Obsession: Lights, Camera, Lashes!

I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to write this one, but I am absolutely obsessed with Tarte's lights, camera, lashes! mascara. Seriously, I can't say enough good things about this mascara. It's everything I've ever wanted from my makeup. (Yes, I am *slightly* dramatic!) Really though. It gives you volume, length, definition, curl and drama! Allegedly it conditions your lashes too. And it's only $19!!

If you go to Tarte's website and vote on your favorite products of 2010 you get a coupon code for 15% off your order! You can also sign up for their customer loyalty program (it's free!) and earn all kinds of fun stuff. They do accept returns if you don't like the product. No free shipping unless you spend $40 but I promise all of their products are really good.

This mascara is also sold at Ulta (they have a 20% off coupon right now - or $3.50 off online) and Sephora. Both stores also have a rewards program.

Try it and let me know what you think! What's your beauty obsession right now?

xoxo
Colleen

Today's Inspiration - Miami Beach: Beautiful colour - from Karenia

Miami Beach: Beautiful colour, originally uploaded by Karenia.

I'm trying to forget the snow on the ground and pretend I'm somewhere warm. Come on summer!!!

I Love Crafting!

Happy new year everyone! I'm not big on resolutions but I want to make sure I spend this year doing more things I love. One of those things is crafting! I never make enough time to do all the projects I want. Crafting is awesome because I love having unique things that you can't buy. And crafts also make awesome gifts! I'm going to share some projects I've done and some I want to try. If you decide to try them out too send me pictures!

First of all, these key chains are ADORABLE and super easy! Can't wait to make my own. 


I've already tried these bow clips and they turned out great! Once I got a hang of it I even tried different styles. If you find you like making bows there are tons of step-by-step websites out there. Here are some of the ones I made.

Once I learn how to crochet I'm going to make this bangle. Look familiar? I posted the bangle before in an inspiration post. The woman who made it was kind enough to send me the instructions!

And how cute is this casserole carrier made from a re-purposed sweater? Such a good idea!

Check out this fabulous glitter headband! Love it.



Speaking of glitter... I'm obsessed. I bought Martha Stewart glitter set at Michaels and I can't find enough stuff to glitter! This is the glitter pack I bought. I think it sells for $30 or $40, but Michael's almost always offers 40% off coupons. Trust me, you want it.

I glittered this picture frame a few days ago. I bought it in unfinished wood (also at Michaels!) and covered it in acrylic paint because I didn't want any part to be plain. Once the paint dried, I coated the frame in plain Elmer's glue. Sprinkle on the glitter and you're done! So easy and pretty!



That's all I've got for today. I'll be posting all of the crafts I make, and would love to see any you make or  hear any of your ideas.

xoxo
Colleen

It's a DIY Christmas

This Christmas I've decided to make a lot of presents. It's fun, inexpensive and special. Here's one of the gifts I've made. The original idea came from Martha Stewart and the instructions can be viewed here.( Instructions for tying a sqare knot are here.)

In Martha's version she uses 3 strands of bulky yarn in 4 bunches. You can also use skinny yarn, as I did. I cut 6 strands into 7 bunches. She suggests using yarn 1 1/2 times the length you want your finished scarf to be. I recommend cutting it at least twice as long as you want it, if not more. If you are using more than 4 strands cut it even longer. The inside bunches are used twice as often and end up a lot shorter than the outsides.

This scarf is perfect for all skill levels and should only take about an hour to make. It's worth trying!

XOXO
Colleen

Shopping Guide: Sequins

If you've been to the mall, opened a magazine or turned on your TV recently I'm sure you're aware of the sequin trend. I love it! I'm pretty sure I'm a drag queen trapped in a straight woman's body. However, a lot of people are intimidated by something so bold. Which is why I've picked out some of my favorite ways to do sequins. Seriously, there is something for everyone. Try a scarf or some jewelry if you're not ready for a sequin dress! And please, for the love of God, do not try head-to-toe sparkles! This trend works best when worn one piece at a time. Here are my top picks for all body types and budgets:

Tanks

Ribbon Cami from J. Crew ($98, sizes S-L)

Sequin tank from J. Crew ($69.50, sizes XXS-XL)

Sequin mesh tank from Newport News ($45, sizes XS-XL)

DKNY sequin tank sold at Nordstrom ($125, sizes P-L)

Striped sequin tank from Target ($12.58, sizes L-XL)

Sequin tank from Torrid ($14.99, sizes 0-5 plus)

Multicolor sequin tank from Torrid ($38, sizes 0-5 plus)

Striped sequin tank  from Lane Bryant ($19.99, sizes 14/16-26/28)

Shown: Cascade sequin tank from Lane Bryant ($34.50, sizes 14/16-26/28)

Tops

Drapey sequin tee from J.Crew ($79.50, sizes XXS-XS)

INC sequin tee sold at Macy's ($69, sizes XS-XL)

Shown:  Sequin tunic tee from Newport News ($49, sizes XS-XL)

Sequin pocket tee from Gap ($29.50, sizes XS-XXL) 

a.n.a. Sequin bow tee sold at JCPenny ($19.99, sizes M-L)

Haya sequin pullover from J.Crew ($150, sizes XS-XL)

Sequin stripe cardigan  from Old Navy ($34.50, sizes XS-XXL)

a.n.a. Sequin cardigan  sold at JCPenny ($19.99, sizes S-XL)

Sequin shrug from Torrid ($38, sizes 0-5 plus)

Mesh sequin shrug from Newport News ($49, sizes XS-XL)

Bottoms

Sequin mini from Newport News ($49, sizes 2-18)

Sequin bell skirt from J. Crew ($128, sizes 00-10)

Shown: Sequin skirt from Gap ($49.50, sizes 00-20)

Sequin skirt from Avenue ($39.90, sizes 14/16-26/28)

DKNY sequin mini sold at Bloomingdale's ($175, sizes P-L)
Sequin skirt from JCPenny ($48.99, sizes 6-16)

Sequin leggings from Newport News ($39, sizes XS-XL)

Sequin tuxedo leggings  from Lane Bryant ($39.50, sizes 14/16-26/28)

Sequin tuxedo leggings  from Target ($17.00, size XL)

Sequin stripe leggings from Bebe ($39, sizes P/S-M/L)

Dresses

Sequin shift dress  from J. Crew ($275, sizes 0-14)
Calvin Klein racerback dress  sold at Macy's ($37.29, sizes XS-L)

INC sequin dress in gold sold at Macy's ($99, sizes XS-XL)

INC sequin dress in silver sold at Macy's ($49.50, sizes XS-XL)
Shown: Speechless sequin dress sold at Macy's ($49.99, sizes S-L)

Sequin sheath dress from Avenue ($79.90, sizes 14/16-30/32)
Sequin sheath dress  from Catherine's ($98-$106, sizes 00X-5X)
Bisou Bisou sequin sleeve dress sold at JCPenny ($39.99, sizes 14-24)
Fish tail pattern sequin dress from JCPenny ($78.99, sizes 14-24)

Shoes 

SM Heaven glitter flat sold at DSW ($39.95, sizes 6-10)

Shown: Glitter ballet flats from Gap ($49.50, sizes 6-11) 

Kenneth Cole Reaction glass slipper sold at Zappos ($79, sizes 5-11)
"Honey Dont" glitter pump from Chinese Laundry ($89, sizes 6-10) Guess "Carielee4" sequin pumps sold at Macy's ($63, sizes 6-10)
INC "Beauty" pumps sold at Macy's ($59.98, sizes 5-11)
N.Y.L.A. "Karlie" pump sold at DSW ($39.94, sizes 5-12)

Accessories 

Mini sequin purse from Gap ($39.50)
Sequin bow bag from Hot Topic ($24.99)
Shown: Coach sequin "Poppy" tote sold at Macy's ($398)
Murval Yves glitter clutch sold at Shop NBC ($26.26)
Sequin scarf in pink and black from Target ($10)
Sequin scarf from J.Crew ($29.50)
Candie's bib necklace sold at Kohl's ($14.40)
Betsey Johnson sequin bracelet sold at Piperlime ($35)



Happy Shopping!! Who's going out on black Friday? I'll be out at 3 am.

 
XOXO

Colleen

All I want for Christmas

How amazing is this palette from Sephora?! Trust me, the colors are stunning. This picture doesn't do it justice at all. Best part: This whole kit is only $48!! True story.

Today's Inspiration - "A Rainbow Of Color" by SergeBabs

A Rainbow Of Color, originally uploaded by SergeBabs.

I hope everyone has a happy, colorful weekend!

xoxo
Colleen

Today's Inspiration - by MelbaShoppe

A crocheted bracelet - Jeannie, originally uploaded by MelbaShoppe.

I'm trying to finish a scarf I've been working on for a while and this beautiful bracelet is my inspiration to get it done! Maybe someone will have the patience to teach me how to crochet someday.

Enjoy your day!

xoxo
Colleen

Get the look

Gabourey Sidibe attended the Happy Potter NYC premiere looking fabulous in a dress from Torrid. I bought this dress a few weeks ago and love it! Actually, I even wore it with similar boots. Anyway, Gabourey is fabulous and looking beautiful!

You can buy the dress here.

xoxo
Colleen

Today's Inspiration - "Green" by b r o o k l y n t w e e d

Green, originally uploaded by b r o o k l y n t w e e d.

Lately I've been doing a lot of redecorating, organizing and crafting for the upcoming holiday. When I stumbled across this picture on Flickr it just made me want to create.