Sassy Fashionista

"Like" Sassy Fashionista on Facebook!

2012-01-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

I've had my facebook page for a while, buuut I thought it'd be fun to remind all my lovely readers that it's there waiting for you! It's a great way to instantly see my latest updates, AND I'm also thinking of doing some "facebook fan only" giveaways in the near future.

So what are you waiting for?! Click here, here or even here to "like" Sassy Fashionista on facebook! You know you want to!

Smooches!

Coasters That Say it Like it is!

2012-01-29T11:23:00.000-05:00

I have a weird obsession with coasters in general. I love finding them in flea markets, or even at my good ol' friend, Goodwill! Even though I'm not really used to spending more than 30 cents on a stack of coasters, I'm absolutely in love with these Douchebag Indelicate Doily Coasters from Knock Knock.

Umm...what an awesome way to force people to use coasters in your home! Plus, the faux doily look is super appealing to me.

Currently the site is out of stock until April...I know, very disappointing. You can have the site automatically notify you when they're back in stock.

OR take advantage of my crazily awesome search skills and buy them right now, ON SALE on Amazon.com! You can get a pack of eight coasters with assorted sassy sayings for about $8!

They are AMAZING!!

Huzzah for having a clean and fabulous home!

How To: Ombré Nails

2012-01-27T15:05:00.001-05:00

Ombré nails are an easy way to spice up your nails without too much effort. You literally just dab and go! I was taught this effect by the lovely Glossy Gurl. Once I tried it out for myself, I became obsessed! I tried out tons of colors, but so far, blue hues create my fave look by far.

To create this look, it took me about 45 minutes. It's the perfect thing to do while watching a movie, or even when you're just bored and want to try something new. The end result is gorgey and looks like you had your nails professionally done at an expensive salon!

What you need:

a base coat (I used OPI's Ridge Filler.)
at least three polish shades varying from light to dark (I used Essie's Coat Azure, Mezmerized, and Sally Hansen's Navy Baby.)
a shimmery polish (I went with Essie's Pure Pearlification.)
a top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat is fabulous!)
a makeup wedge

Once you have everything set up, you can start creating this amazing look!

The first thing you want to do is apply your base coat. The ridge filler is great because it creates a smooth base for the design. Next, paint the entire nail bed with the lightest polish shade.

Once that's dry, take the medium hue and paint it onto the smallest edge of the makeup sponge (the little end). Take the sponge and stipple it onto your nails, covering the top half of your nail. You basically want to dab the sponge in order for it to look blended. Even after the color stops coming off of the sponge, keep dabbing for maximum blending.

Next, take the darkest shade and do the same thing, only to the tip of the nail. Use the side of the makeup wedge to paint the color onto.

Once the nail looks blended, apply the shimmery polish. This makes the colors look even more blended and beautiful. Also, how can you go wrong with a little shimmer?!

Finally, apply a thick layer of the top coat to seal everything in.

Personally, I had to try this a few times before I got the hang of it. You can try it with even more colors to intensify the ombré effect.

I love love love the result! Try it out for yourself--I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is!

AMAZING Valentine's Day Collection from ELF for $2!

2012-01-24T13:51:00.000-05:00

Eyes Lips Face (ELF) is one of my fave makeup brands. The products are crazily cheap and the quality is top notch.That's pretty rare in the makeup world.

Right now, ELF has a crazy sale going on in honor of Valentine's Day. Their adorable Sweetheart Collection is only $2, with any $20 order. Really. A whole collection. I almost passed out from sheer delight.

The collection itself is fabulous. It's full of great makeup products for the season and comes in a super cute bag (which is always my biggest weakness)!

Here's what's included:

Studio 32-Piece Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Cool
Essential Eyelid Primer in Champagne
Mineral All-Over Eyeshadow Brush
Studio Shimmer Palette
Studio Glossy Gloss in Pink Candy
Essential Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Ruby Slipper
Essential Nail Polish in Fair Pink and Medium Red
Dump Storage Bag

The set is usually $30, which I would gladly pay for such a pretty set of makeup. All you have to do is spend $20 on the site, and you get it for $2. That's a HUGE savings! It's like getting tons of makeup for free!! LOVE it!

Need some ideas on what to buy? Check out their new Shimmer Sheets and stock up on some new brushes!

Once you have $20 in your cart, enter the code SWEET to get the deal. This is only going on until 1/30, so get this fab set now, ladies!!

Fashion Faux Pas: the [Not So] Trendy Top

2012-01-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

I'm so sick of the ridiculous products I keep seeing on TV. My hatred for the Trendy Top is probably similar to my hatred of Crocs. That says a lot, as Crocs basically make me want to vomit all over the place.

First of all, any piece of clothing that has the word "trendy" in its name simply isn't trendy. When something is actually trendy, it isn't advertised in the name itself! FYI: calling something trendy does not legally make it trendy.

I'm also bothered by the fact that this product is called a top. It's literally a band of fabric that goes around your waist. Last time I checked, a top is a shirt (which is confirmed by Thesaurus.com). A shirt is defined as: a long- or short-sleeved garment for the upper part of the body. The Trendy Top does not fit that description. At all.

Soooo it's not trendy and it's not a top... Basically this product is just a huge, fat lie!!

Now beyond that, the whole idea of the Trendy Top bothers me. I get the concept. You can wear it under another shirt to avoid the horrible embarrassment of showing some skin between your shirt and your pants. But guess what?? You can wear a cute cami or tank top instead!! AND you don't have to worry about it moving around or falling off your hips since it's an actual shirt!

Another point? The fact that you can order these at the low price of $10 (for four "tops") shows me that it is not a quality product.

Wear a god damn tank top under your tee if you're so worried about unwanted skin popping out!!

That is all.

Glossy Gurl Giveaway!!!

2012-01-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

One of my absolute fave beauty blogs, Glossy Gurl, is having a fantastic giveaway that I just had to share with you ladies!

First of all, the site itself is super adorable and is chock-full of reviews, tutorials and fun beauty loveliness. It's definitely worth checking out.

If you need an actual reason to go, I've got the inside scoop on the site's latest giveaway. It's an early Valentine's Day set, perfect to get you in the mood for some lovin'.

Here's what's included:

NYC Big Red Apple Creme polish
Mini Dove revive pomegranate and lemon verbana body mist
Revlon lip butter in Red Velvet (sooo pretty!)
Mini Softsoap Juicy Pomegranate and Mango Infusion body wash
Fabulously cute makeup bag

All of the products are really great to have. The red products included are perfect for the season and look perfect on nearly all skinetones. And the makeup bag is, of course, phenomenal. You know me--if there's a cute bag involved, I'm in!

Check out the post for details on how to enter. All entries must be in by February 1st, so get to it!

Get Your Glow on Year-Round!

2012-01-20T09:00:00.049-05:00

I'm crazily pale. Like see-through white. In the summer, I sometimes tan, but usually I end up just getting tons of freckles and turning beet red. Not fun! That's why I really love St. Tropez. The products they offer are amazing and you don't need to bake in the sun to look bronze and fabulous!

My skin has severely pink undertones, so usually when I use any type of self-tanner, my skin ends up looking bright orange and hideous. But the St. Tropez products really cater to that and leave all skintones with a goegey bronze hue.

I am love love loving their Skin Illuminators. They're perfect for wintertime, if you don't want to go full-on bronze, but still want your skin to glow. The Gold Illuminator, as it really packs in the shimmer and delivers a glowy look that is perfect no matter what the season is.

Currently, the brand is selling this fabulous Golden Glow Kit at Sephora for a limited time.

The set includes:

4 oz Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
1.67 oz Gold Skin Illuminator
One Application mitt

I can tell you from my own experiences that the products are amazing! This kit is just the thing to keep your skin glowing, even though it's totally freezing outside. You can buy your own set for $35, which is awesome since it's actually a $59 value!

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

Luxury Lust: MAC Jeanius Eyeshadow

2012-01-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

Even though I'm all about finding deals and cheap ways to look fabulous, there are some pricey products that even I can't resist!

This is totally the case with MAC's Jeanius Eyeshadow. It comes in four colors that replicate different denim hues. My fave is Motorhead; the color is just like my fave pair of jeans. The color is bright, but it's really worth trying out because it surprisingly goes with most outfits (especially if you're wearing denim).

Now logically I know that this adorably-crafted shadow won't hold its shape forever. After a few uses, it won't even resemble a piece of denim. So in all honesty, this might be one purchase that is bought merely to have in my collection just for show. But there's nothing wrong with that, right?!

Each shadow is about $20 and is part of a limited edition collection, so if you want it, get it now!

Dr. Carlo's Corner: Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures

2012-01-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Dr. Carlo Honrado, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Hello all! Alana was kind enough to ask me to stop by and give you a quick primer on something just a bit different: some of the latest minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Mind you, this isn’t a post about face lifts or anything of the sort – these are a few quick things you can get done in an afternoon if you’re looking for a quick “refresher” that falls somewhere between daily makeup and a permanent procedure. Hope it helps!

Fillers
No, this doesn’t refer to the things we say when we’re beating around the bush. Cosmetic fillers include things like
Juvederm ™, Restylane®, and Botox® – you know, those blockbuster quick fixes you see all over makeover shows. Want to know how to tell them apart?

Juvederm ™ is great for adding fullness to your cheeks, forehead and eyes
Restylane® is usually preferred for the lips because of its organic softness
Botox®, of course, is the granddaddy of the crew, widely used as a gentle muscle relaxer to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Ultherapy
And then there is a new kid in town: Ultherapy®. This brand new approach uses ultrasound waves to stimulate the growth of your face’s natural collagen, creating a younger appearance that lasts about six months. All you feel is warmth, and then you’re done.

Quick, Cheap, Safe
The benefit of these minimally invasive cosmetic procedures is that they go fast, heal quickly, cost less, and last for quite a while. Plus you don’t get that dreaded “operated-on” look.

Feel free to drop by my blog for a more detailed look at these and other cutting-edge facial cosmetic procedures. I am always happy to answer any questions!

Dr. Carlo Honrado is a board-certified Los Angeles facial cosmetic surgeon.

Pretty Winter Hands

2012-01-16T09:00:00.006-05:00

Eeeee!! I am head over heels in love with this adorable Juicy Couture Nail Polish & Hand Warmer Set.

This amazing set combines two of my absolute fave brands--Juicy Couture (of course) and Deborah Lippman (best nail polish ever!)

Let's start with the hand warmers. Of course I'm a huge fan of the blingin' bow detail. It dresses up the hand warmer, so it's acceptable to wear with any outfit.

The nail polish that comes in the set is fab as well. Not only is the bottle blinged out, the shade is a super shimmery gold! LOVE it!

The set also comes in black, which is equally gorge--I have no idea which I like more! Each set is $44.90 (marked down from about $70). A little pricey, but just think of it as a post-Christmas gift for yourself!

Lip Balm Made Better

2012-01-15T09:00:00.010-05:00

Wintertime for me means crazily chapped lips. There are a bunch of lip balms out there, but the ones that actually work are never cute. So I was super excited when I found Maybelline's Baby Lips Lip Balm.

First of all, I love love love the packaging. I know I shouldn't judge a product based on what it looks like, but I simply can't help it. The bright colors are adorable and made me want to try each one. And that's exactly what I did.

The balm works fabulously. My lips felt really soft after the first use, and after I had been using the balm for a week or so, my lips felt even better.

Here's what the balm boasts:

Visibly renewed lips and 8-hr hydration
Exclusive lip renew formula with SPF 20
Protects and moisturizes lips for a full 8 hours
After 4 weeks, lips are visibly renewed and reborn

It also comes in six different shades. The clear version is nice, but personally I prefer the tinted ones. Cherry Me is a red tint. It's super sheer and adds the perfect amount of color while it heals your lips. Pink Punch is gorgey too.

You can find the lip balm at most pharmacies and beauty stores for under $4.

Get the Look for Less: Shimmery Champagne Eyeshadow

2012-01-14T09:00:00.065-05:00

Almost everyday, my makeup routine includes applying a shimmery champagne-hued eyeshadow. I use it as a base, as well as on the inner corners of my eyes to make them look wider and more awake. It's a fabulous technique that I've been using for years.

The problem is, to get the desired effect, you need an eyeshadow that is highly pigmented (meaning that you can use a tiny bit of it to get a full burst of color). Most drugstore shadows simply aren't of the best quality and the pigmentation isn't there. It's also tough to find something cheap that is packed with shimmer. And we all know how obsessed with shimmer I am!

Until now, I've been using Stila's eyeshadow in Kitten. It's around $20, but works amazingly. I've never had a problem shelling out the money since it lasts basically forever and looks so gorge.

The other day, I saw L'Oreal's Infallible Eyeshadow. They have a color called Iced Latte that is almost identical to Stila's Kitten. I tried it out and the pigmentation is great--AND it's packed with shimmer! It's practically the same product! The only difference? You can get it for $7.99.

I was pretty shocked at the sheer awesomeness of this. I think I'm going to try out a few other colors for fun. That said, I'm pretty sure that I'm completely switching over from Stila to L'Oreal, at least for this product!!

Super Cute Top You Can Wear Now and Later!

2012-01-13T09:00:00.006-05:00

Once the holidays are over, I'm totally ready for spring. I don't buy any new sweaters, mittens or huge cozy scarves because I like to pretend that springtime is almost here.

On that note, I love looking for fabulous tops that have a spring-ish feel to them when I get the winter blues. This Embellished Push-up Bra Top from Victoria's Secret is perfect for that. It'll look amazing when the weather warms up, but in the meantime wearing it with a cute black cardigan makes it winter appropriate.

The color of the top is also a good hue to wear year-round. Burgundy looks amazing on almost every skintone, and works for all seasons. The embellishment is great too because you can dress it up or down. Pairing the top with a pair of well-worn jeans is a great casual look, while wearing it with a black pencil skirt and your highest heels dresses it up for any occasion.

I actually just bought this top for myself (eeeee!!) because it's currently on sale. I mean really on sale. Originally, it was about $60. Now, you can grab it for under $20.

Exciting, no?

Beauty Boo-Boo: Nail Polish for Dudes

2012-01-12T09:00:00.079-05:00

It's finally happened. There is now a line of nail polish that is specifically geared towards men. Needless to say, I'm absolutely horrified.

Alpha Nail (clever name, eh?) claims that wearing the manly polish will attract women and make men look super macho. There are oodles of ads showing buff guys with gorgeous models draped all over them. This is ridiculous!! If I ever saw a guy wearing nail polish, I would most likely punch them in the face, or issue them a hefty Fashion Citation.

To make the polish sound as masculine as possible, each color has a super manly name. A few of the best ones? Gasoline, Burnin' Rubber, and my personal favorite Cocaine (yes, it is a white hue).

The site claims that the polish is ideal for use in the ring, the pool, and the club. REALLY??!!? Are you kidding me?? I'm pretty sure that if a guy wore nail polish to a club, he'd have a horrible time. Not only would it freak out the girls, guys would probably kick his ass too.

Here's an example of a beefcake wearing a baby blue shade "in the ring":

Not really a good look.

I will say that the pen-esque tube does make application a breeze. It works very similarly to Nicole by OPI Nic's Sticks. That's pretty much the only good quality the product has.

If for some reason you feel the need to try the polish out on your main squeeze, you can pick up a tube for about $10. That's right. It's more expensive than almost every single other nail polish out there. But hey, if you're going to paint your guy's nails, you might as well go all the way, right?

Beauty Routine Time Savers

2012-01-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

Getting up at 5am in order to get through your entire beauty regimen isn't fun. At all. So here are a few time savers to help you get super gorge in a hurry!

Skip the shampoo
Unless your hair is extra oily, there’s no need to shampoo every day. On the days in between, sleep with your hair in a high ponytail to add some volume, then spray the roots with a dry shampoo to soak up extra oil and freshen your tresses. You’ll shorten your time in the shower and skip blow drying, so you cut out two steps with this one trick.

Wash without water
Wash your face without the fuss. Use waterless cleansing cloths to wash away last night’s dirt and grime, even if you’re nowhere near a sink. These wipes work a lot like baby wipes, getting rid of oils and dirt in seconds, leaving you refreshed. Best of all, you can use them wherever you are, making morning multi-tasking even easier.

Simplify your 'do
The next time you go for a haircut, ask your stylist for something easy to maintain. A cut that falls between your chin and shoulders is easiest because it dries fast, but is still long enough to pull into a ponytail when you’re really short on time.

Multi-tasking products

Since you can multi-task, your products should, too! Look for beauty products that can pull double-duty, such as blush that works as lip gloss or a anti-frizz shampoo. You’ll save both time in your day and space in your bathroom.

Minimize make-up
If you’re really pressed for time, stick with the make-up steps that are going to make the biggest difference. Freshen your face with a tinted moisturizer, then apply two coats of a lengthening mascara to help open up your eyes. Finish the look with a tinted lip gloss, applying it to your lips and adding a dab to your cheeks to gain a healthy glow. You’ll be ready to face the world in no time flat.

Skip eyeliner
Eyeliner takes time to get right. If precise application doesn’t fit into your morning beauty routine, try faking it with your mascara. When you apply your mascara, wiggle the wand against the base of your lashes. A tiny bit of mascara will be left behind, looking a lot like eyeliner. To make it look cleaner, blend with a cotton Q-tip.

Dry in a hurry
You had to paint your nails, but now you don’t have time to let them dry. When painting, apply two thin coats instead of one thick one – it’ll look better and dry faster. Let your nails air-dry for the first two minutes, then dip them in ice water for 3-5 minutes to finish. They’ll dry in half the time with the cold water boost.

How Could Anyone NOT Want a Garden Gnome Purse?

2012-01-09T09:00:00.030-05:00

Normally I'd be making fun of something like this. I mean, in all honesty, it's a pretty big fashion faux pas. The bag looks like something a lady in her 70s would carry and the embroidered gnomes make it almost creepy.

That said, I've somehow found myself in love with this Garden Gnome Shirred Shoulder Bag. It's the perfect size--16"x10"x3.5". You can easily fit all your essentials in there, but the bag isn't HUGE so it won't be ridiculously heavy.

There's just something about the gnomes that I absolutely love. Granted, I am partial to gnomes in general ever since I "borrowed" one from a neighbor when I lived in Portsmouth...actually he still lives with me and sits prominently next to my fireplace. Also his name is Barnaby.

So yeah...I might be a little gnome-obsessed.

If you're like me and think this bag is super cute, you can get it for under $70. Kinda steep, but I can't think of an outfit that wouldn't benefit from the addition of garden gnome accessories.

Beauty Boo-Boo: Lip Tattoos

2012-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so upset by this product. I used to love temporary tattoos when I was a kid. I remember getting adorable butterfly ones (which is funny since I now have a real butterfly tattoo), and waiting patiently while my mom applied them. I felt pretty cool at the time.

Then I grew up. Temporary tattoos no longer appeal to me. So when I saw these Temporary Lip Tattoos by Violent Lips, I was alarmed. They sell tons of different designs and they are applied exactly like the old school temporary tattoos we used to wear. Supposedly they last for up to 48 hours, but I imagine that if you eat anything or even rub your lips together too roughly, the tattoo would flake off.

The site shows pictures of the individual tattoos being worn...and there isn't one look that is flattering. I specifically hate the one pictured above. The result is looking like you have some sort of lip disease with bumps and scabs. Not attractive.

Below are some of the more ridiculous designs:

The American flag tattoo is particularly ugly. Though the denim design is right up there. Prices range from $10-$15 for a pack of three tattoos.

Am I the only one who finds this crazily stupid??! Although on the other hand, they might be good for Halloween...

GORGEOUS Necklace on Sale for $21!!

2012-01-06T19:06:00.000-05:00

I have way too much jewelry. It's kind of ridiculous. I even have a jewelry armoire. It's completely full of necklaces, bracelets and earrings galore. But I just can't stop feeding this addiction!

It doesn't help when I see amazingly gorgeous pieces like this Black and White Diamond Pendant from Szul. I love the classic look and the fact that it can go with literally every outfit. You can wear it with a fancy cocktail dress, or with jeans and a cute t-shirt! That's the mark of a great piece of jewelry.

Oh and the name of the necklace isn't a lie--there are real diamonds on it. Yippee!!

Here's the most incredible part: Originally, the necklace was over $200!! And now it's on sale for $21! Can you even believe that??! I almost fainted from the sheer awesomeness of the deal.

The site is also offering up free shipping. So there's no excuse not to buy it! The sale is only for the weekend, so get this amazing deal while you still can, ladies! Happy shopping!

Glitz and Glam Sale!

2012-01-06T10:58:00.000-05:00

Sephora keeps coming out with these amazing little sets of mini makeup doodads. And I love it. The sets are fabulous for trying out new looks and products without shelling out tons of cash. There's nothing worse than spending tons of money on something that ends up making your face look ridiculous. Trying a mini version first is always a good idea.

This Glitz and Glam set is pretty much perfect. It includes oodles of makeup minis that shimmer, shine and dazzle.

Here's what you get:

- 0.13 oz Benefit High Beam
- 0.12 oz Buxom Stay-There Eyeshadow in Pug (smoky pewter)
- 0.02 oz Bare Escentuals bareMinerals All Over Color in Glee (soft mauve plum)
- 0.07 oz Sephora Collection Eye Shadow in Starry Sky 07 (black with silver glitter)
- 0.125 oz Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in Charge It! (opaque metallic 24k gold)
- 0.24 oz Tarte Celebutante Dry Oil Shimmer (champagne)
- 0.07 oz Josie Maran Argan Oil Illuminizer (light bronze)
- 0.1 oz Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Gloss in Paiette (sheer light pink with iridescent shimmer)
- 0.12 oz Ultraflesh Gold Standard Mascara in black
- 0.08 oz Stila Lip Glaze in Vanilla (pearly nude)

All of the products are amazing. Not only does the set make it easy to try new products, it's also convenient for travel. Or for your emergency makeup bag that you keep with you at all times, if you're me (or as obsessed with makeup as I am).

The best part is that this particular set, which is valued at $113, is on sale for $29! Not bad, right?!

Fashion Faux Pas: Forever Lazy Adult Onesies

2012-01-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

I really thought that the Snuggie was the lowest, ugliest thing that fashion had to offer. Then I found Forever Lazy.

The Forever Lazy "ensemble" is basically a onesie for adults. It's truly horrifying. This is the type of thing someone would wear once they have officially given up on looking decent. I'm talking post ugly-sweater-and-strech-pants time.

I'm so upset that something like this even exists. Each onesie come with matching footie slippers (weee! bonus!) and, most horrifying of all, comes complete with zippered hatches in the front and back of the suit. This is for when "duty calls" (as the website brags). How convenient!! You can literally live in this suit for the rest of your life.

It also comes in three fashionable colors: pink, blue and a gross light puke-tan color. It's also got a hood!

I don't even feel like I need to make fun of this thing--the mere description does a great job on its own. Each onesie is about $20. BUT WAIT! As with most ugly, "as seen on tv" products, the offer is currently doubled, so if you buy one, you get one free. So that's two adult onesies for under $20.

...are you kidding me??! Is this for real? I don't get how anyone finds this look socially acceptable. Is it really that uncomfortable to wear jeans and a t-shirt??

If I ever see anyone sporting this frock, I will personally attack them. Quite possibly with a gun. This is simply unacceptable.

That is all.

Victoria's Secret Angel Eau De Parfum GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-04T09:00:00.070-05:00

Every time Victoria's Secret comes out with a new fragrance, I get crazily excited. I don't think they've ever created a scent that I haven't fallen in love with. Their latest Angel Eau De Parfum is no exception.

First, I have to mention how amazingly gorgeous the bottle is. I'm obsessed with pretty perfume bottles (I actually have an entire table dedicated to them in my apartment), so when a fragrance comes in a fab bottle, I tend to love it even more. This bottle is super glam. The angel wings, slight pinkness of the glass, and the shape itself really tickles my fancy. Even if the scent was horrible (which, again, is quite doubtful when it comes to VS!), I'd still buy the stuff just to put this bottle on display. Thankfully, that is not the case.

The smell is amazingly yummy. The mix of sparkling plum, sheer violet and amber result in a scent that's perfect for a night out. It's a very seductive scent, but has a bit of a playfulness to it too. It's my new go-to scent for 2012, without a doubt.

Now for the best part: I have one full-size bottle of Angel Eau De Parfum to give away to one of my lovely readers!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "ANGEL". The giveaway ends 1/11 and the winner will be alerted via email.

If you want to buy the scent for yourself (and I highly recommend it), you can get the fragrance or the lovely body lotion for $20-$75 online or at any Victoria's Secret store.

Disclosure: This post contains a product sent for review and 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.

Winter White Nails

2012-01-03T09:00:00.028-05:00

Lately, I've been obsessed with wearing white nail polish. Usually in the winter, I stick to deep shades. Plum, deep blues, and dark berries tend to get me through the season.

I don't know what came over me this year, but I really got a hankerin' for a lighter polish hue. And I knew exactly what to use. The latest Nicole by OPI Kardashian collection has the best shimmery white color that is perfect for winter.

Most white polishes tend to have a bit of an "I just painted my nails with white-out" feel to them, but this particular shade, It's All About the Glam, does not have that effect at all.

The polish has a little shimmer to it, though I would not consider it to be a glittery, or even overly shimmery, color. The shimmer adds just enough depth to the shade to make it look interesting and totally glam. I'd say the end result is pretty close to what it would look like if you somehow took snowflakes and applied them to your nails. Simply gorgey!

Give it a try! I promise you'll fall in love with the look!

Look for the whole Kardashian line in Walmart, Target, and Ulta.

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

My Latest Makeup Love

2012-01-02T09:00:00.037-05:00

I've never really been into makeup primers. I usually just apply moisturizer and go about my business. But that all changed when my amazingly stylish mom got me Laura Geller's Spackle Tint & Glow set.

I'd heard great reviews about the stuff, but never got around to trying it until about a week ago. And let me just say that this product is now a staple in my daily makeup routine.

Unlike most face primers, it has a bit of a tint to it, as well as a small amount of shimmer (and we all know how obsessed I am with anything shimmery!) I love the fact that it's tinted. And when I say tinted, I don't mean that it looks incredibly fake, or overly bronze. In fact, it's just the opposite. All it really does is give you a super sheer base to work with. It's perfect for wintertime when everyone has less-than gorgeous skin. The Spackle really makes your face glow!

This set also comes with a couple of additional highlighters. One is a rosy hue, perfect to wear as blush or lip gloss. The other is great to highlight under your browbone or above your cheekbones.

The set is simply fabulous. You can get it yourself for about $30. It's actually a great price because the stuff lasts forever and makes your skin look flawless! And really...who doesn't want that??!

My 2012 Beauty Resolutions

2012-01-01T18:09:00.000-05:00

Happy 2012, ladies!! I can't even believe another year has gone by! It's that time again when everyone is rushing around coming up with resolutions for the new year. Rather than trying to do something ridiculous (like promising myself I'll go to the gym everyday), I've decided to go with these fab beauty resolutions! They're easy to accomplish and make you look absolutely gorgey!

Wear color on your nails
Are you a serial French manicure junkie? Drop the pink and white in 2011 and branch out in color. Try a new color every two weeks such as cherry red, coral or yellow!

Learn how to apply your own fake eyelashes
It might seem like a daunting task but applying your own fake eyelashes will save you time and make your eyes pop any day of the week. Try this How to apply false eyelashes tutorial!

Change your hairstyle
If you can’t tell the years in your pictures because you’ve had the same cut and color since 2005 then it is time to switch up. Make an appointment with your hairstylist to brainstorm ideas that will make you comfortable but give you a new look!

Moisturize every day
How easy we forget that moisturizing is the key to luxurious clear skin. Keep it next to your bed, in your purse or car to help you remember to moisturize in next year!

Try a new scent
Just because it is your “signature” scent, doesn’t mean you can’t stray away! Surprise your partner with something new on your first date of the new year, just another way to a new you in the new year!

[credit: She Knows Beauty & Style]

YAY!! I Finally Have the Internet Back (For Real!!)

2011-12-31T14:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true. After about a month sans internet, I FINALLY have it all set up in my new apartment! To all my lovely readers, I'm super sorry that I haven't kept you entertained with my sassy scribbles for this long!

I have oodles of stuff to write about--TONS of giveaways, reviews and other fabulous things. Stay tuned, ladies!!

Sorry, Ladies!

2011-12-16T10:34:00.000-05:00

I've had no internet for the past couple of weeks! Needless to say, I've been basically dying without my internet fix. Everything should be running smoothly now though!

You can look forward to oodles of giveaways (some Kamibashi String Dolls might be in the mix!) and tons of reviews.

Stay tuned!!

Sealed With a Kiss!

2011-12-04T09:00:00.002-05:00

Wrapping gifts is absolutely my fave part of the holiday season. Well, other than the shopping and the actual giving of the gifts...

I love getting all creative with it. I'm seriously so obsessed with wrapping gifts that often times, my fam will unload their unwrapped gifts on me for some fabulous Alana-style wrapping. In the past, I've even wrapped gifts that were for me. That's how awesome I am at gift wrapping. [End of bragging sesh].

This year I was super excited when I found these adorable Glossful Greetings Gift Tags from Avon..Each set includes five gift tags with one application of their gorgey Glazewear Lip Gloss in Iced Pink (a shade that looks great on nearly all skintones). It's great to keep in your purse for lip gloss emergencies, which are quite a normal occurrence in my life, and the tag itself is super cute!

Each pack of five gift cards is $4.99. So that's like $1 a pop (I'm such an amazing mathematician, right?!), for a really unique touch to any gift. That said, I'd prob go with something different for your dad's gift...

Michael Kors and Estee Lauder Team up for a Fab GWP!

2011-12-03T09:00:00.060-05:00

If there are two things I love in this world, they are makeup and designer bags. Put them together and chances are, I'll have a seizure of delight!

This holiday season, Estee Lauder and Michael Kors have come up with this amazing gift with purchase. The bag itself is incredibly gorgeous--I'd probably spend over $100 for that alone. Oh, who am I kidding? I'd sell my soul for it. It's the perfect clutch for a night out.

The makeup that comes with it is gorgeous too. Estee Lauder's cosmetics are always of the best quality and this set is no exception. All of the colors are universally flattering and look super fabulous on every skintone. The packaging is even super pretty. Who doesn't love makeup that comes in adorable gold casing??

So to get the set, all you need to do is spend $50 on an Estee Lauder fragrance purchase (which is super easy and nearly all of their scents are incredible). Then the set is under $40. It sounds like a hefty chunk of change, but for what you get it's definitely worth it.

Here's what comes in the set:

Golden Eye & Face Compact (Pure Color EyeShadow in Pretty Penny, Nude Fresco, Sugar Biscuit, Safari Green, Hot Cinnamon and Kenyan Copper, plus Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer)
Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick (full-size, in Tiger Eye)
Pure Color Gloss (in Wired Copper)
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil (great for smoky eyes, in Onyx)
2 Deluxe Makeup Brushes (Blush and Eyeshadow)
Michael Kors Signature Cosmetic Bag

You can also choose the color of the bag. It comes in gold (my personal fave), silver, and pewter. I might just have to somehow get them all.

My game plan? Buy a bottle of lovely perfume as a Christmas gift for someone, and keep the gift set as a gift for moi! Win-win! Not bad, right?!

As always, quantities are limited. So get shopping, ladies!!

(Oh, and P.S.: the set is worth OVER $170!)

Add This to Your Christmas List: OPI's New Muppet Collection

2011-12-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love the Muppets. And now that they've got a new movie out (eeee!), OPI has come out with an amazing new polish collection that's completely Muppet-inspired!

The polishes are super cute--they're all chock full of chunky glitter, which is fabulous for the holidays. Here are a few of my fave hues:

Divine Swine is, hands down, my fave shade in the entire collection! It has everything I could possibly want in a nail color. It's full of gorgey pinkish-purple chunks of glitter, with a bit of silver mixed in. It looks great on it's own (though I did need to use three coats for this result), or layered over a bright pink polish.

Fresh Frog of Bel Air is basically Kermit in a bottle. The shade of green is fantastic. I can definitely see wearing this out for an evening on the town. It's unique, fabulous and looks surprisingly great on everyone.

Gone Gonzo! is the perfect bright blue shade. It's similar to the other polishes in the collection, but I found that I actually got more color with fewer coats, for some reason. This is another shade that looks great over other blue polishes. I actually tried it over white and loved the results, as it made the blue stand out and look even brighter.

Rainbow Connection is def the most wearable in the set. It's full of different-sized chunks of glitter in every color imaginable. This is my top pick for a New Years Eve polish!

The whole collection is amazing. Who doesn't love chunky glitter??

The polishes are available at professional salons and spas nationwide including national chains Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA for about $8 each.

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

My Latest Obsession: Dressbarn (AND a giveaway!)

2011-11-28T19:31:00.001-05:00

So remember how Dressbarn used to be for middle-aged women who wanted a new sack-like floral-print dress? Well the store has definitely kicked it up a notch (or a million). Believe me, I was shocked!

After checking out their fab website, I'm ridiculously obsessed with oodles of their frocks, handbags, jewelry and adorable scarves! My fave find so far? This super cute Sequin Bodice Party Dress. It's perfect for any holiday party. Pink and black look amazingly gorgeous together and the sequins at the top of the dress add just enough bling to make the dress fancy enough for nearly any occasion. I'm also a huge fan of the big pink bow that ties in the back. I mean, how can you not love a big pink bow??! It's just the perfect little cocktail dress--I can't get over it! The dress is around $50, which is really decent for the quality and fabulousity it has.

Their Gloves with Beaded and Bow Trim are def on my wish list too (hint, hint, Santa). Not only are they toasty warm, they're also super ladylike and ultra chic. The bow detail is classic and I absolutely love the beading. A pair of gloves like this never go out of style. They'd make a great Christmas gift for all the ladies in your life. And since they're under $15, you can even afford to grab yourself a pair (or five)!

The store has so many goodies--I can tell a shopping spree there is in my future.

Here's the exciting part: I have one $25 Dressbarn gift card to give away to a lucky reader!! You can use it towards a gorgey party dress, or on some amazing gifts.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "DRESSBARN". The giveaway ends 12/5 and the winner will be alerted via email.

AND I have a fab coupon to share:

Awesome, right??! Good luck, ladies! Even if you don't win, check out the site! You'll be amazed at all the cute things they've got to offer.

Disclosure: This post contains a product sent for review and 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.

Press On Nails that Work!

2011-11-23T17:21:00.000-05:00

My nails are awful. They're brittle, jagged and I can't stop biting them. So I usually have incredibly short nails that I try to wear polish over, but honestly nothing covers up the fact that my nails simply suck at life.

When I was younger, I used to try press on nails. Back then, I remember having my mom put them on for me, only to have them immediately fall off the second I touched anything. The glue was horrible and the nails themselves looked super fake.

As I got older, I went back and forth between having acrylics put on, but my nails grow so fast that I needed to get them filled practically every week and that can get pretty pricey. Just getting the nails themselves put on can cost about $60.

Well, my problem has been solved! My amazingly fabulous pseudo-sister, Lauren, introduced me to these Kiss Everlasting French Nails. I saw her the other day and her nails looked amazing so I asked where/if she had gotten them done. When she told me that they were from this kit, I was SHOCKED. They looked so natural, gorgeous and chic!

I tried them myself last night (with her assistance) and really love the results. The little tab on the top makes applying them really easy--you just use it to hold the nail while you apply glue, slide it onto your nail, hold it for a few seconds and then break it off. I suggest filing a little afterward because the tab does leave behind a slightly jagged tip.

These things are seriously amazing though. I've been cleaning, doing dishes, typing, eating, writing, applying makeup...basically everything--and these nails have not come off or even budged the tiniest bit!

The best part: You can buy a pack of 'em for under $7!

For Anyone Who Loves Shoes!

2011-11-22T01:53:00.000-05:00

I don't know what's getting into me, but I've got Christmas on my mind. Big time. So forgive me in advance for going on a holiday season tangent.

I realize that we still have to get through the daunting family fun fest of Thanksgiving before we make it there, but seeing this super adorable Dazzling Heels Ornament set from Avon makes getting ready for the holiday oh so exciting!

The set comes with four gorgeous mini heel ornaments (each is about 7/16" W x 2 5/8" H). To be honest, I wouldn't limit myself to using these doodads to decorate my Christmas tree--they'd look great almost anywhere. Some examples? In place of a bow on a gift, dangling over your desk, as a stocking stuffer, or even as a decorative fashion-y trinket anywhere in your home (just remove the string). The colors do look a little holiday-esque, but the silver and gold shoes look like they could be used year-round.

Each set is only about $10. These are def great to stock up on and give to all your fashionista friends (and of course keep some for yourself). Avon has oodles of other fab ornaments like their Cosmetic Ornaments (the lipstick is my fave!!!), their Knit Sweater Ornaments, and their Dress Ornaments. All of them are fairly inexpensive and really add a bit of fashion to the season!

I see Paris, I see France! I see...Weight Loss Underpants?

2011-11-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

Umm...I have to be honest. This is kind of the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen.

Japan has come out with these Calorie Shaper "panties" (the site is in Japanese, so good luck reading it!) Apparently there's some sort of product inside the underwear that makes burning calories easier. Personally? I think it's a huge rip off.

ABC did a little investigating on the product, an the video confirmed my suspicions...the whole idea is just weird and the commercial is pretty hilarious (it's included on the ABC video).

If you feel the need to try them out, you can get a pair for under $40.

Best Idea Ever: Hem Gems

2011-11-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

Buying pants really sucks when you're short (I'm 5ft even!) Sometimes I can find a cute pair of petite pants, but they're usually too short to wear with heels, and "normal" length pants are always waaaay too long on me. I usually end up hemming them myself by hand with a needle and thread, but it takes so much time and is just ridiculously irritating to do.

Now there's a quick, stylish solution (cue cheesy infomercial music), Hem Gems. Adorable name, right?! They work like little pins to hold pant legs at your desired length. And they're super cute, to boot! Each pack of Gems contains 8 pins--enough to quickly change the length of one pair of pants. They also come in a few different styles (I'm partial to the pyramid studs).

The best part is that they don't actually alter the pants, so you can adjust them based on whatever footwear you choose for the day.

Here's a quick video showing how they're used:

Super easy, right? And they look incredibly chic. You can get a pack for about $20. Love it!

Gorgey Holiday Dress for Under $40!

2011-11-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...it's still the beginning of November and even thinking about the holidays is ridiculously depressing. BUT the one thing that's awesome about this time of year is that you get to buy pretty dresses for going out to all your amazing holiday parties!

I'm always on the lookout for dresses that are on sale (believe it or not, I am crazily poor and writing doesn't pay well!)

So I found this fabulous American Living V-Neck Satin Dress from JC Penney. And it's only $40. I can't get over it!!

The sapphire blue hue is flattering on nearly all skintones and is def an in color for the season. I'm so in love with this dress--I want to buy five of 'em just so I have backups and can constantly wear them. The style is great because it's totally timeless and can be worn for virtually any event.

You can pick up the dress in stores or online. Get shopping, ladies, before they're all sold out!!

Victoria's Secret Goodie Bag for $25!!

2011-11-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

So my lovely mom actually tipped me off to this. She is quite the fashionista ;).

Victoria's Secret has this adorable bag 'o delight (or as they prefer to call it, their Must-Have Essentials Beauty Bag) and I'm crazily obsessed with it.

As most of you know, I'm a huge sucker for mini makeup bags filled to the brim with awesomeness. This is pretty much on the top of my list.

Here's what you get in the set:

Love Spell® Hydrating Body Lotion, 2 oz.
Victoria's Secret Bombshell™ Body Eau de Parfum, .25 oz.
Beauty Rush® Lip Gloss in Strawberry Fizz, .46 oz.
Clarins Instant Smooth Line-correcting Concentrate, .04 oz.
skyn ICELAND® Icelandic Relief Eye Cream™, .06 oz
StriVectin-SD® Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles 3-week supply, .75 oz.
VS Pro Air Brush Primer, .14 fl. oz.
Booty Parlor Flirty Little Secret Firming Cream, Bronze Firming Cream and Luminizing Body Butter with pheromones, .17 oz. each.

It's got to be worth at least $100. StriVectin alone is super expensive. So spend the 25 bucks and get yourself lookin' gorgeous!

Nicole by OPI Holiday Glitters!

2011-11-01T15:57:00.000-04:00

I know that Halloween was just yesterday, but I'm already in the Christmas spirit!! The latest Nicole Holiday collection is right up my alley and is totally getting me ready for the holiday season ahead!

The collection contains four gorgeous glitter hues. They're a bit sheer, so they work perfectly on top of other colors, or even on their own. Here's what the new shades look like:

Snow-Man of my Dreams is a really pretty blue and silver (and even a tiny bit of red) glitter polish. It's probably the sheerest of the bunch, so I'd definitely layer it on top of a solid blue shade for maximum bling power. The blue is cool-toned and looks fab on all skinones.

Glitter in my Stocking is a yellow-gold glitter with tiny flecks of tomato-red in it. It's my fave color in the collection and is great for dressing up an outfit for a holiday party. It's a bit more thick than the other hues, so it looks fabulous on its own.

My Sleigh's in the Shop is without a doubt my fave color in the collection. It's a great color to wear now and fabulous for the Fall to Winter transition. Since this one is a bit sheer as well, I like to layer it over deep plum shades. it looks super pretty!

Orna-Ment for Eachother is THE perfect holiday red. It's got fiery-red glitter, mixed with some gold and orange bits. The quality of the shade is great and this hue in particular makes me want to bust out some Christmas carols!

Look for the line in Walmart, Target, and Ulta!

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.

Miss Piggy's Most Hilarious Beauty Tips

2011-10-31T19:48:00.000-04:00

Miss Piggy is currently the most stylish puppet ever to live. From her new MAC line to the latest OPI Mupet-inspired collection, she's taking over the beauty world!

Here are a few of her fabulous beauty tips:

"Never purchase beauty products in a hardware store." — As featured in Neverisms: A Quotation Lover's Guide to Things You Should Never Do, Never
"It's a good idea to apply an all-over facial pack once or twice a month, but I never, never use mud. (Frankly, it brings up unpleasant memories.)" — Miss Piggy's Guide to Life
"Beauty is a blessing and a burden. One must celebrate the blessing of being beautiful, and yet bear the burden of attracting freaks who want to sunbathe in the reflected gorgeousity of moi's porcine pulchritude. But, then again, who can blame them?" — As told to Pop Magazine.
[On men:] "Ask yourself if he's such a hunk that he's worth it. If so, get more mirrors. If not, dump him . . . but get more mirrors anyway. After all, narcissism isn't a bad thing if it's about vous." — The Diva Code: Miss Piggy on Life, Love, and the 10,000 Idiotic Things Men Frogs Do
"Especially for the Christmas season I use a champagne shampoo, followed by an eggnog rinse. It gives my hair extra body. And if I take a bath in the stuff, it gives my body extra body, too." — As quoted in McCall's December 1980 issue

Source: IMDB

Give Cancer the Kiss Off!

2011-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

For Breast Cancer Awareness month (all of October), Elf is giving 100% of the profits from their Twinkle Pink Glitter Gloss and their Wild Watermelon Glossy Gloss to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Awesome, right?!

I'm already a HUGE fan of Elf's lip glosses. They're highly pigmented, shiny (not sticky), and last forever. Their studio glosses are only $3 a pop and they honestly work just as well as a $20 gloss--in some cases, even better!

The two hues that benefit BCA research are both beautiful pink shades. Personally, I love the Wild Watermelon Glossy Gloss. It's a darker, brighter pink that flatters all skintones.

So buy a gloss, or two (or a bunch)! It's cheap and for a good cause. At least that's my excuse for adding more lip gloss to my already-huge collection.

Miss Piggy for MAC!

2011-10-22T09:00:00.038-04:00

Oh Miss Piggy, how I love thee!

For as long as I can remember, I've had a soft spot for Miss Piggy. She's sassy, loves fashion and has a cute curvy figure! What's not to love?!

In Honor of Disney's The Muppets hitting theaters November 23, MAC has created a fabulous collection around the iconic Miss Piggy. You can get her diva look by using the collection's three super wearable products.

The eye set consists of Miss Piggy Pink eye shadow, a blue-pink frost ($18); Penultimate Eye Liner in Rapidblack ($21); and a full set of falsies, Lashes #36 ($18).

Very exciting, no?

The collection is available online only, starting November 14th. Ugh...I can't possibly wait that long!!! Well, this set is definitely on my Christmas wish list!

New Pink Shatter by OPI

2011-10-22T00:44:00.000-04:00

There's a special place in my heart for OPI Shatters. I love the fact that once you've applied them, you can literally watch the shade crackle over your nails. And the effect is really funky (in a good way). Shatter polish is just so fun to play around with. I love mixing different color combos.

Their latest Pink Shatter is exactly what I've been waiting for! By now, you should all know that pink is by far my favorite color. So why shouldn't it come in the form of a shatter nail polish?? Clearly OPI agrees with me on this.

Over the years OPI has released pink polishes exclusively for the month of October to raise funds for research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer. OPI now intends to raise $25,000 to contribute to the NBCF. Throughout September and October OPI Pink Shatter will be on sale, 100% of profits will be donated! Huzzah!

Pink Shatter came to be for Breast Cancer Awareness month. They always do something great for BCA, but I think this year is the best so far.

The Pink Shatter polish isn't exactly a straight, bright pink. Rather, it has a bit of a coral finish to it, and is even a little sheer. It actually takes on a neon look in the sun. It's a really unique color and I'm hoping that they come out with something similar in a solid shade. The polish also has the tiniest bit of a shimmer to it, though it definitely is not a glitter or shimmer polish.

I tried it with a light pink base and really liked the results. It's like a wonderful pink explosion all over my nails!!

You can buy Pink Shatter wherever OPI polish is sold; at salons and spas nationwide including chains like Beauty Express, JC Penney, Regis, Trade Secret and ULTA. Each bottle is around $8.50.

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

Amazing Makeup Palette For $3.50 (ONLY TILL MONDAY!!)

2011-10-18T16:27:00.000-04:00

Right now, E.l.f. is running an incredible deal: their Studio 83-piece Essential Makeup Collection is only $3.50 until Monday (10/24). Usually, the palette is $35, which still isn't a bad price--but of course $3.50 is waaaay better!

The makeup set is fantastic. It has everything you need for day looks, night looks, events...literally everything you could possibly need is in this kit. AND it conveniently folds down into a 6.5" square, so it's super portable.

Here's the rundown on what you get:

64 Eyeshadow Shades
8 Lip Gloss Shades
4 Blush Shades
4 Bronzer Shades
1 Lip Brush
1 Eye Brush
1 Face Brush

Great, right?! I'd get it for the plethora of eyeshadow alone! I actually own this set, so I know how great all the products are. The eyeshadows are highly-pigmented, and the colors are fabulous. The majority of the kit can be used on every skin tone out there.

All you have to do is add the set to your shopping bag. At the checkout screen, enter the code "83FOR350" to get the deal.

New Fall Issue of Applaud Women Online!

2011-10-14T15:41:00.000-04:00

Hey, Ladies! Just wanted to give you a heads up that Applaud Women magazine's latest issue is up online!

There are some fab articles about fall beauty and fashion (and oodles of other great stuff), so check it out.

My article in the issue, Frugal Fashion Finds for Fall can be found on pages 44-45. Take a look for some great tips! Here's a screen shot of it:

Happy weekend!

A Chic & Spooky Halloween Headband

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

With Halloween right around the corner, I've been trying to find holiday appropriate accessories that aren't tacky. And that's practically impossible.

I did, however, manage to find this super cute headband on Etsy.

I love headbands with a little flair to them, so the flowers on the headband really tickle my fancy. They have a bit of a shabby chic look to them, which is really adorable and stylish to boot.

The only thing that makes this headband look Halloween-fabulous (as opposed to regular-type-fabulous) is the fact that the flowers are black and orange. Which is great. It's not over-the-top, but it gives a little nod to the holiday.

You can get your own Halloween headband for $11. Check out the designer's other headbands too for some fun year-round looks!

Fashion Faux Pas: Jean Legwarmers

2011-10-12T09:00:00.025-04:00

I stumbled upon this gem of an outfit from People of Walmart. It's a great site to check out for hideous fashion mistakes that people should really be murdered for making.

My latest find, a girl wearing denim shorts along with handmade jean legwarmers (how crafty!), practically made me vomit.

I just don't get it. If your legs are cold, wear a pair of pants like a normal person! If not, then fine--just rock a pair of shorts!!

I'd just love to hear the girl defend this look. She probably thought it was pretty cutting-edge and that wearing the bottom half of her pant legs made her look edgy. Perhaps she even thought of herself as a bit of a trend setter since I doubt anyone else has had the same idea (although I could be wrong).

Even so, I have the give the girl a little credit. With this look, she can use every part of her dungarees; make cut-off shorts, or cut-off legwarmers--OR BOTH!! She could even use the same pair to do it!

In all seriousness, I just can't even begin to imagine what is wrong with this girl. Because clearly something is wrong with her if she throws on the bottoms of her discarded jeans, takes a look in the mirror and decides that she looks fabulous enough to venture out into the real world.

So unless you're insane, I don't recommend this look. Ever. And actually even if you are insane, that doesn't make it okay.

Jamberry Nails Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-10-11T03:39:00.000-04:00

I'm always on the lookout for new nail products, so when I heard about Jamberry Nails, I was super excited! They work a bit like the press-on nail polishes that have been popular recently, so I was a bit skeptical at first. But the results were fab!

The "polish" comes is oodles of different colors and patterns. It's so tough to choose a favorite. There are some adorable polka dot prints, plaid designs and even solid metallic shades.

In each pack, you get a sheet of nail stickers that are good for 2-3 sets of fingers or toes. The huge difference between Jamberry Nails and other stick-on polish sheets is the formula and application.

Here's how to apply them:

Clean nails with nail polish remover or alcohol.
Cut nails and file however you want.
Buff the top of the nail and push back the cuticle.
Match your nail to the nail shield that fits best.
Peel off the sticker and warm with a blow dryer for 10-15 seconds until it is soft and flexible.
When warm, press the shield onto your nail. Apply firm pressure around the edges to adhere the shield to the nail.
Use a rubber cuticle pusher to seal everything around the cuticle.
Trim the top off and file off the remaining sticker in a downward motion to remove the excess.
Apply heat and pressure again until it is completely sealed to the nail.

I think what makes the product so much more unique than others of it's kind is the heat factor. You literally fuse the nail sticker onto your actual nail bed. They last for days and can be removed with any nail polish remover.

They're perfect since there's no drying time, or any painstaking design painting that can take hours. The result is fantastic!

Jamberry Nails teamed up with Sassy Fashionista for a delightful giveaway!! I have one set of these fab Blue Leopard print polish strips to give away to a super lucky reader!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "JAMBERRY". The giveaway ends 10/18 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies! If you want to try out any of the other styles, you can get them for $15 a pop.

Disclosure: This post contains a product sent for review and 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 Clinique GWP at Macy's!

2011-10-08T13:57:00.000-04:00

Huzzah! Clinique has yet another gift with purchase, this time at Macy's!

I know I constantly go on and on about how much I love Clinique and how their GWPs are the best, but it's really true. Their latest one is fabulous as ever.

All you have to do is spend $21.50 on Clinique products and you get all this:

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad and Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in a palette of Pinks or Nudes
7-day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
Cosmetics bag set (which is super cute!)

Awesome, right? Wondering what to buy in order to get the GWP? Try their Limited Edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Not only is the product amazing, you also get an adorable mini photo frame keychain with a Breast Cancer Awareness charm!

Charmed, I'm Sure...

2011-10-06T09:00:00.015-04:00

I love love love when Bath and Body Works comes out with cute little gift sets. I'm such a sucker for them. Their latest one for their new fragrance, Charmed Life, is utterly adorable.

The fragrance on its own smells super yummy. It's made with a blend of juicy guava, sparkling pear and creamy vanilla musk. The site states that it's "inspired by taking chances, having fun and savoring life's fabulous moments". That's exactly the feeling I got when I first tried out the scent!

The mini gift set for the fragrance comes in a pretty little cosmetic bag (with polka dots!! I'm sold!!) In the bag, you get:

a mini fragrance mist
a mini shower gel
a mini body lotion

The best part? The set is only $10 with any Charmed Life purchase! Huzzah!

Fashion Faux Pas: Furry Feet

2011-10-05T22:24:00.000-04:00

Okay. So I have to start off by saying that I'm a HUGE Victoria's Secret fan. I absolutely love all of their fragrances, makeup, clothing and everything else they sell. But these ridiculous Faux Fur Trim Booties just are not on my wish list.

I don't know what would possess anyone to create shoes like this. Even the concept doesn't make sense. Sandals are worn generally when the weather is warm...so adding a crazy amount of faux fur to a pair baffles me.

Honestly, if the sandals didn't have the fur, I'd actually love them. The faux fur ruins everything. It makes you look like you have furry feet, to be blunt. I don't know what it is about this season, but ugly faux fur is everywhere! I just can't believe that Victoria's Secret jumped in on this.

If for some reason you want to purchase these God forsaken sandals, they are an astounding $129 a pair. A little ridiculous, no?

Oh and p.s.: if I see anyone wearing these, I will punch them in the face repeatedly. I'm sorry, but I simply cannot tolerate this.

Breaking News: Jason Wu Is The Next Designer for Target!

2011-10-04T09:00:00.002-04:00

Oh, Lord. Target is rapidly becoming my absolute favorite store to shop for clothing. Everytime a big-name designer does a collection there, it's a huge hit! The pieces are usually gorgeous, trendy and totally affordable.

This season, we can look forward to a fab collection from Jason Wu. His collections are usually classic, but with a unique vintage-esque quality to them. All I have to go on for now is a fabric swatch, but I just know that the collection is sure to be full of stunning pieces!

Even seeing only that tiny pattern, I just know that I'll fall in love with the entire collection.

To check out Jason Wu's usual collections and to get a feel for his designs, check out his website. If the Target collection is anything like what his usual looks are, I have a feeling that I'll be jumping up and down with delight!!

No word yet as to when his Target collection will launch, but it should be by the end of the month, if I had to guess. Super exciting, no?

The Cutest Trench for Fall

2011-10-03T12:39:00.000-04:00

If you buy one jacket or coat in your life, make sure that it's a trench coat. They are the classiest outerwear item you can possibly own.

It's also important to make sure that the trench coat you choose is of good quality. Getting a cheap coat not only leaves you freezing in the cold, it also looks, well, cheap!

New York and Company has the most adorable trench coat ever. (Nice plug for my other place of employment! haha). It comes in black and tan (tan is the better choice, as it goes with nearly every outfit). Their Ruffle Trim Classic Trench has the cutest ruffle hem along the bottom. It's fabulous because the ruffle adds a unique detail, but the overall look of the trench remains classic.

You can buy one of these adorable coats for under $90, which is really a steal. This is definitely a purchase that will last for years!

Hello, Gorgeous!

2011-10-01T21:27:00.000-04:00

Oh Victoria's Secret, how I love thee! Their latest fragrance, Gorgeous, is currently tickling my fancy big time.

The scent is fabulous (and boyfriend approved!) The fragrance is super yummy, with notes of strawberry, sheer jasmine and sandalwood. It definitely smells gorgeous and makes you feel like a movie star. I'm in love with it!

The best thing to do, I've found, is to apply the Gorgeous Fragrance Lotion immediately after showering (to lock in the scent) and then apply the Fragrance Mist after for a scrumptious scent that lasts all day.

You can get the lotion for $20 and the fragrance mist for $25. They also have an adorable Eau de Partum in a cute bottle for $49 (seriously worth it, even just for the bottle alone) and a Deluxe Gift Set (which includes the perfume, a perfume mini perfect for your purse, lotion and body wash) for $65.

This is definitely my go-to fragrance for fall!

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

Designer Accessories on the Cheap!

2011-09-22T09:15:00.000-04:00

Oh, Target! I want to shout my love for you from the highest building in New England! The store has always been my top pick for basics, but ever since they started getting awesome designers to do collections for them, I'm even more addicted to the place.

Currently for sale? Accessories and clothing by Missoni for Target. I love love love Missoni. The Italian fashion company has always left me drooling over their latest collections. The colors and patterns used in their designs just tickle my fancy. The problem? Prices. Even a simple scarf by Missoni is a steep $175. This near-identical (ish) scarf by Missoni for Target is under $25! And I actually think I like it more! Eeeee!!

What I was surprised to find in the collection was hair accessories. I literally have a huge basket dedicated to hair doodads, so upon seeing some Missoni/Conair bundles, I almost had a seizure of delight. There are a couple different sets, but the black and white bundle looks classiest to me--plus the accessories will match virtually everything. Each combo set comes with a thick headband, bobby pins, and barrettes and is under $25.

The sad thing is that most of the Missoni for Target products are sold out online, so you need to find a Target near you to look for any Missoni scraps. The collection should be available until mid-October.

Yippee!

Freeze Your Jeans!

2011-09-21T09:00:00.001-04:00

I found a random tip that I thought I'd share with you lovely readers.

Here's the dilemma: you find a pair of kick-ass jeans and you want to wear them constantly, but washing them all the time makes them fade and lose their awesomeness. With enough washing, your gorgeous dark denim can end up looking like farmer's dungarees. You def want to make them last as long as possible, so stretching time between washings is super important.

The solution? Freeze 'em.

Neatly fold and put them in a super-sized ziplock bag and freeze them for 24-36 hours. Freezing the denim will kill all the germs, eliminate odor and shrink the stretched areas back down to size. No washing needed!

How cool is that?!

Hair Salon Defends Domestic Violence-y Ad

2011-09-20T09:00:00.037-04:00

This ad for Fluid hair salon in Alberta, Canada has been written about virtually everywhere. It's crazily controversial and everyone seems to have an opinion about it.

Generally speaking, "Look good in all you do", is not a slogan you'd expect to see next to an image of a woman with a funky hairdo and a black eye sitting on a couch, while an attractive man in a suit stands behind her holding a diamond necklace. It's basically saying that even if you're in an abusive relationship, you can still have fabulous hair.

That's really not okay. As a side note, the gal's 'do isn't even attractive. It's frizzy and she's got a good inch or so of roots. It's not a look anyone should strive for (hair-wise, or visible abuse-wise).

The salon is now defending itself. Owner, Sarah Cameron told the Edmonton Sun, "Everyone is getting so sensitive. Anyone who has a connection or a story behind anything can be upset or have an opinion. We are not trying to attack anyone. Please interpret the ad as freedom dictates --that is your right --just as artistic expression is our right. If survivors of abuse interpret this ad to make light of any abusive situation, we sincerely apologize.”

She's right, of course. But the ad is still unacceptable in my eyes. And anytime “artistic expression” is thrown around, it usually means that there's no real defense.

In the end though, I'm pretty sure the ad did exactly what the salon wanted: got people talking about them.

OPI Glam Slam US Collection

2011-09-19T11:33:00.000-04:00

I've been LOVING OPI's Serena Williams Glam Slam collections. The latest one, Glam Slam US, contains a couple of gorgeous colors!

Love is a Racket is a fab candy apple red with fuschia-like shimmer. It's a truly unique color and is perfect for fall. It's a red that flatters most skin tones (even my ridiculously pale skin!) In some light, the shade looks almost florescent. The picture doesn't do it justice. After a couple coats, I found the polish to be extremely well-pigmented. The hue is my new go-to red!

Pros & Bronze is an orange-ish/gold/bronze shimmer. Almost pumpkin-esque. There's a lot of color and shimmer packed into this polish. I'm absolutely in love with it! It looks really crazily cool on. I found that you can wear it a few different ways. One coat leaves you with a really pretty sheer shimmer, and three coats gives you a highly pigmented look. You can also use it as a top coat over other polishes.

Both colors are super pretty and I'll def be using them tons this season!

The polishes are available at professional salons and spas nationwide including national chains Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA for about $8 each.

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

Scent Screw Up: Justin Bieber's Someday

2011-09-16T09:00:00.016-04:00

You've GOT to be kidding me.

I was lounging around the other day, reading the new Cosmo, and stumbled upon this ad for Justin Bieber's perfume, Someday.

This kid is ridiculous!! First, he had his own nail polish collection, and now this?!! I'll be the first to say that I hate Justin Bieber. I don't really have a particular reason--I just find him annoying. And I hate the fact that he makes women's products.

It'd be one thing if he was just making a men's cologne; everyone's doing that lately. But to make a sultry scent for women is beyond crazy.

I don't know what the deal is, but if one more girly Justin Bieber product comes out, I'm officially declaring him gay.

If you want to try out the scent, I'll hate you forever. But you can get it at Sephora for $18-$45.

That is all.

My New Fave Read: Classy

2011-09-15T09:00:00.033-04:00

Even though I'm sassy, I still like to think that I'm classy. From the quiz at the beginning of Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady, I am literally defined as classy (yay!)

The book is absolutely fabulous and has everything you need to know about everything classy. It provides everything you need to know about fashion, socializing, dating, and etiquette. There are oodles of tips and tools for learning how to flaunt what you've got, loads of how-to's and tons of blunders that even the smartest girls make.

Because the book is written by a man, the perspective is different from your normal fashion read. Derek Blasberg really knows his stuff. I thought that I knew everything there was to know about fashion and class, but I actually learned a lot from this book. It's also set up a bit like a magazine, so it's a super easy read.

You can get a copy of this fab book for under $10! Def a worthy buy!

Fashion Faux Pas: White Leggings

2011-09-14T09:00:00.032-04:00

As most of you know, I don't make millions of dollars writing (gasp!), so I work in retail part-time for some extra cash. The other day, someone came into my store looking for WHITE LEGGINGS.

WHAT??!!?

Take a moment to think about that.

Okay. So, I'm basically over leggings in general, but I understand black leggings. They make your legs look slim and are great to wear with short skirts or tunics. Black is just a slimming color, so it makes sense.

But white? Well, it adds bulk for starters. It shows every imperfection that you might have and makes your legs look five times larger. If you wear white leggings, be prepared to get a new nickname: Thunder Thighs. And that's regardless of your body shape.

The only time white leggings or tights are acceptable are on little girls for Easter. Other than that, the world simply doesn't need white leggings. If you own a pair, please throw them out!!

And finally, if I see anyone wearing them, I might just have to punch them in the face. Just a warning.

Stay Frizz Free with Living Proof's Straight!

2011-09-13T09:00:00.011-04:00

When it gets humid out, like it's been the last few days, my hair seriously turns into an afro. It's horrible and totally cringe-worthy. Sometimes I try to throw in a bunch of curling products, which only makes the frizz worse, or I brave it out and flat iron it only to have my hard work ruined within an hour! My hair has constantly been an issue for me, so I'm always looking for new ways to "fix" it.

My latest find? Living Proof's Straight. It's a ling-lasting, sleek making, style extending hairspray. And it's my new fave hair product.

I used it yesterday, which was a particularly humid day and there was no frizz to be found. I sprayed the product on after flat ironing my hair, and the result lasted all day! My hair still feels amazing and I don't feel any of the build-up that you usually get with a hair product (especially sprays).

Straight is anti-build up with no oils, silicones, or resins to weigh hair down (yippee!!!). The PolyfluoroEster it contains repels dirt and debris, so you can go longer between shampoos (double yippee!!!). Best of all, Straight is SAFE, it contains no toxic chemicals and will not damage your hair.

All in all--it's Sassy Fashionista approved!

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

Katy Perry Red Carpet Look Tutorial (Featuring Proactiv Products!)

2011-09-12T16:27:00.000-04:00

When I think of Katy Perry, I instantly think of old Hollywood--glamorous features complete with liquid eyeliner and bright red lips. I decided to try giving the look a go myself. The result? Not bad! I'm no Katy Perry, but the red carpet look might come in handy next time I have a fancy event to attend!

Now when you're trying out a new makeup look (or anytime, really), it's super important to have a clear canvas--and I'm talking about skin. You can only cover so much up before you look like a crazy prostitute with caked-on foundation! SO, that said, skincare is definitely the most important thing to work on.

I'm hopelessly in love with Proactiv products. I have ridiculously sensitive skin, and yet the line still works for me! When I first gave it a try, I figured it would dry out my skin and leave behind a ton of red blotches. But, no!

The products I used before this particular look were the Refining Mask and the Green Tea Moisturizer. The mask was great. I felt a wonderful cooling sensation upon application, and after I let it sit for 10 minutes and washed it off, I was left with nice smooth skin. The moisturizer was applied next and it worked perfectly after the mask. I felt like it kept in all the great things the mask did for me, and kept my skin hydrated at the same time. I like to use a moisturizer before applying makeup anyway, and since this one is oil-free, it just might be my next go-to product!

After my skin was prepped, I moved on to makeup. Here's how to get the look yourself:

Start by applying concealer to the eyelid as a base. Then, brush on a light shimmery shadow all over the lid up to the brow. A silver hue works well.

Next, apply a slightly darker shade only up to the crease. Matte brown or taupe is good for this.

Here's the tricky part--apply black liquid eyeliner. Check out my tutorial on how to apply it if you want a more detailed technique. Tug lightly on the outer corner of the eye, and draw a line from the inner corner out thickening it as you go. I really like Wet 'n' Wild's H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner in Ultra Black. It stays in place all day and doesn't flake off. Plus it's under $5.

The line should look like this.

No matter how skilled you are at applying liquid liner, chances are it won't look perfect. I suggest going over the liner with a high-pigmented pencil liner to make the line look smooth. L'Oreal's HIP Color Rich Cream Crayon Eyeliner in Perfectionist won't simply flake off all your hard work (like lots of other pencils will). Because it is so soft, it basically just adds a thin layer over the liquid liner. Make sure it's dry before doing this.

Using the silver eyeshadow again, apply it to the inner corner of the eye and blend in towards the middle. You can do this on the bottom lashline as well. Then, brush mascara on (two coats on the upper lashes, one on the lower). Because the liquid liner on top is so thick and dramatic, wearing anything more than mascara on the lower lashline doesn't look great. Also, only lining the top makes your eyes look huge!

Don't be alarmed by this picture. Before applying any dark lipstick, it's a good idea to apply a thin coat of foundation to the lips. It makes the lipstick look the same as it does in the tube, and is brighter than wearing it over your already-pink lips. If you want to use a lip stain instead, don't bother with this. The foundation will only work as a repellent for anything liquid. Regardless of which method you choose, you should apply foundation to the outside of the lip line. This prevents bleeding color.

Using a lip brush (it's more accurate than just using the tube), brush on a layer of bright red lipstick. Apply a small amount of translucent powder to the lips and apply the lipstick again. This gives the color staying-power. If you use a stain, simply brush it on your bare lips. I like Benefit's Benetint or Stila's Pomegranate Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. Both are deep cherry reds that flatter most skintones.

Apply a layer of gloss to finish the lips and give them a bit of shine. I like to use a red-tinted gloss to give my lips a multi-color look.

This is the final result! I think it def has that old Hollywood/Katy Perry feel to it, don't you? Since both the eyes and the lips are dramatic, keep the blush simple and use a matte peach or pink cream blush. Normally, bold eyes are bold lips don't work together. This look works because the eyes actually don't look overdone since we didn't line the lower lashline, or use dark eyeshadow. The lips more or less take center stage.

And there you have it! A gorgeous look, with gorgeous skin to boot!

Check out Proactiv.com for more info on their products.

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

My Latest Obsession: Rosie Flo's Coloring Book

2011-09-09T09:00:00.028-04:00

Doodling is one of my absolute fave things to do when I'm bored. The problem is that I'm not really great at drawing (other than the 3D cube, crappy flowers and butterflies). So when I saw Rosie Flo's Coloring Book, I was intrigued to say the least.

The book contains tons of fashionable outfits to color in. All you have to do is add the heads, legs and arms (if you want to--I prefer just having the pictures of pretty clothing).

Included in the book are two postcards that you can send out, which I think is utterly adorable. I'm definitely planning on sending those out to some special people ASAP! Other than that, my envious coloring techniques will either stay in the book, or be cut out and displayed in my apartment.

Rosie Flo has a bunch of other coloring books, all with trendy outfits to color in. There's even a sticker book that allows you to color in your very own stickers! Woohoo!

Each coloring book is under $8. I actually found this particular one for $1 at Borders since they're closing in a few days, so it's worth trying your luck there too.

Piggy Ankle Socks

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Pigs are my favorite animal. Ever. I've been collecting pig things since I was born. I was given a piggy bank as a gift on the actual day I was born--so, literally straight from the womb I've been encouraged to love pigs. Since then, I've acquired a ridiculous amount of pig paraphernalia. I'm probably a little too obsessed.

Bit I digress.

These adorable Piggy Ankle Socks from Forever 21 really tickle my fancy. They have everything I could possibly want in a sock. They are:

pink
have polka dots
the pigs are wearing little red bows
and did I mention that they're pig ankle socks?!

I love them. The best part? They're under $1 per pair. I might just have to stock up and wear a pair of them daily. Too much?

Beauty Boo-Boo: Sticker Eyelashes

2011-09-07T09:00:00.001-04:00

There was a time when I was super obsessed with fake eyelashes. I had a huge crush on a guy in my public speaking class in college and I used to wake up my roomie, Caitlin, to apply full-on fake lashes before my 8am class (she was way better at it than I was). Looking back, I know I looked ridiculous. Now, I only wear faux lashes for super special occasions, and even then, I only use a couple individual ones on the outer half of my lash line.

I was shocked and horrified when I saw these Paperself Eyelashes on Sephora's site. I can see wearing these maybe for Halloween...but even for the fanciest nights out, there is no way that this look is acceptable. The description even states that you can use them to "accentuate the corners of your eyes for a subtle daytime look".

WHAT?!! SUBTLE??? Are you kidding me?!

If I ever saw anyone wearing these during the day (or at night for that matter), I'd be forced to either issue them a fashion citation or punch them in the face. The black eye they would end up with would be more acceptable than the "lashes".

If you feel like looking like an idiot (too harsh?), you can buy the lashes at Sephora. Each set is about $20.

Style for the Home: Ice Cream Sandwich Pillow

2011-09-06T09:00:00.033-04:00

I'm all about having quirky items in my apartment. I'm always looking for new doodads to add to my already huge collection of unique decor.

I found this ridiculously amazing Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert Pillow from Fred Flare and literally did a dance of delight! How cute is it?! I mean, you can either have a boring body pillow, or you can have an ice cream sandwich one, inspired by one of the world's tastiest treats! The choice is clear.

This is the perfect pillow to snuggle with, or just leave on the couch for a bit of flair. And I'm absolutely in love with it.

Each pillow is $30.

Get Your Glow On!

2011-09-05T09:00:00.124-04:00

Bronzers, shimmer lotions, tanning sprays...they pretty much got me through this summer. St. Tropez has some fabulous products that help give your skin a natural bronze look, year-round.

Personally, I tend to tone it down a little once fall comes around. My naturally Scottish heritage makes looking tan year-round difficult, as it looks super fake and a bit weird. That said, I still like to have a healthy glow and St. Tropez has a great product that does just that!

Their Skin Illuminator gives me exactly what I want--a bit of a glow sans an overly tan bronze hue. As summer comes to an end, I've been using the product daily to add some sheen to my skin. My plan is to mix it with my regular moisturizer as it gets cooler out to cut back on the color, while still giving myself a hint of luminosity.

The Skin Illuminator comes in three shades: gold, violet and rose. Each has a distinctly different finish to it, but they all illuminate and create a gorgey glow. For now, the gold tube is my fave, but I have a feeling that I'll be switching over to the rose version for fall.

I'm so in love with this stuff! Each tube is $22.50, but a little goes a long way (especially if you're mixing it with your everyday lotion). I highly recommend it to anyone out there who wants to give their skin a glowy boost!

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

Kamibashi Cares GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-04T20:21:00.001-04:00

It's no secret that I absolutely LOVE Kamibashi products (especially the String Dolls). Everything on the site is utterly adorable, crafty and unique. Everything I own from the site gets me constant compliments and the cute little dolls always brighten my day.

The cool thing about the company is that they donate oodles of money to great causes. The International Fund for Animal Welfare is one cause they give special attention to. Kamibashi donates 50 cents to the cause for each sale of a few select animal String Dolls.

I have a few of their animal String Dolls to give away to a few lucky readers! The following are the do-gooding animals that I have to give away:

How cute are they?! I'm partial to Ellie the elephant myself.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "KAMIBASHI". In the email, indicate which string doll you'd like to win. The giveaway ends 9/12 and the winners will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies! If you want to purchase them yourself (and do some good for animals!), each String Doll is only $10. They're great for gifts, or just fun to collect for yourself!

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.

Katy Perry Got Her St. Tropez Glow on at the VMAs

2011-08-30T11:31:00.001-04:00

Not only did Katy Perry win Video of the Year at the VMAs, she also looked perfectly bronzed and gorgeous! She always looks great and for the VMAs, celebrity make-up artist Jake Bailey gave her a little extra glow with some St. Tropez products (which I love love love!)

To get this look, he used the St. Tropez Gold Skin Illuminator all over her body and dusted St. Tropez Bronzing Rocks over her face.

You can get this look at home with these super easy tips from St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert, Fiona Locke:

1. For an extra smooth finish ensure that you have prepared your legs with St. Tropez Body Polish to remove any dry skin, focusing on the knees, ankles and feet.

2. St. Tropez Everyday Perfect Legs is a quick and easy way to help hide imperfections on the legs and give an airbrushed effect. Start by applying the Gradual Tan Everyday Body lotion in the white pump, smoothing evenly over the leg and blending up over the knee and gently down onto the feet.

4. Shimmering St. Tropez Bronzing Rocks provide the perfect skin finish to a St Tropez tan, adding smooth, golden bronze glow. Apply to the face and décolletage with a soft brush and blend over the contours.

5. Finally, highlight cheekbones, décolletage, arms and shins with St. Tropez Skin Illuminator.

St. Tropez products are available at Sephora or online at sttropeztan.com.

Kiss My Face Toothpaste and Mouthwash GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-29T14:42:00.001-04:00

We all know that having clean teeth is probably the most important beauty tip out there. A white and bright smile makes you skin, lips and your overall appearance look much more fabulous.

Kiss My Face, a brand that I'm obsessed with (their skincare line is amazing!) has just come out with toothpaste and mouthwash products. I'm in love. Swoon.

I tried out their Triple Action Toothpaste and really loved the clean feeling it left me with. The toothpaste includes natural ingredients like cool Mint freshness, natural whitening, Co-Q10, Tea Tree, Herbal Extract, Olive Leaf Extract, Organic Aloe Vera and is free from Fluoride and SLS. The Aloe Vera seemed odd at first to me because I've never seen it in a toothpaste. But it worked really well.

The mouthwash I tried was their Spearmint Breath Blast. I tend to always use a mouthwash after brushing because I'm obsessed with having fresh breath. This stuff did the job. And then some!

I've been using both products for about a week now and really like the combo and the fresh feeling I get from them.

Now just for you lucky readers, I have one set of the Triple Action Toothpaste and the Spearmint Breath Blast Mouthwash to give away.

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "KISS MY FACE". The giveaway ends 9/5 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies! If you want to buy the products, you can get them on the Kiss My Face website. They're currently running a great promotion on the toothpaste value packs, which are $8.99. The mouthwash value packs are $9.95. More info can be found on the site.

Goodluck! And keep those teeth clean, 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.

Clinique's Latest Gift with Purchase!

2011-08-27T15:50:00.000-04:00

By now, you know I'm obsessed with any and all GWPs. Clinique always has the best ones. I just can't pass them up!

The latest GWP features an adorable bag festooned with sketched Clinique products. Super cute. When you spend $21.50, you get all this:

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
Exclusive Colour Compact
Instant Lift for Brows in Soft Blonde
Different Lipstick in Tenderheart
Exclusive High Impact Mascara in Brightening Black
Cosmetic Bag

The products are all fabulous, and finding something to purchase is not a difficult task. Personally? I'd go for the Up-Lighting Liquid Illuminator ($23). It's sheer and adds a gorgey glow to any skinetone.

Button Up!

2011-08-26T20:03:00.000-04:00

I love love LOVE unique, quirky earrings. And Fred Flare almost always has something unique to satisfy my need for cool jewelry.

My latest find is these Button Up Earrings that are super cute. In fact, they're cute as a button (I know--super cheesy). But really, how adorable are these earrings??!

What I like most about them is that they're the type of earrings that make people look twice. At first glance, the earrings are simple gold studs. But upon further inspection, they're funky buttons! You can wear these with virtually any outfit you own. From a simple tee and jeans to a business suit, these earrings will add a funky vibe to any look.

Each pair is $10.

Wanna Look Radiant?

2011-08-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

I don't know anyone who doesn't want to look radiant. Constantly.

I'm a huge fan of Organix hair and skincare products, so when I saw their Coconut Milk Frangipani Radiance Mask I knew I had to give it a try. Also I had nothing to do one morning and figured wearing a face mask around my apartment might totally freak my boyfriend out (which it did, as it happens).

This mask is amazing! It works like a clay or mud mask. To use it, you squeeze out the thick product and apply it smoothly and evenly over your face (obviously, avoid the eyes and mouth). Then you let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.

Immediately after applying the mask, I felt it cool my entire face. It also smells amazing and instantly gives you that expensive "I'm at a spa!!!" feeling (without having to dish out a couple hundred bucks). My skin simply felt great the entire time I had the mask on.

Once I rinsed it off, I could detect some definite changes in my skin. It looked super healthy and even seemed to glow a bit--I actually needed to apply less makeup than usual afterward since my skin looked so fab on its own! I'm really surprised that the mask worked this well since my skin is really sensitive, crazily dry and still breaks out from time to time. The result was exactly what I was looking for: an extra punch of fabulous for my face!

I've seen the mask (and other Organix products) all over the place, but mostly at Target and Ulta. Each 3.3oz. bottle is $9.99. For what it does, and how much product you get, the price is perfect! I plan on using this stuff once a week and highly recommend you all do the same!

OPI Miss Universe Collection GIVEAWAYYY!!

2011-08-23T09:00:00.004-04:00

Oh and by the way, after you've read my post about my LOVE for OPI's latest Miss Universe collection, enter this fab giveaway!

I have one complete OPI Miss Universe set to give away to one lucky reader!!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to sassyalana@gmail.com with the subject line reading "MISS UNIVERSE". The giveaway ends 8/31 and the winner will be alerted via email.

Good luck, ladies! If you want to purchase the polishes on their own, you can find them at professional salons and spas nationwide including national chains Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA for about $8 each.

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 OPI Miss Universe Collection

2011-08-22T20:32:00.002-04:00

When I was younger (like 5 or 6), I wanted to be in pageants. I used to wear frilly dresses all the time and parade around in my mom's heels. Sometime's there'd be a faux feather boa or two in the mix.

Anyway, ever since then, I've had a soft spot for pageants. And Miss Universe is a big one!! So, I wasn't surprised that OPI came out with its very own Miss Universe collection to celebrate the event (it should have come sooner!) I also couldn't wait to see it because the Miss Universe competition just screams glitz and I knew this collection would deliver the goods!

There are four shades in the collection. Here are the swatches:

Congeniality is my Middle Name is a bright red shimmer that can go from looking more berry-hued (like in the above pic) to looking like more or an orange-ish red, depending on the lighting. Basically though, I'd consider it a berry shimmer with pink, purple, orange and a hint of blue shimmer to it. It sounds like an awful lot of shimmer packed into one polish, but the shimmer is super fine and together it makes a fabulous shade.

Swimsuit...Nailed it! is a fun blue color with some silver shimmer to it. I also detect maybe some darker tones, like a pewter shade mixed in somehow. It's definitely a pretty blue hue, but just isn't my fave in the collection. I love blue on nails, but for some reason this polish just isn't grabbing me as much as the others.

It's My Year is easily my top pick from the collection. It's a medium plum-based shade packed with tons of shimmer in a plethora of pinky-purple hues. There's also a decent amount of gold shimmer that gives the polish a foil-esque finish. I'm so incredibly in love with this shade--it looks like a completely different color depending on the light, but still manages to get the base plum shade through. This is one shade that has a guaranteed spot in my fave10 polishes for the season!

Crown Me Already is incredibly perfect to top off this collection. It's a chunky silver glitter polish with different sized glitter flecks throughout. It looks great on it's own, but I've tried it over tons of solid OPI hues and it really enhances any polish out there. This shade has all the glitz and glamour that you'd expect from Miss Universe (and then some!)

The whole collection is fabbity-fabulous and is totally worthy of winning its very own crown!

If you'd like to try out the polishes, you can find them at professional salons and spas nationwide including national chains Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA for about $8 each.

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.

Amazingly Cute Flat Iron for $20 (That Actually WORKS!)

2011-08-18T12:11:00.000-04:00

I stumbled into Marshall's the other day to kill some time and literally walked into a display of adorable patterned flat irons. Since a girl can never have too many flat irons (this is my third or fourth!), I took a look at a box to get the details. I'm personally a CHI and/or ghd snob, so it takes a lot for me to reach out and try something else.

The Cermika PRO flat irons I was looking at seemed to have everything that high-end straighteners have--ceramic plates, temperature controlled heat that goes up to 450 degrees...everything! Except that they also all had super cute designs and only cost $20!!

Crazy, right?!

So I skeptically bought one, assuming that there was no way it'd be on par with my other flat irons. I was SO wrong! Not only are the Cermika irons cute as a button; they also work just as well as my $200 CHI!

The only problem? I haven't been able to find them online. Anywhere. And I have no idea how long they'll be at Marshall's. But if I were you, I'd run to the nearest store and stock up! The patterns are endless and will truly make you want to straighten your hair, merely since you'll be able to use something so cute!

Here's another design I found online:

Totally fabulous, right? I also saw a light blue one with retro flowers on it that I just might have to pick up...Eeee!! I love finding cheap goodies!!

Bath & Body Works Latest: Paris Amour!

2011-08-15T10:33:00.000-04:00

Has anyone else tried Bath & Body Work's new Paris Amour fragrance?! It smells absolutely divine and I'm currently obsessing over it. The scent is described as: a dreamy blend of French tulips, apple blossoms and sparkling pink champagne, inspired by a romantic stroll through the streets of Paris. It smells super yummy!

Right now, Bath & Body Works is offering up this utterly adorable gift set (pictured) for $10 with any Paris Amour purchase. The set includes a mini fragrance spray, shower gel, and body lotion so that you can enjoy the whole Paris Amour experience!

To get this fab deal, I suggest going for the amazing Shimmer & Shea Shimmer Gel & Body lotion.There's a dial at the top to control how much shimmer comes out with the lotion (you'd better believe that I have mine cranked all the way up!) The lotion is $14.

Je 'taime!

Wondering What to Wear?

2011-08-11T15:23:00.000-04:00

It takes me HOURS to get ready for something--especially if it's a special event. I go back and forth on accessories and tops...it's ridiculous.

This cute What to Wear Pad has everything you need to keep your outfits organized. You literally write down every single thing that you're wearing on any given day.

There's even a checklist for helping you find out what look you're going for! How fabulous is this??!

Each pad is $8--and definitely worth it to save time and stay organized when it comes to fashion!

Dry Your Nails in a Jiffy!

2011-08-10T18:27:00.000-04:00

I absolutely HATE sitting around and waiting for my nails to dry. Despite the fact that I use a fast-drying top coat, I usually still end up having to wait for over 20 minutes before I can use my hands (and even then, the polish is still tacky and can be easily damaged).

The solution? Revlon's Liquid Quick Dry Nail Finish. There are tons of overly expensive products out that that produce similar results, but I've found that this Revlon finish gets the job done for a fraction of the price.

I tend to use a few drops of it after applying my usual fast-drying top coat, and I've found that it literally cuts the drying time in half. I love this stuff!!

The best part? You can get the nail finish for under $5. Not bad for a super time saver!

BEAUTY ALERT: Anne Hathaway at her One Day Premiere

2011-08-09T14:13:00.001-04:00

Anne Hathaway always looks so utterly chic and gorgeous. She never looks fake and her hair always has that effortless, yet glam look to it.

The secret? Some fab Frederic Fekkai products applied by stylist Adir Abergel! Here's how to get the look:

Adir began by applying Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip to the roots of the wet hair. He then added Fekkai Coiff Bouffant Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel from the middle of the hair to the bottom, helping to hold a slight natural wave. Adir then dried the hair while using a Fekkai Large Round Brush to ensure that the ends of the hair had a nice bend. Once the hair was completely dry, he used a 1” curling iron to create waves from the middle of the hair to the ends. After allowing the hair to cool, he added softness to the waves by spraying Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray and brushing it through. Adir finished the look by applying Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist to the ends of the hair, creating beautiful shine and bounce.

All products by Fekkai: Fekkai Advanced Full Volume Styling Whip ($23), Fekkai Coiff™ Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel ($24), Fekkai Large Round Brush ($65), Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray ($24), and Fekkai Advanced Glossing Sheer Shine Mist ($24). Available at Fekkai.com and Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Vitamin Water Lip Balm!?

2011-08-08T13:56:00.001-04:00

Eeeee!! Just when you thought they thought of everything...Vitamin Water has come out with its very own Lip Balm. And I'm in LOVE with it!

My fave balm by far is the strawberry kiwi flavor, but each balm has a fab scent and taste of its own! All of them smell remarkably like their drink partners. They're all super yummy.

You can find them all over the place, but drugstore.com seems to be the cheapest I've found so far--$2.99 per tube!

Yum!

Yes to Blueberries!!!

2011-08-07T20:20:00.000-04:00

I'm a huge fan of all the "Yes to..." products, and their latest Yes to Blueberries Gardener's Hand Cream is no exception.

I must admit, I don't really do much gardening. That said, the hand cream works wonders on my sensitive skin. I've been applying it regularly (especially when I'm outdoors) and I've found that my hands feel silky smooth without any sort of greasy residue. Huzzah!

Some bonus factors? The hand cream is 95% natural and is not tested on animals. Also, 100% of the proceeds go to the Yes to Seed Fund to give kids fun and engaging ways to connect with mother nature and teach them to lead healthier lifestyles through nutrition, gardening & being outdoors. How fab is that?!

Each 2.5oz tube is $8.99.

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

Applaud Women Summer Issue is Out!

2011-08-02T09:00:00.015-04:00

The latest issue of Applaud Women is online! The whole magazine is fab, but I am going to pimp myself out a little here. I wrote a fashion article that you can find on pages 42-43.

So check out the mag for some great pieces and be sure to check out my summer savings article for ways to wear summer trends without breaking the bank!

Fab Temporary Tattoos

2011-08-01T08:43:00.002-04:00

I always have great ideas for tattoos and get cravings to look more bad-ass. But I have a job, and sometimes the tattoos that tickle my fancy simply aren't appropriate for everyday wear.

That's why I love temporary tattoos. The good news? They're not just for kids anymore! Tattly has some amazing temp ink that's as awesome as it is cheap.

My faves are the Knucks (letter sheets that allow you to spell out anything) and the You're Late watch. Both are $5 each.

There are tons of other groovy designs. Explore the site and find your own unique tat!

Fashion Faux Pas: CARGO Jeggings!!!

2011-07-31T22:48:00.000-04:00

I've made my thoughts about jeggings pretty clear. I hate them practically more than anything else in the world. They're not flattering in the least bit. In fact, they tend to add bulk and make your hips look HUGE, regardless of how thin you are. That said, I thought that plain old jeggings were as bad as it got. Unfortunately, I was mistaken.

Oodles ofstores are now selling cargo jeggings (including the Gap, Kohl's, and New York & Co . The pants include side pockets, like regular cargo pants, but are tight and unflattering just like jeggings. It's a horrible combo. Whoever came up with this idea needs to be punched in the face.

The extra side pockets only serve to make your thighs look ridiculously large in comparison to the rest of your body.

I just don't get why anyone would find this look attractive. And it's not even like the cargo pockets serve a purpose--you can't really carry things in them since the pants themselves are so tight. All that they do is add bulk. The whole thing boggles my mind!

Wear regular pants, people. It's not that difficult, and you won't look like a huge loser.

Bath & Body Works Summer VIP Bag

2011-07-30T09:00:00.003-04:00

Yay!! I love Bath & Body Works with a passion. I especially love when they put together cute bags of goodies!

Their latest bag 'o' treats is their Summer VIP Bag. When you spend $30 on anything in the store, you get this fantastic bag for $20 (it's a $75 value!!) Exciting, no? Here's what comes in the set:

Coconut Passionfruit Shower Gel (10 oz.)
Coconut Passionfruit Body Lotion (8 oz.)
Coconut Passionfruit Fragrance Mist (8 oz.)
Full-size Anti-Bac Gentle Foaming Hand Soap (8 oz.) in Guava Grapefruit
Cotton Candy Lip Gloss
True Blue Mini Hand Lotion
Scentportable in Pink Sangria
Pink Gauze Sponge
Mini Candle in Salty Carmel
Purple 4 Ever PocketBac with matching holder

Not bad, right?! All of the products in the bag are amazing and perfect for the end of summertime. And it's ridiculously easy to spend $30 at B&B Works in order to redeem it. My suggestions? Check out some of their True Blue Spa products and pamper yourself! Or stock up on some fabbity-fabulous lip products. Make sure to throw in a tube of C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Tint in Magenta Mint. You'll love the sheer bright pink color, and your lips will feel minty fresh all day long.

The VIP Bags are only going to be around for a limited time, so get shopping!

Limit 1 bag per order. Must enter code SUMMERBAG11 at checkout to redeem.

Nicole by OPI Something About Color Collection

2011-07-29T19:13:00.000-04:00

Nicole by OPI has some fab new shades just in time for fall. The four new hues are superb and very unique. The colors are perfect for the summer to fall transition. Per usual, the names of the polishes are what really get me excited!!! Here's the rundown:

Green up your Act-- This shade is an olive green with a hint of blue to it. It's kind of murky-looking, but for some reason, I'm utterly addicted to it. It seems to be taking over as this seasons "greige" (gray-beige) neutral. The color looks scary at first, but it's actually quite flattering on most skintones. This is a color that will be all over the place this fall and starting with your nails is a great way to get a jump start on the color trend. The finish is smooth and gorgeous, with an almost creamy quality to it.

Sounds Grape to me-- Definitely more of a "raisin" color, than anything resembling other grape-colored polishes I own. That said, I really like the color. I might hold off until fall to bust this one out, but wine is always a good color to wear. While it's still warm out, rock the color on your toes. As it gets a bit cooler, pack up your pretty pastel polishes and use this as a basic go-to polish for your fingers.

It's Not Me, It's Blue-- The prettiest periwinkle polish I've ever laid eyes on! This color is by far my fave of the collection. The color is difficult to explain. It definitely has a periwinkle base, but it also has more gray than you would expect. Normally, I'd consider periwinkle more of a spring color, but the gray adds depth and a darker quality that is perfect for the upcoming colder months.

I Love You Cherry Much-- This hue is a bright, sparkly red that I think is actually quite seasonless. You can wear this polish all-year-round for a glitzy, glam look. The red has some cooler undertones to it, hence the "cherry" desciprion in the title. I'd say that's pretty accurate. And being such a huge fan of red polishes, I can already tell that this will be one of my new fave reds of all time!

The collection is absolutely to die for! Each polish retails for under $8 and is available in August 2011only at select Target locations and at Target.com.

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

Fashion Faux Pas: the Yeti Vest

2011-07-26T16:07:00.000-04:00

My least favorite fall trend EVER is the latest fur vest look. Everyone is trying to sell them, and some fashionistas are being tricked into thinking this look is cool. Unfortunately, the reality is that wearing a fur vest makes you look like a yeti. Or like you're wearing a vest that is made from a dead yeti. I'm not sure which is worse.

However, I do like the idea of wearing something like this for Halloween. It's a little bit scary; a little bit snuggly. But definitely not something anyone should ever wear in real life. Even if you add a belt or something else to make it seem fashionable. There's just nothing you can do to make this acceptable to wear in public.

Oodles of designers are jumping on board with the whole yeti look. The pictured vest is surprisingly from Michael Kors (who I usually love!) and costs $650. In fact, the online shop offers up tons of fur vests that go all the way up to thousands of dollars!

If I see anyone wearing a yeti vest in the near future, I will puke all over their face. I suggest you all do the same. No questions asked. There's just no excuse for dressing up like a yeti.

You're Never too Old for a Coloring Book!

2011-07-23T15:59:00.000-04:00

When I was just a little fashionista, coloring books were my thing. I loved coloring with a passion and would often mix crayon colors or draw shapes inside of the lines to make my pictures look unique.

Now that I'm 25, I don't tend to buy coloring books. It's probably not socially acceptable to buy them unless I have a child with me. But this adorable My Wonderful World of Fashion Coloring Book from Fred Flare is the cutest thing I've ever seen! It makes me want to run out and buy some crayons right now and color nonstop (hey, I have a few years to make up for!)

The book features tons of pictures for the fashion obsessed and even has a few pages dedicated to DIY projects! What's not to love?!

Each book is about $20. Not a bad investment for a grown-up coloring book!

Quickie Makeover: Mindy

2011-07-23T00:30:00.001-04:00

There's nothing I love more than playing with my lady friends' faces! Makeovers are my fave thing to to and anytime someone is willing to let me play, I take the opportunity and jump for joy! My friend, Mindy, was more than willing to let me try out a new look on her and she was pleasantly surprised with the results. Here's how I created the look:

I applied a tinted moisturizer all over Mindy's face. Not only did it cover up some trouble areas, it also worked as a primer for the makeup I was applying. It made a great base and evened out her skintone, which is a HUGE deal. I like tinted moisturizer more than foundation, especially in the summer, because it lets your natural beauty shine through. No one wants to look like they've got tons of makeup caked on. It's simply not flattering.
Next, I brushed on a light shimmery eye shadow as a base. Victoria's Secret has some great ones--their Silky Eye Shadow in Lustre (a champagne-ish hue) works perfectly for this. It adds just enough shimmer to draw attention to the eye, but since it's a shimmer rather than a glitter shadow, you don't end up looking like a disco ball. Win-win!!
After the eyeshadow base was applied, I used a soft black eyeliner pencil (Prestige has a divine Soft Khol Liner that applies smoothly and blends like a dream). Using the soft black pencil, I lined Mindy's lids, starting with a thin line on the inside corner and working out to a thicker line towards the outer edge. This lifts the eye and flatters nearly every eye shape. I also used a light brown pencil on the bottom lash line, but only on the outer half of the eye--again, to give the illusion of a more lifted eye.
Next, I used a few different brown eye shadows to create a subtle smokey eye. A medium brown hue worked as an all-over color, while dark brown blended nicely into the black liner and on the outside corner of the lid. The colors in Sephora's Beauty in a Box Brown Smoky Eye Palette rock for this step.
Using a light concealer, I covered up the under-eye area. I always save this step for after the eye shadow has been applied because if any shadow is spilled or smudged under the eye area, it's an easy fix since there's no makeup there to begin with. It also works as a great blending tool for the lower lash line--blend the concealer upwards and smudge it into the liner for a more natural, less harsh, look.
Next, I curled Mindy's lashes using a simple eyelash curler. You don't need to go crazy and spend tons of money on a curler. Most of the time, the lash curlers you see at drugstores are totally sufficient.
After curling the lashes, I applied two coats of Hard Candy's 1,000 Lashes Mascara. It uses actual fibers to extend lashes. For extra glam, I also added a couple coats of CoverGirl's LashBlast Mascara. I really love this stuff because it leaves lashes clump-free, while adding volume at the same time.
Lastly, I used a big fluffy brush and swept on a light bronzer where the sun would naturally hit, and a bright blush underneath the cheekbones.

I also added a little hot pink lipstick, just for fun, but it didn't go over very well! Other than that, Mindy was super happy with her new look. Even though it looks like there are oodles of instructions, the look is really simple to create and can be achieved in under 15 minutes. Any thoughts?

My New Kicks!

2011-07-20T18:36:00.000-04:00

Sneakers have really never been my thing. Growing up, I usually had a pair for gym class and cheerleading, but as soon as that all ended, so did my desire for sneakers. I don't think I've even owned a pair since college.

Well, that ended yesterday! My main squeeze bought me a pair of these adorable DC Chelsea Skate sneakers that I am in LOVE with. The pink plaid and added charms really tickle my fancy. Being a heels girl, this might sound crazy, but these new shoes are probably my fave pair at the moment!

Bonus? Since my feet are ridiculously tiny, I got to get them child-sized. That's probably why the shoes are adorned with charms galore. I don't hate it.

This pair is about $45. If you have adult-size feet (like most people), these pink and lime DC sneakers also look fab, but are $55.

Illamasqua's New Magenta Muse Collection

2011-07-14T11:37:00.000-04:00

Illamasqua is a beauty line that I've only recently become acquainted with. That said, it's now at the top of my list for makeup products. The quality in each product is simply amazing. Everything is highly pigmented and the colors are fabulous. Their latest Magenta Muse collection contains the following gorgey products:

Cream Pigment - $24
Bring out your bold side with this gloriously rich, extremely pigmented cream. Use to adorn eyes, face and body, and apply with fingers or a brush for a buildable, matt, water-resistant finish. Layer under Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow for an added intense effect. A highly pigmented new matt formula that can either neutralise or dominate. Create the ultimate in textures whether it’s on your face, eyes, or body, bringing a flash of colour to a subtle contour. This formula provides coverage and adhesion for Powder Eye Shadow and Pure Pigment intensification.

Dab – Matt Lilac
Mould – Matt Grape

Pure Pigment - $24
Made to be played with. A metallic, high-shine, pure-colour powder that highlights eyes, cheeks and brows. Mix with eye shadow, powder blusher or use it on its own to intense effect. Bring out your bold side.

Android- shimmering gunmetal

Liquid Metal - $26
Prepare to dazzle with this gloriously rich and highly pigmented metallic cream. Use to adorn eyes, face and body, and apply with fingers or a brush. Release your inhibitions and illuminate your alter ego.

Enrapture – Metallic Copper

Powder Blusher - $24
Illuminate and enliven your complexion with the color and drama of Illamasqua Powder Blusher. Color intense and highly pigmented, it can be used to shade, brighten, enhance, and define the shape of your face. Be bold, be daring, and be the center of attention with this matt formula that can either neutralize or dominate. Create the ultimate in textures whether it’s on your face, eyes, or body, bringing a flash of colour to a subtle contour.

Hussy –Bright Petal Pink
Excite – Vibrant Coral

Precision Ink - $27.50
Create looks with attitude. The Precision Ink’s fine tip allows for defined application, making it perfect for use anywhere - on the face or on the body. It dries within seconds and stays true for hours, so whatever you scrawl on your skin, you know your creation will last until dawn.

Glister- Opalescent Nude
Abyss - Gloss Black

Lipstick - $22
Intense Lipstick with a highly pigmented formula that glides on smoothly, creating a statement that one simply cannot look away from.

Test – Matt Pinky Beige
Underworld - Iridescent Violet

Sheer Lipgloss - $20
Come out of the shadows with a high-shine punch of colour. Glossy, intense, and highly pigmented, Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss is long-lasting, both on the lips and in the mind.

Electrify – Baby Pink Sheen
Tantrum – Deep Violet Sheen

Nail Varnish - $14
Leave your mark with an unexpected claw. Choose from either toxic pastels or unmissable neons. Hardwearing and chip-resistant, they’ll last until you’re ready to try your next favourite in the collection.

Lament - bright coral pink/ glossy finish
DWS - cement gray/ glossy finish
Muse – deep teal blue/ glossy finish
Jo Mina - electric lilac/ glossy finish
Poke - Bright Violet Purple shimmer
Scorn – Matt Black

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the nail varnishes. The colors are super unique and apply very smoothly to the nail. Here's a pic of the latest collection:

I love the mix of super bright colors and muted hues. Each of these colors are flattering on all skintones (even if you might be scared to try it!)

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sheer Lipgloss in Tantrum (a Deep Violet Sheen):

It looks a bit wild, but when you apply it to your lips, it actually goes on as sheer as possible, leaving behind only a trace of purple. It's enough to make people look twice at your lips, but not in a "what is she thinking?!" sort of way, which is really the ultimate goal with beauty products.

You can pick up your own Illamasqua products at Sephora.

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

Revlon's Just Tinted Nail Polish

2011-07-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

I probably own over 100 bottles of nail polish. It's my weakness. My fiance actually gave me one of his desk drawers to put them in so that they didn't take up the entire apartment. I'm really trying to cut back, but there are so many cute polishes out there that I can't stop!

My latest love is Revlon's Just Tinted nail polish. It goes on sheer, yet evenly, which is difficult for a nail polish to do. The polishes are perfect for summer, as they basically make your nails look like popsicles. The collection includes four hues: Desire (a fushia pink), Victorian (a watermelon-esque shade), Dawn (an orange/peach color) and Mystical (a plum hue).

All the colors are gorgeous, but I really like Desire best. The sheer bright fuchsia looks fab on all skintones and is just gorgeous on! The colors apply so easily--one coat leaves you with a super sheer look, while two coats gives you more color (but still remains sheer).

You can get a bottle of your own for under $6! Not too shabby!

Fashion Faux Pas: Jeggings

2011-07-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

Jeggings honestly make me sick. For those of you who are out of the loop, jeggings are leggings that have a denim look to them. But they're still leggings. I think that the people who wear them simply can't decide whether they want to wear leggings or jeans, so they go for this hideous look.

I just don't get it. I like regular leggings (even though my fiance hates them). But I wear them under skirts or dresses to add some flair. Jeggings seem to be more of an actual pant. I don't know about any of you ladies, but I'm definitely not comfortable wearing skin tight leggings on their own. Even if my legs were perfect, it would be an issue.

My advice? Stick with regular leggings or throw on a pair of jeans.

Limited Edition Victoria's Secret PINK Tote! For FREE!!!

2011-07-11T09:00:00.056-04:00

It should come as no surprise that anything free and fabulous catches my eye. Currently, I'm head over heels for this Victoria's Secret PINK Tote.

The tote is limited edition and is only available until July 12th (Tuesday), so you have to act fast to get one. All you need to do is purchase any PINK product (which isn't hard since everything is absolutely adorable!), type in TOTALLYPINK at the checkout, and the tote is yours. Pretty easy, right?

You have a choice in colors: pink, black or purple. Obviously the pink bag is my fave. The tote is also pretty huge (22 1/2"W x 15"H) and can easily double as a beach bag. Or, if you're like me, you can use it as a purse--sadly, I carry around more than enough stuff daily to need this much space.

Having trouble finding a PINK item to purchase? Try this cute All-Over Body Mist Gift Set. The mini bottles are perfect for throwing in your purse, or giving away to friends! And the set is only $25 for four fragrance minis.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2011-07-10T09:00:00.008-04:00

Today is my fabulous daddio's birthday! I don't know what I'd do without him--he's a huge supporter of my writing and is always behind me 100%. Thanks dad for being the best dad ever!! Happy birthday!!

Bliss Rubberizing Mask

2011-07-09T20:18:00.000-04:00

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I first heard about The new Fabulous Skin-Reviving Rubberizing Mask from Bliss. My skin can be super sensitive and the idea of anything remotely rubber-esque touching my skin just sounded weird.

That said, after I actually tried the product, I immediately fell in love! My skin felt clean and fresh and the mask worked perfectly on my sensitive skin. It actually absorbs into the skin and peels back to reveal pores and renew skin. It also contains oodles of powerful nutrients and antioxidants to give skin a vibrant look.

Here's how to use it:

Empty the packet into a mixing bowl, add a scoop of water and mix with the enclosed spatula into a smooth paste
Paint the paste onto your face and neck with the spatula
Allow the mask to rubberize for 15-20munites
Peel off the mask in one swoop
Enjoy your new gorgeous skin!

Each box comes with six packets (good for six applications) and is available here for $38.

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

The Only Beach Bag You'll Ever Need

2011-07-08T16:31:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...I have WAY too many bags. But this Fashionable Notes Beach Bag is just too cute to pass up!

It's large enough to hold a few magazines, a big towel, suntan lotion, water and snacks galore! The bag is also super easy to clean. It's lined with a vinyl-esque material that can be wiped out in a jiffy! There are also little rubber feet on the bag, so it doesn't have to actually touch the sand and get the bottom dirty.

The bag comes in a few different colors: brown, teal, red and tangerine. All the colors are adorable, but the light brown hue is classic and goes with anything.

Each bag is $38.

Need Fashion, Beauty or Writing Help?

2011-07-06T10:56:00.001-04:00

Contact me here if you need anything from a makeover to picking out a special outfit for an event!

Nicole by OPI Introduces Texture Coat

2011-07-04T13:04:00.000-04:00

I'm absolutely loving all the latest Nicole Texture collection! Much like OPI's Shatter polishes, these add a crackle effect over any polish you already own. The result is fabulous and the color combos are endless. This latest collection includes all the basic colors you might need to create a unique, textured look to you nails: turquoise (my personal fave!!!), silver, red, gold, black and white.

Here's an idea of the outcome:

I actually like the idea of trying out all the hues together. The look is incredibly unique and is perfect for summer!

To use the texture polishes, start off with a good base coat, followed by two coats of any polish. Make sure to let the polish dry completely before applying the texture polish (one coat is all you need). Waiting for the polish to dry is a very important step--the texture polish doesn't look nearly as amazing when it's applied over still-wet, or tacky polish. Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way! After the texture coat has dried, finish off with a thick top coat and admire your gorgey nails!

You can pick up a bottle of your own for under $8 at salons nationwide, as well as at ULTA, Target, Meijer, Harmon, Walgreens, Sears and H-E-B.

Enjoy!

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

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T09:57:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July, ladies!! Hope it's a fab, fashionable day for you all!!

Sassy Fashionista

"Like" Sassy Fashionista on Facebook!

Coasters That Say it Like it is!

How To: Ombré Nails

AMAZING Valentine's Day Collection from ELF for $2!

Fashion Faux Pas: the [Not So] Trendy Top

Glossy Gurl Giveaway!!!

Get Your Glow on Year-Round!

Luxury Lust: MAC Jeanius Eyeshadow

Dr. Carlo's Corner: Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures

Pretty Winter Hands

Lip Balm Made Better

Get the Look for Less: Shimmery Champagne Eyeshadow

Super Cute Top You Can Wear Now and Later!

Beauty Boo-Boo: Nail Polish for Dudes

Beauty Routine Time Savers

How Could Anyone NOT Want a Garden Gnome Purse?

Beauty Boo-Boo: Lip Tattoos

GORGEOUS Necklace on Sale for $21!!

Glitz and Glam Sale!

Fashion Faux Pas: Forever Lazy Adult Onesies

Victoria's Secret Angel Eau De Parfum GIVEAWAY!

Winter White Nails

My Latest Makeup Love

My 2012 Beauty Resolutions

Wear color on your nails Are you a serial French manicure junkie? Drop the pink and white in 2011 and branch out in color. Try a new color every two weeks such as cherry red, coral or yellow!

Learn how to apply your own fake eyelashesIt might seem like a daunting task but applying your own fake eyelashes will save you time and make your eyes pop any day of the week. Try this How to apply false eyelashes tutorial!

Change your hairstyleIf you can’t tell the years in your pictures because you’ve had the same cut and color since 2005 then it is time to switch up. Make an appointment with your hairstylist to brainstorm ideas that will make you comfortable but give you a new look!

YAY!! I Finally Have the Internet Back (For Real!!)

Sorry, Ladies!

Sealed With a Kiss!

Michael Kors and Estee Lauder Team up for a Fab GWP!

Add This to Your Christmas List: OPI's New Muppet Collection

My Latest Obsession: Dressbarn (AND a giveaway!)

Press On Nails that Work!

For Anyone Who Loves Shoes!

I see Paris, I see France! I see...Weight Loss Underpants?

Best Idea Ever: Hem Gems

Gorgey Holiday Dress for Under $40!

Victoria's Secret Goodie Bag for $25!!

Nicole by OPI Holiday Glitters!

Miss Piggy's Most Hilarious Beauty Tips

Give Cancer the Kiss Off!

Miss Piggy for MAC!

New Pink Shatter by OPI

Amazing Makeup Palette For $3.50 (ONLY TILL MONDAY!!)

New Fall Issue of Applaud Women Online!

A Chic & Spooky Halloween Headband

Fashion Faux Pas: Jean Legwarmers

Jamberry Nails Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

New Clinique GWP at Macy's!

Charmed, I'm Sure...

Fashion Faux Pas: Furry Feet

Breaking News: Jason Wu Is The Next Designer for Target!

The Cutest Trench for Fall

Hello, Gorgeous!

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

Designer Accessories on the Cheap!

Freeze Your Jeans!

Hair Salon Defends Domestic Violence-y Ad

OPI Glam Slam US Collection

Scent Screw Up: Justin Bieber's Someday

My New Fave Read: Classy

Fashion Faux Pas: White Leggings

Stay Frizz Free with Living Proof's Straight!

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

Katy Perry Red Carpet Look Tutorial (Featuring Proactiv Products!)

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

My Latest Obsession: Rosie Flo's Coloring Book

Piggy Ankle Socks

Beauty Boo-Boo: Sticker Eyelashes

Style for the Home: Ice Cream Sandwich Pillow

Get Your Glow On!

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

Kamibashi Cares GIVEAWAY!

Katy Perry Got Her St. Tropez Glow on at the VMAs

Kiss My Face Toothpaste and Mouthwash GIVEAWAY!

Clinique's Latest Gift with Purchase!

Button Up!

Wanna Look Radiant?

Wear color on your nails
Are you a serial French manicure junkie? Drop the pink and white in 2011 and branch out in color. Try a new color every two weeks such as cherry red, coral or yellow!

Learn how to apply your own fake eyelashes
It might seem like a daunting task but applying your own fake eyelashes will save you time and make your eyes pop any day of the week. Try this How to apply false eyelashes tutorial!

Change your hairstyle
If you can’t tell the years in your pictures because you’ve had the same cut and color since 2005 then it is time to switch up. Make an appointment with your hairstylist to brainstorm ideas that will make you comfortable but give you a new look!