Dream Cream: Jouer Cream Eyeshadow

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Jouer Cream Eyeshadow is the do-it-all eye product for quick, low maintenance makeup. Line, shade and/or contour your eyes with these easy-to-blend beauties.

These cream eyeshadows are like nothing I have tried before. Extremely lightweight in texture, the formula glides effortlessly onto the lids. They feel like velvet on the skin and the smudge-proof formula lasts all day. The consistency is both layerable and buildable providing options for a sheer or dramatic application.

Available in five gorgeous shades:

♦ Chiffon – shimmering ivory pearl

♦ Feather – shimmering pink champagne

♦ Organza – shimmering lavender taupe

♦ Cashmere – shimmering golden taupe

♦ Suede – shimmering golden bronze

When deciding on whether to use a cream or powder eye shadow, take into consideration factors such as your age and skin type. Powder eye shadows that contain shimmers may settle in wrinkles, fine lines and/or sagging eye lids. Cream shadow is a better option for women of age as they will create a smooth base. If you have very oily skin, using a cream eyeshadow can be frustrating. When combined with your skin’s natural oils, the eyeshadow may quickly smear or seep into the crease. This is an easy fix – as cream eyeshadows can also be used as primers. First apply your favorite cream eyeshadow then set with a powder or powder eyeshadow to absorb excess oil. Not only with the color last and last – but mixing these textures reveals beautiful dimension and light-reflecting properties.

All Jouer products offer a smart packaging solution. Constructed with interlocking sides, every product from lip gloss to face powder “snap-together,” making it easy to mix and match your favorites into the perfect palette.

I am currently having a small love affair with Jouer Cosmetics. Quality formulas, wearable colors and intelligent packaging – what more could you ask for. More reviews to come.

Flat Frenzy: J.Crew Ballet Boutique

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J.Crew Spring/Summer 2012 launched an exquisite ballet collection “The Ballet Boutique.” The collection is filled with suede, leather and raffia designs, available in a variety of colors, textures and adorable embellishments.

The Cece design is handmade in Italy and constructed for comfort and style. Dubbed as their official “commuting shoe,” these flats have added padding, an elastic top, a shock-absorbing rubber sole and an interior wedge design for additional comfort and control. Fabric swatches, Pantone cards, art books even candy was used as inspiration to create one-of-a-kind colors.

Embrace this hot season trend without sacrificing comfort. With multiple styles and colors, and a price range of $58-$250, everyone is able to join the flat frenzy.

Tailor Time: Boyfriend Blazer

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Time for Spring Cleaning. Instead of giving away staple pieces in your closet, alter them. With a small tweak, these items can be born again.

Almost everyone has a black blazer in their closet. Give this blazer new life by simply adding material to the collar. Check out your local fabric store and look at different textures and fabrics; leather, pleather, suede, jersey, corduroy, sateen, velvet. Experiment with patterns and colors, maybe opt for houndstooth or brown distressed leather. The possibilities are endless.

When altering a piece of clothing, I suggest first asking your local tailor for two quotes – with and without materials. When happy with the price and materials used – you just created a brand new blazer.

Fringe Benefits: The Clutch

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The fringe clutch is a perfect accessory for day or night. Available in bright or muted colors, shapes and styles, it is a great twist on the classic clutch. The lush cascade of leather and suede fringe create movement and personality. Carrying this item will instantly add texture and style to any ensemble. Embrace your inner free-spirit and bohemian sensibility with a fringe clutch.

ASOS ~ River Island Suede Fringe Clutch: $53.72

Nordstrom ~  Tory Burch ‘Sawla’ Fringe Clutch: $234.00

Endless.com ~ Tylie Malibu Lizzy FL1506 Clutch: $225.00

House of Harlow 1960 ~ Red Fringe Clutch: No Longer Available

The Trend Boutique ~ JJ Winters Suede Fringe Clutch: $297.00

Favorite Flat: Minnetonka Kilty Moccasin

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Minnetonka Kilty Moccasin

My winter flip-flop is currently the Minnetonka Kilty Moccasin. Purchased after the holidays, I have yet to take them off.

These exceptionally comfortable flats are made of soft, rich suede with fringe and braided detail. The finely crafted rubber sole provides traction and stability.

Casual and carefree, these moccasins can be coupled with everything from skinny jeans to sweats, cut-off shorts to mini skirts.

These rustic moccasin can be worn year-round. Paired with a sundress or shorts, the Minnetonka Moccasins will create a free-spirited style.

Weekend Ensemble: Ella Moss

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In the winter, layering is key. Be on the lookout for a great vest. Currently, there are so many different styles and textures to choose from; faux fur, leather, suede, long, cropped, draped, asymmetrical. Think of your body type when choosing a vest, cropped and belted vests can overwhelm the frame. Lengthen your silhouette with a longer style or darker color.

This weekend, experiment with layers and add a vest. Weather it be menswear-inspired or 70’s-inspired furs, it will be a great in-vest-ment.

Have a great weekend!

Ashling

Boot Week: Pour La Victoire Bardot Ankle Boot

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Pour La Victoire Bardot

Boot Week continues with the versatile ankle boot.

The Bardot Ankle Boot by Pour La Victoire is a simple ankle boot with sex-appeal. The sky-high heel and hidden platform accentuate and elongate the leg. The suede is soft and easy to maneuver in and the side zipper provides comfort and flexibility.

This ankle boot pairs perfectly with just about anything; tights, leggings, pants, denim, skirts, dresses. Available in many colors and textures the ankle boot can be the focal point of an outfit or accentuate it.

Though they can easily be concealed under a pant hem, take advantage of the ability to add a chic edge to an otherwise ordinary outfit.

Boot Week: Vince Camuto Braden Boot

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Vince Camuto Braden

Boot Week continues with the stacked heel.

The Braden Boot from Vince Camuto is a round toe boot with a western-style twist. The over-the-knee silhouette allows you to wear it as slouchy as desired. The pull-on style will pair nicely with any skinny denim or legging. The suede is soft and buttery and this taupe color will agree with everything in your closet.

Currently on sale, the price-point is fantastic. Available in leather or suede and in different colors, the Braden Boot from Vince Camuto is all it’s stacked up to be.

Iconic Bag: Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel

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Proenza Schouler PS1

Proenza Schouler’s signature bag is the iconic PS1 Satchel. Branded as a classic satchel that embodies a sense of wearable luxury, this bag is stylish and functional.

The soft dove gray PS1 is my pick but is available in a multitude of colors and textures. The detachable shoulder strap provides numerous style options, messenger bag, shoulder bag or tote. The satchel has different compartments and pockets, perfect for everyday-use and a brass postman’s lock on the front that provides rustic detail and security.

The PS1 is a bag that can be worn for an entire lifetime.

Sole-Mate: Diane von Furstenberg “Zia”

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Diane von Furstenberg "Zia"

The “Zia” shoe by Diane von Furstenberg is simplicity at it’s best. This platform heel is modern, sexy and comes in an assortment of different colors.

The criss-cross pattern is extremely flattering and elongates the leg. The 4 1/2 inch heel is surprisingly comfortable as is the soft suede texture and elastic heel strap.

This citron yellow hue will brighten everything it is paired with, from an evening dress to casual romper. I favor any combination intermingling royal blue denim and these lemon-soaked sandals.

Diane von Furstenberg’s “Zia” platform sandal is available in black, camel, fawn, fuchsia, ink, taupe and turquoise. With so many colors to choose from, there is a sole-mate out there for everyone.