2009 Best and Worst Beauty Trends

Long time, no blog!  To catch you up, check out my new story featured on Real Beauty that walks you through the best and worst beauty trends of 2009!  Prepare for plenty of Lady Gaga beauty mishaps and some fun trends to carry you through the new year too.  Click here to read...

xoxo,

Mascara Snob

Okay, so I know I've posted about mascara plenty of times - but this deserves another post, trust me!  My Mom and my good friend Allison both recommended Cover Girl's LashBlast mascara.  I've been totally hooked on DiorShow and Neutrogena Healthy Volume in the past, but I trust these girls, so I decided to give it a try.  (Plus it's under $10 at Target - a totally affordable risk if you ask me!)  I tried it this past weekend and absolutely loved it!  The bristles on this brush are really short, but I think that helps to minimize clumping.  A few quick coats completely extended my lash length while separating each lash.  Go and try it for yourself - it won't disappoint!

Img credit: Target

xoxo,

Adorable Ann Taylor Footwear

Now Ann Taylor and I haven't always seen eye to eye in the past, but this season they have really hit the mark!  For sake of time, I'm going to stick to one article of clothing....shoes.  This season's Ann Taylor shoes are nothing short of fabulous.  Here are some to look out for...

Leather Cowl Bootie ($175) - Holy cuteness!  I am so in love with these shoes, and they look so wearable!  I'm thinking ratty boyfriend jeans cuffed up a couple times with an oversized sweater.

img credit: Ann Taylor
Sweetly Ruffled Suede Pump ($175) - These come in a couple different colors, but I'm totally sold on this punchy plum.  This would add just enough color to any boring winter outfit.  Heels not your thing?  No worries, these adorable ruffled shoes come in flats too!

img credit: Ann Taylor
Fun Faux Croc Pumps ($175) - These shoes will easily take you from day to night anytime you want.  Plus, the little bit of platform at the toe provides a bit of padded comfort in case you'll be on your feet for awhile.

img credit: Ann Taylor

xoxo,

Looks For Less - Shapewear

We all like to smooth out our look - especially when we're out and about in a form-fitting dress!  Sure Spanx are great, but do we really need to pay $30-$75 for something no one will even see? I think you know the answer to that :-)

Admire It! - Spanx Power Panties (available here for $30)

img credit: www.spanx.com

Acquire It! - No Nonsense Ultimate Shaper (available here for $6.99)

img credit: www.nononsense.com

Admire It! - Yummie Tummie Strappy Tank (available here for $72)

img credit: www.yummietummie.com
Acquire It! - Seamless Cami from The Limited ($9.99-$24.50 depending on color, available here )

img credit: www.thelimited.com

xoxo,

Deep Dark Emerald

We've all heard that the dark, jewel-toned hues are in this winter, and nail polish is a fun and easy way to tackle this trend.  OPI has some fantastic shades, most of which are deep purples and burgundys, but if you really want to stand out, paint on the OPI color from their Espana collection called "Here Today Aragon Tomorrow."  This polish is a dark and rich emerald green that goes on superdark and vampy.  Trust me, I know it's tough to take the plunge into the goth-inspired nail colors, but you'll be hooked once you try it!

img credit: www.amazon.com
My other favorite dark hues by OPI: Give Me Moor, Lincoln Park After Dark, Russian Navy, and Can You Tapas This.  (P.S.  If there is really someone out there who gets paid to name each OPI polish color for every collection, I am soooo jealous!!)

xoxo,

The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Dress

'Tis the season right?  The only thing more exhausting than trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list is trying to find the perfect holiday dress to wear to all of the parties that come along with this time of the year!  The work party, the family party, the friends' party....is it possible to find one dress that is appropriate for all?  If you ask me, it's totally doable, just follow these simple rules and check out my suggestions below...

1. No plunging necklines - you don't want to be the subject of water-cooler talk at the office the day after the party!
2. Stick to a length that hits just above the knees - it's a cute and classy length appropriate for almost all occasions
3. Find a simple, figure-flattering shape that can be easily taken from day to night (think sheath, v-neck with straight skirt, etc.)
4. Black, deep red, or jewel-toned hues (plum, evergreen, etc.) work best - leave your hot pink mini-dress at home!

A soft v-neck and a cinched waist make this festive red dress a must for the holiday season.  Just make sure to try this one on if your, ah hem, top section is a little on the large size as we must abide by rule #1 above!  (ABS available here for $255)

Try this simple black sheath by Badgley Mischka for updated conservative look with the neckline detail.  With or without black tights - it's your call and would look super cute either way!  (Available here for $340)

Have a juicy holiday with this little number from Juicy Couture.  I love this antique-esque print that almost looks like brocade.  For this one, add a pair of black tights, black shoes, and gold bangles.  (Available here for $248)

This Ralph Lauren dress adds just enough of a color pop without being too showy.  The layered shape of this dress is also universally flattering. (Available here for $220)

This BCBG dress contrasts top and bottom with layered chiffon ruffles and a structured silky skirt.  I love that this looks like a two piece ensemble, yet it's a comfy dress - no worrying about a shirt coming untucked!  (Available here on sale for $149)

xoxo,

Make Your Eyeshadow Last

Don't you hate it when you try to take your look from a day in the office to a night out with the girls and your makeup doesn't want to cooperate?! Though your girls will tell you that you look fabulous anyway, we'd still like for our expensive eyeshadow to last through a couple more cocktails!  To be honest, it doesn't really matter whether you bought your eyeshadow at the Neiman Marcus beauty counter or at Target....it's what's underneath that counts.  MAC paint pots (available here for $16.50) are highly pigmented cream shadows (applied with a makeup brush) that provide a base layer for any shadow that will prolong it's staying power.  Plus, they come in a wide variety of shades, from super neutral to electric blue (can't say I've felt the need to use the blue though).  My favorite three are Painterly, Girl Friendly, and Bare Study.  Here's a rundown of when you'll need which one....

Painterly:  This shade is the ultimate neutral, and can be applied for everyday wear with just about any shadow shade.

Girl Friendly:  This one has a pinkish hue that looks fantastic with pink/chocolate brown or gold/plum shadow combinations.

Bare Study:  This paint pot provides a slight shimmer with a light natural shade that's perfect with about any shadow for a night out with a little added glitz!

xoxo,

Looks For Less - Shoes

A round toe pump can take the edge off an outfit and turn it girlie chic.  But it has to be just right so that you don't end up looking like you're on your way to the first day of kindergarten...

Admire It! - Prada Crackled Leather Pumps ($440) available at Bluefly

Acquire It! - Jessica Simpson Metallic Round Toe Pump ($74.95) available on Amazon

These knotted peep-toe pumps are the perfect match with a cute cocktail dress...

Admire It! - Christian Louboutin Knotted Pump ($895) available at Neiman Marcus

Acquire It! - Steve Madden Leilana ($34.95) available at 6pm.com

xoxo,

Mmmm Yummy Lip Gloss

Not only does Philosophy's S'mores Lip Shine smell absolutely delicious, but the shine-factor is equally appealing...genius!  In my opinion, this gloss isn't nearly as sticky as some others, lasts a pretty long time, and most importantly provides a shimmery sheer tint perfect for everyday use.  Head out to Sephora to pick up this gloss and satisfy your sweet tooth!  ...S'mores not your thing?  They've also got Mimosa, Cinnamon Buns, and Vanilla Birthday Cake, (mmm!) just to name a few...

img credit: Sephora
Philosophy S'mores Lip Shine available at Sephora, $8

xoxo,

Fully Vested

Vests are a fun and easy way to change up your wardrobe and update an outfit in your normal rotation to make it look totally new!  Read on to get some ideas...

Shrug on this sexy faux fur zip-up over a long-sleeve white cotton tee.  Throw on your comfiest skinny jeans (maybe some distressed ones shown in a previous post!) and tuck your jeans into a pair of cute tan boots like these.  Vest available here for $24.80.

img credit: Forever 21
This gray military vest is another fun choice (available here for $19.80).  The military trend is huge right now, so be patriotic and jump in!  Pair this with a plain tee in a subdued hue and whatever jeans/shoes combination you like.  A pair of silver bangles will top it all off.

img credit: Forever 21
I've posted about this versatile black vest before.  If you haven't already picked it up, take a hint since I am taking the time to post about it again!  It's like a unique alternative to a belt.  It cinches in the waist, and since it's black, can be thrown on top of just about any outfit.  This fits true to size (I know because I own it!) - so log on and click purchase :-)  (Available here for $22.80)

img credit: Forever 21
Feeling athletic?  Try a quilted vest with a casual outfit.  This goes with anything and provides just enough warmth without being cumbersome or too heavy.  Sporty cute - I love it!  (Available here for $32.90)

img credit: Forever 21
xoxo,

Perfect LBD Shoes

Finding the perfect little black dress can be tough enough.  How to accessorize your LBD is always an added challenge.  Your jewelry choices will obviously depend on the shape of the dress, but you can always use a fun pair of shoes to lighten up the look.  My new favorite are a pair of black and white snow leopard pumps.  These pumps will definitely spice up your LBD (and any other black outfit!).  Available at White House Black Market for $98.

img credit: White House Black Market
xoxo,

So Fresh and So Clean, Clean!

We can all agree that Chanel and La Mer beauty products are fantastic, but fifty bucks for a cleanser?!  Yikes - it hurts just to think about it!  For something you use every day like a facial cleanser, that can get pretty pricey.  Do you really need to spend all that dough for a glowing complexion?  Of course not!  I've got a couple recommendations for you to maintain your precious skin without going broke.

For those of you who prefer a beauty bar, try Neutrogena's Transparent Facial Bar, available here and at drugstores nationwide.  Not only is this bar so affordable (under $4!), but it gets the job done better than all those pricey alternatives.  The thing I love about this bar is that it leaves your face feeling fresh and clean and doesn't leave behind that residue that others tend to do.  After using this bar just once, I felt like I'd just treated myself to a hydrating facial at the Red Door Spa!

img credit: www.drugstore.com
If you're more of a cream cleanser gal, try Clinique's Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser, available here and any department store where Clinique is sold.  This one is a little bit more money, but far less than it's beauty designer counterparts.  A little cleanser will go a long way, and after working up/washing off a nice lather, this will leave your skin feeling totally fresh and clean.

img credtit: Clinique
Taking care of your skin now is the key to looking younger longer, so go out and invest a little money (please, not $50!) on something you show off everyday - your pretty face!

xoxo,

Looks for Less - Jewelry

Who loves looks for less?  I do, I do!!  Jewelry is one of my favorite categories because there is SO much out there if you take the time to look!  Here are a couple jewelry-related looks for less...

Admire It! - Pearl and Crystal Avalanche Necklace ($135) available at J Crew

Acquire It! - Beaded Cluster Necklace (9.80) available at Forever 21

Admire It! - Champagne Fizz Drop Earrings ($65) available at J Crew

Acquire It! - Pearl Cluster Earrings ($3.80) available at Forever 21

Admire It! - Kenneth Jay Lane Metal Pyramid Bracelet  ($75) available at Max & Chloe

Acquire It! - Pyramid Hinged Cuff ($5.80) available at Forever 21

Admire It! - ABS Crystal Snowball Ring ($85) and Earrings ($75) available at Max & Chloe

 

Acquire It! - Disco Ball Ring ($6.40) and Dazzle Earrings Set ($4.80) available at Forever 21

Admire It! - Nugaard Designs Gold Jequitiba Leaf Pendant Necklace ($110) available at Max & Chloe

Acquire It! - Wrinkled Leaf Necklace ($4.80) available at Forever 21

xoxo,