New necklace! So excited!

I am so excited about this fantastic new necklace that is on its way! 

Got it on ebay (craftyqueen)

Girls-Night-In: with the Vampire Diaries

The CW's Vampire Diaries is giving me a whole new excuse to look forward to Thursday nights!!! My girlfriends and I seem to have set up a trend of getting together (rotating houses) for good tv nights. This summer it was TrueBlood at Kelly's...and now that Fall tv has started, it is Thursday night with Vampire Diaries. Yes, my husband will occasionally walk through the room with an eye-roll

Look for Less: Sergio Rossi Peep Toe Platform

This has been a shoe week for me! But hey, I'm all for a good inspired look for less.

LOOK FOR LESS

Sergio Rossi Peep Toe Platform, $695

Steve Madden Lilyana Platform, $109

"One Shoe Can Change Your Life"-Cinderella

I'm convinced that Cinderella would wear these if the story took place in 2010!

 Ruthie Davis - SPIKE/ Dark Gaga, Black/Nickel, $1395

Onward to more shoe news.... Jenny McCarthy was on The Oprah Show Tuesday discussing her breakup with Jim Carey...#hearditallbefore.  I couldn't take my eyes off her shoes! I kept pausing trying to figure out where I'd seen them, and who was wearing them. Bada bing....saw them on June Ambrose Twitter page. I couldn't find a photo of Jenny wearing them, but you can watch a snippet of her on The Oprah Show here.

Miu Miu Studded Pumps, $875

Makeup Lesson: Winged Liner

Here are my tips and how-tos for getting this dramatic liner look (shown here on Lauren Conrad): 




Apply desired shadow to a eyelid. I think that light colors/or subtle shadows look best paired with dramatic liner(like a sheer wash of a shimmery champagne color across the lid). 
Use a gel or liquid liner (in black or brown-I usually go for brown as I am blonde/fair). Gel is easier to work

Holding U Down

I LOVE sequin clothes. One of my fave dresses is a vintage sequin mini. So when I saw Jazmine Sullivan's video for "Holding U Down" I almost ____________ (Insert whateva you feel)!

June Ambrose Limited Edition Sequins Harem Pants

June Ambrose styled Jazmine Sullivan for the video. If you don't know who June Ambrose is then you must be living under a freakin fashion rock boulder! Since Jazmine's pants are limited addition, you probably can't find them. But here are some that you can.....

J. Crew harem pants, Sold Out :(

J. Crew Sequin Pants, Net-a-Porter $200

Since I'm a sequin hoarder, I recently added another sequin piece to my closet!!!! 3.1 Phillip Lim sequin fold-over shorts! I got them for an uber steal at a Barney's Warehouse sale in NYC. Haven't worn them yet, but Maria Sharapova rocked them to an event in NYC, and serves as my inspiration......effortless chic!

If you like the sequin short look, here are some options.....

Charlotte Russe Sequin Shorts, $11.99 (on sale)

Diane von Furstenberg Dax Matte Sequin Shorts, $194.99

Gryphon Sequin Gym Short, $325

Update***** I wore my sequin shorts to my Christmas party and loved them!!

This is how I want to get my hair cut...should I do it?

Okay, so, I am thinking of cutting my uber-long hair...This is the style I am thinking of. But, I would need to grow out my bangs first, etc, etc...But, what a cute style! I actually had my hair cut pretty similar to this about 10 yrs ago (shorter in back and angles down to below shoulder length in front)...I don't know...just thought I would post it! Very chic! And, PS. Love her on"Mad Men"

NYX: Nude on Nude-Natural Look Kit

Its review time! While searching in vain at Ulta a few weeks ago for the infamous Urban Decay Naked Palette (which was, of course, out of stock...shocker), I came across a display of adorable little NYX palettes. Since I struck out on the UD Naked...I thought I would try the NYX Nude on Nude: Natural Look Kit because it has such a wide array of neutral shades plus 2 lip colors as well. Plus,

Fresh Paint Job: Essie Sew Psyched

This week I am wearing essie Sew Psyched. As of today the nail color has had ZERO effect of making my mood "sew psyched," and I still declare Merino Cool as my fave essie nail color. But Sew Psyched is a great gray-green color that compliments every skin tone. It's also a perfect transition into fall....bottom up!

Artificial light

Art Opening: Spruill Arts Center

Spruill Gallery:
Michael David Murphy and Margaret Fletcher

(source)

Do you ever find yourself at an event or outing thinking "I should do this sort of thing more often?". Feeling "in the moment" and knowing that it is a good moment? That is exactly how I felt at this art-opening last Thursday! Living in a large city, there is so much opportunity to explore art and culture. It felt very "The

Cargo Crazied

Since fashion is a big circle, I should have known I would be wearing cargo pants again. Thank the lawd cargos are more sophisticated, skinny, and sexy than before! I have a black (or maybe navy) pair, but I want to add a khaki and olive pair to my wardrobe.

Good news about this trend is that the price point works for every chicks purse. Here are a few options...

J Brand Houlihan $231

Forever 21 pull-on Cargo Jeggings $19.80

Charlotte Russe Skinny Zipped Pants $29.50

bebe Cotton Cargo Skinny Pant $119

Yummy Scent for Fall: Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods

Yes, i admit, I was initially drawn to the products because "twilight" is in it’s name, but it was the yummy woodsy-vanilla scent that got me in the end.
I got a Bath and Body Works (BBW) gift-card for my birthday this year. And, I admit, I hadn't been to a BBW in years. So, I was excited to check out all the "new” scents. Of course, they were having a fabulous sale (Buy 3

I Need U in My Life

I saw these in the October issue of InStyle magazine and almost __________ (insert whateva U feel)! I've been looking for an affordable pair that were printed pony-hair and had a high heel (these are 4 inches). These are perfect, and they won't break the piggy bank, considering I've seen some up to $700+! These are only $109, and you can get them here. I want to find a pair locally so that I can try them on...I'll keep you posted.

Stila Travel Palettes: Review

For some reason (probably because I am an incurable over-packer), I am always in search of the perfect travel-sized, all-in-one palette. I like the idea of being able to toss one or two palettes into my bag and having everything I might need for a long weekend away. These palettes fit the bill!

As a long-time fan of Stila, I am so excited that they are offering these "limited edition"

Sunscreens: My Picks for Ultra-Sensitive Skin

This is a topic you will see frequently on my blog, and a topic that I would love to get reader feedback on. I am ultra-pale with very sensitive skin that is normal-dry. My (facial) skin is "allergic" to chemical sunscreens and product fragrances. The main sunscreen ingredient that I have identified that I can *NOT* use on my face is Avobenzone (trade name Parsol 1789). It causes red/rash-like

Look for Less: Christian Siriano

First things 1st, Christian Siriano's 2011collection for Payless is going to shut it down down down (Drake voice)! Sick....These are the hottest shoes Payless has seen since Keds back in the summer of 86'!!!

 Now to the regularly scheduled program......I was shocked when I learned these were Christian Siriano for Payless!!! They look very similar to the Jimmy Choo for Hunter boots I blogged about last year! To bad the Siriano's croc are sold out on line.

Christian Siriano for Payless Storm Boot $49.99

Jimmy Choo Hunter Crocodile-print Wellington boots

Other items in the collection are hot and have a good price point, all under $60. Remember, only splurge on $h!t that matters (sorry mom)!!!

Product Review: Merino Cool

As I shared last week, I purchased essie's Fall Collection Cube that included 4 colors. I usually don't like things that are mini (that includes jewelry, money, men, purses, food- you get the hint); I tend to forget about them when they are that size LOL. But with nail color I beg to differ. If you love it, you can upgrade to the more appropriate size later.

This week I tried Merino Cool, which is a milky gray/lavender color, and I think I've found my new fave color.....

Artificial light

Sunlight

Can a hairbrush change your life? BrushLab review

So, can a hairbrush change your life? Probably not (I got your attention, right!); but, this brush sure will make drying and styling your hair easier and faster! After watching a glowing youtube review (thanks Michelle and Lisa), I had to try this out! In this case, the brush does live up to its hype!
This is the BrushLab Thermal Round Jumbo Hairbrush. I found my Jumbo brush at my local Ulta (

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Movie Trailer...

(Source)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Nov 19th...Are ya'll ready for this??? OMG!!! I just got total chills watching this! Seriously! While I am eagerly anticipating this release...it marks the "beginning of the end"...my fav book and movie series is drawing to a close. Best. series. ever. period. As you Harry Potter fans know, there are dark times ahead! Stay tuned...I am sure

Cheap Thrill: Essence Cosmetics (mini haul and review)

Looking for a "cheap thrill" makeup line? Check out Essence Cosmetics at your local Ulta store
I was soooo excited when I stumbled upon an Essence cosmetics display at my local Ulta a couple weeks ago. I believe this is a new line to Ulta (possibly within the past few months?). I am so excited that Essence is finally available in the USA!!!
Years ago a friend from makeupalley sent me some

Oka-b Shoes Review: Love them!!!

I am so excited to be reviewing Oka-b shoes! Here are the most recent additions to my growing Oka-b collection:

They are the Stephanie, the Malia, the Lucy, the Annie, and the Madison.
These are my absolute favorite everyday casual shoes. And, literally, I wear them everyday. While my workplace is professional, the attire is casual and flip-flops are allowed "if they look like you purchased

Upcoming book release: Torment by Lauren Kate

I am so excited about this upcoming book release. I am a self-proclaimed "dork" when it comes to supernatural fantasy fiction! I just can't seem to get enough of this genre. What can I say, I blame growing up on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (which is still, IMHO, the best vampire series! Although, I do *heart* Vampire Diaries -swoon for Stephan!, Twilight, and True Blood!). Okay, I digress...I read

#enoughsaid

I saw these yesterday at Uniquities Boutique in Raleigh.

On-Trend for Fall: "Greige" nails

So, while scoping through my pile of fashion magazine...I couldn't help but notice reference to the "Greige" nails for Fall (if you are wondering grey + beige =Greige). So, while swinging into Walgreen's a couple days ago, this polish caught my eye. Its Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Polish. I have never worn Rimmel polish before, but wanted to try just for the unique color (plus, I had a coupon,

The Clothing Swap: A big success!

Here are some photos of the swap setup (before the guests arrived)...and some photos of some of the items I scored...OMG! The swap was sooooo fun! There were about 12 ladies there total and we all left with some great "new" items. If you are thinking about having a swap yourself...you should do it! Clothing swaps are incredibly easy parties to plan/throw. If you would like some good swap party

Clothing swap!!!

I am so super excited!!! Two girlfriends and I are hosting a clothing swap today. Have you ever been to or heard of a clothing swap before? My friend Amanda (Buford Betty) inspired me as she hosts swaps at least once a year. The idea is that each guest brings at least 5 items of clothing (clean/dry cleaned clothing in good condition), shoes, or accessories. You set up your house like a "store"

Pledge Allegiance to The Swag

I've seen many photos of Amare Stoudemire at various fashions shows and events over the past week. I'll admit I had no clue what team he played for until I Googled it, but I did know he's been hitting the streets looking quite dapper. I mean, let's be real people, there ain't nothing like a well dress man.......

XOXO Gossip Girl

"Leave it to Blair Waldorf to know bitches don't just happen; they're made" xoxo, Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl headed to Paris for Season Four, which premiered last night.  Hands down, this show has the best fashion on TV! point blank PERIOD.

Here are a few of my favorite looks...Le Triangle d'Or (Golden Triangle) style.......