Happy {B*Day} Weekend!

 

wishing you all a sparkly weekend full of fun! 

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Gift Guide 2012

 

forever 21 offers a great selection of gifts to help you cross off some names from your list.  a few of my current faves...

 

studded glitter loafers / heart sweater / sparkling square necklace / neon fold-over crossbody bag

Gift Guide - Under $30

 

my roomie and i were just talking the other day about how hard it is to find presents under $25 for gift exchanges or coworkers. 

 

have no fear, after some searching i found all the items above for under $30!

 

cinnamon buns ornament / homegrown monogram mug / after dark holiday gift set

 

glitter iphone 4 case / metallic polka dot cosmetic pouch / mini emergency kit / bracelet

 

AllSaints McQueen

has anyone else been watching sytycd?  oh boy i just love that show.  i love the music, the choreography, but often times i enjoy cat deely's incredible wardrobe. 

the 200th episode of sytycd premiered with cat walking out in this bedazzling allsaints oyster long sleeved dress and totally squeaked out loud.  then i saw the gorgeous taylor from glitter guide wearing it for her bachelorette party and i was oh so jealous. 

the colors in the dress are modest and calm - a complete juxtaposition with the head to toe sparkle.  the colors intrigued me and led me to my next obsessions the alexander mcqueen swarovski crystal double-skull bracelet, the swarovski crystal accented skull barnacle ring and the enameled skull bangle all which would work on their own with this dress or absolutely anything else!

unfortunately these items are all but a wish in my lust list, which left me craving some actual sparkles and shine that i can afford. 

deborah lippmann's dancing in the dark is just the perfect combo of dark and light. 

loafers aren't normally my style but make them pink and add glitter and all of a sudden they are just my style.  these kate spade cora glitter patent leather & metallic loafers may be on the pricey side but they would be worth the splurge since they are work friendly!

bobbi brown's sparkle eyeshadow is a great way to add shine and glitter into your life without looking like a stripper.  pretty and lady like and just right for that special night.

lastly the emi-jay gold glitter hair ties are just awesome for summer ponytail's or to keep your hair back and end up with a dent.  i picked up a few a few years ago and fell in love and was recently gifted a glittery black and tie-dye one from mrs. r.  adore!

what's your thought on glitter and shine everyday?  do you save it just for special occasions or wear it all the time loud and proud?

Bikini Bonanza

yesterday i sported a bikini at the pool.  while my body still isn't quite where i would like for it to be, it's getting closer and while i love my little mix and match bikini i threw together, i noticed some darling bikinis around the pool which had me thinking i may need to upgrade to something a little more fun.

my absolute fave is this modern amusement stripe push up sweetheart bikini.  love the red, love he navy, love the stripes and the pop of yellow.  also love the models body...

i know sequins by the pool is a little glitzy and rhooc, but these victoria secret bikinis have me rethinking my view on sequins by the pool.  specifically the abbie sequin stripe triangle bikini and the sequined waterfall triangle bikini that belongs on a yacht in the french riveria.  yes please!

a good bandeau never hurt anybody and definitely provides the most friendly tan lines.  you can't go wrong with a simple gorgeous aqua belle bandeau bikini that literally looks good on anyone with a tan!  or root for team usa in all your stars and stripes in the americana bandeau bikini that is far more chic and a lot less budweiser girl than other red, white and bikinis i have seen.

what's your favorite swimwear?  do you have suit that you absolutely adore? 

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Sensational Stripes

this past weekend in whistler i tried on the lululemon stride jacket above and fell instantly in love.  not much of an impulsive shopper, i thought it best to wait and pickup in the states.  dumb move.  it is no longer available and if i want to make it mine i have to buy it on ebay.  tear.

also, i am loving this topshop giant pansy stripe bodycon dress which was in 3 magazines i read over the weekend.  don't worry...sold out as well.  mother trucker. 

those two sold out striped goodies got me in an all things stripe mood and has me thinking i shouldn't delay in purchasing the stripes below.

diagonal stripe 4 / skipper beach duffle / stripe bandeau bikini top / striped cotton dress

V*Day Lovelies

one/two/three/four/five/six/seven/eight

v*day is here and while i love all the hearts, pink and cinnamon treats, i am not really one to celebrate this holiday. 

but if i were to receive a gift from cupid, any of the items above would surely make me quite twitterpated!

Flatlining...

Being a shorty, I always tend to go for heels. The higher the better! Anything to make my stubs look a little bit longer. I turned my nose up at flats and balked at the idea of ever wearing them...

But all of a sudden, everyone was wearing flats. Super stylish bloggers, actresses, and style icons were all wearing them!  And now that my eyes are open, they can't stop looking at all the glorious flats around!

(clockwise from the top)

Beatrix/Adena/VECTRA3/Orlas

Tough, yet lady like flats are my current obsession.  In fact, this past Saturday at Casey's Irish Pub I couldn't contain myself and had to compliment this lady on her incredible flats (and of course ask her where she got them).  I want to wear them with everything, but most likely colored denim or boyfriend fit jeans.

(top to bottom, far right)

Cap-Toe Canvas Ballet Flat/Neon City Flat/Louisa 2/Darby Glitter Loafers

My other flat obsession is sparkle, shine and neon flats.  Okay, the neon obsession and sparkle obsession are nothing new for me, but in a flat shoe, oh boy oberto!  Perfect for LA days and the perfect accent to complete any outfit.  In fact, Doux Rousse dedicated any entire post on how to wear those amazing J.Crew Darby Glitter Loafers (did you know they are currently on sale!!) and it appears those shoes go with EVERYTHING! 

So now the question is which ones should I get?  What is your essential "flat" outfit?  Which flats are your favorite?  Am I the only one "flatlining" out there?

Gift Guide #4 ~ Kate Spade for All!

I am pretty sure if I only received presents from one store this year, Kate Spade would be the place for me this year.  Every single item I am head over heels in love with!  And if you follow Kate Spade on Twitter or Instagram you would see all the fabulous happiness this company spreads to all around!

If you are still stumped on what to get that special lady or bestie in your life, look no further than below!

all wrapped up cards/live colorfully borough coasters/bellevax fingerless gloves/cascade bib necklace

putting on the ritz earrings/this is the year bracelet/cheers necklace/pavé surround large stud earrings

sparkle summit brynn/charm shoe/sparkler gia/gold playing cards (* pretty please santa)

Any of the goods above is sure to make your loved one overjoyed!

Gift Guide #1 ~ Pretty Polished

Happy 1st of December!  You now officially have 24 shopping days left to get gifts for those special to your heart (including yourself!). 

Today's gift guide is for the gal in your life who likes to wear her flare on her fingertips.  Nail polish is the perfect gift for any one if your life.  You choose the price range and the color selection is endless.  It's a perfect stocking stuffer, little gift for your favorite gal at the office or little sister. 

Oh Deborah you always have me crushing hard on your polishes!  for that rockstar best friend of yours, why not treat her to the Get This Party Started set?  Or for your sweet little snow angel and Led Zeppelin fan, a little Stairway To Heaven which looks like little bits of snowflakes in a jar.  Love!

A little sweeter but still smooth as butter is this Holiday Glitter Trio.  All the goodness of butter with none of the calories...yes please!

Glitter?  Check.  Sparkles?  Check.  All out flashy fantastic - yep and the names are just my favorite!

Don't Be Eggnogious, Getting' Miss Piggy With It, Meteor Shower 

For your favorite gold digger who likes to play it cool, Gold Flash should do.

I am loving this pair together, Shine of the Times and Bobbing for Baubles.  Essie's whole holiday collection is straight up glamorous and rich.

The perfect red, a splash of white a tinge of black and a gloss of gold, could we NARS have nailed it any better with this Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Coffret?  You could buy the set and split it amongst your different girlfriends - sexy, innocent, bold and dazzling. 

Any of these polishes as gifts are sure to leave you perfectly polished in their books!

Drug Store Beauty Booty

St. Ives Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract Lotion

I have a ton of those super scented lotions that I don't always feel really moisturize as much as they scent-tize and realized I needed a good legit lotion for everyday.  I originally bought this lotion to keep over at B's but liked it so much I took it back and have it chilling in my bathroom.  The scent is lovely and light and the lotion leaves your skin so soft!  And at under $5 it is such a steal! 

Wet n Wild - Party of Five Glitters

This nail polish is straight up legit, let me count the ways why I love it so.  Last year I bought my nail polish obsessed roomie Debroah Lippmann's "Happy Birthday"  glitter polish and fell in love.  Imagine my delight when browsing Walgreens to find this $1.99 polish that is a great cheap version of the luxe brand, but also named after one of my fave shows growing up. 

Suave - Dry Spray Shampoo

While I still love my Psssssst... I am always game to try the latest and cheapest dry shampoos out there.  I found this Suave Dry Shampoo and was sure I would be disappointed, because you know...it's Suave. 

Turns out Suave really has redone not only their packaging but also their product quality.  This dry shampoo is AWESOME and smells so good!  It's rings up just under $4 and not only sprays clear but evenly, which I find is very key for a good dry shampoo. 

Lesson learned, don't judge a dry shampoo by it's cover.

Sonia Kashuk - Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I happened to stop into Target to pick up some laundry soap, groceries and toilet paper.  I can out minus $130 and a tube of Sonia's tinted moisturizer.  I have desperately been searching for a tinted moisturizer that holds a candle against Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer and while I still haven't quite found one, I have found some great, close alternatives including this one. 

A little goes a long way, let me just warn you.  The coverage is great and while the color I selected is a little lighter than I would have preferred it, blends fantastically and leaves my skin fresh and youthful (at least I like to think it does).  This is my first Sonia Kashuk beauty purchase and am quite pleased with it so far and excited to try some more of her goods. 

Aquafresh Extreme Clean Toothpaste

Hands down my favorite toothpaste ever.  I recently switched it up and have immediately regretted my decision.  I have been using this toothpaste since college and love how fresh and clean it leaves my mouth.  Also it should be noted (knock on wood) that I haven't had any cavities in 6+ years and I think it must have something to do with the toothpaste.  Back in the day it used to be this kind of awful orange tasting paste, but they have since added whitening features as well as two flavors of mint. 

If you are hating your toothpaste I really, really love this one and recommend it to everyone!

Any great drug store beauty products you can't leave home without?  I would love to hear your favorite affordable beauty products!

Recent Purchases ~ Apothica.com

The generous people over at Apothica provided me with $100 to spend on anything over at their site.  Talk about exciting stuff!  As many of you know, I am a bit of a beauty product junky and Apothica offers so many products I adore and use on a daily basis at affordable rates and free shipping on orders over $49! 

I immediately added the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster to my basket as I had been eyeing it for over a year now.

The Truth Serum Collagen Booster smells absolutely delightful and provides a nice little pick me up to my morning routine.  The energizing tangerine scent instantly wakes up my sleepy face and gives a little perk to my drab skin.  It also creates a nice barrier between my face and LA's toxic air pollution.  My only regret with purchasing the truth serum is that I didn't buy the Three Little Wonders Box Set (as seen above) which I believe would have provided more dramatic results. 

In any case, Ole Henriksen carries a variety of beauty products I am dying to try including this African Red Tea Glow To Go.

My next purchase was the Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner in Carbon Black.

I love the look of liquid eyeliner so much and I have concluded that my favorite type of liquid liner are "pen" style.  They glide on so much easier and create the perfect liquid line.  The Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner is a wonderful beauty product.  It stays on all day as promised and lasts a really long time.  I used it at least 3-4 times a week and purchased it back in February and only just ran out of it this weekend.  For $20 you get a great quality product that lasts a long time.  FANTASTIC!

The third purchase was a little more difficult to select as I wanted so many things.  I however decided to share the wealth and purchase the Voluspa 3 Wick in Decorative Tin French Bourbon Vanille candle for B.

B had just moved into his new place and it needed a little accent that not only smelled "manly" but also matched his dark wood decor.  I am already a devoted fan of Voluspa candles and wanted to introduce B to my fave candle distributor.  While I enjoy almost every single scent they offer, I needed to find one for B that wasn't overly perfumey or in an ultra girly casing.  Check and Check. 

I have to say that I was over the moon for all my purchases from Apothica.  They shipped my items in a timely matter, and threw in some free samples to try.  A nice added touch was that a consulting rep from the site sent me an email to follow up on my purchases and product satisfaction.  Never had any of my other beauty sales rep follow up on an order, love their customer appreciation!

Since I have exhausted my last order officially, I have begun hunting for my next beauty purchases...currently in the lead are:

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Glitter In The Air 

perfectly wispy - reminds me of cotton candy at the fair

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe

loving the blue and green glitter combo - gets me excited for Seahawk football (fingers crossed)

Eminence Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream

I am still on the hunt for a good night cream and I am completely sold by the fact that the words "blueberry" and "recovery" are in the same product title.  I have read all the wonderful benefits of eating blueberries and figure, it must be good to place directly on your face as well, right?  Added bonus, the products is organic. 

I am pretty sure my shopping cart will be full to the brim once I finish looking at the website.  I highly recommend trying Apothica for your next beauty purchases, they have a great return policy as well and guarantee the lowest price. 

Get shopping my beauties and be sure to share what you buy or love!

Flashing Brights

According to the calendar, spring sprung on Sunday...

According to my window, spring has yet to arrive in L.A.

The wind, rain and grey, leaves me craving anything and everything bright and sunny!

(click picture to enlarge)

1st Row: Scarf, Candle, Shimmer Tee, Pack Away Bag

2nd Row: Dress, Clutch, Books, Pumps

3rd Row: Bowls, Wedges, Sweater, Trench Motorcycle Jacket

4th Row: Undies, Lip Gloss, Thongs , Nail Polish

Has spring sprung at your location yet?  What do you have your eye one this spring?

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Glitter in the Air

The sun in LA has been a little shy this summer, and by a little I actually mean A LOT shy.  I have been craving nothing more than some warm sun on my shoulders and sparkly waters to gaze out at from my window at work.  Since these things don't seem to be happening anytime soon, I am forced to enjoy sparkle and shine from anything and everything covered in glitter!

I am pretty sure that this Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch would give me all the sparkle and shine I need to get out of my funk.  I am thinking this little baby would look soooo cute with just jeans, a deep V-Neck and some very high stilettos. 

Anya again nails it with this Marano Glitter Clutch.  I pretty much need it, now....stat.

This Deborah Lippman Collection, ‘ All That Jazz’ Color Trio Polish is a little more up my alley price wise and allows quite the range of glittery goodness at your fingertips. 

It's as if Rescue Beauty Lounge entered into my brain and extracted my motto to name this gold sparkly goddess of a polish,  "Look Rich Be Cheap".  I have been seeing more and more gold nails lately and I am really loving the look.  I even complimented a gal at Drybar on Saturday on her gold glittery toes.  I think it is about time I commit and just buy a bottle. 

Now personally, I don't think I could ever seriously sport these Steve Madden heels but I could definitely see Miss Snooki partying on the Jersey Shore in them.  Only to head back home and throw on those fugly slippers of hers.

I myself would like to paint my toes gold and slip them on into this glamorous Kate Spade Charm Glitter Bow Slingbacks.  I mean they are heels, with glitter, a bow and pink accents.  Could they be any more perfect?  I think not. 

My thoughts of glitter also traveled into my musical selections.  Pink's Funhouse album is one that I can listen to from start to finish and then again right after on my IPod.  The album is full of "Go Girl" anthems and then some sweet ballads.  Perhaps my favorite on the album (although I still really love So What (Explicit)) would have to be Glitter In The Air.  Her voice is incredible in it, the words beautiful and the piano gets me every time.  Be sure to download her entire album or at least this song.  It is truly gorgeous. 

I think we should all take a moment and throw some glitter in the air like we did as kids and celebrate that it is almost the weekend!

(can't remember where I found this one)