How obsessed are you with this Rebecca Minkoff laser-cut cheetah print bag? Don’t worry- I’m beyond obsessed. Every single Tuesday for about two months, I scoped out my local Bloomingdale’s, each week admiring the beautiful laser cut-out detailing, strong but lightweight chain detail and sleek leather of this bag. I saved up my gift cards, hoarded my Bloomies card reward points coupons, and prayed for a sale. As soon as I was confident with my savings and had officially decided that this bag was the one, I headed to Bloomingdale’s. Only to find that someone had beat me to the chase. Continue Reading »
The Bag That Got Away
Manicure Monday: Flower Power
As dedicated as I am to the tried-and-true manicure, I’m always up for trying something new. This week, that “something new” is Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. I actually tried them once before, a few months ago, and swore I would never use them again because it took forever for me to remove them. But I refuse to go into this Manicure Monday close-minded, so I won’t let that get me down!
For Manicure Monday this week, I’ve used Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Spring Fever. These strips feature a white background with yellow, orange, pink, and purple flowers covering the entire nail.
Brand Spotlight: DM Balea, Germany
If you’re on a tight budget, you’ve probably tried your fair share of store brand products and generics. And you’ve probably come to the conclusion that these brands are absolutely hit or miss. Sometimes you’ll get amazing results from products that are 100% comparable to the more expensive brands, but you’ll just as often get itches and rashes from the off-brand stuff. Luckily, Balea, the store brand cosmetics line from DM-drogeriemarkt, a German drugstore (with a beauty department like CVS’s) has products that hold their own. I picked up mini travel-size products from their different collections (Professional and the super cute Young) to try out, and I’m really impressed. Read on to hear what I think! Continue Reading »
Support Local Artists and Score Unique Finds
I always advise travelers — whether you’re going halfway across the world or on a stroll through a nearby town — to support local artists and crafters. The most authentic and memorable souvenirs that you can bring back with you will likely be the handmade, individualized pieces – rarely the mass-produced tourist tchotchkies. I’m the first one to throw a buck to a street performer, buy an LP off an unknown star-in-the-making peddling demos on the sidewalk, and scout out one-of-a-kind fashion finds for my wardrobe. You can easily remember your adventures through the unusual collection you accumulate.
My latest find has already grabbed some major attention. Read on to see the wearable street art that I picked up in Trier, Germany! Continue Reading »
Trend Spotting on a Budget
So Women’s Wear Daily is your bible, New York Fashion Week is your Christmas, and fashion is your religion. You eat, sleep, and breathe the latest trends. You never miss a red carpet event – even if you’re just watching it on TV. A lot of women find themselves fascinated by the world of fashion. If you’re like me, you may not be able to fully connect to that world for financial reasons. Put simply – you can’t afford it.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, to be honest. Most people can’t afford to spend $100+ on jeans, $1,000+ on a dress, or even $500+ on a new handbag every season. You don’t need to go designer to stay on-trend. There are so many ways to be a fashionista without losing every dollar you’ve ever made. Read on to get some great tips for design on a dime.
Shimmer to Shine
You know what traveling is great for? Exploring, adventuring, learning … and ruining your skin. Despite my best efforts, I have never been able to come off a airplane looking radiant and glowing. Ever. i just returned from my European adventure on Sunday, and I still haven’t recovered. Two weeks away from my drawers of skincare products and favorite makeup, (yes, drawers: plural) and two weeks in foreign places with new altitudes, time zones, and climates, and I’m a mess. (The 4AM commuter plane, six hour layover, and eight hour journey to my final destination sitting behind a colicky baby the whole way didn’t help either.) Luckily, I’ve found the best way to fake vibrancy in my jet-lagged face, and I’m willing to share it! Continue Reading »
Shoesday Tuesday: Jeffrey Campbell X UO Foxy T-Strap Heel
Want to learn more about these foxy Jeffrey Campbell heels? Read on!
Manicure Monday: Easy Leopard Print!
For those of you that love fun nail art, but may not be the best at doing it yourself, this manicure is for you! You may be thinking that there is NO WAY you could do a leopard print on your own nails, but I promise you that it’s actually quick and easy. And I believe in you, so you should, too!
How can recreating animal print on your nails be so easy? Unlike a lot of other patterns, leopard print doesn’t have to be symmetrical, or even neat! In fact, I’ve found that the less I try to make this look like animal print, the better it turns out. Don’t believe me? Take a look.
Kristen Stewart as “The fairest of them ALL”
2012 has been a big year for Walt Disney’s first animated princess, Snow White. And she has made quite the transformation throughout the decades! Gone are the days of being completely helpless, thinking almost exclusively about domestic activities, and of bursting into song at the drop of a hat. As I’ve already indicated in my post on ABC’s Once Upon a Time, Snow White is being redefined in some pretty kickass ways.
Now I know people have been pretty upset about director Rupert Sanders’ decision to cast Kristen Stewart as the princess in Snow White and the Huntsman. I’ll admit I read a few movie reviews before making the trek to the theater and there was quite a bit of negativity regarding Stewart. People claimed she played Snow White exactly the same way as Twilight’s Bella Swann and that she was once again giving us one face and no emotion. Valid concerns. She hasn’t been known to give the best performances if depth and personality is what you want. I hear and understand the concerns but people! Give credit when credit is due! Continue Reading »
Mermaids & Martinis
My experience with party planning reaches as far as telling my guests that they can’t wear sweatpants in my house. (Hey, even I don’t wear sweats around the house.) The biggest party I ever planned was my Sweet Sixteen, which was, ironically enough, mermaid themed. And practically every party I attended during college revolved around sitting on a couch and trying not to touch the sweaty pretzel bowl. So when I got the opportunity to flip through Mermaids & Martinis, I wanted to check out the proper party planning tricks that turn parties into memories.
The Collabor-eight 