June 30, 2010

Cheap Thrills: Work It Out

Le sigh...I love new workout clothes. It gives me the oomph I need to try a new class at the gym, hit the road for a long run or just look supa dupa stylin' at the gym. Let's be real - my typical gym garb consists of a racing tee and some shorts. Not supa hot.

So, today's Cheap Thrills is all about workin' it out. Here are a few of my favorite workouts on the cheap!
  • Running - The best thing about running is that there is no equipment required. Just you and your shoes.
  • Hiking - See above, but much less invasive. I'm a big fan of packing a picnic lunch and heading out with the hubs and the dog.
  • Tennis - I am not a good tennis player. Husband is a great tennis player. It's hilarious to watch.
  • Group classes at da gym - I usually meet one of my very good friends at my local gym at the absolute butt crack of dawn for a weight lifting class. If she wasn't there, I probably wouldn't get my ass up that early. Just sayin'.
  • Rollarblading - I haven't Rollarbladed in quite some time, but I used to skate it out at a local park in Chicago. Great workout and you create your own breeze. Nice!
And, of course, this wouldn't be a true Cheap Thrills without some affordable merchandise. All workout items below are less than $25 each! Happy sweating!



And if you're still looking...

June 28, 2010

Product Review: Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish, A-

Hi everyone, happy Monday!

Today's product review is of one of my favorite "specialty" products, Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish. At 6.8 oz. for $28, this is indeed a pricey product but I really, really love it, despite the high cost. It's one of those "specialty" products that just makes your day better as soon as you use it. Plus, it's definitely not an "everyday" use product, so it lasts much, much longer!


Details from the Kiehl's website:

This luxurious, creamy formula with Shea and Jojoba Butters and Sweet Almond Oil is blended with ground Luffa Fruit to exfoliate body skin without drying. With the addition of Pure Honey and Soy Milk Protein, our body polish nurtures skin, leaving it comfortably soft, smooth, and primed for moisturization.

•With Luffa Fruit and Jojoba Butter

•Exfoliates body skin without drying

•Contains Pure Honey and Soy Milk Protein

•Leaves skin soft, smooth, and primed for moisturization

•Not tested on animals
 
Also, Kiehl's gives three samples with every online order! Sweet!
 
Onto my review...
 
The Good: This is such an excellent exfoliator and it smells divine! It smells a bit like coconut, but clearly it's the soy milk and honey. It leaves your skin supa dupa soft and smelling awesome for the whole day. This is an especially awesome product for rough, summer skin.
 
The Bad: It's expensive. Dur.
 
The Verdict: A-. Clearly you can tell I love this product. Do I wish it was cheaper, yes, of course, but one tube has lasted me over one year using it infrequently. It's one of those products that is such a treat to use. I highly recommend!

June 25, 2010

And the winner of the Eclipse advanced screening tickets is...


Donna Hawkins! Congratulations!

Donna, I just sent you an email! Enjoy the movie!

Thanks to all who entered and to vitaminwater for the great passes!

Go Team Jacob. Rarrrr.

WTF Friday...Maybe WTH Friday?

Hi everyone! Happy Friday!

Today's edition should be softened to WTH Friday. It's more like, what the hell were these ladies thinking? Dropping the eff bomb is a little much for these three gorgeous ladies, but they still look a mess.

I think what frustrates me about these (fairly fug) ensembles is that they make these women look much larger than they actually are. And, friends, no one wants to look larger than we are. Write that down.

Let's not waste a moment...here we go! First up is the beautiful Amanda Peet...


Photo via Henry Lamb/PhotoWire/BeImages

This is a heinous combo of a total drabfest and some really ill-fitting clothing. The pantalones' cut is awkward and totally unflattering and the colors make me want to take a nap. And that's not a compliment. Amanda, you have a great figure, please stop hiding it with Gramma's throwbacks.

And then we have Ms. Jessica Simpson. Who, despite her great bod, routinely wears things that make her look more like a linebacker and less like a lady. Exhibit A...

Photo via: Luis Guerra/Ramey

Oh Jess...comon' girlfriend. I understand it's summer and we want to keep cool and all, but these shants (shorts/pants) are uber unflattering. They would be unflattering on anyone, really, when you pair them with chunky wedges that cut off your ankle. This looks sloppy and sad. Fail.

And lastly we have Khloe Kardashian. Who I think is completely adorable and hilarious in her own right...but WTH happened here...?!

Photo via Tommaso Bodi/PR Photos

Oh Khloe. Your hubby is a star basketball player, I get it. You've probably been busy celebrating their championship victory, but why would you wear the longest and largest sheer robe/fug cardi over your cute little stripey dress. You look like Morticia Adams. It's not Halloween, sweetie, put away the costume until October.

Well, folks, that's all I have for today! Do you agree - today's looks were more WTH than WTF?


June 24, 2010

Cubicle to Cocktails: Black Out

Happy Thursday to all! Today's edition of CTC looks a bit somber, but let's be real, sometimes the chic black on black is too easy to pass up. Johnny Cash it, friends, Johnny Cash it.

I'm ok with black on black as long as there are texture differences and interesting accessories. I really like the bright white bag against the drapey black vest. While this look may be a bit too one-note for some of you, I think the cut and the flow of these pieces work very well together. Not a black fan? Wear a colored cami underneath the flowy black vest. Or just sport an altogether different shade!

I suppose the other reason why I choose black as my backup color of choice is because of its multi-use purposes. The pieces below are super transitional and those shorts can even be sported in the fall with some tights, if you dare. BTW - the black silk shorts below will be mine in just a few days! I.cannot.wait.

So, friends - is black your fall back color, too?


June 23, 2010

Cheap Thrills & A Coley Exclusive

Hi everyone! So, before I get to today's Cheap Thrills, I just wanted to let ya'll know that my posts may be a bit sporadic during the next few weeks. Why? Well, I start a new job in just a few weeks!

If your inquiring mind is itching for details, feel free to shoot me an email or DM me on Twitter, as I'm not super comfortable providing this info out in the open, especially since I haven't started yet! Plus privacy issues, etc. Suffice it to say that I am positively elated to begin my new position, promoting, marketing and falling in love with my city, Charlotte, NC through the realm of a great company. It will be hard work but I'm really looking forward to it.

Anywho, many of you came here for Cheap Thrills and that's just what I have for ya in the set below. As always, every item is $25 or less and there are some may-jah steals to be had in the online shopping realm! An adorable bow cardigan, lovely lucite bangle and some presh summer dresses.



So that's that for the day - any Cheap Thrills you'd like to share?!

June 21, 2010

Product Review: Tarte Cheek Stain, B

Hi all! For those of you who live in or near Charlotte, please make sure to check out my Twilight advanced screening ticket giveaway right here!

Today's product review is on Tarte's famous Cheek Stain. This lovely little product comes in a 1 oz. push up gel stick and can be purchased at Sephora for $30. I own the shade, "Flush", which is sheer berry color and smells of raspberry. Woo hoo - scented blush!




Deets from Sephora.com:

What it is: A natural-looking gel blush.

What it does: Tarte Cheek Stain is a water
-based gel cheek tint that gives you a natural flush—exactly like someone just pinched your cheeks! This formula is alcohol-free so it won't dry your skin and it's also oil-free so it won't clog your pores. Plus, it contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients like a T5 Super Fruit Complex™—pure water to help skin retain moisture and mineral-derived pigments known for their soothing and softening properties.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Synthetic Fragrances

- Petro-Chemicals

- Phthalates

What else you need to know: The Tarte T5 Super Fruit Complex™ is a proprietary blend of the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate. The first blend of its kind, the T5 Super Fruit Complex™ is loaded with naturally occurring, antioxidant-rich nutrients, and vitamins that have been known to deliver refining, antiaging, and skin-restorative benefits with each application. It contains a natural fragrance and is free from preservatives, paraben, sulfate, phthalate, and mineral oil. Dermatologist-tested.

In keeping with Tarte's eco-friendly efforts, they've partnered with Sambazon, creators of the Sustainable Açaí Project—an initiative to promote positive change in the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities through the sustainable management of the Açaí Palm tree. Açaí is an antioxidant-rich super fruit that helps fight free radicals, promotes cell regeneration, has known anti-inflammatory and skin softening properties, and combats premature signs of aging.

Size: 1 oz

And onto my review...

The Good: The shade "Flush" is really lovely on my skin tone. It really does look liked I'm lightly flushed. Dur! The gel slides on nicely and it stays for most of the day.

The Bad: $30 is 'spensive! I will say, however, that one stick lasts quite some time. I'm guessing at least nine months. I also wish it had a leetle more staying power, but let's be real, it's a gel stick.

The Verdict: B! This is a great product, especially in the hotter months when cream blush is melting off your face. I do my best to score refills on the cheap via sample sales (see Gilt or Hautelook).

That's it for today! So, friends, anyone out there use Tarte's Cheek Stain? Thoughts?

June 18, 2010

Charlotte Giveaway: Two Tickets to the "Eclipse" Advanced Screening!


















Hi all! Charlotte's vitaminwater district marketing manager, Aimee, whom I know and love, has offered the Coley's Closet Cravings famiglia two tickets to the advanced screening of the newest Twilight Saga installment, "Eclipse"!

I'm a big Twilight fan myself - hell, I read all four (super long) books over Christmas vacation. I.could.not.put.them.down. Aaaand Eclipse was my favorite installment of the series! I am just tickled to provide the channel for this stellar giveaway to all local Charlotte peeps!

So, here are the deets:

Who: You and friend (two tickets will be awarded to one winner)
What: Advanced screening of "Eclipse" (claps hands feverishly)
Where: Phillips Place Theatres (Southpark, Charlotte)
When: Monday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. (come early for mini makeovers and Twifun)
Why: Because vitaminwater is awesome and they like to offer similarly awesome community opportunities to great people like you. And the Twilight Saga is good campy fun, even for those of us who aren't 14 years old.

And here's how to enter*:

1) Leave a comment below with your email address (one entry)
2) Tweet about this giveaway! Please address the tweet @coleyscloset (one entry)

*All entries must be received by Thursday, June 24 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

I will randomly choose and notify (via email) one winner on Friday, June 25.

I will email the winner immediately post drawing. Please make sure that you are able to attend the screening as I'll have your winning tickets with me at Phillips Place on Monday, June 28! Good luck!

Oh...and in case you're curious...I'm on team Jacob, regardless of the series outcome.

WTF Friday: Maggie Stole Some Curtains & That's Not Groovy

Yay for Friday! Here's wishing all of you a splendid little weekend. Now let's get to the WTF offenders...

First up is the adorable Maggie Gyllenhaal...who certainly has a quirky fashion sense, but this is just plain fug...

Photo via: Johns Pkl/Splash News Online

Oh Maggie, girl. Someone is missing their curtains?! WTF? Did you tell them that you were going to thief them? This boring blue tent makes Maggie look much larger than she is and that is just sad sad sad. Can I get a tissue? Aw, hell, I'll just use Maggie's dress. She has enough fabric.

And then we have these lovely pantalones from Forever21...and no, folks, these aren't pajamas...


For just $32 you can hop into these pants and take a train straight back to Woodstock. Train ticket not included. Although, from all the photos I've seen from Woodstock even these pants would have been an atrocity. Yowza. These can't be flattering on anyone.

That's it for today's edition of WTF Friday! Have a good one!

June 17, 2010

Cubicle to Cocktails: A Corset, Of Course

Suck it all in, ladies! It's corset time!

No, no, I'm not expecting you to corset yourself like Megan Fox in "Jonah Hex" (btw - in the movie, her waist is corseted to 18" !!!). But, corsets or bustiers, are super flattering to many a woman. Just make sure you can walk, talk, eat, sit and breathe comfortably. Just take a look at the gorgeous Justine, from Fetching Fashions, sporting her gorg corset top!

Today's Cubicle to Cocktails showcases a top styled after the medieval nightmare. However, this lovely French Connection corset top features such a fun print for summer and looks fairly comfortable. Toss on a white jacket and some classic work pants and you're good to hit the office. As for cocktail time, keep the top the same and toss on my current clothing crush, the Joe's "Sammy" cuffed shorts (shown below, too) and some fun nude wedges.

So, friends, what do we think or corset tops?

Not your cup or tea or cinch me up, Coley?!



June 16, 2010

Cheap Thrills: I Have a Gloss Problem

Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday!

Today's personal edition of cheap thrills is alllll about lipgloss. Yep, lipgloss. I am one of those people who has at least five lipglosses in her purse at any given moment. Some may call it a sickness, I call it preparation! Here are a few of my favorite (semi-affordable) glossies...
  • Revlon Super Lustrous, Pink Whisper: Ok, for those of you who like MAC's Purr lipglass, this is a nice dupe. It's the perfect baby pink!
  • MAC Lipglass, Young Thing: For my skin tone, this is the perfect pale gloss to pair with a smoky eye. This shade has just enough gold undertones.
  • Revlon Super Lustrous, Glossy Rose: A deeper rose shade that, I imagine, would look nice on just about anyone.
  • MAC Lipglass, Russian Red Lipglass: I own the lipstick, but this lipglass is hot, hot, hot. Holy bright red.
  • Milani 3D Gloss, Starshine: This may look frightening in the tube, but the "glitter" is super duper sheer and the gloss consistency is great. IMO, it ooks best layered over another shade.
So, ladies, do share, what's your favorite affordable lip gloss?

As for today's set, I've been seeking an affordable sun hat...there are a few contenders in the set below. Let me know if you spot any others that spark your cute radar...

June 15, 2010

Product Review: Got2b Smooth Operator Lustre Lotion, A

Hi all! Yet another Bzzagent review coming your way! I received a bunch of samples of the Got2b Smooth Operator Lustre Lotion a few weeks ago and I'm a big, big fan! For 6.8 ounces this sweet little silkening product retails for $5-$7 at drugstores.


Here are the deets from the manufacturer...

4: touchable styles: control, silken splurge
Charmed Life Lesson #18

Know when to skimp and when to splurge -- but it's always more fun to splurge!

Don't cheat your hair -- give it the royal treatment with got2b smooth operator smoothing lustre lotion. This decadent lotion shapes, imparts an amazing weightless lustre and softness. Protects against damage from heat styling and contains a UV protectant.

And onto my review...

The Good: I have pretty well-behaved hair as it is, but this product made it super manageable. It made my hair soft and swingy and definitely cut down on the flyaways. Proof is in the product - I used it for a few weeks, put a bit into towel dried hair and did nothing else, just to see how my mane fared - and no flyaways, no frizz! That's amazing, especially in insanely hot weather.

The Bad: No bad points, here! I see that the full sized version has charms...it's not bad, but I don't think it's necessary. The product speaks for itself.

The Verdict: A all the way! This product is supremely affordable, silkens my hair and definitely hinders the flyaways. Oh - and it smells great! I will certainly buy it once my samples are finished.

June 14, 2010

And the winner of the Murphy necklace is...

...Ehayes of Strawberry Swing and Other Things!

Congratulations!

Please email me your address and I will get this little beauty out to you asap! In the meantime, if you haven't, check out Kathleen's creations at murphyjewelry.com! I have a feeling she may grace us with another giveaway in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone who entered!

June 12, 2010

Giveaway Reminder!

Hi everyone! Don't forget, you have until 11:59 p.m. EST tomorrow to enter my very first giveaway! The winner gets the gorrrrgeous Murphy necklace below. Here's all the pertinent info! Good luck!

As promised, I wanted to announce Coley's Closet Cravings' very first giveaway! But before we get to the goods, I really, really want to share a bit about the lovely and adorable jewelry designer, Kathleen Murphy.

I met Kathleen through local (and incredibly stylish) Charlotte boutique Scout & Molly's - where I work a few weekend days per month. Kathleen has a whole table of her gorgeous designs there and I have been enamored with them for months. MONTHS!

I have purchased countless pieces and I am only more in love with her designs after getting to know her. Kathleen is a ball of sunshine, super talented and hilarious to boot. Her jewelry is fun, light-weight and oh-so-trendy. It's also affordable! Since most of you live outside the Charlotte area and can't see Kathleen's work in person, you can visit her site right here and buy, buy away! I highly, and I mean highly, recommend her gorgeous jewelry.

So, it is with great pleasure that I announce my very first giveaway - the following gorgeous necklace from Murphy Jewelry!


I'm sure you want to know...how do I get a chance to win this stunner?!

Here are the rules...

You will receive one entry by...
  • Following my blog - just clickity click over to the right if you're not already a follower...AND
  • Visiting Kathleen's site, http://www.murphyjewelry.com/, and within your comment state your favorite piece! Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.
You will receive an additional one entry by...
  • Tweeting about this giveaway. Please direct the tweet to @coleyscloset and post a link to the tweet in a separate comment below.

You will receive an additional two entries by...
  • Posting on your blog about this giveaway. Again, please make sure you submit a separate comment with a link to the blog post.


Other deets...
  • Duplicate, incomplete and false entries will be discarded
  • All comments (entries) must be posted no later than Sunday, June 13 11:59 p.m. EST
On Monday, June 14 I will use random.org to generate a winner! Good luck! I have no doubt that the lucky winner will loooove this piece!





June 11, 2010

WTF Friday: A Bra is Not a Top & Leave it to Cleaver

Happy Friday to all!

Today's WTF Friday brings about two new offenders - both ladies are gorgeous in their own right and haven't made too many WTF choices...until now.

First we have the gorgeous and extremely talented Lea Michele...

Photo via: Dimitrious Kambouris/WireImage

Ummm...she looks like she's doing the potty dance. Or a curtsy. Or maybe she's trying to look sweet and innocent considering she's wearing the equivalent of a swim cover up at a red carpet event. WTF, Lea, put on a top - or a whole dress. A bra does not equal a top. Oh - and please give your bangs a leetle trim. Kthanks.

And then we have Katherine Heigl...

Photo via: Jon Furniss/WireImage

Ohhhhh girlfriend. I'm really ok with hair experimentation, but this is so, SO wrong. WTF. She must have used an entire can of Aquanet. Katherine, pretty please ditch the stylized bouffant - let's leave it to Cleaver, ok?


Have a great weekend, everyone!

June 10, 2010

Cubicle to Cocktails: Purty Tulip (Skirts)

One day closer to Friday, friends!

I love tulips and I also love tulip skirts. Short or long, these pretty little skirts can cover up, hide and disguise a multitude of sins. A nice drape of a tulip skirt and wider hips are camouflaged. Juuust make sure it drapes over your body - hips don't lie, girlfriends.

The tulip skirt shown below is such a fun color for summer and I really think it's a great transition piece for  fall. I can definitely see working that skirt with black tights and booties, don't you? Considering this skirt is a bit on the longer side, I chose a more revealing tank for cocktail hour. The little white tank shown below has a gorgeous deep scoop in the back for some pow for your exit look. And the studded wedges are ferosh. I'm sure they can also serve as a weapon, if needed.

What do you think? Are you a tulip (skirt) fan?


And a few more tulip skirts!

June 9, 2010

Cheap Thrills: Bookworm Edition

Happy Wednesday to all!

So, some of you may know that I love to read. Yes, the bookworm in me can take down a novel in no time. Thick books have nothin' on me. I'm a fast, almost voracious, reader and I like to plow through books. I will stay up hours reading them - it's a bit of a problem.

That being said, here are a few of my recent faves...please share yours as well!
  • The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - The trilogy is incredible...I will say, though, that the first 50-75 pages or so are a bit slow in this novel.
  • The Girl Who Played with Fire - The follow up to the book above. VERY good.
  • Time Traveler's Wife - Heart wrenching, confusing and a great read
  • My Sister's Keeper - Oh em gee the tears.
And onto today's set of cheap thrills! That tribal-ish skirt would look super with a blousy white tee and sky high heels, yes?!

June 8, 2010

Celebrity Style Stalker: MTV Movie Awards

Hi all! It's time for some style stalkin'!

These lovely ladies were dressed to the nines for the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday and I wanted to offer up a few inspired dresses!

First up is the adorable and talented, Anna Kendrick...

Photo via Kevin Winter/Getty

I love the diaphanous chiffon and the sweet cut on this dress. The pattern is also a bit nutty, but because it's short and sweet, I can certainly handle it. And do you see her shoes - fierce!

While this dress is not as formal, the chiffon looks lovely and it's certainly a fun print!

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Or, if you're a long dress kinda gal...here's a lovely, albeit bright, chiffon number...

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Next up is the gorgeous Scarlet Johannson in a stunning green lace sheath. I love her whole look here...the emerald green is stunning, the fit is impeccable and her hair and makeup are spot on.


Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty

And, well, it's no surprise that it's mighty difficult to find a green lace sheath anywhere besides the top tier designers, here is an adorable green eyelet sheath by Shoshanna!

Shoshanna at ShopStyle

And a white lace sheath, just for fun. How adorable would this little number be for a casual wedding dress?! And it's on saaaale!

Betsey Johnson at ShopStyle

Let's not can't forget to include the radiant new momma, Sandra Bullock!

Photo via Christopher Polk/Getty

While Sandra's stunning black dress was backless, the one below is fully covered in the back.

Asos at ShopStyle

Last but not least, Ms. Cameron Diaz and her 89 mile legs...

Photo via Greg DeGuire/MTV/PictureGroup

The dress she's wearing is DVF and while I love me some DVF, I searched for a few more affordable options...

BCBG Max Azria at ShopStyle


Donna Ricco at ShopStyle

That's it for today's edition of Celebrity Style Stalker!

Who do you think was best dressed at the MTV Movie Awards?!

Also, don't forget to enter in my supa sweet necklace giveaway right here!