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Category Archives: Uncategorized
Valentine’s Day Style Inspo
Red is a bold powerful color that often symbolizes passion, love and energy. It’s one of my favorite colors to wear. Here are a couple red hot looks I created for Valentine’s Day. All of the items are available on Amazon and the links are highlighted.
The jumpsuit is by Black Halo and is very elegant. With three quarter length sleeves and cropped pant style, this jumpsuit can be worn year round for a variety of occasions. Accessorize with a double strand necklace such as the Swarovski Women’s Ginger Rose-gold finish Layered Pendant Necklace. The matching Swarovski bracelet complements the style of the look nicely.
The Black Halo Women’s Jackie O Belted Dress pictured above is one of Black Halo’s classic dresses and is always in style. The asymmetrical neckline makes the design both interesting and sophisticated. Rose gold accessories displayed are Kendra Scott. How cute are these Kendra Scott Sophee Heart Hoop Earrings! I love the look of a cuff bracelet, so I included the Kendra Scott Fallyn Cuff Bracelet.
The heart shaped purse is festive for Valentine’s Day. The bag can be worn two ways since the crossbody strap is removable. Classic glam make-up is always in style for Valentine’s Day. Here I showed a couple of my favorites: a retro red lipstick staple – Ruby Woo lipstick by MAC and classic black liquid eyeliner – Kat Von D tattoo liner in trooper.
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Celebrating the Big Game
Are you hosting a party to celebrate the Big Game this weekend? Here are a few party supply ideas to make your football-themed event super festive.
Game Day Table Runner – perfect for a main table or a buffet table.
Ceramic football stadium chip and dip serving set – This hand painted set would look fantastic placed on the table runner and filled with your favorite chips and dip. The football dish is removable so it’s easy to go refill your favorite dip or salsa when needed throughout your party.
Balloons – Everyone loves balloons and they are an easy way to add a little flair to your party. Tie them together with ribbons to display as one decoration or tie a few together and display throughout your party room. You can also tie the balloons to a decorative weight and use them as a centerpiece on your table.
Foam mini football stress balls – Treat your guests to a football themed party favor. Your guests will get a kick out of the favor and may even make use of them during the game. Enjoy!
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Feeling like a Khaleesi
“I’ve got a needle of my own.” It’s an eyeshadow brush designed to resemble Arya Stark’s sword Needle. It is one of two eyeshadow brushes sold in Urban Decay’s new Game of Thrones cosmetic line. The other brush is Jon Snow’s Longclaw sword complete with sparkly red eyes. The limited edition collection originally launched April 14, 2019 and seems to be successful as the line sold out on Urban Decay’s website within 24 hours. The eyeshadow brushes sold out in about 12 minutes. There are lipsticks named after Sansa, Cersei, Daenerys, and White Walker, a Mother of Dragons highlighter pallet, a lip & cheek stain called “Dracarys,” eyeliner gel pencils, and a colorful eyeshadow pallet.
This review will focus on the items I was able to buy online – the brushes and the eyeshadow pallet. The eyeshadow pallet arrived in packaging that resembles an actual book covered in Game of Thrones imagery. When you open the pallet, there is a large mirror on the left and a quote from Daenerys Targaryen on the right with map of Westeros and Essos in the background. Lift up the tab at the bottom and a pop-up throne appears – yes you get your own mini throne! On the right side of the package is another tab where the actual pallet is stored. There are twenty colors divided into four sections that are all GoT themed. Most shades are sparkly and metallic; there are three matte colors. I wish there were more mattes to combine and layer with the metallics.
Here are a few looks I created using the eyeshadows –
I used Urban Decay’s Primer Potion on my eyes as a base for all of these looks. I always put a matte shadow over my eye base so I used a pale pink of my own. Then I wet an eyeliner brush and used Weirwood Leaves as eyeliner. I left a line, but you can blend the color out too. Weirwood Leaves is a deep plum color and was easy to use. I used Stormborn and Bend the Knee in the creases and on the eyelids. Next, the shimmery pink Bay of Dragons as a highlighter under the brow line and a tiny bit of King’s Landing on the inner corners of the eyes. Finally, I blended Weirwood Leaves as liner on the bottom of my eyes.
To intensify that same look, I placed Lannister Red in the upper crease of the eyes. This isn’t a color I’d normally choose, but it looks great on and blends very well. I used the Longclaw brush to add House Lannister on the brow bone and placed Winterfell on the inner corners of my eyes. Winterfell looks like a deep dark gold thick pewter-ish shade. The eyeshadow is actually much lighter in consistency than it appears and looks beautiful when applied as a highlighter or layered over other shadows. Use a flat brush like Needle when applying Winterfell.
To create a fierce White Walker themed look, I used Take the Black as my liner and Frozen North all over my eye lids. It’s a strong beautiful peacock blue color, so to make the design a little less heavy and to open my eyes I added Free Folk in the inner corners (placed over Frozen North). These shadows layer well. I originally tried Hardhome as a highlighter over Frozen North, but it did not blend and of all the pallet shadows Hardhome is probably my least favorite. I completed the design with black liquid liner over Take the Black. You can make all these looks bolder by adding lashes.
using Urban Decay cosmetics
The entire Urban Decay Game of Thrones collection will be available online at Sephora and Ulta beginning April 29, 2019 and in stores May 2, 2019. It is trendy, but if you’re a Game of Thrones fan and love makeup I recommend checking out the items in the collection. The makeup colors are fun and the package design is really something!
Happy Holidays
Holiday dressing is about luxe fabrics, textures and of course sparkle! Velvet, a traditional holiday fabric, was prevalent in accessories and adornments during late summer/early fall. It continues to be fashionable for Holiday 2017; even more so than in previous years.
My new favorite holiday dress is the crushed velvet one below by Nanette Lepore. I love the bold color and the asymmetrical neckline. I styled the dress with statement earrings from Henri Bendel and L.K. Bennett brushed gold sandals.
Nanette Lepore crushed velvet dress
If you don’t feel like buying anything new this holiday season, take a look in your closet. You may be surprised what you find. I discovered this velvet shirt dress that I haven’t worn in years, but is so similar to a BCBG shirt dress that’s currently sold. It’s on trend, and now I have another dress option for this time of year.
A very Merry Christmas to you all and best wishes in 2018!
Latino Fashion Week’s spectacular closing night
Although Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015 recently ended, the fashions presented were “Timeless.” As stated on LatinoFashionWk.com, “the theme for LATINO FASHION WEEK®, “TIMELESS,” celebrates the ability to create fashion that is beautiful to the eyes, stimulating to the spirit and forever imprinted on the soul.” This year’s fashions did just that. The clothing and styles presented for men and women of all sizes throughout the week were amazing to see. I attended the closing night show and it was truly a moving experience.
I was impressed that the designers took the time to match music with their collections for this event. The music selections really added to the experience and feeling of the show. For example Adan Terriquez, a Mexican born designer, showcased his gowns while models glided down the runway to a passionate Mexican inspired tune. As you can see in the photo below, Terriquez creates colorful quinceañera dresses and beautiful dramatic evening gowns perfect for black-tie or red carpet events.
Collection by Adan Terriquez at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015
Ukrainian designer Roksolana Bogutska presented her bohemian chic fashions in the next segment of the show. This collection was beautiful and timeless. I especially liked her mix of textures and fabrics. She mixed velvet with silk prints on several long dresses and it totally worked. She presented many luxurious coats and vests detailed with fur and embroidered in rich colors.
Collection by Roksolana Bogutska at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015
The final designer of the night was Laura Santana from Ecuador. Her collection was filled with beautiful ready to wear dresses and jumpsuits in brilliant jewel tone colors. Like all of the designers, the details on the clothing were impressive. For example, she added ruffles along the shoulder to a couple of the jumpsuits. Other details included: beading, cut-outs, and one shoulder designs. Sananta’s dress and jumpsuits were tailored, fitted, and very feminine.
Collection by Laura Santana at Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015
I had the opportunity to walk the runway during Latino Fashion Week at the Sophisticates Luncheon. The event (along with all of the Latino Fashion Week Chicago shows) was held at Block 37 on State Street in Chicago. I modeled clothing from AKIRA: black jumpsuit, faux-leather jacket, and necklaces. In addition to AKIRA, models wore fashionable styles by e&e Aubé Designs and sophisticated lingerie/nightwear by Moi Soli.
Backstage at the Sophisticates Luncheon fashion show -Latino Fashion Week Chicago 2015
The great thing about Latino Fashion week is that both local and international designers are given the chance to showcase their designs. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of Latino Fashion Week Chicago. I can’t wait to see what designers and fashions the creators and staff of Latino Fashion Week will present in 2016.
L’Wren Scott brings her glam designs to Banana Republic
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
