holiday 2014: gift ideas for the fashion lover

for the fashion loving gals on your list, consider these fabulous gift ideas…

the blanket scarf is having a moment! any fashionista would love having multiple {because chances are she has one already}. you can find it in many patterns and price points {i just ordered this one on cyber monday, and it's still on sale!}.

a monogrammed necklace is timeless, personal and thoughtful.

a phone case with a playful image {can't go wrong with Kate Spade!}

to keep her organized, consider a new wallet  to house all of her important must-haves

and of course, i wouldn't be me if i didn't recommend some books. these three i recommend highly:

Fifty Dresses That Changed the World by Design Museum {the publisher has other list-centric reads to consider} includes images of dresses worn by Wallis Simpson, Jackie Kennedy, Twiggy and Cher and, of course, Princess Di. this fun volume shares fascinating appraisals of what gave the 50 most important garments their iconic status.

Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington, is the gorgeously insightful and overall enjoyable read that any fashion-loving reader would love. Grace is the creative director of american Vogue magazine and her influence is all over its pages. in the book she describes everything from her early career as a model to working with world-class photographers, fashion's best and most influential to her time at british Vogue and shares stories behind some of the most memorable photo shoots and editorials; of course, these's so much more! i listened to the audiobook {read by Grace herself} when it was first published back in 2012, and know it would be fab to have the hardcover.

Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion isn't a new title, but it has been updated with 90% new content, including info for our digital age. this book was sent to me, and it's an incredible resource! if you know your recipient is interested in any aspect of the fashion industry, from design to makeup to photography as well as hair, writing online, styling and PR, this book is fabulous. i've really enjoyed reading all the oodles of advice, features and great profiles of industry experts and the overall fact that it helps the reader to understand what each job requires.

what fashionable gifts are you planning to give this year? 

TeenVogue Handbook sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

beauty girl style: Ely wood watch by JORD

bonjour, beauties! hope yore having a gorgeous week…it's flying by for me…i can't believe it's already october ~ the holidays and gift-giving season will be here before we know it!

that said, i have a fabulous item you may want to consider when putting together your gift list. i mean, if you haven't started yet, you should be at least thinking about it…

if you read my previous post featuring JORD wood watches, you already know i was expecting the brand to send me the Ely watch to wear and experience for myself. you also know that i was curious about the style and material {wood} this brand uses for its watches.

well, i was certainly thrilled when my expectations were met regarding the quality. and i was even more thrilled when those expectations were exceeded!

this JORD Maple Ely wood watch is gorgeous and so elegant in its construction. i admit, i expected it to be heavier, but the fact that it's so lightweight doesn't mean it's not sturdy. i've been wearing it with everything. the maple color works so well with deep jewel tones and neutrals. it looks fabulous worn alone and, of course, dressed up with a bit of sparkle; i think this is not only a fabulous accessory to have in your own collection, but should also be considered for gift giving {have i mentioned the holidays are almost here?}.

so if you haven't already, visit woodwatches.com and be sure to check out their Instagram as well as their hashtag page to see how both men and women are rockin' the various JORD styles. also, let me know if you decide to purchase one {or if you already own one!}

this watch was sent to me by JORD for an honest review; i was not paid for my post; pics taken by me :)

beauty girl style: JORD Wood Watches

recently, i was contacted by an up and coming company named JORD. they create gorgeous and unique timepieces that are not only gorgeous in their design, but absolutely unique in their construction.

would you believe it if i told these watches are made from wood? be honest…

well i confess, i didn't.

or at least i had never considered the possibility. funny, because i own wood accessories, so why wouldn't i think it plausible that wood watches could also exist? the easiest answer is because my personal watch collection includes pieces made from metal, plastic and synthetic materials.

in any case, i thought you'd be interested to learn more about these ~ take a look at a few…

Ely Series in Maple

Fieldcrest Series in Black

Sully Series in Black & Maple

as i mentioned, i was contacted by the company and am excited to tell you that, after a fab conversation with the brand's marketing manager {yes, an actual phone call ~ how awesome is that?}, they will be sending me one of their wood watches. i'm looking forward for the opportunity to experience and share my {always} honest opinion about it with you. i chose to receive the Ely series in Maple, so as soon as i get it, i'll share via my Instagram. wearing and incorporating it into my daily life will follow and you can expect a full review in the coming weeks...

until then, i invite you to visit the JORD website and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.
stay tuned, beauties! 

images courtesy of JORD watches

mark. shares easy beauty plan for valentine's day

for this valentine's day, mark. {@markgirl} has shared an inspiring 4-step plan for all you beauties to help you look and feel amazing. whether you have plans for a romantic date, exciting girls night out {or in}, or a simple, quiet evening at home, these brand new beauty and fashion products are quite lovely…


take a look!

 step 1: 

so fresh and so clean!
smelling great means feeling great with mark.  bath, body, and fragrance products. i think the body butters are fabulous!

step 2:
create a flawless face.
most guys prefer a more natural look; highlight your own natural beauty with the right products. try the Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette to add a perfect touch of luminous shimmer to your skin.

step 3:
emergency touch-ups at-the-ready!
be prepared with touch-up concealer, a small compact mirror and lipstick, and fragrance pencils to keep you looking and smelling great.

step 4:
get dressed and out the door!
mark. has some fun, chic apparel and accessories for your Valentine's Day outfits. they're always on trend, and easy on the wallet.



visit meetmark.com for more ideas, inspiration and products to create your perfect valentine's day {or any other day for that matter} look!

info and images courtesy of mark.

my fall 2013 beauty and style haul!

over the past several weeks, i've been collecting some new goodies…

wanna see??

oh, just fyi, i created the collages kind of randomly {and not everything is pictured}, but i know you'll get the idea…

take a look…

first, i have to blame thank Emily {she's fabulous!} for my current Wet n Wild product obsession. and she may have also had some influence on some all of the e.l.f {blush/bronzer duos, lashes, brushes} purchases i've recently made….

most everything from wet n wild is fabulous, so pigmented and they apply gorgeously! 

i've collected all of the blush/bronzer contouring powders from e.l.f. as well as some of their lashes, makeup brushes {their $1 eye shadow and crease brushes from the Essential line and the Complexion and Small Stippling brushes from the Studio line}; also added to my makeup collection: a couple of wet n wild palettes, blushes and liners…

sweet, cozy scents are essential this time of year. so, of course, the fact that i've bought some new candles should be no surprise. i'm sure you've already made at least one purchase from Bath and Body Works yourself! in addition to pocketbac hand sanitizers {must-haves when on-the-go and/or you have kids}, i chose the candle flavors Leaves, Marshmallow Fireside, Frosted Cranberry and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. other candles i've purchased {a great wallet-friendly option, but just as happy-making and fabulous} came from Glade  {Apple Cinnamon Cheer, Fall Hayride, Sweet Holiday Treat and Ginger Bread Jingle} they're small, but big on yummy fragrance, and shouldn't be passed up if you see them!

other lovely fall beauty purchases:

e.l.f eyelid primer {i'm testing it out to compare to higher-priced primers; look out for that review soon!}; Cover Girl's classic Super Thick mascara {fab for volume that's not too over-the-top}; Maybelline nail polish in Impeccable Greys, a great deep gray shade; Chi and Rusk hair treatment minis i bought from Cosmoprof;

OPI polishes: Every Month is Oktoberfest {from last fall's Germany collection}; Miami Beet, a gorgeous beet-purple that was released way back in 2009 and i somehow never bought until now. and from Mariah Carey's holiday 2013 collection: All Sparkly and Gold, self-explanatory, and Warm Me Up, a shimmery brown-grey, i also bought these at Cosmoprof.

two pretty holders for the candles from Bath & Body Works, above, and two from Target that i decided to use as containers for other things ~ you can see one with some makeup brushes in the pic, below...

also hauled hair treats...nail polishes...lashes…accessories…you know, just the usual…

i have to blame YouTube beauty videos again for my lash purchase, ha! but really, it's been so long since i've used them. i'm so looking forward to throwing them into the mix and dressing up my look this season! the Sally Hansen nail polishes {pictured top right} came as a set found at Target. and i'm so late to the party, but i just started using Jordana Best Lash Extreme mascara…have you tried it?? it's fab! i can't wait to try more products from the brand.

love my little owl earrings and this ceramic Sweet Dove container, both from Forever 21…

in the style category, i've bought a couple of scarves, more than a few pair of earrings, some rings and necklaces; a hat…

these skinny jeans {love the zipper at the back of the ankle!} and flowy top from Target…

 
two Mossimo jackets {discovered on the 50% clearance rack ~ yay! ~ from Target}...

 a couple of casual tops from H&M...

 as well as other pieces from various shops. i'll have to share those on another post...

this isn't too much, is it?? in my defense, it wasn't all one big purchase. it started in september…maybe august…

and finally, i just have to share, this tea called Matcha Maker from Good Earth. i already love their Sweet and Spicy teas, so i was incredibly happy to find it! it's an amazing, sweet blend of green and matcha teas infused with orange, ginger and other warm, citrusy goodness…so yummy!

:)

tell me: what have you hauled for yourself this fall…so far?
please share in the comments ~ i'd love to know!!

all items shown were purchased by me; pics taken by me :)

beauty must-haves for all your summer festivities

whether you're planning a trip to Lollapalooza this weekend or just planning a weekend full of fun in the sun, consider these essentials from my go-to beauty place, Target, and the fab nail lacquer brand, Orly, to create a standout, summer look...

for a glam, boho-inspired hair look, dress your tresses with Goody Double Wear Headwraps.

  NP Set Calming Pre-Foundation Primer has a redness-minimizing green tint and is enriched with skin-soothing aloe and cucumber extracts to soothe sun-drenched skin.

for quick touch-ups between music sets, the portable NP Set Day to Night Palette features 8 shadows and 2 blushes ~ everything you'll need to keep your look on point, all day and into the night. finish your look with NP Set Lip Balm with Benefits to add a pop of color and keep lips moisturized.

add a subtle, pretty, no-smudge shimmer to those peepers with Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pens. 

your nails should look hot, too! turn up the heat with ORLY Choreographed Chaos. not in the mood for pink? give yourself a cheerful yellow mani that shimmers in the summer sun with ORLY Melodious Utopia. 

 never forget the sunscreen ~ award-winning up & up Sport Spray SPF 30 is essential for long-lasting sun protection; use biodegradable Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes to help you freshen up anytime, anywhere.


visit target.com and orlybeauty.com for more info.

no matter what your plans, have a gorgeous weekend, beauties!!

info and images courtesy of featured brand's pr

Total Beauty: phone cases for beauty lovers

if you love fabulous accessories and own a smartphone, it's definitely a good idea to dress it up with a stylish case! if you love beauty products, these suggestions from Total Beauty are certainly worth checking out...

6 Best Phone Cases for the Beauty-Obsessed

Show off your cult-classic beauty taste with your smartphone

This is a TotalBeauty.com nails article Since cell phones might as well be glued to our hands, think of your case as a permanent accessory. While it's easy to swap out your rings or bracelets, a smartphone case is something you need to pair with every outfit -- like a classic pair of black stilettos or your go-to ballet flats. You want it to be chic and streamlined, but also original. And if you're the beauty-obsessed type like I am, you'll love these sleek cases that feature a pretty lipstick or a classic mirror. See phone cases

tell me: which one is your favorite?

The New Classic Accessory: Nude Shoes

i have been obsessed with nudes. now before you go there, i'm talking about the color. especially when it comes to my bags and shoes. nude was once "the hottest trend", but in my opinion is now a new "classic". nude shoes really makes sense: they go with anything and everything!

to me, nude refers to different tones, not just one color. when i think of the term, it ranges from a sandy beige to a deep cocoa-- think skintones.




if you pay attention to footwear on the red carpet, you'll notice that most actresses wear nude shoes because it makes legs appear to be longer. there is no break between the leg and shoes if the color matches your skin. nude shoes also offer us gals the reliability of always having the "right shoe" rather than having to hunt down the perfect shoe to go with that new ensemble.




of course, that doesn't mean we have to stop buying those fun, colorful shoes...

here are some examples (getting as close to your own skintone is best, but even if you're off a bit, it will still look chic):


xo