March 10, 2010

$15!

thecooknook:

Have you ever heard of the 15 dollar store? It is a magical internet place where everything is $15.

Like:

this plaid dress

and

this floral dress with leopard trim

and

this plaid button down shirtdress

and

this sequin and satin white tee

and

this very Olsen-twinish shrug

and

these herring bone t-strap peep toes

and

these red leather wedges.

Now you know.

Those red wedges will be mine!


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March 8, 2010

Chambray is still a big trend, but it goes against almost every single fashion rule you’ve ever learned when the chambray comes in shirt form. You can’t wear denim on denim! So much for jeans! And jean jackets? Bet you haven’t worn one of those since 1996!
I secretly love (okay, not a secret now, whatevs) the chambray trend. It looks comfy, casual and summery to me. It reminds me of wearing denim shirts in the early 90’s, but, of course now it’s in an upgraded, stylish form.
If you want to try out the chambray trend this summer, I recommend taking the easy road with this lovely wrap dress from Converse One Star for Target. It’s only $30, and despite the heinous styling Target uses in their stock photos, I promise this dress is super cute in person. With a pair of wedges, it would be summer perfection.
Converse One Star Chambray Wrap Dress, $30

Chambray is still a big trend, but it goes against almost every single fashion rule you’ve ever learned when the chambray comes in shirt form. You can’t wear denim on denim! So much for jeans! And jean jackets? Bet you haven’t worn one of those since 1996!

I secretly love (okay, not a secret now, whatevs) the chambray trend. It looks comfy, casual and summery to me. It reminds me of wearing denim shirts in the early 90’s, but, of course now it’s in an upgraded, stylish form.

If you want to try out the chambray trend this summer, I recommend taking the easy road with this lovely wrap dress from Converse One Star for Target. It’s only $30, and despite the heinous styling Target uses in their stock photos, I promise this dress is super cute in person. With a pair of wedges, it would be summer perfection.

Converse One Star Chambray Wrap Dress, $30


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March 5, 2010

The perfect wedges for spring and summer.
I have a pair of Aerosole wedges from several seasons ago that I wear almost every day to work in the warm/hot months of the year. They are so comfortable—mine are more comfortable than my flats or flip-flops. No lie.
These are a great mix of the clog trend (without being overtly clog-y) and you could wear them with everything in your closet. For instance, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, leggings, dresses, skirts, etc. The most versatile neutral color with a comfort level that allows you to walk more than a block without collapsing in pain on the sidewalk.
What’s not to love?
Aerosoles “Plushing Bride” Wedges (also available in charcoal gray), $70

The perfect wedges for spring and summer.

I have a pair of Aerosole wedges from several seasons ago that I wear almost every day to work in the warm/hot months of the year. They are so comfortable—mine are more comfortable than my flats or flip-flops. No lie.

These are a great mix of the clog trend (without being overtly clog-y) and you could wear them with everything in your closet. For instance, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, leggings, dresses, skirts, etc. The most versatile neutral color with a comfort level that allows you to walk more than a block without collapsing in pain on the sidewalk.

What’s not to love?

Aerosoles “Plushing Bride” Wedges (also available in charcoal gray), $70


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March 2, 2010

I’ve taken off the black and gray nail polish and traded it for this purple amazingness instead. I am foregoing the boring nudes and minty greens that are so popular right now for this gorgeous lavender color that makes me more happy than nail polish should when I look at my bony little fingers.
It’s limited edition so buy quickly (you can also get $1 off at CVS if you buy from their Maybelline Sweet Thing display).
Here’s the thing: I can’t find a link to purchase online, but I bought mine at CVS, so call your local drugstore and see if they have the Maybelline Sweet Thing collection in stock. And, yes, if you’re still stuck on the mint green shade, the Sweet Thing collection has one of those available too.
I’ll keep looking for an online purchase option, so feel free to check in with me if you’re desperate!

I’ve taken off the black and gray nail polish and traded it for this purple amazingness instead. I am foregoing the boring nudes and minty greens that are so popular right now for this gorgeous lavender color that makes me more happy than nail polish should when I look at my bony little fingers.

It’s limited edition so buy quickly (you can also get $1 off at CVS if you buy from their Maybelline Sweet Thing display).

Here’s the thing: I can’t find a link to purchase online, but I bought mine at CVS, so call your local drugstore and see if they have the Maybelline Sweet Thing collection in stock. And, yes, if you’re still stuck on the mint green shade, the Sweet Thing collection has one of those available too.

I’ll keep looking for an online purchase option, so feel free to check in with me if you’re desperate!


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March 1, 2010

I forgot to put makeup on this morning while running out the door, but I happened to have my emergency makeup kit in my handbag. Thank god! Once I got to work, I ran to the bathroom, threw it on and ran back—it took less than 2 minutes.
How do you find a makeup routine that’s fast and looks great every time?
I have a foolproof method. I don’t care what complexion your skin is, how dry or oily it is, what color your hair is, if you have darker skin or if your skin has never seen sunlight: this kit will look good on you, I promise.
Here are the goods, but feel free to substitute with less/more expensive versions, if you want:

Cargo Bronzer, $28
Bronzer/Blush Brush (This one is $25 by Clinique)
CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain, $7.50
CoverGirl Lash Blast, $8
L’Oreal Extra Intense Eyeliner, $8
Rimmel Eyeshadow Quad in “Smokey Brown”, $12 (Other options by Elizabeth Arden, $30; Lancome, $42)

And here are quick instructions to get it on fast:

Apply bronzer on cheekbones and a bit on your forehead, chin and nose. (Just a bit now!)
Grab the eyeshadow quad. Put the second darkest shade over your whole lid. Then, use the second lightest shade and put that on above your lid up to your brow bone. Now, put the darkest shade in your crease and along your top lash line.
Time for eyeliner. Pull the outside corner of your eye taut. Draw the eyeliner with your free hand on the upper lash line from the inner eye to the outer eye. The line should get slightly wider as you do this. Switch and do the other eye. 
Apply mascara. The best way to apply mascara quickly is to hold the wand directly beneath your lashes (while your eyes are open) and then blink. This way the mascara is not only applied, but also curls as you go.
Apply the lip stain. 
You’re done!

You should be able to get this routine down in less than 5 minutes pretty quickly. Of course, adding foundation and moisturizer and undereye concealer and all of that takes up much more time, but if you’re looking for a quick way to get some color on your face, this is the best way to do it!
Note: depending on your skin tone, you may want to adjust some of the colors. For instance, very pale, very blond women should probably stick to a brown or soft black eyeliner and mascara. If you have darker skin, use a darker bronzer and vise versa. But, in general, the colors above were chosen because they are more or less universally flattering!
Good luck and, as always, feel free to e-mail me or ask me if you have any questions!

I forgot to put makeup on this morning while running out the door, but I happened to have my emergency makeup kit in my handbag. Thank god! Once I got to work, I ran to the bathroom, threw it on and ran back—it took less than 2 minutes.

How do you find a makeup routine that’s fast and looks great every time?

I have a foolproof method. I don’t care what complexion your skin is, how dry or oily it is, what color your hair is, if you have darker skin or if your skin has never seen sunlight: this kit will look good on you, I promise.

Here are the goods, but feel free to substitute with less/more expensive versions, if you want:

And here are quick instructions to get it on fast:

  1. Apply bronzer on cheekbones and a bit on your forehead, chin and nose. (Just a bit now!)
  2. Grab the eyeshadow quad. Put the second darkest shade over your whole lid. Then, use the second lightest shade and put that on above your lid up to your brow bone. Now, put the darkest shade in your crease and along your top lash line.
  3. Time for eyeliner. Pull the outside corner of your eye taut. Draw the eyeliner with your free hand on the upper lash line from the inner eye to the outer eye. The line should get slightly wider as you do this. Switch and do the other eye.
  4. Apply mascara. The best way to apply mascara quickly is to hold the wand directly beneath your lashes (while your eyes are open) and then blink. This way the mascara is not only applied, but also curls as you go.
  5. Apply the lip stain.
  6. You’re done!

You should be able to get this routine down in less than 5 minutes pretty quickly. Of course, adding foundation and moisturizer and undereye concealer and all of that takes up much more time, but if you’re looking for a quick way to get some color on your face, this is the best way to do it!

Note: depending on your skin tone, you may want to adjust some of the colors. For instance, very pale, very blond women should probably stick to a brown or soft black eyeliner and mascara. If you have darker skin, use a darker bronzer and vise versa. But, in general, the colors above were chosen because they are more or less universally flattering!

Good luck and, as always, feel free to e-mail me or ask me if you have any questions!


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February 23, 2010

The perfect weekend t-shirt for less than $15. The hardest part is choosing which one to buy. Or buy all three. I won’t judge!
(Buy larger than your actual size—F21 is a juniors store and these shirts should not be worn skin-tight.)
Sweet Flats Top, $13; Rebel Chic Necklace Tee, $13; Glitter Bow Tee, $12

The perfect weekend t-shirt for less than $15. The hardest part is choosing which one to buy. Or buy all three. I won’t judge!

(Buy larger than your actual size—F21 is a juniors store and these shirts should not be worn skin-tight.)

Sweet Flats Top, $13; Rebel Chic Necklace Tee, $13; Glitter Bow Tee, $12


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Comments
I’m a tad nervous that the color of this trench appears drastically different between the two photos, but I’m still undeterred!
I’m planning to buy this Jean Paul Gaultier for Target trench when it comes out next month.
Have you seen anything from the collection you like? As with all Target designer collaboration collections, it’s sure to be hit or miss—but I’m never one to turn down a coat.
Gaultier for Target Trenchcoat, $60

I’m a tad nervous that the color of this trench appears drastically different between the two photos, but I’m still undeterred!

I’m planning to buy this Jean Paul Gaultier for Target trench when it comes out next month.

Have you seen anything from the collection you like? As with all Target designer collaboration collections, it’s sure to be hit or miss—but I’m never one to turn down a coat.

Gaultier for Target Trenchcoat, $60


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February 22, 2010

Spring is coming! You can make it! I can make it! (Maybe.)
One of my favorite things about spring is dragging out all my sandals and wedges and brightly-colored shoes and wearing them (without tights!!). Sure, you have to worry about painting your toenails and all of that again, but it’s worth it!
Target has a bunch of new spring styles and you get a taste of them above. Guess what? Every single shoe in the photo up there is $30 or less. :Crazy.
(Load up on gladiator platform sandals—they’ll be big again this spring.)
For information on how to purchase, go here.

Spring is coming! You can make it! I can make it! (Maybe.)

One of my favorite things about spring is dragging out all my sandals and wedges and brightly-colored shoes and wearing them (without tights!!). Sure, you have to worry about painting your toenails and all of that again, but it’s worth it!

Target has a bunch of new spring styles and you get a taste of them above. Guess what? Every single shoe in the photo up there is $30 or less. :Crazy.

(Load up on gladiator platform sandals—they’ll be big again this spring.)

For information on how to purchase, go here.


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February 18, 2010

Lucky posted a great coupon to use on Gap’s new arrivals! I picked out a couple of my favorites above.
Use code GAPNEW25 for 25% off all new arrivals! (Excluding jeans.)
Code is good through February 22. (Thanks for reminding me to check, Alissa!)

Lucky posted a great coupon to use on Gap’s new arrivals! I picked out a couple of my favorites above.

Use code GAPNEW25 for 25% off all new arrivals! (Excluding jeans.)

Code is good through February 22. (Thanks for reminding me to check, Alissa!)


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Comments

My sister bought me a set of the scent Secret Charm from Victoria’s Secret “Secret Garden Collection” and I’m telling you—it is just divine.
I can’t even describe it—it’s just delicious. The website says it’s a combination of honeysuckle, gala apple and stephanotis. Who knew?
Anyway, it smells great, has amazing staying power for the price and oh, the price!
It’s about $9 for any of the items, including a eau de toilette perfume, body lotion, body mist, body wash, cream, butter, etc. You can also purchase a $14 gift box. A post-Valentine’s day treat, perhaps? :)

My sister bought me a set of the scent Secret Charm from Victoria’s Secret “Secret Garden Collection” and I’m telling you—it is just divine.

I can’t even describe it—it’s just delicious. The website says it’s a combination of honeysuckle, gala apple and stephanotis. Who knew?

Anyway, it smells great, has amazing staying power for the price and oh, the price!

It’s about $9 for any of the items, including a eau de toilette perfume, body lotion, body mist, body wash, cream, butter, etc. You can also purchase a $14 gift box. A post-Valentine’s day treat, perhaps? :)


| 7 notes
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