Get naked!

Just recently at two events I have received more compliments on my eye make-up than at any other event I have attended.  I find it really flattering when people ask, "YOU did your own eye make-up?"  Ummmm yeah!

While I would LOVE to take all of the credit for my fabulous eye shades and blends lately, I just can't.  I'm not a genius...just a girl who loves her beauty products and make-up.

So to create a fabulous eye for the evening, I prime my eye with Urban Decay's eye primer potion.  This will ensure that my eye make-up stays put ALL day with no re-touches. For everyday I use the primer on the right and for a little shimmer I use the primer on the left.

The best primer ever!!!!!

Next I apply my eye shadow according to the layout on picture below.  This is the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette.  One of my most favorite palettes.  You can not go wrong with these eye shadow colors.  The palette is $50 but it literally lasts and you can create so many different looks that you get your money's worth immediately.

I apply "outer mid lid" first, then "mid lid." Then, I apply the "above crease shade" so that I can blend the other colors over it.  Next, I apply the "crease" and create my smokey eye with the "outer crease" color.  The diagram below leaves off that the inner eye lid color is the 4th from the right.  This is the color that tops everything off.  Blend all harsh lines with a blending brush and VOILA!  Last but not least, don't forget to apply the "brow bone" shade to highlight the arch of your brow.  And that's it!!!!!  This is my secret, hope you guys enjoy! (It helps to have a good set of brushes to achieve good blending and to have each color pop out on your eye.)

Fabulous Find: Celine Bag "Look a Like"

The French luxury brand, Celine, has some of the hottest handbags in the market right now.  If you're like me, sometimes you want the luxury brands for less.  You want to look the part without paying the part. The most popular Celine bag is the Phantom...it has protruding side details and can run anywhere between $2,400.00 to $3,000.00.

(Dakota Fanning carrying a Celine Phantom handbag)

I had already decided that I was going to purchase a smaller version of the Celine Phantom handbag roughly two weeks ago.  So imagine my surprise as I go into DSW for a last-minute Easter shoe run today, to see a Celine look-a-like handbag made by London Fog.  The handbag retails at $150.00 and I got it for $75.00!!!!

(Available at DSW Stores, appears to be only in-store and not online)



It looks fabulous, feels fabulous and I'm not out of $3,000.00.  Just wanted to share this secret with you guys especially since I saw one woman walking out with this London Fog handbag in both cherry and mustard colors.  According to the salesgirl, these bags are going fast!  Keep plugged in for more of my fabulous fashion finds!

Testosterone Overload: Maroon 5, Adam Levine and "that guy" Tyler from Neon Trees

Dallas welcomed Owl City, Neon Trees and Maroon 5 to the American Airlines Center on March 21, 2013.  I'll be honest, when the announcement came out for this concert, I wasn't too thrilled about the line-up leading up to Maroon 5.  I only knew about that annoying "Fireflies" song by Owl City and the few songs of Neon Trees that I had heard on the radio.  I just knew for a fact that I was going to die of boredom waiting on Maroon 5 to take the stage.

(Photo Credit: Leah Frazier)

I was beyond impressed by Owl City and after a couple of Texas brand jumbo beers (Ziegenbock to be exact), I was completely obsessed with Neon Trees and the lead singer Tyler.  Being an 80's baby myself, I was taken over by Tyler's glittery jacket and pants and his attempt to perfect his awkward Michael Jackson-esque dance moves.  But you know what?  I totally dug it.  It fit his personality and his fan base.  I can't say that I will go so far as buy the CD, but they are definitely a must-see for a live performance.  Throw in a cover of Human League's "Don't You Want Me"....and I'm all in, dancing and waving my arms like a maniac!

(Photo Credit: Leah Frazier / Any reproduction or use of this photo must be obtained by authorization of the photographer.)

And then my boo, Adam Levine, and the rest of Maroon 5 took the stage and did their standard mix of songs from previous albums.  No disrespect to my boo or his band, but I think that all of Dallas was happy that they kept performances from the new album, "OverExposed", to a minimum.  This album was definitely not one of the better Maroon 5 albums and I'm sure they recognized it...so thank you for mixing in the few radio hits from "OverExposed" with previous chart-topping hits for another unforgettable Maroon 5 concert experience.  Overall, Maroon 5 rocked the house, introduced a new artist (can't remember her name) and featured one bad (bad in a good way) guitarist.  Maroon 5.....Dallas loves you!

And then....no Maroon 5 wrap-up would be complete without a drool-fest over Adam Levine.  I think Sweet Brown (above) said it perfectly.  "Every one has time for that!"

Mix me, Match me

Spring is almost here and I'm loving the time of year where I can mix and match prints, textures, fabrics, everything!  I'm still going to go for more gold accessories for spring this year along with my signature pop of color.  While jade green is the color of the year for 2013, I'm still mesmerized by shades of coral.  Add in a funky fro-hawk and statement shades, and I'm ready for the warmer weather!

(Shades: Tom Ford, Hi Lo striped tee: Express)

(Black Jeggings: Express, Gold-Plated Bow Sandals: Vince Camuto)

Pin-spiration

I (like many other social media fanatics) am addicted to Pinterest. From outfit ideas to recipes to make-up demonstrations, Pinterest is one of my favorite social media apps right now. So one morning at 3:30AM, I woke up out of a dead sleep and couldn't fall back to sleep and of course got on Pinterest and found my outfit for the next day. What do you guys think??? I'm on the right and the Pinterest pin is on the left. I highly suggest that if you need inspiration for anything: home, travel, fashion, etc....check Pinterest out!

New Year: Living a Life of Abundance

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(From top to bottom...shades: Dolce and Gabbana, Necklace: Loehmann's, Sweater: AnnaLee + Rose, Jeggings: Express, Shoes: Bandalino from DSW, Handbag: Brahmin, Nails: OPI Russian Navy)

I hope that everyone will have a great and abundant 2013.  While we have entered a new year, it is never too late today or tomorrow to get on the right track if you falter.  We shouldn't wait for the New Year to adopt resolutions as this should be something that is continuous and ongoing as we mature.

A big shoutout goes out to my lil' sis Ashleigh Ray (again) for the awesome photos!

In 2013, I will continue to smile and to instill a beacon of hope to those who feel hopeless. In doing this...I will continue to put God first. I may not be the "conventional" fashion blogger, but even in fashion God will go first.

In 2013, I will continue to become a better me in Christ.

CHEERS TO A FULFILLING AND PROSPEROUS 2013!!!!

Christmas Giveaway

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." ~2 Corinthians 9:7~

'Tis the season for fantastic giveaways and pampering sessions!  One lucky follower will receive a complimentary hair blowout at the newly opened Hair Bar in Dallas AND another lucky follower will receive a complimentary micro-dermabrasion treatment ($89 value) OR dermaplane treatment ($69 value) at Facelogic Skincare and Spa.

All you have to do to be eligible to win is leave a comment with your email address and fill in the blank.  "All I want for Christmas is ________."  

Winners will be chosen at random and notified by 12/23/2012.  Cheers!

Free Hair Blowouts and Make-up Applications This Week

It's the holidays and if you're as busy socializing like I am, you have multiple holiday parties scheduled.  Who has time to get a different outfit, hairstyle and make-up for each occasion?  Well lucky for you guys, the newest and hottest in hair salons (The Hair Bar Dallas) is offering free hair blowouts and make-up applications for this entire week!  All you have to do is set up an appointment online and show up....it's that easy!  (Sign up for a date and time of your choosing at www.dropinblowout.com.)  Not only does The Hair Bar offer child care services while you're getting pampered but guests will also get to relax and browse the web on a complimentary iPad while receiving the best in hair and makeup services.

The Hair Bar is located in Dallas' Preston Royal Village and Southlake Town Square.