51st Grammy Awards...only the GOOD parts...

So, for those of you who don't watch the Grammy Awards (and there are many!), take a minute to check out Radiohead's sublimely cool performance at the 51st Awards of "15 Steps" with the USC marching band bringing up the rear. They have always been original and didn't disappoint with this awesome live show. And who looks cooler than Thom Yorke in leather and high-tops?



A close second place (especially for live singing ability and and comfy style) was Sugarland, with a soulful rendition of "Stay." In my opinion, it's one of the best singles of the past year - there is something always refreshing about a great song, sung by a powerful singer with nothing but an acoustic guitar. Great bonus? The lovely, retro-sounding Brit import Adele joining the performance with "Chasing Pavements." I just really dig her cool, natural singing style...



Don't you wish you were a ROCKSTAR sometimes?

And she was called yellow...

And she was called yellow... - by roxy-land on Polyvore.com

There is something about the color yellow that just exudes a kind of happy, carefree spirit, which is why I am ultra-excited about all of the new spring/summer styles that are coming out drenched in all of its sunniness.

Want some ideas on how to wear it in order to look effortlessly fun instead of like a confused bumblebee? See my latest creation above from Polyvore! I especially heart the one-shoulder dress with its only-because-I'm-a-girl bow...

Click on the pic for more details. And put a smile on your face today!

Dress obsession of the day...

When surfing around the "mall store" websites today, I happened along something so lovely and so inexpensive and that looked so comfy that I had to share it with you, dear readers. By now, you will have realized that I adore unique, versatile, feminine pieces. It's only a bonus if they don't cause pain :)

THIS dress, however, is all of the above. The Express Flutter-Sleeve Dress is girly, bright, just a little clingy and quite a lot sexy.

You can wear it now with a pair of solid tights and right through the spring and summer with bare legs and whatever fabulous sandals/heels you pick up. And don't forget the power of the skinny or wide belt as an accessory with this one!

I simply adore the print...reminds you of the ocean and an abstract painting all at once, right? But for those of you who are print-shy (and I normally am), this fantastic dress also comes in 3 solid colors (turquoise, cobalt blue and black), all equally nice.

And it's priced at under $60! Shut up!

Basically, this is just PRETTY...

1/50 - Oh won't you please forgive me... - by Alex Poesy on Polyvore.com

I wanted to post this because it's just a beautiful ensemble I found on Polyvore. Don't you just love the combination she has put together? Instead of waxing witty on this, let us just admire and be inspired...

BTW - Click on the pic to find out where to buy the pieces (should you want to know).

Flowers on her toes...

So, I have a friend we call MaliBu, mostly because it suits her. She is funny, bubbly, laid-back, girly and the queen of all things pop culture. She also has this amazing set of gams that lend themselves well to shoes - particularly high, colorful, platform ones.

That's why when I saw that flower-printed, platform, high-heeled shoes are everywhere for spring and summer, I pictured her doing cartwheels. In the spirit of MaliBu (and spring fashion), get your manicured hands on your own pair! Their cheeky prints will add some girly flair to your otherwise standard outfits and some much-needed color to the same old, solid color ensembles we get so used to throwing on in the morning.

The shoe pictured above is the Nine West "Jai" Multi Platform Pump, the perfect platform peep-toe in almost too silly colors. Some others I find particularly fab are the Jessica Simpson "Brenda" Floral Denim Pump (a classic round-toe with a stacked heel and painterly print), the BCBGirls "Ariel" Multi-Floral Art Print Heel (another classic style with a truly versatile print) and the Guess "Carrie" Print Satin High-Heel Pump (a pointy-toe, sleek heel with a watercolor feel).

You know you want a pair...so go do some gardening in the shoe department!

Rock the Kazbar...

To help continue my obsession with one-shoulder, off-shoulder, strapless things, please take a moment to look at this GORGeous top by French Connection. The Kazbar Silk Satin One Shoulder Top can be all things...dressy, casual, worn with jeans, skirt, heels, flats, myriad of possibilities! Plus, the super-luxe fabric, inset waist and unusual print are just so glam. Am I right or am I right?

Thank you Shop It To Me for sending it to me via SaleMail :) BTW - If you haven't signed up yet, you really should. Really really. If you are truly in love and must have more, there is even a DRESS version at Macy's! Yay!

The top is on SALE at the French Connection site, at Nordstrom and at Bloomingdales. Take your pick of the sites to find your size ladies!

Let's talk face...

Meaning MAKEUP, that is. What good are clothes and hair if your face is a mess? I mean, there's a reason why the term "Butterface" was invented, right? And I will NOT allow that name to be used to describe you if I can help it, dearest readers...

First, the keys are knowing your own skin (dry, oily, combination?), how much time you have to get ready in the A.M. and (very important) your budget before taking the plunge into re-vamping your makeup wardrobe.

Second, there are tons of equally excellent products in the drugstore and at the department store, and both require trial and error. If you have the time and the bucks or really are at your wits end trying to figure it out on your own, make an appointment at the makeup counter to get advice from professionals - I have had some great personal experiences at both M.A.C. and Sephora.

Special note for women of color out there: A good clue as to whether you will come out lookin' good or lookin' not-so-cute is whether or not there are any makeup artists behind the counter who are also women/men of color and/or any of their advertising has women of color featured in it. This is not ALWAYS true, of course, but it's a good start if you're feeling a little worried (this is why there are usually so many of us at the M.A.C. counter)!

Third, have fun! There are so many exciting things to try out, new formulations for products you've been using for years and new colors with each season. Changing your makeup can do even more for your look than a new outfit. Seriously.

So, what, you ask, do I use in MY OWN glamour arsenal? Well, these are my go-to favorites because they work for my skin, they LAST (very important for the workday and the fun night) and they easily go from A.M. to P.M. with just a few tweaks.

See the pic at the top of the post!

FACE
1) M.A.C. Select Cover-Up in NW30
2) Make Up For Ever Extreme Camouflage Cream in 10 (when I need serious coverage)
3) M.A.C. Studio Tech in NC40
4) NARS Powder Blush in Torrid
* Revlon SkinLights Instant Skin Brightener in Golden Light (not pictured)

EYE
5) Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Wheat (primer)
6) Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio in On Stage
7) M.A.C. Matte Eye Shadow in Signed Sealed
8) Dior Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Intense Brown
9) M.A.C. Eye Brows in Spiked
10) L’Oreal Lash Architect 3-D Dramatic Waterproof Mascara in Black

LIP
11) M.A.C. Lip Pencil in Whirl
12) Aveda Lip Glaze in Raspberry Tea
13) M.A.C. Lustre Lipstick in Capricious

TOOLS
14) Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler
15) Sephora Professionnel Ergonomic Brush – Eye Crease
16) Sephora Professionnel Ergonomic Brush - Blush
* Sephora Professionnel Concealer Brush (not pictured)
* M.A.C. Studio Tech Sponge (not pictured)

All of these products can be found at M.A.C., Sephora or drugstores (with the exception of Aveda products, which are only available at Aveda salons or stores). NOW GO GET PRETTY!

The perfect fancy clutch...

While it may not be perfect for EVERY one of your outfits, the Alexis Clutch by AO3 Designs is bound to be so for most of them. I'm picturing it with a little black dress or with a tank top, dark jeans and heels... Don't you just love how accessories are multi-purpose?

In a black and white vine trellis pattern and your choice of either apple green, light blue or hot pink liner and ribbon, it would make the ultimate chic gift for a girlfriend - or yourself!

AO3 Designs specializes in designing, customizing and producing purses, handbags, clutches and accessories by hand, one at a time, in their Minnesota studio. In addition to the super-fun, huge variety of colors and styles already listed, AO3 Designs can also customize anything you fancy. For you bride-to-be's out there, they also have a custom bridal party collection!

Check out their Etsy Store or their website to purchase one of these little pieces of fanciness. The trouble is deciding on just one...

Seize the day (and a cute necklace)!

Sometimes it's hard to find the right gift for a girlfriend. Or a mom. Or a sister. Or any woman that might be in your life. Finally, a store that sells cute and quirky quality jewelry that is both simple and inspirational.

Dogeared.com is a wonderful online shop that has a myriad of great, little accessories that say just the right thing. The Carpe Diem necklace pictured above has tiny heart and compass charms on it to remind you to, of course, follow your heart! I bought 4 of my girlfriends the Hot Chick necklace because, well, they just didn't know they couldn't do without them.

A bit kitschy and a bit delicate, this jewelry can add a touch of sparkly fun to whatever you have on that day - who doesn't want that?

Dress obsession of the day...

Oh, dear readers, is it possible to live without a nude jersey dress like this for spring and summer? At $645, the Tomas Maier Cross Strap Dress version is a little out of us workin' gals' reach, but it shall serve as inspiration for all of us, ok?

Things to love (and to look for when you buy yours): the so gorgeous blush/nude color, the drapey fabric and the feminine details that will look great on most any shape and flatter most any skin tone.

Check out net-a-porter.com for ways to accessorize it and thus, wear for any occasion and be the prettiest gal in the room! Cuff bracelet, great tote bag, gladiator sandals...the list goes on...