Cheers to 2010! Resolutions galore, hopefully this year they'll stick.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and rang in the new year in a fabulous way!

Around this time-- the gym is overly crowded, reebok easytones are sold out constantly (le sigh), and everyone is looking for some way to reinvent themselves--myself included. I go to the gym regularly (I try to go everyday) and attempt to eat sensibly--but those cupcakes get the best of me every so often. So this year, I have decided to break out of my regular pattern of jumping on the elliptical and working out mindlessly and incorporate some other activities.
Here they are:
1. Barry's Bootcamp-- I purchased 6 classes and after January 15th, I'm going to go once a week! This class is a celeb favorite for toning up quick, and I heard it quite literally kicks your butt.
2. Pilates-- Classes and/or DVD. Pilates is one of the few forms excercise that I saw amazing results with! Granted I did pilates in addition to a cardio/gym regemine, but my abs looked phenomenal. My goal is to do pilates 3x a week!
3. Spin Class-- Lo Bosworth (from The Hills) swears by spin and says it's the best way to loose weight. Maybe once a week? Not too sure yet, my first class is tomorrow!
4. Jogging/Running outdoors-- I've always been scared to run (it's intimidating!) but I'm setting a goal of 2 miles a week, hopefully I can do it!

In addition to fitness, of course, healthy eating habits should be maintained. The diet that worked best for me was a low fat diet-- I ate a lot of fruits and veggies, tons of water, fat free yogurt, etc.  Nowadays, I find it difficult to be that dedicated, hopefully my picking it up in the fitness area will help out! Tips I've picked up thus far are to not eat after 7 pm and drink a full glass of water before eating (our brains can confuse thirst for hunger) in addition, I'm trying to not eat as much processed food and go the more organic route.

Non-health related resolutions? to be happy, dedicated, determined, and mindful towards life and those around me!

How about you? Any exciting resolutions?

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.