• BEAUTY

    Makeup Tutorial // Contouring

    Shop My Look Here:

    Contouring brush set // Contour cream stick // Concealer stick // Blush stick // Powder blush // Powder contour // Powder highlighter // Beauty Sponge (make sure to use it damp) // Lashes // Lipstick // Sweater (old). Similar here // Earrings.

    Dear friends, I have been on the “contouring” trend for the past few years and am a big fan; what else can make you look like you just returned from a sun-kissed vacation in Rio, with the perfectly retrousse nose and having lost 10 lbs?! I know that a lot of people get put off by the garish and clown-like look of contouring, but when cleverly done and blended judiciously, it can give the face a beautifully sculpted look.

  • FASHION,  UNDER $100

    Fireworks // Sequin Coat Dress

    Shop My Look Here:

    Coat/Dress: Sequin floral coat dress // Earrings: Gold ball clip-on earrings (old from Zara). Similar here.

    Dear friends, I have always admired the elegant, bohemian luxury of designers like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. Both of their designs have withstood the vagaries of time and trends; pieces from their collections from decades ago can be worn today and still look current and classic. With their attention to design and use of opulent and luxurious fabrics comes a hefty price tag, though! When I saw this gorgeous coat (it can also be worn as a dress) at a new favorite store of mine (“Akira“), it reminded me of something that would be seen on the ramp at New York Fashion Week in either of their collections. I was even more excited when I saw that it was on sale for less than $100! The entire garment is encrusted in vibrant sequins in a design that reminds me of fireworks and it comes with a detachable belt that can be used to cinch the waist. I plan on wearing this as a dress to cocktail parties and as a topper over jeans and a blouse and knee high boots for dinner out with friends or to attend a concert. Check out the store’s website here. I really love its glamorous vibe!

  • FASHION,  UNDER $100,  WEEKLY SALES

    Weekly Sales & Deals // Feb 17-23

    Shop My Look Here:

    Sweater: Cable knit one shoulder sweater (mine is in the color “beige.”) It comes in 5 colors ($35) // Earrings: Light pink beaded earrings (old by Sachin & Babi). Similar here (only $32)

    Dear friends, I posted a photo of this sweater on Instagram a couple of weeks ago. Several of you have asked for a more detailed shot, so here you go! I had never ordered any clothing from Whosechic before, so I was a little leery when placing my online order for this sweater, a gold blazer and a lace top. Well, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised when all three items showed up looking as listed on the website! Shipping was a little slow (2 weeks), but I feel that this was a reasonable amount of time considering I availed free shipping and the pieces were shipped directly from China. I’ve just placed another order for a few more items. I’m sure they’ll be showing up on my blog soon! Enjoy shopping the sales this week. The detailed list is below:

  • FASHION,  UNDER $100

    Under $100 // Bonjour Neutrals!

    Shop My Look Here:

    Jacket: Cream blazer // Top: Harlequin high-collar blouse // Skirt: Gold sequin midi skirt // Hat: Leopard beret with pom pom (old). Similar here // Earrings: Chunky gold heart earrings.

    Dear Friends, neutrals definitely do not have to be boring! When you think of beige, taupe, camel and cream, you don’t have to think “ho hum.” I think the trick to making neutrals look vibrant and eye-catching is to mix textures and fabrics. You can see here that I’ve taken leopard, harlequin and sequin paillettes to create a neutral yet statement-making outfit. Although these elements may at first seem disparate, the soft neutral palette keeps them from looking garish or clown-like!

  • FASHION,  UNDER $100

    Under $100 // Leopard Luxe

    Shop My Look:

    Coat: Pink leopard coat (just sold out). Similar here // Top: Coral chiffon bow blouse // Headband: Mustard headband

    Dear friends, to me, leopard print has become a neutral! I wear it in the winter, fall, summer and spring and I proudly own and wear variations of the print, in wool, silk and cotton. It’s just one of those classic prints that has stood the test of time and looks great with casual wear and dressier looks. Check out some of my recent favorite leopard pieces below.

  • FASHION,  UNDER $100

    Red Alert! // Valentine’s Day Style

    Shop My Look Here:

    Coat: Faux fur heart print coat ($72) // Jacket: Red sequin blazer ($37) // Pants: Red sequin pants ($26)

    Valentine’s day is right around the corner and it’s a great time to pull out those scarlet outfits, apply your favorite cherry lipstick and kick up your ruby sequin heels! I have always felt that the provenance of an item of clothing should not determine its worth nor its utility in your arsenal of outfits. So, in that vein, I have featured some budget-friendly items here; they are all less than $50 except for the faux fur heart print coat (which is $72)! You can take existing, classic pieces in your closet and combine them with fun items like the ones in this post to create new, exciting looks! Happy shopping and Happy Valentine’s Day!

  • FASHION

    Charmed, I’m Sure // Statement Necklaces

    Shop My Look Here:

    Necklace: “Love Letter Charm Necklace” // Earrings: Chunky gold heart earrings // 2nd Necklace (4th photo, below): “The Showstopper Necklace // Sweater: Old (similar here).

    Dear friends, I love my statement jewelry! An artfully designed necklace or chunky pair of earrings can add flair and character to an otherwise simple outfit. Today, I’m featuring two necklaces by one of my favorite jewelry designers: “Brinker & Eliza.”

  • FASHION,  WEEKLY SALES

    Weekly Sales & Deals // Feb 3- 9

    Shop My Look Here:

    Jacket: Double breasted white blazer // Blouse: Sheer polka dot blouse // Earrings: Crystal pave hoops // Headband: Pearl headband.

    Dear friends, it’s a new week with new sales! You know I’m always on the lookout for a great deal. I love the beautifully tailored “Balmain” blazers, with their sleek lines that could cut glass! They are all the rage with celebrities and fashionistas these days. However, I’m not quite as fond of the steep price tag (over $2,000- gulp)! I’ve been on the hunt for a reasonable dupe for the designer find. I ended up unearthing this white double-breasted jacket with gold buttons online. I really like the clean silhouette of the piece and the gold hardware elevates the entire look. In fact, I’m so fond of the blazer that I ended up buying it in navy and black, too! It’s a perfect, classic wardrobe workhorse that can dress up jeans and a simple white blouse or a floral maxi dress with knee-high boots. The best thing is that it costs less than $100! Check out lots of other sales and deals in my weekly list (below). Happy (bargain) shopping!

  • FASHION,  UNDER $100

    Under $50 // Gem Show

    Shop My Look Here:

    Earrings: Crystal safety pin earrings // Top: Coral ruffled blouse // Necklace:(in photo below): Crystal heart necklace.

    Dear friends, I just wanted to let you know that one of my favorite purveyors of trendy and stylish costume jewelry, “Baublebar,” is having a flash sale (20% off) until tomorrow (Sunday) with the code: GIVEME20

    I have these unusual safety pin earrings and this crystal heart necklace and wear them often. Shop these and many other items here. You can view a collage of nine other pieces that I’ve been eyeing at the end of this post!