W Hotels + CFDA Dallas Showcase

Last week I was invited to the CFDA {Fashion Incubator} hosted by W Hotels. If you're wondering what all that means.... CFDA is the Council of Fashion Designers of America- a not-for-profit trade association whose membership consists of more than 400 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers. CFDA membership is by invitation only. And every year they have awards. It's like the Oscars of fashion. And the Fashion Incubator is a program designed to support up and coming fashion designers.

Everyone was dressed to impress in their finest designer duds. Surprisingly, I was wearing some of my great bargains.

Jacket: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's; Pleather Shorts: Bisou Bisou for JcPenney; Necklace: Sam Moon; Beaded clutch: Vintage (My mother's hand-me down); Shoes: Elizabeth & James (bought at the end of the season last year at Neiman Marcus). Unfortunately, these were all bought a while ago and I don't have links for them. 

Once again, you don't have to spend a ton to wear the trends! 

They showcased the following designers:

Ari Dean

Jonathon Simkhai

Reece Hudson

Timo Weiland

It was such a fun night!

Cheers!

My Skincare Regimen

My skincare regimen is pretty simple.

1. I've been using the classic Clinique 3-step face products since I was about 12. Thanks Mom! It works for me and it's inexpensive. It consists of liquid face wash, clarifying lotion, and moisturizing lotion. Why change it? I've tried other stuff... but I've always circled back!

2 & 3. Eye cream.... The Gin-Zing by Origins is a new addition to my routine but I really like it. I also use the Garnier roller ball and it's very inexpensive. I use the Gin-Zing first thing in the morning after I do the 3-step. It has caffeine in it and gets the blood flowing. I will then use the roller ball when I put on my make-up or later in the day if I'm going out. It just gives a little boost.

4. Scrub- Origins Modern Friction. Use it Monday, Wednesday, Friday after washing your face. It's gentle enough but does a nice job.

5. My FAVORITE! I finally got the Clarisonic Mia. Best investment ever. Your face will feel amazing and will thank you. Now there is a Mia and Mia 2. Mia is $119 and Mia 2 is $149. You do NOT need the Mia 2. Only difference is that the Mia 2 has 2 speeds. You don't need that. It's so easy to use. Put your face wash on the brush, turn it on and brush it all over your face (not your eyes) and after one minute, it turns off. Bam. Baby soft skin. Then replace the head every 6 months. I'm hooked.

What's your routine?

What's in My Make-up Bag: Part One

Girls love to know each other's beauty tricks and secrets. I know I love to hear about my friend's favorite products. I have found some of my favorite products that way. So I thought I would share mine! I like to mix it up. I'm not faithful to just one brand but I will say when I find something I like, I don't steer away.

Since there is so much to cover, I'll do it in parts. Today will be my all-time favorite things. As in, I won't leave the house without them.

1. Cleu De Peau Concealer This is the best on the market. I'm not just saying that, I've read it many times in magazines! I was introduced to this product about six years ago and I've never looked back. I am prone to dark circles and bags under the eyes. After I apply my eye cream (that'll come later) I put this on and "goodbye" bags! Now one thing, it is $70. BUT before you freak out, a little goes a long way and I'd say it lasts nearly a year. And when it stops rolling up I use a concealer brush to get the rest which is quite a bit. 

2. Chanel Blush If there's one thing a girl needs, it is a little color on her cheeks (and lipstick). I love Chanel blush because it truly stays on most of the day. Many other blushes I've tried wash off after a few hours. I vary in the color I wear depending on the season. 

3. Chanel Glossimer The one product I've worn the longest. Chanel Glossimer in Blizzard. I've worn it for nearly 10 years. It's my everyday color. It wears well and not like a gloss. But I must say, you have to wear it with lip liner. I wear a nude color and fill it in with the gloss. Now before you say, "Uh get out of your make-up rut." I wear many other colors but this is my go-to, everyday color. I could probably buy a Chanel bag for all the tubes of this I bought. 

4. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara *Bargain Alert* After many years of wearing expensive mascara, I was over it. This is the best stuff for my lashes. I've tried the fancier "drugstore" versions that claim to give you drag queen lashes. I always end up going back to this one. And for under $6.00 at Target, you can't beat it! Although, I still love Dior Show Iconic but you get the same look with the L'Oreal.

I'm BACK! And With Lots of Color.

Hello friends! I'm so sorry for the two month hiatus. I plan to get back to my love and passion: Cocoa and Stella! I have lots to cover but first thing... outfit of the day!

Dress: JcPenney (only 18!); Belt: Vintage; Earrings: Sam Moon; Sandals: Target

I love this color block dress. I got it at JcPenney. You know I love my bargains. And now it's even cheaper than I paid for it, $18! It runs big. I'm wearing a 4 (my usual size) and it's a little big on me. The earrings are a great Sam Moon find for $4 (that just so happened to match perfectly.) My bangles are a random mix of old and new. And the awesome belt was my mom's from the 80's.

The color on my nails is Essie: Shelter Island. I decided to jazz up a nail. I love a good party nail. I buy the nail colors with the skinny brushes for nail designs.... and I have a steady hand. 

Last night I posted on Instagram about this stuff: 

Everyone was asking about it so I decided to write my own review. I did my research on self tanners. I read blogs, Instagram posts, etc. This took the prize with the best reviews. So I decided to give it a try. I'm super pale and with the warm weather, wedding season, and skin showing... well, something needed to be done. I justified paying $25 for this at Ulta because I would pay that much for one spray tan at a tanning salon. There are two things I hate about self tanners: the smell and orangey streaks. And reviews claimed that both of these were didn't happen. Here's what comes in the box: 

Tanning spray with pump, 2 latex gloves, and the mitt/applicator. So before I got started I watched a few YouTube videos with some silly/ditzy girls talking "spray tan." I combined there suggestions and got started. If you don't know anything about self tanner, always shower and exfoliate beforehand. One thing that might surprise you about myself is that I'm VERY impatient when it comes to beauty/makeup/hair. If it takes a long time, I'm out. Just one more reason to turn me off of this whole self tanning stuff. But this was super fast! I just sprayed on and rubbed in with the brown applicator/mitt. Except for the tops of my hands and feet, I sprayed on the applicator (brown side) and blotted it on. I also wore the blue latex gloves to avoid the orange hands. 

The results: 

It didn't smell. It didn't streak. The whole thing took 5 minutes. There wasn't a drastic difference but just enough (as in: no Snooki look). I will put another coat on before the weekend. I'm a fan. And I would definitely recommend it. Here's a "Before and After:" 

So not a huge difference but it definitely gave me a good glow. Now go get your self-tan on...

Until next time.... And it won't be that long.

Pops of Pink

Jacket: Target; Blouse: Gap (old); Jeans: AG; Boots: Michael Kors (old); Bracelet: (a vacation find); Belt: from my work!; Earrings: Vintage; Watch: Michele

How fun is this preppy jacket? I love that it has the little bit of pink underneath the collar. Anything with an element of surprise, I'm a fan. I added a few pink accessories to tie it all together... even the belt has a little pop of color. Best part about the jacket.... It was $10. If you're like me, finding a bargain makes me like the piece even more.

With it being Valentines Day this week, I'll probably be wearing pink a lot. After being a life long fan, I still love pink. 

National Wear Red Day

Jacket: LC for Kohl's; Top: Rebecca Taylor (old); Jeans: 7 for All Mankind; Belt: Old; Shoes: Vince Camuto (old)
Watch: Michele; Link Bracelet: J. Crew; Bangles: Random places! 

Did you know today is National Wear Red Day?

I love mixing my prints. I've added a little leopard with the floral top. I also like the feminine look with a touch of casual, distressed jeans. With it being February, I even incorporated some Valentine's Day fun with my nails: 

Happy Weekend! 

A Little Bit of Everything

Top: Forever 21: Old; Pants: Target; Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Is it just me or does anybody else want to burn everything in their closet? Ok, maybe not the Chanel handbags or a few other things... I do this everytime when a season is coming to an end. I've worn everything and I'm just tired of it. It's time to get in there and get creative. I hadn't worn these pants in a few months, so I wore them with a different bootie. Nothing crazy exciting but it's better than the default knit shirt, jeans, and booties... which I've been guilty of lately. I'm ready for spring and some new outfits!

Here's a few other random pictures for your entertainment... Cocoa has quite the social life these days. Between the dog park and our friends with furry babies, she keeps herself busy.

I'm in the process of sprucing up my room (pictures soon!) You might recall this post for the DIY Chevron curtains. Here's a little preview of the colors I'm using: 

Most people would look at my never ending list of DIY projects and say....

Last but not least... for a little Throwback Thursday- This is my cousin and me with our sweet Granddaddy. Clearly, I was a fashionista in the making- Posing for the camera and ALWAYS had a bow in my hair.

Have a fab day!

Transitioning to Spring

Sweater: Kohl's (old); Pants: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's (old); Shoes: Vince Camuto (old); Bangles: Random 

I've gotten to the point where I'm over winter clothes. With our crazy yo-yo weather, it will drive anyone crazy. One day it's freezing, the next day it's convertible weather. Today is one of those warm days. I paired a light sweater with a floral print pant. Easy enough! Bring on the brights colors, shorts, and fun sandals!

Just Another Day at the Office

Shirt: Uniqlo; Cardigan: Club Monaco (old); Jeans: James Jeans; Booties: Urban Outfitters (and on MAJOR sale!)

Today one of my photographers (or co-worker friend) wanted to get creative. (Thanks Kelly!) I purchased this shirt when I was in NYC at my fave, Uniqlo. It was part of their Designer Invitation Project. I just liked that the shirt looked a little western/animal print. Pair it with some red booties and red lipstick (my lipstick may or may not match my shoes) and easy breezy, ready to go!

And always remember....

Getting the Baroque Look Without Going Broke

Sorry for cheesy title. I couldn't help it.

Faux Fur Vest: JcPenney (and it's on clearance!); Pants: Target (clearance); Bracelet: J. Crew; Necklace: Forever 21 (old)

You're seeing the Baroque (think late 80's Versace) look a lot this fall/winter season... Black, gold, oversized chain prints, etc. I found these hideous fun pants at Target and thought it would look great with the (faux-wish-it-was-real) fur vest. I'm usually not a fan of faux because it can come across looking a little cheap but this was a really good faux find! (Such a thing?) I stumbled across it at JcPenney while doing some work shopping. (You can get it now for just $30!)

Cheers!

Feeling Colorful for Friday

What. A. Week. First (full) week back at work and super busy at that. I've challenged myself lately to stop cutback on wearing jeans to work. I have so many great dresses and skirts that I rarely wear because of our casual environment. You might have seen this skirt here. I've added tights and a simple cardigan. I love all the colors in this skirt.

Cardigan: Target (old); Skirt: H&M; Booties: Lucky Brand; Necklace: J. Crew

Yay Bracelet: Alex and Ani; Bracelet: J. Crew; Colorful Bracelet:  Not sure (Christmas gift); Heart Mug: West Elm

I finally spluged on the J. Crew pave link bracelet (a staple for every fashion blogger). Well actually it didn't cost me much- with a 30% discount and a nice gift card. But I love the silly thing.

Prabal Gurung for Target

I'm loving the sneak peek from Prabal Gurung for Target (see video below). I hope this is a much bigger success than the Neiman Marcus and Target collaboration. I think it wasn't as successful as they hoped because the price point was very high. It was very expensive for items that didn't "read" designer. When Target collaborated with Missoni, it was HUGE. But the print was Missoni, it was recognizable... it "read" Missoni. People know that chevron signature print from a mile away. My only concern with the Prabal Gurung line is that he is not a very well known designer but hopefully (from the sneak peak of the video) his colorful prints will win over the Target customer.

View more of the collection here.

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

Spicing up the Sweater Dress

Sweater Dress: Barneys New York Private Label; Scarf: Madewell (sale); Boots: Michael Kors (old); Purse: Elliott Lucca (sample sale); Bangles: random and old; Tights: DKNY; Necklaces: random and old; Watch: Michele

We all have one, your basic sweater dress. In fact, I've had this one for 6 years. I bought this on super discount when I worked at Barneys New York. It's cashmere and I've taken great care of it (hand wash, not dry clean and store with cedar chips in the summer). I find myself wearing this often in the winter because it's a no-brainer, especially when I'm in a rush to get to church on Sunday. I paired it with colored tights, contrasting boots (I love brown and black together), chunky bangles, long necklaces, and topping it off with a fun scarf. It looks pulled together and it was so easy!

Once again, with the right accessories you can jazz up any outfit. Minus the Madewell scarf (bought on clearance for $15, regularly $60), I've had this stuff for a while, many flea market finds or hand me downs from my Mama. Think outside the box or steal my look! Make getting dressed in the morning fun!


It's almost Friday, cheers!