The Lux Mon$ter

September Budget Beauty Faves

2011-10-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys, I know... it's been a while. So I'm back to share with you all the beauty products I have fallen in love with during the month of September and they're all really affordable! 1. e.l.f. Nourishing Cuticle Pen Purchased at Target Price $1 I'm not the biggest fan of e.l.f. products. I do enjoy their blushes but haven't really tried any of their beauty products but something told me to

Lux for Less: Prada vs. Jeffrey Campbell

2011-08-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this edition of Lux for Less is still a little pricey but I thought it was still worth posting. Prada did these interesting (for lack of a better word) oxford espadrilles for their Spring 2011 season and Miss Rih Rih was seen sporting a version of these on more than one occassion. Oxfords and wingtips have been on trend for a while and I love them. I think I may even own too many pairs.

Lux for Less: Jessica Simpson Bendie

2011-08-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Agnes-1 Colorblock Sling Back, Urbanog.com $26 STEAL Hi Guys! Back again to bring you another Lux for Less post. What do you guys think about these shoes?! Colorblocking is still a huge huge trend. From outfits to accessories, bags and shoes have fun with color this summer and even into fall. Jessica Simpson "Bendie", $89 REAL

10 Summer Outfits Under $100

2011-07-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is already in full swing, but there are still days of summer to enjoy, and new outfits to wear. Now's a great time to catch some amazing sales on cute summer looks and take full advantage of the great weather. If you need some inspiration, here are 10 great looks that are perfect for the summer and all under $100! Hover mouse over items for information on where to buy.

Lux for Less: Brian Atwood Spectator Pumps

2011-07-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Brian Atwood's shoes are pretty amazing. If you can afford them, cool. But, if you can't you're probably going to want to pay attention to this post. Brian Atwood Spectator pumps, retail approx $700 REAL Amber-15 Stiletto Round Toe Pump $23, Urbanog.com STEAL

Seeing Spots

2011-07-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

I've noticed there is a love/hate relationship people have with Polka Dots. You either love them, or you hate them. Well, I for one, love polka dots. They're fun and playful but can really look sophisticated if styled correctly. I think a main worry is looking too "young" in polka dots, or believing that they will make you look heavier. If they're good enough for Michelle Obama, they're good

Lux for Less: Naked vs. Nude

2011-07-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the title of this blog post was misleading. Oh well... The Urban Decay Naked pallet is flying off the shelves of Sephora, this pallet contains all nude color eye shadows and is practically the perfect pallet for everyday wear. It retails at $48, which may be too much for my frugalistas to cash out. NYX Cosmetics also has their own version of this palette, complete with 20 eyeshadows and

Flat Out...

2011-07-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaack. I know I've been gone for over a month. It's not that I haven't been inspired to blog, I just haven't had any time! Ugh. First things first, I had to address this trend, because I'm completely torn on how I feel about it. I'm a girl who loves a good platform. It adds height and also makes heels a little easier to walk in (though I still see ladies struggling). I remember those

JCP Makes A Statement

2011-06-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

So as some of you may already know, JCP (JcPenney's for the oldsters) is one of my favorite stores. I always find great stuff there and they have ridiculous sales. Summer is almost here and we're all looking for pops of color and bold accessories. Well, if you haven't popped into your local JC Penney's or checked them out online, now is the time! From brands like MIXIT and MNG by Mango, they have

Lux for Less: Steve Madden Treppidd

2011-06-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Lace up wedges are a very popular style and seem to have some staying power even as we approach the summer. It's a great alternative for those outfits you'd normally wear with boots, because seriously who wants to wear boots in the scorching summer sun. Anyways here is another pair designer inspired shoes to add to your collection. Both are very reminiscent of the opening ceremony 'Stefania 3'

Lux Nail Trend: The Ombre Manicure

2011-05-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Women's Wear Daily said one of the most popular trends of the Spring/Summer trend was Ombre... however I don't think they were referring to nails, or did they know? We have ombre clothing, ombre hair and now ombre nails are a trend. I, like many others, first saw these on Lauren Conrad and I can't say that I was a fan of the look. At first sight it just looked as though she painted her nails

Lux for Less: Marc Jacobs Nylon Satchel

2011-05-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Gossip Girl's Jessica Szhor rocking the bag Outside of my fast growing vintage purse collection, I'm not all that bag obsessed. So, I've noticed I haven't featured many bags or purses on my blog. So BAM! Here's another one for your viewing pleasure. Don't worry, I'll be back with more... Marc Jacobs Rubik Nylon Stam Satchel $995 REAL The Inescapable It Bag of the Decade, Baginc.com $43

Rachel Roy Macy's Event

2011-05-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

I met Rachel Roy! I must admit, I don't own anything by Rachel Roy and wasn't really too much a fan of hers. I knew she had some really cute clothing and shoes, that I happened to see, but I never really sought out anything of hers or purchased. Past the Rocawear and Damon Dash connection I didn't know too much about her. Well, let me say that my opinion has completely changed. Not only is she

Lux for Less: The Tale of Two Bags

2011-05-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hermes Kelly Bag So recently, I did a post about shopping around and how many companies sell their designs and materials to all type of retailers and different price points. Well of course I found another great example. The Hermes Kelly inspired style bags that have been getting a lot of hype about on the blogosphere from Aldo have now ended up at Charlotte Russe for a tad bit cheaper. Which

Lux for Less: Christian Louboutin Patent & Cork Platform Sandals

2011-05-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

These shoes scream the 70s to me! They're so funky and the platform is a towering 6 1/3 inches high. These will definitely get you notices. The real deals retail for $595 which is about as steep as the price. No fear, there is a cheaper options below. Christian Louboutin Patent & Cork Platform Sandals $595 REAL bebe Leah Cork Wedge, bebe.com $80 (dorky bow is detachable) STEAL

It Pays to Shop Around: Fashion Triple Take

2011-05-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Macy's $38 Have you ever been in a store and seen the exact same item you've seen in another store? Even worse when you see it for cheaper in another store. I actually own this shirt, but I bought it for $5 at a discount retailer. Myself personally I can't recall when I've spent $38 on a simple t-shirt. Sure the top has some jazzy points (front pocket, zipper detail on the back, cute print)

Lux for Less: Rock & Republic Bette Wedge

2011-05-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wedges are becoming the shoe of choice for summer. So here's another one.. Rock & Republic Bette Wedge, $350 REAL Promise Pacey Wedge, Makemechic.com $36 STEAL

Retro Cool By the Pool

2011-05-13T14:43:00.001-07:00

I'm so in love with the look and style of retro inspired swim wear. It's so feminine and glamorous. I like the idea of swim wear being kind of like an outfit for the beach and these styles definitely make a statement. Just because at times they can be cut a little more conservative than the mainstream swim wear styles, doesn't mean they can't be just as sexy. Norma Kamali I think is the

Lux for Less: Christian Louboutin Lady Peep Platforms

2011-05-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Back again with another lux for less. Christian Louboutin Lady Peep 150MM $850 REAL Anne Michelle Caliente Color Block Pump, UrbanOG.com $26 STEAL

Shea Moisture Soap Review

2011-05-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

So I'm already a lover of natural and organic products and currently in the process of trying to transition all my products in my medicine cabinet to natural products. I was at Target with the intention of picking up a new natural beauty product and stumbled upon Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Soap with Songyi Mushroom. Whew, That's a mouthful. From the packaging

Lux for Less: Jeffrey Campbell Tick Wedges

2011-05-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Campbell shoes are definitely for the bold fashionistas... They carry pretty bold prices to match the jaw dropping envelope pushing looks. Here is a Jeffrey Campbell inspired wedge, featuring the thumb tack sole that has been so popular on a variety of Jeffrey Campbell styles. This one retails for a little less than half than the original. Jeffrey Campbell 'Tick' Stud Wedge Retail $170

Lux for Less: DSquared² Lisabeth Pump

2011-05-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

You may have seen these suckers before, they're the DSquared² Lisabeth spiked heel. Last year it seemed that celebs were going crazy for anything spiked, mainly thanks to DSquared², Louboutin and Givenchy. R&B singer Monica wore the Lisabeth heels on a taping last year of the George Lopez show, if you loved these shoes then but couldn't find it in your heart to spend the dough there's a new

Fashion Don't: Friends NOT Twins

2011-04-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Deep sigh... Where do I even begin? Sure we've all done the twin thing, say in elementary and junior high. "Hey girl I'm going to wear my Tommy Hilfiger overalls on Thursday, wear yours too". Did I just date myself? Oh well. I think it was in 8th grade when me and a friend wore those overalls and matching Fubu vests to an event... were we wearing Filas too? Hmmm you betcha! But, see that was

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

Today is a day we should all be talking about what we can do to preserve our earth and what steps we can be making to bring awareness to environmental issues. As I've spoke about before on this blog, there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint, starting right in your own closet. Here is a great quiz I to help you figure out How Green Is Your Closet? Check it out you may find out some

Don't Believe The Hype

2011-04-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of hearing Alyce Parsons, a certified Image Consultant and author in the Bay Area speak to my class this past Monday. She brought to our attention this news article that was featured in the Mercury News about 7 wardrobe musts (go ahead and read it, and come back!). Let's start by saying the "essentials" the article named were completely ridiculous as