What A Bargain!!.....Golden Globes Awards Favorite Look: Lupita Nyong'o Ralph Lauren Dress

Everyone has been gushing since beautiful Lupita Nyong'o graced the red carpet at the Golden Globes. It goes without saying, she looked amazing in that dress. It is a Ralph Lauren gown that you can pre-order -- available in sizes 6 and 8 only -- on Bergdorf Goodman’s website -- for $7,000....mmmm...not in my budget! LOL! 

BUT...I did find this great coat/coat dress on Etsy for $229.99 before the awards were aired, fell in love with it and added it to my favorites.  It's a nice way to get the look without the designer price tag!

DIY & What A Bargain: Christian Dior Mise En Dior Pearl Earrings Pre - F/W 2013-2014

MY DIY Version Above

Dior Mise En Dior Earrings, $290, available at Dior stores worldwide.

 I love the look of the double pearl earrings from Dior's "Mise En Dior" collection.  These vintage-looking, double-headed studs are classically simple, but with a modern vibe that works well with any look, day or night.  

Created and designed by Camille Miceli, who gives a new take on the simple and classic pearl earring using Dior’s original signature pieces from fashion’s past as inspiration.

DIY Pearl Project Kit - $29.00

While the $290 dollar price tag on the original version is not totally outrageous, you can get this look along with supplies for a few other DIY pearl embellishment projects from this great little kit from Wander and Hunt. 
Better yet, you can make TWO pairs! One for you and one for a friend!!!! Love!

There are a multitude of potential projects in this kit, including double pearl earrings, a pearl embellished collar top, pearl rings and a chunky pearl necklace or bracelet. Divine!

The kit includes:

- Acrylic pearls in 3 sizes including 10 x 2cm pearls, 6 x 1.5cm pearls and plenty of 0.7cm pearls

- 2 sets of 1cm acrylic pearl stud earrings

- 4 rubber earring backs

- 2 silver ring bases

-1 silver pin back

- 4 silver end crimps

- Black and cream thread

- A set of sewing needles

- 1 meter thick cream cord

- 1 meter thin cream leather cord

- 2 silver lobster clasps

- 10 silver jump rings

- E6000 glue

- A skewer

Product Review: Black Opal's Even True Brightening Under-eye Concealer

Black Opal Even True Brightening Under-eye Concealer $8.95

Say no to dullness with Black Opal's Even True Brightening Under-eye Concealer.  This flaw-fighting concealer helps to brighten, even, and conceal dark circles, shadows, imperfections.

 Lightweight and oil free, its smooth, velvety formula provides a flawless medium to full coverage. 

The rollerball applicator claims to aid in depuffing and refreshening the eye area. I found it cumbersome due to the too much or too little dispense issue from it and ended up removing it.   I apply with a cotton swab dotting it in the areas I want to apply and blend with my concealer brush. I find this form of application works best for me.

Color Swatch

I love this concealer it doesn't settle into the lines, provides great coverage. If layered there's no artificial look or caking.  

I also like the way the concealer feels.

It is very light and smooth. It does have strong yellow undertones, though. But it can be blended easily and covered by your foundation or CC cream.

Comes in 6 very workable shades to choose from. I am very pleased with the quality and performance of this product and highly recommend.

Hypoallergenic. Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Dermatologist-approved.

The Hotness!! What A Bargain! Rockstud Pumps.....

Valentino Rockstud Pump (single strap) $945US

 I must admit that I do like the Valentino Rockstud T-Strap pumps that have been the "it" shoe for most of the year. But with the prices ranging from $600 to over $1,500, depending on the style, put it well out of my price range.
Then, after reading blog after blog of Fashionistas lamenting and finally breaking down and charging a shoe they probably won't be caught dead in next year,  I decided looked for a more affordable alternative.

Valentino Rockstud Pump (triple strap) $945.00US

Enter Sole Society Shoes. A fabulous club-based website specializing in affordable, on trend shoes and accessories.  I discovered them while image searching a photo of the Valentino's hoping to find a similar style.  Yatzee!!

Take a look at the Anneke Pump! At a price of $59.95US, I can buy all three colors if I wanted for waaaay less than one pair of the Valentino's!

And if flats are your thing, they have the Izzi Pump priced at $49.95US available for comfort AND style!


So when you find yourself subconsciously trying to convince yourself that the more costly pair is so worth it and you will "wear them forever" and "they will never go out of style".

I urge you to remember the same thing was said about these. LOL!

Can't Take It No More!! Getting A Bonnet Dryer

I'm sitting here waiting for my wet hair to dry enough so I can venture outside with my fedora on to do some shopping and have Thai for dinner. As my hair is getting longer and fuller it takes longer and longer to dry. The winds are howling outside and what I should have done is bunned it and went on about my business.

So while I'm sitting here, I finally broke down and got myself a bonnet hair dryer. This one is a good price ($119.00) and it has an adjustable stand which means I don't have to try to find a tabletop that is the right height and drag a chair to it. I can move it where I please! I also got my hair steamer from the same company last year and was very happy with the delivery time, free shipping and quality of the steamer. I'm working on balancing my porisity levels, moisture and strengthing routines as I saw some breakage last year around this time for not paying attention to it.

I'm also adding Roux Porosity Control Conditioner into the mix as I hear this is great for keeping hair at the proper Ph level of around 4.5. to add strength.

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Leopard Coats

Leopard print never goes out of style and can add a dose of chic uniqueness to any look when done correctly.  A key point is to keep your leopard to a minimum. You don't want to look like a Times Square hooker from the 80s. LOL!  The pricing on this look can also range from the reasonable to the rediculous.
I added two outerwear pieces in leopard to my wardrobe recently.  One for now and one for when the weather gets warmer. 

I found this cute, extremely soft and very well made and faux fur bolero at Forever21 on sale after Christmas for $20.00.  It fits really well and will look great with skinny jeans and a t-shirt or dressed up with my black leather skirt and a black sweater.

I also found this reasonably-priced leopard trench at Nordstroms, which will look awesome once the weather turns warmer over my red dress or all black.  It comes in petite sizes!




Don't forget your red lips to really set off this look!
My favorite?

Nars lip pencil in Dragon Girl for a long lasting wear topped by Yves Saint Laurent's Golden Gloss - 17 Golden Cherry.

The Hotness!! Black Leather Skinny Pants

L'Agence's stretch cotton-backed black leather leggings with metallic sheen are the hotness and in my book a must have wardrobe staple.  Balance the slim shape with a loose-fit top and skyscraper heels for a fashion-forward finish.  Since I'm not about to pay $1,030 for some leggings...Ebay to the rescue!!  LOL!

Or...................................

Black Leatherette Skinny Pants on Ebay  for $39.99 US

Even Posh agrees..they are the HOTNESS!

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Suede Platform Pumps - Just Like Prada's

ALDO Segura - Women Platform Pumps
You can never go wrong with a pair of killer pumps! They instantly make your look more stylish and fashionable. Featuring a towering square heel that's compensated with a bold platform, squared at the front. Also with open toe and low-cut profile. Available in size 5B-11B, multiple colors and fast shipping!!



OR..............................

This stunning peep toe platform from Prada is the epitome of sophistication and luxurious style.  1" platform, 4½" suede wrapped heel.  Leather sole with Prada metal logo. Retail $650.00!! Now on sale here in sizes 6 & 6.5 for 199.95..only in Purple.

I have the Aldo version in blue suede!! I will rock them with skinny jeans, all black, all grey...and whatever in between!!  They fit great, are comfortable and look just like their $650 dollar version.  What more could you ask for!!

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Aeropostle Fur-Trimmed Hoodie!

When I saw this cute casual hoodie on the lovely Donna of Soul Pretty's website and she cued her readers in on the big sale and printable coupons for Aeropostle, I had to give her a shout out and say thanks again! 
I got this hoodie AND a pair of cute jeans together for a total cost of $50.  The hoodie is warm and comfortable, looks extremely cute on and is perfect for "dashing through the mall" in search of holiday bagains.  Definitely take a look at the stylish Soul Pretty's site!  I love her eye and she give great ideas for fashion and interior!!

The Hotness!! ALDO Mickolick - Women Peep-toe Pumps

I bought these black booties from Aldo with the intention of sporting them with everything from skinny jeans to my leather mini with my stripy tights.  They are surprisingly comfortable for 4 inch heels!  I wore them on Thanksgiving and got many compliments and inquiries. :-).  It was thought they were far more pricey than they were, so I consider them a great bargain and a great addition to my Winter wardrobe!  For those of you who want a dash of color, they come in Fuschia, Electric Blue suede and in the black in suede, as well.

The Hotness!! What A Bargain!! Leopard Print Tote...

The stylish and spacious large Kristen tote from Dooney and Bourke™ for $225.00?



OR........

Vicky Giraffe Print Faux Leather Satchel Bag Handbag Purse for $18.99 + Free Shipping???

I have the Vicky version and believe me I get asked all the time is it the D & B bag because it looks that good.  I really was not expecting much when I ordered it and was surprised at the quality I got for the price.  If animal prints and roomy bags are your thing, it's definitely a bargain.  Better yet, Christmas is coming!! At this price you can get one for all the ladies on your list!  LOL!