New Dual-color Look for Lips to Try: COVERGIRL BLAST FLIPSTICK

Sofia Vergara for COVERGIRL BLAST FLIPSTICK

I saw this ad of Sofia Vergara for Covergirl Blast Flipstick in the June 2012 issue of People StyleWatch, and I was won over.  Sold !!!  I want to get the dual tube Sofia is wearing called "Stunner."  One side has a bright orangey-red creamy color and the other side has a glittery metallic lip color in gold.

Yes, the bright lip trend continues on for the Summer, but I want something new.  This does it for me.  I've never seen it on the runway, in trend reports, or on the streets.  No matter, I want to try it!  It looks refreshing compared to the hot pink or bright red lip I have been sporting for two Spring/Summer seasons already.  As the ad shows, the

metallic color goes on the center part of the lips and acts as a highlight.

The best news is that trying this trend is easy on the pocket.  I have consistently found that Target sells lipsticks the cheapest without any promos or sales, but by all means, if you see it on sale somewhere else get it there.  It is currently selling at Target for $7.99.  Drugstores often have "buy one get the second  1/2 OFF" and you may be lucky enough to get this at "buy one, get one FREE."  These so-called BOGO promos are my favorite, especially the BOGO Free promos.

COVERGIRL BLAST FLIPSTICK

There are 13 lip duos in this Covergirl line.  As I mentioned, one side has a creamy color and the other side a metallic color.  This look will easily complement several of the many trends for S/S 2012.  In my opinion, this is definitely a beauty look worth trying.  (I'll follow up with a review of this product in a couple of days.)

The New Statement to Make is With Your Earrings

Feel like wearing clean lines?  Going for the minimalist look?  Punch it up with something unexpected like statement earrings.  We've seen statement necklaces for a few years, and stacked bracelets this year and last, now the new thing is a giant pair of statement earrings.

I prefer wearing this trend with simple, understated ensembles.  Let your earrings do all the talking.  I already have quite a few pairs, even before this trend cropped up this year.  I'm glad I won't be the only freak or fashion geek sporting giant doorknocker earrings.

If you are into this trend, the good thing is that you won't have to scour vintage or thrift stores to find a great pair.  They are practically everywhere right now from high-end to low-end. 

Here is the inspiration:

PRADA Spring 2012 Campaign

 

Keep an eye out for the big and bold earrings ;-)



Be sure to choose earrings that have a big look, but light-weight.  Nothing is more unattractive than a stretched out earlobe.  The only statement you'll be making is "Hey, check out my realllllllllllllyyyyyyyyy heavy earrings."  It is probably best to hit the stores for this one, rather than Online shopping, as many sources may not have the weight in the product description.

Great places to get amazing statement earrings.

Banana Republic (on the Bohemian-side)
J. Crew (always fab and on-trend jewelry but a tad on the pricey side)
Anthropologie (kitsch and a bit retro)
Forever 21 (all sorts of goodies & CHEAP!!!  Did I say CHEAP!!!)
Claire's (not just for the teenie bopper set -- I swear!)
TJ Maxx (many locations have a nice jewelry section)
Ross (you will be surprised what you will find in their jewelry cases, just turn a blind eye to the clutter)
Loehmann's (if you are lucky enough to have one nearby -- designer earrings for less)
Lincoln Road (if you are in Miami -- lots of places with amazing jewelry)
Miami Twice (again, if you are in Miami and like vintage, a fab source of statement earrings from all decades)

The New Statement to Make is With Your Earrings

Feel like wearing clean lines? Going for the minimalist look? Punch it up with something unexpected like statement earrings. We've seen statement necklaces for a few years, and stacked bracelets this year and last, now the new thing is a giant pair of statement earrings.

Hi, My Name is Pink Cowboy Boots, And I Am a SWATCH Addict.

  O n September of last year, I turned 40.  Two of my gifts were from my sister Tessa who has amazing taste.  She knows my style, and in fact dubbed my "punky brewster" style and occasionally calls my style "blossom" -- both shows from the 80's.  I agree that my style is eclectic, colorful and probably loud to most people.  Anyhow, that's me and that's how I like it.

Tessa really knows how to give gifts;  always giving you something fabulous, something you may not need but will most definitely want.  Last year, for my special turning of age birthday, officially joining the middle-aged, she gave me two very youthful watches from SWATCH.  I LUV THEM and wear them with zeal !!!

One is a Jeremy Scott design with angel wings in white.  Super-fabulous!!!  It's no longer sold on the SWATCH Website, but you may find it on eBay. 

The other a florescent orange face with a black and white zebra strap (no longer available.)  My sister said I could go to the nearest SWATCH store and exchange any of the watches she got me with the gift receipt. 

I kept the white Jeremy Scott design for sure, but the orange zebra striped one I was willing to switch for another.  I ended trading it for one of the Kidrobot designs.  I chose the Love Song design by graffiti artist Tilt (also no longer available from the SWATCH official Website, but other Kidrobot designs are still available.)

The Kidrobot designs come with a doll.  A doll !!!  I love dolls, and still have part of my Barbie Doll collection (I sold some 35 dolls on eBay last year to free up some closet space for clothes.)  They are fun and oh so collectible ! 

My sister has got me hooked on SWATCH.  I want another Kidrobot design, and I actually want the orange zebra striped one back now that neon is so hottt for Spring/Summer 2012.  Aghhhhh, too bad it's no longer available from the SWATCH site.

I have to commend the SWATCH store I visited last year at Dadeland Mall in Miami.  The customer service was superb.  They added me to a members club that once a year has a membership event that allows you to bring in your SWATCH for a battery change, polishing and cleaning.  WOW !!!  I was very impressed.  That kind of excellent customer service has made a fan out of me.

This Spring/Summer with all the trends to look forward to getting dressed every morning, I've been itching to get more SWATCH watches.  I am totally jonesing for another SWATCH watch.  There's so many to choose from, and they're worse than potato
chips -- you can't stop at just one!  Anyhoo, enough of my babbling.  Here are my picks for Summer 2012.

Shout Out $70 from Kidrobot Collection

Arctic Sea $50

Yellow Lacquered $75

Wonder Zebra $70

I don't think I'll hanker for any other brand of watch, being that there are so many to desire and dream about from SWATCH.  Well, except for maybe Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors and maybe Oceanaut.  Sigh, I am a fashion and accessories addict!  (This is why I blog, so I can get it out of my system without necessarily buying.)

The Espadrille Makes a Come-back for Summer 2012

I'm excited to see the espadrille in many various forms, from the original version to oh so many wedges for this Summer.  There are so many to choose from the mall and Online!  I've picked a handful under $100 to whet your appetite.

$29.94 from OLD NAVY

$70 from ALDO

$79 from NINE WEST

$49 from PIPERLIME.COM

Sofft $99.95 from ZAPPOS.COM

Betsey Johnson $89 from ZAPPOS.COM

The espadrille wedges I have chosen are perfect for many of the trends so hot this Summer.  Nautical is always big for the Summer and the wedge from Old Navy would be perfect for a nautical look.  Orange is huge for this Summer, so wear the wedge from Aldo with an Ikat or preppy outfit.  Go wherever your imagination takes you, and mix and match to your hearts content.

The espadrille was such a staple in Miami in the 80's.  Brings back some fond memories of yesterday's trends and fashion. 

NEED SUPPLY CO. -- A Funky Source for Great Stuff

Need Supply Co. is a different kind of online shopping experience.  It's a bit on the pricey side, but you will surely find some unique pieces, whether it be a dress, a top, a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes or one of their oh so fashion-forward accessories.  Need Supply Co. is a bit of a renegade.  The Website is part rocker, part preppy, part hippie, part librarian.  Whatever you get from their Website will add an edge to your wardrobe.

Here is a taste from their current Lookbook for Spring/Summer 2012.

Enjoy Part Two of their Spring Video for 2012.  It reminds me of a Wes Anderson film.  A little bit of "The Royal Tennenbaums."

Don't Get Scurrred To Mix Stripes With Florals

As florals are hot for Spring/Summer 2012, add even more pizzazz by mixing it with stripes.  I've seen it on the Web and in store windows, and I just love, love, love it.  I want to see it on the street more, and I want to wear it myself.

Here are some ideas to hopefully inspire you and get you started.  

1.  Pair a striped tank top or nautical striped shirt with a floral skirt, and add a contrasting pop of color with your shoes. 

BDG Striped Shirttail Scoop Tank 2 for $28 or $18.00 each from URBAN OURTITTERS

Printed Frill Skirt from $59.90 from ZARA 

Braided wooden sandals $79.75 from the GAP

2.  Wear a bold striped long-sleeve shirt or nautical striped shirt under a floral shoulder-less dress.

 

Sailor Boatneck Tee $45.00 from J. CREW

Ella Dress in Garden Floral $198.00 from J. CREW

Mary Wedge Isabel Toledo for Payless $34.99 Reg. $56.99 as PAYLESS.COM

3.  Wear a loose and long striped shirt with those floral skinny jeans or cigarette pants that I know you just got.

River Island Stripe Top $24.35 from ASOS

Floral Print Trousers 59.90 from ZARA

High Heel Sandal with Buckles $89.90 from ZARA

Lamountain Crossbody Handbag $40.00 from ALDO

4.  Wear a bold floral button-down shirt with a vertical-striped pencil skirt or cigarette pants.  Accessorize with an envelope clutch.

 

Hanalei Floral Buttondown $78.00 from ANTHROPOLOGIE

Motel Striped High-Rise Jean, Online Only, $90.00 from URBAN OUTFITTERS

Slot Through Envelope Clutch $34.79 from ASOS

5.  If the above ideas are too bold, try a floral scarf with your nautical striped shirt, and see if you like it.

Floral Neckerchief $12.90 from ZARA

French Terry Pullover $19.94 from OLD NAVY

Have fun with this wild and bold combination. 
I know I will !!!

Today's Fashion Flashback -- Deborah Harry of BLONDIE

Fashion comes, it goes, and then it comes back again.  This Summer of 2012 is no different.  With neon coming back with a vengeance, (see my blog posts on "Today's Fashion Flashback -- NEON & 'XANADU'" and "Mix Those NEUTRALS From Past Seasons With Spring/Summer 2012's TRENDS") the 80's is front and center once again.  This makes me want to listen to BLONDIE and want to dance, dance, dance!

Deborah Harry of Blondie was and is a style icon, so I dedicate today's post to her.  Of the 80's musicians, she was quite understated as many of the artists of that decade were known for their outrageous style like Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and Boy George just to name a few.  I mean the 80's was about decadence and excess, and I loved it that way.  I was a teenager of the 80's and I had such a blast with the fashion.  You wouldn't have caught me in neon in those days, since I thought I was too cool for that.  My thinking in those days was that the cheesy kids with no fashion sense wore neon.  LOL, now I love it and can't get enough of it.  Toned down with a neutral, of course.  Oh, how time changes everything...

Deborah Harry was such an icon that Andy Warhol immortalized her in several works.  Of all the faces immortalized on a screen print, Deborah Harry's is my favorite, even more than the famous Marilyn Monroe series.  She was so drop-dead gorgeous in the 80's, and she is still a beautiful woman today.

Let's take a look back and reminisce about Deborah Harry's style in the 80's.

Her hair is just as iconic as the Farrah Fawcett do and the Jennifer Aniston with those contrasting black and blond dual tones.  It's once again very popular today, as I see it on the young hipsters.

I'll leave you on this note, one of my favorite songs from Blondie.

Keep Your Skin Super Soft With This Incredibly Affordable Skin Cream

Summer is around the corner, and if you haven't been sporting swimsuits already, you probably will.  Is your skin smooth and soft?  If not, don't fear!  There are plenty of products to get you skin there.  However, as I am a bargainista, I am only going to talk about the skin cream/moisturizer that will give you the most bang for your buck.  Hey, that's what I am here for =)  That product is Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Skin Care Cream.

This product was introduced to me by brother years ago, and no, he's not gay.  I would call him a metrosexual, although he would vehemently deny it.  He grew up with three sisters, so I think it's only natural that he is one.  I mean he wears more hair product than us three sisters combined.  Well, I'm glad my brother introduced this skin cream into my life because my skin is touchably soft due to this Vitamin E Skin Care Cream.

I get my supply at Walmart.  It normally comes in a 2-pack for under $4.00.  I paid $3.67 per 2-pack set just last week.  Each jar is four ounces of a medium-thick skin cream.  You can get other skin creams or moisturizers for about the same price in larger bottles, but I tell you, you won't get the same results.  I have tried many, many, many drugstore skin moisturizers, and none gets me the results that Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Skin Care Cream gives me.  The most expensive skin moisturizer I ever used was a Lancome one, and even that didn't get my skin as smooth.  I smelled really nice, but not as smooth and soft.

Some skin products, I can't use because I don't like the fragrance, but Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E Skin Care Cream is only mildly fragrant.  It is not fragrance-free, but the fragrance is barely noticeable, in my opinion.  If you are very sensitive to fragrances, try it at the store before buying.

Ah, where to get this stuff.  I mentioned I get mine at Walmart where I find it the cheapest (not sold online at Walmart.com.  I know, how disappointing.)  It is hard to find on the shelves as it is all the way at the bottom of the skin care shelves.  It is grouped with all the other skin moisturizers for the body.  I've seen it similarly displayed at Target (also not sold online.)  If you live in a metro area without a Walmart in sight, you can get it cheap at dollargeneral.com (they even sell it by the case, if you like to buy in bulk.)

Some of its ingredients are vitamin E, aloe vera, wheat germ, sunflower seed oil, collagen and elastin.  Due to the vitamin E content, I would check with your doctor if it is safe if you are pregnant.  Also, I only recommend this skin cream for overnight moisturizing, since it does not contain sun protection.  You already know that part of great skin care is protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

I have found that the best way to use this skin cream is to apply after a shower or bath with moist skin (only mildly towel try or don't towel dry at all.)  By doing so, you won't use as much product.  I know, I know, you're probably saying I am really cheap.  Ummm, yes I am.  Anyhoo, for you, less trips to the store???  Actually, the product is medium-thick, so the water thins it out, but if you have really dry skin, by all means, lather on as much as you want.

Sometimes, it gets tedious moisturizing all the time, but for the coming swimsuit season, trust me, it's worth it ;-)

For other reviews of this product, check out the reviews at MakeupAlley.com

On Trend Summer 2012 Swimsuits by the GAP In Stores Now

As Spring quickly turns into Summer, it's time to break out those swimsuits or get new ones.  If you are in the market for new ones, the Gap just released it's Summer 2012 collection of super on-trend swimsuits at not-so-bad prices today.

With Patrick Robinson gone from the helm of the design team, the Gap's clothes are becoming cuter and cuter an more wearable than ever.  The Gap we know and love is back!

This year's collection of swimsuits is the largest I've seen from the Gap.  There's everything from tropical prints, to stripes, florals, polka dots, and of course, solids.  There is so much to choose from!

As the Gap stock prices have been up this year, it's a clear indication that the Gap is back on track.  The Gap is relevant again, YAYYYYYYYY !!!  I root for the Gap because I work there on weekends while I get my Nursing degree.  Anyhoo, enough about me...

Prices are under $40. per piece, as they are sold separately.  Great for everyone that wears a different size up top than on the bottom.

My pics from this year's collection are the following:

Gap Printed Bandeau Top

Gap Leopard Tie Halter Top

Gap Triangle Ring Top

Gap Striped Tie Top

If you catch this blog today, this glorious Thursday of the 3rd of May (2012), you can save 25% if you enter GAPTICTOK.

O.K.  Get your sun and swim on.  Don't forget to wear sunscreen !!!