They're Real! I Swear!

I have confessed my love of benefit cosmetics on many occasions.  I not only really like their products, I love how they market them.  Whatever group comes up with their product names and ads has my number.  Yep, I fall victim to the marketing as many of us do whether we like it or not.

So, I was strolling through Macy's cosmetics section and I passed the Benefit counter, saw the ad below and chuckled.

He he he

I live in Orange County, CA so "real breasts" like the above are a common sighting.  I like to call this look "cantaloupes on a pencil."  Just check out Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice for a real world example.) Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against breast augmentation. If you want it, go for it

The quick-on-their-feet Benefit sales gals knew they had a "live one" and descended on me to try this mascara.  I did, and it looked great.  So, l purchased it and I don't regret it one bit! 

This stuff works!  It makes my lashes look fake...in a good way.  Forget Maybelline Falsies (too dry clumpy in my opinion).  This stuff is good.  It is, however, $22.  But, if you want to invest, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Click below to visit benefit and buy some fake ones, if you are in to that. :)

Date Night: Comedy Club Style

My husband and I go to the Improv to see comedians...a lot.  In fact, it is our favorite thing to do for a date night, or when we have visitors.  Who can complain about dinner (not at the Improv - bleck), drinks, and a lot of laughs? Guaranteed a good time.

What to wear to a date night like this?  The look below was what I chose at a recent comedy outing.

Dark Joe's skinny jeans, a charmeuse halter with floral detail in a great orange-red color (what would you call that color?) and leopard heels (favorites i have had for 4 years -- but right on trend this Fall.)  The top is a great deal from Kohl's and I was stopped in the restroom and asked about it.

Click the items in the look below to purchase.  Or click here to see the halter from Kohl's.

Skinny Denim by Joe's Jeans
Pumps by BCBG MAX AZRIA

Here I am in the real deal...

I know some of you like the option of flats. There are a ton of cute leopard flats out right now, like the following.

More Steve Madden...

Fall 2011 Style: Colored Denim

This isn't a brand new trend, but it is definitely getting some more air play this Fall.  And, the color of choice....my favorite...Wine.  Or Burgundy or Claret or whatever you want to call this color.  A pair of Wine-colored jeans are definitely on my shopping list.  And an added plus, I can spill my wine and no one will know!

Skinny Denim by Rag and Bone
Pumps by Enzo Angiolini

In this look I paired the colored jeans with a simple and chic black button down, onyx necklace and gray platform pumps.  Grey is to Fall what Nude was to Spring for shoes...in my style book. 

In fact, I just got these Max Studio Elaine shoes in Grey for a super duper sale at Macy's. I love them.  6pm also has them for a great price. Click here to snag some too.

More jeans you can spill your glass of Cabernet on....

More River Island...

CHEERS!

Missoni for Target - Who Snagged Some?

I am sure many of your heard about the overwhelming response to the Missoni line for Target.  Things were flying off the shelves and over the web (I *heard* their servers crashed, and I can believe it).

See the full collection here

There have been quite a few designers who have created discount lines for Target (and many that are more in line with my own style preferences - see below) but Missoni is high end, the line is huge (400 items!) and the launch got exposure through television and magazine ads.  So, enter Missoni mania.

Does this look like my style?


I did not even try to go to Target or get online during the launch. A few days later I hit my local Target to see the empty racks and shelves.  There were one pair of XXL Missoni shorts hanging alone on a rack -- a very sad sight.  There was, however, a table with a few pairs of the black suede pumps.  BINGO!  The only thing I really coveted in the line.  And, under a few boxes which included sizes 5 and 11s, there was my size.

So, I  got my piece of the Missoni action.  I really love them too.  Very comfortable and the chunky heel is on trend for Fall.

Did you snag something from the Missoni for Target line?  Please share in the comments below.

Work Snaps

I work from home, so my work attire is limited to gym clothes left on from the morning workout or comfy kick around clothes like Juicy sweats and hoodies.  Unless 1) I have a hot lunch date or 2) I am heading out for an errand where I may encounter *gasp* people.  The other exception is when I have a work meeting or workshop to teach (I am in the corporate training world in real life).  Then, I get to get gussied up and pull out my heels, tights, and whatever else I have stored away in the little used and rarely visited "work" section of my closet.

That section is a bit sad and a tad outdated but I have a few gems in there.  And, I add a piece or two per season, especially if they can be re-styled to work for a dinner out or other occasion.

I had a few recent trips and took some quick pics in my hotel room. (As you can see, I am not staying in 5 stars. And apparently hotels like to put full length mirrors in front of doors so you look like you are on lock down.)

Look #1 - I re purposed a casual BCBG dress that I love.  It is a but too mini for work so I added black textured tights, gray suede pumps, and a tailored black blazer.


The BCBG dress is ON SALE now (wasn't for me -- boo!), very comfy, and has great pockets in the skirt which I love. Click the image above to buy.

Look #2 - Here I paired a shirt sleeve cropped blazer with a simple white cami, (I love the camis from Costco that come in a 2-pack - yep fashion by Kirkland!) dark brown wide leg pants, a chunky chain necklace, and a tan/browm ombre patent peep toe pumps from Tahari.

(This hotel positioned the mirror in a bit nicer position)

Many of these pieces are old old old, but if you want to hop on the cropped blazer trend, you can check out the one below.

Get Ready for Fall *Updated 9/15*

As much as I love summer, you can't help but anticipate and welcome Fall and Fall fashion.  I have been a busy bee lately, family vacation, start of a new preschool year, work projects, etc.  Work has inspired the look I am posting today, although, I think each piece can be worn separately for other occasions.

This look, to me, is just the right balance of professional and chic.  It all started with these SHOES!  I love them.  The chunky heel is new for me, but after seeing these, I am sold.  The deep wine color (they call it raspberry) has always been one of my favorites. I walked into Nordstrom and these were on the mannequin.  I had to stop and pry the shoe off to see who made them.  Luckily no one called security.

The black asymmetrical dress with button details provides a sophisticated base for fun accessories like the shoes and leopard Kate Spade tote.  These Rachel Roy button earrings have a modern edge that will make you stop thinking about Grandma's jewelry box.

*UPDATE*

I decided to check out the dress in person at White House Black Market.  It is a new item that just hit their catalog so its going fast.  They only had 2 left in the store.  It isn't very impressive on the hanger but once you put it on, it doesn't disappoint.  I have no waist so don't usually liek all over snug looks, but I felt good in this one. (Blurry iPhone, dressing room pic below)

Each item in the look above is highlighted below.  Click the images below to browse or buy.


What are you loving for Fall?  Leave comments...I live for them. :)