365 Beauty Guide: Black Magic

Add a touch of glam to your gothy beauty look with gold-infused essentials that will make your vampy side sparkle!

♥MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in Satin Black
♥LANCOME Longwear Calligraphy Gel EyeLiner in Black Fishnet
♥Deborah Lippmann Cleopatra in New York Nail Lacquer
♥Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour Wet / Dry in Black Karat
♥Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum Spray
♥Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum Spray
♥Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Noir Primitif
♥NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Aigle Noir

mark Dresses You for Thanksgiving Dinner...and Black Friday Shopping!

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude."
~E.P. Powell~
While I love the lights and decorations of Christmas, and the lore and scary stories that accompany Halloween, my all-time favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. There is something about the spirit of Thanksgiving that you can feel and smell in the air. It's a time when love and warmth is at an all-time high; family is embraced; and thankfulness is celebrated. In my family, it is also a time to get dressed up, and begin preparing for the holiday shopping season. Which is why I am super excited to see that mark has got style covered for Thanksgiving dinner and early-morning Black Friday shopping. Check out my favorite pieces for both occasions below!

♥ THANKSGIVING DINNER ♥

Thanksgiving Dinner attire for me comes down to two things: 1) colors that capture the season; 2) resilience, resilience, resilience! No one wants to feel as if they're being suffocated by their clothing after vacating the dinner table. Thus, my mark Thanksgiving Dinner selections:

♥ Retro Right Dress; $34.00 ♥
♥ Gimme The Boot; $50.00 ♥
♥ Do the Tight Thing Tights in Basic Black; $18.00 ♥
♥ Chain Glam Necklace; $24.00 ♥
♥ Head First Hat; $24.00 ♥
♥ On the Dot Neutral Eye Color Compact; $16.00 ♥
♥ Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain $11.00 ♥
♥ It's a Cinch Belts; $18.00 ♥


♥ BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING ♥

As much of my Black Friday Shopping begins super early in the morning, and extends into the wee hours of the night, I always seek cozy styles that possess the comforts of flannel pajamas, yet aesthetics that are made 100% of chic urbanity. Exactly what my mark-created Black Friday Shopping look holds!

♥ Alpine Style Sweater; $44.00 ♥
♥ Gimme The Boot; $50.00 ♥
♥ Talk Is Chic Phone Case and Lip Gloss; $18.00 ♥
♥ Take It On Bag; $36.00 ♥
♥ Make It Rich Lip Color Crayon; $11.00 ♥
♥ Great Details Pants; $36.00 ♥
♥ Star Status Earth Shadow Palette in Earth Angel; $14.00 ♥
♥ Great Timing Watch; $40.00 ♥
What will you be wearing for Thanksgiving Dinner this year? Will you be participating in Black Friday 2012?

365 Style Guide: Tempting Tapestry

Say hello to the unexpected texture / print you need to introduce to your wardrobe for fall / winter 2012…tapestry!

♥Mossimo Supply Co. Bianca Floral Print Crossbody
♥Rag & Bone Classic Newbury Booties in Floral
♥Free People Floral Moto Jacket
♥Dolce & Gabbana Tapestry Suede Bootie
♥Carven Landscape Tapestry Pump
♥Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Wool Tapestry and Leather Tote
♥New Look Limited Black Tapestry Ankle Boots
♥Mossimo Supply Co. Black Floral Tapestry Flap Crossbody
♥River Island Red Tapestry Satchel

Charge It, Please!

Adoring:

♥Free People Scalloped Lace Layering Top in Vanilla
♥ALICE by Temperley Page Leather Jacket in Caramel
♥7 For All Mankind The Skinny Jeans in Clean White
♥Maison Martin Margiela Plexi Covered Wedge Booties in Mud
♥Jennifer Meyer Jewelry 18k Gold Circle Diamond Ring
♥BDG Cable Knit Beret in Ivory
♥ORLY Decades of Dysfunction from the Dark Shadows Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

NOTD: China Glaze Harvest Moon

This is two coats of China Glaze’s Harvest Moon from The Hunger Games Collection. Copper/Rust/Orange Metallic Shimmer.

The name of this one is beyond perfect as it is so reminiscent of harvest time / Thanksgiving. If you’re looking for an autumn season appropriate nail color, but aren’t crazy about the standard oranges, browns, or reds, this one is a must, as it screams fall. The formula wasn’t great on this – I found it to be a bit runny and drippy. Despite that issue, the color is still gorgeous; and it was easy to manage as long as you wiped the excess polish off the brush before applying it to the nail.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Hi, I Adore You...House of Fraser Winter Boots Edition!

My entire outfit is shaped by my choice of footwear; and, come fall and winter, my choice of footwear is boots, boots, and more boots! Take a peek at some of the fabulous winter boot styles I’m currently loving from House of Fraser.

Adoring:

♥UGG Georgette Ankle Boots
♥Nine West JustHang High Ankle Boots
♥KG Valentine Boots
♥Carvela Carvela Showdown Ankle Boots
♥Linea Tenby Gold Hardware Ankle Strap Boot
♥Dune Rye Slouch Rouched Calf Boot
♥Pied A Terre Pound Knee High Heeled Boots
♥Ash Titanic Studded Leather Boot
♥Madden Girl Razscal MG Buckle Calf Boots
♥UGG Calynda Ankle Boots
Tell me, my loves; which winter boots are you currently adoring?

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Rag & Bone / JEAN The Skinny Jeans in Iron
♥Thakoon Addition Double Layer Jacket in Grey Multi
♥Rag & Bone Knee High Newbury Boots in Burgundy
♥Alexander Wang Fumo Clutch in Iodine
♥Jules Smith Papi Ring in Yellow Gold
♥Pamela Love Empire Reflection Ring in Silver / Turquoise
♥OPI Ginger Bells
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

Lazy {Friday} Luxuries

Last Monday marked my first day back to school after a two-week break between semesters; and while the courseload has not yet reached tear-my-hair-out extremes, returning to student mode has definitely left an impact on me. Luckily, my homework for the week is complete, so I’m declaring this my day of Lazy {Friday} Luxuries. No, I’m not currently in possession of these items (aside from the book; and the watch - which is my new daily accessory go-to!); but yeah, I definitely wish I was! Happy Friday, my loves!

♥Free People City is a Jungle Sweater Jacket in Jungle Combo
♥Cosabella Never Say Never Pretty Bra in Ultra Blue
♥Cosabella Never Say Never Cutie Lowrider Thong in Ultra Blue
♥Juicy Couture Poly Charm Night Shirt in Dark Lapis
♥Juicy Couture Poly Charm Shorts in Dark Lapis
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs Dot 3.4 oz. Eau de Toilette
♥Elizabeth and James Devon Sunglasses in Winter Tortoise
♥Zoya Nail Polish in Blaze
♥kate spade new york Make Headlines Make Mischief Mug
♥Starbucks Peppermint Hot Chocolate
♥mark Great Timing Watch
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Slippers in Grey
♥Missoni Thigh High Socks in Black
♥Underworld by Meg Cabot

Charge It, Please!

Adoring:

♥DKNY Faux Fur Coat with Ponte Insets in Black / Black
♥Velvet Tosha Dress
♥Jean-Michel Cazabat Rosa Ankle Booties in Black
♥Mossimo Burgundy Envelope Clutch
♥Jacquie Aiche Stackable V Ring in Yellow Gold
♥Armani Beauty Rouge Sheer d'Armani Lipstick in 400 Red Carpet
♥OPI Dulce De Leche
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

{Happy, Happy Halloween!}

"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween."
Author Unknown

♥ Happy, Happy Halloween, my loves! ♥





Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Smart & Sexy Review + $50.00 Prize Pack Giveaway!

Dolls, back in August of 2009, I wrote about Smart & Sexy, a company devoted to undergarments which I dubbed The Thinking Lingerie. Flash forward to 2012 and voila! I’m still a huge fan of the brand, and thrilled to have had the chance to receive the Extreme Push-Up Bra in White, and the Lace Lightly Lined Underwire Chemise - Black with Illusion for review. My thoughts…

♥Extreme Push-Up Bra in White (Retail Price $15.00) - The thing that I loved about this piece? The bra has a Deep V neckline, so that it pairs perfectly with relaxed t-shirts or more form-fitting cuts – without showing even a peek of bra. It also enhances your bust size quite a bit, so that you fill out tops a bit better, without look fake; or suffering discomfort. I actually own a few tops right now that only look good on with this bra (my other bras don’t have padding), so it’s a definite new fave.

♥Lace Lightly Lined Underwire Chemise (Retail Price $16.00) - I was hesitant about this piece, as I’ve never owned a chemise before (they seem a bit too sexy for a girl who has always been referred to as cute - not that I’m complaining). Nevertheless, I fell in love with the elegant lace construction and ruffle detailing at the bustline, so I was determined to make it work. How did I wear it? Corset-like. I tucked it into a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, tossed on a cropped black blazer, and was good to go. The lace isn’t see-through (hence the word ‘Illusion’ in the title), so this makes the perfect sophisticated (and ultra-sexy) girls night out look when paired with a cute cover-up.

You’ve read my thoughts; now for the Giveaway! Café Fashionista has teamed up with Smart & Sexy to bring one (1) lucky lady a $50.00 Smart & Sexy Prize Pack loaded with goodies that will make you feel Smart & Sexy; and more than 40 methods of entry to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Can't wait to start lingerie shopping? Use CODE: SAS&CF at checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING on all your Smart & Sexy orders! {Code is active now.}

Good luck everyone!


This Giveaway is open to U.S. Readers Only; and/or Those With U.S. Shipping Addresses.

NOTD: ORLY Buried Alive

This is two coats of ORLY’s Buried Alive from the Dark Shadows collection (yes, the Johnny Depp movie). Dark Brown Shimmer.

I love this color for fall! In the shade it looks like a standard dark brown; but when you step into the sunlight it’s like…oooohhh – all of these caramel / gold colored shimmer particles light up and create this gorgeous inner glow. I compared the color to two different things when I was wearing it…a frozen (ICEE) Coca-Cola and melted chocolate. It is just so pretty. Formula-wise, this one is on the thick side; but it’s easy to work with. If you haven’t tried brown polish out before, this is definitely a good starting-off point.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

365 Style Guide: Kohls Cares ELLE Edition

ELLE has been one of my favorite magazines for years (due, in large part, to E. Jean Carroll’s incredible column), so, of course I’m a huge fan of the ELLE clothing / shoes / accessories line at Kohl’s; which is why, for my final Breast Cancer Awareness Month fashion/beauty post, I am super excited to feature the Kohl’s Cares ELLE line, wherein 100% of net profits from all sales goes towards the fight against breast cancer. The collection is more extensive than the pieces that I’m featuring here; but these are a few of my favorites!

♥Thermal Travel Mug
♥Polka-Dot Umbrella
♥Heart Tote
♥Girl Tote
♥Striped Eiffel Tower Tee
♥Eiffel Tower Tote
♥White Rose and Peony Candle
♥Polka-Dot Girl Tee
♥Rhinestone Headband
♥Heart Thermal Travel Mug

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Joie Purine Snow Leopard Top in New Moon
♥BB Dakota Laurie Skirt in Pink Shell
♥3.1 Phillip Lim Delia Chelsea Booties in Black
♥House of Harlow 1960 Marley Clutch in Black
♥Enchanted Atelier Ella Earrings in Crystal
♥Alexis Bittar Delano Stone Ring in Rhodium
♥Mossimo Fur Headband in Brown
♥OPI Silver Shatter
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

{Pretty} Dress Obsessed...

“It's easier to be careful in dresses. You have to be or you end up flashing your underclothes or destroying beautiful fabric. Dresses force you to be on guard.”
Dia Reeves
I may spend 99.9% of my time decked out in denim, but there’s nothing that I love more than the chance to put on my finery and flash a little femininity whether it be in the form of Prom Dresses {one of the first times in a girl’s life to truly get glamorous!}, Evening Dresses {hello mile-long trains, and thigh-high slits!}, and, my personal favorite, Cocktail Dresses {p.s. keep the cocktail…just give me the dress!}. Here, I’m letting you in on a few of my top choices from MissesDressy!

JOVANI 3591
A sheer neckline, ruffled hemline, and tutu-inspired skirt make this the epitome of playful girly glamour.

La Femme 16804
Silver sequins add a glistening touch to this frosty frock. Now if only it came accessorized with an invitation to a winter ball and a dashing prince!

JOVANI 171924
The flirty feathered skirt juxtaposes elegantly against the high neckline and dainty lace bodice, adding a touch of sass to stunning sophistication.

Jasz 4614
The tongue-in-cheek chic of Carrie Bradshaw's so-called naked dress meets the diamond-studded sparkle of Britney Spears' 2007 MTV VMA bodysuit in this drop dead gorgeous gown!

La Femme 17446
An embellished lace upper meets an easy breezy chiffon skirt for a double dose of pretty {and flirty}!
Which dress is your favorite?

Thanks to Next.co.uk for the pictures.


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

Heart of Hoops Giveaway!

A few weeks ago I shared my LooptyHoops obsession with you, waxing poetic over how my obsession with hoop earrings had come to fruition (thank you, Kelly Kapowski!), and which styles I wanted to add to my jewelry collection. But today, it's not about me...it's about you, and the gorgeous pair of hoops you will soon be taking home!

Surprise, my loves! Café Fashionista has teamed up with LooptyHoops to bring one (1) glitzy glamourai a pair of the 55mm Endless Diamond Cut Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings; 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 LooptyHoops for the pictures.

365 Style Guide: Blue Is the New Black

Softer than black, yet more playful than gray; make way for the latest color you need to introduce to your boot collection…blue!

♥Jeffrey Campbell France Booties in Navy
♥SONOMA life + style Ankle Boots
♥Rag & Bone Classic Newbury Canvas Booties in Navy
♥Tommy Hilfiger Tabitha in Insigna Blue
♥Modern Vintage Shoes Allison Chunky Heel Booties in Soldier Blue
♥Madewell The Zipcode Boot in Transatlantic Blue Suede
♥Madison Harding Barbara Booties in Deep Blue
♥Report Signature Marks Ankle Bootie in Royal Blue
♥Jill Stuart Meade Velvet Booties in Navy

Charge It, Please!

Adoring:

♥By Zoe Bisou Dress
♥Vic Matie Mixed Platform Booties in Mud
♥Jerome Dreyfuss Momo Cross Body Bag in Bleu
♥Mania Mania Telepathic Ring
♥FELIKS+ADRIK Cutout Python Necklace in Brass Ox
♥Gorjana Aurora Ring in Gold
♥OPI Over the Taupe from the Bright Pair Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

NOTD: OPI Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection

In keeping with Café Fashionista’s promise to bring you different beauty and fashion products that benefit Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October, today I am bringing you OPI’s Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection, which features one of the most awesome glitters ever. Swatch time!

This is three coats of I Think in Pink, which is a super sheer (but very buildable) light pink creme. OPI states: You think – therefore you are…sure to love this dreamy sheer pink. The formula on this shade was beautiful – no streaking, bubbling, dragging. At one coat it was entirely sheer (as it’s meant to be), but at three coats it was completely opaque. Though I used Seche Vite top coat over this color, alone the shade was gorgeously glossy (enough so that you don’t need a top coat for extra shine).

Accessories: Forever 21 Lacquered Flower Ring in Gold / Pink.

This is three coats of You Glitter Be Good to Me, is total glittery goodness in a bottle that features copper-leaning pink micro-glitter mixed with fuchsia hexagon-shaped glitter (in two sizes). OPI states: You totally deserve this hopeful pink glitter. Like I Think In Pink, the formula on this one was perfect. Sometimes with glitters you get clumping, but I didn’t experience that here. This can be used for layering, but I used it alone for a truly eye-catching mani.
What do you think of OPI's Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness 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 Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Collection was sent to me for review; however, all opinions expressed therein are my own.