Current Fashion Love

I am loving color, now more than ever. Its a breath of fresh air from the chic all white and black outfits. Especially jewel tone colors, theres something so beautiful about these rich colors and I am hoping to see more of them in the fall. What I like even more is the combination of color, I for one don't think that there should be a rule when playing with color, I don't think you need your nails to match your handbag or shoes. This outfit, has a matching belt and bag, but its needed to balance the pattern on the dress. I think my rule when playing with print is that you need a solid color to break up the pattern. In this case its the belt. The dress is the focus and therefore the rest of the accessories cannot overpower it.

While I do love color, I think that you can never make a mistake with pastels, white, cream or beige; they are staples.

Bare Skin

A while ago, I became a fan of Bare Minerals. I love the products and the concept behind them

I have tried mostly face products from this brand and I must say that they are of great quality. I loved the foundation, it gave me an airbrush look, flawless and matte skin. However, my problem with it was if water got anywhere near my face, or if it was raining, it would take off the makeup. But other than that, they are very easy to blend and have a very natural finish. Even though it is a powder, the coverage is unbelievable. Depending on the product you get little or no shimmer, just pure pigment. I love the colors that they have, especially for blushes. The one product that i did love from this brand was their bronzer, Faux Tan. I have picked this up twice, its great to use when I have a bit of a tan. I can't really use it in the winter because on my skin tone it can look a bit orang-y. It's easy to use to add a little shimmer on the shoulders or on the legs for that sun kissed look. Even though I haven't tried it, I have been thinking if I should try mixing it with lotion to create somewhat of a bronzer. I'm not sure if it would work but it would make this product more multi-purpose than it already is.

Lash Injection

I am taking a moment to talk about a mascara that has always been at the top of my list. As you can guess .....I adore it. This is one product that I find I have no problems with clumping (even though I don't mind it). Its formulated to go on the lashes like little tubes, that elongate the lashes. I find that even though this one is not waterproof, I have no problems with it during the hot weather. It never smudges under my eyes and its probably the only mascara that I would coat my lower lashes with....since i know it wont smudge :D. They also have a waterproof version, or at least that's what I think Pinpoint mascara is for. As the name states its very precise, even the tube is slender, and the brush is incredibly precise because it has small bristles. That's mainly the reason that I haven't picked up that one. The brush seems to me like it would take some time to get used to. The one thing that I would say is a bit of a con for Lash Injection, is the fact that its difficult to take off. Those little tubes really love hanging on to the lashes. I believe there is a product called Lash Injection Antidote that is formulated to easily remove this mascara.

Another thing that I love about it is, that unlike any other mascara, this one to me seems to smell like oranges when I open it. I'm not sure if its supposed to be scented, but to me it smells great :D

Christian Siriano

I absolutely adore him. From the first day that I saw him on project runway, I loved his style and his garments are absolutely stunning. This super talented young designer is sure to become a top name in the industry.

His clothes are very modern, and trendy. He has a very specifc taste when it comes to clothing, I must say that he continues to impress me with his designs. Im very excited to see his collection with Payless this fall. I am sure that he will not fail to impress me once again.

Smells like......COFFEE!!

I have never been a big fan of scrubs, but they are very handy in the fake-tan process :D. Skin needs to be well exfoliated if you want an even application. So I came across this product. I wasn't expecting it to be amazing, I picked it up last minute, what intrigued me was the name. However, I must say that I love this product. The scent of this product is irresistible and mouth watering. If I was to describe it it would be coffee mixed with a lot of sugar or it kind of reminds me of tiramisu (one of my favorite deserts).The color is a rich chocolate mixed with visible sugar particles...delicious :D. Once it is rubbed into the skin the sugar particles are the only ones visible. If you have sensitive hands I recomend sometype of a glove because these little particles can be harsh on your hands, they do not dissolve quickly. After your skin is left incredibly smooth and coffee scented..which I love.

The scent is also available as a body wash and body butter, If you are not a fan of Brazilian nut or if the scent of coffee is not your taste, they also offer original Shea, coconut lime, Hawaiian kukui, and almond & honey. Its marketed as more of a natural product. I was trying to stay away from scrubs that use synthetic beads to exfoliate, natural ones that have natural exfoliants are better for the environment. It is a big tub, therefore you get a lot of product, be careful not to get any water in the container, it will ruin the consistency of the product.

Skin Care

A few months ago I was talking about Philosophy's facial cleanser, I was almost certain that since it was advertised as gentle, it would not irritate my skin. However, after a few uses I have noticed that I was reacting to the product. It irritated my skin. It had a nice lather, little to no scent and left the skin soft. I did not use this as an eye makeup remover, because for me it didn't remove any of it. I was then advised to try Pond's cold cream. I did a bit of research and found that that cream may be a little to heavy for my skin type (dry-combination). I checked out a nearby drugstore and found out that they have a makeup remover version of it, and that's the one that I picked upIt has a very creamy texture, I have been using this one for months and I barely scratched the surface. There is enough product to last me a few years. I only use this product to remove eyemakeup, as I dont wear foundation that often. I use about a pea size amount of product and gently rub the product over my makeup. After a few seconds the makeup seems to have melted and it is easily wiped off.

Signature Style

While I adore everything that has to do with style, from the hair to the shoes, I will always love my sunglasses. I have always collected them, I can pretty much accessorize any outfit with them :D. I have them everywhere, a summer day does not feel complete without them. During the summer makeup has a tendency to slip off, or if you are swimming and not a fan of waterproof mascara.....sunglasses are pretty much amazing at covering up a summer face. Not to mention the fact that they protect your eyes against the sun's rays, and protect the delicate skin around the eyes from getting burned.

There have been numerous trends when it comes to sunglasses, the big dramatic ones, and now the aviators; which I am currently in love with. I think they can look so chic with a ponytail or a cute up-do...very casual, perfect for summer.

They are without a doubt a signature of mine, they are a must when it comes to accessories for me. When I go into stores that's probably the first place I head to :D.

So the question is..whats your signature? Is it that lipstick that you bought at least six times, that bag that no matter how many seasons ago it came out it will always have a place in your heart, or is is that pair of heels that just seems to fit every outfit.

Current Beauty Inspiration----Albertina Ionescu

I adore her hairstyle, very summer-y. Her makeup is divine, absolutely flawless. Perfect skin, peachy cheeks and just a hint of gloss.

I love the simplicity of the look, very subtle and chic.

.....1......

Can it be more obvious that we love, need and must have mascara? It's one of those items that you must use before you leave the house, forget the lipgloss or foundation...truly natural is not natural without mascara. I have tried numerous mascaras, as I am sure everyone has. Depending on what results we want we always have that one mascara that we adore. Yet, that does not stop our search from finding the perfect mascara. The one that in one layer lengthens, curls and adds volume. The secret to finding the one for you, is the brush. If the bristles on the brush are fine and precise, that mascara is great for lengthening and gives a more natural effect, even less clumps. Brushes that have a lot of bristles are best for adding volume, since they tend to capture and coat all the lashes. Even better there are now mascaras that have vitamins to keep our natural lashes healthy, as well as mascaras that have two-steps (primes/mascara).

Do not add any type of mixture/water to the mascara. You will only ruin its formula, it will not stop your mascara from flaking or make it easier to use. If your mascara is flaking, it may be time to get a new one, as you know you can only keep it for about two-three months. Another tip, do not wipe the excess mascara (on the wand) on the edge of the tube, you have exposed it to air and you do not want to contaminate the rest of the product. Therefore if there is too much product on your wand, wipe it off on a tissue.

Its one of those products that we will always love.

Unique Style

If there's one thing that I admire ...its personal style. In terms of fashion and trends never completely follow them. Instead tailor the trend to fit your taste. A designer's vision is just that....his vision. The designer is there to inspire you...not there to create your style. If you are undecided about your style, its ok to draw inspiration, just don't be a walking imitation of someone else's vision.

Start with your favorite colors, what colors make you smile. Go on to patterns/ fabrics, do you like flowers, animal print, solid colors or a mixture of textures. The style of garment, in what do you feel more comfortable. Last but not least is the statement accessory. If you love handbags or watches, or have an infinite love for shoes then make sure that they are the stars of your wardrobe. Sick to what you love, after all it is your style.

Personal style is what makes you memorable, its you....people tend to remember memorable styles, who knows maybe you might inspire someone . Think of your favorite celebrities, they have their style down to the last stitch.

Laura Olteanu & Mihai Albu

This collection was presented at Bucharest Fashion Week. Out of all of the collections that I have seen, this is the one that I adore. I am in love with the garments, they are absolutely stunning

These are just a few, ones that caught my attention. I must say that after seeing this collection I will be keeping an eye on these designers.



The colors that were used in this collection were jewel toned, a trend that I have seen in many collections. It is something new, because we are used to seeing bright colors for summer collections. I am impressed :D

Stunning

Simple, yet elegant and with a certain charm. A vintage feel with a very modern edge.

Comfort Chic

Shoes and Purses (Veronesse 2009)

In this collection, the garments are not the focus.

Makeup Bag Secrets

Makeup is one of those things that you can never have too much of. There is always a new shade a new product that you just have to have. Soon you have a full bag ...drawer :D of makeup....or if you have been collecting makeup for quite a while, you are probably looking for new creative storage methods. Before you start hanging shelves take a good look at your makeup.

Old makeup should not be kept or be put anywhere on your face. They damage the skin and are unsafe. They may not come with expiration labels but you should be aware that makeup, unlike diamonds, does not last forever.

Anti-Wrinkle Creams
They last between 3 months to a year.....the reason is that the antioxidants in these creams tend to oxidize easily.

Body Lotion
2-3 years

Shampoo, Conditioner & Shower Gel
3 yrs

Mascaras & Eye Pencils
3 months.....they are closest to your eyes...keeping them any longer will result in an eye infection. That is why mascara is not an item on which you should splurge.

Gloss & Lipstick
2-3 years

Foundation
2 years.....but pay attention to the consistency of the product.

Perfume
2 years.....but it depends ...it has to be kept out of sunlight, keep it in the original packaging. It may look amazing on your dresser but to preserve the scent, its best to keep it in a cool and shaded place.

UNITED NUDE (Shoes)

Over the past year, shoes have been grabbing enormous attention and with good reasons. Designers are becoming more an more creative.

A Little LUSH

The Lush store smells amazing, however some might find the scent a bit too strong, that is because the scent is present even ten feet away from the door. I have been reading quite a bit about their products and I have heard some great reviews.



The store is amazing, you literally don't know where to look because everything grabs your attention. It smells incredible in there so you have to be very close to the product to be able to sense its scent. There were so many to choose from, there were ones that smelled like honey, or like peppermint or lemon which in the shower will quickly awake I picked up Sultana and a bath bomb that I absolutely adore, it smells so fresh I can't put it down. Sultana is more of a soap that has little pieces of fruit that I am guessing will eventually fall of the soap, I wonder if they are meant to be the exfoliating part of the soap. The bath bomb is meant to be enjoyed during .....a bath, it is supposed to turn your water pink (downside it may leave some residue on your bathtub) but the scent is supposed to make up for that :D.