platinum blonde life

Gadget Girl: Gallery Worthy iPhone Cases

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:16:00 +0000

Lately I've noticed my iPhone sliding around in its case. Naturally, that gave me an excuse to shop for a new case that was both functional and fashionable. I now have a bit of a dilemma because I discovered all of the amazing, gallery worthy, iPhone cases available for sale at Society 6. I am particularly smitten with these abstract cases designed by Amy Sia:

{clockwise} Sunset Storm $35; Electric Haze $35; Ocean Sky $35; Jade Storm $35; all @ Society 6

Aren't they gorgeous? If you're not an iPhone user, don't fear, Society 6 has designs just as lovely as these available as prints, tech covers/skins, and tees.

Shop the selection at Society 6.

HANAair Hair Dryer Product Review

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:41:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Misikko to review a HANA Salon product. I typically do not use flat irons, so I opted to review the Hair Dryer, a styling tool that is essential to my hair's existence ever since I cut bangs in my hair. If I don't blow out my hair, it dries flat and my bangs look stringy and annoying cowlicks reign supreme. It isn't a good look to say the least. I have tried countless dryers ranging from drugstore faves, the professional consumer variety, and the whatever is lying around variety.

HANAair hair dryer packaging (and HANAair Shine Shield Therapy)

My first impression was positive, the dryer was packaged in a nice box with a single concentrator attachment. The concentrator attachment is perfect for me because I typically dry my hair with a round brush and like to concentrate the air on those sections giving me a smooth, sleek look. Gals with curly or wavy hair would probably prefer to have a diffuser in there as well, but the single attachment was great for me. The dryer has two fan speeds, three heat settings and a cold shot button. The dryer was easy to handle. It wasn't too heavy, and the concentrator attachment stayed firmly on while drying. I was constantly knocking off the concentrator attachment off my old dryer, so this was an immediate improvement.

Having a bit of fun testing out the dryer

I was impressed by how powerful the dryer was, the air was not joking around. I wasn't impressed by how hot the dryer got, I mean it is hot, but even the dryers at my gym are probably hotter. Because of my hairs lack of thickness & the fact it is naturally straight the dryer's sheer power was able to dry my hair with great speed despite the fact the dryer didn't come close to getting as hot as my other dryers. I have a friend who has went through tons of professional hair dryers and will judge them simply based on how hot they get. She has a ton of thick, curly hair, so for her, heat is really essential especially if she is blowing her hair out straight. I doubt this dryer would meet her requirements for those reasons.

My weapon of choice

This is an excellent dryer for someone like me who wants to blow out their hair as fast as possible with a sleek, non-frizzy look with a little bit of volume at the roots. It would even be good for someone with medium-thick hair or anyone with slight waves. If you're looking for hellish heat this isn't for you, but otherwise it is an excellent choice if you are willing to make a decent investment in a hair styling tool. The dryer is available for $195 (but typically retails for $335).

The final results after blowing my hair out with the HANAair dryer.

Everyday Beauty Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:51:00 +0000

On most days I prefer a neutral makeup look, and on special occasions I will elevate my everyday look by adding some individual false lashes, create a smokey eye, or I will opt for a bright lip color. I thought it would be fun to show you the makeup products that I flock to on a daily basis. These are my ultimate favorite beauty products I simply wouldn't want to live without:

M.A.C. Cork Eyeshadow a great tan shadow that is matte and applies & blends so smoothly. I use this on the outer half of my lid.
M.A.C. Blanc Type Eyeshadow a fantastic matte color I use to highlight below my brow & the inner corner of eyes
M.A.C. Twinks Eyeshadow I love a little bit of sparkle on my eyes without a lot of chunky glitter. I love using this color in the crease & outer corner of my eyes to give my eyes definition and a little shimmer too.
M.A.C. All that Glitters Eyeshadow the texture of this shadow isn't one of M.A.C.'s best, but when used on the inner half of my lid it really makes my eyes open up, and for that I love it.
NARS Danmari blush palette -I love this palette because not only does it have my favorite blush "Orgasm" it has "Casino" which is great for contouring & "Hungry Heart" which is a great highlighter.
Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Tender Rose - This is a must for faking flawless skin...it is buildable and can be used on its own as a foundation, but I use it as a pigmented powder on top of either my tinted moisturizer or foundation.
DiorShow Iconic Mascara lengthens & thickens my lashes without clumps and stays put. The brush is one of my favorite mascara brushes of all time.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Nude I wear this on days I don't want to wear full on foundation, it gives me just enough coverage to help even out my skin tone.
Dior Addict Lipstick in Miss Dior I love this lipstick because it is super moisturizing and is the perfect hue, not too beige, not too peach, not too pink. The perfect neutral for me.
M.A.C. Kohl Power eyeliner in Feline-No girl should be without a true black eyeliner...this one is a cinch to apply (no tugging) and has serious staying power.
Makeup Forever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette - No. 1 This is creamy with great coverage. I love the lightest shade for highlighting, and the green shade for blemishes. The middle shades I can easily mix to match my skin.
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Color Adjust -I've tried thousands of primers and this is still my favorite. I have fair skin with redness, so this is my secret weapon.
M.A.C. Painterly Paint Pot - I use this as a base for matte eye makeup looks, it really helps them last throughout the day.
Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation-If you are going to be photographed (hello weddings) this is a must, it offers oil-free medium coverage and can stand up to harsh light (camera flashes)
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder -I wore this on my wedding, if you are a bride or a bridesmaid this NEEDS to be in your arsenal... It is translucent powder that sets your makeup & gives you a flawless matte finish that will last all day...no shiny t-zone for you.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion -base eyeshadow primer, I use this under my paint pot for extra staying power
Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil -basic lip balm I have with me at all times.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment & Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment I received this mini set at Sephora as a birthday gift, and am completely hooked on these, they smell delicious and soften even the roughest of all lips.

DIY Cross-Stitch Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:14:00 +0000

When I saw these fantastic cross-stitch d.i.y. projects I knew I had to put my stockpile of DMC embroidery floss to work on something other than a friendship bracelet!

The folks over at Fossil have transformed their perforated leather "Mason" handbag into a cross-stitch grid. I love the idea of customizing a bag to make it one-of-a-kind! Of course, this is an ambitious project and will take some planning, but I think the pay-off will be well worth it. Grab some graph paper & sketch out your design. Fossil has smaller perforated leather "Mason" accessories that might work as well.

Mason Top Zip Bag $148 @ Fossil; In addition to the bag you need Embroidery Thread, Scissors, & a Threading Needle; Finished bag design over on the Fossil blog

Put a heavy object like a water bottle inside the bag to help prepare your surface. Keep in mind that X's need to be crossed in the same direction. Thread your needle & tie a knot. Start on the inside of the bag poking through the lining of the bag & through the leather grid. To create a stitch insert needle into the hole 45 degrees diagonally from the first hole and slide your needle under the perforated leather layer only (you don't have to go back through the bag lining) to the next hole. Once you finish a line of x's run your needle through the back & secure by once again poking through the lining and tie a knot. Continue in this manner until you've completed your design. For full instructions on this project, visit the Fossil blog.

You can also get your craft on with these genius cross-stitch iphone covers. The cover comes with a 33 by 69 grid cross stitch case, three colors of thread, a needle, and a booklet of designs. But you can get creative and design your own pattern!

Designs by Purl Soho via the Purl Bee Blog; Leese Design iPhone 4 & 4S Cross Stitch Case $24.20 @ Purl Soho;

If you want to try a more traditional project, Purl Soho has sweet Animal cross-stitch kits. I think they would look adorable hanging in a nursery and would make for a perfect gift for someone with a little one on the way.

Penguin & Fish Animal Embroidery Kits $19.05 @ Purl Soho

These projects seem more intriguing and challenging than making a half dozen friendship bracelets don't they? Get to it & have fun!

Reiss Spring Summer 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:13:00 +0000

For Spring 2012, Reiss gives a nod to the minimalism of the '90s with clean lines and structured tailoring. These pieces are offset by playful pops of color & pattern inspired by the "poolside glamour" of the '40s. There of course are plenty of delicate lace & sheer fabrics throughout that add femininity to the spring line.

Images from the Reiss SS 12 Lookbook

The Reiss SS12 Campaign video has me longing for sunny California...

I must admit, I frequent Reiss's West Broadway location in Soho far too often, but I never fail to leave without great fitting, timeless pieces, and for these reasons they have me coming back for more punishment to my bank account. My Reiss shopping wishlist is always in play, my favorites of the moment are below:

{top} Anita NOVELTY NECKLINE TOP NUDE $180; Laura CUT WORK METAL BRACELET CORAL $55; Latina FITTED TANK FIREBRICK $115 & Cherish FITTED PENCIL BLACK $180; Eleanor BUTTON BACK TOP FRENCH NAVY $170; Romeo QUILTED CHAIN SHOULDER BAG BLACK $360; Aimee long line s/b jacket with skinny lapels DOVE GREY $340; all @ Reiss

{bottom} Nellie STRIPED OFF SHOULDER JERSEY TOP BLACK $115; Ashley STRAIGHT LEG PANT BLACK $210; Vanu HALF PLACKET RELAXED JACKET WITH BIG POCKETS BLACK $370; Helen LOOSE BELTED TEE DRESS BLACK $340; Sonar EVENING CLUTCH CORAL $170; all @ Reiss

Visit Reiss's style notebook to see more of the Reiss Spring/Summer collection

Falcon Wright

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:39:00 +0000

I love the simple graphic details on these leather pouches from Falcon Wright:

Shop Pouches from Falcon Wright here.

Accessory pouches keep my over-sized handbags from getting unruly and can easily double as a clutch on lunch breaks & dinner dates. I can never have enough of these around, so when available I plan on snatching up one of these in hot pink. See more from Falcon Wright on their site, blog, and of course their shop.

Valentine's Day Gift Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Being the ultimate girly-girl, I look for excuses to wear pink. Naturally, I love Valentine's Day for the endless supply of pink and use the holiday as an excuse to shop for myself. It is a great time of year to stock up on beauty items and lingerie because there are usually deals & gift sets to be had. This spring bright hues are all the rage, so grabbing bright pink accessories might just be in order as well. Check out my favorite Valentine's Day picks below:

{top} kate spade new york rigid iPhone 4 & 4S cover (Nordstrom Exclusive) $40; I Love New York for Her by Bond No. 9 Fragrance $175; Juicy Couture 'Fifi Destination' Square Silk Scarf $68; Hudson Jeans 'Nico' Skinny Leg Overdyed Jeans (Cherry Red)$154; Oscar de la Renta Sleepwear Print Georgette Chemise $69; Nixon 'The Time Teller' Watch $75; all @ Nordstrom.

{middle} Rebecca Taylor Ikat Tee $245; Bobbi Brown 'Ultra Nude' Eye Palette $45; Juicy Couture Colorblock Snap Accent Dress $228; Rebecca Minkoff 'Neon Lizard Large' Zip Around Wallet $175; DKNY Camisole & Tap Pants Set $68; Honeydew Intimates Dotted Mesh Babydoll & Bikini $38; all @ Nordstrom.

{bottom} philosophy 'kiss me' exfoliating lip cream $15; butter LONDON '3 Free' Nail Lacquer $14; philosophy 'sweet talk' candy hearts shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath $16; Geox 'Donna Lola' Flat $109.95; Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil $65; Dogeared 'Love Struck' Heart & Arrow Pendant Necklace $72; Bobbi Brown 'Neons & Nudes' Lip Gloss in Cosmic Pink $23; Bobbi Brown 'Neons & Nudes' Lip Color in Neon Pink $23;
butter LONDON '3 Free - Spring/Summer 2012 Collection’ Nail Lacquer in Disco Biscuit $14; Michael Kors 'Gia' Ostrich Embossed Clutch $450; stila 'love at first blush' multicolor blush compact $14; Enzo Angiolini 'Tolten' Slingback Pump $99.95; MARC JACOBS 'Oh, Lola!' Valentine's Day Set ($109 Value) $72; kate spade new york 'celeste' pump $298; kate spade new york 'pretty woman' neoprene iPad sleeve $50; all @ Nordstrom.

Happy Shopping! xo

Paris vs. New York: A Tally of Two Cities

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities by Vahram Muratyan available @ Amazon

Vahram Muratyan's delightful travel journal, Paris versus New York, is now a book! I adore the simple yet striking graphic take on the two cities as they never fail to put a smile on my face. Below are a few of my favorite illustrated entries all of which can be purchased as art prints at Colette:

Paris versus New York by Vahram Muratyan prints available at Colette

Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities is available for purchase @Amazon

Warby Parker: Home Try On Session

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:40:00 +0000

I am hopelessly nearsighted and though I favor contacts, I do like to have a pair of frames to throw on just before bed or on days when my eyes need a break. My current pair of specs are 9 year old Gucci frames that have a far too weak prescription in them. Because I don't wear glasses full time I don't want to spend a small fortune on them, however I still want them to look smart and stylish. Enter Warby Parker, a brand I heard about via a work colleague. Warby Parker offers a ton of stylish and affordable frames to choose from. You pay just $95 for frames (the price includes lenses). Better yet, for every pair purchased, the company gives a pair to someone in need. The company has showrooms in Manhattan that you can visit with an appointment to try on frames, but I opted for the Home Try On Session where you simply log on to their website, choose five frames, and Warby Parker ships them off to you completely free of charge with no obligation to purchase. I chose the following styles: Huxley, Beckett, Japhy, Preston, & Owen for my try-on session. Once they arrive, you have five days to test out the frames for fit, comfort, and the opinions of your friends and family. After much discussion, of the five frames, the Preston frame was my favorite. Here I am wearing the Preston:

Once done with the try-on session, you simply pack up the box and ship back to Warby Parker using the included pre-paid shipping label. There was no cost to me, and when I decide to order the glasses I can do so via the website.

Drugstore Detours: Perfect Red Lip Pencil

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Swatch of CoverGirl's Lip Perfection Liner Pencil in Passion

It is no secret I love a red lip. I have tried countless shades, but am always trying to perfect the color and make it last as long as humanly possibly. I have long favored M.A.C.'s Cherry lip pencil, but thought it would be nice to seek out a drugstore pencil that could hold up to the challenge. After trying several that required more effort than they were worth, I found one that I absolutely love: CoverGirl's Lip Perfection Liner Pencil in Passion (215). The liner goes on really smooth, and you don't have to work to build up the color. Once on, the liner stays put, and really gives your choice shade of lipstick staying power throughout the day. The swatch above shows that the liner could possibly be worn on its own, maybe with a dab of gloss on top. Better yet it is only $7, half the price of my favorite dept. store liner!

J.Crew Collection Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:28:00 +0000

J.Crew Collection Spring 2012 available now @ J.Crew.

Hello, Color! J.Crew's Spring 2012 collection look book is here with bright hues, stripes, neutrals, and pastels. I like the idea of pairing bright orange with peach, but I'm not sure I could pull off a monochromatic look. That said, I am fully ready to embrace color this season, but I'll probably stick to color blocking contrasting colors and pairing neutrals with neon. I would love to add the following J.Crew items to my spring wardrobe:

Toothpick jean in garment-dyed twill $108; Café capri $89.50; Cashmere boyfriend sweater $248; Cashmere Isabel sweatshirt $248; Edie purse $238; Tillary purse $148; Italian leather skinny belt $39.50; all @ J.Crew

Sweet Messages From Our Paper Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:07:00 +0000

Aren't these cards from Our Paper Shop lovely?

pure love cards $4-18.50; you are sweet card $4; you're kind of great card $4; for you card $4 all via Our Paper Shop

Send a sweet message with these to your valentine or to someone special just because! See more great things from Our Paper Shop on their blog or in their shop.

Runway Report: Elie Saab Spring 2012 Couture Show

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Looks on the runway via Style.com

A sea of dreamy pastel gowns marched down the runway at the Elie Saab Spring 2012 Couture show in Paris. I am awestruck, and think it is safe to assume pastel is going to make a big splash on the red carpet this year.

Looks from backstage {source}

View more photos from backstage here.

The looks were paired with sleek wrapped pony tails, dewey complexions, peachy-pink eyeshadow & blush, a thin wing of liquid eyeliner, individual false eyelashes on the outer eye, and M.A.C.'s Pink Plaid lipstick topped with gloss.

Watch the looks on the runway below:

Take Nordstrom's Fun Valentine's Day Personality Quiz!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:50:00 +0000

For Valentine’s Day, Nordstrom has an online quiz, to help customers find lingerie to suit their personality and style. Simply answer a few fun questions to determine your "lingerie personality" then shop personalized picks based on your profile.

My quiz results labeled me as a playful flirt, so this pink Betsey Johnson chiffon babydoll may be in my future. Take the quiz here, and shop your personality profile at Nordstrom.

Hunger Games Capitol Couture & China Glaze Capitol Colours Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Effie Trinket, Hunger Games via Capitol Couture

I am a bit obsessed with the Hunger Games and have been eagerly awaiting the film starring the gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, but more recently I've been intrigued by the stunning Elizabeth Banks' turn as Effie Trinket. In previews she looks pretty freaky, sort of the Lady Gaga of the Capitol, if you will. In anticipation of the film, the first issue of Capitol Couture has launched and features character profiles, images, and style & beauty tidbits inspired by the film. Elizabeth's character favors over the top beauty fashion choices as do many of the Capitol's citizens. Capitol Couture highlights a few of the looks including some of the shoes spotted in and around the Capitol including a gold pair of Alexander McQueen booties worn by Effie herself in the film:

Images via Capitol Couture

Additionally, China Glaze will be launching a new line of nail polishes in March to coincide with the March 23rd release of The Hunger Games. The Colours From The Capitol collection features 12 shades and will be available at retailers including Sally Beauty Supply and Ulta. Check them out below:

{top} Dress Me Up; Foie Gras; Fast Track; Hook and Line; Stone Cold; Smoke and Ashes;

{bottom} Agro; Mahogany Magirc; Harvest Moon; Riveting; Electrify; Luxe and Lush

This is certainly a Hunger Games inspired collection, but the Capitol is flashy, so I half excepted more spring colors thrown in and less neutral hues. Riveting is the only one that reads spring/summer to me, but they are all lovely and they get the mood of the story. Harvest Moon & Electrify are already on my wish list as I think they would look nicely paired together. I never fail to be drawn to glitter!

In the meantime, get your Hunger Games fix over at Capitol Couture's tumblr page!

Cheap Thrills: Emma Roberts' Heart Blouse Is A Must Have

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:56:00 +0000

Emma Roberts in ASOS , skinny jeans, and VC Signature Booties at SundanceCute Heart Top $34 @ Lulu*s; Ikat Heart Blouse $38 @ Nasty Gal; Love Ballad Top @ Mod Cloth;

Emma Roberts was spotted at Sundance wearing some fierce red lipstick, and an adorable heart printed ASOS blouse. It isn't very often a celeb shows up on the red carpet wearing something affordable, so I felt this needed a special shout out. The ASOS blouse Emma is wearing is no longer available, but you can get a similar blouse in the $35-40 range just in time for Valentine's day. Pair your choice blouse with vivid red lips skinny jeans or a cute mini skirt and you'll be ready to take February by storm.

Bright Idea: Ballet Flats

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:33:00 +0000

City gals rack up a lot of miles running around town, so if you see a girl who is someone other than Serena van der Woodsen wearing sky high platforms, chances are they have a chic pair of ballet flats patiently waiting in their bag for the big switch. There is no need to settle for the basic black flat when you can have them in bright eye catching hues. These are begging for center stage, and our feet can always use a break from those towering stunners we usually favor. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Row 1) Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flat in Red Volcano $195 @ Nordstrom; Cece leather ballet flats in gallery green $138 @ J.Crew; The Suede Sidewalk Skimmer in Crystal Blue $88 @ Madewell; Diane von Furstenberg Abby Printed Canvas Ballet Flats $175@ Saks; Trinket Flats, Tennis Racket $98 @ Anthropologie;

Row 2) Diane Von Furstenberg Abby Blue Bird Flats $175 @ Zappos; Vera Wang Lavender Label Lara Embossed Snake Ballet Flats in Orange Mix $175 @ Shopbop; Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan 'Air Bacara' Flats in Porcelain Green $148 @ Nordstrom; Cece suede ballet flats in Oasis Green $128 @ J.Crew; Jil Sander Suede Elastic Topline Flats in Salmon $450 @ Shopbop;

Row 3) Diane von Furstenberg Botswana Leather and Zebra-Print Calf Hair Ballet Flats $198 @ Saks; Jessica Simpson Madisen Ballet Flat Brule Bermuda $45.99 @ Endless; Cece suede ballet flats in Retro Lemon $128 @ J.Crew; Dolce Vita Lucca Flat in Pink $74 @ Revolve Clothing; Tod's Suede and Patent Leather Buckle Ballet Flats in Raspberry $445 @ Saks;

Row 4) On-Your-Toes Flats, Yellow $138 @ Anthropologie; Bloch London Women's Alia Ballet Flat in Carmine $125 @ Endless; The Suede Sidewalk Skimmer in Green Garland $88 @ Madewell; Yosi Samra Patent Flats in Lime $66; Cece suede ballet flats in Wild Berry $128 @ J.Crew; On-Your-Toes Flats, Turquoise $138 @ Anthropologie;

Style File: Tangerine Prints

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:15:00 +0000

2012 is bound to be a colorful year, with orange, coral, neon, and jewel tones fighting for top billing. These lovely tangerine printed dresses have me longing for warm weather and sun kissed skin. New York has been terribly cold, so while I'm knitting & sitting hot cocoa I'm dreaming of wearing one of these sooner rather than later!

Side Sweep Dress $48 @ Francesca's Collections (TOTAL STEAL!); Pleated Optic Maxi Dress $248 @ Anthropologie;

Pair these with a belt, sandals, a statement necklace, and pile on the bracelets and you'll be set for a lovely summer-y day.

1/25/12 Style File Update: Vanessa Hudgens was spotted wearing a similar maxi dress in Australia a few days ago. No word yet on the designer of Vanessa's dress.

image source

My new love: DVF iPad case

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:43:00 +0000

I received a shiny new iPad as a birthday gift, so as any respectable fashionista I set out to find the perfect case to protect it. There are so many beautiful options, but I decided on this zip around python embossed case from Diane von Furstenberg in the color "reef". The case stands on it own and could pass as a clutch. The iPad fits securely inside and the case can be converted to a stand in the instance you want to watch videos or use a keyboard.

This particular case also comes in slate with orange contrast, and DVF has several printed iPad cases that are quite lovely as well. Shop the selection at DVF.com.

Artist You Should Know: Sarah Ashley Longshore

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Images via Matchbook Magazine

I just read a wonderful write up in Matchbook Magazine on the very talented and funny artist Sarah Ashley Longshore. I am just in awe of her work and of her gorgeous studio! Read the article here. See more of her work on her website!

Paper Doll Pop (and Fashion) Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:01:00 +0000

Mel Simone Elliot, artist, designer and owner of 'I Love Mel' has created these genius paper dolls in the likes of some of our favorite fashion and pop stars including, Beyonce, Adele, Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Debbie Harry, David Bowie and others. Each paper doll book contains two cut-out paper dolls and several fabulous (or crazy as is the case with Lady Gaga's meat dress) outfits. Beyonce & Kate Moss are available at TopShop for $15 each, the others can be purchased at I Love Mel.

Jason Wu For Target

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:48:00 +0000

Jason Wu's capsule collection is scheduled to hit Target stores and Target.com February 5th. The collection took inspiration from the idea of an American girl in Paris. The looks are modern, chic, yet timeless. I would love to grab a few pieces for my own closet and I am hoping Target has learned from the Missoni debacle and can handle the demand and accompanying web traffic! The looks range in price in price from $19.99 to $59.99 for apparel and $19.99 to $49.99 for handbags and scarves. Check out the looks below:

Images via Target.com

Happy Birthday To Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Today is my birthday, and is the day I consider the official start to the New Year! I mean why start a New Year's diet on Jan. 1st if it means you have to refuse your own birthday treats in 10 days? It seems a bit wrong doesn't it? That has been my logic and it hasn't failed me yet! 2011 was an amazing year, I traveled to lovely tropical destinations, married my boyfriend of eight years, caught up with old friends, and crossed off several must-dos on my list of things to do before my next birthday! Here is my list of 30 things to do before my next birthday! 1) have fun! 2) save money even though that is never very fun. 3) buy a home 4) read 20 books 5) revisit the classics 6) eat healthier 7) cook dinner more often 8) drink less caffeine 9) take up yoga 10) run a marathon (hopefully I will get into the NYC marathon this year!) 11) buy a bike, and ride it often 12) knit my future niece or nephew cute baby items 13) knit myself a sweater 14) draw and paint more often 15) watch one old movie each month 16) visit the west coast 17) take a summer trip to Portland, Maine 18) go running on the beach 19) expand my record collection 20) visit Paris 21) learn how to make macarons 22) go on a photobooth scavenger hunt (with props in hand) 23) Take my cameras out and snap away 24) develop my film, upload photos, and organize them 25) go apple picking 26) bake an apple pie with said apples 27) volunteer at an animal shelter 28) work on a gallery wall of my paintings, drawings, photos and favorite art 29) spend quality time with my husband, beagle, family, and friends 30) carry over at least one of these "resolutions" to next years list! (an inevitability, no?)

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:53:00 +0000

{clockwise} Style Me Pretty; Bubbly; Fiskars; Brent Foster Photography;

This video of Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt singing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" brought a smile to my face this morning, so I couldn't resist sharing! I hope you all had a wonderful 2011, and have an even better 2012!

Cheers!

Makeover Memo: Nars Danmari Blush Palette

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie Sweeney) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Last week, I took my Sephora $20 VIB coupon to the store and exchanged it for NARS Danmari All About Cheeks Palette, a sleek black mirrored case containing six 0.12 oz blushes (a $107 value).

The palette includes the following cheek colors: Hungry Heart (gold ivory), Super Orgasm (peachy pink with gold glitter), Desire (cotton candy pink), Casino (dark brown with golden shimmer), Orgasm (peachy pink with golden shimmer), and Sin (berry with gold shimmer)

Close up of the Danmari palette, top: Hungry Heart, Super Orgasm, Desire, bottom: Casino, Orgasm, and Sin

The only full sized Nars blush I've ever bothering purchasing was Nars Orgasm. I love it so much, I wore it on my wedding day. It is the perfect coral pink with just enough shimmer without being overly glittery. I am most excited to try the ultra pink Desire, and I am curious to try Casino, as I am a big fan of NARS Laguna. Hungry Heart will serve well as a highlighter. Sin could be a nice surprise. All have nice pigmentation (although with Hungry Heart it is hard to tell on my pale winter skin), all blend nicely, and best of all none of them are overly glittery. Super Orgasm has the most glitter, but it remains manageable.


{Top, clockwise} Hungry Heart, Super Orgasm, Orgasm, Casino {Bottom, clockwise} Super Orgasm, Desire, Sin, Orgasm Overall, I find this to be an incredible value perfect for traveling, and small enough to fit into a purse or overnight bag! If you are new to NARS, this is a great way to get hooked, so beware, you're destined to fall in love! Check out the swatches below:

Swatches (clockwise): Hungry Heart, Super Orgasm, Desire, Sin, Orgasm, & Casino

The NARS Danmari palette was sold out online when I purchased mine at my local Sephora, If your store doesn't have it, try another one, or keep coming back in, it will turn up!