{Happy, Happy Halloween!}

"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween."
Author Unknown

♥ Happy, Happy Halloween, my loves! ♥





Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Smart & Sexy Review + $50.00 Prize Pack Giveaway!

Dolls, back in August of 2009, I wrote about Smart & Sexy, a company devoted to undergarments which I dubbed The Thinking Lingerie. Flash forward to 2012 and voila! I’m still a huge fan of the brand, and thrilled to have had the chance to receive the Extreme Push-Up Bra in White, and the Lace Lightly Lined Underwire Chemise - Black with Illusion for review. My thoughts…

♥Extreme Push-Up Bra in White (Retail Price $15.00) - The thing that I loved about this piece? The bra has a Deep V neckline, so that it pairs perfectly with relaxed t-shirts or more form-fitting cuts – without showing even a peek of bra. It also enhances your bust size quite a bit, so that you fill out tops a bit better, without look fake; or suffering discomfort. I actually own a few tops right now that only look good on with this bra (my other bras don’t have padding), so it’s a definite new fave.

♥Lace Lightly Lined Underwire Chemise (Retail Price $16.00) - I was hesitant about this piece, as I’ve never owned a chemise before (they seem a bit too sexy for a girl who has always been referred to as cute - not that I’m complaining). Nevertheless, I fell in love with the elegant lace construction and ruffle detailing at the bustline, so I was determined to make it work. How did I wear it? Corset-like. I tucked it into a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, tossed on a cropped black blazer, and was good to go. The lace isn’t see-through (hence the word ‘Illusion’ in the title), so this makes the perfect sophisticated (and ultra-sexy) girls night out look when paired with a cute cover-up.

You’ve read my thoughts; now for the Giveaway! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Smart & Sexy to bring one (1) lucky lady a $50.00 Smart & Sexy Prize Pack loaded with goodies that will make you feel Smart & Sexy; and more than 40 methods of entry to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Can't wait to start lingerie shopping? Use CODE: SAS&CF at checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING on all your Smart & Sexy orders! {Code is active now.}

Good luck everyone!


This Giveaway is open to U.S. Readers Only; and/or Those With U.S. Shipping Addresses.

NOTD: ORLY Buried Alive

This is two coats of ORLY’s Buried Alive from the Dark Shadows collection (yes, the Johnny Depp movie). Dark Brown Shimmer.

I love this color for fall! In the shade it looks like a standard dark brown; but when you step into the sunlight it’s like…oooohhh – all of these caramel / gold colored shimmer particles light up and create this gorgeous inner glow. I compared the color to two different things when I was wearing it…a frozen (ICEE) Coca-Cola and melted chocolate. It is just so pretty. Formula-wise, this one is on the thick side; but it’s easy to work with. If you haven’t tried brown polish out before, this is definitely a good starting-off point.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cafefashionista to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.

365 Style Guide: Kohls Cares ELLE Edition

ELLE has been one of my favorite magazines for years (due, in large part, to E. Jean Carroll’s incredible column), so, of course I’m a huge fan of the ELLE clothing / shoes / accessories line at Kohl’s; which is why, for my final Breast Cancer Awareness Month fashion/beauty post, I am super excited to feature the Kohl’s Cares ELLE line, wherein 100% of net profits from all sales goes towards the fight against breast cancer. The collection is more extensive than the pieces that I’m featuring here; but these are a few of my favorites!

♥Thermal Travel Mug
♥Polka-Dot Umbrella
♥Heart Tote
♥Girl Tote
♥Striped Eiffel Tower Tee
♥Eiffel Tower Tote
♥White Rose and Peony Candle
♥Polka-Dot Girl Tee
♥Rhinestone Headband
♥Heart Thermal Travel Mug

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Joie Purine Snow Leopard Top in New Moon
♥BB Dakota Laurie Skirt in Pink Shell
♥3.1 Phillip Lim Delia Chelsea Booties in Black
♥House of Harlow 1960 Marley Clutch in Black
♥Enchanted Atelier Ella Earrings in Crystal
♥Alexis Bittar Delano Stone Ring in Rhodium
♥Mossimo Fur Headband in Brown
♥OPI Silver Shatter
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

{Pretty} Dress Obsessed...

“It's easier to be careful in dresses. You have to be or you end up flashing your underclothes or destroying beautiful fabric. Dresses force you to be on guard.”
Dia Reeves
I may spend 99.9% of my time decked out in denim, but there’s nothing that I love more than the chance to put on my finery and flash a little femininity whether it be in the form of Prom Dresses {one of the first times in a girl’s life to truly get glamorous!}, Evening Dresses {hello mile-long trains, and thigh-high slits!}, and, my personal favorite, Cocktail Dresses {p.s. keep the cocktail…just give me the dress!}. Here, I’m letting you in on a few of my top choices from MissesDressy!

JOVANI 3591
A sheer neckline, ruffled hemline, and tutu-inspired skirt make this the epitome of playful girly glamour.

La Femme 16804
Silver sequins add a glistening touch to this frosty frock. Now if only it came accessorized with an invitation to a winter ball and a dashing prince!

JOVANI 171924
The flirty feathered skirt juxtaposes elegantly against the high neckline and dainty lace bodice, adding a touch of sass to stunning sophistication.

Jasz 4614
The tongue-in-cheek chic of Carrie Bradshaw's so-called naked dress meets the diamond-studded sparkle of Britney Spears' 2007 MTV VMA bodysuit in this drop dead gorgeous gown!

La Femme 17446
An embellished lace upper meets an easy breezy chiffon skirt for a double dose of pretty {and flirty}!
Which dress is your favorite?

Thanks to Next.co.uk for the pictures.


FTC Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with MissyDresses. All opinions expressed therein are my own.

Heart of Hoops Giveaway!

A few weeks ago I shared my LooptyHoops obsession with you, waxing poetic over how my obsession with hoop earrings had come to fruition (thank you, Kelly Kapowski!), and which styles I wanted to add to my jewelry collection. But today, it's not about me...it's about you, and the gorgeous pair of hoops you will soon be taking home!

Surprise, my loves! Café Fashionista has teamed up with LooptyHoops to bring one (1) glitzy glamourai a pair of the 55mm Endless Diamond Cut Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings; and more than 30 methods of entry to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck everyone!


This Giveaway is open to U.S. Readers Only; and/or Those With U.S. Shipping Addresses.





Thanks to LooptyHoops for the pictures.

365 Style Guide: Blue Is the New Black

Softer than black, yet more playful than gray; make way for the latest color you need to introduce to your boot collection…blue!

♥Jeffrey Campbell France Booties in Navy
♥SONOMA life + style Ankle Boots
♥Rag & Bone Classic Newbury Canvas Booties in Navy
♥Tommy Hilfiger Tabitha in Insigna Blue
♥Modern Vintage Shoes Allison Chunky Heel Booties in Soldier Blue
♥Madewell The Zipcode Boot in Transatlantic Blue Suede
♥Madison Harding Barbara Booties in Deep Blue
♥Report Signature Marks Ankle Bootie in Royal Blue
♥Jill Stuart Meade Velvet Booties in Navy

Charge It, Please!

Adoring:

♥By Zoe Bisou Dress
♥Vic Matie Mixed Platform Booties in Mud
♥Jerome Dreyfuss Momo Cross Body Bag in Bleu
♥Mania Mania Telepathic Ring
♥FELIKS+ADRIK Cutout Python Necklace in Brass Ox
♥Gorjana Aurora Ring in Gold
♥OPI Over the Taupe from the Bright Pair Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

NOTD: OPI Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection

In keeping with Café Fashionista’s promise to bring you different beauty and fashion products that benefit Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October, today I am bringing you OPI’s Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection, which features one of the most awesome glitters ever. Swatch time!

This is three coats of I Think in Pink, which is a super sheer (but very buildable) light pink creme. OPI states: You think – therefore you are…sure to love this dreamy sheer pink. The formula on this shade was beautiful – no streaking, bubbling, dragging. At one coat it was entirely sheer (as it’s meant to be), but at three coats it was completely opaque. Though I used Seche Vite top coat over this color, alone the shade was gorgeously glossy (enough so that you don’t need a top coat for extra shine).

Accessories: Forever 21 Lacquered Flower Ring in Gold / Pink.

This is three coats of You Glitter Be Good to Me, is total glittery goodness in a bottle that features copper-leaning pink micro-glitter mixed with fuchsia hexagon-shaped glitter (in two sizes). OPI states: You totally deserve this hopeful pink glitter. Like I Think In Pink, the formula on this one was perfect. Sometimes with glitters you get clumping, but I didn’t experience that here. This can be used for layering, but I used it alone for a truly eye-catching mani.
What do you think of OPI's Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection? What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cafefashionista to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.





FTC Disclosure: The OPI Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection was sent to me for review; however, all opinions expressed therein are my own.

365 Style Guide: Sneaky Snake

Sneak a kiss of snake into your daily style with these subtle reptilian embellishments!

♥Pour La Victoire Haydn Suede Snake Booties in Black
♥Rebecca Minkoff Dante in Taupe
♥House of Harlow 1960 Nexa Booties in Antelope
♥Sam Edelman Stevie in Roccia Black
♥Rebecca Minkoff Refine Snake Booties in Dark Cognac / Brown
♥ROSEGOLD Harley High Heel Boots in Grey / Natural
♥Diane von Furstenberg scarves Shelly High Heel Boots in Taupe / Grey Stone
♥Christopher Kon Jordie Snake Convertible Tote in Black / Gold
♥Monserat De Lucca Calla Tote in Black / Snake

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥LNA Sweater with Faux Leather Trim in Cream
♥SPANX Tight End Tights in Black
♥AG Adriano Goldschmied Blue Denim Roll-Up Pixie Shorts
♥Ash Tokyo Engineer Boots with Studs in Antic Gold
♥Jules Smith 3” Hoops in Rose Gold
♥Michael Kors Blair Watch in Silver
♥OPI Bastille My Heart from La Collection De France!
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

Fall-Perfect Outerwear + Shoe Pairings at Kohl’s!

As most of you know, I am completely obsessed with shoes (they are my one vice), and I basically live in skinny jeans; thus, when the weather changes from summer-to-fall, the two things on my mind are killer shoes, and amazing tops and outerwear – all of which I have found via a few recent browsing sessions at Kohl’s…and have broken them down into Looks to Love based on style (as mine changes from day to day). Tell me which one is your favorite!

BOHO GLAM

♥Princess Vera Wang Geometric Sweater Coat
♥Candie’s Ankle Boots in Cognac
♥LC Lauren Conrad Booties
♥Rock & Republic Peep-Toe Ankle Booties
♥Mudd Ankle Boots

BLACK + WHITE CHARM

♥LC Lauren Conrad Lurex Heart Sweater in Black
♥LC Lauren Conrad Lurex Heart Sweater in Abstract Tan
♥LC Lauren Conrad Ballet Flats
♥Candie's High Heel Mary Janes
♥LC Lauren Conrad Peep-Toe Platform High Heels
♥Rock & Republic High Heels
♥Simply Vera Vera Wang Ballet Flats

NEUTRAL LUXE

♥ELLE Faux-Fur Vest in Mushroom
♥ELLE Platform High Heels
♥Rock & Republic High Heels
♥Candie’s Platform Wedges
♥LC Lauren Conrad Ballet Flats

RUGGED TOUCH

♥Jennifer Lopez Faux-Suede Motorcycle Jacket
♥Princess Vera Wang Faux-Leather Riding Jacket
♥Mudd Ankle Boots
♥Simply Vera Vera Wang High Heel Booties in Gray
♥Jennifer Lopez Platform Ankle Boots
♥Candie's Midcalf Boots in Cognac
♥Totes Claudia Boots

LADYLIKE ELEGANCE

♥LC Lauren Conrad Crochet Satin Top
♥LC Lauren Conrad Platform Mary Janes
♥ELLE Mary Jane Platform High Heels
♥Rock & Republic Platform High Heels
♥LC Lauren Conrad Mary Jane Wedges
♥Princess Vera Wang Platform Mary Janes
Which look do you love?

Charge It, Please!

Loving:

♥The Eternal Leather Banded Pants in Blue
♥Lanston Surplice Pullover Top in Black
♥IRO Anabela Leather Jacket in Blanc
♥Schutz Fiona Suede Pumps in Black / Silver
♥Fallon Jewelry Crystal Spike Ring in Gold
♥Juicy Couture Tough Girl Leather Alex Clutch in Black
♥OPI Blue My Mind from the Brights Collection
Over to you, lovers; what pretties have left you with the desire to shout "Charge it please!"?

mark m.powerment Domestic Violence Awareness Month

“There is nothing more beautiful than a world free of violence. Join me in supporting m.powerment by mark. and in spreading its message, that dating abuse is never acceptable.”
—Ashley Greene, mark. Brand Ambassador

As you all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is why I have been posting about beauty and fashion that benefits breast cancer research and charities for the past few weeks via the 365 Beauty Guide: Get Beautiful with Breast Cancer Awareness! and 365 Style Guide: Runway Relief Edition features. What you may not know is that October also doubles as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; which, like Breast Cancer Awareness, is a very important cause, and one that mark targets through their m.powerment philanthropic initiative.

♥mark m.powerment Lipclick Luxe Lipstick and Mirror Compact Gift Set ($24.00)
♥mark Power of Change Necklace ($28.00)
♥mark Linked to My Heart Bracelet ($30.00)
♥mark Have a Heart Necklace ($22.00)

Through m.powerment, 100% of the net proceeds of the aforementioned items are used to raise funds (and awareness!) about dating abuse and domestic violence. For 2012, however, the mark m.powerment campaign is taking things a step further - using Pinterest to assist in their quest to raise funds and awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“Since its beginning in 2008, m.powerment by mark has raised more than $1 million to help the fight against dating abuse and partner violence. With its sparkling mirror and special lipclick shade, our new m.powerment gift set is the most beautiful way yet that you can help us support this very important cause.”
—Ashley Greene, mark. Brand Ambassador

Now (actually beginning last week - October 8, 2012) through November 8, 2012, "Each time someone repins from the mark. girl pintervention Pinterest board...Avon Products, Inc will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to The Avon Foundation for Women to fund the m.powerment by mark. program *—dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence." Use the hashtags #pintervention or #mpowerment to spread the word.

“Join me in supporting m.powerment by mark. and in spreading its very important message, that dating abuse and partner violence are never acceptable.”
—Ashley Greene, mark. Brand Ambassador






Thanks to mark for the picture.

I Want to Be a JULEP Maven Giveaway!

Last week when I reviewed the Boho Glam Maven Introductory Box from JULEP, I promised that a Giveaway would be coming, and today it is here!

As you all know from my NOTD and Beauty Favorites posts, I am a HUGE fan of JULEP products, and the JULEP program as a whole, so I am super excited to announce that Café Fashionista has teamed up with JULEP to bring one (1) lucky lady the JULEP Maven Introductory Box of YOUR choice!

Each JULEP Introductory Box contains $40.00 worth of beauty products that match your personal style – from the earthy Boho Glam to the timeless Classic with a Twist; and I’m giving you more than 50 methods of entry to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck everyone!




Can’t wait to win? Visit JULEP to take the Style Profile evaluation, to find out which style fits you. And, if you decide to subscribe, you can receive a discount on your Introductory Box by using the Promotion Code CAFEFASHIONISTA upon checkout.

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Readers Only; and/or Those With U.S. Shipping Addresses.





Thanks to JULEP for the picture.

NOTD: Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Lava

This is three coats of Sally Hansen’s Lava from the Fall 2012 Lustre Shine Limited Edition Collection. Pink / Orange / Gold / Bronze Shifting Glass-Flecked Duochrome / Multichrome.

As I said on Instagram a few weeks ago, there is only one word to describe Lava…masterful. The color shift in this shade is so awesome; it literally mimics that of the changing colors of fall leaves. The formula here is extremely sheer, but it’s incredibly easy to work with – not runny at all. As this is a Limited Edition Collection, I highly recommend buying backup bottles – I know I’m going to!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cafefashionista to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.