My lifesaver is lemon, Lemon Aid that is.

Living by a coast for a large part of my life, I had never really experienced horrible acne problems due to to the salty sea air and temperate conditions. Despite occasional breakouts from stress, school schedules and hormonal fluctuation I WAS very lucky to always have smooth, even skin tone - that is until I suddenly moved to Louisiana last October. Without warning my skin started breaking out as if my life depended on it, and within a few months a few light scars turned to numerous dark ones and suddenly stopped fading. 

Being someone who works with people on a daily basis, I want to look my best, so I started looking for answers as to what was causing this sudden reaction. I was told many times that the air is what's to blame. According to skin care professionals, Louisiana's air is  horribly polluted and thick, and the constantly changing weather and pressures causes acne problem and the best way to deal with it is to just keep up my beauty routine. While everyone provided the answers as to why, my  makeup routine suddenly stopped providing how to cover my new-found  problem. Despite my unchanging beauty routine my skin responded like a picky eater at a salad bar. By the time the 6 month mark of living here and the 3 month mark of working overnights hit last month, I'd officially crossed into pizza-face territory, even while wearing my best concealer. For the first time since starting a makeup routine 5 years ago, and all the beauty tricks I had acquired since then from fashion school and beauty-obsessed friends, I had run out of ideas.

 It wasn't until last week after my haircut I caught a glimpse of myself in Ulta's big beauty mirrors and cringed. My concealer had now become so jarringly different than the color of the scars it was trying to cover up  that it was painfully obvious I was wearing makeup, but it was doing nothing to help me anymore. I walked through the beauty department and asked a sales girl how to properly cover my acne. She quickly removed my makeup and looked at my scars and present acne, carefully inspecting like an OCD drill sergeant. In my determined mind set, before she could even decide what to try first, I mentioned I'd heard about a green product used to cancel out the redness of acne, based on the color wheel principles. The sales girl without question ran off and grabbed the only product  in the entire store that would work. My suggestion ended badly though as to my horror even after using my usual foundation on top of the green product she applied, I looked like I had green scales instead of red acne; the green was far too much for my fair skin tone. My heart sank at the thought of not being able to find something to hide my scars. Then another sales girl overheard our frustration, came over and asked "What about Lemon Aid?"

I raised an eyebrow and thought to myself "They sell lemonade?". The other sales girl exclaimed "OH yes! Lemon Aid would be perfect!!!!", and she scurried away to grab whatever it was. I sat there, confused and uncertain as to what they meant before she came back moments later back with a small black compact. Sensing my apprehension, she opened it to reveal a lemon-colored product with a similar consistency to lip balm, and I went from confused to incredulous. The 2nd sales girl smiled and explained that concealer actually causes more acne since it doesn't allow the skin to breathe by horribly clogging the pores. I believed her since her makeup looked flawless, but the idea of putting yellow on my skin tone made me sink into my chair like a kid getting a haircut for the first time.

And at that, without hesitation, the other sales girl whipped out a brush, dabbed it in the compact and began to paint my face. When she was done, I glanced in the mirror to see soft yellow marks on my skin where my red acne once was, but before I could utter a word of protest about the yellow color she then picked a foundation  from a shelf beside her and gently smoothed the lightweight cream over my whole face. After a moment she stood back and smiled in a way that only meant one thing; she did good and I was going home with less money in my bank account.

I turned again to the mirror slowly only to see my jaw drop in astonishment: my acne was almost completely gone. I could still see the slightest hint of a scar or two, but my worst acne, my worst scars were 98% gone, hidden under the magical products. My skin tone looked healthy, glowing and even, and I suddenly felt like being in the daytime, instead of hiding behind a desk at night. I turned back to her, smiled, and asked the most important question in any makeup store, "How much?"

My Life Saver

Lemon Aid: $20.00

This product is like a 3-in-1 - It is actually made to cancel under eye circles and redness on eyelids, but it works just as well to cancel the redness from acne and scars. This under my foundation is so beautiful and flawless I could kiss whoever created it. I recommend it for anyone who experiences under eye circles, scars, or acne redness that just won't quit, even with makeup on. The best part is, it's incredibly inexpensive and it's an easy integration into any beauty routine to replace concealer, and this product won't clog pores due to it's lightweight composition.

How to fix your ailing flats

Good morning lovelies!This morning I went into my closet to grab a blanket and saw my favorite  Style & Co. flats I had snagged at a thrift store back in California for only $3 sitting on the shelf gathering dust. They had been in perfect condition and were my go-to for any outfit because of the rich purple color and adorable silver studs since I had found them last February, until recently that is.

They have always gone with everything, so I was more than sad when I realized about 2 months ago that my flats were starting to loose their studs on the sides and in the front. For anyone who's ever experienced this before with any pair of shoes, it can be more than disheartening. Especially when that shoe doesn't need to be tossed because it's still a good pair of shoes and the color hasn't faded, it just needs a bit of love in the embellishment department.

It broke my heart when I had the urge to wear them to work the other night and realized they just didn't look professional any more because of those big gaping holes. It was then I decided to do something about it on my first day off this week.

As I sat down with shoes and tweezers in hand, I realized that if those rivets could fall off and leave the material underneath looking presentable, then that meant they weren't IN the fabric, only ON TOP of it.With this realization I grabbed my extra strength glue and went to work.

Within an hour I had made a cute pattern out of the studs on my shoes and turned the big holes into a really cute look.

With the extra studs I had pulled off to create this pattern, I filled in any holes in the pattern that needed to be, and the rest I stored in a ziploc bag in case any more fall off in the future. 

Fix Your Flats Tutorial

1.) Get a pair of tweezers and clear, extra-strength glue with a small spout/opening (You don't want it oozing all over and then staining the fabric of your shoes if you have to glue studs back on)

2.) Determine the pattern you want to make - It might be best to make the ones you want to pull off to make the pattern or use something that comes off easily and doesn't leave behind a mark.

3.) Do a test stud/piece on the side by the bottom to see how easily they pull off. If you see that they're not coming off easily or they're ruining the fabric underneath, it might be a good idea to re-think your strategy and maybe glue larger embellishments over the studs instead.

If they're coming off and not ruining the shoe underneath, go slow and pry them off carefully.

4.) Wear your new shoes around every day with pride knowing that instead of donating or throwing them out, you saved your shoes. Your feet with thank you.

Spring Blazers

Good morning lovelies! Looking for a great blazer for work or play this summer? I have some gorgeous options below to fit your budget and your lifestyle. These are my favorites, and I'm sure you'll understand why.

Spring Blazers

$50 or Less

Kardashian Black Spot Blazer: $44.00

Possibly one of the cutest blazers ever. If Audrey Hepburn wore a blazer in Breakfast at Tiffany's, this would be it.

Printed Open Front Blazer: $44.44

Definitely a blazer Carrie Bradshaw would squeal over in her Manolo Blahniks. Luckily this blazer is easy to wear - just throw it over a white t-shirt and skinny jeans and you're all set for the day. Pair with a simple gold pendant and some funky rings & bracelets and you'll be the hottest thing since humidity.

Ponte Two-Button Blazer: $42.99

The sweetest little easter egg; a very easy and sneaky way to try wearing pastels without looking like a movie extra from Marie Antoinette. While the color is fun and feminine, the blazer itself is structured and perfect for the workplace mixed with neutrals - a fun way to add some pop in the workplace. If you're not sure colors to pair this with, try a light grey or tan - they'll help balance the pop.

 

Navy Studded Jacket: $35.00

I'm pretty positive this is my next splurge - a deep neutral color works even in the middle of summer when mixed with fun bright colors on a night out. Wear this over a coral dress and nude wedges for a sizzling outfit. Luckily the studs on the sleeves help  with accessorizing - a few major rings, bold statement earrings and you're all set with this immediate staple.

Easter 81 Jacket: $40.99

There's a sort of Americana  tough-love romanticism with dark fitted denim jackets, like something out a James Dean movie or a greaser. You're tough yet feminine, and it goes with everything. I can see this easily becoming a go-to for what to wear over your favorite blouse or vintage dress, just remember, denim jacket + boots = major style points!

Fun Find

Ok, so this is a little bit more than $50, but this shirt is so fun. I'm not normally one for shirts with words on them, but this one is cool enough for adults without making you look like you're trying to be 13 again. There are few items in general I would pay over $50 for, but I think this one is too perfect to pass up.

Dang Men Tee: $58

Offensive or Overly Defensive?

Good morning lovelies! For anyone who has been keeping up with current fashion news, popular and darling actress Michelle Williams has found herself in hot water recently over the controversy of her cover for AnOther magazine's latest issue. Movie stars are no stranger to controversy, but Michelle Williams is genuinely the last person most would think of when it comes to someone to be in hot water for an inappropriate magazine shoot. The question is though; is the cover really inappropriate?

 Below is the cover that's being splashed all over the internet and has people in a debate about whether the cover is offensive or are people just being overly defensive.

When looking at the cover, Michelle is completely covered up; no nudity, no sexuality, not even the hint of an attempt of selling sex. In truth, with the way that they portray Ms. Williams, she could even pass for a boy at first glance due to the over-sized robe and uni-sex style clothing, Her features are sharpened due to the darkened makeup, and her usual pixie-cut is hidden with long brown braids and a feather. True to early-style native american photographs, Michelle has been styled in a very similar way, but is it truly offensive?

The tagline "There's no place like home" is clearly in reference to her starring in latest Oz installment as Glenda the goodwitch, but many bloggers and readers are up in arms over the supposed ironic tagline mixed with the hardship many native americans had to face while being displaced from their homes. 

From a styling standpoint, the mood, lighting, and simplicity of the photograph perfect. They captured a mood and likeness perfectly, but they also captured a heap of controversy in the process. While I do not feel they are sexualizing native american culture, or trying to bash it or make any negative references, I do think that this cover should have been thought over before being chosen - it doesn't make sense. She's promoting a wizard of Oz movie but she's being portrayed as a native american? How does that connect? With having a happy tagline, there needs to be a less morose cover - this photo completely contradicts "There's no place like home", and not just with a Native American reference, but the mood of the photo itself is contradicting.

I'm not saying she needs to be in a tutu with a wand in her hand, but this cover is so far from having any relation whatsoever and having anything to do with the interview or the movie she's promoting. It's just baffling more than anything. As a viewer I can't help but ask, how did this get chosen? Why did nobody see that this probably wasn't the best choice for the cover? I'm not offended, I just think this was a poor editorial decision on their part. 

With all the controversy and press this cover has been getting, I can't help but wonder if controversy was the intention, and if that's the case, is bad press really worth it in the end?

Merry Christmas to all

Because Christmas would not be complete without a funny e-card for everyone to see.

Merry Christmas, you are all beautiful and I hope your holiday was as beautiful as you are. <3 p="p">

Meggings: Hot or Not?

Hello again lovelies! I hope everyone is excited and getting ready for the upcoming holiday. Tonight I want to bring attention to a trend right now: meggings. Meggings are leggings for men. It seems logical enough; why do women have to have all the fun with fashion? Men took purses as their own too, calling them murses, and now they've decided to adopt leggings as their own as well. 

As logical of a progression as this trend seems, there is a lot of controversy over meggings. A lot of critics feels that meggings is blurring the gender lines too much.

All one has to do though is look at our rock stars and icons and one will see that we've always worshipped those who blur the lines: David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravit, Russel Brand, Justin Bieber. We idolize those aren't afraid to take fashion risks. If multi-million dollar music artists and actors can do it, then why can't the local barista at Starburcks on his day off?

Gender lines aside, I don't know how comfortable this is for men due to a bit more junk in the front trunk, but then again ballet dancers ad actors have been wearing tights for centuries. Maybe it is incredibly comfortable for men just as it is for women, and to be honest I've seen more men look better in meggings than women in leggings. 

For instance, this guy:

Of course, this trend had to come from somewhere. AKA - The runways of New York Fashion Week. While the average joe above wears a more Tim Burton-esque version of leggings, the ones shown in fashion week below had a more solid approach. I love both, but if I had to chose one, I'm leaning towards Tim Burton. I'd go a bit more Russel Brand and wear boots with them instead of sneakers.

For a workplace environment this trend would be hard to pull off, depending upon where you work of course. In any kind of business setting, the meggings would have to make their debut on casual Friday at best, and that's only depending on how casual your fridays can get.

Conclusion

If David Bowie can do it, why can't you?

Neiman Marcus for Target; Gifts for $50 or Less

Good morning lovelies! For those who haven't quite finished all their gift shopping yet (Like me), I have decided to bring you amazing and wallet-friendly gift ideas in the form of a new collection for one of my favorite stores: Target. 

Target has had some amazing collections come through over the years from big name designers such as Alexander McQueen and Missoni, and now gearing up for the holiday season, the big-name retailer has teamed up with the famous Neiman Marcus for a collaboration that I am personally head over heels in love with.

The collection with 24 designers from the high-end store hit stores on December 1st and has had items flying off the shelves in record speed. This limited-time collaboration has brought us happy consumers designer lunch boxes, dog bowls and yoga mat in alluring shapes and bold prints.

The Target - Neiman Marcus

My favorites - $50 or Less

 

 Tory Burch Lunch Box: $19.99

Everyone needs a lunch box, so what better and more useful gift could you give than one they'll use again and again, and be proud to show off. This stunning print will make it easy to spot from inside the crowded breakroom fridge. Gift giving just got a lot easier, and bringing lunch suddenly got a lot more fashionable. 

 

 Oscar De La Renta Pet Bowl: $29.99

Who doesn't want their dog to feel like the prince or princess that they are? This gift is sure to impress with it's classic style yet very Oscar De La Renta motif. Your friend's pooch won't want their food any other way after tasting it in elegance and class from your thoughtful gift.

 

 Derek Lam Slippers: $29.99

The coolest slippers, just add a glass of bourbon and a 1930's movie and you can lounge in style for a truly unbeatable price. 

 

 Brian Atwood Leather Gloves: $49.99

It's not a question as to whether you should purchase these gloves; the real question is, should you keep them or give them away?

 

 Proenza Schouler Sweater: $29.99

The abstract animal print makes this easy to dress up or dress down - a very versatile piece that will match, or contrast, with everything. The perfect holiday gift for that special someone.

Diane Von Furstonberg Yoga Mat: $49.99

Downward Facing Dog will be no sweat on this mat when you get to look down at the stunning design. In my opinion, this is the easiest way to sweat in style.