Celeb Inspired

How many times have you fallen in love with those fab boots Kim Kardashian is sporting?  Or the great boho dress worn by Nicole Richie?  I recently discovered (thanks, Bonnie) a new destination for tracking down these fashion finds.


The Trend Boutique is an online store peddling everything from Black Halo and T Bags to Velvet, Joie and Winter Kate.   It differs from other sites because of its focus on celeb fashion .


When you click into the occasion dress boutique, you won't just see models.  You'll see Carrie Underwood in a cute Jay Godfrey zippered dress.  It's a great resource when there's a specific celeb item that you can't live without.


The only downside is their pre-order policy.  It appears many of their items aren't in stock...they'll order them from the designer once you place your pre-order.  This equals no cancels, no returns and no refunds.  So order carefully!


I love that they called out these 12th St by Cynthia Vincent sandals as a top Summer pick.  Look familiar ?  The only difference is about $370!  Love it!

Hippie Approved

My brother's dermatologist recently told him to check out this all natural skincare line called W3LL PEOPLE.  As I did a little investigating, I was intrigued by the philosophy of this Austin-based company... " W3LL is driven to create a fresh, safe focus on skincare by providing products with proven, medical-grade nutrients that actually work, and don't increase the mounting toxic load each one of us faces every day."

He was kind enough to purchase a product for me so I could try this eco-conscious, organic line.  I have to say, I've been very impressed.  I've been using their Mineral Creme Foundation/Concealer and it's light, creamy and natural.  It gives just the right amount coverage and I love the idea that I'm not piling a bunch of chemicals on my face.  It does have a natural Aveda-esque scent which might bother some, but I like it.

If you're not in the Austin area, everything is available online.

Shoegasm

Some might say my obsession with shoes is out of hand (my husband).  But really, can a person have too many shoes??  I think not.

Working with a bunch of women who are equally as fashion obsessed can be dangerous.  It's like we feed off each others' need for our next fashion fix.  In this case, though, it produced quite a bargain! 

You may have seen these little gems in Lucky or InStyle.  I was completely unaware until my co-worker came walking in with them on.  Not only are they fab...nude, wedge, right on trend AND über comfortable but they are also a STEAL at $29.00! 

And you need look no further than your local Target (a.k.a. my second home).  Love.  Check out the designer collections like Alice + Olivia and Lela Rose at Payless for other budget friendly footwear.

Zappos Love

I drug my sniffling, hacking self home today, only looking forward to a steaming cup of tea and my neti pot.  To my surprise, there was a Zappos shoe box waiting on my dining room table.  It was 6:30pm at this point and I had just ordered them at 7pm the night before!  

Did I pay an exorbitant shipping fee, you ask?  Why no, it was actually completely free!  I thought it would take 3-5 days, but they sent an email saying I had been "upgraded" to overnight.  Love that!  I know they do this quite often and it's a marketing ploy, but I'd say it's a good one!  

I've bought a few pairs of shoes from Zappos over the years and I've never been disappointed.  Even if I didn't like them, returns are just as easy as purchases.  So thank you Zappos for some cheer in the midst of a lot of phlegm.

Fashion Schizophrenia

I love Fashion Week!  Woohoo!  I fully admit to my wholly girly-girlness, but Rag & Bone and Proenza definitely had some pieces I covet.  What were your favorite shows?

Alice + Olivia and 3.1 Phillip Lim remain my favorite suppliers of party dresses.  I'd like to own the entire DVF collection.  Marc Jacobs, sadly, wasn't my favorite.  The snakeskin boots at Burberry Prorsum??  Hello, lover.

My favorite collection was Carolina Herrera.  If I had the bank account of my fellow Texas Alum, I too would wear Carolina Herrera as much as possible.  Her clothes are so feminine and ultra luxe.  I also happened to LOVE the makeup.  It was Dynasty-fab!  

Here are some of my favorite looks... check out Style or Elle for all the shows! 

3.1 Phillip Lim
Burberry Prorsum (those boots!)

Alice + Olivia

 Herve Leger (For my friend Desperately Seeking Skinny)

Rag & Bone

 Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

All Photos Courtesy of Style.com

Help

Glad to see the fashion industry (and my employer) stepping up to help with the devastation in Haiti.  You can purchase this t-shirt from many different retailers for just $25.00 and all of the net proceeds go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.  

Photo Courtesy of CFDA.com

NeuLash(ES)!

I am happy to report, my neuLash appears to be working!!  Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting a good before picture, so I can't really show you.  But I can definitely see a new row of little lashes sprouting and a bit of length added. 

My friends at work have been having even better results.  No less than two of my co-workers have actually had to trim their lashes because they're getting so long.  I was with my friend at Mico last week and a stranger even commented on her lush lashes.

According to the March issue of Glamour, lash growers definitely work...with Latisse bringing the fastest results at $120 for 3 ml (plus a prescription).  A little pricey.  The good news is, L'Oreal just saved the day and created L'Oreal Paris Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum.  Quite a mouthfull but also quite a bargain at $15. 

 Here's a neuLash before and after...

She's Baaaaack!!

When the post-holiday blues attempt to take over, I take solace in the fact that it means my other favorite time of year has arrived...awards season!!  Golden Globes, SAG, Grammy's and of course the Oscars ...nights full of lashes, cleavage, smoky eyes and just utter glam.  Love it!


My excitement this year was doubled when I heard my favorite commentator was making her way back to the red carpet.  Yes, Joan Rivers is back on E!  I have so many memories of watching her on the red carpet, making every critique that we're all thinking.  She's hilarious and usually dead on.  Welcome back, Joan!

All Photos Courtesy of Eonline.com

Kate Hudson is my best dressed thus far in the season.  I love her personal style and I love how honest she is about the work it takes to have a body like that.  Can't wait to see what she wears to the Oscars!

White HOT!!

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images                                                                                                              Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Pole-ates Anyone?

So I know I haven't been on here in a while, and I have no excuse other than work, the holidays, vacations, etc.  One day, when I'm a B.O.L., I expect to have plenty of time to devote to my blog...or whatever else I want to do.  Like, pole dancing perhaps??


I went to my friend's shower & bachelorette party last weekend down in Houston.  It was so much fun to see everyone!  I have to say, one of my favorite parts of the weekend was a pole dancing class we all took at PoleLaTeaz.  The class began with the teacher giving us a "demo".  Good call, lady!  She was awesome...at one point she was upside down hanging on by just her thigh muscles.  It got us very pumped for the class!  And she told us she had lost 40 pounds since starting to pole dance!

Imagine almost no lights, except some red streaming across the dance floor, the music pumping so loud, you can feel it...as one of my friends said, you almost forgot anyone else was in the room!  It was great!  The moves were simple enough, anyone could do it.  And we all definitely worked up a sweat. 

I was not the best at the turns on the pole, but I would love to take more classes...I mean, who doesn't love a workout that also provides fun times for later!  Haha! 

I would encourage anyone to try it.  It's a really fun bonding activity with your girlfriends. 

Hopefully, I can be as good as these chicks one day...

Hello, I am a Product Junkie

Let's face it, what B.O.L. isn't a total product junkie, always on the lookout for the next best potion?? As a future B.O.L., I am no exception.


One benefit of my job (or downside if you ask my husband), is my exposure to the newest and best products coming out of the beauty world.  It's been especially great now that I'm in the same division as the beauty office...ohhhh this could be trouble!


I was talking to them this week and was introduced to a great new gem, a little tube called neuLash.  One of the girls had been using it for a while and I kid you not, I thought she had been getting lash extensions put on.  Her lashes were RIDIC!!!   I know it's a bit pricey but I am addicted to fake eyelashes, which are over $4 a piece (for the cheap ones!)!  If I could stop my dependence on those, it would be worth it.


These are a few more of my must-have's...

• Neutrogena Body Oil 
• Bobbi Brown Self Tanner 
• K.Hall Designs Shea Butter Body Cream in pomegranate** this is BAH-NANAS!       LUV IT
• CoverGirl LashBlast mascara (I would put this up against Dior!  I said it!)
• Cetaphil Skin Cleanser 
• Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45... THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL :)

Whip Out Your Slap Bracelets People

A proud Gen Y-er, my first tapes were Whitney Houston , The Bangles (Eternal Flame , anyone??) and Belinda Carlisle .  I rocked sweatbands, stirrup pants, Body Glove, acid washed jeans and Hypercolor t-shirts.  My hair was permed, and for a while, my eyeshadow was blue (until Aunt Peggy told us it was a no-no).


So you can only imagine my glee over seeing the resurgence of 80's fashion.  Shoulders, neon, asymmetric hems, even Hammer pants...it's all back!  And I'm loving it!


Here's a video from Harper's showing the trends at different shows.   



Some of these trends may seem a little hard to pull off, but just don't try to do them all at once.  Think a great neon shoe or a cute cropped jacket with strong shoulders (à la Ferris' love, Sloane). 

The Hand That Feeds Me

Come on, people...get in the spirit!!  The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner and what better way to kick it off than with the launch of the NM Christmas Book?!  

Page 9, anyone?!  Gucci scarves for $250!!!  Sequin leggings?  Don't mind if I do!  It's seriously worth checking out.  There are many items for $250 and under.  But who am I kidding, the reason we love it is for all of the over-the-top, only if I win the lottery fabulous gifts.  

Enjoy! 

LC Overload

Okay, I admit, I'm not a fan of The Hills (hah!  shocking, I know).  And I have never been a fan of LC (I was always on team Kristin). I think she is waaay over-exposed.

Laguna Beach, The Hills, her now kaput clothing line , her book (which is becoming a movie) and now she has the nerve to enter one of my favorite stores...Kohl's .  Can someone please remind me why she's famous?

Looking through the Sunday ad, though, I have to say I was intrigued.  Cute tops and jeans for $50 or less, not bad.  I don't like spending a lot of money for trendy pieces like boyfriend jeans or a cuffed blazer.  I love Kohl's for items like these.  I wasn't too impressed with the selection on their website, but I'll definitely be checking out the store this week.  

All photos courtesy of Kohls.com

The Inevitable Has Happened

Get ready people, this Sunday, October 4th is the world-wide premiere of (drum roll, please...)  DALLAS DIVAS & DAUGHTERS !!!!!  


Oh yes, it's happening.  We all knew it was coming.  The minute the Real Housewives franchise started we all knew it was only a matter of time before one of the stations clued in to the world of the DBP (Dallas beautiful people...thanks, Carter).  Seriously, we all know NYC and SoCal have nothing on Dallas.  Do you have to wear make-up to the grocery store in NYC??  I don't think so!  If I go into Eatzi's (gourmet grocery store) without my designer bag and shades, you KNOW I get the side-eye!!  


I am a little embarrassed to see that the show is airing on Style .  I mean, I love me some "How do I Look" and "Who's Wedding is it Anyway" but it's no Bravo.


If you're reading this Andy Cohen , we're ready for you!

"Hot" Couture

I have a feeling this could end up coming off as one of the shallowest in what is sure to be a long list of shallow posts, but hear me out...

A couple weeks ago, I came home from the gym and Drew took a long look at me and said he was going to take me shopping to buy new workout attire.  What?!  This is from the same husband who's life goal is to ensure my adherence to my monthly allowance.  I was shocked.  Did it really matter that much that I dressed like an 11 year old boy to go workout??

There are two things in life that I refuse to spend money on...sleepwear and workout clothes.  Will I spend an obscene amount of money on a classic handbag that I will surely carry for the rest of my life, uhhh yeah!  But the thought of shelling out $55 for a pair of workout pants seemed ludicrous!  This is why I have PJ cami's and sports bra's, literally, from ELEMENTARY school.  Truth.  And I still wear them.

       BEFORE
But I was presented with an opportunity to shop with non-allowance money, who was I to pass this up!?   I kept it simple, 2 bottoms and 3 tops.  My favorite item being these Nike cropped pants ...great for Spin.

(yes, that is a hole on my boob...and yes, I wore them holes, stains and all)

                                                                         AFTER

I know some people may find this ridiculous (hello...I was one of them!).  But I have to say, my first day back to the gym with my new gear...I was excited about it!  I mean, everything is better with a cute outfit (not to mention dri-fit and better support for the bubbies)!  I am a big proponent of the "look good, feel good" philosophy.  I even tried a new class at the gym called Zumba that I had been too intimidated to try.  So, silly as it may sound, if you're looking for a little push, a little incentive, go get some "Hot" Couture!  :)

For bargains, check out TJ Maxx & Ross!

Kristin Cheno-woah!

Love a girl who loves the sparkle!!  And a smokey eye...I die!!  I know some people have been saying it was a taaaad over-the-top and maybe not formal enough for the Emmys, but seeing Kristin Chenoweth walk up on stage in that Zuhair Murad number was my one and only "wow" moment of the night.  I need to get some fabulous New Years Eve plans, stat, because I will be wearing that dress (or some knock-off version from Forever).

Photo courtesy of NYDaily News.com

I also have to give credit to one of my style icons, Mrs. Seal (aka. Heidi Klum).  No one else can make preggars look this sexy.  Kate Walsh and January Jones (sooo wish that was my name) rounded out my top pics for the ladies.  If you don't already watch Mad Men, you need to.  Glad to see it win a second Emmy.  Speaking of men, Jon Hamm and Rob Lowe were by far my favorite guys.  I love the old hollywood vibe they both have going on.  Yummy!

 

Photo courtesy of Celebrity Baby Scoop.com




                                                                Photo courtesy of eonline.com

"Show Time Synergy"

I believe my love of all things glam is rooted in my childhood obsession with Jem.  From her pink hair and electric pink eye shadow to her 6 in platforms and metallic asymmetric mini's...she encompassed all that is fab.  She ran a music studio by day (as Jerrica, her alter ego) and rocked out as Jem & the Holograms by night(watch the video--do it).  This transformation occurred when she simply touched her sexy star shaped earring and said the magic words, "Showtime Synergy!"  Don't we all wish we had a talking holographic computer??  Well, just don't be surprised if I name my first born Jerrica. 





So now you can understand why I had visions of jamming out with the Holograms when I was visiting the Bobbi Brown counter recently and came across this:

Oh yes, this happy little canister contains the perfect glitter for grown-ups!  It gives more of a wet metallic look.  Not too over-the-top....just right.  Just like Jem!  Goldstone is my new obsession.  It's a subtle gold that works great on most skin tones.  I also bought black pearl  for those nights on the town.  You can put them on with your finger for a more sheer look or use a brush.  Enjoy!!

Over the Knee Boots: Hooker or Haute?

When I heard over-the-knee boots were going to be a trend for Fall, I wasn't too surprised. What more could they do to sexify the knee-high's of last year? I just wondered who would really go for this trend. Sure, Charlize Theron can throw on 3 ft of leather gloriousness and look classy. But, can the mom at the mall pull it off, or me for that matter? I can't help cringing, thinking about the looks of disapproval I would get if I showed up somewhere in these bad boys.

Is that going to stop me?? I think not :)

You can find less extreme versions from Joie, Steve Madden & Guess. I'll be putting these on my Christmas list.

Photo: Imaxtree; Courtesy of Elle.com

Givenchy, spring 2009

Future B.O.L.

Thank you for taking a minute to check out Future B.O.L., my little blog about fashion, make-up, celebrities and all things fun and frivolous!

In case you're wondering about the name... It is the result of a day of sunbathing with my uber cool aunt who told my cousins and I that, in that moment, we were all "B.O.L.'s" ... "bitches of leisure". I was about 8 at the time, so this was quite risque'. Throughout the years many activities would invoke this name in my mind...sipping delectable cocktails, day-long shopping spree's, delicious spa services and watching my husband put away the groceries (that he just went out and bought ;).

Since then, I have dreamed of the days when I can truly be a B.O.L. ... a "lady who lunches" spending my time as I please and my money like it doesn't matter. Until then, I'm a 20-something maneuvering my way through living on a budget and trying to pretend that I don't!