Free Lip Gloss!

Nivea is well know for their lotions, body washes, and shaving products, but did you know make lip care products, as well? Their "Kiss of Color" is my new favorite lip gloss because it is so easy and it adds just a tint of color, plus it is only $3.00! They have clear options, shimmer looks, and cherry and strawberry tints. I cannot live with out it! 

If you go to Nivea's Facebook Page and "Like" the page, they have coupons available for a variety of products, including one for $2 off two lip glosses. If you live near a Rite Aid, they have the lip glosses on sale for $1. Buy two, use the coupon, they end up being free!

Tanning Tips for Rainy LA

The rain has started again in "Sunny Los Angeles." But as spring fashion magazines start arriving, stores premiere their spring collections, and eighty degree days peak their heads through the yucky weather, it is hard for me not to gear up for spring dresses and flirty shorts. So, what do I need? A tan.

While some might not support "fake baking," I find it acceptable when done in moderation, and done as safely as possible. You can get a beautiful pre-glow, something to get you ready for your first trip to the beach, while only spending 5-15 minutes every other day. Here are some tips to keep your skin safe, soft, and beautiful.

1) Do not, I repeat, do not go tanning every day. Your goal is not leather hide, it is healthy glow. Go every other day.

2) Do not tan longer than your skin can take. You will not get tan faster. You instead will burn and peel and have to start over. If your skin has not seen sun in a while, (consider an area like your stomach, since it is usually covered), start with 5-7 minutes and stay with that until you do not get red after a session. Up your time by two minutes and repeat the process.

3) Use a tanning lotion, if anything, with some SPF. A 5 SPF will give you some shield at least.

4) Use a sticker to show your progress. You see your skin everyday, so you may think you are not getting any darker, but you will be surprised what one session can do.

5) Protect your face! Wear sunscreen everyday, and if you are going to tan your face, do it for half the time of your body. Remember, you can always use makeup and bronzers to make your face darker.

6) Use a lotion after your showers with cocoa butter. It is great for dry skin and smells of Bahama dreams.

7) Exfoliate on your off days. This helps keep your skin moisturized and also helps if a little peeling does occur. 

These are two of my favorite products:

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lotion $4.99 (This one goes on sale a lot!)

Bath and Body Works Body Scrub in "Sensual" $16

Happy Thoughts!

Things that are making me happy today:

~ Having a surprise breakfast of chocolate pancakes covered with bananas, nutella, and whipped cream with a girlfriend. 

~ Decorating projects

Katy Perry for O.P.I. I chose "Teenage Dream"!

March Spring Fashion Issues!

Truly Incredible!

A few days ago, I went shopping for new "everyday" bras. I am extremely concerned with padding and push up, so Victoria's Secret is my place of choice. They have the widest selection of colors, styles, and fabrics, at least that is what I have found so far. When it comes to my everyday bras, unfortunately, most excitement goes out the door. I wear a white shirt to work every night, so colors are limited, and comfort is key. After trying on probably ten different styles, I found it!

The Incredible Push Up is truly incredible! It is the softest bra I have ever worn, and the wires are double wrapped so there is no pinching, poking, or scratching. Initially I was concerned because the straps are not adjustable, but the salesperson told me the fabric is a new poly/nylon blend that reacts with your body heat to form to you body. It shrinks and stretches based on your shape, and after wearing it for three days, she was right! I have not had to adjust anything, even once! 

As for fit, everything lays flat and smooth. Even under tight tee shirts, there are not lines or bumps. The tops of the cups have formed perfectly; there are no gaps or dimples. The bra is available in prints and colors ranging from neutrals, warm reds and pinks, to cool blues and greens. There are matching panties in thongs and bikinis that are equally as comfy. As a bonus, Victoria's Secret is doing there Secret Reward Cards again! With any purchase, you will get a bonus card worth up to $500 for any purchase is March.

Barbie and Ken, Together Again!

Half of the reason my love of fashion began was because of my Barbie collection as a child. To this day, I still have an enormous collection of collectible Barbies and am fascinated by the doll that has everything. Many designers have been lucky enough to design ensembles for the tiny dream girl; some have even had her designed in their likeness.

For those who do not know, in 2004, on behalf of Barbie and Ken, Mattel announced the two would be getting divorced. Yes, that is right, two dolls got divorced. Fans around the world were devastated. But, worry no more. Barbie said yes, and took Ken back! In celebration, Target has a gift set with the two, clad in their ever so famous beach wear. It is only $5 until February 20th. 

Lady Gaga is Back for MAC!

I am absolutely loving this color, available in lipstick and lipglass. Every cent goes to assist AIDS research for men, women, and children everywhere, so shop for a good cause!

Grammy Favorites

Sunday night, the Grammys were quite the spectacular event for 2011. I mean, Lady Gaga entered in an egg... but the red carpet as always was on fire! I will get to my favorites, but for the guys, here are a couple things to avoid:

Bad Facial Hair. John Mayer looks like a bad version of Johnny Depp.

Rock the cream/winter white suit, but do not where mismatched sneakers!

Though, I love the new 'do, Justin!

And now for the good stuff! My leading ladies:

Nicole Kidman

Jennifer Lopez

Kim Kardashian

I am adding these bedazzled beauties to my wish list:

Happy Valentine's Day Eve!

I have to work all of the holiday weekend, so to show my Valentine spirit, I have been wearing pink makeup and ties. That is the extend of my creative freedom at work. But I have also been baking and spending time with my Valentines!

Strawberry Cupcakes, yum!

M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies, mmm, mmm, good!

My Valentine's- Rover the cat and Apollo the dog. :)

RIP Alexander McQueen

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of a great designer. Alexander McQueen was found dead after an apparent suicide in his home. He was a visionary like no other, and his talents were lost too soon. His over-the-top designs and runway shows are greatly missed in the fashion world, but his work lives on in the hearts of designers he has influenced and inspired throughout his impressive career.

Always a showman, McQueen had an affinity for the out of the ordinary. His runways were proof of a master at work, showing avant garde at its finest. He revolutionised the runway, combining technology and theatrics. He had an obsession with the after life and his work had a certain darkness. He became well know for including skulls in his work. His last collection was completed after his death and seemed especially angelic; his presence was apparent.

These are some of my favorite pieces from his career. May his influence live on and his work continue to be respected for the artistry it holds.

PS: This is what I wore today.

Jacket: bebe

Tank: Katwalk

Jeans: Paige Denim

Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Shoes: bebe

Bag: Michael Kors

Vegan Clothing and Accessories

My post Fur: Right or Wrong? from earlier this week caused more discussion with a vegan friend of mine. We civilly discussed, civilly being the key word, her response to the post, and her points of view as a person living a vegan lifestyle. We do not necessarily agree one hundred percent on the issue, but we did come to an understanding about each other. 

She also introduced me to a vegan clothing and accessories website that I would like to share with everyone, as an option for those who prefer to wear things that are all natural and non-animal. Alternative Outfitters is a vegan boutique featuring everything from tee shirts to shoes to jewelry to cosmetics. All the products they sell use non-animal products, and are never tested on animals. The styles are very contemporary and trendy, and they strive to put out products that are similar to current releases from big name companies and designers. 

What particularly surprised me was how many companies I am already familiar with sell vegan products. Madden Girl, CL by Laundry, and Sugar all have vegan lines in addition to their other collections. It shows that the world is on its way to creating alternative fabrications that are safe for everyone, even our furry friends. 

PS: This is what I wore today.

Green Blazer: Juicy Couture

Waffle Tank: Club Monaco

Jeans: Paige Denim

Aviators: bebe

Scarf: The Gap

Sandals: Banana Republic

Bag: Michael Kors

Princess Shoes!

In anticipation of Valentine's Day, I am in LOVE with pink! Especially in the shoe department. Valentino has a pair coming up as part of their spring collection that is to die for. They are crystal slippers, only $1200. Not bad, right?

I know, I know. $1200 for shoes is crazy, and definitely not budget friendly, but these beautiful works of art should be framed, they are so fabulous!

Valentino Crystal Bow Satin Pump

Here are a couple others I am craving. Now I just have to wait for the tickle down effect, so I can find a pair more in my price range.

Yves Saint Laurent "Palais" Peep Toe Pump (Left)

Valentino Bow Pump (Right)

PS: This is what I wore today.

Dress: Express

Shoes: bebe

Belt: Nordstrom

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

A Few Happy Thoughts...

When you are down, think of this ancient saying from Kung Fu Panda:

Yesterday is history

Tomorrow is a mystery

Today is a gift

That is why they call it present

It made me smile. I hope you all have a wonderful night!

PS: One of my dresses was featured on the special episode of Glee tonight. Here is how I wore it.

Dress: H&M

Boots: Sam Edelman

Bag: Michael Kors

Earrings: Betsey Johnson

Happy Superbowl!

Happy Superbowl to everyone! May your parties be festive, your chosen teams be successful, and your bets be profitable. Have fun! Be safe!

Fur: Right or Wrong?

I have never been a fan of uneducated or erratic argument, and one that I find comes up a lot is the whether or not wearing fur is acceptable or right. As a fashion lover, and still an animal lover I will clearly note, I do not personally find anything wrong with wearing most furs. I know this will red flag me with PETA and possibly even some of my followers, but it is my opinion, and I have the right to share it. 

I got into a discussion with a friend a couple nights ago, and when he said he was against fur, I said, "What about leather? Is that okay?" His reply was leather is acceptable because we use the rest of the cow. That argument allows snakes, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, bear, elk, deer, etc. into the acceptable category, as well. Not everyone thinks these meats sound appetizing, but where I am from, they are quite common on the dinner list. In other countries, even more exotic animals, like lions, could be consider delicacies. I am looking at you, Russia.

The most common argument is of course that animals are treated cruelly when they are being killed for fur. And I do have a problem with this. Just like I do not support the black diamond market, I would never knowingly support a torturous fur company. Some of the methods out there are terrible and unwarranted. I do not agree with how PETA shoves it in every one's faces publicly sometimes, with graphic posters and demonstrations. Keep in mind though, centuries ago, when wearing fur was a necessity of life, and all these terrible methods were non-existent, fur was not an issue. It was what you did if you could afford to monetarily or physically, meaning you could hunt it. Not every method of getting fur is the worst thing the mind can think up.

I do not mean to upset anyone, or turn off any of my readers, but this is a fashion subject that I often am faced with as a fur wearer. I have friends who are members of PETA, vegans, fur wearers, non-animal  wearers. I do not judge, so long as I am not judged. Please feel free to strike up conversation or leave comments, that is what debate is all about. 

Fabulous Friends!

I have been sick for the past few days, and I have come to greatly re-appreciate some friends who have taken care of me the last few days. I am blessed to have fabulous friends like "Nurse" Amber who made me homemade chicken soup and chocolate chip cookies yesterday. My friends are a great inspiration and so here are a couple of their accomplishments you should check out!

My friend Mickey created two apps for the iPhone that are very fun and innovative. I believe they are still free for now, so download them from the App Store, give them a five star rating, and support a creative entrepreneur. 

Wheel of Friends: A personalized decision making device. 

Super Prank: A spooky way to play pranks on your friends, and film it too!

Two classmates from FIDM have made a living out of their passion for fashion and thrifty finds. Their website, FabulousonaBudget.com, is a great place for affordable tips on fashion, decorating, and lifestyle. They even have a new television segment!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: bebe

Necklace: MetroPark