Trend Alert: Gray/Taupe Nail Polish

For Spring 2010, Chanel is following up Fall's huge Jade polish trend with Particuliere. Particuliere is a very interesting blend of brown/gray/pink/fawn/lavender. I skipped the Jade trend, but this 'particular' color really caught my eye. It's warm and elegant and unique all at once. To be honest, it did take me a while to get used to this color. But I do love how it changes tones at almost every glance you take. I definitely am a fan of this shade, but think it really shines when worn with muted, warm make-up and neutral clothing. In my opinion, it is best when worn and treated more as an accessory than an after-thought, because it is a very strong and conspicuous color.  This is definitely not a neutral!

Lily Allen wearing Particuliere (and head to toe Chanel) to perform at the Paris Runway Show

close-up of a runway model wearing Particuliere

Here's Particuliere on me

Similar colors to this include OPI's You Don't Know Jacques and Essie's Chinchilly.

What do you think of the brown/gray nail trends? Will you wear Particuliere or a similar color this Spring?

I also want to wish everyone a fun and safe New Year's Eve and a wonderful and blessed 2010!!!!

xoxoxo

Five Quick Ways to Freshen Up Your Look!

Just wanted to do a quick post of five simple things anyone can do to achieve a more 'alive' or vibrant look. This should come in handy on New Year's Eve and probably more so on New Year's Day ;)

5. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Exfoliate. Can't say it enough. Give your face and body a great scrub down. As we all know, this removes the dull, dead skin cells that have collected on your skin--going a long way to brighten and freshen any look. Plus it helps make-up go on so much easier and more smoothly. I like the MAC Volcanic Ash Scrub, but St. Ives Apricot Scrub is a wonderful drugstore product. I like to do a dry exfoliation on my body, meaning I don't get wet first. I just find that this method achieves a smoother, softer result. Plus it's such a nice treat to have silky smooth skin the entire night!

4. In my mind, nothing can freshen a look faster than whitening your teeth. Honestly, it's such a major improvement. Whiter teeth just make the entire face seem so much brighter. If you don't want to invest in Whitestrips or another option, I really like the Crest Vivid White toothpaste. It really does produce noticeable results after just the first use. Who doesn't like their face to look a little brighter, younger and fresher?

3. Don't forget your eyebrows. So many people I know don't fill in their eyebrows at all. I actually think that using a brow powder or pencil is the best way to achieve a refined look. To me, there's nothing worse than fabulous eye make-up accompanied by a sparse brow. This has nothing to do with shape of the brows (which is a whole other post), my eyebrows are very strong, but I still fill them in every day. It just adds a great definition to the eye area and really 'sets' your entire face.

2. While we're on the subject of eyes, nothing can age you like red, bloodshot eyes. I absolutely love and swear by Opcon-A (available on shelves). It takes the red and irritation right out, works instantly and as an added plus, also works wonderfully to take the red out of blemishes. I actually used it for that purpose today. Just pour a drop on your blemish and watch the red disappear!

1. For tired, poofy eyes, I keep two soup spoons in the freezer. I let them thaw for 5 seconds or so then apply then bottom of the spoon to my eyelids. This works wonders to reduce any swelling or puffiness you may be experiencing from lack of sleep, too much salt, allergic reaction etc... I have used it to combat every one of those ailments I just listed and it's worked every time.

Hope these tips can help you achieve the most beautiful look possible for the biggest party night (and day after) of the year!!

xoxo

Birthday Haul!

I just have to share the amazing deals I found at BCBG today! Most everything in the store is 50% off, then another 30% off on top of that. I also got to add an extra 20% off because it's my birthday month. I was able to score all of these amazing pieces for under $300! This was definitely the best birthday shopping trip I've ever had.

First up: the comfiest, coziest casual jacket ever! So warm!!

It converts to a funnel neck also. Originally $168, I got it for $44

The detailing of this gorgeous jacket is hard to see in the photo, but it is a light velvet material covered with amazing chiffon pleats. It's stunning and it's Heaven to wear!

It was originally $278, I got it for $112

close-up of pleating detail

An amazing cobalt blue ruffle shirt, it's very flattering on

It was originally $179, I got it for $56.00

A perfect casual gray tee. I have been searching for one to wear in the cooler weather. I have a ton of gray, but it's all short-sleeved. This shirt also has slight Dolman cut in the sleeves so it's more interesting than just a plain gray tee. Can be easily dressed up with a great necklace.

It was originally $88, I got it for $24.

A fabulous, casual white ruffle shirt. Can be worn year round, on its own in the summer or under a sweater or V-neck in the Fall.

It was originally $68, I got it for $24!

I got this fabulous necklace for $9!!!!!

At J. Crew, I picked up this great pearl layering necklace

...and the beautiful sash in silver mist, for $9.99 (originally $35)! I have it in black and love it.

I also picked up another treat that I will show you later this week (it's the newest, hottest nail polish from the Spring Runways) Exciting, exciting!! I love after Christmas sales! What all have you scored in the great sales?? Are you a BCBG fanatic like I am?

NYE: We're Gonna Party Like It's My Birthday!

Well, as the title of this post may have suggested, this New Year's Eve is my birthday! Not just any birthday, my Golden Birthday (meaning I am turning 31 on the 31st). Seeing as how my past three birthdays/New Year's Eves have been spent at home in bed before 11 p.m., I am determined to make this one memorable!

My husband is taking me to dinner at the Peninsula Grill in downtown Charleston. The Peninsula Grill has extra special meaning to us because they did the *absolutely mouthwatering* food for our wedding at the gorgeous Planter's Inn.

Of course, there's always the pesky problem of what to wear on New Year's Eve. Factor in the weather *cold* and the extra specialness of my birthday and, well...I was clueless. Luckily, I gathered some fantastic inspiration from the amazingly stylish Anh at 9to5chic. She repurposed her stunning wedding hairpiece for a fun Holiday look. It just so happens that I have a hairpiece from the same, unbelievably talented and sweet designer, Lo, of Lo Boheme (Lo also did the hairpiece for my friend and fellow blogger Veronika). Needless to say, Lo's designs are in a class of their own and really deserve to have an outfit built around them. I wanted to wear mine again as well, but was at a loss for how to style it in a cold climate.  After some more thinking and the fact that we're returning to our wedding venue, I finally decided to recycle my entire wedding ensemble! That is, after all, why I chose my wedding dress. I wanted something comfortable, timeless and something I could wear again. Ding Ding Ding!! My BCBG dress was the perfect choice for that and I can't believe I actually will be able to wear it again! I added a 3/4 sleeve sweater for some warmth and a snakeskin clutch for some edge. I am going for it--you only have a Golden Birthday on New Year's Eve (which is also a Blue Moon this month, really strange is that the first full moon this December was on my daughter's birthday) once, right? :)

What I'm Wearing

Delaney Hairpiece: Lo Boheme

Gold-flecked Dolman sleeve sweater: Express

Off-White Jersey Dress: BCBG Paris

Tan Cami to hide my cleavage: Victoria's Secret

Bronze Heels: Via Spiga

Necklace and Bracelet: Both Vintage

Faux Snakeskin Envelope Clutch: Victoria's Secret

Image by Evan Laettner

Here's how the dress looks on its own, you can see the Planter's Inn in the background :)

I would also like to give a huge birthday shout-out to my friend and fellow blogger Erinn at Strawberry Swing and Other Things, she is a New Year's Day Baby :)

What are everyone's plans for New Year's Eve? What are you wearing?? 

Fashion Fixation: Hoorsenbuhs Phantom Ring

The design of this ring really caught my eye the other day. After doing some research, I discovered that the Hoorsenbuhs Phantom Ring is pretty expensive at about $4300, but one can dream! I know I will definitely be keeing my eye out for a less expensive version.

It has a very cool horsebit quality, which I typically tend to be a fan of. I usually love the horsebit-inspired pieces by other design houses, such as  Hermes and Gucci. This ring looks infinitely better on the finger in my opinion, it takes on a whole other life when worn and I love that about it. It's so elegant yet strong--perfect for a right hand ring. For the lucky lady who can afford it, Hoorsenbuhs' beautiful pieces (not just the Phantom Ring) are available at Barney's.

                                                    Ashley Olsen wearing two phantom rings

What do you think of this Phantom Ring? Do you like the design? Do you wear a right-hand ring?

A Few Quick Updates

I hope everyone is having a beautiful Christmas Eve! I just wanted to post a few quick updates so I don't get too behind.  Here are some images of MAC's Light Affair nail polish, which you know I've been lusting after. Thankfully Santa remembered to include it in my stocking--early :) The dusky gray/mauve/lavender is a gorgeously unique shade, a perfect contrast to the typically dark clothing worn during Winter time. It's light enough so that it actually functions as a nude, which I really like. You really can't even tell it's a gray/lavender until you get a little closer, which is also a fun surprise. This nail polish is an easy way to lighten up and romanticize any Winter look. I love it!
Edit: I love the wearability of this formula, it has lasted 4 days without a single chip!

this second picture is probably a truer portrayal of the color, it isn't as white as it looks in the top image

Also, I got my hair trimmed yesterday. My (amazing) stylist, Danielle, said I needed to take off about 1/2 inch to get rid of all of the dried and damaged ends, so that's what we did. It's such a nice feeling to have a bouncy, healthy cut--even though it's not much of a change. This cut marked the 3rd one I've had this year. I went in April, August and now in December, so if you were wondering--I usually go for trims every four months or so. Long hair is nice like that, you don't need to keep up with the precision cuts! She also used a new product from the L'Oreal Professional product line (of which you know I am a huge fan!) It caught my eye and I may go back to purchase it. It's a liquid shine spray in an aerosol can, I cannot find information about it anywhere online. But I promise to get back to you with the results once I do.  My hair looks like glass today! (sorry no pics, I've been super busy cleaning and baking, and therefore didn't put on make-up and don't want to scare you, haha). But it's a product to look forward to! I hope everyone's holiday is wonderful; enjoy the extra long weekend!! Merry Christmas!!!! xoxoxo

Rodarte for Target

I know a lot of ladies were excited to get their hands on some pieces from Rodarte's line for Target. I think the deconstructed tights and delicate and lacy things will be very cute on some people, but it's just not my style. I had the silver and black sequined leopard print tunic/dress in my cart for a while, but decided at the last minute that I would probably wear it once, so I put it back and picked up this classic nautical striped long sleeve tee shirt instead. I, oddly enough, didn't own a striped shirt and this one was $16.99, so I thought all around it would be a great purchase that could go the distance in my wardrobe.

Audrey Tatou wearing nautical stripes while portraying Coco Chanel (courtesy Sony Pictures)

Isabel Lucas sporting sassy stripes

Eva Mendes shows off casual stripes

I was actually surprised by how versatile this shirt has proven to be already. It works as part of a more casual outfit and can also work in the office or for play with a white skirt and jean jacket. I think it would be a perfect vacation piece because it moves so well from one function to another.

paired with leggings, heels and a tank top

paired with trouser pants (Banana Republic) and a cardigan (BCBG) 

Have you checked out Rodarte's collection for Target yet? What pieces did you end up with? I am so curious to see how you fabulous ladies will style the other items!
Check out the fabulous Gigi's blog here, for more Rodarte looks and links to some other blogger's reviews of the line as well.

How-To: A Full, Pouty Lip

Just in time to take advantage of the mistletoe! Again from our awesome professional MAC make-up artist, Monique, here are some tips to achieving a fuller, poutier, all around sexier mouth!


1. Start with MAC Lip Erase. It's like a concealer that neutralizes your lip color, so you can recreate the shape of your lips. Apply all over lips.

2. Line lips in a natural shade of lip liner like Whirl. Draw lips following your outer natural lipline for a fuller lip.

3. Use Viva Glam V lipgloss, a beautiful shiny neutral shade, which looks great on everyone. The shine will amplify the appearance of fuller lips because it is light reflective. Don't be afraid to overdraw your lips - if done with the right products and shade, it will look totally natural.

Now you have a sexy full pouty mouth. Stand near the mistle toe and pucker up!

I use a version of this method for special occasions, it's great if you want your mouth to appear fuller for pictures or special events. I use Laura Gellar Lip Spackle (which is amazing and will make your lipstick last forever). If you don't have this or the MAC product, try covering your lips with a light coat of concealer first. I also use Viva Glam V pretty frequently, which is a great all-around flattering color on anyone. I fully intended to take my own pictures of my mouth today, but cannot find my camera uploader cord anywhere, so sorry about that! Hopefully I will find it when I clean the house tomorrow, so I can be up and running again soon. Have a wonderful night and enjoy those last-minute preparations!

xoxo

Nail Polish and Sangria

It may seem like an old coupling, but I thought I would combine these two for one fun post! First up is the nail polish...holding off my dusky lavender craving until I can get my hands on MAC's Light Affair, is Essie's St. Lucia Lilac. It's a muted and unique shade of purple with gray undertones. It's a very nice, fresh and light change of pace from the deeper, darker, sparkly purples usually seen around this time of year. The first coat was a bit streaky, but that is par for the course with most polishes. All in all, the second coat covered very nicely and I'm happy with the formula.

Now on to the merriment!!

Here is the recipe for my Sangria. My husband actually requests this and doesn't even like wine, so I am pretty sure it's a fool-proof recipe. I use a pitcher similar to the ones pictured on the right.

1. Quarter 2 oranges, 2 limes and 2 lemons (I also throw in some Granny Apple slices).

2. Squeeze juice from all of the fruits into bottom of pitcher, throw the rinds in after.

3. Pour in 2 bottles of wine. I use Little Penguin Shiraz or Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir.

4. Add in 3/4 cup Citrus Flavored Vodka. I use Absolut Citron.

5. Add in 3/4 cup Triple Sec.

6. Add in 1/2 cup Raspberry Flavored Liquor. I use Chambord.

7. Add in between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of Grenadine (depending how sweet you like it).

8. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and crushed cloves.

9. Whisk together vigorously.

10. To serve, pour into individual glasses. Shake each serving extremely vigorously in a cocktail shaker.

11. Top each individual glass with sprite.

And voila, that's the recipe for a happy party!

*Please note these measurements are approximations. I don't measure mine, I just pour until it feels right. Years as a bartender trained me to have a pretty good sense when it comes to meshing flavors. Feel free to change the recipe to your tastes.


I also picked up Essie's Jazz, a caramel-y Cafe Au Lait color and Chinchilly, a muted beige-y gray (thanks to my fabulous friend Ro for that suggestion!) Do you have any of these colors? What do you think about them? Tell me about your nail polish cravings lately! What colors/combos are you loving? Are you looking forward to the launch of any lines?