Christmas Countdown: Glamour Girl

Tis the season for Holiday Gift Giving- part 3. This is a comprehensive guide to all things beauty for the girl that has everything but wants more! Below are a few of my fav beauty and fragrance gift ideas..ENJOY!

Smash Box Cosmetics- Gift of Glow
A collection for the lips, eyes and cheeks

I heart the Two Faced all access beauty collection only 34.00 at Sephora. Click here for details about the collection

Yves Saint Laurent Holiday Makeup Set
Set Includes: Touche Eclat concealer pen,Mini Faux Cils mascara and Golden gloss
Click here to get the set at Bloomingdales

M.A.C Cosmetics Little Darlings gift sets !
Loving the eye shadow combo and the lip glass and lusterglass combo.

Toot to Nordstrom.com and select the perfect color combo! Brush set avail here

Okay readers, I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the greatest beauty deals for the season!
***Estee Lauder Holiday Blockbuster***

The set is only $49.50 with the purchase of any Estee Lauder fragrance purchase. (The cheapest fragrance is 28.50). The set includes everything shown above *squeal*

Looking for a unique gift? I have the perfect solution. Last week I went into Saks to smell their exclusive Bond no 9 fragrance series and got turned on to Jo Malone Cologne. She is a chick from London that has a line of fragrances..to die for!

Above is her Cologne Collection 95.00 at Saks. It features 6 fragrances that can be worn alone or layered for a unique scent!

Go to jomalone.com to create your own custom gift set and to learn about fragrance combining

*P.S. my fav scent is Nectarine Blossom and Honey

Internet Deal Guide

Bloomingdales- Free shipping on any order of 100.00 or more through 12/19. Free Bloomingdales brush set with any 100.00 beauty purchase
Estee Lauder- Free shipping on any order 50.00 or more and free samples!!
Saks-Free shipping on 150.00 or more plus gift box and bow
Jo Malone- Complimentary shipping on all orders and 2 complimentary fragrance samples with any online purchase
Sephora- Free standard shipping with all orders 50.00 and over and 3 samples with every order

Christmas Countdown:Gifts for the Office

Tis the season for Holiday Giving- Part 2!

If you are like me, you struggle every year trying to pick out that perfect gift for co workers. Below are some ideas to get you going. Whether you are looking for gifts for a few or many..I have you covered! Oh yeah and everything is $25 and under!!

Monogram bottle topper- small sheik and timeless. Only $12.95 at Z Gallerie.


La' Occitane Hand Treasures' Set (Nordstrom Exculsive) only $20

Loving Bath and Body works new Aromatherapy sleep collection. Great subtle, calming scent! Check it out here!

I am really liking the Kiehl's Ultra Travel facial set. It includes cleanser,toner ,moisturizer and lip balm. Perfect for a co worker that will be traveling for the Holidays! Click here to check it out!

Also, make sure while you are in your fav boutique you check out their gift section. Monogrammed stationary, notepads, giftcards, or even a cute scarf are all great office gift ideas!

On a tight budget for the season? Not to worry. Try your hand at baking your fav holiday recipe for your office!

Chocolate Raspberry Streusel Squares


Butter Cookies


Ranch Snack Mix

Click here for an alternate snack mix recipe (one of my favs :)

Toot over to your nearest discount store (Dollar Tree,Dollar General) and stock up on inexpensive holiday tins or bags to complete the look! Also make sure you test your creation..

Don't have time to get out to the store? Now is a great time to take advantage of the free shipping and handling on most sites are offering for the holidays..

Christmas Countdown: Guy Gifts

Tis the season for lavish gift giving. This is part one of my gift series. I won't stop until you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones!

Men are usually the last ones we check off our list. This year let's make them first. I have outlined a few of my top picks for guy gifts..enjoy!!

The Home Body

For the man that enjoys the comforts of home

Loving this Dirty English by Juicy Couture robe! Get it here

Go classic with the Pony Terry Komono robe from RL


Also liking the contrast velor robe. Check it out at Bloomies

Slippers are oh so necessary for the man who thinks of lounging as a sport!

Boss "Nonnus" Slipper



Ugg "Indy" Mocs

My fav fragrance for men is Polo Black. Oh so sexy and classic! Get the Fall gift set here.

Bond No. 9 New York has new fragrance called New Haarlem available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. It boast a timely, androgynous scent that can be worn by men and women.

Well Traveled
For the man on the go

I am really liking the sleek modern design of Tumi 'T-Tech PC Plus' International Carry-On
40% off at Nordstrom!


MenScience Travel & Skincare Kit. A complete skin care and grooming kit!

I love the exposed watch face on the Emporio Armani stainless steel watch!

Looking for a more simple design? The Burberry round dial slim watch is the way to go. $325 at Nordsrom

Splurge alert: Nothing says Merry Christmas like a fresh Gucci dufflebag for your jet setting companion! Available at Saks for only $745!

random tidbit:Due to popular demand a customer may order only 3 every 30 days :)

Coming up this week: The gift guide for Lavish Ladies,Great Gadgets and Office gift solutions!

LC: Home Edition Mini Makeover part 2

Ok readers, I need your help..Yesterday I showed you my new living room. Today I need everyone to vote on their fav lamp!

Option 1 Basic floor lamp with red shade.

Option 2 Brushed steel tripod floor lamp.

Option 3 Contemporary floor lamp with partitioned plexiglass blades

Option 4 Classic brushed nickel floor lamp with glass shade

Readers sound off: Which lamp do you think would complete my look? (click on each purple option to compare prices!)

Lavishly Coordinated: Home Edition Mini Makeover

Dear Readers,
Welcome to another installment of LC Home Edition! Several months ago, I took the plunge and purchased a couch and envisioned a Retro Glam theme living room with modern elements.

BEFORE

The space had some key elements of the theme but lacked a true accent color and a certain je ne sais quoi.

I purchased a sunburst mirror and mirrored tea light holder to reflect light off the space. I also bought a few accents on Ebay to add a retro touch.

Fast forward to several months later and to a new apartment, I decided to update the space by giving it a Mini Makeover.. And of course I did it all for under $100!!

AFTER

I kept the existing zebra toss pillows and purchased a red silk toss pillow and faux fur throw. I brought in a beaded pillow from the bedroom for texture. I also added a sheer curtains to complete to look.

The accent pillows on the chair really do a job of tying in the color from the curtains.

I reused the authentic vintage Life magazines,Polaroid cameras and mirrored tea light holder from the previous space.


I anchored the Andy Warhol inspired picture on the adjacent wall and added a plant to fill the space.

On the opposite wall from the window, I made a "directors" nook from pictures and a chair I already owned and reused the toss pillows from the before picture above!

(Thanks to Mya for the directors nook inspiration :-)

Join me tomorrow as we choose lighting to complete my vision!

Style Recall: Lamé Leggings

Last year around October '07 a new trend emerged among stars. The lamé legging was donned as the edgy update to the knit legging.

Fast forward to 08 when the look hit the mainstream.

Below are photos taken by myself and loyal reader KB of crimes against leggings. Each of these ladies are prime examples of how NOT to wear the look!

Admittedly, I purchased a pair from American Apparel last year and wore them all of twice. I was sad to see how this trend was interpreted by the masses. Below are three rules anyone thinking of participating in the trend should follow:

Rule 1 Leggings are not a substitute for pants! You must wear a tunic length top or dress for coverage!

Rule 2 Black only! Please stay away from metallic and bright colors!

Rule 3 Ask yourself if this look is age appropriate and right for you? Don't force it!



LC approved Lamé looks

I love this sequin dress with this shinny legging in lame' black. Add a cute patent leather pump and you are set for a night out!



For a more casual look, opt for a tunic or boyfriend cardigan with lame' matte leggings. By taking the shine off, the matte version is a more practical alternative. Adding motorcycle or flat casual boots really brings the look together.