December 22, 2009

Confessions of a promiscuous fashionista…

No, I’m not the 57th woman to claim having shared a little tee-time with Mr. Tiger Woods…I’m a makeup whore…I’m not faithful to any one brand. I use many. I use them often. And often, I use many at the same time.    <insert gasp>

Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF10, $45; Sephora

MAC Duo Fibre Face Brush, $34; MAC

My latest fling? Diorskin Nude (no pun intended). It came highly recommended by New York make up artist, Rebekah Perez. It covers up redness–often an issue for me–gives me  natural, even skin-tone and doesn’t parch my already dry skin.  Another plus? SPF!  Application: I use a stippling brush (also Rebekah’s recommendation) to apply, which I got from M.A.C: My go-to for brushes. So far, it’s been a great experience!

Call me naïve, but although it’s only been a few days with my Diorskin Nude, I think I may have found “the One.For now.

 

 

 

 

*_Want more from Rebekah? After getting great results, I sure did! Check back soon for more recommendations/expert tips from our NYC make up artist!_*

December 22, 2009

The cutest flats. Period.

Marjorie Satin Ballet Flat, $99; J.Crew

Okay, so I’m typically more of a heels kinda’ gal but sometimes you just need some flats. Flats however can sometimes look frumpy or boring. That’s why I love these from J.Crew! They’re feminine, delicate and go with just about anything. So give your feet a much-needed break and bring out your inner ballerina.

December 16, 2009

Hello, lover.

Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pump, $945; NeimanMarcus.com

Yes, those were Carrie Bradshaw’s words to a pair of shoes in a store window. Why not quote one of the most famous fashionistas of all time? After all, these are shoes we’re talking about…and not just any shoes. I’m talking about the “Something Blue” Manolo Blahniks featured in the first Sex and the City film! Though just about every woman watching the movie (including me) wanted the shoes–at $945– few (including me) could actually afford them. And so, I always thought these shoes would forever remain on Carrie’s feet..never mine. UNTIL just the other day, when I was online window-shopping at  and found those same shoes for ALOT less! Well, sort of.

Martinez Valero Zenith Pump, $159.95; nordstrom.com

Ok, so they’re not THE shoe, and I haven’t actually seen either shoe in person–making me unqualified to provide a 100% accurate verdict for you skeptics–but as far as I can see from these pictures online, the $800+ price difference is not worth it…Especially for those of us who don’t live in Neverland: where you live in a spacious Manhattan apartment, buy designer shoes and still have money left over to eat at fabulous restaurants (and cab fare to get you to the fabulous restaurants)–all funded from writing a small column in a local paper.

Sure the box won’t read MANOLO BLAHNIK…but because the price tag reads just $159.95 I’m willing to overlook that minor detail. Aren’t you?

December 1, 2009

Calling all Control Freaks!

Welcome to December, everyone. We have a few weeks to finish up our Christmas shopping. So from now until December 25, check out Becky Fashionista for great gift ideas.
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 REDKEN Real Control

Sure we all know a control freak..but when it comes to hair, who isn’t one? This collection does wonders for dry, damaged hair. (I know most shampoo/conditioners make this claim but this line actually gives results!) I’ve never been so happy with a hair product (and believe me when I say I’ve tried MANY). After just one use my hair felt soft, silky and more managable. The bottle is in my favorite color AND, I’m just crazy in love with the intoxicatingly delicious scent. So head over to the nearest ULTA store and snag a bottle [or two] ;) After all, who wouldn’t want great hair for the new year?
 

November 16, 2009

Of Mice and Marc

Mouse Hairband, $88

Leave it to Marc Jacobs to make even rodents stylish!

Being the animal-lover (and Marc Jacobs adorer) that I am, I think his play on mice–and other creatures, like owls–is just fantastic. He slaps a ‘Marc by Marc Jacobs’ label on these otherwise irksome animals and  transforms them into some great ways to accessorize for fall!

My current favorite? The mouse ring!

Mouse Ring, $88

Mice still not your thing?

How about an owl on a chain….or perhaps a forest scene on a bag?

Flights of Fancy Shopper, $428

A special thanks from me to Mr. Steinbeck whose work inspired the title of this post, and an especially big “thank you, Marc!” from fashionistas the world over!

October 6, 2009

Designer Savings Delivered to your In-Box

If you’re like me, you like hunting for a good bargain–which sometimes means online-window shopping your favorite sites. But let’s face it, most days there just isn’t enough time to get to them all. That doesn’t mean you have to miss the savings, though, thanks to ShopItToMe. They do all the time-consuming window shopping for you! You simply sign up (for FREE); select your favorite labels (hundreds listed like Christian Louboutin, BCBG Max Azria, Nanette Lepore & Marc by Marc Jacobs); select your sizes (in everything from tops to shoes) and every morning your inbox will contain an email from them full of the stuff YOU like, in YOUR size and SALE-priced! Yes, it’s that easy! To get started simply go to http://www.shopittome.com/ and sign up! (Did I mention it’s free??)

Want to see what’s up with fellow fashionistas? Check out their “Trendsetters”! I’m proud to say I’m one of them! Make sure to come back and let me know what deals you find!

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October 2, 2009

I’ll Take one in Every Color!

NM-024C_mtLast year the (VERY) unexpected happened… I won a $3,000 gift card for Neiman Marcus after entering to win on Vogue.com. Needless to say I was thrilled. It came at an especially great time: I was just about to quit my full-time job to go to grad. school full-time and thought all shopping would be placed on hold while I got my degree. It was definitely a God-sent. (I saw it as a gift from Him through Vogue ;) )

I was able to buy several really nice gifts: David Yurman rings for my mom and sister; Salvatore Ferragamo wallet for my dad; Burberry watch for myNM-12V7_mt fiancé… It was Christmas in August! Of the purchases I made for myself, the David Yurman 5mm Cable Classic Bracelet is definitely one of my faves! (I got the pearl one.) It’s elegant but simple, timeless and goes with just about anything!

Now I’m not good with numbers, but I don’t think the odds are in favor of me winning another gift card anytime soon–which means I won’t be buying any more wrist candy anytime soon. (Though I truly love and definitely appreciate high fashion, I’m a budget shopper!)BUT if I could…(fit it in my budget) I’d get ‘em in every color! Priced at $395, they’re definitely a worth-while jewelry investment.

October 1, 2009

Give Your Look Some Va-va-voom

100_2279I guess I have a thing for red. Something about it is so…bold….so bombshell…so classic! That’s why I had to write about my newest beauty obsession….MAC lipstick in Russian Red ($14*). I just love it! It’s fearless, straight-on red. A confidence boost in a tube, if you will.

Not a lipstick kinda’ gal? Try Russian Red in MAC’s Tinted Lipglass. Different tube, same ‘tude!

[Dare 2 Wear Hint: Use with a MAC lip pencil in Brick.]

* Though this lipstick goes for $14, I got it for free! Yes FREE! It’s their recycling program: Turn in 6 empty MAC makeup containers (they can be lip gloss, eye shadow, etc.) and receive any lipstick free! However, after sporting the sexy shade once, I’d say it’s worth the cash.

September 23, 2009

3 Things a Fashionista Should Never Spend Big Buck$ On

Regardless of the economy’s condition, there are a few things you should never spend big money on and here they are:

MASCARA Though I will admit that God blessed me (through my mother) with long lashesphoto, even I need some good mascara. While I have tried more expensive brands my 3 favorite can all be found at your local drugstore for under $9 (As opposed to >$20)… and they are: Maybelline Lash Stylist, Rimmel London Extra Super Lash (This one’s just $3.49) and Maybelline Lash Stilleto…in that order.

EYE-MAKEUP REMOVER Naturally you’ll need something to remove all of that mascara off of your fabulous-looking lashes. There are a couple of eye-makeup remover sheets that do the job as gently and effectively as the high-end brands…but for less than $7! I recommend Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes. Another trick? Use only half of the sheet at once. It’ll take all your makeup off and will last twice as long!

TANK TOPS I typically use tank tops for layering…under sheer blouses, sweaters, etc. They’re rarely, if ever, the star of the outfit. For that reason, I love tank tops from Forever 21priced as low as $2.50! They’re inexpensive and come in several colors! So you can stock up today without a huge credit card bill tomorrow.

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Enjoy your new fab finds! You’ll look high-end-brand good for alot le$$!

September 21, 2009

Naughty & Nice

Essie red nailpolishFeeling blah and in need of a pick me up for your look? Try Essie’s “Lacquered Up.” Though I’m usually an OPI devotee, Essie has some great shades, too! This red in particular is bright and happy with a splash of sexy–just the right combo for a naughty AND nice look. Plus, it works for any season. 

Nails are the easiest way to chíc up your look for le$$. So spice up your mani/pedi today!