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