Look what I found (although you might already know about them). Remember my new trend obsession of ice skate boots? Well, I am finding some pairs to add to my wishlist. Enter Jeffrey Campbell (an already favorite of mine) and Matiko boots. Both pairs can be found on Urban Outfitters. The Jeffrey Campbell skate leather boots and Matiko sculpted wood wedge boots are perfect statement shoes for the season.
I am a big fan of Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail polish strips! Every time I change up my nails with the designs I always get compliments and, "how did you get your nails like that?" I could never afford Minx, so I was hoping there would be something I could do similar. Now Sally Hansen is in no way like Minx...but better. With Sally Hansen you can easily have designer nails with a DIY ease. It takes just a few minutes to apply and you don't have to wait for them to dry. It does last about 10 days, but what I do to make them last longer is put on a coat of clear polish. You don't have to do it, but I just figured why not. It comes with everything you need, although I would use a regular nail file to shape it to your nails. And when you're ready to change up, all you have to use is nail polish remover to take them off.
So far, I have tried Laced Up, Check it Out, and my recent one I am rocking now is Kitty, Kitty (my favorite one right now).
Check it Out
Laced Up
Kitty, Kitty
Have you tried the nail polish strips? What do you think? Do you love them?
The Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday sale is still going on. I decided to check it out and came across this must-have trench. The Jacquelyn Trench cinches in at the waist and has a real raccoon fur trim at the shoulders (a detail I am loving). Plus, I love the feminine silhouette. The only size is left is a Large, so you better hurry!
Accessories can make or break the outfit. This rule doesn't only apply to the ladies. Guys, having the right tie, a great piece of jewelry, or even a nice cashmere scarf can add a personalized touch to a make a photoshoot fresh look. Sometimes we overlook the small details that women care the most about. We can always wear a white V-neck tee with jeans and look clean and chic. So how can you take an everyday classic look, such as this, and make it photoshoot fresh?
Add a beenie for a minor touch.
Well here's how: every outfit should have a major and a minor element to it. What is the major? The major is the statement piece, the piece that does the talking. The minor is the piece that balances it all out. For instance, if you do a colorful scarf or a bold shoe (the major), then do a few small bracelets or a solid beenie in one of the colors of your scarf or shoes to bring it all together. A great watch can be a wonderful minor choice too.
If you are the guy that likes to have one-of-a-kind accessories, then vintage shopping can be a great way to find these types of pieces. Flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores can offer you great finds for less. I have found some fantastic scarves and bracelets this way. Search your local listings and neighborhoods for stores and garage sales.
example of stackable bracelets done right.
The trend now for men, and women, are stackable bracelets, in any color, style, and material. One on top of another, on top of another, is all you need to do to add personal style and flair. [I remember when friendship bracelets were the trend when I was younger...I guess it all comes back around, and here we are again.]
Now, how bold can a guy go with accessories? Well as long as you have a nice balance and stick to one major piece, and a few minors to balance it all out, you should be fine. Just remember to have fun with them, be original (or if you're copying a style, be sure to personalize as much as possible), and show some color to make your individual style come through. Rings, shoes, necklaces, scarves, and belts are all customizable ways to stand out and elevate an everyday look to photoshoot fresh.
If you have a go-to place that you find your special pieces, let me know. I would love to hear about them.
It seems VH1 has sucked me in again. As if being addicted to Basketball Wives (Miami and LA) and Love and Hip Hop weren't enough, now they introduce T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle into the roster. I am a big fan of T.I. (while I am not proud of it, I have voiced my dislike of Tiny, but now I am changing my tune because it's just poor taste to do so. Who am I to judge?) and I cannot wait to see this show. It will be an in-depth look of their family and professional lives, how they balance children and careers. So, another show makes it to my DVR line-up. The Family Hustle will air on December 5th at 9pm on VH1.
It seems you either love or hate Rihanna's look from last weekend in London when she rocked flag print hotpants, a denim jacket, fur vest, and of special note these House of Holland Super Suspender Tights. While I am not a fan of the whole look, well, just the shorts really, I love that she takes chances. I think she could've worn black shorts, but that's just my opinion. In any case, what really stood out to me was the hosiery. I am usually so bland during the fall/winter season with my tights. Just give me a pair of black opaque tights and I am fine. But now, I am not so sure. I think it is time to step it up and spice up my legwear. From colorblocking to leopard, polka dots to the suspender tights, this season let your legs do some talking too.
As always the world of entertainment never has a dull moment and there has been so much going on over the past few weeks. Celebs sure know how to keep us bloggers busy.
*photo from Summit.
First things first, The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1 has finally been released in theaters! You could only imagine how excited I was to finally see that movie and I was not the only one. The film brought in a gross $139.5 million over the opening weekend of the film. It was recorded as the fifth highest debut film ever! The Twilight cast has much to be proud of with this latest installment.
In other celebs on top, soon-to-be mother Beyonce has released a video for her very sexy single "Dance for you." The video has an old Hollywood vibe with the sultry Beyonce dancing very seductively for, I'll assume, a cop. I loved the single when I heard it, and watching the video made me love the song more. In my eyes Beyonce can do no wrong.
The rap label Young Money has much to be proud of. Two of their top rapping artists, Drake and Nicki Minaj have received two great honors. Drake's latest album "Take Care" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts and rightfully so. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the album. Fellow label mate Nicki is expected to have an album out by early next year, but she is still topping the charts being featured on many singles with artists like Big Sean and Drake. That must be why she was named Billboard's rising star of 2011. Congrats to both artists!
*photo from Roc4life.com*
What's been happening in the world of entertainment that caught your interest?
I know I am way behind with this collaboration, as I am sure you already heard about Jessica Simpson and skin care expert Nerida Joy working together to introduce BeautyMint. BeautyMint is a personalized skin care regimen created to suit every person's skin care needs. They take a personal approach to beauty with customized skin care systems that target specific problems with a focused solution. What's fabulous about it all is you get an online skin care consultation that's like having a one on one with Nerida. So you're not just picking products you think you need, but based on your answers in the consultation, a regimen is picked specifically for what you need. The systems are configured using Nerida’s professional methodology to address signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, diminished firmness, uneven skin tone, or a combination of concerns – all depending on the member’s individual needs. Some ingredients in the products include: Marine collagen, Elastin, Peptides, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Cucumber extract, Acai fruit, Mulberry extract, Green tea, and Shea butter.
Why Nerida Joy and Jessica Simpson? I've never heard of her before, but Nerida is a celebrity skin care expert. Her clients include Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Beckinsale, Courteney Cox, Tyra Banks, and more. She has over 30 years of experience in the industry and after learning about her, I appreciate her approach to skin care. She believes in a holistic skin care philosophy that is based on inspiring and educating people to strengthen their skin’s foundation and attain healthy, vibrant and dewy skin - not only with the right products, but with the right regimen that includes a regular skin routine, balanced eating and exercise. We all know, it's not all about what you put on your skin, but also what you take in. More specifically, Nerida’s skin care philosophy focuses on the importance of cleansing in order to prepare the skin and optimize the efficacy of treatments and products. Jessica Simpson is the face of the brand. For her, being in the public eye, it's important for her skin to shine. If you watched her show, The Price of Beauty, you know she was always discovering the lengths women took for beauty. But what's important to her is that beauty doesn't have to be expensive.
So now I gave you all the facts behind the brand...and I am sure you want a review. Well, I have my samples - the Essential Cleanser with Aloe and Ultra Replenishing Serum with Marine Collagen. I am going to start using on Monday and report back to you a week later on the products.
Let me know if you're trying them too. I want to hear your story as well!
I have been hearing some buzz behind these Charlotte Olympia cat shoes and I had to see them for myself. After seeing some celebs walking around in them, they kind of grew on me. I am not really a cat lover, but her cat-face flats and heels are making me a fan. I can totally see them on with a pair of leggings and a sweater tunic for running errands, or with a pair of skinny pants/jeans and an oversized top, or with a tailored dress or skirt.What do you think? Is this a trend you can wear? I wonder if this is the only literal animal inspired footwear design we will see. By the way, I kind of love the heels better.
Charlotte Olympia. Cat Face Velvet Pump. $795
Charlotte Olympia. Cat Face Velvet
Skimmer flats. $695
Can't afford the meowww price tag? Check out these feline-inspired flats from T.U.K.
T.U.K Metal Kitty Ballet Flat. Endless.com. $45.00
Gobble. Gobble. When it comes to Thanksgiving, I know we're more focused on dressing the turkey than addressing our holiday fashion. Who really is thinking about what we look like when we're at home with our families and friends (or at another home), looking candied yams, turkey, and sweet potato pies in the face? But, surely we can do more than elasticized pants (I cringe if you are wearing some, or even own any) and my usual comfort pant of choice - leggings. Dressbarn has some great stylish options to make you feel comfortable but look like you spent all day in your closet and not in the kitchen. Effortless fashion is always something to be thankful for.
Leopard print dress. $39.99
Cuffed faux suede boots. $49.99
For The Indulger, a princess silhouette leopard print dress paired with these cuffed faux-suede boots will hide that second helping. Not in a dress mood, then opt for an open blazer, flowy top, and stretch jeans. You can ditch your diet, but not your style.
For The 'Do-It-All-Herself' doll who has no help in the kitchen, a shorter tiered pencil skirt, comfy flats (for when you're standing on your feet all day), and a pop of color lightweight top will make you look put together as you put the menu together.
Tiered pencil skirt. $39.99
Mootsie Tootsie Patent cap toe ballet
flat. $36.99