Fun, Fashion Rings for Fall!

For the past couple of seasons, when it comes to jewelry it's been all about statement pieces. Although I am a huge fan of big, bold necklaces, sometimes you have to bring attention to other areas - why not let your fingers get all the attention? This upcoming fall, adorn your digits with fashionable rings that are big on style, but won't break the bank.

Are you a fan of fashion rings? Will you wear them this fall?

Check out some of these:

Juicy Couture Decor Ring available at www.bloomingdales.com for $88


Duchess Ring available at www.bananarepublic.com for $42


Kenneth Jay Lane Ring available at www.revolveclothing.com for $80


Knotted Gold-Like Ring available at www.topshop.com for $16


Midnight Crystal Ring available at www.jcrew.com for $45


Noir Circle Pattern Ring available at www.cusp.com for $85


Olia Ice Grey Rock Stone Chain Ring available at www.bluefly.com for $60


Pave Ring available at www.anntaylor.com for $45


Criss Cross Ring available at www.topshop.com for $24

Bacteria-Free Beauty

We all know the importance of tossing out old makeup, but how often do you wash your makeup brushes? With every brush stroke, countless bacteria are clinging to those bristles. The nasty bacteria can clog pores and lead to unsightly blemishes and breakouts.

The only way to prevent dirty skin deposits is to clean makeup brushes on a regular basis. The general rule is to wash them at every month to kill germs. I usually wash my brushes every two weeks with warm water, antibacterial soap and let them air-dry overnight. Another option for disinfecting brushes is to use an alcohol-based cleanser on your brushes.

TIP: Make sure you continue rinsing until no color leaves the brush.

How often do you clean your makeup brushes? Do you use warm soapy water or a specific cleanser?

Check out some of these:


MAC Brush Cleanser available at www.nordstrom.com for $11


Bobbi Brown Brush Cleanser available at www.nordstrom.com for $16.50


Beauty Blender Blender Cleanser available at www.drugstore.com for $17.95


Cover Fx Brush Cleanser available at www.sephora.com for $13


Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser available at www.dillards.com for $13


Origins Brush Cleanser available at www.dillards.com for $11

Miracle Mask

Hormonal changes are something that we all go through, but lately those changes have been wreaking havoc on my skin. In addition to having acne flare-ups, I've been trying to steer clear of certain products that are filled with harsh chemicals so I've been on the prowl for organic products that can help manage my unwanted breakouts.

LUSH's Mask of Magnamity has been the answer to my acne angst! This vanilla-mint scent mask looks like green goop, but this hand-made cleanser does an excellent job of deep cleaning & toning while gently exfoliating. Surprisingly, after removing the mask it doesn't leave your skin feeling tight and dry like most masks, but actually soft and refreshed. After only using for three weeks, I can already see a change in my complexion.


Mask of Magnaminty Cleanser available at www.lushusa.com for $11.55-$20.45 (depending on the ounces)

**Please note: because this product is hand-made with fresh ingredients such as honey, peppermint oil, evening primrose seeds, etc, it only has a 4-month shelf-life.

Have you ever tried this mask? Would you? What's your favorite mask? Have you ever tried Lush products?

**BTW, the winner of the Thevi lipstick is SoniaB. Please email me your mailing address within 7 days. Congrats!!

Beauty Giveaway: Thevi Lipstick

I wrote about Thevi Cosmetics last year and have continued to be impressed with their products. Since the beauty line was created with BGs in mind, it's easy to fall in love with their array of colors that complement the wide spectrum of hues that represent women of color. Their new Godiva High Impact Lipstick is perfect for that super pigmented pop of color (a mahogany/raisin) that is certainly going to be all the rage this upcoming fall season.


Godiva High Impact Gloss is 25% off the regular price ($13) and is now $9.75 until August 28th) visit www.thevicosmetics.com

Would you try Thevi Cosmetics since it's an ethnic cosmetics line?

One lucky winner will win one. Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and a winner will be selected randomly and announced on Monday. Good luck!

Get Away in Style!

Even though the summer is winding down, it's never too late to take a quick getaway - in style that is! If you're planning on taking a mini-excursion for the upcoming Labor Day holiday or just a simple trip out of town, why not pack your things in a super cute weekend tote or carryall?

Leave your boring black bags behind and stand out in style with a colorful, chic bag that will add a bright spot to the dreaded task of packing!

Do you own weekend totes or carryalls that aren't black? Were you lucky enough to get away this summer? If so, where did you go?


Roxy Out of Time Duffel available at www.macys.com for $56 (each)


True Religion Stella Leather Weekender available at www.truereligion.com for $617 (very pricey, but very cute!)


Canyon 30-Wheel Duffel available at www.kipling-usa.com for $185.50


Anya Roll Duffel Bag available at www.adidas.com for $35


Hayden Hartnett Weekender available at www.revolveclothing.com for $174


Lesportsac Weekender available at www.endless.com for $102.89


Puddle Jumper Travel Bag available at www.janemarvel.com for $99


Dooney & Burke Nylon Sport "Carla" Dome Duffel available at www.nordstrom.com for $135


Lesportsac Medium Weekender available at www.lesportsac.com for $138

Dove Does it Again!

You've probably seen the commercials for Dove's newest body wash - NutriumMoisture. If you haven't, let me be the first to inform you first-hand on how wonderful it is! I'm always on the hunt for body washes that will leave my skin feeling fresh and clean, while maintaining moisture and for the past few weeks Dove's NutriumMoisture for Sensitive Skin (unscented) has been doing the trick.


Available at drugstores nationwide for $8.50

This patented moisturizing formula actually absorbs into my super dry skin unlike some of the countless other brands that I've tried throughout the years. I've always been a huge fan of Dove products, especially their deodorants, but now I'm adding this enriching moisturizing line of body washes to my favorites' list.

Have you tried Dove's Nutrium Moisture body washes? Do you use any Dove products?

Cool Cardigans for Now & Later!

A few weeks ago I bought a long cardigan from Zara for only $15 and it's already become one of my wardrobe staples. Even though it's still warm in most places, it's never too hot to pick up a long cardigan.

Whether it comes with buttons, snaps or similar to a wrap, long cardigans can take you from frigid (thanks to the A/C) office days in the summer to chilly nights in the fall and winter. Long cardigans can be worn over light-weight dresses cinched with a belt or paired with jeans and a tank, no matter what they are paired with, they're perfect for all seasons!

Are you a fan of long cardigans?


Textured Knit Cardigan available at www.martinandosa.com for $49.50


Long Cardigan available at www.newportnews.com for $24


Cotton V-Neck Cardigan available at www.jcrew.com for $69.50


Long-sleeved Open Cardigan available at www.expressfashions.com for $49.50


One A Striped Two For Cardigan available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $59.99


Hooded Long Cardigan available at www.bananarepublic.com for $98


Long-sleeved Cardigan available at www.topshop.com for $40


Pink Roses Long Cardigan available at www.macys.com for $38

Salon Satisfaction

I receive countless emails from readers who want advice on finding a great salon in the NYC area; well I'm finally able to share that I have found one that I HIGHLY recommend - Wellington Hair Spa located 119 W. 23rd Street in Chelsea.

Last week I had the pleasure of having my hair done at the salon, which was unpretentious and quaint. Since I hadn't had my hair done professionally in months, Patrick Wellington (owner/stylist) and his assistant Joanne Laguerre definitely had their work cut out for them. I opted to forgo their offer of a relaxer and had my hair simply blow-dried and flat ironed. I know the heat isn't ideal for our hair, but I wanted a straight style without the chemicals.

For anyone who knows me, I am hardly ever pleased when I leave a salon so this was one of those rare occasions where I was actually satisfied! My only regret is not taking a before and after picture at the salon to share with you!

So for anyone in the NYC-area who wants to go to a stylist who is incredibly professional and knowledgeable about all hair textures: from processed strands, to lovely au naturel locs, Wellington Hair Spa is the salon for you!



How often do you visit a salon? What do you love/hate about them? Speaking of hair, I just received the trailer for Chris Rock's documentary, Good Hair. Are you looking forward to seeing the movie when it's released in October? For those who haven't seen the trailer. Here it is! Share your thoughts.



**The winner of the Bobbi Brown Lip Crayon is Mimieyes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address info.

Coloring Book

For those of you who aren't into the glossy lip look, Bobbi Brown has the perfect alternative for you! Their Lip Crayon is back by popular demand and now here to stay. As a part of their Ivy League Collection, the lip pencil is a combination of a creamy lipstick with the precision and convenience of a jumbo pencil! It leaves the lips feeling moisturized all while giving just the right amount of color without all of the gooey-ness of glosses. Plus, these lip crayons will be especially great for the upcoming fall season. Who says crayons are just for kids?


Lip Crayons (comes in 6 shades) are available at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com for $22 each.

Have you ever tried this lip crayon? If you'd like to try it, just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Bigger is Always Better!

Maybelline Great Lash BIG available at drugstores nationwide for $7.

As you guys know, I love anything that will make my lashes appear longer, thicker and overall more luscious and Maybelline mascaras always do just that! They somehow always manage to produce perfect mascara formulas and their newest product - Great Lash BIG doesn't disappoint.

I already knew that I'd love it because Great Lash is my all-time favorite mascara, so an improved spin on my tried-and-true could only be good. The bristles (I don't know why they're pink & green in the photo because they are black) are HUGE, which allows for an easy sweep that will coat your lashes with one application. For my fellow mascara mavens, the bristles are similar to Dior's popular "Show" mascara, but with the same formula as the fan favorite Great Lash - it's a match made in mascara heaven!

Have you ever tried this mascara?

**One lucky reader will win a tube of Great Lash BIG (a $7 value). Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced tomorrow.

Healthy Snacking: Fresh Fruits!

This summer I've tried to curb my appetite for sugary sweets like gummi bears and Skittles. Instead, I've opted for delicious fresh fruits. We all need to make a conscious effort to make fruits a part of our daily diets.

The summer is the best season to get your hands on a the freshest fruits available and for a more affordable price. Right now, the fruits in season are: blueberries, blackberries, apples, melons, grapes, nectarines and peaches. Add them to a salad or keep them at work for a healthy snack.

So put down those sugary snacks and head to your local farmer's market or produce store to stock up on fruits that are tasty and good for you!

What are your favorite fruits?

Taking it to Max: Part Tube!

Some trends stick around for more than a season and from the looks of things, maxi dresses are here to stay...at least for the rest of the summer. This time around why not bare your shoulders in a sexy tube-style maxi for maximum style. Tube dresses are perfect for those long-dress lovers who still want to bare a little skin in the sun!

Would you wear a tube maxi? Click here to check out some maxi dresses from my post last year.


Tiered Maxi Tube Dress available at www.oldnavy.com for $19.99


Tiered Chiffon Maxi Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $68


Aqua Colorblock Maxi Tube Dress available at www.bloomingdales.com for $88


Blossom Maxi Dress at www.forever21.com for $27.80


Floral Tube Maxi Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $78


Gabriella Rochain Fuse Maxi Dress available at www.zappos.com for $69


Belted Tube Maxi Dress available at www.ardenb.com for $38


Zinc Smocked Tied-Dye Maxi Tube Dress available at www.macys.com for $9.99