Randomness: Naked Basics Eye Look and Jewelmint Mystery Box

Good Lord, it has been a day! I had planned to do a December faves, but that'll have to wait. Instead, I give you TOTAL RANDOMNESS!! I know you're excited...

Anyhoo, to further test out the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette, and how well it coordinates with the larger neutral palettes, I put together this quickie eye look. It works beautifully with a deep berry lip (like Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet). Leave it as is to wear to work or shopping; toss a little sparkle on top, and you've got the perfect holiday party look.

Lid: Venus (Naked Basics)
Crease: Naked (Naked 1)
Blending: W.O.S. (NB)
Lower Liner: Naked (N1)
Brow and Inner Corner: Virgin (N1)
Upper Liner: Zero 24/7 Glide-On Pencil
Mascara: Buxom Lash

I also received my Jewelmint Mystery Box!!! About a week and a half ago!!! I'm posting this not to brag or show off, but because the Mystery Box is still available. If you were thinking of purchasing, here is an example of a typical box. Each box is different and pieces are chosen at random, but it'll give you an idea.

From Top: Evening Star Bracelet, Crystal Gazer Necklace (not available on site/discontinued), Lover's Locket Silver, and Calypso Island Earrings (not available on site/discontinued). You might be able to find the discontinued pieces on Ebay, but I can't guarantee that.

I was beyond thrilled, because I'd already been eyeing the Evening Star Bracelet. It, alone, was worth the $29.99 price tag, but there was no promise of that piece. The Mystery Box is a gamble, and one that you won't necessarily win if you're not completely enamored with the majority of the Jewelmint product line--past and present. Sure, the bracelet was a favorite, and the locket has already made it into regular rotation in my daily wardrobe (I'm wearing it today, actually). The other two pieces...well, they've been more challenging.

I did manage to wear the earrings. I paired them with a black sweater over a gold tank, and pinned my hair in a messy bun. The earrings were the main focus of the look, and I received a few compliments on them. They're decent quality, not too heavy, and really made my outfit look "styled", rather than "thrown on". The Crystal Gazer necklace is still in the box, but I think will work well with a low-cut black wrap dress and my leopard flats with pink crystals (much less tacky than they sound, I promise!).

All of the pieces are well-made. The clasp on the bracelet is very secure, which is extremely important given the weight of the piece. It's not light. The locket does open and close, with both a magnetic and button closure. The minimum amount of four pieces came packed with three items in a signature Jewelmint box, and the bracelet in a velvet Jewelmint pouch.

Do I recommend the Mystery Box? Absolutely, as long as you are prepared to possibly end up with pieces you HATE. I have gotten a dud or two in the past, but there are normally enough pieces that I genuinely love, that it all comes out in the wash. I don't get every Mystery Box that comes along, but the ones that I have received have given me items that I never would have purchased on my own, but offer new opportunities to be creative, and maybe even breathe new life into some old wardrobe pieces. 

What To Wear? It's a Mystery!: StyleMint Mystery Bag Reveal

There's a reason I'm an actor and not a model. Well, a few reasons actually. For starters, I'm 5'3". Smurfs pat me on the head. Then there's the fact that this is one of my better pictures. It's fuzzy, and I'm making a weird face. Out of about ten shots, that was the keeper. Jealous?

Now, I don't make a habit of taking pictures of my outfits (though, with results like this, how could I resist?), but I took part in the recent StyleMint Mystery Bag, and thought I'd share with you what I got.

If you haven't heard of the Mystery Bag, here's how it works: Once every couple of month (generally, around a holiday or major fashion event--i.e. Oscars), the Mints (StyleMint, Jewelmint, etc.) will host a Mystery Bag event. Typically, you'll receive at least two items, which makes the $29.99 price well worth it. It's the same as getting two items half off, and I call that a bargain. It's, actually, about the only way I shop the Mints. Please note: this is a true grab bag, so you could end up with anything. You might get two shirts, a shirt and a piece of jewelry, several items, or stuff that you really don't care for. There might be promo codes or gift cards involved, or you might end up re-gifting everything. It's a gamble, but with very few exceptions, I've always been really happy. I normally end up with things I'd never pick out for myself online, but fall in love with in person. To me, it's a great way to update your closet on the cheap, and forces a little creativity in the process. I've rediscovered stuff that I already owned but rarely wore because I needed something to go with a grab bag purchase. (In case you couldn't tell, I recommend the Mystery Bags.)

So...what did I get? Well, I ended up with the amazingly soft Tango Red Albany Tee (and yes, you do get to specify size. I'm a "3" or Medium/Large because they tend to need layering). It's a bright orangey red that was already one of my favorite colors. I also scored this surprisingly well-made tote bag. I say surprisingly because it's very lightweight, but durable. This is going to be one of my Summer staples, I can tell. I'm not a fan of having the logo stamped across the front, but I do love the zippered pocket, which is perfect for keeping my cell and keys from swimming around with all my other junk.

Plus, since part of the fun of the Mystery Bag is figuring out how to incorporate the new pieces with what you already own, I thought it'd be fun to work in items from other Mystery Bags. You can't tell in the fuzz-ball picture, so I Polyvored (is that a word? Is now!) it all out for you below. I accessorized with JewelMint's Zoe Bracelet and Steampunk (no, they're not, but good try) Earrings. Neither of those items were on my Favorites list, but now that I have them, I wear them all the time! Who knew?

Anyway, I layered the shirt over an Old Navy cami, and tossed on jeans and some old Mossimo wedges from Target. To finish the look, I sprayed my hair with Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray for texture, and wove it into a messy side braid. For my makeup, I focused on flawless (ha!) skin and kept color natural and minimal. I love this look, and can't wait for the next Mystery Bag offer to appear in my inbox!

What do you think? Leave your comments below, and be sure to follow me on Polyvore!



StyleMint Albany T-Shirt by adorablenapalm featuring a victoria secret lip gloss

Challenge!: Cooking Out with Tangerine Tango

For fun, I thought I'd put together a little fantasy outfit for all those Summer cookouts I hope to attend. To make it a little more challenging, I used Pantone's color of the year, Tangerine Tango, as inspiration. Let's take a look, shall we? Again, all links are at the bottom, except for a couple I threw in with the descriptions.

Summer 2012 Pool Party by adorablenapalm featuring a bikini swimwear

Beginning in the middle, I chose this two piece from Old Navy for two reasons. 1) It's the right color. 2) It's an extremely flattering design, with full-coverage bottoms and a wide-banded halter top. Even if you're (like me) not exactly a supermodel but still prefer a two-piece, you can most likely get away with this. I actually own this one and another just like it in a print, and they're very comfortable and very forgiving. Oh--one more reason (sorry!): it's really inexpensive. That's always a good thing. 

The white dress to the left didn't show up well on Polyvore, but it's a beautiful, all-over eyelet with delicate ruffle trim and empire waist. It's dressy enough to wear to an outdoor cocktail party, yet casual enough that you could toss it on over the bathing suit and still look adorable. Also from Old Navy, and also really inexpensive. Again, always a good thing.

One more from Old Navy! The wedge shoes pull the white from the dress and orange from the suit (or just add in the orange, if you want to skip the suit), but tone down the brights with smooth, milk chocolate leather. A bonus to wearing a wedge to an outdoor event: your heels never sink down into the grass.

Moving to the left, these earrings by 1928 were another inexpensive way to bring in the orange color of the season. I also liked that the hematite accents worked to keep the pop of color from being an explosion.

Directly beneath the earrings, we have our splurge. This bracelet, by Vince Camuto, is $78, and way more than I could ever justify. However, this is a fantasy outfit, so what the hey? I loved that it echoed the triangular shape from the earrings, as well as the striped pattern in the shoes, all while showcasing that gorgeous tangerine in an elegant, yet fun way. If I were going to spend almost eighty bucks on a bracelet, this would definitely be a contender.
Okay, hopping over to the far right (don't you love my haphazard directions?), is the 24/7 Shadow Pencil Stash from Urban Decay. If you don't have this, snap it up. Like, now. In fact, you can get it at HauteLook (until tomorrow, anyway) for $9. NINE DOLLARS!! You can also snag it after tomorrow at the Urban Decay website for $12. I'll do a full review on it soon, but what I'd suggest for this outfit is Rehab all over the lid and smudged underneath the lower lash line. Add Sin to the inner corners to highlight, pop on some mascara, and call it done.

Moving down, this is the NARS Albatross Cheek Trio. This is a little on the pricey side, but I added it here because it gives you a self-contained blush, bronzer, and highlighter that you can simply toss in a bag and be ready to go. It's perfect for traveling, and the colors are amazing. You get Orgasm blush (sorry, Mom), which is a complete cult fave, and one of my go-to products; Laguna bronzer, and Albatross highlighter.

In case you hadn't noticed, we've kept the face fairly neutral and natural, thus far. That's because we're going to kick this look up a notch with Sephora+Pantone's Color of the Year Cream Lipstick in Tangerine Tango. Yes, it's orange, but an incredibly sexy orange, and a Summery twist on the classic red lip. $18, Sephora.

I hope you enjoyed this challenge. Feel free to follow me on Polyvore, and "Like" this if you, well, liked this.

Old Navy smocked dress
$35 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy bikini swimwear
$18 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old navy swimwear
$15 - oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy platform wedge heels
$30 - oldnavy.gap.com

Vince Camuto enamel bangle
$78 - zappos.com

1928 vintage earrings
$17 - 1928.com

Urban decay makeup
$39 - macys.com

Nars blush
$55 - neimanmarcus.com

Orange Crush Sephora and Pantone Team Up for an NYC Pop-Up Shop VOGUE
vogue.com

Filmmaker Fashion: The Q&A

Last night, Thomas, our friend Soren, and I were guest speakers at the local university's Communication Day. The school screened The Night Shift, and we gave a short Q&A afterwards. It was a lot of fun, and a real joy to be a part of.

Of course, it was also a chance for all of us to get to play fancy-schmancy filmmaker and dress up! This is not the exact outfit I wore last night, but it's as close as I could get on my new Polyvore account (follow me! Link's below), since everything came directly out of my closet, and a few things were a few years old. Anyway, let's play with this for a bit. Oh--and if you want to buy any of this stuff, Polyvore was nice enough to link to what's still available for me. (I think I'm going to like this thing.)

Okay, first up, the henley tank isn't the one I wore last night. That would be this one, that I blogged about a million years ago. Mine isn't available in stores anymore, but this one is really, really close.

The earrings are the Rachel Earrings from JewelMint. Mine are actually the Rachel Rose Earrings, which have a very muted pink stone and a silver finish. You might be able to score some on Ebay, but that's about the only way. Sorry.

I finally got my Naked 2 palette!! No, I don't have a Naked "1", but that's okay. I'm absolutely in love with this palette, so expect a full review sometime in the very near future. I used Chopper, Snakebite, and Bootycall last night, with the Naked Lip Junkie, in case you were wondering. And no, I don't have any pictures. Someone at the school took one, but I don't have a copy. And I'm sad. Really, really sad.

I do actually own this necklace. You might remember a post about it from forever ago, where I talked about how it made me think of my dear little Herbie. I fell pretty darn hard for this piece before Halloween, and watched it on Open Sky for ages. It finally went on sale cheap enough that I could justify the purchase, and I don't think I've taken it off, yet.

Sadly, this bracelet is another that you'll have to search for on Ebay. It's the Black Swan Cuff from JewelMint, and one of my all-time favorite pieces from them. Seriously, try to find this one. It's worth the trouble. Good luck! I'm rooting for you!

If you want a good pair of jeans, go to DressBarn. I know, I know, I didn't expect that, either. Look for the ANGELS line. They're affordable ($39.99), cute as pie, have a good amount of stretch, suck in my stomach and make my butt look good. These are my Cinderella jeans.

Lastly, these are not my shoes. I did wear some pewter Guess strappy platforms, but they came from Ross, and I've had them for a while. These are extremely similar, even if they are more than twice what I paid for mine.

I know this is a little different from the norm, but I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know in the comments. Seriously, though, if you did like this, follow me on Polyvore, and I'll try to do more with it in the future.

Screening and Q&A Inspired by adorablenapalm featuring printed tank tops

Daytrip printed tank top
$25 - buckle.com

Women's & Misses Clothing And Apparel At Dressbarn
dressbarn.com

GUESS t strap high heels
$66 - heels.com

Urban Decay shimmer eyeshadow
$50 - sephora.com

Soixante Neuf BABY SILVER SKULL NECKLACE in 14K GF
$113 - stefanibags.com

This Ring Belongs In a Museum!

I'm funny about engagement rings. When Thomas and I were discussing getting engaged, and he asked me if I would like to pick out my ring, my answer was an emphatic, "NO!" In my mind (and I know there are gazillions out there who will disagree with me), the engagement ring is a gift. I hate choosing gifts for myself. I can't stand the thought of someone spending too much money on me, so, unless I am given a specific budget to stick to, I will invariably pick the cheapest thing I see, regardless of whether or not I actually like it. When we registered for gifts, we only chose items we could reasonably afford to give as wedding gifts ourselves. To this day, I have no idea how much my ring cost, and I intend to keep it that way.

Anyway, I had a second reason for not wishing to choose my own ring: the ring (again, only my opinion) is a reflection of how the giver sees the wearer. If I'm feeling a little down on myself, I can look at my left hand and be reminded that 1) I have a husband who loves me, and 2) he sees me as a classic, yet modern woman with a quiet strength and tons of sparkle. Someone who knows me very well sees that in me, so why can't I see that in myself?

Of course, I totally understand why some people would want to pick out their ring, and how that could really help out the person buying it. It's a big-ticket item, and one that is going to be worn, theoretically, everyday for the rest of your life. You kinda don't want to screw that one up, so when I went to have my finger measured, I did a little scouting so I could offer helpful hints, if needed. Oh, who am I kidding? I accidentally looked down while the jeweler was sizing me, saw My Ring (TM) and had to get the specs on it immediately. I ran back to Thomas' apartment and told him I'd found My Ring, and where he could go to get it. He took a look at the ring's details, walked over to his computer, pulled up a page he'd saved to favorites, and said, "This it?"

It was.

There, on the screen, was the exact ring I'd fallen in love with, except that this page was one where you could build your own custom ring. He'd built My Ring, already, with no help from me.

Some people just get it right.

Case in point: a fellow whose girl had a deep, unabiding love of the Indiana Jones films, had this amazingly detailed ring made for her. The band is a minature replica of Indy's whip, while the yellow diamond represents the golden idol from Raiders. It's ridiculously thoughtful, and gorgeous to boot, but what I love most about it is the subtlety. At first glance, it's just a yellow diamond set in a wide, carved band. It's not until you view it up close that you get the reference. I don't know who this guy is, but good going! (I hope she said yes!)

In case you're wondering, here are the schematics for it.

Photo Credit (All): Geekologie

These Are My Kind of Spock Ears!

Here's a quick bit of pretty for you this (if you live around here) gloomy, nasty Monday:

Photo Credit: LRakerDesigns

These are just plain neat. Whether you're into fairies, elves, or Vulcans, these pretty wire ear-wraps might be right up your alley. Personally, I think they'd go perfectly with my Arwen necklace. Etsy seller LRakerDesigns handmakes these one-of-a-kind beauties, along with a few other gorgeous goodies. Check 'em out, and let me know what you think in the comments. $45, etsy.

I Will Be Catching This Snitch In My Dreams

Oh. Wow.

I was totally looking for something else (and if I find it, I'll post it ASAP), but this flashed across the screen and completely captured my attention. Potter fans, how gorgeous is this?

Photo Credit: Avenue B

This beauty is handmade, goldtone, with 18" extendable chain and lobsterclaw closure. I'm in love. $14 plus $4 shipping. The rest of the store is precious, too, so give it a look-see.

Challenge!: Christmas Day Chic

It's Christmas!! In six days!! So, almost, but not quite!!

What the bleep am I going to wear?

Figuring out what to wear Christmas morning is one of my biggest styling challenges of the year. I mean, sure, I'll open presents under my tree in my pajamas, but then we have to make the rounds to visit parents and in-laws, and all that jazz, and I really think the police department would frown on me tooling around town in my jammies. They're really cute jammies, but still...

Now, I realize this is family, and they don't care what I wear. I could show up in my jam-jams and no one would bat an eye, but Christmas is a highly photographed day around my family, and I have enough embarrassing photos already hanging on Mom's walls, thank you very much. I'd like to look cute. Casual, comfy, and cute.

However...I'm singing Midnight Mass the night before (morning of?), and my church actually has Midnight Mass at *gasp* midnight! That puts me getting into bed somewhere around 2:30 or 3:00 in the a.m. When I get up in the morning, the last thing I want to do is worry about what I'm going to wear, or have to fuss with a ton of makeup. I just want to throw something on, cover up my face enough to not scare small children, and chug my low-fat Frappuccino in peace. This amount of sleepwalking takes planning.

I am sure I'm not the only person in this kind of predicament. Even if you get a normal amount of sleep Christmas Eve, there's a certain amount of chaos on Christmas Morning, and that can make getting ready for the day a real pain in the rear. To help us all out, I'm bringing back the Challenge(!) to put together an effortlessly chic look for Christmas Day. A lot of this stuff is actually in my closet, so if you see me (or pictures of me) on the 25th, you can play Eye Spy with my ensemble. Merry Christmas.

Photo Credit: Target

The top I've chosen (that I don't have, but really want) is from Target, and runs $22.99. It says it's not sold in stores, but it totally is because I've seen it. If you want one, check out your local Target, because there is a very good chance it could be there. This is a slim-fit, sequin-covered sweatshirt with a neck wide enough to almost fall off the shoulder. You'd think the sequins would be tacky (Lord knows, I did, at first), but it's positively precious on, and adds a festive sparkle to an otherwise ordinary and overly casual piece of clothing. Also available in black, emerald, and oatmeal (my favorite).

Photo Credit: Kaboodle

These skinny jeans are a dark indigo wash and come from City Streets (J.C.Penney, $19.99--regular $38.00). I've not tried these, but I have their jeggings in two washes and absolutely adore them.

Photo Credit: Sears

A pair of butt-kickin' motorcycle boots add an edgy style to an comfy-cozy outfit, with the added benefit of removing any worry over matching socks. Going on three to four hours of sleep, that's a pretty big plus. (Sears, $29.99--regular $89.99)

Photo Credit (Above Right and Left): JewelMint

The quickest way to look like you actually put thought and effort into looking nice is to accessorize. Going off the biker boots, I chose two pieces from JewelMint to easily kick this outfit up a notch. I'm in love with these Screen Siren earrings, right now. They're two-inch danglers with amethyst-colored crystals and hematite accents. They look amazing with both a slicked back ponytail or free-flowing waves, so anything goes. They also add a touch of color, and sparkle like no one's business. I paired the baubles with the incredible Black Swan bracelet. I can't wear this without people asking me where I got it. The dark metal picks up the hematite in the earrings, and the industrial design is as rock star as it gets. (JewelMint, $29.99 each)

My Please-God-Don't-Make-Me-Think-This-Morning makeup is a toned-down version of the Adele-inspired tutorial from the lovely ladies at Pixiwoo. (Seriously, if you haven't checked them out, you need to drop what you're doing and subscribe to their youtube channel immediately. And no, that's not hyperbole. I really, truly mean it. They're amazing, and I have learned so much from them lately.) I've done this look a few times now, and it's genius. There's nothing to it. I just go a little easier on the liner and brows, and it's a very appropriate look for any occasion. It's also made me remember how much I love Woodwinked eyeshadow from MAC (MacCosmetics.com, $15.00).

I'm embedding the tutorial here. If you want to try this look, but don't have a ton of Chanel lying around the house, I'm adding a list of the swaps I've made that worked well. Feel free to try your own swaps, and if they work out, help a girl out and please share them in the comments.

Foundation: CoverGirl NatureLuxe
Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing
Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin
Eye Shadow: Stila in Kitten
Eye Shadow: MAC in Woodwinked
Eye Shadow: Stila in Americano
Liner: Smashbox Limitless Liquid Liner Pen in Jet Black
Mascara: Benefit Bad Gal Lash
Brows: E.L.F. Studio Eyebrow Kit in Medium
Bronzer: Benefit Hoola
Powder: Urban Decay Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder
Blush: NARS Blush in Orgasm
Lips: Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Naked (not as pink as the tutorial, but just as lovely.)

I know, this sounds like it would take forever, but it's quick and easy, and most of the products were already on my counter. The Stila eyeshadows are in a palette ($14 for three shades!), and the bronzer and mascara came in a sampler that also included a foundation for $12. Both sets are available at Sephora.

Challenge completed!

Gift Guide: The New Mommy

For a couple of years there, I couldn't throw a stick without hitting a bride (not that I've ever run into a bride I'd like to beat with a stick, and let's stay focused, shall we?). My guest room closet has become a sort of shrine (or sepulcher) to bridesmaid dresses past, with dust-covered satin and chiffon shrouding layers of forgotten tulle and beading. Miss Haversham would feel right at home, I'll tell you that.

However, these days, the receptions and rice have segued into ultrasounds and storks as, two-by-two, all my friends change their Facebook statuses to, "We're Expecting!!" and their names to "Mommy" and "Daddy". This is a brave new world I'm entering into, and I have no idea how to handle the territory.

I have a feeling that most of you in my age bracket (25-35) are finding yourselves buying for new or soon-to-be mommies this Christmas. Am I right? One thing I have noticed is that Mommy tends to be lost in the shuffle. Everyone wants to see the newborn baby or feel Mom's tummy for a kick, and folks bring over tons of presents for the little angel. Dads get slaps on the back and congratulations, but are generally treated about the same as usual. It's just poor Mom (you know, the one doing all the work and wrecking her figure) who tends to be overlooked. This irritates me. I know I'm totally guilty of it, myself, but I'm going to work on that.

With this resolution, I give you the Gift Guide for the new/soon-to-be Mommy. These are specifically for Mommy as a woman, an individual, and a cherished part of your life. There is more to Mommy than just being "Mommy". Ask your own Mom, and I bet she'll agree.

She is Mommy. Hear her roar.

Photo Credit: Sephora

First off, hormones going crazy = skin going crazy. Give Mom a little TLC with this set from Philosophy. Purity face cleanser and Hope in a Jar moisturizer to balance things out, and Pure Grace shower gel and body lotion for a light fragrance that's not too strong for baby. $30, Sephora.

Photo Credit: diaperbags.com

Okay, technically this is for baby, but Mom's the one who has to carry it around. If you're going to have a diaper bag, you might as well have one with a little style. This is for the Mom who pushes the stroller while wearing Manolo's. Incredibly chic, and roomy enough for everything li'l bit could possible require. A little pricey, but well worth it for all the use it'll get. $127.98, diaperbags.com.

Lastly, Mom may be a mom, but she's still a woman and could probably use a little pick-me-up after all those sleepless nights (pre- and post-baby). Stuff her stocking with a gift certificate to JewelMint, so she can pick out just the right piece of jewelry to help her get back her sparkle. $29.99-$179.94, jewelmint.com.

Frugal Fridays: Mobile Edition!

I am now blogging from my phone. This should prove interesting, to say the least. For instance, autocorrect changed blogging to clogging ...yikes.

Anyhoo, I have some fab deals for you today!

From 11:11 this morning, for 11 hours and 11 minutes, e.l.f. will ship any order over $11.11 for $1.11. The holiday collection this year is called 24kt, and features pretty gold packaging and tools. I highly recommend checking it out.

Now through Monday, Fredericks of Hollywood has 50% off all clearance and 20% off all corsets. There are some really cute party dresses (among other things) at ridiculously low prices right now.

Lastly, Jewelmint has started a daily deal that can be found in their blog. Today's is a matching ring, earring, and bracelet set for 30% off with the code WONDER30.

Happy Veteran's Day!! Take a minute today to hug, thank, or give a thought to those who risk everything for our freedom. Have a great weekend!

Gift Guide: The Stylist

As I type, I'm wearing shredded jeans, an old gray t-shirt, almost zero makeup, and holey ancient Skechers, Batman. Oh--and my hair is a total mess that wouldn't even stay in a clip.

I know you want me...*sigh*

I'm probably the last person on the planet who should be writing about beauty and fashion, right now. Normally, I'm slightly more together than this (key word: slightly), but this morning I had to go help some sound technicians set levels at the Church because we nearly killed the parishoners with feedback at 8 am Mass last Sunday, and...well, that's another story, nevermind. The point is, whether or not I practice what I preach, I do know a thing or two about what works and what doesn't, and you know what doesn't work? Disorganization. When your closet is so cluttered that you don't even know what you have, how can you put together a top-notch outfit?

Says the girl whose shoe rack, literally, imploded yesterday. *sigh*

If you have a friend, relative, significant other--whatever--who's a bit of a fashionista, I've got a couple of gift ideas that will keep their designer duds in tip top form.

1) This Whitmor Chrome Supreme shoe rack holds up to fifty pairs of shoes or shoeboxes, and can roll wherever they need it to go. This is *not* the shoe rack that currently litters the floor of my closet, by the way. $69.95, Amazon.

2) I actually own this makeup case, and can attest to its awesomeness. Durable, roomy, with adjustable dividers for customized organization. This is also about as large a case as you can get without wheels. I'm planning to order a second one after Christmas for Fighting Owl Films growing makeup supply. This can easily accomodate all of our greasepaints, effects makeup, hair supplies, and a squeeze bottle of blood. 'Cause, we all need that. Right? $49.38, Overstock.

3) Now, here's a jewelry organizer that I haven't tried, but the design is ingenious. This is a thin mesh panel that can be hung up pretty much anywhere. Earrings can either hang on the front, or be stored in rolls at the bottom. Rings also stash in the roll, and necklaces and bracelets dangle from hooks. No counter or dresser space required! $19.99, Bed Bath and Beyond.

P.S. There were pictures. They were really nice. Blogger ate them.

So...You Like Guys With Large Mandibles?

Photo Credit: Fighting Owl Films

Why are people so afraid of skulls? I mean, yeah, sure, they are the universally recognized symbol for poison...which is bad. And, okay, pirates flew the Jolly Roger as a warning and a threat...which is also bad. And, fine, I'll admit that if I found myself chasing around an archaeologist with a penchant for trouble and a love of fedoras, and I found myself face to face with a skull (crystal, impaled, or otherwise), I would probably rethink the choices that brought me to that moment...again, bad, I know.

 

Photo Credit: Fighting Owl Films

The thing is, I kind of like them. I got used to skulls working on The Night Shift, and there was absolutely nothing scary about Herbie or his stunt double, Bernie.

 

 Heck, when they were mounted on their torsos, I carried them around on my hip like a couple of two year-olds, and frankly, I find two year-olds more frightening. I don't know how many of you have seen or plan to see the movie (*cough* coming to video October 25th, and available at Walmart and Amazon *cough*), but the skull I know is sweet natured, witty, a little cocky--but endearingly so--and completely dapper. I can totally believe that he was a great lover, in his day, and look forward to the world getting to know our man Herb.

 

Photo Credit: Open Sky

So, to celebrate the softer side of skulls, I have a couple of downright elegant offerings. The first is from Soixante Neuf, and right now, I can only find it at Open Sky. If you decide you want to buy this, you will need to register and join the site. It only takes a minute or two, and I even got a $10 credit just for signing up. Their price is $79 ($69, if you get and use your credit), and I think this piece is worth every penny. It's an 18-inch 14KT gold-filled chain with tiny, dangling gunmetal skulls. It's delicately feminine, with just the right amount of edge.

 

 

Next up is this ridiculously cool bracelet from Lei VanKash. Here, it's shown in both yellow and rose gold. Each bracelet is one colored string (your choice of color) and one skull. Skulls are also available in black oxidized and silver. $140, Bottica. See! Who knews skulls could be so stylish?

Photo Credit: Bottica

 

And the Winner Is....

Magnolia!!

Granted, she was the only one who entered...but that doesn't make her entry any less cool! Actually, even if we'd had dozens of entries, this one still would have caught my attention, and possibly even won! It's really quite impressive.

So, without further ado, I give you: Magnolia's CHALLENGE! Winning Entry!

First, a reminder of the amazing six-dollar dress:

Photo Credit: Old Navy

The challenge was to accessorize the dress so that it would be suitable for a casual cocktail party. You see, my birthday is coming up (faster than I'd like), and while I'm not having a throwdown party, I am having dinner with a few close friends. This is the dress I'm planning to wear, and folks, I was stumped. I now have a clue what to do, and I'd like to thank Magnolia for all of her help. Now, onto the winning design!

Photo Credit: The Limited

I love this necklace. The strands are so delicate, but the stones make a strong statement. This is a confident, rockin' piece, but also one that's casual enough for a poolside BBQ. $32.90, The Limited.

Photo Credit: The Limited

What would the necklace be without matching earrings? These provide just enough laid-back sparkle to compliment a loose Summer up-do. $19.90, The Limited.

Photo Credit: J. Crew

These shoes come in black and rose, as well, but I love how the metallic mushroom plays off of the natural colored stones in the jewelry. It's also close enough to skin tone to elongate legs. Plus, nothing says Summer like a flip-flop, and these are just dressy enough. $26.50, J. Crew.

Congratulations, Magnolia!! Now, I just need to go shopping...Happy Birthday to me!

Gift Guide: The Geek Chic Couple

Yay! It's my favorite season of the year!! What season is that, you ask? Summer? Baseball? Rabbit (or, perhaps, Duck)? Why, no, silly! It's WEDDING SEASON!!!

And I'm not invited to a single one. Thank God.

I do, however, have a ton and a half that I'm scheduled to sing, starting with one this weekend. That's why Wedding Season is the true "most wonderful time" of the entire year. That's the time of year when Erin has a lot of opportunities to pick up a little extra cash.

That also means that it's time for some of you to start figuring out gifts. Me, I'm a pillow-giver. Pillows are on everyone's registries, yet, no one seems to remember to pick them up. In the event that pillows aren't on the registry, I go in for what will surely be the next most overlooked item, like glasses, casual dining, or kitchenware. I remember the day after Thomas and I got married. We went over to my grandparents to open up the gifts that were left at the wedding, and were absolutely touched by all of the beautiful, sentimental, heirloom quality items we received. I was, literally, in tears over how obviously loved we were. Then we hopped in the car and ran to Target to buy sheets, pillows (see!), and forks so we could sleep and eat that night. Luckily, gift cards were in the pile, too.

So, now that I've convinced all of you to purchase lovely, practical gifts for your friends and family, here are some completely impractical, totally geeky, frivolous wedding gift ideas. Because I'm fickle. Deal with it.

Photo Credit: WB Shop

Okay, so this isn't totally useless. It's a Lord of the Rings inspired jewelry chest. The chest stands thirteen inches tall, and is constructed of hardwood with metal detailing. I love the teeny ring box in the center. Thomas gave me a very sweet gold ring before we got engaged. I don't wear it very often now (clashes with the white gold wedding jewelry), but that little box would the perfect place to properly keep and display it. I'm sure I'm not the only old married lady out there with a similar problem. I also like how the decoration, while ornate, isn't feminine. This is a great unisex piece that both bride and groom could use. The space under the lid would be a wonderful place for cufflinks and loose change. Now, I warn you, this chest doesn't come cheap, but for a close relative, this could be a very appropriate and cherished gift. $174.95, WB Shop.



Photo Credit: WB Shop



Now, this one's just silly, but at the same time, a little romantic. If you know some Harry Potter-heads (like myself), a pretty display case for their favorite wands (mine's Hermione's, thank you) could be a very romantic gift. Even better, the case holds four, so as their family grows, the collection can grow along with it. The little hanging plaques are a nice touch, don't you think? $44.95, WB Shop.

 

Photo Credit: Amazon

If you look to the left, you'll see something that's actually quite useful. When two people really love each other and commit to being together for the rest of their lives, something very magical happens: somehow, they manage to fit all of their stuff into one shared living space. And by 'all', I mean 'some'. And by 'magical', I mean 'with a great deal of anguish, screaming, name-calling, and possibly blood-shed'. By giving the gift of the USB hub, you're not only giving a gift that says, "Congrats!",  you're giving a gift that says, "Hey, I love you guys and want you to not end up divorced or in prison because one of you needs to charge their iPod, and the other needs the printer. Mazel Tov!" $53.14, Amazon.

I also love this idea because it's the very embodiment of the old saying: "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue." If you don't believe me, read this...

From Doctor Who, courtesy TV.com: "When you wake up, you'll have a mom and dad. And you won't even remember me. Well, you'll remember me a little. I'll be a story in your head. That's okay. We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh? Because it was, you know. It was the best. A daft old man who stole a magic box. Anyway, did I ever tell you that i stole it. Well, I borrowed it, I was always going to take it back. Oh, that box. Amy... you'll dream about that box. It'll never leave you. Big and little at the same time. Brand new and ancient and the bluest blue ever."

...then watch this:

Okay, enough geeking out for one day. A big, brown box from Sephora landed on my doorstep today. Here's hoping it's bigger on the inside, and I have some lovely product reviews in the near future. Toodles!

Wow, It Sure Has Been a While

Alrighty, folks! Let's end this week with some updates:

Jewelmint

The Aurum Necklace
Photo Credit: Jewelmint

A few days ago, I posted about a new jewelry-o'-the-month club, Jewelmint. Well, I bit the bullet and joined, mostly just to see if it was really all it claimed to be. Just so you know, it is. The day after I joined, the site emailed a 50% off coupon to me. This, by the way, is the only non-purchase related email they've sent, so I'm not getting spammed multiple times daily (you hear that, e.l.f.?). There was a piece that I was eyeing, so last Thursday, I used my coupon and ordered the Aurum necklace, a multi-strand gold necklace with two little gold nugget accents. My expectations were fairly low, as I've mail-ordered jewelry before, and it's never what the picture leads you to believe.

Fast forward to Tuesday. A beautifully packaged parcel arrived in the mail from Jewelmint--four whole days before it was supposed to!--containing an even lovelier, well-made, ready for gifting jewelry box. I opened the box to find a printed placard bearing the piece's description (straight off the website, but still a nice touch), a protective piece of heavy-duty foam, and an absolutely gorgeous necklace. As I mentioned earlier, mail-order jewelry has never been what the picture led me to expect, and this was no exception; this necklace was better than I expected.

The clasp is slightly larger than usual, so I can actually take the necklace on and off without any outside help. It's also constructed well enough that I don't worry about it opening unexpectedly, or breaking while I'm trying to manipulate it. The necklace itself is gold-plated, which keep it from looking like painted metal (you hear that, Forever 21?). I wore this with a low-cut tank top, and the overall look was very sexy. The next day, I paired it with a navy and white striped top for a nautical look. Today, I'm sporting the chains with a white tee and jeans. Basically, it works with everything, and I may never take it off.

As for the website, I've had zero trouble managing my account or looking at pieces. The ordering process was simple, and tracking info was emailed to me and placed in my "jewelry box" (where they stash info about all the pieces you've purchased). Shipping was quicker than expected, and I'm thrilled with my purchase. Should I choose to order next month, I can, or I can skip by simply pressing a button.

Thus far, Jewelmint has exceeded my expectations. Bottom line, it's an inexpensive, easy to manage way to expand your jewelry wardrobe. The pieces are well-crafted and look high-end. Packaging is exquisite, and eliminates much of the need for gift wrap.

Final Verdict: I'm in love, and going so far as to post the link on Facebook. I never do that. Give it a shot. 10 out of 10. 

Jergens

I'm at the end of Week 2 using Jergens Skin Firming Daily Toning Moisturizer, and I'm still noticing subtle improvements. I'm still not where I'd like to be, smoothness-wise, but the results I have seen keep me optimistic.

Temporary Verdict: Still working, and it ain't over till the fat lady...well, isn't. 8.5 out of 10.

Fekkai

Wow. Boy, am I behind. Way back in August, I tried a sample of Frederic Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream (and misspelled it, I'm sorry), with the promise of a follow-up after continued use. As I can't seem to find the follow-up, I'm going to assume I never wrote one. Oops. In my defense, I had a movie in post-production, a CD in production, a husband looking for a job, and...oh, who am I kidding? I forgot. Plain and simple. I apologize.

So, better late than never, here you go:

If you recall (or go back and re-read), I was less than thrilled with the product. It smelled odd, and while my hair did end up shiny and soft, I wasn't sure how much of that was the cream and how much was due to my new shampoo and conditioner.

Zip ahead to now. I've been using that shampoo and conditioner religiously since then, and my hair loves them. That said, around here, we don't need a groundhog to tell us when Spring is coming. People just wait for my hair to frizz up, then they know it's okay to start planting their gardens. I am also in desperate need of a hair cut and color, so I needed a product that would battle the frizzies and add a healthy dose of shine to punch up the color.

Therefore, knowing what my hair looks and feels like with that shampoo/conditioner combo alone, I had my control group, and only needed to toss in a variable (the glossing cream) to perform a truly scientific experiment.

Process: I washed my hair, conditioned it, added in about two pea-sized amounts (my hair is really, really long, right now), combed, and blow-dried. Repeated the process two days later, then again two days after that. Did not notice the odd smell this time.

Results: My hair was significantly smoother and softer, with some added shine. Not "Brilliant Glossing" shine, but light did reflect. The first time, I added too much to the front of my hair and it looked greasy, but I learned from the experience and now concentrate the product on the ends. The frizziness was greatly reduced, though now I can really tell how badly I need a haircut. Overall, styling has improved, both in ease and in finished look.

Final Verdict: I bought a trial size for $9 at Sephora. I'm not calling this a wonder-product, but it should definitely make Spring and Summer humidity a little less scary. 7 out of 10.

A Monthly Gift You Can Actually Look Forward To

I have never joined the Columbia Music Club to get ten CDs for a penny. Kim Kardashian can keep her monthly shoe choice, and please, for the love of God, don't sign me up for the Jelly of the Month Club. I have enough bills to deal with that the last thing I need to do is add another one to the pile. That said, were I to do just that, Jewelmint is the club I'd have to join.

 

Now, I blame Facebook for this. Had I not felt the need to find out what random activities people I don't know were up to, I never would have seen the ad on the side of the page. Also, had they not worded the ad to make me think the sparklies in the picture were, in reality, candy, I never would have clicked on it. I mean, I like candy, and I like sparklies, so sparkly candy would be awesome, right? Well, I think it would.

 

Anyway, sad to say, there is no candy on the site. I know, it's a bummer. Instead, this is a site for an accessory of the month club; a really good accessory of the month club.

 

Actress Kate Bosworth teamed up with stylist Cher Coulter to bring us a completely customized shopping experience. I have to admit, it's pretty cool. Here's how it works:

 

• You sign up (took 30 seconds, if that). Name, email, and password of your choice.
• They present you with a series of questions about your personal style. You pick the picture or word that best answers each question. It's fun, a little silly, and good timewaster. I'd guess it took about five minutes to complete the quiz.
• They present you with your result (I'm classic, refined, elegant, and sophisticated. I "dress to impress". Yeah, I'll go with that). If you like the result, press continue. If you don't, take the quiz again.
• When you like your result, you'll continue on to your showroom, where personalized, exclusive jewelry picks are waiting for you. You can save favorites (and tell them why you like the pieces), view styling tips, learn the inspiration for each piece, and even get suggestions on where to wear them.
• Lastly, you can either purchase a piece for $29.99, or opt to skip the month and be charged nothing. Easy peasy.

 

There's no charge until you make your first purchase, and after that, you have until the 5th of each month to pass. If you miss the pass date, that's okay. You'll be charged, but you can hang onto that credit until you find something you do like. There's also an option to share the site with friends, and earn a free piece of jewelry with each referral who makes a purchase. On top of all that, shipping is free. In my opinion, this is a fantastic deal.

 

Oh, in case you're wondering, the jewelry is absolutely gorgeous. Some pieces are very elegant, others more bohemian or modern, but all are unique. I've got my eye on a couple of pieces right now. If I ever find myself with some extra spending money, there's a layered gold chain set with my name on it. It'll look amazing with t-shirts.