen almost every hair coloring mishap out there.  I even had highlighter-orange hair for a while (by accident, of course)!

If you color your hair on the regular like me, and have problems,below are some simple solutions.


PROBLEM: GREEN HAIR
Fix: Ketchup 
Being blonde can be pretty dangerous.  A quick dip in chlorinated water or too much sun exposure is all it takes to cause an unwanted color change. When this happens, washing hair with ketchup cancels out green tones. I know it sounds crazy, but the red from the tomatoes counteracts the green tints. And the acid helps remove minerals that caused the nasty chemical color reaction. Simply massage the ketchup into your hair with your fingertips, leave on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse out thoroughly with cool water.


PROBLEM: GRAY ROOTS
Fix: Eyeshadow 
If you color your hair to camouflage gray roots, but you don't have time to touch up before your next board meeting, try dusting a matching shade of eyeshadow on your part to hide grays. Take a makeup brush, dampen the bristles and dip into powder. Then, dab the shadow on your part where it's gray.


PROBLEM: DULL COLOR FROM PRODUCT BUILDUP
Fix: Apple cider vinegar
Overusing the same products can cause buildup that coats your hair, giving it a dull appearance. I've definitely been there myself, multiple times.  To help your color shine through, de-gunk your hair with a clarifying shampoo like Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. Or if you want to save the cash, use a natural hair rinse once in a while -- like apple cider vinegar -- which can remove buildup.


PROBLEM: OBVIOUS, DIFFERENT COLORED ROOTS
Fix: Braid your hair 
If your hair grows ridiculously fast like mine, you probably end up having roots before you have time (or money) for your next hair coloring sesh., Braiding mixes the two-toned hair, which helps make the roots less noticeable. Side-braid the front of your hair, including any bangs you may have, and tuck it behind one ear. You can also zigzag the part, rather than creating a straight one to camouflage highlights.


PROBLEM: DRY HAIR FROM FREQUENT COLORING
Fix: Semi-permanent dye 
If you color every couple of months, you may be left with dry, coarse hair. There are some great options to keep your hair looking healthy. First, go for a semi-permanent hair color. It's much less damaging than full-on hair color. Or do a root application when re-coloring your hair rather than coloring all over. That way, your grays and obvious roots are covered up without applying product over every strand. It's also important to use a deep conditioning product once a week when your hair is colored to restore moisture.

[credit: Total Beauty]

Everyone Needs a Pink Lace Clutch

Target has become one of my favorite places in the world.  Especially since they have high-end designers create fabulous collections for a fraction of their normal going rate.

Right now, I'm really diggin' this Kirna Zabete Lace Hard Case Clutch.  It's just the perfect evening bag.

I love lace, and it's super in style this season.  But when people think of lace, they generally imagine white, flowy lace (which I also love).  This bag takes lace to a totally different level.  The fuchsia toned base color is absolutely perfect when paired with the bold black lace.

The result is a bag that is both classic, and daring at the same time. I really need to add this to my constantly growing purse collection, stat!

Size-wise, it's not huge, but it isn't super tiny, either. You can easily fit a small wallet, cell phone, lipgloss and a couple other must-haves in the bag.  It's 3.75 " H x 6.0 " W x 2.25 " D.  So it's really perfect for any night out.

The best part? It's only about $35! Love it!!

Orly Celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness month is almost over, but there are still a bunch of products out there that support the cause!

One of my faves? Surprise, surprise--it's more pink nail polish!! Orly's Pretty in Pink polish collection includes three lovely pink glitter hues.  They aren't very pigmented, so you can choose to wear them on their own, or over one of your other polishes.  Or go crazy and wear all three glitters at the same time!

Each polish comes adorned with a cute little breast cancer awareness ribbon charm, which I obviously am in love with.

Even better than the adorableness of the polishes, is that 20% of the profits will be donated to Cancer Schmancer.  Their mission is to transform women from patients into medical consumers, and to shift the nation’s priority from searching for a cancer cure towards prevention and early detection of cancer.

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

Lorac Beauty Bag on Sale!

I'm not sure what is so intriguing about beauty sets to me, but I'm utterly obsessed with them.  Especially when they come complete with an adorable makeup bag.

Lorac has a great Sapphire Shimmer Eye Collection set that totally tickles my fancy.  I'm already a huge fan of Lorac cosmetics in general--all of their products are of the absolute best quality.

This ridiculously gorgeous set comes complete with everything you need for a lovely evening look. From the full size Starry Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Starlet (Purple) and the Sparkle Pencil Eye Shadow/Liner pencil in Sapphire Shimmer to the Lotsa Lash Fiber Extending Mascara in Black, it's perfect. All this comes tucked in a makeup bag that can double as an evening clutch.

Now I know some of you ladies are afraid to try out purple eye shadow.  It sounds scary. But for most eye colors, purple hues look amazing.  As long as you don't overdo it, a purple smoky eye is super flattering and more unique than your typical black or brown shadow looks.  Just remember to tone down the rest of your makeup to keep the focus on your eyes and avoid that whole "prostitute on duty" look.

Let's talk about the bag.  As you probably know, I'm a huge sucker for bags, be they makeup bags, or regular purses.  The fact that this can double as an evening bag is awesome.  Using it as an evening bag, it can totally complement your purple eyes, without looking too matchy-matchy.  Or you can simply use the bag for cosmetics.  Either way, it's super cute!

Now for the best part--this set was originally $64.  And it's actually worth the price for the quality of makeup you get.  But it's been marked down to $26!! That's actually what the eye shadow trio costs on it's own! So this is a crazily good deal.

I'm sure these are going to go really quickly--so get shopping!

Just For Us Bloggers...

Umm...yeah.  This is a real product.  And yes, it is supposed to help bloggers.

Truth be told, I actually do a lot of writing at night.  But, like most normal people, I have a small desk lamp that I use for light.  The best part about my desk lamp is that it doesn't have a plethora of colors that shine all over the keyboard in a rave-like fashion.

But if you're the type of blogger who's into that, grab these Party Rats Finger Lights. Everytime you write while wearing them, it's like a disco party simply showed up on your computer!

I cannot imagine any blogger anywhere using these finger lights. They'd just get in the way! Honestly, the product sounds like a joke.  Unfortunately, it's not.

Here's what people have to say about them:


"I couldn't see giving it as a gift to the 13 year old it was intended for, even as a joke gift.  The package was not even a complete package, only 3 of 5 lights work."

"My cats love them, so much so that they nibbled off my fingers. They love chasing the lights."

I think that last one really says it all.  The product is probably okay for other stuff, but marketing them for bloggers isn't a big selling point.  From reading many other reviews, it's clear that the lights do not seem to be of the best quality--they show up with only half of the lights working, or the package basically torn open...not really a product I could see anyone in the real world buying.

I do, however, think that the lights could somehow be incorporated into a kick-ass Halloween costume.  And really, that's the only place they belong.

If for some ungodly reason you want to try them out, each set of five (or, you know, three if you're lucky) is under $8.

Illamasqua Rubber Finish Nail Polish

I love trying out different looks for my nails.  I literally own over 200 nail polishes--and that's after I've  just cleaned out my collection!  Different textures and finishes are things I'm immediately drawn to.  So when I heard that one of my fave makeup brands, Illamasqua, had come out with a rubber finish polish, I knew I had to try it out.

The idea is just so unique.  I mean, rubber-looking nails? Definitely an interesting and intriguing idea.

So I tried out a few different colors of the Rubber Finish Nail Polish, and was actually pretty impressed.  The polishes really do have a bit of a "rubber" finish to them.  The colors are gorgeous, but even if people don't notice the color, they'll definitely notice the finish!


Each polish is thin and a bit jelly-ish and sheer, so two medium-thick coats are needed for an opaque look.  The rubberized finish in this collection also looks a bit "plasticy", to give you more of an idea. Because the finish is part of the actual polish itself, to sustain the rubberized look you can’t apply a top coat.  It's kind of like what we did with matte polish last year.

The colors don't look as rubber-esque in the pictures as they do in real life, but I assure you that the look is there.  Regardless, take a look at these three fabulous Fall colors!

Kink is a rich forest green (which is a coveted color this season).  It's super gorgeous. The shade is interesting because it surprisingly goes with more than you'd think.  For whatever reason, the green hue has the ability to act almost as a neutral. I had this particular color on for about a week and didn't really need to change anything about my outfits to go with my nails.

Faux Pas is a medium, sultry purple.  I'd say it has a bit more blue than red in it, but only slightly.  I absolutely love this color because it's so rich and can be built up to create a darker, more saturated version. This is a great color to wear out for an evening.  That said, you do need to be a little daring with your polish hues to wear it regularly!

Vice is a super lush raspberry creme shade.  It's also my favorite out of the three.  The color is just so fantastic.  It's not super dark, or too bright--it meets right in the middle and is just the perfect polish hue.  The rubber finish on this particular color gives it an almost velvety look, which I love.  This is a polish that I'll definitely be wearing for the majority of the season!

You can buy each polish for about $22 each.

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. 

Umm Why Haven't I Heard of This Before? The Makeup Board

My makeup collection is a complete mess. Even though I'm constantly going through it and getting rid of stuff (kind of), I just can't seem to get it to be any less messy.  Honestly, my boyfriend is a witness to the fact that I spend hours and hours with all my makeup spread out in attempts to organize it. I've tried everything-- buying multiple train cases, huge makeup bags with little pockets...everything.

But I never thought about utilizing the walls of my bathroom with a magnetic makeup board!

The concept is easy, and once you try it, I promise you'll be way more organized and be able to do your makeup way faster than usual.

Basically all you do is find a magnetic board (or make one yourself).  There are tons of really cute ones on Etsy.  Then it's as simple as gluing small magnets onto the products that you need daily! Then you just hang up the board and enjoy the feeling of having all your fave makeup all in the same place.

Fabulous, right?!

The Look For Less: Shimmery Shadow

I don't think I'll ever get tired of using eyeshadow that's super shimmery.  I love all things glittery, sparkly, and shiny.  So eyeshadow that packs some fine glitter is right up my alley.

The thing is, a lot of the shadows I've found that have the right amount of glitter (not crazily chunky) are très, très expensive.

One of my faves is Urban Decay's Midnight Cowboy Rides Again.  It's a really nice medium brown shade with just the right amount of shimmer.  It's highly pigmented and is one of the few shadows I can wear alone--it's that gorgeous.

The problem? Each shadow is about $20.  Since I use it so frequently, that really adds up.  So I took a look around and found an almost identical shadow for much less.

ELF's Cowgirl is practically the same color.  And I don't think the similarity in the names is a coincidence.  The shadow works just as well as the Urban Decay version, and it's a mere $3.

Huzzah!

Halloween String Doll GIVEAWAY!!!

It's no secret that I absolutely love Kamibashi's String Dolls.  So when a new one comes out, I basically go crazy with delight.

This cute little Vampire String Doll is my latest fave.  I mean, how precious is she?! I love the details (especially the little fishnet tights she has on).

Kamibashi has teamed up with Sassy Fashionista for a fabulous giveaway! I've got 5 of these absolutely adorable dolls to give away to 5 lucky readers!

Enter below.  And check out the rest of Kamibashi's Halloween String Dolls--they're all super cute!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: This post contains a sample product 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. 

Pink with a Purpose

It's still Breast Cancer Awareness month, and that means even more pretty pink products that benefit the cause!

And right on cue, Clinique has come out with this fabulous Limited Edition Plumped Up Pink Chubby Stick for BCA month! I've always been a fan of their Chubby Sticks, but this perfect pink hue looks absolutely amazing.

When you buy the Chubby Stick, you also get a cute little makeup bag (in pink, of course) that has a heart-shaped charm with the iconic pink ribbon inside it.  And you know me--makeup bags tend to put me over the edge.  I just can't get enough of them.  Just ask my boyfriend!

So the set is $16 and $3 from each purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.


Clinique is also offering up their already fabulous Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with an adorably cute charm on it for $36, with $10 going to the BCA Foundation.

Either way, you've got two great products that benefit a good cause!

It's a Makeup Emergency!

If you know me, then you know that I always carry around, what I like to call, my "Emergency Makeup Bag".

Plenty of people sell adorable little kits (I've even written about a few), but when it comes down to it, you can really make your own quite easily.

Now, everyone has a different makeup routine, so feel free to add that fab red lipstick, or black liner that you can't live without. But here are some of the essentials I personally keep with me at all times:

Deodorant/cleansing wipes

They're a lifesaver. Honestly, having some deodorant wipes are perfect for if you happen to be going out after work, or if you just want to freshen up throughout the day.  Using regular deodorant simply doesn't work after the first application.  As I learned in high school from my health teacher, "putting deodorant on sweat doesn't do shit".  I might be exaggerating a little, but you get the message. Also,  pack makeup/facialcleansing wipes, which can keep your face smudge-free and underarms fresh and clean.

Clear nail polish

This stuff plays double duty in emergency situations--not only can it add shine to your nails, it can also patch up unfortunate nylon runs, act as a makeshift band-aid and even get rid of unsightly warts (yes, really). Don’t leave this one at home.

Earring backs

Something you don't really think about, but will be really happy that you have them.  Preserve your fave earrings--and the awesomeness of your perfectly-accessorized outfit--by carrying some spare earring backs in case you lose one. It doesn't happen a lot, but trust me, you'll be grateful when you need one!

Safety pins

Any of you who has ever felt the horrifying pop as the button on your pants gives way knows that a safety pin or two is essential in preventing (or lessening the effect of) the dreaded wardrobe malfunction. It will hold things firmly in place, at least until you get home and can change into something else. They're good to have for multiple situations.

A small mirror

Sometimes makeup disasters strike without you even realizing.  And that sucks.  That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to keep a mirror with you at all times so that you can check on things--like that your lipstick is looking fab, your mascara hasn't caused a case of raccoon eyes and that you don't have any food in your teeth.

Keep all these things with you and you'll be good to go! Add in some lipgloss, or whatever else you might need throughout the day.

Need Boots? Check out Macy's!

Fall is officially here—and has been for a while!  I know it’s sad, but the good news is that there are some fab shoes out there for Fall and Winter weather.

If you’re like me and live in New England, you know that boots are pretty much a staple for your cold weather wardrobe.  It’s also worth it to spend a decent chunk of money when it comes to good quality boots.  They’re one of the few pieces of footwear that you really can’t skimp on.

Macy’s has oodles of amazing boots that I’m obsessed with.  Their Pink and Pepper Khloe TallBoots are honestly everything I've been looking for in a boot.  They just look absolutely perfect.  I get the feeling that they’re comfy, while somehow being crazily stylish at the same time.  That’s really important to me, as I walk around a lot and normally chose comfort over style (to a point)! This pair definitely combines the two.  The best part? They’re on sale for $69!

Another pair of fabbity-fabulous boots Macy’s has to offer is their G by GUESS Dorbii Platform Boots. Guess always has gorgeous shoes, but there’s just something about these particular boots that really tickle my fancy.  You could wear them out for a night on the town, or tuck a pair of skinny jeans into them for a cozy low-key day.  The stiletto is super sexy, and the ruching makes the look totally unique. For $99, these boots are definitely a winner.

Not a fan of tall boots? Macy’s also has some adorable booties! I’m loving their Style&co. Heartbreak Faux-Fur Booties.  Personally, I love wearing anything with animal print. It really never goes out of style and wearing it on a great accessory, like shoes, is a gorgey way to incorporate the look.  These cute booties are $79.

So take a trip to Macy’s.  They’ve got everything-- to boot!!

Disclosure: This is a paid/sponsored post. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me. 

Support Breast Cancer Awareness With Essie

Breast Cancer Awareness month is probably my favorite time of the year.  I love supporting the cause, but what I almost love even more is the fact that everything comes in pink!  No matter what store I go into, it's basically like a pink explosion took place.  And I don't hate it.

This year, Essie has come out with four adorable pink nail polish hues that benefit BCA research with each purchase.

The colors are super cute.  I probably own over 20 pink polishes, but this is def a good excuse to buy more!

Here are the colors:

Check-Up - A mid-tone rosy pink with just a hint of fuchsia in it.






















Good Morning Hope - A very sheer baby pink. You can build it up to an opaque shade with about three coats, but it's prettiest when left sheer.






















I Am Strong - A creamy, mid-tone pink. This classic shade looks great on everyone!






















We're in it Together - A sheer baby pink with a light iridescent shimmer to it.

Aren't the colors fab? Each polish is $8. You can find Essie products in select salons, drugstores and online.

Get Ready For Halloween--Hard Candy Style!

It's time to get going on your Halloween costume ideas! The month is really flying by, so I absolutely love the fact that Hard Candy has come out with these fab Halloween Makeup Kits.

Currently, they're available in the following looks:  Peacock, Show Girl, Vampire, and Cat.  They're all cute, but I'm a big fan of the Show Girl set.

The cool thing about each of these kits is that they each contain makeup that you can actually use, even if it's not Halloween.  Seriously. Some of their best selling products are included, so the kits end up saving you money in the long run.


For example, the Show Girl set contains:

• Kal-Eye-Descope baked eyeshadow
• pressed blush
• Walk the Line liquid eyeliner
• Mouthing Off lip gloss
• Take Me Out eyeliner pencil

And it's about $15.

My advice? Stock up on these kits while they last! You'll love the makeup and end up getting tons of use out of everything.

My New Fave Top--On Sale!

Alright, alright...I know that it's technically Fall. But quite honestly, I don't care.

No matter what the season is, I'm always looking for cute cami tops.  When it's cold out, you can layer them under a comfy, chic sweater, and when it's warm out, you can wear it on its own.  So it's always good to stock up on tanks, regardless of the season.

I randomly stumbled upon this fabulous Fitted Corset Tank at Walmart, of all places.  Every once in a while, they really surprise me and come out with something amazing--like this top.

I absolutely love the fit.  Since it's in the junior's section, I did have to go with a medium.  Whatever your normal size is, I'd go a size larger when trying out juniors clothing in general.

The cut is great.  It's not really a "corset", per se, but the top does have seams going up the front in a very flattering way.  There are also molded cups, so you can go braless, which rocks.

The tank comes in a few different colors and patterns (black, fuchsia, black polka dot, gray cheetah, and rose print).  They're all super cute; it's a top that's great to stock up on.  The black hue is good to have on hand to wear with any outfit, and the patterns are great for the focal piece of an ensemble. The rose print is my favorite.  It'd look great with a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer.

The best part is that each top is on sale for $7.88.  And trust me, they actually look much more expensive than that. So get shopping, ladies!

Eyes Lips Face Halloween SALE!

ELF is already at the top of my makeup brand list.  Their products are of good quality and the prices are ridiculously low.

Currently, ELF is taking an extra 50% off of what they consider to be "Halloween Treats", on top of their already crazy cheap prices!

I, of course, already placed my order and am happy to report that I'll be getting a huge box of makeup in the mail soon.  The Halloween products contain items from all categories of the site--it's not like Halloween makeup, or anything cheesy like that.  It's just some of their regular fabulous makeup on sale. Love it!

There are so many choices in the category.  I ended up getting some of my fave go-to products:  their Pout Perfecter (which I reviewed last Spring) and their Glitter Eyeshadow (because obviously I'm obsessed with glitter).  And a ton more.

Act fast, because this great offer is only available until 10/15! After you're done shopping, simply enter TREAT at the checkout and watch the price drop!

Happy shopping!

How to Keep Your Skin Glowing All Season (and a GIVEAWAY)!

I have to admit, last year I did my fair share of tanning at a salon in a tanning bed.  I know, I know--it's incredibly horrible for your skin.  Especially for me, since my skin is severely pale (thanks, Scottish roots!)

So this year, I'm trying to go for safer ways to stay glowing.

I'm loving the Self Tan Bronzing Gel from St. Tropez.  It adds just the right amount of color so you can avoid looking bright orange or any other unnatural color.  I really like that it's in a gel form.  It's definitely easier to apply than any other self tanning product I've tried, and it lasts a bit longer too.

Because the gel is already bronze in the tube, it's even easier to apply because you can actually see it on your skin, unlike other tanning products out there.

For the complete look, it does take up to 8 hours to get your glow on.  During that time, you cannot shower.  Personally, I waited about 12 hours, just to be on the safe side.

To apply, exfoliate your skin the best you can.  This creates a nice soft base for the gel to glide on to.  Make sure to moisturize your hands, elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and any light hair that you don't want getting darker.  Those are typically the trouble spots I tend to have when using other products, so for me it was the most important step.  Apply the gel in a circular motion for the best, most even tan.  Also, wait until your skin is dry to the touch before putting on any clothing.  This is so that your tan looks even and your clothing doesn't get an unwanted bronzed look.

Each Bronzing Gel retails for $35.  But lucky for you ladies, I have one tube to give away!!

Enter the giveaway below to look stunningly bronze, without harming your skin!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

(If the above raffle does not work, you can also enter by sending an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading: SELF TAN.)


Disclosure: This post contains a sample product 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. 

What's Pissing Me Off Right Now: TLC's Honey Boo Boo

First of all, this isn't quite a "fashion faux pas", but I feel the need to write about it anyway.

I've always been against Toddler's in Tiaras (a reality show on TLC). It basically exploits little girls who go to pageants  even though most of the girls hate them, and focus on the ridiculously horrible stage mothers.  I have to admit though...there have been times when I've watched because I simply couldn't look away.  The show is like a car accident!

After that show got popular, one little girl called "Honey Boo Boo", got her very own show.

Why do I have such a problem with this? Her name is Alana.  My name is also Alana.  And she's pretty much giving "Alana" a bad name.

It's also a bit weird for me because if the show happens to be on, and I hear someone scream "Alana!", I generally assume it's someone talking to me.  I mean, up until now, I've never really known or seen another Alana. So this is all quite troubling.

Her whole family is disgusting (sorry, but it's true), and the show is just awful.  Unfortunately, it's so popular that people are planning to wear Honey Boo Boo Halloween costumes!

Please join me in boycotting the show and let's make the name Alana awesome again!

Gorgeous Bag for Fall

I'm addicted to handbags.  Regardless of the fact that I own over 50 purses, I simply cannot stop shopping for bags. I doubt I'll be quitting anytime soon.

My latest love? This fabbity-fabulous Studded Hobo Bag from Dressbarn.  Honestly, Dressbarn has really stepped it up over the past few seasons.  I'm loving their accessories! In the past, I've avoided the store, but they seriously have some ridiculously awesome stuff that isn't expensive.

Back to the bag--how gorgey is it?! I love the color.  Even though it's blue, it really can act as a neutral hue because it has a denim look to it.  This is the kind of bag that you can wear with virtually any outfit.

I'm also loving the size.  I carry around tons of stuff, so having a larger purse is really important.  This one is 12" L x 10" W with a 10" drop and a snap-top closure.  It looks pretty roomy, without having the appearance of an ugly duffle bag, which can be kind of tricky to find.

The best part is that the bag is only $34.  It's basically seasonless, so you can get a lot of use out of it.

I also want to bring up the fact that Dressbarn is doing something special for Breast Cancer Awareness month (Huzzah)! For $6, you can get Ruby, an adorable stuffed puppy. When you bring Ruby home, the entire net profit of at least $2.50 will be donated to the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer initiatives.

Pretty fantastic, right?

With those prices, I think it's pretty safe to get the bag and the puppy--especially since you can say it's for a good cause!

Find Your Perfect Bra

Bras are kind of a big deal.  Even though the general public doesn't see your undergarments, bras are the foundation to looking fabulous in an outfit.

Finding the right bra can be quite a challenge.  A shocking 80% of women wear the wrong bra size.  That's a pretty horrifying statistic.

In my opinion, it's definitely worth it to go in for a bra fitting and spend a little more cash, than to find a cheap bra that almost fits.

Here are a few common mistakes women make while bra shopping:


Choosing Comfort over Support
Can you fit more than two fingers underneath the band of your bra? If the answer is yes, you need a smaller size. A bra that makes your breasts look lifted and full must have a snug band. (Most of your bra's support should come from the band, not the straps.)

Settling for the Wrong Cup Size
Many women think that bras max out at a D cup. In fact, you can find bras today that come in everything from a AAA to an N--yes, really. The right cups won't wrinkle or gap or let your breasts spill over the top or out the bottom of the bra.

Buying the Same Size You Wore 10 Years Ago
Your bra size will change multiple times over the course of your life—weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, hormonal changes and aging all affect the size and shape of your breasts.  Get a bra fitting once a year to make sure you're still wearing the best size for you.

Making Bra Shopping a Biennial Event
Even the highest-quality bra won't last more than 12 months. Over time, the elastic wears out and the bra no longer offers strong support. To get the longest life out of your bra, hand wash it in lukewarm water and mild detergent, and hang it to dry. If you wash your bras in a machine, use the gentle cycle and hang them to dry. Never put a bra in the dryer; the heat damages the elastic. When you store your bras, don't bend one molded cup into the other. Instead, lay them flat, one on top of the other, to preserve their shape.

So make sure to take your time when shopping for bras and don't compromise! 

Fashion Faux Pas: Grover Inspired Handbag

First of all, I have to say that I love Kate Spade.  Most of the collections are absolutely fabulous.

Unfortunately, this ridiculous Evening Bag is in the latest collection. Whyyyyy, Kate Spade?! I'm seriously upset by this absurd addition. I feel like I've been punched in my fashion bone.

I mean, come on! It's one of the ugliest bags I've ever seen.  It literally looks as if Grover from Sesame Street was torn apart to make it.  And that's pretty sad. What did Grover do to deserve this horrible punishment?

Even without the Grover factor, carrying around a bright blue furry bag is just unacceptable. It looks like a bag that an uninformed child would use.  For Halloween. It's ugly, looks super cheap, and makes me want to vomit all over the world.

The worst part? Each bag is about $400.  Yup.  For a hideous Sesame Street-esque bag.

Do yourself a favor and save your money and buy something that doesn't look stupid.  Thanks.

That is all.

Tell it Like it is--With Class

There are plenty of days when I feel like telling the entire world to screw off.  But, because I am a lady, I do not.

Instead, I let my accessories do the talking.  This Fuck Off bracelet from Screwords is exactly what I mean.  It's the perfect accessory to keep with you at all times, just in case you feel like sending out the message.

What I love most about this bracelet is that it's actually crafted amazingly well.  It's made from solid brass wire (but you can ask to have it made from different metals), and is handmade.  Unless someone actually takes the time to read your wrist, the bracelet just looks like a gorgey bangle.  This is truly the classiest way to let out your inner bitch.

Each bracelet retails for $50.  But can you really put a price on an accessory this awesome?!

Kamibashi Cares about BCA Month!

October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness month.  It's one of my fave months (and not just because everyone sells oodles of pink things!) I actually love the fact that you can buy something cute while helping others.

Kamibashi's String Dolls are super adorable already.  But even more awesome,  they are donating $5 from each sale of Susie Survivor to the Pretty in Pink Foundation.

The foundation is a is a non-profit organization that provides financial resources for uninsured and under-insured people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have limited financial means.  It's definitely a worthy cause.

Now let's talk about the doll.  How cute is Susie?! I absolutely love her. Not only is she dressed in pink; she's a symbol of strength and survival. And really, what's better than that?

Each doll is $10. Not bad at all, and totally worth it since half of the sale is going towards helping women get the care they need!