Beauty is Within: Beauty and Fashion Blog

5 Tips For Getting a Good Night's Sleep

2012-05-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

It’s been said that in order to reduce stress and have healthy skin, you have to get a good night’s sleep. I realize that as I get older, I require more sleep in order to function during the day. I also know that everyone is different and the amount of sleep necessary is different from person to person.

Personally, I usually do not have a problem falling asleep or sleeping well at night. It’s rare for me to wake up not feeling refreshed. I know that many of you have issues with sleep, so I wanted to share some of my tips to get some good rest...

Listen to meditations - Calm music slows down your brain waves. One of my rituals at night before going to sleep is to listen to relaxing meditations. Do a search on YouTube for “relaxing meditation” and you’ll come across tons of videos.

Take deep breaths - The counting sheep thing never worked for me, but chanting “sleep” does. Inhale for a count of 5, hold for a count of 5, then exhale for a count of 5. As you inhale and exhale, say to yourself, “Deep sleep”.

Wear comfortable pj’s - Wearing soft cotton pj’s to bed makes me feel so cozy and comfortable. Matalan has a great selection of ladies pyjamas. I love all the polka dots and stripes!

Lavender aromatherapy - Lavender has been used for many years to help people relax and go to sleep. Dab lavender essential oil on the inside of your wrist or on your temples. You can also try applying lavender lotion on your skin before bed.

Read a book - I don’t know what it is about reading in bed, but it puts me to sleep every time!

What do you do to help fall asleep quickly and get a good night’s rest?

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The One Fashion Accessory I Can't Do Without

2012-05-23T11:11:00.001-07:00

What's the one fashion accessory that you can't do without?

At the moment my bracelet collection continues to grow by the week. It used to be that I couldn't walk outside the house without putting on earrings, but lately I can't seem to do without bracelets. I blame the arm party trend :)

My favorite bracelet right now is this gold rope bracelet by Lushae. I've been wearing it with another colorful woven bracelet I picked up at Forever 21.

When it comes to creating your own arm party, anything goes. Think of it as putting together a collage of bracelets you love...or a unique piece of art. You could even have a party with just one bold piece! For inspiration, do a search for the #armparty hashtag on Pinterest or Instagram!

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Summer Beach Fashion Tips

2012-05-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Whether it's hot humid nights or cool ocean breezes, being prepared for the summer at the beach requires the right pieces. Being that I live just 25 minutes from the beach, I consider my closet to be a prototype of the summer wardrobe.

Summer beach fashion is all about being comfortable and carefree. The "less is more" adage certainly applies when it comes to beachwear. My favorite go-to outfit is a strapless dress with stylish flip flops or sandals. I also love to wear my linen shorts with a t-shirt or tank top. I usually just throw up my hair in a ponytail, a"messy bun", or don a straw hat.

If you've been reading this blog, you know how much I emphasize the use of accessories with your outfits. Even if you are wearing basic items, the accessories you choose can add pizazz and uniqueness to any outfit. This is especially the case with beach or resort fashion. Create an arm party with colorful bracelets. You could also add some bling to your feet and draw attention to your fresh pedicure with these gold toe rings.

When hanging out in the evening or going for a stroll on the beach at night, make sure to carry a light sweater just in case it gets breezy. The must-have staple item, a button-up cardigan can be thrown in your tote bag so you don’t have to ever worry about getting chilly. I always carried a light sweater around at night when I visited Hawaii and Miami last summer.

What are your must-haves for beach fashion?

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How to Do a Dark Lip Without Going to the Dark Side

2012-05-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

Source: mulher.uol.com.br via Marissa on Pinterest

The New York Met Gala, which took place on May 7th, was awash with the very best celebrities, including singing sensations Rihanna and Lana Del Ray, stunning models Gisele and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and a good smattering of gorgeous actresses in between. However, one trend really bridged the career boundaries: the wine-coloured lip.

With her hair swept up in a chic bun, actress Kate Bosworth's almost purple pout was free to take centre stage while Jessica Alba took the opposite route bound for glamoursville by releasing her cascading waves to afford her darkest red lip tint the drama it deserved. The celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe left onlookers in no doubt that the trend was a winner, sporting claret-blushed lips herself; it was a striking contrast to her flowing white gown.

Source: hair-styles-secrets-revealed.com via Maria on Pinterest

To recreate this star-studded trend, make sure the skin provides a base that is as close to perfection as possible by using a foundation with good coverage. Using a lip liner in the same shade as the chosen lipstick will ensure an even shape; a must for colours this dark. Blue-tinted purples make teeth appear whiter, while cherry-based wine colours brighten pale skin.

The right outfit is also important when pulling off this look. Evening dresses can be dark but need to have a fun, brightening element like a bit of sparkle or an on-trend shape, like the ones available at La Redoute, lighter colours give the trend a great ethereal edge. You can have a look at La Redoute’s dress range here: www.laredoute.co.uk/women-dresses.htm

Don't follow in the ill-conceived steps of Miss Del Ray and Camille Belle by including other gothic elements in your look. Lana wore a black cape over her dazzling silver dress while Camille's almost black lip took her very dark hair and eyebrows into goth territory.

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How Plus Size Women Benefit from Mad Men Styling

2012-05-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Source: keikolynn.com via Sophie on Pinterest

Contrary to popular belief, the “thin” woman wasn't always in. Marilyn Monroe, for example, was a size 14. Just a few decades back, a more voluptuous woman was the standard to which all over women were held. While this belief seems to have faded with the entrance of heroin sheik models and petite sized stores, shows like Mad Men are bringing the love for a voluptuous woman back to center stage.

Joan Holloway, the show's feisty red head, has made a woman with a fuller figure sexy, and her wardrobe has given us a style nearly all of us can look great in. So if you are looking to bring an element of vintage style in to your closet, consider a few Mad Men wardrobe elements:

The Cut
The lines of nearly every vintage dress shown in Mad Men are meant to be on a woman with curves. The higher waists and the strong lines can do wonders for a figure, and can make nearly any woman look like she has an hour glass figure. Don't be afraid to wear the form fitting clothing as demonstrated by Joan in the show. Simply make sure that you are purchasing pieces of good fabrics and smooth lines and you won't be able to go wrong.

The Jewelry
While the jewelry of Mad Men isn't always bold and there isn't always a ton of it on one actress at any given time, there is no doubt that each piece makes a statement. For plus size women, adding just a touch of jewelry here or there is a great way to draw attention exactly to the places you wish to. Consider adding a string of pearls or pearl earrings to a vintage styled dress, or even a gold broach or a simply gold necklace to make any outfit look classy.

The Shoes
The shoes of Mad Men are modest, but aren't afraid of a little heel action. In essence, the classic pumps seen on the feet of the women of Mad Men, take traditional office wear and make it modestly sexy. Don't be afraid to look for discount Liz Claiborne shoes or other inexpensive shoe picks to find those that closely mirror the pumps and kitten heels of Mad Men.

For larger women, vintage style definitely offers an advantage. The clothing of yesteryear was built with real women in mind, and can flatter a wide variety of figures. So if you are looking for a way to jazz up your wardrobe, don't be afraid to give vintage style a shot.
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How I've Stayed Consistent With an Exercise Routine

2012-05-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Me (right) and my friend (bottom left) during our hikes

Do you have a hard time sticking to an exercise routine? Well, you're not alone. I've been very inconsistent when it comes to exercise. I'll go walking one day or I'll lift weights, but then I'll skip a few days or weeks before I do any kind of exercise again. I've blogged several times about getting into an exercise routine, plus I've offered tips on how to reach your weight-loss goals.

For the past month I've been following my own advice, one of which is to find an exercise partner who will keep me accountable. A friend of mine is going to Puerta Vallarta the first week of June, so she's on a mission to get bikini ready for her vacation. For the past month and a half we've been waking up early on Tuesdays and Thursdays to do some form of exercise - whether it's walking 3 miles, running hills, or hiking Cowles Mountain here in San Diego. We even tried Zumba for the first time today. When you have someone who is expecting you to meet them at a certain time, you feel like you have to go. That's what I need.

Now exercise has become such a habit for me that I even worked out while I was on vacation in Sedona, Arizona last week. The hotel we stayed at had a fitness room, plus there was a hiking trail close by.

Being the fashionista that I am, I still have to be stylish while exercising. I received a Marika Miracles Total Slimming Capri with Tummy Control sample right before I started getting into this routine, so that helped to inspire me. I usually feel self-conscious wearing body-hugging workout clothes, but the Elasta-Tight dry wik fabric does help keep my tummy tight and makes my butt look good :) I also got a great deal on a pair of Puma hiking shoes at the Puma Outlet, so I've been putting them to good use.

By the way, Marika is offering 20% off any full-priced Marika Miracles purchase through the end of May. Enter promo code "MIRACLES" at check out.

Another thing that has helped me stay consistent with exercise is that my friend and I have been doing different things. I've discovered that going to the gym every day isn't really all that fun. I've been mixing it up and now I look forward to something different every time my friend and I meet up. So if you have the same problem with staying motivated to exercise, try a few different types of exercise and see what you enjoy the most.

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Microdermabrasion at Home or at the Dermatologist?

2012-05-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

My face, au natural

As I get older, I’m realizing just how important it is to take care of my skin. It’s not as smooth and dewy as it was in my 20’s, so I’m using the right skin care products, especially moisturizer, and have found that giving myself facials is a must.

The last time I went to get a facial, the esthetician told me that the type of skin I have needs to be exfoliated every other day, if not every day. I’ve been thinking about seeing a dermatologist for microdermabrasion, but a friend just told me today that it can be really harsh on your skin, so I’ve been looking into microdermabrasion at home kits and treatments online from the ShopNBC site. Doing microdermabrasion myself would cost much less than going to a dermatologist, and if you know me, you know how I’m all about DIY!

My friend told me that if I do decide to try microdermabrasion, I should do it on a small portion of my face first to see how my skin will react to it. f all is ok, then it’s fine to do the whole face.

Have you tried microdermabrasion at home or at the dermatologist? Which one would you recommend?

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Getting Out of the Hairstyle Comfort Zone

2012-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I’ve failed the 30-day hairstyle challenge...again! I couldn’t create a different hairstyle each day because after the first couple weeks I just started getting lazy and didn’t want to spend the time doing my hair different each day.

However, one thing I have done - and very proud of - is step out of my comfort zone. My plain black hair got a shot of color for one day. I added a little Hair Flairs Color Rub in blue. Yes, daring, right?! At least for me it was! I added it subtly and only to a couple sections on the side to frame my face.

The Color Rub is packaged like eye shadow, which you rub into your hair by gliding a section of hair across it. It’s recommended that you wear rubber gloves while doing this. Another tip provided by the company is that you use a leave-in conditioner prior to using the Color Rub so that it will act as a primer and spread the color evenly.

I thought I was going to look weird with the blue streaks, but this little experiment with color has me thinking that I want to get maroon or dark violet streaks on my next visit to the salon. Hmmmm....

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Choosing Beautiful Bathrobes

2012-04-23T23:51:00.001-07:00

Lovin' my new, cozy robe :)

A friend recently gifted me with the most comfortable white bathrobe, and I realized how much I've been missing out on this little luxury! Even if no one but you will even see you wearing the robe, slipping it on will instantly help you feel relaxed, pampered, and as gorgeous as you truly are.

You can find bathrobes for sale virtually anywhere, from discount and department stores to online retailers to spas and beauty supply boutiques. Choosing bath robes that are luxurious, elegant and lovely to look at is important. There are several possibilities to take into account when shopping for bath robes. Consider the following and pick a robe that you will look forward to putting on after a long, challenging day.

When checking out bathrobes for sale, you will find that they are available in a number of different fabrics. Each type of material offers its own benefits, and ultimately it comes down to your personal preference. Turkish or Egyptian cotton is a popular choice, as it is warm, comfortable and wicks water away from your body. These are ideal for wrapping yourself in after a bath, shower or swim. Similarly, organic bamboo is cozy and absorbent, while being environmentally friendly, but it is warm and snuggly, ideal for winter evenings by the fireplace.

Color is another aspect to think about. Bath robes come in virtually any color imaginable and prints, as well. For instance, animal prints are popular. Select a color that brings out your pretty eyes, shows off your lovely skin tone, or highlights your glamorous hair.

Size matters, too. Bath robes come in three basic lengths. Short, baby doll robes are sassy and sensual. Choose this length if you want to spice things up in the boudoir or feel like a pinup girl from days gone by. Medium length bath robes are nice to wear over your pajamas when you hop out of bed or sit around reading the paper on a Sunday morning. Full length robes reach your ankles and are just right for icy mornings or home spa treatment days.

There is no right or wrong decision when you are buying yourself a bath robe. Simply find one –or two or three—that make you feel glamorous!

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Katy Perry Wows Again In New ghd Campaign

2012-04-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

Not too many ads or press releases catch my attention nowadays, but ghd's latest campaign featuring Katy Perry as a mermaid really drew me in. Maybe it was her outfit, the creativity and colors used in the ad, the exotic look created with her hair...or perhaps all of the above.

Katy's hair is styled with the new ghd hairdryer, which is the latest addition to the iconic UK-based hair care line that has been around for 10 years.

The ghd hairdryer features advanced ionic technology, a "cool shot" button to give your hair a blast of cool hair to keep it in place, ergonomic design, and two nozzles to create a variety of hair styles.

Awhile back I had shared some tips on hair care and I said to avoid blow drying your hair everyday because it dries out your hair. Some of you told me that not blow drying your hair in the morning was impossible because you just didn't have the time to wait around for your to air dry.

I personally like to take showers in the evening or at night, so my hair is fresh and dry in the morning, but I understand that everyone has their own routine and blow drying your hair sometimes just can't be avoided. I also know that you can create some really cute hair styles with a hair dryer versus a hair curler or hair straightener.

So if you do use a hairdryer often, make sure it is high quality that utilizes ionic technology so that your hair dries faster, which minimizes frizz and hair damage.

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Review: Organic Surge Body Lotion & Skin Perfecting Polish

2012-04-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

If you've been following my blog, you know how much I appreciate beauty products that are either all organic or at the very least have mostly natural ingredients and do not contain toxic chemicals. With so many people getting skin cancer lately, it's made me really think twice about what I put on my body.

Earth Day is this coming Sunday, so this is your friendly reminder to be good to your body and consider using more natural beauty products :)

I recently found out about a European-based skincare line called Organic Surge whose founder, Alan Mackenzie, wanted to create products that do not contain harsh chemicals. The company promises that the products are between 90-99% organic and guaranteed to be vegan, cruelty free, DEA free, sulphate free, perfume free, paraben free, SLS free, and propylene glycol free.

I tried out the "Tropical Bergamot" body lotion and the "Skin Perfecting" face polish...and now i'm hooked. Both of these products exceeded my expectations.

The lotion has a light citrus orange scent that smells fresh. It contains essential oils and . I like that it's not too creamy, but not too watery, so it goes on smooth and keeps my skin hydrated all day.

The face polish is a creamy exfoliator that gets rid of dry skin while moisturizing it. I'm surprised that I don't even really need to apply a moisturizer afterwards. I like to use it when I'm taking a shower.

Have you tried the Organic Surge skincare line?

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Beauty Is Underneath....Your Clothes

2012-04-18T23:27:00.001-07:00

The other day I was thinking back to an episode on the Oprah Show that featured lingerie - particularly bras. It was called the “Bra Intervention”, and I was surprised to discover that the majority of women (85%) actually wear the wrong size bra. Another mistake that women make when it comes to bras is not wearing the right type of bra with certain outfits.

I can certainly relate to this because for a long time I wore bras that were one size too big - not because I wanted my breasts to appear larger, but I didn’t like the feeling of being “confined”. What I’ve come to realize, though, is that having the right fit can make a huge difference in your confidence, how you look, and how you feel about “the girls”.

Here are a few things I’ve learned about finding the right fit in a bra:

The straps should never be too tight or too loose. The majority of support should come from the band of the bra.

The band should not ride up your back. It should fit horizontally across your body.

Don’t wear an underwire bra that digs into your breasts. Why torture yourself like that?

It’s also important to own several types of bras. A convertible bra is nice because you can wear it as a strapless bra under strapless tops or dresses, or you can alter the straps so they don’t show through certain garments. If you wear v-neck clothing, a plunge bra would work well with those types of outfits. Also, if you exercise often (I hope you do!), then you should definitely invest in a good sports bra that offers support.

I’m excited about the launch of this site, My Curves & Me, which is a membership-based (free) site for lingerie that will feature an online shop and exclusive offers. My intention this summer is to get my “sexy back”, so being a member of this site will inspire me to do just that!

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Give Your Beauty Closet an Update

2012-04-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

I recently did some spring cleaning of my closet and beauty products. When you're a beauty and fashion blogger, things can accumulate real quick. I didn't realize how much hoarding I've done with makeup and beauty products! And it's not like I was using even 50% of these products.

I had purchased a Caboodle awhile back to organize my jewelry (Yes, these makeup cases are still around!), but I felt it was much better served for my beauty products.

I do recommend cleaning out your makeup and beauty products at least every 6 months. If you haven't used something in the past two or three months, I say get rid of it. Also, while you're at it, throw that makeup bag in the wash or wipe out the inside of it with cleaning wipes.

In the following video, celebrity makeup artist Mickey Williams offers tips for updating your beauty products...

Also, here's an article from TotalBeauty.com with more tips for beauty product spring cleaning...

Declutter Your Beauty Products

It's time for a little spring cleaning. Here's how to freshen up your beauty products for the season

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tips article

Are you ready to clean out your beauty bag for spring? Well, you might want to think twice before you ditch the dark eyeshadows or bronzers you've used all winter. We've got expert tricks for repurposing your products and tips for what to add to your collection. See how to clean out your makeup bag now.

See the tips

caboodle

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Hairstyle Tip: Add an Accessory

2012-04-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Doing this series on hairstyles has truly been a challenge. As you may recall, the last time attempted this 30-day challenge, I failed to create a different hairstyle every day. This time around, I've been able to try something new each day, but then I haven't been able to post it on the 30 Day Hairstyle Challenge page on Flickr.

As you can see from the photos, I've tried to keep the hairstyles very simple and easy. These are my typical, everyday hairstyles that I wear when I'm at home working or running errands. Even when I'm putting my hair up as a messy updo, I try to add some type of accessory such as a headband or barrette to add a little interest.

If anything, this would be my #1 hairstyle tip: Add an accessory!

Look at how an accessory can make a simple hair bun or messy updo look so beautiful...

Source: etsy.com via Katherine on Pinterest

Source: keikolynn.com via Claudine on Pinterest

Have a hairstyle tip you'd like to share? Have you challenged yourself to try a different hairstyle each day? If so, upload it to the 30-Day Hairstyle Challenge group!

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What Color Diamond Is Best?

2012-04-05T22:51:00.002-07:00

Believe it or not, diamonds naturally come in a variety of different colors and shades. Clear diamonds, also called white diamonds, are just the most popular color. Generally, you seldom hear about other colors of diamonds, however, there has recently been a trend in colored diamond jewelry.

This is in part because of Rihanna's hit song "We Found Love", which mentions yellow diamonds, also known as canary diamonds. As such, the sales of yellow diamonds have soared. If you are looking for a unique and hip gift to give someone or yourself, consider a piece of colored diamond jewelry.

Popular Choices of Colored Diamonds

While Rihanna's song has led to an influx of interest in yellow diamonds, a few other colors of diamonds are also popular. Light pink diamonds have traditionally been a popular choice in women's jewelry. Light pink diamonds make beautiful tennis bracelets, and are great to commemorate the birth of a baby girl. Light blue diamonds are popular in the same sense as light pink diamonds, but are more suitable for the birth of a baby boy. Vibrant dark green diamonds exist as a great alternative to emeralds. These diamonds are just as beautiful as emeralds, and come at a much cheaper cost. Generally speaking, colored diamonds are less expensive than clear diamonds since those are preferred when buying diamond rings like engagement rings.

A Color for Every Wearer

While colored diamonds are beautiful, you must be aware that not every color looks good on everyone. Someone's complexion and skin color must be taken into account when choosing a colored diamond. Generally, you want a colored diamond that will stand out against a person's skin color. Someone with light skin will look great wearing a dark purple or pitch black diamond, while someone with dark skin will look better wearing a diamond with a pastel hue.

Additionally, if someone has blue or green eyes, they will look good wearing diamonds that match their eye color. Someone with a ruddy complexion should never wear red diamonds, but these diamonds look great and vibrant on people with clear complexions. To tell what color diamond would look good on someone, think of what color clothes look good on that person.

Colored diamonds can make a memorable, sexy gift for anyone. After all, it's still a diamond!

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Unexpected Jewelry Discovery

2012-04-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

NIQUEA.D boutique in Payprus

If you've been reading my blog for some time, you know how much I preach about accessories being the difference between a stylish outfit and one that's just "plain Jane". Every once in awhile I get compliments on my outfit, but people tend to notice the jewelry I wear more than anything.

So imagine my surprise and joy when I went into the paper store Papyrus the other day in search of inspiration for my greeting cards only to discover that the store now has a jewelry collection...and these are not just your regular jewelry. This is the type of jewelry that just makes you "Ohhh" and "Ahhh".

NIQUEA.D is the new brand from Papyrus that consists of jewelry, handbags, scarves, candles, and greeting cards. I love the description of the brand from their website:
"...captures the imagination by offering an oasis of irresistible treasures and blends old world charm with new world glamour – all designed to intrigue and inspire!"

I love everything about this little mini boutique within Papyrus. From the logo (LOVE unicorns!) to the crystal stones used in the displays (brings good energy) - all of it just resonated with me. Oh, yes, and did I mention that the jewelry is just absolutely beautiful?!?

I met the NIQUEA.D stylist, Corey Degreenia, who helps women create outfits around a piece of jewelry. Who wouldn't love a job like that, right? He told me that the store at Fashion Valley (San Diego) is having a soiree on May 4th from 5-9 pm and a trunk show from April 26th - May 6th. The soiree will have drinks and cupcakes :)

For more information about NIQUEA.D, visit: www.papyrusonline.com/niquead.html.

By the way, the Papyrus window display featured a dress made of paper. How creative and beautiful. Makes me miss putting together visual displays...

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Latest Obsession: Spring Nail Polish Colors

2012-04-03T14:56:00.001-07:00

A peek at my nail polish collection...

I was never one to paint my nails. Actually, I'm very good at painting my toe nails, however my finger nails are another story. I just get annoyed when I get a chip - which happens a day or two after I paint them - so I never really bothered with putting nail polish on my fingernails.

I had a friend in college who painted her nails every single day. She would sit at her desk every day after she did her makeup and repaint her nails. I thought she was crazy.

But now I understand.

Lately I've been obsessed with all the spring nail polish colors - especially coral. I'm also loving blue and green right now.

China Glaze's "Caribbean Blue"

Loreal's "Tropical Temptation"

Maybe some of you can relate to this, but I can be much more productive at the computer when my nails look good. You're typing away...and looking at your freshly-painted nails that look so pretty. It's the equivalent of putting on a new dress when you've lost a little weight or wearing a pair or rockin' heels.

My next challenge is to have fun with a little nail art. I came across this video tutorial for geometric nails that I want to try out...

What are your favorite spring nail polish colors?

nail polish

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Statement-Making Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Trends

2012-03-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Photos Credit: Marcio Madeira/Style.com

Next to fall, my favorite season of the year is spring. Flowers, butterflies, and bright colors spur creativity and inspire me to re-organize the closet and wardrobe to feature all of my spring pieces. Recently I wrote about unusual spring fashion trends, but in this post I wanted to share a few of my favorite statement-making spring trends in ladies fashion.

Pretty in Pink - Although I think that pink is in every season, for this spring in particular the candy pink and bubblegum pink colors appeared on the runways. Brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Zac Posen featured looks that had me reminiscing about one of my favorite movies from the 80’s. For those of you not old enough, ask your mom :)

Color-Blocking - We’ve been seeing this trend in the fashion scene for awhile, and now it has spilled over into the spring season with colorful looks that would make Emilio Pucci proud. Color-blocking is an easy trend to incorporate into your wardrobe as you probably already have solid-colored pieces in your wardrobe. The nice thing about it is that anything goes. You could wear an orange skirt with a pink top or wear something with geometric lines or shapes such as the Narcisco Rodriguez dress pictured here.

Polka Dots - Another trend that I think will always be in season is polka dots, which make a statement all on their own. I love these fun and flirty Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot prints shorts. For spring or summer I would pair it with a sleeveless purple top and the Tory Burch flats that have been on my wishlist for awhile.

What are your favorite statement-making spring/summer trends?
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The San Diego Apparel, Accessories, Shoe & Gift Show Adventure

2012-03-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Ute & Jim Accessories

It's rare to come across a fashion trade show event in San Diego, so when I found out about The San Diego Apparel, Accessories, Shoe & Gift Show, I decided to check it out. Sure, San Diego has the Thread Shows and the Sassy City Chicks sample sales for consumers, but you hardly hear about events just for buyers of boutiques and retail stores. I figured it would be nice to find out what's new and trendy for the San Diego market.

The San Diego Apparel, Accessories, Shoe & Gift Show is put on twice a year and is held at the Town & Country Resort Hotel & Convention Center, which is right behind Fashion Valley Mall. The husband and wife team of Craig and Chris Hinds are the organizers of the show that attracts vendors from across the nation. Most of the vendors whom I met were from California, but I did meet the designer of the Tahara brand who is from Colorado.

Craig wanted to bring a trade show to San Diego in order to make it convenient for store owners to shop because most of the big apparel trade shows are in L.A., Vegas, or New York. Craig has been in the business for over 30 years and is an independent rep for the Angie clothing brand.

My experience at Cosmoprof in Vegas last summer taught me to briefly skim through the aisles and to only stop at the booths that really catch my attention.

My first stop was Queen Eileen's, a locally-owned shop that carries clothing, accessories, gifts, and more. Many of the items are from Bali where Eileen travels often. Her shop is located in Encinitas at 548 S. Coast Hwy 101.

I'm always on the hunt for unique fashion designs, so when I saw the colorful display of shoes for Corkys Footwear, I had to stop and find out more.

What really stood out for me at the Corkys Footwear booth were these sandals from the "Elite Shoes" collection...

Another shoe display that caught my attention featured Fahrenheit shoes, which are trendy and may be a little too high for me to walk in. They are real super cute, though!

One of the clothing brands that stood out to me was Tahara Clothing, which is a line designed by Jeana Hernandez. Jeana wanted to create pieces that are stylish, comfortable, and versatile. I'm all about clothing that can be worn dressed down or dressed up, so I can really relate to the Tahara brand. All the pieces are made of a rayon/spandex blend, which make them feel so soft and flowy.

Pictured here is Jeana and her sales rep, Diane Andreasen...

I was really inspired by the Urban Natures booth, which is a jewelry brand that not only produces unique designs, but they also give 15% of their proceeds to help children in need. They travel to parts of the globe and give the money directly, plus they partner with non-profit organizations such as Compassion International to provide help indirectly.

Monica Kim and Kevin Kim of Urban Natures

The "Give Hope" bracelet is one of Urban Natures' most popular jewelry pieces. Selena Gomez has been spotted wearing this bracelet...

Overall, it was nice to talk with a variety of brand reps and designers. San Diego is a city that doesn't necessarily have a defining style, although it does lean towards the conservative side. Everything that I saw at this show could be seen on the streets of San Diego. From trendy handbags to classic clothing, a buyer could find a little of everything.

The San Diego Apparel, Accessories, Shoe & Gift Show will come back in the fall, but you can also travel to Phoenix for The Arizona Apparel Show from April 29 - May 1, 2012.

P.S. If you're a boutique owner interested in purchasing wholesale from any of the vendors mentioned in this post, let me know and I can put you in touch with the rep!

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I Like Your Face

2012-03-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Source: honeybeeinthecity.blogspot.com via Karyn on Pinterest

We are often our own worst critic and enemy. Stop playing that broken record inside your head that keeps saying that you are not pretty!

I came across this picture today on Pinterest and just felt inspired to share it. Are you on Pinterest? Let's connect there!

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Get the Glamorous Mila Kunis Look

2012-03-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Getty Images

In a world that’s inundated with fashion-forward images from established designers as well as new, up and coming fashion houses, it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest trends.

Finding the perfect going out dresses for that special occasion, or one that will take you from work into the evening can actually be quite tricky, unless you’re fortunate enough to have a personal stylist – or a famous designer friend who’s willing to lend you a frock for the night!

As the official new face of Christian Dior (announced in January 2012), Mila Kunis is not only one of the hottest young actresses of her time, but also one of the leading fashion icons of the year. In March 2012, the Black Swan star elegantly posed for a photo shoot for Dior in Paris and she’s currently featuring on the cover of the April 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar. At Dior’s runway show in March 2012, Kunis was pretty in pink, wearing a blush lace dress from the designer label.

Ironically, Kunis has told Women’s Wear Daily that she’s “honestly just learning about fashion”. If that’s the case, then she no doubt has a hugely talented personal stylist who’s at least partly responsible for making her look as fab as she does – but what about the rest of us mere mortals?

To emulate Kunis’ Dior look, try this Printed Floral Blossom Prom Dress by Fever, which would look cute and feminine with a pair of pale pink peep-toe shoes. Alternatively, vamp it up in the low backed Lipsy Wax Lace dress - you could wear it with flats and a cardigan for a demure daytime look, or nude high heels to really wow on a night out.

If you’re not a movie star, it’s all about what you can put together yourself, but that doesn’t mean giving up on red carpet-worthy style. There are plenty of fabulous going out dresses available online to suit every style and shape from brands like Lipsy, Rare and Yumi. For inspiration, take a look at the Yumi range available at Very.co.uk.

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A Love For Designer Handbags

2012-03-12T13:27:00.001-07:00

Gucci holdall bag

If there's one thing I love, it's a nice designer handbag. As I've mentioned before, I worked in the handbag department at Nordstrom because of my love for handbags. I believe that if there's anything you should spend your hard-earned money for, it's a nice handbag and shoes that will last a long time. Even if you're wearing a cheap outfit, a quality handbag and/or shoes really makes it look polished and put-together.

I tend to go for basic black when shopping for a handbag. I know, boring, right? I just want a bag that I can use everyday and be able to hold everything including my netbook, which I usually carry around with me everywhere. After all, if I'm going to spend some money on a nice handbag, I might as well show it off and use it whenever possible.

Hobos by Gucci
Totes by Balenciaga

Spring is right around the corner, though, so I've been on the lookout for handbags in white, beige, and coral colors. Last year I bought a Badgley Mischka cross-body purse in beige, but made the mistake of wearing denim with it, so now it's been a challenge finding a good leather cleaner that works. So if you are going to buy a light-colored handbag, make sure to buy leather cleaner or find a shop that can do it for you.

Satchels by Z Spoke Zac Posen
Totes by Jimmy Choo

Buying a quality handbag doesn't mean you have to break the bank. You can find designer handbags online at a good discount.

I remember when I was a young girl in the 80's my father went to Korea for work and came back with a few Gucci replica handbags. At the time I had no idea they were replica handbags. I didn't even really know about the Gucci brand because I was so obsessed with brands such as Esprit and Guess - as many teenage girls at that time were. All I knew was that these Gucci replica handbags looked really nice and were high quality, so of course I rocked those handbags like I was the most stylish teenager in the world :)

I don't mind paying a few hundred dollars or more for a designer handbag because I know that it will last a lifetime. If I had the money, I'd definitely start a designer handbag collection and hold onto them for resale in the future. Who doesn't love a vintage designer handbag?

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The Winner of the $100 Shopbop Gift Certificate

2012-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please....

The winner of the $100 Shopbop gift certificate is...

Denise LeBegue!

Here's my method of randomly generating the winner's name:

There were 13 entries in all including 2 entries that I received via email. I assigned a number to each entry and used a site called Random.org to generate a number between 1 and 13.

This time lucky number 7 won :) I will be contacting the winner to get information so that I can send over the gift certificate.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. Stay tuned for more!

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The Return of the 30-Day Hair Challenge: Day 1

2012-03-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

A couple years back around this time of year I started a 30-Day Hair Challenge for myself, which I failed at. Well, I've decided to start this challenge up again after coming across so many cute hairstyles while browsing Pinterest. You can see all the different hairstyles I've pinned on my beauty board.

One of my favorite hairstyles that I tried out the other day is the one pictured here to the right (via OhSoPrettyDiaries.com).

To kick off this new 30-Day Hair Challenge, I decided to go to Supercuts to get my haircut. I just wanted to add some layers to my already long hair - nothing fancy or high maintenance. I know some people say that you can't get a good, quality haircut from a place like Supercuts, but I was not too concerned about it. At this point, any haircut was better than what I was dealing with, which was boring, weighed-down, and tangled hair.

I didn't have the stylist blow dry or style my hair after she cut it, so this is what it looks like au natural...

I'm actually pretty happy with this haircut. It looks a little choppy, but once I flat iron it, I think it will be ok.

Want to participate in this 30-Day Hair Challenge? You can join the group on Flickr and upload your pics by visiting: www.flickr.com/groups/hairstylechallenge. I will be posting updates every few days or so here on this blog, but you can follow all my hairstyles every day on this group page.

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To Buy or Not to Buy Replica Watches and Handbags?

2012-03-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

Replica Chanel watch?

I've had discussions with several friends regarding designer replica items such as replica watches and replica handbags. These friends travel to China often and have come across replicas from many famous brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. I've actually been gifted with a few items, which I do or do not use.

I know that there are people who are completely against the use of replica designer items. I was one of those people. Then I got to thinking about where authentic designer items come from...and could these replica items actually come from the same manufacturer?

My friend has a replica Chanel J12 white ceramic watch which she took to someone who is a high-end watch dealer. The guy said that her watch is almost exactly like an authentic Chanel watch. Could there be a chance that these replica watches are made in the same place as the authentic counterparts, but the manufacturer keeps the replica items for distribution in China?

I recall a time when I was working in the Nordstrom handbag department, and a lady was interested in purchasing a Kate Spade wallet. She looked at several wallets that were exactly the same style, but she pointed out something I had never noticed before. One of the wallets was stamped "Made in China" while another wallet said "Made in Italy". Same exact wallet.

Do we even really know where these designer items are made? Does it matter?

I get that designer brands want to make their items exclusive and are annoyed by all the replicas out there. I think that I would feel the same way if someone started copying my unique designs and selling it at much cheaper prices. However, to charge thousands of dollars for an item that probably cost less than $100 to make is ridiculous. That person in China who made the item or sold the item may very well depend on that sale to feed their family. They may not even know any better. Who knows. So if you want to wear replica Ferrari watches or buy a high quality replica Chanel handbag, you'll no longer get any judgment from me. To be honest, there are more important issues in the world that need our attention. It's wasted energy when we judge others for wearing replica items...or judge others, period.

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