anthropologie sudsy glass strand + lovely links

these opalescent orbs look like something lady gaga might strut down the red carpet on a much grander scale, but i’ve seen them in person and can tell you with confidence that they will add some serious sparkle to any gay apparel you may don this holiday season. and for those looking for a more subtle string with smaller bubbles, there’s also this option:

the simple strand is $78 and and the crystal clear cluster is $88, both at anthropologie. what do you think of these glassy gems?

{a few lovely links}

  • use a feather lock or colored hair extension to create the cutest wrap pony
  • my iphone wants to live here
  • i am newly obsessed with the blog double dark. have you seen it? warning: i have just consumed your entire afternoon.
  • this mani by ann / cult of pretty is a must see and a must recreate
  • per mila kunis, the nerds are finally winning

name dropping + lovely links

have you ever bought something just because it has your name on it? i’m not talking a license plate keychain or a mug at disney world, i’m talking products. i indulged in a little name dropping this week when i scooped up two products bearing my moniker.

deborah lippmann’s lara’s theme is a creamy bright orange from her summer collection. while it’s not the most expected shade for fall, i’m really loving the way it pops against all of the purples and grays in my wardrobe. (fun fact: it’s named for supermodel lara stone who collaborated to create the color.)

nars ‘pure sheer’ lip treatment spf 15 is a super luxurious lip balm with a pretty pastel pink tint. lara is like a little whisper nothing of color that really dresses up an already perfect lip balm.

these two laras could not be more different, but i love them both! are there any beauty products with your name on them in your collection?

{a few lovely links}

happy weekend, lovelies!

party pretty: a birthday guest post for liz of ‘so much to smile about’

we have a birthday in the house! i’m over at fellow dc blogstress liz’s adorable ‘so much to smile about‘ with my five party-perfect product picks in celebration of her birthday this week. come see!

october bag + balm

bag: hand blocked zipper case from west elm, $7 – $12

balm: pacifica coconut pearls luminizing lip quench, $9

the bag: i am smitten with these patterned, plastic-lined cosmetic cases in three sizes and twelve great prints. each can be monogrammed for an additional $7 and west elm examples sport cute things like “goodies” or “jetsetter.” you have to take a peek at the whole collection. i haven’t seen bags this adorable, functional and price-friendly in a long while.

the balm: love, love, LOVE this over sized buttery, coconut-scented balm from pacifica. it leaves an iridescent shine on lips and is perfect for layering over a matte lipstick for extra hydration and a little shine. this little guy is going to breathe new life into your lip collection

at $16 for the duo, there’s really no excuse not to bring these two pretties into your world. happy weekend!

{a few lovely links}

nars ‘the multiple’ in g-spot + lovely links

meet my blush pick for fall: nars ‘the multiple’ in new (and naughty) g-spot. as the weather gets cooler and i transition to a tinted moisturizer from my summertime powder foundation, i’ve been looking for something that will let my skin show through. i like a little darker shade this time of year but not so deep that it looks garish on my fair tones. this particular berry hue gives a really seasonally stunning and, dare i say, sexy flush. if you haven’t given these sticks a spin, you’ll find that they go on sheer, flatter everyone, and really last. hint: apply and blend with fingers and keep a lip brush handy to paint some on your pout for a super pretty lip look.

nars ‘the multiple’ in g-spot is new for holiday 2011 (the rumor is that it’s not a limited edition and will become a permanent shade) and currently available at neiman marcus for $39.

{a few lovely links}

guest posting: stila loves old and new

makeup junkies: do you remember the brand that started your addiction? the product that fueled the fire?

i’m guest blogging for stila today and telling all, from my entry to the brand with their baked cheek duo to my latest stila love, the brighten and correct concealer. click on over to the stila blog to read more!

a diy tuxedo mani + lovely links

when i spied this yves saint laurent matte and glossy mani at the neiman marcus fall beauty event a couple of weeks ago, i couldn’t wait to get my paws on the parts to make it happen. inspired by the black on black texture of a tuxedo with its powder black suiting and satin lapels, ysl brings us a killer manicure couture duo for holiday. the resulting look is smoky matte black nails with super shiny french tips and it’s surprisingly chic and sophisticated.

now i don’t have the steadiest hand when it comes to painting my own nails so tackling a project like this one is a bit daunting. clumsy gals like me will love my latest find: this kiesque’s liquid palisade fast drying skin protector. just swipe it on the skin around your nails, paint, and then peel away whatever gets outside the lines. it’s an uncoordinated perfectionist’s dream and a total must for the at-home manicurist.

if you’re bold, brave and want to give this ultra sleek look a try, manicure couture in terriblement noir will be available later this month for $30 and kiesque liquid palisade is available online now for $22.

{a few lovely links}

  • the kaboodle girls are some of my absolute favorite people and they’ve featured me in their community buzz blog today
  • have any of my fellow thin-haired beauties tried the sock bun? i think it’s kinda genius.
  • i fell hard for this vintage 1920′s ring, what do we think about this one as a substitute? can’t beat the $1.50 price!
  • fall has arrived at hobo and it is looking omgorgeous – take a peek at yummy new arrivals
  • on a personal note, my wedding was featured in the washingtonian this week! 11/27/10 was a 40 degree day with 20 mph winds, so pardon our shivers and frozen faces :)

guest posting: back to school beauty on chronicles of a beauty nerd

happy monday!

i’m over at connie’s chronicles of a beauty nerd today where we’re discussing back to school pretty. if connie’s blog isn’t already in your reader, it definitely should be. she brings brains to the business of beauty and i absolutely l-o-v-e her posts. when she asked me to partner up, i jumped at the chance and for today’s spotlight, i packed one fab pencil case with a half dozen of fall’s finest products.

read more on why these six earn gold stars in my book!

lulu frost for j.crew turquoise stone bangle + lovely links

this bangle is dazzling, no? red hued resin dons an art deco-inspired arrangement of turquoise stones and it all wants an invitation to my arm party. i’m sure i don’t need to tell you that lulu frost is doing amazing things for j.crew jewelry this season, but she is especially killing it in the bangle department and she has won my heart with this bold, bright, bracelet.

lulu frost for j.crew bangles range from $45 to $118; the turquoise stone version is $68.

{a few lovely links}

thursday purseday (on a friday): hobo international angela

it’s been a crazy week, glossy gals ‘n’ guys! i’m a little behind on sharing my birchbox bloggings with you but i’m super excited about my beauty-inspired thursday purseday post  – hope you enjoy!