Question: Can a girl ever have enough clothes?

The answer: No. (not surprising, right?)

I always think of anything I spend money on (in terms of clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelery, etc) as an investment. Maybe it's the business brain at work, or mom leading me down the right path of not falling into every trend I see. Either way, I never buy into mainstream trends unless I actually love them, and I always make sure that I'll wear/use whatever I buy for a long period of time. That being said, I normally gravitate towards staple items--things I can build on and make my own each time I wear them.

One trend I fell in love with is the masculine vibe; it's been easing it's way into women's fashion and for someone like me (who steals her dad's sweaters to wear with her leggings and boots) this trend is perfect. Around March, on a shopping trip with my 2 best friends at South Coast Plaza (LOVE that place), I found a "boyfriend" blazer that I had to have--and it came out to $98 from Zara. I still wear it til this day and get compliments on it all the time. It's form fitting, 3/4 sleaves, prominent shoulders, and a one-button closure (I never button mine), yet still looks like something that I snagged from the bf's closet. While browsing the nordy's site, I realized there were new sale items and I saw a couple of blazers on sale!

Zinc Boyfriend Blazer (Juniors)

Was: $48.00 Sale: $23.90

Available in Black, Silver

At a fraction of the cost of my blazer, this is definitely a steal! The main difference is that there is no closure on this particular blazer--but I suppose that doesn't really make a difference in my eyes.

Trouvé Double Knit Boyfriend Blazer

Was: $88.00 Sale: $57.90

This one is a tad different because the material is polyester/rayon/spandex; so it is not as structured as the previous blazer--nonetheless I think it's a good "throw on and go" piece.

With a relaxed t-shit and skinny jeans, the boyfriend blazer is the perfect update to your wardrobe! 

Shop the Nordstrom women's apparel sale here!

After Christmas Rebecca Minkoff Sale!

So by now, I think we all know that purses hold a special place in my heart. Although I haven't gone into much detail about my own collection--I previously blogged about Rebecca Minkoff handbags and my obsession with her clutches! Tis the season for sales, and Rebecca Minkoff did not dissapoint! She's holding an after Christmas sale for the next 4 days and the selection of handbags is amazing! As if I needed another reason to buy--FREE GROUND SHIPPING on ALL orders! SCORE! I seriously hate paying for shipping (and tax, but can't really do much about that one).

I went to a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale a while ago--and honestly this online sale has pretty good pricing in comparison. For those of you who are Morning After Bag (MAB) lovers--there's only one color in stock, plum (which is a lightish purple shade) but the rest of the bags have a pretty good color selection (especially the Morning After Clutches--yay!).

Pictured: MAC in Dark Brown w/gold hardware

Original Price: $330.00 Sale: $181.50

I already have 2 MACs--one in grey with silver hardware and another in deep purple with gold hardware, but I must admit, I have been eyeing the ruby shade for some time. I am a little disappointed, at previous sample sales the MACs normally go for $150, however this online sale does have a better color selection. Common sense is telling me to not order another MAC, so after perusing the site I fell in love with the Beloved Mini in ruby.

Pictured: Beloved Mini in Ruby w/gold hardware

Original Price: $325.00 Sale: $217.25

This purse is absolutely the PERFECT addition to my collection! Why? The hue of this bag for one, is so rich and just the right amount of "pop" against my daily wardrobe and for nights out. Secondly, the shape/structure of the Beloved Mini has a vintage feel to it without being too out of touch with today's trends. Plus, I didn't see this bag at any sample sales as of yet! After browsing through PurseForum I found some helpful reviews on whether a Beloved Mini would really be useful if I already had MACs and this is what I stumbled upon: "i have both bags as well, and i like both. i guess i would consider what you mainly want to use it for. i would use the miniB for daytime (trips, shopping), and MAC for going out. that said, i find uses for both bags. with my mac, sometimes i find myself wishing i had room for a bottle of water (which would fit in my miniB), for those daytime trips! i also fit my botkier wallet, keys, large ipod, cosmetics case, cell." Needless to say--I believe I'm sold on this bag!

As far as bigger handbags are concerned--the pricing is great! At Rebecca Minkoff sample sales, the MABs normally go for $350--and online they are $327. The Matinee is another unique handbag--which Rebecca Minkoff claims is inspired by a duffel bag--is also on sale for $327.25.

Pictured: Matinee in Custom Violet w/gold hardware

Original Price: $595.00 Sale: $327.25

The Matinee in my opinion is either love at first sight or not at all. The shape is definitely unique, however I find it to be a bit bulky to keep under your shoulder, and I'm not one to keep holding my purses in my hands.

Visit www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop and click After Christmas Sale on the left hand side to enter the sale!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Extra 20% off Sale Items at Sephora!--Ends December 31st, 2009!

Holiday greetings fashionistas!

During the holidays, there's always great finds at local retailers and outlets! I'll keep posting any deals that come my way!

The one that caught my attention was the Sephora extra 20% off sale items til December 31st! Sale on top of sale--who doesn't love that? Enter code EXTRA at checkout, and voila! Beauty on a budget.

Here's one of my faves from the sale section at Sephora-- remember, 20% off the sale prices!


Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set, $68 value--Original Price $57--On Sale: $45

This set contains:
- 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
- Coin Pouch
- Mini Rollerball

If you love florals, you'll love this fragrance! It's one of my favorites--and after I saw this set on sale I thought it would be perfect as a gift (even though it'll be a tad late..). Plus, the roller ball is perfect to stash in your purse--and the coin purse is adorable!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Happy Holidays!

Hope you all are having a wonderful and safe time with ones you love!

xoxo

Product Review: DERMAdoctor- Ain't Misbehavin' Medicated Acne Control Serum

 At the wonderful age of 23--I just started battling mild acne, bumps, and other not so appealing things on my face. As a teen, I had relatively clean skin and never broke out--however I always had really soft/sensitive skin, so I didn't use too many products on my fact. My how the times have changed.. After turning 21, I noticed a change in my easy going skin. Little bumps here and there, blackheads around my nose, etc. Now I noticed that I'm starting to get hormonal breakouts (as if us girls didn't have enough to deal with when it comes to that time of month), and my t-zone has some occasional acne/blackheads. Don't get me wrong, I know I'm incredibly fortunate that I don't have a huge acne problem--but still, when you're used to your skin being a certain way, change is hard to deal with. 

In any case, when I first noticed acne I jumped straight to proactiv which kept my skin incredibly clear. However, my already sensitive skin felt dry, was red in the cheek area, and a lot of the time just felt not soft or hydrated. After ditching proactiv, my skin actually got a bit worse but at least it was soft again! I decided rather than revamping my whole routine again and again, I should look into one product that will actually help my t-zone problem. I stumbled upon DERMAdoctor when I was looking for eye cream and the sales associate as Sephora said it would perfect to keep my acne/oily-ness at bay. To be honest, I was not expecting miracles--and the only reason I picked it up was because I was incredibly fed up with my skin.

In any case here's what the product is all about--via Sephora's Website:

What it is:

A powerful, healing acne medication.

What it is formulated to do:

Eliminates, clears, and prevents breakouts and helps speed healing by exfoliating pore-plugging debris, curbing bacteria, absorbing excess oils, helping to reduce hormonal influences upon skin, and soothing inflammation.

What else you need to know: 

Dermatologist-tested and approved. pH balanced. Non-comedogenic. Soap, oil, fragrance, and dye-free. No animal testing. 

My experience with the product has been AMAZING. I use it twice a day after cleansing and before applying my moisturizer. My only complaint is-- it does sting a little on contact, but that's a small price to pay in my opinion. The price is a bit steep at $45, however I only use about a pump and a half to cover my whole forehead, nose, and chin. You don't need to rub it in to the skin, just gently sweep it over any problem areas (a thin layer is perfect) and wait for it to absorb into the skin--which only takes about a minute. Follow with your usual moisturizer and you are set! I don't rub in my moisturizer as much anymore--I end up patting it into my skin (especially in my t-zone area). 

I have been using DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' religiously for about 3 weeks, and it has made a HUGE difference in my skin. My blackheads are still here (ugh) but as for acne, bumps, etc. I have no more! Another thing I love is that it's not terribly drying on my skin either. I will definitely keep using it as a part of my routine since it prevents acne as well!

Overall, if you have mild acne and are looking for something to help you out--definitely try this! I've also heard of people using an egg-white mask (just plain old egg whites whisked and applied to skin!) to dry up acne as well. 

I also high recommend drinking a LOT of water (at least 8 glasses a day)! I drink a cup of hot water with lemon every morning and night, which is supposed to be good for digestion, along with drinking 2 cups of Oolang tea a day. Never hurts to go the extra step right?


Disclaimer: The above mentioned products were purchased by me because I love flinging my money on random beauty supplies.

Look Blu-Ray Worthy: Product Review- blu_ray™ Pressed Powder by CARGO

This blog post was one in the making for a while now! So excited to share it with you all.

We've all heard about HD television channels, and even HD make up (i.e the brand Make Up Forever). Television channels in HD promise impeccable quality when seeing graphics on screen, similarly, Make Up Forever promises to work with the camera, blurring imperfections when being photographed--even in high definition. Although, Make Up Forever was created in 1984 (long before HD tv etc. became all the craze) the line was mainly formulated for models and actors.

In any case, we all know how blu ray discs, players, etc. have come out somewhat recently and CARGO cosmetics has jumped on the ball and created a line of blu_ray™cosmetics which includes foundation, pressed powder, concealer, bronzer, blush, mascara, and lip gloss. I stopped by the Sephora located in the Beverley Center a while back and the CARGO representative was doing makeup to promote the new line-- so of course, I decided to give it a whirl. 

She used the whole line of products on me and I was actually quite impressed. A friend took a picture of me and my skin looked absolutely flawless--I'm talking no sign of pores or anything! I went back to Sephora and decided to look into the concealer and pressed powder. The concealer only looks good if you wear the foundation, etc. since there's only 2 or 3 colors of the concealer. So the concealer ended up being a no-go, it looked absolutely horrid without my whole face being done! However the blu_ray™ Pressed Powder is amazing. I use it over my own foundation (Chanel Teint Innocence) when I go out and I've definitely noticed a different in my pictures. I use my Bobbi Brown Powder Brush to apply it (any dense makeup brush would work-- think Bare Escentuals Kabuki Brush) with small circular motions, really blending it in to my foundation/skin. Definitely go into a Sephora to test out the powder--there's only 4 shades and matching your skin tone is crucial! 

Here's the skinny via Sephora's website:

What it does:

Created to provide flawless results while looking completely natural during high-definition filming, blu_ray™ Pressed Powder contains specialized photochromatic pigments that adjust with the light so that your base makeup always looks perfect regardless of lighting or setting.

What else you need to know: 

Photochromatic pigments adjust with the lighting so that you have natural looking makeup no matter what the setting, while ultra-fine micronized minerals fill the look of fine lines and reduce the appearance of imperfections. An irregular particle size creates light dispersion, an effect that softens the look of the skintone. This oil-free powder is perfect whether you are getting married, going to your prom, having portraits taken, or simply want to look fabulous anytime and comes in a sleek black compact for convenient touch-up on the go. 

Overall, I really think the product delivers what it says it will! I was incredibly impressed with the pressed powder and definitely think it has become a staple in my "going out" makeup routine. The sales associate at Sephora also informed me that you could wear this powder on it's own (sans foundation) but I found it to look a little too powdery.  If your makeup isn't looking too hot in pictures/video--definitely check this out for a quick fix! It was a good addition to my makeup bag, especially since I love my foundations, blushes, etc. and I just needed something to enhance my makeup for pictures!

Disclaimer: All of the above mentioned products have been purchased by me, mainly because I like flinging my money on beauty supplies.

Product Review: Mint Candy Apple Essie Nail Polish

While flipping through my inStyle magazine (with adoriable Taylor Swift on the cover), I saw an ad for the Essie Holiday Collection and immediately wanted the mint green color! I have loved all the mint greens this year, but never found one that was just right. In any case, I decided to take the plunge and purchase Mint Candy Apple by Essie for a fun holiday time manicure!

In terms of formula, I have always liked Essie and the color is pretty true to what is shown in the bottle. When applying the first coat--it is definitely streaky. Two coats is a definite must! To be honest, I probably wouldn't opt for this shade on my hands again (it isn't terribly flattering on my skin tone as you can see in the picture) plus, I had acrylics so my nails were a bit long for this shade. However, I would definitely recommend this shade for a pedicure, or for short/trimmed nails. It's a fun shade--similar to the nail polish by MAC called Peppermint Patti--but not as expensive which is a plus! The set pictured below is on sale for $9.99 at Ulta! The set includes mint candy apple - creme de menthe mint, lollipop - candy cane red, rock candy - sweet treat pink & 3 way glaze - all-in-one base coat, strengthener and top coat. I have so many reds in my collection already--yet I am terribly tempted by the lollipop shade. This would make a fabulous quick holiday gift-- I love the fact that it comes with the 3-way glaze as well!

Disclaimer: The above mentioned products were purchased me because I love flinging my money on random beauty supplies.

Jenna Dewan Spotted with Rebecca Minkoff..Alongside Channing Tatum Of Course.

I have been in love with Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum since "Step Up" (if you have not seen this movie yet--go rent it!). I could go on with my obsession with this movie (and Channing Tatum's body..yum) for a while--so I'll stick to my main reason of this post.
I was reading popsugar this morning and came across a picture of Jenna and Channing heading back to their car after a dinner date in Hollywood this past Thursday night. I recently posted about one of my favorite clutches, the Morning After Clutch and I noticed that Jenna was wearing one as well! I love the fact that she wore hers across the body, and the purple is the same color I have. So many celeb fans of Rebecca Minkoff! Who wouldn't love those clutches?! Jenna's Christian Louboutin heels are to die for as well!

Click here for the picture slide show from popsugar!

Coco Chanel once said, "A woman should wear fragrance whenever she expects to be kissed."

Looking for a man? Well, the answer might be right under your nose--literally. Chanel No. 5 is a common fragrance that most women adore (it's one of my staples), little did I know it might have had a hand in my love life. Haha. The Daily Beauty Reporter Blog from allure posted this article, about our beloved Chanel No. 5. More than just a fragrance? I suppose so, I'm telling you--Chanel has super powers. Seriously, is there anything Chanel can't do?!


Check it out!

xoxo

Accessorize on a Budget--Forever 21 Finds Under $8!

I previously blogged about my favorite finds with the House of Harlow line, but when it comes to finding accessories for cheap--I turn to H&M or Forever 21 to get my fix while still looking fabulous!

Here are my recent finds:
Roxanne Satin Trim Necklace, $7.80

I love the fact that the necklace has pearls, gold metal, and satin! Totally versatile for day or night play.

Precious Bangles, $6.80

Gold textured bangles and a pearl bangle are perfect for mixing and matching! Wear with or without the satin bow, these will keep your wrists perfectly dainty and decorated.

Tassel Drop Necklace, $7.80

When you need a bold statement necklace--this is it. Available in silver and gold, this necklace should can be paired with a simple back tee to make it pop!

Cascading Orbs, $5.80

I love the length of this necklace along with the different sized "orb beads". Along with the linked chains, this necklace has a variety of texture and can be simple enough for day or dressy enough for night! Available in silver or gold.

Heart Passkey Chain, $5.80

After Tiffany & Co. introduced their line of Tiffany Keys, key pendants have become all the rage.  I love the antique finish and look of this necklace!

Dressy Studded Earrings, $3.80

A trio of stud earrings for $3.80? Enough said.

Molded Feather Jewelry Set, $4.80

Feather shaped earrings and a matching ring with a high polished gold finish. Perfect accent to even the most basic of outfits!


Who said you can't look fabulous on a budget?
xoxo

Who Doesn't Love Dressing Up? (Under $30!)

The holiday season always puts me in the mood of dressing up! This is the one time of year where I actually get the chance to dress up--better make the most of it, while on a budget of course.

Here are my favorite wallet friendly finds at Forever 21!


Exposed Back Peplum Dress, $27.80

I absolutely adore this dress! It's sophisticated and sexy while still being elegant. The turtle neck and cap sleeves are both flattering while not sacraficing trendy-ness. Not to mention the skirt, which for people like me (hello wide hips) should flatter the bottom as well! I would pair with pearls and pumps.

Draped Tie Dress, $29.80

Chiffon and satin? Hello perfect holiday dress! This dress drapes in just the right places--making the one shoulder easy to wear while still being classy.  The beading is definitely not over the top, and you can tie the dress on the side or in the back. Less is definitely more with this dress, the elegance of the fabric and style of the dress is enough to leave people ooh-ing and aah-ing.


Ribbed Frill Neck Dress, $24.80

This dress will definitely be one you can flaunt your assets in. I love the ruffle v-neck, universally flattering! And also love the fact that the v-neck is in the back as well! This dress is one you can dress up or down as well--which is always a plus. This would look great with a fun colored pair of tights as well!


Iredescent Ruffle Skirt, $15.80

Pair this with a simple top/blouse from your basic wardrobe and a pair of tights--voila! A fun, flirty alternative to a dress, while still being chic. Textured skirts add shape to the lower half, which can also hide problematic areas--who doesn't love that?!

Happy Holidays Fashionistas!
xoxo

Bare Minimum

Lately my skin just does not have that "fresh face" look it used to. At the age of 23, all of a sudden I have been dealing with mild acne and scarring (not only on my skin, my soul as well haha). In my teens and in high school, I never had an issue with acne--I suppose I am paying my dues now. Next weekend, me and the bf are heading out on a weekend trip and going to Disneyland for a day as well! Thinking about a full day out at an amusement park (and of course me wanting pictures I look decent in) I decided to drop by Sephora to check out the new bareMinerals matte foundation.

The obvious pros are easy/quick application and the SPF 15. Plus, bareMinerals is known for actually improving skin.

I'll admit, back in high school I jumped on the bareMinerals bandwagon and used it religiously. However, I found that my skin was getting "used" to the foundation, so I stopped using it and moved on to liquid foundation. I'm going back mainly because I don't like having to wear liquid foundations or tinted moisturizers when I just want to even out my skin tone--especially if I'm going to be out and about all day. After trying out the Matte, I loved the light feeling it gave me plus after a few minutes of it sitting on my skin-- it blended so well!

I still have to use concealer for my under eyes, but I must say I was impressed with the ease of Matte and the results as well. If you're looking for a good powder foundation, I highly suggest bareMinerals Matte--just make sure you prime your skin before application and blend well!

xoxo

"The Morning After" looses it's negative connotation, all thanks to Rebecca Minkoff!

We've all been there at one point or another--the long night with a male companion, that leads into the early morn, with of course the "morning after look". If you haven't been in this situation before, let me lay it out for you: after the long night, you're walking back with the same clothes you wore out, heels in hand, your smokey eye faded, and tousled hair. Now for many of us girls (especially those in college), the morning after is one of those things your friends tease you about.
Well fear not fashionistas, designer Rebecca Minkoff has given the morning after a good name! The handbag she is most well-known for (also a celeb favorite) is The Morning After Bag. At first sight, I fell in love with this bag (as did the boyfriend, which is VERY rare)--so basic in structure and plain out classic. This is definitely a bag for those of us who like the simple things in life. Here's a picture of lovable Hayden with her Morning After Bag (hereafter referred to as MAB) I snagged off the web:

Here's the description of the bag via www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop:

The classic Rebecca Minkoff bags remains to be our best selling style. Ideal for work or play; this bag is perfect for staying out till sunrise. Toothbrush not included.

• 14" x 8.5" x 9" with a 6.5" drop
• Genuine Italian Leather
• Custom Hardware

Now, I find the idea of the bag to be incredibly cute (there's even a picture of a hot male model on a little business card with a phone number and the name Vincent in the pocket of the bag, which is a cute quirk) but I still have not invested in the MAB. Why you may ask? I don't find the MAB to be incredibly functional. I am a handbag whore, to say the least. I appreciate buttery leather, unique hardware, and handbags that seem chic in every way. To be honest, my handbag collection is mainly designer and I have everything from Chanel to Coach, and I really thought I would buy the MAB with no questions asked.
While scouting them (MABs) out at Nordy's, I realized why I wasn't in total loooove. The shape, although modern and clean cut, is not terribly exciting. Another deal breaker for me was the weight of the bag (which is not disclosed on the website)-- it's terribly heavy! Imagine having an already heavy bag, along with your belongings (which I am the queen of stocking anything and everything in my handbags--note to self: do a what's in my bag post).

As you can see, the MAB is a bit on the boxy side, and if you want your hands free--you have to purchase a strap seperately (then the bag becomes $635). Overall, I love Rebecca Minkoff as a designer, and her others handbags (Morning After Clutches!) I absolutely LOVE. However, the MAB will not be in my handbag closet anytime soon. My best friend took the plunge and got the MAB in grey pebbled leather (she was excited because it even fit her work laptop!) yet she even admitted that the bag itself was quite heavy.

Now for the postives: I absolutely adore the Morning After Clutches. I love the fact that there is a chain strap (hello, Chanel!), and the simple design along with superb leather is perfect for a night out, or even daytime errands. Not to mentions it fits my Marc Jacobs Wallet, iPhone, and Keys with incredible ease (there's even room for makeup!). Say hello to the MAC:

I have one in Grey and another in a deep Purple. If a sample sale rolls around, I would not be surprised if I purchased one in a red or wine color!

Another love from Rebecca Minkoff is the C Ya Later Clutch:

I love unique looking bags. The fact that this clutch is shaped like an envelope was a deal sealer for me! The studs are perfect (not too over the top) and the one I have is a beautiful deep brown color. Perfect for daytime (paired with leggings and boots) or date night with the boyfriend.

If you haven't been able to tell--I love clutches with straps! Who likes holding on to their clutch, along with drinks, phones, or whatever else you may have? Not me! I enjoy being hands free, thank you very much.

xoxo

Product Review: Lash Blast Length

As far as mascara goes, I've always searched for the perfect one. One that isn't too clumpy, not incredibly dramatic (for day time), and one that doesn't smear (ew, raccoon eyes--no thanks). I've ventured in department store brands such as Clinique, Estee Lauder, and Lancome; although they none of them were absolutely fabulous I stuck with Clinique High Impact Mascara and Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara. I find them both a little too dramatic for day, so I ended up mainly using them for my nights out.

Enter Covergirl, and their spokesmodel, Drew Barrymore, with a new ad and a spiffy new mascara called Lashblast. In case you were unaware, Lashblast mascara was the highest launch and had millions of followers within a short amount of time. Yes, who doesn't love Drew Barrymore, but covergirl's success was way more than a good ad campaign, name-dropping, and a pretty face; covergirl launched a fabulous product. When I got the original Lashblast, I loved it. I still didn't use it for everyday, but it didn't clump as much as I expected it to and it added a good amount of volume to my lashes.

However, the new Lashblast Length is FABULOUS. I purchased it on a whim (while grocery shopping at Ralphs) and as soon as I got home to try it, I fell in looove. 1, the brush is fantastic and 2, the revamped formula (apparently with some type of nylon) is lightweight and coats even the teeniest of lashes. This is my new go to mascara for day OR night! It increases the length of my lashes my a good amount, does not clump AT ALL, and if I curl my lashes, they stay intact all day long.

Overall: Love the new lashblast length more than the original, lightweight, adds a tad but of volume, and doesn't smear. Plus, the new brush is fabulous.

Definitely a 5-star product and a new staple for my makeup bag!

Have any of you tried lashblast length? Let me know what you think!

xoxo

Splendid/Ella Moss Sample/Warehouse sale!

Attention fashionistas! One of my absolute favorite brands is having a sample sale this weekend!


What?: Splendid / Ella Moss Warehouse Sale
When?: Friday, 11/20 - Saturday 11/21 (9am-4pm) and Sunday, 11/22 (10am-3pm)
Why?: Save 50%-70% on Ella Moss, Splendid, Splendid little, Ella moss girls and more in tops, bottoms, tees, outerwear and more
Where?: Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., 8th Fl, Los Angeles 90014.

Cash / Credit Card only!

happy shopping!
xoxo

Review: Lush skincare follow up

So earlier I blogged about my fantastic plan to go organic with my skincare and ended up using LUSH products. After revamping my routine for about a month now--I can honestly I am not as impressed I was to begin with. Body wise (i.e soaps, body wash, etc) LUSH is still fabulous, however the Coalface cleanser and toner tabs are not-so-fab anymore.
After consistent use, I noticed my pores are a little more clogged and the Coalface cleanser was making my face more red and just blotchy. The toner tabs were okay with first use (i.e when you steam your face, of course it'll feel fabulous) but after using them afterwards--you can use the toner 3-4 days after initial steam as a normal room temp toner--it didn't do much at all.
Ocean salt is still a good exfoliator, and Angels on Bare skin is a good cleanser; but fair warning--they aren't absolutely amazing.

Bottom line: LUSH face masks, massage bars, body wash, soap--fabulous!
moisturizers, coalface cleanser, toner tabs--not so much.

Basically if you do want to add some organic-ness to your skincare I would recommend the ocean salt and angels on bare skin face cleanser; and all the masks I mentioned before are to die for! Remember, this is just my opinion; obviously everyone's skin is different. LUSH is pretty awesome when it comes to giving samples so test things out before you buy!

And remember, they have a fabulous return policy--who doesn't love that?

I decided to try out the Clinique 3-step skin care line (It was about $8.50 at Sephora for a trial run approx 3 weeks) since I've heard good things about it. We'll see how that goes!

xoxo

House of Harlow 1960--my new jewelery obsession

Nicole Richie's jewelery line, House of Harlow 1960 (named after her daughter, Harlow) became a favorite of starlets & celebs alike (Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, just to name a few). After seeing the line myself, I immediately fell in love. My mom is a HUGE jewelery buff--she's a true believer in diamonds being a girl's best friend and rarely buys any artificial jewelery--I, however like more of the fashion forward accessories/jewelry and dabble in the artificial jewelery every once in a while. I love things that will make my outfits pop and stand out, but I hate sacrificing quality (thanks for life lessons, mom!).
Enter, House of Harlow 1960: the perfect compromise of fashion forward, trendy jewelery without sacrificing quality OR breaking the bank! 14 kt. yellow gold plated, along with leather are some of the materials used to make her jewelery line--not like other lines, where you really don't get much "bang for your buck".

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the line:


Resin and Stone Earrings ($35)



Sunburst Leather Cocktail Ring ($45)



Feather Earrings ($72)



Leather Drop Necklace ($65)

I love the fact that the pieces are casual enough for daytime but can work for a night out as well! And at these prices, I definitely won't complain.

Most of the pieces pictured above are available at Bloomingdales where I found the prices to be the most reasonable (most of the high-end boutiques--i.e Kitson--somewhat jack up the price). The Feather Earrings however, are not at Bloomie's, but can be found at www.shopbop.com

Don't forget, the Bloomingdales coupon code works til 11:59 pm tonight--enter HOLIDAY at checkout for 20% off!

xoxo

Sale on Mike & Chris and Loeffler Randall!

One of my favorite boutiques Singer22 is having a 20% off sale on Mike & Chris and Loeffler Randall! Mike & Chris is known for being a celeb favorite when it comes to leather jackets, the style is contemporary and trendy while still being a classic. Trust me--it's worth the investment, and at 20% off who can resist?! Loeffler Randall shoes are just exquisite and also a celeb fav!

So fashionistas, if you're looking to splurge (while saving a few $$) now would be the time!

I love the Singer22 website because they show what celebs are wearing so you're always in the know--what LA fashionista wouldn't appreciate that?!

Enter code: MCLR20

at checkout and enjoy! Remember to buy by Sunday at 11:59 pm!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Steals & Deals for the week and weekend!

I love getting coupon codes, sample sale alerts, etc. in my e-mail!

Bloomingdales has a 20% off coupon code both in-store and online! (make sure you check the fine print, some items/brands are excluded)
online: enter the word HOLIDAY at checkout
in-store: click here, print, and shop!

Sephora's offering Beauty Insiders 20% off this weekend as well! If you haven't signed up for the VIB card at Sephora, I highly suggest it.

And via my DailyCandy e-mail here are sample sales galore!

What: Steven Alan Sale
Why: Signature button-downs for men ($68) and women ($58) along with big deals on goods from Demylee, Relwen, Sophomore, Generic Surplus, and others.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t N. Gower St. & La Baig Ave., Hollywood (323-467-3559).

What: A.P.C. Overstock Sale
Why: Up to 75 percent off past seasons’ women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 715 S. Los Angeles St., b/t W. Seventh & W. Eighth Sts., Downtown (323-297-0414).

What: Decadestwo Shoe Blowout
Why: The final day of the weekend-long pop-up shop affair has new and gently worn designer (Louboutin, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton) shoes marked $150 and below.
When: Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Post26, Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., at San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood (310-451-0950). For a chance to be one of the first 50 in line, e-mail rsvp@decadestwo.com.

What: Amenity Home Sample Sale
Why: Half off current collections, 75 percent off Belgian linen pillows, organic cotton duvets in test colors for $50-$100, nursery samples for $15-$60, and more.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 453 S. Spring St., b/t W. Fourth & W. Fifth Sts., ste. 918, Downtown.

What: Kimberly Ovitz Sample Sale
Why: Samples, overstock, and one-of-a-kind pieces from spring and fall collections going for $10-$600.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 2601 Colorado Ave., b/t 26th & Princeton Sts., Santa Monica.

 Although I won't be able to make any of the sample sales this weekend--I'm definitely looking forward to the Sephora and Bloomie's discount! I've already started stocking my cart!

Happy shopping fashionistas!
xoxo

Review: Bare Escentuals Brush Roll

I've been on the hunt for a good brush roll like it's my job. I hate having so many brushes (I have the Bobbi Brown Professional Brush Set, Chanel foundation brush, Bare Escentuals Kabuki brush, MAC 141 brush etc...you get the point, I'm a brush whore.) just scattered all over the place! When the F&F sale at Sephora came around, I was determined to find a cute and functional brush roll (as blogged previously). After scrolling through Sephora's website I found the darling Bare Escentuals Brush Roll that I blogged about earlier and my bf--being the doll he is, got it for me!

Basically there's a spot for your kabuki brush (so handy since no other brush roll would have it!), 10 "large" brush pockets (i.e foundation, blush, etc.) and 10 "small" pockets (eyeshadow, lip, concealer, etc.) hello functional! I used one of the large pockets to fit an eyeliner, eyebrow, and concealer brush all in one, and even in the smaller pockets I was able to double up without damaging my brushes! I know, there are cheaper brush rolls out there ($35 is pretty steep) but the quality is pretty fabulous if I do say so myself. (Plus the 20% off during the sale made it even more fabulous!)

Bottom line: LOVE the roll! There's so much room; you can easily fit more than one brush in each pocket without damaging them, there's a flap that covers your brushes so they don't all touch each other, it's super easy to clean, and the color is adorable!

However, if you're not a huge brush fanatic and don't need this much space-- my best friend adores the brush roll she got at Target for about $10, she said they have a pretty good collection (in-store not online) so check it out!

xoxo

From Cashmere to Cosmetics?

Now that I finally have some spare time--it's time to catch up on blogging!


When I think cashmere, scarves, Fall or Winter, automatically Burberry comes to mind. Who doesn't love the simplicity of their pattern, high quality cashmere (oh-so soft), and the fact that it's London based is an extra plus in my book. Rumor has it that Burberry has now decided to expand their empire to include cosmetics--and guess what? It's true! At first thought, this seems like quite a stretch, I mean how many fashion/apparel lines have ventured out of their comfort zone and failed miserably? However, in my opinion, Burberry has proven themselves outside of apparel and accessories with the launch of their first fragrance, Touch, which was accessible to both men and women in the beginning of the 21st century. In 2003, they presented another fragrance for women called Brit (which is one of my faves!). The bottle for Brit was luxuriously patterned with the famous plaid logo launched a men’s version in 2004--which of course, my daddy has! 

The cosmetics line--which is dated to debut in July 2010--will be carried at Nordstrom, which is always exciting news for a Nordy's girl, like myself. Here are some of the deets I snagged from bellasugar: 

Philippe Benacin, chairman and managing director of Inter Parfums SA, says the collection will be "a complete color line with about 100 references for eyes, lips, and skin" .

100 references? They don't mess around. I wonder what the colors will consist of? Perhaps on the more neutral, classic side--like their model Emma Watson? I would love to see that! Oh the possibilities are endless. All I know is Burberry is an A+ in my book so I don't see why their cosmetics line would be anything less than the best--something to look forward to in 2010, bellas! Besides the Harry Potter movie releasing in November 2010, of course. (I had to throw one Harry Potter reference in there).


Hope you all are having a fabulous day!
xoxo

Sephora's Friends&Family Sale

Hey dolls,
It's finally time for the return of Sephora's beloved friends&family sale--20% off! A lot of people seem to think the sale isn't being offered this year, but it is! After all the $$ I've dished out recently on beauty buys, I've decided on purchasing the bare essentials for the sale!

Purchase #1 Bare Escentuals Deluxe Brush Roll, $35.00.
It's pretty steep for a brush roll, I know. However, I've been looking for a decent sized brush roll for the past year! Nothing seems to be able to keep my full set of Bobbi Brown brushes, Bare Escentuals kabuki and blush brush, Chanel Foundation brush, MAC skunk brush...etc (you get the point, I'm a brush whore.). Via Sephora website: A silver roll that includes 10 pockets for large brushes, 10 for small brushes, and one for a Full Coverage Kabuki Brush. What it does: Deluxe Brush Roll is perfect for organizing all your Bare Escentuals bareMinerals brushes and taking them wherever you go. The silver roll is the ultimate in beauty storage, with 10 pockets for large brushes, 10 for small brushes, and one for the Full Coverage Kabuki Brush. Keeping everything in its place has never been so stylish. I'm hoping it'll fit all my brushes (esp. since they all aren't from Bare Escentuals), luckily Sephora has a return policy!

Purchase #2 Fresh Soy Cream
I love this as a daily face cream! It smells awesome, absorbs quickly, and moisturizes without leaving my skin greasy. Even though my last bottle isn't done--I figured I might as well stock up with the 20% discount code since it is $38.00.

Purchase #3 Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Buff
I need a good eye shadow base/color corrector for my eyelids. I have decently dark lids, and I heard this base works miracles for both and doesn't crease! I'm so excited to try it, I hope it becomes one of daily wears! For what it claims to do, $24.00 does not seem bad at all.

Purchase #4 Stila Mini Lip Glaze Trio
I was going to purchase a Stila Lip Glaze for $22.00, but I figured I might as well get the mini trio for $8.00--that way I can test the colors and see which one I like the best. Fyi, you can only purchase this if you're a beauty insider--I highly recommend signing up!

Purchase #5 Brilliant Glossing Cream from Fredrick Fekkai
I don't know what to say except I LOVE this stuff. I'm opting for the 7 oz size for $27.50, rather than the 4 oz for 20.00 since I've already gone through a bottle (which is incredibly rare for me and hair products).

I was looking for a good lip primer, but the one I was debating on was $30.00--and I wasn't quite ready to take the plunge. Maybe I'll get some samples and then decide.

I'm excited to pick my samples at checkout!
Happy shopping dolls!
The discount code is "FF2009"
Enjoy!

au naturale and loving it! LUSH review

Recently my skin was in a "rut" I guess. I was getting little bumps (which I never had problems with before), more oily-ness on my t-zone (ew), and overall my skin was just bleh and not as bright. My mom told me it was because of all the different face products I use--i.e they all have lots of chemicals etc., and I'm messing up my face. Well thank you momma! I had exhausted other options and decided to take up my mom and go with a more natural approach to my skin care. The bf had gone to LUSH not too long ago, and I loved the goodies he brought back! I went to the Beverley Hills location, and I must say the sales associate was an absolute doll. She was incredibly patient, demo-ed literally everything I was remotely interested in, and gave me lots of samples :)
here's what I ended up leaving the store with:

YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY Shower Gel



Fresh strawberries, soothing honey, moisturizing almond oil, plus a drop of rejuvenating olibanum oil. Doesn't that just sound yummy? I've been using this everyday post gymming and the smell lingers on my skin for a good amount of time. So convenient to store in a gym locker--which is a major plus--and I feel clean without drying out my skin! If you love the smell of strawberries, definitely give this a try!

KARMA Soap



Lemongrass, pine, orange and patchouli essential oils. Sounds a bit funky, no? I thought so as well--until I smelled it. I fell in love! This scent is absolutely amazing, more on the spicy-orange-ish side, and totally soothes my body. Like the gel, the soap hasn't dried out my skin at all!
*this is also one of their well-known/best-selling scents


Coalface Cleanser



Charcoal and liquorice? Well, I can't say much except that it somehow works. I told the sales associate I had been feeling a tad oily and I needed a good cleanser for after my workouts and she recommended this. I was weary at first since I read reviews on how there were chunks in it and it was harsh on skin, but I was pleasantly surprised! There are indeed grits and chunks in the bar, however if used properly (i.e- slowly and rubbed to the face genteley) you'll love it! My face feels squeaky clean and the gritti-ness gives a good exfoliation that isn't too harsh.
*best seller

Ocean Salt Cleanser



This is AMAZING. My skin is more on the sensitive side, so I only use it about 2 or 3 times a week but I absolutely love it. It exfoliates my skin well and really gives it that deep clean feeling. If you've heard the raves about this product-- believe them. Just remember, if your skin is even a little on the sensitive side, don't use every day! You can even use it on other parts of your body besides the face. Who doesn't love a 2 in 1?

Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter



Lemon, mango, avocado and flaxseed oil. Absolutely LOVE this stuff, hands down. I love lemon scents and this one is yummy! You can use it in stubborn dry skin areas, i.e elbows, knees, etc. but make sure it try it on your cuticles! It works miracles. My cuticles are horrible and I've been using this every morning and night--there's definitely an improvement in the shape of my cuticles! with only twice a day for about a week? Awesome.

Sugar Babe Sugar Scrub



Sugar and extra virgin coconut oil are just 2 of the main ingredients in this little scrub and I absolutely adore it. For $4.95 you'll get about 2 full uses out of it (head to toe) but I broke mine up into 4 pieces. There's extra virgin coconut oil in the center and I must say, it makes your skin feel divine. So smooth and exfoliated-- beware, it's tempting to use everyday.

Therapy Massage Bar



Here's a twist on the usual massage oils or lotions me and the bf have been using. When demo-ing it in the store, I was quite pleased! My skin didn't have that icky feeling that other massage aids leave behind. Rather I felt nicely mouterized, and the fact that it melts into a buttery/liquid state while you use it is awesome. The Therapy bar is also supposed to soothe stretch marks and scars. Loved the concept so much I bought another goody for me and the bf, the Fever Massage Bar--More the reason to make it hot, right?

BIG Shampoo



Hello Margarita for my hair. I heard so much about this shampoo that I had to try it and see if the hype was just hype. I was a little set off, due to the texture of the shampoo (there's literally sea salt chunks in it) but my hair seemed to LOVE it. My scalp has been acting all sorts of weird lately and this was an amazing exfoliant! My hair is already on the voluminous side, but this shampoo definitely adds an extra oomph. Not something I'd use everytime I shampoo, but maybe once a week? It leaves your locks feeling squeaky, squeaky clean so don't forget to condition! Paired with the Veganese Conditioner-- it's literally a good hair day in a bottle.

Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser



Ground almonds gently exfoliate, rose absolute tones and lavender oil soothes. A pea-sized amount mixed with water in the palm of your hand to create an even paste is all you need. The result: angelic skin! LUSH could not have said it better. I've used this as my nightly cleanser and it is fabulous. My skin in instantly softer and well exfoliated! I never thought I would say those two things in the same sentence.

Mirror Mirror Neck Cream



True, I'm barely 23 years old but one of my biggest fears is not taking care of fine lines now. Everyone that I've seen with amazing skin that's past 30 years old all say they started using anti-aging skin care in their 20's! Naturally, I really wasn't sure if Mirror Mirror would do much of anything, but I have been using it every night on my neck for the past week. I haven't seen a huge difference yet, (I guess I can't really expect to) but I do have some semi-deep lines on my neck. The scent however, from a 1950's french perfume is absolutely intoxicating!

Gorgeous Face Moisturizer



This I received as a sample, due to the steep price ($85.00) I really wasn't sure if it would be as effective as the sales associate said it would be. She told me how it was formulated for Princess Diana, and that it was one of the most powerful moisturizers they have for reducing fine lines, etc. Needless to say I have religiously used this for the past week and I actually am not too fond of it. I really wanted to like it (hello, Princess Diana and all) but I guess it just didn't sit well with me. It was kind of oily and made me look shiny. Granted it wasn't horrible, but there was no real benefit either. For the price, I would have invested in something else...for now I'll stick to my Fresh Soy Mousterizer.

Items not pictured on the website that I purchased:

Grease Lightening
I purchased this rather than the Murad T-zone gel that I've head others rave about. I dab it on to my nose and forehead every night before bed. My skin does look a lot clearer but I'm not sure if it's due to this gel or just the change of skin care in general. Either way, I'm hoping if I keep using it, my pores will become more refined and clean!

BB Seaweed Face Mask
This mask is AMAZING. I don't even know how to describe how it made my skin look and feel--besides the fact that my skin was radiant. It is a little difficult to put on (there's actual strips of seaweed in the mask) but the results are well worth it. I highly highly recommend trying this mask!

Helping Hands Hand Cream
First off, I love the packaging! It's a small pump bottle that easily fits into my purse on the go. Second, the sales associate told me this cream was formulated for nurses to last in-between washes and I must admit, it does the job. I probably use it twice a day at most, and my hands feel so soft and supple! Almost as if I was wearing an invisible glove. I definitely recommend this for Winter.

I also purchased the Toner Tabs and 2 solid shampoos, but haven't been able to use them as of yet! As soon as I do, I'll let you know how they turn out. Also, I got a lemony scented soap (the name escapes me) but I wasn't able to find that online either. I mainly got that for my bathroom soap dish- it smells up the whole room! I have a sample of the Love Lettuce face mask which I'll try soon as well.

Overall, my experience with LUSH as a whole was pretty fabulous if I do say so myself. The sales associate was incredibly nice and knew the ingredients and history behind each product as well. My skin, only after a week, has gotten a lot brighter and more even! I really didn't expect results so fast, but I am incredibly happy with the results thus far. Hopefully my skin won't get used to the products because I LOVE them! And the fact that I'm using natural products is a huge plus in my book. Might as well save the chemicals for when my skin actually needs them..which is hopefully never.