A Fresh Take On Spring Break Fashion... I found it At...

Spotted a few cute items this weekend surfing the net...Can't wait to update your wardrobe and slip into  SPRING? Here are some Spring Break Chic staples that are sure to last you a few seasons:

Zipline Minidress in Sidestripe 98.00

www.madewell.com

 

Slim Camden Tote $188.00

www.madewell.com

 

Good Company Heel 138.00

www.freepeople.com

 

Floral Braid Ins $24.00

www.freepeople.com

 

                                                       

The Top 10 TV Shows You SHOULD be Watching right now...

Get your "Bon Bons" out girls. When it comes to TV us "Housewives"...have our pick of variety. From extravagant housewives in EVERY area code with equally extravagant tempers to Two and Half of a Man and all those Women... It's hard not to keep that DVR under 89%. With Netflix to Hulu+, Roku, etc, "Marathoning" a show has become thing to do. So What shows exactly ARE worth watching now? What shows should fill up that DVR space? What shows should I spend an entire weekend in to? I've listed what's trending and  in todays hottest TV programs. There just may be a few shows that are flying under your radar and a few I've listed that are already your fave. What do you think?

House Of Cards, Netflix (Photo www.netflix.com)

MUST SEE IT 2014:

1. House of Cards, Netflix
Political corruption never looked so good in this dynamic Drama. Standouts: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and Corey Stoll are just the frosting on an unforgettable cast. Get past Chapter 1 and you will be up all night not realizing you zoomed through the whole season. Lying, cheating and a whole lot of misleading...it's as though you've been tossed into watching the hottest chess game ever!

2. The Walking Dead, AMC (Available on Netflix)
Just missing our "clean out list" this show gained popularity, slowed down a bit, and is starting to gain traction yet again. Zombie mania hit us hard in 2010, and it appears to be coming full circle in 2014. With a refreshing storyline; change of location, introduction of new characters,  and a possible "reason" for the "outbreak"... answers to pending questions has restored interest in a possibly "dying" fan base. If you have yet to get your head into the "undead" you'll be sure to dive right into the series.

3. 2 Broke Girls, CBS
Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs are the perfect match. The Female Odd couple with their inappropriate banter all while trying to make a dollar in this harsh cruel world. You can't help but laugh at every twist and turn. Threes company (but with two) meets a little bit of Single Girl in The City. Adorable, witty, and warm...the kind of show that reminds you of hanging out with your best girlfriend.

4. Pretty Little Liars, ABC Family (Available on Netflix)
Guilty Pleasure. It's your Ice cream after the break up you shouldn't have, but you have...and it taste so good, so you have it...then you have more, next thing you know, you're making yourself a bowl every afternoon until you finish the carton. You just want to keep coming back for more. Perhaps it's that Aria, Spenser, Emily, and Hannah make themselves so relatable (the characters...to me they don't exist as anything else) or it's that the plot twists are so mind blowing you are always wanting more. Writers do well enough to throw you a bone here and there...keeping you interested and on your toes. If you like cheesy teen movies/ mysteries, spent your teens reading RL Stein books, this is the show for you.

5. Bates Motel, A&E (Available on Netflix)
Scary Good, and Creepy good fun. Bates Motel is the TV adaptation of what happened pre- Norman Bates "Psycho". Vera Farmiga plays the infamous "Mother" Norma Bates...giving brilliant performance after brilliant performance you wont be let down. Episode 1 will have you drawn in immediately. Subtle storylines and great flow makes for an easy watch just as a book is an easy read.

6.American Idol, Fox
With Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. filling the "musical chair" seats this year the vocal competition show has hit a high note once again. Radiant Jennifer Lopez is reminiscent of the "old Paula" ...sweetly encouraging... Harry, is just Harry, honest and just so darn rugged and handsome, and Harry then there's Keith Urban, the token country singer that EVERY singing completion show HAS to have now, but it doesn't hurt that he ALSO is rugged, handsome and has that accent. Good crop of talented kids helps the show this year as well. Looks like producers went the old route...family friendly show with good talented kids, ready to entertain. This is a show I took OFF my DVR list, and this year...is now BACK ON!

7.Mr Selfridge, Masterpiece Classic, PBS (Available on i tunes)
A show centered on the life story of the founder of a London Department Store. Selfridge is trying to be everything Downton is not...how about having your tea with a bit of tobacco?! Not nearly as classy and a bit more smart (you know the rest) Selfridge is the parlor show, you can't even compare it to the Abbey so don't even try. Those who do have their hair tied up too tight and Selfridge is more for the gal who lets her hair down. If you like a good period show that's fun, fast and loose this is the show for you. Give it a couple of episodes, but you will find yourself pleasantly surprised. A nice change from the Downstairs/ Upstairs drama.

8. Orange Is the New Black, Netflix
This Comedy, crime , drama will leave you completely intrigued and fatigued. You'll watch each episode wondering what you just watched, but excited for the next one and then watch the next episode completely reliving the later feeling. The main character Piper is a thirty something who is jailed for fifteen months for a decade old crime. Learning the in's and out's ...you find yourself riding every character's emotional rollercoaster. It's a theme park of epic proportions. you'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll be "locked in."

9.Melissa & Joey, ABC Family (Available on Hulu+)
Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence -"WOoooaaaH", yeah I said it. Couldn't make for better TV fluff in this comedy about a "Manny". Think Tony Danza's "Who's The Boss" if it were on TGIF mixed with a little bit of Disney. This show doesn't try to pretend to be anything but what it is. Melissa Joan Hart will always be a great TV sitcom actress, pleasant and warm...relatable and real. Joey Lawrence will always be "that guy from "Brotherly Love"...I always had a "Teen TV Crush on his brother Mathew...even got to meet him once in Anaheim while standing in line for Pirates of the Caribbean.-SwOoN. (Note:The photo). A Great Love interest for Melissa in a comedy the comedic chemistry is undeniable. Rainy day fun while eating junk food. In fact...that's what I'd call this show, good "junk food" for the soul.

Mathew Lawrence and I (Pictured Above) @ Disneyland Anaheim, CA

10. Dance Moms, lifetime
If you've ever watched Toddlers in Tiaras or if you have ever seen Godzilla...wait, maybe that's not the right analogy. Picture one very Winning Hungry Dance teacher (One Miss Abby Lee Miller) with a gaggle of Dance moms all thirsting to get their daughters to the top.  This isn't your typical Cheer comp mom show or your type A eccentric room mother melodrama. This is the REAL DEAL DANCE DIVA Throw Down. You can't help, but find yourself rooting for the girls, some of their mothers and hoping they leave their dancing dreams in the dust to pursue a normal childhood...but you'll definitely stick around to see who takes 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 1st on Abby's "poop list"...

The BEST LBD you EVER DID SEE

So, I found this dress after watching "Courtney Loves Dallas." I'll admit it, I'm a bit of a reality TV Hag. (I'm not the ONLY one, am I??? ;) ) I saw Courtney Kerr wearing this little black swing dress in the episode where she confronts her "SCHMEX" (Shmuck of a some-what ex) Matt. (Shame on him for Breakin' our little Courtney's heart like he did....) Well, at least she looked good when she walked away leaving him in all his Douche glory) I immediately found myself asking myself being more concerned with WHAT COURTNEY WORE on her  (lets NOT call it a) Date.  Simple, clean, cute and classic, LOVE, LOVE<LOVED her little black ASOS dress. At an affordable price point: under $60.00 I decided to give it a go, and order one for myself. GLAD I did. Received this dress this week and was so happy, I am convinced every girl of ANY size should own THIS dress. NO joke. I don't care if you shop High or Low end... This is a staple. Amazing fit, great quality, can be dressed up or down. Super flattering and can be worn year round. I love this dress so much, I'm considering purchasing it in the green as well. I have already received multiple compliments and intend to wear it again (twice in the same month for a piece of my wardrobe is a rarity)

ASOS Swing Dress with pockets and Long Sleeves

$51.85

 

 



Flirty Looks for the Pre-Valentines Date... AKA the "the Get Him on The Hook Look"

So, in order to catch the Valentine of your Dreams, I am a firm believer in screening those potential suitors... After all, The BIG day isn't reserved for JUST anybody, so you want to make sure it's with someone special. Enter, the perfect "Snag-Em" outfit. There's a science to this ladies. You have to appear approachable yet stylish, low maintenance, however chic and put together. If there's one thing I've learned in all my experience in the dating world, and now talking to my husband of 8 years and all of his male friends, what a woman wears is absolutely crucial in the "poaching game" of the Valentine "Love Round Up". Here are some Do's and Do Not's  that were unanimously mentioned. I have also included some of my recommendations of the "Ideal" Get Him on The Hook Look pieces to make sure you find yourself the perfect V Day date... you know for some of you Housewives in Training! ;)

Do's:
Fancy shoes
Classic Black and White
Flirty but NOT trashy words across the chest
A nice fitting Pair of Jeans in a cool wash
Light colors (pastels)
Colors that compliment the eyes
Sun dresses
Blues
Sparkly earrings
1 pop of color
Interesting Prints
Cool/Classy Accessories


Do Not's:
Clothing that's too tight
Animal Print Overload
Heals so high you can't walk in them
leggings as pants
Overalls
Too much make up
Constantly being on phone, phone is practically a part of the outfit
tube tops
too much color all over
Neon
Trend Overload
Brand Overload

www.modcloth.com

Reasonable Request Sweater

$72.99

www.oldnavy.com

Rockstar Mid-rise Distressed Jeans

$36.94

www.payless.com

Krime Peep Toe Pump

Fioni

$29.99

www.avon.com

Mark

Oh Couture Bag

$38.00

www.lulus.com

Ark&Co bloom and Grow Floral Print Dress

$49.00

www.lulus.com

Fan Club President Earrings

$11.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                 

                                                               

 

I found them: THE Holly Grail Foundations

We have all Done it...spent what seems like thousands of $$$ on Foundations and powders trying to perfect our look. Our face means everything to us. It's what EVERYONE sees. It's the FIRST thing everyone notices when they meet us (well, 2nd to boobs for SOME men) and without a "perfect" foundation in the picture we can't possibly go about our day feeling like we have our look put together. I have tried them ALL....inexpensive to expensive and I have tested out the lot of them. I've put them to the test in Louisiana and Florida's EXTREME humidity all the way to the dry desert climates of Las Vegas. I like to call my skin the "Every Girl's skin"...your typical flare ups, combination, medium skin...therefore consider myself a worthy test subject.
One VERY lucky day, out of frustration...I went on a makeup binge and  I found THEM both THE HIGH AND LOW Holly grail foundations! I was THRILLED these foundations worked for my skin...and I am to this day a very happy "Glamper" with my make up. WILL not change unless they bottle Beauty itself.  I give you the challenge of agreeing or disagreeing. All I can say these are the products I personally swear by. I will also Include in this blog post old favorites I changed from and alternate form favorites I found that I was very happy with, but simply chose to change from due to coverage preference as well as foundations I tried and felt "meh" about. Links and photos are provided for your pleasure. ENJOY friends!

www.hourglasscosmetics.com

$60.00

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup

Oil Free

SPF 15

 

GRADE: A+

Vegan Friendly

Great for your skin

Doesn't settle in fine lines

Doesn't cake

Lasted 16 Hours in High Humidity (no reapplication)

Lasted 16 Hours in Dry Temperatures (no reapplication)

Didn't cause break out around menstruation due to pore clogging

Goes on smooth with or without primer

Covers imperfections and dark spots

Great Color Range/Match

Fresh look that is "So In" right now

best applied with sponge

 

 

 

www.sephora.com

$27.00

SEPHORA COLLECTION

                                                    Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

 

Grade B+

Fast Application

Great price for spray and amount

Great coverage

No primer suggested

Can be a little messy when applying, but easy once you get it

Look is flawless (porcelain doll like)

Not irritating to the skin

Lasted 14 hours in humidity

lasted 16  hours in dry heat, started to settle in lines after 10

blushes and bronzers apply VERY well to this makeup.

 

www.ulta.com

$9.99

Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup

 

Grade A

Doesn't Settle into fine lines

Goes on Silky smooth

Lasts FOREVER (no need to put hours)

Buildable coverage

Great value...stands up to many high end products

natural glow

anti-aging properties

moisturizing WITH staying power- WHA?!?

Best applied with makeup brush

 

www.ybskin.com

$54.00

Youngblood Mineral Radiance Crème Powder Foundation

 

Grade A+

Mineral Properties without metal

Goes on VERY Smooth

Great coverage

2 in 1 Foundation AND Powder

Healthy Radiant look

Doesn't feel caked

Jennifer Aniston uses this so it must be GOLD

Lasted ALL Day and Night

Healthy Price point, but a little goes a long way

Great color selection, blends into skin well

Best used with Youngblood Primer

Best Applied with Sponge

 

 

Other Brands I have tried and My Grades for them (I will generalize by brand and not get specific by their individual types unless one type was better than another):

 

Make Up Forever HD B-

Dior Nudeskin B

Marc Jacobs Genius Gel B-

Nars Sheer Matte B-

YSL  C+

Lorac Breakthrough C

Smashbox Camera Ready C-

Benefit, Hello Flawless B

Cargo, HD B

Maybelline Fit Me C

Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse B

Too Faced Amazing C

Revlon Photo Ready B

Rimmel Lasting Finnish D

 Bare Minerals D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A LiTtLe SpRiNg FeVa' to keep ya' Warm in the Chill

OkaY, So I'm directly contradicting my last post...(saying I needed a little break, hold off on the spring talk, yada yada yada) but I saw some super cute spring accessories on www.Piperlime.com and I just could not help myself from sharing them with you all. Super cute and chic for transitioning from January all the way into April-May. MUST HAVES.  Check these beauties out.

Loeffler Randall Lock Clutch Handbag

$325.00

www.piperlime.com

 

 

 

Runway Double Wrap Watch

Michael Kors

$180.00

www.piperlime.com

10 Things I HATE Right Now...

10. Cell Phone Wars, The war between Android and Apple has gone too far. Big phone, little phone...little screen, better camera, faster internet, slower...I can't keep up. Having bounced back and forth between the two, I have decided I want a cell phone that makes calls. We have grown obsessed with having the latest greatest thing. There is always something better out there. I'm starting to become confused as a consumer. I don't even know what half of the features on my phone do, and I find myself forcing myself to use features I don't really need for the first two weeks after I buy it. When all is said and done...I call people, text people, use the same 4 apps, and occasionally show people all the really neat stuff I DON'T use at dinner parties! My father still has "The Razor"...brilliant man he is...

9. The Wedge Sneaker...(Especially the ones with Velcro) Mark my words women...this trend is rapidly approaching a fashion EXIT. We will curse the day it ever came into style. This may be the of the top 10 most unattractive fads of all time. Yes, Fashion can meet function, but this is one case where we will all look back regrettably and shake our heads wondering why so many of us bought into the idea that these fugly shoes ever saw the light of day. Very much like "Juicy Velour Sweat Suits", "Mom Jeans" and "Ed Hardy bedazzled shirts" we will wish them an awful death. Invest in some cute Nikes...be proud of your height...you're working out...you can't be short in your yoga pants for 2 hours??? Gotta' wear Sneakerpumps to go get groceries? Lord knows you're not wearing these hideous things to spin class so where the hell does one look "put together" in a half tennis shoe, half wedge"...GET YER Real shoes ON GIRL.

Photo: Zappos.com

Coach

8. Valet Parking taking 50% off the parking spaces everywhere! I love Valet. Use it here and there when dining out, however, for the 80% of the time I don't use it. Would like to know that they leave SOME parking spaces for us regular people just trying to make our quick stops. LOVE going somewhere to find that unless I want to pay $6-$20, plus tip...there are NO parking spots available. THERE ARE plenty of EMPTY BLOCKED OFF valet parking spots though...IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON!!! I get that they're trying to get people to cough up dough to get a prime spot for lunch, but if I want to make a quick run into to Sur La Table, I can't afford to spend another $22.00+ the  $100.00 I'm already contributing to the economy for a 20 minute stop. I'll rally around the parking lot and waste $10.00 worth of gas instead until a parking spot becomes available ;) (I WILL NOT GIVE IN)

7. STOP the MID DRIFT! (exception: you're on a beach ) EVERYONE WEARING THIS look,  LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE TRYING WAY TOO HARD> unless you are Kate Moss...or Miranda Kerr (by all means, you two may carry on wearing whatever you want-You two are Superhuman)

6. Hearing about the Target Scandal... Target had a BAD DECEMBER...BUT....Target can do no wrong in my eyes. I don't care if they had a security breach...don't care if they had some gift card mess up. Target STILL is AND will ALWAYS be THE MOTHERSHIP. You go back to shopping at Walmart for a month and see if you don't come crying back. Target is clean, organized, well stocked and I have never been to a target and walked out without being happy with my overall customer experience. We live in a world where YES, even the biggest and best of store chains are vulnerable and  susceptible to being compromised, therefore compromising us as consumers. Could they have handled their PR a "Little" better??? Well, You try being the most popular kid in school, being responsible for a school break in of which you had little knowledge of, then wanting everyone to give you a detailed account of what happened the next day. You do your best to calm the masses with what you know, but lets face it...no matter what anyone was told it would never be good enough. All anyone listed to was "Our beloved Target was hacked, and our credit card info is stolen, were all screwed...blah blah blah"
When it comes to stuff like this, as a consumer, it's always best to take a deep breath, check your cards, your credit, and then call the store, or visit the customer service counter personally. It was hilarious how outraged people got. It was like they were cheated on by a boyfriend or something. The important thing to remember is Target didn't rip you off...thieves did. Give blame where blame is due. Target, I STILL LOVE you....especially your Threshold Home collection.

photo:target.com

madhut comforter

5. Miley Mania...Why is this woman famous? for licking things? being naked? I guess she can sing...is it the music? I can't hear the music, because of her loud behavior.

4. Hashtag EVERYTHING.. A Few Hashtags are perfectly reasonable, but hashtag overload is ridiculous. When someone has a photo and under that photo is #beautiful #lovinglife #dontcare #lifeiswonderful #luvinit #bestdayever #mountains #topoftheworld #bestfriendsforver .... I just don't understand, nor see the purpose of all the hashtags. I got the picture #GAG

3. Redneck Reality shows. Maybe it was HoneyBooBoo or it Was Duck Dynasty that started the hype, but now there are tons of shows that are trying to cash in on the "Redneck" lifestyle. It always happens, there's one successful show and then follows multiple copy cats. When will producers learn, 2 seasons max and they will be canceled, because  they will never be as good as the original. Shows have been trying to imitate "The Housewives franchise" for Years....UNSUCCESSFULLY...in fact many might argue that the Housewives have moved away from their formerly successful recipe and are declining in popularity. Here we have The Redneck Recipe...How long before everyone just gets too much of all the fixins'...I'm already over it, and I've just had a taste.

2. Trying to make orange lipstick in. Remember when Regina George told Gretchen Wieners to STOP trying to make "Fetch" happen?...."Gretchen...Stop trying to make Fetch Happen, it's not going to happen" EVERY spring...the fashion mags try to make orange lipstick happen..."It's not going to happen." ...Orange Lipstick doesn't look good on anyone normal. Looks great on select celebrities, and even on celebs it's a very select few.

1. Holliday Hangover. Hating that It's January and immediately we are bombarded with the usual "Get ready for Spring!" antics while our head is STILL spinning from the whirl wind that was Oct-Dec. Give us 30 Days people!!!! Let my Credit card breathe. I just got all these cute boots and sweaters for Christmas that I still want to enjoy, don't even taunt me about putting them away yet. Good grief, my Christmas tree just met the curb last week. I need a hot minute, before the tax prep commercials, the valentines reservations and St. Patty's Day Party plans.