No time for make-up!

It's been over two weeks since my last post... So many changes at home and so many places to be that I've been on the go 24/7 -literally! To the point that make-up is just an added benefit if I even get the time to do it....

I've been relying heavily on my NARS Multiple and it's absolutely fabulous! For a couple of reasons: 1) It's easy to put on - no brushes needed,just your fingers. 2) The name "Multiple" means I can put it on my cheeks, brows, use it as eye shadow, lips, etc. Which I've done for the last two weeks - no foundation, no powder, nothing! Just my Multiple and some blush and mascara! 3) Gives you a nice bronze shine as if you just got back from vacation vs. the truth of four to five hours of sleep daily 4)It comes in several different shades based on your complexion, plus the names are fabulous! Vacation spots- I guess if you can't be there, might as well look like you just came from one :)

I have the "Copacabana", but can't wait to try the "Malaysia" and "Lamu" colors.

Check them out at Sephora!

Over due to talk about... summer flats!

I'm long over due to talk about what is all on our minds right now... summer flats! School is out, June gloom is going to fade away soon and before you know it....we'll be in the heat of the summer...
I am obsessed with flats - glamorous - yes it can be - if you pull it off right. Comfortable - definitely! Even though I love to wear my four and five inch heels - I'm not Posh Spice either... so you definitely won't see me rolling up at a soccer game or grocery store in a pair of CLs (I'm still absolutely amazed she can wear this almost everywhere)... I can barely keep up with my little guy who is now running all over the place - I can't imagine doing it in heels every day!

Here are some of my favorite and very affordable summer flats!

Sam Edelman 'Gigi' sandals in brown leopard print - Amazing!!! And it goes with everything! Available at Nordstrom and Shoes.com


Steve Madden Serrious available at Piperlime.com - great neutral!!


Arturo Chiang Damlin available at Piperlime.com - has great embellishment!


JCrew Reese Studded Back Zip sandals (in black) at JCrew.com -the understated rock star flats :)

Mad about Madewell!!!

I was so EXCITED to find out that Madewell now has an e-commerce site! Madewell comes from the family of JCrew, but with a more casual and affordable spin to it! They have retail stores all over the US too, but very limited. And of course, not one within Orange County (only Los Angeles)! So, I will just have to shop online. :-)

http://www.madewell.com/index.jsp


Here are a couple of items on my "hit" list on the site:

Bada Boum! As promised...

In one of my very first posts - here are some pics of me in my "it" and new favorite tee of the fall season (Rebecca Minkoff's Bada Boum tee).... I know it's spring/summer, but couldn't help myself and wanted to wear it sooner. I'll probably wear it more in different ways as we move into fall/winter.
I wore it during our wine tasting session in one of our favorite vineyards in Sonoma (Jordan winery)! It was comfortable and fun!








(Outfit - Rebecca Minkoff Bada Boum tee, Michael Kors watch, House of Harlow ring, J Brand jeans, Mike and Chris jacket and Loeffler Randall boots).

Wine Away....

So over the Memorial Day weekend, my husband and I went on a small getaway to Napa, Sonoma and San Francisco! We had an absolutely wonderful time! Yet over the course of our trip - I learned a very valuable lesson while wine tasting!

Quick story about karma - during one of our trips to a vineyard, I was on my blackberry talking to my sister and we chuckled about something. Something about my husband's funny antics... As I put my blackberry away - I tipped the glass of red wine all over the table -which of course was all over me (and I somehow also ended up sitting on it too)... The guy helping us with the tasting -automatically ran to our table and gave me Wine Away to spray all over my WHITE dress. Yes, I said white! Karma right - talk about someone and then spill red wine all over your white dress. One of my favorite actually (which I've talked about in one of my posts)....

I couldn't believe Wine Away - the red wine magically disappeared from my dress! I smelled like orange zest after - but was absolutely relieved that my dress wasn't damaged! SO here is what I learned over the course of wine tasting:

1) Never wear white again when wine tasting -you never know what can happen after a few glasses

2) Always carry a small bottle of Wine Away in your purse

3) Never get out the blackberry to message people when you're trying to have a nice relaxing moment with your spouse :)

Wine Away - available online and your local wine shops!



Here is a picture of me after spraying myself with wine away - still in shock that the red wine was off my dress (literally the wine was all over my dress)

Making a statement with GOLD!

If you know me and have seen me out and about (and out actually dressed -which does not equal my leopard jammie pants at home or in my work-out gear when I'm working out or running errands) - then you know how much I love gold! Gold as in yellow gold and usually bold statement pieces. I love it for a couple of reasons - 1) you can wear it all year long 2) It can be a conversation maker 3) It can really enhance your outfits

One of the items I've been eyeing for a couple of months now, but just wasn't sure if it was worth the investment is a "men's inspired" gold watch (Michael Kors). It's bold -YES! But not too bold... It makes the outfit and you can wear it with just about anything!

Well, I've stopped eyeing.... My WONDERFUL husband gave me the nicest surprise last night! I walked into the house and right as I walked in - there was a nice little box from Nordies -my home away from home! Moral of the story ladies - dropping hints works, but actually taking him to the store and "happen to walk by the watch"....works even better :) Love you Kev - thank you so much again!



Here are some other men's inspired gold watches that are great and also very affordable!
La Mer Watch available at Shopbop.com ($105)


Rachel Zoe Pave Watch available at QVC ($52) -I love Rachel Zoe and I found a couple of other items at QVC that are affordable and GREAT quality. I bought a gold cuff from her line and it's Bananas!!!!

Going Nautical this summer?

If you've looked at any fashion magazines, blogs, WSJ or walked into a department store or even an H&M - you know that one of the biggest trends out there for this season is nautical stripes! Here are few of my favorite pieces in my closet today and others I found online you can purchase at the store (all very reasonable prices). So in other words - you don't have to go sailing or be a Ralph Lauren model to wear stripes these days.... BTW - it's flattering for everyone!!!
I promise... :)

Favorite "stripes" sitting in my closet:

Myne Evan Stripe top available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales or online retailers like revolveclothing.com or shopbop.com


Paul and Joe Sister jersey dress -purchased from a boutique in San Francisco (but you can find Paul and Joe Sister at Net-a-Porter.com)



Great stripes you can purchase and all very reasonable!

Collective Stripe Top (Nordstrom TBD Dept, $68) I LOVE the details in the back of this blouse!



Aqua from Bloomingdales (Available online or store - both under $80)

Clogs....

Aren't just for Oktoberfest and Kilts! In my search to find all of the great things for Fall/Winter '10 - I was extremely excited to find that clogs are making a comeback....but 10 times better then what we remember them to be!

I bought a pair of Isabella Fiore Torch clogs about two years ago and I've worn them for the past two seasons for fall/winter. I absolutely LOVE them b/c they are 1)easy 2) comfortable 3) absolutely adorable



Here are two others I found absolutely adorable and also very reasonable in price!

Jeffrey Campbell Stampede available at Shopbop.com


Matt Bernson Quixote available at RevolveClothing.com


I highly recommend you try them for the upcoming season - they're cute, easy to slip on(especially on days when you just don't want to have to pull those boots up) and still keep your nice feet warm :)

And the winner is......

Okay - I literally randomly pulled a name out and the winner of my post/follower drawing is Carmie!!!! Congratulations!! I will send you an email with all of the details....

More fun posts to come this week!!! I have lots to talk about :)

Do you have your pair ready for this summer?

My husband can contest that I have an absolute love and hate relationship with sunglasses. I'm either never truly satisfied with what I buy or I get tired of it and want to move on to another pair after six months. It's actually really terrible b/c I truly am longing for that perfect pair - one that is versatile that I can wear with almost anything and still feel absolutely great and glam!

So in my venture to find a pair - I've decided to try out the aviators! I know what you're thinking - not for me! I didn't think so either - but decided to try it out anyways and love them (you know, the days where you want to just feel like a rock star :) when you walk out of the house)....

If you don't have your perfect pair yet - here are some of my favorite and all at a reasonable price!

Below are the RayBan 3025 (original with the more tear drop look) - this is the pair I purchased. Available at Zappos.com (they come in two sizes, medium and large, depending on the frame of your face)...

RayBan 3362 - also available at Zappos. This is the new contemporary version of the aviators. The tear drop isn't as drastic and you can still feel like a rock star in them!

Diane von Furstenberg Oversized Retro Sunglasses at Nordstrom or DVF.com (if you love her line as much as I do) you may want to consider this pair - it's definitely more costly, but it's fabulous! Warning though -the case for this pair is HUGE and almost annoying b/c it fits no where -unless your purse is a small carry on luggage :)

Banana Republic Aviators (available online or at the store) -definitely a softer version of the aviators and a very reasonable price!

And finally..... If you are the type that wants several pairs for different outfits and occasions and don't want to spend a lot of money for it... Check out 80s Purple! Fun and very inexpensive sunglasses!!!

http://www.80spurple.com/shop/category/5892/80-s-collection?ProductFrontlist%5Bfilter%5D%5Bchild_optionvalue_id%5D=&ProductFrontlist%5Brpp%5D=120&ProductFrontlist%5Bpage%5D=&ProductFrontlist%5Brpp%5D=120&ProductFrontlist%5Bpage%5D=&ProductFrontlist%5Bgridlist%5D=0

Always listen to mom...

My mom has amazing skin - not a wrinkle in her and I honestly don't think I've ever seen a single pimple in her face.
Growing up - Clinique is something me and my sisters have always used b/c my mom used it. I would watch her exfoliate, put moisturizer on and all of the other fun things girls learn from there mothers. To this day, I swear by Clinique products (including the 3 Step Skin Care system).

Lately, I've been having a couple of "break-outs" -these relentless bumps that would appear out of nowhere. Yuck! So a couple of days ago, my mom and I were at the mall and she recommended I use the Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream to exfoliate. Of course - how can I say no to someone that has no pimples and seriously no wrinkles (Mom = five kids = no wrinkles/ Carissa =1 son = considering botox in her 30s to remove wrinkles...kind of kidding) :)

It's been a couple of days and I've used it daily and it is AMAZING!!! Your face feels like a baby's bum after you rinse off with warm water (soft and smooth)....

Try it... b/c my mom says so :)

Beauty Is In the Eye....

Of the beholder... There are several interpretations to this meaning... My favorite definition for it is -"Beauty in things exists merely in the mind which contemplates them (David Hume's Essays, Moral and Political, 1742)." Beauty is truly how we see it... in our eyes....

One of the best beauty advice someone has ever given me is that we should wear make-up to enhance the beauty that we already have, not to make us "look beautiful." Another advice that I have carried with me for years is that if it's one thing you should wear -it should be mascara. Our eyes are the first thing people look at when we meet, converse, etc.

I've tried several different types of mascara over the years - all ranging between $5 - $35 dollars. From Loreal, MAC, YSL, and Dior. But I really think I hit the jackpot of all mascaras when I discovered - Bare Escentuals Buxom® Lash Mascara (sold exclusively at Sephora).

You get absolutely no clumps with this mascara and believe me when I say that it truly volumizes your lashes as if you're wearing fake lashes - it's unbelievable!


So... for my Zella giveaway which I noted below - I will give the winner the option to either win the capris or to try this AWESOME mascara (for those that may not have been interested in winning the capris). Oh the choices!!!!


http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P228204

On The Go...

As a mom of a 19 month old toddler - I am the first to admit that it can be tough feeling glamorous at times when your biggest concern is focusing on - "did we pack the diaper bag", "how can I stop him from throwing a tantrum in public" or "please eat your food and stop throwing it at me..." :)

I don't necessarily think - gone are the days of my five inch heels, skinny jeans and cashmere sweaters either- but it's definitely harder to wear out when we're out with my son. So... If I'm not working or out on a date with my husband or at a function - it's hard not to gravitate towards comfy clothes.

I discovered a pair of capri pants a couple of months ago in my search to find the perfect running pants. I went to Nordstroms and the associate helping me swore by these pants... I was a little hesitant at first b/c 1) Never really heard of this brand 2) I'm a creature of habit and will go back to the same workout/on the go apparel. I gave it a shot though and let me tell you - I never looked back!

Zella is not only flattering for everyone - it is extremely comfortable! Who says you can't look and feel cute when your children are screaming at you at the grocery store :)


I swear by this brand and I promise you'll love it too! So much that I'm going to give one away....
If you post a comment (Something you love about being a mom or something you love about your own mom - my mother's day treat from me to you) or become one of my "followers" between now and May 15th - I will randomly pick a winner to try a pair of these live -in "capris"...

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3059164/0~2376780~6009391~6028348~6028351?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6028351&P=1



Happy Mother's Day to all my friends and family who are mothers! You are all beautiful and glamorous - and I promise, even more so after you try these capris :)

All it takes is a T-Shirt...

to make you look and feel glam! It was about three months ago that I found a shirt that was truly "love at first sight" and believe it or not - it was all thanks to my husband! We were both in the room reading up on our magazines and he handed me the Wall Street Journal covering all of the latest during NYC Fashion Week. As I read it to get all of the updates on what's hot for Fall '10 - I noticed a t-shirt that was in the Rebecca Minkoff Fall '10 viewing. I instantly gravitated towards it and immediately went into the office to find the shirt! The anticpation in getting the shirt was intense - I couldn't WAIT to get it! When I finally opened that box from Mr. Fed Ex - it was everything I imagined the shirt to be!

I couldn't wait to show Kevin (my husband) when he came home from work.... So when I pulled it out of my closet to show him - his initial comment was "You paid $100 for a cotton t-shirt?"...

A t-shirt to some - yes! But it's how you wear it that will make you look glam! When I finally get the hang of blogging - I will post pics of my "t-shirt" that I plan on wearing in several different ways! Its not only fabulous - but comfortable enough to be able to chase a running toddler while looking glam at the same time :) For now - here is an image of my fab shirt (same pic from the Wall Street Journal) and a link on where to purchase!

http://www.rebeccaminkoff.com/shop/apparel/fall-2010/bada-boum-tee.html

Here are some other fab shirts you can buy, won't break the bank and a staple for many seasons ! Throw it on with a pair of slacks, jeans or even a cute skirt and Bada Boum - instant glam!

http://www.toryburch.com/toryburch/browse/productDetail.jsp?icProduct=11102128&icSort=&icCategory=cat180022#

http://www.toryburch.com/toryburch/browse/productDetail.jsp?icProduct=11102144&icSort=&icCategory=cat180022

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knitstees/noveltyteesandtanks/PRDOVR~26479/26479.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/knitstees/noveltyteesandtanks/PRDOVR~26488/26488.jsp

Everyone deserves to be glamorous!

For as long as I can remember -I have loved fashion and clothes. I don't think it was until college that I started developing a true appreciation for it. My love and passion definitely got deeper after graduating and it wasn't until then that I developed my appreciation for hipster and upcoming designers! Don't get me wrong - I love to shop, but it meant more knowing I was buying something from a designer that was up and coming. Or wearing a blouse or a top knowing it wasn't massed produce only to run into people in public with the same top but different color!

So why the blog right? I am a firm believer that everyone needs to feel glamorous! No matter who you are - we all deserve to feel good and look great! It wasn't until we started a family that I realized that feeling glamorous was going to be a little more challenging now that the "funds" are being transferred over to diapers, baby food, baby clothes and etc.

My hope is that this blog will help you find glamour with things already in your closet, staple items you can wear year round and clothing you can purchase that won't break the bank. Goal = that most items in this blog do not exceed $200. We shall see :) Glam for life!