Fashion Faux Pas: Twinsies

Just when I thought the whole "adult onesie" thing was as bad as it could possibly get, I stumbled upon the latest "trend" in comfort-wear: Twinsies.

Now you can look like an idiot, and share the experience with another person--who just happens to be attached to you.

As much as I hated the onesie craze, I understood it. I'm sure they're very comfortable. But I just don't get why anyone would ever want to literally be attached at the hip to anyone, no matter how comfortable the suit itself is. I mean, I love my boyfriend. And hanging out with him is lovely. I also like to snuggle. But would I want to slide into a pair of ugly pajamas for two? No.

Colin Leggatt, the marketing director for the Twinsies, had this to say: “The Twinsie offers a practical but fun solution for those wanting to stay warm this winter without running up costly energy bills. And what a fantastic present for the person in your life, or even the person you’d like to get closest to!”

Umm...someone you want to get close to? What would that entail? Stalking someone and surprising them with half of a large, ridiculous pj set? I hate to say it, but that's not the way to "get close to someone".  It's a good way to get a restraining order put against you.

As for saving money on energy bills, a blanket can do the same thing!

I can't even believe that this product exists. Why does the world keep coming up with this crap??!

That is all.

How to Wear Bold Lipstick

I've always been  firm believer that bold, red lipstick can make your life better. It's the cheapest way to brighten up your day. Red lipstick simply makes everything okay. It's a confidence booster, and there are oodles of hues to choose from.

Below is a list of when and where you can bust out your amazing red pucker without any fear:

When You're Wearing Glasses - Though eye makeup with glasses might be a bit tricky, lipstick can be your best friend when it comes to standing out in your spectacles. Go easy on the eye makeup, and your bold lips will look luscious!

Heading to Brunch With the Girls - If brunch isn't the time to test drive some beauty trends, I don't know what is. Anytime I'm trying out a new product, I like to get some input from my friends (the brutally honest ones are the best for this).

That Presentation at Work - Lipstick is a known confidence booster, so if you need an extra nudge when it comes to public speaking, go for a powerful shade of red lipstick.

Visiting Your Family Back Home - When you move out of your childhood home, there's something about going back home to visit that makes you want to look your best. Call it wanting to show mom and dad that you're doing well, but considering how fantastic lipstick can make you look, I say apply away!

On Your Wedding Day - Is there anything more chic than a classic bride wearing a retro red lip? I think not, and as long as your lipstick stays put and won't transfer onto your dress, you'll be looking at your wedding photos in 20 years not regretting it one bit.

Here are some of my bold lip picks:

That's SO Fetch: Mean Girls-Inspired Jewelry

Even though it's been a decent chunk of time since Mean Girls came out, it definitely has a special place in my heart. It's a classic. Plus, it was made when Lindsay Lohan was, for the most part, not ridiculously crazy.

Are you a fan of this classic flick? (I shouldn't really have to ask...if you are reading this blog at all, I'm guessing it's your type of movie). Since I love it so much myself, I was super excited to hear that the lovely jewelry line, Stella and Bow, has created a collection completely based on all the best parts of the coveted movie.

All of the baubles are gorgeous, but of course my absolute favorite piece is their Gretchen Cuff, that reads, "That's so fetch" The bracelet itself is pretty fetch, if I do say so myself. I just love the fact that the cuff looks so dainty and classic, but has an inscription that makes you look twice.

The pieces aren't shipping out until mid-February, but don't fret--you can pre-order any of the items to ensure that you get what you want.

Totally fetch, right?!

Who DOESN'T Need a Bra Bag?!

As a belated Christmas gift, I received the thing I wanted most in the world, and I didn't even know it existed!

It was a gorgeous travel bra bag. Bra bags are apparently all the rage right now and it makes sense. Basically the bags are exactly what they sound like--you use them to keep your bras safe during travel. And the bonus is that there are oodles of adorable designs out there.

This super cute Pink Polka Dot Bra Bag,built much like mine, even includes little mesh pockets inside for panties, jewelry, or any other small accessories you want to throw in with your bras. The case itself is hard, so your bras won't get damaged no matter what. Each case holds roughly 2-3 bras, depending on their size.

Not only are these bags perfecto for their intended use, I also highly suggest using them as an evening clutch. Think about it: you're wearing a classy LBD, with some lovely peep-toe heels, a strand of pearls, and a bag that's shaped like a bra. I think it's a hilarious idea, a great conversation starter, and a fantastic alternative to all of the boring clutches that are out there. I for one know that I'll be using my bra bag quite a few times when I feel like a fun night out on the town.

Be bold! Carry a bra bag!

Each bag is priced anywhere from $14-$50. It really depends on what you're looking for, but the options are endless!

That's a lot of Underwear...

No one likes doing laundry (except for my mother, who most certainly did not pass along that trait to me).  In fact, I probably hate it more than anyone, which is one of the many reasons I own quite a stack 'o undies myself. I've even brag about how I could get by without doing laundry for months at a time, since I own so many pairs...But clearly I am not the queen of all things panty-related, as I used to believe.

The picture above is real. MeUndies, a lovely online undergarment retailer, has taken on the ultimate challenge and is selling The 365-Pack. It includes--you guessed it--365 pairs of underwear. You can literally wear a different pair of underwear every single day of the year.

The site sells this heavenly heap of undergarments for women and men (both come in the "brief" cut), so this is really a great idea for couples. Honestly, I wish I knew about this before Christmas. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy the gift of an enormous stack of undies. One of my best friends is getting married in May. A set for the bride and a set for the groom? It's the perfect wedding gift if you ask me. Sorry, Heather--if you wanted that cute kitchenware on your registry, you won't be getting it from me!

Now I know what you're thinking--the quality of a huge panty-pile must not be very great. Well, according to every review I've read, they sound crazily comfy, luxurious, and even look totally adorable. IN FACT, the company was nice enough to create this graphic that explains why their briefs are "The Best Undies In The World":

Here's a brief rundown of the briefs (hahahaha oh I'm so hilarious):

• 92% Modal, 8% Elasthane
• 100% Natural from indigenous beech wood
• Antimicrobial
• Low fiber rigidity
• Made in Turkey     

Sounds pretty good, right? One pair of women's briefs are $20. The 365 set is $4,000. So that ends up being a little over $18 per pair. For some reason, then men's briefs are a little cheaper.

Either way, you're paying for convenience. And if your New Years resolution was to wear clean underwear everyday (or if you just like to do that in general), it's not a bad idea.

The only thing that would make it better? If they sold lifetime subscriptions.

Winter Blues

Lately, I've really been having a crazy love affair with blue nail polish.

This pretty OPI hue, I Vant To Be A-lone Star (from way back in their Texas Collection for Spring/Summer 2011), has been the bottle I've been reaching for the most over the past few weeks.

If you aren't familiar with the shade, it's a pale blue creme with silver shimmer. It's not overly shimmery--there's just enough to lighten the color up a bit and the effect is rather icicle-esque. Very pretty.

Even though this is technically a color that should be worn when the weather is nice and warm, I really think it's a fabulous and unique look for the season. It looks so amazingly good that I don't even care if I piss off the nail polish gods.

Because the hue is so light, it looks good with lots of different outfits and looks. I've also been playing around with different silver glitter polishes over the blue, and I've found that you can really glam this color up! You can easily take it to winter wonderland status with a simple glitter swipe (try it on an accent nail before committing to the full look). That said, it also looks classically pretty on its own.

Each bottle usually retails for about $8, depending on where you look. But, I did a little digging and found it for $2.23 on Amazon.com! Huzzah!

Happy painting!

DIY is Totally Fly!

Every once in a while I get super inspired to create things. Sometimes it's a fun new necklace, other times it's a collage, or home decor piece. And honestly? Most of the time whatever I end up making looks like crap. I've just never been much of a DIY person (or so I thought).

Much like other sets that are out there (Birchbox, Ipsy, etc.), Darby Smart's To DIY For boxes are filled to the brim with goodies that arrive in your mailbox once a month. The difference? These sets require some creativity on your part because you actually make something.

Bonus: everything is super easy to make and never takes over an hour to do! From what I've seen, each kit is basically idiot-proof, which is perfect for me!

The monthly gift is also pretty cool because it's a mystery. You don't know what you'll be crafting until you open up the package! And really...who can turn down the allure of a mystery box?! The boxes range from jewelry-making sets to artsy decor to yummy-smelling candles. Everything you make is perfect to use as a gift (or, of course, as a gift to yourself!) These particular sets are $19 per month.

You can also get adorable Darby Girl teen craft sets for $12 each month--and trust me, they're great for adults too!

If you're not into the whole mystery thing, the site also offers up a bunch of DIY boxes that you can choose from and know exactly what you're getting and what you'll be making. My personal fave? Their Fashionista Jewelry Starter Set. It has everything you need to make four totally fashionable bracelets. Another fun one is their Girls Night Purse-anolize It set. It comes with four clutches that you can decorate and blingify as much as you want. It's fun to do with friends, or you can take on all four bags to make yourself and use them as gifts!

No matter what you like, there's a fool-proof DIY way for your to do it! Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

I hope that all my lovely fashionistas--and fashinistos--had a fabulous 2013 and that 2014 is even better!

I can't wait to see what the next year holds. I'm sure there will be oodles of fun fashion trends (and of course a plethora of "fashion faux pas" moments), and I am so excited to be able to share all of it with all of you!

A few of my resolutions for year (the entire list is a bit lengthy for the blog!):

• Write more (that's always a pretty big one on my list!)
• Wear red lipstick more often! It's classic, bold, and simply must be done.
• Take more fashion risks.
• Cut back on my handbag obsession (doubt that will happen, so I'm setting a realistic goal: only one new purse per month. Let's see how long that lasts!! hahaha)
• Spend more time with my lovely family and friends...maybe that should have been number one! ;)

What are your resolutions for the new year? 

Happy 2014!! May it be sassier and classier than years past!

Gorgeous Necklace GIVEAWAY from Jenny Ortakales!

Jenny Ortakales is one of the most talented ladies I know! She has her own fashion blog, which is amazing on its own, and currently, she's selling some super pretty jewelry online!

Her jewelry site has oodles of fun baubles to offer, but I'm definitely loving the piece pictured above. I've featured other jewelry designers in the past, and the ones I end up writing about tend to have that "home-made" look. And that's fine for certain occasions.  But Jenny's jewelry honestly looks like something I would easily spend $50 on at a store. All of the pieces are unique and look like they've been made by someone who's entire life is dedicated to jewelry design. It's just another one of Jenny's many talents!

I have one necklace (pictured above) to give away to a lucky reader.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "JENNY O".  The giveaway ends 12/20 (so I have enough time to ship it to the winner in time for the holidays) and the winner will be alerted via email.

Jenny Ortakales is a fashion writer and stylist, studying journalism at Emerson College. She started her blog, Jenny's Open Closet, in 2009.She's taking a year off from school and decided it would be a great time to start selling her handmade jewelry. In addition to stones, rhinestones, and chains, she uses re-purposed materials from old jewelry. So every piece is guaranteed to be one of a kind.

If you'd like to check out some of the other pieces that Jenny hs to offer, check out her Etsy site, or email her at. And don't forget to take a look at her fab blog! Jenny's Open Closet is the perfect blog for anyone who wants to learn about fashion, or just wants to know what's going on in the fashion world.

Good luck, all!


Photo Credit: J. Ortakales Photography

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) 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.

Happy Black Friday!!

For everyone who is brave enough to venture into the malls today, I hope you get some super deals (and don't get trampled)! Oh and bring your man with you so he can carry your bags. He won't mind, I promise!

Pretty Studs for Every Girl on Your List!

One of the most important things that all ladies need to own is a pair of diamond (or faux diamond) studs. I've actually written about it a few times in the past.

There's just something classy and glamorous about them--and you can literally wear them with anything, from a sweater and jeans to your fave LBD!

Getting a pair of good quality studs is always a top priority, but it can be pricey. So I found an amazing deal that's only going on until Friday night. Szul is offering up these gorgeous 1/4 Carat TW Round Solitaire Diamond Stud Earrings in 10K White Gold for 85% off of the original sale price!! Originally, they were $500, but just for the next two days, each pair is selling for $77!

It's really an incredible deal and I can't think of any girl who wouldn't absolutely love a pair of these for Christmas. It's the perfect gift--they're made well and are of the best quality, but won't cost a fortune. I might get a pair for myself!

Send your main squeeze this link if you want to give him a little hint ;).

Happy Shopping!

This post contains affiliate links. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions, please email me at sassyalana@gmail.com.

Control Your Crazy Curls with Ouidad!

Ouidad is my go-to product line when I decide to wear my hair in it's natural state--crazily wavy, curly, and frizzy to the max. Their products definitely help tame my curls and magically make my hair look gorgeous!

Needless to say, when I received this Winter Wonderful Curls set, I was super excited to try it out.  The kit contains 8.5 oz sizes of Climate Control Shampoo, Conditioner and Heat and Humidity Gel.  I don't know about you ladies, but I have a LOT more "bad hair days" in the Winter. That said, the kit could certainly be used year-round as well.

The shampoo and conditioner were great. They're both very lightly scented--almost like a fresh, clean scent. The shampoo did a fab job of washing my hair, but I really loved the conditioner. It's thick and creamy, so it's easy to apply to your hair. What I usually do is shampoo my hair, move my shower head out of the way, twist out a bit of the water, and apply conditioner starting a couple inches or so away from my scalp and down to the tips. Why? Because, at least for me, conditioner can make my scalp oily. I let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse it out. It seemed to work well with this conditioner. The longer you wait to rinse, the more soft, and manageable your hair gets! I also took this opportunity to use a wide-tooth comb to detangle my thick hair.

After washing, my hair felt super silky and healthier right away. It was definitely more manageable than it had been with other products that claim to do the same thing. The gel is a nice touch to the set--it works well and holds your curls in place for quite a while. It isn't sticky at all, and a little goes a long way.

I'll be using this set throughout the season. I hope some of you do the same.

Each set is $46. This is the type of thing that I'd buy a few of--one for me, and some for my friends as gifts. All of my curly-haired friends will be happy this year!

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

Sneaky Ways Bacteria is Getting into Your Makeup

It sounds scary--and it is. Most ladies aren't even aware that bacteria can settle into your beauty products. Even though you may be aware that you need to clean your makeup brushes once a week, and that you need to toss out products once they've expired (you can pat yourself on the back for that!) You can still end up having bacteria-laden products. Bacteria is super sneaky and can get into your makeup easier than you think. And once it gets into your makeup, it can cause oodles of skin problems like acne, redness, and even infection. Not fun.

Here are some ways that bacteria is getting into your makeup, and how to avoid it!

Mascara pumping: We've all done this. Mascara pumping is when we try and get more product on to the brush. What we’re actually doing is drying out the mascara, creating a dry flaky product to form at the top, which becomes breeding ground for germs. We then put that on our eyes, back into the tube and then back onto our eyes. Instead of pumping the brush into the mascara, swirl it inside and never use the same mascara for any longer than three months.

Tubes vs. Jars: This is a no brainer. Jars tend to collect tons of germs as you put your hands into a product multiple times. If possible, go with a tube where you can just squeeze out the product, if you can’t do that, then make sure to use the product with a brush or sponge instead of your fingers.

Reapplying Lipstick After Eating: This goes for any lip product, but when you reapply your lipstick directly after eating, you’re pressing left over food particles into your lips, and into the product itself. Bacteria can then live on the surface of lipstick, or inside the tube of lip gloss, which will spread onto your lips in the next application. Make sure you fully wipe off any food on your lips and if possible, and try to brush your teeth before applying lip color.

Not Cleaning Your Makeup Bag: This is a big one--I've even been guilty of this myself! If you think cleaning every one of your makeup products is enough, it isn't. Your makeup bag also needs to be cleaned out. If it’s a canvas bag, you can throw it in the washing machine with your towels or in the dishwasher to get any loose bacteria out of the bottom of the bag. If it isn't a canvas bag, you can use disinfecting wipes to wipe out the inside without ruining the outside of the bag.

I hope that helps! Good luck ladies, and stay germ-free!

Sniff This: Victoria's Secret Angel Dream (And a GIVEAWAY!)

Per usual, Victoria's Secret has come out with a new, fabulous fragrance for the Winter season. And of course I absolutely love it!  Their latest concoction, Angel Dream, smells simply amazing.

Angel Dream is a very unique scent. It captures the glamour and thrill of the runway by combining yummy-smelling notes of lace violet, iridescent currant and sheer sandalwood. Even though the fragrance is mostly a vibrant floral scent, it isn't overpowering in the least.  This is a scent that you can sport for nearly any occasion. It can easily be worn for day or night, and doesn't have that horrid "grandma smell" that some floral perfumes tend to have.  The fragrance manages to be light and playful, while being dazzling and captivating at the same time.

The scent is also officially boyfriend approved! I spritzed a bit on and my main squeeze immediately asked me what scent I was wearing and said that he loved it.

And of course, I have to mention how cute the bottle is. As most of you know, I have a table in my apartment that is dedicated to pretty perfume bottles, and this one would make a beautiful addition. It's a simple and classic bottle with pretty, dainty wings on the back side.

Now for the best part--Victoria's Secret has teamed up with Sassy Fashionista for an awesome giveaway! I have one bottle of Angel Dream Eau de Parfum (1 fl oz) to give to one very lucky reader!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "DREAM".  The giveaway ends 11/29 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck!

If you want to purchase the perfume on your own (which I highly suggest), you can get a bottle from $45-$59. The perfume is actually perfect to give as a gift--but be sure to pick up a bottle for yourself too! In addition to the perfume, they've even got a great Dream Gift Bag that includes scented lotion, body wash, and fragrance mist. The products work together so that you can layer on the scent and make it last all day. The set is $39.50, but is a $75 value. Definitely a fab deal!

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) 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.

Brr...

There aren't a lot of things that I like about Winter in New Hampshire. But I do enjoy all the cute accessories that come with the chilly time of year.

I'm loving these adorable Sweater Knit Gloves from Old Navy. They come in a bunch of different colors, but the winter white hue is my favorite. Why? Because it has some bling on it that says "brrrr".

I don't know why I think they're so cute, but I'm honestly obsessed with them! I've always loved fingerless gloves (I can even type blog posts while wearing them!), and they're amazingly comfortable.

Each pair is a mere $2.50. Grab a pair for yourself, and get a few for your fashionable friends while you're t it!

Shop it to Me GIVEAWAY: Win Valentino, Gucci or Coach!

If you haven't checked it out yet, Shop It To Me is an incredibly fabulous website that personalizes your online shopping experience. The site finds things that it somehow magically knows you'll love, and everything they find is on sale! You don't have to do any work, other than simply looking through the pieces they've picked out especially for you! Honestly--what's not to love about that??!

Right now, the site has an amazing giveaway going on. Holiday glamour has inspired Shop It To Me to give away three different, and very gorgeous, items: Valentino pumps, a Gucci Wallet, and a Coach Bag. Each prize is going to one lucky Shop It To Me member. So if you haven't joined the site, do it now!

Once you're  member of this awesome shopping site, you can enter the giveaway. All you have to do is invite friends to join Shop It To Me as well. You'll get one entry for each friend who signs up.

The contest ends at 11:59 PST on Friday, November 22, 2013. So get to work!

Important notes: US residents only, must be 18+ years old to enter.  See the official rules.

Good luck, ladies!

My Latest Obsession: Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream

I've been using different BB creams in place of foundation for a while now, and I really like the end result. So when CC (color correction) creams started showing up all over the place, I wasn't really in a rush to try them out. But after trying out the new Yes to Grapefruit CC Cream, I've totally changed my mind.

The cream is absolutely incredible! Much like the rest of the Yes to... products, their CC cream works wonders and has successfully earned itself a permanent spot in my makeup bag.

Like most of their products, the cream is cruelty-free and is made from 95% natural ingredients, which is always a plus. It's actually the very first natural CC cream on the market! Natural skincare products tend to work better on my crazily sensitive skin, and doesn't even really feel like makeup. I've been applying it instead of foundation (or my coveted BB cream). The formula is very lightweight and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and looking gorgeous.

Here's a quick run-down of the incredible benefits the cream has to offer:

• Provides instant and natural coverage with natural pigments
• Helps correct skin tone with its light texture
• Increases luminosity and radiance with evodia fruit
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Protects with SPF 18 broad spectrum
• Moisturizes and keeps skin supple and fresh
• Promotes smoother and softer looking skin with grapefruit

This fabulous cream comes in two colors: light and light-medium. Even though there are only two hues available, they seem to adjust to match your skintone perfectly, so having oodles of shades simply isn't necessary.  The light shade has a little hint of ivory-color, petals, and honey. The light-medium shade has a touch of latte-esque color, caramel, and hazelnut. Both hues result in a flawless finish your skin will love.

Each bottle of CC Cream is $15.99 and can be purchased on the Yes to Carrots site, as well as in select stores.

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

Fancy a Fan? Enter This FANCY Hand Fan Giveaway!

No matter what time of the year, there's always a good reason to have a fan on hand. Think about it: not only are fans the ultimate classy accessory; they're also a glam way to stay cool.

To be honest, keeping a fan on-hand didn't even occur to me until recently. But I'm always looking for fun accessories, so when I found FANCY Hand Fans, I was super excited to try them out. I just love the idea of keeping a fan in my purse--they're amazingly ladylike and useful at the same time. And it doesn't exactly hurt that Christina Aguilera is a FANCY Hand Fan user herself! How cute does she look with the Victorian Roses fan in the picture to the left??!

I think what I like most about these gorgeous fans is that they give off a look of elegance, yet because the company has countless fans to choose from, you can also express your own personal style and pick the fan that's perfect for you! Trust me--whatever type of fashionista you might be, there's a fan just waiting for you to use!

Additionally, the fans are incredibly environmentally friendly. They're made of top quality cherry wood and cotton, and are very lightweight--perfect for keeping in even the smallest handbag.

The best part? FANCY Hand Fans has teamed up with Sassy Fashionista for an amazing fan giveaway! I have three gorgeous fans to give to three lucky readers! The fans are pictured above and, because they're each so different, I'm sure that there's one that tickles your fancy! The fans I have are: the Look Hot fan, the Victorian Roses fan, and the Zebra Chic fan. I absolutely love them all!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "FANCY" and specify which fabulous fan you'd like to enter for. You can only enter once, for one fan, so choose wisely!  The giveaway ends 11/21 and the winners will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies!

If you want to purchase a fan on your own (which I highly reccomend!), you can do so online at www.fancyhandfans.com or www.etsy.com/shop/FANCYHandFans. Each fan is $23 and shipping is free worldwide (Huzzah)! The price is perfect, actually a bit less expensive than I'd expect for fans of such great quality. They also make great gifts--personally, I'm planning on stocking up on a few for the holidays! What gal wouldn't love a fan?!

Each hand fan is sold in a pretty organza pouch with a matching gift bag and a brochure illustrating FANCY's Urban Fan Language, which gives you some fun ideas of how to use the fans to flirt and silently communicate a messages silently and discreetly to a hopeful admirer… or two…!! 

Disclosure: This post contains products 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.

[Image Credit: Standalone pics by Benny Doutsh, Aguilera pic by Trae Patton/NBC]

You're Never Too Old For...

Julianne Moore always looks gorgeous. There's just something about this fifty-something lady that works.

A lot of women simply give up on makeup when they reach a certain age. But the truth is, regardless of how old you are, you can still look fabulous.

You want to look for timeless looks (note: glitter eyeshadow is not for you). Trendy makeup looks aren't really something to go for either.

Here are a few things you can do to beautify yourself at any age:

Red Lipstick
Whether you’re 20 or 40, you’ll never be too old for some bold red lipstick. According to a study, red lips actually make you look younger, so you indeed have proof that you’ll never be too old for bold red lips. Take some time to find your favorite shade and formula, then buy out every stick you can find in preparation of a company discontinuing your favorite, because that is a legitimate issue (trust me--every time I find a product I love, it is almost immediately discontinued).

Balayage Highlights
Giving your hair a sun-kissed, natural look, balayage (painted-on) highlights are the perfect way to look polished without looking like you tried too hard. Plus, they’re incredibly low maintenance, so regardless of how busy (or broke) your life may become, your highlights will never be a source of stress.Woo hoo!

Dark Nail PolishIt doesn't have to be crazily dark black nail polish, but darker hues look good on any set of fingers. Don't get me wrong--I love a good ballerina pink manicure, but a deep ruby or purple always commands attention and let’s people know you’re anything but a wallflower. Keep your nails shorter so that the polish will last for minimal chipping, and wear that dark lacquer proudly and confidently!

Nude LipsI'm not taking nude as in completely bare, ladies. I'm saying that the perfect nude lip gloss or stick will always go with your boldest eye makeup. It also works on the days when you’d rather skip makeup altogether. Nude lip color balances out the rest of your makeup and gives you a gorgeous finishing touch on errand days when you decide to go bare-faced. It's the one thing you should swipe on, even if you decide against everything else.

Top KnotsTop knots are the hair-styling gods’ gift to second day hair. Plus, they instantly dress up whatever you’re wearing, whether it be comfy jeans or a cocktail dress. Any woman can pull off the top knot.

Matte MakeupGiving your skin a smooth, velvety appearance always makes for a gorgeous look, especially if you’re naturally on the oily side. The key to making matte makeup look consistently good over the years is proper exfoliation and moisturization underneath the makeup, whether it’s eyeshadow, foundation or lipstick.

Of course there are oodles of other options for middle-aged and older women to sport, but I think these few tips are a great starting point.

Good luck, and stay fabulous!

A Garter for Gals on the Go!

I usually don't obsess over products that I've seen infomercials for. But I have to admit--the GirlyGoGarter looks ridiculously amazing!

The garters are perfect for times when you really don't want to have a purse with you, but still have stuff that you need to keep with you at all times. Personally, I used to just shove my cell phone, license and a lip gloss in my bra for these occasions, but this fabulous garter is definitely changing that!!

This is no normal garter--the GirlyGoGarter is a sexy, lacey garter with actual pockets that adheres to your upper thigh with patent-pending GentleFlex Grippers.  There are two types of pockets on the garter: easy-access (on the outside, just within the lace) and lock-flap (on the inside, against your thigh). Both types of pockets keep your money, I.D., lip gloss, mobile phone, keys, passport and all of your essentials safe, secure and right at your fingertips. How awesome is that??!

The lace is super stretchy, so you really can fit a bunch of stuff in there without having to worry about anything falling out, or having the entire garter break. In fact, you can fit more on this garter than most clutches can hold--each garter can hold up to 3lbs! Plus it's safer, and less annoying, than carrying around a bag. It's the perfect accessory for a night on the town.

Enjoy your sexy freedom with this kick-ass product! Each garter is $35 and they come in a range of colors--of course the hot pink hue is my fave! They also offer a special blue garter for brides that has extra beading and is simply gorgeous (plus, it can be your "something blue")!

The GirlyGoGarter is currently on my wish-list, but I'm pretty sure I'll be ordering one in the very near future!