Color Blocking Made Easy

With all the online shopping I've been doing recently, I couldn't help but notice all the color blocked dresses I was seeing.  So dolls, have you been color blocking?  Now that spring has sprung, this trend has certainly stuck around since last fall and I couldn't help but resist so I just had to get my hands on a cute little color blocked number that popped!

I purchased the dress above from GoJane after I had finally found the Laced Bodycon dress from Forever 21.  What I loved about this dress in particular were the sleeves having wide buttoned cuffs and not to mention, they are actually slit through from the shoulder on down to the cuffs exposing the arm which I think is very appealing. The tie at the waist just adds that touch of cuteness to it as well. There was also a coral color, however green is actually one of my favorite colors so I just had to go with this one. What color shoes should I match with this? Nude pumps?

There was another dress that I originally had been eyeing which was a two-fer chiffon, but sadly there was only a size large left darn! I had contacted the folks from GoJane to see if they would get any more in stock, but unfortunately they weren't sure so I went with my second option which was the green dress above.  The color of the dress below is so adorbs! I tried to see if any other places sold this, but no luck. 

According to the tracking information, I should be getting both the Forever 21 and GoJane packages by tomorrow.  I did happen to get my suspender tights in this morning which I was very happy to receive.  After heading to the front office and to be only informed that there was no package up front, I completely forgot to check my mailbox! Uh duh! Hey, I didn't think they would fit in there, but they actually did hah! The folks at the front office must be tired of seeing me plopping in for packages on the daily, lol! At least I'm giving them a break from whatever they're doing on the computers, right? Haha...

I did try one of them on and was super careful not to snag them with my finger nails. Yes, I purchased two as a backup and luckily it fit me very well! At first, I wasn't sure what size to purchase, however I used the brand's size chart and it matched me according to my weight and height and it was perfect!  I'd have to say, this was shipped to me rather quickly and I'm pretty satisfied with it.  Thank you Stylish Fox!

BTW, I also purchased two pairs of Laced Boots! Gosh, get me away from the computer! LOL!  My reason for purchasing these in black and brown was because both my suede boots were wearing out and I wanted a cute replacement. Plus they were both for a steal! Can't beat $16!  My other black boots were actually purchased from GoJane as well and they lasted me for a while! I used them for motorcycle riding and work because they were that comfortable and versatile! I think these would go great with a pair of black leggings or a pair of skinny jeans.  

Unfortunately, I haven't quite found rain boots yet, but I'm hoping the storms will subside especially with that huge tornado that just hit Dallas recently! Yikes!!! Thank God we were 4 hours away from that!!! Today's a sunny day in H-Town and I'm praying the future days ahead will continue to look just as bright!

Now I can't wait to get my packages tomorrow!!! I'm just dying to try them on! :) More updates to come!

Spring Deals

Happy April folks!  I can't believe how fast time is flying!  Soon it'll be May and I'll be flying back to Cali. With that thought in mind, I began my weekend on shop mode looking for the perfect dress for the wedding I'll be attending next month.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I was in search for a laced dress for a reasonable price.  Of course the one I really wanted was way over my budget, however its been quite a while since I last shopped at Forever 21 so I did just that.  Yes, I was able to find one for a great price and here's what I got...

Lace Bodycon Dress

Don't you just hate it when you originally plan to buy one thing and then get distracted by something else you like and end up buying another item?  

Lslv Lace Cardigan

Yes, I just had to do it.  I've been missing my old laced cardigan back home in Cali (which I can't seem to find) that I decided to replace it with this one above.  It's pretty cute and comes in various colors. 

Pleated Shirtdress

Oh for the love! Such a cute pleated shirtdress that I also picked up!  I've got these sweet tan and black suede booties that I'm planning to wear it with along with a pair of black suspender tights that Rihanna, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus have on below.  

I'd have to go with Selena on this one ;)

Cute Lightweight Shirt

One last item I purchased was this Cute Lightweight button up shirt that just happened to be back in stock.  I just love these kinds of tops and after having seen this one on their website, I couldn't help but add it to my cart.  This top would go great with a pair of black skinny jeans and high heel pumps or gladiator sandals.  After eyeing these items above, I completed my checkout and felt satisfied with my dress choice...or NOT?!? Haha, we'll just have to wait and see ;)  Hopefully I don't go perusing through another shop online and find something else I like!!! Can't wait to try these on!!! 

Have a fabulous week everyone!!!

Road Trip Recap - Gifts Received

As previously mentioned, I wanted to recap and catch up on my gifts that I received while I was on my short vacation...Aside from the new iPad from my MIL and FIL, my SIL sent me a few MAC products and Chanel samples that I have yet to try...

Retail Price $33

One of the MAC items which is the Limited Edition Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder comes in a Hawaii surfboard like packaging. It's in a Lush-Light Bronze color from the MAC Surf Baby Collection of 2011 which fits my NC30-35 skin undertone.  MAC doesn't sell these particular ones anymore, however you can find the regular ones for $23-30 from various random independent sellers. 

Retail price $38

The second item is the Limited Edition MAC Interior Life Eye Shadow Palette that you see above. They may not be the easiest shades to wear for darker toned skins, but you might find that these shadows appear quite sheen when applied. Can't wait to give this one a try... 

Retail Price $18

Another item given to me is the MAC Pro Longwear Etcetera Lip Pencil that glides on pretty well and stays on for a good amount of time between reapplication. It is also said to be transfer proof.  Its been a while since I've used any lip pencils so I can't wait to see how well this holds up.

Retail price $28

This item above is The Faerie Glen Lustre Lipstick that is a very beautiful pink nude color that works well with all skin tones.  It does have a very nice sheen to it which should satisfy all skin tones.  I believe this particular item is now discontinued from what I've read from another blogger.  Also, I tried to search for the product myself, but unfortunately I could not find it anywhere, darn. 

Retail Price $60

Retail Price $195

This product above comes from the Chanel Le Blanc De Chanel Spring 2012 Collection.  The Foam Cleanser is a luxurious creamy formula that features Pearl Protein and Licorice Extracts that gently cleanse and purify the skin for renewed softness and luminosity.  As for the Brightening Concentrate, yes it does come at a hefty price.  Apparently, this product diminishes dark spots and helps the skin complexion become more even.  I will definitely use these sparingly and let you know how these products turn out! Big thanks to my SIL for these wonderful products!!!

In San Antonio, we made a stop at the Guenther House which I've mentioned in my previous post is a restaurant/factory mill museum that also has a store called the San Antonio River Mill Store.  This restaurant is such a great place to eat at as their breads and cakes are delicious! I also found out that you can make purchases online on items from their shop so everyone can get their hands on their yummy gourmet mixes!  While we were there, my MIL met another lady who happened to share her story that she drove 4 hours straight for all these bags of Sweet Cream Cake. After she shared her story and explained how great these gourmet mixes were, my MIL bought 6 for the rest of our family back in California to try.  There are quite a bit to choose from on their website and I assure you, these are ridiculously good!!! In fact, all their mixes are good!!! They served most of them during our brunch which is how I know they're bomb.com!

Along the way, my family and I visited the historic Downtown area of Brenham, Tx that has antique shops on every corner. One shop in particular that we stepped into was The Book Nook that sells bargain books, jewelry and gifts made of unique and recycled items.  While rummaging through their jewelry section, my eagle eye landed on this handcrafted watch above that I could not let go.  What I love about it is that it has so much detail on the front and back of the locket and not to mention, it is a bit heavy.  However for $12.99, it's a steal especially for a one of a kind handcrafted piece made by a jeweler named J. Campbell. Thanks to my Aunt for this wonderful gift!!!

While at the Blue Bell Creamery Factory my MIL and I were in a hurry zipping through their souvenir shop as they were closing up shop at 4PM.  I wasn't really looking to pick anything up, however my MIL insisted and got this cute shot glass for us. We've got quite a collection of shot glasses, after all, we did give out "Lucky In Love" shot glasses during our wedding reception in Las Vegas @the Monte Carlo Hotel. 

Along with everything above, my MIL purchased this bag for me from the central market around town.  I'm not quite sure where exactly she got it from, but it's a pretty big bag that I'll most likely use for grocery shopping.  Thanks Mother dear!!! She's so giving I tell ya!!!

Thanks to my old co-worker pal Yatendra who gave me a fabulous Nordstrom Gift Card which allowed me to make the purchases above. While I was away, these items above arrived just in time.  I love my new watch as well as the poncho which I got in a Turquoise color instead of what you see in the picture. Awesome items for a steal!  

Oh yea, I got my new iPhone case in and I love it!!! It's so versatile and super cute!!! It has a magnetic closure along with slots for id's and cash! You can even remove the inner wallet which is another added feature to this wristlet case. I'm really happy now that my phone is protected.  I've got one more item on the way and I'm hoping it arrives soon and in excellent/new condition as described! Can't wait to start organizing soon!!! 

I've got a lot of things going on today and one of them is to start preparing for dinner...Hmm, where to begin hehe... Catch ya'll in the next post! Ciao bellas!!

Thrift Shopping with Mr. Goodwill

After watching one of my favorites The Nate Berkus Show, one of his guests, fellow bloggers & thrift shopping guru (as declared by Nate himself) Ms. Patrice Williams from Looking Fly On a Dime was on her third appearance for a special segment which they called "Thrift Finds Under $20". Not only did I love the outfit she had on in that episode, but I was seriously intrigued by her amazing finds as she shared valuable tips that I'm sure anyone who loves to thrift shop would certainly appreciate...

The Find. Simple & Affordable Slip On Dresses

When it comes to window shopping, I'm usually pretty good at resisting myself from coming out of a store with a bag of goodies, however this time around my intent to "window shop" resulted in an impulse to purchase these three sweet dresses that happened to be on sale at Windsor...

Love Me or Love Me Not

After visiting the mall and doing 

a little window shopping, I gasped 

after seeing that a new shoe store 

had opened up. Having learned it
was a sister shop to Langford Market,
- a boutique featuring 

many cute, vintage, boho, mod and

sophisticated wardrobes, I just
had to stop in. 

Immediately in love with several 

of their boots, a sweet employee 

had assisted me for over twenty 

minutes as I was having trouble deciding

which ones I liked best. A pair of long 

boots that I had been wanting

for so long or ankle boots that

I never thought to add to my wishlist 

because I had never imagined myself 

wearing them? Well love me or love me not, after trying them on, I went 

with a pair of taupe versatile ankle boots that go great with any pair of 

skinny jeans or even a cute dress! I was really happy with my purchase 

as these shoes are super light and incredibly comfortable!

When I bought these

shoes, the outfit I 

intended to wear with 

it was exactly what I put together 

below. As I mentioned above,

these boots go great with any pair 

of skinny jeans by which 

I chose a pair of H&M's. 

I love love love silk and sheer 

shirts as it brings me back to 

my nostalgic elementary school 

days when suede boots, teased up
bangs and The New Kids were 

the coolest On The Block (NKOTB).

Now to save some mula for that Marc
Jacobs Leather Satchel! 

 

 

Silk shirt
£55 - lkbennett.com

Breckelles Vicky-22 Taupe Women Ankle Boots
ebay.com

H&m jeans
£20 - hm.com

Marc Jacobs leather satchel handbag
$1,150 - barneys.com

FOSSIL stainless steel watch
$135 - macys.com

Effy Collection fine jewelry
$1,500 - lordandtaylor.com

Pandora jewelry
£370 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Sydney evan jewelry
£695 - austique.co.uk

Multi chain necklace
$18 - topshop.com

Linea Pelle Collection vintage belt
$105 - lpcollection.com

My Favorite Beauties of 2012

1.) There's no doubt that my top favorite beauty of 2012 is the lovely and sophisticated Latin-blooded, Ms. Sofia Vergara. What struck me most about this Modern Family actress, Covergirl/Pepsi spokeswoman and Golden Globe/NAACP award winner is her personality. Sweet, cunning, funny and superbly witty, she's an overall 10 in my book. I'd honestly have to say, Modern Family would not be what it is without her.

Can you believe this stunner is a mother?! Well, another interesting fact about her is that she launched her own affordable clothing line that you can snag at any local Kmart! Seriously, not many actresses would do such a thing especially for Kmart, but she did and I truly love her tenacity!

2.) Kate Beckinsale is another favorite of mine that's an English actress with a lovely accent. You'll usually find her playing heroine roles where she plays the action star of movies like 2003's Underworld and 2004's action horror Van Helsing.

Her roles have definitely been a change of pace from all the romantic comedies she has appeared in such as the famous Serendipity. Not only is she an actress, but she is also a model that graces the covers of Maxim's Hot 100 Beauties and People Magazine's Most Beautiful People.

Aside from motherhood, she also contributes her time to charity work as she has one of the most giving hearts in the entertainment industry. She has raised funds for the Woman's Cancer Research Institute, donated memorabilia to the epidermolysis Bullosa Research Foundation, Habitat For Humanity and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. A true beauty indeed with a giving heart.

3.) This long legged beauty is another actress I truly adore. South African born, Charlize Theron definitely amazes me and I find her one of the most graceful actresses out there in the industry. Having been the first African to win an Academy Award in a major acting category in 2003's Monster, she later became an American citizen in 2007 while retaining her South African citizenship.

Aside from her duties as a spokeswoman for J'adore, advertisements by Christian Dior, she is also a Woman's Right activist and has marched in pro-choice rallies. She's also a supporter of animal rights and is an active member of PETA. Since she is also a supporter of marriage equality, her and TOMS Shoes partnered to create a limited edition unisex shoe made from vegan materials and inspired by the African baobab tree. I learned these shoes were given to destitute children and a portion of the proceeds were given to CTAOP (Charlize Theron African Outreach Project).

A natural, graceful actress and activist, she is an inspiration to many in the entertainment and fashion industry. I secretly wished that she was with Keanu Reeves after watching her in Sweet November :)

4.) Now who doesn't love Jessica Alba? Since I was a teen, I've watched her grow to become the true beauty that she is. Throughout my high school years, she has been the sex symbol and love of many male hearts. Just like Kate Beckinsale, Jessica has appeared in Maxim's "Hot 100" and voted number one on AskMen.com's list of "99 Most Desirable Women" as well as "Sexiest Women in the World" by FHM in 2007.

She is a mompreneur that launched The Honest Company which is an online business offering a line of eco-friendly, non-toxic products that boasts ease, affordability and playful design. Aside from mommy-hood and family, she makes time to do charity work which amazes me! Not only has she done a number of charity work, but she has also supported the Democratic presidential hope Barack Obama during the 2008 primary season. An ambassador for the 1Goal Movement to provide education to children in Africa, she has surely gone above and beyond with her work in charity and politics.

These lovelies have certainly been an inspiration to me and many others which is why I've marked them some of my top favorite beauties of 2012. Do any of you ladies have any favorites? Feel free to share if you'd like!