Tag Archives: Ulta

Holiday Shopping Head Start!

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‘Tis the season to be gifting! Thanksgiving is next week, which means that it’s time to make that gift-giving list (if you choose to do so). There are so many useful, cute, & affordable gift options out right now to fill your most fashionable friends with style & joy this season. Personally, I don’t buy gifts just for the sake of buying meaningless stuff to give to  anyone. I like to pick special pieces that will really please a recipient & serve a function—even if that function is indulgence & luxury.

When compiling your shopping list, consider if an item is something that they’ll actually use, that it’s not just a filler gift. Also, jot down their interests by their name on your list so that if you can look out for something particularly perfect for a friend or loved one. Lastly, I’ll often discuss with people close to me if they want to exchange gifts (& if so, establish a spending limit) or if they’d prefer to go out for dinner instead. Sometimes arranging a night with a group of friends with dinner & drinks is the best way to go. However, listing, shopping, wrapping, & giving are my favorite ways to put me in the holiday spirit.

All of the below ideas are not just stylish, but they’re all under $15.

beanie @Charlotte Russebook @TJMaxxgift set @Ultaearrings @Francesca’sscarf @H&M

I love discovering accessories as gifts because they add just a little bit more sparkle, which I know I’m always seeking for myself. What kinds of gifts are you shopping for this season? Where do you shop for the best deals this holiday? Happy Styling!

 

The Stylish Five: Loving A Little Leopard, Inspired by Heidi Klum, Miranda Kerr, & More!

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When it comes to animal prints, my go-to is zebra, which goes back to my natural love all black & white patterns. However, as we’re in the thick of summer, stores are filling up with fall fashions, including luxe leopard pieces to mix up with neutral separates & pops of color in your accessories.

Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, & Heidi Klum

Trendsetter Olivia Palermo styled her separates by Tibi with a pop of leopard in her skinny belt, which offset the geometric look of her ankle strap sandals. Model Miranda Kerr was flawless this spring when hitting the street for a stylish day out with a bold leopard A.L.C. duffel bag to add a trendy splash of personality to her button down shirt, denim skirt, & thigh high boots. Project Runway host Heidi Klum shows off her wild side (& her legs!) in a high slit skirt & embellished too.

For affordable leopard love in your wardrobe, I found these functional & fashionable pieces that are sure to make a splash when corrdinated a variety of ways. First, the leopard tote ($2.50) from Forever 21 is great for all of your on-the-go needs, especially when wanting to use a durable recyclable bag when hitting the market. Also, you can dress up or dress down the tiered leopard tank ($34.00) from Dress Barn (which I own & love!) with dark denim skinnies & a blazer for a girls’ night out, or cardigan & pencil skirt for the office. For a truly wild look, pair these loose fit pants ($17.95) from H&M with a black tank & gold flats for day, or mix up your look with a crop top & pointy heels for evening.

leopard images

I love shopping for printed belts, which can work well with a wrap dress, shirtdress, over a cardigan, or when you wanna cinch in a tunic top to show off your waist, like the leopard skinny belt ($24.90) from Express. One of my most recent purchases come from Charlotte Russe, & that is the patent thong sandal ($7.50), which was such a great buy too since there’s currently a BOGO $5 sale of select shoes. So, I also indulged in a white pair to wear with sporty jersey dresses & when heading out to the beach this summer.

For one last look at some leopard inspirations, I put together some of my favorite images, high end & affordable items, & celebrity moments that include leopard. This includes a September 2010 Vogue UK shoot fetauring supermodel Kate Moss in an embellished leopard jacket. Scarlett Johansson added a pop of leopard in her Christian Louboutin pointy toe pumps with a Vivienne Westwood dress. Also, to celebrate leopard on your nails, there’s the Sally Hansen strips ($9.99) in leopard, available @Ulta. Also, you can keep warm on those cool summer knits with this Apt. 9 leopard scarf ($11.99) from Kohl’s. For some designer inspiration, the paneled leopard dress ($1,150.00) by Escada is sold @Neiman Marcus. Lastly, the leopard heart drop earrings ($16.00) from River Island are playful & flirty to dress down a classic LBD.

Kate Moss for Vogue UK, Scarlett Johansson in a Vivienne Westwood dress & Christian Louboutin pumps, Leopard earrings by River Island, Sally Hansen leopard nail stickers, leopard scarf from Kohl's, & Escada leopard panel dress from Neiman Marcus.

How do you like to wear leopard? What’s your favorite leopard accessory? Which leopard pieces are your favorites? Happy Styling!

Watch The Style: Scarlett Johansson & Matthew McConaughey Star In Dolce & Gabbana’s “The One”!

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Dolce & Gabbana - The One, featuring Scarlett Johansson & Matthew McConaughey

Two of the biggest stars in Hollywood are lending their acting chops & model-worthy good looks to the fashion industry’s latest short film, Street of Dreams, directed by the one & only, Martin Scorsese. Dolce & Gabbana spokesmodel Scarlett Johansson & Southern heartthrob Matthew McConaughey join forces under Scorsese’s direction for this commercial / video, celebrating the Italian fashion house’s fragrance The One ($59.00 – $82.00), which can be purchased through the brand’s official website, Sephora, Macy’s, & Ulta.

In a recent press release, Domenico Dolce shared how pleased he was with the final result, as well as Scarlett’s performance: “Scarlett is the embodiment of ‘The One’ woman… She lives and breathes every womanly nuance. She exudes desire and innocence. She is both sobriety and sensuality. There is innocence in her eyes yet her smile is laced with mischief. She is a talented actress and a beautiful woman.“

Below, check out the commercial of Scarlett, clad in the brand’s signature black lace & old Hollywood glamour, playing the role of ‘The One.’

For more celebrity videos, be sure to check out previous posts, including Robert Pattinson for Dior Homme, a behind-the-scenes look at Chloe Grace Moretz for Glamour, Rooney Mara starring in ‘Downtown’ for Calvin Klein, & Nicole Kidman’s debut campaign for Jimmy Choo! Happy Styling!

5/6/2013 Darling Of The Day: Ashley Madekwe’s Checkered Topshop Jumpsuit!

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Usually when I post something for Darling Of The Day, I share look-alike pieces that are much more affordable than what a celebrity is wearing. However, Revenge actress & style blogger extraordinaire Ashley Madekwe (who is making her second appearance in DOTD) calls on the pajama trend for a recent red carpet in support of a Topshop event. She showed up in the brand’s check dungaree jumpsuit ($110.00), which is currently available for purchase online. Yes, it’s a lot higher than I would pay, but the one-piece has a lot of versatility & plays with the same light flirtiness of a maxi dress.

To complete this look without breaking the bank, I’ve selected affordable pieces from Forever 21, including the essential layering tank ($2.80) in white, Love pendant necklace ($1.80) in gold, & lacquered geo hinge cuff ($5.80) in cream / white. Also, other pieces to build the outfit include the strappy faux leather heels ($22.60) from GOjane & Lulu Townsend flower snap box clutch ($34.95) from DSW. I also wanted to share that Ashley’s showing off some major toe cleavage & her pedicure looks fantastic with this season’s greatest color trend. To achieve this look, I recommend the salon formula nail lacquer ($6.00) in mint condition @Ulta.

What do you think about Ashley’s stylish overalls? Would you wear this look? Do you follow Ashley’s style blog, Ring My Bell? For more celebrity posts, check out the most recent update from Top 10 Celeb Sightings, Olga Kurylenko’s latest red carpet looks, Gwyneth Paltrow’s promotional tour frocks for her latest cookbook, spring floral looks inspired by Elizabeth Olsen & Miranda Kerr, & Scarlett Johansson’s Marie Claire cover shoot! Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys / Ad Madness: Behind-The-Scenes At Kate Hudson’s Almay Shoot!

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Kate Hudson for Almay

Kate Hudson is one busy lady! Not only is she returning as the face of Ann Taylor, working on her debut capsule collection for the store, & has recently appeared as a recurring character on Glee, but she’s also continuing her role as spokesmodel for cosmetics giant, Almay. Courtesy of InStyle, I was able to find behind-the-scenes images of Kate in action, showing off her beautiful features with Almay’s Intense i-Color Shimmer Eyeshadow ($6.00) in Bold Nudes, which is available @Ulta. This color trio is also available in blue, hazel, & green shades to match with your eye color.

Kate Hudson for Almay

What do you think about Kate’s modeling efforts for Almay & Ann Taylor? Do you use Almay cosmetics? For more from Beauty Buys & Ad Madness, check out posts including Victoria’s Secret latest nail polish launch, Sally Hansen’s sparkle-friendly polishes, Kirsten Dunst’s Bvlgari film, Mon Jasmin Noir, & Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana’s Perfect Luminous cosmetics.  Happy Styling!

Beauty Buys: Hurricane Sandy Can’t Stop Your Nails From Sparkling!

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Local schools, universities, offices, & transit is already cancelled for tomorrow, while we’re waiting for this hurricane to make a mess out of the Northeast (for those of you who don’t know, Style Darling is based out of New York’s very suburban Long Island).  I figured I’d get a jump on posting blogs for my lucky readers to indulge in since they’ll have power & alas, I won’t.

My family has stocked up on water, ice, batteries, & clock radios, but I’m not worried about how I will spend my time should the power go out.  Of course, I wouldn’t dream of recommending to anyone that polishing your nails is an essential part of hurricane survival, but here’s a little advice for when the daylight in upon us & there’s not much to do when the television & internet is down.

I’ve been keeping an eye out on the latest trends in nail art, especially since that’s the fashion-related hashtag read around the world. No matter where you live, what language you speak, or what your style is, there’s nail art for everyone. I’m a big fan of sparkles, especially this season & I don’t have time to change my nail color daily. I’m no basic pink-fingered Style Darling, but I like something that can be re-touched without any hassle… which brings me to the Gem Crush collection by Sally Hansen ($6.99) from Ulta.

You can find Sally Hansen at any drug store (Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, as well as Target or Walmart), but I love shopping for any & all beauty products at Ulta since I’m a member & receive tons of weekly coupons ranging from $3.50 off a $10 purchase, $5 off a $10 purchase, or 20% off any item.

The Gem Crush line includes dazzling hues like (from left-to-right, as seen above) Show Girl Chic, Cha-Ching, Big Money, Bling-tastic, Be-Jeweled, Razzle Dazzler, Lady Luck, & Glitz Gal. I haven’t picked a favorite, but if you were wondering, I’m currently sporting Big Money on my fingers & Razzle Dazzler on my toes! For more about Style Darling’s nails, be sure to check out the latest updates on Instagram (@MissAlissaL)! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Pretty Hues For Your Peepers ($10 & Under)!

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I can’t even remember the last time I bought eyeshadow (perhaps b/c I have sooo much of it), but every now & again, it’s always a good idea to refresh your collection with some new hues.  Here are some of my affordable suggestions, all for under $10 @Ulta.

The Almay Intense I-Color Satin Eyeshadow in Greens ($6.99) is a palette perfect for any eye color & the chic blend of green & purple will make the lighter flecks of color really stand out.  The Prestige Cosmetics Eyeshadow Duo in Morada ($2.39) is a great way to reinvent the smoky eye, especially in such rich purple hues.  This affordable duo also comes in combinations of neutrals, pinks, & blues.  My favorite everyday eye shadow is Revlon’s 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Elements ($3.29) b/c its neutral for daytime, but still smoldering when blended with the darker hues for a date night.  To perk up your peepers with cream instead of powder, try Revlon’s Illuminance Creme Shadow in Black Magic ($5.99) will take away any evidence of your previously night’s party.  For those Style Darlings that really like to sparkle, NYX’s Glitter Cream Palette in Ocean Breeze ($5.99) gives you five different & vibrant options in one package!  This also comes in combinations of golds, silver, purples, & bronze shades!

What’s your favorite makeup brand?  Are you an Ulta shopper?  How do you usually do your eye makeup this time of year?  Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Best Beauty Deals @Ulta ($10 & Under)!

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During a recent bargain beauty excursion @Ulta, I was coupon queen & discovered a bunch of deals on some of my new favorite items!  What’s so great about Ulta is that you can find great brand name cosmetics & beauty products for $10 & Under, & in most cases $5 & under too! Don’t forget to sign up @Ulta.com for regular notifications on sales & $3.50 off $10 purchase coupons for in-store use.

I picked different items to showcase, including this shimmering eyeshadow by Essence in Disco Diva, for only $1.99!  If applied lightly, it’s flirty for day, or even something under the lower lash line is cute for night with a shorts romper or cocktail look.  While we’re talking about face care, don’t forget about lipliner by Prestige Cosmetics.  It costs $4.29 & is an easy way to touch up your lips if you’re looking to accentuate your pout with your favorite lip gloss.  However, I always recommend finding a hue closest to your actual lip color so that you don’t see a darker, tacky line if it starts wearing off.  When trying to hide some shine on your face in the heat, try Cover Girl‘s loose powder for $5.89.  Use a puffy applicator or lightweight blush brush to graze over your browbone & along your jawline to reduce an unwanted shine.

Moving on to your hands, if you’re still looking for that one perfect hand lotion to throw in your tote, experiment with a travel size item like the everyday hand lotion by Eos for $2.99.  If you don’t like it, you haven’t wasted too much of your hard-earned paycheck on a failed product. I’ve probably posted this nail lacquer by Ulta brand cosmetics in “After Party,” but it still stands the test of time as my favorite all-time polish for only $5.00!  Sometimes it’s even on sale as low as $2.  It reminds me of a nail polish version of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in Wizard of Oz. TIP: Take the survey at the bottom of your Ulta receipt & get a code for a fee nail polish too! Happy Styling!

The $100 Challenge: Best Bargains for a Beach Bum!

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I recently posted a blog called The Stylish Five: Bargain Beach Accessories ($10 & Under)! but here I’ve put together an entire beach look for under $100!  This outfit is both sexy & fun, demonstrating the only playful time that I would mix so many animal prints.  Summer is about having fun & embracing patterns, so why not have some fun with your accessories too?

Starting off, we have this slimming shirred halter swimsuit by Catalina sold @Walmart for $32.00.  It’s also available in black & teal, but I went with the red b/c it’s a little spicier.  It recalls a very vintage Marilyn Monroe feeling.  Although I wouldn’t actually do it at the beach, wearing a sexy sarong with some towering platform sandals would make for a sexy way to greet your beau when he comes home from the office this summer!  While this suit is ideal for any body type, check out Walmart’s entire department of swimwear for more affordable separates & one-pieces in almost every size!

Next is the all important terry ho0ded cover-up in white.  It’s fresh-looking against the red of the swimsuit, super easy to wear, & only $19.50 @Old Navy.  It is also available in pink & army green, but I like the white the best! Also, the sizes go up to 2X for the more voluptuous Style Darlings out there!

As for your feet, I selected these fun leopard print sandals from Forever 21, for only $9.80.  Not only are they great for a day at the beach, but you can wear them with a maxi dress or even with some leggings & a tunic!  I would typically pick regular flip-flops for a day beach look, but this special swimsuit calls for something with a little more splash!  Keeping with the animal print theme, also from Old Navy, I found this canvas tote for $7.97, which is spacious enough for all of your accessories at 16″L x 4″W x 14″H. If you’re looking for a tote like this for the day, then also check out the army green / seahorse one available at the same price! To complete our safari-esque accessories, cheetah / zebra towel, called Cheebra at Target is a great way to mark your beach territory for only $9.99!

While you’re laying out or taking a stroll down the boardwalk, break out a pair of blingy sunglasses for only $3.00 @Wet Seal, perfect for maintain that fiery movie star glow about you, but also protecting your eyes.  If you’re looking to keep the sun away, try a floppy hat with beaded details to protect your face.  It costs $10.80 @Forever 21, but they also have other cowboy hat styles if that’s the look you’re going for!  Last, but not least, the always important travel size sunscreen, preventing your skin from any sun damage, but also affordable & space efficient when you’re looking to carry around that copy of Great Expectations that you’ve been meaning to read, along with an MP3 player & some refreshments.  Not to mention that the travel size is $2.99 @Ulta!

And that would make our grand total… $96.05 (before taxes)!  Check out our previous $100 Challenge posts for more great outfit ideas on a budget! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Bargain Beach Accessories ($10 & Under)!

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Summer is all about bright colors, fun in the sun, & light, easy style.  What better way to head to the beach than with a few fabulous must-haves for a bargain of $10 & under?!  These few essentials will help out your wallet & help you save for that vacation you’re planning this season!

You can’t go wrong with sunscreen!  @Ulta, this spray is super easy to apply, but if you’re looking for lotions or oils, those are available as well.  Not to mention, if you’re not a beach bum, but want to show off a fresh sun-kissed tan, take a look at the brand’s very affordable bronzers for $10 & under! If you sign up for the website’s emails, you’ll receive all the latest news on sales, coupon deals ($3.50 off $10 or more!), free shipping events, & specials for free samples!  This is great to keep in mind if you’re about to travel, or want to save a bundle on skin care items.

Next, we have a bright & playful beach towel from Target.  Obviously, you don’t need me to say this, but the brighter your towel, the more comfortable it is.  And it’s sooooo soft!  Stay away from dark colors which will absorb more UV rays.  Not to mention, I just bought 2 towels like these which just so happened to be on sale for $5 at the time.  If you check out the coupons available at the store’s website, you can receive $1 off your next towel purchase of $5 or more!

So, what are you gonna put all of your beach accessories in?  A resuable recyclable bag, of course!  This is an eco-friendly item & VERY budget-friendly for only $1.50 @Forever 21.  From time to time I feature these bags sold in stores & on the website b/c they’re so cute & really easy to carry around.  All year round the store sells brightly decorated bags like this that are perfect for running errands, carrying books from the library, or if you’re just out grabbing some groceries.  Or while you’re at the beach, throw all of your essentials in it, including a book, iPod, & cell phone!  Even though we are talking accessories here, I have to mention that the website has some really fabulous finds on swimwear & coverups for all sizes!

While you’re shopping around the Forever 21 site, don’t forget to take a look at their fashionable selection of eyewear, including these gray square frames.  They sell hundreds of different styles for only $5.80!  So if you are looking for something inexpensive to protect your eyes during a round of beach volleyball, put away your investment shades by brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, or Fendi, & break out these very cute sunglasses! You can go with classic movie star frames, sqaures ones, aviators, or even something neon with some 80s flair!

Last, but not least, you can’t have a sunny day at the beach without some flip-flops!  Yeah, gladiator sandals & other flat strappy picks are all the rage, but don’t flip-flops just feel like the best go-to shoes sometimes?  I know that’s how I feel!  You can’t go wrong with a bright patterned rubber pair like these from Old Navy which are only $5!  If you catch your email alerts right, you can even find them on sale for as low as $2.50!  They sell up to 9 different pairs of prints, including florals, animal-inspired, tropical patterns, & stripes to go with whatever mood or swimsuit you’re wearing!

What are your beach essentials?  What music do you love to listen to?  Any suggestions on how to keep your hair looking fun & healthy during the heat?  Have a safe summer! Happy Styling!

1/19/11 Darling of the Day: Cate Blanchett in Menswear!

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Talk about sexy in menswear!  Although Cate Blanchett can sometimes be mistaken for an androgynous male alter ego (I’m Not There anyone?), she’s certainly one of the most versatile & respected actresses of today with a killer sense of style.

At a recent red carpet event, she wears a Dries van Noten pantsuit in classic black & white, but with white trousers & a black jacket.  How daring is she for winter?  With a hint of a peep toe & pink lips, she puts fashionistas half her age to shame!  A sharp look like this needs no other accessory (well, maybe a pair of studs doesn’t hurt!) than some attitude & confidence!

For more on Cate’s one-of-a-kind style, click here.

QUICK NOTE: I’ve become quite blog savvy in the last few days, what with inspiration from my trip to Italy thus making me a more ambitious writer & lover of style, so I’ve added a bunch of new features to my blogs, starting with this one.  If you grace your cursor over the image, you’ll see where the item is from & how much it costs, saving a great deal of text to what I hope is a more professional looking article.

While I continue to focus on celebrity looks, I will also endeavor to provide more style details about this history on the red carpet & so forth.  Any comments, questions, or suggestions, send them my way!  Happy Styling!