Forever Frugal Friday

I am so glad it is the weekend and even more excited because it suppose to be hot, hot, hot in LA. Today at lunch I wore a knee length, sleeveless dress which made me yearn for more to add to my collection. So, I have had my eye on this Theory Alisse Dress for quite some time but just couldn't commit to the price tag....


What I can commit to however is the fantastically affordable Fab Colorblock Dress from Forever.

It may not be as cute as the Theory dress but at $13.50 who am I to complain really?

Have a great Super Bowl Weekend!

Totally Tubular!

I am very excited to share with you all two additional mascaras that are sure to get the job done and done.

I will start with the pricier of the two. I bought the CARGO TexasLash™ Mascara a few months back for a wedding I was attending and was not pleased with the results. It was goopy and thick and made my lashes look a little like spider legs. I threw the tube back in my makeup case and forgot all about it, until I ran out of mascara and had to pull out the reserve. It was miraculous...the mascara went on easy and had my eyelashes looking full and in control. I haven't stopped using it since. I don't really quite know how to explain it. I love it and am totally planning to buy another tube once I run out. It stays on well, washes off with ease (in weird sort of tube like pieces) and only takes about one quote to give you big old Texas beauty queen lashes. SOLD!

When I was disappointed with the TexasLash™ I picked up a cheap tube of Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara and damn if I didn't like it the most of all the cheap mascaras I have tried. You can put on layer after layer of this stuff and it never gets clumpy and scary looking. It has a nice glossy look to it and I SWEAR (although I have zero proof) it made my eyelashes grow longer. My only complaint is that the mascara dries up kind of fast, but at this price who cares?

They are both wonderful products and I strongly encourage ya'll to pick up either tube (or both)immediately! Your lashes will thank you!

Dandy Dress Deals

I just had to share both of these adorable dresses both on sale for fabulous prices.

The model may not look too stoked to be wearing this pretty and very lady like Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Dress, but it is available in both navy and pink and I think is would make a great addition to anyone’s closet. Perfect for a spring wedding, just add your favorite pashmina or cardigan and you will be ready to hit the dance floor.

Equally pretty, is this Ruffle Halter Dress from Cynthia Vincent (more of her goodies to come). I saw this dress in person this Sunday down in Manhattan Beach and it is so pretty, and such a great shade of pink. I kept contemplating it for an upcoming wedding in Hawaii, and now that I see it is just $105, it may become a reality for me.

It may still be winter, and snow may still be on the ground for some of you, but just remember spring and summer are just around the corner!

SAG Awards: Brights, Camera, Fashion

Am I the only who thought the SAG awards were B-O-R-I-N-G? I watched Sunday evening with these lovely ladies and I could barely keep my eyes open (didn't help that I was partially hung-over).

I am thankful that stylists took note of how drab and boring all these lovely actresses looked at the Golden Globes and stepped it up a notch. The award show itself may have been dull; the fashion however, was anything but!

Photo Credit Left to Right: Jeff Vespa, Frazer Harrison, Steve Granitz, Granitz & Jason Merritt (click to enlarge all pics)

I’d like to think that perhaps my commentary on the Golden Globes bland neutrals had some effect on the abundance of color for the SAG Awards (wishful thinking I know). It was such a welcome change to see all of these women in amazingly, beautiful and brightly bold dresses. I mean Kate Winslet looked incredible in Narciso Rodriguez and had me craving to add some cobalt blue into my wardrobe. Viola Davis’ David Meister dress may have been simple, but the color and fit were impeccable (I am biased a bit towards yellow). The lovely Laura Linney in Michael Kors and Eva Longoria in Jenny Packham has me convinced that coral might just be a universally flattering color for anyone (try it yourself). Last, but most certainly not least, Miss Freida Pinto is turning out to be every designers dream model, as this periwinkle Marchesa dress shone on the red carpet.

Photo Credit Left to Right: Vespa, Granitz, Vespa

My faves for the evening were quite an eclectic bunch. Katrina Bowden looked fierce in Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. The dress fit her perfect, the color was electric and she just looked so effortless. Kyra Sedgwick was classic in black and white Chanel and the fit suited her very nicely. Last but not least, while I know some hated this dress, Marissa Tomei’s buttery gold Elie Saab dress had me swooning no just about the color but also the details of the shoulder fluff that ran all the way to the back. She looked good coming and going.

Photo Credit Left to Right: Granitz, Merritt, Merritt, Granitz

Now, this next bunch of gals all had something working against them that made their looks, in my opinion just not right. Penelope Cruz in Azzedine Alaia had the bottom of her dress looking good, but the top was not flattering. Emily Blunt (whom I think is ADORABLE) had the best accessory of the night on her arm (BF John Krasinski) but her Pamella Rolland dress with the tight updo had me wrinkling my nose in confusion, as it just wasn’t flattering. I have a huge girl crush on Tina Fey (hello who doesn’t?) and always am rooting for her to win any award she is nominated for – which would include worst dressed in this Brian Reyes strapless number. She didn’t look comfortable in it, it was WAY too casual for the awards show and the color was just ICK! Better luck next award show Tina! Last but not least was the beautiful Christina Applegate in Emanuel Ungaro. Her look definitely had me tilting my head to figure out what the exact offense was. The color was gorgeous and looked fantastic on her…so I am thinking it is either the cut of the dress I was crazy about or the jewelry.

I loved all of your responses to the Golden Globes fashion round up and am dying to hear what you thought of the SAG awards. Better than the Golden Globes? Who was your favorite, what did you hate? Who are you most excited to see for the Oscars? Any predictions?

Tootles for now!

Song Of The Week: Mykonos

When I saw a preview for SNL two weeks back and they said the musical guest was Fleet Foxes, I scratched my head in wonder as I had never heard this band before. Well luckily I DVR'ed it and I must say that I am such a fan now! They have this great 60's sound that is reminiscent to me of America, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and a little country all at the same time. I listen to Mykonos at least twice a day, as the end pumps me up and has me singing along whether I want to or not. Plus they are a Seattle band, so give them some love!

Have a SWEET weekend!

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Here's to indulging a little bit (read a lot) with good friends!

Forever Frugal Friday: Satin Frills

Can I get a TGIF please?! I am so ready for the weekend! For this weeks find, I looked no further then my friend Cassie's suitcase. I wanted to wear something fun to work and she pulled out this cute Satin Ruffled Top in red and I was sold! I find that tops that tie behind the back are very uncomfortable when driving so I tied it in the front instead and loosened a few buttons. That's the great thing about this top, you can make it playful or conservative depending on your wants and needs! (Please excuse the camera phone picture). It is available in coral, blue or black all which should satisfy you in one way or another!

Cheers!

Resolution #2: Travel More

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I have always longed to travel often to many places, and could kick myself for not studying abroad one summer or semester in college. Having a job makes traveling that much more difficult *economy not helping either*. So this year, I am making traveling (whether it be within the state of California, or anywhere on the map) more of a priority in my life.

I already have three trips planned so far. Hawaii in February, Mexico in April and Miami in May. I am also hoping to explore more within my own state and neighboring states as well. I hope to document my adventures and trips to share with all of you and also to keep myself accountable...Any suggestions for places I must see? Let me know!!

Cheers!

Wino Wednesday

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I first sampled the Firestone Chardonnay at the actual Firestone Winery in Solvang, CA. I was immediately a fan, and was happy when my mom decided to join their wine club. There are a few different price ranges of the Firestone Chardonnays and the Chardonnay Reserve is my favorite so far. Aged for 10 months in French Oak Barrels gives this chardonnay a creamy finish that is smooth and easy on the palette. It will run you between $13-$20 a bottle depending on where you buy it. Regardless of how much you spend it is a winner!

Onto a New Moon

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I finished Twilight last week and have to say….I’m officially hooked! The book was SO good! Stephenie Meyers does a fantastic job of describing scenes so vividly, that I actually got goose bumps more then once reading. The book is surprisingly sensual and Bella and Edward could be considered the next star crossed lovers.

It took me about ninety pages to get into the novel, but once I was in, I was so absorbed that I stayed up until 1:30 AM reading. Another reason I love the novel is that it takes place in a town called Forks, Washington which I had never heard of or knew actually existed until a girl in my sorority was from there. Go Forks!

This novel had suspense, romance, humor and mystery. Not too shabby considering it is a “young adult fiction novel”. If this is where this genre is going, sign me up!

I couldn't wait to pick up the next novel in the series New Moon, and was sad when Borders was completely sold out. Luckily a few days later Barnes and Noble came to my rescue. So that is my next read, hopefully it will be just as good as the original…

Hope, Inspiration & Excitement

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Today I felt all of the above because of this man. I gotta say it was a good day!

Song Of The Week: Brooklyn Go Hard

Jay-Z - Brooklyn Go Hard (Video) « 2dopeboyz
Uploaded by Fraction2929

I recently leased a new car which came with a complimentary six month subscription to Sirius Radio. While I am still deciding if the Sirius radio is worth the money (once it expires), I will say that I was introduced to my new fave song Brooklyn Go Hard through the station and am obsessed with it. The chorus is catchy, the beat fantastic and the combination of Jay Z and Santogold is pure gold! I have it on repeat on my I-Pod and am pretty sure once you listen to it, you'll fall hard!

B-R-O-OK-L-Y-N...

Happy Bachelorette Coffey!

Sadly I am unable to attend what is sure to be an incredible bacholorette party for my sweet friend Coffey. But I know it is sure to be a smashing success, and I CANNOT wait to hear all the good stories from the weekend.

Forever Frugal Friday: Mad About Plaid

Maybe it's because I am from Seattle and grew up with the whole "grunge" thing. But when I saw the picture of Christina above wandering the streets in this cute plaid, flannel combo, I just knew I needed to find one for myself.

Lucky for you and me, Forever has this darling Long Plaid Flannel that paired with leggings and boots will help me achieve the look I so desire. Last but not least to make this outfit a complete success is Nirvana, Alice in Chains or Pearl Jam blaring from an I-Pod.

Grunge-a-licious!

Golden Globe Fashion

I am always a big fan of the Golden Globes. Television and movie stars sitting together at the Beverly Hilton, sipping champagne and mingling (sounds rough I know). I gathered with some of my girlfriends this past Sunday night for wine, apps, fashion and awards. Only the fashion was bit lacking in my opinion…Here’s my roundup.

Let’s start with my disappointments. The dresses were all so pretty…the colors however were dismal. I mean, everyone looked washed out and boring. Granted I am definitely biased towards colors, but all the dresses in nude, beige or cream just weren't all that flattering or fabulous to me.

Amanda Seyfried (in Stella McCartney), Penelope Cruz (in Armani Prive) and Angelina Jolie (in Versace) all opted for the same color family – boring (although I will give Angelina a slight edge over the other two since her dress was sparkly). While they all look beautiful, there just wasn’t any pizazz that made my eyes want to continue looking at them. Instead, I opted to look at these lovely ladies below…

I literally gasped out loud when I saw Cameron’s unique and perfectly pink Chanel dress. Her simple hair and fabulous toned arms (noted for resolution purposes) were perfection in every way. Olivia Wilde’s Reem Acra dress was a stunning shade of purple and romantic as ever. January Jones blue Versace almost had my eyes popping out of my head with curiosity. The dress was like no other dress I had seen before and the blue was amazing. She looked like an absolute star and the pockets of the dress were just the icing on the cake. Last but not least while I didn’t love the huge fluff on Eva Mendes Dior dress, I did love, love, love her necklace and thought the white against her skin was glamorous as all get out.

Although I loved all the dresses above, as soon as I saw Eva Longoria in her Reem Acra dress, I labeled her the winner hands down for the evening. She was recovering from a cold and STILL looked a million times better than most of the women on the red carpet. Equally beautiful and showing how to wear neutral colors the right way was Demi Moore in her Dior dress. Sparkles, interesting neckline, beautiful tan, simple hair, all equaled a success (having Ashton on your arm doesn’t hurt either).

Last but certainly not least, were the stars that made me gasp and look around the room with confusion as to what exactly they were thinking. Renee Zellweger two piece Carolina Herrera skirt and top combo was all wrong together. The skirt was gorgeous and made her look SO long on TV. However the top was sheer and showed off her weird bra/bustier thing. The color was gross, the fit not flattering and her hair, just a big mess. However, some might say her hair was better than Drew Barrymore. When she stepped out of the limo onto the red carpet my first words were, “What happened to her hair?” It looked as though she had stuck her finger in a light socket, took some hairspray to lock the look in and then threw on her beautiful John Galliano for Dior dress and walked out the door. I do love me some big hair, but even this was too much for me. I will give her credit however for rocking the look with pure confidence.

What did you think? Impressed, depressed? Sadly, the Golden Globes didn’t provide much eye candy for me, but the good thing is that there are many more award shows to go...Oscars anyone?

Gonna Start A Resolution....

I know I am 13 days late posting my resolutions for 2009 but I just really wanted to think them through and make realistic goals for myself that won’t be easily broken.

First and obviously the most common one on everyone’s list….

1) Be Healthy……

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As I begin to get up there in years, I realize that I REALLY need to take care of myself and be healthy. Now this health doesn't just include diet and exercise, but also skin care, and mentally. I am planning to work out at least 4 times a week (yes, that was my same resolution as last year - so far so good this year!), limit my alcohol intake to weekends only (with the occasional dinner drink here and there), drink LOTS more water and be even better than I already am about wearing sun block. As for mental health I would like to watch less TV, read more books and write (whether it is creatively, for this blog or just jotting down thoughts) daily.

Stay tuned for the rest!

Song Of The Week: That's Not My Name

If you ever needed motivation to go to the gym...look no further then the video above. Those pesky models continue to push me on the treadmill and The Ting Tings, That's Not My Name makes me run a little bit faster, or ride just a little bit longer in hopes that one day I too will look even 1/100th like them!

It's The Freakin' Weekend...Gonna Have Me Some Fun!

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Lynne's in town this weekend, and we are planning to do some celebrating, catching up and having fun in general.

Here's hoping you are also ready for a fabulous weekend! Cheers!

Forever Frugal Friday

Stepping into the New Year has never been so easy or stylish! These Premiere Platform Pumps from Forever are hot, sexy and sure to garner some attention.

They are also a fabulous knockoff of the original lookers, the Berkley Sandal by Michael Kors. My girlfriend Jaime has the Michael Kors that I admire every time she wears them out.

So go ahead, drop some change on these stylish little pumps, looking like a vixen has never been so easy!

I Caved....

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I finished Stori Telling back before Thanksgiving and after all my other girlfriends raved about how good the Twilight series is, I decided it would be the next book I read. I am three quarters through and will admit, I am hooked!

I really enjoyed the first half of Stori Telling. Her 90210 gossip, her crazy mom stories, and I seriously laughed out loud so hard with her "hex" incident. However, my enjoyment faded a bit with her nonchalant recounting of meeting, having an affair and divorcing Charlie and marrying Dean. It just left a bad taste in my mouth. I am glad things are resolved with her and her mother and that she has two beautiful babes, but it has to be said that if I was Charlie (her ex-husband) and read the book, I wouldn't be too pleased.

Be the judge yourself! Can't wait to share more about Twilight!

Wino Wednesday

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Even though one of my resolutions is to be healthy and drink less, a glass (or half a bottle) can't hurt every now and then right? This Girard Chadonnay is worth the splurge and promises to get 2009 started off right! I recently was asked to order wine for our table and freaked out when I didn't recognize a single name on the wine list. I took a chance and ordered this lovely bottle and must pat myself on the back, as it was a hit with everyone!

Light yet flavorful and with the slightest bit of effervescence (or it seemed that way) this wine does not disappoint. It was sweet without being overly sweet, buttery with a little bit of crisp and just in general, pure yummers in a glass.

So, go ahead...treat yourself to a nice bottle!

Song Of The Week: Freedom! '90

George Michael - Freedom '90
Uploaded by jpdc11

Let's start of 2009 with a fantastic song by the incredible George Michael. Freedom! '90 is one of my most favorite songs out there. I remember watching the video when I was younger and just fell more and more in love with this sexy song (I mean Linda, Cindy, Naomi...). This song kicks ass for cleaning the house, getting ready with the girls or anywhere that you can just sing it at the top of your lungs! I really must encourage ya'll to purchase this album, as 2 disc of George Michael for $12 is really such a steal!

Happy New Year

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Happy New Year! Here's to fabulous new beginnings, friends, love and family! May 2009 bring everything your little heart desires (and may you look as glamorous as she does above doing it)!

Cheers!