Fake it Till You Make it!

Thick hair--everyone wants it. The good thing is that no matter what your hair type is, you can give the illusion of having thick, luscious hair with a few simple steps.

• Fake thick hair by using a volume enhancing shampoo and conditioner. I absolutely love using L’Oreal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo and Conditioner.  Avoid shampoos and conditioners that contain moisturizers at all costs because they weigh hair down.
• Use a thickening gel or mousse. I use Paul Mitchell Extra Body Thicken Up, but there are tons of similar products out there.  They definitely make a huge difference and make your hair appear fuller.
• Blow dry your hair from root to tip with a round brush. Turn your head over several times while blow drying to add lift.
• Tease hair (yes, it's okay to do!) at the crown of your head for added appearance of full, thick hair. Don’t overdue this--you'll look like a bad 80s flashback-- but a little can add volume and thickness.
• Choose hairstyles that flatter fine hair like a medium, classic bob. The shorter your hair, the more volume you have. Also, a shoulder-grazing cut angled in long layers around the face is super flattering. 

A Glow Stick For Your Lips!

Even though I own literally hundreds of lip products, this is the first time I've ever seen a lippy that glows in the dark!

Stila's latest After Glow Lip Color is crazily amazing.  It's like a lip crayon that can take you from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde (without having to swap out your lip product for something more dramatic).

The chunky lip crayons on their own are super gorgey. They come in a few super cute shades that are all early '90s inspired. It's part of the brand's new throwback collection for summer (which I absolutely love).


The blend of special fluorescent pigments are, according to Stila, three times brighter than conventional lip colors. Pretty cool, right??! At night, they're designed to glow under UV light, so be prepared--this cosmetic glow stick has the ability to illuminate your mouth like a Lite-Brite.

The best part is that this isn't just a novelty product. The lip crayons look fabulous during the day.  Here's an example of the same hue in the light and dark:

The Electric Pink (pictured) shade goes on in a distinctive fuschia tint I haven’t really seen from other brands lately. When glowing under the black light, it’s more like Gwen Stefani’s hair circa 2000. The other shades (Vivid Violet, Tangerine Dream, Party Pink, Festive Fuschia and Rave Red) would also be a fun, funky addition to any summer makeup regime. But be ready for the looks you’ll get!

Springtime Clinique GWP at Nordstrom!

As you should all know by now, I can never pass up a fabulous Clinique Gift with Purchase.  I love the brand, love trying out the mini products, and most of all love getting the cute cosmetic bags that they come in.

The latest GWP is from Nordstrom. With any $30 Clinique purchase, you receive this super cute $80 value gift set.

The gift includes:

• Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream (0.17 oz.)
• Liquid Facial Soap Mild (1 oz.)
• Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips (1.7 oz.)
• Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in New York Dawn and Chocolate Chip
• Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Chocolate (.01 oz.)
• Long Last Lipstick in Twilight Nude (0.14 oz.)
• High Impact Mascara in Black or High Impact
• Waterproof Mascara in Black (0.13 oz.)
• Tracy Reese for Clinique Cosmetics Bag

Oodles of great stuff, right??!

Need some help spending the $30 to get the GWP? Try out their Moisture Surge CC Cream.  Trust me.   It's a fantastic product that just came out recently and works on everyone. It hydrates, perfects,and protects skin. I'd say that it's basically a miracle in a bottle.

Happy shopping!

Fashion Faux Pas: The Denim Thong

I'm not going to name names here because this is simply too horrible of a look.  But let's just say that a certain celebrity has been running around wearing this...denim monstrosity.

Okay, it's Rihanna. I cannot keep a secret this big.

Rihanna is definitely known for taking fashion risks.  She's no stranger to being on the worst-dressed lists in plenty of magazines.  But this ridiculous denim thong tops the charts.

She somehow managed to create a look that seemed to be improvised from a pair of ordinary jeans with everything removed, except for the waist band and the center seam between her legs. Clearly, she felt that was the most important part to keep.

I have to say; I've never even really been a fan of cut-off jean shorts in general.  They remind me of Tobias from Arrested Development, who was a "never-nude" and wore cut-offs at all times (it was hilarious, but not something I condone in real life).  Nevertheless, even if I absolutely loved cut-off shorts, this is just taking it way too far.

I mean, you can see her regular thong underneath her makeshift denim thong.  Does she think this is somehow sexy??! Is she trying to be a fashion designer? If so, I'll have to track her down and personally slap her back to reality.

That is all.

[image credit: iVillage]

Heartbreak Hotel

Breaking up sucks.  There's simply no way around it.

That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Melanie Chernock's Love Hurts Kit.  It almost makes me want to break up with my boyfriend...almost.

The set contains literally everything you could possibly need post-breakup. It's basically a first-aid kit for heartbreak.

Included in the kit, you get all the necessities:

• Dark chocolate
• Vodka (of course!)
• Bubble bath soap
• Candle with matches
• Candy hearts
• A fab mix CD 
• And, if all else fails, tissues

The mix CD is probably my fave thing.  The playlist is as follows:

Perfect, right??!

Plus it's all conveniently packaged in an adorable case!

In all honesty, this is totally worth getting even if you aren't suffering from heartbreak. Or it makes a great gift for someone you know who's recently hit a rough patch in their relationship.

Unfortunately the product is so new that I can't find a price anywhere (or even where to purchase the kit) but for more info you can contact Melanie Chernock directly.

Know Someone Who's a Dick?

Oh Marc Jacobs, you have done it again. This Name Plate Necklace is just awesome.

I'm sure that you all have someone in your life that you consider to be a dick...so why not give them a gift to tell it like it is? The necklace is perfect for birthdays, Father's Day (yes, some fathers are dicks--not mine, though), and even just an anytime gift.

Or you can always opt to wear the necklace yourself as a cute, witty accessory.  For $12 each, you can definitely stock up.

Love it!

A Little Taste of Sephora Beauty

Sephora is my heaven. I walk into the store and immediately have a slight seizure of delight.  My boyfriend won't even go into the store with me because he knows that I have to spend at least two hours there.  There's just so much makeup to look at and try out--it can be a little overwhelming.

This fab Super Stars Beauty Essential Kit is perfect for anyone who just wants to try out some of the top-selling items.  Or, if you're like me, you can use the mini products for safe keeping in your emergency makeup bag.

Included in this set is:

- 0.035 oz Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder 
- 0.06 oz Sephora Collection Microsmooth Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Black Light 
- 0.16 oz NARS Blush in Orgasm 
- 0.5 oz Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment 
- 0.5 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil 
- 0.33 oz Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer 
- 0.3 oz Benefit They're Real! Mascara 
- 0.15 oz BUXOM Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Sandy 
- 0.016 oz Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner 
- 0.33 oz Kat Von D Saint Eau de Parfum Rollerball

Pretty awesome. I've personally tried most of these products and love them dearly. You can give them a test run for $75 (actually a really good price for everything you get--it's a $179 value).  Enjoy!

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Since I was sick over Mother's Day weekend, I didn't get a chance to write a post about my lovely mom.

But better late than never, right?

My mom has always been one of my biggest supporters; especially when it comes to fashion and beauty.  She taught me almost everything I know!

She even got me my very first "big girl purse" when I was 6.  It was a classic black faux leather bag and I loved it to bits. To this day, it is still my fave gift ever and definitely started off my purse obsession.

So Happy [belated] Mother's Day, mom! You rock!

Classy and Unique Bikini for Under $30!

Okay so, I probably own over 50 bathing suits. Regardless, that doesn't stop me from shopping around when bikinis are on sale.

I absolutely love this George Women's Zipper Detail Bandeau Swim Bundle. Believe it or not, I actually found this gem at Walmart (I know--crazy, right??!)

The details on this bikini are what attracted me to it in the first place. There are zipper details throughout the suit.  Not only is this super trendy, it's also classic because of the soft gray hue.  There aren't a crazy amount of zippers all over the place--just enough to add some flair.

Because the details are so cute and the color is divine, the suit comes off looking a lot more expensive than it is.  Let's just say that while wearing it, no one would ever guess that you got it at Walmart.

A suit like this is flattering for most body types.  The best part is that the complete suit (top and bottom) are currently on sale for $27.92.  How amazing is that??!

Happy shopping!

Beauty Fixes for Sick Ladies

If you haven't heard, I've been ridiculously sick for the past few weeks. I always end up getting the flu, crazy allergies, and colds all at the same time. Ugh I am so unhealthy. But there's a silver lining! I now know a few secrets about how to keep myself looking fabulous even when I'm feeling like crap.


Soothe Irritated Skin
All the extra facial rubbing and itching that comes along with the flu can leave your skin irritated (especially if you're like me and have dry skin anyway). Look for products loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients like Green Tea and Willow Herb Extract to calm irritated areas and replenish the skin with antioxidants like Vitamin C, Olive Oil, and Chamomile.

Disguise Redness, Dark Circles, and Puffy Eyes
This is a tricky one. It's hard to cover up what a lingering cold can leave behind--dull, pale, and fatigued-looking skin. On top of that, redness around the nose is exacerbated each time you wipe away the sniffles or blow your nose. Adding to this pretty picture, dark circles and puffiness under the eye increase as congestion and restless sleep take their toll. Ew. Not fun.

That said, you can disguise redness, puffy eyes, and dark circles by applying a light-weight moisturizer brimming with soothing agents and hydrating ingredients around the eyes and nose area and then applying a matte-finish concealer over those areas. (A concealer with a matte finish is better able to withstand the day's wear and tear, as opposed to one that's creamy or greasy). The color should be just a shade lighter than your natural skin color to convincingly camouflage flaws, and you should follow up with a sheer layer of liquid highlighter on the cheeks and around your hairline to add a radiant glow and draw attention away from the problem areas.

Heal Chapped Lips
As un-sexy as it sounds, being stuffed up from a cold or flu tends to result in more mouth-breathing and drooling through the night, which in turn leads to dry, chapped lips. It is essential to apply an emollient-rich lip balm before you go to bed to ensure smooth, hydrated lips in the morning. Keep the balm by your bedside so you don't forget. During the day, maintain your lips with a moisturizing lip color.

Liven Up Cheeks with a Rosy Glow
Apply a bit more blush than usual to enliven your skin. Don't overdo it, but adding another layer can really make your skin look a lot less dull. It takes mere seconds to apply and will make a huge difference in your overall appearance. The trick is to apply it softly and to blend evenly so it doesn't look like a stripe.

Don't Overdo It
When you're sick, stick to the makeup basics, or you could end up looking like a hot mess by the end of the day. Forget about doing a heavy eye-makeup design and leave the red lipstick at home. Focus on the guidelines above, along with a tinted moisturizer, foundation, or powder to even out your skin tone, and a waterproof mascara if your eyes are watering.

There you have it! Now you can look great even when you're feeling horrible. Huzzah!

Fashion Faux Pas: The Bag Jacket

So, I randomly stumbled upon this gem of a jacket...I have literally no idea who designed it or what possessed them to create something so hideous.  But honestly, that's probably a good thing, since I'd likely hunt them down and punch them in the face.

I get the idea--it's supposed to be a cute/funny jacket that you can tote around your food, or other personal items, in. I'm guilty of using clear fashion products myself. I spent the better half of 7th grade using a see-through backpack.  But that's the thing.  I was in 7th grade. I had plenty of time to make horrible fashion mistakes.

The model is clearly an adult, so I can't let this one slide.

Okay, so let's look at the big picture with this.  Say you go out wearing this...how do you avoid bumping into something and ruining your lunch? And what about after you're done eating? Do you have crumbs in all the pockets?

This jacket sucks.  Enough said.

[image: break.com]

A Wonder Bra For Your Ear Lobes!

When I was about six, I got into a horribly, "traumatic" (at least accessory-wise), accident. While riding my bike, I crashed into a fence and my pierced ears have never been the same since.

To spare you the horrific details, let's just say that my ear lobes were stretched to the max.  Because I loved large, chunky earrings (yes, even back then), the holes were almost completely stretched out, leaving behind what look more like lines, rather than holes.

I've tried a lot of things over the years, eventually settling on wearing two earrings in each individual hole (a dangly bauble with a pain stud, usually). Needless to say, it's always bugged the hell out of me and made me a bit self-conscious.

Then I found these ridiculously fantastic Lobe Wonder Support Patches.

FINALLY!! A solution to my problem!

The patches are small, clear circles that are applied behind each lobe. Each self-adhesive oval patch is super-reinforced with a criss-cross network to strengthen and support ear lobes.

Of course, one of my immediate concerns was whether or not the patches would irritate my super sensitive skin.  Luckily, they're hypo-allergenic and, almost like a band-aid, are "breathable".  I felt no skin irritation at all, even after wearing the patches for almost 24 hours at a time.

While wearing these bad boys, I found myself able to wear all my fave earrings, no matter how heavy, without having to worry about having my ears look like they'd been stretched out like crazy. It's fabulous because I've always been more of an earring person in general, so a lot of the pairs I had kept packed away are now out and ready to wear for any occasion.

They really are like a Wonder Bra for your ears! I'm not sure how long these have been around for, but I absolutely cannot believe that I lived for so long without them!

Here's a pic of what ears look like before and after the use of the Lobe Wonder Support Patches:

Pretty amazing, right?!

To use these disposable patches, you  simply place the support patch to back of each ear lobe, with the sticky side facing in towards the ear, covering the hole. Press firmly to secure to each ear. Next insert your earring post through hole and patch, then affix your earring backing to post.

Each package of 60 patches retails for about $7. The price is definitely right, and the product is officially Sassy Fashionista approved!

Give them a try and let me know if you love them as much as I do.

Look Lovely While you Lounge

No matter what time of year, I am always cold, while my boyfriend is perpetually hot and sweaty. There's no real reason for this, but because of our annoying predicament, I usually have to layer on clothing, even when I'm just in my "comfies" (as my Grandma and Aunt Alma tend to call them).

That means I'm always looking around for bathrobes and nightgowns that look as cute as they are comfortable and cozy.

Right now, I'm loving this Polka Dot Sleep Robe from Forever 21.

The robe is simply gorgeous. Polka dots are one of my many weaknesses (bonus--they never go out of style), and the pink details are fabbity-fabulous!

Because the robe is so lightweight, it can be worn no matter what the season.  That said, it is particularly perfect for chillier spring and summer nights.

At $18.80 each, the bathrobe is a truly fantastic buy.

Margaret Vera Bracelet GIVEAWAY!

I'm quite obsessed with accessories (just an FYI, in case my millions of accessories posts didn't give it away), so when I found Margaret Vera's adorable bracelets, I went crazy with delight!

The line, which includes tons of accessories--not just bracelets--was created as a way for the designer to honor the amazing women in her family.  Having traveled a lot, she's taken in everything she's seen as inspiration to create this fabulous line.

Most of the items in her collection are what I'd consider to be boho-chic, which is definitely in style at the moment.  It's also one of those looks that is classic and be worn year-round--especially if you're just sticking to accessories.


My absolute favorite bracelet that the site has to offer is the Bohemian Leather Cuff with pink details and fringe.  It's so pretty, and the fact that the details are pink doesn't hurt!

Each cuff retails for $20 and is handmade to perfection.  Here's a picture of the exact bracelet below:

So pretty, right??! The best part? I have one of these gorgey bracelets to give away to one luck reader!


To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "BOHO BRACELET".  The giveaway ends 5/17 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies!!!

For those of you who don't feel so lucky, check out the online store for some fabulous finds.

Disclosure: This post contains a product 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.

Three Lip Colors in One!

It's no secret that I absolutely love Drew Barrymore's new makeup collection, Flower.  Every single product I've tried has worked amazingly well.  The quality is simply sublime, and the price is beyond reasonable.

The latest product that I can't get enough of is the lovely Flower Petite Fleurs Pocket Triplet Lip.  The lipstick that I already tried in the past was amazing enough, so I was def intrigued when I first saw these 3-in-1 lippy delights.

Each tube contains three separate shades of tinted lip balm in shades that compliment eachother, ranging from lightest to darkest.  I chose to try out the lightest pinky/peach trio.  I found the colors to be perfect, the balm to be moisturizing, and the packaging to be super convenient.

On its own, the stackable lip "bullets" are fab.  You push from the bottom to switch out colors.  It's easy to use and you can even mix the colors for your very own unique hue.

But what makes it even better is that Flower also has matching tubes of Petite Fleurs Pocket Triplet Concealer and Petite Fleurs Pocket Triplet Eyeshadow. SO, you can create your very own combos for pocket-friendly makeup sets that are perfect to thrown in your purse and take on the go! The combinations are fabulous.  You can mix and match your tubes depending on your outfit, and what you feel like having with you on that particular day.  Having a tube that holds a mini concealer, mini lipstick (that can actually double as blush in a flash), and mini eyeshadow is practically the only thing necessary to get you through the day! 

Something like this could end up being super expensive, but of course since Flower products are all super affordable, each trio is a mere $6.98.

Stock up and stack 'em, ladies!

Tantalizingly Textured Talons

As a nail polish obsessed gal, I'm usually among one of the first to hear about, and love, the latest nail trends.  London-based brand, Nails Inc, has come out with some absolutely amazing polish effects that I am probably more obsessed with than is socially acceptable.

The effects I've found so far are the Feather Effect, Leather Effect, Concrete Effect, and (my personal favorite) the Denim Effect. The Denim Effect bottle even has a denim-clad top! Too cute! Each has its own unique look and can easily be the focal point of any outfit.  The best part about these particular polish trends is that even though they look a bit complex on the nail, application is a breeze! Much easier than all the difficult nail art from seasons past.

Below are pics of how they look on nails.

Feather Effect:

Leather Effect:

Concrete Effect:

Denim Effect:

Totally fab, right?! Just keep in mind that with polishes that have an effect like these, you cannot wear a top coat.  This was the same case when matte polishes were all the rage. Since the finish itself is most of the effect, putting a shiny top coat over it ruins the look.  That also means that the polishes don't last as long as one with a nice thick top coat--just something else to keep in mind.

That said, these polishes are great for special events, but they definitely aren't something that'll last as a weekly mani.

What do you ladies think? Would you sport any of these looks?

I do have a little bit of bad news. I can't really find a place to buy all of these delicious polishes in the states. I'm sure they'll make their way across the pond soon, but they're currently very difficult to track down. I found a few places (like Sephora) that sell one or two of the effects, but for the time being you have to dig around on google, or even eBay, to find them. But my Sassy Fashionista promise? They're definitely worth a try!

So put in a little extra work and go flaunt your fab fingers!

[Pictures courtesy of British Beauty Blogger]