Archive for December 2011

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 30, 2011

{clockwise} Style Me Pretty; Bubbly; Fiskars;  Brent Foster Photography;

 This video of Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt singing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" brought a smile to my face this morning, so I couldn't resist sharing! I hope you all had a wonderful 2011, and have an even better 2012! 


Cheers!

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Makeover Memo: Nars Danmari Blush Palette

Friday, December 16, 2011


Last week, I took my Sephora $20 VIB coupon to the store and exchanged it for NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette, a sleek black mirrored case containing six 0.12 oz blushes (a $107 value).
The palette includes the following cheek colors: Hungry Heart (gold ivory), Super Orgasm (peachy pink with gold glitter), Desire (cotton candy pink), Casino (dark brown with golden shimmer), Orgasm (peachy pink with golden shimmer), and Sin (berry with gold shimmer)

Close up of the Danmari palette, top: Hungry Heart, Super Orgasm, Desire, bottom: Casino, Orgasm, and Sin
The only full sized Nars blush I've ever bothering purchasing was Nars Orgasm. I love it so much, I wore it on my wedding day. It is the perfect coral pink with just enough shimmer without being overly glittery. I am most excited to try the ultra pink Desire, and I am curious to try Casino, as I am a big fan of NARS Laguna. Hungry Heart will serve well as a highlighter. Sin could be a nice surprise. All have nice pigmentation  (although with Hungry Heart it is hard to tell on my pale winter skin), all blend nicely, and best of all none of them are overly glittery. Super Orgasm has the most glitter, but it remains manageable.
{Top, clockwise} Hungry Heart, Super Orgasm, Orgasm, Casino
{Bottom, clockwise} Super Orgasm, Desire, Sin, Orgasm




Overall, I find this to be an incredible value perfect for traveling, and small enough to fit into a purse or overnight bag! If you are new to NARS, this is a great way to get hooked, so beware, you're destined to fall in love! Check out the swatches below:
Swatches (clockwise): Hungry Heart, Super Orgasm, Desire, Sin, Orgasm, & Casino

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Fifi Lapin + Juicy Couture

Monday, December 12, 2011

Fifi Lapin, the fashionable illustrated bunny, has collaborated with Juicy Couture on a small capsule collection. Beginning in January, the Fifi hearts Juicy line of stationary, sketchbooks, and scarves will be available at Juicy Couture. I have long been a fan of Fifi Lapin's blog, so I am hoping I can get my hands on the white Fifi hearts Juicy scarf! The scarves will sell for $68. No word on the price points for the other goodies just yet. Fifi's print shop is closed for the holidays, but you can browse the cuteness at Fifi Lapin's blog now.

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Casa y Cucina: Recipes to Try

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

I found two S'More related recipes today that I can't wait to try! One I'll have to wait until summer to try (as it calls for a fire pit), but the other will keep my sweet tooth satisfied all winter long! 

First up this genius combination: S'Meaches (S'Mores + Peaches)

 
They look wonderfully delicious and come with a pitch perfect video tutorial:
(via Claire Thomas at the Kitchy Kitchen) 


Next up Chocolate Fudge S'More Thumbprint Cookies: 
(Get the full recipe at How Sweet It Is)

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D.I.Y. Color Blocked Clutch

Monday, December 05, 2011

D.I.Y. Color blocked American Apparel Pouches
This is wildly addictive d.i.y. project  allows you to transform your plain leather pouch into a fun color blocked accessory. I thought, why not join in on the fun? American Apparel has a great selection of leather pouches in various sizes and colors. I like these because they have contrasting color zippers which adds to the color blocking fun, but any leather pouch will do.  

SUPPLIES:
STEPS:
  1. Prepare your work surface from any paint mishaps. I like to use an old catalog or magazine as a paint palette. I also keep a plastic cup with a bit of water nearby, as this helps make the paint a bit more manageable on the surface. 
  2. Measure out and tape off your desired stripe(s).  For the Melon pouch I measured a 2 inch vertical stripe in the center of the pouch. For the black pouch I measured a three inch horizontal stripe on the bottom of the pouch all the way around so I could paint both sides.
  3. Begin painting, allow each coat to dry for 2 hours before laying on another coat. The Melon pouch covered easily, but the Black pouch was not so easy. It took me several coats to get it just right. It might help to prime the surface with white paint if you choose a dark pouch, or just bring a lot of patience! 
  4. Now that the stripe(s) are completely dry and are looking the way you want them to, it is time to spray on some sealer for a nice glossy finish. Be sure to spray in a well ventilated area and according to instructions on the can. Allow to dry for 15 minutes. Peel off tape. Now you have a fabulous Color Blocked Clutch.
My D.I.Y. Celine inspired pouch
My Clare Vivier (non-envelope) inspired pouch

Have fun with this! The possibilities are endless!

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D.I.Y. Reverse French Braid Up Style


I wanted to share one of my recent d.i.y. french braid up styles. This one I'm quite proud of because it was quite the arm work out. Although it is a bit taxing on your arms it is a pretty quick & easy style. I started by blowing my hair dry with a bit of Aveda's Phomollient Styling Foam in my hair for a lift. I then started the braid over my right ear and worked a reverse french braid around the crown of my head. The turn at the back of the head is the most difficult part because it requires you to change direction of braiding.  It took some careful consideration to get it just right, but once I made it to the back right portion of my head (for an asymmetrical look), I tied off the braid into a pony tail with a clear elastic hair band. I then split the pony into three sections and braided each section individually. At this point I had a pony with three tiny braids hanging down. I then wrapped & wove the tiny braids into a bun and pinned into place. I topped off the look with hair spray and went out the door!

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ShoeMint 'Jolly' Booties Review

Friday, December 02, 2011


My first purchase from ShoeMint (the new venture for Rachel Bilson & Nicole Chavez in collaboration with Steve Madden & BeachMint) arrived at my doorstep yesterday. I ordered the taupe 'Jolly' booties in a half size up (based on the sites recommendation) and couldn't be happier with my purchase. The shoes go for $79.98 but have been offering numerous promos and discounts at launch, so I purchased them at a slight discount. I hope that discount trend continues because I can see myself being tempted to purchase more from them in the future.  

Not only are these shoes stylish, but they are incredibly comfortable considering the height (3 1/2" wedge). Just this morning I've walked a mile in them and I'm not even exaggerating! Today, I styled them with J.Crew's matchstick cords in a wine color & a sheer nude colored blouse from H&M.  They seem like they will be pretty versatile, so I expect to get a lot of wear out of them! I would say they are a bit roomy, so I'm not sure going up a half size was completely necessary for me, but for these particular shoes it shouldn't be an issue because A) they lace up and B) can be worn with socks.

Also, a quick note on ShoeMint's customer service, the site was overwhelmed with orders (most styles if not all of them are currently sold out), but they still responded to my emails & questions in a timely manner. I did however have to email twice to get a tracking number. I received the tracking number at 12pm yesterday directly from customer service. My shoes were incidentally delivered at 10am yesterday. As of this morning, with the shoes on my feet, my order still says processing under my account settings on the ShoeMint site. I found that to be a little funny, but these hiccups are expected with a big (and wildly successful) launch. In this case, no harm, no foul. 



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New Teal Pop Herringbone TOMS

Thursday, December 01, 2011


My classic ash grey TOMS are faded and full of holes, so when I spotted these herringbone TOMS with a teal blue sole I knew I had found a new love. They are even lined in gingham pleasing my preppy heart! I purchased the Teal Pop style, but there are other herringbone styles available. If you're into the colored soles like I am check out the Yellow Pop & Pink Pop styles.

I haven't thrown out my old TOMS or anything, as I might  re-purpose them into sandals come spring/summer! If you're looking for a good holiday gift idea, I think a pair of TOMS would be a perfect gift. With every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need with their One for One program. 'Tis the season of giving!

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