Throw Some Beads On It

Fat Tuesday has officially arrived, which means it's time to kick your inhibitions to the curb and party like a rock star... at least for one night (hey, even Cinderella got a night off). And nothing says Mardi Gras like BEADS! But before you end up on the evening news, try something a little less Girls Gone Wild and a little more Girls Gone Glam with the fab finds below.

The only thing you’ll need to flash this time is your credit card.

From Left to Right (Top):
MaxMara, $285, matchesfashion.com
Opaque Necklace, $7.80, forever 21
Moneis Resin Link Necklace, $290, farfetch.com

From Left to Right (Bottom):
Glass Bead Necklace, $32, Debenhams
KEnneth Jay Lne, $155, pret-a-beaute.com
Blu Bijoux, $23 (sale), maxandchloe.com
Opera Violet Pearl Necklace, $10 (sale), 1928.com

Eye Love Eyeliner!

Like most beauty junkies, I'm always on the search for the latest and greatest new product. I'm willing to try just about anything to achieve perfection, and after too many frustrating days of smudged liquid liner or pencil liner that loses color and smears halfway through the day, I've finally found the perfect accessory for my eyes....gel eyeliner! Specifically, Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner by Maybelline. I love how smooth the liner glides across my lash line without irritating my eyes or my eyeshadow - because lets face it, on Saturday night we invest way too much time perfecting our smokey eye just to let the liner screw it up!

Why It's a Fab New Addition to Your Makeup Bag:            

• The formula is oil-free and holds a highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base
• It's smudge-proof and waterproof, so say bye bye to sloppy raccoon eyes!
• Use the included brush to easily control the intensity of the line for added drama.                                          
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested

How To:

• For an everyday defined look, glide liner across lash line from the inner to the outer corner in small strokes.
• More of a drama queen? Extend and thicken the line from the outer corner up towards your brow. Or try channeling your inner pinup and wing it out.

For more tips, click on the link to check out this tutorial from Maybelline:  High Impact Green  . And if you have any tips or tricks, let me know!

Eye Candy

Forget Russel Stovers and Godiva, chocolate is so last season! Instead of gorging out on that heart-shaped box , save the calories and treat yourself to a little accessory eye candy for Valentine’s Day…at least it won’t go to your hips!

 

Birdcage Umbrella, $36, johnlewis.com



 It's almost time for spring, so why not get a leg up on those April showers with this umbrella by LuLu Guiness. It will keep you warm and dry with a thousand sweet kisses. XOXO

 

Necklace, $40, bonadrag.com



He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me...Save the daisies and show him that YOU care (kind of) with this Sweet Nothings necklace by In God We Trust.



Ring, $16, modcloth.com



Tired of being the tough girl? Show your softer side with this Portable Patisserie ring. Zero calories!





Heart Aviators, $16, American Eagle



The look of love isn't just in your eyes, it's covering them with these super cute aviators from American Eagle.

Heart Belt, $39, Asos

Show your favorite pair of Levis some love with this Pieces Fortune belt.





Tarina Tarantino Mod Ring, $50, Zappos



And finally, for the ex that just won't go away....maybe this time he'll get the message.

Can I dress you up in my love?

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and whether you’re flying solo or lookin’ so crazy in love, you should still rock a frock as fabulous as you! For daytime or date night, show your style a little love and try out one of these fierce finds for under $50.

A Vday staple, red is always a holiday must-have. Steer clear of a snoozefest and look for dresses with sexy accents that will make you stand out, like the lacey dress below from Jane Norman.

From Left to Right:
Go Get 'Em One Shoulder, $48, Modcloth.com
Tulip Shift Dress, $27, Dorothy Perkins
Red Lace V Front, $41, janenorman.co.uk

Pretty in pink is more than just a movie this year! Try a candy coated version to brighten up your wardrobe, or play up your softer side with a lighter hue.

From Left to Right:
Mod Revival Colorblock, $35, shopruche.com
Hippie Chic, $36 (sale), generalplants.com.au
Pink Dress, $24, H&M

If red just isn’t your thing, and pink is too girly go for a sultry shade of purple. Pick a dress with roushing around the tummy and hips like the lilac piece from Dorothy Perkins to slenderize problem areas.  

From Left to Right:
Lilac Dress, $44, Dorothy Perkins
Purple Dress, $30 (sale), Delia's
Dress, $45, Alloy

No matter which color you choose be confident and be you!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

 

After months of blaring neons, it’s time to soften things up for spring. Seeking inspiration from hues reminiscent of ice-cream parlor treats, spring 2012 will focus on the light and feminine. Shades of lemon, baby blue, spearmint and lavender will add a delicate touch of flirty femininity to your spring wardrobe.  

Make sure you mix your pastels with neutrals or darks to add depth to your ensemble. Head to toe pastels is never a good idea. My Little Pony is for small children, not grown women! Take a hint from the designers below who combine chocolate brown and tinted neutrals like stone with a flash of color to make pieces pop.  

From Left to Right: Erdem S/S '12, Louis Vuitton S/S '12, Phillip Lim 3.1 S/S '12, DVF S/S '12
Images via style.com

Unsure how to recreate the look on your own? Try this look for less to transform the runway to real life. 

From Left to Right:
Blazer, $29, Dorothy Perkins / Pencil Skirt, $41, Miss Selfridge
Blouse, $47, Top Shop / Belt, $34, BCBG
Pumps, $47, Asos / Clutch, $40, Zara / Sunglasses, $7.50, Wet Seal

Color confused? Try warm tones like blush, cream, or peach if you have blonde, red, brown or black hair with reddish or golden tints, and skin with a warmer undertone.  If you have more of a pinkish skin tone with fairer hair try cool tones like lavender, and spearmint. If pastels feel a little too ‘lady-like’ for you, try easing your way into the trend by only incorporating the colors into your accessories.

  

From Left to Right:
Necklace, $11 (sale), JC Penney / Watch, $75, Nordstrom
Nail Polish, $14, Ulta / Wedges, $50, modcloth.com
Clutch, $32, Top Shop / Head wrap, $5.50, Wet Seal
Sunglasses, $35, Top Shop / Lipgloss, $26, Lancome