New OPI Miss Universe Collection

When I was younger (like 5 or 6), I wanted to be in pageants. I used to wear frilly dresses all the time and parade around in my mom's heels.  Sometime's there'd be a faux feather boa or two in the mix.

Anyway, ever since then, I've had a soft spot for pageants.  And Miss Universe is a big one!!  So, I wasn't surprised that OPI came out with its very own Miss Universe collection to celebrate the event (it should have come sooner!) I also couldn't wait to see it because the Miss Universe competition just screams glitz and I knew this collection would deliver the goods!

There are four shades in the collection.  Here are the swatches:

Congeniality is my Middle Name is a bright red shimmer that can go from looking more berry-hued (like in the above pic) to looking like more or an orange-ish red, depending on the lighting. Basically though, I'd consider it a berry shimmer with pink, purple, orange and a hint of blue shimmer to it. It sounds like an awful lot of shimmer packed into one polish, but the shimmer is super fine and together it makes a fabulous shade.

Swimsuit...Nailed it! is a fun blue color with some silver shimmer to it.  I also detect maybe some darker tones, like a pewter shade mixed in somehow.  It's definitely a pretty blue hue, but just isn't my fave in the collection.  I love blue on nails, but for some reason this polish just isn't grabbing me as much as the others.

It's My Year is easily my top pick from the collection.  It's a medium plum-based shade packed with tons of shimmer in a plethora of pinky-purple hues.  There's also a decent amount of gold shimmer that gives the polish a foil-esque finish.  I'm so incredibly in love with this shade--it looks like a completely different color depending on the light, but still manages to get the base plum shade through. This is one shade that has a guaranteed spot in my fave10 polishes for the season!

Crown Me Already is incredibly perfect to top off this collection.  It's a chunky silver glitter polish with different sized glitter flecks throughout.  It looks great on it's own, but I've tried it over tons of solid OPI hues and it really enhances any polish out there.  This shade has all the glitz and glamour that you'd expect from Miss Universe (and then some!)




The whole collection is fabbity-fabulous and is totally worthy of winning its very own crown!


If you'd like to try out the polishes, you can find them at professional salons and spas nationwide including national chains Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA for about $8 each.

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.

Amazingly Cute Flat Iron for $20 (That Actually WORKS!)

I stumbled into Marshall's the other day to kill some time and literally walked into a display of adorable patterned flat irons. Since a girl can never have too many flat irons (this is my third or fourth!), I took a look at a box to get the details.  I'm personally a CHI  and/or ghd snob, so it takes a lot for me to reach out and try something else.

The Cermika PRO flat irons I was looking at seemed to have everything that high-end straighteners have--ceramic plates, temperature controlled heat that goes up to 450 degrees...everything! Except that they also all had super cute designs and only cost $20!!

Crazy, right?!

So I skeptically bought one, assuming that there was no way it'd be on par with my other flat irons. I was SO wrong! Not only are the Cermika irons cute as a button; they also work just as well as my $200 CHI!

The only problem? I haven't been able to find them online. Anywhere. And I have no idea how long they'll be at Marshall's. But if I were you, I'd run to the nearest store and stock up! The patterns are endless and will truly make you want to straighten your hair, merely since you'll be able to use something so cute!

Here's another design I found online:

Totally fabulous, right? I also saw a light blue one with retro flowers on it that I just might have to pick up...Eeee!! I love finding cheap goodies!!

Bath & Body Works Latest: Paris Amour!

Has anyone else tried Bath & Body Work's new Paris Amour fragrance?! It smells absolutely divine and I'm currently obsessing over it.  The scent is described as: a dreamy blend of French tulips, apple blossoms and sparkling pink champagne, inspired by a romantic stroll through the streets of Paris.  It smells super yummy!

Right now, Bath & Body Works is offering up this utterly adorable gift set (pictured) for $10 with any Paris Amour purchase. The set includes a mini fragrance spray, shower gel, and body lotion so that you can enjoy the whole Paris Amour experience!

To get this fab deal, I suggest going for the amazing Shimmer & Shea Shimmer Gel & Body lotion.There's a dial at the top to control how much shimmer comes out with the lotion (you'd better believe that I have mine cranked all the way up!) The lotion is $14.

Je 'taime!

Wondering What to Wear?

It takes me HOURS to get ready for something--especially if it's a special event. I go back and forth on accessories and tops...it's ridiculous.

This cute What to Wear Pad has everything you need to keep your outfits organized.  You literally write down every single thing that you're wearing on any given day.

There's even a checklist for helping you find out what look you're going for!  How fabulous is this??!

Each pad is $8--and definitely worth it to save time and stay organized when it comes to fashion!

Dry Your Nails in a Jiffy!

I absolutely HATE sitting around and waiting for my nails to dry.  Despite the fact that I use a fast-drying top coat, I usually still end up having to wait for over 20 minutes before I can use my hands (and even then, the polish is still tacky and can be easily damaged).

The solution?  Revlon's Liquid Quick Dry Nail Finish.  There are tons of overly expensive products out that that produce similar results, but I've found that this Revlon finish gets the job done for a fraction of the price.

I tend to use a few drops of it after applying my usual fast-drying top coat, and I've found that it literally cuts the drying time in half.  I love this stuff!!

The best part? You can get the nail finish for under $5.  Not bad for a super time saver!

BEAUTY ALERT: Anne Hathaway at her One Day Premiere

Anne Hathaway always looks so utterly chic and gorgeous.  She never looks fake and her hair always has that effortless, yet glam look to it.

The secret? Some fab Frederic Fekkai products applied by stylist Adir Abergel!  Here's how to get the look:

Adir began by applying Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip to the roots of the wet hair. He then added Fekkai Coiff Bouffant Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel from the middle of the hair to the bottom, helping to hold a slight natural wave. Adir then dried the hair while using a Fekkai Large Round Brush to ensure that the ends of the hair had a nice bend. Once the hair was completely dry, he used a 1” curling iron to create waves from the middle of the hair to the ends. After allowing the hair to cool, he added softness to the waves by spraying Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray and brushing it through. Adir finished the look by applying Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist to the ends of the hair, creating beautiful shine and bounce.

All products by Fekkai: Fekkai Advanced Full Volume Styling Whip ($23), Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel ($24), Fekkai Large Round Brush ($65), Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray ($24), and Fekkai Advanced Glossing Sheer Shine Mist ($24). Available at Fekkai.com and Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Vitamin Water Lip Balm!?

Eeeee!! Just when you thought they thought of everything...Vitamin Water has come out with its very own Lip Balm.  And I'm in LOVE with it!

My fave balm by far is the strawberry kiwi flavor, but each balm has a fab scent and taste of its own!  All of them smell remarkably like their drink partners.  They're all super yummy.

You can find them all over the place, but drugstore.com seems to be the cheapest I've found so far--$2.99 per tube!

Yum!

Yes to Blueberries!!!

I'm a huge fan of all the "Yes to..." products, and their latest Yes to Blueberries Gardener's Hand Cream is no exception.

I must admit, I don't really do much gardening.  That said, the hand cream works wonders on my sensitive skin.  I've been applying it regularly (especially when I'm outdoors) and I've found that my hands feel silky smooth without any sort of greasy residue.  Huzzah!

Some bonus factors? The hand cream is 95% natural and is not tested on animals.  Also, 100% of the proceeds go to the Yes to Seed Fund to give kids fun and engaging ways to connect with mother nature and teach them to lead healthier lifestyles through nutrition, gardening & being outdoors. How fab is that?!

Each 2.5oz tube is $8.99.

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Applaud Women Summer Issue is Out!

The latest issue of Applaud Women is online!  The whole magazine is fab, but I am going to pimp myself out a little here.  I wrote a fashion article that you can find on pages 42-43.

So check out the mag for some great pieces and be sure to check out my summer savings article for ways to wear summer trends without breaking the bank!

Fab Temporary Tattoos

I always have great ideas for tattoos and get cravings to look more bad-ass.  But I have a job, and sometimes the tattoos that tickle my fancy simply aren't appropriate for everyday wear.

That's why I love temporary tattoos.  The good news? They're not just for kids anymore!  Tattly has some amazing temp ink that's as awesome as it is cheap.

My faves are the Knucks (letter sheets that allow you to spell out anything) and the You're Late watch.  Both are $5 each.

There are tons of other groovy designs.  Explore the site and find your own unique tat!

Fashion Faux Pas: CARGO Jeggings!!!

I've made my thoughts about jeggings pretty clear.  I hate them practically more than anything else in the world.  They're not flattering in the least bit.  In fact, they tend to add bulk and make your hips look HUGE, regardless of how thin you are.  That said, I thought that plain old jeggings were as bad as it got.  Unfortunately, I was mistaken.

Oodles ofstores are now selling cargo jeggings (including the Gap, Kohl's, and New York & Co . The pants include side pockets, like regular cargo pants, but are tight and unflattering just like jeggings.  It's a horrible combo.  Whoever came up with this idea needs to be punched in the face. 

The extra side pockets only serve to make your thighs look ridiculously large in comparison to the rest of your body.

I just don't get why anyone would find this look attractive.  And it's not even like the cargo pockets serve a purpose--you can't really carry things in them since the pants themselves are so tight.  All that they do is add bulk.  The whole thing boggles my mind!

Wear regular pants, people. It's not that difficult, and you won't look like a huge loser.

Bath & Body Works Summer VIP Bag

Yay!! I love Bath & Body Works with a passion.  I especially love when they put together cute bags of goodies!

Their latest bag 'o' treats is their Summer VIP Bag.  When you spend $30 on anything in the store, you get this fantastic bag for $20 (it's a $75 value!!) Exciting, no? Here's what comes in the set:

• Coconut Passionfruit Shower Gel (10 oz.)
• Coconut Passionfruit Body Lotion (8 oz.)
• Coconut Passionfruit Fragrance Mist (8 oz.)
• Full-size Anti-Bac Gentle Foaming Hand Soap (8 oz.) in Guava Grapefruit
• Cotton Candy Lip Gloss
• True Blue Mini Hand Lotion
• Scentportable in Pink Sangria
• Pink Gauze Sponge
• Mini Candle in Salty Carmel
• Purple 4 Ever PocketBac with matching holder

Not bad, right?! All of the products in the bag are amazing and perfect for the end of summertime. And it's ridiculously easy to spend $30 at B&B Works in order to redeem it. My suggestions?  Check out some of their True Blue Spa products and pamper yourself! Or stock up on some fabbity-fabulous lip products.  Make sure to throw in a tube of C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Tint in Magenta Mint.  You'll love the sheer bright pink color, and your lips will feel minty fresh all day long.

The VIP Bags are only going to be around for a limited time, so get shopping!

Limit 1 bag per order. Must enter code SUMMERBAG11 at checkout to redeem. 

Nicole by OPI Something About Color Collection

Nicole by OPI has some fab new shades just in time for fall.  The four new hues are superb and very unique.  The colors are perfect for the summer to fall transition.  Per usual, the names of the polishes are what really get me excited!!! Here's the rundown:

Green up your Act-- This shade is an olive green with a hint of blue to it.  It's kind of murky-looking, but for some reason, I'm utterly addicted to it. It seems to be taking over as this seasons "greige" (gray-beige) neutral.  The color looks scary at first, but it's actually quite flattering on most skintones.  This is a color that will be all over the place this fall and starting with your nails is a great way to get a jump start on the color trend. The finish is smooth and gorgeous, with an almost creamy quality to it.
 

Sounds Grape to me--  Definitely more of a "raisin" color, than anything resembling other grape-colored polishes I own.  That said, I really like the color.  I might hold off until fall to bust this one out, but wine is always a good color to wear.  While it's still warm out, rock the color on your toes.  As it gets a bit cooler, pack up your pretty pastel polishes and use this as a basic go-to polish for your fingers.

It's Not Me, It's Blue--  The prettiest periwinkle polish I've ever laid eyes on!  This color is by far my fave of the collection.  The color is difficult to explain.  It definitely has a periwinkle base, but it also has more gray than you would expect. Normally, I'd consider periwinkle more of a spring color, but the gray adds depth and a darker quality that is perfect for the upcoming colder months.

I Love You Cherry Much--  This hue is a bright, sparkly red that I think is actually quite seasonless.  You can wear this polish all-year-round for a glitzy, glam look.  The red has some cooler undertones to it, hence the "cherry" desciprion in the title.  I'd say that's pretty accurate.  And being such a huge fan of red polishes, I can already tell that this will be one of my new fave reds of all time!


The collection is absolutely to die for!  Each polish retails for under $8 and is available in August 2011only at select Target locations and at Target.com.

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Fashion Faux Pas: the Yeti Vest

My least favorite fall trend EVER is the latest fur vest look.  Everyone is trying to sell them, and some fashionistas are being tricked into thinking this look is cool. Unfortunately, the reality is that wearing a fur vest makes you look like a yeti.  Or like you're wearing a vest that is made from a dead yeti.  I'm not sure which is worse.

However, I do like the idea of wearing something like this for Halloween. It's a little bit scary; a little bit snuggly.  But definitely not something anyone should ever wear in real life.  Even if you add a belt or something else to make it seem fashionable.  There's just nothing you can do to make this acceptable to wear in public.

Oodles of designers are jumping on board with the whole yeti look.  The pictured vest is surprisingly from Michael Kors (who I usually love!) and costs $650.  In fact, the online shop offers up tons of fur vests that go all the way up to thousands of dollars!

If I see anyone wearing a yeti vest in the near future, I will puke all over their face. I suggest you all do  the same. No questions asked.  There's just no excuse for dressing up like a yeti.

You're Never too Old for a Coloring Book!

When I was just a little fashionista, coloring books were my thing.  I loved coloring with a passion and would often mix crayon colors or draw shapes inside of the lines to make my pictures look unique.

Now that I'm 25, I don't tend to buy coloring books.  It's probably not socially acceptable to buy them unless I have a child with me. But this adorable My Wonderful World of Fashion Coloring Book from Fred Flare is the cutest thing I've ever seen!  It makes me want to run out and buy some crayons right now and color nonstop (hey, I have a few years to make up for!)

The book features tons of pictures for the fashion obsessed and even has a few pages dedicated to DIY projects!  What's not to love?!

Each book is about $20.  Not a bad investment for a grown-up coloring book!

Quickie Makeover: Mindy

There's nothing I love more than playing with my lady friends' faces!  Makeovers are my fave thing to to and anytime someone is willing to let me play, I take the opportunity and jump for joy!  My friend, Mindy, was more than willing to let me try out a new look on her and she was pleasantly surprised with the results.  Here's how I created the look:

1.  I applied a tinted moisturizer all over Mindy's face.  Not only did it cover up some trouble areas, it also worked as a primer for the makeup I was applying.  It made a great base and evened out her skintone, which is a HUGE deal.  I like tinted moisturizer more than foundation, especially in the summer, because it lets your natural beauty shine through.  No one wants to look like they've got tons of makeup caked on. It's simply not flattering.
2. Next, I brushed on a light shimmery eye shadow as a base.  Victoria's Secret has some great ones--their Silky Eye Shadow in Lustre (a champagne-ish hue) works perfectly for this.  It adds just enough shimmer to draw attention to the eye, but since it's a shimmer rather than a glitter shadow, you don't end up looking like a disco ball. Win-win!!
3. After the eyeshadow base was applied, I used a soft black eyeliner pencil (Prestige has a divine Soft Khol Liner that applies smoothly and blends like a dream).  Using the soft black pencil, I lined Mindy's lids, starting with a thin line on the inside corner and working out to a thicker line towards the outer edge.  This lifts the eye and flatters nearly every eye shape.  I also used a light brown pencil on the bottom lash line, but only on the outer half of the eye--again, to give the illusion of a more lifted eye.
4. Next, I used a few different brown eye shadows to create a subtle smokey eye.  A medium brown hue worked as an all-over color, while dark brown blended nicely into the black liner and on the outside corner of the lid.  The colors in Sephora's Beauty in a Box Brown Smoky Eye Palette rock for this step.
5. Using a light concealer, I covered up the under-eye area.  I always save this step for after the eye shadow has been applied because if any shadow is spilled or smudged under the eye area, it's an easy fix since there's no makeup there to begin with.  It also works as a great blending tool for the lower lash line--blend the concealer upwards and smudge it into the liner for a more natural, less harsh, look.
6. Next, I curled Mindy's lashes using a simple eyelash curler.  You don't need to go crazy and spend tons of money on a curler.  Most of the time, the lash curlers you see at drugstores are totally sufficient.
7. After curling the lashes, I applied two coats of Hard Candy's 1,000 Lashes Mascara.  It uses actual fibers to extend lashes.  For extra glam, I also added a couple coats of CoverGirl's LashBlast Mascara.  I really love this stuff because it leaves lashes clump-free, while adding volume at the same time.
8. Lastly, I used a big fluffy brush and swept on a light bronzer where the sun would naturally hit, and a bright blush underneath the cheekbones.

I also added a little hot pink lipstick, just for fun, but it didn't go over very well!  Other than that, Mindy was super happy with her new look.  Even though it looks like there are oodles of instructions, the look is really simple to create and can be achieved in under 15 minutes. Any thoughts?

My New Kicks!

Sneakers have really never been my thing.  Growing up, I usually had a pair for gym class and cheerleading, but as soon as that all ended, so did my desire for sneakers.  I don't think I've even owned a pair since college.

Well, that ended yesterday! My main squeeze bought me a pair of these adorable DC Chelsea Skate sneakers that I am in LOVE with. The pink plaid and added charms really tickle my fancy.  Being a heels girl, this might sound crazy, but these new shoes are probably my fave pair at the moment!

Bonus? Since my feet are ridiculously tiny, I got to get them child-sized.  That's probably why the shoes are adorned with charms galore. I don't hate it.

This pair is about $45.  If you have adult-size feet (like most people), these pink and lime DC sneakers also look fab, but are $55.

Illamasqua's New Magenta Muse Collection

Illamasqua is a beauty line that I've only recently become acquainted with.  That said, it's now at the top of my list for makeup products.  The quality in each product is simply amazing.  Everything is highly pigmented and the colors are fabulous.  Their latest Magenta Muse collection contains the following gorgey products:


Cream Pigment - $24
Bring out your bold side with this gloriously rich, extremely pigmented cream. Use to adorn eyes, face and body, and apply with fingers or a brush for a buildable, matt, water-resistant finish. Layer under Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow for an added intense effect. A highly pigmented new matt formula that can either neutralise or dominate. Create the ultimate in textures whether it’s on your face, eyes, or body, bringing a flash of colour to a subtle contour. This formula provides coverage and adhesion for Powder Eye Shadow and Pure Pigment intensification.

Dab – Matt Lilac
Mould – Matt Grape

Pure Pigment - $24
Made to be played with. A metallic, high-shine, pure-colour powder that highlights eyes, cheeks and brows. Mix with eye shadow, powder blusher or use it on its own to intense effect.  Bring out your bold side.

Android- shimmering gunmetal
 
Liquid Metal - $26
Prepare to dazzle with this gloriously rich and highly pigmented metallic cream. Use to adorn eyes, face and body, and apply with fingers or a brush. Release your inhibitions and illuminate your alter ego.

Enrapture – Metallic Copper

Powder Blusher - $24
Illuminate and enliven your complexion with the color and drama of Illamasqua Powder Blusher. Color intense and highly pigmented, it can be used to shade, brighten, enhance, and define the shape of your face. Be bold, be daring, and be the center of attention with this matt formula that can either neutralize or dominate. Create the ultimate in textures whether it’s on your face, eyes, or body, bringing a flash of colour to a subtle contour.

Hussy –Bright Petal Pink
Excite – Vibrant Coral

Precision Ink - $27.50
Create looks with attitude. The Precision Ink’s fine tip allows for defined application, making it perfect for use anywhere - on the face or on the body. It dries within seconds and stays true for hours, so whatever you scrawl on your skin, you know your creation will last until dawn.

Glister- Opalescent Nude
Abyss - Gloss Black

Lipstick - $22
Intense Lipstick with a highly pigmented formula that glides on smoothly, creating a statement that one simply cannot look away from.

Test – Matt Pinky Beige
Underworld - Iridescent Violet

Sheer Lipgloss - $20
Come out of the shadows with a high-shine punch of colour. Glossy, intense, and highly pigmented, Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss is long-lasting, both on the lips and in the mind.

Electrify – Baby Pink Sheen
Tantrum – Deep Violet Sheen

Nail Varnish - $14
Leave your mark with an unexpected claw. Choose from either toxic pastels or unmissable neons. Hardwearing and chip-resistant, they’ll last until you’re ready to try your next favourite in the collection.

Lament - bright coral pink/ glossy finish
DWS - cement gray/ glossy finish
Muse – deep teal blue/ glossy finish
Jo Mina - electric lilac/ glossy finish
Poke - Bright Violet Purple shimmer
Scorn – Matt Black

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the nail varnishes.  The colors are super unique and apply very smoothly to the nail.  Here's a pic of the latest collection:

I love the mix of super bright colors and muted hues.  Each of these colors are flattering on all skintones (even if you might be scared to try it!)

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sheer Lipgloss in Tantrum (a Deep Violet Sheen):

It looks a bit wild, but when you apply it to your lips, it actually goes on as sheer as possible, leaving behind only a trace of purple.  It's enough to make people look twice at your lips, but not in a "what is she thinking?!" sort of way, which is really the ultimate goal with beauty products.

You can pick up your own Illamasqua products at Sephora.

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Revlon's Just Tinted Nail Polish

I probably own over 100 bottles of nail polish.  It's my weakness.  My fiance actually gave me one of his desk drawers to put them in so that they didn't take up the entire apartment.  I'm really trying to cut back, but there are so many cute polishes out there that I can't stop!

My latest love is Revlon's Just Tinted nail polish.  It goes on sheer, yet evenly, which is difficult for a nail polish to do.  The polishes are perfect for summer, as they basically make your nails look like popsicles. The collection includes four hues:  Desire (a fushia pink), Victorian (a watermelon-esque shade), Dawn (an orange/peach color) and Mystical (a plum hue).

All the colors are gorgeous, but I really like Desire best.  The sheer bright fuchsia looks fab on all skintones and is just gorgeous on!  The colors apply so easily--one coat leaves you with a super sheer look, while two coats gives you more color (but still remains sheer).

You can get a bottle of your own for under $6!  Not too shabby!

Fashion Faux Pas: Jeggings

Jeggings honestly make me sick.  For those of you who are out of the loop, jeggings are leggings that have a denim look to them.  But they're still leggings.  I think that the people who wear them simply can't decide whether they want to wear leggings or jeans, so they go for this hideous look.

I just don't get it.  I like regular leggings (even though my fiance hates them).  But I wear them under skirts or dresses to add some flair.  Jeggings seem to be more of an actual pant.  I don't know about any of you ladies, but I'm definitely not comfortable wearing skin tight leggings on their own.  Even if my legs were perfect, it would be an issue.

My advice?  Stick with regular leggings or throw on a pair of jeans.