I am so NOT a fan, but it does raise an interesting footwear fashion question: Do you love or loathe the split-toe look? And why?... The verdict will follow on Monday so get your votes in! And as always, thank you for your help and fashion savvy.
XOXO,
I know we all remember how important prom was during our high school reign, and now you have a chance to help a new generation of young ladies (hello, fashionistas-in-training!) look and feel fabulous on their special night. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: doing good is always in style.
Special thanks to the lovely Lizzie for the heads-up on this amazing cause!
Image thanks to Belle of the Ball, sponsored by Anton's Cleaners. For more information, visit the official Belle of the Ball website by clicking here.
Perusing the seemingly endless racks of marked-down designer duds, I hoped to get lucky. I mean, you can always find great things on sale, but I was in search of something special... which manifested itself in the form of Johnny Was. For those unfamiliar with this line, Johnny Was is the ultimate in urban-bohemian chic from designer Biya Ramar. Her work is known for vibrant silhouettes infused with intoxicating color combinations.
You may find this difficult to believe, but I was late to arrive at the flat iron party. In fact, I didn't actually own a flat iron until after college. I blame my hair stylist; how could they NOT have told me?!! While I was spending foreverrrr with my blow-dryer and a round brush, I could have been straightening in a snap! with the ease of a Chi. So maybe this is the reason that I have since been obsessed with straight hair? The same could be said of my TV addiction. We had (quite literally) no working channels on our TV growing up--and now watching all of my shows is like a full-time job! But I digress...
Whatever the reason, I have kept my hair on the straight and narrow for a good four years now. My Chi is a vital tool in my daily beauty routine, and I never leave home (overnight, at least) without it. Until a few days ago, that is... While killing time and perusing photos on Facebook from my recent weekend in Vermont with friends, I was startled to realize: my hair is flat. Straight to be sure, but flat flat flatttt? Ick. And just like that, I resolved to embrace the natural kink of my hair--enhanced with a few well-placed curls thanks to my curling iron, obvi.
Having come to this decision, I've noticed that big hair is everywhere in fashion--from the runway, to the red carpet, and featured in fashion editorial spreads like whoa. The common element: big hair equals glamour. Pump up the volume with curl and shape, and viola! Glamour. I decided to test this theory out for myself the past couple of days, ditching my Chi in favour of a little air-dry and a lot of curl. Once I got over feeling like my hair was a total mess, I sort of liked the way my hair totally took over. And what's more, I received more compliments than I had in...forever. What can I tell you? Bigger really is better.
As I mentioned in my earlier post, the major selling feature of this mascara is the "willow" brush, which is actually a curved, fine-toothed comb that is designed to capture even the tiniest of lashes so as to lengthen. The result is supposedly longer lashes that make your eyes look wide and bright. In my experience, the same willow brush that was supposed to revolutionize my lashes is just a huge pain to use. Rather than tracking down all my lashes, the curved shape of the brush made application difficult. The result: just as much mascara on and around my eyes as on my eyelashes. Such a hot mess--and so NOT what I need in the morning! 
In theory, Clinique's vision is a good one, and I suppose that, if you're accustomed to working with a curved brush, this might be a good fit for you. Clearly, I am not that girl, and so--like always--I have run straight back into the open arms of my DiorShow Iconic Mascara. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Say it with sweets... We all know that the road to a lady's heart is paved with sweet treats. In fact, nothing ends a marital spat between my beloved husby and me quite like a piece of carrot cake from the bakery on the corner! Knowing that, what better way to express your love than a dozen cupcakes, each expressing a romantic sentiment--and shipped right to her front door in a festive pink argyle box! Choose from traditional flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or go wild for love with more decadent choices like triple chocolate or red velvet. Mmmm... 
Not surprisingly, the fashion drama doesn't end there. All I've ever wanted is a pair of thick leggings that could actually be worn as pants. Instead, faux denim--a serious faux pas--hit the runway last Spring. I'm relieved to report that the trend didn't stick, but the serious visceral reaction I experienced after watching Rock & Republic's acid-washed faux denim leggings come down the runway left me nauseous, traumatized--and very, very cautious about what would come next...
Jeggings! Part jeans, part leggings, and 100% fabulous. I admit, I was skeptical at first-- a reaction I credit to the post-traumatic stress of the faux denim leggings incident--but there is nothing NOT to love about this sophisticated hybrid! They fit even better than my favorite pair of skinny jeans (a true feat), yet they are infinitely more comfortable. As far as brands go, no one does it better than Paige Premium Denim. After the last few days, I think it's safe to say that I am officially obsessed with Paige's Glam Rock style in vinyl, an irresistible ink-black wash:Day 3- Dressing for the office made easy: jeggings, tall black boots, and a white long-sleeve tee underneath a grey, twill military-style blazer. Who needs business casual?
Day 4- laundry day!
Day 5- Another fabulous office outfit: jeggings, tall brown boots, a black Theory blazer, and classic Burberry plaid scarf. How's that for a power suit?
The obvious versatility of my amazing Paige jeggings has made them both a wardrobe staple and a fashion-forward force to be reckoned with. I can either wear them alone as jeans or underneath a long, drapey sweater as leggings. And with a comfort level equal or better than regular old leggings, who can argue with that? Not only are jeggings the new leggings, but they're quickly becoming the new jeans too! Clearly, there is no question about who's wearing the pants in this relationship.
Back in the fall, lolly.brand revamped the signature Cupcake Tee with new colors, new sizes--a totally new look--so it was only fair that the lolly.girl tee received a makeover too! Now available is the (new) lolly.brand Signature Cupcake Tee for Little Girls. This soft, minty green tee features the lolly.cupcake in a bright, bubble-gum pink, a sinfully sweet color combination. And there's more! This sweet new style is now available in infant sized onesies--because sometimes good things come in reeeeally little packages!
I'm willing to bet that you won't find a sweeter way to show your little valentine how much you love them. But if your little valentine is a boy who isn't a fan of cupcakes or the pink/green color combo, brand.L by lolly.brand has this one covered. And of course, the brand.L Skateboarder Tee for Little Dudes is now available in infant-sized onesies too--too cute for words!
