hair: your # 1 fashion accessory

"If your hair is done properly and you have on good shoes, you can get away with anything."
Iris Apfel
Harper's Bazaar, April 2013
Here's the thing about fashion {be it runway shows, September issues, or sky-high billboards in Times Square}...it's not just about the clothes. For me, it's about the clothes, the makeup {you know how I love a good backstage beauty shot}, and the thing that ties it all together - the hair. From blunt bangs at Pucci to delicate headbands and messy bun / sophisticated twist hybrids at Vuitton - the hair is the grand finale; the fabulous finishing touch that takes collections to new heights {and leaves us trolling YouTube incessantly for tutorials}.

If you're currently sporting a pixie or bob, however, all the YouTube videos on the planet won't be able to help you transform your cropped cut into the waist-length tresses of your favorite supermodels, actresses, or celebutantes; but hair extensions, like the ones from besthairbuy.com, can.

BestHairBuy.com specializes in making the hair of your dreams a reality - offering a wide variety of styles, shades, lengths, textures, and celebrity-inspiration to satisfy just about anyone's 'do cravings. I, personally, love long, Rapunzel-like locks; thus, you can check out a few of my favorite extension offerings below:

24 Inch 8pcs Feat Straight Clip In Human Hair Extensions 140g {#60 White Blonde}
{Inspired by one of my favorite dancers...Julianne Hough}

10 Inch - 30 Inch #1 Jet Black Straight Colored Brazilian Remy Hair Weave 100g
{Nicole Scherzinger's hair never fails to be utterly enviable}

26 Inch 100s Wally Straight Nail/U Tip Human Hair Extensions 100g {#27 Strawberry Blonde}
{Legit obsessed with this style – it has a super adorable vibe while still being fiercely flirty}

26 Inch 100s Coiffed Body Wavy Micro Loop Remy Hair Extensions 100g {#1B Natural Black}
{It's very Katerina Petrova of The Vampire Diaries}

Quality Cheap Body Wave Brazilian Virgin Hair Ombre Weave Two Tone Remy Human Hair Extension 100g Color #1B/27
{Truth: I have a slight obsession with ombre tresses}

clip in hair extensions Body Wavy Darkest Brown 7pcs Clip In human Extensions 70g
{...because you literally cannot get cuter than Zooey's locks. Seriously #bangin.}

"Your hair is the ball gown that you never take off."
Jo Robertson
Head of UK & ROI Education, ghd

Have you ever and/or would you ever try hair extensions? Which of these looks would you try for a day {or more}?

xx

{pictures via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

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

{fashion folio} low-key afternoon

Cambridge Satchel 11" Satchel with Magnetic Closures in Red + Topshop Burnout Boxy Tee in Grey + Forever 21 On-The-Edge Studded Cuff in Clear / Gold + MICHAEL Michael Kors Daisy Loafer in Black / Optic White + FORMULA X Translucents in Unforgettable + Rag & Bone Capri Cropped Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans
Colorblock loafers and a schoolboy-esque Satchel {bright color mandatory} add a smart touch to cropped skinny jeans and a boxy burnout tee; while a studded cuff contributes a punk rock vibe. Complete the low-key-meets-sophisticated look with two coats of a sheer cream polish to elongate fingers, and create a clean, covetable mani.

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xx

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the silhouette of summer

Throwback Thursday... style edition! As if the title of Leandra Medine's literary debut Man Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls hadn't tipped you off; the overalls you lived in as a child are having a moment in the fashion world. Slightly sleeker, and quite a bit chic-er than the tomboy-esque pairs you donned on the playground; these have a more grown-up feel - yet still maintain the low-key vibe we know and love them for. Here are 6 of my personal favorites:

Blank Denim Denim Overalls in Roll In The Hay {$108.00}; True Religion Erin Relaxed Overalls in Lost Paradise {$358.00}; MiH Bib & Brace Overalls in Kissing Wash {$199.50}

ONE by BLACK ORCHID Skinny Overalls in Cashmere {$174.00}; Wildfox Chloe Overalls in Memory {$255.00}; Current/Elliott The Ranchhand Overalls in Wanderer Destroy {$348.00}


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xx

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chic luxury lighting

I love home decor - especially when it has an element of elegance. Case in point, European Style Luxury Lighting - like the pretty pieces you can take home with Euro Style Lighting Coupons. They're chic, sophisticated, and even a little futuristic when you take their luxe-meets-quirky aesthetics into consideration. And if technological advancement is on your mind, Maxxima Style Coupons offers LED-everything; so you can score luxury looks while saving energy and cash. Total win / win, right? I know! Here are 5 of my favorite styles:

Clockwise from Top Right: Clear Crystal Chrome 48-Inch-W Luminous Chandelier $899.99 / Possini Euro Honeycomb Chrome with Blown Glass Ceiling Light $169.99 / Vienna Full Spectrum Chrome and Crystal Ball Ceiling Light $199.99 / Opal Glass 37-Inch-W Possini Euro Design Pendant $399.99 / Glass Orbs Contemporary Possini Euro Pendant Chandelier $399.99

Which one are you coveting?

xx

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

{beauty board} cool as a cucumber

Refresh your skin with cucumber-infused products that cool you down, and keep you looking bright {regardless of how high the temps are}!

Clockwise from Top
{1} Olay Fresh Effects {Bright on Schedule!} Eye Awakening Cream - .5 oz {$14.99}

{2} Garnier Clean + Invigorating Daily Scrub, 5 fl oz {$7.99}

{3} Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion {$15.00}

{4} Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask {$45.00}

{5} Yes To Cucumber Gentle Milk Cleanser, 6 fl. oz. {$8.99}

{6} Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes Cucumber And Sage 30 Ct {$5.99}


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xx

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NOTD: Maybelline Color Show in Rose Rapture

Two coats of Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Rose Rapture. Metallic Pink Orchid.

You know how Radiant Orchid is the Pantone Color of the Year? Well...Rose Rapture will basically make your nails uber-trendy for 2014 because it captures the radiant orchid vibe perfectly.

Frosts, shimmers, metallics...we don't get along very well {read: our relationship is very Batman and Joker - not good}; yet somehow, I love Rose Rapture. There's something so romantic and feminine about the blushing shade that you kind of can't help but to swoon.

This is yet another Maybelline Color Show lacquer with a phenom formula. Initially, I thought it might be too thin; however, it reaches full opacity in two coats, and is a dream to work with. It doesn't hurt that the frosty / shimmery finish leaves no discernible brushstrokes behind either.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

xx

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inspo

xx

{pictures via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

what's your summer style?

ROSS never fails to have awesome promotions {especially when moving from one season to the next}; and this summer is already proving to be epic with the ROSS What's Your Summer Style? Promotion being held now through June 27, 2014.

Simply 'Like' the ROSS Facebook Page, then take 5-question What's Your Summer Style? Quiz, and you'll be automatically entered to win a $150.00 ROSS Gift Card! I took the quiz myself and found that my summer style is...social butterfly.

As Social Butterfly, ROSS says...

"You are the hostess with the mostess and summer is your time to shine! This summer you may be excited to try out a new, fresh summer recipe for an outdoor dinner event or create the ultimate summer playlist for a fun soiree."

Adorbs, right?

Now...what's your summer style?

xx

{picture via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: One $25.00 Gift Card was provided to me by ROSS for this Sponsored Post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

moon & sun

Wildfox Moon & Sun Tee

Sometimes I think of the sun and moon as lovers who rarely meet, always chase, and almost always miss one another. But once in awhile, they do catch up, and they kiss, and the world stares in awe of their eclipse.

This tee is the perfect representation of those words, amiright?

xx

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{beauty board} sand storm

Let the beach inspire your beauty bag with sandy shades for
lips, tips, cheeks, and eyes.

Clockwise from Top
{1} NARS Blush in Satellite of Love {$30.00}

{2} Essie Nail Polish in Sandy Beach {$8.50}

{3} DIOR Dior Addict Gloss in 412 Offshore {$29.50}

{4} ESTEE LAUDER Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Surreal Skies {$50.00}

{5} MAKE UP FOR EVER Glitters in Sand 11 {$15.00}

{6} Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Beach Sand {$18.00}

{7} Prestige Cosmetics Skin Loving Minerals Lasting Moisture Lip Gloss in Glistening Sand {$7.49}


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xx

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Ciaté Beach House Collection Review

After the wild success that can only be described as the Ciaté Dolls House Collection, I had to click Add to Cart when I saw the listing for the Ciaté Beach House Collection at Sephora. I mean, the adorable factor that I loved about the Dolls House Collection in summer Beach House form...how could I not?

The Beach House Collection is quintessential summer. While many nail polish companies went the route of neons for 2014; the 4 creme shades and 1 holographic glitter top coat found within this uber-cute collection focus more on bright, beach-inspired hues that will instantly put you in vacay mode. Let's swoon over the swatches...

Palm Tree is a Vibrant Parrot Green Creme. Le sigh...just look at that color. Palm Tree is a unique one. In fact, the only color I have in my personal collection that comes minutely close to this shade is Essie Mojito Madness - and even that can't compete with the brightness of Palm Tree. The formula is perfect - it's even, glossy, and non-streaky - an absolute breeze to work with! This is 2 coats.

Raspberry Collins is a Fuchsia Creme. Raspberry Collins is not a shade that I would normally associate with a summer collection because it leans more berry than bubblegum; but somehow it works here given the pinky undertones. The formula was slightly strange on this one. Not difficult to work with; but you have to apply it very quickly or else it has a tendency to drag. Other than that, the consistency, like the color, is gorgeous! This is 2 coats.

Surfs Up is a Holographic Glitter Top Coat in an Aqua Base. Ooh, this one is so beachy - it completely reminds me of the ocean. Surfs Up is very similar to Ciaté Snow Globe, with the difference being that Surfs Up features an aqua base; whereas Snow Globe has a clear base. The iridescent color shift is very prevalent in this shade - morphing from silver to green to amber to turquoise to blue...with every move of your hand. The holographic flakes don't disperse heavily; but you can build them with more coats to achieve the look you want. Here I'm wearing Surfs Up over Offshore - I love the galaxy nails vibe this combo creates. This is 2 coats.

Beach Bum is a Classic Nude Creme. Can I just say I love {lovelovelove} the name of this shade? It's so unbelievably perfect...I can't even. In case you were wondering; Beach Bum is not a creme version of last season's Ciaté Doll Face {another magical nude shade; but that's where the similarities end}. Beach Bum is a beige nude {very similar to Essie Brooch the Subject} that will easily suit all skintones; and, on some, make for the perfect mannequin hands hue. The formula is great to work with - having amazing consistency; and reaching opacity quickly. This is 2 coats.

Offshore is a Cobalt Blue Creme. Offshore reminds me a bit of Live in the Momentum from the Nicole by OPI x Kellogg’s® Special K® 2014 Trio; however, the latter is a bit darker, while the former reaches opacity in less coats. The formula here was a little quirky. Like with Raspberry Collins, this shade dries very quickly which can lead to drags; but what frustrated me slightly was the inconsistency of the polish. At times it would glide on smoothly; others it would feel lumpy and uneven. The difference seemed to depend on what you did with the brush before application. Applying the shade without wiping excess off first created a smooth finish; wiping excess polish off the brush first and then applying led to an uneven application. Still a gorgey color! This is 1 coat.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Long story short...LOVE. The colors in this collection are just beautiful. The fact that two of the shades {Raspberry Collins and Off Shore} are borderline jewel tones allows them to last through the fall and winter seasons; while Beach Bum is a classic neutral, making it a hue that can make an appearance 365 days a year. The only thing better than the colors is...the formula itself.

The formula does not chip, crack, show tipwear, or peel. Like ever. You can cook. You can clean. You can scrub. Anything and everything. And legit? It stays intact through it all. I went 5, 6 days with each of these polishes; and aside from a little loss of shine, they looked like new {I almost felt bad to remove them}.

The only color I wasn't a huge fan of was Surfs Up; simply because I'm not a glitter top coat fan {which feels like such a villainous thing to admit}.

I highly recommend this collection - especially if you want a quintet of colors that is so much more than your standard summer set. Bonus points, of course, for the adorable Beach House presentation. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there are more House collections to come for the upcoming seasons - perhaps a Haunted House for fall? Or Santa's Workshop or Mr. and Mrs. Claus' House for winter? You can trust that I'll be buying them all!

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xx

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{fashion folio} edgy elegance

Shay Accessories Clip On Full Ear Cuff in Rose Gold + Sam Edelman Okala Pump in Black / Nude Leopard + Gorjana Vista Bracelet in Gold + GUCCI Leather-Trimmed Silk Top + Campbell Ancient Arm Band in Gold + nails inc. The Perfect Nude in Charlotte Street + alice + olivia Box Pleat Leather Skirt in Black + Dolce & Gabbana The Lipgloss Intense Colour Lipgloss in Honey 137
A black halterneck tucked into a pleated leather mini is a flirty pairing made sophisticatedly sexy with the addition of pointy-toe leopard print mid-heels {ankle straps a must}. A full ear cuff lends an edgy vibe; made even stronger with the appearance of an arm cuff {worn just above the elbow} and charming chevron pendant bracelet. Finish with textured, tousled waves, a glossy nude lip, and a nude polish!

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xx

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NOTD: Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Confetti

One coat of Sugar Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in Confetti. Multi-Color Glitter in Clear Base.

Truth: Multi-color glitter polish is something I typically cannot stand. I just don't like the mix of reds, greens, brassy golds...it doesn't jive well for me. Thus, I was apprehensive about Confetti; but I gave it a whirl and fell. in love. Why? Confetti is a multi-color glitter rooted in pinks, fuchsias, and blues...no red, green, or gold glitter flecks to speak of; therefore, it was {very} easy to love.

Here I am wearing Confetti over Ciaté Fit For A Queen {a Metallic Silver}, which I feel is such a killer combination - very New Year's Eve. Confetti is fab if you like a no-muss-no-fuss glitter, as it dispenses the perfect amount of glitter in each brushstroke {completely even, I might add}; minimizing the need for additional coats. Highly recommended if you want something fun or celebratory for your fingertips!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

xx

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FTC Disclosure: I received SUGAR's Nail Frosting Glitter Nail Polish in I Want S'More from Sugar Brand in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

summer sets

7 stellar beauty sets made with summer in mind!

BENEFIT COSMETICS Go TropiCORAL Lip & Cheek Kit {$28.00}

Ciaté Shell Manicure in Wish Upon a Starfish {$25.00}

LAURA GELLER BEAUTY Summer in Capri Collection {$39.00}

SEPHORA COLLECTION Escape To Rio Getaway Essentials Kit {$29.00}

TOO FACED Pardon My French Set {$49.00}

LORAC Back to Bronze Collection {$36.00}

SEPHORA FAVORITES Summerstash {$45.00}

Which collection are you coveting?


SHOP THE POST

xx

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links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {june 12, 2014 edition}

Image is Everything?

You could say that in fashion and beauty, "Image is everything." But is it really? Would you photoshop your images to look more model-like? If so, what's the difference between that and say, coloring your hair? Or wearing shapewear? Where does that line exist between getting a little help and "fabricating reality." This week we have some excellent posts, both on improving your looks with great beauty hacks and on where you can go too far when it comes to presenting your best face online.

Links à la Mode: June 12th

• A Glamourous Revelation: Why I Hate Your Blog
• Attire Club: The Best Men's Looks at the Tony Awards
• A Vintage Covered: Interview with Mlle Epaulette
• Butterfly Parkway: Bringing Sexy Back + 5 Tips on How to Keep It Classy
• Breakfast at Vogue: How To: Vampy Lip
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Beauty Board: Dewy Like Karlie Kloss
• Confessions of a Style Cookie: Palm Trees & Sparkling Seas
• Les Assorties: Fashion Rules Redefined
• Look Sharp Sconnie: To Bloggers Who Severely Edit Their Photos
• Maggiecal Life: What is Scandinavian Style?
• Oh That's Nik: Summer Trend: 5 Jelly Sandals Under $50
• Save Spend Splurge: 10 Ways to Keep Your Closet & Wardrobe Organized
• Style Sizzle: 3 Beauty Products that Seem Like a Good Idea, But Aren't
• Style Through Her Eyes: Comments: Why They Need to Stay
• Style Vanity: 20 Hacks for Doing Your Nails
• The Daily Luxe: The Look: Unwedding Dress
• The Rivaux: DIY Rose Eau de Toilette
• This is Simply Me: My Favorite Lippies
• We Are Ready Made: In the Mood for Fashion Ad Campaigns
• Wild Beauty World: Beauty Shops in NYC Chinatown

SPONSOR: Shopbop Kaanas, Reverse, Vacance, Noble Denim, Volley Australia, Patricia Bonaldi, Il Bussetto, Owen Fred, Kors Watches, Randall bags & Futbol Tees

Want to be featured in Links à la Mode?

1. Read the clarified rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode.
2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code.

xx

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kiwi...

re:named Lace Off Shoulder Top in Kiwi {also available in Cream}

Crushing on this cutie. Is it just me, or would it not look utterly adorbs paired with cowgirl boots?

xx

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{fashion folio} simply sporty

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in 01 Black + Topshop Knitted Boxy Stepped Hem Cardi in Grey Marl + VS Collection Mid-heel T-strap Sandal in Black + BECCA Beach Tint Shimmer Soufflé in Guava / Moonstone + Topshop Viscose V Crop Vest in White + Topshop Tile Print Runner Shorts in Blue + Luv Aj The Petite Band Ring Set in Antique Nickel + Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish + Marc by Marc Jacobs Trompe l'Oeil Toggles & Turnlocks ID Tag Necklace in Argento
Printed track shorts and a basic scoopneck tank get a sophisticated, girls' night out-apropos makeover with the addition of an open cardi and t-strap sandals {the mid-heel is comfy + cute!}. Lengthening mascara and an air-whipped soufflé blush create lush, look-at-me lashes and a perfect flush; while a tacky, thickening spray adds texture and volume to limp locks {ideal for perfecting beachy waves}. A stack of thin rings is subtly edgy; an ID tag necklace a touch street.

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xx

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{beauty board} rosy cheeks

Innocence was all the rage on the fall 2013 runways; but it's a beauty trend that has carried over to winter, spring, and now...summer. While not as beach babe as an all-over sunkiss; a dewy pink built upon the cheekbones to become strikingly sweet {read: bright}, is an ultra-feminine way to let your girly side shine through. Bonus: it creates a doll-like vibe on all skintones.

ONE: PERRICONE MD NO BLUSH BLUSH {$35.00} TWO: BECCA in LYCHEE {$25.00} THREE: MAYBELLINE in FRESH PINK {$7.99} FOUR: NARS in GAIETY {$30.00} FIVE: JOSIE MARAN in PINK ESCAPE {$22.00}

For a fit-for-me-flush, you can't go wrong with PERRICONE MD's No Blush Blush. The revolutionary formula self-adjusts to create the type of natural flush you remember from youth; plus it contains 30 SPF so no need to worry about sun damage! The hot pink hue of BECCA's Beach Tint in Lychee may look intimidating; but it is one of my personal favorite products for achieving the perfect rosy cheek. The creme stain is easy to blend, and always leaves you with a streak-free finish that looks completely natural - never fake. Bonus points for acting as a lip stain!

MAYBELLINE's Dream Bouncy Blush in Fresh Pink gives you a fresh flush. Period. This is an awesome option if you're unsure whether to go for a powder blush or a cream blush. The formula is basically a gel hybrid of the two that is lightweight {like a powder}; while being buildable, blendable, and oh so natural {like a creme}.

If a powder blush is your must, you will adore NARS' Blush in Gaiety. The bright candy pink color is INTENSE in the pan; but, miraculously, looks utterly amazing on the face - so perfect for nailing this demure beauty look. I love a beauty product that hydrates skin, as opposed to drying it out; thus the reason I'm devoted {and highly, highly recommend}JOSIE MARAN's Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee in Pink Escape. Infused with 50% coconut water; this is cool to the touch, and acts as a gel stain / cream blush hybrid that delivers a vivid flush. Also pertinent - the 14-hour wear-time makes it brilliant for beach days!

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xx

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