Summer Essentials Series ~ Sweet Nothings

I feel so lucky and happy to have Danielle from Sweet Nothings back for a third year sharing her essentials.  I also feel lucky that I can call Danielle (as well as the gorgeous Kristen) my friends since we have actually met in person and enjoyed lunch.  Danielle is a gorgeous gal with the absolute best style and always showcasing beautiful fashion, hair, accessories on Sweet Nothings.  Oh you want more, she also shares fantastic quotes, home decor and her loveable sweet George dressed in adorable holdiay appropriate gear.  Still don't believe me?  Go see for yourself, you will surely become a daily reader like me all those years ago... 

Hello YBB readers! I am so happy to be back for the third year to share my Summer Essentials with all of you...you can check out 2009 and 2010 as well...

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

This summer I cannot live without my favorite cat eye sunglasses. Mine are from Urban Outfitters(and only 10!), but you can find them anywhere, My motto when it comes to sunnies is The Bigger the Better, and these are no exception.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Summer 2011 has been an interesting one thus far, full of a lot of changes and decisions on my end. So, what am I craving? For it all to work out how it supposed to. And for me to just relax. And to enjoy a cocktail or two while it all falls into place..like this one featured on The Glitter Guide.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Ok, this was a lot harder than I thought to choose a song. Bc I currently have been listening to "Give Me Everything" since February, so I don't consider it a summer song, but man everytime it is on the radio(which seems like every 5 min in LA) I dance in the car. or my room. or in my cube.  I also am obsessed with Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" but am really embarrassed by that-and I mostly think it is because it describes college.. So, I went with another song from Planet Pit, which is such a fun cd that just makes me want to dance on every track.  "Shake Senora Remix" featuring T-Pain, Sean Paul, and Ludacris will get you ready to go out dancing with your girlfriends.

I couldn't agree more about the sunglasses and that sparkletini looks just perfect for summer time!  And you know that I just adore me some pitbull!  Shake Senora is one I haven't heard yet, and will be downloading immediately!   A huge thanks again to Danielle for her awesome lists that just keep getting better!  I cannot wait for our next lunch and shopping excursion. 

Tomorrow my sorority sister Emily will be back with her summer list!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Splurge vs. Steal

Ever since I first saw the T-Mobile commercial with that cute bright pink Marc for Marc Jacobs 'Jailbird Stripe Dress' I have been hunting for a cheaper version of my own.  Well wouldn't you just know that Forever's Striped Dress w/ Belt is a great alternative at a fantastic price.  Don't worry, you won't end up jailed for this fantastic steal!

Forever Frugal Friday - Steal vs. Splurge

Carrie Bradshaw Photo Via Here

Back when SATC2 came out, I was loving this Halston Heritage Pleated Cocktail Dress.  However I wasn't loving the $435 price tag for a dress that essentially doesn't do much for any figure but was worn by Carrie Bradshaw so it is instantly fashionable.  Fast forward a year a few months and good old Forever 21 has this Tired Pleat Dress for a smashing price of $22.80.  Now that is more to my liking. 

This dress is perfect for those hot summer days (hint, hint, LA) and warm summer nights.  Plus it never hurts to let your inner Carrie Bradshaw out to play. 

Drug Store Beauty Booty

I've been really trying to pinch my pennies (I am thinking a fabulous vacation somewhere abroad is so in need) and start utilizing drug store beauty products.  At half the cost, I really can't be too disappointed if they turn out to be a dud (and there have been a few). 

Whenever I think of the Shick Intuition Razors I automatically think of the commercial and start singing Jewel's Intuition (Album Version).  I will say when I first saw the commercial, I thought who would ever use that big bulky razor?  Turns out the answer was me!  I received a free sample and tried it out to find that it works really well and removes the requirement for shave cream at all.  Perfect for vacations, house-sitting, the boyfriends place, or even home. 

Only negative thing is the cost for 3 refills is almost $20...not sure how much you are actually saving...but it is indeed the perfect travel companion razor. 

A gal at my work has very fair skin at work like me and always has the prettiest glow.  I finally just asked what product she used, and it turns out Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers helps her achieve this look (I think her being in her mid 20's doesn't hurt either). 

As a devoted user of Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer I was hesitant to try it out, but seeing as the tube was under $15, I was easily swayed.  While I did not end up with the same glow as Megan, I did end up with a tinted moisturizer that provides decent coverage and a built in SPF of 30.  I am quite happy with this product and while I am not sure it will replace Laura Mercier it has provided a great alternative when money is tight.

I ran out of my eye moisturizer recently and set out to purchase a new one.  Eye creams can get very pricey (even at the drug store) so it was essential I found one that I could use both day and night and focused on moisturizing (anything additional was a bonus). 

I came across the Olay Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream and felt it fit my needs best.  That was until I saw the CVS version right next to it for $3 less.  I will admit I didn't expect much from this eye cream, but I have to say that I am really pleased with just about everything from this jar.  A little goes a long way and it is very moisturizing and silky.  I use it day and night and it may be my imagination, but I think there has been a slight improvement in my general eye area.

I tried the Almay One Coat Dial-Up Mascara after reading a great review on blog (which blog has escaped me right now).  I am always game for a mascara that promises full volume and this one seemed especially great since I could decide how full I wanted that volume to be. 

Turns out it is a decent mascara but I am not loving the plastic bristle brush and tend to go right for level 3 which often has me wiping off the excess on the side of the tube.  I am happy with the coverage but will not be purchasing this tube again.  If you like those plastic style brushes, I would recommend trying this one out.  If you like Dior Show, skip it!

Call me stupid, but when I saw the commercial and magazine ad for the L'OREAL Studio Secrets One Sweep Eyeshadow I was totally sold.  Loved the colors and the idea that someone did all the work for me and all I had to do was swipe the brush across my eyes and voila!  Such a time saver! 

Only it didn't work like that at all.  Not even a little.  This product is a total FAIL.  Luckily I can still use the shadows individually and try to achieve a similar look but, please take my advice and save the $10 this shadow is going to cost you.  Just go buy the individual shadows that will last longer and you will inevitably be happier with. 

Do you have any great drug store beauty items that I need to try?  Do you love any of the products above or had better luck with the one sweep?

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Christian Siriano for Payless

This past Sunday while watching the Red Carpet coverage on E!, they featured a little clip on one of my favorite Project Runway alums Christian Siriano.  The clip was all about his affordable shoe and accessory line at Payless Shoes.  Well I had to check out the collection myself and let me just say that his goods do not disappoint. 

I absolutely, positively must own these Parisienne Exotic Platform Pumps.  My black work heels are about ready to keel over and die (just noticed a large chunk of leather missing off the back - how did that happen?) and I am looking for a new affordable pair and these puppies seem to fit the bill. 

Last year these Jimmy Choo boots were all the rage.  Unfortunately they were so not in my price range.  Well wouldn't you just know that Mr. Siriano's Storm Rain Boots are the perfect alternative?  I really would love to own these guys for Christmas in Seattle and walking Waldo this fall. 

Okay, so I am pretty much obsessed with his use of "snakeskin" for his shoes and accessories but I really am loving this Mena Small Clutch as well.  It looks very luxurious and really transitions into fall and will the perfect accessory for any outfit. 

Mr. Siriano did Payless proud with this collection, which no doubt is sure to sell out.  Saving money and looking fabulous has never been so fierce.

Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple San Gabriel Dress Giveaway!  You have until Thursday afternoon to enter! 

Forever Frugal Friday

A few weekends ago at the Uno de Mayo party I attended, one of the girls had those cute hair ties that look like this...

And I absolutely adored the look and wanted to pick some up for home.  Now, while I do love the Bop Bijoux variety and styles, I do not appreciate the $45 price tag that comes along with 18 of these ties.  Call me cheap, but inevitably these cute (expensive) ties will be lost in the car, eaten by Waldo or loaned out to a girlfriend.  Which is why I was so excited to find these guys!

Yes they aren't as fancy as the Bop Bijoux ones and are made of a different material but all I care about is the variety of colors and that the look in my hair is the same. That extra $40 I save can be used towards my next hair cut.  These little guys will be perfect for pulling my hair back poolside, or even just walking around town.  Love!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Replicate

(click to enlarge)

1) Basic Textured Tunic, 2) Ivanna Braided Heels, 3) Vintage Cutoff Shorts, 4) Imaginaire Studded Tote, F4496 Sunglasses

I may be alone here, but I have always been a Kristin Cavallari fan.  I always liked her better than LC on Laguna Beach and started watching The Hills once she took over for LC.  She's a bitch and she's got her issues for sure, but I love how blunt she is, love her style and think she plays the "bitch" role just right. 

When I saw this picture, I just fell in love with the look (and her gorgeous hair) and wanted to recreate the look for less.  Sadly I couldn't find a gray long sleeved top like hers but I think the navy will do just fine.  And the studded tote is a little different but still functional and funky.  Chances are you already have a lot of these pieces in your closet and may only need one or two items to achieve this look. 

Perfect for a Saturday stroll to your local cafe, or that backyard BBQ party.  Kristin nailed summer cool here. 

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Haute Hippie Inspired

If you like this look...



but prefer to spend a lot less, why not pick up this cute Embellished Trapeze Top instead?



At $29.80 it would look darling with some denim leggings, skinny jeans or tucked into a mini skirt of your choosing. Great piece to own without breaking the bank. I call that Haute Forever!

Splurge Vs. Steal

With Thanksgiving just 15 days away, I realized I haven't even begun to think about a possible dinner outfit (shame on me)! I immediately hopped over to Shop Bop for inspiration and eyed this beautiful Gryphon Metal Sequin Tank.

Just the right amount of sparkle to light up the room. Plus I loved that it isn't completely fitted which will allow for some feasting on turkey (mashed potato, pumpkin, etc). The only thing I didn't love was $295.00 price tag...let's be honest, the odds that I will end up with something down the front of me by the end of the night (be it wine, dessert or gravy) is very likely.

Which is when I had a flashback of my trip to Georgetown with Mrs. R, when I saw this adorable top...

Oh American Eagle..thank you for carrying this Sparkle Tank that although is not an exact replica, will do just fine at $39.50! The quality of the tank is quite nice and I think for a savings of $255.50 I won't be too sad if I end up spilling on this tank.

So I would like to give thanks to Gryphon for designing a beautiful tank, and thank you to AE for making it a little more affordable!

Forever Frugal Friday

Yesterday I was browsing Bloomies phenomenal sale (an additional 50% off all clearance items) and came across this funky t-shirt by LNA...

The cotton was super soft and the zipper gave it a little flair from all the other tees around. Only problem was that $73 was a bit too much to be spending on a t-shirt. Which is why I was super excited this morning to find this...

True the zipper is vertical versus horizontal but for $9.80, who cares? I am picturing this tee with jean shorts, gladiator sandals and a straw fedora for that concert in the park. Funky and fresh - love it!

Forever Frugal Friday

Steve Madden Boogle Sandal

I am loving this gladiator, studded sandal look that is all over these days, and yet I am quite cautious to try this trend. The shoes never look quite right on my foot for the price.

But these Geyla Ankle Wrap Sandals may just have me singing another tune! Not only do I enjoy the grey better than the taupe, at a price difference of approximately $37, I might be definitely willing to try this trend.