Thursday Unveiling...Cubicle to Cocktails!

One of my fab readers, Kristen, asked me to showcase a few "work to cocktails" ensembles. I am a big believer in multi-use pieces, so I happy obliged! I'm hoping to make this a recurring post every Thursday in anticipation of your post-work Thursday and Friday happy hours! Let me know what you think about the set and if you like this new offering!

I LOVE the color of the shoes in this set. At $100, they are a bit steep for ruffle-y pumps, but I really believe that this color would work with SO many options! This deep magenta looks great with navy, black, gray and even chocolate. So, the work ensembles will completely vary depending on your place of employment. I love a dress for cubicle to cocktails, though. It's super easy to throw on and vary with accessories. This dress is precious, and for only $35 it's a complete steal - so versatile! For the cocktails look, I wanted to incorporate a bit more color, thus adding the bright yellow croc belt, blue pin corsage and I roughed up the look a bit with some bad ass bracelets.

Looking forward to your feedback and future suggestions!

Cubicle to Cocktails by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Dorothy Perkins

Items in this set:

Black and White Chiffon Ruffle Dress, $35

Grey ponte preppy blazer, 40 GBP

Carlos by Carlos Santana Prestige - Bordo, $100

ASOS Rock Chick Silver Wristwear Set, $24

Womens AE Swiss Dot Tights - Black, $9.95

Wednesday Cheap Thrills!

So, I'm sure you're all still in recovery mode from the holidays...overindulgance all around. Below is a set featuring some cute little pick-me-ups, each less than $25. I'm really diggin' MAC's holiday collection - has anyone seen it in person? AND...how cute are those Target rain boots?!

Anywho, a few of my cheap thrills...

• Cleaning out my keyboard with compressed air (weird, I know...but I fully believe in a clean, sanitized keyboard)
• Gossip Junkie app for my iPhone...it is AWESOME
• Chocolate Lava Cake...nom nom nom
• New socks

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Cheap Thrills: Each Item Less than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21 accessories

Items in this set:

- Navy Schooled Fish Rainboot - 9 : Target, $25

Women's Mossimo® Isha Satin Pumps - Black : Target, $23

PROK, $14

Jeweled Bow Earrings - Forever21.com, $4.80

M·A·C Cosmetics | Cremesheen Glass, Ever So Rich, $18

How Sweet! Beautiful Blogger Award!

Jen from The Look 4 Less nominated me for this very sweet award (thanks, Jen - GORG wedding photo btw) and I'm supposed to tell you all seven rando things about me...so here we go!

1. In my opinion, the best way to consume a Wendy's Frosty is by dipping french fries in it. My brother likes this too...it's so delicious.

2. My hubs and I adopted our nutjob beagle (Riley) in January of 2007. The rescue failed to mention that he hates other dogs and some people. Information that may have been useful...we love him anyway.

3. Just a few days ago, Todd (hubs) surprised me with the most incredible graduation gift - a gorrrgeous pair of Louboutins. Real life photos to come as soon as I get them back in my size.

4. I hate mushrooms. My "death pizza" is sausage and mushroom. Nast.

5. I am originally from the 'burbs of Chicago and have only lived in Charlotte for a mere 2.5 years. I'm still getting used to the southern "culture".

6. I love Big Ten Football...probably because I went to University of Wisconsin...GO BADGERS!

7. I love the movie "French Kiss". If you haven't seen it...go rent it...IMMEDIATELY. Meg Ryan is adorable and Kevin Kline is superb.

And to conclude this award I must name seven other bloggers to participate, if they so choose to:

1) Chasing Davies

2) Fabulous Florida Mommy

3) StyleStance

4) The Owl's Closet

5) Twillypop

6) Pammycakes

7) this that and what not

Thanks for the award, Jen!

Product Review: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, A-

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope all of you had a fabulous holiday! Up for review today is NARS' Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.

This pencil has been featured in a variety of mags as of late, including an interview with Ms. Taylor Swift (who apparently adores this pencil in Dragon Girl - a bright, true red). I picked up Cruella, a deep scarlet red, perfect for the holidays. Now, I'm a lipstick/lipgloss junkie so believe me when I tell you that this pencil is fabulous. It's rich, creamy and glides on perfectly. Although the name seems deceiving, it's really closer to a lipstick than a pencil. Remember Clinique Chubby sticks? This Matte Lip Pencil is like that - but on steroids.

So, it has great texture, a variety of shades, is easy to use and wears well - I give it an A-. The minus is only there because it's $24...a pretty steep price for lipwear in my book.

Have you ever tried any NARS products? Which are your favorite?

BTW...if you're not too keen on spending $24 for a lipstick/pencil...you can occasionally find a few of these (sealed) on Ebay...here are a few I found!

Cafe Con Leche

Marina

WTF Friday...A Bit Late...

Merry Christmas everyone! So, at my husband's request, I tried to find a bunch of celebrities who dressed up in horrendous holiday wear....but, alas, I didn't find any worth blogging about. Therefore, here are just a few that are pretty heinous from the recent week...

Katherine McPhee...WTF happened to you?! First of all, chopping and dying your gorgeous, long locks was a may-jah mistake. Your hair looks fried...say it with me sweetie, deep conditioner. Second of all, if you're going to sport a black top (and really, you know that paparazzi is going to be trolling around), wear a black bra. And third of all, leggings aren't pants, even if they are studded. If you're doing to sport leggings, wear a top that covers your butt. Inappropriate, end of story.

And oh, Mariah. Goodness gracious. I know she's in Aspen, but that is no excuse to dress like an ass. She looks ridiculous. Just because you're in a cold weather climate, does not mean that you have to find the puffiest, shiniest jacket around. This is reminiscent of P Diddy circa 1998. Yikes. And the boots...ugggghhh...do I need to say more? WTF, Mariah. For the millionth time, por favor, fire your stylist.

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday!

One Lovely Jacket, Three Ways to Wear It!

Hey everyone! So, my Christmas gift to myself is BB Dakota's Andisue sequin jacket. I'd been crushing on this jacket ever since I laid eyes on it a few months ago. Finally, I caught it at Karmaloop.com and took advantage of their 30% plus free shipping upgrade earlier this week Overall, I paid just over $50 for this little beauty. And...you can too with the code SANTA30!

Karmaloop.com has tons of cute stuff and a nice selection of BB Dakota.

I will certainly supply real life photos as soon as I receive it, but I wanted to offer up just a few ways to wear this jazzy jacket! Thanks to Chasing Davies for showcasing those gorgeous RSVP bow pumps in look #2!

What do you think? Did you get yourself a Christmas gift (or ten)?

One Jacket, Three Looks: Look #1 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring J Brand jeans

Items in this set:

China Grove, $50

J Brand 12" Pencil Skinny Jeans - vintage, $158

Juicy Couture Heart Crown Earrings, Clear, $42

http://www.polyvore.com/black_faux_suede_stud_pump/thing?.embedder=780079&.mid=embed&id=12579312, $25

Karmaloop.com - Global Concrete Culture, $68

One Jacket, Three Looks: Look #2 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Items in this set:

Pamela Pleated Sheen Dress, $30

rsvp Rain (Cushioned by Foot Petals) at 6pm.com, $85

ASOS Iridescent Feather Clutch, $42

MAIELLO, $35

Karmaloop.com - Global Concrete Culture, $68

One Jacket, Three Looks: Look #3 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Charlotte Russe jeans

Items in this set:

Fox Tees & Tanks - Womens - Overboard V-Neck T-Shirt, $20

Cropped Boyfriend Jeans, $35

STAYROOK, $12

Karmaloop.com - Global Concrete Culture, $68

ruffle-zipper-ankle-bootie BLACK TAUPE - GoJane.com, $24

Wednesday Cheap Thrills!

Happy Wednesday everyone! Below is a set chock-full of adorable cheap thrills for giving or gifting yourself!

I do love a gift to myself every once in a while...I must have gotten that from my dad. My father (typically) wraps up a gift: from the dog, to himself, every year. It's amazing that their teeny Boston Terrier makes it to the mall each and every Christmas!

And here's the Polyvore set! Aldo is having some super deals online...check them out if you're looking for some bold jewelry!

Any cheap thrills to share?

Wednesday Cheap Thrills: Each Item $25 Or Less by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Items in this set:

Julia Sweater Cardigan, $23

Tiered Mesh Top, $20

CHUBB, $20

DADO, $20

Rhinestone & Faceted Bead Bib Necklace, $20

I Love Me Some Beeswax, Product Review: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lipbalm, A

Ok, now I know it's just a lip balm review, but in addition to overpriced denim, I am addicted to lip balm, chapstick, you name it. And I know it's "just lip balm", but Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm is the best lip balm out there, IMO.

Why do I love this lip balm so? Well, a) It's just slippery enough, b) It's super moisturizing, c) It's all natural and d) It has peppermint oil in it- freeeeesh lips! Plus, I just love the Burt's Bees brand in general. Burt's doesn't do any aminal testing...yes that's right...aminal.

In my home you will find at least three or four tubes of this lip balm at any given time - it's that good. AND, although I typically purchase this balm at CVS or Target, it's actually cheaper (via the Lip Stash option) on the Burt's website! This pack offers three tubes and a lip balm pot for $7.00 - that is a steal, considering that each tube typically retails for $2.50-$3.50. My only teeny issue with this balm is that is does not contain SPF, but I really only use it indoors, so no worries there. This balm earns a solid A in my book.

BUT, if you're looking for a balm with SPF, Burt's carries a few, but I've heard that Res-Q is a good product. (Never tried it myself though).

AND...as I was perusing the Burt's Bees website, I stumbled upon their premium grab bag and this is quite the deal...here are the deets:

For a limited time, our premium grab bag is back. Full of goodies worth over $50 MSRP. It's now specially priced at $24.99 (half off). A great gift now or to save for the Holidays!

We've mixed and matched our most popular natural products and other special gifts into our Premium Grab Bag. A bag full of these goodies sells for over $50 MSRP.

You'll get 8 full-sized products (can be lip products); 11 mini-size products; and 4 special gifts!
Give the gift of well-being to others or keep them all for yourself!

Right now, standard shipping is just $2.95 for orders less than $50.00 and free $50.00 and up!

Are you a fan of Burt's Bees? Do you love their lip balm as much as I do?

Real Life Review: Rodarte for Target, B+

Hello all!

Well, my mom, my future sister in law and I trekked it over to Target early Sunday morning to check out the Rodarte goods...and overall I would give the collection a B+! The offerings are really different and just a bit quirky. My main complaint is that many of the tops and some of the dresses cannot be worn by ladies who have a bit more up top.

I would say check out Target.com, but a fair amount of the collection is already sold out. It's probably a better bet to check out your local store!


1) Black Bow Halter Dress: Size 5: Such a cute dress. My main issue was that the waist line hit me at an awkward spot. Attribute that to my lack of height :) Nice fabric and adorable top.
















2) Leopard Sequin Dress and Lace Cardigan: Size S (both): This dress is much cuter than I thought it was going to be. I tried on a size small - it was way too large. I wasn't able to find an XS to try :( I took home the cardigan in black and nude in an XS (mainly because of the sleeve length).









3) Bow Back Leopard Dress: Size 1: This was the only size I could try on, at first. My main issue with this dress is the lack of space for the girls. I had a total uniboob, even when I tried on a size 5 (but then the waist was too big). It's a little 80s, but I bet the dress would be super cute for some...





3) Navy Tulle Skirt: Size 5: This skirt is so cute, but yet so different. I brought this home in a size 5, even though the size 3 fit better. With one size up, this skirt falls a bit longer, therefore more work appropriate.





4) Blue Swiss Dot Dress: Size 5: Cute dress, nice fit and fabric, but it didn't do it for me. I felt a bit like a 10 year old at Easter. Maybe with the right accessories? I really wish this came in black...






5) Lace print dress: Size XS: This dress didn't do much for me. It's a cute, light-weight dress that looks adorable with the lace cardigan and bow belt, but not so much on me. It laid awkwardly on top and the XS cut very high under my arms.











6) Black Tulle Dress: Size 3: I really wanted this dress to work...but it just didn't. The attached top cami part cut my bewbs straight in half. No hot. I bet it looks smashing on others, though!











So, overall I brought home: two lace cardigans (one black, one nude), the navy tulle skirt and the magenta cami (no photos of that).

Did you check out Rodarte at Target? If so, what did you bring home?!

WTF Friday!

Hey everyone! Happy Friday! It's a big weekend for me...my family is coming into town for my MBA graduation! Oh, and it's supposed to snow in NC. WTF?! Yeah, we'll see about that.

Anywho...enjoy WTF Friday!

First up is Ms. Audrina Patridge. Alrighty, I actually enjoy the color and the contrasting clutch, BUT, this jacket fits her so poorly. Plus, I didn't know that old granny capris are in style at all, much less in the winter. Hmmm..WTF Audrina? If you're doing to sport a colorful suit, make sure it fits well and is in actuality an entire suit.

And then there is Rihanna. Honestly, I love Rihanna. Girlfiend is gorgeous and can really work out some incredible ensembles. But WTF is this? A) the Mousecapades are featuered on her pants, BOO, B) Belly-baring, baby-doll tops weren't cute in 1995, nor are they cute now, C)Those boots are fug. Rihanna - you can successfylly sport some craazy schtuff, but this is not ok.

Any WTFs to report?

Cheap Thrills Wednesday!

Ello all!

Let's get right to it...some of my fave cheap thrills...

• Eggplant parmesan (my grandma's recipe..my husband's cooking)
• Godiva chocolate squares (especially the caramel filled)
• Caramello (yes, the delcioso candy bar)
• My dog singing to the CSI theme song (yes, he really does howl to the beat...it is awesome...I really need to put it on YouTube on of these days...)

And here are a few shopping-inspired cheap thrills....what do you think?

Any cheap thrills to share?!

Cheap Thrills: Every Item Less than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Items in this set:

Strapless Rose Brocade Dress, $25

Mission Beach, $25

Coral Corral Necklace-Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes, $24

Forever21.com - Accessories - Legwear - 2070190845, $6.80

Amrita Singh - Bangle Bangle - Rosie Enamel Cuff

JCPenney What Whaa?

No, not Jesus Cristo...but JC Penney...whaa?

JCPenney...I haven't been in that store in years...but this weekend I was putzing around online and bam...cute things at JCP! This site had some great coupon codes for JCP...

Here are a few...let me know whatcha think!

I Heart Ronson Boucle Coat, on sale for $59.99

How adorable is this coat?! It looks super duper warm too! I'm lovin' the ruffle at the collar.

I Heart Ronson Fur Vest, on sale for $62.99

I really like the length of this vest - very versatile, plus, the bow belt is adorable. Sorry for the teeny image...JCP needs to hook up ShopStyle so we can more easily blog and share their pieces!

I Heart Ronson Cheetah tank, on sale for $9.99

This would look great under a long blazer or with a high-waisted pencil skirt and jacket.

She Said V Back Dolman Sweater, on sale for $25.99

As the descrip says, it has a pretty v back...pretty for holiday wear! Plus, this sweater is an angora blend, so I'm sure it's super soft. I'm liking that double crossed belt, too.

a.n.a Gracelyn Boot, on sale for $44.99

Love the distressed color and the comfy wedge. The sale price is just right, because I doubt I would pay the retail ($120) for an all synthetic boot!

Olsenboye Kaylee Ruffle Flat, on sale for $24.99

Little gold flats....cute!

What do you think - have you perused a JCPenney recently?

WTF Friday!

WTF Friday! Hope everyone is having a good week! On a personal note, it's been a little crazy, as I'm finishing up my MBA in just a few days. Yes, it's been two years, part-time in the making and I'm just jacked that I'm almost finished! So, hopefully within the next few weeks I will be posting more often! Check out my new Twitter account to the right if you're looking for some laughs ---------->

Anywho, here are a few WTF samplings...

Oh Alicia. You're SUCH a pretty girl, why you gottta ruin it with splattered smurf wear? It looks the biggest blue pen in the world exploded on her oversized white tee shirt. And then couple that with sheer blueberry tights and super shiny blue ankle boots, I am now BLUE. (enter I'm Blue by Eiffel 65) Overload.

And Maggie Gyllenhaal. Girlfriend, WTF happend to your dress? First, it's wrinkle city - can we get a steamer up in here? Second, that boring shapeless thing does not do you (or would it do anyone) justice. Bag the wrinkly, dinkley nightie.

Any WTFs to share?

Cheap Thrills Wednesday!

Cheapy cheap cheap thriillllssss!

A few of my fave cheap thrills...

• Smelling candles at Target
• My dog's wagging tail
• Bagels (yes, bagels...I just love 'em in general)
• Fruit-filled crepes...NOM!
• New mascara

And below...a few super items...each less than $25! How adorable is that flowered skirt with the tulle?! It's vaguely reminiscent of the Always a Lady Skirt at Anthropologie (which is also gorrrgeous!).

Happy Wednesday!

Cheap Thrills - Every Item Less Than $25 by Coley's Closet Cravings featuring Forever21

Items in this set:

Forever21.com - Bottoms - Skirts - 2069550360, $23

Steven by Steve Madden 'Patent Croc' Pull Through Belt, $22

Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Accessories, $6.80

Splendid Cascade Ruffle Front Cardigan - View All Apparel - Nordstrom, $23

Big Spender Wallet in Grey - $22.00 : Fashion Wallets And Coin Purses..., $22

Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Others

As you may have read last week, I'm not shy about specifying what I want for Christmas. But for those of you who are racking your brain for affordable little gifts for your friend, hair dresser, dog walker, boss, colleague, etc...let me offer up just a few options!

1. Stila's Lipglaze set, $25 - Who doesn't love a lipgloss...or eight...


2. Philosophy Recipe Box, $18 - Red Velvet Cake-scented shampoo?! YUM.


3. Small Infinity scarf at Spiegel, $29 - Warm, cozy and cute! Tons o' colors, too!


4. Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags: Assorted prices & colors: Love these bags...they roll so easily and snap into a small bundle to throw in your purse! Save the Earth.

Just a few little things to pick up for those last minute gifts!

What's your last minute, go-to gift?