March 28, 2013

Blogging Hiatus

Greetings, all!

I've been blogging for quite some time - often around topics that give me much delight, including fashion, celebs, product reviews, sales, etc.

And while I certainly would still love to share some of my favorites in the categories above, I'm at a place in my life (working very full time with an adorable new kiddo) in which I can't dedicate enough time for proper, consistent posts. I would never want to keep up a blog "just because"...because that's just lame! Blogging deserves to be fun and inspired, not regimented and predictable.

If and when the mood strikes to kick up the blogging again, I hope you'll join me for some fashion and a giggle or two.

Love,
Coley

March 21, 2013

Celebrity Style Stalker: Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington. What a cute cute lady. And I have yet to be utterly disappointed in an outfit she dons...which is why I wasn't surprised to see this straightforward yet nicely put together ensemble she had on when she graced GMA a while back.

Short, a-line leather skirt with a bit of flounce? Check.

Cream, thick knit boxy sweater? Check.

Opaque black tights? Check.

Amazing Christian Louboutin high heeled brogues? Well, not quite. But we do the best we can.



Style stalk away, shop away...much more affordably.

March 11, 2013

Product Review: Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow, B-

Happy Monday to all! Up for product review today is an eye shadow I received as a BzzAgent - Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow. This convenient eyeshadow is served up in a twistable, crayon like form and retails for $8.99.



About Neutrogena Crease Proof Eye Shadow:

Anti-Oxidant Rich Formula Nourishes the Delicate Eye Area
  • Built-in primer prevents creasing, fading & smudging
  • Cream shadow instantly revives & brightens eyes
  • Sheer silky color with light reflecting pearls instantly brightens eyes
  • Ophthalmologist tested.  Safe for sensitive eyes.

My Review:

The Good: I love the concept - an easy to apply, sheer but pretty wash of color for the lids that doesn't crease or fade. And yes, this delivers on those fronts. It's goof proof and the Lasting Taupe (muted silvery taupe) is especially pretty layered under a smokey eye and smudged on the lower lash line.

The Bad: Well, the wash of color is incredibly subtle. As in the Constant Copper looked more like ballerina pink on my medium skin tone - read: barely shows up. It's also worth noting that you should avoid layering the crease proof shadow on top of itself as it will start an ugly product buildup.

The Verdict: B-. For an eyeshadow base, this is a pretty sweet product. However, if you're looking for true color impact, go ahead and skip this option.

February 25, 2013

Oscar Gold

Did you catch the Oscars last night? The celebs were out in style...and no Grammy-esque memo needed...private parts were seemingly on lock down.

It seems that, overall, most played it pretty safe. I definitely saw some lovely dresses, but nothing that really surprised me (a la Gwyneth Paltrow's white cape gown from last year).

Before we get to my three faves...I must note that I really did not enjoy Anne Hathaway's pink Prada gown. Worst dart placement. Ever. See for yourself.


http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2013/02/25/347811.jpg
Photo via Reuters
Nipplegate aside, here are my top three faves of last night's ceremony...

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu. Not a designer you see too often on the red carpet, but this gown's bodice detail and coral-red color are incredible.

http://l.yimg.com/ea/img/-/130225/kerry_washington_oscars_2013_red_carpet_18ilab1-18ilabu.jpg?x=480&q=80&n=1&sig=EkNxoC.UCjvJcbsFFbGr8Q--
Photo via Reuters
Naomi Watts in Armani Prive. How amazing is this dress?

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive
Photo via Reuters
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture and *the best* makeup and hair. Total beauty. Did she steal JLo's makeup artist for the night?

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture
Photo via Reuters
Honorable mentions include...Catherine Zeta Jones, Jessica Chastain and Charlize Theron!

Whose gowns did you love?

February 18, 2013

Super Sale at J.Crack...I mean J.Crew

PSA alert for all you President's Day shoppers...!

Whether you're working (sorry - boo!) or hanging in your PJ's watching reruns of Keeping Up With The Kardashians (sorry as well), J.Crew is having a great online sale. You can snag 40% off online final sale items with free shipping for any order with the code STYLE40.

Here are five picks that will transition beautifully into spring...!






Happy shopping, all!

February 11, 2013

Top Three Grammy Gowns

Well...even though the stiffs behind the Grammys sent out the *don't show your lady bits and man parts* memo, plenty of stars still pushed the envelope last night. I spied a handful of sheer ensembles, racy slits and a mass of side and under boob.

Did the stars take the memo? Well...kinda. We didn't see any pasties a la Lil Kim...so there's that?

Anywho, below are my three fave gowns from last night...which were yours?




February 5, 2013

Currently Craving: Winter Steals

If you're like 99% of the shopportunistic public, you probably enjoy a great deal. And being that we're deadlocked into the winter season, now is the seemingly perfect time to score some rawr-some winter deals.

I very much appreciate in season shopping, because let's be real - unless you're purchasing a very, very trendy piece, you'll likely wear a gorgeous wool coat for years on end. Thus, the inspiration for today's craves. Whether you seek an uber warm North Face puffer or a pair of gorgeous boots, those scores are definitely ripe for the picking.

Happy shopping!

January 28, 2013

Three Red Carpet Surprises on the SAG Awards

While I didn't catch the SAG awards last night, I spent a bit of time checking out the lovely gowns that graced the red carpet. And while I wasn't quite as impressed as I was with the celebs' Golden Globe gown selection, there were still some big surprises.

Three surprises that stood out to me...

1) Nicole Kidman in this sex-ay Vivenne Westwood gown. And super straight locks. And sheer elements. She looked absolutely lovely! I'm often not super inspired by Nic's choices, but this is gorgeous. Definitely outside of her typical covered up, conservative with a bit of edge, gown choice.

Photo via:
Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
2) A young actress actually dressing her age. Yep - 13 year old Kiernan Shipka (of Mad Men) looked perfectly pretty in Oscar de la Renta. Up and coming actresses should take note!

Photo via: Frazer Harrison/Getty
3) Trends that are on fire: Brown-red lips, big waves, super sparkly gowns. While these may not be *surprises* for many, the brown-red lips don't really do it for me, but Claire Danes seemed to make it happen.

Photos via: Steve Granitz/WireImage; Jill Johnson/JPI
Gorgeous waves...
Photo via
Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Photo via Kyle Rover/Startraks
 Glittery goodness...
Photo via Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Photo via Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Any surprises you took note of?

January 21, 2013

Product Review: Clinique High Impact Mascara, C+

Just like lip gloss/chapstick/lipstick/etc, I have a penchant for sampling a variety of mascara. Thus, it should come as no surprise that we have another option up on tap for product review...Clinique's High Impact Mascara.

While this is not a new product to the shelves, I've been meaning to give it a go for a while. Plus, with a promise of *high impact,* I was immediately intrigued. Unfortunately, I can't see myself purchasing this one in the future...



About Clinique's High Impact Mascara:

What it is:
A richly pigmented mascara that kicks up the volume of each individual lash.

What it does:
Get instant drama! Pump up the volume and length of each lash for a look that's lusher, plusher, and bolder. Dress your lashes in pure, deep color—wear it once and you'll feel naked without it.

What else you need to know:
Ophthalmologist tested.

My Review:

The Good: It definitely doesn't clump, goes on soft and smooth, and provides a very natural effect. Plus, it washes off very easily with a mild face cleanser.

The Bad: Well, I didn't see any high impact whatsoever. This is after I made sure to curl my lashes and swipe on two light coats. Meh.

The Verdict: C+. I appreciate the natural, soft effect but this mascara doesn't live up to its high impact name.

January 13, 2013

Golden Globe Dress Faves!

My top five Golden Globe gowns from last night...although there were really so many lovely options! I spied very few *wtf was she thinking* ensembles...

Extra snaps for Claire Danes for completely blowing everyone's minds...girlfriend had her son Cyrus just 4 weeks ago. Like woah.










January 8, 2013

Product review: Benefit Hervana Blush, A

Ah the perfect flush. The "Oh hai, I just got done trotting a 5k" cheeks can be hard to come by. However, I have found a new blush that I'm just tickled over - Benefit's Hervana. While this cheeky cheeker runs $28 per package, I contend it's well worth it.



About Hervana via Sephora:

What it is:
A "good karma" face powder.

What it does:
This powder in four shades–Lucky Shell, Divine Peach, Heavenly Rose and Berry Delight–blend together perfectly for an orchid-blossom blush with a soft satin finish. Swirl and sweep it on for a heavenly flush of enlightenment.

What else you need to know:
For an extra-angelic look, dot High Beam from cheekbones to temples. It's like a halo of highlighting!

My Review:

The Good: Color saturation is the bombdotcom. There's no glitter and really, I don't see much shimmer either. And guess what - this powder blush actually stays put for more than an hour. Since I'm not exactly painting on a full face of makeup these days, I find that a few swipes of Hervana really keep my face looking fresh, rosy and alive.

The Bad: $28 may be a little steep, but considering the color payoff I'd say it's justifiable.

The Verdict: Hervana earns an A from me! I'm seriously considering making this a staple in my makeup bag.