happy, happy halloween!

"Ghosts and goblins
Spooks galore
Scary witches at your door
Jack-o-lanterns shining bright
Wishing you a haunting night."

happy happy!


xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
A little fashion + beauty inspiration to make it through the almost-the-weekend slump. Happy Thursday!

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nyc new york color midnight beauty collection

Happy Halloween Eve Eve! Over the weekend, I introduced you to the NYC New York Color Midnight Beauty Collection; and today, I'm bringing you swatches of the 4 pretty polishes {all of which are great for Halloween; but would work just as well for the entire fall season}. Picture time!

clockwise from top left: Animal Instinct; Rock Muse Smoky Top Coat; I Am Not affRed; and Black Elixir

Animal Instinct is a Peachy Pumpkin Orange Creme with Gold Shimmer. Animal Instinct is definitely different from your typical Halloween orange hue. The color is far more peach-meets-coral; and the hidden gold shimmer {which creates an iridescent glow in certain lights} definitely sets it apart. The formula was great on this one - very easy to build, and not gloppy. This is 2 coats.

I Am Not affRed is a Merlot / Wine Creme. Based upon the promo pics of this collection, I was most looking forward to I Am Not affRed because it looked like the perfect fall hue; sadly, it failed me. I found the formula on this one to be very thick and gloppy, which resulted in bubbling; plus, the necessary 2 coats gave it more of a dark brown look as opposed to the desired wine shade. Seriously bummed about this one. This is 2 coats.

Black Elixir is a Black Crelly. What Halloween collection would be complete without a black color? Black Elixir is one of my new faves due to its jelly-meets-creme consistency {and the fact that it has an awesome name}. My only qualm is that it's not a one-coater {which I prefer with black shades}. While the formula is great to work with; the first coat is very sheer, but builds to a rich pigmentation on coat two. This is 2 coats.

Rock Muse Smoky Top Coat is a mix of Micro and Hexagonal Silver Glitter in a Black Base. This is a super pretty shade that can be worn for Halloween straight through the New Year! I used it as a top coat over Black Elixir; but given the fact that the base is black, you can definitely wear this one alone {as long as you use at least 3 coats for a squishy, opaque look. Formula was flawless; though you do have to resort to the dab method at times to score some of the hexagonal glitter pieces. This is 1 coat.

OVERALL: I think what's great about this collection is that the colors truly are wearable year-round - with the peach undertones of Animal Instinct making it a great choice for spring; the wine undertones of I Am Not affRed making it awesome for fall / winter.

While some of the shades felt a little thicker than I like; I found all of them to be virtually chip-resistant even after cooking, cleaning...a trait that makes them well worth it - especially at such an affordable price-point. My top pick is I Am Not affRed - while my results with the shade weren't ideal; I think it could look amazing if super thin coats are used.

AVAILABILITY: Mass and drug retailers across the United States and Canada.

xx

Thanks to NYC New York Color for sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} sophisticate

Poncho: Theory Lorywash Poncho in Black | Lipstick: Maybelline Color Sensational The Buffs Lip Color in Bare All | Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors Sutton Center Stripe Satchel in Black / Optic White | Bracelet: BaubleBar Snake Chain Bracelet | Sunglasses: Alexander McQueen Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses in Black Horn Black / Brown | Jeans: J Brand Maria High Rise Photo Ready Jeans in Vanity | Boots: Stuart Weitzman 5050 Flat Boots in Black | Nail Polish: Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish and Effects in Mistress
Oversize cat eye sunnies, a knit poncho, and flat over the knee boots add a sophisticated touch to basic black skinnies. Break up the monochrome with a black and white satchel that is every bit as fashion-forward as it is functional. A chunky gold bracelet contributes the perfect amount of bling; while a crimson red lacquer brings the vamp. Finish with a nude lip!

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xx

NOTD: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Crown Jewels

One coat of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Crown Jewels. Gold and Holographic Micro and Hexagonal Glitter in a Clear Base.

My mom bought this as a birthday gift for me last December; but I forgot that I had it until I rediscovered it in my stash a few days ago {sorry Mom!} - but seriously not a bad time to try it out considering it. is. perfect. for...the holidays!

Crown Jewels is one of those must-have shades in your collection as it's the perfect holiday neutral to layer over just about any polish color. I love how gold and black looks together, so I layered it over Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Night Fright {a black creme}, and I adore the twilight vibe of it.

Formula is flawless! The glitter disperses evenly, so you get great coverage in just one coat. Holiday essential right here!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

blood red + black

BB Dakota Henrietta Jacket in Blood Red.

Draped lapels. Asymmetrical hemline. Faux leather sleeves. Bouclé knit. I'll let the details do the talking. One thing I will add...such a sophisticated piece for fall.

xx

vamp it up on halloween with the new midnight beauty collection from nyc new york color!

THINK: The hottest shades for Halloween

WHAT IT IS: Everything you need to be Queen of the Night. This Halloween, turn up the drama with the new Midnight Beauty collection from NYC New York Color. From sultry eyes to shimmering nails, this collection is full of vivid colors you’ll want to sink your teeth into at a price that won’t take a bite out of your wallet. With sky-high volume mascara, pigment-packed shadows and lipsticks, bold eyeliner and lashes, and never-chip nail color, NYC New York Color lets your bring out your wild side…at least until the sun comes up.

The latest eye-catching favorites include:

In A New York Color Minute Nail Polish ($1.99): Specially formulated to dry quickly, this nail enamel has a hint of shimmer for depth. Four limited-edition hues are infused with magnesium, iron, copper, and calcium to strengthen nails, with a shiny finish that will dazzle your victims. Shades include Black Elixir, I Am Not AffRed, Animal Instinct, and Smoky Top Coat.

Expert Last Lip Color ($1.99): High-intensity color in four just-bitten shades. The rich, creamy lipstick goes on smooth and lasts for up to six hours, and never feathers or bleeds. With a color-matched component, these heart-stopping hues with long-lasting shine will stay on all night long. Colors include Red or Alive, Immortal Vixen, and Dark Rebirth.

Individual Eyes Custom Compact ($4.99): These sultry shadow collections are specially coordinated to intensify and enhance your eye color. With a formula that contains nourishing Vitamins A and E, with Green Tea extract, these silky powders blend smoothly and evenly. Each shade can be worn alone or blended, and kits include a double-ended professional applicator and step-by-step instructions to help you create your Halloween look. Colors available include Hate the Light and Vampiress.

I'm smitten with the vampy nail and lip colors. Which piece of the Midnight Beauty Collection are you coveting?


xx

the parka...

A touch utilitarian, a pinch wilderness woman; the parka is the model off-duty meets street style staple that should be at the forefront of your outerwear collection this fall / winter. Dress it up by layering it over a fancy dress {minis a must}, or keep it minimal - pairing it with laid-back looks {think skinny jeans and rugged boots}. Here are 6 styles to swoon over:

1 | 2 | 3

4 | 5 | 6


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sally hansen limited edition insta-dri halloween 2014 collection

Happy Thursday! A few weeks back I told you about the Sally Hansen Limited Edition Insta-Dri Halloween 2014 Collection, and today I have swatches of 3 out of 4 {I'm missing OMGhost} of the spooky shades. Let's get right into the pictures, shall we?

clockwise from top right: Pumpkin Queen; Night Fright; and Scaredy Matte

Pumpkin Queen is an Orange Creme. I don't usually gravitate towards orange polishes; but, surprisingly, I seriously love this one {though the color, unfortunately, gives me lobster hands}. The formula is slightly frustrating - it's a bit thick; so if you don't completely wipe down the brush on the lip of the bottle before applying, it can be gloppy. This is 2 coats.

Night Fright is a Black Creme. I'm a sucker for a black creme. My one qualm with Night Fright is that, while I used only 1 coat for these swatches, it's not a one-coater. With one coat, it appears almost dark chocolate brown, as opposed to black {not what I was going for}. I would highly recommend 2 thin coats in the future. The formula was good here - very easy to work with {always a must when working with such a dark shade!}. This is 1 coat.

Scaredy Matte is a Black Matte. Hi perfection. I'm being real here...Scaredy Matte is flawless. The application is smooth and even, the dry time is blink-and-you'll-miss-it fast, and the color and finish? Love, obsessed...insert your choice of adjective here. This is 1 coat.

OVERALL: The colors in this collection are perfect for Halloween; and overall I'm happy with them. My one issue is something I've mentioned about the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Collection in the past...the brush!

I'm really not a fan, and truly wish that Sally Hansen would change it. In my opinion, the brush head is too wide, resulting in polish on the skin flanking the nail. Additionally, the brush absorbs too much polish with each dip, which can cause an uneven manicure and a gloppy mess. You have to be mindful to apply very thin coats to avoid this - which, yes, can be frustrating. Rant over! My pick from this Limited Edition Collection is Scaredy Matte.

AVAILABILITY: Mass and drug retailers across the United States and Canada.

xx

Thanks to Sally Hansen for sponsoring this post!

wednesday essentials...

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Love Crossbody Bag in Black | Sunglasses: Shop Suey Boutique Dana Sunglasses in Brown c/o | Lip Balm: CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon Twist | Perfume: Victoria's Secret Victoria Eau de Parfum
My closet is full of handbags from Shop Suey Boutique; but I have never tried their sunglasses {though I have admired them from afar because...sunglasses!}. So when I was offered a pair for review I had to say yes; and thus, the Dana Sunglasses in Brown arrived at my door.

Glamorously oversize {you know how I adore all things oversize} and decadently chic; these have become one of my new favorite pairs of sunnies - and the fact that they are so affordable makes them even more so!

I've been sick for the past week, and these have been fab at making me feel elegant - despite the fact that I am literally dragging myself out of bed. I simply slip them on over no makeup eyes, pair with a pink balm, fruity floral fragrance, and quilted crossbody, and voila! The world is none the wiser that I'm under the weather. Perfect, yes?
What are your essentials today?


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xx

{fashion folio} fall flavors

Lipstick: Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Crimson | Boots: MICHAEL Michael Kors Kendra Polished-Leather Ankle Boots | Cardigan: TOPSHOP Fine Gauge Midi Cardigan in Nude | Bag: Tory Burch Robinson Mini Fold Over Cross Body Bag in Deep Berry | Ring: BaubleBar Crystal Cage Ring | Top: Chinti and Parker Gathered Cotton Top | Jeans: PETITE MOTO Ripped Skinny Jeans in Dark Stone | Bracelet: BaubleBar Pavé Circle Links in Gold | Hat: Urban Outfitters Alexa Panama Hat in Tan
A nude cardigan and white blouse pay homage to the winter months ahead; while black buckled ankle boots, a vampy lip, and a deep berry crossbody stay true to the hues of fall. Distressed skinny jeans keep things casual; a gold chain-link bracelet and caged ring are ultra-glam. Top tresses with a floppy hat for the ultimate in autumn-esque accessories!

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xx

NOTD: Essie Cashmere Bathrobe

Two coats of Essie in Cashmere Bathrobe. Charcoal Gray Creme with Silver Shimmer.

Cashmere Bathrobe is every bit as chic as its luxe name implies. I think of this shade as a not-quite-metallic in that, when in direct sunlight, the silver shimmer mixed with the charcoal hue makes the color appear gunmetal metallic. Definitely gorgeous if you want a shade with loads of personality!

The formula is fantastic on this one - smooth, self-leveling, and it never attempts to flood your cuticles. This one's a keeper for the chilly months!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

paging blair waldorf...

Theory Loryelle Darcian F Cardigan in Ivory Plaid.

It's so very Upper East Side.

xx

sally hansen introduces new limited edition salon effects halloween collection

The ultimate easy application nail sticker, Sally Hansen introduces the new limited edition Salon Effects Halloween Collection featuring a variety of effects including 3D, real lace fabric, glow in the dark, and foil. Each applique has a self-adhesive backing that applies easily to the nail. The luxurious nails can be worn alone or over a nail color, simply cut and shape the tips to ensure the perfect fit!

From L-to-R: Skull and Crossbows {3D effect}; Hallowscene {glow in the dark}; Kiss My Fangs {foil}; Little Black Lace {real lace fabric}.

WHAT THEY COST: $9.99 each.

AVAILABILITY: Launching October 2014 for a limited time only, available at mass and drug retailers across the United States and Canada.


I'm loving Kiss My Fangs - it's such a fun twist on the standard lip print! Which design are you coveting?


xx

f r i d a y

Sweater: AX Paris Knitted Multi Heart Pink Sweater c/o | Boots: Rag & Bone Newbury Bootie in Black | Blush / Bronzer: sugar Tropic Tan Blush & Bronzer Duo c/o
AX Paris was awesome enough to let me choose an item from their shop, and I immediately zeroed in on the Knitted Multi Heart Pink Sweater, which has a tunic-like fit on my 5'1 frame; and fits in perfectly with my idea of fall fashion - oversize sweaters, chic boots {or booties}, and a gorgeous glow {the very things you see above}.

Admittedly, I'm not usually one for prints; but I have a thing for hearts, so I had to scoop it up! It's the perfect piece for layering over leggings; and it adds a flirty form of femininity to edgier pieces {like my ankle boots and faux-leather leggings}. It has also become my Friday go-to given its level of comfort {not to mention chic}.

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xx

{beauty board} wake up!

Score that bright-eyed and bushy-tailed look {even when you're running on 2 hours of sleep} with these 5 beauty musts that will wake up your makeup {and keep you from looking like the walking dead}!

{1} L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer in Fair / Light Neutral {$8.99}

{2} Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara in Black {$8.99}

{3} Smashbox Full Exposure Travel Palette {$22.00}

{4} Sephora Collection Colorful Blush in Rose Petal 08 {$15.00}

{5} Benefit Cosmetics Watt's Up! {$30.00}


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xx

#CosmopolitanChic day + night at The Cosmopolitan

Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas... - except when we're talking clothes. After all, what good is a day {and night} on the town if you're not dishing to your BFF's about what you wore and where you wore it.

Today, I'm taking part in the Vegas.com #CosmopolitanChic challenge, to show you what I'd wear for a day and night at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas - specifically brunch at The Henry American followed by afternoon shopping at The Shops at The Cosmpolitan of Las Vegas, and capped off with an evening at Marquee Nightclub. Onto the ensembles...

BRUNCH

Top: Raquel Allegra Gauze Blouse | Necklace: BaubleBar Initial Dog Tag Pendant | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Crosby Tote in Latte | Bracelet: BaubleBar Sprinkle Links Bracelet in Clear | Sunglasses: BaubleBar Crystal Cage Ring | Top: Sole Society Melaney Oversize Cat Eye Sunglasses in Tortoise | Jeans: Proenza Schouler PS-J2 Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans | Lipstick: Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick 11 Rose Desire | Shoes: **High Pitch Pointed Heels by CJG in Nude | Earrings: BaubleBar Pearl 360 Studs in Ivory

NIGHT OUT

Top: Markus Lupfer Lara Sequined Cotton T-Shirt | Bracelet: BaubleBar Pavé Links Bracelet | Shoes: Vince 'Brigham' Open Toe Bootie | Bag: Oliveve Haircalf Queen Clutch in Leopard | Pants: Rick Owens Stretch Leather and Cotton-Blend Leggings | Lipstick: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte | Bracelet: BaubleBar Crystal Cage Ring Duo in Gold | Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Aviator Sunglasses in Dark Ruthenium / Gray Gradient

What would you wear?



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xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
Though it's easy to gravitate towards dark, vampy hues for fall; I, for one, am never able to stay away from pastels or dove grays for long - as evident in today's inspiration board. Happy Tuesday!

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xx

NOTD: nails inc. London Nail Polish in St. Martin's Lane

Two coats of nails inc. London Nail Polish in St. Martin's Lane. Plum / Mulberry Creme.

I found St. Martin's Lane in my stash of unuseds last week; and, oddly enough, it wound up being the perfectperfect plum shade - not so dark where it appears black; but rich enough in hue to make it a fall essential.

Most plum shades have wine undertones; whereas St. Martin's Lane features pink undertones - a difference that definitely sets it apart.

The formula was okay. I found that coat 1 was very thin and patchy; but things evened out on coat 2. I recommend using 2 thick coats to reach opacity quickly. If you use thin coats, you're going to wind up needing anywhere from 3 - 4 coats to reach opacity. So thick is definitely the way to go with this one!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

sweater weather

Forever 21 Geo Striped Knit Cardigan in Black / Cream.

Quite possibly the most stunning knit for fall / winter, yes?

xx

$25.00 ROSS Gift Card Giveaway!

Fall fashion season has arrived; and what better way to celebrate than with a little shopping at a new ROSS store? Today {Saturday, October 11 @ 8:00am {complete location deets below}, SoCal residents will be able to shop the latest ROSS location in North Hawthorne. To get you even more pumped for the occasion, Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans has partnered with ROSS to bring one {1} lucky reader a $25.00 Gift Card! Use it at the new location, or an old favorite - the choice is yours!

Check out where the Grand Opening is happening:

NORTH HAWTHORNE
Hawthorne Towne Center
2750 W. 120th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250

When: Saturday, October 11@ 8 a.m.

Store hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck ladies!


xx

Thanks to ROSS for Sponsoring this Giveaway!

{fashion folio} date night

Nail Polish: Christian Louboutin Nail Colour - The Nudes in Sweet Charity | Coat: BURBERRY LONDON Short Cotton-Twill Trench Coat | Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Large Traveler Tote in Black | Earrings: BaubleBar Crystal Posy Studs | Top: SPLENDID Cotton and Modal-Blend Jersey T-Shirt | Jeans: MOTO Blue Black Baxter Jeans in Blue Black | Lipstick: NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red | Shoes: GEMINI Patent Court Shoes in Nude
A cropped trench adds a classic touch to basic dark wash skinnies and a slouchy red tee. Keep the sophistication going with a pair of patent nude pumps and a chic black carryall; popping on a pair of art deco-inspired earrings for a dash of Gatsby sparkle. As a final touch, swipe on a perfect red lip {the ultimate power pout}; followed by a vanilla-meets-nude polish for a your-nails-but-better shine.

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xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Happy Thursday! While red hasn't been a favorite color of mine since I was about 4-years-old; I absolutely adore rubies, scarlets, and oxbloods {not to mention buffalo check} come the autumn months. They are such a sumptuous, striking complement to pumpkin spice lattes, hay rides, and the fall season as a whole. They also serve as the inspiration for today's board.

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xx

{beauty board} scarlet fever

Prep your pout for cooler temps with a fall-to-winter apropos wine-toned lip color. It's a vampy hue that works on all skin-tones; and serves as the perfect cold-weather counterpart to the classic red lip!

{1} Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Scarlet {$24.00}

{2} Kat Von D Everlasting Love Liquid Lipstick in Vampira {$19.00}

{3} NARS Audacious Lipstick in Bette {$32.00}

{4} LORAC Alter Ego Cream Lipstick in Dominatrix {$16.00}

{5} NARS Lipstick in Scarlet Empress {$26.00}

{6} Charlotte Tilbury 'K.I.S.S.I.N.G' Lipstick in Night Crimson {$32.00}


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xx

The Best of Me Film Prize Pack Giveaway

I have fallen head over heels with 2 Nicholas Sparks creations in the past - A Walk to Remember and The Notebook; and I'm about to add another piece to that list...The Best of Me! In bookstores now, and in theaters next week {October 17, 2014}; The Best of Me has that throwback, nostalgic first love vibe of The Notebook - and even stars one of the characters from that film {James Marsden} in the role of male protagonist. In other words... it's a definite must-see {and read!} for Fall 2014.

ABOUT THE FILM Based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.

The Best of Me stars James Marsden, Michelle Monaghan, Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato.

In honor of the swoon-worthy release {and yes, it is swoon-worthy - just take a look at that trailer}, cat eyes & skinny jeans has partnered with Relativity Media to bring one {1} romantic a The Best of Me Prize Pack that includes: a $25 Sephora gift card for the perfect date night look at the movies, a Copy of the book {movie tie-in book cover}, and the official soundtrack featuring Lady Antebellum. Prizing courtesy of Relativity Media.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter above, and check out the official movie trailer {featuring Lady Antebellum} below. Planning on sharing your The Best of Me love on social media? Use hashtag #TheBestOfMe to connect!



ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK The Best of Me soundtrack features Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Colbie Caillat, Kip Moore and the Eli Young Band. Seven-time GRAMMY-Award winners, Lady Antebellum, wrote (with Monty Powell) and recorded I Did With You, a special song inspired by the story in the film.

The Best of Me Soundtrack Track Listing:

Lady Antebellum "I Did With You"
Hunter Hayes "Dream Girl"
SHEL and Gareth Dunlop "Hold On"
Colbie Caillat "In Love Again"
Thomas Rhett "The Way Things Go"
Thompson Square "Borrowed Time"
Kip Moore "Lead Me"
Kacey Musgraves "Love Is A Liar"
Lady Antebellum "Falling For You"
Eric Paslay "Rain From Heaven"
David Nail "All The Way"
Eli Young Band "Unchanged"
Cowboy Junkies "Sweet Jane"
Phoebe Hoffman "Crossroads"

Want Nicholas Sparks to join your Book Club?

Calling all book clubs! You and your club could win a visit from a professional moderator & special guest appearance from Nicholas Sparks via Skype. All you have to do is tweet a question you'd like answered using #BestOfMeBookSweeps!

xx