Author Archives: Angela

Radiant Fusion

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“A dazzling attention-getter” is how Pantone described its color of 2014, Radiant Orchid, in a December 5, 2013 press release. Each year Pantone, the experts who set the standards on color, announces a color of the year that influences fashion and beauty as well as home décor.  Radiant Orchid is a beautiful color that looks pretty on everyone.

You certainly don’t need to dress monochromatic Radiant Orchid from head to toe. You can easily incorporate the shade into your wardrobe by wearing a Radiant Orchid top or blazer with jeans. Or try wearing an accessory (shoes, jewelry, a purse, a scarf, or sunglasses) in a Radiant Orchid tone. Update your make-up by using a lipstick, tint, or eye shadow in the Radiant Orchid color palette.

Here is a board with a couple looks inspired by Radiant Orchid. One of my favorite pieces of clothing is a basic black pencil skirt, so naturally I first matched a Radiant Orchid colored top with the skirt. I then found the perfect dress and accessorized it with gorgeous jewelry from Henri Bendel and Alexis Bittar.

Looks inspired by Pantone's color of 2014 - Radiant Orchid

Looks inspired by Pantone’s color of 2014 – Radiant Orchid

Not only does Radiant Orchid work well with black, but it is also stunning paired with many colors. I chose some Pantone colors (below) that mix and match well with Radiant Orchid for spring. Even though Emerald was the Pantone color of 2013, it’s still a lovely shade to wear transitioning into spring. For example, Honeysuckle, Sand, and Radiant Orchid make a cute bright spring outfit.

This spring mix and match Radiant Orchid with these Pantone colors.

This spring mix and match Radiant Orchid with these Pantone colors.

Before you go shopping for everything Radiant Orchid, check your closet. You may be surprised how many pieces you already own that are this color or a very close hue. I found a few blouses and purses. One peplum shirt is radiant orchid on top and Dazzling Blue on the bottom part of the peplum.

Hope to see you all in this fabulous color of the year!

Dressing for Winter

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Just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion. Here is a stylish winter look made up of warm fabrics like leather and cashmere. Make sure your layers of clothes match in case you get warm and need to remove a sweater. Your finger tips and toes can quickly become cold in these chilly temperatures, so make sure to wear thick gloves (gloves with fur or faux-fur linings are a good idea), and a good pair of boots. I like the Tory Burch black boots shown below because of the wedge heel. You’re still wearing a heel, but can walk through snow – stylish and functional.  In these sub-zero temperatures, it is important to protect your eyes from the wind and sun so remember to wear your sunglasses.  A chic scarf is a must and should be large enough to wrap around your neck a couple times. Keep warm friends!

2014 winter look

Look well-dressed this winter by layering on leather and cashmere. Coat, sweaters, scarf, hat and gloves shown above are made of cashmere. Leather pants are a stylish way to keep warm.

L’Wren Scott brings her glam designs to Banana Republic

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If you have been to Banana Republic this holiday season, you’ve probably noticed the lip print artwork adorning the store’s walls and shelves. The pattern was created by fashion designer L’Wren Scott as one of the prints she produced for her collaboration with Banana Republic.

The Banana Republic L’Wren Scott Collection is a 50 piece limited collection of apparel and accessories, and is currently available in stores and online. Lace brocade, faux fur, and sequined panels are some of the textured fabrics used in this luxe collection.

There is everything from cocktail dresses to blouses to pencil skirts to tee shirts and even make-up bags. There are separates so you can mix and match most of the items. It’s high fashion at Banana Republic prices. Prices range from about $39.50 to $198. The purses are lovely. I especially like the Crackle Gemmed Clutches. 

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My new favorite dress – the Silver Sequin Wiggle Dress. It’s so glam!!

My favorite piece is the sparkly Silver Sequin Wiggle Dress (above). It’s easy to wear, looks flirty and is very glamorous. I wore the dress to a Christmas party and received tons of compliments. This dress is worth the buy at $165 because even though it’s very holiday, you can wear it year round. I know I’ll get use out of it and may even wear it for New Year’s.

Another item I purchased from the collection is The Peony Print Ruffle Blouse (below). At first I was concerned that all the ruffles would not look good on (that I would look too busty), but the chiffon blouse fit perfectly. I love the bold colors in the design.

The bright & feminine Peony Print Ruffle Blouse, from the Banana Republic L'Wren Scott Collection, is very versatile. Paired with a black pencil skirt & Banana Republic cuff bracelet. Also wearing blouse with Banana Republic red crepe Martin pant & red crepe blazer. #BRLWren

The bright & feminine Peony Print Ruffle Blouse, from the Banana Republic L’Wren Scott Collection, is very versatile. Paired with a black pencil skirt & Banana Republic cuff bracelet.
Also wearing blouse with Banana Republic red crepe Martin pant & red crepe blazer. #BRLWren

The only piece I do not recommend is the Peony Print Skinny Ankle Pant (shown in photo below.) It’s just too much print for me, and way too trendy. Also the pants are not flattering on someone with curves.

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The Lip Print Bow Blouse (in photo above) is so cute. It’s a white blouse with a lip print design in shades of red, wine and violet. The tie is detachable so you can wear with or without (or in your hair as a headband/hair tie). If you have a larger chest, this piece is not for you. I tried sizes zero and two, but the blouse just looked dumpy on me. If you are very very thin, the blouse will look great!

Each year I look forward to Banana Republic’s holiday designs, and this year did not disappoint.

 

Lash Bash hosting tips

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I recently had the opportunity to be a glambassador for Benefit Cosmetics. I was one of the winners chosen to host a Lash Bash for a few friends sponsored by Benefit Cosmetics and Ipsy after entering a photo contest on Instagram. Benefit Cosmetics was promoting They’re Real! Mascara. Benefit Cosmetics and Ipsy sent a box full of goodies for the party including: goodie bags, cocktail napkins, hostess gifts, They’re Real! mascaras, Benetint samples, and Sugarbomb lip glosses. Also included was a “check out my #realsies”  photo mask to Tweet and Instagram everyone’s lovely lashes.
I planned for the day by sending out a diva looking Evite. I prepped the goodie bags ahead of time and added an eyelash curler to each bag since the mascara was the main focus of the event.
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Décor – The color of the day was pink since it’s the color mainly used in Benefit’s artwork. I set up a make-up application station. The kitchen island was the best spot since guests could sit on a stool and easily test out their samples. I decorated the area with a mirror, floral placemat, pink votive candles, and a Join the REALvolution poster (design provided by Benefit Cosmetics). I incorporated the color pink on the tables by using pink candles and pink floral arrangements. I used gold as an accent color by decorating the tables with gold-colored table cloths and gold tissue paper in the goodie bags. I used pink tissue paper pom poms to decorate the doorway which provided for a perfect photo spot.
Glam it up – you’re the host so look the part! I wore a hot pink sleeveless sequin designed top with a black fringed skirt, black tights and black patent leather mary jane heels.
Marla, Lianne, Neda, and Sheri admiring the stunning look of their lashes while applying They're Real! mascara.

Marla, Lianne, Neda, and Sheri admiring the stunning look of their lashes while applying They’re Real! Mascara.

When each guest arrived, she received a pink Benefit Cosmetics goodie bag and was encouraged to test the make-up samples, especially the mascara at the make-up application station.

Look at those lashes - Jamie and Julie testing They’re Real! mascara by Benefit Cosmetics.

Look at those lashes – Jamie and Julie testing They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics.

Food & Drinks – Appetizers included spinach focaccia roll, hummus & pita chips, veggies & olives, and HRI Signature Salad. The main spirit was a diva inspired champagne cocktail made with X Rated Fusion Liqueur. Pour 1oz of X Rated Fusion Liqueur in a glass of champagne. The result is a tasty beautiful drink that was definitely a hit with the girls. I also served Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, bottled water, and San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water.
bottles and food
Serve colorful desserts – In keeping with the make-up theme, my Lash Bash treats included pink frosted cupcakes decorated with mini lipsticks and sprinkled sugar cookies. Hot-pink napkins were provided by Benefit Cosmetics.
cupcakes & cookies
Play a game – Benefit Cosmetics even supplied party game ideas and artwork for the Lash Bash. We played this purse search game and Neda, our winner, won with an impressive 55 points. She won a make-up bag and Benefit cream eye shadow. Our group enjoyed the purse search. Try playing this game at your next bachelorette party or wedding shower. It’s a riot what some of us have in our purses. Haha!!
game
Celebrate – Thanks to my beautiful friends who came to Lash Bash! Thank you to Benefit Cosmetics and Ipsy. It was great to take part in such a fun event.
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Perfect Skin from Head to Toe

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Healthy looking skin is possible to achieve. Vitagoods Spin for Perfect Skin -Enhanced Clean & Exfoliate System for only $39.99 at http://vitagoods.com/spin-for-perfect-skin. Enter code: SoPoised

Healthy looking skin is possible to achieve. Vitagoods Spin for Perfect Skin -Enhanced Clean & Exfoliate Brush System for only $39.99
at http://vitagoods.com/spin-for-perfect-skin.
Enter code: SoPoised

Until I discovered Vitagoods Spin for Perfect Skin, I was spending money on separate items to exfoliate. I realized there is no need to buy to separate tools, loofahs, and foot files to exfoliate different parts of your body. Vitagoods for Perfect Skin is all-inclusive. There are 4 attachments included in the package that can clean and exfoliate your entire body:

Gentle Facial Brush – seems to work best if you move along your face in circular movements. You can use any facial cleanser.

Exfoliating Facial Brush – use with an exfoliating scrub. I like using this brush attachment for the sides of my nose as I tend to have larger pores in those areas. The brush minimizes the size of the pores and reduces any oiliness.

Body Brush – which is nice and large. Like the facial brush, moving the body brush in circular movements across your skin provides the best results.

Pumice stone – give yourself an at home pedicure and remove any calluses from your feet.

Vitagoods Spin for Perfect Skin – Enhanced Clean & Exfoliate Brush System

Prior to using this product I was concerned that the facial brush would be too rough on my face because of my sensitive skin. However it is quite the opposite. The facial brush is very soft and soothing on your face; none of the brushes are super rough. I use Spin for Perfect Skin twice a day. I always wash my face at night before bed so the gentle facial brush combined with my face wash is great to remove make-up. Then I use the body brush in the shower with my favorite pink grapefruit Body Shop shower gel. I don’t think it’s necessary to use the exfoliating facial brush daily; perhaps once a week or every other week is sufficient.

Healthy looking skin is possible to achieve with Vitagoods Spin for Perfect Skin. You will notice your face and body looking radiant even after one week. Vitagoods Spin for Perfect Skin retails for $99. As a She’s So Poised reader, you can purchase the Vitagoods Spin for Perfect Skin -Enhanced Clean & Exfoliate Brush System for only $39.99 at                 http://vitagoods.com/spin-for-perfect-skin. (Includes free shipping.) Make sure to enter code: SoPoised in the discount code field on the checkout page.

Get radiant skin. Enter code: SoPoised and save 60%. Your cost is only $39.99 (regular price $99.) http://vitagoods.com/spin-for-perfect-skin

 

 

 

 

 

High-end retailers, unique boutiques and great deals at Chicagoland’s newest mall

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Fashion Outlets of Chicago - A new mall filled with high-end retailers selling designer clothing at discounted prices

Chicagoland suburban malls like Oakbrook Center and Woodfield Mall will need to step it up this holiday season by offering deals and incentives for shoppers in order to compete with the new Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Located in Rosemont, Illinois, this giant two-level outlet mall is filled with about 150 stores/boutiques. Many of these stores are high-end retailers selling designer labels at significant discounts. My mother and I checked out the Fashion Outlets last Thursday – opening day!

With the exception of Saks Fifth Avenue’s Off 5th store, most of the high-end retailers are located on the second level. The first level houses popular stores such as Forever 21 and Gap Outlet. Sports stores like Nike Factory Store and Under Armour are also on the first level as well as many children’s stores.

As my mother and I rode the escalator to the second level, we noticed numerous people standing in a line. Actually, there were series of lines and security guys at the head of each line. We couldn’t figure out what was going on – was the Starbucks kiosk in the middle of the crowd giving away free coffee? Was there some meet & greet with a celebrity? Oh no…these lines were to get into Gucci, Tory Burch, and Coach. According to mall employees we spoke to, the average wait for each line was over an hour. We chose not to waste our time waiting in lines and ventured to other stores. Prada was selling purses for 40% off, Herve Leger had a fabulous selection of dresses that were marked down, and Neiman Marcus Last Call offered racks and racks of clothing by a variety of luxury designers. Stores like Cole Haan had purses and shoes for up to 60% off.

Another high-end designer store where we shopped was Giorgio Armani. It was very exciting to see all these beautiful clothes marked 60% off. Like many of the other stores in this mall, the selection of discounted clothing and purses was vast. The store sells clothing for men, women and children. There were also cases of unique jewelry (shown in the photo below) marked 80% off.

Unique clothing & accessories at the Armani outlet store

We discovered a couple new retailers (at least we had never been to these stores). One was called PORTS 1961. It is a Canadian retailer that is new to the Chicago market. The designs and clothing fabrics were stunning; most of which are made in Italy. The other retailer is London based L.K. Bennett. The brand is not new to the market, but the outlet location is a first for the area. The clothing is very elegant and I love the patent leather shoes and purses.

I really liked the BCBG Max Azira store, and the prices were amazing! It was impressive as far as the amount of merchandise that was available in the store. There were all styles of dresses, skirts, tops, pants, blazers, and accessories. BCBG jewelry rarely goes on sale at the regular store, but this outlet store had tons of necklaces, bracelets and earrings marked down.

You can find great deals at the Banana Republic Factory Outlet. Most items for men and women were an extra percentage off the sale price. It’s a good place to stock up on basics like a pair jeans that cost $20, sundresses that were under $30, and tops that retailed for $10-$20.

I advise making a plan before you go to this mall as it is so massive. Print out a map of stores from the mall’s website www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com to get familiar with the space and where you want to shop so you can make the most of your time there. We spent over 4 hours at the mall and did not get to all the stores we wanted to visit – just have to go back soon!

10 Drug Store beauty items for under $10 I can’t live without

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Inexpensive beauty products that work as well or better than designer retail brands

There is something magical about walking into a cosmetic store like Sephora. It’s very exciting to imagine the endless possibilities of what you can create with all the bold make-up colors and products that catch your eye as you stroll through each aisle of shiny black and white décor. It is very easy to rack up a high bill at the make-up counter. There are numerous high-end beauty products I believe in spending money on, however there are some items you can find at your local drug store* for under $10. Here are some of my favorite beauty products I use nearly every day that are inexpensive and work just as well or better than the designer retail brands.

1. Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm – $1.69. I’ll admit I am addicted to Carmex lip balm. I’ve been using this product for nearly twenty years and I’ve never found another lip balm or lip gloss that soothes dry lips as well. I use it as a base under other lipsticks and glosses. I also make sure to apply before bed. It’s the one beauty product that is always in my purse.

 2. Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector/ Concealer –$6.49 vs. designer brand concealers like NARS’ concealer stick which retails for up to $23. After years of experimenting with various make-up brands, Maybelline’s concealer seems to be the best and does not irritate the skin like some other brands.

 3. Olay 4-in-1 daily facial cloths (Sensitive Skin) (box of 33 cloths) – $7.99 These cloths are great to use to remove eye make-up as well. I’ve been using them for years.

 4. Johnson’s Baby Oil (14oz) – $3.99 As we all know, there are countless moisturizers for all parts of your body that can range from being inexpensive to hundreds of dollars. Johnson’s Baby Oil is one of my favorite beauty products and is such a great value. I’ve used Johnson’s Baby Oil since I was a child. Baby oil is great to apply all over your body right after a shower when your skin is still damp as it helps to lock in moisture into your skin.

 5. Beauty cosmetic sponge wedges – pack of 32 – $3.49. vs. Sephora’s Sponge Wedge Wheel for that sells for $6.00 for only 6 wedges.

 6. False eye lashes (strip) – $4.99 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics eyelashes (strip) $16.00 – The drug store lashes look terrific on and are just as easy to apply as the M·A·C ones.

 7. Essie nail color/polish – $8.00 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics nail polish for $16 or designer brands like Dior that cost around $24 per bottle. I’ve tried all three and Essie is just as good as the designer nail polishes. Essie is used by many nail salons. Essie nail polish is available in an excellent selection colors and textures.

 8. Sunscreen – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sun Block Lotion – $9.99 vs. Clinique Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Body Cream $23. I like Neutrogena’s sunscreens because they are easy to apply as they are not greasy.

 9. Aloe Vera Gel – $5.99 Aloe Vera is a good option to use after a shower if you don’t have baby oil. There is something about this product that soothes the skin. It can also be used after being in the sun as it cools the skin. Other retail brands can cost up to $30 for basically the same thing (a moisturizer with Aloe Vera as a main ingredient).

10. Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream – Gel – $4.49 A reasonably priced styling product that actually works at holding in curls.

*Drug store prices are based on Walgreens.com 7/28/13

There’s Something About Watermelon

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There's something about watermelon...it's good for your skin.

One of the best treats of summer is the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. My favorite fruit is watermelon (which by the way is also a vegetable). There are many nutritional benefits to watermelon as it contains Vitamins A, B and C.  According to webmd.com, “Watermelon contains high concentrations of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases,” (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/fruit-of-the-month-watermelon)

In addition to being good for you, I believe watermelon possesses a beauty benefit for the skin. I’m convinced there is something in watermelon that keeps skin looking vibrant and youthful. I know it sounds crazy, but eating watermelon gives a quick boost to your complexion. Look in the mirror after eating a piece of watermelon and you will notice a certain glow to your face. Watermelon is about 92% water so it will also hydrate your skin.

When watermelon is in season, I eat at least two slices a day. I usually incorporate watermelon as part of my meal. At breakfast, it makes a great side to an egg-white omelette. It is also refreshing after a protein shake. If you don’t already, try adding watermelon to your diet on a regular basis. It’s delicious and good for your skin.