Ballerina Flats with an Edge

Much as I love heels, I'm definitely more of a flats girl.  Even though I'm only a mere 5ft tall, there's just something amazing about pretty flats.

I'm also probably the girliest girl in the entire world.  No question, really.  So ballerina flats are a shoe staple for me.  They look super classy, and can usually be dressed up or down.

But sometimes I need a little edge to toughen up an overly girly outfit.  These adorable Stud Embellished Bow Flats from Go Jane are a perfect for this.

I'm honestly obsessed with these shoes! It's like they packed everything I love into one pair of flats.  First of all, the light blush color is super feminine, which I obviously love.  The contrasting black, studded detail somehow manages to work perfectly with the soft pink.

These are the perfect shoes for nearly any event.  You can pair these cuties with pretty party dresses, or jeans for a put-together casual look. Either way, you'll look fab.  I also don't see them going out of style anytime soon.  Shoes like this are great to have as a statement piece.  You can get a ton of use out of them because they're so versatile.

The best part? Each pair is only $32.40! Yay!

Fashion Faux Pas: Messy Tights

I stumbled upon this gem in a UK mag I read...I'm not going to name it because this is just ridiculous and I don't want to tarnish their name.

Umm...what to say?  These are "high-end" tights (very expensive), and they basically look like paint splattered along the top.  In fact, since it's only at the top, it looks like some sort of neon diarrhea that made its way through.  Not the most flattering look.

I just don't get how anyone came up with this horrible, horrible idea!  It literally looks like something is spilling out of the pants.  How can that possibly be fashionable?!

And who the hell would wear these?  I want names because I will track them down and personally punch them in the face. Yup. Violence is needed in this case.

That is all.

Beauty Tips Galore!

Over the years, I've collected oodles of beauty tips.  Since Valentine's Day is coming up, I decided to share some of my faves with you:

Have fun with your nail polish.
Nails are the new accessory. Whether you’re choosing a bold color you've never worn before, experimenting with nail art or just trying out new and different formulas, it’s a relatively inexpensive way to express yourself. Plus, it’s easy to change (I probably paint my nails once--or twice--a day)!

Just have fun in general.
Really, makeup is just such a great way to express yourself. Want to try purple eyeshadow? Go for it. Intrigued by the looks seen on the runways during Fashion Week? Try them out! Multiple makeup artists and hairstylists have given me this one sound piece of advice: Beauty is supposed to be fun.

Some of the best beauty products don’t cost a fortune.
The idea that all of the best products out there cost a ton of money? Not true. Some of my absolute favorite cleansers, mascaras and much, much more come straight from the drugstore--and cost under $10! If you’re on a budget, chances are you can still look and feel gorgeous 100 percent of the time.

Skincare is everything. EVERYTHING.
Great beauty starts with great skin. You can't really look fab wearing the latest eyeshadow, if the "canvas" of your face isn't the best it can be.  You want it to be as soft, smooth, and perfect as possible.Take the time to find the right skincare products for you.

Sometimes, mascara is all you need.
If you only have two extra minutes in the morning, apply a coat of mascara. It is the most important thing in my makeup collection.  If I'm feeling sick or lazy, I'll just throw on some mascara and immediately look much better.

Always take off your makeup. 
I know...sometimes you don't have the time to wash your face everynight.  That's fine.  At the very least, use a nice cleansing/makeup removing wipe.  Your skin will thank you.

Sunscreen is NOT overrated.
Another topic that really gets me going is sun protection. I have super fair (see-through-esque), sensitive skin, so I apply sunscreen year-round to protect my lovely face.  But regardless of your skin type, or the time of year, you should always, always, always wear sunscreen.  You can usually find it mixed in with moisturizers and lip balms, which is super convenient.

Get your beauty sleep. Always.
Good skin health starts with a good night of sleep. So before you settle down for those eight hours, make sure you’re doing everything you can to ensure you’ll look and feel your best in the morning!

Lip Gloss: Three Unexpected Uses

Okay, okay. I know I am a little crazy when it comes to lip gloss.  But my craziness sometimes pays off!

If you're even a little bit like me, you probably own multiple shades of gloss. Some of them might have, unfortunately, not been the best pick for your lips so you set it aside. Or you have multiple tubes of your fave lip gloss so that you don't run out.  Either way, you can use this to your advantage.

Here are a few ways to use lip gloss on anything but your lips:

Hair
If your hair is sticking up every which way, run a little clear gloss through the ends. This makes the hair more piecey and manageable and binds any flyaways. Make sure to avoid using at the root of hair, as it will come off looking a bit greasy, rather than tamed.  Stick with using it on the ends, especially if you have dry, damaged hair.

Eyes
Try wearing a bit of gloss on your lids for a shiny, dewy look. You might be thinking 'lip-gloss is super sticky--I don't want that on my lids!'. I totally understand.  That's why you need to prep your lids before you do anything.  You want to apply a clear, wax-based balm to prevent the gloss from feeling sticky. Next, choose a translucent gloss in a pastel, pink, or sorbet shade. Take a little bit of gloss, and dab the pigment onto your lids using your ring finger.

Bonus tip? You can also use your gloss to create a fun color liner by pairing it with a bright eye shadow. Take a very thin liner brush, and apply the gloss to your lash line. Using the same brush, pick up a dose of shadow and trace over the gloss. The result: a feminine gel-like liner in your favorite shadow shade.

Cheeks
It’s easy to turn gloss into a cream blush. Start with a highly pigmented, heavy-duty formula. Using the back of your hand, mix a tiny bit of the gloss with a balm-like moisturizer to create a sheered-out cheek color. Before applying it,  prep your skin with a tinted moisturizer or foundation so you have a smooth, even canvas. DO NOT rub the color into your skin.  Rather, lightly press and tap the color into the apples of your cheeks. Remember: less is more when it comes to applying gloss outside your lips!

Keep a few glosses in your bag and you'll be set for the day!

Nail Polish Obsession: Essie's Lady Like

It's taken me a while to get into the whole "nude-ish nails" trend.  Particularly because every color I tried didn't compliment my super fair skin.

But I met my match!  Essie's Lady Like is beyond amazing.  The website shows it as a super pale hue, but it's actually a medium rose with a hint of plum to it.  My picture is more true to the color than what you see on the website.

The shade has been around for a while, but I wasn't really intrigued by it until now.  It's just the perfect color for a day when you (gasp!) can't find a polish to match your outfit, or just want something neutral and pretty.

The color goes with everything, which is absolutely fantastic.  It's my new go-to polish (well...at least for right now!)

Each bottle retails for $8.

Beauty Boo-Boo: Oompa Loompa Skin

I've seen this look all over the place.  Bright orange skin.

It's especially bothersome in the middle of winter.  I mean, it's just ridiculous.  Even if the tan looks real, unless you've just gone on vacation somewhere beachy, you shouldn't have crazy tan skin!

And there is totally a difference in a "light glow" that I know some people keep year-round.  I am not calling out those people.  A light glow is fine.

Overly tan skin is not fine.  It's frightening.

What pisses me off the most is that these Oompa Loompa-esque people walk around like they look amazing!  Apparently, having neon orange skin is better than having normal skin.

How can they look in the mirror and think this look is acceptable??!

Another point?  If this look is achieved by overly-tanning at a salon, it's even worse.  Not only do you run the risk of getting skin cancer, you also will end up getting wrinkles way before your regular-skinned friends (if you have any--orange buddies usually stick together).  Since you are basically cooking your skin, you can look forward to having a leathery texture to it for most of your life.  Enjoy.

Now it's not as bad if you're sporting a fake tan from a lotion or something.  It won't do any long-term damage to your skin.  That said, go easy on it.  Don't apply a hue that is more than a couple shades darker than your normal color.  It's just asking for orange skin.

There’s just something really unsettling about these people. When your hair, face and lips are all monochromatic “burnt sienna,” it starts to get weird.

Play Dress-Up With Your Nails

In the past, I've tried a few different "nail stickers" that simply didn't work.  They peeled off right away and I basically couldn't touch anything while they were applied to my nails.

So when I received the new Kiss Nail Dress stickers, I was understandably hesitant to try them.

The design I went with doesn't have a name, per se. It's called KDS07, and it is a jeweled design (there are both jeweled and non-jeweled designs, but of course I chose to go with the bling).

Now here's the surprising part: I actually loved them!  They're exactly what they claim to be--a nail "dress".  It's like playing dress-up with your nails.  And really, who doesn't love that idea?


I really liked the sizing on the strips. Usually, my nails are too small for nail stickers and I have to do a ton of trimming.  That wasn't the case this time around.  They are a bit long (I'm assuming for gals that have super long nails), but that worked in my favor because I could use one strip twice but cutting it in half.

The only problem I had with the nail stickers was filing off the excess bits.  Since there's a lot of stuff piled on each strip, it does take some extra filing to cut it down to size.  But that's to be expected since they're covered in fairly thick patterns and jewels.

The particular design I chose was absolutely fab.  I found that I didn't need as much jewelry because my nails were like an accessory.  Kiss offers up 18 different designs, so there's something for everyone.  Each set comes with 28 strips and a mini nail file.  That's all you need to apply them. It's super easy and took me about five minutes from start to finish.

Here's how this design looks on nails:

Pretty, right?!

The formula allows you to peel the design off when you're done, but that isn't to say that they don't last.  They claim to wear up to ten days.  I'd say it's more like four or five days, but I'm pretty rough with my nails.

You can find these fantastic nail dresses at most drugstores for about $7.  Not bad for gorgeous, unique-looking nails!

Estee Lauder GWP at Lord & Taylor!

It's that time again!  By now, you probably all know how excited I get about gifts with purchases.  I love the mini makeup because I can keep it in my "emergency makeup bag" (yes, I really do have one) in my purse.  It's also a great way to try out products before buying the full size.

And of course I always love the bags.

Right now, Lord & Taylor is doing a great GWP with Estee Lauder.  The set is fabbity-fabulous--especially the gorgeous makeup bag!

All you have to do is spend $45 on any Estee Lauder products and it's yours for free (at a $165 value)!

Here's what you get:

• Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme SPF 15
• Eye Creme Plus
• Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex
• Deluxe Face Compact with Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder Makeup SPF 10 in Ivory Beige, Bronze
• Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer 
• Pure Color Blush in Pink Kiss
• Pure Color Crystal Lipstick (full-size) in Crystal Pink
• Dual-Ended Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black
• Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Light/Medium
• And the amazing, pretty Exclusive Cosmetic Bag featuring an original Lilly Pulitzer print.

Happy shopping!

Take Your Style to the Next Level (Without Breaking the Bank!)

Since I'm so ridiculously obsessed with fashion, I know almost every tip or trick out there.  There are ways to look amazing without spending a ton of money.  And the ideas are pretty simple.

Here are a few style tips I've learned over the years:

Go nude
You can’t go wrong with a pair of nude pumps or a nude bra and panties. Nude pumps work with everything in your closet (except black tights...ew) and work to elongate your legs. It's a win-win-- nude lingerie ensures a seamless no-show-through look in your clothes.

Get professionally fitted for a bra
Very important.  Wearing the wrong bra size can completely ruin an outfit.  Invest in a couple good quality bras that actually fit you. A properly fitted bra will instantly improve and transform your figure, probably more than you realize.

Ignore trends and wear only what looks good on you
Okay, you shouldn't ignore trends completely.  There are some that I try out.  But for the most part, trendy clothing can be expensive and won't be in style long enough to get anything out of it.  It’s way more important to wear clothing that fits well and flatters you. If the latest trend just doesn't look good on you, don’t wear it.  I cannot stress this enough.

Clean your closet
Another big one. When it comes to your closet, more isn't always more. Pare down your wardrobe and leave only those items you absolutely love and look great on you. My rule is, if I haven't worn the item in the past year, I get rid of it. A finely edited wardrobe will leave you ready for any style situation.  Plus you won't have to dig through an overload of clothing to find what you want to wear.

Own something animal print
Animal prints like leopard and python are always chic. A well-placed animal print accessory can make almost any look instantly glamorous.  And it never goes out of style.

When in doubt, overdress
If you’re not sure what to wear for an event or outing, it’s always better to overdress than to be caught underdressed.  Think of it like you're in the workplace. It's always been said that you should wear what the higher up people wear (dress the part for the job you want).  This is kind of the same idea.  You'll never get scolded for looking extra glam.

Create a Sexy Glow

Because I'm so pale, I'm always looking for good blush.  It also doesn't hurt when the compact is adorable and claims to give you some extra sexy vibes!

That's why I'm in love with Physicians Formula's Sexy Booster Glow Blush.  I mean, even if the blush itself wasn't amazing, I'd get it for the packaging. How cute and classy is it?! Gotta love makeup that incorporates heels.

So here's the deal. The blush is a great blend of shimmery blushing tones (use it like lingerie for your face), and gives off a pretty "glow from within" look.  It works on most skintones.

But here's the absolute best part:  it's infused with the scent of warm vanilla and pheromone-esque ingredients including clinically tested Androstadienone, Cocoa Extract (aka "the Love Chemical") and ancient aphrodisiac Horny Goatweed to enhance your sexy side. Crazy fabulous.

I usually cannot wear makeup that has a scent to it since my skin is so sensitive, but this stuff is so light, and smells so good, that I'm making an exception.  And it doesn't irritate my skin at all.

To use, blend the shades together and brush on over cheekbones to define and contour or apply right below cheekbones for a more defined and dramatic look.

Each compact is $11.95.

Like the idea, but not a blush person? No worries--they've got a gorgey lip gloss that sexifies your pout!

Disclosure: This post contains a product 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.

Two Bags in One!

Color blocking is still a huge trend that I happen to love.  It's an easy trend to pull off and I think it's going to be around for a while--it's basically timeless.

Right now, I'm loving Mark's Change it Up Bag.  This super gorgeous purse can be worn two ways--with or without the pink line.  Without it, you've got a great, classic bag.  With it, you get an extra pop of color (and a little more room!).

The purse is fairly large-ish.  I usually look for that in bags.  I carry around a ridiculous amount of stuff, so Mark's oversized bags are perfect for my lifestyle.

Each bag is $38.  But since it basically counts as two bags, it's like you get one look free! Huzzah!

Dirty Rotten Flowers

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! It's actually my fave holiday since I'm all girly and lovey dovey. But for those of you who either hate V-Day, or hate someone in particular, I found the best thing ever!

Dirty Rotten Flowers is a company that sends out decaying, ripped apart, ugly flower bouquets. I absolutely love this idea.  It's the type of gift that says, "get the hell out of my life" with class. Plus it's hilarious. So, win-win.

There are a few different options. Personally, I like the one pictured above, but you can also purchase a bouquet of roses with all the heads chopped off, or one that comes with an "I love you, not" teddy bear.  All of them are fabulously ugly.

The bouquets are all around the $30 area, so it's fairly affordable to send these ridiculously awful flowers to multiple people you hate.

No Makeup Makeup!

Okay, so as most of you know, I'm obsessed with makeup palettes. I just love having everything I need in one little convenient case.

Right now, I'm loving this new Too Faced No Makeup Makeup Fresh & Flawless Palette.  It's perfect for those days when you want to look put together, but not overly done up.

All of the makeup in the set is neutral and basically makes you look like you, only better.  It creates the illusion of a flawless, "oh, I was born this way" face.  And who doesn't want that?!

Here's what you get:

• Shimmer Veil 
• Crème Blush 
• Powder Blush 
• Concealer 
• Luminizer 
• Brightener 

You can mix and match which products you use and find the perfect combo for you.  The set also includes a handy how-to Glamour Guide with three looks to get you started.


This is great to keep in your purse, bring along for sleepovers, or just to use whenever you want.

Each palette is $39 (an $80 value).

Eyeliner 101

Eyeliner can be super tricky to apply, but it's one of my most coveted beauty items.  You can make your eyes pop with the right liner, and application isn't as scary as it might seem.

The first step is to choose the right color.  You definitely want to stick with darker colors, but that doesn't necessarily mean that black is the way to go.  Experiment with deep chocolate brown, plum or dark gray.  Those hues make your eyelashes look thicker and simply make your eyes look gorgeous.


Next, you need to decide what formula you feel comfortable using.  There are a bunch of different options and it all comes down to personal taste.

• Powder eyeshadow works well as eyeliner as long as you use a small, fine-tip pointed brush so you can be precise. Using powder eyeshadow as your eyeliner can achieve a softer look than you can with other types of liners. This is good for people trying out liner for the first time because it's super blendable and you can avoid mistakes.
  
• Pencil eyeliners tend to smear and smudge, unless you find a really good one that isn't too creamy or too slick.  This is the most difficult liner to find.  It's worth spending extra money for a good pencil liner, as it will be more pigmented and apply much easier.
  
• Gel or cream-to-powder eyeliners offer superb application and deep color payoff. The look is quite bold, and most formulas last all day. Because they don't smear, they are especially great for anyone with oily eyelids or for use in humid climates.
  
• Liquid eyeliner is the most dramatic and, typically, the most difficult to apply.  I still have difficulty with liquid liner and I've been wearing it for over 10 years! It takes a steady hand, but it also offers the most precise and defined line. Look for liquid liner that comes with a thin, fine-point or felt-tip brush. If you make a mistake with liquid liner, wait for it to dry, remove it with a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover, and try again.  This takes a lot of practice!

If you don't have a steady hand, bend down or sit down so you can place your elbow on a table or counter for balance and control. Some makeup artists suggest dotting eyeliner along the base of your lashes, others prefer to use one fluid stroke, following the curvature of the eye. Both methods can provide beautiful results and can be combined for an even more dramatic look.

My fave eyeliner is ELF's Eyeliner Waterproof Pen.  It's only $1 and is easy to apply.  You can get the liquid liner look with a lot more control.

Happy lining!

My Latest Lippy Love

Most of you ladies know that my claim to fame is that I own "over 100 lip glosses"...well, I'd say I own closer to 300 lip products at this point. I realize that it is ridiculous, but I'm completely addicted.

I also tend to have a problem during the winter season. My lips get really dry, so I need a lip product that won't dry them out further.  Finding something that is pretty and nourishes my lips, is almost impossible.

That said, I found my latest favorite that has a permanent spot in my purse.  Maybelline's Color Whisper lipstick is amazing!  I've been seeing a lot of tinted balms and glosses, but this stuff is seriously the best.

It's a gel-based lipstick that adds a very sheer layer of color (you can also go for the boldest hue because it is so sheer that it simply looks natural).  Most lipsticks are made with a ton of wax and other stuff that is quite drying.  Because this product is mostly gel, it makes lips look gorgeous and healthy.

I can't find most of the colors online--they're fairly popular and sold out.  But, I did see them in a few different drugstores, so they are around!

The best part?  Each lipstick retails for under $8.

Pretty Rings for Tiny Fingers

Along with the rest of me, my finger are ridiculously tiny.  My ring size is 3.  I know--kind of crazy.

I've spent years buying children's rings on eBay.  Unfortunately, they look like kid's rings from a cracker jack box. I've also tried wearing those little plastic things that make rings smaller...not a fan. I just wanted normal-looking rings in a small size.

The other day, I was taking advantage of a gift card I got and took a trip to the lovely Khol's.  I planned on finding a cute outfit, but found something way more awesome--cute, adult-looking rings in my size! On sale!

My fave is their Sterling Silver Beaded Ring.  It looks classy and a bit unique on my ring ringer.  I absolutely love it.

I'm not sure how many of you ladies have the same problem I do--but if you do, check out the rings. I bought three for under $40! Huzzah!

My 2013 Style Resolutions!

Ciao, fellow fashionistas! I do apologize about my little hiatus (my holiday season was so crazy!)...I hope you all had a fab holiday!

Anyhow, another year has gone by (super quickly, I might add), and it's time for me to come up with my fabulous style and beauty resolutions that I can hopefully keep throughout 2013. I'm crossing my fingers that I can keep 'em!


Wear One Incredible Ensemble A Week
Everyone has their work or school uniform/outfit that they wear, and for most, it becomes a routine. A super boring routine that puts you in a rut. Regardless of how dark it is in the morning or how tired I am, I'm planning on setting aside one kickass outfit to wear each week.

Wash My Makeup Off Before Bed
Every woman has been guilty of falling asleep prior to washing her makeup off on multiple occasions.  I'm totally guilty of this. It really makes skin look horrible.  I have invested in makeup remover wipes, and resolve to actually use them every single night before bed!

Make Wise Fashion Investments
Instead of purchasing a bunch of cheaper items that I'm only going to wear once, I want to start investing in serious investment pieces. Classic items that will never go out of style are def going to be in my closet this year.  Trends are great--but since they usually don't last very long, It's really much better to buy cheap knockoffs of whatever trend out there, and save your money for the classic pieces.

Take More Risks
Once I find an outfit (or makeup look) that I love, I generally stick with it for a while and end up getting bored and stuck in a rut. I'm planning on stepping outside my comfort zone and go a little wild.  Now's the time to try out that bold lip color or fashion statement that sounded scary at first. Taking fashion and beauty risks are a great way to boost your confidence and make you see that standing out truly is the way to go.

Wish me luck on keeping these resolutions!! And have a happy new year!