Prabal Gurung for Target Collection

I always get super excited when I hear that my favorite designers decide to do a “low end” line. So you can imagine how thrilled I was last year when I heard that famed Nepalese designer, Prabal Gurung, is releasing a women’s clothing & accessory collection for Target. Each piece is priced under $50. I was a bit wary about the whole thing, especially after the whole Neiman Marcus for Target disastuh. Earlier last month photos of the entire collection were released and I have to say I am quite impressed.

The collection hits Target stores on February 10th (T-MINUS 10 DAYS!!) Below are some of my favorite picks:

I really hope that this collection lives up to the hype. After the Neiman Marcus for Target catastrophe, Target can’t afford to fail on this one. While the prints look great, I really hope the quality holds up. Obviously these are mass-produced made in China for Target clothes, but I feel like with past designer collections, Target really drops the ball when it comes to the quality of the clothing. Not sure if that’s because of the designer’s manufacturing choices or Target’s… but I guess we’ll see.

What do you think of Target’s newest collaboration with a major fashion designer — YAY or NAY?

XOXO

Ode to BaubleBar

disclaimer: I have in no way or form been compensated for writing this post. It is the result of my satisfaction with BaubleBar‘s products and customer service

Ever heard of BaubleBar Dot Com?! They are an awesome jewelry site featuring new trends, major designers, and amazing deals. They update their site constantly with new jewelry, and on Fridays and Mondays they have $10 “buried baubles” and $20 platinum “buried baubles”. At several times during the year, they pair up with major designers & labels, creating beautiful, limited-edition collections. The best part is that shipping & returns are FREE! Every purchase that you make gives you points in your “vault” and you can use them towards discounts on more jewelry.

The prices on BaubleBar are very reasonable and the quality is amazing. I have probably purchased over 20 times from them and have NEVER had an issue with them. Their customer service is also amazing, and you can always hit them up on their Facebook or Twitter with any issues that you’re having.

What I love about them the most is that they have something for everyone. Into boho-chic, rocker girl,  or super trendy & neon, or simple & understated? They have it all! Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of my current favorites below:

You need to register with BaubleBar (email and a password) to place an order. Click THIS LINK to get started and shop away! Make sure you sign up for e-mails so you get Buried Bauble clues! Want 4% Cashback on your purchase? Make sure you sign up for eBates (totally legit, I promise). They give you Cashback for online purchases at 100s of stores!

Happy shopping!

XOXO

Hello 2013!

Sorry for the long hiatus. The holidays, new job, and new addition to the family have kept me incredibly busy. Yes you read that right, but NO I didn’t have a baby. In December, my hubby surprised me with the (second) greatest thing to ever happen to my life:  

dress: I heart Ronson
tights: ASOS
bag: Marc by marc jacobs
boots: BP by Nordstrom

 

Meet Tino our adorable Westie pup!

I have missed blogging so much and can’t wait to get back into it. Watch out for my next few posts because one of them will be a giveaway!

XOXO

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More Fall/Winter Fashion Faves Under $50

If you are on a budget but wanting to give in to the latest trends listen up, You don’t have to spend a fortune to do so! You can simply use what you already have, from Fall and Winter’s past, and spice up your wardrobe. Ever since I started this blog a year ago, my friends have come to me for advice on how to stay up-to-date with the ever changing trends and styles. The key is to ACCESSORIZE! I cannot stress this enough. If you still want to buy clothes, get a few key pieces that won’t put a huge dent in your wallet.

My #1 rule is to NEVER buy anything super trendy at higher-end stores. It’s just not worth the investment if you don’t plan on wearing it for more than one or two seasons. Stick to stores such as Forever 21, H&M, Target, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Asos etc. Right now a big trend we’re seeing everywhere is the Peter Pan collar tops. I decided to purchase one from one of the above “trendy” stores, and spend no more than $30 on it. This way, even if it falls apart in the wash 6 months from now, I won’t feel too guilty. The same goes with super patterned skinny jeans. I have a feeling that Floral jeans won’t be a trend that will stay for too long, so I bought myself a pair for under $25 at Target. Apply this to jewelry, shoes, etc to avoid spending too much on trendy things.

Analogously, my #2 rule is to ALWAYS buy quality “staple” items in my closet. Staple = It’ll never go out of style in the fashion world OR to me. These include dark jeans (skinny, bootcut, etc.), collared shirts, sweaters, boots, blazer, little black dress, knee-length winter coat, sneakers, hoop earrings, and perfectly fitted (to me) tee-shirts.

Check my Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Picks, Each for under $50!!

For store information click HERE

Happy Shopping!

XOXO

Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Picks

 

So unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, you’ve heard about the Target & Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection Collaboration. I was SO EXCITED when I heard about the partnership earlier this year, and even more thrilled last week when Target decided to unveil all 50 pieces from the collection on their Facebook page. Not going to lie though… I was a bit disappointed after looking through them. Was hoping some of my favorite designers (Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Marchesa) would’ve stepped their game up a bit more, but what can you do? The fact that bougie Neiman Marcus would even work with such a “low end” store like Target is beyond surprising. Click on the slideshow below to view my favorite picks from the collection!

It’ll be available in-store and online on December 1st!

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XOXO

Revlon Violet Frenzy vs Berry Haute and Ravish Me Red Swatches & Reviews

One thing I hate about the cooler months (besides it being dark all the time), is that it is no longer appropriate to wear hot pink lipstick and sundresses. I am totally not a dark-colored lipstick person at all, but decided to venture to the drugstore today if I could find some colors I like. I know I easily could’ve gone to the MAC makeup counter and got color matched for something, but (1) I don’t feel like spending $15 on a lipstick and (2) I find the “hunt” to be fun and like to experiment by myself.

My favorite drugstore lipsticks are Revlon for one main reason… THEY DON’T HAVE ANY SCENT! Perfect for sensitive people like me. After doing some research online (thank you, Makeupalley.com!!!) I went out in search of Revlon’s “Blackberry” and “Ravish Me Red”. All of the reds I have are too pinkish and I wanted something more appropriate for Fall. While I could not find “Blackberry”, I did stumble upon the editor’s choice “Violet Frenzy” and decided to give it a try:

Revlon Violet Frenzy

Pros: The color looked the same in the tube as it did on my lips. One of the biggest downfalls of buying drugstore lipstick is that you cannot test before you buy. Nothing is more disappointing than a color that looks totally different in the tube than it does on you. It had good staying power, about 3-4 hours. It is the perfect shade of violet and has a lot of shine, if that’s your thing.

Cons: It is a Revlon Super Lustrous Pearl. I am not a big fan of the Pearl lipsticks because I feel like with the extra shine, the color just kind of slides off my lips. It doesn’t apply as easily as other Creme Revlon colors. In fact, I found that it applied a bit unevenly. I think it would look better on a lighter skintone than my own (for reference I am NC42ish)

Bottom Line: While I feel like there’s nothing to write home about, it is one of Revlon’s newest shades and limited edition. So if you like it, make sure you stock up!

Where To Buy: Any drugstore. This week, Walgreens is having BOGO 50% on Revlon lipsticks!

I decided to swatch it and compare it with one of my most favorite Revlon lipsticks (which is also a shade of purple), called “Berry Haute”…

Revlon’s Violet Frenzy vs. Revlon’s Berry Haute

As you can see, “Berry Haute” is definitely more pinkish, but it still packs a punch and there is more color payoff than from “Violet Frenzy”. I think that “Violet Frenzy” would look better on cooler skintones while “Berry Haute” looks better on the warmer ones.

Revlon Berry Haute

Pros: This shade really packs a punch! It is Creme formula so it glides on very easily with lots of payoff. I wore this out today and it survived eating a meal with only minimal touch-up required. All in all I believed it stayed on for a good 4.5 hours, pretty impressive for a drugstore shade! It doesn’t contain any shimmer which is SO HARD to find in a purple-ish color. It is very moisturizing on my lips which is great for the cooler, dry weather. You can also layer it on if you want more color. I also love that it doesn’t stain my lips after removal, something that a lot of MAC’s highly pigmented shades do to me. I could go on and on about how awesome it is because it’s my HG shade in the Fall/Winter.

Cons: The only con that I can think of is that if you love it as much as I do, it’ll go fast! I like to stock up on it when I find Revlon sales.

Bottom Line:  If you are looking for a color that isn’t pink or red, and want to try something new definitely check this out!  I’ve seen this shade on cooler-toned people as well and it looks great.

Where To Buy: Any drugstore. This week, Walgreens is having BOGO 50% on Revlon lipsticks!

Revlon Ravish Me Red

Pros: I love this shade because it is a red/orange without being neon. It is the Creme formula, so it applies with ease and has lots of color payoff. Very moisturizing on my lips. Unlike a lot of reds, you cannot see cracks/dryness on your lips when applied. It is very bold and brightens your face without being too much. Perfect to get by during the drab weather of Fall and Winter. This one lasted on my lips for a good four hours.

Cons: Honestly, none that I can think of.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a red lipstick that pops but isn’t neon and still office-appropriate, I’d definitely check this shade out!

Where To Buy: Any drugstore. This week, Walgreens is having BOGO 50% on Revlon lipsticks!

Alas, I am still on the hunt for the perfect dark shade of lipstick for the Fall. Hopefully I can get my hands on “Blackberry” soon. If anyone has any drugstore suggestions for me, please leave them in the comments!

Happy Lipsticking!
XOXO

New season = New ‘Do

Whoever said women are never satisfied couldn’t have made a more factual statement.

Every few months I get extremely bored with my hair and experiment with colors, layers, bangs, no bangs, etc.

Figured the new season called for a change, so I present to you my new hair:

 

– Bangs

-More color

– Few inches off

XOXO

Fall Fashion Favorites… ON A BUDGET!

Listen, I love New York Fashion Week as much as any other clothing-obsessed woman, but it makes me feel REALLY poor. As much as I would love to go out and buy  Tory Burch’s new collection or a Jason Wu dress I have bills to pay and a husband to feed. But a new season = a new excuse to buy some new (not-so-expensive) clothes right?! Check out my favorite trends and picks for Fall 2012!

Kirna Zabete Metallic Jacquard Skirt

Metallics/leather textures are all the rage this fall. I’ve seen this skirt in person and it looks much more expensive than it is. For less than $40, it’s a steal! At Target.

Merona Trench Coat

Brocade and paisley are HUGE for Fall. Make a statement in this not-so-run-of-the-mill trench! Less than $40 at Target.

MNG by Mango Slim Leg Pants

Hunter green is a the perfect Fall season color— vibrant yet subdued and classy. I definitely plan on adding these pants to my denim collection.
At JCPenney.

ASOS Curve Lace Dress With Mesh

Who said bigger girls can’t be fashionable ;-) The rich colors of this A-line dress make it flattering on the body and perfect for the cooler months. Comes in sizes 14-22! At ASOS.

INC International Concepts Dress

This Autumn, it’s all about mixing textures, and this mixed media dress does just that. The peplum is flattering on all body types, while the faux leather adds a bit of edginess. It’s the perfect day-to-night dress! Only at Macy’s.

Dirty Laundry Showstopper Boot

It’s a pretty well known fact that Fall = Boots. Keep your look edgy, yet feminine with these shoes from DSW.

Not-So-Ordinary Sweaters

Sweaters definitely got an overhaul this season. Be ready for some funky styles with embellishments, animal prints, or straight up animals! Both of these can be found at Piperlime.

Hunter Green Blazer

Since this color is so big this season, I plan on stocking up on a blazer too! Perfect to color block with my mint skinny jeans from the Spring season, or look polished on a pair of (p)leather pants. From Forever 21.

Glam Cheetah Collar

Why just wear animal print on your clothes when you can wear it in your jewelry too? This cheetah print necklace is the perfect statement piece to wear with your new Fall clothes! From my new favorite place to purchase jewelry, BaubleBar.

Whether you decide to purchase any of the above or not, remember you can usually score the best deals via online shopping. I like to use eBates. My friend over at Fashion Addict Stargazer put me onto it. Basically it’s a website that gives you cash back on purchases that you’ve made online at certain stores. I SWEAR it’s not a gimmick or a scam, I’ve actually received money back from them (you have the option of receiving a check or into your PayPal account. I prefer the latter). Use this link and head over to eBates right now. They are currently doing double cash back on a lot of stores such as Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Victoria’s Secret. Once you sign up (using my link please! Everyone gets referral specials), just go to eBates when you want to shop. Type in the name of the store and it’ll create a “tracking ticket” of your purchase and forward you to the store’s website. Using that same page, buy your stuff and voila.. you get cash back to you!

Happy shopping & it feels so good to be back to blogging!

XOXO

Greetings from paradise

Sorry for my lack of posting lately! Things got quite busy during the end of May, and now I’m taking a nice, long holiday in Turks & Caicos. It’s my most favorite place in the world!

I promise I’ll be on my blog game again once I come back.

Xoxo