Anastasia of Beverly Hills & Wild as a Mink

Recently I was approached by a media team partnering up with Anastasia of Beverly Hills.

They asked me if I'd be interested in joining their Blogger Appreciation Program, and I was more than stoked to do so.

Anastasia is a skincare and cosmetics line based out of Beverly Hills.  They are currently stocked at Sephora nationwide.

The company has done campaigns for Diesel,  Flaunt Magazine, and Bebe as well as some of the looks/publications shown below.

So, when I was asked to review one of their many products, I chose the Hydra Full Lip Gloss.

It's on its way in the mail so I hear...and once I receive it I'll make sure to report back to you with a full, honest review.

I'm not one to dance around the truth...so expect nothing less than my god-honest opinion of the product.

I look forward to collaborating with Anastasia of Beverly Hills in testing new products and offering upcoming giveaways to my readers. 

Lets hope my time with Anastasia is mutually beneficial and lucrative so I can offer you a chance to win some of their products and you can give them a test-run yourself!

Now wouldn't that be ideal???

Um...YES!

In the meantime, while we wait for me to receive the lipgloss, and while we wait for a future giveaway, make sure to visit their site and check out their full line of merchandise.

And, don't hesitate to learn a thing or two about beautiful brows while you're at it.  I watched it, and I can definitely say I should probably invest in Ms. Anstasia Soare's brow kit.

Well because...um have you seen my brows?  

Yeah...YIKES!

So make sure to stop back by in a few...I can't wait to tell you what I think about their Hydra Full Lipgloss, let alone my experience with their products.

Yay!  I'm excited!

I am indeed a girl that likes her makeup!

What I Want NOW: Three's Company!

 Spring is almost here, and I need to refresh the wardrobe with a few items....3 key things to be exact.

I've had my eyes on the perfect pair of

basic, platform heels, but its a MUST that they're NUDE!

I've leaning more toward a patent leather pair, as there's so many out there in all price ranges these days.

I think the price range thing comes about because the Nude shoe trend has been around for over a year now...its time the lower price points catch on; Lucky Me!

I haven't quite chosen a pair yet, nor do I have a specific idea in mind, I just know I want NUDE, and when I see Nude, a heel, and a good $$$...I'm gonna buy, that's all I know.

I think Nude Heels are going to be great leg lengtheners to my chicken limbs come this spring; not to mention blushy nude tones just add a touch of girliness to almost any outfit;

god knows I can use all the "girly" I can manage, just to counteract this personality of mine.

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Another item I really need want is a new

BLACK BOMBER JACKET

Right now, I don't even know where to go to get this, its just something I know I'll come across at H&M, F21, Urban, wherever...its not hard to find, its just finding one in my price range that fits like my current beloved (yet falling apart and raggedy)one from H&M.

Have you kids seen any like this one shown, but under $100?

If so, do tell...

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Next up, I simply MUST fortify the wardrobe with some little

neon dayglow

add-ons here and there.

In this category, I don't have anything in mind...just something, just anything!

I'm not looking to overpower my outfit with neon;

not looking to blind you when you read my blog,

nor do I want to overstimulate anyone with electric hues everywhere...

noooooo, just a hint here and there.

I'm growing particularly fond of the Spring '11 Dior make-up.

I like the idea of a shocking color swiped across the lid.

Or maybe a nude eye w/lots of black mascara and a streak of bold lipstick? 

If I wore lipstick that is...I will try, yes I will try.

Makeup in neon shades is probably the way for me to go with this one...

I'll let you know what I find and what I go about doing in order to satisfy my 1989 craving for neon.

I guess lucky for me, at least I currently own this $2.00 pair of street vendor sunnies.

I knew like 3yrs ago these babies would come in handy one day...I'm just that ahead of my time...riiiiight!

And let's not get in a tizzy over this tshirt...while amazing I know, it is not mine...but one day soon Max Headroom on my upper torso could be a possibility, or it could be possible for you.

This here is just a sneak peak at a vintage tshirt shoot I did with Dusty Rose Vintage--I assure you, you'll definitely want to come back for those posts!

But yeah, let's just disregard what I"m wearing here...I'm focusing in on the shades at this very moment.

Anyway, let me know what you've found out there on your jaunts.

If you know some affordable, yet quality nude heels you think I should look into-speak up.

If you see that perfect leather (or faux) bomber--I need it!

And dayglow is everywhere for spring...I think I'm ok to find that on my own, but I'm all ears if you wanna tell me what you got hiding in your closets, in your drawers, or in your makeup bin!

Tootles!

Have a great weekend...i'm off to snap pictures, and er, um...stop in Topshop, Uniqlo, and H&M.

Certainly I'll come across something along the lines of this post, no?

Daily Wear: The Boys' Club

Today I looked like One of the Guys...

I say that because I'm pretty certain my BF and I dressed within the same realm today, as in our outfits were probably 90% the same. Uhhhhh.....

Sometimes he wears off on me, classic style and all.

(its true, BF does not take nearly the time, effort, or chances that I do in terms of fashion, this classic look is a complete rip off of his everyday style; minus the skinny jeans tucked into boots.)

Wearing:

*Brown Sweater-H&M

*Peach vintage plaid YSL mens shirt-Thrift Store

*Skinny jeans-Uniqlo

*Brown suede boots-Carlos Santana

*Gold vintage cameo ring-Ebay (I think, can't remember)

I did take the time to add-on one of my cameo rings; I thought that might be a little dose of femininity that this outfit needed. I could've used some more accessories-but too late now.

Did I ever mention how much I adore cameos? Yes, for real...they come in a close 2nd to my vintage owls. It's the antique-ness, slightly gothic vibe, and the romanticism of each that really gets me everytime. I see one and I instantly want it!

This is just one of those items I couldn't resist:

Oh....and some more fun random facts about my day

(you know besides me dressing like my BF and talking gibberish about cameos),

-I brought home my vintage owl necklace that Clyde'sRebirth scored for me on Ebay. Not to mention that she felt so inclined to send him with a little friend (another owl!). I'll be sure to wear both soon (not at the same time) and to give her a well deserved shout-out

-I also got a package from La Chouette en Dimanche; lots and lots of makeup! All because I swapped a skirt with her. Who doesn't love loads of make-up? Certainly not me--thanks pal!

-And I stopped by Other Music after work to pick up a copy of She & Him Vol. 2--can't wait to go put it on my ipod right about NOW!

Later!

FAVE RAVE: Benetint Lip Balm

Ok, so I'm curious, what's your most fave rave of a make-up item?  

Or anything for that matter?

Although I've been in a long love affair with Bonne Belle Dr. Pepper flavored chapstick,

sometimes I cheat...

I've got to admit, I've got a thing for Benetint Lip Balm!

It's perfect for an inexperienced lipstick wearer as myself.

I'm no Gwen Stefani, so her signature red lips are not for me.

(I'm rarely even seen with full-fledged lipstick on this pout, guess I'm more of a gloss gal.)

Sooooo, when a girl wants a little more than a clear glossy shine, yet not an in-your-face hue, 

Benetint Lip Balm comes to the rescue...

-a sheer wash of color

-SPF 15

-a not so sticky/non-goopy formula

Really, what's not to love?  

(Especially when you're convinced all lipsticks just get all wierd in the corner of your mouth and create extra chapped, flaky-like lips

--oh wait, is that just me?)

Now, let's not forget about the Lip Balm's older, initial hit of a sister...

Benetint's Rose Stain.

While this is a more potent punch of color, great for lips or cheeks, I'll keep to my lip balm.

Although, I strongly suggest you try it if you're of the braver sort

(and really,unless you're living under a rock, seriously, who hasn't "sampled" it at Sephora?)

So yes.....clearly a FAVE RAVE in my life.

(now remember, tell me yours!  I want to rest assured I'm not the only one that gets overly giddy about gloss and girl stuff)

BTW, I'm almost out of my first pot...Yikes!

Lucky for me, back in the day, I scored a new one in my loot bag when I was at the IFB party.

Happy Day for me!!!!

Oh my gosh--I just realized I totally forgot to mention one of the very best aspects, 

The slight Rose Fragrance/and hint of rose-tinged flavor

(I know, who wants to taste roses?  Believe me, it's quite interesting-in a good way).

Daily Wear (and Tear)

What are we supposed to do when Mother Nature plays games with our wardrobes' hearts?

This weather!  Sheesh--just remember, Sunday I was too cold in tights, a turtleneck, a jacket, and more to make it 15 min. down the street.  

And here I am today,

in a t-shirt and chiffon scarf!

 

I am an avid weather follower; even so I am never prepared come morning time.  I find myself scurrying around gathering up odds and ends, throwing on this necklace or that scarf, just so I can make myself look as if I tried-even when it's a half-hearted attempt.  

Wearing:

*Black studded vest-Aryn K

*Grayish-green t-shirt-Forever 21

*Dark denim skinny jeans-Uniqlo

*Black booties-Daffy's

*Bronze octopus charm necklace-a boutique in Cleveland

*Gold hoop earrings-Forever 21

Put it this way, if you're going to live in skinny jeans 95% of the week (as I do obviously), it's necessary to put a little effort into it (because I work in the fashion industry where people DO notice regardless of the office policy on dresscode).  

Today, my "effort" came by way of the studded vest

(Side Note: The VEST is a prelude for an upcoming "FAVE RAVE", so please check back soon.)

And a little extra fun with the make-up

"Fun" as in I played around w/some liquid liner, berry hues, and pale pink lip.

I do like to change the eye aspect on a daily basis, who wants the same boring taupe/neutral shadows with "nice-girl" gray or chocolate liner everyday???  NOT I!

(Personal Curiosity:  Do your eyes change colors/pick up tones, based on what you're wearing?  Notice, my eyes match my t-shirt; this has been the case with me since I was a little kid)

So, when dressing casually on an almost daily basis (if you're anything like me), how do you put a personal twist on the attire to add that extra little "effort"? 

 I need some ideas.....

Thank ya, Thank ya very much....

Thank ya very much, INDEED!

Sorry, I swear this is my last birthday post....as it's been over a week since the actual event.   But tonight I got a chance to go through (moreso organize my list of thank-you cards) all my lovely gifts from all my lovely friends and family....and I cannot believe all the goodness that was bestowed upon me.

Again, seriously......

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!!!

The GOODS:

(Thanks Bonnie, Eva, Mr. and Mrs. Wolf, Aunt Liz and Uncle Harry)

The FASHION:

(Thanks Gaut-I can't believe you found such an appropriate t-shirt)

(Thanks Kristine-glad you stuck by me even though my taste in music is questionable)

(Thanks Jewel, Kris, and Jane--Jewelry and make-up always a plus!)

(Thanks Jewel-a magazine from South Africa=soooooo Interesting!)

The MAN I LOVE:

So freakin' DROOL-WORTHY!  I HEART U BIG TIME ELVIS!

(Thanks Bonnie, Monique, and Kris--you obviously know what makes me SWOON!)

The FEEDING of my OBSESSION(s):

-Vintage and Owls

(Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Wolf--you hit the spot w/antique owls and the vintage purse)

(Thanks Mel-it doesn't get much cuter than this!)

The COCKTAIL HOUR:

(Thanks Nate-classy wine for a cl-ASS-y lady like myself, 

no seriously, thank you very much, can't wait to taste this)

(Thanks Amy and Michael-I want to keep this on display FOREVER!  Vodka in a skull!)

The SHOPPING:

(Thanks BF's parents, Thanks BF's sisters/family, Thanks Adriane, Monique, and Mr. and Mrs. Oberg--this will allow me to lift my self imposed "Wallet-Lockdown" if I feel so tempted to purchase some indulgent items)

And thank you to everyone for all those items not shown here. 

(Matte OPI nail polish/Aveda goodies courtesy of Abbey, The Necklush courtesy of Michael and Amy, $ courtesy of Rita, Roses courtesy of my dad, perfume/lotions courtesy of BF's sisters, and CARDS CARDS CARDS courtesy of many)

But thank you mostly for the honor of your presence at my party--it was an honor for sure.  I loved every minute of it.

Without everyone who made it, it would not have been the same....and that itself is the most important gift of all!

Take a Peak....

INSIDE MY WORLD

...

of girly-girl clutter.

Me and my dressform.

Sadly I never put her to use other than a place to display some new thrift store find I'm too lazy to wash properly.  Case in point, the sequin butterfly top I bought about a year ago, it's been on her ever since.  And the tote bag I used in one of my Chictopia photos back in May.

(I have a real problem putting things away, hence all the clutter)

My plethora of perfumes.

These past few very hot weeks I've gravitated moreso toward the left side of the dresser, opting for my lighter scents such as Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue, Calvin Klein Eternity Moment, and Guerlain Insolence.  

Got any of the same stuff on your dresser or shelf?

My dad, being quietly observant, gave me this jewelry box one year for Christmas.  As I opened it he made the comment that he's noticed for quite sometime that I didn't have one and I could definitly use it.

Good point Dad, thanks!

The moment I returned to NYC after that x-mas, the box was instantly filled...

with clutter!

But it's all clutter I refuse to rid myself of.  Some of these rings I've had since high school.

Some I've gotten as presents.

And some, I just bought at Forever 21-of course.

And my box of

rainbow colored goodness!

 Sadly I wear only about 1/8 of this mess.

Today I dug deeper, and pulled out some Urban Decay green duo eyeshadow from god knows when.  It still did it's thing, and I didn't get a crazy eye infection or anything.  Although, I'm certain that 7/8 of the goods in there that I don't wear are all past their expiration date.  

Anyone else have a problem throwing away make-up they don't wear?

Today's make-up played into the mint-green dress:

*Urban Decay green shadow

*Sephora Electro Black eyeliner

*Covergirl lashblast (is that the name???) Black Mascara

*Missha Nude lipgloss 

(what, Missha?  Yep, I need to throw it out-Missha has been out of business in NYC for probably a year or two!)

The make-up stayed put, even though today was quite hot and gross in NYC.  Probably because my office is an icebox (no complaining from me really, I don' have AC in my apt. so I actually enjoy being in ARTIC-LIKE temps during the day).

And yet again, me in a dress-obviously my summertime go-to office style.

I spent about two years collecting a closet-full of dresses for summertime.  I am very content with all that I have acquired....they make dressing in the hot weather a breeze!

(Oh, and same shoes and necklaces I tend to wear several times a week)

*Mint Green Pocketed shift dress-Penguin

*Brown leather sandals-Target

*Brown wooden bead necklace-Forever 21

*Brown wood and seashell vintage necklace-Thrift Store

Fave Rave

I'm introducing a brand new, on-going, segment to my blog.  I call it, "FAVE RAVE".  It will consist of my fave things of the fashion, beauty, or random world I live in.  The raves may be a classic, or just a passing trend, but they're all something I HEART big time.

And now, I give you my FAVE RAVE #1:

Bonne Bell Dr. Pepper chapstick is as American as Apple Pie, and I figured today, being America's birthday is the best time to let it do it's thing.  I will be wearing it today and slathering it all over this kisser of mine.  

I have been wearing this since I was 10 years old, and I still purchase it with enthusiasm.  I think 19 years of constant use makes it a CLASSIC!

While Bonne Bell has a whole treasure trove of flavors, Dr. Pepper will forever by my first and fave choice.  It gives your lips a slight tint of color that the others just don't provide.  It's a perfect sheer wash across your lips.

I'm not one to wear lipstick often because I find it gets all gloppy and nasty and wads itself up on my mouth.  This is thru fault of my own I know, but Bonne Bell does not do that....lick after lick; licking because Dr. Pepper tastes so good, it doesn't get all gross.  Luckily it's nontoxic because I'm certain over the years I've eaten my weight in Dr. Pepper chapstick.  

I would suggest forgetting the fact that this is made for tweens, foregoing the idea that you're too old to purchase it, and buy yourself a tube today!  

Oh, and a big Happy 4th of July to you all!

(come back tomorrow for a review of my firecracker good time I'm going to have today)