BV Style Portal Curvy Fashion. Beauty. Makeup.

Nicki Minaj by OPI Nailpolish Set Photos + Product Review

2012-02-20T03:43:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love minis? I do! They are the perfect for girls that don't want to compromise and want the whole collection without breaking the bank. The set has four minis, with 375 mL -1/8 FL oz. each, perfect fun colors for spring.

Suggested Retail Price: $12.50 ($8.50 on Amazon)

Shades: Did it On 'Em (lime), Fly (aqua), Pink Friday (bubblegum pink), Metallic 4 Life (charcoal sparkle flies with the stars in the skies).

Application:
Base Color: OPI Natural Base

First Color: Fly

Second Color: Save Me

Top Coat: Seche Vite

These apply nicely, and have good pigmentation. I do recommend at least two coats so it be true to color. It is a very versatile set, you can do use alone, make color blocking, or add a coat in top of another to create some interesting combinations. These had a good staying power, with my base+top coat combination they last me a week without chipping.

Didn't find it in stock on Ulta, but I did find it on Amazon.

Dupes

If you live in Puerto Rico, Bettina has similar colors for the first three:

Fly = Aqua (Art Deco Collection)

Pink Friday = Cotton Candy (Candy Collection)

Did it On 'Em = Green Apple (Candy Collection)

Spring Inspiration: Tory Burch

2012-02-20T01:50:00.000-04:00

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Now $29!

2012-02-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

Hello girls, good news. The Urban Decay Book of Shadows 4, which launched late 2011 has been deeply discounted. At first glance, I wasn't too attracted to this product, mainly because of: its steep $64.00 price-tag & the fact that I have Urban Decay products that would last me a lifetime. BUT, after removing my ban on makeup purchases which I self implemented as I was in the process of moving to NYC's tight living lifestyle, decided to reward myself by purchasing this makeup palette. For my amusement, it was reduced to $44 (Now $29), which given the amount of product -including full size products- that it possessed, the makeup hoarder in me decided to BUY BUY BUY!

So here's the breakdown:

16 full Size Eyeshadows (0.03 oz. each)

1 Liquid Eyeliner (0.058 fl. oz.)

1 Deluxe Sample Original Primer Potion (0.13 fl. oz.)

1 Supercurl Mascara (0.18 fl. oz.)

Includes a mini-speaker (for your phone, ipod, ect)
+ QR codes with tutorials for different looks made with the products contained in the palette.

You don't need to be a mathematician to know the amount of value contained in this Urban Decay Palette. Below is a makeup look I created using the products.

The deep teal/aqua eyeliner in the lower lashline is a UD cream eyeshadow!

In a Gist: If you are a Urban Decay virgin, love value or want to stack up on quality products that are included, this is a great way to start. Although I have to acknowledge that this is not the best palette UD has done, comparing it with others, this is certainly not a product to ignore. Plus, with promo code "SEVENTEEN11" you can have this amazing palette for just $29!!! You can purchase UD's Book of Shadows 4 at Urbandecay.com.

Swatches: They are all in order of palette placement.

Without Flash

With Flash

My Fashion Week Outfit

2012-02-19T18:44:00.000-04:00

Marque and Joanne Vega

New York Fashion Week is over, but with it many great memories have been recorded for fashion history, and so does my affordable outfit. Didn't realize until after I was wearing a rather Adelesque outfit, don't you think?
If you like to look, here's the breakdown:

Black Polka Dot Dress from HM
Sequined Bow Headband from Forever 21
Rosette Platforms from Forever 21
Tight End Tights in Black from Spanx
Earrings Silver Studs
Full-Blooded Silver Swatch Watch

ESOSA Fall 2012 Collection- BACK STAGE PHOTOS

2012-02-19T18:19:00.001-04:00

Zuzana Snow and Joanne Vega (ME)

A gorgeous model and I

Emilio Sosa and Joanne Vega

Isn't she lovely?

2012-02-12T15:25:00.000-04:00

Here is Adele making the March cover for US Vogue. I can't help but notice that Adele looks thinner, but we actually haven't seen her in a while. What do you think? Did you think they went overboard with Photoshop or did she loose a few pounds? I think she looks really pretty!

ESOSA Fall 2012 Collection- Urban Geisha

2012-02-12T14:11:00.000-04:00

"The collection is rooted in classic American sportswear silhouettes, joined with Japanese references, done with a modern edge. Black lacquered boxes; gold leaf artifacts and Japanese calligraphy inspired fabric treatments and prints that are urban, dynamic and strong. Vibrant colors are teamed with varying shapes to create looks that are visually stimulating and timeless. The Urban Geisha collection speaks to a spirit of strength and courage."

ESOSA Fall 2012 Collection

2012-02-11T01:52:00.001-04:00

This is Snow, and she is modeling for ESOSA Fall 2012 collection. Her outfit is described as a "White silk tafetta shirt, Geisha wool pants, Antique gold leather jacket, white socks, black shoes." I got to view this outfit up close, and that jacket is fabulous!

Hey girls! I just arrived two hours ago from New York Fashion Week, but couldn't resist myself on making this quick blog post. The collection was from designer Emilio Sosa, Season 7 finalist from Project Runway. Designing costumes for Broadway, he found inspiration to create his Fall '12 Collection, Urban Geisha. "The collection is rooted in classic American sportswear silhouettes, joined with Japanese references, done with a modern edge."

Here is a picture of me with my Backstage pass.

More pictures coming up soon.

ELF Cosmetics on Sale

2012-02-02T17:52:00.001-04:00

Click on the link to get a hold of these amazing savings and much more here.

Crystal Renn Finds Comfort in Healthy Living

2012-02-02T17:17:00.000-04:00

Crystal Renn Reveals Truth About Her Weight Loss

Embrace Your Curves... Men Love them

2011-08-25T17:06:00.001-04:00

Wished you were a Victorias Secret Bombshell? Get a hold of this information. Social network site Badoo polled 2,000 men on what features they found most attractive in the opposite sex. The study found that men preferred blue-eyed, brunette, size 14, women. Maybe curvy brunettes have more fun? No wonder Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox and Olivia Wild are amongst the most wanted Hollywood celebrities. They are certainly not average sized, far from it, but they do reflect the overall men demand pattern.

For more information, visit the The Daily Mail.

Beauty Reinvented: Exude Lipstick

2011-08-05T01:02:00.000-04:00

Source [PR NEWSWIRE]

Oh my! Just when we thought things can't get any better: BOOM! Rachael Zoe became the brand Ambassador for Exude, a new lipstick brand just launched with its fantabulous unique packaging.

Key to the brand's design is a revolutionary new crystal applicator which is sophisticated, smart, and chic. The applicator releases the perfect amount of lipstick each user needs. It also retains its shape over time, so women will never have to worry about their lipstick wearing down, melting or crumbling.

Bravo, what a great idea, how many of us have wasted an expensive lipstick in the car? Me, many times, and continue to fail miserably.

Enhanced with a smooth hint of mint scent, and new, complex formula, the lip creme is available in 9 colors: coral, cranberry, rosy brown, nude, brown, bronze, plum, red, and pink. The creme's lush finish comes from the custom formula of vitamin E & C in a creamy Elastic Gel.

These are available through their website: www.exudelipstick.com.

I'm feeling floral

2011-07-13T19:54:00.000-04:00

With all this mad weather that makes us think of neons, bright in-your-face colors, I kind of feeling mellow. So I went for a nature inspired nail colour. Bettina, a puertorican line of cosmetics, launched a collection named Nature, inspired by our colorful flamboyant surroundings.

The color is called Flowers, which reflects my mood right now, a nice coral pink. Looks much like the peony flower below (If my picture was taken in broad daylight). I'm kind of stuck in the spring wave. When was the last time you stopped and smelled the flowers?

Picture Credit: http://www.coldclimategardening.com/2007/07/31/peony-poppies/

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, they are known as the flower of riches and honor. With their lush, full, rounded bloom, peonies embody romance and prosperity and are regarded as an omen of good fortune and a happy marriage. No wonder many of today's bouquets are full of them!
Anyways, the nail-polish retails from $1.97-$2.89 depending on the store. Not sure if they sell them online, although they recently started their own online presence.

Hope you are happy and healthy!

Sundrenched Chic

2011-07-12T22:55:00.001-04:00

Summer is time to relax, have fun and the moment to flaunt those curves in style. Looking for a swimsuit is no easy task for a any girl, and specially if you are curvy, such as myself. That's why I get so excited when I discover new lines that aspire to feed the fashionista inside of me. Sorella Swim, luxury swimwear line dedicated to the curvy woman, offers excellent fit, sophisticated silhouettes and current design colours. The line caters sizes 10-24.

Our goal with Sorella Swim is to have our customer feeling sexy and chic while wearing her Sorella swimwear. With this in mind; we pride ourselves on the high level of quality with a specific focus on fit. This key attention to detail combined with superb craftsmanship and design set Sorella Swim apart from all other full figure swim brands. Sorella Swim is a luxury swimwear brand for the real woman. It is finally a brand she can call her own! -Jessica Petersen, designer of Sorella Swim.

Sorella delivers retro designs that we love with a high level of simplicity and sophistication. The collection will debut for the first time this summer to retailers in July during the famous Miami Swim Fashion Week.

Quote of the Day

2011-06-25T14:45:00.000-04:00

Katy Perry, Geeks & Kenny G?

2011-06-15T23:27:00.001-04:00

What does Katy Perry, geeks and Kenny G. have in common??? This video. How weird is that, it's the most random combination ever... for now...

For the sake of a kiss

2011-06-15T22:03:00.000-04:00

Many of us suffer from the agony of having dry, chopped lips. Although they are tons of ways to treat and hydrate our lips, here are a few tips to get them kiss approved in no time!

Lips are very vulnerable to the sun's damage as much as the rest of your face. It is very important to Tip 1# use balms or lip conditioners with SPF to provide protection to this sensitive area. It is extremely important to keep them moisturized.

What most people don't know is that chopped cracked lips are a sign of dehydration. Tip #2 drink lots of water! Not only will the health of your lips improve, but your skin will thank you.

Tip #3 refrain from licking your lips. Although we may find this sexy, use this tactic only on special occasions! Licking your lips has the same damage as over-washing your hands. In other words, don't lick your lips dry (let that to your lover).

Tip #4 use a toothbrush with sugar and honey to scrub away the dead skin of your lips. They will look and smell ah-mazing!

Tip #5 avoid using products which contain petrolatum, which are products extracted from oil, used to protect car batteries, certainly NOT SEXY!

Hope you enjoy these healthy lip tips and get your kissin' on.

Beauty and Fashion Weekly Pick

2011-06-15T17:31:00.000-04:00

Are you feeling the heat? No need for a sauna where I live, but that doesn't mean we have to let ourselves go for the summer. Here is a little style inspiration for you girls. Whether you are headed for your weekly errands, or to enjoy a nice chilled margarita, these choices will definitely make you look hot. With or preferably without the heat!

Accessorize your hair with a little feather extension, one of the IT hairpieces for the season. Less is more, so try to keep all jewelry simple. Give your look a kick with a hint of color on your eye lids and crease, complement the pop of color with bronzer and coral lips. Finish your look with waterproof mascara, your under eyes will thank you!

Glam your pout for a great cause!

2011-06-12T16:15:00.000-04:00

PRNewswire, London, April 21. Lady Gaga on the Tokyo red carpet.
See PRNewswire story 1 SHOWBIZ Gaga Viva Glam Launch on the wire or
visit http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

Gaga unites on the effort with MAC VivaGlam against aids. For every Vivaglam Lipglass sold they will administer four (4) HIV tests for newborns to determine their HIV status. Join the largest fashion collaboration ever with Lady Gaga and Mac Cosmetics by visiting : http://macvivagl.am/54F7

Update!

2011-05-28T23:05:00.001-04:00

Hey girls! It's been way too long since my last post, I've been all work and no play. Just a few months left to finally finish my MBA. Have so much to with BVStyle, both Youtube & Blog posts. Hopefully going to have a few product reviews up soon, I literally have bags of unused makeup (bought by me off course) from all price ranges that I haven't used till I get the chance to take proper pictures and review. Here is a picture of me in my birthday. That hand peaking out in the corner is from my fiance's grandmother.
In other news, I wanted to share with you girls that my fiance, after 3 years of hard work finally finished Law School! I am so proud of him. His work will help many artists, writers, and people help keep their copyrighted work protected. Hopefully we will be moving to the states for him to do a Master's in Intellectual Property. So I'm excited to see where I'm going!

Summer is almost here, I feel it with this intense heat. Its rainy and humid; a perfect weather for a dangerously bad hair day. And speaking of hair, gotta show you my new tresses, I went from blonde, to brunette, to brunette with highlights. My hair feels and looks so much healthier. Had to cut it because after all those years of bleaching without the proper hair treatments let my hair all dull and faded, so I'll show you the new me in a beat. Also have been getting a little tan, overexposing yourself to the sun is bad, but not having it will leave you without vitamin D and other nutrients. See that little tiffany box in the table? It's actually a part of my original cake, and it was Amazing!

Hope everyone enjoys this Memorial Day weekend with family and friends.

Love,

Joanne

Joanne's Birthday Giveaway!!! -Closed-

2011-04-18T23:56:00.003-04:00

Hey girls. Been away for a while, but wanted to celebrate my comeback & birthday in a very PINK way! So I'll be giving away a pink ipod shuffle to one of my followers.

Here are the rules:

Be a twitter follower, if not follow here.
Tweet and share with friends: Joanne's Birthday Giveaway! Follow and Retweet @BVStyle to win a Pink Ipod Shuffle: http://ow.ly/4D3FW
Be a Blog subscriber.

Will be selecting the winner through random.org on my birthday, April 24. What are you waiting for? Enter now. =)

XOXO,

Joanne

BV Loves YT: Aqua Doll Eyes for Spring Tutorial

2011-03-30T23:31:00.000-04:00

I am not the bold lip kind, although you may see me rockin' it from time to time. But I DO am an advocate for bold eyes & soft lips! Hope you enjoy this makeup tutorial from one of the super talented sister duo, Pixiwoo.

Quote of the Day

2011-03-27T20:27:00.000-04:00

Lime Crime's New Pop Romance Collection

2011-03-23T01:35:00.002-04:00

If you think lipstick should only come in reds and browns, stop right here and think again. Lime Crime's Pop Romance Collection is for the bravest of trend-setters aiming to stand out -- all the while remaining as cute as a button. I am so excited for this new collection! It reminds me when I was little and took the color of the Robbin Easter Eggs and used them as lipstick. Those where the years!

These come in three revolutionary shades -paled-out nude, banana yellow and pastel mint- come in a 100% vegan formula and speak volumes of the wearer before she even opens her mouth. Coquette loves to mix feminine with edgy and can't live a day without smoky eye, New Yolk City is a fearless experimental fashionista, and Mint To Be is for the kooky side in all of us.
Pop Romance is your lips, uncensored. Click here to visit Lime Crime's website.

Mini - Shopping Episode!

2011-03-21T00:38:00.003-04:00

Hi there

Today I had a little free time on my hands so I decided to browse clothes at Forever 21+. Saw a lot of cute things but since I am a girl on a budget, I decided to try on the cutest items I knew I would buy on the spot if they fit. So, I picked the Bow Front Denim Shorts, the Garden Variety Top and the Peacock Feather Dress.

Photo Credits: Forever 21

When I tried on the shorts I fell in love for sure, they fit perfectly and comfortably, not to mention they are cute as a button on!

Photo Credits: Forever 21

The garden top is supposed to be a tunic, but if you are shorter than 5' 9" (as am I) then it fits in length as a cute short summer dress. A warning, if you do decide to wear it as such I recommend to use a slip underneath since it is sheer enough to show your underwear a little, so to be on the safe side, use the slip.

Photo Credits: Forever 21

The peacock dress is to die for! I had to try it in 1X since the XL had run out (I fluctuate between the two sizes depending on fit and material). It fit but it looked a bit big and I know that it would have fit

perfectly in XL so I had to leave it behind :'( . I decided to wear them on an upcoming anniversary trip/ vacation so I will take pictures so you all can see how cute they look on! I promise, so look forward to that soon!

-Hilmarie