Write with Lipstick!

More than a few times I've found myself needing to write things down without a pen in sight. Oddly enough, I usually have an average of 5 lipsticks in my purse, so I usually write with one of 'em.

Fred Flare has tapped into this dilemma. Their Lipstick Ballpoint Pen is the perfect solution. Because the pen looks like a tube of lipstick, I'll be sure to throw it in my bag without even thinking! The pen is totally gorgey and actually makes taking notes stylish.

Selling for a mere $5, this is one pen you'll want to keep with you at all times.

Orange You Glad You Tried Orange Nail Polish?

Summer is the perfect time to wear bright nail polish. In the Winter months, we often tend not to try bold colors (even though we probably should!)

Orly's Orange Punch is great for this. Oddly enough, orange is a superb color for most skin tones. It accentuates a tan, or adds color to fair-skinned gals like myself. The main thing you want to look for with orange polish, is a color that has blue undertones (anything that looks too yellow-based generally doesn't flatter many people).

You can find this divine color at most drugstores, or purchase it online for $6.49.

A Little Black Dress with Some Flair

Is there anything better than a cute summery dress on a hot day? I think not.

Charlotte Russe's Striped Colorblock Dress is perfect and flattering for almost everyone. Because the colorful stripes are along the bust line, the hips and waist immediately look about a size smaller. This is the case with most dresses that have embellishment or a pop of color on the top. The empire cut also helps with this.

Also, there are a couple of fun little details that make this dress unique: a sweetheart neckline (very flattering for the knockers), and two pockets! The pockets lay flat against the body, so no extra bulk is added.

My favorite thing about this dress? It's on sale for $13.49 on charlotterusse.com!

Fashion Faux Pas: Men in Pink

Okay, I get it. Pink is the cool thing for guys to wear. For some ridiculous reason, men have the idea that wearing pink suddenly makes you awesome. Wrong. This started as a way for guys to stand out, and it has now spiraled out of control to the point where I see at least three dudes in pink daily. You are not being original.

Men who wear pink look like idiots. I can't even think of one instance in which this would be socially acceptable.

That is all.

A Plumper For Your Seductive Pucker...

I probably own roughly 77 lip glosses. It's honestly a bit sickening. That said, I consider myself to be quite the expert on all things lip-related.

My latest find is Maybelline's Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper. It is divine, to say the least. Finding a good lip plumper is tricky; most of 'em don't work or are pretty pricey. Even some of the ones that work are, quite frankly, physically painful! This is due to the fact that most lip plumpers contain ingredients like cinnamon or ginger that irritate the surface of the lip and cause temporary redness and swelling. I know that sometimes we have to suffer pain for beauty, but that is just ridiculous to me.

The Volume XL Seduction Lip Plumper is different. Though it does tingle upon application, it is more numbing than anything else. I felt no irritation with the gloss and noticed a definite difference in the plumpness of my pucker.

The color selection is great; most of the them are sheer and natural shades, which is what you want in a plumper. Dark colors tend to make lips look thinner, as a general rule. I went with the "Born With It" shade--the lightest one, and found that it added shine and a little shimmer without weighing down my lips or looking unnatural.

The gloss is $7.09 on drugstore.com, and you can also find it in any local pharmacy.

Muah!

Fashion Faux Pas: Harem Pants

I can't even believe that there are people in the world who think that harem pants are socially acceptable. Unfortunately, the powers that be have decided that these hideous pants will be a style staple for Fall.

Pictured, is one particular pair that I find offensive and just plain ugly. Free People Clothing is selling them for $98. Which makes sense when you read all of the great qualities of the pants: "Metallic knit harem pants. Elastic pull on waistband and banded bottom hem."

First of all, the harem shape is not flattering on any figure. Even the model pictured looks like she has huge hips and a bit of a tummy issue, and she is obviously a skinny gal! The pants are very fitted at the natural waist (higher than most pants), drastically poofs out, and then tightens again at the ankles. The metallic finish also exaggerates the look. Basically this just ads bulk in all the real trouble areas for most women.

Furthermore, no one should ever wear elastic pants! Perhaps when you're in your 80s, they might be an okay choice. Until then, it's a good idea to avoid any pair of pants that comes in Small,Medium, and Large.

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?!