NOTD: JULEP Boho Glam Toni + Sasha

A few weeks ago I was contacted by JULEP to become a part of their VIP Program, and was given the opportunity to select one of their five Maven Subscriptions to try out and review. I have been in a HUGE bohemian phase (due in large part to my obsession with Isabel Marant) over the past few weeks, so I selected the Boho Glam Maven Subscription, which included two super, super gorgeous shades, which I am so excited to share with you. Swatch time!

This is two coats of Toni, which, in my opinion, is a chameleon color. Sometimes it has a chocolate-y brown appearance, at others it looks gray, and sometimes it completely reminds me of hot chocolate. Overall, I would say it is a dusty plum/purple shade (one of my favorites for fall!). JULEP states: Greige with a hint of lavender creme. The formula here was beautiful. This was nearly a one-coater for me, and was so easy to work with. Also pertinent…while I use topcoat, JULEP shades have such a high level of shine without, it’s ridiculous. Pure love!

Accessories: Spiked Stack Rings in Gold / Silver via Forever 21.

This is two coats of Sasha, which is a beyond beautiful bright melon / coral color (somewhat similar to Essie’s Tart Deco, but a bit darker). JULEP states: Fresh cantaloupe melon creme. Sasha’s formula was identical to Toni’s – absolutely perfect. This, to me, is the ideal pedicure color. And what makes it a bit different from your standard melon / coral hue is that it has a neon quality to it (making it difficult to photograph; but even brighter and more showstopping in person).

Accessories: Floral Butterfly Ring Set in Peach / Ivory via Forever 21.

Along with Toni and Sasha I received JULEP’s The Best Pedi Crème Ever, which is a standard inclusion with all Maven Subscriptions. The best part about The Best Pedi Crème Ever? The scent. It’s this amazing eucalyptus scent that is so incredibly soothing – especially if you use it at night. It’s also completely non-greasy, so you can use it on your feet, or your hands (or even dry elbows), and it works just as effectively. I find that the scent really relaxes me before bedtime.

So those are my thoughts on JULEP’s Boho Glam Maven Subscription Introductory Box. If you are unfamiliar with JULEP; it is a monthly subscription service wherein each month (unless you elect to skip that month), you receive a box of nail polish / nail care items worth $40.00 or more, for $19.99. The colors and products you receive are based on your style profile, which you can change from month to month. Style Profiles include American Beauty, Boho Glam, Bombshell, Class with a Twist, and It Girl.



If you want, you can 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.
What do you think of JULEP’s Boho Glam Introductory Maven Box? What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Stay tuned for the chance to take home your own JULEP Maven Introductory Box from JULEP right here on Café Fashionista – Giveaway to come soon!





FTC Disclosure: The JULEP Boho Glam Maven Subscription Introductory Box was sent to me for review; however, all opinions expressed therein are my own.


Thanks to JULEP for the picture.

In My Closet: Candie's for Kohl's Flats

My love for ballet flats has waned over the years. Not because I don’t love the dainty, ballet-esque aesthetic that makes me feel like a charming Parisian strolling along La Seine; but due to my discovery of towering heels. Nevertheless, over the past week I have been in the throes of Finals, resulting in the need to flit from one place to another in optimal {chic} comfort (read: heels would have been completely impractical); therefore, I was beyond thankful to have these incredibly on-trend Candie’s for Kohl’s Flats in my possession.

Studs are an embellishment that I have a love/hate relationship with; but on these, they add such personality and edge to a truly classic style that toughens them up a bit, juxtaposing the sophistication of Audrey Hepburn with the rebelliousness of Agyness Deyn. Toss them on with a black faux leather bomber and simple black leggings (as I did), and they become the star of your look du jour. Hello, I’m in love. And think that I may need to scoop them up in the Navy with Silver Studs shade next!


Follow me on Instagram @cafefashionista to check out my latest accessory additions.





FTC Disclosure: This item was sent to me for review; however, all opinions expressed therein are my own.

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Free People Floral Mesh Lace Dress in Black
♥Falke Fine Ribbed Tights in Black
♥Dolce Vita Marlo Distressed Boots in Carbon
♥Simone Camille Jessy Bag in Black
♥Elizabeth and James Serpentine North South Ring in Yellow Gold
♥Vanessa Mooney Shield Me Necklace in Brass
♥Alexis Bittar Crystal Encrusted Horseshoe Pendant in Rose Gold
♥OPI Alpine Snow
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

365 Style Guide: Nine West Runway Relief Edition

October is Breast Cancer Awareness (Pink Ribbon) Month; so each week throughout October I am going to try to do a fashion or beauty post featuring products that benefit and promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

This week I am focusing on one of my favorite initiatives - Nine West’s Runway Relief; which tapped supermodels like Chrissy Teigen, Coco Rocha, and Elsa Hosk to model, and famed photographer Nigel Barker to shoot an exclusive and super-stylish collection of Runway Relief products as part of the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer movement. Check out some of my favorite Runway Relief products below; and see the entire Nine West Runway Relief line here!

♥Nine West Runway Relief Tank Top
♥Nine West Runway Relief Bootie
♥Nine West MALACHI
♥Nine West Runway Relief Backpack
♥Nine West Runway Relief Small Dog Tag Necklace
♥Nine West Runway Relief Large Dog Tag Necklace
♥Nine West Runway Relief Hat
♥Nine West Runway Relief: Donate




Thanks to CFDA for the picture.

I Want Candy Store Giveaway!

Fashion, candy, and ice cream are three of my favorite things; and now, thanks to Candy Store, I’m able to satisfy all three without excessive calorie consumption via their adorable line of colorful, silicone-based accessories that come in the form of cosmetic pouches, coin purses, wallets, and pocket mirrors – perfect for the sweet tooth plagued fashionista! Each month Candy Store creates a limited edition trio featuring a cosmetic pouch, coin purse, and pocket mirror in a perfectly-titled ‘Flavor of the Month’ set; and this month, they’re sharing this tempting trio with one (1) of you!

Oui, oui, my loves! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Candy Store to bring one (1) lucky lady the October 2012 Candy Store Flavor of the Month Collection (which just so happens to be one of my favorites…Cookies ‘n’ Cream!); and more than 40 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 Candy Store for the pictures.

Charge It, Please!

Loving:

♥Theory Brandis Cashmere Sweater in Ink Well
♥Vince Denim Legging Jeans in Forest
♥Frye Veronica Slouch Boots in Burnt Red
♥orYANY Sydney Shoulder Bag in Coffee Multi
♥Elizabeth and James Bird Claw Ring with Lapis in Lapis
♥Sandy Hyun Geometric Three Drop Necklace in Navy Multi
♥OPI Unfor-greta-bly Blue from the Germany Collection
Over to you, lovers; what pretties have left you with the desire to shout "Charge it please!"?

365 Style Guide: Animal Instincts

Take a walk on the wild side (the chic and sophisticated way) with a cute and cuddly animal motif sweater – perfect for pairing with denim skinnies and riding boots, or tucking into a high-waist pencil skirt with towering ankle booties!

♥Burberry Prorsum Beaded Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater
♥Paul & Joe Penjab Elephant-Intarsia Wool Sweater
♥Aubin & Wills Portland Fox Intarsia Merino Wool Sweater
♥Tory Burch Samantha Sweater in Camel Melange
♥Lavish Alice Cream & Blue Owl Print Knitted Oversized Extra Long Sleeve Jumper
♥Mulberry Tiger-Intarsia Angora-Blend Sweater
♥Peter Jensen Fox Sweater in Navy
♥Paul & Joe Sister Animal Marine Knit
♥J. Crew French Hen Intarsia Wool-Blend Sweater
♥ONE by Sunny Girl Bulldog Sweater in Burnt Orange

NOTD: China Glaze Desert Sun

This is two coats of China Glaze’s Desert Sun from the Fall 2012 On Safari Collection. Butterscotch / Light Caramel.

Slightly obsessed with this shade today – pure perfection for fall! This one looks exactly like those teeny-tiny butterscotch chips you use when you bake cookies or brownies – so pretty and unexpected in a nail color! The formula is amazing on this (I always say that about China Glaze colors, don’t I?), and is just as creamy as it looks. This was almost a one-coater for me; but I used two to even everything out. Absolutely gorgey!

Accessories: Oval Shield Ring in Gold / Coral via Forever 21.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Back to Black...

“The Little Black Dress is not just a fashion accessory. It's an institution - an iconic fashion symbol."
Marigay McKee, Harrods fashion and beauty director
My summer has been rife with thigh-skimming sundresses, and eyelet-adorned frocks; but with the arrival of fall, I’m re-embracing my one true love…the little black dress. Take a peek at some of my favorites!

Lace Dress
Lovely lace and a scalloped hemline add a double dose of decadence to the classic style.

Black Sequin Mesh Sleeve Dress
Sequins, mesh…hello perfect Girls Night Out little black dress!

Black Sheer Sleeve Shift Dress
Sheer, banded bell sleeves and a shift aesthetic give a whimsical, Wendy Darling feel to this black beauty!

Jewel Dippy Hem Dress
The high neckline is le parfait contrast to the hi-low hemline; while the sleeveless cut allows you to sassily show off your shoulders.

Black Satin Crepe Dress
Satin siding creates an on-trend slimming illusion that is too pretty to resist!
Which little black dress is your favorite?

Thanks to Next.co.uk for the pictures.


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

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Wildfox Sacred Heart Sweater in Clean White
♥MOTHER The Looker Skinny Jeans in A Model Spy
♥Rag & Bone Moto Boots II in Black
♥Anya Hindmarch Jingle Clutch in Coal
♥House of Harlow 1960 Crosshatched Pave Ring in Silver
♥FELIKS+ADRIK Spike Ring in Antique Silver
♥OPI Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

In My Closet: Minnetonka Front Lace Knee High Boots

In honor of the weekend, and the arrival of boot season (finally!) I thought I would introduce you to one of my latest footwear besties…the Minnetonka Lace Up Knee High Boots in Brown (not to be confused with the darker ‘Minnetonka Brown’ color); which I have taken to referring to as my Pocahontas boots, and have scarcely taken off since purchasing them two weeks ago. Five Words: Supremely comfortable. Super cute. Obsessed!

What are you wearing for #FashionFriday?

Follow me on Instagram @cafefashionista to check out more of my #FashionFriday / In My Closet looks.

365 Beauty Guide: Smoky Brown Shadow

This fall kiss super dark eye makeup goodbye, and go for a runway-inspired subtle smoky eye created with earthy brown hues that look luscious on any and all complexions!

♥ILLAMASQUA Powder Eye Shadow in Wolf
♥NARS Single Eye Shadow in Fez
♥tarte emphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow / Liner in Brown
♥Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Coffee Ground
♥stila Smudge Crayon Waterproof Eye Primer + Shadow + Liner in Umber
♥bareMinerals bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Enlightment
♥URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in Wasteland
♥stila Smudge Pots in Brown
♥stila Eye Shadow in Coco
♥URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow in Secret Service

'Paris, My Sweet' Book Giveaway!

I have had a long distance love affair with Paris for more time than I can remember; but recently, it has grown even stronger due to Amy Thomas’ intoxicating and oh-so delectable Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) - a magically delicious literary journey for the Eloise-loving girl who has a taste for international adventure and sweet treats. And now, thanks to Sourcebooks, I am sharing the Parisian journey with you!

That’s right, mon doux! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Sourcebooks to bring two (2) lucky ducks copies of Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) (a tome which I have taken to toting about in my handbag) – 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 The Chalkboard for the picture.

Charge It, Please!

Loving:

♥Free People Point D’Esprit Slip Dress
♥Jeffrey Campbell France Suede Boots in Grey
♥Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Berkeley Bag with Fringe in Peanut
♥AUDEN Bailey Cuff in Gold
♥Mania Mania Apparition Necklace in Brass
♥Low Luv x Erin Wasson Domed Cage Ring in Silver
♥OPI Pink Friday from the Nicki Minaj Collection
Over to you, lovers; what pretties have left you with the desire to shout "Charge it please!"?

NOTD: OPI So So Skullicious Halloween 2012 Mini Set Collection

Today, instead of featuring just one nail color, I am featuring four – all of which are a part of OPI’s So So Skullicious Halloween 2012 Mini Set, which is actually a Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Collection (that comes packaged in the cutest box ever, and includes Day of the Dead-inspired nail decals – you can see pictures of the packaging/decals at the end of this post). Swatch time!

This is two coats of A-Rose from the Dead, which is a really pretty bright pink. OPI states: This hot pink is the life of the party. The formula on this shade was perfection – super easy to work with. Unfortunately, I had a wonky brush that was somewhat uncooperative; but overall this one was awesome.

Accessories: Forever 21 Cutout Heart Ring Set in Gold.

This is four coats of Candlelight, which I would describe as egg yolk yellow. OPI states: Be all aglow in this flame yellow. The formula was really thin on this shade, and required four coats for full opacity. That said; this is my favorite color from the collection. I absolutely love the shade, which is a fall-leaning yellow that has a bohemian ambiance to it (I think it would look gorgeous paired with paisley), as opposed to a bright, summery yellow. I would buy a full-sized bottle of this color.

Accessories: Star Ring via unknown.

This is two coats of Hi, Pumpkin!, which is a bright orange crème. OPI states: This jack-o-lantern orange is sweet on you. Application-wise, this was my favorite out of the entire collection – the brush and formula were both perfect here. Hi, Pumpkin! screams fall to me – I kind of wanted to run out and grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks when I was wearing this. Not necessarily unique, but very pretty…and how cute is that name?!

Accessories: Dara Ettinger Angelica Ring last seen here.

This is two coats of Mourning Glory, which is a brooding black crème. OPI states: A black is so shiny, it will lift your spirits. I found that the super small brush made using a black polish daunting, as it was so simple to make mistakes. If it weren’t for the brush, this would have been a one coater for me. Nevertheless, I do love how impossibly chic this color is. It makes me think of Kristen Stewart, vampires, and Twilight - so perfect for Halloween!

Accessories: Forever 21 Burnished Oval Ring in Red / Gold.

And the pièce de résistance…the packaging! The bright colors are so incredibly adorable; and I just love the sugar skull. I didn’t try the nail decals myself; but I think they would look so fantastic as an accent nail.
What do you think of OPI's So So Skullicious Halloween 2012 Mini Set 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 So So Skullicious Halloween 2012 Mini Set Collection was sent to me for review; however, all opinions expressed therein are my own.

Age Smart with Dermalogica: Product Review

I rarely use anything but Neutrogena products, because I have super sensitive skin; however, when I won a trio of products from the Dermalogica Age Smart Collection (thanks SkinCareRX!), I thought I would give them a try as they sounded perfect for staving off dry skin, and rehydrating / revitalizing. From my personal experience, these products have done all of the above; and have become some of my new favorites.

♥Age Smart Overnight Repair Serum This is my favorite product of the three – and the one that I will continue purchasing in the future. At night, right after I cleanse my face, I use about 5 drops of this (pressing it into the skin on my face with my ring finger), and then apply moisturizer; and I wake up to beautiful results. I have been using it for a week, and find that it feels incredibly soothing once applied, and is really great for sensitive and/or dry skin. From the first time I used this product, my skin had a more radiant glow to it (and who doesn’t love waking up to a beautiful glow in the morning?!). $60.00.

♥Age Smart Super Rich Repair This is like age reversal in a bottle (even if you, like me, are still in the early twenties category). I found that with a week’s worth of uses of this product, fine laugh lines greatly diminished, and my skin-tone looked brighter and refreshed. This one is great at rehydrating super dry skin – on both the face and hands. NOTE: If you mix in a few drops of the Overnight Repair Serum (mentioned above) you can cut down on an extra nighttime beauty step, and still achieve the same results. $78.00.

♥Age Smart Age Reversal Eye Complex I absolutely love the way this feels on my skin. I’ve only been using it for a week, so I am at the use-every-other-day step; but it is such a refreshing way to start the day. I pat it (using my ring finger) from the outer corner to the inner corner underneath my eye, and have found that it definitely minimizes fine lines, as my undereye concealer has been less likely to crease throughout the day since I began use. My favorite part…it’s non-greasy. The tube is small, but very little is required with each use, so you can see that it will last for awhile. Highly recommended! $78.00.
Do you use anti-aging moisturizing products? Would you try any of these Dermalogica offerings out yourself?




Thanks to Joyce Marie of Beverly Hills for the picture.


FTC Disclosure: These products were sent to me for review, as part of a SkinCareRX giveaway; however, all opinions expressed therein are my own.

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Free People Serpent Trails Tunic Dress in Rattlesnake Combo
♥Frye Veronica Slouch Boots in Black
♥Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag with Silver Hardware in Black
♥Made Her Think Double Wire Chain Ring in Vermeil
♥Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer Melora Necklace in Tan Burgundy
♥House of Harlow 1960 Stone Top Skull Ring in Gold / Labradorite
♥Nicole by OPI Sealed with a Kris from the Kardashian Kolor Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?