Truth: Regardless of the fact that I am out of my teens I still devour teen magazines like no other - the budget fashion finds, the beauty tips...I love it all {preferably poolside}. Given my teenage dream choice of reading material, I am forever in the know about high school happenings and trends. Case in point...prom dresses. Cocktail length or mile-long trains? Candy-colored or classic hues? Thigh-high slits or illusion-making mesh insets? Decisions, decisions. All of which can be easily made with Canada's PickeDresses.
Whether you're seeking intricate beading and embroidery, sweeping trains, or two-piece crops, Toronto Prom Dresses offers a little formal frock yum for everyone. I am all about that classic touch at the moment. You know what I'm talking about - that something something that feels Old Hollywood meets modern-day red carpet - we're talking high necks and bare midriffs {v. Sarah Hyland donning Christian Siriano circa the 66th Emmy Awards}, and slits to the heavens {hi Angelina}. Here, 3 of the dresses that make my top contenders list for Prom 2015 {brace yourself: you’re in for a swoon}!
Sheath/Column High Neck Sweep Train Silk-like Satin Beading Prom Dresses {$238.19 CAD}
Bare midriffs are my jam right now! I've basically been living in crop tops for casual looks; but for formal wear? Le sigh! I love how of the moment the aesthetic is when paired with a full or column-like skirt - it manages to come off as elegant and playful. Such a dynamic duo, amiright?
A-line Sweetheart Sweep Train Tulle Lace Prom Dresses {$208.99 CAD}
Sometimes, you just want to go full. out. glam. And this dress? Well, it doesn't get much more glamorous. The combination of tulle and lace is enough to make any Southern Belle's heart skip a beat; but that thigh-high slit? The true sexy pièce de résistance of the look. Go on, flash a little leg.
Trumpet/Mermaid Spaghetti Straps Court Train Tulle Beading Prom Dresses {$242.79 CAD}
It's like something out of a dream, isn't it? The color is beyond divine - a blissful bridge between silver, white, and charcoal. And that detailing! Honestly, I can't imagine anyone not standing out in this pretty.
Currently obsessed with all things surf-inspired. Beachy hair, baggy, distressed denim paired with bikinis, sunkissed skin...need I say more? Happy Friday babes!
Seeking budget beauty that can be tossed into your beach tote for impromptu ocean romps? I've got you covered! Here are 8 essentials you'll love. Did I mention they're all under $10?
{1} SEPHORA COLLECTION Creamy Body Wash in LAGOON and MONOI{$5.00 each}Who says outdoor showers need to be gnarly? These fragrances smell like a beach resort, and are compact enough to tuck in your beach tote!
Cantaloupe-huedruffled crop and pencil skirt coords are supremely summery, and create the perfect palette for strappy gilded heels and a dainty ring pendant. Keep the beachy vibes going with seashell-inspired shades on nails, lips, and face {just look at that highlight!}; completing your look du jour with an envelope clutch in the aptly-titled color: seashell.
Truth: I hear Kelis' Milkshake every single time I say this polish name: My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, / And they're like / It's better than yours...
Anyway...Strawberry Milkshake may be the best pastel pink shade I have ever worked with. It builds to opacity very quickly, and doesn't have the wateriness that a lot of paler shades are plagued with. Bonus: it makes you look super tan. I used self-tanner after using this polish, and thought that I had gotten it on my hands, but then I realized that it was just the polish making me look insanely tan. Woot!
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday {on a Tuesday}?
Le sigh...I legit wish there were more opportunity to wear sexy evening dresses, but it feels as if all social gatherings nowadays {or maybe just in my circle?} call for either cocktail attire or super cas styles - both of which I am more than happy to adhere to; but once in a while, you just want a reason to comb through racks of sexy evening dresses for a cheap evening pretty that will make you feel like a million bucks, amiright?
Honestly, we need to have a mid-year New Year's Eve-inspired holiday celebration that allows us to wear sassy evening attire and dance {and kiss?} with cute boys because this once a year arrangement def doesn't give us enough time to show off our cheap evening finds {that just so happen to be chic, sultry, and sophisticated on top of being affordable}! How can we make this a thing?
Anyway...for fear of purchasing an evening dress I don't need at the mo {and will ultimately wind up collecting dust in the back of my closet}, I have not allowed myself to enter the formal wear department at any retailers; but that hasn't stopped me from browsing online {because what's the harm in inter-web browsing?}. Check out 3 of my top evening dress contenders below:
Boutique Sweetheart Beading Embroidery Zipper-Up Floor-Length Prom/Evening Dress {$284.39}
I think I've died and gone to evening dress heaven. But seriously...how gorgeous is the gown illusion? It's so v of-the-moment and sassy.
Attractive Mermaid Floor-Length Evening Dress {$144.29}
I will forever say yes to a two-piece dress. I mean, how can you not want to bare your belly in a chic crop and matching ball gown-esque skirt?
Elegant High Neck Cap Sleeves Lace Split-Front Long Evening Dress {$126.99} Love the way the high-neck bodice balances out the thigh-high slit - it's such a sultry pairing - and deserves to be coupled with an equally sultry smoky eye.
Which of these dresses would you love to wear for an evening on the town?
el·e·gance
/ˈeləɡəns/
noun
noun: elegance; plural noun: elegances
the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner; style.
V little compares with being described as elegant. It's a term seemingly reserved for royals {the Duchess of Cambridge comes to mind} and starlets {Marilyn Monroe anyone?} whom epitomize the term Old Hollywood Glamour; but sometimes there comes an occasion wherein you can play the elegant card for the evening via a fabu frock that's easy on the eyes, and the wallet {natch!} - like the affordable, adorable, uber-chic ihomecoming cheap elegant evening dresses {http://www.ihomecoming.com/elegant-c104258/}.
I love an evening gown in a dreamyjewel tone {sapphire, emerald, ruby} that features sparkles, sequins, pearls {oh my!}...anything that will make it feel a little more special than your basic black frock - and the pieces that make up the elegant evening of ihomecoming selection offer precisely that.
I appear to be on some sort of mermaid kick myself {I blame it on the fast-approaching summer season}, as all of the pieces I'm currently swooning over feature mermaid-inspired aesthetics; but if you're seeking a stunner that's a little more toned down {perhaps a column design}, you'll easily find something to sate your style appetite from the elegant evening from ihomecoming selection. Here, my 3 personal faves!
Charming Mermaid Floor-Length Sleeveless Beading Ruffles Evening Dress {$163.99}
That ruffled skirt adds a bit of a flirty flamenco vibe that makes me want to take this dress out dancing!
Charming Mermaid Floor-Length Sleeveless V Neck Beading Evening Dress {$393.99}
I always equate gold dresses {be them cocktail or evening cut} with Serena van der Woodsen, and this pretty is no different. I'm positively in love with the v-neck {it's so incredibly dramatic!}.
Chic Mermaid Sweetheart Pearls Floor-Length Sweep Train Evening Dress {$182.99}
The peplum kick is unexpected yet ultra sophisticated-meets-sexy, but what I love even more is the pearl detailing on the bodice {is it just me, or does it make you think of caviar?}.
Tropical prints and palm-frond fashions are all the rage on the runway, and the perfect way to summer-fy your style. Here, 8 surf-inspired pieces that will have you riding the island fever wave!
A lacy black romper gets the tropical treatment when paired with a straw clutch, towering wedge sandals, and a mix of turquoise and white stone bracelets. Add oversize tortoiseshell sunnies and turquoise and gold drop earrings for a high-glam feel; completing your island girl look with white polish on tips and toes, and a swipe of candy pink lippy for the ultimate girly pout!
Whether you're trying to save money for your upcoming summer vacay, or simply can't resist a great beauty buy, here are 7 products that give you true bang for your buck!
{2} SEPHORA COLLECTION Retractable Kabuki Brush{$10.00}The retractable design keeps bristles clean when not in use; plus, make it travel-friendly!
{3} MAYBELLINE Great Lash Washable Mascara in BLACKEST BLACK{$5.99}Whether you're looking to lengthen or volumize your lashes, this mascara has you covered. Bonus: It's super easy to remove given it's 'washable' formula.
{4} WET N WILD MegaLast Lip Color in Pink Suga' 900B, Dollhouse Pink 967, and Red Velvet 910D{$2.29 each}High-end lippies can take a hike! These pack pigmentation, staying-power, and enough shades to sate any complexion or craving!
{5} MAYBELLINE The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette{$6.76}12 sultry shades that can be worn alone, or complement one another as duos, trios, or quads!
{6} NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in CORCOVADO or CELEBRATE{$10.00 each}Use it as a highlight, liner, or base to brighten up your eyes.
{7} COVERGIRL Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation{$7.99}Sits gorgeously on the skin and lasts all day - the very things an amazing foundation should do!
Two coats of JULEP Nail Color in Phoebe. Bright Turquoise Metallic.
Why yes, that is another mermaid-inspired shade you see before you. JULEP is totally killing it with the mermaid shades as of late, amiright?
Phoebe is one of those flirty brights that makes you think of bonfire beach nights and surfer boys {two of my favorite things}. She's a total people-pleaser in terms of formula - fab to apply, and not interested in making nice with your cuticles; but...she does stain. A lot. So much so that she leaves you reconsidering using her again. Le sigh...
What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?
2 striking looks that will take your summer beauty game from day to night!
As much as I love my sunkissed skin and smoky eyes, I've been seriously swoony over floral-inspired beauty that is soft and sweet, paired with feminine crown braids that feel whimsical and fairytale-esque. Together, they create an all-overromantic vibe that is so perfect for summer days. Here are 6 products that I'm loving for getting girly!
{1} OPI Nail Lacquer in PETAL SOFT{$9.50}Forget standard glitter; these pastel pieces are flower-shaped!
{2} MILANI Rose Powder Blush in CORAL COVE{$7.99}Hyper-pigmented, so a single swipe leaves you with bright, beautiful cheeks.
{6} amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo{$22.00}A touch of dry shampoo adds grip to your mane - perfect for making braiding a breeze!
While summer days feel perfect for soft, whimsical, romantic hair and makeup, when the sun goes down it's all about fierce, sassy glamour. Slicked-back strands? Check! Smoky eyes + loads of lashes? A total given! Glittery polish + flirty fragrances? So necessary! Here are 9 products that will help you harness the high-glam that sultry summer nights deserve!
{6} URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow Primer Potion Tube in EDEN{$20.00}Keeps your shadow intact until you want to take it off; plus, it enhances the pigment of your shadow!
{7} e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set{$3.00}No sweating off your makeup tonight! This locks your makeup in place, and leaves a matte finish.
{8} Sally Hansen Big Glitter Top Coat in GOLDI-FLECKS{$5.99}Because a little glitter never hurt anyone - wear it as a top coat over a black lacquer, or alone for a blinged out mani!
{9} Bumble and bumble Gel{$26.00}Steal the look that's sweeping the celebrity set {and runway} by slicking back your strands. Just a dime-size drop of this gel will keep your 'do looking dynamite all night long {comb it through dry locks from roots to temples, then tuck behind your ears for a Shay Mitchell-inspired style}.
I've been wearing the heck out of pastel polishes as of late, and thought it was time to inject a few bold and beautiful brights to my lacquer repertoire, because summer is coming, so I had to snag the Essie Summer 2015 Mini Collection after spotting it at Ulta. From formula to shade names, this mini collection is utterly perf for the summer season and your upcoming vacays; but I'll let the swatches do the talking.
Chillato is a Pale Yellow / Lime Green Creme. Yellows are so not my thing in terms of polish, but Chillato grabbed me like whoa! Considering how pale-meets-pastel this shade is, the formula was amazing to work with - non-streaking, and nicely buildable. Bonus: No staining {such a rarity in the world of yellow lacquers}. This is 2 coats.
Peach Side Babe is a Peach Creme. If you love bright peachy pink coral nail colors {and who doesn't?}, Peach Side Babe is going to win your heart. The pink undertones in this shade make it look v similar to e.l.f.'s Coral Dream {which I love; so, of course, this is a fave}; but it's not a dupe, so having both in your collection won't hurt. Formula is fab - smooth, creamy...vibrant. Love! This is 2 coats.
Sunset Sneaks is a Geranium Creme. Sunset Sneaks is a total game-changer for me. Why? It's one of the only blood orange red shades that I have ever fallen head over heels for. It's similar to OPI's Aloha From OPI; but has more of a pinky/coral undertone that makes it feel a bit more wearable for my skintone. The formula here...I can't even. So. Perfect. With thick coats, you could definitely make this a OCW. This is 2 coats.
Pret-A-Surfer is a Periwinkle Creme. I feel like part of me loves this shade for the name, which reminds me of Net-A-Porter {because...shopping}; but seriously, Pret-A-Surfer is straight-up perfection. The color is rich and creamy, the formula is flawless, and the application? Easy, breezy...beautiful. This is 1 1/2 coats.
AVAILABILITY:Ulta for the 4-pack mini; mass market merchandisers, drugstores, and department stores for full-size individual bottles.
PRICE:$17.00 at Ulta; or buy full-size bottles separately for $8.50 each.
Love a fresh-faced, goddess glow round-the-clock? Here are 6 products that will give you perma-dewy and impossibly radiant skin {even when you're slacking in the Vitamin C department}!
White skinnies feel perfectly fresh for vacay when paired with a lacy off-the-shoulder crop, metallic-meet-earthy wedges, and a kitschy, head-turning straw clutch. Glamorize your look with oversize tortoiseshell sunnies and a friendship-cum-edgy chain bracelet; topping it all off with vivid white lacquer on nails and a bright coral streak on lips!
