Archive for the ‘Top Five’ Category

Top Five: Headbands & How to Wear Them

top5headbands

This year it is all about the hair accessories and thanks to Gossip Girl, headbands have become increasingly popular. Now designers are taking this simple concept and putting a new spin on the classic headband. You can really find some fun and unique headbands now. I will show you some of my personal favorites.

1. Betsey Johnson Crystal Headband with Bow - This is my go-to headband during the colder months. I absolutely adore this headband. I had bought a plain crystal headband prior to Betsey Johnson’s headband collection but I love this one because it is much more casual. I love dressing up a casual sweatshirt and jeans by wearing this headband. It allows you to stay comfortable and warm while still feeling like a girl.

2. New York Zipper Headband – I found this adorable headband when I went to New York last month. A lady was selling handmade hair accessories that were extremely cute and affordable. What I loved about this particular headband was that the flower was made out of a zipper, which is another HUGE trend this season. This was the perfect headband to pair with a pea coat.

3. Free People Lacey Trio Headband - This headband instantly caught my eye and it looks fabulous on. The jewels look so great in the light and are so colorful that this headband can really be worn with a variety of different outfits. This headband is the perfect headband if you want to get noticed. You can find this headband at Free People stores or online for only $20. 

4. Betsey Johnson Leopard Print Headband – I love this Betsey Johnson headband as well. This is my go-to beach accessory. It goes great with my leopard print swimsuit and my beach cover-ups. Headbands are a great way to look great, keep your hair out of your face and protect your scalp.

5. gla.MAR.ous Pamela Headband – I won this headband in a contest and I really like it. What is unique about this one is how it is constructed. All of the other headbands, excluding the zipper bow headband from New York, have been elastic headbands. This headband’s base is a zipper with the edge being similar to bra straps that can be fitted to the size of your head. So no matter how big or small your head is, you can rest assured that this headband will fit you and never be too loose. This headband definitely makes a statement so the outfit that you wear should make a statement as well. I would pair this headband with a fitted skirt and a cropped jacket for an edgier look. You can find this headband online for $22. Make sure to check out their other headbands as well!

Top Five: Leggings and Tights

leggings

Leggings and tights are the perfect must-have for fall! They allow you to change the look of an outfit in an instant. It also allows you to transition your summer clothes into fall.

1. Denim Leggings- Denim leggings (or “jeggings”) have definitely become a fast-growing trend within the past month. When looking for a pair of denim leggings, I would recommend looking at the ones that look more like actual jeans and less like leggings such as the Bebe Quinn Skinny Distressed Legging which are currently on sale for $69.30. Pair these with a cute shirt, high heels and some bangles and you are good to go!

2. Rouched Leggings - Pixie Market has this pair for $78. The rouching in the side gives the look of skinny jeans but I would recommend wearing these leggings with a longer shirt. Definitely a cute pair of leggings to wear for a night out on the town.

3. Cropped Tights- You can never go wrong with classic black tights. I am in love with this pair from Spanx. Because it is from Spanx, you know it will help you slim and shape your body while looking stylish. These tights can easily dress up shorts by wearing it with a pair of classic pumps. The Spanx ‘High Falutin’ Footless Pantyhose are only $28.

4. Statement Leggings -Some people like to wear leggings that really stand out such as this pair from Pixie Market or a simple hot pink. What you wear with these leggings are really up to you! You can make the leggings stand out even more by keeping your outfit very simple or you can add to the craziness of the leggings by mixing and matching different patterns that make the outfit look unique. The Pixie Market Phamous leggings are $49.

5. Lace Tights – The Free People Rhinestone Lace Tight is the perfect pair of tights to wear under any skirt or dress. Try wearing these tights under your favorite summer dress. The Free People Rhinestone Lace Tights are $38.

Top Five: Beauty Finds

makeup

Whether looking to try a new mascara or looking for a great way to take all of your make-up off, I decided to blog about my current beauty must-haves and obsessions.

1. L’oreal Double Extend Mascara Beauty Tubes Technology - I have tried a lot of mascaras but this is by far my favorite. Never have my eyelashes looked longer and fuller than when I have used this. L’oreal claims that with the beauty tubes technology, your lashes will look up to 80% longer and they are absolutely right. Plus, the tubes make it super easy to take it off at the end of the day. $9

2. Too Faced Shadow Insurance – Anti Crease Eyeshadow Primer – this item is a definite must! If you want your eye shadow looking just as good at the end of the night that it did when you first applied it, then you need Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Just squirt a little bit on the tip of your pointer finger and apply to your eyelid before you put on your makeup and you are good to go. $17

3. Nars Duo Eyeshadow- ever since my mother first introduced me to Nars, I’ve been hooked. My favorite thing from Nars would have to be the Duo Eyeshadows. I am not a make-up artist but their duo eyeshadow makes it easy to fake it. All I do is swipe the darker of the colors across my eyelid while using the lighter color to highlight the brow. I use “Stage Beauty” (brown), ”Wicked” (green) and “Violetta” (purple). $32

4.  Nars Lip Gloss- another one of my favorites from Nars is their lip gloss in “Orgasm.” When I got my make-up done for a homecoming dance one year, I got this particular lip gloss as a free gift and absolutely loved it. Absolutely gorgeous color and it seems to last long. I have also heard from other people that they love using Nars blush in “Orgasm” too. Apparently a very popular color. $24

5. Boots No 7 Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes – these make-up removing wipes are great! They come in a pack of 30 but the wipes are plenty big so unless you wear extremely heavy make-up, you can probably get away with ripping these wipes in half. These quick thinking wipes allow you to cleanse, tone, moisturize and remove your make-up all in one simple step. Available at Target. $7

Top Five: Ways To Double Your Wardrobe

croppedDo you feel like you have nothing to wear yet no money to buy new clothes? Use these simple tricks to update your wardrobe without emptying your wallet.

1. Cropped Jacket – throw a cropped jacket over any dress or shirt to make it look like a whole new outfit. To make a girlie dress look edgy, try a cropped leather jacket.

2. Leggings – leggings can make any outfit look new. Try wearing leggings under shorts, skirts and dresses!

3. Wide Belt – throw a nice wide belt around a dress to accentuate your waist.

4. Wear a Shirt Underneath – wear a shirt underneath your favorite dress for a more casual look. It can be any type of shirt you want from a plain short-sleeve t-shirt to a long sleeved turtleneck. Dress this look up by layering necklaces.

5. Tights – tights can be used much like leggings. Look for tights with funky designs in them to draw some attention to your legs. People won’t even notice if you happen to wear the same outfit twice.

Top Five: Summer Accessories

summeracc

Summer 2009 is all about making a statement. Stand out of the crowd with these summer accessories.

1. Headbands - they are not just for little girls anymore. Simple headbands are nice but stand out with an embellished headband. Betsey Johnson makes fabulous ones but they are very hard to find. Also try Free People.

2. Statement Ring - change the look of any outfit with a beautifully oversized ring. Definitely not for the timid!

3. Painted Nails - finish off your look with nail polish. Choose black or a deep red for a modern look or a bright color to lighten both your outfit and your mood. My favorite color is Schiap (bright pink) by Nars.

4. Cuffs – the perfect accessory for summer tank tops and shorts. A definite summer must-have!

5. Watch – don’t let boring watches hold you and your style down. Betsey Johnson offers a very fun and fashionable collection of watches.

Top Five: Graduation Gifts for 2009

3210983614_70e7e1e3f6_mAre you struggling to find the perfect gift for the stylish graduate in your life? Whether she is a high school or college graduate, Juicy Couture has come to your rescue with several JUICY ideas.

1. Juicy Graduation Charms - Juicy now offers graduation charms such as a 2009 yearbook charm, class ring and graduation cap charms. Juicy did offer a pre-made Juicy 2009 graduation charm bracelet that retailed for $138 but I believe it is no longer available. It has been taken off of the Juicy Couture site so if you are still looking for the charm bracelet, I would check in Juicy Couture, Neiman Marcus, Nordstroms, or any other local stores that carry Juicy charms. The graduation charms sell individually for around $48-$58.

2. 2009 Class Ring Necklace – if you are looking for a more subtle piece of jewelry, then I would go with Juicy’s 2009 Class Ring Necklace. It is a gold link chain necklace with the 2009 class ring charm. Retail price: $48.

3. Graduation Wristlet – this is a very cute wristlet that could be used again and again. It comes in either black or pink and has a wrist strap and a zip top. It has the Juicy 2009 Graduation logo on it but is still subtle enough to be used many years after graduation. Retail price is $78 but it is currently on sale at JuicyCouture.com for $58juicy-couture-yearbook-tote-markers.

4. Juicy Graduation Photo Album – help your graduate remember this day forever with the Juicy Graduation Photo Album. Retail price is $75.

5. Juicy Yearbook Tote with Markers - I love this gift because not only is it personal and memorable, but it is also very useful. Every girl could use a tote, even if its just for a fun day at the beach with some friends. Having all of her high school or college friends sign it, makes it that more special. She’ll be able to look back on this gift and remember all of the good times with her friends as well as the lovely lady that gave it to her. Retail price: $88.

All of these items can be found at JuicyCouture.com.

My Top Five Must-Haves for Summer 09

Summer is just around the corner, are you ready? You will be with these five must-haves for summer!

Steve Madden - Boogle in Brown Suede

Steve Madden - Boogle in Brown Suede

1. Sandals - Throw out those old ratty flip flops for a pair of  Gladiator sandals. This style of shoe became popular last year. This summer, it is all about the embellishments. I bought a pair of Steve Maddens sandals this year and I love them. Embellished with beads, sequins and stones, you can never go wrong. Go to SteveMadden.com to purchase your pair today. But before you do, make sure you check out your local Ross, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls to see if they have a pair in stock for less.

2. Sunscreen -There is a lot of talk about the dangers of excess sun exposure. Make sure you protect yourself against the sun with the best of the best. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock in SPF 55, 70 and 85 is a great sunblock. It’s sweat-proof, waterproof and it won’t clog your pores! For more information, check it out for yourself at Neutrogena.com.

Free People - Printed Dreamweaver Tank

Free People - Printed Dreamweaver Tank

3. Racerback Tanks -One of my favorite trends this season are the racerback tanks. I love that designers are being even more creative with the racerback tanks by adding lace or knitting the back adding for a truly unique top that can be dressed up with jeans and pumps for a night on the town or dressed down with shorts and sandals for a fun day at the beach. You can find this racerback tank at any Free People store or at FreePeople.com.

4. Brighten Up Your Lips - I am a big fan of hot pink nail polish in the summer. This summer, why not a bright pink lipstick? Replace your dark red lipstick and save it for the fall time. For summer, brighten up your lips with a shocking pink or a vibrant red for a fresh, summer look. For bright lip stick, I would recommend trying MAC Cosmetics for a vibrant color that compliments your skin tone.

5. Lilac Eyes - After you brighten up your lips, don’t forget about your eyes. Nothing shows the start of a new season like the changing of eye shadow colors. I use Nars Cosmetics Duo Eyeshadow in Violetta. For even more fun, play up your eyes with purple eyeliner.