365 Style + Beauty Guide: Mint Kiss

From left-to-right.
Refresh your wardrobe for 2013 with a hint of mint that works perfectly for the winter months, seamlessly transitions into the spring season, and serves as a {very} close cousin to Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year – the ever-elegant Emerald.

♥Zoya Neely from the Lovely Spring 2013 Nail Polish Collection
♥Loeffler Randall The Rider Bag in Mint
♥mark Great Angle Earrings
♥Linda Farrow Luxe Python Curved Square Sunglasses in Aloe / Mint Snake
♥Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bag in Mint
♥Marie Turnor Accessories The Lunch Clutch in Pebble Mint
♥Apt. 9 Triangle Stretch Bracelet in Mint Green
♥Xhilaration Round Bracelet Watch in Mint

NOTD: Illamasqua DWS

This is two coats of ILLAMASQUA’s DWS. Cement Grey Creme.

I have an inexplicable obsession with gray nail polishes, but this is my favorite of them all as it is a very light gray, sky leaning shade, as opposed to having dark {i.e. brown} undertones. This is the only ILLAMASQUA color I own thus far, but the formula is incredible – it applies perfectly, giving you a gorgeous smooth, glossy finish. This, to me, is a perfect winter color; but it also works well year-round. If you don’t own a gray shade yet, I definitely have to recommend this one.

Accessories: IndulgentDesigns Sterling Silver Infinity Knot Ring (worn above-the-knuckle) via Etsy.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

The Instagram Diaries

Because a picture is worth a thousand words; and I take quite a few in my day-to-day. Follow me on Instagram @cafefashionista to keep up with my escapades {if you feel so inclined}!

Sick Day Style. Boots, leggings, and a fitted tunic always make me feel fashionable {even when I feel on the verge of collapse}. Also pertinent...hello, pretty fall leaves.

Adding a touch of glamour to the standard lazy Sunday morning with a read of Lauren Conrad Beauty and an always-chic Marc by Marc Jacobs red lipstick pen {truly the flirtiest writing utensil a girl can own}.

Daily Beauty Obsession: E.L.F. Essentials Shimmering Facial Whip. Pro: An affordable luxury {just $1 per tube}. Con: They appear to have discontinued my favorite shade {Citrus}, much to my chagrin.

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Jeunesse Lili Tunic in Snowcap
♥AUDEN Marseilles Necklace in Crystal
♥Christian Louboutin Citoyenne 100 Suede Pumps
♥Roseanna Bones Leather Pants in Disco
♥Low Luv x Erin Wasson Spinning Talisman Necklace in Gold/Silver
♥Citrine By the Stones Wire Ring in Gold
♥JIN SOON Nail Lacquer in Risque
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

Now We Are Four...

♥ Happy, Happy 4th Birthday, Café Fashionista! ♥

"The most important thing in life is your family. There are days you love them, and others you don't, but in the end they're the people you always come home to. Sometimes it's the family you're born into, and sometimes it's the one you make for yourself."
Carrie Bradshaw

That quote applies here, as I have come to think of all of you as members of my {virtual} family. I cannot thank you enough for your continued support, and friendship over the years; it truly means so much to me. Here’s to another year of fierce, fun, and oh-so fabulous fashion {and friends}!





Thanks to Supermodels Online for the picture.

365 Beauty Guide: Into the Nude

From left-to-right.
Highlight your natural beauty with a barely there nude lip that enhances the true color of your pout {without leaving you with a dead-lip look}; while serving as the ideal palette for a sultry smoky eye.

♥SMASHBOX Be Legendary Lipstick in Nylon Nude {my personal favorite}
♥Too Faced La Crème in Naughty Nude
♥NARS Lipstick in Belle de Jour
♥Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE SPF15 - Pure Colour Satiny Radiance in Blond Ingenu
♥GUERLAIN Rouge Automatique in Chant D’Aromes 103
♥EDWARD BESS Ultra Slick Lipstick in Nude Lotus
♥Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Celebutard
♥Dior Rouge Dior Lip Color in Beige Indecise 298

Lauren Conrad Beauty + Style Book Giveaway!

I was in high school when I was first introduced to Lauren ‘LC’ Conrad on MTV’s Laguna Beach. I followed her through the series The Hills; watched her navigate through numerous make-ups and breakups (of both the romantic and friendship variety); accompanied her on her stint at Teen Vogue magazine; devoured her L.A. Candy book series; and, when I heard that she was releasing a style guide {Lauren Conrad Style}, I scooped up a copy on the day of release and spent hours perusing it.

That, of course, was nearly two years ago. More recently, Lauren released Lauren Conrad Beauty, the perfect companion to Style {and an absolute must for your fashion-y book collection}; and now, courtesy of HarperTeen, five {5} of you incredibly lucky ladies have the chance to take home copies of this decadent duo {Lauren Conrad Style et Lauren Conrad Beauty! Even better? More than {40} Methods of Entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck everyone!


This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents and/or Those With a U.S. Address Only.





Thanks to Makeup Savvy for the picture.

Happy {Happy} New Year!

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art - write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself."
Neil Gaiman

♥ Happy New Year, my loves! ♥





Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.

A Golden New Year's Eve

I have yet to enter the realm of adult-esque New Year’s Eve parties requiring full-on sequins {much to my chagrin}; still partaking in celebrations wherein I sneak a few sequins in for good measure {hello sparkly miniskirts paired with slouchy knits, and twinkling tanks coupled with skintight denim!}. That said, it is always nice to dream of such glittering gatherings; and, with the magic of the season still dancing around us, now seems as good a time as any to create a look designed specifically for such a fantastical, golden NYE event – and so I have. Wishing all of you a New Year’s Eve as bubbly as champagne!

♥Parker Cluster Beaded V Neck Dress in Mauve
♥Christian Louboutin Pigalle 100 Patent-Leather Pumps
♥Essie Nail Color in Beyond Cozy
♥Diane von Furstenberg Carolina Lips Metallic Clutch in Platino
♥NARS Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday
♥Mara Carrizo Scalise Elba Knot Ring in Yellow / White Gold
♥MILANI Baked Shadow in Drench in Gold
♥Gorjana Viceroy Bracelet in Gold

NOTD: Top 5 Manis of 2012!

As we are just hours away from 2013, I thought today would be an awesome time to do a little recap of my five favorite manis of 2012. Check out my picks below!

♥ Sally Hansen Lustre Shine in LAVA ♥

{View swatches and more info here}.

♥ Essie MOJITO MADNESS ♥

{View swatches and more info here}.

♥ Julep SASHA ♥

{View swatches and more info here}.

♥ Essie PENNY TALK ♥

{View swatches and more info here}.

♥ China Glaze TRAFFIC JAM ♥

{View swatches and more info here}.

Which 2012 mani was your favorite?

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

Style Guide: Belle de Noir for New Year's Eve...

"That's what we do in New York. We wear black T-shirts, black jeans, and we put on black sunglasses. You can be yourself and be creative in the color. And you can't see any of your imperfections - not that there's anything wrong with being imperfect."
Lady Gaga

Armani Beauty Rouge D'Armani Lipstick - Rouge 401 + Elizabeth and James Jillian Top + Kiki McDonough Citrine & Diamond Stud Earrings + Balenciaga Giant Premier Clutch + Melanie Georgacopoulos White Pearl & Yellow Gold Arlequin Ring + Charlotte Olympia The Dolly Suede Slingbacks

Blame it upon the celebratory ball drop in Times Square at the Stroke of Midnight; but when it comes to New Year's Eve, I always find myself in a New York State of Mind. As such, I can't help but to embrace Lady Gaga's reasoning of New York style {black, black, and more black} for the hours that bridge the present {2012} to the future {2013}. Which is precisely why, out of all of the current trends featured on Matches, I found myself most enamored with the Belle de Noir set; a selection of glamour that juxtaposes the dark-as-night vampiness of blackest black with the bubbling sophistication of gold.

While I love sequins as much as the next girl, there is something incredibly disarming about a drapey top that hangs just so, concealing and revealing in the same breath; especially when coupled with a pair of rebellious, rock & roll-approved leather skinny trousers, and styled alongside teetering suede slingbacks. Toss a pair of twinkling oversized studs, an eye-catching bauble with two-faced capabilities, and a fierce biker babe-esque clutch into the mix; finish off with an essential red lip...et voila! You're ready for anything the New Year may have in mind for you - including a kiss from a handsome stranger as the clock strikes twelve.
What will you be wearing for New Year's Eve, dolls?





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

OOTD: Purple Pop

I take all of my outfit pictures in front of my bedroom mirror using my iPhone; so if you Follow Me On Instagram @cafefashionista it's likely that you see me post style shots to my feed a few times each week. That said, I rarely post personal style here on Cafe Fashionista, as I don't have a photographer at the ready. Today that changes. One of my New Year's Resolutions {I am attempting to make a few this year} is to feature some of my personal style here each month, starting with one of my favorite recent looks, which I have titled...Purple Pop. I hope you like it loves {and see if you can spot my furry photobomber}!

♥Forever 21 Marled Knit Cardigan {old} {similar here}
♥Forever 21 Ribbed V-Neck Tee in Lavender / Lilac {old} {similar here}
♥Forever 21 Whiskered Skinnies in Medium Denim {old} {similar here}
♥Sock Dreams Super-Long Ribbed Leg Warmers in Charcoal {exact}
♥Nine West Magic Boots in Black {old} {similar here}
♥China Glaze Urban Night Nail Polish
Follow me on Instagram @cafefashionista to see more of my Outfits of the Day {OOTD}.

Cafe Fashionista {Style} Inspiration

From left-to-right.
I had so much fun putting together my last Style Inspiration post that I thought now would be a good time to create another {seeing as how we will be bidding adieu to 2012 in a few short days}. Et voila! Here it is. During the winter months, I tend to favor pastel shades {reminiscent of cotton candy and Princess Frostine of Candy Land} mixed with a smattering of deep jewel tones {ranging from jades and emeralds to cobalt’s and teals}; all of which can be seen in the {ultra-glamorous obsession-worthy} pieces that have been inspiring me as of late. Enjoy, my loves!

♥Sole Society Miranda Wedge Bootie in Taupe
♥Noir Jewelry Short Pastel Hacienda Necklace in Pastel Multi
♥mark Fragrance Hits
♥Overture Judith Leiber Megan Cylinder II Clutch in Fuchsia
♥Essie Mint Candy Apple
♥Xhilaration Hi-Low Pullover Sweater in Honey Blush
♥Orly Angel Eyes
♥Loeffler Randall The Mini Rider Bag in Nude
♥Rebecca Minkoff Mabel Strappy Booties in Okra
♥Jules Smith Boho Hoop Earrings in Rose Gold
♥Kate Spade New York Sprinkles Lip Crayons
♥Lauren Conrad Beauty by Lauren Conrad
♥mark Serious Rock Ring
♥BDG Cable Knit Beret
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs Mr. Pickles Bulldog Loafers in Black / White
♥Steve Madden Solid Loopy Knit Snood in Peacock
♥Bing Bang Crystal Shard Ring in Rose Gold
♥FREEBIRD by Steven Mezcal Wraparound Booties in Black
♥Gossip Girl: The Complete Fourth Season
♥mark Cross Over Bag

Charge It, Please!

Adoring:

♥Current / Elliott The Ankle Skinny Jeans in Midnight Tapestry
♥Isabel Marant Franklin Boots in Navy
♥Monrow Double Tissue V in Black
♥MICHAEL Michael Kors Uptown Astor – Medium Crossbody Satchel
♥Jacquie Aiche Double Diamond Waif Ring
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs Baby Dave Watch in Rose Gold
♥Stella McCartney Rounded Cat Eye Sunglasses in Mushroom
♥Belle Noel GlamRock Ring in Rose Water Opal
♥OPI The World Is Not Enough from the Skyfall James Bond Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

Merry {Merry} Christmas!

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly."
Andy Rooney

♥ Merry Christmas, my loves! ♥





Thanks to 5 Inch and Up for the picture.

Christmas 2012 Wishlist!

Horizontally, then from left to right.
When it comes to the holiday season, I am a far better giver than receiver - finding myself on a constant search for the perfect gift for someone or other on my shopping list yet never divulging what I would love to find awaiting my arrival underneath the tree come Christmas morning {apologies to all who have to shop for me, I know it’s quite the chore}. Nevertheless, I do take time to send off a letter to Santa every year {it’s not an activity meant solely for children, mind you}; and construct une petite wishlist featuring my craves and covets for the holiday. Today, in the spirit of Christmas Eve, I am sharing my 2012 Christmas Wishlist with all of you. Here’s to a Happy Christmas Eve, my loves! May it be brimming with hot chocolate, fresh-baked cookies, twinkling fairy lights, roaring fireplaces, and stolen kisses underneath the mistletoe!

♥Stuart Weitzman SPATS in Topo Suede
♥CATBIRD Heart Ring in Yellow Gold
♥SEPHORA COLLECTION Izak Mini Lip Gloss Set
♥Steve Madden Solid Loopy Knit Snood in Magenta
♥MANGO Embellished Shoulders Sweatshirt
♥Fifth Avenue, 5 AM by Sam Wasson
♥Topshop Andie Faux Leather Skater Skirt in Black
What's topping your Christmas 2012 Wishlist?

Holiday Style Guide 2012: After-Christmas Sale Shopping!

While Santa and his crew of reindeer have yet to arrive up on the rooftop bearing gifts {and seeking a snack of fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate, and, not to be forgotten, carrots}; in less than 72-hours, the presents will be unwrapped, we will all be attempting to recover from our food comas, and the hustle and bustle will be back in full-swing as we head out the door to hit the after-holiday sales that beckon to us bright and early year after year. Fatigue may be pushing us in the direction of sweatpants as we converge on half-price LBD’s and DVD’s, but so is not the way of the true fashionista. In the words of Karl Lagerfeld, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants.” Lagerfeld’s wise words in mind, avoid falling prey to unfashionable fodder with a cute, flirty, or luxe look that will keep you looking chic as you shop ‘til you drop!

♥ FLIRTY ♥

♥ BDG Cable Knit Beret in Gray ♥
♥ Tarte Cheek Stain in Blissful ♥
♥ 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Messenger Bag in Black ♥
♥ Apt. 9 Jet Simulated Crystal Dome Stretch Ring ♥
♥ Falke Striggings Knee High Socks in Grey Mix ♥
♥ LC Lauren Conrad Tall Boots ♥
♥ mark Wear With All Dress ♥

♥ CUTE ♥

♥ Free People Songbird Pullover in Natural ♥
♥ Rebecca Minkoff Mini Luscious Hobo with Studs in Sand ♥
♥ TEXTILE Elizabeth and James Debbie Skinny Jeans in Tornado Torn ♥
♥ Stuart Weitzman SPATS in Topo Suede ♥
♥ Diane von Furstenberg Circle Scarf in Starred Clouds / Tree Line ♥
♥ Essie Where’s My Chauffeur? ♥
♥ mark Pro Gloss Hook Up Plumping Lip Shine in Smashing ♥
♥ Kenneth Jay Lane Filigree & Crystal Pendant Necklace in Gold / Crystal ♥

♥ LUXE ♥

♥ Jennifer Lopez Faux-Fur Coat in Black ♥
♥ J Brand 901 Waxed Legging Jeans in Stealth ♥
♥ Jennifer Lopez High Heel Ankle Boots ♥
♥ Fallon Jewelry Jagged Track Bracelet in Gold ♥
♥ ONE by Abaco Jamily Bag in Black / Gold ♥
♥ Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Red ♥
♥ mark Hoop for the Best Earrings ♥
Will you be participating in 2012’s After-Holiday Sales? What will you be wearing?

Holiday Blog Swap with Carrie of Couture Carrie!

Carrie of Couture Carrie was one of the first bloggers I met when I entered the blogosphere nearly four years ago. With history like that, I could not pass up the opportunity to take part in a Holiday Blog Swap with her. We set the swap price at $50.00 {P.S. It is incredible how many amazing things you can find on a $50 budget}, and got to shopping. Check out the goodies Carrie sent me below; and see what I purchased for Carrie here!

♥AVON TRUE COLOR Eyeshadow Quad in Arctic Goddess: The ultimate ice queen / mermaid eyeshadow palette! The shades range from a frosty lilac to a frosty green to an {incredibly awesome!} matte blue {think deep blue sea ocean blue} to a dark matte forest green. Together, they create a beautiful twist on a standard smoky eye; but can also be worn separately for a more subtle beauty look. Love!
♥Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Red Zin: Seriously obsessed with the vampiness of this shade – it’s a rich garnet red that is so holiday perfect. This is definitely my next mani – watch for swatches in January!
♥Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Good to Grape: Super pretty mid-toned purple {that I don’t have a dupe of in my nail polish collection!}. What I love about these polishes is that they are a base coat, color, and top coat {Complete Salon Manicure} in one.
♥IsaDora Eye Shadow Trio in Purple Vain: This palette came at the perfect time! I have been wanting to try a purple shadow {I have green eyes, and purple is said to make my eye color pop}, and this one features three purple tones – Light Lavender, Medium Purple, and Deep Purple. So pretty!
♥Jonathan Adler Gift Enclosures: This is one of the cutest items I have ever received. It is a colorful gift box filled with 15 mini cards that you can include with gifts you give throughout the year {given the fact that the cards are so adorable, I have yet to decide whether I’ll be sharing them or simply keeping them for myself!}.
♥AVON GLAZEWEAR VitaLuscious Lip Gloss in Wine Wellness: Self-professed lip gloss addict here! This one is long-wearing and gives you the perfect balance of color and glossiness. Also pertinent…how perfect is the color name {Wine Wellness} for the holidays?
♥AVON Holiday Sweets Mini Emery Board: I am a total sucker for all of Avon’s holiday-focused beauty products, so I am slightly obsessed with this emery board. The print features a Sugarplum Fairy, Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and a Polar Bear. Cuteness!
So loves...what do you think of my blogger swap goodies? Have you tried any of these products before?

Wardrobe Essentials {and Wishes} for Winter 2012 / 2013!

Horizontally, then from left to right.
As today is the official First Day of Winter, I thought that a tribute to a new season of style was in order – if only to sate the wardrobe wishes of yours truly {and appease Jack Frost}. Thus, I bring you Wardrobe Essentials {and Wishes} for Winter 2012 / 2013! Some I already own {hello Victoria’s Secret, mark, and Maybelline}; others, we all need in our life. No, I am so not joking. Happy, Happy Friday {and Winter}, ladies!

♥Three Floor Field Trip Parka in Khaki
♥Sam Edelman Tucker Boots in Saddle
♥Rebecca Minkoff Skylar Bag in Black
♥Eugenia Kim Jill Slouchy Beanie
♥J. Crew Wool-Angora Snood in Antique White
♥J. Crew Wool-Angora Glittens in Heather Camel
♥Maybelline New York Baby Lips Lip Balm in Peach Kiss
♥mark Hand It Over Super Moisture Hand Cream in Lemon Sugar
♥Juicy Couture Pyramid Watch Strap Bracelet in Amaretto
♥Overture Judith Leiber Danielle Faceted Clutch in Silver / Silver
♥Topshop Knitted Contrast Cable Jumper in Cream
♥Topshop Knitted Wolf Jumper in Tobacco
♥J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jeans in Salem
♥alice + olivia Anika Shearling Booties in Chestnut
♥Madewell Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt in Ferrous Wash
♥mark Alpine Style Sweater
♥The Eternal Leather Banded Pants in Blue
♥Xhilaration Over the Knee Button Socks
♥Victoria’s Secret PINK Flirt Push-Up Bra in Pink Shine Leopard
♥Victoria’s Secret PINK Cheekster Panty in Pink Shine Leopard
♥Rag & Bone Raw Edge Leather Renard Skirt in Black
♥TRASPARENZE Osaka Grey Striped Tights
♥Rag & Bone Renard Brocade Dress
♥Parker Sequin Dress in Grey
♥Sole Society MARGIE Stud Pump in New Ultra Pink

Holiday Style Guide: Magical {Sparkly} Manis

From Left to Right
Deck your fingertips with holiday sparkle via a glittery lacquer that is equal parts seasonal and spectacular!

♥ORLY Devil May Care
♥Deborah Lippmann Cleopatra In New York
♥Zoya Nail Polish Electra
♥butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Rosie Lee
♥JULEP Nail Vernis Barbara
♥SEPHORA by OPI Jewelry Top Coats in Not Your Average Turquoise
♥OPI Goldeneye from the Holiday 2012 James Bond Skyfall Collection
♥nails inc. Nail Jewelry in Piccadilly Arcade