New Layout!

My blog has a gorgey new layout! I'm obsessed with it...I've had the same one ever since I started this blog in 2007, so it was really time for a change. What do you think?

Smokey Eyes in Every Color

Nothing looks better than the classic smokey eye. The problem is that a lot of people tend to think that you can only do a smokey eye with black and grey shades. Though that look can be great for night, you can do a smokey eye with virtually any color shadow.

Pixi's Smokey Eye Palette is great for this. It contains basically all the colors you may be missing in your makeup kit because you were too scared to try them. Each shade is very highly pigmented and goes on smoothly. Each color, other than the black, have a little shimmer to them, which makes blending easy (matte shadows generally are tricky to apply and make to look even).

You can create countless looks with this palette. Mix the two purple shades, try the electric blue with the gunmetal grey to tone it down, do a sheer wash of the deep green...I played with this for about an hour last night and came up with some great looks. Hopefully I'll do a tutorial on colorful smokey eyes soon (I need a decent camera though).

All of these tones are surprisingly flattering and simply gorgeous. The palette is $28 at Target.

Stamp on Your Lipstick

Hmm...here's an interesting idea. Alcone has developed a Lipstamp Kit. The kit comes with 10 different lip stamp shapes (so you can pick one closest to your own) and the actual stamp itself--not to mention a handy built-in mirror. Each set is $24.95.

All you do is apply your fave lipstick to the stamp, line it up with your lips, and stamp it on. An additional bonus is that the stamp apparently applies exactly the right amount of your shade, so you don't end up with that cakey look, that is oh so glamorous.

In all honesty, I'm not too sure about this. I like the idea, but I have a couple issues. 1.) How are you supposed to clean the stamp? I suppose makeup remover, but I assume that some residue must linger. And that's gross, and may change the color of the next shade you apply. 2.) What if my lips do not match up with one of the 10 lip shapes included? I can't imagine that all the ladies of the world fit under the category of 10 lip sizes.

What do you think?

The Perfect Black Peep-Toe Pumps

Every girl needs a classic pair of black peep-toe pumps. It's a scientific fact.

Lela Rose's Halsey Satin Peep Toe for Payless is a great choice. The pumps are an elegant mix of satin and leather. You can wear them with a pair of dark wash jeans for going out, a business outfit for the office, or a dress for a special occasion. They are one of the most versatile pairs of shoes in the world. Wow, that's quite the statement I just made. Alas, I am not ashamed because it is true.

You may want to stock up and buy a few pairs for when you wear 'em out. Which you will.

My only complaint is that the pumps are not available in my size (a tiny small 5...and even then, I need padding).

You can pick these bad boys up for $29.99.

NARS Fall 2009 Collection

NARS always delivers well-made, beautiful makeup. I'm a big fan of their new Fall collection. The colors look perfect for colder weather, and seem as though they'll transition nicely into Winter.

My fave pick is the Brumes eyeshadow duo (pictured). The colors are matte charcoal and blue slate, two pretty shades for any skintone. The colors combined would work well to create an interesting smokey eye--rather than the predictable black, or could also be used separately as a liner.

The duo is $32.

Lookin' Pretty Sans Water

I've been the victim of having to get ready waterless a few times now, so I've picked up a few tips. Whether you're going camping, traveling somewhere weird without showers, or simply have had your water turned off, I've got some helpful products that you should have with you.

One of the best things to have is a dry shampoo. They make your hair look clean, fresh, and fabulous. Not to mention, most of them smell great. Jonathan's Green Routine Dry Shampoo ($19) is my number one pick. Though it's pricey, it works amazingly and the packaging enables you to apply the stuff without making a huge mess. You just click the brush, brush over your scalp, and go about your life.

Another great thing to have is any kind of daily facial wipe. They're fairly cheap and leave your skin feeling great. Boots No 7 Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes ($6.99) work really well. You can use them at night to remove even the most waterproof makeup, and in the morning to moisturize and tone your skin.

Probably the most important thing to have on hand is a way to brush your teeth. They are constantly on display, unless you are some sort of creep who never smiles. I suggest Colgate Wisp Mini Brushes ($2.49). You need no water, simply brush and go. The result is a fresh mouth and a gorgeous smile! That's the most important accessory you own (cheesy, but true).

Final Weekend to BOGO!

Payless is probably one of my favorite places to buy shoes. I know--it used to have a bad rep for carrying cheap shoes for kids and old people, but now they've got tons of designers doing collections for them, and honestly the styles are amazing.

The great thing about Payless is that they're constantly doing BOGO sales (buy one get one half off). Usually if you see some shoes you like, you can wait a few weeks and there will be a BOGO sale.

Right now, this weekend is the last weekend to BOGO for this particular sale. it's a great idea to stock up on some Fall shoes. I'm partial to these American Eagle Marley Flat Boots. Slouchy boots are always great to have (especially if you live in New England), and look cute with anything from tucked-in jeans to dresses. The boots retail for about $40, but if you BOGO wisely, you might just be able to get them for $20.

A Dress That Goes With Anything...For $8!

This gorgey City Style Sleeveless V-Neck Dress from New York and Company is the perfect go-to dress for any occasion. I love it paired with opaque black tights.

It's stretchy enough so you'll get a good fit, but cut very well to avoid unwanted lumps and bumps protruding all over the place. The dress is available in a bunch of colors and, yes, is only $8!!!

My advice? Buy it in every color you can! This is a classic dress that won't go out of style.

Unauthorized Use of My Writing and Pictures

Thanks to everyone who reads my blog! I love writing it and helping gals everywhere with style and beauty thaaangs.

Just a quick word to all, in a non-bitchy (hopefully) way...

I don't know what the deal is, but I've been finding my pictures and writing all over the internet being used without my permission. I've even found pictures of my face, or entire posts of mine! I work hard on each of my posts. If people just asked me, chances are I'd say yes, I'd just want a link to my blog on there too. At the bottom of my page, I have a VERY specific copyright section and it has been there since I started this blog.

Here it is just as an FYI:

All images on www.sassy-fashionista.com are readily available on the Internet and believed to be in public domain. Images posted are believed to be published according to the U.S. Copyright Fair Use Act (title 17, U.S. Code.)

Copyright © 2007-2009 Sassy Fashionista. All text herein is property of the author and may not be copied or reproduced without explicit permission.

Liquid Liner Without the Hassle

L'Oreal's Extra Intense Eye Liner rocks my socks off. I love wearing liquid eyeliner, but sometimes the stuff is tricky to apply. Even a makeup guru such as myself has off days and flawless application of liquid liner is simply out of the question.

L'Oreal's liner is actually a pencil, but it acts like a liquid. With one sweep across your lashline (top only), you'll look as if you've applied some amazingly perfect liquid liner to your peepers. It drys in about 20 seconds and doesn't budge all day--probably my fave benefit of liquid liner to begin with.

Precision and staying power without the hard work? Sign me up.

Fashion Faux Pas: Overpriced Trash Bag Purse

Marciano, the upscale brand owned by GUESS, had a lot of great handbags. Granted, they're all in the $200-300 range and up, but some are really cute.

Unfortunately, I also found this gem: the Martha Cutout Tote Handbag. This huge trashbag-esque purse horrifies me. It's not that I find it that repulsive, but the bag is a steep (for me) $350. I feel like I could find a similar bag at Wal-Mart. In the cleaning department. For a couple bucks.

Adding a cute studded handle and chain strap does not make a trash bag look fashionable. Nor does the randomly ruched seam down the center.

If you have that kind of cash to blow, I suggest this cute Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag instead.

Butter LONDON On Sale!!

Butter LONDON's nail polish is superb. For starters, they do not contain Formaldehyde, Toluene, or DBP. The polish itself works really well too. It goes on smoothly and is long-lasting. The colors are to die for.

For a VERY limited time, the brand is on sale at The Fairest for 50% off! Personally, I'm a fan of Crumpet, a beige color. Nothing is more classy than beige nails. Check it out!

Get Gorgeous Waves

Herbal Essences always has great products for a gal on a budget. I haven't tried a product yet that I haven't liked. My latest obsession? Tousle Me Softly Tousling Spray Gel.

First of all, it smells amazing. Kind of a violet-ish smell, but mostly it just smells fresh. The consistency of the product is great too. Just to give you an idea of my hair, it usually frizzes out a ton. In the summer, I tend to just leave it curly most of the time, as flat ironing it would be pointless due to frizziness. Without any product, I usually describe my hair as wavy-frizz-grossness. So it's a big deal when something works.

I followed my usual shower routine and followed it up by smoothing in some of my anti-frizz serum (I use a ton of it; BioSilk works best). I brushed out all my tangles--and believe me, there are always lots of them. Finally, I proceeded onto the spray gel.

I sprayed a thin layer all over my head, then went back through spraying more on the ends and scrunching as I went along. The result was great: non-frizzy waves with just enough hold and very little crunchiness that is oh so unappealing. I'd almost say it resembles "after-sex-hair" (sorry if that's offensive) because it causes hair to look a bit messy in a good way.

You can buy the gel at Target for $2.99.

Tutorial: New Avon Fall 09 Collection

I just tried out a bunch of Avon's new Fall products, and I have to say that I'm pretty impressed. From the packaging of the products to the quality, they seem much more expensive than they actually are.

The new collection focuses on jewel toned eyes and soft pink lips. It's a great look for Fall, and jewel toned hues generally make your eyes pop. The shadow pallet is pigment-rich and easy to blend, so it's quite "user friendly".

Here's how to apply some of the new goodies:


First, apply concealer over the lid (this makes the eyeshadow stick throughout the day). Then, grab the Nocturnal eyeshadow quad ($7). Start with the lightest shade, tempted, and apply it under the brow and to the inner corner of the eye. Then take the light brown shade, Suede, and smooth it on only from the crease down, blending upwards.


Next, apply the plum shade, nocturnal, to the inner half of the eyelid (not into the tear ducts). Blend well.






Then, apply the deep green shade, celadon, to the very outer corner of your lid. Again, make sure to blend well, especially blend into the plum shade. This creates a flawless, almost airbrushed, look.




Line your eyes (top and bottom) with Professional Kohl Eyeliner in Bronze ($6). The line should be thicker as it goes outwards.






Finally, apply some mascara. Avon's new Supercurlacious ($7.50) is divine. And your look is complete!








To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit online at www.avon.com.

An Ice Bag For Us Fashonistas!

How many times have you had to pull out yet another bag of frozen veggies to throw on your head to aid with a terrible headache? GalPal has a great Retro Ice Bag that I'm just smitten with.

Whether you're hungover, or have migraines (like myself), this bag almost makes having a headache fashionable. I wouldn't mind people seeing me with this cute bag, whereas when I'm forced to cover my head in frozen corn, I hide from the world.

Just fill the reusable bag with ice and a little water and you're good to go. The ice bag is $15, but it's definitely a good investment!

Beauty Boo-Boo: Stick-On Eyeshadow

I have never seen a more disturbing eyeshadow technique than this. ColorOn has developed Eye Envy in a new Exotic Kit.

I'm sorry, but these are way too similar to those lick-and-stick tattoos that I used to wear when I was a kid. It simply doesn't seem like a good idea to wear on your eyes. Furthermore, who the hell wants to have zebra striped eyelids??!? Is this some sort of trend that I've missed? Because the result is not flattering and should be avoided at all costs. This isn't even acceptable for Halloween makeup.

The worst part is that each kit retails at $25 for 5 applications.

Don't we have better things to spend money on?

Caught In The Act: Harem Pants

Someone didn't read my blog about how hideous harem pants are...

A local Newscaster [I've spared her the embarassment of posting her name], was photographed in sparkly harem pants. She looks like a genie in a bottle. Not in a good way.

Note to fashion victim: How low is your crotch for real? Because it looks like you've got quite the impressive package.

That is all.

Beauty.com Gift With Purchase!

JHklfdhsjkfhdskjth. That is how excited I am right now (a lot). I'm obsessed with cute gift sets, and even more obsessed when they are free [ish].

Beauty.com just started their Fall GWP today!!! It's valued at $140 and includes the following "prestige" samples:

• Arcona Night Breeze Heal/Protect (PM)
• Urban Decay Lipstick in Sellout
• BVLGARI Omnia Jade Lotion
• NICK CHAVEZ® Beverly Hills PLUMP 'N THICK® Thickening Spray Gel with Collagen
• Origins Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion
• BORBA Açai Skin Balance Gummi Bear Boosters
• Caudalíe Paris Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream
• ALTERNA® Caviar Anti-Aging Seasilk® Color Hold® Moisture Shampoo

• TALIKA PARIS Eye Therapy Patch
• DIANA B. Green Tea Desert Grapefruit (or) Peach Frangipani Flower
• LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer
• Jane Iredale® Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara
• Paula Dorf Perfect Primer®
• RareMinerals Purely Nourishing Facial Moisturizer
• Dr. Brandt® pores no more vacuum cleaner® blackhead extractor
• PHYTO Phytodéfrisant

Oh, god. I think I'm in love. Yes, again.

More Stila Sale Items!!

For only the next two days, The Fairest is selling a ton of Stila products at ridiculously low prices.Everything is 50% off, like this Cool Palette in Noir (pictured). It's currently going for $16!!

How pretty does this palette look? I love the packaging and all the colors are very wearable.

Oodles of other products are also available--many of Stila's well-known faves, and a few blockbuster sets.

Sign up on The Fairest to purchase; it's actually a good idea as they have constant killer sales and you can be notified by email of upcoming deals.

Face Freshening Beauty

With the weather changing constantly (thanks New England), my skin has been ridiculously dry. No amount of moisturizer has helped me avoid looking like my skin is falling off at an alarming rate.

It's sickening, I know.

Luckily, I've found a solution. Cororescience has come out with a line of face fresheners called Achromatherapy Gem Spritzers. Their On The Mend face freshener is superbly amazing.

Each Gem Spritzer uses pharmaceutical grade and organically grown aromatherapies to accommodate different skin types and mood swings. Each bottle contains a specific gemstone to enhance aromatherapy energy. You can even mix different sprays for a unique treat.

After a long day of sitting at my desk with my skin whithering away, this spray really worked wonders. After a couple spritzes, my face immediately felt refreshed and I felt a shot of energy.

The sprays cost $35, but it's a small price to pay when the outcome is gorgeous hydrated skin.

[Edit: The only downside is that when I went to kiss my boyfriend, he asked, "What is that awful smell?"...soooo, I may have to try another scent. He thought it smelled like pine needles.]