recycle your tights with No Nonsense for America Recycles Day!

Today is America Recycles Day, and No Nonsense wants to help you reduce your carbon footprint by recycling your tights!

"No nonsense, who offer a stylish array of tights, leggings and socks, have the perfect program for readers looking to make a change in their carbon footprint – by recycling your tights!

"Used pantyhose (and even tights) can be turned into things such as running tracks, park benches, vehicle insulation, playground equipment and toys. Simply visit No Nonsense Pantyhose Recycling Program to download a mailing label, box up your used tights, pantyhose and nylon knee highs (they will accept all brands), and bring them to your nearest shipping location. No nonsense collects them and sends everything to a recycling facility."
Will you be recycling your pantyhose and tights for America Recycles Day?


xx

Thanks to No Nonsense for Sponsoring this post!

mark Nail This Look Nail Lacquer and Bracelet-Ring Set Review

I have been loving the mark Nail This Look Nail Lacquer Sets this year, as they always include two seriously on-trend nail lacquers + an accessory that corresponds perfectly with the designated colors of the season. So I am super excited that mark released the Nail This Look Nail Lacquer and Bracelet-Ring Set for fall, as it not only makes the ideal almost-Christmas present for yourself; but also works fabulously for holiday gifting!

Plumsation {left} and Shady Lady {right} are the dark and decadent shades you'll find in this duo. They are insanely high-gloss whether you use top coat or not {I have used Formula X Shine Top Coat for these swatches} - always a good thing. Plus, the Bracelet-Ring accessory is very Bollywood-esque high-glam {think Britney during her I'm A Slave for You days}.

Plumsation is a Plum Crelly. If you love the look of black nail shades but want something slightly more subdued, Plumsation is amaze! It has all of the storminess of your standard noir hue; but the red / plum undertones make it a little more mainstream and feminine. The formula was great on this one - very easy to work with; and the fact that it's a creme / jelly hybrid gives it that yummy squishy look. This is 2 coats.

Shady Lady is a Charcoal Gray Creme. Out of the duo here, Shady Lady wound up being my favorite. I love how chic yet minimalist it looks on the nail. The formula here is flawless - it's self-leveling; and almost a one-coater {with thicker coats you could definitely achieve full opacity in one coat}. This is 2 coats.

What do you think of this duo?


xx

Thanks to mark for Sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
This week's inspiration board is crisp, clean, and laced with vamp. Happy Thursday!

SHOP THE POST

xx

{beauty board} bare like kate

Kate Moss has such an iconic beauty look that seemingly hasn't changed since the 90s {proof that routine can sometimes be a good thing, yes?}. The killer cheeks. The plush, pillowy pinky lips. The smoldering, smudged cat eyes. It's a timeless, undoubtedly sexy look that is actually very simple to master - and perfect if you're a fan of No-Makeup Makeup. Here are 7 of my top makeup picks to score bare like kate beauty!

Clockwise from Top
{1} SUGAR sugar-licious Sugar Lip Scrub {$10.00}

{2} Rimmel Stay Glossy 3D Lip Gloss in Popcorn for 2 {$3.99}

{3} L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black {$8.99}

{4} Tarte Tres Chic Park Ave Princess Contour Palette {$34.00}

{5} Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Nude {$4.49}

{6} SEPHORA COLLECTION Eyelash Curler in Amethyst {$17.00}

{7} SEPHORA COLLECTION Nano Lip Liner in 05 Native Nude {$5.00}


SHOP THE POST

xx

Thanks to Sugar and Rimmel for Sponsoring this post!

{fashion folio} chic + cozy afternoon

Sweater: Tory Burch Gretchen Fine and Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater | Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Washed Up Mini Nash Bag in Black Multi | Earrings: AUDEN Lana Clip-On Earrings in Pearl / Gold | Boots: Dolce Vita 'Nikka' Over the Knee Leather Boot in Black | Hat: Sole Society Wool Panama with Buckle Band in Black | Jeans: Acne Studios Pin High-Rise Skinny Jeans | Lipstick: MAC Lipstick in Diva
A chunky knit cable-collar and cuffs give the standard fine knit sweater a chic, unexpected update; while sleek, leg-hugging leather over the knee boots add high-fashion flair to basic black skinnies. Pearl earrings are a touch ladylike; a wool, floppy hat bohemian. Slick on a vampy, oxblood lipstick to play up the dark tones of today's look du jour; slipping on a black, pebbled leather crossbody to keep your essentials close at hand.

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xx

NOTD: Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in Punk Rock Pink

One coat of Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in Punk Rock Pink. Gold Micro-Shimmer and Small Hexagonal Holographic Pieces in a Sheer Pink / Peach Base.

If you only want to buy one glitter shade for the holidays, Punk Rock Pink should be on your radar, as the shade looks completely different depending upon what base color you use underneath {here I'm using it over mark's Plumsation}.

This color is epic. The glitter dispenses so incredibly, that you only need one coat to score glittery goodness.

For the record, this is one of those office-apropos glitter shades, as it looks like a very subtle shimmer indoors then goes all holo amazingness in direct sunlight. Such a killer color for the holidays!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

the 24/7 tunic

Riller & Fount Kevin Long Sleeved V Neck Tunic in Stud {left} or Pebble {right}.

Love the versatility of this piece - layer it over leather skinnies for a day of shopping; or pair it with bare legs and teetering heels for a night out.

xx

the little black {chiffon} dress...

If we learned anything from Holly Golightly {aka Audrey Hepburn} in the iconic film Breakfast At Tiffany's, it's that a girl always has something to wear if she has at least one little black dress hanging in her closet {though I highly recommend owning no less than 5, as they work for any occasion}. It's a timeless staple brimming with elegance and sophistication; yet retains a modern touch that makes it a necessity in the wardrobe of even the non-dress wearing gal. One of my favorite places for finding pretty pieces in the LBD category? RoseGal.

The prices are affordable {50% off all. the. time.}; with the bonus of free shipping worldwide {natch!} - and, at the moment, an extra 8% off when you use the Coupon Code joeyCgil. Though there are loads to choose from {all of which would be amazing selections for the coming holidays}; here are just a few of my favorite RoseGal LBD's!

Slit Sleeve Design V-Neck Solid Color Arc-Shaped Hem Women's Dress {$22.18}
{The drapey fit makes it extra charming.}

Stylish Round Neck Lace Splicing Hollow Out Short Sleeve Chiffon Dress For Women {$15.64}
{The short sleeves give it a whimsical, childlike innocence.}

Alluring Spaghetti Strap Backless Pleated Black Chiffon Dress For Women {$19.88}
{A backless aesthetic never fails to be ultra sexy - perfect for a night out dancing!}

Stylish Scoop Collar Color Matching Lace Chiffon Splicing Long Sleeves Women's Dress {$21.51}
{Literally swooning over the long lace sleeves - they're so romantic. Not to mention perfect for the chillier months!}

Stylish V-Neck Long Sleeve Hollow Out Chiffon Dress For Women {$12.43}
{This would look amazing paired with black opaque tights and chunky heels for a night out with the girls!}
Don't forget to use Coupon Code joeyCgil for 8% Off all orders!

Which one are you coveting?


xx

Thanks to RoseGal for Sponsoring this post!{pictures via}

the great holiday blog swap!

Regardless of what winter holiday you celebrate, I hope that you will take part in Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans' The Great Holiday Blog Swap, which pairs 2 bloggers from the United States with one another to act as a Secret Santa of sorts.

Each blogger will select and send winter-inspired gifts to the person they are paired with, and then we can all blog about our holiday swap experience - sharing pictures/descriptions of the items we received.

The spending amount for this swap is $25.00 for each person {to be fair, please do not go over or under this amount}. Some swap gift ideas include:

* A Scarf
* Hot Chocolate
* An Ornament
* A Holiday Film
* Winter-Inspired Nail Polish
* A Holiday Novel

Anything that makes you think of the holidays and the winter season!
TO JOIN THE SWAP:

1} Add your Blog Link to the InLinkz Widget at the bottom of this post {by clicking Add Your Link} so that other bloggers can see who is participating.

2} E-mail me @cafefashionista@yahoo.com {subject heading: holiday blog swap} with your mailing address and e-mail address. This information will only be shared with your swap partner.

3} Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address.


RULES:

1} Must have a U.S. mailing address.

2} Must agree to the spending amount of $25.00.

3} Must mail your swap package no later than Monday, December 15, 2014.

Sign-ups for The Great Holiday Blog Swap will close on Sunday, November 23, 2014, and everyone should receive their swap partner info the week of Thanksgiving - so please sign-up ASAP if you're interested in participating.

An InLinkz Link-up

I hope that you will all consider participating in this Blog Swap! If you have any questions, please e-mail them to me @cafefashionista@yahoo.com, or Post them in the comments section!

xx

shades of maleficent {e.l.f. disney villains 12 piece nail polish collection review}

Last Christmas I received the e.l.f. Disney Villains 12 Piece Nail Polish Collection, and...I am only just now giving the shades a whirl. I know, I know; but better late than never! The collection features 12 shades {3 individual colors for 4 different Disney Villains - Maleficent, Evil Queen, Ursula, and Cruella De Vil}. Given the recent popularity of Maleficent, I thought I'd start with her trio...

clockwise from top right: Gina Girl; Mod Mauve; Bubble Gum Pink

Bubble Gum Pink is a Dusty Rose Creme. Pinks aren't usually my thing; but I love that this one leans towards the dusty / muted side as it makes it perfectperfect for fall. The formula on this was lush - so creamy, so simple to apply; and, of course, so gorgeous to look at! This is 2 coats.

Mod Mauve is a Mauve Creme. I have all of 0 colors like this in my stash, so this one's a total win for me! The color is very multifaceted - sometimes it looks brown, other times it takes on a purple tone; and, occasionally, it appears gray. As I said...a chameleon. The formula here was identical to Bubble Gum Pink - in other words...flawless. This is 2 coats.

Gina Girl is a Glitter Bomb Jelly. This! This right here may be one of my favorite polishes of. the. year. It also served as my Halloween mani because it has such a strong Hocus Pocus vibe. The base here is a dark grape that is full of orange, red, and purple hexagonal glitter and green, purple, red, and green micro-glitter - absolutely stunning...and so unique! The formula was amazing here...no dabbing to get the glittery look was required; simply swipe and go! This is 3 coats.

OVERALL: This is my first time ever trying e.l.f. polish, and I am so impressed with the quality - especially for $2.00 a bottle! The formula is absolutely flawless for this entire trio; but my heart still belongs to Gina Girl. Seriously...it is a must have shade for any polish collection. Highly, highly recommended!

AVAILABILITY: This particular set was a 2013 Limited Edition; however, you can buy the bottles individually for $2.00 each here.

xx

{fashion folio} november cozy

Lipstick: L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour in Tickled Pink | Sweater: Helmut Lang Angora-Blend Turtleneck Sweater | Boots: UGG Carter in Chestnut | Sunglasses: Forever 21 Sleek Cat-Eye Sunglasses in Brown / Brown | Earrings: BaubleBar Pearl 360 Studs in Blush | Nail Polish: ULTA Holiday Limited Edition Salon Nail Lacquer in Berry Busy | Jeans: MOTO Authentic Ripped Skinny Jeans in Stone | Ring: Elizabeth and James Constance Ring
UGG boots and an oversize cream knit add a cozy touch to distressed skinnies; while a powerful pale pink pout, pearl double-sided studs, and a sparkling ring contribute subtle glam-meets-feminine touches. To finish, add a rich berry polish to fingertips; slipping on a pair of oversize tortoiseshell sunnies to capture that Old Hollywood vibe.

SHOP THE POST

xx

november crush list!

1. printed scarves Scarves are one of my favorite ways to accessorize for the fall + winter months; but this year I'm especially loving printed scarves for their personality. My two faves are Forever 21's Tribal-Inspired Scarf, and Southwestern-Patterned Fringe Scarf - the latter of which is reminiscent of the totally swoon-worthy Burberry Colour Block Check Blanket Poncho, amiright?

2. autumnal accessories Fall is the. best. season. Period. As such, I am seriously digging what I've termed autumnal accessories - pretty pieces that serve as an homage to autumn leaves and, subsequently, nature. My top picks are Sole Society's Metal Branch Earrings, and Crystal Leaf Earring; and Forever 21's Rhinestone Leaf Earcuff Set. Tell me you're coveting!

3. chunky knits Oversize, chunky sweaters are my jam when the temperatures drop - they pair perfectly with my uniform of skinny jeans and boots; plus, they are every bit as comfy as they are chic {total win}! I'm currently adoring Pam & Gela's Sweep Turtleneck Sweater, and Free People's Complex Cable Pullover {obsessed with the color!}.

4. peace love shea x steve madden I'm a sucker for blogger collabs; but my favorite yet may just be the one starring Peace Love Shea x Steve Madden. Shea has such incredible style; and that has completely carried over to her shoe line. Two of my favorite styles are the Tvenice Open Toe Boot in Blue Velvet {these would be amazing for holiday parties!} and the Tstudio Snake Embossed Leather Bootie.

5. vampy lips I covered scarlet lips in a beauty board feature a few weeks back; but now that it's finally beginning to feel like fall in SoCal, my love for the look has grown even more. The current front-runners on my crush list are Kat Von D's Studded Kiss Lipstick in VAMPIRA, Bobbi Brown's Lip Color in Black Raspberry {I love how it has a bit of a brown undertone - very 90s throwback}, and Bite Beauty's Cashmere Lip Cream in Bordeaux. So sassy, yes?

What's on your November Crush List?


SHOP THE POST

xx

NOTD: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Blue My Mind

Two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Blue My Mind. Electric Blue Shimmer.

Look. At. That. Glow. Just look at it! Le sigh...

The brilliance of this polish is just indescribable. Though I'm not usually a fan of shimmer shades, I couldn't resist Blue My Mind - the bright, electrifying color is an absolute show-stopper; and would be perfect for summer or winter festivities.

Flawless formula. Smooth, fuss-free, and it never tries to fill your cuticles. Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of Sally Hansen brushes; but, they offer so many chic colors that I simply must-have, that I've decided to just get used to them.

I highly, highly, highly recommend this one for Winter / New Year's!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

my top november 2014 sole society picks!

I love Sole Society year-round; but come fall I'm kind of like...all I want is everything! Today I'm highlighting my Top Sole Society Picks for November 2014 - all of which are downright fashionable + functional!

boots

NESSIE in Rhino Grey| Vince Camuto FENTON in Russet

hats

Chunky Mixed Knit Beanie w/ Pom in Wine | Slouchy Ombre Beanie in Navy Combo

scarves

Wool Plaid Scarf in Tan | Textured Plaid Scarf in Red Combo | Exotic Print Scarf in Berry Combo

bags

KIMBERLY in Eggplant | CHANTEL in Cream Grey
Any favorites?


SHOP THE POST

xx

model. off. duty.

xx{pictures via}

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!

SHOP THE POST

xx

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