BeautyXchange

Isabella Oliver

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:51:00 +0000

I like discovering new designers, albeit the designs are ~~not~~ ~~always~~ never wallet friendly.

Such is the case with this Isabella Oliver leather jacket.

Isn't it gorgeous?

The color and the cut are amazing.

The price - not so much.

leather jacket.

the color on this jumpsuit is popping.

paired with the leather jacket takes it up another notch.

very chic.

Isabella Oliver

jumpsuit $159

leather jacket $625

The Coiffure Project

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

The Coiffure Project - a book of natural hair portraits.

all images via TYP

Happy Mother's Day!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:56:00 +0000

(x)

Hi! I just wanted to stop in and wish all of you out there that have Mom duties a Happy Mother's Day. As a mom myself I am pretty certain that we have the hardest job on the planet. I know for me it's a constant struggle to balance work, home, kids, blog, business, etc etc..... and don't even get me to talking about the enormous amount of guilt we Mother's often deal with when trying to prioritize our workload and still try to make "playtime" with the kiddies. But despite the challenges, the smiles, the hugs, the kisses, and those funny innocent comments make it all worth it.

Hope you enjoy your Mother's Day!!

Dairyface

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 03 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

I love the concept of the Dairyface line of products. Yogurt based skincare - genius.

According to their site, women have been using dairy as part of their beauty regimen since....forever.

The line consists of five facial refreshers that retail for $19.95.

The beauty junkie in me is tempted to place an order......very soon.

Radical Self Love

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:21:00 +0000

I know it's been some time since the last post but I wanted to come by and share this video that I recently watched. I thought the message was pretty universal and that many of us would find value from it. Hope you enjoy.

If you have trouble viewing the video, here's the link.

Talk to you soon. :)

Holy {Simple} Matrimony

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Recently I read that wedding season is approaching and I couldn’t help but think back to when I got married (almost seven years ago). I’ve since realized that less is more and that there is beauty in simplicity. These bridal dresses from Whitney Deal are the epitome of simple yet understated and elegant.

For more, in the bridal collection, visit Whitney Deal

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

How to Incorporate the Color Tangerine into Makeup and Clothes
Tangerine, or "tangerine tango," has been dubbed the color of the year for 2012 by the Pantone Color Institute. Now, you might be thinking that orange is an overwhelming, hard to pull off color, but tangerine actually complements most skin tones. Tangerine is a vibrant red-orange that adds warmth to the complexion, making it a perfect choice for spring and summer. Students studying design will know that this shade of orange adds a pop of color, bringing interest and freshness to any design.

Incorporating tangerine into your makeup is a good way to ease into this trend. If you're timid about wearing tangerine, start off by wearing a tangerine nail polish. Try it on your toes to give your look an easy, tropical vibe or wear it on your fingernails if you are a bit more daring. Essie's bright Capri nail varnish is a hot orange color that works on any skin tone. If you have an olive skin tone, Essie's Tart Deco will complement your skin with its coral-tangerine color. If you're looking for a really bright pop of orange, OPI Totally Tangerine might be more your style. Applying tangerine to your cheeks or lips is another easy way to try out this trend. A tangerine-colored blush acts like a mix between blush and bronzer, giving a warm glow to your face. Apply it to your cheekbones while keeping the rest of your makeup light to make the most of this product. Tangerine lip color tends to compliment most skin tones. If you have a lighter complexion, try a gloss to add an easy sheen of orange. Darker-skinned ladies will benefit more from the brightness of a matte tangerine lipstick.

Tangerine is also a great color to add to your spring and summer wardrobe. Celebs like Cameron Diaz, Beyonce and Vanessa Hudgens have already rocked the burnt orange hue on the red carpet. Be sure to keep your skin tone in mind when picking out a tangerine piece for your outfit. Light and olive skin tones will benefit from the warmth of a tangerine with a pinker, coral tone. If you have darker skin, a bright or deep tangerine color will give your skin a warm glow. Tangerine shoes and handbags are also a good way to add some pop to your outfit and rock the trend. If you're interested in learning more about trends and use of color, check out www.DesignDegrees.org to learn more about how designers create.
Sources 
bcliving (2012)
“US Weekly” (2012)

BoHo Braids & Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Last time we were talking about Spring trends in terms of wardrobes, but how are you wearing your hair this Spring? Have your hairstyles changed to reflect the season? Or is your ability to create creative hairstyles at an all time low? I'm guilty - as there are times when my hair styles lack creativity.

However, I am inspired to create some boho chic braids. They are pretty simple yet they create a nice change to an every day look. Instead of a pulling your hair straight back into a bun or ponytail, try adding this type of braid to your style.

Need some help with creating a simple boho braid?

Check out this short tutorial from a professional hairstylist.

How to create boho chic braids

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"Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was in a bit of a funk. I let something so trivial derail my mood. Don't you hate when that happens? Or does it only happen to me? Anyway, I realized that I shouldn't "sweat the small stuff". These editorial photos did cheer me up a bit though. Beauty and self-confidence really do go hand in hand if you ask me. When you don't look your best, you don't feel your best. These ladies on the other hand are serving something fierce.

Hope you all have a great day and remember don't sweat the small stuff.

images via beautyisdiverse

Spring Fragrance: Neroli Jasmine

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:01:00 +0000

I picked up this little fragrance from the Body Shop while on a layover at Baltimore airport. The scent is fresh, floral, and really fabulous. If you're looking for a scent that's not too over the top but still makes a statement, definitely check it out. Added bonus: The body lotion was a free gift with my purchase.

Price of eau de toilette fragrance $17; body lotion $12

How to Save on Six Spring Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:15:00 +0000

The first official day of spring has finally arrived, creating the desire to overhaul our wardrobes with the latest looks. Sadly, most of us don't have celebrity-sized bank accounts to accompany our star-worthy fashion sense. But that doesn't mean we have to miss out on the latest trends. Consider the following ways to update your spring wardrobe without falling into debt.

1. Pastels
Just in time for Easter, pastels are making a name for themselves on New York runways. Embracing this trend requires the purchase of one versatile piece - like a blazer or pencil skirt - to be paired with other basics already available in your wardrobe. Channel your inner Chanel and pair pastel pink with black accessories, or keep it light with nude accents.

2. Colorful Denim
Leftover from fall, the colorful denim trend is spreading faster than wildfire and offers a refreshing pop of color to any outfit. Since this look is definitely a fad, avoid spending too much on your first (or third) pair by shopping inexpensive retailers like Kohl's. Shop online for even more inventory and savings, and look for Kohl's free shipping codes from reeShipping.org to dodge delivery costs.

3. Color Blocking
Color blocking is one of the easier trends to embrace and offers an opportunity to incorporate other trends. For example, you can pair bright denim pants with a neon shirt or blouse to easily achieve the look. Bisect the top from the bottom with a neutral belt -- think black, navy or white -- and accessorize with equally neutral jewelry.

4. Tangerine Tango
I'm enamored by the color orange and publicly display my affection with a bright leather purse I purchased a couple years ago. Tangerine Tango has a decidedly redder hue but can be incorporated easily with accessories. You can also find inexpensive tees or blouses to embrace the official color of 2012 without going overboard. If you want to balance the brightness, pair with white or gray. If you're more daring, go for hot pink or teal.

5. Metallic

Shiny dresses are great for the red carpet -- Jennifer Lawrence is clearly a fan -- but avoid this trend during the nine-to-five. Depending on your workplace environment, you might pull off metallic pants with a white blouse and black blazer. Alternatively, embrace the trend with footwear and find shiny heels for work and metallic, strappy espadrilles for weekends. Endless.com offers a great selection of well-priced foot candy, and free shipping both ways allows you to return whatever doesn't fit.

6. Bold Prints

As if neon and color-blocking weren't bold enough this season, runways everywhere featured bold prints with nods to art deco and the great outdoors. Since this look will likely go the way of last season's Navajo-inspired patterns, opt for one or two pieces that you can pair with basics from your closet. Shop discount retailers like TJMaxx and Ross to find this trend on the cheap.

photos: 1 2 3 4 5 6

~~~

This post was written and submitted by Kendal Perez, a frugal fashionista and bargain shopper who helps fellow shopaholics find hassle-free ways to save money. For savings tips and more information, visit Kendal at HassleFreeSavings.com.

"Find Your Shade" ~ There's an App for That!

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:45:00 +0000

According to the following, IMAN Cosmetics will soon introduce a smart phone app to help women of color "find their shade". The QR (quick-response) code will allow consumers to scan the package and immediately select their personalized shades of foundation or powder, as well as other complimentary IMAN products that match their skin tone.

The goal is to take the guess-work out of shopping for color cosmetics.

While Iman Cosmetics is not the first beauty company to join the wave of QR codes, they're confident the tool will be helpful to women of color.

Are you a fan of IMAN Cosmetics?

Do you think this will eliminate some of the guess work in shopping their shades of foundation/powder?

Sweet Idea - Automatic Cupcake Machine

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:45:00 +0000

A machine that automatically dispenses cupcakes for the win! I love this idea.

The bright pink cupcake ATM houses Sprinkles cupcakes in eight flavors for those late night sugar cravings :)

Just select, swipe, and eat.

They come packaged like this

sources 1, 2

Kanye West Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:15:00 +0000

I admire Kanye West. I find that he is driven, talented, and ambitious. You all know he has a pretty distinguished sense of style as well. When I saw photos from his recent fashion show for his Fall 2012 collection, I couldn't help but share. I imagine there's a lot that goes into creating a collection not just in terms of the fashion but hair, makeup, accessories as well. Everything about this show screamed glam, luxury, and fabulousness.

What about you? Do you love or loathe what you see?

To see more pics from his collection check out Beauty is Diverse

Message in a Bottle - Argan Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I've had that little bottle sitting in my stash since last year and decided to use it a couple of days ago since I had washed and blow-dried my hair, and ran the flat iron through it as well. It's funny I was willing to go and purchase an argan oil product when it dawned on me that I had something already. I didn't have high expectations prior to using it but I was pleasantly surprised. First thing, it smells amazing. Second, my hair felt smoother to the touch. Last, but not least, it minimized the frizz dramatically. I'm a happy camper.

Don't you love when a product proves you wrong.

PShiiit Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000

It takes a lot of patience to paint my nails, let alone attempt any intricate designs. Instead I admire those that nail it (pun intended) themselves. PShiiit nails happens to be a nail blog full of nail colors and art inspiration.

source

Do you have any nail blogs that you check out for inpiration?

all images via pshiiit.com

Beauty in Words: Don't Live a Half Life

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:35:00 +0000

Hope you all had a nice weekend. I've been in a reflective mood as of late, especially with my aunt passing this past weekend. I stumbled upon a poem and thought I'd share. Have a great week.

source

Do not love half lovers
Do not entertain half friends
Do not indulge in works of the half talented
Do not live half a life and do not die a half death
If you choose silence, then be silent
When you speak, do so until you are finished
Do not silence yourself to say something
And do not speak to be silent
If you accept, then express it bluntly
Do not mask it
If you refuse then be clear about it
for an ambiguous refusal
is but a weak acceptance
Do not accept half a solution
Do not believe half truths
Do not dream half a dream
Do not fantasize about half hopes
Half a drink will not quench your thirst
Half a meal will not satiate your hunger
Half the way will get you no where
Half an idea will bear you no results
Your other half is not the one you love
It is you in another time yet in the same space
It is you when you are not
Half a life is a life you didn't live,
A word you have not said
A smile you postponed
A love you have not had
A friendship you did not know
To reach and not arrive
Work and not work
Attend only to be absent
What makes you a stranger to them closest to you
and they strangers to you
The half is a mere moment of inability
but you are able for you are not half a being
You are a whole that exists
to live a life not half a life

Gibran Khalil Gibran

How to Make Your Wardrobe Last

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

image

This is a guest post by Andrea Woroch. Enjoy!

Everything is more expensive these days but some items experience higher price hikes than others. To the dismay of fashionistas everywhere, apparel is taking the hardest hit with a whopping 4.7- percent increase in January alone, according to ApparelStrategiest.com.

The best way to save on clothes is not to buy any, but that's easier said than done for most. Carefully selected pieces that are cared for and stored properly can last a long time, however, reducing the necessity for replacement. If you struggle with making your clothes last, consider these tips to promote wardrobe longevity.

1. Follow care instructions.

"Hand-wash only" is just a suggestion, right? Wrong. I've ruined many a blouse due to laziness. By following care instructions closely, clothes will last longer and you can enjoy them for years. If you have dry-clean only items, avoid professional cleanings with at-home kits and use mesh bags for delicates to prevent damage from the washer drum or other garments.

2. Invest in classic pieces.

Avoid spending too much on trendy clothes and invest in classic pieces instead. After all, buying $100 worth of cheap, trendy items is no deal compared to a $100 blazer that lasts a lifetime. To reduce the initial hit on your bank account, purchase discount gift cards at sites like GiftCardGranny.com to places like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus.

3. Wash inside out.

Avoid fading and reduce pilling by turning your clothes inside out when washing. This is especially important for denim and dark articles of clothing. Additionally, search your whites pile for the mutinous red sock before loading it into the washer.

4. Don't replace, repair.

We all have that favorite pair of shoes we can't stop wearing and can't imagine giving up. I wore down one such pair of boots and frantically looked for a worthy replacement. Upon finding nothing that could compare, it occurred to me I could just get them re-heeled. For $15 my faves were as good as new.

5. Hold onto all sizes.

Unless you're a Victoria's Secret model, you likely change a size up or down every few years. It's when that adjustment decreases that we want to find new, smaller clothes and get rid of the bigger stuff, but it's best to hold onto these pieces for the inevitable. That way, you don't have to spend money on a bigger size that you're not too thrilled about purchasing.

6. Hang vs. fold.

Crumpling your clothes on the floor every night requires more turns in the washing machine and leads to faster wear-out. Hang up your clothes the minute you remove them to increase longevity. If space is an issue, double up by placing two blouses or two pairs of pants on one hanger. For knitwear like sweaters, it's best to keep those folded in a drawer or shelf since a hanger can damage the stitching.

7. Hang with Care.

Always remove plastic from dry-cleaned items so the clothes can breathe and toss those wire hangers immediately. Clamp hangers are great for trousers and skirts -- just make sure to clamp the closure at the waistband to avoid creasing. Padded hangers with nonslip material ensure suit jackets and pants don't endure hours and days of creasing. For recommendations on the best hangers, check out Oprah's picks.

8. Longer lasting shoe care.

Water and dirt can damage shoes over time, especially those made of suede and leather. Apply a protector spray after each wear, and use a wire suede brush to remove dirt and scuff marks. Keep leather shoes looking new with a touch of polish. Place tissue paper in the toes of heels and flats to maintain their shape, and make boot shapers out of cardboard boxes to keep boots from creasing.

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Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. For more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.

Styled by June

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Are you familiar with celebrity stylist, June Ambrose?

She has a new reality show set to premiere on March 19th on VH1 -

will you tune in?

photo

Pretty Girls Rock at the Academy Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:40:00 +0000

The Academy Awards was last night, and I was tuned in to the Red Carpet action.

Here are some of my favorite gowns/looks.

Best Supporting Actress winner Octavia Spencer - looked beautiful. This dress did her body justice.
I still have yet to see The Help.

I love this dress Stacey Kiebler is wearing. Love the color, the texture, and the rose embellishment.

Viola Davis was working it. The green color, the body, the hair - all were on point.

Jennifer Lopez looked like a goddess, however I must say I feel like she's done this type of look before.

Giuliana Rancic - looked gorgeous. She reminded me of old Hollywood glamour.

Photos via Zimbio

I C U IN PARIS

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:24:00 +0000

I recently came across a press release for a retail company based in Europe called ICUinParis.com, a site that sources jewelery and other accessories from independent artists. I perused the site and saw some really cute jewelry pieces.

The site offers a wide range of unique products for all tastes and budgets. You can easily find pieces that are less than $75 like those earrings to the left or those necklaces to the right.

Though the company is based in Paris, products can be purchased in American dollar, and worldwide shipping is available. I'll be back to report again on quality, online purchase, etc after I place and receive my order.

In the mean time, check out www.icuinparis.com for if you like one of a kind accessories.

What makes TOMS shoes so popular?

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:30:00 +0000

Last weekend I went out of town, and I can't tell you how many people (women) were wearing the shoes you see up top. At the airport I think I saw at least half a dozen ladies sporting them, which had me curious about their obvious popularity.

A quick website search revealed that the brand, TOMS apparently has a philanthropic side (which I admire). I assume that has a great deal to do with their popularity since the look of the shoe doesn't scream "buy me" (at least not to me). I also presume, they must be comfortable or convenient or both since the folks that I saw wearing them were traveling.

Are you familiar with this brand/shoe? Why do you think they're all the rage?

What do you think of Sole Society?

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Are any of you members of Sole Society, the online monthly shoe membership program? I haven't tried them out but I'm tempted to do so after getting the following image above in my inbox. I'm really digging the Shannon. The Zelda looks pretty good too. At $49.95 I'm wondering if it's worth it. If any of you are members let me know how you like it, pros, cons, etc.

As I Began to Love Myself – a Self Love Poem for You

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:15:00 +0000

I came across this poem (attributed to Charlie Chaplin), and thought it was worth sharing especially since Valentine's day is next week. Hope it resonates with you in some way.

photo credit

As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering

are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth

Today, I know, this is “AUTHENTICITY”.

As I began to love myself I understood how much it can offend somebody

As I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time

was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this

person was me. Today I call it “RESPECT”.

As I began to love myself I stopped craving for a different life,

and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.

Today I call it “MATURITY”.

As I began to love myself I understood that at any circumstance,

I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens

at the exactly right moment. So I could be calm.

Today I call it “SELF-CONFIDENCE”.

As I began to love myself I quit stealing my own time,

and I stopped designing huge projects for the future.

Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do

and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in

my own rhythm. Today I call it “SIMPLICITY”.

As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for

my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything the drew

me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude

a healthy egoism. Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF”.

As I began to love myself I quit trying to always be right, and ever since

I was wrong less of the time. Today I discovered that is “MODESTY”.

As I began to love myself I refused to go on living in the past and worry

about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where EVERYTHING

is happening. Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “FULFILLMENT”.

As I began to love myself I recognized that my mind can disturb me

and it can make me sick. But as I connected it to my heart, my

mind became a valuable ally. Today I call this

connection “WISDOM OF THE HEART”.

We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems

with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing

new worlds are born. Today I know THAT IS “LIFE”!

Simple Valentine's Gift Idea for Your Self

noreply@blogger.com (Gigi) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:30:00 +0000

I know Valentine's day is a few weeks away and I think it's a perfect time to spend some time pampering yourself. If you don't normally have the time or the funds to treat yourself to a massage then V day is a perfect time to do so, what better way to let your body know how much you value it by giving it some TLC.

Massage Envy is perfect for this, it's convenient and relatively affordable, especially if you're a first-timer to their services. Actually, a couple of weeks ago, two of my girlfriends and I went for massages to kick off the New Year rejuvenated.