rockin roll doll

summer peach

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 02:50:00 +0000

Today, the weather was perfect in New York. For once, it wasn't humid, the sun was warm and the air was fresh and clear. I love summer days like these.

This is one of the most comfortable dresses I've worn all summer. It's cute, light and work appropriate.

dress: forever 21, shoes: gypsy warrior

bold lip with MAC's lady danger

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 01:48:00 +0000

If you're like me and you find yourself constantly picking up nude and pink lipsticks every time you visit the makeup counter, it's time to leave your comfort zone. Last week, I decided to finally pick up Lady Danger from MAC - a bold, coral matte that I have been lusting over.

The important thing to remember about wearing a bright, bold lip in the summer is to keep the eye makeup minimal–I like to do a simple cat eye with a liquid liner–and to contour with bronzer to add some dimension to your face.

All you'll need for this look is your favorite matte lipstick... either a blue based red, for those with a fair complexion or a coral, orange based red for those with medium to dark complexion.

1. Make sure your lips are exfoliated, this will help when wearing a matte lipstick which tends to settle in the cracks.

2. Apply a primer to your lips, to help your lipstick last longer. I use MAC Prep + Prime.

3. Dab concealer on and around your lips to prevent bleeding. Make sure its blended in with your foundation.

4. Using a lip brush, (I use AVON's Ergonomic Lip Brush) apply a layer of lipstick, dab with a tissue and repeat until you achieve the desired color and texture.

Lady Danger $15

summer lipsticks

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 03:05:00 +0000

I've been on a lipstick buying binge lately and wanted to share my three favorite summer lipsticks.

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Caprice, MAC Myth and Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense: #32

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Caprice ($32), MAC Myth ($15) and Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense: #32 ($19)

Continue reading for swatches and reviews....

Make Up For Ever #32, MAC Myth and Chanel Caprice gloss

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense #32 is as intense as the name implies. It's super creamy and pigmented, one swatch on your lips is enough. The color is described as soft-satin pink, but I think its a bit warmer than "soft." The lipstick is thick and long-lasting. I love wearing it in the office, to give my face a pop of color that can translate to after-office hours. It looks great with a subtle eye and face. The one thing I dislike about MUFE lipstick is the scent. MUFE claimed it has a violet scent, but to me it smells artificial and tastes like 99 cent lipstick from the drugstore. But, the color payoff is worth it. One thing I recommend with this product is to carry around a tissue because blotting after application is a must, since its super creamy.

MAC Myth was one of those colors I picked up sporadically and I'm happy I did. This is my go-to lipstick for a summer night out because it looks great with tan skin and a smokey eye. It's a pale-pink beige thats tinted nude. The lipstick is extremely creamy with a satin finish and hard to apply. I would recommend a lip brush, or if you don't have one, use your finger to blend this lipstick because it can get "stuck" in the cracks and lines of your lips–so not pretty.

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss is a new limited-edition gloss released for fall and Caprice is a perfect delicate pink color. I love it because its a light medium pink-peach gloss with a micro-shimmer that's perfect for a simple night out or day at the beach. It has a sponge applicator that's indented on both sides so it makes for easy application. The texture is not super sticky and it lasts for hours. Let's not forget to mention the slick black lacquered square tube that's heavy and luxurious when held. Love it.

heat bangles.

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 02:56:00 +0000

I started a new job a few months ago and unfortunately lost focus on my blog. But I've become inspired to start writing again. I hope you all continue to follow me. Thanks for sticking around. xo

Anyway, I've been into a gold bangle kick lately. How cute are these heart bangles from Ashley Duncan? I need them in my life.

ashley duncan heart bangles $85

lust list: 6 summer dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:15:00 +0000


images via shopbop.com

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

It's no doubt that spearmint and sea foam have been popular colors for a while, but now more than ever I am looking to update my summer wardrobe with these dresses. Even though the price tags are a bit steep (hello, $1,300 Herve Leger) I am definitely on the hunt for similar dresses.

chanel aqualumiere lipstick - no.70 montego

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:51:00 +0000

I wanted to share with you guys one of my go-to lipsticks - Chanel Aqualumiere Lipstick No.70 in Montego. This lipstick is no longer made by Chanel, but it's one of my favorite sheer, sparkly pinks I own.

This color is very light pink and almost iridescent, which is hard to photograph. But what I love about this lipstick is its smoothness. It contains Vitamin E and shea butter, so it leaves your lips hydrated and soft all day and slows down aging effects.

I also love how it complements almost any eye makeup look I go for.

Click for lip swatches

bare lip

Chanel Montego

playlist of the week

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:01:00 +0000

I always intended for my blog to be a culmination of the things I love and am passionate about. One interest of mine that I have neglected is music.

Sure, everyone loves music, but for the past 15 years of my life I have had a crazy almost sick obsession with music. And as a freelance music writer I live and breathe music; it's just something I've always loved. Seeking out new music and artists, and getting in touch with old favorite bands and songs is a big hobby of mine. Also, I have eclectic taste (as you can see from this list) but clearly rock 'n' roll is my favorite genre.

So I thought I'd share my playlist of the week with you guys. Hope you can discover something new you love, and maybe pass some new music along to me, too.

images via google.com

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks

Fun.: We Are Young

Kanye West - Mercy ft. Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz

Foxes - White Coats

Skrillex - Rock n Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain)

Marina and the Diamonds - Primadonna

deux lux: empire clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:47:00 +0000

I've been so into small clutches lately, probably because I carry a huge Miu Miu tote around every day that weighs about 30 lbs. but there's something so liberating about leaving your house with just the essentials - lipgloss, wallet, keys, mirror and cell phone.

I saw this cute leather clutch at a small boutique on Bedford Ave. in Brooklyn this past weekend and am still lusting over it.

deux lux EMPIRE clutch $102

I love the blush tone, the soft leather and of course the gold spike accents of the deux lux EMPIRE clutch. I think its feminine yet edgy and still rock 'n' roll; might be my new summer clutch.

lorac TANtalEYES palette

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:08:00 +0000

I finally snatched up this LORAC TANtalEYES eye palette when Haute Look had a sale last month, because after eyeing it up at Sephora for a while I thought it would make for a perfect summer palette. These four shimmering mineral-infused baked eyeshadows are ultra-pigemented and perfect for the summer. The array of bronzes and golds can be applied both dry and wet by dipping a wet brush directly onto the shadow.

I love the packaging on this palette. Its gold, shiny and a bit iridescent; it also comes with a medium sized mirror inside. The size is ideal for traveling, too. Can't wait to play with this palette all summer.

Continue reading for swatches...

with flash

without flash

marble and pink accents

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:35:00 +0000

I'm totally in love with this beautiful white marble bathroom. The subtle pink accents are so glamorous and luxe. I would love getting dressed and ready for the day in this bathroom.

images via colorado homes mag

wet n wild mega last lip color

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Every time I head to Harmon's, my Wet n Wild lip color collection grows. Last week I picked up two new colors: Dollhouse Pink, (which I couldn't find anywhere) and Carrot Gold, a fun bright orange lip color similar to MAC Morange lipstick. I really love the Mega Last Lip Color collection because its affordable, the formula is long-lasting, and the colors are so versatile.

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipcolor: Carrot Gold, Dollhouse Pink, Mauve Outta Here, Don't Blink Pink, Just Peachy

swatches: Carrot Gold, Dollhouse Pink, Mauve Outta Here, Don't Blink Pink, Just Peachy

These colors are so fun and great for spring and summer, especially if you don't want to spend too much money on a high-end lipstick you'll only wear a few times a year. I love pairing a bold, bright lip with a more neutral eye color to make my makeup pop. I think everyone needs some Wet n Wild lip color.

Continue reading for more swatches.....

Just Peachy

Dollhouse Pink

Don't Blink Pink

Mauve Outta Here

Carrot Gold

pearl mcqueen clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:35:00 +0000

How gorgeous is this Alexander McQueen Mother of Pearl Skull Box Clutch? It's so elegant yet edgy and detailed, like most McQueen pieces.

Part of Alexander McQueen's Spring 2012 collection's oceanic theme, the fashion house's iconic box clutch is adorned with mother-of-pearl and is of course, sold out everywhere, even with a $8,000 price tag. I'm obsessed.

Alexander McQueen Pearl-Encrusted Skull Clutch Box $8,295 at Neiman Marcus

in pursuit of the perfect tinted moisturizer

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:53:00 +0000

I've been on the hunt to find the perfect tinted moisturizer since my Laura Mercier Oil-Free TM is almost empty. I have been using Laura Mercier in Bisque for two years now and decided I wanted to try something new so I grabbed two samples from Sephora this week: Lancome TEINT IDOLE Freshwear in Bisque 4W and Hourglass Illusion Oil-Free TM in Light Beige.

Continue reading for color swatches and reviews...

no flash

with flash

blended

The color closest to my complexion would be Lancome, but here's the rundown of what I thought.

Brand: Laura Mercier Oil-Free TM
Price: $42
Color: Bisque
Coverage: Lightweight
Comments: This tinted moisturizer has been my go-to for the last two years, but lately I've found that even though its oil-free it has not kept my face from feeling oily and greasy throughout the day - in every season. Laura Mercier for me, is very hard to blend and gets dry if not blended immediately. This color does look very natural, but as a tinted moisturizer, the coverage is very lightweight. If you need more coverage apply two layers. Although I do recommend this product for someone trying to get used to the whole tinted moisturizer thing, after a few years it no longer does anything for my skin. I don't feel hydrated throughout the day, my skin just feels oily and bland.
Overall: B+; it's just a bit too expensive for the minimal sheer coverage it provides but I do love the color selections Laura Mercier provides.

Brand: Lancome TEINT IDOLE FRESH WEAR

Price: $34

Color: Bisque 4W

Coverage: Moderate

Comments: I really wanted to like this Lancome TM/Foundation since a friend recommended it to me, but I don't. TEINT IDOLE claims to provide 18-hours of coverage that's shine free, but those claims did not hold up for me. I have oily skin, so I expect to blot and reapply throughout the day, but the formula of this TM is so thin its practically like applying water to your face. It was not great with coverage, boasting a ColorKeeper™ Refining Complex, which has highly resistant pigments that help erase pores and imperfections. I found this claim to be false for me and it did not last for 8 hours let alone 18. After a few hours my skin looked dull.

Overall: B; the coverage does not hold up to the claims of this product and the color selection is minimal.

Brand: Hourglass lllusion Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

Price: $55

Color: Light Beige

Coverage: Moderate to deep

Comments: First off let me start by saying anyone who tries to get a correct color sample in the poorly lit Sephora needs to step outside into regular lighting before walking away. I don't know why the lighting is so horrible, but I walked away with the wrong color sample for my skin tone, because of poor lighting and a SA who suggested I go with the darker of the two colors I matched up to. Anyway, I heard so much about Hourglass TM from it being free of parabens, synthetic fragrances/dyes and sulphates to its anti-aging properties and intense formula for a TM. I have to say, even though the product does not match my skin tone correctly I loved it. Hourglass Illusion comes with a primer built into the formula, and also has a subtle tint of sparkle and shine. Wearing it throughout the day I found that the coverage was even, dewy and way more moderate than Lancome or Laura Mercier. I love how this product if free of synthetic products, has anti-aging properties (which I have yet to discover) and minimizes the appearance of lines, scars, marks and pores.

Overall: A-; I need the correct color to make a proper assessment before I drop $55 on this tinted moisturizer.

If you have any recommendations please let me know?

spring style stealer: pixie lott

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Now that spring is officially here I've been inspired to incorporate a lot of looks from Pixie Lott's wardrobe into my own. The British singer has such a cute, refreshing, original style. I'm such a big fan of how she uses accessories and standout pieces to make an outfit pop. I especially love the funky rock 'n' roll edge she has, which is so my style. I definitely need to integrate some of these pieces into my wardrobe.

my favorite hot pinks

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:29:00 +0000

I've been wearing a lot of hot pink lipstick lately I guess because I can't wait for spring. A good pink color always pulls a look together. These pinks are on the darker end of the color spectrum, some being more pink and creamy while others are hot and fuchsia.

From l - r: MAC Viva Glam Nicki Minaj; Revlon Colorburst Fuschia; Wet n Wild Don't Blink Pink; Milani Rose Hip; Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick #8 Fetish Pink.

MIAMI!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:03:00 +0000

I had so much fun in Miami this past weekend, that I wish I stayed longer than three days. We stayed on Miami Beach, further from South Beach, which was more relaxing and calm. We traveled to Golden Beach where I saw some of the most amazing mansions ever, relaxed, tanned, drank and partied at Fontainebleau.

more pics...

tuna tartare at Vida

The couches at Fontainebleau

Nikki Beach

spring peach

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:29:00 +0000

Feels so much like spring outside today in New York. I love waking up to that fresh smell that lets you know it's going to be a mild bright day. I can't wait to celebrate the official start of spring in a few days. Here are some things I love about spring...

images via tumblr

yves saint laurent rouge volupté lipstick

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:06:00 +0000

I've been to Sephora about 10 times in the past two months to get my hands on Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Volupté lipstick in nude beige and it's sold out every time. I finally decided to purchase it online because I've been lusting over this creamy nude lipstick for a while. This is my second purchase from the Rouge Volupté line - I also have Fetish Pink and it's one of my favorite shades.

Continue reading for more photos and swatches...

Rouge Volupté is one of the most creamy and color-rich lipsticks you will ever own. It's very smooth, soft and luscious and makes for a great night-out lipstick, I definitely would not wear this line everyday it's way too voluptuous for that.

Nude beige is a creamy beige nude color that has a tinge of pink in it. This shade is so pigmented that it literally drenches your lips in color. I would suggest exfoliating before use because any visible lines or cracks in your lips will easily show.

miami shopping list

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:40:00 +0000

I am finally heading to Miami next week after my first trip got canceled in August (thanks Hurricane Irene!)

I'm always the over-packer, but since this is going to be a short three-day trip, I want to keep the clothing and size of my suitcase to a minimum. These are some items I want for the trip..

1. Chiffon dress - A nude or peach colored chiffon dress with a high-low hem.
2. Leopard bikini - I love this Dolce & Gabbana balconette bikini top and I love a leopard print!
3. Pavé bracelet - A sparkly, shiny gold stone pavé bracelet like this J Crew one will do.
4. High cork wedges - These trendy platform cork wedges from Steve Madden are amazing. Especially with the weave suede straps.
5. Coral nail polish - OPI's 'Are We There Yet?' is probably the perfect Miami nail color.
6. Beaded white dress - A fun, beaded white strapless dress for a night out.
7. Yellow neon purse - This Chanel Cruise 2012 Chain Around Messenger Bag would be a dream to own.
8. Pouty pink lipstick - The color of this Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture #38 is so fun and flirty.

9. Mint colored jeans - A pair of mint skinny jeans for afternoon shopping.

10. Fedora - A leather trim fedora like this one, to help keep the sun out of my eyes.

Oscars fashion recap: the best and worst

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:45:00 +0000

The fashion of the 2012 Oscars was a real mess. I don't know what happened, but for the most part it was not good. There were way more misses than hits last night at the Oscars, but I really could not let up on the nominees, so most of my worst dressed list consists of them. Ladies you should know better.

WORST DRESSED:

Berenice Bejo - OK, Elie Saab is one of my favorite designers; his gowns and haute couture collections are always exquisite and stunning, unfortunately Berenice does this gown no justice. The sheer long sleeves, sequin detail and pale mint color are all amazing, just not on her. She is lost in this dress and looks a bit matronly in it. This gown could've worked on a younger actress who had the skin tone and hair color to complement it. Bernice you are a first-time nominee, pull it together and stand up straight. You missed your mark last night.

Viola Davis - Another nominee who missed the mark last night was Viola. I'm not going to say this look was a complete miss, because I think her makeup and green drop earrings are on point, but the dress is just a complete mess. There is no part of this Vera Wang mermaid gown that is good. Viola's cleavage is screaming for air, the bodice is way too tight and the fit is off. Let's not forget the pleating at the bottom and the ruffles, yikes. I would've like this if it was cut at the knee maybe.

Rooney Mara - I applaud you for wearing color, I do, you just don't work this Givenchy number at all. I can't buy your quiet girl, introvert thing anymore knowing your family has Bloomberg billions and you've been around money and fame your entire life. I love how slinky and delicate this dress is, but I think Rooney is scared to be sexy. Her Dragon Girl Tattoo alter-ego has to be let go. The dark hair, the blunt bangs, the dark lipstick and her pale skin against this white gown are just all wrong. We get it you're edgy, but you gotta master it in a Dita Von Teese way.

Rose Byrne - Clearly Rose is continuing her comedic role in Bridesmaids on the red carpet. When you're thin, you can basically get away with wearing a sock and some gold earrings, but this one shoulder Vivienne Westwood black sequin gown should've been left in the 80s. It's way too tight on the top and then bunchy and loose in the middle, oh and did I mention it has black sequins all over it? This reminds me of something a "working girl" would wear after her late shift. Ah - I just hate it! Rose's skin and makeup are flawless, but with the clunky Jimmy Choo shoes and the silky pin straight hair, I just can't, it's so 80s in a bad way. Rose, you are so beautiful like this.

Jennifer Lopez - Girl, you almost rocked this look, but one thing I really hate is cut-out sleeves, they are so Jersey Shore Snooki. This sequined Zuhair Murad dress is definitely gorgeous and attention grabbing, especially in the front and center, but unfortunately for J.Lo it was too much of a good thing. J. Lo knows how to show off her assets and this dress fit her perfectly, I just think it was too sheer and too MUCH for her with the diagonal and vertical stripes. I would love to see her tone it down for once, I mean we know she looks hot in a tight, sequin, low-cut dress, but what about something more elegant for the occasion?

On to the best.

BEST DRESSED:

Michelle Williams - Here's a nominee who knows how to work her look. I think Michelle has been really consistently on point throughout the 2012 awards season and last night was no different. She's got that cute, smart, fashion girl look that all the mainstream brands want to dress. This coral strapless Louis Vuitton gown is just so intense, rich and fun. I love how the peplum waist and small bow showed off her waistline perfectly. Her natural makeup, pixie cut, red lip and simple 30 carats worth of Forevermark jewels finish this fashion-forward look off.

Cameron Diaz - Cameron was the Charlize Theron stand-in for the Oscars this year because I could totally see Charlize rocking this way better than Cameron did, but I do think she looks effortless and totally surfer-chic glam. I am not a huge Cameron Diaz fan, but she popped in this nude, fishtail, form-fitting Gucci gown. Her body is so tone and muscular that it could be hard for her to pull this off, but her bright blonde hair, tan skin and splash of sequins make it feminine and gorgeous. She finished it off with the perfect amount of Tiffany & Co. jewels. I just wish I knew what was going on with her face muscles.

Angelina Jolie - Angelina has been a bit safe and reserved throughout the 2012 awards season but she totally came out guns blazing last night in this custom-made strapless black velvet Atelier Versace gown. The thigh high slit, Salvatore Ferragamo heels and platinum Neil Lane jewels completed her glamorous look. The last time I remember loving Angie's red-carpet look this much was at last years Oscars when she wore that sparkling green Atelier Versace gown. I know Angelina can look gorgeous wearing a black plastic bag, but I think the simplicity of this gown coupled with her fierce, sexy attitude makes the dress memorable and her look, one of the best on the red carpet last night.

Shailene Woodley - OK I have to admit I had no idea who this girl was until last night and I still have issues with a 12-year old wearing a Valentino Haute Couture gown and Harry Winston jewels, but anyway I love this look! Ok, so she's actually 20, but I think the mistake a lot of young stars make on the red-carpet is that they are too under-dressed or way over-dressed (think Lea Michele in that Marchesa disaster at the Golden Globes). But clearly Shailene has a great stylist and she is dressed perfectly for the event and her age. The crochet and button detailing on this long-sleeve gown are amazing. I love the soft, beautiful fabric, the high neck and the 70s feel of it. Her hair and makeup complement the simplicity of this look. I love risk takers and girls who don't mind covering up sometimes.

Gwyneth Paltrow - Gwyneth definitely pushed the enveloped with this one and she did it right. I pretty much love almost anything by Tom Ford and Gwyneth has the perfect body for this white one-shoulder column dress. I was wowed by the matching floor-length cape; so brilliant and different. This was a look from Tom's FW 2012 collection, which he showcased very privately earlier this month in his London showroom. Gwyneth's crisp white look was the one of the most refreshingly original looks of the night. Loved it!

sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:47:00 +0000

I can't believe the weekend is already over! I had such a fun time, it really flew by. I hung out with some friends I haven't seen in a while, started on a new hobby, drank tequila (one shot was enough) and of course relaxed.

Today I made my first batch of red velvet cupcakes from scratch, using this recipe from Bakerella.com. I still have to perfect the frosting, since I dropped way more vanilla extract in the recipe than it called for. I will post pics the second time around.

Going to catch up on the rest of the Oscars now. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

cosmic rings

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Lately I've had a thing for crystal, cosmic rings with a geode flare. I love how they glitter with bright hues and sparkles; they remind me of being in outer space. These raw beauties are some of my favorites.

For more info on each item click here.

wet n wild don't blink pink

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:05:00 +0000

One of my favorite drug store lip brands is Wet n Wild. If you are looking for an affordable semi-matte lipstick with literally tons of colors to choose from, check out Wet n Wild. Lately I've been obsessed with Wet n Wild's Mega Last Lipstick in Don't Blink Pink.

I really love this semi-matte color. It's a neon-pink that's got a subtle red undertone. Don't Blink Pink is intense, bright and reminds me of a strawberry margarita. But, I will say the color bleeds and definitely rubs off when eating. I learned the hard way. So always keep your mirror handy!

cartier love bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 21:16:00 +0000

On my current lust list: the Cartier Love Bracelet with Diamonds (price available upon request!) Sigh, maybe one day.

Oscar de la Renta fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Christina) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:53:00 +0000

It’s really no secret that I have an undying love for everything Oscar de la Renta, so without bias, of course it’s only fitting that I named his collection my favorite from New York Fashion Week, Fall 2012. Oscar’s collection was assorted and refined, appealing to his core, old school clients and his younger audience.

The fur, fishnets, frills and of course tulle and tweed are typical Oscar, but its the embellished prints, icy tones and bold jewelry that brought a new innocent vibrancy to the collection.

Here are my favorite looks from the Oscar de la Renta fall 2012 collection.