Mary Jo Matsumoto Brings Fall to Your Fingertips!

“Nail lacquer is the ultimate affordable accessory. It can complement your clothing and change your entire look!”
Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, EVP and Artistic Director, OPI

As you may remember from my post back in December of 2011, I am a HUGE fan of Mary Jo Matsumoto’s 4FREE Nail Polishes, so I am super excited to announce her Fall 2012 Collections – the Caffeine Addiction Trio and the Laguna Libertine Trio; both of which I feel were created for me because one pays tribute to all things caffeinated (hello, Café Fashionista!), and the other features a color (Wilde Blue Yonder) that pays homage to one of my favorite people in history – Oscar Wilde!

Caffeine Addiction features three seriously fall-hued colors – Vanilla Latte Gratification (a taupe shimmer), Coffee Addiction (a soft caramel color), and Mood-Altering Mocha (a dark chocolate shade); while Laguna Libertine is a bit brighter, and perfect for the summer-to-fall transition featuring Wilde Blue Yonder (a royal / cobalt blue with subtle shimmer throughout), Bon Mots (an effervescent gold metallic), and Scandalous Lover (a brown-based vampy red). Both Trios retail for $36.00.

Out of the six colors, I think my personal favorites are Coffee Addiction, Vanilla Latte Gratification, Mood-Altering Mocha, and Bon Mots. Vanilla Latte Gratification and Bon Mots would work perfectly as accent nails (usually the ring finger) against darker-hued manis – I’d love to see (or try!) a Coffee Addiction manicure using Vanilla Latte Gratification as an accent nail. I also think that Bon Mots would look stunning as a Reverse French Mani with either Mood-Altering Mocha or Scandalous Lover (i.e. using Bon Mots for the tips of each fingernail, and one of the darker shades for the nail beds).

As you can probably tell from my NOTD posts, I use a TON of different nail polish brands - from high-end to drugstore offerings. From my experience, the formula for Mary Jo Matsumoto's lacquer collections is comparable to Essie and OPI; and is incredibly long-lasting, and usually opaque in just one coat - thus the reason why it is one of my favorite brands.

What shades do you love from the Caffeine Addiction and Laguna Libertine Trios? Are there any polish combinations you’d like to try using these colors?





Thanks to Mary Jo Matsumoto for the pictures.

Shop Moderne $50.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you that Café Fashionista had an awesome Giveaway coming up with Shop Moderne? Well…today is the big day!

Café Fashionista has teamed up with the glamorous Shop Moderne to bring one (1) lucky Café Fashionista reader a $50.00 Gift Certificate good towards anything on the site – from Wildfox Couture and MINKPINK to Lovers + Friends and Show Me your Mumu; and more than 50 ENTRY opportunities to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to Everyone - U.S. and International Residents!

365 Beauty Guide: Metallic Manis

Add a touch of heavy metal to your makeup look with a mesmerizing (and tres chic!) metallic mani!

♥nails inc. LONDON The Metallics Collection – Horse Guard’s Parade, Wembley, and Greenwich Park
♥Le Metier de Beaute Fall / Winter Mini Nail Lacquer – Dynasty, Anatolia, Silk Road, and Urban Dweller
♥NARS Nail Polish Diamond Life from the Spring 2012 Collection
♥Deborah Lippmann Mermaid’s Dream
♥Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer Gold Haze
♥NARS Nail Polish Kismet
♥Zoya Nail Polish Daul from the NYFW Diva Collection Fall / Winter 2012
♥China Glaze Emotion from the Romantique Collection
♥American Apparel Metallic Nail Polish in Bronze Dash
♥Essie Mirror Metallics Collection 2012 – Blue Rhapsody, Good As Gold, Penny Talk, Nothing Else Metals, and No Place Like Chrome

Charge It, Please!

Loving:

♥ALICE by Temperley Mini Blake Dress in Ivory
♥ALICE by Temperley Blake Jacket in Black
♥Sergio Rossi Byzance Studded Heel Single Sole Pump in Mais
♥Cleobella Bahati Clutch in Sangria
♥Dara Ettinger Charlie Ring in Turquoise
♥Zoya Gloss NYFW Fall 2012 Nail Polish Collection – Katherine, Paloma, and Frida
Over to you, lovers; what pretties have left you with the desire to shout "Charge it please!"?

NOTD: ORLY Frolic

Manicure: ORLY Frolic from the Happy Go Lucky Collection. Electric / neon purple with pink / fuchsia undertones.

How To: For this manicure I used one coat of Essie's First Base Coat for adhesion; one coat of ORLY Frolic; and one coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

Notes: Frolic is one of those rare colors that is fully opaque in one coat - which, for me, is a first. A few weeks back I reviewed ORLY's Fancy Fuchsia, which I loved; but I far preferred the formula of Frolic over that.

Frolic has a thick formula, but it is super simple to work with; and stays put from the moment you place it on your nails. Sometimes I encounter polishes that run after you’ve applied them, which require a lot of clean-up afterwards – Frolic is not one of those. This one is perfect from the moment you put it on. I see Frolic as more of an electric than a neon color; however, it has neon qualities in that it does dry with a satin finish, so you definitely have to use a top coat for shine. Once you do apply topcoat though, this is literally one of the shiniest, most vibrant colors you will ever see.

Ordinarily I am not a huge fan of purple polishes, but this one has made it into my Top Ten Polishes of All Time - it is seriously that gorgeous. As a side note, this shade looks so pretty with just about any color it is paired with – I especially love how it looks with green.

Accessories: Dara Ettinger Chelsea Ring in Green.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Pumped Up Protection

As those of you who are frequent visitors to Café Fashionista probably already know, I am a self-professed shoe addict. Shoes are the one area of fashion that I will willingly (and happily!) spend more money, as I am a firm believer in the fact that shoes make the outfit; thus, you can imagine how devastating it is to see obvious wear on the soles of new shoes – be them pumps or wedges – after just a few spins around town. Resoling can be an expensive (and sometimes harrowing) process; so I was super excited to discover Protect Your Pumps.

Protect Your Pumps is a non-slip transparent adhesive that you place on the bottom of your shoes, which protects the soles, making them look brand new, and unworn. One pair costs $8.00, and can last up to 8 wears; while three pairs cost $20.00. The picture below shows a pair of pumps that were worn three times – the left illustrates the shoe that was protected with Protect Your Pumps, the right illustrates an unprotected shoe.

As someone who has experienced a strong look of wear and tear on the bottom of her shoes after just a handful of wears, I think that these are such a clever idea, and truly an invaluable accessory for fashionistas – especially shoe lovers. Plus, they make really adorable bridesmaid gifts, or stocking stuffers, as they come in super cute drawstring pouches.

And a little treat…Starting today, all Café Fashionista readers can receive 15% OFF their Protect Your Pumps order by using the CODE CAFÉ.
What do you think of Protect Your Pumps?

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Haute Hippie Haute Hoodie Pintuck Dress in Tea Green
♥Rebecca Taylor Skylar Glitter Pumps in Multi
♥Rebecca Minkoff shoulder bags Python Wallet on a Chain in Yellow
♥Adina Mills Design Pyrite Pinky Ring in Pyrite
♥ginette_ny Fool’s Gold Medium Bead Ring in Gold / Pyrite
♥DANNIJO Annabelle Necklace in Oxidized Silver
♥OPI Bling Dynasty from the Hong Kong Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

For the Boys: Find Your Personal Style

--Philip J Reed on behalf of Stetson

Wearing what magazines tell you to wear may be fashion, but it has little to do with style. Style is a personal matter. It's how Johnny Depp can get away with pairing wing-tip shoes and a fedora hat with a vintage 1970s white jacket that Elvis would have coveted. Fashion may substitute for style, but it isn't synonymous; find your personal style, and you'll never again have to hear, "You're wearing that?"

Start with a realistic assessment of your physique. How you're shaped determines what works on you, and wearing what works is key to developing a great sense of personal style. Dress for the body you have rather than the body you wish you had. Horizontal elements broaden and shorten; vertical elements lengthen and narrow. No matter how much you may love them, a broad-brimmed hat will make you look like one of the dancing toadstools in Fantasia if you're short because that brim draws a strong horizontal line. If you're barrel-shaped, go with vertical stripes to lengthen your torso visually.

No matter how you're shaped, fit and proportion can make or break your look. David Byrne and David Bowie are the only two men in history known to be able to rock an oversized suit without looking comical, and even they haven't tried it in the past couple of decades. If you love the look of roomy clothing, pair one big statement piece like a jacket with emphatic shoulders or slouchy pants with more closely tailored clothes. The same philosophy applies at the other end of the spectrum; skinny jeans and close-fitting jackets look best when they're set off with something not quite so tight.

Once you have a feel for what looks good on you, fit those style elements into a framework that appeals to you. What styles strike a chord with you? Do you wish that waistcoats and spats had never gone out of fashion, or do you envy Richard Roundtree's wardrobe in the original version of Shaft? Copying another look or era exactly is a costume rather than a style, but you can and should use the looks you're drawn to as inspiration. You don't have to go full steampunk and don a monocle and top hat, but you can accessorize a suit with a vest and a pocket watch. If you love hip-hop style, mix baggy, low-slung jeans with a lean white turtleneck or t-shirt.

Great style transcends fashion. It doesn't matter if fashion icons call snapback caps the next big thing if a fedora hat suits your sense of personal style. Wear what's right for you and set next year's trends.





Thanks to Exec Digital and People for the pictures.


FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post that was provided by Stetson.

Charge It, Please!

Loving:

♥Talulah Down Lovers Lane Dress in Aztec
♥Diane von Furstenberg Yvonne High Heel Boots in Honey
♥Dara Ettinger Elyssa Bracelet in Green
♥Mania Mania Limited Edition Dree Eternal Ring in Brass / Turquoise
♥Tory Burch Twin Logo Bangles
♥OPI Planks A Lot from the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Collection
♥OPI Jade is the New Black
Over to you, lovers; what pretties have left you with the desire to shout "Charge it please!"?

Shop Suey Boutique Alex Satchel Giveaway

Kristin Cavallari, Dakota Fanning, Rihanna, Mary-Kate Olsen, Miranda Kerr, Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff, Kate Bosworth, Ashley Tisdale…there is a virtual laundry list of glamorous celebrities who have been seen toting Alexander Wang’s iconic Rocco Duffel (a studded leather beauty that retails for $875.00) all over the world; and now YOU can add the next best thing to your fall style and back-to-school wardrobe – the Alex Satchel in Black (Retail Value: $68.00)!

Yes, yes, yes, my loves! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Shop Suey Boutique, my absolute favorite one-stop shop for designer-inspired accessories and handbags (as seen in InStyle, People StyleWatch, Woman’s World, and Glamour), to bring one (1) style-savvy fashionista the Rocco-inspired Alex Satchel in Black – and 37 entry opportunities to do so!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Readers only!





Thanks to Shop Suey Boutique for the picture.

365 Style Guide: Precious Metals

Metallicize your life with a shimmering new neutral that seamlessly works with your current wardrobe; whilst adding a subtle kiss of sparkle to your style!

♥Just Cavalli Metallic Skinny Jeans
♥Current/Elliott The Coated Stiletto Jeans in Silver Coated Foil
♥Current/Elliott The Coated Stiletto Jeans in Bronze Coated
♥BLEULAB Skinny Leg Jean
♥Rag & Bone/JEAN The Legging Jeans in Champagne Metallic
♥Rag & Bone/JEAN The Legging Jeans in Rose Metallic
♥SuperTrash Peppy Pants in Rose Gold
♥SuperTrash Peppy Pants in Gold Dust

NOTD: MILANI Dress Maker

Manicure: MILANI Nail Lacquer in Dress Maker. Mint Green Shimmer with a name that serves as the perfect nod to Coco Chanel.

DUPE ALERT! Remember during Fall 2009 when Chanel debuted Chanel Jade Le Vernis Nail Polish on the runways? The color sold out everywhere, and was literally being sold on eBay for more than $200.00 a bottle (despite the fact that it originally retailed at $25.00)! If you didn’t manage to score a bottle of the coveted polish, you’re in luck…MILANI Nail Lacquer in Dress Maker is basically an exact dupe – and it’s just $4.49 a bottle!

How To: For this manicure I used one coat of Essie's First Base Coat for adhesion; three coats of MILANI Nail Lacquer’s Dress Maker; and one coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

Notes: Dress Maker is a very buildable formula, meaning that you have full control over how sheer or opaque you want the color. At one coat, it was completely sheer on me; two coats was thicker, but there was still VNL (visible nail line); three coats, to me, was perfect in regards to opacity. Overall, I was really happy with the formula; it wasn’t too streaky or too thick, and it was really easy to work with. Aside from the color, what I loved so much about this polish was the lasting power. Some of the pictures you see here were taken the day that I first polished my nails, and some were taken six days later. You cannot even tell a difference between the two because the color was so rich, vibrant, and chip-free until the moment I took it off.

I received so many compliments on this polish from people when I was shopping. The color is just so beautiful, unique, and eye-catching – you literally cannot resist it. This is one of those polishes that you want to buy back-up bottles of, just in case it is discontinued. Seriously.

Accessories: Forever 21 Dangling Rhinestone Ring Set in Mint / Clear.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Beauty on Your Doorstep: BeautyBox5 {BB5} Review

A few weeks ago I was offered the chance to try out the monthly beauty subscription service BeautyBox5. As many of you know, I am a JULEP Maven; however, I have shied away from other beauty subscription services – such as BirchBox and Glossybox – due to the element of surprise that comes with them, meaning you can’t preview the products before receiving and purchasing the way you can with JULEP, resulting in sometimes paying for items that you don’t want or need. That said; I have always wanted to try a monthly beauty subscription service, and I love sample sizes of products, so I jumped at the chance to receive a box from BeautyBox5.

BeautyBox5 offers three separate subscription services and price points: Monthly is $12.00; Quarterly is $30.00; and Yearly is $100.00. BeautyBox5 partners with a number of different brands, many of which are eco-friendly/organic-based companies. In each box that you receive, you will find 4 or 5 beauty samples, and a postcard-sized information sheet offering more information about each of the products inside – including the retail price of each. I received four beauty samples inside my box.

Samples Included In My Box:

♥Blinc Mascara {Retail Price: $26.00}
♥Curls Gel-Les’c (Curl Jealousy) {Retail Price: $25.00}
♥Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer {Retail Price: $2.99}
♥Bodyography Makeup Primer {Retail Price: $30.00}

I feel like beauty subscription services are definitely a hit or miss; for me, this particular box was a hit, as three of the four products I loved. As for the fourth, it wasn’t that I don’t like the product itself, it simply doesn’t apply to my needs. The miss product in this box, for me, was the Curls Gel-Les’c (Curl Jealousy), which is a product for people with curly hair, which I don’t have, so this isn’t a product that I would use or need.

The hits for me would have to be the Blinc Mascara, Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer, and Bodyography Makeup Primer; the Blinc Mascara being my favorite of the bunch, as it is water-resistant, as opposed to being waterproof, so while it doesn’t smear when wet like a waterproof, it is far easier to remove. I have wanted to try a water-resistant mascara for awhile, so I was really excited to find this product in my box.

Like I said, with monthly beauty subscription boxes, you never really know what you’re going to get (which is why I don’t know if they’ll ever really work for me); but, if you don’t mind that risk, I’d say that BeautyBox5 is definitely a fun one to try out.

What do you think of the items I received in my BeautyBox5 box? Is BeautyBox5 something you would subscribe to?





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

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥A.L.C. Jesse V Neck Tee in White
♥Blank Denim Vegan Faux Leather Leggings in Black
♥Rebecca Minkoff Becky Jacket
♥Elizabeth and James Sand Leather Pumps in Black
♥ANNDRA NEEN Seaweed Cross Clutch in Silver
♥Fallon Jewelry Extra Large Stud Swag Necklace in Gold
♥Essie Good As Gold from the Mirror Metallics Nail Polish Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

Moderne Summer Fab Five

If stores were people, Moderne would be the reigning Queen Bee at Any High School U.S.A. The elusive cool girl (think Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz in Clueless) sashaying through the hallways between classes, or holding court in the cafeteria during lunch breaks, surrounded by equally awesome (and effortlessly beautiful) girls. While Moderne isn’t a living, breathing bombshell; it is a one-stop destination for picking up decadent designers – like Wildfox Couture, MINKPINK, and Lovers + Friends – garnering it the same type of respect as the aforementioned school glamazons. Check out my five top Moderne summer picks below!

♥Show Me Your Mumu Jumping George Tank in La La Pink
♥Wildfox Couture Flower Power Festival Fringe T in Daisy
♥Tyler Rose Swimwear Hanky Panky Mesh Bikini in White
♥One Teaspoon Bonitas in Columbo
♥Dogeared Jewels Gold Infinite Love Bracelet

For those of you unfamiliar with Moderne; it is an Online shop similar to Shopbop where you can pick up pretty designs at affordable prices, get FREE Shipping on all orders as long as you’re a registered user (free!), and find your purchases awaiting your arrival within three business days as all items are shipped via USPS Priority Mail.

Follow Moderne on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest @lovemoderne; and LIKE Moderne on Facebook to get the scoop on Special Giveaways. Speaking of Giveaways…

…stay tuned for an awesome Moderne Giveaway right here on Café Fashionista in two weeks! In the meantime…which Moderne items are you coveting?

365 Style Guide: Scarved for Attention

Add a touch of posh to your look du jour with an eye-catching scarf that will see you through all four seasons, and countless style successes!

♥Alexander McQueen Skull-Print Modal and Cashmere-Blend Scarf
♥Matthew Williamson Printed Modal and Cashmere-Blend Scarf
♥Chan Luu Dip-Dyed Cashmere and Silk-Blend Scarf
♥Theodora & Callum Sari Floral Scarf in Purple Multi
♥Diane von Furstenberg Kenley Scarf in Snow Leopard Red
♥By Malene Birger Askilio Leopard-Print Wool Scarf
♥Brightly Twisted Scarves Tie Dye Scarf in Multi
♥Love Quotes Knotted Tassel Scarf in Pistache
♥Topshop Leopard Scarf in Dusty Pink
♥Forever 21 Tribal Fringe Scarf in Orange / Blue
♥Forever 21 Sheer Frayed Scarf in Teal Blue

Charge It, Please!

Loving:

♥Free People Marigold Pullover in Hot Salmon
♥Current/Elliott The Floral Stiletto Jeans in Haystack Floral
♥ALDO CALCAGNI in Beige
♥BCBGeneration Julia Clutch in Nude
♥Made Her Think Smashed Talon Resin Ring in White
♥Adia Kibur Mixed Ring Set in Multi
♥SEPHORA by OPI Nail Color in It’s Totally Karma
Over to you, lovers; what pretties have left you with the desire to shout "Charge it please!"?

Lulu*s Dream Dress Giveaway

Cut-outs, ruffles, lace, chiffon…dresses come in all shapes and sizes, and each person desires a style all their own, which is why the winner of this Giveaway, courtesy of the ever-lovely Lulu*s, won’t be taking home just any frock; rather, the one (1) glamorous reader whose name is selected in the final draw will be taking home…the dress of YOUR choice!

That’s right, lovers! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Lulu*s to bring one (1) lucky lady the chance to take home the dress of her dreams, and a total of 37 entry opportunities to do so. Perhaps you’ll even opt for one of my personal favorites – the Dinner for Two Coral Red Shift Dress, the Girls’ Night Out White Dress, or the Read My Tulips Blue Lace Dress. Regardless, the choice is entirely YOURS; so let’s get this Giveaway started!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This Giveaway is open to U.S. Readers only.

Good luck everyone!





Thanks to Lulu*s for the picture.

NOTD: JULEP Hayden

Manicure: JULEP Hayden. Neon Peach Creme.

How To: For this manicure I used one coat of Essie's First Base Coat for adhesion; two coats of JULEP’s Hayden; and one coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

Notes: From my experience, JULEP’s nail colors have a fairly thick formula – this extends to Hayden (which I found to be thicker than Claire - reviewed here). Regardless, the coverage is gorgeous. You can be opaque with this color after one coat (I did two, just to be sure of complete coverage). Hayden is a neon color, so it dries completely matte – so if you want it to shine, you definitely have to use a top coat.

I am in LOVE with this color; I think it will forever be my favorite JULEP shade. It is completely unique and gorgeous; plus, it seriously makes you look tan. I’m really pale (I described myself as being one step up from a vampire the other day), yet in real life (I don’t know if it’s completely captured in these pictures), this color makes my skin look so tan. It is absolutely perfect for spring / summer because it kind of plays up two different trends at once – neon and pastel. If you only buy one JULEP nail color, I highly recommend this one.

Accessories: Dara Ettinger Angelica Ring in Red.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

For those of you who are unfamiliar with JULEP; it is a monthly subscription service similar to Birchbox, 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 (I am ‘Classic With A Twist’), which you can change from month to month. I joined for a PENNY two months ago and have loved it so far – especially since I’ve received so many products already. If you want to JULEP out for yourself for a PENNY, use Coupon Code COLOR2012 upon checkout.

In My Closet: Pieces Jorie Shop Ring

Last week, a lot of you were raving over the Starfish Ring I was wearing in my Nail Talk: China Glaze Aquadelic post. Since it has become one of my absolute favorite accessories over the past few weeks, I thought that I would do a mini review / feature on it. If you Follow Me on Instagram @cafefashionista most likely you saw me post this picture a few weeks ago, but I’m obsessed with it, so here it is on a larger scale.

This is the Pieces Jorie Shop Ring in Gold (it’s also available in Silver), which I purchased from ASOS in June. I had been looking for a Starfish Ring that was inexpensive but really pretty for awhile, and this one was only $14.91, so I thought it would be perfect. I found a 20% off coupon code right before I purchased this, and ASOS doesn’t charge for shipping, so I wound up spending less than $12.00 total (such an unbelievable deal, right?).

I have really small fingers (4 / 5), so I ordered the Small (S) 16mm, which is equivalent to a Size 6. Usually, a Size 6 is a hit or miss for me in ring sizing, but this one is on the smaller end, so it fits perfectly. I have worn it numerous times (always receiving tons of compliments), and have not experienced any type of ‘green finger’ despite the fact that it’s costume jewelry. Two additional pluses: it’s super lightweight, and not at all bulky on the finger, so it doesn’t interfere with moving your hands or anything. I’m actually contemplating purchasing it in silver too, as I love it so much; so if you’re looking for a ring in this style, this one is highly, highly recommended.