Updates, Rants and Raves!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I have a couple of updates/rants/raves, so this post will be combining all of them!


New Year’s Eve:

I’m looking forward to New Year’s Eve…which is quickly approaching! My bf and I will be attending a NYE party, in addition to a First Night party, which is of course held on the first night of the New Year. Both of the parties’ dress codes require attendees to wear all black, so I hope no one else will be wearing my dress!

I had my heart set on purchasing this black dress from Cache, but I went to three different Cache stores and the dress was nowhere to be found. I wanted to buy it in-store as opposed to online, so that I'd have a definite idea of the fit.

As I was about to leave the mall and call it a night, I decided to run in to Calvin Klein and that is where I found the perfect dress…on sale!!!

Below is what I’ll be wearing for NYE this year:

Calvin Klein Asymmetrical Satin Dress


Aldo Lakey Satin Pump...also purchased on sale! **FYI if you purchase shoes from Aldo, and the price is reduced within 14 days of the purchase date, they will give you the difference!


I am still debating between these two pairs of Forever 21 earrings:

Forever 21 Open Jewel Earrings

Forever 21 Disco Ball Earrings
Diorshow Mascara:

I went to the Dior counter last week to try out some of their crème glosses. The MA started gushing about how amazing their mascara was, and she gave me a sample of Diorshow. I was in love with it for the first two days or so, and then I started having a crazy allergic reaction to it! My eyes started itching, burning, running and became red and puffy. I have very sensitive eyes, and I usually stick to Almay and MAC eye products (eyeliner/mascara) so I didn’t think anything would happen with Dior, but I was wrong. If you have sensitive eyes Diorshow mascara might not be for you. Sorry!


Susan Boyle:


One of the gifts that I gave my Mom for Christmas this year was Susan Boyle’s debut CD 'I Dreamed A Dream'. My Mom has not stopped playing it since Friday, and she requested that I spread the word about this CD via my blog. She thinks it’s a great CD featuring classic songs that would make the perfect gift for just about anyone!

MAC & Lilly Pulitzer:


OMG…I almost died when I heard about this!!!

On January 7, 2010, MAC will launch their first Spring 2010 collection - a partnership with Lilly Pulitzer - which is titled MAC in Lillyland!

This collection will feature Lipgelee’s, Cremeblend blushes and more with names like Preppy, Resort Life and Coconut Ice!

Although I’m not too sure about the Cremeblend blushes, I think I’ll get Florida just for the name, because Florida is my home state! And just based on pictures alone, I definitely want to get the Pearlmatte eyeshadow and face powder. The best part is that the collection is launching nine days before my birthday…so it’s the perfect time for me to treat myself to more MAC, lol. I’m also excited about the packaging of the products. I hope it really does Lilly P. justice!

Pearlmatte Eyeshadow - $19.50 U.S./$25.50 CDN


Pearlmatte Face Powder - $27.50 U.S./$32.50 CDN

Lipgelee - $14 U.S./$16.50 CDN
From L to R: Lush & Bright, Preppy, Resort Life and Shift to Pink.

Nail Lacquer $12 U.S./$15.50 CDN

From L to R: Steamy and Coconut Ice


Cremeblend Blush - $18.50 U.S./$22 CDN

So Sweet, So Easy

Optimistic Orange

Joie de Vivre

Florida



Fleece/Flannel Sheets:

If you do not have fleece or flannel sheets on your bed and you live where it is currently below 40° you must go out and purchase them ASAP!!! I promise that you will not want to get out of bed in the morning, because you’ll be so warm and cozy. I wish I would have know about these sheets soo much sooner!

I hope everyone has a safe and fabulous New Year's Eve!

Stay Bronzed and Beautiful!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas this year! Hopefully you're able to spend time with your loved ones, and if not I hope that you're able to make the most of your holiday!

Below I've included my favorite Christmas song for you to enjoy.

Stay Bronzed and Beautiful!

'Tis The Season For Gift Giving!

If you celebrate Christmas I hope you've finished all of your shopping and gift wrapping by now! I usually try to get all of that done two weeks prior to Christmas, but this year I slacked off a bit, and I didn't finish wrapping everything until last night.

I don't know if I'm the only person that does this, but every year I like to have a theme going with my gift wrap. I know, it sounds kinda weird...but it's something that I like to do!

Last year I did a red, green and gold "traditional Christmas" theme, and this year is inspired by the Christmas Carol 'Silver Bells', which is one of my favorites (My all time favorite Christmas song is 'The Christmas Song'). Next year I plan on doing another metallic theme of silver and gold to use up some left over gift wrap, and eventually I plan on doing a pink and green Christmas!

Below are a few pics of some of the gifts I wrapped.



If you have a theme going with your gift wrap this year (I can't be the only person that does this, lol) please share. And if you need to get any last minute shopping done, today is the day to do it. I just need to buy some fresh green beans for Christmas dinner, and then I don't plan on going to the store again until the 28th or so for NYE items!

Stay Bronzed and Beautiful!

She Sparkles Like A Gem...

This is yet another post dedicated to Holiday style!

LBD's are appropriate for any time of the year, and are an essential must have for the Holiday season. At times though they can look a little plain and boring, but with the right accessories you can take your LBD to the next level.

I'm all about anything that sparkles, shimmers and shines, and I think rhinestones are perfect for the Holiday's. If you don't necessarily want to go all out and wear a sequin dress for New Year's Eve, you can add one of the featured items below to your ensemble and instantly glam up your entire look!

J.Crew Diamonte Suede Platform Peep Toes. A chic, sassy and sophisticated pump.


The Limited Beaded Hardcase. The look of a Judith Leiber clutch for less. The perfect handbag for someone that wants to carry as little as possible.
The Limited Mixed Chain Belt. Another Judith Leiber look for less. This is the perfect addition to jazz up a plain LBD.


Banana Republic Glam Leaf Earrings. I LOVE these earrings! They have an Old Hollywood glamour feel to them.

Forever 21 Jeweled Expandable Cuff. Everyone needs a jeweled bracelet!
Forever 21 Encrusted Mound Ring. A cute and inexpensive cocktail ring.
Stay Bronzed and Beautiful!

Cheap Chic: Lulus.com

Holiday and New Year's Eve parties are all on the horizon for many of us, so that means that you may need to go shopping for a dress! I have a sorority alumnae group Holiday party to attend this Sunday, but the attire is business casual so I have something to wear.

I know that my family and friends think that I always have some arbitrary reason to shop, but I definitely need to go shopping for a black cocktail dress for New Year's Eve. I'm hoping to find a classic black cocktail dress that can become apart of my wardrobe so that I'll always have something to wear to an event like a wedding, deb ball, etc.

While I was doing some online browsing, I came across a website that has some pretty cute party dresses that are all reasonably priced. Below are some of my favorite dresses from Lulus.com...there are several more that caught my eye! The best part is that all of the featured dresses are priced under $70. Perfect for any budget fashionista!


Fete Fabulous Lace Dress by Collective Concepts - $54


Nyro Night Dress - $66


Call Me Coco Dress- $63



Angelina Dress - $59



Ice Cream Social Dress - $56



Heartstopper Dress - $37. It's somewhat similar to this French Connection dress.



Have you or anyone you know ever made a purchase from Lulus.com? If so, I'd like to know. The prices are great but I am concerned about the quality of their garments. Also, have any of you ladies seen/heard of any good sales at the mall or online lately? Again, if you have please share!

Stay Bronzed and Beautiful!

Pearl Girl

Everyone that knows me is aware of the fact that I absolutely love pearls! They're classic and timeless, while being trendy and are perfect for anyone regardless of age. I love wearing pearls throughout the year, but I especially love to wear them during the Holiday season.

Below are some of my favorite pearl picks!

Majorica Two-Row White Pearl Necklace. I love chunky pearls! The perfect addition to spruce up any LBD.


Kate Spade Moon River Pearl Bracelet. Love the name of this bracelet, because it reminds me of Breakfast at Tiffany's...which is just as timeless as this bracelet!


J.Crew Pearl Jewel Box Earrings. Simple yet fabulous.


Kate Spade Park Avenue Pearls Ring. Not the typical cocktail ring.
Rene Caovilla Pearl Thong Sandal. I can see myself wearing these sandals while strolling on a beach in St. Tropez for the Holiday... Le sigh.



Stay Bronzed and Beautiful!

Fancy Feet

The Holiday Season is all about glitz and glam -- especially when it comes to New Year's Eve! I'm always on the quest to find fabulous formal party shoes, and nothing says formal more than satin.

I'm in love with both pairs of the Christian Louboutin shoes featured below, but as we know they cost a pretty penny!

Christian Louboutin Ernesta Satin T-Strap Satin Sandal. LOVE!!!


Christian Louboutin Crepe Satin T-Strap Sandal...in ivory it's my dream wedding shoe!


Below are a few shoes that can definitely give you the look-for-less, as they are somewhat similar to the Louboutin styles. They'll definitely have your feet looking fabulous for your NYE party, without hurting your pockets so you'll have some money left over for your dress or accessories!


Bebe Larissa Satin Sandal. I absolutely love these shoes!

Nine West Bowtie. I don't think you can ever go wrong with Nine West Shoes.

Nine West Fluffy. Such a cute name for a fierce sandal.


Badgley Mischka Calton. Perfect for a NYE Bride!

Max Studio Sonnet. Just enough ruffles to make a statement.


Stay Bronzed and Beautiful!