Drugstore Find: Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

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Maybelline’s Color Tatoos are a fantastic drugstore find. These cream eyeshadows last just as long as any other more expensive version and are just as vibrant and pigmented. Constantly creating new colors and finishes, my current favorite is  Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded.

Barely Branded is a warm champagne tone with a metallic/frosted finish. A great dupe/alternative to MAC Bare Study Paint Pot (one of my favorites). A very versatile shade, Barely Branded can be warn on it’s own or as a base to brighten and make shadow stay-put. It has a wonderful creamy consistency that is great for quick and easy application and does not crease or fade, hour after hour.

For a great basic cream shadow that is easily accesible and inexpensive try Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded.

Unrequited Love: Tassel Jewelry

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A more playful take on statement jewelry has been popping up in the form of swingy tassel earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The global-inspired look is available in a multitude of colors, lengths and styles. From colorful bracelets and shoulder-grazing danglers to simple rope pendants, finding a piece of tassel jewelry to fit your style and budget is a cinch. Here are a few favorites.

1. Isabel Marant: Asphalt Cowboy Necklace: $342.00

2. Max & Chloe: Ali NY Silver Traveler Tassel Earrings: $60.00

3. Lucy Folk: Jasmine Flower Braided Bracelets: $72.00

4. Max & Chloe: Ali NY Gold City Tassel Belcher Bracelet: $70.00

5. J.Crew: Double-Tassel Necklace: $62.00

In The Know: Kate Spade Saturday

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This Spring, Kate Spade will launch a budget-friendly line, appropriately titled Kate Spade Saturday. The collection is meant to “capture the spirit of Saturday, every day of the week.”

Featuring everything from dresses and jackets to handbags, jewelry, home decor and eyewear  – all bright and bold in true Kate Spade fashion. The new lifestyle brand is targeted towards the younger fashionista – and priced 50% lower than the brand’s current offerings ($30 to $130).

While no stand-alone U.S. stores are planned as of now, you will be able to nab all the Kate Spade Saturday line at www.saturday.com – launching early next year.

Trench Time: Club Monaco Harper Trench

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There are a few wardrobe staples that every girl should splurge on and a trench coat is one of them. Synonymous with Fall, a trench coat is a classic coat that can be worn again and again, season after season, year after year.

Each season, the classic silhouette is updated to suit upcoming trends; cropped, long, textured, printed, metallic. I am a big believer of – if it ain’t broke… The classic design has been around since World War I and is still going strong.

Two qualities of my perfect trench coat are classic in design and beautifully tailored. My current favorite is the Harper Trench by Club Monaco. It features the classic double-breasted style with button closure and belted sleeve hem. The fit is strong but feminine and very flattering.

A trench coat is a versatile fashion piece that can be worn with both light and heavy layers. Rain or shine the trench coat is a classic and chic must-have.

Affordable Accessories: H&M

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Update your look for less with affordable accesories. H&M covers all the trends, basics and frills you could possibly need. From cold weather necessities to staples, H&M is a one-stop shop for inexpensive items.

Leather Gloves: $29.95

30-Pack Bracelets: $5.95

Necklace: $24.95

Cap: $5.95

Chain Necklace: $5.95

Brown & Black Leather Belt: $12.95 (each)

Tube Scarf: $9.95

Spike Necklace: $12.95

10-Pack Rings: $4.95

Headband: $6.95

5 under $50: Summer Shorts

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Stock up on summer shorts now. Available on the cheap everywhere, great sales and deals makes this easy. Here are 5 under $50.00:

J.Crew ~ Stretch Twill Shorts: $49.50

Delias ~ Garden Flower Shorts: $29.50

Quiksilver ~ Chambray Stripe Shorts: $39.60

Old Navy ~ Twill Cut-off Shorts: $18.97

Topshop ~ Floral Texture Runner Shorts: $36.00

Bewitching Baubles: Bib Necklace

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Make a statement this season with a bright bib. A bib necklace combines layers of intricate beads and jewels strung across the collar bone, high on the neck. Bibs can incorporate many materials and textures to create a bold, multi-layered, eye-catching piece.

These colorful, chunky necklaces easily enhance any outfit while still remaining elegant. Pair with simple tees or tanks to effortlessly renew a tired outfit. Or wear with your favorite, “worn a million times” dress for a new and fresh look.

Available in all shapes, colors and sizes, a bib necklace is a great piece to have on-hand when an outfit feels a bit dull. Here are a few of my favorite bewitching baubles:

BaubleBar ~ Summer Princesse: $38.00

Adia Kibur ~ Short Neon Stone Necklace: $54.00

Zara ~ Strand Necklace in Shiny Golden Colors: $25.90

J.Crew ~ Cabochon Fan Necklace: $150.00

Ann Taylor ~ Sunburst Necklace: $59.99

Kate Spade ~ Painted Jewels Necklace: $198.00

5 under $50: Summer Dress

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Take the guess-work out of summer outfits. With the simple summer dress, one can quickly and casually throw it on all summer long.

Look for universal prints and colors. If you choose a more trendy version, i.e neons and/or bold prints, it will be more recognizable and you will not get as much wear out of it. Let the summer dress be the base of any ensemble and change it up with different pairings: jackets, scarves, layers (crop-tops/slouchy tees) and accessories. These dresses will be in your closet for numerous summers to come. Here are five favorites all under $50.00.

Volcom ~ Festivus: $45.00

Element ~ Robin Striped Dress: $44.50

BB Dakota ~ Dora Stripe Dress: $49.00 (sale)

Hive & Honey ~ Floral Blousant Dress: $39.99 (sale)

Forever 21 ~ Casual Chambray Dress: $15.50

5 under $50: Wedges

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A warm-weather staple, wedges are comfortable, stylish and wonderfully chunky. Available in multiple textures, colors and prints at these prices you can have them all. Live on the ‘wedge’ with 5 under $50.00:

Charlotte Russe ~ Cross-Front Strappy Cork Wedge: $35.50

Charlotte Russe ~ 2-Band Wooden Wedge Sandal: $36.50

Piperlime ~ Qupid – Katrina:  $49.00

ALDO ~ Ellingwood: $35.00

Piperlime ~ Michael Antonio – Goldy: $49.00

Drugstore Find: Spoiled Nail Color

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While picking up a few necessities at CVS, I stumbled upon a promotional stand for Spoiled Nail Color. Manufactured by Wet-n-Wild Cosmetics, these polishes are exclusive to CVS and retail for $1.99…

I was immediately attracted to a color called Flamingo Pink. The formula is opaque and very true to color. One coat was all that was needed, but due to the price point I thought two coats might have more staying-power. Applied on toes and fingers, one week later, my toes are unblemished and my fingers are just now beginning to chip.

The only setback is the brush. A thick brush, (similar to Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure) but with a weird tapered end. The edge of the brush can be a little awkward, but ignored, due to the $1.99 price tag.

Available in 72 colors, Spoiled Nail Color is truly a great buy. From trendy neon shades to glittery sparkles, one is bound to find a shade worthy of the $1.99 investment.

Back to Basics: Layering Favorites

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Layering articles of clothing is not only practical but stylish. The art of layering will create insulation to keep you warm but will also lay the foundation for a very versatile wardrobe.

Start with your favorite basics. When shopping for basics, buy for comfort and quality. This will ensure getting the most wear out of the article of clothing. Then… buy in quantity. If you love a particular piece – purchase in different colors, patterns or styles.

For instance,  H&M tanks and camis are great – they are cheap, come in an array of colors/patterns and are made long in length. It is quite difficult to find a good tank, long enough to cover the bum when wearing leggings or tights. These tanks will also layer beautifully under just about anything, without any added bulk.

Old Navy is another great place to find layering basics. I love the light-weight v-necks and crew-necks. They are soft, comfortable, inexpensive and come in great basic colors. I wear them everywhere from the gym to work. On their own, accessorized with a great scarf or layered under a sequin/leather/boyfriend blazer to create a textured-casual look.

When it comes to quality, Splendid and KAIN Label, are unbeatable. They both provide silk blend basics that are extraordinarily comfortable and styles that are continuously on trend each season. These are the best basic pieces to collect each season, that will last a lifetime.

What are your favorite basics?

Black Tie on a Budget: Rent the Runway

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Badgley Mischka

Holiday Partys, New Years Eve, Black Tie… Oh My!

This season, when overwhelmed with celebrations, there are only so many party dresses to buy. On that special occasion when you want to look your best, Rent It!

Rent the Runway is an ingenious site that provides designer dresses for every occasion. From Proenza Schouler to Helmut Lang, the mail-order service supplies dresses for one-tenth of the price. From $50 – $300, one can rent a couture gown or party frock for a four-night loan. The dress is shipped directly to your doorstep. After wearing the dress, simply place in the provided prepaid envelope and drop in the mail.

Rent the Runway also provides gorgeous rentable accessories. From Erickson Beamon bib necklaces to Vintage Chanel jewelry and bags, RTR makes accessorizing effortless.

Rent the Runway makes high-end fashions more accessible. Next time you see your favorite celebrity in a beautiful Hervé Legér dress or dream of a Thakoon design in the pages of a magazine, check Rent the Runway, it might be waiting for you.

Drugstore Find: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

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Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters are Revlon’s newest lip creation. Currently available only on promotion at certain drugstores, these lip butters come in 20 amazing shades that are incredibly pigmented.

Formulated with, mango butter, shea butter and coconut butter, the gel formula naturally boost lip’s moisture which decreases the need for reapplication. The color is vibrant and glossy and the staying power is excellent.

These are my absolute favorite drugstore lipsticks at the moment. The reds are great for winter and the Lollipop shade is a fun and bright fuchsia shade.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters will become part of the permanent collection, January 2012.

5 under $50: Earrings by ASOS

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This season, swap out the statement necklace for a pair of elaborate earrings. A great way to finish a look, earrings draw attention to the face as well as inhance the shape. For example:

Round Face: Long dangly earrings will elongate and slim the face and neck.

Heart-Shaped Face: Tear drop and chandelier, any bottom-heavy earring, will soften a pointed chin.

Square Face: Round hoops and bottom-heavy earrings will soften the contours of the face.

Oval Face: A classic shape that works with any style, but stay away from thin and long, will pull the face down.

ASOS is fantastic for inexpensive accessories. Constantly stocking new and unique pieces that are made with quality and detail. Here are 5 under $50:

Deco Drop Stone Earrings: $21.56

Python Print Chandelier Earrings: $17.07

Drop Earrings with Vintage Look Stone and Fan Detail: $26.96

Teardrop Rope Doorknocker Earrings: $21.56

Geometric Drop Earrings: $17.07

Drugstore Find: GUM Go-Betweens Proxabrush

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GUM Go-Betweens Proxabrush

To be honest, I use these proxabrushes when I am too lazy to floss. But recently, I have found a new use for these little gems… mascara wands.

These tiny brushes are the perfect size to separate and coat each lash. After applying mascara, go back in with the proxabrush to define and perfect each lash. Dip a brush into the mascara and apply to the bottom lashes for a mess-free finish.

These brushes are incredibly inexpensive and can be cleaned. Give GUM Go-Betweens Proxabrush a try… to use on teeth OR lashes.

Skinny Belts: H&M 3-Pack Belts

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H&M 3-Pack Belts

H&M 3-Pack Belts are an inexpensive option to incorporate in everyday style.

The skinny style belts are available in two separate sets, Lion Yellow and Mole. The neutral set, Lion Yellow, come with brown, black and mustard. The pastel set, Mole, come with rose, dusty blue and taupe.

Cinch these belts around dresses, tunics or skirts. Or pair with new Fall denim trends like cognac or wine-dyed denim. No matter how they are worn, these 3-pack belts are a great option to have available in your closet.

Drugstore Find: Goody Spin Pins

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Goody Spin Pins

These clever little styling tools are quick and easy. Marketed to “do the work of 20 bobby-pins,” Goody Spin Pins help create simple up-dos in seconds.

Simply gather hair into a high or low bun and spin pins through the hair to secure. It’s that easy. The hold is tight and secure and easy to take out (just spin pin in opposite direction).

After a stylist informed me of a substantial amount of breakage at the crown area, due to securing hair in high-ponytail with elastic while sleeping, I thought I would give these a try. They keep hair out of my face all night and in the morning, I wake up with nice wavy hair.

Try out these little inexpensive hair savers for yourself.

5 under $50: Statement Necklace

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A statement necklace is an ideal and easy way to embellish any outfit. Use color, texture or shape to decorate your look. From metal fringe to brightly colored baubles, here are five fun statement necklaces all under $50.00.

Forever 21: Crescent Fringe Necklace – $14.80

Asos: Talullah Tu Beaded Collar Necklace – $41.37

Free People: Fringe of Colors Pendant – $9.95

Topshop: Textured Disc Collar Necklace – $40.00

Kenneth Cole: New York Modern Citrine Yellow Jade Frontal Necklace – $45.00

 

Drugstore Find: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Royal Blue

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Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Royal Blue

When experimenting with bright colors and new trends, purchase an inexpensive version to test. Blue mascara is a fun and beneficial option when exploring bright colors.

Inadvertently recognized as 80’s makeup, blue mascara has come a long way. This intriguing color and technique has many benefits and uses.

Most people have yellow and red tones in their sclera (whites of the eyes). The color blue counteracts these colors to make the eyes look whiter, brighter and wide-awake. Blue mascara will also enhance any eye color. Primarily, green and blue-colored eyes but it will also bring-out the gold flecks in brown eyes as well.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Royal Blue is an inexpensive option to test this technique. But, it is also simply a great mascara. I use this on just the bottom lashes for a slight hint of color. It is a beautiful royal blue that makes any eye pop.

5 under $50: Summer Sunglasses

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Must-have summer accessory… sunglasses. Available in a superabundance of styles, colors and designs, determining the right shape for your face structure can be exhausting. I have chosen five universally flattering designs that will look fantastic on anyone. From classic aviators to fun heart-shaped lenses, here are some options to change up your look without breaking the bank.

Topshop – Knot Detail Large Sunglasses – $32.00

Asos – Gold Mirrored Sunglasses – $20.69

Forever 21 – F6689 Sunglasses – $5.86

Blue Moon – Heart Shaped Sunglasses – $22.00

Urban Outfitters – Candy Beach Two-Toned Cat Eye Sunglasses – $12.99