Make Me Beautiful

Hi All,

Many of you have expressed to me that you’ve been anxiously awaiting my full review of the latest spring fashions from JCrew. Well, at long last, your wait has come to an end! Due to the fact that this post has been in draft form for longer than I care to reveal (!), you’ll find that there are looks here in this post which range from the beginning of the Spring season to the present time (i.e., newer arrivals). Since I don’t have a lot of extra time at the moment, commentary will be brief & kept to a minimum. So here goes:

I love, love, LOVE (!) this blouse (i.e., the Swiss Dot Emily Blouse). [My favorite colors are the white & shell (pink).] I know I blogged about it already in a somewhat abbreviated form in a previous post, but no matter, I will praise its merits again here: It is just exquisite. Flattering & feminine, & comfortable. What more could you want in a blouse? Please note that the fabric is a tad bit sheer, so I’d recommend wearing a nude-colored bra that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. That way, your bra line will more or less disappear.

Some other blouses/tops I love:

I can attest that the fit & style of this top are both FABULOUS. Own it in a few different colors, including the one pictured above. Very flattering to multiple body types.

Love the cute bow detail & the color. A great way to add interest to a simple tank top. Feminine without overdoing it on the cutesy factor.

Such a beautiful print! I’ve found that this top is cut very close to the body, so if you may have to size up by one size if you prefer a looser fit.

More great picks:

The below tops are best left to the smaller-busted ladies, but they are very cute, nonetheless:

I’m particularly enamored of the below looks, although they are again, probably best left to those with a B-cup & under. Still love the look of them, even though I won’t be wearing them:

Love the flowy top on the left & the square neckline of the cami on the right. Both would look fabulous with a fitted jacket, to contrast with the loosely fitting underpinnings.

Can’t get enough of the gathered sleeve idea in the top pictured immediately above. Such a graceful detail……

The new Caterina tops are a favorite style of mine from this season…..


For more coverage, I’d recommend wearing a thin camisole layer underneath, as the shirt will probably look a little bit too low-cut for office wear. As is usually the case with low-cut tops, the smaller-busted gals might be able to get away with not wearing a cami underneath, as the top will have a completely different look on them. I do recommend that bustier gals think twice before wearing this top without a cami. However, I still wouldn’t recommend wearing this top sans cami for the office, no matter what your bust size is. After all, the point is to look subtlely sexy, & not like the resident office tramp. No need to hit people over the head with a drain pipe, when a magic wand will do.

The above top reminds me of the henley tuxedo top from earlier seasons, but of course, it comes in more vibrant, spring-like colors!

Here’s another very cute idea…..

Looks like JCrew was listening when I requested they make a madras cami (in a previous post). I’d mentioned the design idea a while ago; see my “Mad For Madras” post for specifics…… This is yet another style which is best for A & B cups with a straight figure. Sigh. I guess those of us who’ve got a bit more upstairs will have to wait for a top made just for us. I’m not holding my breath….. Maybe I should’ve been more specific: JCrew, can you please make a madras cami that bustier ladies can wear too!?!

And now for the dresses:

And once again, JCrew channels the ghost of Jackie O. (!):

This print is gorgeous, although the fit is best for straighter figures:

Some adorable sweaters:

Cute jackets:

Bottoms:

And here’s the keyring one-piece bathing suit, a returning classic in a new color:

Some jewelry I love:




While I do love the gold, orange, & turquoise colors in the baubles featured in the bottom tier (immediately above), I’m honestly not so crazy about the translucent yellow glass “crystal” in the middle. Wish they’d left that out, as it kind of cheapens the look of the above pieces. But love the overall idea.

Here are some amazing accessories — I absolutely adore the madras-rimmed hat (the lining extends to the entire underneath surface of the hat!), & these über-elegant clutches:

Of course, these shoes echo the same design of the satin clutch (pictured immediately above):

Love these espadrilles. Here are my favorite colors/prints:

These ballet flats are so-ooo cute! And so are these delicate gold sandals:

Every gal needs a sophisticated pair of dark brown summer sandals….. An important wardrobe basic:

Some cute bags:

Love the tea-stained madras print in the weekender bag & the idea/shape of the of the bag featured in the middle (although I think the colors of the madras print could’ve been more vibrant & interesting). Also love the colors & the print of the bag on the far right, although I have to say that I don’t typically go for the vinyl/plastic-look, even when it comes to cosmetic bags.

And that’s a brief look at my list of Spring favorites. Hope you had fun!

-C

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Reviewer: Cinnamon Kitten

Brand: John Frieda Collection
Name: Brilliant Brunette Lustrous Touch Smoothing Shampoo
Name: Brilliant Brunette Lustrous Touch Smoothing Conditioner
Size: 8.45 fl. oz / 250 ml
Approx. Price: $10 CAD

I love John Frieda’s Brilliant Brunette and I’ve been a loyal user of the Moisturizing Shampoo for years (it’s so moisturizing, I don’t even bother with a conditioner).

So I’m not very anxious to switch my hair care products, although once in a while I do “switch out” for a couple of weeks, just to give my hair a product break.

However, I was intrigued to think that John Frieda had put out a product that would make my dark brown hair look even more shiny and brilliant and decided to give this shampoo and conditioner combo a try.

Popularity: 1% [?]

With the purchase of any (2) two specially marked Herbal Essences shampoo or conditioner products, you can receive a free manicure or pedicure at participating salons!

Just save your receipt and visit herbalessences.com/manipedi and follow redemption instructions on how to mail in their receipt. Delivery of manicure/pedicure voucher will take four to six weeks. Specially marked products are on shelves now through June.

The following collections will be specially marked and included in the promotion:

* Long Term Relationship
* Hello Hydration
* Body Envy
* Totally Twisted
* Color Me Happy

The promotion is also valid with the purchase of any (1) one Herbal Essences haircolor product.

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For a while now, I’ve wondered what I’d look like with straight bangs. When I found out that my friend managed to avoid the whole “awkward” growing out stage when she got tired of her straight bangs by getting extensions, I seriously considered getting them.I mean, doesn’t Alexis Bledel look sooo cute and pretty with straight bangs? Of course, I know that what works for Alexis might not work for me, but I figured that since I have a long face and already have side bangs anyway, I can’t go too wrong with straight bangs. I am kind of want to get a new look anyway. Alas, the the prospect of regular maintenance, the fear that it won’t suit me after I’ve cut it and my upcoming graduation (and therefore I don’t want to do anything to screw up my hair), stopped me from getting straight bangs.
The other day, flicking through my cousin’s teen magazines, I saw the most interesting thing: clip on bangs. How smart! How come I didn’t think of that before? So, the next time I went to get my hair done, I consulted my hairstylist, Roy, on the use of clip on bangs. He said that he sometimes used them when they are on location and don’t have that much time to style hair properly and that they used it for hair product ads (I was very disappointed to find out that the long, shiny, silky locks models have in hair product ads are fake). He told us that they actually sold them a few blocks away from the salon. At that, HG and I immediately headed over there to get one each. I even brought it back to the hair salon, so Roy can give my clip on bangs a trim. He actually made me go back to return them, because the ones I got were too short. He advised me to get longer clip on bangs. That way I can clip it further back on my head, so that I can cover up the obvious line where it clips on, with my layers. For the shorter bangs, you’d need to wear a headband or something to cover it up.

Excited I immediately went home to try it on. While the concept of clipping your own fringe back, clipping on the fake fringe at the side (I’ve pointed out the clips with the blue arrow above) and then covering it with your layers sounds very simple, it turns out to be a very difficult task. Trust me, I’ve given it many many tries over the last 2 weeks and have still to master it. I am tempted to blame it on my inability to use a bobby pin, but I’m beginning to suspect that they are just impossible to put on properly. First it is very hard to clip it onto your hair, because it needs to grasp onto some hair first (difficult to explain properly, but the point is, its hard!). Then, when you DO get it clipped on, it is NOT STRAIGHT. And you cannot have straight bangs that are not straight. If you DO manage to get it half straight and your real bangs are not falling out at this point, you face the problem of color. Apparently, there are many shades of black. I thought that my hair would be fine, since I already dye it an artificial blue black and the clip on bangs were an artificial black as well. But NO. I took it out for a quick 15 minute test drive this weekend (once I FINALLY got it on half way decently) and took a picture. EWW. Not only was the color a bit off, but I totally looked like I had a MOP on my head. Maybe I just don’t know how to get it on right? Anyone tried them?

So yes, my awesome clip on bangs idea turned out not to be such a good idea after all.

Image Source: Yahoo TV

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June is just almost a month away and some top designers presented their couture bridal gowns straight to the runway. It’s a great opportunity for those who want to be a June bride, you’ll have a peek on the hottest runway bridal gowns.

Reem Acra
Brides should look for Reem Acra if they want fanciful and playful gowns.
“This collection is about looking 20 years down the road. It’s about the future. What’s going to happen to my dresses? The young girls are going to go into their mother’s closet and play with them. It’s about having fun!” ~Reem Acra

Badgley Mischka
For a bride looking for Hollywood-style gowns, Badgley Mischka bridal collection is for her. Carmen Electra, Tori Spelling and Kristen Davis are just some of the celebrities who have worn their wedding gowns.

James Mischka and Mark Badgley designs for their Fall 2008 collection are classic and simple. They focused on a single highlight for each dress, whether a bead-encrusted neckline, simple rhinestone straps and belt or carefully placed embellished lace on the hem of skirt.

Oscar de la Renta

For his Spring 2009 bridal collection, Oscar de la Renta, showcased an array of 30 gowns. He included gowns for different characters, as well: Southern belles, Spanish dancers, high school sweethearts and classic Cinderellas, to name a few. The highlights for Oscar’s gowns were elaborate embroidery, delicate lace and cascading ribbons, accordion pleated silk chiffon and layers that looked like petals.

JLM Couture

JLM Couture showcased bridal collections with a wide range of the latest styles in both wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses from Alvina Valenta, Tara Keely, Jim Hjelm and Lazaro.

Key looks for all four collections included trumpet and A-line silhouettes, strapless gowns, sweetheart and V-necklines. For bridesmaids, figure flattering empire/baby doll dresses were also a popular choice for the designers, and Jim Hjelm, Alvina Valenta and Lazaro all offered the choice of black for a bridesmaid gown that can be re-purposed, an increasingly hot trend for wedding parties.

Vera Wang Bridal

For Wang’s Spring 2009 bridal collection, details like pleated organza ruffles or floral corsages on one shoulder, fractal-like spiraling hand-cut floral trains, hand-pleating or asymmetrically draped necklines and asymmetrically placed bows literally put a twist on the traditional bridal silhouettes, adding dramatic points of focus. Exquisitely rendered, these elements exuded not only luxury but also gave the dresses a modern sophistication that only good design can impart.

“We want to modernize the wedding vocabulary. It’s something we struggle with every season.” ~ Vera Wang

Source

Bookmarkz

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Summer is a great time of year. It is great for relaxation and recreation. Here are a few tips to help you keep yourself looking as good as you feel during these hot months.

Hair Care

If you spend lots of time outside and want to try something a little different and inexpensive in your hair, try combing a little lemon juice through your hair before you go out. ( NOTE: If you have previously dyed hair, this is not recommended as it may cause an adverse reaction.)

Be sure to condition your hair at least once a week. The heat of the sun and swimming can dry out your hair. You can also use spray in conditioner that you leave in for the day.

Skin-care Tips

If you are cautious about the sun and your skin - which we all should be! - there are so many good fake tan products out there that have no harmful effects when used properly.

If you are spending time outside in the sun, make sure that you are adequately hydrated - at least 8 glasses of water a day and even more when you are outside. Also make sure you used sun screen on all skin that is exposed, especially your face.

Make-up Tips

During summer months, less is best with make-up application. You can use a light shimmering powder instead of a heavy foundation. Also, a nice look on a bronzed, sun kissed face is shiny lip gloss. It gives you ultra shine over lipstick or even on its own.

If you are wear mascara, try a waterproof. Or you can opt to get your eye lashes tinted for the summer months, skipping the risk of black eyes when you go swimming! Don’t forget the must-have partner, eye make-up remover, or else you really will end up with the dreaded dark circles!
By Rebecca Osborn

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