MAHOGANY GLAM

KORRES LUSCIOUS LIP BALM

My fellow fashionistas you have to try Korres lip butter! I'm always on the hunt for lip balms to quench my pout and finally Korres does the trick. It's non sticky, it goes on smooth, and it keeps my pucker moisturized for hours and hours. It left my lips enviously soft and kissable. The cool thing is Korres lip butter is actually a lip tint too. It's perfect for glamour girls who don't wear lipstick, or if you just want a smidge of color on your lips. I used Quince (sheer rose) and it was just the right amount of color. Korres lip butter comes in Guava (clear), Pomegranate (sheer color), Wild Rose (sheer deep red), Plum (sheer lavender berry), and they all taste absolutely decadent. None of that mediciney flavor we've all been tortured by. I think all the colors would look gorgeous on all skin tones, except the clear that will NOT work if you're dark skin. It just looks ashy. Korres lip butter will be your saving grace during the winter, and it's only $9 at Sephora. I wish they'd put a bit more product in the pot, but I guess we're all trying to save a little money.

 

Photo courtesy: sephora.com

Hot Boots At Payless!

Payless Shoe Source is rocking my world right now! When did this cheapy cheapy store get on the stylish bandwagon? My fellow fashionistas these boots are made for walking while looking fantastically glam. These Alice + Olivia Jane zip back boots are so freakin hot, I wanna sell my designer jeans to own these eye popping gems. They're priced at $48, Yeah, I know! Payless has gone high dollar!! But to their defense it is Alice + Olivia which is a great deal considering their shoes are usually in the $300 range. What the heck, I want these faux patent leather boots. All I need is a chill in the air. It's still 95 degrees in Los Angeles, so I can't imagine keeping my fingerlike toes under wraps right now. Maybe in a few weeks I'll splurge at Payless! That's crazy to even say, I'm saving up to buy killer boots at Payless!! Times have definitely changed:-)

 photo courtesy: paylesshoesource.com

BE GLAM ON A BUDGET

 

 

Lately, I've been yearning to shop til I drop... like a fiend needing a fix I've missed shopping. Not that I don't, I've just kept clothes shopping to under $20 bucks. It's hard when you have Prada taste with F-21 funds. I seriously watch what I spend and I've learned how to create show stopping ensembles from stores like Charlotte Russe. They've really grown into a chic cheap boutique that you can find super hot fashion forward threads that won't break your budget. I was floored by their couturesque designs that range in price from 14.99-39.99. I don't even know who Charlotte Russe is, but she really has style! These these days it's all about looking fabulously fashionable, but you don't have to go broke to do it. Check out charlotterusse.com or stop by your favorite mall.

photos courtesy charlotterusse.com

Sweet Deals with Mervyn's & Shoe Pavilion Closing

My fellow fashionista's as we all know our economy is spiraling down the proverbial tube, and unfortunately some of our favorite stores are closing their doors. West coast stores Mervyn's (like Ross) and Shoe Pavilion (cheaper DSW)  have hit hard times. Luckily, the style gods have smiled on us and we can capitalize on their misfortune and score some sweet deals. If you live nearby these stores or have a friend on the west coast it's the best time to start shopping for the holidays. As mahogany glamazons I think we all should do our part to help stimulate our economy and spend, spend, spend!

SIGERSON MORRISON STUDDED FLATS AT TARGET

I completely fell head over heels in love with these cute flats by Sigerson Morrison for Target. I saw them in Lucky Magazine November issue and dashed over to my neighborhood Target to get up close and personal. The uber stylish female duo behind Sigerson Morrison have bequeath their fashionosity to Target for a limited time, and I wanted to own a piece. First off, they're super comfy. I thought they'd feel like I had rocks tied to my feet, due to the cheap chic factor, but they're awesome! The sparkly studs are totally real and didn't seem to be super glued on and the actual "velvet" was like butta! And they're only $29.99, sweet! Sadly, I left the store without them in my arms. Why!! Why!!!! Cause now they're sold out at Target.com and I can't find my size at the store. Darn it! Okay, here's why I choked. The Sigerson Morrison flats are a tad pointy at the front, and there's nothing wrong with that, except I have extremely large feet (8 1/2) for my size. I know I know, I should have come to terms with this issue by now. I can admit that I'm not perfect. Now I'll have to canvas all the Los Angeles Target's hiked up on Venti caramel macchiato's to correct my moment of insecurity.

CLINQUE'S LONG LASTING GLOSSWEAR

Who knew Clinque made amazing lip glosses? I was in one my happy places Sephora over the weekend perusing all the wonders of makeup, when I came across Clinque's Long Last Glosswear. I fell in love the sheer lavender pink shade called Mystic. I couldn't help myself, I threw down $14 plus tax to make it part of my collection. They have eighteen to die for colors to complement various mahogany complexions. It even has SPF-15 to protect our pouts from the dastdardly rays of the sun. Clinque promises up to 8 hours of long lasting shine. Which isn't quite true...it's more like four maybe five if you're pushing it. Unlike some glosses that will remain nameless, my lips didn't crave a glass of water throughout the day. Clinque long last glosswear kept my lips moisturized even though the color faded a bit. It's also non sticky which is huge in my book. I think it's one of the best lip glosses on the market. Stop by Sephora or your favorite department store to try it for yourself!

Photo courtesy: sephora.com

November Cover Girls Beyonce', J-Hud, Latifah, & Alicia

Grammy winner Beyonce' continues her quest to take over the world. The talented artist is stunning on the cover of Essence magazine, but it's what she reveals inside the glossy mag that leaves tongues wagging. Beyonce' finally confirms what we all thought we knew, that she married longtime beau Jay-Z six months ago. Her hush hush wedding was left many wonder did they or didn't they, now the 27-year old dishes a few personal details to Essence. Beyoncé tells the magazine "What Jay and I have is real. It's not about interviews or getting the right photo op. It's real. She also didn't want an engagement ring because, "People put too much emphasis on that," she says. "It's just material and it's just silly to me." The usually secretive star continued to give more insight into her relationship, "We've been together a long time," she says. "We always knew it would happen." In unison...aahhh! Of course, we all know confession is good for the soul and album sales, B's new c-d hits stores on November 18th.

Ooh La la the trifecta of fabulousness all grace the November cover of Ebony magazine. Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, and Alicia Keys talk about their roles in the upcoming film "The Secret Life of Bees." The three actresses shared on set stories and the joy of working with each other. The drama opens in theaters on October 17th.

Photos courtesy: People.com & Ebony

 

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

My fellow fashionistas tis the season to Think Pink...October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as always the fashion industry steps up to support the cause with a bevy of stylish pink must haves. I think we all know someone who's been affected by this deadly disease, so here's our opportunity to join in the fight against a disease that affects so many women. Many department stores and merchandisers will donate a portion of their profits from the sale of all pink items, to help find a cure for breast cancer. At my favorite store Bloomingdales, purchase The Little Pink Gift card now through October 31st and 10% of the value will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Most cosmetic lines such as Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Clinique, are participating in this worthwhile cause. So the next time you're strolling through the mall or your favorite store, pick up something pink and help find a cure.

photos courtesy: Bloomingdales.com

HALLE BERRY GETS INTO THE FRAGRANCE BUSINESS

Wanna smell like Halle Berry? Now you can. The beautiful Oscar winner will debut her first fragrance next spring. "Halle" by Halle Berry will include all of Berry's favorite notes; fig,mimosa, bergamot, pear blossom, freesia, hibiscus, ultra mimosa, sandalwood, driftwood, cashmere musk, olibanum and sensual amber. She says fragrance is “a real, true expression of who I am”. The woody oriental fragrance will be available in 15, 30 and 50 ml Eau de Parfum and in matching body products. The new mom added, "I finally had the time to do it, and it takes a lot of time to make your own fragrance when you're really involved. The last movie I did was two years ago. In that time I got pregnant, had a baby, and this was my second baby."  I'm glad Halle is finally getting into the smell good business. These days it's one of the most profitable money makers for celebrities. If she doesn't have box office success, this perfume will definitely keep her the lifestyle that she's accustomed to. I can't wait to get a whiff of "Halle" by Halle Berry cause then I'll kinda feel a bit closer to her yummy boyfriend Gabriel:-) Look for Halle's debut fragrance sometime in March 2009.

Photos courtesy: nymag.com & people.com 

I LOVE MARC BY MARC JACOBS DR Q HANDBAGS

Dr. Q "Lil Riz" leather handbag

One of my favorite shopping buddies was obsessing over the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q handbag. She read about it in a magazine and wanted to see it up close and personal. I didn't mind the hunt especially in Nordstrom, cause Marc Jacobs knows how to create gorgeous confections to make women drool. Once I saw it my palms got sweaty and once I touched the buttery leather handbag I knew it had to be mine. I was ready to forego shopping for Fall finds, until I saw the price, Dr. Q "Lil Riz" handbag $428, yes that's hundred dollars! My poor friend was inconsolable. I was in shock. Why, Why, Why? It' not fair! I began to think if I could just talk to Marc personally, he might be able to cut us a deal. Say two Dr. Q's for $300. That's not offensive, that's completely doable, right. We thought the other versions of the Dr. Q might be a tad less. Nope. Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q "Fraser" tote bag $528 and the Dr Q Groovee Satchel $498. C'mon Marc, get real who can afford the lovely Dr Q handbags in this economy? With a few exceptions, the rest of us are trying to find fall fashions on sale all while trying to fill up our gas guzzlers. The Dr. Q handbags Are the hottest handbags on the market right now. What to do, what to do...My partner in crime and I decided to take a trip to the fashion district in downtown LA in hopes of scoring a Dr. Q knock off. What! Don't judge us, desperate times call for desperate measures!! Plus, it's Marc's fault. Marc, call me:-)

Dr. Q "Fraser" tote bag $528

Dr. Q Groovee Satchel $498

photos courtesy: Bloomingdales.com