Fashion Faux Pas: Full Camo Print Outfits

A while back, I wrote an article about chic camouflage frocks (like a nice mini skirt). While I still do think that a camo print can be hot (my mom has a bitchin' pair of camo ballet flats), there is a time and a place to wear it. And if you're going to wear it, stick with one great piece and leave it at that. There is little worse than camo overload.

There is a guy who comes into my place of employment (suffice it to say I work in a doctor's office. ish). More often than not, this fool of a man waltzes in wearing baggy camo print pants, a matching fitted tank, flat ironed hair (though he did fancy the cornrow look for a while) and, to top it all off, I've been informed that he also wears bright orange glasses.

The most amusing part is that he thinks he looks fabulous. I hate to single this guy out. He is nice, if a little eccentric, and he is flamboyantly gay (which I actually am a fan of). And while, I do admire his gusto, his style simply does not cut it.

I really do pity him and I want to take him under my wing. He has such great potential. Alas, approaching the situation is difficult. So I pass on this information to my readers: with prints like camo, wear only one amazing item. Otherwise, you may just get recruited into the army by accident.

Lesson learned? I hope so.

Ode to the Ballet Flat

Ever since I broke my pinkie toe (ouch!) a few weeks ago, I've only been able to wear flat shoes. My doctor recommended sneakers. No thanks. I'm simply not a sneaker type of gal unless they happen to be encrusted in gems and are fuchsia. Even then, I'd probably only wear them once and then throw them in the back of my closet.

I found my own solution: my coveted black ballet flats from Target ($15!).

I know ballet flats have been in for a while, but I have a feeling that this trend will last for a bit. Ballet flats are chic, comfy, dressy, casual, and all-around gorgeous. I own the ones in the picture and a pair in patent leather. Fine...I've also good them in a bunch of other colors, too.

Every gal should own a pair, in my opinion. To have a classic, chic look, all you need is a pair of ballet flats and some red lipstick. Am I right, ladies?

Bang Cutting Mishap--and the Solution!

As I browsed the pages from my fave glossy mags a few weeks ago, I was amazed by all of the blunt-cut bangs that all the stars are sporting. So, being my crazy self, I grabbed a pair of shears and ran to the bathroom to cut my own.

Mistake? Yes. My hair, of course, is concoction of wavy frizz grossness and cannot handle the aforementioned bangs. I looked like I had a mullet.

After days of wanting to shave my head ala Britney Spears, I found a solution: headbands.

I immediately ran out to CVS and bought three, and stole a few from my mom. Currently, I am wearing one daily until my "bangs" (if you can even call them that) grow out.

Lucky for me, headbands are HUGE right now. I particularly am a fan of the simple thick black satin ones out there. They match everything and can go from day to night with ease. And they look so posh!

The one in the picture is from Delia's and goes for $3.99 (on sale!), but everywhere has got 'em.

Thank you headbands for saving my life and keeping me out of the Mullet Club.

THIS IS BIG: Sharpies as Makeup?

This is BIG. Bigger than big. I have actually found a new way to use Sharpies. I'm not sure if this has been done before, or if I am a genius. I am leaning towards the genius side. Let's get on with it, shall we?

Lately, I've been big into lip stains. They're great because I work all day, or run around doing stuff, and much as I love lip gloss, I hate applying it in public. So, rather than run off to the bathroom every ten minutes to slather some on, I've been going the stain route. I've found some beauties, but I had a brainstorm late night when I saw my pink marker: Why not use a Sharpie?

Sharpies are permanent makers and I remember trying to"tattoo"myself in middle school. Usually the marking would wash off completely in a couple of days, and that was with black, the most potent of the Sharpies.

I have this great fuchsia shade marker that I knew would look simply fab on my lips. So I went to it. I literally drew on my lips. And it looked great. It lasted for the whole night!

Sharpies are totally nontoxic (I checked, I'm not a fool) and I cannot think of any sort of disease that would come from this use.

The best part? Sharpies are super cheap, and there are about five pink shades, a few reds, and even PEACH. The most interesting part is that the marker didn't even dry out my lips (which most stains tend to do for me. Also the color was even a little sheer-ish--not like some sort of full-on fuchsia paint. Simply amazing.

Have I found some sort of new beauty miracle?

Sexy Eyes for the Bedroom...or Anywhere Really...

I have found a new love.

Today I took a trip to CVS to pick up a new mag (don't tell my boyfriend) and I stumbled upon the makeup section. Or maybe I purposefully went there to buy lip gloss (again, don't tell my boyfriend).

While browsing through the store, I saw Revlon's "Bedroom Eyes". Now, I had seen ads for it, and was slightly interested, but I just forgot about it. I decided to give in today because there was only 1 dark blue liner left and lately I've been obsessed with the whole blue smokey eye look.

The shade I got is called "Sultry Sapphire" and I think that describes it pretty well. Unlike many blue liners, this blue is VERY dark--almost black. No neon blue hues here. This liner is actually a powder, so I was worried about coverage. Somehow though, it managed to line my eyes with the precision of a liquid liner, but the blendability (is that a word?) of a powder. It went on really thick, coverage-wise, but blended soooo easily. It is impossible to make a mistake with this stuff.

I can't wait to wear it to work tomorrow! I am already mentally planning out an outfit full of rich blue and black shades...Hmm...

"Bedroom Eyes" comes in oodles of colors (well, about 6 but really, how many more dark shades are there?) and they each cost around $10. Huzzah!

Purse-Friendly Hair Helper

I have the worst hair in the world. It is, what I call, wavy frizz grossness, and I think that is a pretty accurate description.

I usually flat iron my hair, especially if I'm going out on a weekend. But my hair is ridiculous and usually starts frizzing up after about an hour or so depending on the humidity and such. I wish I could just bring a flat iron with me and use it in the bathroom...

OH WAIT, I CAN! Now, Sephora carries a "Professional Cordless Straightener" that is only a little more than 7 inches long! Perfect for throwing in your purse. It costs a steep $225--but it's well worth the price if I can have fun evenings out sans frizz.

Mellow Yellow

Except this yellow isn't really mellow. It's more like awesome.

The thing I love most about Charlotte Russe's fab new yellow polka dot peep toe heels is that they combine two of the seasons biggest trends without seeming trend-whoreish. Bright Caribbean-flavored colors are huge right now, as are retro polka dot prints.

These heels could dress up jeans and a tee, or dress down a LBD (Little Black Dress). They're appropriate for work (because I said so), and yet they're perfect for a Sunday morning stroll through the park.

What could be better really? Oh maybe this-- they go for about $23. So yeah, they pretty much rock.

My Latest Beauty Must Have--Bacitracin!

Hear me out. I know that Bacitracin is supposed to be used for cuts and such. But one glorious day a few months ago, I found its other use.

I have verrry sensitive skin and fairly severe eczema. In the winter, I have to constantly apply what I call "anti-decay lotion" which is a mixture of prescription cream and Curel lotion on my body and face. Without it I look like I have some sort of flesh eating disease.

In the summertime, however, I breakout in zits. My dry skin is less severe, but applying any sort of blemish medication just makes my skin dry everywhere. My solution? Bacitracin.

My mom suggested it tome when I told her my dilemma. I wasn't sure it'd work, because Bacitracin seems almost oily. But I gave it a go one night and found that it really works! It dries up zits, and hydrates my skin at the same time! I think it has something to do with the fact that it basically gets rid of all the bacteria in skin (which is what causes acne). Now I apply it every night unless I am having a horrible eczema flare-up, and I must say that my skin has been particularly flawless.

Drugstore.com has the Rite-aid brand of it for a mere $3. Try it out--you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Long Lucious Lashes

I'm constantly after finding some miracle solution for elongating my stumpy lashes. I've tried all the mascaras, worn fake lashes, and tried ridiculous overnight lash treatments. Some of them work decently, but I've always wondered about getting lash extensions ever since I heard of them a year ago.

The idea seems great. Extensions work for hair, so why not lashes?

I did a little investigating to see how it all works. Apparently, the process is basically like putting on fake lashes, but with a little more bonding. You have to find someone who is certified to do this (and having them done can cost anywhere from$100-$300 or even higher). The end result looks amazing (the picture is a before/after shot of this). They last for a couple months, but you can't rub your eyes or wear waterproof mascara. Regular mascara shouldn't be worn frequently either. I guess with super long lashes, you wouldn't really need mascara anyway.

I'm still not totally sold on the idea. If there was a permanent way to get better eyelashes, I'd be all for it. But judge for yourselves!

Take the Plunge

With one-piece swimsuits becoming so popular lately, I've decided that I need to get myself a one-piece ASAP.

But where to look? When I first began my search, I came upon oodles of speedo graphic print ones, and old-lady dress ones. Neither really hit the target in this case.

Luckily, I stumbled upon this La Blanca suit today and I think I may have found the most flattering swimsuit ever made. The halter style with the plunging neckline is universally flattering. It draws the attention to your chest/neck/shoulders rather than to your hips and waist. The shirring covers up any "pooch" that you may have going on, and it also enhances your waist, making it appear slimmer. Plus it comes in black, which I am a huge fan of.

The swimsuit costs $110, but it will never ever go out of style, so I say it's a go.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNA-ROSE!

My super stylish sister turns 18 today!

Flower Power

Pardon the cheesiness of the title. I cannot express my love of floral motifs in words at the moment.

For some reason, I keep forgetting about the best store in the world, Anthropologie. With their ultra feminine frocks and dainty accessories, springtime always reminds me to at least check out their website, if not hit up the local Boston storefront.

My current fave? These super classy sea blossom earrings.

I always love pieces that can work for day or night and I can definitely see wearing these to my fashion-deprived workplace and out to dinner. Even a trip to the parental unit's home in NH would work with something like this.

Simply divine. At $38, these earrings are a little pricey but they'll stay in style forever and go with everything. Simply delightful.

Camo Print That Won't Blend In

I have to start by saying that I usually hate anything with a camo print. I think that this stems from being brought up in a tiny town with millions of trees. The color green is almost enough to make me shudder.

However, I do like the idea of a camo mini skirt. I'm not sure why, but just the fact that camo seems so masculine and mini skirts are the epitome of girlishness...well, it rubs me the right way, I suppose.

I could definitely dig wearing a camo mini with a ruffled blouse, or a satin camisole. Add some classic black pumps and you've got yourself an outfit that works for day or night.

Victoria's Secret is having a huge sale right now and the mini in the picture is on sale for $25. Not bad, at all.

But here is a warning for all: save the combat boots for another day. Keep it simple with a skirt like this, unless you actually want to join the army. And I doubt they'd let you wear this hot little number to battle, anyway.

Sorry, Lovies!!

I know it's been 10 days since my last post...but I broke my pinky toe and I've just been all-around busy. Expect like 10 entries or something in the next week! Mwah! Stay fab!

LBD is now LPD--Because I Said So

Let me explain in English.

The basic fashion item that we are all supposed to have is the LBD--Little Black Dress. It is the clothing staple that can be used for formal occasions, backyard parties, and even work with the appropriate accessories.

But I am taking a stand. This LPD (Little Plum Dress) from American Eagle just screams glamour and class. I must have it.

The reason why it works is that the cut is simple, much like the typical LBD, and the color is highly saturated (aka: dark). This is a slimming dress that would be flattering on a size 2 gal and on a size 14 lady! The low v-neck style elongated the neck and makes ya look like a tall model-esque type. And who hates that idea?

I would totally wear this to a wedding, the beach over a swimsuit, or to the mall. If it were socially acceptable, I would by 7 of 'em and wear them everyday for the rest of my life.

LPD--I love thee.

Sparkle and Shine Overdose

On my morning commute to work this morning, I was blinded by a strobe light-esque brightness. What was it, you ask? A crazily sequined bag much like this offensive number:



Now don't get me wrong--I'm all about a bit of bling from time to time, but let's save it for the nigh time people, shall we? I'm already jilted away by my alarm in the morning, I don't really need a follow-up seizure caused by tons of shimmering sequins shaking in my face.

Enough is enough.

If you simply must have some sparkle in your everyday life, try a tote trimmed with something shiny. San Diego Hat Company (click on the purse for link) has a great red tote that will brightened up any wardrobe without causing accidents on the street:



This is a great option for you loons who need so much bling that it overlaps into your daytime life. Shine on!

Blue "Suede" Shoes for the Masses

Fun Fact: Cobalt blue rocks my socks off. It is the hottest color of the season, and surprisingly goes well with the blue eye shadows that are so tempting these days as long as you pick a hue that contrasts a bit. No one likes a matchy-matchy gal.


The color is so unexpected. Not quite a navy blue, certainly not a pastel blue; cobalt blue is in its own league. My fave way to wear it? A hint of blue poking out either with a cobalt cami under a cardigan or with some groovy looking platform pumps with some casual jeans. Or even with a LBD (little black dress for the fashion un-savvy).


Payless has a great pair that they are practically giving away for $16.99 so you have no excuse to jump on the blue train of delightful fashion.

Mind you, they are flip flops, in a sense, but also they are chic and look vaguely like a wedge/heel combo.

They would look adorable with some khaki capris. Enjoy!

Bad Hair day? HA--I Laugh at Thee

A great trend this season is a headband. There are so many ways to wear them and there are tons of different styles out there. One so sure to tickle your fancy, The hottest ones now are the bohemian scarf look, like the one above, from Avon's Mark line. It is $10 for two of 'em--the other style is just as cute; a burnt orange hue perfect for heading off to the beach. Plus the bands are actual headbands. I mean I've tried and tried to wear regular scarves like headbands but they constantly slide off and bunch up and tangle in my hair. It's ridiculous. This is a great alternative. The band is hidden inside the scarf part and it is pretty stiff (in a good way; it won't move but also will not give you a migraine from tightness). So you pretty much just slap it on your head and tie the cute ties underneath. They flow out and blend in the the hair. I enjoy wearing them over one shoulder so all can admire the great print.

Most of all, I love this for "bad" hair days. You know what I mean. You overslept and have no time to shower, let alone do anything to your hair. Either throw on the band and leave you hair loose, or for those particularly nasty days, do a low ponytail with one. The result is chic and groovy. I wore one today and even flipped out the ends of my hair to give myself a retro 60s look.

The most hilarious part? I stole the headband from my mom. I'm sure I will have to give it back, but she let me use it last night when I went for Mother's Day and now I'm hooked. Moms with style are pretty groovy themselves.

P.S.: I'm an Avon lady so feel free to order this from me! Oh glorious self promotion!

Clean and Gaaageous

I am in love.

Let's rewind and I'll tell you all the story. I recently read a blog (I think it was on Styledash, which I love love love). Anyway, one of the blogette's wrote a review of oodles of foundations and Cover Girl's "Clean Makeup" was quite near the top of her list.

I had been looking for a new foundation for some time. I like Clinique, but they don't usually have a good color for me (I find them to have a lot of yellow-ish grey undertones and my face is practically neon pink). I tried some Neautrogena and it actually hurt my skin, so I knew I needed something different.

I should probably explain that I have severe eczema all over my face and often times I have what I like to call a goatee of redness. Not very attractive to say the least. So it is often a struggle to find makeup that doesn't irritate my skin, looks pretty, and covers up any redness I may have.

This foundation is pretty rockin'. And I really am in love. First of all, the color I got was, of course, the lightest and it actually matches my skin exactly. That never happens. The coverage is great-- not wicked sheer, but it doesn't get cakey even if you reapply throughout the day. I think it is fragrance-free, but whatever the case I don't even feel it on my skin. If anything, it feels like a nice lotion. But it is oil free. It's pretty much perfecto.

The only sucky bit is that it doesn't come out of the bottle. I have to pound it ketchup-style on my hand for a few minutes to get anything. But it is less than $4, so for that price I would be willing to smash open a new bottle daily to get it out.

Happy Mother's Day!

In honor of Mother's Day, I give you a picture of me and my mom. Of course I look disgusting and am holding a pig puppet (why, I cannot even remember), but my mom looks gaaageous as always.

Pamper your mom's today, ladies!! They gave birth to you, raised you, and made sure you didn't wear the wrong shade of lipstick. Well, my mom at least.