November 29, 2010

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!

November 26, 2010

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.

BB Dakota at ShopStyle
  • 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!

Rachel Roy at ShopStyle
  • 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!

Tahari at ShopStyle
  • 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!

Ann Taylor at ShopStyle
  • 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!

Crown Vintage at ShopStyle
  • 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?

    November 25, 2010

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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


    Thanks so much for reading & contributing!

    November 22, 2010

    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.

    November 19, 2010

    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!

    November 18, 2010

    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?



    November 15, 2010

    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!

    November 12, 2010

    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!

    November 8, 2010

    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!

    Nike at ShopStyle

    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!

    November 5, 2010

    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!

    November 1, 2010

    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!