Inspired By: YSL Tribute Sandals

We all know these are a celeb favorite, the YSL "Trib"/Tribute sandals. Who hasn't worn these on the red carpet?

[nordstrom]

Its probably why I fell in love with these Steve Madden Daarling sandals. They are a great inspired style shoe. Comes in so many different colors and materials too! I purchased the neutral multi for a summer shoe (also contemplated getting the denim), but they are also available in nude, like the YSL above.

[zappos]

I found a great deal on the nude ones on Overstock for $47.99. Don't miss out! Looking around at reviews on the web, seems like these are pretty comfortable and runs TTS. I'll write a review once I get them.

[overstock]

Zara Semi-Annual Sale

Zara. Zara. Zara. I love your sales, but makes me feel like I hate myself for buying anything full price. Either way, great sales. Lots of $9.99, $19.99, and $29.99 pieces. About 80% of the store is on sale. Shoes are $19.99 and $49.99. It started today but the State St. Zara was already busy during lunch hour. Sizes are going fast and they are already limited to begin with. Unfortunately a red blazer I was eye-ing was not on sale. This is the time ladies, so get moving before the weekend hits and everything good is cleaned out with long lines to the dressing room and the cashier.

My first, and not intended to be the last, purchase at the sale:

[$49.99 Gold Mesh sandals]

Tips: How to prevent pimples

Pimple. What a dreaded word. What's more dreaded is the word "pimpleS". Some people are blessed with amazing genetics and clear skin. While most others can't seem to avoid them. I'm no expert in treating pimples, but I've done enough research and going through my own personal experiences, that I want to offer some advice and tips on how to assess your pimples and find out what could be causing them.

1. Toothpaste
Common area of breakouts: Chin, surrounding mouth area
You brush your teeth every morning and night, but a common cause of pimples is toothpaste. You brush your teeth, your toothpaste is dripping a little or while you are rinsing, you get some residue that later causes you to breakout. Make sure to wash and rinse around your mouth area after brushing. I usually try to wash my face after I brush my teeth so I make sure all toothpaste residue is washed off and won't be causing any unwanted pimples.

2. Cellphones
Common area of breakouts: Sides of cheeks, on the side you mostly use to talk on your cell with
Cellphones are dirty and disgusting. Ok, they aren't that bad, but think about it. You use your cellphone, you rub your face all over it while talking about your latest shopping excursions with your girlfriends, you touch it with your fingers, and how often do we really clean our cellphones? Its likely that we're holding our cellphones up against our cheeks while we talk and rubbing bacteria on our face. Try to be conscious of how you are holding your cellphone and wash your phones once in awhile, even with a slightly damp paper towel to clean it off. You should be able to tell if this is causing you to breakout since the pimples should grow along the direction of the cellphone down your cheek when you hold it.

3. Towels
Common area of breakouts: Anywhere on the face, might be around mouth area
Towels house bacteria because it comes from our bodies and body oils. Some people keep reusing one towel for their hair, bodies, and face. I like to use 3 separate towels. One each for hair, body, and face. Make sure they are in an area where they can dry well and wash them frequently! At least once a week. You may be used to using your body/hair towel to dry off your face, but that could be causing breakouts. Which leads to the next culprit...

4. Shampoo (and other hair products)
Common area of breakouts: Back, hairline, forehead
It took awhile for me to figure out, but I'm allergic to something in common drugstore shampoos. How I eventually figure that out? My breakouts on my back were always the same length as my hair. I switched to sulfate-free, parabens-free, thinking that was it, but it didn't work. Finally I just switched to organic hair products, and the problem went away. I still can't pinpoint exactly what's causing me to breakout in the products before. What's important to note is that you don't want to be drying your face with your hair towel when your hair towel might contain some residue from shampoo and conditioner thats causing breakouts. Even if you aren't breaking out in your back, hair products aren't meant for your face. If you are breaking out around your hairline, take note of the products you are using and maybe switch to something else. Common forehead breakouts are caused by bangs. It can be from your shampoo/conditioner, other hair products, or just natural oil from your hair.

5. Pillows
Common area of breakouts: Sides of face, neck
You sleep on your pillow every night, and though some people might shower every night before bed, you are leaving the oils from your body and hair all over the pillow. Sometimes we sweat and thats being absorbed into the pillow and sheets. Hair oil will also rub off onto the pillow and rubbing our face into it every night can cause breakouts as well. Also we end up sleeping on top of our hair on our sides, which if oily, will cause breakouts. There's a lot of things that go on while we sleep. The best way to to avoid all that is to wash your sheets and pillows frequently. At least change your pillow cases once a week, especially after sleeping on it with oily hair. Try to toss your hair back away from your face and neck to keep it away from your neck and face when you go to bed.

6. PJ's
Common area of breakouts: body
This is just like pillows and sheets. Wash your PJ's frequently or change it up. You don't want to sleep in a shirt you just sweat in the night before, like you don't want to re-wear a shirt you worked out in.

7. Your hands
Common area of breakouts: face
One big thing that most people do when they stress or get bored or just out of habit, is touch their face. When they say your hands house the most bacteria, they aren't kidding. Don't wipe that on your face! Notice, when you can, where you touch your face most out of habit. Are you breaking out there? Stop. Try to wash your hands frequently if you can't avoid touching your face. Computer keyboards and mouse, door handles, elevator buttons, handlebars...nobody wants to know what kind of germs are lurking there, let alone have them lurking on your face.

8. Face products
Common area of breakouts: face
This one is a no brainer. Your face products that you thought are helping you, are breaking you out. Since you are breaking out more, you go and buy more products to try to battle it. This in fact, could be causing you to breakout more. Its a vicious cycle. I had major acne when I was younger and I kept buying more and more salicylic acid products, acne products, you name it...everything with the word "breakouts" and "acne" on the bottle. Then one day, I happen to run out of these products and ended up using a simple, mild soap to wash my face. I immediately noticed my acne decreasing. I stopped using my harsh face products and begin using a light cleanser. My acne went away. Of course this might not be everyone's case, but its worth a try to try to switch to a gentle face wash to see what happens.

I hope these tips will be helpful with anyone experiencing breakouts and hopefully help prevent them. One really great product that's also helped me is the Clarisonic. Gets your face cleaner in case anything above gets in your skin!

Deal of the Day: Skinceuticals

I am in love with Skinceuticals since StylishlyPink introduced me to the line. My skin has never looked better and it just keeps improving. The one down side to loving this line? Price. But I found an amazing deal on Skinceutical's products that I've never seen before. You can buy Phloretin CF with B5 Gel for an amazing price of $181 at Skinstore.com. That's 50% off the price of B5 Gel. These are their top selling products. I use Phloretin CF every morning after Skinceuticals Revitalizing Toner and the results are great. I'm currently not using B5 Gel, but their Retexuring Activator though both are great serums to start with. The combination of the two products resulted in softer, smoother, and even toned skin. My acne scars are fading and my skin just looks like it glows more. I have completely stopped feeling the need to apply foundation! I'm so happy with my skin that I recommend Skinceuticals to everyone! This deal is amazing, and though its still expensive, its definitely a "steal" to anyone who uses these products. Does it help to say that these two products have won countless awards? :)

 [Skinstore.com]

Neiman Marcus $25 Gift Cards

NM just sent me a "We've missed you, here's $25" gift card. Did you get yours? How do you plan on using it? Will you use it?

Drugstore.com 20% off on Skincare

Drugstore.com is currently running a promotion for 20% in their skincare category. This applies to Clarisonic and Clarisonic brushes ;) Only applies to drugstore.com. Good time to stock up! Discount will be applied at checkout. No code necessary. Free shipping on a $25 order!

Sales Report: Bloomingdales Private Sale

I headed to Bloomies for their private sale tonight. Sometimes I wonder why they even call it private because the whole store is littered with sale signs. Right now most regular price items are 15% with a few being 30% off. There is an extra 40% on their sale/clearance items. I did some math and found out that their sale items are only 20% off. With the additional 40% off, it makes a total of 52% off the regular price. Definitely not an impressive sale since almost all of their sale items were very old, very ugly, and very ratty/dirty selections. With the department stores being very competitive these days with up to 70% off this is an unimpressive sale. Ladies, skip this one unless there was anything you wanted to buy anyways at regular price, at least you can get the sales tax and some change back. Even the extra $25 off $100 wasn't enticing enough nor the $15 Bloomies giftcard you get for spending every $100.

Btw, the Chicago store is a mess. In fact it was such a mess that I kept hearing the SAs saying "OMG this is a mess". Yes it is, clean it up. There were piles of clothing on tables and nothing is organized.

Deal of the Day: Burberry

Given that much of the country is experiencing very cold, wet, slushy weather, I figured I should find some weather appropriate deals today. Here are a few Burberry pieces on sale that can help you stay warm and dry in classic style.

I am especially loving this down jacket. It's not available in my size...my loss but hopefully someone else's gain! Stay warm!!

Burberry Double Breasted Quilted Down Jacket, Nordstrom.com, 60% off

Burberry Check Rainboot, Nordstrom.com, 50% off

Burberry Mid Calf Rain Boot, Nordstrom.com, 50% off

Review: Macys.com Customer Service

I've been quite impressed with Macy's lately for their CS and I want to commend them. We often praise Nordstrom for their great CS, but Macy's has come a long way.



The other day I bought an item online only to find it discounted an extra 25% for the President's day sale. My first reaction was to get annoyed, but StylishlyPink suggested I ask for a price adjustment. I did some research for their price adjustment policy or if I had to, return the item and repurchased it again. I had purchased the item when they were offering their 99 cents shipping cost. That promo had expired when the extra 25% took effect. After looking around on macys.com I came upon their price adjustment online form. Apparently if you had forgotten to enter a promo code or any item you purchased is lowered within 10 days, just fill out this form. I actually hate calling CS because nobody wants to deal with the automated system, so I'm glad they created this form. They didn't get back to me for 2 days, but they sent me emails saying "sorry for the delay" and they will get back to me soon. I received an email today that said the difference of the item has been refunded back to me. In the end, I got it at a greater discount AND I was able to get their 99cents shipping I had originally ordered it with. WIN-WIN :) So if you ever forget to enter a promo code (or just find one out later) just contact Macy's through the form and it'll be taken care of quickly.

Another Macy's tip is that their B&M (brick & mortar) store will price match their online store. So always make sure to check both, if possible, for the better price. Don't forget they also usually have 20% off coupons frequently which you can also take back a purchased item and get a price adjustment.

Thank you Macy's!

Deal of the Day - Posh on Main 60% off

StylishlyCreative's post on GoJane.com got me thinking twice about buying designer shoes, but that hasn't stopped me from looking at them. If you're like me and still have a craving for designer goods, check out Posh on Main. Everything is 60% off and lots of good deals are still available. Here are a few that caught my eye.

YSL Bow Satchel, $718

Valentino d'Orsay Pump, $278

Valentino Suede Bootie, $318

Some of the deals may be final sale so shop carefully!

Review: Ann Taylor Loft V-Neck Tee

I've been looking for a basic tee for a long time. I wanted something that was slim fitted, but comfortable, the perfect length-where its not too short and long enough for my long torso, thick enough material where I can wear it alone, and soft cotton. I did some research and I had decided upon J.Crew's Tissue Boyfriend Tee, but I was waiting for a free shipping code because I could never find it in the stores and with shipping costs, the price of the tees were still too expensive to justify it. Since tees are basic necessities, they get worn a lot and most people will need more than one in different colors.


Well, I found a different tee this weekend that fits all my criteria, the Ann Taylor Loft V-Neck Tee. They are thick enough that in the color white, you can easily wear it alone. They are soft and have a little bit of a stretch. They are slim fitting with the perfect length where I can tuck it in or not. Most importantly, they were 2 for $25, as their regular price and comes in multiple colors. I ended up buying them in white and black in size small. I'm usually an XS in their clothing, but I figured they might shrink a little in the wash. I highly suggest anyone looking for a basic tee to try these out. My only complaint is that I wish the sleeves were a little bit longer like the J.Crew's. I might end up getting the tissue boyfriend tee and do a comparison post because who doesn't need more tees?

Le Creuset - Up to 60% Off

I'll admit that I'm easily wooed by pretty things. That goes for clothes, makeup and even kitchen appliances. But really, how can anyone resist pots and pans that come in a rainbow of colors? Bloomingdale's is having a one day sale on Le Creuset - the discount is up to 60% but most of the everyday pots are 40% off. You may be able to find a better deal at the outlets, but you won't get this variety of colors - white, red, cobalt, flame, dijon, black onyx, dune, kiwi, and carribean.

They heat evenly and consistently, you can use them on the stove or in the oven, they're supposed to last a lifetime, and they're pretty! Just be careful though, these things are HEAVY.

It also looks like Le Creuset is branching out to purples...Cassis. Not available at bloomingdales.com, but may be available in stores. So gorgeous!

Review: Johnson's Soothe & Protect Balm

No matter how hydrating your face cream and makeup may be, sometimes nothing can stop you from ending up with cakey makeup. Is there a way to avoid cakey makeup without having to use wonderful but silicone-containing primers like MAC Prep + Prime Skin?

[MAC Prep + Prime Skin, $25]

Johnson’s Soothing Naturals Soothe and Protect Balm, the little multi-tasker, is your answer. Not only does it moisturize with its unique blend of pure vitamin E, olive leaf extract and minerals, it also softens and protects your skin, and acts as the perfect primer. It’s packaged like a regular deodorant so it’s easy to use. I like to rub it around my eyes before I apply my eye concealer/eyeshadow and around my cheeks, chin and forehead to achieve that dewy look.

[“The balm”, $4.55]

Review: GoJane.com

Do you face a dilemma when it comes to fashion trends and shoes? I was torn every season between wasting money in a pair of trendy, expensive shoes and wasting time in finding an affordable but totally doable pair until StylishlyFabulous tipped me about this particular website called GoJane.com a few months ago. Then I realized I no longer needed to waste time or money on trendy shoes. While rest of the contributors bought a pair of designer shoes this winter (Valentino, Louboutin, Tory Burch), I opted for GoJane.

It’s important to go through all the selections and not be turned off by the majority of shoes that are cheap and tacky. Once you get to the specific shoe page, click on the main photo, and it’ll give you a pop-up window where you can look at back, front, and top views. Use your best judgment to see if you’ll be able to walk in them (booties are generally comfortable). If the back of the shoes is too high, it will cut into your ankle. If you’re scared of PVC, go with faux suede/patent leather or think of Stella McCartney. Especially if you’re going to wear these to go out at night, who cares?

The ones I bought are no longer available -- GoJane seems to have a high inventory turnover rate, which is good if you want to feel like your purchase is unique but it also means if you like something, you better make the purchase soon. Below are the ones I like that are available on the site now.

[Black Strappy Zip Back Sandal, $15.80]

I'm thinking about getting these since I'm going somewhere warm next month. Or you could get the Loeffler Randall metallic sandal for $325.

[Suede Pedestal Platform Pump, $21.00]

Or you could get the Dolce Vita April suede platform pumps for $180.00.

[Cut-out Bow Front Suede Bootie, $22.10]

Or you could get the Valentino Garavani suede peep-toe pumps for $475-$935.

Shoes range from $5.99 to $42.00. Based on my experience, they run true to size. Enter Coupon Code "GJSHIP50" and get free standard shipping for purchase over $50!

Bloomingdale's Sale - 60-80% Off

Just got a postcard in the mail today for a sale at Bloomingdale's:

Thursday - Sunday, January 28-31

Take an Extra 50% Off almost all permanently reduced items in women's, men's, kids', fashion accessories, handbags, shoes and intimates for a TOTAL SAVINGS OF 60%-80% OFF ORIGINAL PRICES

Not sure what's left in stores but it's always worth a look. And don't forget to check the website, these markdowns might be online too!

Obsession: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Drawstringy Satchel

I can't get this bag out of my head from the moment I saw it on the shelf at Saks. Love at first sight. I didn't expect that I would like a drawstring bag but everything about it screams "buy me, buy me". The size is perfect and the leather in color cement is beautiful. I couldn't find a picture online of the bag in cement so here it is in black and another bag in the cement color. The picture doesn't do this bag justice. I actually wouldn't give this bag a second look had I only seen it online. I'm determined to own this bag!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Drawstringy Satchel

---

StylishlyCreative says...

I love the Petal to the Metal bag. Rachel Bilson was spotted carrying this.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sasha leather shoulder bag in Cement

Spanx a lot!

No matter how old or young, thin or fat, you always want that nice smooth silhouette when you put on that little black dress, that Herve Leger number, or anything that's body hugging and UNFORGIVING (but damn, it's just so hot that you just have to wear it). Panty lines and belly button rings that peek/pierce through that beautiful satin number of yours on a night out on the town ruins everything. You might as well stay in and finish that pint of Ben & Jerry's while watching reruns of "The Golden Girls" or "Murder, She Wrote." Ladies, if you don't have a pair of Spanx, go out and get it, NOW. You'll thank me for this.

Over the years, I've been to formals, inaugural balls, weddings, dinner parties, clubs, and lounges that have called for that body hugging, form fitting, hot little number. If the hot little number happened to be white or made of very very sheer or thin material (I like to take risks), I would end up with panty lines, dimples, and bulges galore even though I have a fairly nice physique.

Spanx is a wardrobe staple. I repeat, SPANX IS A WARDROBE ESSENTIAL. Even if you are a size 0, it's always good knowing that you don't have to go commando and it's also nice to know that you have something that sucks you in even more. No lines + appetite suppressant = Spanx. What a godsend.

Cheers to smooth lines, or rather, NO LINES!

Report: Saks Consolidation Sale

The Saks Consolidation Sale started Thurs, Jan 21. Chicago was one of the cities to host the sale. When I mentioned to my bf about the consolidation sale, he said "Isn't that just a sale of all the crap that nobody wants?" Technically yes. Though, after returning from the sale, I can say thats just what it was.

Maybe everything was picked over since I wasn't able to go on the first day, but there are a lot of racks of clothes on the 3rd floor and none of it was good. Premium designer racks were sorted by designers while contemporary clothing were sorted by sizing. There were definitely clothes for every size available, but it really was a lot of older season, impractical, still too expensive, or ugly stuff. Larger sizes of course had more options than XS and S sizes. There is a separate section for evening wear which were still decent if you are looking for holiday dresses. Again, smaller sizes had slim pickings.

Everything was an extra 25% on top of the sale price which brings it to 70%. There were shoes but not a lot and most of it were shoes I spotted from the last couple of big sales Saks had that they couldn't get rid of. So if you didn't buy it then, you wouldn't buy it now.

There are rare finds to be had at the sale, but don't go in with high expectations. Sale runs through Jan 29.

Deal of the Day: Marc Jacobs Jen Satchel

I start most of my mornings the same way - watch a couple of Saved by the Bell reruns and quickly scan through the Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks websites for great deals. This morning is no different and since I am currently on a self imposed shopping ban, I will be sharing some of the deals I find.

Nordstrom.com currently has a purple Marc Jacobs Jen Satchel on sale for $309.90, 60% off the original price. Its a gorgeous bag with a very classic style. Hurry if you're interested - these deals tend to go quick!

[Nordstrom, Marc Jacobs Jen Satchel, $309.90]

Review: Skinceuticals Retexturing Activator

My obsession with skincare started when I got my first facial over 6 years ago. Countless facials later and after a move to the east coast, I quickly realized that regular facials would no longer fit into my budget. Sad I know, but my recommended skincare routine of Dermalogica and Skinceuticals products has done a decent job of keeping my skin clean and clear. Last month was particularly cold here in NYC, and I found myself running low on my much needed hydrating serum (Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel). I quickly went to the website to see where I could pick up a new bottle and I noticed that they had a new product called Retexturing Activator that supposedly HYDRATES and EXFOLIATES! Who knew both could coexist in a single product!?! I HAD to buy it.

[Skinceuticals]

I won't go into the specifics of the science behind it since I'll probably confuse more than educate, but after about a month and a half of using it nightly, my skin feels like a dream. So soft and smooth even my husband noticed, which in and of itself is amazing! I just use a couple drops after I cleanse and tone and follow with a moisturizer. By the morning my skin feels baby soft! I highly recommend both their Hydrating B5 Gel and Retexturing Activator if you're looking for some great serums. Product results can vary by skin type so try and stop by a store/spa where they should be able to give you little samples to try.

And if you're in Seattle, check out SkinLogic. The estheticians are knowledgeable and they truly care about improving your skin. Ask for Kristian - she's the best!

---

StylishlyCreative says...

If the Skinceuticals product is too expensive, Paula's Choice Exfoliating 2% BHA Lotion is also amazing!

Review: Gummy Multivitamins

I've always had a hard time swallowing pills. My mom nags me endlessly about taking multivitamins. So I was excited when I heard One A Day came out with adult gummy multivitamins. They aren't cheap at around $7.00/bottle especially since you need to take 2 for a daily dose and it comes 50 count per bottle. Doing that math, it means you only get 25 days worth vs regular pills that are 100 count for the same price.

Taste-wise, they aren't bad. You can read a funny, yet accurate, review here.

I was shopping at my local Target trying to decide whether or not I should get more One A Day vitamins at such ridiculous costs, when the sensible person in me screamed "Just buy the generic!" So I did.

WOW. These are so much better. They are cheaper at 150 count for $8.79/bottle..AND..they taste GREAT. They are so much softer and gummier with no vitamin mineral-like aftertaste. Buy these over the One A Day!

[Target]

Beauty Tip: Collar Stays

I'm constantly reading about how women dislike jars of lotion or cream since its so unhygienic to stick your finger into the jar to get product out. They get built up under your fingernails when you reach for product and do you really want to wipe that on your face? YUCK! I'm a little bit of a germ-a-phobe myself so imagining what I'm wiping on my clean face scares me. Plus you are left with throwing away your favorite cream with about weeks worth of product left because you can't get it out.

I was cleaning up my apartment one day, when I noticed that my bf's collar stays were everywhere. He doesn't use them and usually throws them away. A collar stay, for all who don't know (its ok I just learned the technical term myself), are those plastic picks that a lot of the times comes free with men's dress shirts. Upon further examination, I realized they look exactly like what beauty stores use for customers to try out samples of product. So an idea was born!

[from http://www.menaccessories.in]

I've been using this with my jar products to get product out and I'm easily able to get the last remains of any product out due to the sharper tip on one end. They are usually made of thicker plastic, so I can reuse and wash easily to keep them hygienic. Best of all, they are free! Look for them around your house or ask a male friend if they have any extras. If you need to, you can always buy them in bulk and so cheap. No more germs and no more wasting product!

My first purchase of 2010

Your day was (only choose one)
(_ ) powerful__ (x ) beneficial__ (_ ) delicious

We must get beyond passions, like a great work of art. In such miraculous harmony. We should love each other outside of time... detached. - "La Dolce Vita"

I didn't make any resolutions this year as with most attempts to change, I just can't keep up. I do hope to keep a journal more frequently this year and just bought Keel's Simple Diary on amazon.com where it's on sale for $10.20 (orig. $15). This is perfect for anyone looking for a quirky, simple way to reflect on your day.



I was reading Vogue's January Feature Story on Rachel McAdams (Gosh, I love her!) and when I read that she uses Keel's to write diaries, I immediately wanted one.



I hope diary-ing turns out to be as entertaining as the new movie, Sherlock Holmes.