Bloomingdales Clinique GWP!

Huzzah! Clinique has the absolute best gifts with purchase. Their latest one from Bloomingdale's really tickles my fancy.

Just spend $25 and this gift is yours! Here's what you get:

Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips, 1.7 fl oz

Youth Surge Night Age Decelerating Night Moisturizer, 1.5 ml

Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Colour Compact including Colour Surge Eye Shadow in Frosted Blossom and Chocolate Chip, Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Iced Lotus

Lash Doubling Mascara in Black, .14 oz

Lash Building Primer, .08 oz

Milly for Clinique Lipstick Case

Milly for Clinique bag

The gift is a $75 value, so it's pretty amazing.  The products look great, but per usual it's the bag that got my attention!

Such a great deal! Hop on over to Bloomies (or their website) for this fabbity-fab GWP!

Portsmouth NH Spotlight: Paradiza Boutique

Paradiza is not just any boutique.  It prides itself on being a "unique boutique" and they do just that.

Upon walking into the shop, you're immediately welcomed by a plethora of amazing items (most of which you'd never see anywhere else).  You can easily spend hours wandering around the nooks and crannies of Paradiza without even realizing it! There's so much to see, and all of it is beautiful. 

Just to name a few of the items they've got is difficult since almost every single thing is as unique as the last!  That said, the shop carries gorgeous handbags from Turkey, Trollbeads, amazing soaps and lotions from around the world and Iron Fairies.  Oh, and oodles of cards from many different artists.  The thing that makes Paradiza special is that most of the products they sell are either locally made, or from somewhere magical.

The Iron Fairies the store sells are quite popular.  They're these adorable little fairies that just about fit in the palm of your hand and are very special.  Each one comes with a bottle of fairy dust, a poem from the fairy, a special miners pouch and a lovely tin.  They make great gifts, or are a perfect treat for yourself!

I was beyond excited when I found out that there is actually a fairy named Alana.  An Alana fairy?! I never see my name anywhere, so I knew this was one special fairy. She's got the most adorable poem in a scroll that comes with her:

Alana, I am called
in the garden I roam though
the sour grass, my home
the colors make all my senses soar
soft yellows and tranquil greens
swaying stems rolling like a wave
all around me
my ocean cave
blue skies and yellow towers
I look up to my bedroom flowers

 How cute is that?

Paradiza has teamed up with Sassy Fashionista to giveaway Alana, the Iron Fairy to one of my lucky readers!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "PARADIZA".  The giveaway ends 9/10 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies!

Disclosure: This post contains a product sent for giveaway consideration. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me. 

Clunky Sandals are Back for Fall!

I totally don't hate the fact that clunky clog-esque sandals are back. For starters, they're way easier to walk in than a tiny little stiletto. But I also just love the look.

These Jacey Clog Sandals by Fioni on Payless capture the look perfectly.  The shoes aren't simply ugly clogs or too clunky.  They're the perfect mix of everything and are totally gorgeous to boot!

These adorable sandals come in a few different colors: navy, black and brown.  They all look amazing and I def need to buy myself a pair!

The best thing of all is that the shoes are a mere $24.99, which on its own it great, but Payless is also running one of their amazing BOGO sales right now! So, if you buy any pair of shoes, you get the second pair half off. Not a bad deal, eh?

You're Never too Old for Barbie!

As I'm the ultimate fan of pink accessories, of course I frequent the Barbie online store quite often.

One of the new products they've got is this fabbity-fab clutch, the Stiletto Wristlet. I'm in love with the little heels that are all over the bag, and of course I especially love the pink one.

This is a great bag for anyone--Barbie lovers or not--since it isn't blatantly Barbie looking, or festooned with Barbie images all over it.

Each bag is $19.

Tiny Troubles

I'm always forgetting to throw emergency products into my handbag. I should know better, as I'm constantly running into trouble and end up having to search all over the place for clear nail polish (for my tights or leggings that run), nail files and tampons.

This adorable little Ms. & Mrs. Mini*mergency Survival Kit has everything us gals could possibly need in any given situation. Here's what's included:

• Hairspray
• Clear Nail Polish
• Nail Polish Remover
• Emery Board
• Lip Balm
• Earring Backs
• Clear Elastics
• Sewing Kit
• Double-Sided Tape
• Stain Remover
• Deodorant Towelette
• Pain Reliever
• Tampon
• Breath Freshener
• Dental Floss
• Adhesive Bandages 

It doesn't seem possible, but all of these items fit into a tiny bag that's only 3.5" x 1.75" x 2.5".  Everything is mini-sized and perfect for anytime you're in need of anything.  Keeping one of these in your handbag is a must.

Best part? Each kit is only $10. 

Perfect Handbag for Fall!

It's that time! Fall is just around the corner and we need to take a gander at some fall handbags.

This Tassel-Trim Sueded Hobo Bag from Newport News is perfect for transitioning from summer to fall. The soft gray color matches just about everything; personally I'd dress it up a bit by tyinga bright scarf onto the handle.  This gauze scarf from Old Navy would be perfect for the remainder of summer.

The bag is pleated with a zip close, a tassel ornament and double handles. it also includes one zipped pocket, a cell phone pocket and 2 inside dividers. The purse is 18x10x7", which is a great size for someone like me (since I basically live out of my purse).

Each bag is on sale for $39 (marked down from $49).

Just Because Jewelry...Because, Why Not?

Clearly I'm a fan of fabulous jewelry. I write about accessories more than anything else. Accessories are often the most important piece of any outfit. It's serious business.

Just Because Jewelry is a recent fave line of mine.  They're new to the scene, but the fresh, yet classic jewelry they create is super gorgeous and lovely.

Jamie Berwick, designer and owner of the brand, has a passion for baubles and took her hobby of making jewelry to the next level.  For me, it's so important that the designer actually loves what they do.  No one wants to buy jewelry from someone who just slaps a few beads together just for the money.  Just Because Jewelry is all about the love of jewelry itself--and passing the love along to others.  Why? Just because.

The great thing about her pieces is that they are very wearable, no matter what the occasion.  Some of her trinkets look fancy enough for a wedding, yet others are perfect for a night out with jeans and a cute top.  You can also have custom-made pieces--basically anything is possible with this flexible line.

Just Because Jewelry has teamed up with Sassy Fashionista to giveaway this gorgeous necklace and earring set:

Honestly, the picture does not do the pieces justice.  The beadwork is phenomenal and the entire look is classic.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "JUST BECAUSE JEWELRY".  The giveaway ends 9/3 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies!!!

Disclosure: This post contains a product sent for giveaway consideration. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Eyes Lips Face Sale! 50% Off Studio Products!

Oh ELF, how I love thee...

I'm fairly obsessed with the products themselves, as I've proclaimed in the past, but I'm also a huge fan of the ridiculous sales they're constantly having.  On their own, the products are amazing, as well as cheap.  Everything I've ever tried from the site (which is just about everything), I've found to be of the best quality and comparable to high-end brands.

Currently, all of ELF's Studio line products are 50% off.  Now, these are the real deal products.  Everything is super amazing so this deal is crazy.  All you've got to do is spend $20 or more, then enter in the code ESTUDHA when you checkout.

I promise, you won't be disappointed. The sale ends 8/30, so get to it, ladies!!

Cutest Brushes Ever!

How adorable is this Tokidoki Pittura Brush Set from Sephora?

I've probably got well over 30 brushes, but I simply couldn't pass these up.  They're almost too cute to use.  But actually, the brushes themselves are really well-made and work amazingly. 

The trio includes:
- Mozzarella Eyeshadow Brush
- Adios Amigos Crease Brush
- Donutella Angled Eyeliner Brush

The eyeliner brush is my particular fave.  It's so precise and allows for great control. Plus it's pink.


You can get yourself this cute little set for $35.

Beautiful Boutique Spotlight: Bobbles and Lace (and a GIVEAWAY!!!)

Working in the North End of Boston is both a blessing and a curse. On my walk to the subway, I pass the most adorable boutiques, each one simply amazing and unique.

Bobbles and Lace is my absolute fave boutique when it comes to jewelry and fashion.  When I first walked into the shop, I felt like I was in my own little (or huge, I should say) dressing room filled to the brim with trinkets and dresses galore.  My first visit probably lasted over an hour.  That might sound a little psychotic, but I quite honestly fell in love with the place and wanted to see every single thing they had to offer.  Since then, I've been in at least weekly for my "fix".

Mostly selling jewelry, Bobbles and Lace is filled with treasures that are constantly changing.  The same goes for the clothing, although I must say that the gems tend to lure me in the most. Every piece in the shop is extremely unique and reasonably priced (which is surprising for such a fabulous boutique, especially in Boston).  You can easily find a dazzling pair of earrings for $10 that look like they're well over $50. It's a great place to go if you need special occasion pieces or, if you're like me, adding to your ever growing jewelry collection!

The baubles they sell are of a wide variety of designs, ranging from classic pearls to trendy bib necklaces.  It's definitely a store for every woman. I can't say enough good things about this place. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Now comes the best part! Bobbles and Lace had been amazingly generous and has given me super pretty bib necklace for one of my lucky readers to win!  The picture is on the bottom left.

What I like about the piece is that though it is classified as a bib necklace, it isn't too thick for us small gals to wear.  The necklace would look fab on anyone.  The intricate bead work is so interesting and beautiful.  It's one of those pieces that, when worn, people will do a double take and inquire where you found such an amazing necklace.  Personally, I'd pair it with a black top and let the necklace take center stage.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "BOBBLES AND LACE".  The giveaway ends 8/26 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies!!!

The location I frequent (though there are three), is located on 26 Prince Street in Boston's North End.  To learn more about Bobbles and Lace, check out their website or facebook page.

Disclosure: This post contains a product sent for giveaway consideration. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

Monopoly That Won't Bore you to Tears

Ever since I was a kid, I loathed playing Monopoly.  The game always took forever and I'd get bored after about an hour...when there'd still be about four hours to go.

But now, there is an amazing version that actually tickles my fancy:  Monopoly, Sephora Edition.

Yes, it's true. I couldn't believe my own eyes when I saw it. Even though the game itself is mainly the same rule-wise, the fact that makeup and beauty take over the board makes this game way more interesting.

Here's the description: Sephora has teamed up with Monopoly to create a beauty-full edition of the classic game where you - GO TO JAIL for bad hair days, ADVANCE TO GO for winning a shopping spree, and pay for your products with Beauty Bucks. It's every beauty enthusiast's favorite pastime!
 
Buy, sell, and trade all the beauty-full products that make Sephora successful as you vie to own the Sephora empire. Stock your stores with beauty products and hire store directors and specialists, while ensuring that your store has all the essentials like water and electricity. Learn the basics of the beauty business from The Beauty Authority! 

How great does that sound? FINALLY! A game for us beauty lovers! Huzzah!

Fashion Faux Pas: Rainbow Man

Probably my favorite part of working in Boston is seeing ridiculous fashion.  It makes the commute from NH worthwhile.

I spotted this guy on my way to work and was simply flabbergasted. He was just hanging out by the water, getting some reading done...and wearing an entire rainbow ensemble!!

What?!! He doesn't seem to look like an entertainer (in fact, upon closer examination, his face looked quite business-y).  So, what's the deal? Was this "Rainbow Man" looking for attention? Or does he just dress this way for fun? Or, even worse, does he think he looks damn good?

If you want to wear anything rainbow-themed, go for a small accessory like this unisex ring from The Pyramid Collection.  Or, for the ladies who are tempted to go all out rainbow-style, why not try these adorable chandelier earrings from Fossil?

Otherwise, let's put the rainbow outfits in a bag and drop them off at Goodwill. Seriously.

America's Best Looking Cities

The fashion gods have spoken.  Here's a list of the top 10 best looking cities (meaning the people, not the city itself) in America.    


1. Miami, FL
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. New York City, NY
4. Chicago, Il
5. Salt Lake City, UT
6. Denver, CO
7. Knoxville, TN
8. Atlanta, GA
9. Boston, MA (should be #1, obviously!)
10. San Diego, CA

Interesting.  There are a few on the list that I would have never even thought of. I'm just super glad that Boston's on the list at all! of course, it should really be #1, but whatev! 

[Credit: Total Beauty]

Boston North End Spotlight: Sedurre

Since I work in the North End of Boston, I often find myself wandering around into the little shops in the area.  When I stumbled upon Sedurre, I immediately fell in love.

The shop itself is mainly lingerie, but there are also some adorable pieces of jewelry strewn about the room.  The lingerie itself is fabulous.  There is such a wide variety that there's something for everyone.  No matter what your body type, there is something that will make you look sexy, and feel comfortable at the same time.

Some of the lines Sedurre carries are: Cosa Bella, Dream Girls, Claire Pettibone, Only Hearts, Mary Green, Amulette, Bestsy Johnson and Badgley Mischka (just to name a few).  So it's easy to see how diverse the store really is.

The staff is incredible. Upon walking in, I was given attention galore.  Not in an annoying retail way, but in a helpful way that made me feel right at home.  Daria and Robyn are sisters who started the shop within the past year.  Though they're new-ish to the area, the place seems to feel as if it's always been there.

When you first walk into the shop, You can expect to be overwhelmed by what you see.  It took me a good hour to look at everything!  Here's a picture from the front of the store:

Things are tucked away and the place has almost a "dressing room" feel to it. What's not to love about that?!

Now for the exciting stuff.  Sedurre has been amazingly generous and teamed up with Sassy Fashionista for a lingerie giveaway!! I know, I know I practically jumped up and down when they showed me the piece they were willing to give away.  It's an adorable Badgley Mischka Babydoll Camisole with matching panties in a size medium. The piece stretches a bit so a size small or large could most likely wear it as well.  The best part? The set is a $136 value!! Here's a picture:

The picture honestly doesn't do the garment justice. The babydoll and panties are made of 100% silk and are sure to make any woman look sexy and confident, which is really the most important thing.

To enter, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "SEDURRE GIVEAWAY".  The giveaway ends 8/23 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies!!!


If you'd like to contact the shop directly, you can visit their website, send them an email or give them a call at (617) 720-4400.  Sedurre is located at 28 1/2 Prince Street in Boston's North End, so make sure to stop by and check out the ridiculously great items they've got. The store's hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat 12pm-9pm and Sun 12pm-6pm.

Honestly, after stopping in once, you'll be addicted to the place.  It's my new fave lingerie shop, and I hope it'll become a few of yours too!

Disclosure: This post contains a product sent for giveaway consideration. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.

New ULTA Gift With Purchase!

I cannot express how much I love GWPs. I know that they aren't "free", per se, yet I can't help but spend the dough necessary to get a fab gift with purchase.
Ulta's latest 15 Piece Makeup Set is one of those sets that I just have to have. All you've got to do is spend $17.50 on Ulta brand cosmetics, Ulta minerals, Ulta Beauty Tools, or Ulta Implements and the gift is yours! Spending $17.50 is crazily easy given the fact that the Ulta brand itself has amazing products. 

What's even better is that you get a choice!! Huzzah!  You can choose between the Green Goddess collection, or the Plum Pretty set.  Personally, I'm all for the plum hues, but both sets are gorgey.

From my experience, Ulta's products are always of the best quality.  I've tried their eye shadows dozens of times and have found them to be highly pigmented and easy to blend.  Same goes for their powders--they blend into your skin perfectly and look natural.  And of course I'm a fan of the lip gloss, as I'm a fan of practically any lip gloss ever invented!  Ulta's glosses are especially great though.  They aren't s ticky (which is my huge pet peeve) and the colors are great.  And how cute are the makeup bags?!

Oh and another fab deal: with each order, you receive 3 free samples of your choice! Each set is an $88 value, so it's really quite a deal.

Hop on over to Ulta.com and get in on this before they run out!

[Tip from My Gift With Purchase]

Ball Fringe Makes a Shocking Comeback

On a recent jaunt over to Old Navy, I was horrified to see that apparently, ball fringe has made a comeback.  Their Women's Printed Gauze Pom-Pom Scarves look an awful lot like my grandma's curtains. And I don't care how you word it--"pom-pom" is ball fringe.

Ball fringe is somewhat of a joke in my household.  My grandma (much as I love her), has always been quite the fan, and the first to offer up a ball-fringed goodie.

So immediately when I saw this monstrosity, I knew that I had to pick one up for her (not only because I found it hilarious that she is apparently right on trend, but because I knew she'd actually love it).

Here's a picture of her and I modeling the pink version (don't worry--I only wore one for the hilarity of it--I gave it to her sister):

So, although my grandma might be technically "right" about ball fringe, certainly doesn't mean I want anyone under the age of 60 wearing it. And Old Navy? What were you THINKING??!

That is all.

Crochet isn't Just for Your Grandma Anymore

I'm in love with these adorable earrings.  They've got a bit of a vintage feel to them, yet also manage to look a bit unique and modern. They are the ultimate chic little doilies for your ears (I never thought I'd use chic and doilies in the same sentence! Ever.)

Shop the Look's Crochet and Chain Earrings are perfect for nearly every occasion.  Personally, I'd wear them with anything from a cocktail dress to jeans and a t-shirt.  Earrings that are versatile like that should be a staple in everyone's jewelry boxes.  Having a pair of go-to earrings no matter the outing is the ultimate time-saver, and you end up looking amazing--rather than if you had gone for the plain studs you usually grab on the go.

These girly earrings are simply perfect. I want them. I need them in my life.

And guess what? Each pair is only $14! Eeeeeee!!! Sorry--just had a seizure of delight there.

Fashion Faux Pas: Silly Bandz

These stretchy, colorful bracelets have been all over the place. I honestly can't go anywhere (even the subway) without seeing Silly Bandz, or a knock-off version.

If you've been living under a rock and don't know what they are, Silly Bandz are basically like rubber bands that are in shapes.  They come in hearts, animals...you name it.  The idea is actually kinda cute. For kids.

The first problem I have is that grown adults seem to think that these bracelets (I use the term loosely) are trendy and wear them with their regular "trendy" outfits.  It's a bad look.

But there's a HUGE reason why I actually hate them. Let's just think about it for a sec: though the bracelets are shaped, when you actually put them on, the shape just looks like a poorly made plastic bracelet.  So what's the point of the shapes?! WHY DO THESE EXIST???

Here's what a Silly Bandz fan ends up with on their wrist:

That looks like crap to me. It reminds me of tangled up hair elastics.  The only thing the bands have going for them is that they're cheap as hell. You can get a pack for under $5. But if you're over the age of 6, please avoid them at all costs.  Actually, even the 6-year-olds should trade these in for normal plastic bracelets.

Here's the lesson: even if every store in the world is selling something stupid, that doesn't mean it's trendy, cool or even acceptable.

That is all.

These Boots Are Made For Walking--and They're on SALE!!!

I know that it's sad, but summer is almost over.  We can stretch out wearing flip flops until Labor Day or so, but after then it's time to say goodbye to them and pack them away till next summer.

This fall, boots are in.  As they are every year.  This time around, a worn, cowboy style is the shoe to wear.  Now, I'm not much for trends per se--I don't blindly follow them; I'm much more of a wear-what-looks-flattering gal.  But these Scrunched Mid-Calf Cowboy Boots from Newport News have me practically drooling.  How fabulous are they?!

The boots are also great to have as a transition piece from summer to fall.  For now, you can wear them with bare legs and a cute flirty dress.  Fall? Throw on leggings or tuck some skinny jeans into them.

Bonus: The thick heel means that there's more support and your chances of falling down are pretty low (except for me since I can fall wearing flats simply walking down the street and break bones constantly).

The adorable shoes are on sale for $39 (was $49).  Great price, great boots, and they're pretty much seasonless. It's a no-brainer.

Beauty Boo-Boo: Fly-Lashes

There's nothing I hate more than clumpy lashes...oh, except for eyelashes MADE FROM FLY LEGS!!! Yes, it's true.  The pictured "faux lashes" are none other than a collection of bug legs.

Take a moment to let that sink in.

How do you even come up with an idea like this?! I'm pretty sure it was meant to be an artistic expression, or something to that extent, but honestly gluing little insect legs to your lashline is neither artistic nor acceptable. Ever.

Flies on their own are gross. And I don't just mean "oh, ew it's a bug" gross.  I mean, that they land in feces, and are literally covered in filth. Which is a huge reason to avoid placing anything fly-related close to your eye (if you needed a reason).

Think of the effort that went into this.  First, this crazy woman had to run around and collect flies. Did she have a little basket and frolic through fields, picking up flies as she went along?  Or did she already have some sort of creepy collection of flies just around her apartment?

All I can think of is that song: Jeepers, creepers where’d ya get those peepers?
Jeepers, creepers where’d ya get those eyes?

[Tip: The Frisky]