WTF Friday: I've Got The Blues

Happy Friday & happy New Years Eve to all! Here's wishing all of you a lovely, fun & safe celebration tonight.

Now, on to today's WTF nominees...

First up, a first for the CCC, a man...Mr. Ashton Kutcher. Yes. And here's why...

Photo via: flynetpictures.com

Well then. Yeeeeah. Ashton & Demi were in Paris at the time and he's sporting ankle length white linen pantalonesand a snug blue cardi. Listen, Ashton, both you and your wifey are lovely, but please stop borrowing her clothes and pawning them off as your own kitschy style. This is straight up fug.

And then we have the stunning Kerri Hilson...

Photo via: Jerritt Clark/WireImage

Oh, Kerri. You really give such good face...then why, oh, why do you wear such a strange lookin' blouse? All I can do is stare at her chest! It looks as if she removed a few shoulder pads and tucked them inside her sheer, lace shirt. This top is no bueno.

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone! Happy New Year!

Christmas Recap....

Hello lovelies! I hope you all had a wonderful, fabulous, unforgettable holiday with your respective families. Santa was quite good to me and I thought I'd share a few items I received for Christmas that I'm just giddy over. Some of these were the result of exchanges, and others were gifts.

1) BCBG stretch leather & cloth pencil skirt: I scored a very similar style skirt for a mere $28. Yup. Go go Santa sales at Lord & Taylor. Since I'm quite short this skirt falls about 1.5" above the knee and will look fabu with black tights & a soft sweater, or a tucked in blousy top, etc.


2) American Rag Topper Jacket: A gift from momma, straight from Macy's. Both mom & I were a bit concerned about how this would look on as the reviews are all over the place. Much to my delight this coat is pretty damn adorable on. It falls longer on me that the model (no big shock there), but it looks really cute with all sorts of pantalones and dresses.


3) BCBG Lace Trim Tunic: Airy, light and simply lovely. I did some exchanging & before my Macy's credit, this tunic rang up as $104. Not too shabby for such a versatile tunic!


What were some of your favorite gifts from the holidays?!

Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Holiday...

Hey everyone! Just a quick post to wish you all a very merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, delightful Kwanza or whatever you choose to celebrate this holiday season.

Enjoy the time with your families and friends! And happy shopping if you hit up the sales on Sunday! Catch up with you on Monday!

Product Review: Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toner, B+

Happy Monday, everyone! Up for for product review today is Aveda's Botanical Kinetics Toner.

Last week I had a facial at the local Aveda Institute and my esthetician used this toner on my face a few times. A 5 oz. bottle (with spritz) retails for $19 and the 16.9 oz. bottle retails for $44.

Here are the details from Aveda...

Come face to face with the benefits of nature as this cooling, refreshing mist helps hydrate and balance your skin while minimizing surface oil build-up. White oak, witch hazel and peppermint provide mild astringent benefits.

• Refreshingly aromatic
• Helps tone, balance and replenish moisture
• For normal to oily skin 

And my review...

The Good: It smells divine and keeps my skin toned but not dry. I definitely haven't experienced that "tightness" that some toners provide. Also, you have the option to spritz your face directly (which I prefer) or onto a cotton ball.

The Bad: $19 for 5 oz. isn't cheap. Sad trombone.

The Verdict: B+ overall! I love the scent and the softness that this toner provides. I'll see how long a bottle lasts me and then determine if I'll buy the big poppa refill.

Fabulous Friday!

You know, sometimes there aren't any *really great* candidates for WTF Friday. Or maybe I'm just being a softie. Regardless, I'm tossing in a new feature for the occasional Fridays that have few (or no) truly offensive ensembles.

Thus, today is Fabulous Friday. Below are few super fabulous ensembles on some of our favorite celebs. What do you think? Which is your favorite?

Photo via: Juan Naharro Gimenez/WireImage

Kristen Bell in Alberta Ferretti....gorrrrgeous! Alberta Ferretti turns out some of the most stunning and lovely gowns out there.

Photo via: Glenn Svendsen/Stella Pictures/Abaca

Oh Anne Hathaway, how stunning are you. Love the Oscar de la Renta dress, your chic pony and the stunning makeup. You give good face.

Photo via: Steve Granitz/WireImage

 And then we have the absolutely lovely Minka Kelly in a graphic print Zero + Maria Cornejo dress. I'm not familiar with this designer, but it looks smashing on Minka. Although, she could probably wear a paper bag and look great. Plus, nude Jimmy Choos!

Well, that's it for today's Fabulous Friday! And have a great weekend!

Real Life Review: J Brand 11" Denim Leggings (Jeggings), A

I'll admit it, I was scared of not only the word "jeggings" but also the concept. Why oh why would I want to wear a jean legging? Why not just wear skinny jeans? Or leggings? What is the magic in combining both properties. Well, I eat my words, because I adore J Brand's 11" Denim Leggings.


I scooped these up about a week ago in the color, Pitch. Yes, like pitch black. These leggings are pure black through and through and look great paired with tunic, sweaters, silk tops, etc. The really nice thing about these particular pair of pants? They still have five pockets and a traditional zipper fly - so they really look like a nice fitting pair of skinny jeans. I'm just not a fan of pull on jeggings...it scares me. No, I don't know why.

The fabric and fit and both forgiving and flattering - two positive F's in a review. They fit pretty similarly to other J Brand skinnes - maybe a hair on the large side. So, if you're in between sizes, you may want to size down. These are supposed to be fitted, folks.

Are they worth $140? Debatable, but I can pretty much guarantee you can find them on sale or score them with a coupon code. I snatched up mine with a discount at local Charlotte boutique with a stellar Groupon in hand. While I haven't washed them yet, word on the street is that they hold their shape and their color. Score!

WTF Friday: Craft Projects & Envious Big Bird

Yaaay for Friday! Hope everyone has had a great week!

Up for WTF Friday today are two gorgeous ladies with seriously heinous fashion choices.

First up is the really lovely Thandie Newton...

PA Photos/Landov

Oh my. It's like Little House on the Prairie made out with a table cloth and ran through a craft fair. Thandie Newton is stunning and tiny...this failed frock is f-ed. No.

And how about a little Fergie Ferg?

Photo via Bauer/Griffin

Wow. It's a pea green marabou wrap, lovely this time of year. On what planet is that ever a good idea? I'm pretty sure even the folks at Sesame Street would toss you out for that one. Killer shoes though, Fergs.

Well, that's a wrap for today's edition of WTF Friday! Hope you're eyes aren't burnin' too badly!

Product Review: Clairol Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Hairspray, B

Helllllooooo blog world! Happy Monday to everyone!

Up for product review today is a random hairspray I picked up out of desperation a few weeks back: Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Hairspray.

 I *way* overpaid for this hairspray as I purchased it at a grocery store (yes, I should know better...the prices are more amicable at local drugstores) for $5 or so. Most drugstore retails price this at $3-$4 ish.

Here are the details from Herbal Essences:

• You don't let humidity get your hair down.
• You just hold up full and shiny with a lush finish because of my weightless formula fused with white nectarine & pink coral flower.
• Sunset citrus fragrance

Made in USA

• Spray evenly.
• Okay, you're all set.

And my review...

The Good: It smells deeelightul. De-freakin'-lightful. And it does volumize. When worn down and wavy, my hair stayed volumized for a couple hours.

The Bad: The spray is quite forceful, so, really, hold it 10-12" away from your head, if not farther away. The product can make your hair a bit stiff if not distributed properly.

The Verdict: It's a B from me. The spray does volumize, it smells great but it can turn your hair crispy if used incorrectly. Spray with caution!

Holiday Fun: Sequin 'Splosion

Incoming! The holidays are upon us. Beyond the shopping frenzies, overindulgence and snowflakes we have sequins. Yes, sequins. For your holiday parties, dinners with friends or if you're feelin' a little sparkly, sequins are just too much fun to pass up.

I've seen many a lady sport a lighter tone sequin on top for day...but for evening I pulled together a set of all sorts of sparkly options. Skirts, jackets, dresses, tops - hooray! Pretty much any of these tops can be paired with a chic pencil skirt, skinny pants or black tights. As for the bottoms, I like a tucked in solid tank and tuxedo jacket or even a snuggly black sweater. Just don't pair sequin w/ sequin...save the head to toe disco ball ensemble for Halloween, 'kay?

How do you savor sequins?

Black Dresses by See by Chloe
Tanks at Piperlime

Product Review: TRESemme FRESHstart Waterless Foam Shampoo, D

Hey everyone! Hope everyone is recovering from a fun & delicious Thanksgiving weekend! Now I know there are tons 'o Cyber Monday deals out there...but I'm not partaking. I know. Shocking. Therefore, it's time for another product review!

I picked up TRESemme's FRESHstart Waterless Foam Shampoo as I was looking for a neat and cheap alternative to Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo. You can pick up the TRESemme product in just about any drugstore and it will run you roughly $5-$6.

Details from TRESemme:

Do not miss a fresh look and feel on the second day.  TRESemme® Fresh Start Waterless Foam Shampoo is the perfect solution to clean hair without water anytime.  The unique formula, with Witch Hazel, Citrus and Aloe Vera refreshes your hair by removing excess oil, impurities and odor while moisturizing hair.  Waterless Foam Shampoo instantly transforms lifeless limp and dull hair into fresh hair that is clean, shiny and smooth. 

My review:

The Good: I enjoy the concept, the scent is nice and the product worked "ok" when my hair was curly. I suppose it tried to "refresh" the roots?

The Bad: Sticky, filmy mess on my roots - especially when my hair was straight. And yes, I did follow the directions and my hair still felt dirtier than it did before I used the product.

The Verdict: D. These last two weeks haven't been so great for product reviews! Boo :( I will be picking up some Oscar Blandi Pronto Shampoo on the pronto!

5 Fabulous Black Friday Picks

Hi everyone! Was your Thanksgiving wonderful? Hope so!

With the craziness that is Black Friday, I created a small set of great items that you can score for less with a select few coupon codes.

1) BB Dakota Clifton Coat: A-dorable and I'm loving the sweet little stacked skirting.

• Where to buy it: Dillards or Karmaloop.com. Karmaloop is offering 25% off and free shipping with the code BLACKOUT.

2) Rachel by Rachel Roy Drapey Pullover: Sassy and cozy!

• Where to buy: RachelRoy.com: 30% off on everything on her site. Discounts show up during check out!

3) Tahari Foster Boots: I have these in stone and I adore them. They run TTS and are pretty comfy!

• Where to buy 'em: Piperlime.com: They are already on sale for $99, take off an additional 25% off with the code VIP.

4) Ann Taylor Thelma Boatneck Tunic: A thick and luscious blend of sweater heaven!

• Where to buy: AnnTaylor.com: Use the code THANKS for 40% off of everything!

5) Crown Vintage Black Suede Satchel: Looking for an affordable, sweet & real suede bag?! This fits the bill perfectly!

• Where to buy: DSW.com: Get 30% off of one item with the code BOOTS. Make sure you stack other codes too - as SHIPR will get you free shipping.
• *I was having some issues with the BOOTS code on Thursday, so if you're having problem too, send an email to customer service. Their CS is really great about honoring online codes within a few days of the expiration date.

So, those are my Black Friday picks! Anything you've got your eye on?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey friends! Hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving with family, friends and food.


Thanks so much for reading & contributing!

Product Review: Revlon Double Twist Mascara, D+

Why, hello Monday. And a big hey-o to the short week!

Up for today's product review is Revlon's new-ish Double Twist Mascara. I was pretty jacked about this mascara - I always love innovative mascara brushes and volumizing mascara. Sadly, I was uber disappointed in the end.

Here are the details from Revlon:

• MASSIVE Volume. REMARKABLE Definition.
• Revolutionary 2-in-1 brush.
• Thickening Brush + Separating Combs = The Ultimate Lash Look
• Available in 4 shades, including a new signature Revlon® shade, Blackened Ruby.
• Also available in waterproof formula.

And my review:

The Good: The mascara gives significant volume. Yup.

The Bad: Quite a few qualities to list here:
1) It's VERY difficult to remove (and no, I did NOT purchase the waterproof formula). I had to use my eye makeup remover quite a bit after washing my face and there were still remnants & morning raccoon eye.
2) It can get a bit clumpy because the dual brush picks up so much product.
3) While I didn't have too much flaking, I had a bit of spider eyes going on.

The Verdict: D+, not a repurchase for me...it's just too much work! Cool concept, nice volume, but the execution failed. I did, however, watch Revlon's tutorial from Gucci Westman on how to best apply this mascara. If you fancy a view, check it out the video.

WTF Friday: That's One Heinous Harem

Oh me oh my...today's WTF Friday is only home to one offender, one (adorable) repeat offender...the one, the only, Leighton Meester. Feast your eyes on this...

Brian Ach/Getty Images

Wow. I mean wow. Can we just cut this super fug lace jumpsuit off at the mid-thigh and make it a dress?! Please? Because this is an atrocity. Plus, what's with the orbital bag? I keep searching for a genie. Leighton...please....PLEASE....hug that magic lamp and wish for a stylist. Just because your outfit is Marchesa, doesn't make it right.

Have a great weekend!

Designer Spotlight: Elliott Lucca

Mmmm handbags. Clutches or hobos, totes or shoulder bags, I love 'em. However, I find myself carrying the same basic "day bag" on a very regular basis. I do the purse dance/wallet swap at night when I head out to dinner and I need a punchy clutch.

So, because I've beat my current Cole Haan handbag to hell I decided to not only resurrect that bag (I'll bring it to a shoe man for some conditioning love) but I needed an additional neutral leather bag for day time.

I meandered through a few department stores and settled on a subdued mauvey-beige Elliott Lucca bag. Why Elliott Lucca? Well, those bags are made from super fabulous leather, stay in great shape for a looooong time and are classic but still have enough pizzazz to keep my interest.

So, in honor of my new bag here are a few Elliott Lucca bags that are super cute. What do you think?! Do you beat the hell out of your day to day handbag?

Totes by Elliott Lucca
Hobos by Elliott Lucca

Product Review: Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup, A-

Helllloooooo everyone! Happy Monday to all.

I had a fabulous weekend with my girlfriends...we bopped around Madison, WI. We pretty much did everything in excess - walking the campus, eating, drinking, shopping, etc. Good times had by all.

And when I arrived in Madison, I realized I forgot my foundation. Yup, I was without any kind of face makeup whatsoever. Since I really wasn't in the mood to look like a zombie all weekend, my friend Jess lent me her Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup. It retails for $34.50 for .63 ounces (mineral makeup). Thanks, Jess!

Here are the deets from Clinique...

“Smart” technology keeps dry areas comfortable, oily areas less shiny. No-waste grinder dispenses skin-defending vitamins with each twist. Fresh-shaved mineral powder clings evenly to skin. Lasts for up to 8 long hours. Includes antibacterial brush. Turn grinder clockwise stopping at first mark to release enough fresh powder for a full-face application. Dip brush into powder and tap gently to remove excess. Sweep over face to desired coverage. One click is enough for full-face application. 

And my review...

The Good: This is a super fun product - the clickity function ensures the product is kept clean and disburses the right amount of powder. Coverage is definitely on the lighter side and it left my skin looking shine free. Also, it seems like this would last you a while...so price per wear isn't ridiculous by any means.

The Bad: For those ladies wanting full face coverage, this probably isn't the product for you.

The Verdict: A-! This product really worked for me and left my skin feeling light and airy. Once I'm done with my MAC foundation, I'll likely give this a buy!

WTF Friday: A Very Colorful Mess

Happy Friday to all! I'm really excited to head out to see my girlfriends from college this weekend at UW-Madison...go badgers!

So, to get the weekend started off right, there are two interesting ensembles to share...first up is repeat offender, the adorable Leighton Meester...

Photo via: Jon Kopaloff/WireImage

Hmmmm...yeah. She is wearing Marc Jacobs...so that's nice. I do enjoy Marc Jacobs. But this looks like Leighton wrapped two different '70s curtains around her body and went on her merry way. No. Bad.

And numero dos is Mischa Barton...yes, again.

Photo via: Michael Tran/Film Magic

Oh Mischa. Girlfriend, WTF. a) this does NOTHING for your body. b)it seems as if you raided grandpa's pantalones collection. Please hire a stylist, hit the salon and come back later.

That wraps it up! Happy weekend!

30% off Give and Get is Here!

Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from November 11-14 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."

Product Review: Nike Dri-Fit Be Strong Polyester Training Pants, A

Happy beginning of the week to all! Hope everyone enjoyed the additional hour of sleep yesterday mornin'!

So, as of late I've been adding quite a bit of extra mileage to my weekly runs. I ran my second half marathon (first was last year) on Saturday. Woot!

Naturally, I've been enamored with fabulous workout gear as that always inspires me a bit. Thus, today's review is all over Nike's Dri-Fit Be Strong Polyester Training Pants. With the full length pants retailing for $60, these runner's delight may seem a bit pricey but they are so worth it. They make for a great alternative to running tights and are super for cross training, too!


Details from Nike.com:
The Nike Be Strong Polyester Pants: Mid-rise comfort

Performance meets streamlined style in the Nike Be Strong Polyester Women’s Training Pants. They offer freedom of movement, lasting comfort and a smooth look for any workout regimen.

Benefits:
Wide waistband with drawcord for a flat, smooth look
Triangular gusset for comfort and wide range of motion
Rise falls 1-inch below natural waistline
Flat-seam construction for reduced irritation
Performance fabric to help keep you dry and comfortable

Fit:
The mid-rise Be Strong pants are fitted through the hip for shaping and relaxed through the knee for comfort during squats, lunges and other bending exercises. The slightly flared leg adds modern style. And, for a flat, smooth look that flatters around the middle, these pants feature a wide waistband with drawcord.

Fabric:
Dri-FIT fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable by wicking sweat away from skin to the fabric’s surface, where it quickly evaporates. The spandex adds just the right amount of stretch for working out in comfort.

Additional Details:
Contrast piping as side seams
Fabric: Dri-FIT 88% polyester/12% spandex
Machine wash
Imported

And onto my review...

The Good: As mentioned, these pants are the bomb dot com. Comfortable, well made and, frankly, they make your caboose look faboosh. Plus, if you do a bit of digging online, you'll find them on sale! Like here, or here, or in capri length here. They also have short, regular and tall length for all heights!

The Bad: Very little to report here...you just may have to dig a bit to find them on sale!

The Verdict: A all day. These pants have lasted me at least three years and they are still going strong!

nike dri fit pants

Celebrity Style Stalker: Molly Sims @ 5th Annual Fashion Delivers Gala

Happy Frrrrrrriday to all!

I haven't done a celebrity style stalker post in a while....and Molly Sims looked so lovely here that I just couldn't resist!

Photo via: John Lamparski/WireImage

This ensemble looks so holiday chic to me and I just ADORE the embellished neckline and cuffs. But, for the majority of us who live on planet affordable, this Marchesa concoction would send my bankroll into a tizzy. Thus...here's my more affordable take...let me know what you think! Just add black tights!

Cocktail Dresses by Calvin Klein
Boots by Miss Sixty

Product Review: L'Oreal Go 360 Clean Cleanser, B

Hi all! Hope everyone had a great Halloween weekend!

Today's review is on L'Oreal (fairly new) Go 360 Clean Cleanser. This little bottle comes with a unique, soft rubber scrublet that I was just itching to try. You'll find this in plenty 'o drugstores and big box retailers.

Product details: 
L'Oreal go 360° clean offers a complete range of four expertly formulated, high-foam cleansers that are perfectly calibrated to perform with the scrublet. The deep facial cleanser is a deep-cleaning, high-foam gel, which unclogs pores as it removes oil, dirt and makeup. The gel formula helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes with its deep cleaning, pore-by-pore action. Oil-Free.

My review: 

The Good: The scrublet is pretty damn awesome. It gives the perfect amount of exfoliation and suds. The cleanser smells super fresh & I really like the concept. Plus - it's pretty affordable!

The Bad: This particular cleanser is a bit drying. I'm thinking of trying some of the other formulas and see how that pans out.

The Verdict: A solid B from me. This may bump up to an A with the other cleanser formulas. I'll definitely be holding on to the scrublet in any case, though!

Weekend Fun & Carrie Underwood

Ok ok, so normally I reserve Fridays for WTF Friday but I have to take 30 seconds to break out my jazz hands & get really excited for this weekend...why, you ask?!

Well, on Saturday I get to meet Carrie Underwood before her concert in Charlotte!

Holy sheet. This is all because of vitaminwater & their local community ties and I am so so so excited & thankful. Can you tell?!

Because of vitaminwater's overall fabulosity I also have pretty kick ass seats.

So...two comments & a question for y'all...

1) I love vitaminwater...seriously. That goes for their products (yay for stevia) & their local focus.

2) I adore Carrie Underwood's music. Adore.

3) What should I wear? Chime in pretty please. I'm thinking skinny jeans, heels and a light weight silky top. Thoughts?!

Happy weekend!

Friends & Family at Sephora.com

Soooo...in case you didn't already know....Sephora.com is running their (freakin' fabulous) 20% off everything Friends & Family Promotion through Wednesday, November 3. The promo code is FF2010...plus they are offering free shipping when you spend more than $50.

The adorableness that is Strawberry Swing & Other Things did a wishlist post here...and I thought I'd follow suit! I'm going to break this down into a few different sets.

First up - Eyes!

Eyes Shimmer & Glitter by Bobbi Brown
Mascara by Christian Dior

Next, Lips!

Lipstick by Laura Mercier
Lip Pencils by NARS

Then, Face!

Face Blush by Bobbi Brown
Face Concealer by Laura Mercier

Lastly, Hair & Body!

Bath & Shower Gel by philosophy
Gifts & Sets by philosophy

Well, while I certainly have a long list of items I'm lusting after...I'll probably just pick up a few things that I'm running low on. What are you craving for the Sephora F&F promo?