On The Fringe- Memories Of My Little Lilac Bag

As promised from yesterday's post, here is part two of the fringe trend madness. This is my own bag purchased by me and I was saving to review it after posting my "Club Shopping" writeup since it was purchased with my membership at JustFab but until I'm finished writing that post here is the bag.

Since this was my first time buy as a member I received a discount and it was on sale for half price which I believe totaled around $20. Normally I'm not into no brand handbags because I feel if your ever going to splurge on pieces you should save up for high-end bags and shoes. The quality is better, they last you longer and are making a long term wardrobe investment.

ODE TO MY LOST LILAC BAG...

There is a really semi-quasi cute story behind why I wanted this fringe bag when I saw it on the website. During my tween years brands such as Jordache, Sergio Valenti and Sassoon where very popular. As a matter of fact they were considered high-end back then. It's not like now when teens "must" wear designer names such as Gucci, Diesel or what not because labels weren't really a big thing. Fashion was more about how you put together your look and not a designers label on your back. You young-ins are super spoiled these days...

Anyway, my mother bought me this adorable lilac bucket bag with these really really really long skinny straps. It had ruching and was pleather as almost everything was back in the eighties. They were very popular and came in every single shade you could think of and wherever you looked on the street a teenager was sporting one. They weren't even expensive, like $5 or something and my mother made me beg for it because she is so cheap! Whatever, we weren't going  to leave that dingy boutique without her buying me that bag. And we didn't... Lola get's what Lola wants... Well....most of the time...  

What I can't remember for certain if it was a Jordache or Sassoon bag? And I have been looking in vintage shops and online for years just to see if I could find one, but no luck. You see, one day we went shopping and as we were at the checkout line to pay I noticed my bag wasn't on my shoulders anymore. I looked in the grocery cart, all over the market carefully retracing my steps but it was no use. Some douche stole it off my shoulders without me noticing because the string was super skinny and lightweight you wouldn't be able to notice if someone were touching it. I cried so hard all the way home my poor eyelids were the size of gumballs! I know, it's stupid but who steals a little girly purse in the middle of the day at the supermarket? Did they think I had millions tucked away in my little lilac bag? The entire contents consisted of one bubblegum roller-ball lip gloss from Woolworth's, a unicorn makeup mirror, a green Menudo pen with an over-size cap featuring a young baby Ricky Martin as the leader of the group as well as a fresh crisp $20 bill that my sweet little Nana had given me hours before. 

Not all was lost from that experience because from then on I always wore my purse over my shoulder or tightly gripped over my wrist and on my lower arm. No bag has ever been taken from me since and I pity the fool who try's to take a bag from me ever again.  Does anyone know the bag I'm talking about? 

Well, now you know why I had to have this when I came across it. It looks almost similar except for the fringe, hardware and heftiness of the bag. This bag is made with better construction, is roomy, has extra pockets in the back and I love that it carries this 80's vibe to it.  Writing this I'm discovering  how over sentimental I am, yuck for me. What's great is that this didn't cost me a lot and the material is pleather! Designer versions of this bag which are very hot right now start at $250 and up and if it weren't for my wishy washy childhood memories of my stolen little lilac bag I probably would have passed this one right by. TRUE STORY. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Funky Go Jane Haul

These are a few pieces I recently found at Go Jane. The top bubble dress was hard to resist and the other color I wanted sold out the following day. These go fast! I don't blame you guys for snatching them up quickly because the prices are super.

I wish I could find top and bottoms that match my size because my bust is larger than my waist, my waist is a couple sizes smaller. This dress in medium is baggy in my waist but if I had gotten a small it meant my boob's would have been suffocating and we don't want that. Anyone else have this problem? I'm going to wear this with tall platform boots.

The pants were so funky I knew they would sell out and there were only a few left. I grabbed the size small because of the elastic waistband and they fit right. These are so on trend and almost look like a pair of thriftier Missoni knit pants. Thrifty is good, times are tough... They are right on trend because Mod styles are in and these have that sixties vibe to them. I'm not a huge fan of that era but it's nice to have something trendy on hand although I'll be using this pair for a party or something like and that not for everyday wear. They are really long and baggy so platforms are a must with these pants. I'll also probably be wearing a solid top since the bottom is pattern heavy. What you can't see is that they have these weird sheer boy shorts attached inside for modesty. This has to be the most unusual item I purchased in a long time. Browse Go Jane today for daily deals and funky stuff before they sell out. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Go Jane.com

*These items were purchased with my own money*

 

 

Missoni For Target!

This is the best news since finding out Versace has teamed up with H&M. Get ready Missoni lovers! If you have ever dreamed of owning a piece of this legendary designer iconic Italian line now is your chance.  Missoni for Target is a whopping  400-piece-strong collection and quite possibly the largest collection a luxury brand has partnered up with at Target stores. The collection hits Target stores and online Sept. 13 2011. The line has everything from women's clothing, accessories, shoes, luggage, journals, bedding and dinnerware and more!  The patio furniture set is the most expensive item from the brand at $599.99. Are we foaming at the mouth yet? Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Target Sept 13 2011

LOVEMODE Junior CLothing Brand + Jacket Review

 Item I picked out for review

has slight ruffled puff sleeves

beautiful ruffle detail

medium junior size

Up for review today is a gorgeous ruffle trim jacket from LOVEMODE Trendy Junior Clothing line which was sent to me for consideration and I found it waiting for me in the mail when I returned. I was allowed to pick the item for review and I chose this jacket because it's fun and flirty with jeans but I can also pair it up with skirts, leggings and a pair of nice slacks. I also have a fondness for ruffly poofy sleeves clothing but we wont tell anyone...

Lovemode has a website which caters to trendy junior clothing but if  your like me and are not above the 5 feet 5 seven height you may be able to fit into the bottoms and for the tops you would have to choose a larger size. See the size guide on the website when determining a proper fit. I generally fit into a medium in junior sizing and size up to large if the fabric is super tight or the guide suggests it's smaller than the normal med. size. 

Lovemode carries tops, bottoms, denim, dresses and accessories with a large variety to select from. The styling is cute, trendy and fun with low affordable price points. You can find outfits for every occasion and even check out the new arrivals and clearance section for great finds. If this isn't for you because there are no work ensembles or designer gowns then maybe you have teenage girls or younger family members you could shop for at decent savings.

The Quality And Fit- The ruffle jacket I received was very substantial in fabric and had a nice stretch to it. The cotton was soft, sewn well and fit pretty much true to size in juniors. It snuggles nicely on my body and love the way I can wear it whether it's open or buttoned down. Although the price points are low the quality is really decent. I now you can grab yourself one too because it just went on sale!

Original price listed when I picked it out $22.89 now on sale $9.18!

Click here to buy this

I'm pleased with the quality of this brand and love the prices! I probably will scour the site again for pieces to mix and match as well as their accessories rather than full on outfits because it's a little too young for me for a complete wardrobe. Still there are many fun pieces to add at amazing prices. Ladies if you have teens, get some adorable and casual clothing here without maxing out the credit cards. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability-LoveMode.com
Lovemode Facebook Page

Monave Mineral Makeup Review

My publicity sample kit from Monave

Mineral Foundation: Teporah and Caroline

NOT BLENDED INTO MY SKIN

Eyeshadows: Lime, Butterfly Blue, Lavender Pearl

Color Correctors-Luster Adjuster: Yellow And Blue

NOT BLENDED INTO MY SKIN

My own Raw Minerals Foundation Brushes I used for application

Raw Minerals Maximum Coverage Brush Works Best For A Full Coverage

*** The Brushes are my own-check sidebar my past RM review***

Up for review today is a few mineral cosmetics sent to me for consideration from Monave Minerals. Monave is a brand that manufactures mineral based cosmetics with natural ingredients and a cruelty free ethic. The company started out by making mineral makeup by hand and includes a skin care, hair care line as well as being a brand which supports various charitable organizations. I was allowed to choose my own products and shades from the website and I chose:

2 Mineral Foundations- Shade Teporah & Caroline. Caroline is a perfect yellow based pigment for fair skin tones! Teporah is a little darker for me. I can alter the shade with Luster Adjuster Mineral.

3 Loose Mineral Shadows-Shade: Lime, Butterfly Blue and Lavender Pearl. (Gorgeous!)

2 Color Corrector Minerals; Luster Adjuster Shade Yellow and Blue. (used it in liquid foundation!)

Caroline And Teporah

Pro: natural minerals, cruelty free, nice pigmentation, affordable, various colors for every skin tone, foundation mineral is buildable with a lightweight feel and medium coverage, Color Correcting Minerals available, a little pigment goes a long way.

Con: shadow pigments a little less than silky but blendable, a little more coverage preferred for my skin

My results: To be honest, when I was choosing the shades to have sent to me from the website I really didn't think I found any true matches therefore I just selected the lightest possible colors. When I received Caroline in my hands and tested it on my skin I was really impressed how it meshed well. The true test would be on my face which I will tell you about in a minute. Teporah is slightly darker for me and has too much of a beige tint to it which is why I chose Luster Adjuster's to be sent along as well. It's new to me that mineral brands sell color correctors on site which is a huge plus for Monave. I'll get to those later.

Shade Caroline: Light yellow undertone for Caucasian and light Asian skin tones, also has a faint pink hue. I love this! It's a perfect yellow based shade to match my pale yellowy skin tone without looking like a yellow pasty face! It's perfect for you very pale skin tones who can't wear the beigey or pinkish foundations. I was surprised how completely natural it looks. Most yellow based shades are too yellow and when you try to build the coverage it looks fake. I was able add layers to conceal flaws without it looking weird on my skin. 

Shade Teporah: A color for light olive-skinned women. This shade is also for light skin but I found it has too much of a beige tint for me. I need Alabaster shades for yellow undertones. If your light skinned with olive tones or less pale then this might work on you. The sample was not a complete waste because I added some Luster Adjuster Blue to it and it was a little better. For future purpose, Caroline is my best match.

Loose Mineral Eye shadows: These versatile Pigments can be used on your nails as well. 

The shadow formula's are very well pigmented and for me just a little bit less silky yet they are easy to blend and build on. the wear is decent but works best with primer.

Lime: GORGEOUS! This is a pale apple lime shade with lots of sheen. It sparkles without glitter or tackiness and you can build it more more depth. It can also be used as a highlighter when applied with a lighter hand. My photo does not do any of these shadows any justice.

Butterfly Blue- A lovely periwinkle blue with a shift of lilac to it which also has a nice sheen.

Lavender Pearl- A Chameleon Shade. Light pearly lavender, purple hint. MY FAVORITE! This color is slightly holographic and you know how much I love holographic anything. It's a pale delicate fairy dust shade with super shimmer! Great for highlighting, used wet and nail art as well.

Foundation Formula: The minerals blend well on your skin and dissolve nicely without any streaking left behind. They have a natural lightweight feel and there is no shine after application. The coverage for me was medium and build-able without getting flaky or weird looking. I have a few dark patches that made me feel a little less than 100% comfortable without adding some concealer. If you skin is flawless then you'll be fine. I applied moisturizer underneath and the wear was pretty decent without any flaking but if you don't exfoliate or have some skin issue then the powder will show up as with most powders. I'm happy with the quality of all the products I tried.

Luster Adjusters: Color Correctors

Blue-A light-medium blue powder that can be mixed in with any light-medium Monave foundation. This shade is used to create a more cool/alabaster, or olive tone to a foundation. 

Yellow:A light golden powder that is especially helpful for women with Asian or Latin skintones that need a warm tone without red. 

I love these! I added some blue pigment to this really dark beige foundation I had laying around and it turned it into a viable light shade for me to wear! This comes in handy when you need to get a perfect match and saves all the wasted dark foundations purchased from being thrown out.

Packaging: The minerals come packaged in plastic containers with sifters and are stack-able. You can order them in multiple stacks to buy larger quantities at a time. You can also purchase a inexpensive sample before committing to the full product.

I'm impressed with what I tested and love the various shades of cosmetics Monave offers as well as the fact they are natural and cruelty free. The prices are pretty decent as well and maybe pricey for some but a little pigment goes a long way. This is a brand which is new to me and I would recommended my readers try it out for themselves. The color adjusters were a life saver for converting dark wasted foundation into something I can use. I'm giving Monave a fabulous 4.5 starfish rating for all the reasons mentioned above. My only little concern would be shadows with more silkiness to them although this is personal taste. And a little more coverage for the minerals would be nice. I hope everyone has the opportunity to try out Monave products and let's me know what you think of the brand by commenting below. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Monave  Eye Pigments 5g $7.50 Foundation Mineral 10 g $19.50 Luster Adjuster's 7 gram $10. Other sizes and samples available.

1 RATING=WORSE 5 RATING=BEST SUPER STAR=SUPER PRODUCT!

NATURAL INGREDIENTS:: 5 stars

PIGMENTATION:: 5 stars

EASE OF USE:: 5 stars

FORMULA:: 4.5 stars

PRICE & VALUE:: 4.5 stars

OVERALL PRODUCT:: 4.5 stars

In other news: I will be adding all the photo entries from everyone who entered the Hold Me Bag Giveaway Tomorrow and shortly the winner will be announced. Thanks to the participants! XOXO

Go Jane Slouchy Color Block Dress Haul

cute!

a little wrinkled out of the package

 

If I had known medium fitted well I would have purchased the

other color options before they sold out.

Yesterday I mentioned my Go Jane order arrived so for today's post I'm going to review what I think about it. A little note-this was purchased with my own money. It's a slouchy color-block knit dress which I originally had chosen for my review outfit but the color I wanted was only available in medium so I left it. I happen to notice it went on sale last week and I figured why not try it in medium, if it's too small I'll return it. I usually wear medium but the photo made the dress look small and tight making me think I should size up. I'm glad I got it because Medium is perfect! This style is baggy and fits right. I'm glad I grabbed it before it sold out and it's just too bad I lost out on the black/beige shade I really wanted. This black/mauve (pale purple) is just as beautiful. I feel it might be a little short for me but I plan on wearing it with black tights and tall black knee high platform boots.

Color-block garments are a staple for the upcoming fall season and I'm definitely looking out for more styles like this. Dolman sleeves are coming back as well which is something else to keep in mind when shopping for your fall wardrobe. The quality of the dress isn't high end designer but it's not flimsy either, sewn well and about the same material used in mall/boutiques stores at outrageously lower prices.

The dress looks longer in my photo because it has been laid out flat on the table but it's above the knee and all that material gathers up around the waist giving the impression of two garments. This style is forgiving in the waist area and very comfortable. I'm glad I grabbed one even though I missed out on my first color choice. I was going to add a link for you guys but I see it has sold out in just a few days after going on sale, oops! But if you scoure the website I'm sure you'll find something you like if only an accessory. Don't forget Go Jane does a Deal Of The Week and this week it's a cute one piece tank top romper for $8! But hurry because they sell fast. More reviews are coming soon I just need some extra time to swatch and photograph the products so please be patient. The items I will be reviewing next are mineral cosmetics, Tarte cheek stain, natural skincare and some more jewelry hauls. And don't forget you have till August 8th to submit a photo for my Hold Me Bag Giveaway. I'm loving the photo's you guy's have already sent to me so keep them coming. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Availability: Go Jane One Piece Romper $8

ENTER MY HOLD ME BAG VANITY CASE ORGANIZER GIVEAWAY! CLICK HERE 

Betterfly.Com Directory To Look, Learn And Feel Better

I was recently contacted by marketing over at Betterfly.com and asked if they could sponsor a guest post introducing my readers to this website and how it can benefit all of us by making our lives easier when we need to find instructors, artists or even showcase our own talents. What is Betterfly.com you ask? Well, great question because I've never heard of it either. It's an online directory for finding instructors or services such as yoga instructors, life coaches, cooking classes, makeup artists, whatever or whomever can help you look, learn and feel better. You can even create your own website and showcase your own talents for your clients allowing them to pay for services online. This is such an ingenious idea, it's like the Yellow pages for beauty and lifestyle services on the web at your convenience. Be sure to browse the site and learn more on how you can improve your life. Stay informed, Stay beautiful! XOXO

Press info:

When you have a special occasion on the horizon—whether it’sa wedding, prom or gala—you want to be sure that you’re looking your best.Searching for beauty professionals can be a pain, but Betterfly.com has madethat process fast and easy. Betterfly has one of the largest online directoriesof makeup artists in the U.S., so there’s someone out there for everyone. All makeupartists create their own custom mini-websites where you can read up on theirservices, see their price lists, and even book and pay for appointments. Thesite is also free to use, so there’s no stress in contacting multiple professionals.Check out the NewYork makeup artists or go to our general makeup artist page to searchfor people in your area. 

Note: Thanks for all the submitted photos for the giveaway, keep them coming. Click link to enter 

ENTER MY HOLD ME BAG VANITY CASE ORGANIZER GIVEAWAY! CLICK HERE