From the runway to streetway

So we all can't be fashion models and strut the catwalk at New York Fashion Week [insert sigh here] however, we can make those outrageous and over the top fashion statements wearable in our everyday lives. Sidewalks are just as good as catwalks in my opinion. This year was a pleasant surprise for me during NYFW--why? The makeup seemed to be simple, romantic, and soft. Think rose blush, pink gloss, concealed lids with maybe a hint of shadow, and curled lashes sans mascara. Rather than mascara, we saw a lot of fake individual lashes, which in my opinion, widens eyes and leads to a fresh face.
The minimalist look is in, ladies. Find a good concealer, eyelash curler, lip stain/gloss, & blush and rock the natural.
Watching the Emmy's though, I see a lot of bright colors (i.e- Kim Kardashian's eye makeup, hello blue!) which I love. I think I'll stick to the tried and true beauty rule: bold eyes = minimal lip, bold lip= minimal eyes.

My recommendations:
Concealer: MAKE UP FOREVER- HD Concealer
Disclaimer: I have horrible under eye circles and lines.
This concealer is FABULOUS. It was just recently launched and I am in loooove. Good coverage, dries to powder form so no creasing, and convenient pen case.

Blush: NARS blush in Orgasm
We have all heard this name time and time again. Why you may ask? Because it actually works on everyone. A universally flattering blush, who would have thought. Pair it with a deeper shade (like deep throat by NARS) for a more intense color.

Lips: MAC lipstick in Cherish
The understated lip color, soft muted peachy-beige with a satin finish. Just make sure to exfoliate lips with a toothbrush or sugar before applying! Chapped lips are never in.

A pop of color is always fun, maybe eyeliner? Or nails?

Stay primped fashionistas!
xoxo

Catch the wave?

I hope all you fashionistas are enjoying the beautiful gowns on the red carpet as I am! (Does anyone else absolutely adore Kim Kardashian's blue eyeshadow? Bold statement. Maybe I'll rock the blue eyes again, it has been a while..)
Before I get too side tracked, let me tell you all about the recent beauty product I tried out-- the Neutrogena Wave. While at Costco, I saw the full package (as pictured above) and decided to give it a whirl. The commercials all seemed SO promising and I was totally pumped when I first tried it out...yet this product (retailing at about $30.00) lead me to disappointment. It promises to clean deep into your pores and slough off dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant face. Let's stick to the basics here: it is a vibrating face cleanser, that being said we all figure that it will give us a different feeling of clean.
Honestly, I have been using the wave for the past week or so and the hype around the product is just hype--no substance. Scientifically speaking, I assume the wave increases blood circulation when used, but the vibration is not really good for much else. My hand felt more vibration than my actual face did...so ultimately this product proved to be pretty pointless. The perks of the product? It does actually feel good (even though it doesn't really clean), increases circulation, and it is easy to travel with--especially with the actual cleanser being on pads that you attach to the wave. Overall, I found the wave to be "cool and new" falling victim to the hype around the product and thus, was disappointed. If you do purchase the wave with high expectations (like myself) then you might be let down, however if you purchase it as just a regular face cleanser then you might be in for a nice surprise.

Finally, a wearable pair over the knee (OTK) boots!

I cannot tell you all how much time (and money) I have spent looking for the perfect, swoon worthy, sexy, semi-casual pair of boots--think Serena Van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl.

drumroll, please.

I FOUND THEM! Hello, Sam Edelman 'Sable' Tall Boot aka the absolute perfect splurge for my shoe closet! My bf will be the first to tell you, I do not wear shoes unless they are absolutely comfy (I live in my Tory Burch flats, they are my favorites!). I mean I adore heels, don't get me wrong, but sometimes they are SUCH a pain that it's not even worth it. Half the time I end up taking them off before my night out is over. However, Sam Edelman shoes are super comfortable! The sole and cushioning is to die for--especially if you have a semi wide feel, like moi! (side note: I'm an 8M)
Those of you unfamiliar with Sam Edelman, he's experimented with bright colored flats for summertime aka the "Carmen" ballet flat, took on the fringe movement in 2008 (once again with amazing jewel tone and bright colored hues), and has become one of the well known brands when it comes to shoes.
Why I love these boots? First of all, I find the color to be perfect for the boho-chic look I'm going for (the boots are also available in black). Second, you can wear these boots folded over, as pictured above, or you can wear them over the knee! And last, but not least, there is a buckle strap located at the back top of the foot to create a perfect fit.

Detailed description (thanks to www.nordstrom.com)

Wrapped heel lifts a supple leather boot fashioned with an oversized cuff that can be folded down or worn up over the knee. Adjustable buckle strap and elastic goring create a perfect fit at the back.

• Pull-on style with partial side zip closure.
• Approx. heel height: 3 1/2".
• Approx. boot shaft height: cuffed 14 1/2", uncuffed 19 1/2"; 14 3/4" calf circumference.
• Buffalo leather upper/polyurethane lining/crepe sole.

Now that I've fallen in love, I've decided to get them for myself if I stick to my intense workout regimen for the next week.

ps: I found these cute OTK flat boots-- MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Bromely' Over the Knee Boot, definitely more practical, still stylish, and I would wear them all the time...oh nordy's, why must you taunt me so?

Maybe I'll lump Christmas and my birthday together this year..

Are you dolls going for flat or tall this fall?

pss: if you go to nordy's between September 16th-20th you get triple reward points on your Nordstrom card! I love being rewarded to shop.

steal vs. splurge

The military trend has been around for a couple of months now, and it's still as hot as ever. I love the masculine twist on feminine pieces, and I am ecstatic that it's still going strong into fall fashion!
the splurge: bebe Funnel Neck Military Pea Coat
for $179.00 it is a bit pricey- but a splurge I would be willing to make. The funnel neck and cut of the coat are flattering, and the button detailing is gorgeous. I love the basic black- paired with grey skinny jeans and my favorite heels, but, the white is a little different--in a good way. The button detailing is more obvious and with some black skinny jeans and heels It would be perfect for a chilly night out-- I would opt for a colorful bag either way.


the steal: Forever 21 Military Buttoned Jacket
for $37.80, it is hard to say no to this jacket. It is only offered in charcoal- but I think the jacket in this color is perfect for fall! A 3/4 sleeve military-inspired jacket featuring a soft felt-blend exterior, 5-rows of double breasted buttons, buttoned arm cuffs, full satin lining, lightly padded shoulders for shape, and a finished bottom hem. Brushed metal buttons feature a shield with leaf trim on top. Not digging the 3/4 sleeves? Forever 21 has another jacket called the A-Ten-Hut Military Jacket which comes in black or olive green (loving the olive green, by the way): A military-inspired woven jacket featuring a subtle striped texture and a full hook-eye front placket with 5-rows of double breasted buttoned accents. Other features include shoulder-buttoned epaulets, buttoned arm cuffs, a 4.0" back flap, and a finished hem. Antique metal hardware. Fully lined. This is more true to the military style with the shoulder detailing as well.
I find the 3/4 option to be more casual, but both of the forever 21 options would look fabulous with a pair of tailored shorts! Black tailored shorts, maybe a pop of color in the shoes? Oh, and a bucket bag would top off the look perfectly.

ps: Forever 21 has free shipping on orders $75 or over!

And who says we can't do fashion on a budget? Take that, economy.

Happy shopping!

Til next time, fashionistas!
xoxo

One man's loss, a fashionista's gain! sale alert 9/10-9/12!

Good afternoon, fashionistas!

Besides falling behind on blogging--I know, total fail on my part--I have also been behind on reading my sale e-mails! Tragic, I know. I had a sunny weekend in Irvine and San Diego, and loved relaxing (and the shopping of course, South Coast Plaza is AMAZING.).

In any case, look at this amazing sale! It truly is one man's loss, resulting in a fashionista's gain! So excited.

Name: Zaz Designer Access

Why the sale?!: Rumor has it they lost their lease and have to liquidate all remaining women’s designer clothing ASAP! Which equals happy fashionistas on a budget! LOVE IT.

When?: Thursday, September 10th (9/10) through Saturday, September 12th (9/12) and the hours are 10am to 6pm everything is 80%-90% off!--or get this, you can MAKE AN OFFER. I have never seen this before!

Expect brands like: Nanette Lepore, St John, Sue Wong, Tory Burch, Theory, Jenny Han, Juicy Couture, Tahari, Anna Biagini, Diane Von Furstenberg, Maria Blanco Nero, Calvin Klein, Laundry, BCBG, Michael Kors, Maggy London, Guess, Rebecca Taylor and more.

The nitty gritty:

Zaz Designer Access,

19205 Parthenia St., #E,, Northridge, CA 91324.

818.885.1451. Cash/ CC only.

The phone number is a contact at the sale, in case you cannot find it etc.

I'll definitely post about the bebe magazine, plus some cheap chic accesories I've had my eye on by the end of this week :)

Until then, happy shopping fashionistas!

xoxo