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!

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!

I’ll Take one in Every Color!

Last 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 my 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.

Give Your Look Some Va-va-voom

I 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.

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 lashes, 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 21, priced 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.

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

Naughty & Nice

Feeling 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!

Inner Beauty through Baking

With inner beauty playing center stage this week here on the Fashion Files, I thought it’d be nice to mention some inner beauty I saw recently.

Last week my employer was kind enough to let me hold a bake sale in the employee lounge–all proceeds going to benefit *TEAM RACHEL at the 2009 Arthritis Walk.

Aside from the many people who donated desserts for the sale, many contributed well beyond the cost of the snacks. It was great to see people, most of which don’t even know my sister, contribute happily.

 

Lulu and Addy

 A special thanks to Lulu and Addy who were of great help to me. Without them the bake sale wouldn’t have been such a success. Another big thank you to my fiancé, Eddie, who provided art work for the flyers advertising the sale.

Me with the Goods.

The bake sale not only raised over $300 for a great cause, but it also reminded me of the kindness that can be found in all of us!

*Team in honor of my younger sister, Rachel, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was just 5 years old. Now 19, she has undergone countless procedures—including cataract surgery at age 7, which left her blind in one eye and most recently hand surgery, to repair damage done to the tendons and cartilage—all caused by the arthritis.

Honoring the Lost by Seeing the Good: 9/11

Eight years ago today our country changed forever. Although the actions of those who caused that day’s tragedies showed us the dispicable evil humans are capable of, many more showed us the good that can be found in all of us…Strangers helping each other down seemingly endless flights of stairs when they could have easily said ‘every man for himself’…Brave service men and women running in while all others were trying to get out…Though it is impossible to detail each of that day’s acts of kindness, it is my hope that we not only remember the bad, but that we are also able to  honor the memory of those lost on that day by remembering the good.

 

This post– though  a very small, feeble attempt to honor all of those who lost their lives and showed true kindness on that day—kicks of the Fashion Files’ “ TRUE Beauty Week”- -  for the next 7 days, all posts will be dedicated to what truly makes a person beautiful: their heart. Although I love makeup, fashion and accessories as much as the next fashionista, I am well aware that all of those things are mere possessions that can disappear in an instant.  

 

Want to note someone who’s shown YOU their TRUE beauty? Head over to our TRUE BEAUTY page and leave your comment in their honor!…Because it’s being kind and showing others compassion that truly NEVER goes out of style.

A Good Hair-Dresser is Hard to Find.

Finding a good hairstylist is like finding a good husband…

If that statement sounds melodramatic, clearly you’ve never had a REALLY bad haircut. It’s true, though. Think about it…

Communication. You bare your soul, talking for hours about everything… your life, your dreams, and of course, what you want for your hair.

Trust. You let them (your stylist) into your personal space with sharp objects. (If that’s not trust, what is?)

Faithfulness. If you go to someone else you feel guilty. You’ve cheated! Your heart pounds as you come crawling back hoping they haven’t noticed.

Divorce. If your stylist leaves you (aka moves, retires, etc.) you feel lost and wonder “What will I do now? What will become of me? No one knows how I like it the way that they do! I have to start my search all over again?!?”

Tears. Just how you’re quick to gush to your girlfriends about how he did the dishes, bought you your favorite flowers, etc. you’re equally quick to gab to everyone about your fantastic stylist and all the wonderful things they do for you. The reverse is also true. You’re as likely to call your girlfriend to tell her what a pathetic excuse of a man he is (who likes big-boobed blondes, anyways?!), as you are to call her needing consolation because your stylist just insensitively lopped off 6-month’s worth of patiently-grown-out hair.

Relationships= 2-way street. You’ve got to give a little, too! Don’t be too cheap. Your hair is one of the first things people notice and more often than not, you get what you pay for!

Gratitude. Show your stylist he/she is appreciated! Just like you need to be grateful for a man you can count on, you need to also be grateful for a stylist you can count on because just like with a good man, they’re few and far between!

*This is dedicated to my fabulous stylist, Cari G, who has yet to disappoint me (or my sister!)

P.S. I got lucky on the man front, too. Check out his illustrations/commentary over @ his blog.

Look to Love: The 40’s

When it comes to fashion, I love the 40’s. The looks are sexy-sweet with a dash of pinup.  That’s probably why I love Katy Perry’s “Thinking of You” video so much. The retro looks inspired this post and my search to find modern-day options. I’ve also included my own version of the era- – Enjoy!

Christian Louboutin, $995

Urban Outfitters, $24

Michael Kors, now $87 (Orig. $248)

Betsey Johnson, $350

Steve Madden, $79.95

Me in Betsey Johnson