Spend $1,500 on Sunglasses OR Have a Six-year-old Make a Pair!

This pair of sunglasses costs $1,500. You've GOT to be kidding me. First of all, they are hideous. They literally look like a cheap pair of plain black sunglasses with cheap rhinestones stuck all over them. Not exactly cutting-edge fashion.

Alber Elbaz has created this pair (that is being sold exclusively at Ilori boutiques). Apparently the name alone is what makes these shades so pricey.

Personally, I hate 'em. But if this look is for you, do yourself a favor. Pick up a pair of black sunglasses from Target for $14.99, a pack of rhinestones from Jo Ann Fabrics for $2.39, and let a first-grader get crafty. The effect will be the same (if not drastically better).

Eye Brightening Magic

Recently, I have been blessed with a groovy new job--alas, the job is roughly a 3-4 hour commute (round trip). This is exhausting, and thus every time I glance in a mirror I cringe because obviously the lack of rest has taken a toll on my face. Namely, my (previously) gorgeous eyes.

I may have found a cure! Smashbox's Untamed Double-Ended Eye Brightener is the perfect solution for tired-looking peepers. It highlights and brightens quickly and beautifully and fits perfectly into my purse.

At $22, this nearly-magical product is a tid bit pricey, but well worth it for the long-lasting beauty it produces.

Swine Flu Fabulous

This whole Swine Flu craze has gone a bit too far. Don't get me wrong, I fully understand that this is a real problem, but the fashion industry has taken the flu to a whole new level.

Irina Blok has decided to produce limited edition fashion surgical masks--they are apparently the "perfect gift for Mother's Day" and cost about $10.

I'm practically speechless; although the pig snout one is kind of cute. And, I should probably mention that proceeds from the mask sales will be donated to Children International to help Mexico fight the Swine Flu epidemic.

Thoughts?

Eye Patch Chic

Oh lord. If you know me at all, then you know that I love a good eye patch. The plaid eye patch from House of Holland is quite remarkable. I love it.

Granted, the whole outfit is pretty ugly...but how about trying the eye patch with a nice pair of dark-wash jeans and a black tee?

Eye patches are obviously back and better than ever. And with this look, you can even just cut up an old flannel shirt!

My Nana will be glad to know that I can finally get use of the family tartan.

Fashion Faux Pas: Pretend Facial Hair

I never thought I'd need to write about this fake beard "trend". Obviously I was mistaken.

For only $40 (and a small s & h fee) you can be the owner of your very own fake beard!! It comes in about 10 different colors and apparently it is all the rage in the fashion world.

You've got to be kidding me.

Etsy should not be used for items like this.

That is all.

Estée Lauder Gift Time!

Oh free gifts with purchases, how I love thee. Estée Lauder has a new set out that comes free with any $39.50 purchase. Here's what's included:
- 14-day sizes of a moisturizer and cleanser and Advanced Night Repair
- a compact of 9 eyeshadows, a full-size lipstick and a lipgloss in warm or cool shades
- sueded cosmetic bag
- Estée Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfum Spray Vial

Deeeelightful, no?

Fashion Faux Pas: Man Skirts

This weekend, I took a little jaunt to H&M to see the new spring trends. H&M now has a delightful little magazine/catalogue (cagazine) that not only showcases what the store is selling, but also focuses on trends as a whole for the upcoming season. What I found was quite unfortunate.

Apparently, Marc Jacobs has suddenly decided that man skirts are IN.

Usually I love Marc Jacobs, but honestly if I ever see an actual man wearing a skirt in public, I will probably puke all over his face. And the puke will hopefully ricochet off of his face and ruin the skirt. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. And I'm Scottish! Kilts are in my blood!

Please guys, if you feel the need to wear a skirt, reconsider. You'll simply look like an idiot regardless of who has designed it.

That is all.

Totally Luxe

I probably own more than 20 different mascaras at any given time. I'm constantly on the lookout for the perfect one. Despite the fact that I own many relatively pricey brands, CoverGirl constantly amazes me.

My new obsession? CoverGirl's LashBlast Shimmery Volumizing Mascara. Not only does it go on clump free, it also deposits the perfect amount of shimmer in one of four fabulous shades! My pick is Black Cabernet, a cool-toned purple shade. It really makes my green eyes pop!

For a mere $8.49, you too can enjoy looking glam anytime. Bat those lashes, gals!

Trick of the Trade: Fixing Shattered Eye Shadow

If you're a total klutz like me, you've broken more than a few good eye shadows. This is an emotional subject for me, as I am almost constantly dropping my fave powders on my bathroom floor and often shatter my heart in the process (okay, that might be a little over dramatic). But honestly, there is nothing worse than shelling out $20 for a new shimmery shadow only to watch it fall and break into tiny little pieces. After years of crying over spilled eye shadow, I've found a tip that actually seems to work fairly well.

First, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol into your compact. Then, take a bit of saran wrap and gently smooth the powder into place. The added liquid forces an immediate bond and the alcohol dries up in moments, leaving behind a nearly perfect powder.

Water will not have the same effect, as it does not dry the same. I've also heard of people using petroleum jelly, but that actually makes the eye shadow appear greasy.

If the powder is broken up beyond repair, you can always completely break it up and simply use it as a loose eye shadow.

Girl's Night In!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a beautiful gift! Sephora is selling this exclusive limited-time gift set from Benefit. The set includes:
- 2 creaseless cream shadows (Birthday Suit and Skinny Jeans shades)
- 1 lipstick (Lady's Choice shade)
- 1 Talent Brush
- 3 Love Your Look mannequin magnets
- A custom lesson

The shades are ultra flattering for every skin tone. The set retails for $48, which is pretty reasonable. Enjoy!

Hello Kitty Meets MAC!!

I have the best news ever-- MAC and Hello Kitty are teaming up for MAC's Spring 2009 makeup collection! My absolute two favorite things in the world are Hello Kitty and makeup. The combination of Hello Kitty's cute little face on a gorgey new lip gloss is probably the best thing since sliced bread. Honestly.

The collection contains a ton of different makeup (and even cuter accessories). A bonus? They all have awesome names. A few of my faves are: Fashion Mews sheer pale lavender lipstick, On the Prowl light creamy grey nail polish, Milk Frosty pale silvery pink pigment, and the Hello Kitty Petite Makeup Bag.

I cannot wait for spring.

[Update: All of these products will be available February 12, 2009!]

I Heart Shoes!!!

For all the gals out there who are obsessed with shoes: here's a cute charm bracelet to celebrate your love affair.

LuLu's For only $15, you can be the owner of this glam accessory. Dangling from the chain are various shoe types with black and white details. The charms measure about 1.25" Bracelet is 8.5" long.

Fabbity fabulous!

Fashion Faux Pas: the Mister Rogers Cardigan

Dear idiot guys who think that cardigans are the best thing since sliced bread:

You are wrong.

I do not know why this is even still an issue, but apparently some people (e.g. my boyfriend) do not realize that old-man cardigans are not in style. In fact, they are simply unacceptable unless you are over the age of 70. Mister Rogers was basically the only person who could pull off the look and even that was a bit ridiculous--regardless of how much I loved him. I do not care if said cardigan is by a fabulous designer, that does not make it okay. Even the best designers are allowed to make a mistake here and there.

In all honestly, I do like sophisticated men, but if I wanted to date a grandpa, I'd find my dates at the local old folks home bi-weekly dance parties.

Do me a favor guys (and the ladies that dress them), skip the cardigan and go with a simple sweatshirt or even a long sleeve tee.

Thanks.

Love,

Alana

Glitzy Shoes--on Sale!!!

Happy New Year, all! My New Year's resolution is to be fabulously stylish (as always), without spending all of my rent money on makeup and shoes. This is quite a challange for me. Therefore, I have searched high and low for post-holiday sales and thankfully have found the best shoes to dress up nearly any outfit. For $30.

Ann Taylor's Gemma Glitter Flat is really a gorgey shoe for any time of year. It's a bit gutsy, so if you wear these flats, make sure to downplay all other accessories. In fact, I'd probably wear these with a pair of dark-wash jeans and a black tee.

These shoes are going fast, so run--don't walk--to the nearest Ann Taylor store. Or better yet, visit the website! Let's make 2009 a totally fashionable year. Are you with me?!

Glamour to GO!

I love little makeup palettes because I always need to have makeup with me at all times. I realize that I may be slightly crazy. Be that as it may, Too Faced has basically read my mind.

The Glamour To Go 2 Pocket Palette by Too Faced has everything you need for beauty touch ups on the go. The set includes 8 universally flattering eye shadows, 4 lip glosses, and a shimmery blush.

The best part? The whole palette folds up and is about the size of a credit card. Not bad, if I do say so myself. It retails for $19.50, which is quite a steal for such gorgey products!

Go Commando!

Oh my. There is now a way to go commando without...going commando! Commandos has come out with Go Commandos Patches. I haven't tried them yet--I'm more of a cute panty gal, but rumor has it, they're pretty fabulous.

They are absorbent fabric patches that you attach to the inside seam of pants, jeans or tights. They act as a replacement to underwear and leave no panty lines or uncomfortable chafing (the pads are incredibly soft, you hardly notice them at all). It's almost like attaching a pantyliner to the inside of your jeans, minus the uncomfortableness. They also stay in place quite well, whereas a pantyliner won't. They even come in organic cotton.

Unfortunately, there is a downside. Cost-wise, they're a steep $16 - $18 for a package of 8.

Beauty Myths Uncovered

Now we've all heard various beauty "tips", but are they really tips after all? I found a list of 10 beauty myths that are not only false, but plain old ridiculous!

1) Does Chocolate Cause Acne? NO. Extensive research shows this is simply not true.

2) Are Organic or Natural Products Better for Skin? Not always! Many organic skincare products have a short shelf life and can harm skin if the product is expired. Other organic products are made from fruits which can irritate skin and cause allergies.

3) Should Concealer Be Lighter Than Your Skin Tone? Don't buy concealer that's a shade or two lighter than your skin tone or you may end up with that lovely "reverse raccoon" look. Not attractive.

4) Can You Use a Body Lotion on Your Face? No. Lotion formulated for the body can be drying or can irritate the more sensitive skin on your face. Your body's skin is thicker and tougher than the skin on your face so companies can get away with putting fragrances and cheaper ingredients in a body lotion.

5) Is It Unsanitary to Use His Razor? Not at all. Go ahead, raid his bathroom cabinet if you're in a pinch.

6) Best Way to Spritz Perfume: Spray First, Then Walk Into the Mist? This is actually NOT the best way to apply perfume. Walking into the mist means you're coating your clothes with fragrance and not yourself! Since fragrance is formulated to work with the heat of your body, it's best to apply perfume to pulse points -- wrists, back of the knees, the base of the throat and just behind the earlobes.

7) Never, Ever Tweeze Above the Brow. This is tricky because many women try doing this themselves. PLEASE, for the love of God, pay a professional to do this for you! You will look more polished and great eyebrows really help frame the face.

8) She Did Your Makeup, Are You Obligated to Buy Everything? We've all been there--who doesn't love a complimentary makeover at a beauty counter? Consider how much time you took up of the salesperson. If you asked for a consult and took up a lot of her time asking questions and for more makeup, then you should consider buying something as a courtesy. But if she nabbed you to try a liner or lipstick and you didn't like it, thank her and move on.

9) Toner is a Must for Any Skincare Regimen. False. Why? These days, cleansers do a good enough job removing excess oils and dirt from skin, you don't need an added astringent. Plus, toners can be drying to skin so the only people who would benefit from an astringent are those who suffer from extremely oily skin.

10) Can You Prevent Stretch Marks With Lotion? Not really. Sorry, ladies! Stretch marks are caused by weight gain or weight loss. The best thing to do is apply some self tanner to camouflage and hope for the best!

Pick your Pretty!

I have an addiction. And I'm not ashamed of it.

I LOVE gift sets from department stores. I'm a huge sucker for miniature sized products, be they makeup, skincare products, or anything in between. And now what Christmas is over, I think it's just about time to treat myself to a gorgey gift bag full of goodies.

Clinique has a new divine bag filled to the brim with their most popular products. The "Pick your Pretty" gift sets come in two different collections: Pink Perfection and Plum Sensation.

Each kit contains:
-Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, 1.7 oz
-7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, 1.7 oz
-High Impact Mascara in Black, .17 oz
Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, .17 oz
-Exclusive Colour Surge Eyeshadow QuadBlushing
-Blush Powder Blush with brush
-Clinique Hair Brush
-Canvas Tote

Again, the colors do vary depending on which collection you choose. So here's the deal: the 8-piece collections are $32.50 with a purchase of $25 or more. Not to shabby, considering that the products on their own cost a steep $84!

The promotion is going on while supplies last--but I'm sure they'll be flying off the shelves, so get yourself over to your local Clinique counter stat!!!

Free Gift with Purchase!!

Oh Ulta, how I love thee. Currently, Ulta is offering a special free gift with purchase. I'm always such a sucker for those anyway, and this is no exception. With any $25 purchase, you can get a divine gift set for free (valued at $20). The best part? You can choose from three different sets: The Women's Trend pack, The Women's Classic pack, or The Men's pack. So, you can get whichever pack tickles your fancy. Each pack is full of various deluxe samples and is really quite the steal.

Hooray for free stuff!

O My! O-Gloss Lips!

I recently decided to give Smashbox's O-Gloss a try due to the fab reviews I've been reading. And now I am officially in love.

The gloss is intuitive--it seems to have a mind of its own. When first applied, it goes on clear. After a couple minutes, you have your perfect lip gloss in your very own perfect pink!

Because I am super fair-skinned (read: transparently white), I generally cannot wear lip gloss that supposedly works for every skin tone. This gloss is much different. On me, the shade ended up being a very sheer raspberry pink. This is great to wear on its own, or to layer on top of your fave lipstick.

The gloss retails for $22 and lasts for a while; definitely worth the price. Enjoy!