5 to Survive {the Winter} Skin Care by Alana Beauty Giveaway!

We've made our lists and checked them twice, but one thing that may have been overlooked as we scramble to get everything accomplished before Santa's arrival is our beauty routine. Each season our skin requires a little something new to keep it looking radiant as the weather changes, and Miss Alana Mitchell, the brains {and beauty} behind Skin Care by Alana is well-aware; thus the reason she has created the ultra-chic 5 to Survive Holiday Edition {a $151.99 Value} beauty and skincare collection featuring five essentials {Youngblood Pressed Eyeshadow Quad in Eternity; Divaderme Lash Extender; Eminence Organics Bright Skin Mask; Glo Minerals Lip Gloss in Brown Sugar; and Rhonda Allison Aloe Matte Moisturizer} that will keep you looking lovely from the start of the season to the very finish. Even more thrilling? One {1} of you lucky ladies will be taking a set of your very own home!

That's right, my loves! Cafe Fashionista has partnered with Skin Care by Alana to bring one {1} winter beauty the 5 to Survive Holiday Edition Collection, and more than 20 glam ways to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents and/or those with a U.S. address!





Thanks to Skin Care by Alana for the picture.

Holiday Style Guide 2012: Statement-Making Sparklers

From Left to Right
Let your jewelry do the talking this holiday season with statement-making sparklers that say it all with a simple twinkle, spark, or gleam!

♥TOM BINNS Multi Crystal Drop Earrings in Multi
♥mark Over Ice Necklace
♥Jules Smith Black Ice Cocktail Ring
♥Marc by Marc Jacobs Bolts Galore Bubble Necklace in Purple Multi
♥Lizzie Fortunato Jewels The Crystal Column Earrings in Magenta
♥mark Glamorous Life Bracelet
♥Iosselliani Large Crystal Ring in Green
♥J. Crew Crystal Color Statement Necklace

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Style Guides:
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Holiday Heels
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Blinged Out Beauty
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Rock the Festive Frock
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Party Purses

Holiday Style Guide 2012: Holiday Heels

From Left to Right
Strut, sashay, and stun in haute holiday heels that are equal parts sophisticated, stylish, and oh-so sparkly!

♥Mossimo Viveca Blingy Heel in Black
♥Jimmy Choo Tessa Sequined Leather Pumps
♥Kate Spade New York Krysta in Multi Glitter Patent
♥Madewell The Frankie Pump in Glitter – Light Worn Gold
♥Sole Society Margie Stud Pump in New Ultra Pink
♥Steven Triummp Ankle Strap Pumps in Black
♥Schutz Sherie Pump in Lolita Pink
♥Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Crystal-Embellished Suede Pumps

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Style Guides:
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Blinged Out Beauty
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Rock the Festive Frock
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Party Purses

NOTD: OPI Ginger Bells

This is two coats of OPI's Ginger Bells from the Holiday Wishes Winter 2009 Collection. A Deep Orange Creme.

My first thoughts of this polish...it's Thanksgiving in a bottle. The color is this gorgeous burnt orange/brown/brick shade that instantly makes you think of Pumpkin or Apple Pie and the holidays - exactly why I used it for my Thanksgiving mani this year. The formula was absolutely perfect - I achieved full opacity in one coat, but decided to go for a second just to be on the safe side. This one, to me, was similar to China Glaze's Desert Sun; but definitely not a dupe, as Desert Sun was more butterscotch/tan leaning. That said, you don't need both in your collection, as they are similar enough.

Accessories: Pearlescent Love Ring Set in Silver / Clear via Forever 21.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Under $75

Seventy-five has never sounded so sweet! Check out these tempting treats – all priced at under $75.00, and perfect for gifting {or receiving}!

From left to right.
♥ASOS Love Rocks Crystal Belt Bracelet in Gunmetal / Crystal; $61.57
♥MAC Sinfully Chic Face Kit; $70.00
♥TOPSHOP Sequin Peplum Top in Pewter; $64.00
♥Sam Edelman Maxine Mini Crossbody Bag in Black; $68.00
♥Sole Society Maxwell Stud Bootie in Driftwood; $69.95
♥Belle Noel Vintage Glamour Ring in Silver; $65.00
♥Diane von Furstenberg Round Sunglasses in Smoke / Smoke Gradient; $74.90
♥ILLAMASQUA Alter Ego Mystery Selection; $60.00

From left to right
♥Sole Society Alison Suede Pump in Cranberry; $59.95
♥TOPSHOP Petite Gold Jacquard Skirt in Gold; $72.00
♥Juliet & Company Roses Rouges Earrings in Rouge; $65.00
♥SEPHORA COLLECTION Deco Daze Clutch Brush Set; $58.00
♥Estee Lauder Ultimate Color Collection; $58.50
♥J. Crew Cashmere Long Gloves; $55.00
♥Jules Smith Spiked Punch Bracelet in Yellow Gold / Black; $65.00
♥Mimi Boutique Tamara Satchel in Black; $62.75

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Gift Guides:
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Under $50
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For the Boys
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Under $25
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Stocking Stuffers

Say Hello to My {Cozy} Friend...Jessica Simpson Faux-Leather Bomber Jacket Review

Two things I have learned from Gossip Girl's ever-stylish Serena van der Woodsen over the years is that an outfit is only complete once fabulous boots, and an incredible jacket have been tossed into the mix. I have the boots aspect covered, but I'm always on the hunt for the perfect jacket; which is why I was thrilled when GigaSavvy contacted me with the opportunity to select the coat of my choosing for review. While I love the look of peacoats, Southern California {where even in the dead of winter the temperature rarely drops below 50*} simply doesn't warrant outerwear of that volume; thus, after much {read: hours} hemming and hawing I settled upon Jessica Simpson's Long-Sleeve Knit Faux-Leather Bomber which has, virtually overnight, become my new go-to jacket.

♥ THINGS I LOVE ♥
♥ The sleeves are constructed out of a knit sweater material, while the bodice is faux-leather, giving you the best of two luxurious worlds - cozy and chic! ♥
♥ The timeless, bomber silhouette that gives off a cool, casual vibe; and never goes out of style. ♥
♥ The color! I'm pale, so I always opt for jackets in caramel or winter white shades {which keep me from looking washed out or vampire-esque}. The tan color of this piece is the perfect blend of both; plus, it's not a color you see often in jackets, so you can't help but to feel glam! ♥
♥ The length. The reason why I always return to bomber jackets is because they fit my body well {i.e. they don't swallow my short, 5'1 frame}, and this one is no exception. The knit, banded hemline keeps the jacket at a very flattering hip-length - perfect for showing off designer denim and giving you a leggy look. ♥
Bottom line? I'm kind of obsessed; and super excited to have this jacket as a part of my wardrobe for the winter.

What do you think of the Jessica Simpson Long-Sleeve Knit Faux-Leather Bomber? What types of jackets/coats are your favorite for the fall/winter?





FTC Disclosure: The Jessica Simpson Long-Sleeve Knit Faux-Leather Bomber Jacket was sent to me for review. All opinions expressed therein are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Under $50

Fifty dollars will take you and your holiday shopping budget far this season. Don’t believe me? Take a peek at some of the sassiness you can snag – all priced at $50.00 and under!

From left to right.
♥mark A Whole Lotta Luxe Set; $38.00
♥Minnetonka Cally Slipper in Magenta; $36.95
♥Fresh Sugar Addiction Mini Lip Collection; $48.00
♥Victoria’s Secret Eau de Parfum Gift Set; $40.00
♥La Mer Triple Wrap Watch in Red; $39.99
♥Archipelago Botanicals Pied-A-Terre Boxed Soy Candle; $29.50
♥mark Straight Up Sassy Heels; $40.00
♥Kate Spade New York Say the Word Tidbits Plates (Set of 4); $50.00

From left to right
♥Benefit Cosmetics Primed for Take-Off; $39.00
♥Mossimo Faux-Fur Coat in Light Pink; $39.99
♥ASOS Midnight Bug Necklace; $26.39
♥ASOS Little Miss Metallic Ballet Flats; $43.98
♥Target Bead Cluster Short Necklace in Pink; $29.99
♥Tarte Eye Catchers 6-Piece SmolderEYES™ And Skinny SmolderEYES™ Collector's Set; $39.00
♥Kate Spade New York Colored Stone Stud Earrings in Pink Gumdrop; $38.00
♥Victoria’s Secret Bling Tee and Legging Gift Set in Polka Dot Pink; $39.50

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Gift Guides:
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For the Boys
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Under $25
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Stocking Stuffers

Holiday Style Guide 2012: Blinged Out Beauty

From Left to Right
Let your makeup do the talking with a subtle sparkle that gives you an ultra-glamorous, glittering glow from the start of the holiday season to the finish!

♥Bobbi Brown Pearl Eye Trio
♥ciate Sequined Manicure Kit in Multi-Color
♥Victoria’s Secret Hypergloss Eye Shimmer
♥mark Metal Works Liquid Eyeliner
♥Too Faced Glamour Dust in Nude Beam
♥SEPHORA COLLECTION Moonshadow Trio Eyeshadows in Sunbaked 02
♥Benefit Cosmetics High Beam
♥SEPHORA + PANTONE UNIVERSE Foiled Waterproof Eyeliner Set

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Style Guides:
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Rock the Festive Frock
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Party Purses

Caseable $80.00 Gift Card Giveaway!

We spend ages dolling ourselves up for date night {or Girls’ Night Out!}, so why not allow our trusty gadgets the opportunity to deck themselves out in charming colors, and pretty prints via the gorgeous selections from (Caseable? Caseable is a one-stop shop for all of your tech-loving needs – making you the creator of custom cases for everything from your beloved MacBook Air to your iPad 3, Kindle Fire, and even standard paper journal {who deserves just as much love as your electronics}. Why am I telling you this? Because one {1} of you is about to go on a Caseable shopping / design spree!

That’s right, ladies! Café Fashionista has partnered with Caseable to bring one {1} of you creative kittens an $80.00 Gift Card to Caseable that is good towards anything in the shop; and more than 40 ways to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Can't wait to win? Or simply eager to get your holiday shop on? Now through December 20th save 15% on all purchases / products by using Discount Code cafefashionista15 at checkout!
Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents and/or those with a U.S. address!

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: For the Boys

Shopping for the boy in your life doesn’t have to be cause for unnecessary stress. Simply check out these sweet selections – guy-approved and guaranteed to make his holiday merry and bright!

From left to right.
♥Forever 21 Fair Isle Knit Scarf in Black / Cream; $9.90
♥Jack Black Well-Stocked Bar Fragrance Set; $59.00
♥J. Crew Sleep Set in Vintage Barn Mini-Paisley; $89.50
♥Studio Penny Lane A Penny for Your Thoughts Leather Journal in Dark Brown; $48.00
♥Beats by Dr. Dre Wireless High Definition On-Ear Headphones in Black; $279.95
♥1901 Colt Slipper in Brick; $39.95
♥Carrera Eyewear Cool Vintage Inspired Aviator Sunglasses; $120.00
♥J. Crew Abingdon Messenger Bag in Solid Khaki; $98.00

From left to right
♥GAP Reversible Leather Belt in Black / Brown; $39.95
♥Rag & Bone Bi-Fold Wallet; $155.00
♥Merona Puffer Vest in Waterloo Blue; $25.00
♥Clinique Skin Supplies For Men Essentials Set Great Skin for Him; $39.00
♥Topman Fair Isle Crewneck Sweater in Navy; $76.00
♥Casio G-Shock Big Combi Watch; $99.00
♥Old Navy Wool-Blend Bomber Jacket; $90.00
♥EXPRESS Fingerless Striped Palm Knit Gloves in Red; $29.90

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Gift Guides:
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Under $25
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Stocking Stuffers

NOTD: Essie Penny Talk

This is two coats of Essie’s Penny Talk from the Mirror Metallics Collection. An Authentic Copper Metallic.

I am not at all a fan of chrome nail polishes, but I fell in love with this one. Penny Talk is the exact color of a new penny, and is a nice twist on the standard metallic shade - being a rose gold/bronze color as opposed to the standard silver or gold. The formula on this one was slightly thin - fairly translucent after one coat, but fully opaque after two; and not streaky at all. I received so many compliments from people when I was wearing this color - it is just too pretty. Definitely a new one to add to your rotation - it'll look gorgeous year-round; and has become one of my Top 7 All-Time Favorites!

Accessories: IndulgentDesigns Sterling Silver Infinity Knot Ring (worn above-the-knuckle) via Etsy. Spiked Stack Rings in Gold / Silver via Forever 21.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Holiday Style Guide 2012: Rock the Festive Frock

From Left to Right
The little black dress may be your BFF for year-round gatherings requiring a touch of glamour; but the holiday season calls for something a little more…sparkly – like a sequin-bedecked frock that makes you glitter with every step, twirl, or shimmy!

♥alice + olivia Tella ¾” Sleeve Dress
♥Rachel Gilbert Shivaun Degrade Metallic Sequined Dress
♥Blaque Label Scoop Back Sequin Dress in Olive
♥Parker Fringe Beaded Dress in Silver
♥Blaque Label One Shoulder Sequin Dress in Black
♥Haute Hippie V Neck Sequined Dress in Gold
♥Rachel Zoe Tinsley Sequin Dolman Dress in Nude

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Style Guides:
Holiday Style Guide 2012: Party Purses

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Genetic Denim Shya Cigarette Jeans in Blue Venom
♥alice + olivia Metallic Ballerina Bodysuit in Gold
♥Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Ombre Velvet Blazer in Rust Ombre
♥Rebecca Minkoff Romeo Satchel in Sand
♥Ash Chloe Platform Booties in Prune
♥Michael Kors Concave Pendant Necklace in Gold
♥Gorjana Star Stackable Ring in Gold
♥Essie Penny Talk from the Mirror Metallics Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?

Cafe Fashionista Styles...Olsenboye {OB} Velvet Leggings for the Holidays!

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to view the Olsenboye {OB} Holiday 2012 Collection, and select one of the pieces to style. For those of you who don’t know, Olsenboye is the JCPenney Collection created by two of the most stylish sisters on the planet…Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen – and, in my opinion, offers so many incredibly high-fashion pieces at low price points; which I, for one, am incapable of resisting. As velvet is one of the most luxe textures for the holidays, I selected the OB Velvet Leggings in Black; which have proven to be, at least in my wardrobe, just as wearable as your standard denim. With holiday parties on the horizon, I’m thinking they’ll be the perfect celebratory staple; thus, I styled them for a chic holiday soiree – see the result below!

♥ HOLIDAY SOIREE ♥

♥ Olsenboye Velvet Leggings in Black ♥
♥ River Island Black Leather Peplum Top ♥
♥ Alexis Bittar Siyabona Spiked Woven Cuff in Gold ♥
♥ Pour La Victoire Chantel Mesh Pumps in Black ♥
♥ Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Effects Lipstick in Poppy Cream ♥
♥ Marc by Marc Jacobs Cushion Studs in Black Diamond ♥
♥ butter LONDON 3-Free Nail Lacquer in Come to Bed Red ♥
♥ House of Harlow 1960 Zola Clutch in Black ♥
How would you have styled these Olsenboye {OB} Velvet Leggings?





FTC Disclosure: The Olsenboye {OB} Velvet Leggings were sent to me for review. All opinions expressed therein are my own.

Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Under $25

Stunning holiday surprises don’t have to break the bank. Check out these ultra-covetable gifts – all priced at $25 and under!

From left to right.
♥ASOS Gold Torque Necklace; $17.59
♥Target Cold Weather Mittens with Fur in Gray; $14.99
♥Xhilaration Leopard Pajama Set in Pink; $24.99
♥MOR Essential Moments – Neroli Clementine Set; $25.00
♥Deborah Lippmann True Blood Bad Things Mini Nail Lacquer Set; $25.00
♥Topshop Fox Head Drop Earrings in Crystal; $25.00
♥Voluspa Maison Blanc – Macaron 2-Wick Candle; $16.00
♥ASOS Zig Zag Enamel Rings; $21.11

From left to right
♥Soap & Glory The Best Things In Life Are Three Set; $25.00
♥Victoria’s Secret The Terry Slipper; $25.00
♥Old Navy Wedge Ankle Boots; $25.00
♥mark Smoke and Mirrors Earrings; $20.00
♥Books with Style Fashion Bites; $14.95
♥Apt. 9 2-PC Bow and Rhinestones Knit Hat and Scarf Set; $19.99
♥Mossimo Supply Co. Lady Satchel Handbag in Smoke; $24.99
♥bareMinerals Cool As Ice Gift Set; $25.00

Don't Miss Cafe Fashionista's Previous Holiday Gift Guides:
Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Stocking Stuffers

Holiday Style Guide 2012: Party Purses

From Left to Right
Steal the spotlight at any and all holiday soirees this season with a sparkling carryall that is made to party!

♥Serpui Marie The Girl’s Best Friends Minaudiere in Green / Copper
♥Juicy Couture Beaded Minaudiere
♥Lauren Merkin Handbags Eve Glitter Encrusted Clutch in Twilight
♥MOSSIMO Large Hinge Glitter Clutch in Silver
♥Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Small Crystal Clutch in Garnet
♥Juicy Couture Beaded Minaudiere in Black
♥Serpui Marie Divine Glitter Minaudiere in Platinum Blonde
♥Anya Hindmarch Marano Dancer Clutch in Plum / Coral

Spend the Holidays with Anna Karenina Film Prize Pack Giveaway!

"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow."
~Leo Tolstoy a la Anna Karenina

This Friday {November 30, 2012} marks the release of the event of the season...the big screen debut of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina starring Keira Knightley, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jude Law, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Kelly Macdonald, Ruth Wilson, Olivia Williams, and Emily Watson. It is a film that I have been eagerly awaiting for month's, which makes me even more thrilled about the news I am about to deliver...

...Café Fashionista has partnered with Big Honcho Media to bring two (2) lucky ladies an Anna Karenina prize pack valued at $54.00 {see the picture of the goodies, and watch the movie trailer below!} that includes a Copy of the Book {movie tie-in edition}, Official Anna Karenina Movie Soundtrack, and Votivo Candle with Bookmark; and over 50 methods of entry to win!









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 Big Honcho Media for the pictures.

NOTD: OPI Ski Teal We Drop

This is one coat of OPI’s Ski Teal We Drop from the Swiss Fall 2010 Collection. Dark Teal Creme.

This is the type of color you don’t see often, but you definitely need – especially for fall. It’s a gorgeous dark (yet not too dark that people will mistake it for black) teal crème that is absolutely stunning to look at. Plus…this is one of those elusive one coaters that has such awesome pigmentation and formula that opacity is immediately achievable – in other words…I can’t help but to rave about it. If you’re looking for a slightly unusual fall color (i.e. not red/cranberry/plum), this is definitely it.

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

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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

Cyber Monday with mark!

Given the fact that I didn't have the opportunity to scope out as many deals on Black Friday as I would have liked, I'm going full force tomorrow {Cyber Monday} to pick up some amazing pieces {and finally make a dent in my holiday shopping list}. I'm a sucker for a Free Gift with Purchase offer; therefore, I am most excited to shop with mark, as tomorrow-only they are giving away a FREE mark fashion and beauty gift set valued at $72.00 to all who spend $40.00 or more and enter code MKCYBER upon checkout. Take a peek at the Free Gift with Purchase goodies below; and don't forget to check out some of the pieces that have caught my eye {perfect for gifting and receiving}. Happy shopping, ladies!

♥ MARK CYBER MONDAY SELECTIONS ♥

♥ Drama Case Eye Shadow and Liner Palette; $18.00 ♥
♥ Straight Up Sassy Heels; $40.00 ♥
♥ Jacket Required Blazer; $40.00 ♥
♥ Whipped Up Plum Berry Body Butter; $10.00 ♥
♥ Brush Hour Mini Brush Kit; $16.00 ♥
♥ Make It Rich Lip Color Crayon; $11.00 ♥
♥ Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint; $8.00 ♥
♥ Very Sassy Eau De Parfum Spray; $30.00 ♥
♥ Green Piece Earrings; $18.00 ♥
♥ Lipclick Luxe Shimmer Lipstick; $12.00 ♥
Will you be shopping the Cyber Monday sales tomorrow?

Hi, I Adore You...

Adoring:

♥Pencey Chevron Sequin Sweatshirt in Navy
♥alice + olivia Box Pleat Leather Skirt in Black
♥Sam Edelman Tucker Boots in Black
♥Giles & Brother Athena Ring in Worn Hematite
♥BDG Cable Knit Beret in Grey
♥Stella McCartney Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses in Black
♥Nicole by OPI Sweet Dreams from the Selena Gomez Collection
Tell me, my loves; what are you currently adoring?